FORGE

a new space for Boston’s LGBTQ+ community

Boston is very queer.

We are in the top 10 U.S. metro areas based on the size of our queer population. We are one of the most progressive cities in the U.S. We are now officially a Sanctuary City for the LGBTQ+ community.

And yet our scene is not thriving.

There is a lack of diverse, queer establishments. You can count Boston’s LGBTQ+ spaces on your fingers.

We have bars, clubs, and nightlife.
But if you go out alone, you may end up feeling even more lonely.

It’s hard to make friends in the scene.

What about a place to meet that’s not an app or a party?


A quiet place to let down your guard and be yourself?


A place where even if you go alone, you don’t feel alone?

What about a bathhouse?

Throughout history, they provide a sanctuary for healing—and in the queer community, for connection. They foster vulnerability and warmth.

Introducing:

FORGE

bathhouse and group wellness for Boston’s LGBTQ+ community

A permanent, mULTI-USE space:

Members-only bathhouse area: sauna, steam room, pool and bathing

+

Community area for group wellness classes: breathwork, partner yoga, massage instruction

Boston’s so ready for this.

We are the only top-10 city in the U.S. that doesn’t already have a queer bathhouse. 

FORGE Will meet a longstanding need

  • Quiet, restorative, relaxing energy 

  • Clearly designated clothing-optional spaces 

  • Open during the afternoon when bars are not

But will also be cutting-edge

  • Diverse and gender-inclusive

  • Wellness-oriented, with group classes

  • Sexual health testing and resources

FORGE will be good for the community and good for investors and job-seekers as well.


Aiming for 2,500 visitors per month

  • By comparison, bathhouses in similar cities draw over 4,000 visits per month—and that’s just gay men. We’d reach more broadly.

  • We will draw from locals as well as the approximately 1 million LGBT tourists who visit Boston each year

Ten to fifteen staff will include reception and safety, cleaning, marketing, wellness, and maintenance.

Revenue will come from day passes, memberships, and group wellness classes.

Based on these assumptions and conservative financial projections, FORGE is likely to pay investors back after three years and then generate profits.


  • Hammad Ahmed

    FOUNDER

    Operations executive with degrees from Stanford and Georgetown Law. I’ve scaled mission-driven organizations, worked with state and local government, and am plugged into Boston’s LGBTQ+ scene.

  • Josh Smith, AIA

    ARCHITECTURE

    Principal, Mythic Architects. Blending the best of historical charm with modern design and environmental care, I’m an expert in Boston’s building codes, zoning, and planning agencies.

  • Kris Manjapra

    WELLNESS

    Yoga Instructor, Reiki Practitioner, Somatics Coach. I’ve designed and led classes for queer people to tend to the trauma we carry in our bodies. Wellness is not just self-care, it’s community care.

  • George Whiting

    COMMUNITY

    Talent recruiter and connector with a background in people operations. I build authentic relationships that turn curiosity into commitment—and help communities grow with intention, joy, and pride.

  • Emilio Diaz

    BUSINESS PLANNING & ANALYSIS

    Consultant, Revby. Queer-owned consulting firm with deep expertise in small business launch strategy and connections within government.

  • ...

    REAL ESTATE

HELP MAKE FORGE A REALITY.

We’re seeking:

  • Financial supporters

  • Community partners

  • Developers