Man's Country closes with historic Loose Ends party

44 years after its opening, Chicago bathhouse Man’s Country closed its doors permanently on January 1, but not before one last huge blowout New Year’s Eve party. The party, fittingly named Loose Ends, was the second of its kind (the first go-round happened in late November).

In opposition to the men-only vibe prevalent over the four-plus decades of its run, the venue welcomed all members of the community to experience this space one last time before its demise.

The 13-hour party featured music from local DJs Michael Serafini, Harry Cross, Eris Drew and L.A. Olympics, as well as Detroit’s Jeffrey Sfire and Boston’s Dee Diggs. Drag performances from The Vixen, Lucy Stoole, Bambi Banks and Abhijeet kept the spirit of the crowd pulsating all night—and morning—long.

Photos by Jerry Nunn