NSRC: National Sexuality Resource Center

Making Badlands Good: Still confronting racism in the Castro 

Every Saturday night about a hundred people gather in front of SF Badlands, a popular bar and dance club in the heart of San Francisco’s Castro District. Typically, the line to get into the establishment stretches a block long, but these latest regulars are not waiting to gain entrance. They are demanding human rights.

The San Francisco Human Rights Commission (SF HRC) issued a report on April 27 stating owner Les Natali had discriminated against customers and former employees on the basis of race. He had, for instance, referred to African Americans as “non-Badlands customers” and discouraged them from patronizing the club by requiring them to show multiple forms of identification. Natali has denied the accusations.

For many, the late-evening parade of protestors contradicts the reputation of the Castro as a neighborhood of inclusiveness. These protests form the spearhead of a resurgent antiracist movement within San Francisco’s lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) communities. They also symbolize a larger national and international issue, that of racism within the gay community.

To address the problem, several organizations have sprung up in recent years. One is And Castro for All (formerly known as IsBadlandsBad?), which aims to make the community more inclusive and had compiled complaints against the policies of Badlands before SF HRC released its report. Other examples include Black Rap, which wants to create a Black voice for people in the LGBT community who suffer from racism, and Out/Rage, a theater group that has performed plays about racism in this community.

Why is this movement forming? And why are so many people from around the world emailing, writing blogs, and making phone calls to encourage protestors here in San Francisco?

CITY OF LOVE
San Francisco is known for its inclusive, accepting, and affirming communities. Queer people openly participate in civic life throughout the city, but the Castro remains the central hub. At the intersection of Castro and 18th Street is a residential neighborhood of bars, restaurants, video stores and other shops, and a grand movie house, catering both to longtime residents, as well as to tourists who want to experience this gay Mecca for themselves. For many, the experience of walking down Castro Street is deeply moving, a first opportunity to walk hand-in-hand with a same-gender lover, where being recognized as gay in public is not threatening, but instead empowering.

But cracks appear in this image.

Last July sixty-five African American lesbians and gay men met to discuss the need for a stronger Black presence in the LGBT community, in terms of business ownership, employment, and leadership. The group spoke with managers of the LGBT Community Center to urge them to hire more African Americans, which it has begun to do. The same year, African American LGBT community members came together to form LGBT Black Rap, which has participated in the protest of SF Badlands from the beginning to ensure voices from the Black community are heard. Cofounder Zwazzi Sowo says that they represent a perspective that is different from multiethnic groups, such as And Castro for All, though they are all supportive of each other.

As a young woman, Zwazzi Sowo marched in Chicago with Dr. Martin Luther King for desegregated housing. White people, she recalls, climbed trees to throw bricks and bottles at the protestors. Now, when protesting in front of SF Badlands, she finds herself once again being heckled, spat at, and yelled at. It has been painful for her to realize that the community she is part of is so full of venom, but she is encouraged that the protest is happening and believes that the LGBT community will eventually be safe and inclusive, a place where racism will have no place. That is why, she explains, she pickets without rest, even though her body should be tired. She learned from Dr. King that marching is food for her soul. She says, “No more racism in our community; we won’t take it any more.”

HOW BAD?
The SF HRC has no power to impose sanctions based on their findings. Paul Mooney, a spokesperson for And Castro for All, says that the organization is hoping that the California Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control will withdraw the SF Badlands’ liquor license. Until then, protestors will continue to picket outside of the club and encourage people not to patronize it because of its discriminatory actions.

Protestors have had broad support. When Natali tried to placate his critics by placing an advertisement in the Bay Area Reporter, a newspaper focusing on gay and lesbian issues, suggesting that community organizations hold fundraisers at Badlands. Instead, the groups—namely, And Castro for All, BGLT People in Pride, Black Rap, Community United Against Violence, Lesbian and Gays of African American Descent for Democratic Action, Men of All Colors Together, SFLGBT Pride Committee, and the Stop AIDS Project—responded by joining the protest.

Already, their action is having a negative effect on SF Badlands’ business, according to Mooney. Passers-by have shown support to the picketers and have even joined in on occasion. Meanwhile, to bring customers back to the bar, Badlands’ supporters and employees started handing out coupons for half priced drinks. Some hard-core supporters have expressed anger over the charges against the bar. One person exiting raised his fists and shouted “white power,” Sowo recalls, and picketers have been cursed at and spat upon by angry patrons.

The truth is many people have known about Castro racism for a long time, even before Marlon Riggs exposed his invisibility in the movie Tongues Untied. Racism created injuries because it was rarely discussed. Perhaps, the LGBT community wanted too much to believe that it was the most inclusive community in the world. At the same time, some people have given up on the community, thinking that the discrimination is too thick, too painful, to live with; others, though, have been waiting for this moment to stand up and let their voices be heard.

Niels Teunis, Ph.D., is an assistant professor in human sexuality studies at San Francisco State University. His research focuses on racism in the gay male community, and in that context, he has performed in community plays that address this issue.

Comments

Anonymous's picture

This is funny. I find it

This is funny. I find it interested as a SF native to see these posting about gay blk men. Maybe many are true about harrassment but it hasn't been in my experience. I've dated white men for years and years (not anymore though) and I'll tell you that they're without a doubt, some of the most ignorant, mentally twisted, racist individuals I've ever met, especially the ones who date men of color. Many of them feel entitled and think less of you so when they get rejected, they turn into mad men calling you every racial slur in the book! I know tons of other men of color (not just blk men) who experienced these types behavior from white men. Far as the castro, it has a history of discrimination from white gay men dating back to the early 60's, nothing new. In today's society, it seems like every man for themself, regardless of color. Yes, race is still a huge factor in the gay world but so as many other discriminatory factors such as, age, body type, role (top or bottom), eye color, hair, hairy or smooth, cut or uncut, etc. The castro is still to this day very segregated. Many Older guys feel like outcasts in bars where younger guys are. Then again, those same older white guys, discriminate against other older gay men. Asian men cry discrimination but yet, many of them say in the profiles, "white men only". My advice for any gay blk man in sf is to get out and travel. You'll do better in places like NY, L.A, Europe, etc. There you'll be far more appreciated and respected. Leave the castro to the whites and their super silly admirers. I used to be more open and friendly towards white men but after repeated objectification and discrimination on their part, I say fuck all of them with a passion. I know not all white dudes in the bay area are like this but most of them are no fucking good.

Anonymous's picture

Hidden Factors of the Castro.

For myself resident of 36yrs: I've seen. Allot" sudden change America. Shall not change we
right to believe. Theory or not'__all social order. Has [divisions]the attitude of the Castro.

Yes is changing not for example. Of Gay self-esteem but those living on. False assurance this
what is to resident. Of the Castro it more than the club scenes. We work and also contribute to
making Castro. Better even your white and older male. The twinks assume; your Mr. Bucks. Well
this myth working and respecting values. Is all majority of seek to improve. The Castro thanks
for the blog and my input!

Anonymous's picture

Encouragement of Change? Castro Street and Noe Valley

I hear so much, regarding. Conduct" additionally, the definably of Class. Certain people attempt:
the generalization of Gay identity. Furthermore, I resent standard if your. Gay living in San Francisco your part [of] what? Clubs this what I moved to San Francisco for. To say openly Gay!
I hope someone reading this laughs. This what new resident assume! This the opposite, I'm not into.
__promiscuity just single. Relationships I do (respect) other men. But I notice the desire: to score asking personal. Questions about net worth? I comes to mind what happen to Mark Welsh? Shall some guy attempt to extort money from me? Still greater Noe Valley and Diamond Heights are wonderful. Appreciate the diversity of residence which Upper Market. Area has you do not have to a part of the night life. I speak for myself I rather have private events. Still sorry that so many, have experience disenchantment. With the Castro regarding race. Black young Gays with (Hip Hop) attire, I bypass them. There not my type nor tattoo White males with enlarged earrings! Without being bias ...still Castro attractions. All walks of life but I see. The reserve reaction on non locals! Especially Black Gays they literally; ignore them. I ask is the Castro problem or club owners the answer. The later (address) your' civil liberties: along Board of Supervisors. Stop generalizing what you read as White. Male whom is consider...status Gay example. Advocate change on what we perceive Gay standards. I feel what we want is safety and attention. To health for those reading my comment. Live life to the "fullest" everyone has there opinion. Support Castro area improve it to become a quality standard. Neighborhood forget the local crime. No area is perfect let's make the change. Mark and many others were victims let's. Learn and encourage change not Hate!

Anonymous's picture

Encouragement of Change? Castro Street and Noe Valley

I hear so much, regarding. Conduct" additionally, the definably of Class. Certain people attempt:
the generalization of Gay identity. Furthermore, I resent standard if your. Gay living in San Francisco your part [of] what? Clubs this what I moved to San Francisco for. To say openly Gay!
I hope someone reading this laughs. This what new resident assume! This the opposite, I'm not into.
__promiscuity just single. Relationships I do (respect) other men. But I notice the desire: to score asking personal. Questions about net worth? I comes to mind what happen to Mark Welsh? Shall some guy attempt to extort money from me? Still greater Noe Valley and Diamond Heights are wonderful. Appreciate the diversity of residence which Upper Market. Area has you do not have to a part of the night life. I speak for myself I rather have private events. Still sorry that so many, have experience disenchantment. With the Castro regarding race. Black young Gays with (Hip Hop) attire, I bypass them. There not my type nor tattoo White males with enlarged earrings! Without being bias ...still Castro attractions. All walks of life but I see. The reserve reaction on non locals! Especially Black Gays they literally; ignore them. I ask is the Castro problem or club owners the answer. The later (address) your' civil liberties: along board of supervisors. Stop generalizing what you read as White. Male whom is consider...status Gay example. Advocate change on what we perceive Gay standards. I feel what we want is safety and attention. To health for those reading my comment. Live life to the "fullest" everyone has there opinion. Support Castro area improve it to become a quality standard. Neighborhood forget the local crime. No area is perfect let's make the change. Mark and many others were victims let's. Learn and encourage change not Hate!

Anonymous's picture

For the political correctness! Of classless Castro Street!!!

Castro shall remain the enviornment for. Years to "come" and besides I have. No problems such
as insecurity: lack of Gay awarness. What is the Castro in general. Area of amusement not at
the least cultural. Castro brings negative remarks, upon' unquote. Gay status nothing more than
Jocks looking for Mr. Stud or Cruisingworld. But still the concern how safe? Is the, Castro
as...safe we want it. Color is not the issue just attitude. It because of high rents or expensive homes? Many factors but still why only. Use Mark Welch as example__many men. Been
harass you heard this before, so what is the Gay community. Doing about it nothing? What makes
me angered is lack of conscious; or unity it's always disunity. Black gays feel they: need to
find another neighorhood. Why run but still this my opinion. If the Castro commitee close
2 Black predominantly. Clubs this is an insult and statement, your not wanted! Economically,
I not impress with tourist department of Upper Market. Tourist only visit to look at the spectacles! Yes personal express, I myself present myself. To be respected this not the case.
In the innocent nice Castro wake up! Before your {Glory Holes} are washed! Recuse not to judge... this what makes the Gay community the liberal freedom of choice.

Anonymous's picture

"Exclusion from Castro" Shall not enter Black Clubs!

Yes it true thankful for this blog. People are
telling the truth. Which are overlook for so long.
Are you guys aware of murder which happen. August
2009 in Castro regarding narcotics. The murder was
White whom later shot himself. What I am saying White
gay media keeps this hush hush! But any way I use to enjoy. The relax crowd, but new generation of Black. Men are trashy (call_ me White male. Lover I always enjoy men of different cultures. But back to Mark you have my support. Luckly, Mark your alive
but still. My question were is this trash coming from? As Black man I do not feel safe in Oakland.
Nor Black community in America. Call me outsider!
We would have good time in Castro. No one cared what
color you are. But now I see the resentment, to
degree stay away! I find Black gays offesive and rude
with experience. They try to use you and always deny
the truth! Mark do not think Blacks would do you
any harm! This was trash and when enter clubs. They
always approach Black men first. This makes me angered but still. Since the crime Mark Blacks are
not welcome anywhere. If you think I'm bullshiting
you try get into nice. Club being Black you wait
out side then get the picture. Go else where race
shall always divide America. I like all men not into
racial shit! Your attitude has cause exclusion to
African Americans. Yes as many men I feel. Inhibited
due to your lack of respect of fellow Black men!

Anonymous's picture

What happen to Castro Street?

Since the incident, everyone is on guard. Such as being observant: and (glare) of should. Racial
division not along the Gay community. Just class, you heard this so many times. It is true there
conformity in Northern California. But still Mark you never said anything racist. So why the
...dissertations of truths! This was a crime" which inexplicable yes there. Still allot of hidden'
untruths going on? For one the low class trash! Most of men within club area: are mature. But
still the generalizations. Need to cease for those whom despises certain. Cultural let's make
a truce? Or can we...enjoy life but we need to. Allow the cultural influence: Castro to prosper.
By reporting odd behaviors to club owners. Yes guy follow me before until friend came! Castro is
for everyone there no outsiders. That now of still Mark, since the mishap. Racial tension is
abound__ not because of crime. It always existed acknowledge [truth] Mark. There's allot of non-
California in San Francisco. Besides the (drugs) which are sold in clubs. Gay community, still
goes on so let's not play innocent. Mark this imperative: you are HIV positive! You say this
nothing do with crime. But still are being honest with men? This also a crime if not informed men. As
Gay male the concern of the crime has heighten hate! Only thing which relevant...Gay community
is Prop 8 and AIDS. Concern are behavior is giving Castro bad name. Still Mark you have my support
rape is a crime. And to remain aloof I could me next! Sit and chuckle ...until your Ass is harm!

Anonymous's picture

Mark The "Icon" of Incongruity in the Castro!

My concern, what can we do? Not only Mark, but many others. Have been harassed; even belittled!
Yes offensive jestures: the comments are accurate! Is there a "resolution? I would hope so for
myself. Yes while residing in San Francisco. The unwanted sexual"advancements: no this truth!
See for myself, it not race nor region. But respect the Gay community has lost. The dignity__which is (rendered). I notice the media "downplayed" the crime! Why not because of
Gay community; the impartial. Judgement men do not get raped? Well, Mark and many innocent
victims: have the emotional scars. Referring to my (experience) I am not. Inclined to go with
a man in club whom seems. To be high on narcotics: this prevalent! Yes, in the "Castro" allot
of White males. I shall say the Black males what I see. All not what the media says. Henceforth,it's regurgitated to generalize! I guess Mark what you encountered? Was the trash
whom injuriously: cause racial strive for all of us. For myself White male yes we do. Segregate
in the Gay community, this not the isssue: here. Argument Mark was a innocent man whom you date.
Is not the topic matter: why Mark someone. Decided to harm, you for no reason! Lucky your alive
I had friends whom were. Drug and robbed no by White guys! For drugs basically what's on are
minds! Is the Castro safe? And if crime arised__shall we get support. From City Hall be ignored;
still in some minds. This internal Gay contentions no actually! To the matter lack of acknowledgment of crimes. I've so much petty fights that's gotten my attention. Yes on Folsom
Street...no physical fighting! Why do we continue to ignore the truth? The picture of ideal
Gay community the example. Tell me Mark you have my support: thankfully your still with us!
For myself not a racist, I date men of my choice. To call me racist this introspective? So,
all Black Gays like each other? Mark was hurt we go out for enjoyment. No do not, tell me:
get over it! Where tired of immature and insecure men. Impairing what is left of heritage
Gay community. In San Francisco let's address this issue. Forget the tangible'reciprocality: of
the nature of things! Gay generation, of today needs to. Decide prompt respect in are community
so we can enjoy better tomorrow. Mark I'm sorry for being grandiloquent! Castro is not about
race! As some persons elude upon. Simply" Mark was harmed and could be killed! You Black Gays
always protect the bad guy. Whom does nothing for your cause. Do I support division? I favor
courteous,stateliness neighorhood. But this only my suggestion: if your trash! Do residence
of concern a favor? Stay out of the Castro your not appreciated. Stop giving Gays a bad name!

Anonymous's picture

Rose Coloured: Condoms and Doubt?"

Mark you have every reason: To feel apprehensive do to the nature. Of the crime furthermore; lack of support! From Gay organizations, which is apparent! What comes to mind, why do African
Americans become: So "defensive upon racial" indifference? Mark was an victim along with myself"
just identifying the assailants. So your "racist...this unclear. What experience myself as
resident of San Francisco. African American and Latins, trying to solcit! Themselves asking for
money, I thought? Clubs for Gays, intailed enjoyment. Not harassment: But when you address this.
Your classified as,__racist! I've called slanderous names, by immature Gays! Yes most are Black
so when this expose why become defensive? Answer me along with Mark other men. Whom be harassed'
and for, the record. I to was robbed by gun! Black male whom: cruising to find victims. This has
nothing to with: Gay community! Your not being pellucid; if your none. White it's okay to hurt
innocent people? Mark is not a racist...just viticm: To the incongruous behavior of Low lifes!
That's not part: of the Gay awareness. All I read, Mark and White Gays, this and that? Generalization even myself, to the extent: I gotten into 8 [fights] majorty Blacks! Grabbing my
Ass this why I seldom: Go out to clubs on adverse: Attitudes but still__many shall read. The
comments" and laugh until: You encounter it I've been. To different cities; nothing__I notice
this. When a Black male, interacts with non Blacks in clubs. I racial undertones---resentment
because I am White? Why did Mark and many others. Ask why would someone hurt me. Can you answer
that__Black males feel there superior. To most White gays...this what I feel. For those whom
always; where racist and Nazi's. Go "else where" to harass and harm people no. I did not say
race nor ethnic: so you have your opinions!

Anonymous's picture

Offensive Manners in Gay community Let's Address Them!

Mark it's been a while since the incident. Becoming pathetic and repugnant: beside lack of.
Respect this effects all of us what expect. Gay community but unfortunately, the attitude to
be impulsive. I had to fight a young male whom harass. Myself and date recently, in Phoneix
race not the issue. Mark the fantasy and reality what means to be. Gay this not being address
shall unite. Mark your not only man whom was victimized! When we say as "Gay men not interest?
It should be define nothing more to youth. Whom seeing are on some trip...reject this and. Becoming
very trashy and allot of clubs are becoming private. To prevent innocent people getting harm, San
Francisco when visit. Is not the picture of ideal Gay culture. Why the flamboyant ...display of
lack conscience call me. Opinionated this honest truth I am gay Mark. If seek sex why should throw
down everyone face! Without labeling color Mark it is the youth. Would disrespect the values of
privacy abuse is lack. Of self-esteem Mark majority what see within America! Youth cause the
division yes my attacker was mid-30's white male. Whom what not let up...Mark for the record let's.
Make a stronger Gay community or division shall destroy. All of us my date Mark was Black does it
matter. Strong Gay community is are goal for America. Not disputatious remarks Mark can we move on!

Anonymous's picture

Progress of Understandings within Gay community"

...Well literally every Gay publication was. Aware of the incident regarding, rape in the Castro. Former resident whom familiar with the objectives. I ask Mark have ever had the experience prior. No not the assualt no men: whom were persistent? For now what I see is
...racial enclave)__hateful aftermath. I reside in New England with repeating, which was.
State on pass comments, yes with full acknowledgement. The segregation not so much race
but income and profession. San Francisco is no longer...the cultural influence. Yes I see freedom but still, and traditional resentment. Against Gays as most cities your income is
"ticket" for acceptance. For a conservative Gay organization to generalize. This irrelvant
what happen to Mark is daily incident. Such as unwanted touching in clubs, which everywhere.
So basically, the media sensationalized the story! Mark this rhetoric your no this. You own
an so called unprofessional video store. As Gay male I detest such operations! This my opinion
without the peroration Mark, have you been frighten. On going out to enjoy life, and dating
men not because of race. This still hidden indiegencies which shall destroy the Gay community.
San Francisco needs to cease the superficial image. United City of Gay freedom the opposite
City of False Notions! Assurance I dated many White men in San Francisco. Race was not the issue!

Anonymous's picture

Is Gay the "Black" Answer me?

What comes to mind regarding unity in coservative. America the disunity within Gay community,
I see it in Chicago. How can the National Gay front argue discrimination and same. Historial
attitudes persist which ease: only knowing limited opinions. The assault which occur in the Castro is nothing new. Are you abreast with fighting and squabbles yes. Couples are having see
you see were is the content. Of this why because Mark Welch is white. He gets sympathy and besides the daily fights this always! Downplay yes I'm irrate as many men is because Mark. Is
accepted within the neigborhood? I wonder if there would been White men know this would been.
Ignored yeah the "Great" Harvey Milk whom icon is milked by. The conservative Gay community
not representing Gay princples actually care? About assualt and harassment within the Gay community but to say Blacks cause. Problems this is racist and Gay Front says "The New Black"
so tell me. Is this subjective? Mark if they called you derogatory remark! Why did you rationalise this your opinion. Mark I know you sleep with Black men you'll say. This irrelvant
but so was the affrontment of saying Blacks. Cause problems in Gay community are you aware
most straights. Would like to imprison us if they could! So Mark why creat an seperation which
we need support. To surpress disunity come on Mark there plenty of Gay White trash! In San Francisco and most men as yourseld believe remain aloof. From this element for those whom, distorted the facts of this crime. Race has nothing to do with it. Majority of Gay bashing
is usually Whites okay! So let's come {Straight} did I say that. Just humor Mark it's not you
but the journalist are the regionalist! The difference so could glory of Gay liberation.
Is no longer San Francisco as many would believe. The prejudice is apparent, in San Francisco
and major Gay communities in America. You feel certain support groups whom are spoke authority
for us. This not valid when non-professional Gays, especially minorities. There resentment I
see older rich White Gays prompting there agenda. And Mark your supported by older White Gay
males. Come on ever since the incident Mark have any innocent Black. Gay males approach you
be means of attempted assualt. Yes I am tired as many Gays besides color yes. San Francisco is
not what the "icon" Harvey Milk envision. Yeah tell like it is yes your majority but you do
not. Run San Francisco nor Chicago economically the Castro. Is neighborhood which own by externals and anyone including myself. Has the freedom to enjoy it so stop racial labelling!

Anonymous's picture

Let's respect the liberites of Gays!

The American Gay community is in disarray? Why the lack of organizations no I not. Referring
to actives nor advocating civil rights. The elites attitude which is undertone of conservative
this the honest truth. Formerly, residing in San Francisco the apparent difference is the
majority. Have certain perceptions of being "sexually accepted' if I appropriated. No this incident
which has always been a problem. But you notice, gotten media attention. Why the conservative
White and Asian media around California with there insight Prop 8 got away! Now back to the
article if your not the image. Which most San Francisco gay expect your out the picture. To be
Gay in San Francisco the illusion yes conformity which. We resent regarding, sexuality ...have
place goals and manners on gay men. You most be professional making sufficient compensation. Never
assist unfortunate Gays. Yes this the so call elite whom sided. With the conservatives whom detest
Gays you cannot change this demeanor. I see it if your aware San Francisco Gay community is among
themselves and the ego! Many feel there representing the "entire gay" community. See I from
southern California and most Gay communities. Prefer there own agenda not the example so what
I am saying is this equality? Answer is no just standard reactions. Would say this was racist in nature yes! Why the irrational need to close specific nightclubs? Another factor the rational
reaction of the incident. For the reader no matter if your straight. You cannot not perceive
behavior unfortunately the Bay Area is impulsive! When you say no! Which you implied this opposed
I was not the victim nor. Becoming racially impartial I know both sides, resolution appreciate.
All behaves for those whom are conservative. There many fights yes physical encounters within
San Francisco gay community try Folsom street. When jocks become envious then anger aroused but
this not Gay issue. This human nature the principles were distorted by the media. They were scare
of what race is not the issue. It was a crime but why say certain heritage. It makes me feel uneasy
to extent most clubs play the selection. Game and still indirectly (discriminate) gays. This has
tarnish trust among Gays I see and feel it. Why have so many successful Gays whom reside in San
Francisco believe the incident. Mark Welch is not a racist he seeks justice for the crime. Not
San Francisco this happening else where to gays. The impulse disrespect if you decline my advancements. Then I shall harm you I hope this did not offend anyone. For the former clubs fight
back with law suits if your Gay your one color. Of what of hope and freedom to enjoy are lives.
In uncertain America you can call me bias! This the truth stop the elite label for Gays.

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