Tisha Sterling and Jay Collins

Abstract

Jay Collins was born in 1953 and raised with his five siblings in Beverley, MA. His family owned and managed the Lighthouse Cafe and Fran’s Place for multiple generations. Jay was the most recent owner and manager of Fran’s until its closing in 2016. Tisha Sterling, born and raised in Gloucester, MA was a beloved bartender, manager, and drag performer at Fran’s Place from 1986 to 2016. The two close friends and longtime coworkers exchanged stories about their time at Fran’s. Their interview includes perspectives on the bar’s relationship with the Lynn Police Department, competing bars, AIDS advocacy, the Night of 100 Stars, Drag, and the changing nature of the LGBTQ+ community.