The Pagoda : A Lesbian Community by the Sea

In-person registration: https://mathesonmuseum.networkforgood.com/.../65842-the...

Zoom registration: https://us06web.zoom.us/.../reg.../WN_dqnhIh0yQlizbfpv3jV40w

In 1977, two lesbian couples living in St. Augustine, Florida, found a row of small beach houses for sale next to a house they wanted to turn into a feminist theatre. They bought the cottages, leased the theatre building, and over the next two decades brought in others to develop and expand the property as a cultural center, women’s retreat center, and residential community —The Pagoda.

At its height, The Pagoda was a Goddess church running a cultural center and guesthouse surrounded by twelve tiny, custom-built, knotty pine cottages and a duplex, all owned by lesbians. The cultural center produced variety shows with belly dancing, poetry readings, comedy sketches, and regular concerts by feminist musicians. The community and cultural center closed in 1999.

Rose Norman’s book, "The Pagoda," about this extraordinary community and cultural center tells the story of how all that happened. Her presentation will include readings from the book, a photo slide show, and a Q&A.

This program is sponsored in part by Visit Gainesville/Alachua County, FL.