Showing posts with label San Francisco. Show all posts
Showing posts with label San Francisco. Show all posts

Monday, September 29, 2014

Nice to See StevieB: StevieB in the Holy Land

By StevieB
 
Alright, I made it to San Fransico. I quickly realized that I should always vacation with a corporate HRish-like lesbian. As three gay men on vacation it has always fallen on me to make reservations, figure out subways, you know... general herding of cats sort of thing. This trip is completely different. The power lesbian has made the reservations, booked the room using points,(luxury Marriott on the sixteenth floor... Insane view of the city) even seeking out information when the subway ticket kiosks have turned sentient and are having bad hair days. This is the first trip where I can put away my alpha-male, Papa Bearness and really relax. From now on, I will only travel with a lesbian.

That being said, yesterday I made it to the Castro. I had been away too long. I've said for ages that I want my ashes scattered in front of the bear Starbucks. I feel a deep conecton on that street, even though I don't know why. It's the way that, I'm sure, others feel when walking inside a church or temple. As part of my holy sacrament, I bought new Pumas. Trust me, it was an act of gay transubstantiation.

Today beings a pilgrimage to Mr. S Leathers. Because, Papa Bear needs a reward. Of some sort.
This post originally appeared on Steven Bennet's website Nice to See StevieB. Republished with permission.

Wednesday, October 9, 2013

Travel: San Francisco Bear Pride 2013

Once Octobearfest is all finished up it'll be time for everybear's fancy to turn to San Francisco Bear Pride 2013. It's everything you want in a bear event and much, much more.

Thursday, July 18, 2013

Bay of Pigs 2012: Online Ticket Sale Ends Monday!

Only a few more days left to buy your BAY OF PIGS tickets online! Online sale ends Monday.

Monday, November 19, 2012

Travel: San Francisco for the Holidays

It’s as easy to fill a trip with holiday cheer in San Francisco as it is for Santa to stuff a stocking.
Visitors have a city full of options: Live performances by the San Francisco Ballet, the San Francisco Symphony and the cast of Beach Blanket Babylon. Going to the theater for The Velveteen Rabbit, A Christmas Carol and The Lion King.  Or taking part in The Dance-Along Nutcracker or a holiday sing-a-long at Grace Cathedral.

There are tree lightings galore, ice skating rinks, gingerbread houses and reportedly, the world's largest sugar castle.  Breakfasts with Santa, Kwanzaa celebrations and a reindeer romp at the San Francisco Zoo are also popular.  Holiday-themed culinary events, fancy teas and Dungeness crab season – which runs from early November to New Year's Day 2013 – will satisfy anyone with a curious, holiday-oriented appetite.

For a roundup of holiday-related events and activities in San Francisco and the surrounding Bay Area, click here.

Wednesday, September 26, 2012

Travel: 12th Annual “Dine About Town San Francisco” restaurant promotion coming January 15 – 31, 2013

Dine About Town San Francisco returns for the 12th year January 15 – 31, 2013, providing an opportunity for visitors to experience San Francisco’s finest restaurants at a fraction of the price.  Diners may select from more than 100 participating restaurants offering a two-course lunch menu for $18.95 and/or a three-course dinner menu for $36.95. This pricing can represent up to a 25 percent savings off regularly priced a la carte items. 

The complete restaurant list of restaurants participating in Dine About Town San Francisco will be available after Dec. 15 on San Francisco’s official visitor website, www.dineabouttown.com.

Tuesday, March 20, 2012

Travel: The San Francisco Agenda

Passport.com has an agenda! Just like San Francisco and the beautiful Bay Area, that agenda is to provide residents and visitors an exciting array of entertainment options. From dining and wining, to nightlife and cultural attractions, Passport will help you discover and enjoy what makes San Francisco one of the most popular places on the planet.

Friday, February 17, 2012

Travel: Have a Spring Fling in San Francisco

Spring doesn’t officially arrive until March 20 but San Francisco already has a case of scorching case of 'Spring Fever' that is sure to have visitors all hot and bothered. 

Read all about it after the jump!

Monday, January 17, 2011

San Francisco opens GLBT History Museum

The long awaited museum of the GLBT Historical Society has opened in the heart of the Castro at 4187 18th St.  

Only one other city in North America boasts a museum solely dedicated to the history of our movement and this sleek, inviting storefront location is bound to become a must-see destination.  

The space features a video screen visible 24 hours a day on 18th St. continuously playing historic footage of past events, from Pride parades to public demonstrations and news coverage.  

Once inside, visitors may examine rare artifacts, photographs, documents, sound recordings, films and videos in the exhibition that will open an array of unexpected perspectives on the past, ranging from women’s bookstores to queer temples and churches, from bathhouses to battlefields, from early efforts to find hidden histories to highly visible struggles for GLBT civil rights.   

Monday, November 22, 2010

Travel: Only in San Francisco

San Francisco has always opened its golden gates to gay and lesbian visitors.  To reinforce this warm welcome, the San Francisco Convention & Visitors Bureau (SFCVB) has redesigned its gay travel website and developed a new marketing campaign to remind lesbian, gay, bisexual and transsexual (LGBT) travelers that “The Gate is Always Open for You.” 

The SFCVB’s enhanced gay travel website www.onlyinsanfrancisco.com/gaytravel, which features a rainbow ribbon winding its way around the Golden Gate Bridge, allows visitors to easily find what to “See & Do,” where to “Shop,” “Drink,” “Eat” and “Stay” in three featured San Francisco neighborhoods; the Castro, SOMA (South of Market) and the Embarcadero.

Tuesday, October 19, 2010

The Gate is Always Open: San Francisco's new gay travel website

San Francisco has always opened its golden gates to gay and lesbian visitors. To reinforce this warm welcome, the San Francisco Convention & Visitors Bureau (SFCVB) has redesigned its gay travel website and developed a new marketing campaign to remind lesbian, gay, bisexual and transsexual (LGBT) travelers that “The Gate is Always Open for You.”

The SFCVB’s enhanced gay travel website www.onlyinsanfrancisco.com/gaytravel, which features a rainbow ribbon winding its way around the Golden Gate Bridge, allows visitors to easily find what to “See & Do,” where to “Shop,” “Drink,” “Eat” and “Stay” in three featured San Francisco neighborhoods; the Castro, SOMA (South of Market) and the Embarcadero.

“San Francisco is continuously recognized as one of the top gay travel destinations in the world,” said Matt Stiker, executive vice president and chief marketing officer for the SFCVB. “However, we realize that the world is full of many intriguing and exciting destinations. The SFCVB’s gay travel website and marketing campaign is designed to encourage more LGBT visitors to include San Francisco in their travel plans.”

As a true Gay Mecca, San Francisco can sometimes overwhelm visitors with its vast number of activities which appeal to the LGBT community. To make planning easier, visitors to the site will find “Things to Do This Month,” a monthly calendar of San Francisco festivals, art and culture, as well as “All Upcoming Events,” which provides a comprehensive list of what not to miss in San Francisco. “Gay News,” written by Donna Sachet, often referred as the “First Lady of San Francisco,” provides visitors with a quarterly update on San Francisco’s LGBT community, including inside scoop on entertainment from small events to major galas. Visitors may also sign up for the San Francisco Gay and Lesbian newsletter for additional insight into San Francisco’s gay community.

“Our vision was for this site was is be more than a destination portal for LGBT visitors,” said Lynn Bruni, director of consumer marketing for the SFCVB. “We also designed this site to be the trusted resource for locals searching for something new to see or do in San Francisco. The “Out with the Locals’ section provides an insider’s perspective to the city’s “best kept secrets” and suggestions on “what every visitor should do.”

Wednesday, April 14, 2010

GLBT Historical Society announced Castro Street move

The GLBT Historical Society has signed a lease on a new property in the Castro on 18th St., which they will use to exhibit items from their extensive historical archives.  This organization used a vacant storefront at 18th and Castro in 2009 with great success, enabling visitors and residents to share in our rich and diverse history.   

One reception there was hosted by Jose Sarria, the first openly gay candidate for public office in the United States more than 40 years ago and the founder of the International Court System.   

Opening during the summer, a rotating display of historical artifacts will include early gay publications, Harvey Milk memorabilia, gay bar souvenirs, political treatises, significant clothing and costumes and rarely seen photographs. 

Tuesday, April 13, 2010

San Francisco Pride - 40 and Fabulous!

SF Pride, 40 and Fabulous!  What a great theme for this year’s Pride Parade & Celebration in San Francisco, the largest party of its kind in the world.  From the raising of the Pride flag at City Hall to the closing screening of the Frameline Film Festival, there is something for everyone at this annual celebration.  Details about the Dyke March, Pink Triangle installation, Pride concert, Pink Brick award, Pride brunch, main stage entertainment, parade and celebration will be updated frequently at www.sfpride.org.  

Wednesday, February 17, 2010

What's new in San Francisco?

Whether searching out a new culinary gem, delving into nightlife, or reveling in cultural pursuits, ever-changing San Francisco will never let you down.

But you knew that.

Monday, January 18, 2010

The Gayest Cities in America


San Francisco's status as a locus for gay communities is well known, but cities such as Springfield, Mass., Madison, Wis., and Albuquerque, N.M. - but not Denver, or any other Colorado cities - are among the ones listed in Mike Albo's list of the "gayest cities in America."

Tuesday, January 12, 2010

San Francisco's gay winter destinations


January is as close to winter as San Francisco gets, a month of cold and rain with few major events to tempt you to venture outdoors. You can, however, San Francisco, take advantage of a little down time by bundling up and checking out some of the city’s gayest indoor destinations.

Check 'em out after the jump.

Visit the SF LGBT Community Center at 1800 Market St., where many local organizations maintain offices (including SF Pride Parade & Celebration and the SF Gay Men’s Chorus) where the bulletin boards bulge with information (social, business, spiritual, romantic, etc.). This is the only major LGBT center in the country built from the ground up with dollars from generous individuals and businesses alike, creatively merging an existing Victorian with modern architecture. One glance at their calendar and you’ll know that there is something there for everyone, including career counseling, job fairs, computer lab, social activities, mentorships, youth meals, daycare, various workshops and much more.



The nearby Castro neighborhood is always welcoming, steeped in LGBT history and alive with current activity. No other city in America has this unique concentration of bars, restaurants, businesses and homes, largely populated by our Community and recently enhanced by plantings and outdoor seating. Dine elegantly or casually, shop top of the line or bargain, trim a little off the top or indulge yourself, find the usual rainbow logos or the shockingly unexpected, but whatever you do, stroll slowly, because the sights and sounds are all around you. Imagine, at last count, there are 18 gay bars within this area, each with a different ambiance and clientele, but each with smiling bartenders ready to serve you. The hours will fly by!



Krewe de Kinque
, the local club modeled after the historic New Orleans tradition, kicks off the season Feb. 6, 2010 with Bal Masque VII, a Mardi Gras celebration complete with costumes, celebrity grand marshal, carefully rehearsed presentations, music, and food, all reflecting this year’s theme of Time Warp 2010!. Hotel Whitcomb, 1231 Market St., provides the convenient location and elegant ballroom. This group always hosts incredible events, bringing colorful Creole traditions to the Bay Area while raising money for worthy, non-profit charities. This year it’s the AIDS/Breast Cancer Emergency Fund. Laissez les bon temps roulez! (Let the good times roll!)



What better way to celebrate Valentines’ Day than by joining Equality California on Feb.13, 2010 under the dome of City Hall where the modern same-gender marriage fight really took off, thanks to our Mayor Gavin Newsom, City Attorney Dennis Herrera and many others. This annual gala includes cocktails, dinner, silent auction, awards and special speakers, not to mention one of the most elegantly dressed guest list. Last year’s emcee was the hilarious Wanda Sykes and she let us have it! This year’s honorees include Sam and Julia Thoron, longtime national advocates for PFLAG, and Carlos Moreno, associate justice of the California Supreme Court. So grab your honey, married or not, and support Equality California in this incredible, historical setting.



And rounding out the month on Feb. 28, 2010 is Imperial Coronation at the Gift Center Pavilion, 888 Brannan St., when Reigning Emperor Paul Maka Poole and Empress Angelina Josephina Manicotti step down and the new Emperor and Empress of San Francisco, yet to be determined, are crowned. This lavish five-hour extravaganza, titled When You Wish Upon a Star… Celebrating 45 Years of Tradition, begins promptly at 6 p.m. and includes spectacular musical production numbers, elaborate costumes, stunning jewelry and regal pageantry, all with an element of camp thrown in. The International Court System spans more than 70 chapters in Canada, Mexico and the United States and is the second largest LGBT organization in the world. Dignitaries from across the continent attend, local elected officials often pay their regards, and everyone is in their finest attire and on their best behavior. If there were ever a time to dress up, this is it!



Start off March at the long-running theatrical dinner experience Teatro Zinzanni under an elaborate circus tent at Pier 29 along the waterfront. During a sumptuous evening of cocktails and a four-course gourmet meal, you are periodically entertained by roving jugglers, mesmerizing acrobats, and lively musicians, who often pull audience members into the action. Thursday, March 4 is LGBTZ Night, featuring international recording artist Thelma Houston (Don’t Leave Me This Way!) in the Hearts on Fire production, hosted by local drag personality Donna Sachet and including a raffle with proceeds going to a local LGBT charity.



Move over Hollywood! Since 1980, San Francisco has the best way to celebrate the Oscars at The Academy of Friends’ (AOF) glamorous party at the Ft. Mason Festival Pavilion Sunday, March 7. This gala always includes a stunning array of lounges, bars, restaurants, silent auction, raffle drawings and live entertainment, in addition to multiple large screen simulcasts of the awards ceremony and thousands of well-heeled guests. Cheer for Penelope or Meryl, Colin or George, Precious or Avatar! Even if the awards ceremony itself isn’t your cup of tea, you’ve never seen a more beautiful, friendly, lively LGBT assemblage. The money raised by the AOF over 29 years has been distributed to worthy LGBT organizations throughout the Bay Area.



So, don’t let a little unpleasant weather hold you back! 2010 holds limitless possibilities for the LGBT Community and there’s no better place to participate in our diverse, engaged, hopeful family than in San Francisco.

Saturday, December 26, 2009

Celebrate the Year of the Tiger in San Francisco


The lunar new year, 4708, is going to open with a growl or a contented purr depending on a twitch of the whiskers; 2010 is the Year of the Tiger and the striped predator will replace the placid ox at the stroke of midnight on Feb. 13, 2010.

A symbol of strength and courage, the tiger ranks as the king of land beasts in China and his arrival is often viewed with caution. Festivities ushering in the top feline, “fu” as the big cat is called in Cantonese (“hu” in Mandarin), will include a Chinese New Year Flower Fair (Feb. 6-7), Miss Chinatown USA Pageant (Feb. 20), and the Chinatown Community Street Fair (Feb. 27-28). It's all built around a fantastic parade from Market and Second Streets to Columbus Avenue on Saturday, Feb. 27, beginning at 5:15 p.m.

Monday, October 26, 2009

Rock Your Socks in San Francisco


The holidays are quickly approaching and whether you’re feeling like Grinch or Claus this season, Personality Hotels guarantees to add some sizzle to your step with their “Rock Your Socks” holiday package. So grab your best shopping buddy and head to San Francisco for a fun and affordable holiday adventure that will knock your socks off.

All guests who book the “Rock Your Socks” holiday package will be automatically entered to win a complimentary one-night stay in a Personality Hotels suite of their choice upon their next visit.

The “Rock Your Socks” holiday package is valid November 6 – January 6, 2010. Rates start at $139 per night, excluding tax and based upon availability; based upon double occupancy. Book to stay overnight on November 26 and/or 27 (aka Black Friday) and receive a rock star VIP upgrade (upon availability). For reservations, call 800.553.1900 or visit www.personalityhotels.com.

Monday, October 19, 2009

San Francisco voted number one city to visit in the USA


Condé Nast Traveler announced on Saturday that its readers have voted San Francisco the #1 city to visit in the United States. More than 25,000 Condé Nast Traveler readers participated in the 2009 Readers’ Choice Survey. The complete award results will appear in the November 2009 issue (on newsstands Oct. 20) and on the magazine’s website www.CNTraveler.com.

This year marks the 17th consecutive time that San Francisco has won this category in the magazine’s annual survey, a first-time accomplishment for any destination or property. San Francisco was followed by Charleston, SC (#2) and Santa Fe, NM (#3).

San Francisco, with a total of 84.8, scored higher than Bangkok (82.2), Hong Kong (81.3), Florence (84.6), Buenos Aires (81.9) and Vancouver (82.3). The only city that scored higher than San Francisco was Sydney, Australia, with 86.9. One of the factors contributing to San Francisco’s ranking was its worldwide high restaurant score.

The San Francisco-based airline, Virgin America, also earned top honors, coming in as the #1 U.S. Domestic Airline for the second year in a row.

“The big news is that, undaunted by tough times, our readers are still out there, discovering the coolest experiences and reaffirming an enduring passion for travel,” said Condé Nast Traveler Editor in Chief Klara Glowczewska. “It’s clear that our readers are as devoted to the worldwide diversity of travel as ever.”

“San Francisco continues to be recognized for its scenic beauty, diverse neighborhoods, restaurants and cultural attractions by travelers worldwide,” said San Francisco Convention & Visitor Bureau President and CEO Joe D’Alessandro. “We are grateful to the readers who took the time to participate in the Condé Nast Traveler 2009 Readers Choice Survey and for helping make San Francisco the #1 city for another consecutive year.”

Friday, October 9, 2009

Holidays in San Francisco


Where else can one meet a wicked witch, a porn star and a golden girl? Where else can one sing along, dance along, and drag along? Where else do Halloween, Thanksgiving and Christmas blend into a unique LGBT holiday season? Only in San Francisco!

Check out all the fabulous festivities after the jump.

October 2009
What a Wonderful World: The San Francisco Gay Men’s Chorus announces their upcoming cabaret show at the plush Lodge of the Regency Center with 8 p.m. shows Friday and Saturday, Oct. 23 and 24, 2009 and a 2 p.m. matinee on Saturday. Here’s a rare opportunity to hear individual voices of the chorus in solo performances and small ensembles, including the popular Vocal Minority, all conducted by Carl Pantle and hosted by Donna Sachet. Expect dynamic vocal renditions, delightful “choralography,” and a healthy dose of humor from this talented bunch. For additional information visit www.sfgmc.org.

Defying Inequality: The touring cast of the hit Broadway musical Wicked, featuring Patty Duke, hosts a fundraising variety show Monday, Oct. 26, 2009 at the Palace of Fine Arts Theater. Imagine performing six nights a week with two matinees and still giving up your one night off for a great cause, Marriage Equality USA. Additional confirmed performers include Bruce Vilanch, Matt Alber, Connie Champagne, Judy Gold, Meg Mackay and Billy Philadelphia. After the 7:30 p.m. performance, get up close and personal with the cast and crew at the VIP reception. Witches, both good and bad, are most welcome. For additional information visit www.cityboxoffice.com.

Halloween 2009: In response to unmanageably large crowds in the Castro for several years, San Francisco continues to encourage its citizens to enjoy diverse Halloween celebrations in their own neighborhoods on Oct. 31, 2009. A whole witches brew of events is posted at www.homeforhalloween.com. As always, there are great parties of interest to the LGBT Community leading up to that haunted day, most notably Queens Are Wild benefiting STOP AIDS Project at Mezzanine from 8 p.m. to 3 a.m. Friday, Oct. 23, 2009. Hot adult video stars will be dealing in the casino; while DJs Jason G and Lee Decker rule the dance floor, Bebe Sweetbriar hosts, and the phenomenal Kristine W performs. For additional information visit www.stopaids.org. On Saturday, Oct. 31, 2009, Castro businesses will welcome respectful party people, but the streets are not scheduled to close. As an alternative that night, check out Halloween: A Party! at the Cat Club from 9 p.m. to 3 a.m. hosted by the inimitable Heklina and Peaches Christ, complete with costume contest, horror film videos, midnight drag show, and more surprises.

Shoktoberfest 2009 – The Torture Garden: From Oct. 1 through November, Thrillpeddlers presents a series of performances at Hypnodrome Theatre at 575 10th St. Historic and often gory one-act plays alternate with the comic mock-operetta Pearls Over Shanghai, originated by the legendary SF Cockettes. Outrageous costumes, original songs, and sensory experiences including a lights-out spook show make these evenings truly haunting. For additional information visit www.thrillpeddlers.com.

November 2009
Mr. and Miss Gay San Francisco Pageant: On Friday, Nov. 6, 2009, at Hotel Whitcomb, Mr. Gay SF J.P. Soto and Miss Gay SF Charisma Glitterati step down and contestants vie for the 2009 title during a spirited evening sponsored by the Imperial Court. For more than 30 years this pageant has featured talent, interview, casual wear and eveningwear, often including five or more contestants for each title and a panel of celebrity judges. Think Project Runway meets American Idol meets Survivor. For additional information visit www.imperialcouncilsf.org.

From the ‘Hood to the House’: Glide Church, where many in the LGBT Community have found a welcoming spiritual home, gives thanks to the Reverend Cecil Williams in his 45th year of service with this annual holiday festival at the War Memorial Opera House Thursday, Nov.12, 2009. The 7 p.m. show features Maya Angelou, Rita Moreno, Alonzo King and the Glide Ensemble Choir. Beneficiaries include Mo’s Kitchen and Glide’s other charitable community programs. You’ll be on your feet with excitement most of the evening. For additional information visit www.glide.org.

Golden Gala Tribute to Rue McClanahan: Yes, the much beloved, bawdy “Golden Girl” is coming to the Castro Theatre Saturday, Nov. 14, 2009, thanks to Mark Huestis, creator of Sordid Lives Del Shores. Join the VIP Reception at 6 p.m., followed by the 8 p.m. main event including an on stage interview, local entertainers, classic clip highlights on screen and much more. Partial proceeds benefit the AIDS Housing Alliance. For additional information visit www.ticketweb.com.

December 2009
17th Annual Songs of the Season: The intimate Rrazz Room at Hotel Nikko again hosts this charming musical variety show, Monday through Wednesday, Dec. 30 through Nov. 2, 2009 created by Donna Sachet and including guest performers Abigail Zsiga, Sharon McNight, Connie Champagne, Bill Bunn, and more. Don’t expect the typical Christmas carols, but rather a spirited celebration of the warmth and gaiety of the season, benefiting the AIDS Emergency Fund. For additional information visit www.songsoftheseason.net.

Dance Along Nutcracker: The Lesbian/Gay Freedom Band, conducted by Jadine Louie, returns to Yerba Buena Arts Center Dec.12 and 13, 2009 for this truly unique twist on holiday traditions, inviting the audience to leave their seats and join in self-expressive abandon as the band plays rousing music from The Nutcracker and other seasonal favorites. Festive costumes are encouraged and even available on site. The matinee performance especially welcomes children of all ages. For additional information visit www.sflgfb.org.

Kung Pao Kosher Comedy: Only local comedian Lisa Geduldig could assemble this blend of comedy, food and ethnicity, Dec. 24 through 27, 2009, at the New Asia Restaurant in Chinatown. This year’s confirmed performers include headliner Jonathan Katz of Comedy Central, Brian Malow, and Hilary Schwartz, who will guarantee sidesplitting laughter between bites of potstickers. For additional information visit www.koshercomedy.com.

Home for the Holidays: For those looking to create their own holiday traditions, there is nothing like the San Francisco Gay Men’s Chorus, conducted by Kathleen McGuire, at the Castro Theatre on Christmas Eve. Pick from three scheduled concert times and relish in favorite seasonal carols, boisterous sing-alongs, hilarious comic routines, and heart-warming family moments. For additional information visit www.sfgmc.org.

Wednesday, September 16, 2009

Remember when gay = happy? It still does!

San Francisco has been named one of “The World’s Happiest Cities” by Forbes.com. San Francisco, which ranks seventh out of ten listed cities, is the only city in North America to be included in what the magazine calls “urban centers closely associated with unmitigated joy.”

"It is no surprise that San Francisco has been named one of the happiest cities in the world,” said Joe D'Alessandro, president and CEO of the San Francisco Convention & Visitors Bureau. “San Francisco’s scenic beauty, combined with its ideal year-round climate, diverse neighborhoods, and most importantly, its ‘only in San Francisco’ attitude and lifestyle make it an ideal city for both visitors and residents.”