Texas Gay Club Vandalized and Burned Down

DENTON, TX -- Fire officials say a blaze early Wednesday that destroyed the gay nightclub "Mable Peabody's Beauty Parlor and Chainsaw Repair" in Denton, Texas, was arson.

"They broke in and took liquor and threw chairs all over the place," said Ms. Sanders, who has owned the club for 13 years, to The Dallas Morning Star. "They destroyed the whole bar before they burned it. I wonder if it could have been a gay-bashing deal. I have no idea."

Denton Fire Marshal Rick Jones said reports of a fire at the club came in about 5:30 a.m. Fires had been set in more than one place, indicating arson, he said.

He said some forensic evidence would be tested at a lab. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives is assisting in the investigation.

The blaze destroyed Mable's, and an adjoining business, G.C. Starters, was damaged by smoke. The damage was estimated at $150,000.

Margaret Honeycutt opened the club 27 years ago, Ms. Sanders said. Back then, she said, it was a brave move to open a club for gay men and women. Ms. Sanders said she has had no trouble and has no idea who might have set the fires.

Ms. Sanders said that when she bought the club, she came up with the unusual name with the help of "a lot of wine." She wants to reopen, she said, but it's too soon to know what she will do.

"I think I lost my identity along with my business," she said.