October 11, 1972
MaryEllen Cunha and Peggy Forster received their liquor license for the Twin Peaks Tavern. They uncovered the plate glass windows (which had been covered back when it was a straight bar so men’s wives wouldn’t see them drinking during the day), creating what is believed to be the first LGBT bar in the world where guests could see out … and be seen from the sidewalk.
October 8, 1983
On this date in 1983, the first AIDS Candlelight Vigil/Rally was held in San Francisco.
October 9, 1984
Dr. Mervyn Silverman, SF’s Public Health Director, closed 14 of SF’s bathhouses in response to the AIDS crisis.
October 11, 1987
On this date in 1987, an estimated 200,000 LGBTs marched on Washington for LGBT rights.
October 11, 1988
In commemoration of the National March on Washington the year before, the first National Coming Out Day was celebrated.
October 6, 1989
In what later became known as the Castro Sweep, over 200 officers essentially declared martial law in the Castro in response to a peaceful ACT/UP protest.
