Published
Tue, Sep 19, 2023, 17:30
- The popular gay bar will begin construction this autumn in the South Market area.
The Stud, which bills itself as San Francisco's oldest queer bar, is relocating.
The bar has locked in a new location in the South Market area of San Francisco, the San Francisco Chronicle reports. Rachel Ryan, president of the Stud Collective, told Resident Advisor that they're aiming to begin construction at the end of the year with a goal to open in January or February 2024.
Co-owner Marke Bieschke also spoke to RA. He said that while talent booking hasn't started, "we definitely plan on taking advantage of the bigger space to throw some real ragers." Over the years, the bar has hosted the likes of Ben UFO, Wata Igarashi, rRoxymore and Noncompliant.
"We intend to keep bringing cutting-edge artists to San Francisco—often for the first time—in an inclusive and freeform environment," Bieschke added. "We're hoping this helps reignite the radical pride that made this such a special place to live and create in."
He continued: "On a more national and global scale, as the backlash to queer and trans rights continues to threaten our very existence, we hope to shine as a beacon of community and love—not to mention outrageously fun drag and dancing—where LGBTQIA+ people can reach their full expression, find romance, and just be themselves without all the drama and emergency."
Opened in 1966, The Stud began at 1535 Folsom Street before moving to Ninth and Harrison Streets in 1987. It claims to be the first cooperatively owned LGBTQIA+ venue in the US. The venue permanently closed its doors in May 2020 after 54 years of business, although its collective members teased a potential reopening with a protest at the closing. They held a banner from the rooftop that read: "This is not the end!"
The Stud's collective is currently fundraising to build the bar's new home. At the time of writing, the campaign had raised more than $45,00 of its $500,000 goal.
Photo: David Shnur