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It is time, once again, for the world’s largest leather event. On Sunday, September 7, from 11 am to 6 pm, check out fairgrounds packed with leather, fetish and rubber attire. A beloved annual event, the Folsom St Fair in San Francisco draws about 400,000 people. The event covers 13 city blocks, making it the largest leather party in the world.

Besides seeing people strolling around in outrageous leather garb, there will be 250 vendors, food, and entertainment, including DJ’s and a dance area.

San Francisco’s Folsom St Fair is in the South of Market district, on Folsom St between 7th and 12th Sts.

San Francisco has so many awesome attractions: ride a cable car, take in the view of the Golden Gate at night, see how prisoners lived at Alcatraz, walk Fisherman’s Wharf…there is so much to see and do. Also, the fact that it’s got such a thriving gay community and was the birthplace of the gay movement is a plus for any gay and lesbian traveler. You can read a bit about Harvey Milk and the Castro Neighbourhood from a previous post.

There are some great gay and gay friendly events in San Francisco each year:

April/May: San Francisco International Film Festival.
May: San Francisco International Arts Festival.
May: Carnaval San Francisco Festival and Grand Parade
June: San Francisco International GLBT Film Festival.
June: San Francisco Pride.
July: San Francisco Theater Festival.
July: Up Your Alley (leather pride event)
Sept.: Folsom Street Fair (world’s largest leather event).
Oct.: Castro Street Fair.

I think the best lesbian bar in San Francisco is the Lexington (3464 19th Street at Lexington). The San Francisco lesbian scene is like many others out there: frequently changing nights at bars and clubs, and different events coming and going. That’s why I like the Lexington, it’s a lesbian bar seven days a week. It’s surprising as I think it’s the only fully lesbian bar in San Francisco.

If you visit the Lexington on a weekend, it is packed, mainly with lesbians, but with some guys and hetero couples as well. That was the major drawback I noticed, you have to wade through people to get to the washroom. It’s a smaller place, so it fills up fast.

There’s a very fun, vibrant, laid back vibe here, a few people dance but more just sit and enjoy cocktails or play pool. It’s got the friendly, neighbourhood pub feel to it, rather than an upscale lounge or dance spot. What do you think?

Alright, August 15 this year, it’s the 14th Annual San Francisco Drag King Contest (hosted by DragStrip Productions). This year the theme is “Surf-Saga,” and takes place at DNA Lounge. The lineup is the 2008 Solo King winner Papa Don Preach, the reigning 2008 troup Fella-Fem, and special guests Arty Fishal, Dee Dee Luxe, and the Psychobilly Punk Band. Continue Reading »

The Hotel Rex is right in the midst of all the bustle of the San Francisco theatre district. Located in Union Square, it is one of the premier San Francisco hotels, and it was inspired by the art salons of the 1920’s and 1930’s. Paintings of famous writers adorn the walls, and there are smooth jazz sessions and poetry readings in the library bar, if that’s your thing. It’s mine, so this was one of my favorite things about my stay here. Continue Reading »

I watched Milk the other night with Sean Penn, and I have to say I didn’t really know anything at all about the real Harvey Milk. San Francisco is the centre of gay culture, but I just thought it had sort of happened that way. So, I did a bit of reading online and learned more about the Castro neighbourhood and Harvey Milk, the first openly gay public office elect. I know I’m a bit late, Milk came out awhile ago, but in case you’re heading to San Francisco soon and you want to check out some Harvey Milk landmarks. Continue Reading »