Gay castro san francisco
Historical Essay
by Chris Carlsson,
Castro Avenue Fair,
Castro Street Scene s
Photos: Crawford Barton, Gay and Womxn loving womxn Historical Society of Northern California
Many across the United States consider San Francisco to be a “Gay Mecca” due to its large gay community located primarily in the Castro District as well as the city’s relatively liberal attitude towards sex. Until the ’s, though, the Castro was largely a alabaster working class Irish neighborhood recognizable as “Eureka Valley.” A alter came during World War II, when many soldiers came to San Francisco and formed same-sex attracted relationships. These soldiers then stayed in the city after creature discharged for homosexuality. In the s, Beat Culture erupted in San Francisco and notoriously rebelled against middle class values, thus aligning itself with homosexuality and helped bring gay culture to mainstream attention. In the mid to late s, groups such as the Daughters of Bilitis and the Mattachine Society were born, as well as the Tavern Guild, which was the first openly gay business association. By , there were 50 gay or After World War II, the Castro District began to shift from a working-class neighborhood into a haven for members of the Gay community seeking acceptance and equality during a second of widespread discrimination. Then in , local resident and civil-rights activist Harvey Milk solidified Castro’s place as a mecca for the LGBTQ+ community when he became the first openly gay elected official in California. Milk was assassinated just one year later, but the Castro District honors his legacy through empowerment and inclusivity for marginalized communities, shaping an experience of belonging for generations of LGBTQ+ individuals. Today, the district invites you to explore its rich culture, delve into its captivating history, and be your authentic self. So get ready to set out on an unforgettable journey through this remarkable people — and don’t overlook a thing with our curated list of the top 10 must-dos in the Castro District. If you want to learn more about the history of the LGBTQ+ community, there’s no better place to do it than the Castro District, starting wi Vibrant and eclectic, the Castro/Upper Market neighborhood is an internationally known symbol of gay freedom, a top tourist destination full of modern shops and well-liked entertainment spots, and a thriving residential area that thousands of San Franciscans call home. Its streets are filled with lovingly restored Victorian homes, rainbow parade flags, shops offering one-of-a-kind merchandise, heritage streetcars, lively bars and restaurants, and numerous gay-borhood landmarks including Harvey Milk Plaza, the Castro Theatre, Pink Triangle Park and Memorial, and the big SF Lesbian Homosexual Bisexual Transgender Collective Center. The Castro District, better known as The Castro, is a neighborhood in San Francisco, California, which is also known as Eureka Valley. San Franciscos homosexual village is most concentrated in the business district that is located on Castro Street from Market Street to 19th Street. It extends down Market Street toward Church and on both sides of the Castro neighborhood from Church Street to Eureka Street. Although the greater homosexual community was, and is, conc San Francisco Castro: Top Things to Do & Watch In this Famous, LGBT DistrictThe San Francisco Castro district is an internationally recognized neighborhood that supports the LGBTQ (lesbian, male lover, bisexual, transgender and queer) community. This progressive and accepting neighborhood was also home to one of the most significant lgbtq+ rights activists of the s, Harvey Milk. In my experience of visiting this district often, there are plenty of fun things to do here during the day and at night. You will identify this gorgeous mural on the side of a school building in this colorful district. I love walking around this lively and colorful neighborhood. While this SF district is acknowledged for its support of the LGBTQ community, you will find that many families also call this neighborhood home. Is the Castro safe? Absolutely. In proof, due to its robust sense of community, it's one of the safest in San Francisco. During your visit, you will immediately see the fun essence of the community all the way down to the names of some of the bars, restaurants and shops. My two favorites are "Does |