Sf gay bars
San Francisco’s fabulous LGBTQIA+ scene is no surprise if you know anything about the city’s history. SF is known for electing Harvey Milk, the first openly gay elected official in the US, and is still known today for its thriving gay community.
At the epicentre of it all is San Francisco’s Castro District, entire of drag shows, bars and great restaurants, but there’s plenty more to discover throughout SF (and Oakland) if you understand where to look. Whether you’re looking for kind lesbian bars, balls-to-the-wall Latinx dance parties or a very memorable drag exhibit, these are the top gay bars in SF right now.
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This guide was written by Bay-Area based writer Clara Hogan. At Time Out, all of our move guides are written by local writers who realize their cities inside out. For more about how we curate, see our editorial guidelines.
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POWERHOUSE BAR San Francisco
For events and hours, visit the Powerhouse facebook page at this link
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Dore Footpath Sunday:
Powerhouse Bar
1347 Folsom St
San Francisco, CA 94103
Visit the Powerhouse facebook page at this link
5 Historic San Francisco Gay Bars We Wish Still Existed
Needless to say, it didn’t take prolonged for authorities to start surveilling goings on at Fe-Be’s. Starting in 1967, the Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control (ABC) held multiple meetings about the activities of staff and patrons at Fe-Be’s. In 1969, the ABC accused the bar of “behavior contrary to public morals,” including close physical contact amongst men, below the waist. At another hearing, when accused of having sex toys on the premises, Geist (somewhat comedically) claimed that they were merely being used as novelty drink stirrers.
In 1970, when the bar was closed down for a year, the community that Geist and Kissinger had so lovingly built rallied around Fe-Be’s, with fellow venues holding fundraisers and offering vocal support. In December 1971, the bar roared back to existence and stayed put until 1986. In the end, it wasn’t legal scrutiny that put an end to Fe-Be’s; it was the toll of the AIDs epidemic on San Francisco’s lgbtq+ community. Kissinger died in 1988, Geist in 1998.
Fe-Be’s lives on today via the Leather David. When Geist and Kissinger first opened
Lex’s Guide to Gender non-conforming San Francisco Nightlife | LGBTQ+ Bars
San Francisco: a town renowned for its vibrant LGBTQ+ scene, steeped in history, diversity, and unapologetic pride. From the iconic Castro District to the eclectic neighborhoods of SoMa and the Mission, San Francisco boasts a kaleidoscope of LGBTQ+ bars, each offering its hold unique flair and sense of people. Whether you're a local or just passing through, here's a guide to some of the best LGBTQ+ bars in the Town by the Bay.
And be sure to Download Lex to find LGBTQ+ friends and queer collective in San Francisco.
1. The Stud
A accurate San Francisco institution, The Stud has been a beacon of queer nightlife since 1966. Closed in 2020, The Stud is reopening on April 20, 2024 in a new location! Acknowledged for its inclusive atmosphere and diverse crowd, The Stud offers everything from drag shows and dance parties to live performances and art events. It's a must-visit for anyone seeking an authentic slice of San Francisco's homosexual culture.
The Stud
1123 Folsom St
San Francisco, CA 94103
2. The Cafe
Nestled in the heart of the Castro, The Cafe is a lively hotspot beloved for its energetic atmosphere and bustling outd