This first ran on Jul. 1, 2010
With the LGBT rights very much in the news – from the protests at the Winter Olympics in Sochi to the U.S. Attorney General extending rights to same sex companies – we thought we would repost this map on Valencia’s Queer history.
If we have left anything out, please let us know.
Man, I miss Osento. They provided a real service to the community! On a side note, I’m not sure when the “Then” was, but the Lexington has been in the same space with the same name for around 20 years. Maybe even longer. I’m pretty sure they are the only institution that would qualify for both sides of the map.
No, El Rio would, too. I used to go to gay tea dances there in the 80’s. And Café La Bohème’s been there even longer.
Amelia’s (now the Elbo Room) is a big omission. When I arrived here in ’81 that seemed to be an anchor of the lesbian community in the Mission.
There was another bar whose name escapes me at 17th and Capp that was a bit more mixed, but also a popular dyke bar.
The bar at 17th and Capp is the Uptown Bar. It’s been there and with that name for at 15 years.
I used to go there a lot when I had a building quite close by. I can’t say I ever noticed it was a “dyke bar” but then I’m usually too busy drinking to bother classifying the other patrons.
I was just thinking the other day about how Valencia used to be known as somewhere “where Lesbians hang out”.
Why would that be important now?
I was just remembering that time, nothing more to read into it.
John wishes to destroy our history as he likes to destroy our present and future, washed away with his own personal greed numbed with a flood of alcohol.
At the northwest corner of 14th and Valencia was a gay bar called the ‘Spur’, as I recall. Destroyed by fire in ’79 or ’80.
James, Thank you. And we will add this when we update the map. Best, Lydia
Before reposting a map you should make sure that it is still accurate, especially with all the changes in the Mission. Modern Times Bookstore lost their lease on Valencia street and they are now located on 24th street.
Luca: Yes, we should update. And we will. Thank you, Lydia