Since California was originally a Spanish colony and since the first Asian immigrants arrived in the 1800s right along with the first Europeans and Africans, California has always been exceedingly diverse, which might explain why the state has always welcomed everyone -- with no strings attached.
When the LGBT comminity first began to "come out" in the 1970s, San Francisco's tolerance made it a much-loved hub for the gay-rights movement. And when the City made history in 1977 by electing the first openly gay candidate for City Council, Harvey Milk, it also elected it's first Chinese A
merican, it's first African American, and it's first single mother as well.
Every June the San Francisco Pride committee hosts an internationally-acclaimed film festival and Gay Pride Parade in the Castro District, a world-famous predominantly gay neighborhood. The group and the parade have become significant patrons of local non-profits, as you can see from their most recent check.
Since the best LGBT entertainment on the planet happens in the Castro, that's probably where our LGBT friends will want to go.
Since the Castro's a relatively small area its easy to visit and explore. www.MyCastro.com will introduce you to resturants, bars and theaters, but we have to highlight the Castro Theater because not only is it core to the community it is also a spectacular example of 1920s art nuveau architecture.
Readers of the alternative paper the San Francisco Bay Guaridan voted Truck on Folsom Street "Best Gay Bar," and The Lexington Club on 19th Street "Best Lesbian Bar," so if you get thirsty you might start there.
Truck opens at 4PM and serves food through 9PM. More importantly, their website says that if its raining, they pour two drinks for the price of one!
The Lexington Club opens at 5PM and assures us that there's "never a cover."
Have fun!
