9 Events That Shaped LGBTQ+ Community In SF

San Francisco has an important history tied to LGBTQ+ rights.

Some people refer to the city as the “gay capital of the world.” This is because of San Francisco’s ongoing fight for gay rights and its support for LGBTQ+ residents. Here are some of the biggest events that have shaped the city into what it is today.

1. San Fran’s First Big Gay Bar

The Dash San Francisco
PINTEREST @KQED

In 1908, The Dash became popular as San Francisco’s first well known gay bar. The staff there would crossdress and the environment offered a space for individuals in the LGBTQ+ community. It was shut down by the police, but remains a key part to SF’s history.

2. The Black Cat

The Black Cat
INSTAGRAM @lgbt_history

In the 1950’s, the Black Cat bar was under fire for serving LGBTQ+ customers. A notable figure involved is Jose Sarria, who performed drag there. The bar appealed the Supreme Court in California voted in favor of them, saying that the evidence of gay clientele is not a reason to shut the bar down.

3. Daughters of Bilitis

Daughters of Bilitis Photo by @lgbt_history on Instagram
INSTAGRAM @lgbt_history 

The first lesbian rights organization began in 1955. It’s followed by others like the Mattachine Society, who fought for gay liberation.

4. The Castro District

Castro District
Image by Vincent Lowe from Pixabay

By the end of WWII, many gay soldiers were dropped off into San Francisco, and the LGBTQ+ population there only grew. More and more LGBTQ+ people moved to the Castro District which became known as a huge gay-friendly neighborhood.

5. First LGBTQ+ Community Center

LGBTQ+ Community Center
Image by nancydowd from Pixabay

In 1966, the Society for Individual Rights opened the first gay community center in the country. This center grew larger and larger and formed a sense of community for LGBTQ+ people in the nation.

6. The First Pride Parade

Pride parade
INSTAGRAM @pride_universe

San Fran birthed the first gay pride parade in late June, 1970. Many people marched in support of gay rights, which began “Pride” for years to come.

7. Harvey Milk

Harvey Milk
FACEBOOK harvey.milk.foundation

Harvey Milk was the first openly gay politician elected in San Francisco. He was on the San Francisco Board of Supervisors and fought to end discrimination based on sexual orientation. He remains a prominent figure in the history of SF’s fight for gay rights.

8. World AIDS Day

World AIDS day
INSTAGRAM @fab_ulous87

The first World AIDS Day was commemorated in San Francisco at the AIDS Memorial Grove. It’s located in Golden Gate Park and open today in remembrance.

9. Same-Sex Marriage Licenses

Same Sex Marriage Photo by @lgbt_history on Instagram
INSTAGRAM @lgbt_history

Mayor Gavin Newsom issued same-sex marriage licenses to LGBTQ+ couples and the first same-sex marriage took place between Del Martin and Phyllis Lyon. The California Supreme Court eventually voided these marriages, but in 2008 same-sex marriage was permitted in the state again.

Avani Goswami

Social Media Associate

Avani is an avid reader and a lover of learning. She enjoys writing and seeks out new adventures everyday. Her passion is representation and equality for people all over the globe.

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