Palm Springs is not only known for its stunning mid-century architecture and beautiful weather but also for its thriving queer community. A staple of this scene is Tool Shed, a long-standing gay bar for the abundant LGBTQ+ crowd. Co-directors Daniel Talbott and Andrew Klaus-Vineyard explore the colorful history of this local hub in their short documentary Welcome to Tool Shed. With political tension continuing to threaten the safety of the gay community, Talbott and Klaus-Vineyard show that Tool Shed is more than just a local dive bar. It’s a sanctuary.

Where the Queer Folk Congregate

If you walked into Tool Shed on any given day, you’d be met with a friendly face. Owner Robert Cole talks candidly about his journey buying the once run-down bar and transforming it from a dark and dirty dive to a bright and cheerful destination. The bar’s customer base is diverse, ranging in age from early 20s to mid-70s. But there is one thing they all have in common: their sex-positive outlook. Cole describes that many regulars are some of the oldest survivors of the AIDS epidemic, as the film recounts harrowing moments from decades past, where the “gay plague” made headlines.

Given the large queer population in Palm Springs, Tool Shed is a home away from home for many who have struggled to find their community. In interviews, repeat customers describe how they’ve found their chosen family amid mounting national discrimination. The impact of President Trump’s re-election has certainly not helped protect the queer community. Cole, visibly emotional, discusses the outsider threats to his livelihood and personal safety he receives as owner of the bar. Nonetheless, Tool Shed and its patrons have an undeniable warrior spirit, which shines bright throughout the film.

A Tight Knit, Queercore Indie

“We made this one punk rock, guerrilla style, for almost no money at all,” say the filmmakers. “What little we had all went to paying our small crew for their incredible work. It’s a film made with a ton of love and hard work.” This humble documentary, running 22 minutes long, is a simple yet glowing portrait of a cherished establishment. The interviews are compelling and speak for themselves, highlighting the diversity of clientele. From leather vest-wearing middle-aged men to Hawaiian shirt-wearing thirty-somethings, inclusion is at the forefront.

Takeaway

Welcome to Tool Shed is more than just an exploration into the history of the beloved Palm Springs bar. It is an introspective look at the decades-long battle against oppression. The result is a passionate, loving human interest story and an overall celebration of queer history. Welcome to Tool Shed makes its premiere at the end of March at the American Documentary and Animation Film Festival (AmDocs).