Manny’s: The Future of the Castro

San Francisco is known for its neighborhoods and the Castro is one of the most important ones in the city and especially for the LGBTQ community.

However, the idea of gayborhoods across the country are in a point of reckoning. Following the AIDS crisis, COVID-19 pandemic , and the rise of online dating/hookup apps the necessity of a specific neighborhood for the community is not as important.

These changes have lead to many wondering what is the future of the Castro?

How can we ensure that this neighborhood doesn’t disappear?

Can the future of the Castro be more inclusive for the LGBTQ community?

Join us for a powerful discussion IN the Castro (location TBD) as we unpack what the future holds for this important gayborhood.

About the Speakers

Terry Asten Bennett:

Terry is the President of the Castro Merchants Association. I was born and raised here in the Castro. I believe passionately in our community. Taking care of our community is what guides me in running my business and my everyday life. I am a mother to two amazing, strong willed, civic minded, young women and grandmother to one energy packed grandson. My hobbies include quilting, cooking and volunteering with the AIDSLifecycle.

Stephen Torres:

Stephen serves of the board of the Castro Cultural District. Torres has called San Francisco home since 1999 and has worked in the city’s nightlife industry for over two decades. It was through working in the industry that he found community among the thousands of workers who support this great city’s historic, vibrant, and diverse nightlife. Like many queer people of color who arrive in San Francisco, working in restaurants, bars and clubs was an accessible, sustainable way to establish and provide for himself in this city that is so close to his heart.

Supervisor Rafeal Mandelman:

Supervisor Mandelman represents District 8 on the San Francisco Board of Supervisors. District 8 includes the Castro, Glen Park, Noe Valley, Diamond Heights, Mission Dolores, and Cole Valley. Supervisor Mandelman is the only LGBTQ member of the Board of Supervisors.

He currently serves as Vice-Chair of the Rules Committee and as a member of the Government Audit and Oversight Committee of the Board of Supervisors. He serves as Chair of the San Francisco County Transportation Authority, and represents San Francisco as a member of the Executive Board and Regional Planning Committee of the Association of Bay Area Governments and as Vice-Chair of the Transbay Joint Powers Authority Board of Directors. As part of the City’s COVID-19 response, Supervisor Mandelman served on the Economic Recovery Task Force. He previously served as a member of the Board of Supervisors Budget and Finance Committee and Budget and Appropriations Committee and was chair of the Public Safety and Neighborhood Services Committee.

Mercedez Munro:

Mercedez is a local drag queen, advocate and Absolute Empress 52 serving in 2018!