Narrator
Jaime Barrian is a liberal-minded, queer, woman living on a working farmstead. She shares her life with her fiance Lena and Lena’s four boys, who although do not live with her, are very dear and close to her. Born in Vermont, Jaime spent part of her adolescence in California before returning to her home state. Despite these ties, she considers Western Massachusetts her true home. A graduate of Bates College, Jaime spent her college summers in Northampton, a place that quickly became central to her identity. She later lived in Vancouver and Edinburgh, where she immersed herself in street culture and graffiti. Raised in a close-knit Vermont town, Jaime credits her small-town upbringing with instilling in her a strong sense of community. In the summer of 1999, around the time she embraced her queer identity, Jaime moved to Western Massachusetts. She began working at Fitzwilly’s and soon after joined the team at Northampton Brewery, where she has worked for the past 24 years. During this time, she became a fixture in the local queer scene—frequenting bars like The Grotto and Divas, and attending concerts at the Iron Horse and the Calvin Theatre. While Jaime initially sought connection through nightlife and drinking, her journey to sobriety has helped her cultivate deeper, more meaningful relationships. Though not in the music industry herself, she maintains a close friendship with music manager Christen Greene. This connection, along with her long-standing role at the brewery, keeps her actively involved in the local music community—promoting shows, attending events, and supporting the scene in ways both personal and professional.
Abstract
In this interview, Jaime Berrian reflects on her tumultuous coming out journey, her decades-long tenure at Northampton Brewery, and her path to sobriety. She shares insights into the role queer nightlife in Northampton played in shaping her early sense of identity and connection, and how sobriety allowed her to form deeper, more authentic relationships. Jaime discusses navigating stereotypes within the queer community, the importance of meaningful friendships, and her experience in a blended family with her partner Lena and four boys. At the heart of her story is a message about the power of staying true to oneself and finding solace in the people who stand beside you.