2018-12-17 20:22:52
Home to one of the world’s largest Pride celebrations each June, San Francisco embraces its reputation as one of the most desired destinations for celebrating LGBTQ culture. Neighborhoods from North Beach to the Castro offer historic and fun ways to experience the city’s large LGBTQ community year-round. Here are just a few places and performances that make locals and visitors alike proud of San Francisco. SAN FRANCISCO GAY MEN’S CHORUS Various locations What gay music pioneer Jon Reed Sims started as the world’s first openly gay chorus over 40 years ago has grown to some 300 voices today, and is widely credited with jump-starting the LGBTQ choral movement that now spans the globe. The popular group offers a diverse lineup of extraordinary performances that inspire community, activism and compassion. If you’re here in December, don’t miss their fun and heartwarming Christmas Eve show at The Castro Theatre. THE CINCH 1723 Polk St. Walk through the swinging saloon doors and grab a stiff drink at one of the city’s quintessential gay bars in San Francisco’s original gay district. The first Gay Pride parade in the country marched down Polk St., which would later become an epicenter for the gay community in the 1970s. While inside The Cinch, be sure to peruse the wall of historic photos, including one very infamous painting. You’ll know it when you see it. NEW CONSERVATORY THEATRE CENTER 25 Van Ness Ave. Founded in 1981, the not-for-profit New Conservatory Theatre Center champions innovative, high-quality productions and educational theatre experiences for youth, artists, and the queer and allied communities to promote growth, enlightenment and change. As founder and artistic director Ed Decker says: “The theatre is one of the few remaining places where we can gather together to find a collective heartbeat. Our vision is that theatre is a community event and a way to build community.” Offerings specifically geared to LGBTQ audiences this year include Avenue Q, The Gentleman Caller and The View Upstairs. QBAR 456 Castro St. Situated in the heart of the Castro at the center of San Francisco’s LGBTQ nightlife, QBar boasts an impressive lineup of LGBTQ events throughout the week. Stroll in on Tuesdays for the lesbian night “13 Licks,” or swing by Wednesdays for drag queen Juanita MORE!’s popular party, “Booty Call.” Even if there isn’t a special performance when you visit, you’re still sure to see a “show.” A seat on the front patio gives you an up-close glimpse of the Castro scene, including a constant stream of attractive revelers — and maybe the occasional nudist. GLBT HISTORY MUSEUM AND ARCHIVES 4127 18th St. Celebrating San Francisco’s queer past, the GLBT History Museum is the first full-scale, stand-alone museum of its kind in the United States. It is a project of the GLBT Historical Society, which has archives containing an etensive collection of lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender historical materials. EL RIO 3158 Mission St. San Francisco lesbians may not have many watering holes to call their own, but this one is clearly ground zero for residents and visitors alike, making it the heart of the city’s lesbian scene. Always free and usually packed, this Mission District mainstay is a must during the first Saturday of the month for the hoppin’ soul dance party, “Hard French.” Still not convinced? Ask any local for recommendations on lesbian hangouts and all signs lead to El Rio. “I Am SF” Celebrate the city’s diversity with “I Am San Francisco” to hear what locals, including Nya Cruz, a prominent member of San Francisco’s transgender community and performer at Asia SF, love about the city. sftravel.com/story/i-am-san-francisco
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