San francisco lgbt district

The Castro neighborhood is known internationally as the notice where in the first s gay life burst out of the closet, hoisted a rainbow flag, and has been celebrating ever since. Thousands of gays and lesbians dial it home, and thousands more visit every year to party at its bars and restaurants, shop at unique boutiques and stores, stroll hand-in-hand, and enjoy the gay-friendly atmosphere.

The Best of the Castro/Upper Market: 10 Unique Diversions

Tour the GLBT History Museum – ( 18th St. near Castro / / ) Opened in January , it is the only museum in the U.S. dedicated solely to gay history. It exhibits a variety of absorbing LGBT objects, photographs and documents including items and clothing that belonged to activist Harvey Milk.

See a Movie at the Castro Theatre – ( Castro St. / / ) One of the U.S.&#;s few remaining &#;s movie palaces in daily operation, the ornate Spanish revival style theatre is the perfect fantasy setting for movies old and modern. It&#;s huge neon subscribe is the neighborhood&#;s symbol. The interior boasts colorful Italianate murals, a massive chandelier, a

After World War II, the Castro District began to shift from a working-class neighborhood into 

a haven for members of the LGBTQ+ community seeking acceptance and equality during a moment 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 embark on an unforgettable journey through this remarkable community — and don’t suffer from 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

Historical Essay

by Chris Carlsson,

Castro Street Fair,

Castro Street Scene s

Photos: Crawford Barton, Gay and Lesbian 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 white working class Irish neighborhood known as “Eureka Valley.” A shift came during World War II, when many soldiers came to San Francisco and formed gay relationships. These soldiers then stayed in the city after being 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

Vibrant and eclectic, the Castro/Upper Market neighborhood is an internationally known symbol of gay freedom, a top tourist destination full of stylish shops and accepted entertainment spots, and a thriving residential area that thousands of San Franciscans call home.

Its streets are filled with lovingly restored Victorian homes, rainbow pride 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 large SF Lesbian Gay Bisexual Transgender Community Center.

The Castro District, superior known as The Castro, is a neighborhood in San Francisco, California, which is also known as Eureka Valley.

San Francisco&#;s gay 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 gay community was, and is, conc