San Francisco - Alison Bing [176]
To get the latest on the current GLBT conversation, pick up the San Francisco Bay Times (www.sfbaytimes.com), which also has good resources for transsexuals, and read the Bay Area Reporter (aka BAR; www.ebar.com) for news and listings.
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SIGHTS & ACTIVITIES
BAKER BEACH Map
Presidio; sunrise-sunset; 28, 29
Down craggy bluffs, past wind-sculpted Monterey pines and cypress trees, beckons a mile-long stretch of sandy beach, with fishing spots galore and full-frontal nudity at the north end (gay men and straight girls). The views of the Golden Gate are spectacular, but huge crowds come weekends. The all-gay local beach is further north, at Marshall’s Beach (aka Marcia’s Beach), immediately before the bridge. Ask around for directions, but never climb the dangerous rugged cliffs north from Baker to reach it. Take pathways, and find the stairs.
GLBT HISTORICAL SOCIETY
Map
415-777-5455; www.glbthistory.org; Suite 300, 657 Mission St; suggested donation $4; 1-5pm Tue-Sat; 6, 7, 14, 21, 31, 71, F, J, K, L, M, N; & Montgomery St
The little nonprofit that could, the GLBT HS mounts historical exhibits that rotate every nine months – a must for any gay historian. Recent well-curated exhibitions have included iconic objects such as the sewing machine that stitched the first rainbow flag. Note: it’s tricky to find; take the elevator in back to the 3rd floor.
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SHOPPING
A DIFFERENT LIGHT BOOKSTORE
Map
415-431-0891; www.adlbooks.com; 489 Castro St; 10am-11pm; 24, 33, F, Castro St
This long-standing literary venue is struggling to reinvent itself, and has caved to commercial pressure (eg lube by the register), but it still carries some good titles and merits a look, especially for pictorials. Check the bulletin board in back for schedules of occasional readings. Serious book shoppers: also check nearby Books Inc ( 415-864-6777; www.booksinc.net; 2275 Market St; 10am-10pm).
HUMAN RIGHTS CAMPAIGN ACTION CENTER & STORE Map
415-431-2200; www.hrc.org; 600 Castro St; 10am-7pm; 24, 33, F, K, L, M, Castro St
The Human Rights Campaign (HRC) keeps the Civil Rights movement charging gaily forward, lobbying for GLBT causes and candidates and protecting hard-won freedoms. Stop by to see what’s next on the agenda, or pick up signature condoms and a limited-edition designer HRC tee. Great spot to get the latest on Prop 8.
WORN OUT WEST Map
415-431-6020; 582 Castro St; noon-7pm Mon-Fri & Sun, 11am-7pm Sat; 24, 33, F, Castro St
Left your gear at home? Pick up leathers, original-cut Levi’s 501s, cock rings and tanks tops at this old-school-Castro, used-clothing store, and dress like a local. Good fetish wear at great prices. Not much for gals, alas.
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DRINKING & NIGHTLIFE
BARS & CLUBS
For the latest, pick up the free rag Gloss Magazine, and community newspapers Bay Area Reporter and San Francisco Bay Times, available at kiosks, bars and A Different Light Bookstore (opposite). Juanita More (www.juanitamore.com) throws fierce parties (especially on Gay Pride), and they’re always attended by sexy-hot boys. Cockblock (www.cockblocksf.com), at the Rickshaw Stop, draws a happening gay-boy-and-girl crowd on the second Saturday of the month. Fresh (http://freshsf.com), at Ruby Skye, is the monthly Sunday-night circuit party. There’s gay salsa every third Friday at Cafe Cocomo.
Ladies: log on to Craigslist (www.craigslist.org) and click on women-seeking-women to search for monthly parties or post a query. Mango, from 3pm to 9pm on the fourth Saturday of the month at El Rio, is blazing hot. Hit the Lexington Club and inquire about the roving party Flourish – when dykes dress up. Hipster gals pack Stay Gold on the last Wednesday of the month at the Make-Out Room.
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CALL A SPADE A SHOVEL
You know you’re a local when you refer to bars by their nicknames.
Midnight Sun: Midnight Scum