Author: David Hyman

The LEATHER & LGBTQ Cultural District will be proudly hosting LEATHER ALLEY at San Francisco’s 2025 Pride Celebration and we will be marching in the Pride Parade, join us!

This Sunday, June 29, visit our Leather Alley! which is an entire block on Polk St. (enter at Golden Gate Ave.) inside the adults (18+) only area called ‘the Root of Pride’.

The Parade: Leather Contingent

Volunteer to help carry the LEATHER & LGBTQ Cultural District banner.  We want a few folks, so no one has to carry it the whole length of the parade.  To sign up for this special honor, please contact Cal at manager@sflcd.org.

We will march with the ‘SF Leather Pride and Kink Contingent’.   Sign up with the Contingent to help carry the big Leather Pride Flag, be a contingent monitor, or otherwise help out.

To march with the us and the Leather Contingent, join us at Main Street between Market & Mission before 11:30 am on Sunday.   We will be in position #102 — right in the middle of the Parade!

Follow additional planning on the Leather Contingent Facebook page.  For the best parade experience, view the SF Pride video, then take the quiz and register as part of the ‘SF Leather Pride and Kink Contingent.

Leather Contingent Questions?  Contact Robert at parade@sfbunny.com.

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The Celebration:  Leather Alley

Join the Pride Celebration, in and around the Civic Center, 11am – 6pm, Saturday, June 28 and Sunday, June 29.

On Sunday, visit our Leather Alley! which is an entire block on Polk (enter from Golden Gate Ave.) inside the adults (18+) only area called ‘the Root of Pride’.

Enjoy the kink performances and demos, try an interactive sampler station, or enjoy your own open-air BDSM play with your consenting friends.

Volunteer to help make Leather Alley happen!  We have a wide variety of volunteer positions, you can choose the position of your choice!
See volunteer information and time slots.

Questions?  Contact Reika or Dandy.

SEE YOU SUNDAY!

The LEATHER & LGBTQ Cultural District held its second Town Hall of the year on Saturday afternoon, June 21, at the Folsom Street Community Center. The event was free, and refreshments were served.

Board President Reika Faust reviewed recent achievements and accomplishments, including the monthly Play on the Plaza events, LeatherWalk, Sidewalk Plaque fundraising, the Golden Dildeaux Awards, the Entrepreneur Training Program, the SOMA Walking Tours, the Holiday Market, Outreach Booths at numerous events, the Safety Forums, and the Ringold Block Party that celebrated the Cultural District’s seventh anniversary.

The work of the Membership Committee was highlighted, including plans for membership discounts at participating merchants, and the recruitment of new Business Members.

Executive Director Robert Goldfarb reported on the Cultural District’s work with the City, including our work to allow bathhouses and entertainment zones, which we expect to bear fruit in the coming year or two.

 

Guest facilitator Jayme Roderick led a conversation, gathering valuable input from attendees about the issues and projects that matter most to them. Discussion covered the importance of preserving our history and culture, supporting our businesses and artists, helping entrepreneurs, and protecting our physical safety and freedom.

Values were discussed: Service, community, culture, visibility, belonging. Providing leadership in troubled times. Engaging the spectrum of the different segments of our community.

District historian Gayle Rubin offered historical perspective. Looking to the future, participants spoke of sustainability, creating strong structures, continuing and revitalizing traditions like LeatherWalk and the Golden Dildeaux Awards, and protecting freedom of self-acknowledgement and sexual identities.

Surveys were taken, inviting participants to weigh on on future Golden Dildeaux Award categories, and District priorities.

There was talk about the neighborhood: what it lacks/needs (e.g. retail and services, more public transport, health care providers, late night vibrancy) what is possible, and how increased and affordable housing can be provided while preserving what matters to us.

Folks discussed how to promote the District as a tourist destination, and envisioned creating ‘the perfect day in our neighborhood’.

The Cultural District’s own needs were also a focus: e.g. volunteers to help maintain and expand our event calendar, and to get venues and promoters to share event posts for greater visibility.

Reika closed with a review of upcoming critical dates and opportunities for involvement, and thanks to all for their time and participation.

LEATHER & LGBTQ Cultural District Town Hall
Saturday, June 21, 1 to 3 pm
at the
Folsom Street Community Center
1286 Folsom Street
Everyone welcome!
Free!

We exist to ensure there is a lively and vibrant home for our community of events, businesses, bars and organizations in SOMA.

Twice a year, we hold “Town Halls”, to share information with our community and get feedback.

• • Learn what the Cultural District has been doing!
  • Hear our plans for the year to come!
  • Share your experiences and aspirations for the Cultural District!
  • Give us feedback.  Your opinions matter to us!
  • Enjoy refreshments!
  • Become a member, and receive our new Cultural District Pin!
  • Everyone welcome!
  • Free!

Our communities need and deserve safe spaces to gather, shop and play, now more than ever, we intend to keep that alive in San Francisco!