On this date in 1864, Irish writer Oscar Wilde, now honored on Castro’s Rainbow Honor Walk, was born in Dublin, Ireland. Wilde was the toast of San Francisco when he visited in 1882. He later reportedly remarked, in a quote that hinted, perhaps unintentionally, at the City’s early refuge for men wanting to start a new gay life:
It’s an odd thing, but anyone who disappears is said to be seen in San Francisco. It must be a delightful city and possess all the attractions of the next world.
In 1895, Wilde was convicted of “gross indecency” for the crime of homosexual buggery and was sentenced to two years of hard labor. His health broken, he died less than three years after release.
October 14, 1979
On this date in 1979, an estimated 75,000 to 125,000 people marched on Washington for LGBT rights. The march helped nationalize the gay rights movement, which previously had focused on local issues.
Author: Royal Scribe
The Royal Scribe is a 5th generation native-born San Franciscan. The Danish side of his family, including his great grandfather, were longtime Eureka Valley residents (now known as The Castro) more than 50 years before the Royal Scribe moved into the now-gay neighborhood.
1979A group of 10 to 15 men, including several police officers, assault patrons at the lesbian bar Peg's Place. When the police arrive, they refuse to take witness statements, take sobriety tests of the attackers, or offer medical assistance to the victims.
1986The Jon Sims Center for the Performing Arts opens. It is named after Jon Sims, founder of the SF Lesbian/Gay Freedom Band and the SF Gay Men's Chorus.
2017Artist/activist Gilbert Baker, who designed and created the first Rainbow Flag in San Francisco in 1978, passes away in his sleep in his New York City home.
