Recently, a comment on an article about Twin Ponds Lodge caught my attention. It read, “They should make one for women.” I suspect the comment was meant to be snarky, but it was only those 6 words, so I could have misread it's intent. Lets assume its sincere. I have a few points I’d like to address.
First, let me clarify who “they” refers to. Twin Ponds Lodge is not a publicly funded or supported endeavor. It’s a private campground and club, a labor of love built by a small group of men who poured their blood, sweat, tears—and yes, significant financial investment—into creating a space that caters to the specific needs of mostly, gay and bi men. This space was curated with our community in mind, and every decision we’ve made reflects the experiences and challenges we’ve faced as men in the LGBTQ+ community.
But I wholeheartedly agree with the underlying idea of the comment: women absolutely deserve their own spaces. In fact, I believe such spaces are not only needed but are vital. Women, particularly LGBTQ+ women, face unique challenges and deserve environments that are safe, supportive, and empowering. Spaces where they can connect, relax, and build community on their own terms.
However, I also believe that it’s not my place—or any man’s place—to define or create what such a space should look like. A women’s-only space should be envisioned, built, and run by women, for women. As men, we can support and champion these efforts, but it’s not our role to lead them or profit from them. Women know best what their community needs, men have no place telling women how to shape such a space.
That said, I want to express my full support for anyone who dreams of creating a women’s-only space. I know firsthand how challenging it is to build something like this from the ground up. It takes vision, passion, and a lot of hard work. It also requires navigating legalities, forming a business structure, and figuring out how to sustain it financially. If there are women out there who are inspired to create such a space, I would be more than happy to share what I’ve learned from building Twin Ponds Lodge. While our experiences may differ, I can offer insights into the legal and logistical steps involved in forming a private club and campground.
At the end of the day, the world needs more spaces where people can be themselves, connect with others, and feel a sense of belonging. Whether it’s a men’s-only lodge, a women’s-only retreat, or any other type of community hub, these spaces are crucial for fostering connection and support in a world that often feels isolating.
If you are a woman who dreams of creating a space for your community of women: I see you, I support you, and I’m here to help in any way I can. Seriously, call me.
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