CMA: A Pillar of Pride in San Francisco's Iconic Castro District
San Francisco's famous Castro district is known worldwide for its strong LGBTQ activism and pride that started in the 1960s. As the neighborhood became a hub for LGBTQ people and culture, local businesses also saw significant changes. The Castro Merchants Association, a group of diverse local businesses, played a key role in shaping this legacy of Pride, supporting the community's economy, and creating the unique identity of the Castro.
The Beginning of Pride and the Castro Merchants Association
The Castro's transformation during the 1960s and 70s attracted many gay residents, leading to the growth of LGBTQ-owned businesses. Realizing the importance of working together, these new businesses formed the Castro Merchants Association. Among the founders was Harvey Milk, San Francisco's first openly gay elected official, who knew that local businesses played a big part in building strong, supportive communities. With this idea in mind, the Association's main goal was to protect, promote, and stand up for all Castro businesses, which became critical during the neighborhood's many changes.
Facing Adversity with Activism
The late 70s and early 80s brought significant challenges to the Castro community. The assassination of Harvey Milk, coupled with the onset of the AIDS crisis, had far-reaching impacts on the neighborhood, including its local businesses. However, the Castro Merchants Association rose to meet these challenges, advocating for their members and providing crucial support during these trying times.
This era of adversity also marked the origins of the Gay Pride Parade in San Francisco. The Castro Merchants Association was instrumental in supporting these early Pride events. They played a crucial role in promoting the events and ensured that the businesses they represented were active participants in the celebrations, strengthening the bond between the community and its businesses.
Pride's Evolution and the Castro Merchants Association's Role
Over the years, as Pride evolved from a protest march to a jubilant celebration of LGBTQ identity and community, the Castro Merchants Association continued to provide unwavering support. In addition, the Association worked tirelessly to ensure that the Pride celebrations reflected Castro's diverse and vibrant businesses, ranging from restaurants and bars to retail stores and professional services.
Today, the Castro district remains more than just a symbol of Pride and LGBTQ activism; it is also a safe, welcoming space for all members of the LGBTQ community and their allies. The vibrant streets, adorned with rainbow flags and inclusive signs, emit an aura of acceptance and openness, largely thanks to the continuous efforts of the Castro Merchants Association and the wider community. They have helped shape Castro as a safe haven through supporting inclusive businesses, advocating for LGBTQ rights and protections, and celebrating the diversity within the community, particularly during Pride month.
The role of safe spaces like Castro is increasingly critical. They provide an environment of understanding and acceptance where individuals can express their true selves without fear. The Castro district, steeped in a rich history of Pride and activism, serves as an inspiring example of such a space.It's the combined legacy of Pride, activism, and safety that will allow the Castro district to continue its influential role, forever writing new chapters of progress, acceptance, and celebration.
Looking Ahead: The Future of Pride and the Castro Merchants Association
As we look to the future, the role of the Castro Merchants Association in Pride and the broader Castro community is set to continue evolving. The Association is committed to maintaining the vibrancy and economic health of the Castro and ensuring that the neighborhood remains a beacon of LGBTQ activism and pride. With the introduction of so many anti-LGBTQ rules and laws in the US, our work and celebration are more important than ever before.
The story of the Castro, its Pride, and its Merchants Association is one of resilience, community, and celebration. It's a story that reminds us of the power of unity, the importance of advocacy, and the enduring spirit of Pride.
As we celebrate Pride, we honor those original businesses that formed the Castro Merchants Association, recognizing their significant contributions to the neighborhood and the larger LGBTQ community. And as we look to the future, it's a story that is still being written, with new chapters of progress, acceptance, and Pride yet to come.
Terry Asten Bennett
President
Castro Merchants Association
Fill in your dance card with these events in June!
In the Castro district, Pride is more than just a day or a parade—it's a lasting spirit that permeates the community's events and remembrances throughout the year. Working hand-in-hand with the Castro Merchants Association, various community organizations, activists, and individuals come together to honor significant dates that reflect the values, struggles, and victories of the LGBTQ community.
June is filled with historical and contemporary significance as the Castro comes alive to celebrate the enduring spirit of Pride and the progress made by the LGBTQ community.
June 9 - 23 | National Queer Arts Festival
Experience a month-long celebration of queer-themed art shows, readings, performances, and speaker panels. Since 1997, this festival has showcased a variety of incredible acts across more than a dozen venues in the city, including iconic Castro/Upper Market locations like the SF LGBT Community Center, the GLBT Museum, and Dolores Park.
June 14 - 24 | San Francisco International LGBT Film Festival (AKA Frameline)
Celebrate the world's oldest and largest queer film festival! Attracting over 60,000 attendees, the Frameline showcases LGBT films from around the world for 11 days at the Castro Theatre.
June 17 | Pink Triangle Installation
Friends of the Pink Triangle is a volunteer group who installs a huge pink triangle made of canvas each Gay Pride Weekend on the Twin Peaks hillside. The hot pink triangle overlooks the Castro district, can be seen up to 20 miles away, and serves as a reminder of 15,000 gay and lesbian victims of the Nazi death camps.
June 23 | Trans March
The 20th Annual Trans March occurs on Friday evening of Gay Pride Weekend. This event celebrates all transsexual and gender-variant people and follows a circular route from Dolores Park up Market and back to the Castro. A rally is held before the march showcasing Tran's community speakers and entertainers.
June 24 | The Dyke March
This annual event occurs on the eve of the Gay Pride Parade, where thousands of women march in the Castro. Started in 1992, this grassroots event doesn't have corporate sponsors, politicians, or men participating. (Men can and do cheer on the sidelines.) Head over to Dolores Park after the march at 6 pm for a post-march rally and festivities.
June 24 | Castro Family Pride Block Party
Brought to you by ArtyhoodSF & Castro Merchants, this event starts at 11 am and features a Drag Show, Petting Zoo, Free photos with the Castro Unicorn, Storytime, and the "Drag Performance of the Year Contest"!
June 24 - 25 | San Francisco’s LGBT Pride Week
San Francisco's LGBT Pride Week is the largest LGBT event in the U.S. Celebrants fill the Castro/Upper Market area by attending arts and film festivals. A two-day Pride Celebration with music, speeches, dancing, and food occurs in San Francisco’s Civic Center, followed by a colorful Pride Parade with 500,000 spectators lining Market Street.
June 27 | National HIV Testing Day
Health services in the district, including the San Francisco Aids Foundation, provide free HIV testing, recognizing the ongoing impact of the HIV/AIDS crisis on the LGBTQ community and promoting health awareness as a crucial aspect of community care.