Castro district gay

The Castro's age as a gay mecca began during the late s with the Summer of Love in the neighboring Haight-Ashbury district in The two neighborhoods are separated by a steep hill, topped by Buena Vista Park. Homosexuals across America consider San Francisco a "Gay Mecca" thanks to the rise of the distinctive gay community, primarily in the Castro District, centered at the intersection of Castro and 18th Streets, a block from upper Market Street.

The Castro LGBTQ Cultural District is committed to preserving, sustaining, and promoting the rich cultural legacy of the Castro and its significance to San Francisco’s LGBTQ+ community and beyond. The vibrant and welcoming Castro District, nestled in the heart of San Francisco, holds a unique place in the city's history, symbolizing LGBTQ+ power, resilience, and inclusivity. In , Life magazine declared San Francisco the capital of gay America.

And the Castro was its beating heart. Arguably the single most famous “gayborhood” in the United States, some of the. In the 70s, following the Stonewall Uprising and the first Pride march, the Castro was the headquarters of the gay liberation movement. San Francisco became a magnet for gay Americans. Things have changed in recent years. The rise of Silicon Valley and the tech giants has reshapes San Francisco.

House prices in San Francisco almost doubled between and That being said, the Castro is still very gay. They also landed in San Francisco on their way home. With so many young men risking their lives, it was an intense time to be alive. Quite a lot of these men had relationships with each other. San Francisco was a hub of gay activity.

castro st san francisco

Imagine all those soldiers in one city - there was a lot of action. Harvey Milk owned a camera shop on Castro Street.

He was the first openly gay politician to be elected in California. He was assassinated back in Harvey Milk campaigned for gay rights at a time when attitudes towards gay people were deeply hostile. Homosexuality had only recently been legalised and gay Americans were coming out of the shadows for the first time. Remember, even Liberace was in the closet in those days! Harvey Milk became a local hero. The Castro would take a dark turn after his death.

Today, the Castro is one of the most vibrant districts in America. Things have changed on the gay rights front too. In , the U. The Cafe is a Castro institution. Very much a place to see and be seen. It opened way back in and it was a gay bar even then, long before homosexuality was legalised. It had been given landmark status due to its historical importance.

The terrace is a good place to meet some locals. Beaux is a popular gay bar and club in the Castro. The dancefloor is big and gets packed and sweaty in the evenings. It even stretches as far back as the Spanish explorers from before the American republic was founded. The Rainbow Honor Walk has extended to cover several blocks. The USA has some of the best beaches in the world.

Here's our handy guide to our favorites