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ISSUE FIVE, MAY 2014

BECOMING

BEBE THE JOURNEY OF BEBE SWEETBRIAR

TOAD HALL THE ORIGINAL HIPSTER BAR

IGGY AZALEA IS THE NEW CLASSIC

CAMERON MITCHELL LIVING LIFE AFTER PORN

TRAX HAIGHT’S HOT SPOT

RESILIENT FOR POSITIVE MEN AT OMG!

HE WANTS TO OPEN UP THE RELATIONSHIP

AXE WENDY

PLACE HOLDER /// DELETE BEFORE PRINTING

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One of the reasons I decided to move to San Francisco was the large number of HIV+ guys who live here. I thought I wouldn’t have to deal with stigma and it would be easier to meet other HIV+ guys. For the most part, that has been the case. However, it requires that you actually put yourself out there. One of the things people don’t realize is how socially isolating an HIV diagnosis can be. It’s not about how others perceive you, but how you perceive yourself. Those perceptions can really get in the way. The goal of RESILIENT is to give HIV+ guys a place where they can socialize with other guys without worrying about their status.

Before launching RESILIENT we took time to �ind out exactly what people wanted in a social event. The consensus was that the RESILIENT should take place monthly in the early evening. We decided on Club OMG because we wanted a venue that was off the beaten path but still had a lot of appeal. It’s just the right size, allowing people to socialize in the front and dance in the back. The dome over the dance �loor is also pretty amazing. After every event we send out a survey to get feedback. It’s important to us that this event meets the needs of our guests. That’s one reason we advertise it as “by and for HIV+ guys.”

Some of the suggestions we’re looking into include incorporating more social activities like movies or facilitated networking. We’ve recently introduced themed events and are hoping to put together a fundraiser to raise money for those organizations that support the HIV+ community sometime in the third quarter. Based on suggestions we’re also making adjustments to how we advertise. Up to now most of our advertising has been on social media and via word of mouth.

The response we’ve had has been great. Everyone we’ve talked to feels that RESILIENT is de�initely needed and that the vibe is right. Every month the crowd continues to grow and we always have a good mix of guys. You’ll �ind guys of all ages and of all type. While most of the people who attend are HIV+, RESILIENT is also for our allies. What is an ally? Allies are the HIV- people in our lives who are our partners, lovers and friends. They're people who don’t care about our HIV+ status and support us no matter what.

Because our goal is to reduce social isolation we don’t charge a cover to attend. We want to make RESILIENT as accessible as possible. The DJs and dancers are all working at discounted rates and Team Resilient (the people who make the event happen) are all volunteers. We’re always looking for DJs, dancers, photographers and graphic designers who are willing to discount or donate their time and services to help make RESILIENT a success.

AXE WENDY SENSIBLE ADVICE FROM A BITCH WITH NO SENSE

Dear Wendy, My mom thinks I don't like the fact that she's gay. The truth is, I just hate the women she selects. I think she deserves the BEST - and she is bringing home these women who are just using her for what they can get. Every time I speak up, she thinks it's because she's gay that I am upset... and she turns into a total bitch. How can I explain to her that she needs to up her standards?

Sincerely, Wendy Ho is a famous entertaintress. Find out more at WendyHo.net Son of a Bitch Got a question for Wendy? Send it in! axewendy@gmail.com Dear SOB,

I’m so sorry that you feel that yo mama’s partner picker is off. I’ve seen this kind of thing happen before in dating, where someone we care about is dating someone we just don’t care for, and we think we should tell them that in our humble opinion, “you’re picking low hanging fruit, and it’s going bad FAST.” BUT NOT SO FAST. Before you go doing anyone any favors, let’s be clear: These are your standards we’re talking about here, not your mother’s. You asked for my advice so, I’m gonna give it to ya:: STFU and Let yo Mama learn how to date. I know, it hurts to watch people we love make mistakes! However, the way we ALL learn and grow is through faltering.

Can you imagine if when you were learning to walk your mother said “You know, SOB, you fall WAY too much! No more walking for you,” um that would have sucked and you wouldn’t be able to walk.

If your mother is in some way being abused or taken advantage of, then by all means you do have a right to say something while she is dating the abuser, meaningkeep it in the present moment and sight a current example. Issuing always and never statements will only make your mother feel defensive about her choices, and will not provide a good learning environment for her. Do NOT explain that she needs to up her standards, because again, in this case, they aren’t hers—they are yours. If you do see something, you can say something— you could start with this “Mom, I completely accept the fact that you are gay. I love you, but I am concerned about your girlfriend and the way she speaks to you / treats you / abuses you / takes advantage of you.” It is important that you stay speci�ic and give her room to make her own decisions, even if you think her decisions are mistakes. If you don’t let her strengthen her own dating muscles now, she’ll never be able to walk, run or RISE in love.

Lead by example and let yo mama ho around…I mean date!

Dear Wendy,

Dear Wendy,

Dear Wendy,

I cheated. To make matters worse it's with someone he knows. Even though it was a one time thing and drugs were involved, I feel like the worst boyfriend ever. It was a huge mistake. I have no feelings for this other person. It won't happen again. Part of me thinks that what my boyfriend doesn't know won't hurt him - but the truth is, I don't want to be THAT kind of a dick. I know I have to tell him, but how do I tell him without losing him? What can I do to minimize the hurt?

I'm straight and my girlfriend has a gaggle of gay men that she loves to spend time with. We always end up in gay bars doing gay shit - and honestly, MOST of the time I am ok with it. But it's too much lately. Even when I don't want to go, she just goes without me. I am not worried she will cheat on me with these guys - or anything like that - I just wish we could hang out with some straight people for a change. Last time I said that to her, she called me 'homophobic.' I don't want her friends to hate me, but I just feel like sometimes I need to be around other straight couples and do couple things. Is that so bad?

My boyfriend of 6 years recently approached me to see if we could 'open up' our relationship. My response was a simple 'No.' He was �ine with that. However, the fact that he would even ask that is insulting to me. I told him from the beginning that I only wanted to share my life with ONE person - I thought we were both happy in a monogamous relationship. And since he brought this up, I am having all kinds of trust issues. I keep wondering if he has someone in mind already. Am I over reacting?

Shameful Sean Dear Shameful,

Who da hell said you gotta tell him? You don’t want to be “THAT kind of a dick!?” No you’d rather be the other kind—the honest, yet guilt free and completely SELFISH kind. Not only did you cheat, but now you want to unburden yourself on him and have him make it okay for you. If you are sure this is only one indiscretion, then the only one who will feel better after this confession is YOU, and you’ll ruin any kind of trust you had built up between you. So my advice is: don’t tell him, don’t tell ANYONE else, and take a deep look at WHY you chose to cheat. If you’re not getting needs met by your partner it’s one thing, but if you were just drunk and stupid—DON’T DO IT AGAIN, and live with the guilt, bitch. If yo man does discover that you’ve cheated, then there’s nothing you can do to minimize the hurt. You can only apologize and BEG for forgiveness.

Straight to the Gay Bar Hay Straighty! There’s nothing wrong with wanting to be around straight couples except zzzzzzzz.

Sorry what was the question? Just playing. You’re talking to a bona�ide fruit �ly here, so I’ve been guilty of taking my man to the gay bar because it’s my go-to. I feel comfortable there. But honestly, if it is important to my man and he makes plans for us to go out with other couples, I do it! The important thing here is—if it’s important to YOU, then YOU have to take the action. You can’t just bitch and complain about going to the gay bars, you have to take the initiative and make the plans to go elsewhere. If you just expect her to change hang outs cuz of something that is important to YOU, you’re working backwards. Start making coupley plans and ask your girlfriend to join, if she’s a good one, it won’t matter where ya go as long as you’re toGAYther!

Suspicious Sally Oh, Sally! Gurrrrrrl, no you’re not over reacting, but you are under questioning! Didn’t you think to ask “WHY?” No further discussion was held after you said “No?!” I’d be suspicious too, because I know myself. If someone says “no” to me without backing that shit up—I go right out and do or get whatever I was denied! He obviously has been on the look out, and has something or someone in mind, and has a REASON for it. Find out the motive, and hopefully you’ll be able to �ill whatever need he has that he’s feeling the need to get “outside help” on. I’ve said it once, I’ve said it a million times, “If you don’t please yo boo, and give him anal once in a while—someone else will.”

TRUST.

Easter Sunday, Hunky Jesus at Golden Gate Park Images by Chris Knight @ LeftCoastScenes + Glitter Bomb TV www.leftcoastscenes.com

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1. 440 2. Badlands 3. Beaux 4. Blackbird 5. Blush 6. The Café 7. Churchhill 8. The Edge 9. Hi Tops 10. Last Call 11. Lookout 12. Lucky 13 13. Midnight Sun 14. The Mix 15. Moby Dick 16. Pilsner Inn 17. QBAR 18. Toad Hall

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1. Anchor Oyster Bar 2. Barracuda Sushi 3. Bisou 4. Brandy Ho's Hunan Food 5. Cafe Flore 6. Canela Bistro Bar 7. Catch 8. Chilango 9. Chow Restaurant 10. Dante's Table 11. Eureka Restaurant 12. Fable 13. Firewood Café 14. Fork Café 15. Frapez 16. Harvey's 17. HiTops 18. Hot Cookie 19. Ike's Place 20. K*Pop 21. Kasa Indian Eatery 22. La Mediterranee 23. La Tortilla 24. Marcello's Pizza 25. MateVeza 26. Nizario's Pizza 27. Orphan Andy's 28. Osaka Sushi 29. Pesce 30. Pica Pica 31. Poesia 32. Rossi's Deli

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32. The Sausage Factory 33. SliderBar 34. Squat & Gobble 35. Starbelly 36. Super Duper Burger 37. Sweet Inspiration 38. Thai Chef 39. The Cove on Castro 40. Wasabi Bistro 41. Zapata's Mexican Grill

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EVERY FRIDAY NIGHT

ENJOY OUR NEW VIP SEATING & BOTTLE SERVICE + THE BEST OUTDOOR PATIO IN TOWN

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Iggy Azalea THE NEW CLASSIC

By Bebe Sweetbriar

Since the age of 16, Iggy Azalea has been pushing hard to overcome the glass ceiling in the male-dominated genre of rap and hip-hop. She is an Australian outback beauty with a killer �low and a debut album that declares her The New Classic. For 7 years, Azalea has faced the slamming doors of hip-hop music executives unwilling to give her a shot, bad deals, and pressure to prove she belongs in her chosen music genre. “There were days when I felt very demotivated with people’s responses or unwillingness to give me a shot. But, I'm glad I've persevered,” says Iggy about her musical journey. She de�initely wears her trials and tribulations on her chest like a badge of honor.

The struggle of working twice as hard and always aware of overcoming the double standard placed on a white female in the music industry's hip-hop game has provided solid material for Iggy to rap about, not as a complaint, but as anthem to those out there who have faced similar struggles yet walk away with triumph. No one should have to sell their soul and become something that they are not in order to satisfy the naysayers. “I have to work twice as hard. That's doubly great for me because it's made me a better artist and a better person,” says Iggy.

The announcement of her single solo record deal with Island Def Jam Records, and touring on European legs of both rapper Nas and music diva Beyonce's separate tours, 2013 proved to be the year that pushed Iggy Azalea from the talented female rapper that tried, to a budding rap superstar in the making. The release of Azalea's highly anticipated debut album ,The New Classic (April 22) debuted on iTunes Album Chart in the #1 position. While the initial ascent to the top was expected, it's longevity is yet to be seen. However, Iggy's track record of persevering leaves very little doubt about her longevity. She is here to stay.

While on her �irst major solo tour Monster Energy Outbreak Tour, I caught up with Iggy for a conversation about her career journey, her �inal acceptance on urban and pop radio, touring with Beyonce, proving herself, and the message she speaks in her music.

BeBe: Girl, you are just the hottest thing on the market right now in music.

Everything is blowing up for you. Iggy Azalea: Oh, thank you.

Even though you are young at 23, you have been doing this for a while, and it's been tough. You have had some ups and downs. So the success that is happening now has to feel really good for you. It does feel good to me. It's really weird because I didn't expect people to so into Fancy. I don't know. I'm used to putting out music and it doing fairly well, but this has been sort of a surprise and a welcomed one. I'm going 'This seems to be a bit different. They are enjoying this a bit more than usual.'

Would you say Fancy is more pop-oriented than your other stuff which is why people have taken to it so overwhelmingly? Maybe. Obviously, it's more Pop. It's #35 on Pop Radio. I think I'm fucking delusional. That's what I feel like.

I had records like Bounce, and I'm like isn't this the most Poppy-shit on fucking Earth? Fancy is way less Pop and more Urban than that. Maybe Fancy is just a better record. I don't know. I guess for me since I've put things out before I thought were more Pop and didn't get much radio play, I was surprised by radio's gravitation to Fancy, even though I de�initely think it does �it in the Pop category. I thought if this is less Pop than that and you wouldn't fuck with that, why would you fuck with this? Again, I guess it's just a better record.

This year you performed at the Dinah Weekend for all my girls in Palm Springs. How was that experience for you? It was good and fun. I had a great time. Everyone was super nice and easy. I wish I could have stayed and enjoyed Palm Springs. My friend just loves Palm Springs. He says 'It's so GAY!' And, he's very gay, too. <laughs> He wanted to show me all of the gems in Palm Springs, but I didn't get a chance to see them. I had a great time out there with all the girls. It was really cool. Everyone was just super into it and I would de�initely do it again if they asked me.

You just entered into your Monster Energy Outbreak Tour (April 23) the day after the release of your full-length debut album The New Classic, which is really cray-cray girl! You’re doing 13 performances across the U.S. in a little more than 30 days. But, this isn't your �irst bus tour, is it? You toured the European arm of Beyonce's Mrs. Carter Show World Tour at the end of 2013, right? I did. This tour isn't my �irst rodeo. I've done a few. But, Beyonce was amazing. That was the �irst time that I had done any performances in my home of Australia. So, it was pretty cool to do those �irst performances in an arena. Obviously if I was performing alone, I would not have been able to do

with some of her older music. That might have been a bit harder to gel with my style and stuff. But you never know. I love her. She's super sweet but I would never dare approach her on that tour to do something on this album (The New Classic). Maybe with a bit of success and a lot of luck, I might be able to wrangle her on my next project.

that. To perform on the same stages that I used to buy tickets to watch my favorite artists as a kid was pretty nostalgic - even if I wasn't the headliner. I remember being 13 and seeing my favorite artists here, and now I get to open for one of my favorite artists here. It was fucking cool. I just enjoyed the whole thing.

She made it so easy. Everything is so organized with her. Bey has amazing chefs, the hotel is always amazing. I'm so used to touring and everything being a bit more chaotic. Having that tour's version of a well-oiled machine was fantastic. I felt more like I was on a vacation than working on a tour. I was super happy I got to have that experience in my own country and have my family around for it. I'm really grateful.

Your current single Fancy is a collaboration with featured artist Charli XCX (of I Love It fame with Icona Pop). You think the future holds a collaboration for you with Beyonce? I mean you’re pals now since you've toured with her. You never know! I think her music that she has out now on her new album (Beyonce – The Visual Album) is a much better �it for the stuff that I do. I can de�initely visualize (a collaboration) happening now more easily than I could

The New Classic has been highly anticipated by so many people, it has to do well.

Speaking of which, The New Classic contains the four singles that you have released already over the past year (Work, Bounce, Change Your Life feat. T.I., and Fancy feat. Charli XCX), but it also has something that Katy Perry co-wrote? Yes, she co-wrote a song with me called Black Widow. She wrote the chorus that Rita Ora sings. I love Rita. She can really sing! When Katy and I wrote it we were like 'wait, who can “actually” sing?' <laughing> The song is sort of a trappy, hip-hop type of situation with a very hypnotic beat. And, I love, love, love that. I would describe the song's theme as somebody who has just �inished school and has gone out and left their family, and is now �iguring life out on their own. I think it is really re�lective of that. All the exciting and amazing things you get to do, and all the shitty things you didn't know were a part of being a grown up. Like, ‘fuck I'm broke? What?’ It's re�lective of me being in the music industry and going like ‘woah. I've always wanted to be a grown up, and be an artist, and now I get to do all these exciting things and take private planes, woah. But then, shit, deals are falling through and all that, nooooo!’ There are all these ups and downs and I think everybody can relate to that - whether you're a pop star or not. I think everyone goes through that transitional period in life, and that's really what my album is all about when you get right down to it.

There are very few hip hop superstars that happen to be female, and you are de�initely primed to reach that status. However, you are a white female in a music market that is heavily dominated by African Americans. How has your journey to this point in your career been? It has de�initely been trying. It's been hard, but I think it's expected. I kind of understand it. Nobody gets free passes. I get the feeling that I have to earn their respect more than a person maybe who comes in and is American, or comes in and is Black. Sometimes I feel this is unfair, but other times I feel I know why they need me to prove this to them. So, there are days that are incredibly frustrating.

There were days when I felt very demotivated with the responses or unwillingness to give me a shot. But, I'm glad I've persevered. I'm at the point now where I'm starting to get the industry to respect me more. It's always great to feel you are moving forward.

That makes reaching this point in your career so much sweeter because you worked hard for the respect. De�initely. After being accepted and being played on Rhythmic and Pop radio with people going 'Alright we like this record', it's very satisfying. Thank you, �inally. I could easily feel mad about it or be like 'fuck you' I don't want you to like me anyway. Then, why be mad about it? I don't want to hold a grudge. Whatever! I have to work twice as hard? That's doubly great for me because it's made me a better artist and a better person. Thank you for that, and thank you for playing my song now, too.

I know you’ve made it, girl, because you were on Good Morning America the day your album dropped. That invite don't go to e'rybody! They don't call up just anyone for that spot. <laughs> If America wasn't ready for you before, they have to be ready for you now after your performance on Good Morning America. I was like, 'Wait, you are going to let me play in the A.M.?' <laughs> You know you have made it when people are eating breakfast and watching you. You know you're doing something right. It was exciting.

Your Monster Energy Outbreak Tour stops in San Francisco on May 18. I'm so excited because it is sold out in San Fran. So, it should be good energy with lots of people there. I'm looking forward to it.

In closing, your music is so empowering for so many young people out there. Owning your strength, being who you are, saying what you need to say are always a part of your songs.

Life's puzzle pieces may not always �it in the places you would like them to �it, but you can always say that during the process I was me. I love that message in your stuff. Oh, thank you. I appreciate that. I'm super excited that everybody gets to �inally hear the album. I've been yapping on about.

Iggy Azalea's debut studio album The New Classic is available on iTunes and all other online music outlets.

Iggy is currently on her Monster Energy Outbreak Tour with a tour stop in San Francisco on May 18 at The Fillmore. Visit the the�illmore.com for more information.

For complete tour stops and the latest Iggy Azalea news go to www.iggyazalea.com

Becoming

Bebe

By David Helton | Photography by Jesse Caylor

Bebe Sweetbriar has had an exceptional journey.

Her face is one of the most recognized in the neighborhood. She is the host of some of the most popular nights in the Castro and she is known for her tireless efforts with many charity events and fundraisers. Her greatest legacy, however, would not be her endless contributions to the community - it would be her two beautiful daughters, Alessandra and Cydney.

You have two biological daughters. Were the pregnancies hard on your body? Did you enjoy being pregnant? <laughs> The stretch marks are gone, thank God. Cocoa butter does wonders.

You have two kids. Yes. I have two wonderful daughters. It's funny because often people say 'I have no regrets in life' and it seems like a cliche but for me it's true. People often ask me since I came out later in life if I had regrets about living a heterosexual life - and the answer is no. I wouldn't have my daughters had it not been for that period in my life. For so much of my life, these two girls were the only reason for living. Watching them grow up has been a gift for me. They were the reason I existed. You really do live for your kids.

How old were they when you divorced? I think my oldest was �ive and my youngest was just over a year old. They were still little kids when their mother and I divorced.

What were you doing before you became BeBe Sweetbriar? I was working in real estate and raising my kids. I had a management job in Sacramento. I actually put in 19 years in that job. Later, I had a job offer to move to San Francisco from Sacramento for more money - and since I was supporting two households, it made sense to take it.

Did that impact your ability to be a good parent? No, not at all. In fact, many of the teachers at the school didn't realize that we were divorced and that I lived in San Francisco.

I was always at every meeting and event and I participated - so they were surprised to learn that I drove in for all of those things. I was not an absentee father. I liked to be involved. When Ally got into pageants, I was there for every one.

By the way, she is stunning. We reviewed the images for the editoral and there was not a bad one in the bunch. Every shot of her was on point. <laughs> She knows how to work the camera. She did pageants for years - and that was something we actually enjoyed doing together.

Cydney & Alessandra

But they are very different. Oh yeah, they are completely two unique and separate individuals.

Straight and gay? Yes, Cydney, my youngest is a lesbian. And she is a catch.

How did your wife take it when you came out? I am assuming you ended the marriage because you were gay? Well, it didn't really go down like that. I was just so unhappy. And I didn't know why. Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s like I was miserable and I couldn't really understand the reason why. I was spending long hours at work to avoid being home - I was deliberately too tired to do anything. It was affecting my wife. It was unfair to us both.

Was there a moment when you just said 'I can't do this any more?' I was driving from a job in Fresno and it was a three hour drive. I had a lot of time to think. I came to the decision that it was time for me to make some changes so I made the phone call to my wife to let her know that we needed to talk when I got home. Mind you, at the time, the cell phone was as big as my head. <laughs>

How did you break it to her? I was just very honest with her and said 'I can't love you the way I am supposed to. I can't love you the way a man should love his wife.

And you deserve that.'

How did she take it? Did she give you some 'Waiting to Exhale' realness? <laughs> Not at all, but it was hard for us both. She blamed herself initially. There were all the usual questions. 'Is there someone else', that sort of thing.

Were you cheating on her with men? No, I hadn't been with anyone at that point.

It was all a matter of how I felt internally. I was still trying to �igure it all out.

How old were you when you came out? Oh, Lord. I was in my early thirties, maybe 32 or so. But I was struggling because I thought 'what if I make this big change and I don't like it and I want to come home to my family.' I even had a really close gay friend of mine advise me against it He told me I should stay with my wife and work it out because it would be the worst decision I ever made. But I knew in my heart and in my spirit that this needed to be done. It was very hard.

So you went from straight real estate executive to drag queen overnight? Oh, no. Honey, it was nothing like that. It was a process. I was fortunate, however, because my timing was impeccable. Pollo Del Mar and I came on to the drag scene at about the same time - and it was just right. The scene was ready for some new faces. Not just new faces, but new faces who were going to be very visible.

That's true. Because we both know that you are visible. You're out like every night. Working girl. Three gigs a night; leaving one job for the next one. <laughs> You know, I do like to work. Pollo and I are lucky that so much opportunity came along when we did. We were both elevated quickly.

So how did your children take it when you came out as a drag queen? I had been doing drag for quite sometime before I talked to them about it. They were teenagers and visiting me and I had a gig that night. I was in the bathroom for a long time getting ready. I mean I was in there for a really long time. <laughs> And when I was ready, I came in the living room where they were busy doing whatever and I was like 'Well?'

What was the reaction? It was not what I expected. My oldest, who had done pageants since she was 14, looked up and said. 'All I have to say is that all this time you could have been doing my makeup.' <laughs>

Do you feel especially blessed to have two daughters? Two sons might not have been so cool with that. I feel like I am the parent to the people I was supposed to be a parent to. You always love your kids and you want them to be good people and have a good heart and a good mind. You hope for that, but you never really expect it. But honestly, it's exactly what I have. They have been no trouble to me and a blessing in my life. I have never had to pick them up from jail or take the drugs away. None of that. I have heard nightmares from other parents - but these two ladies are out in the world and making their own way. I could not be more proud of them.

Did your wife move on with someone new? No, not really. She's dated certainly but she hasn't remarried. We've always had a line of communication. The kids were also very good about not running back and forth with the whole 'mom said this' and 'dad said that.' We were all very respectful of the situation and loved each

â&#x20AC;&#x153;You always love your kids and you want them to be good people and have a good heart and a good mind.

You hope for that, but you never really expect it. But honestly, it's exactly what I have.â&#x20AC;?

other enough to be aware of how we treated one another. We tried to have both grace and dignity throughout everything.

You gave up a successful real estate career? Why? For this. I gave it up after the girls were done with college and I knew that I didn't have to work as hard anymore.

I felt like I could start a new chapter in my life.

Did you just look wake up one morning and say, 'you know I want to be broke as fuck... what can I do to work really hard and have no money?' <laughs> I had saved some money over the years so I wasn't putting myself in jeopardy or anything like that. I was earning a good living at my day job - but also doing drag, mostly for charities and fundraisers and things like that, but I was getting offers to do so much more - and I wasn't able to take advantage of it. I wanted to be available to do more.

I have always been a performer and a singer. As a boy I am like any other boy who can sing - but as a drag queen, I am more than that. I feel like I stand out in some way.

Where did the name Bebe Sweetbriar come from? It came from a charity event that I did for a church. It was built around some saint's name that I can't even remember <laughs> They do a live musical that is produced by the members of the church. The year I participated they needed a character who was a drag queen. So they asked us, 'Does anyone want to play a drag queen.' I was nervous because I wasn't exactly the youngest thing there <laughs> but I went for it. I got the part but we needed to think of a name and I literally had seen on Will & Grace an episode where they tell you to name your �irst pet and the street you grew up on. My dog was BeBe and we lived on Sweetbriar Lane. It worked. However, I was still working in real estate at that time but after I did that show I started getting offers.

Did you have a drag mother or anything like that? No. I didn't go that route. It was more opportunity driven.

You knew how to beat your face already? We all have a learning process. You have to learn your face and what looks good on you. We all evolve with experience and we change up our looks. I look back at old photos and think to myself 'what the hell was I doing?' <laughs> But it's all part of learning the art and becoming who you want to be. Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s the ultimate platform for self expression.

You were very sick a few years ago. I got a call from someone who told me 'You need to go visit Bebe in the hospital soon because she's not going to make it.' I came in the room and you were sleeping -- you were unrecognizable. You were painfully thin. I really thought we were going to lose you. That was a terrible time in my life for sure. I almost died. I don't even remember a lot of the visits from people because I was on so many pain killers.

I was hallucinating. I even had a dream that Prince came to the room with a bunch of kids and animals <laughs> The next day I asked the nurse, 'Did you bring your kids again today?' and she was like 'What are you talking about?! I don't have any kids?' But I was convinced that I had seen children and animals in the room. <laughs> It was crazy. I lost a lot of weight. I was under 100 pounds.

How did you get to that point? Well, for one thing I was calling myself a vegetarian and I was eating horribly because I didn't know how to be a vegetarian. I had no business being a vegetarian. I wasn't taking medication correctly and I was sick but I kept going to work anyway. I had pneumonia and I didn't really know it until it was very serious. I was living and working on Castro Street and I would take the bus to go two blocks because I couldn't walk. I couldn't breathe. I eventually had an infection throughout my entire body.

Even in my bones.

Did you know how bad it was? I didn't. I mean when you are going through it you just assume it's all going to work out. The doctors come in like an episode of House with a crew of students who hold these clipboards and talk about you like you're not there. I never understood what they were saying but I just knew they were making changes since nothing was working. I didn't know how bad it was until my kids came to visit. My oldest daughter was studying to be a nurse so she could read charts and that sort of thing. And when she saw my chart I could see by her expression that something was wrong. I then started to ask more questions and at the time the doctor told me that if I had a priest or any sort of religious af�iliation that I should probably make arrangements for that person to come in and talk to me.

When they tell you to put a call into Jesus and get him on speed dial - you know it's serious. <laughs> Yes you do. You get the message loud and clear.

Are you a religious person? I have faith. I won't say I practice a religion or some doctrine. But I do like the fellowship of church. I sing in church. But I do believe that there is something there that I don't see or understand.

How did you recover from all of this? There was an experimental program and they were able to get me into it. It was led by a very well-known doctor. It saved my life. It was hard on me though. They had to insert all sorts of tubes in my body and in my lungs. It was intrusive but it saved me.

These days you are as busy as ever. I see you hosting and working almost every night of the week. I know I've called on you to help out with some of the gigs I do at The Endup. I feel great now. I eat better. I take care of myself. And what else would I be doing? I like going out and participating in a lot of different things. It drives me. Beyonce has a song called 'I Was Here' and I feel like I am really living that right now.

I was here at Harvey's. I was here at Lookout. I was here at Midnight Sun. I was here at Toad Hall. All on the same damn night. <laughs> Thankfully I have the stamina for this. I am blessed to have this opportunity.

I met your daughters and I can say that they are both intelligent and beautiful and kind and funny. Clearly you were an active parent. What's your secret to raising exceptional kids? Thank you for saying that. I am proud of them both but there is no secret. I do know that when they were little we took them everywhere and people would say 'your kids are so well behaved' and I would respond 'they act here like they do at home.' You know, you see kids jumping on furniture in stores and acting crazy and the mother will say 'Don't do that! You're not at home!' That's why they are doing that, honey, because you let them do that at home. Your home practices should be such that you can take them anywhere.

Do you see yourself doing drag until the day you die? I would like to be in a place where I can slow down and let my brand work for me. I have the TV show and the feed back is good. I enjoy that. I also write and do column work for Edge Networks and other publications. I do celebrity interviews and that sort of thing. I do hosting most of the time. I have Harvey's and Toad Hall and I host at I Just Wanna F*ckin Dance.

How has the drag community changed? I think that RuPaul's Drag Race has led some young performers to believe that they can be instant stars in the drag world. It's not that easy. What you don't realize is that the people on the show are often working in the community for many years before they �ind any kind of real success. Some people expect to be let in for free to events when they are in face - but that's something you have to earn.

It takes ten years to be an overnight success. Yes it does.

At least. If you break down every hour that you put in for your art, you probably make a few cents an hour. But you do it because you love it. I do know that I have been involved in charities all my life. I have always participated and volunteered but I have never had the kind of impact that I've had since I started doing drag. I think this is what I was meant to do. You don't have to agree with what I have to say - but I do want you to listen to me. It feels good to be heard.

L O O K S H A R P.

N E W LY E X P A N D E D OPEN SEVEN DAYS A WEEK WA L K- I N S W E L C O M E

4 1 0 2 1 9 T H / C A S T R O / 4 1 5 . 5 5 2 . 5 1 0 1 / D A D D Y S B A R B B E R S H O P. C O M

OUT&ABOUT Photography by Glitter Ricky

Everyone wishes to be saved by the Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence.

The safe word is "TRADE."

Propeller featuring Lee Burridge (All Day I Dream/Get Weird - UK). It is a true blessing to have such a lush underground scene in San Francisco. I don't usually go to venues by myself so I was terribly nervous, but as I arrived the midnight air invoked a wanderlust sensation. It was a city vibe with a Miami feel as I made my way through the crowd. Everybody was taller than me so I decided to walk up the stairs in hopes of getting a better view. It led to this little balcony halfway through where I could see the dance floor. And there he was across the room- the man himself, Lee Burridge, a true musical architect in every sense. Lee will take you on a journey. It is something that you have to be there to witness. He really bares his soul to the audience with his music. It is a heartfelt sound. I am glad I decided to venture out on my own that evening to experience part of that magic.

The launch of RYZE featuring Victor Calderone (Waveform Recordings NYC) at Mighty. I've always loved dark and dirty techno and how it seduces us into an endless night while the rest of the city sleeps.

I've always loved how supportive artists are of each other in the city - especially in the Burning Man community. DJ Zita Molnar gets her groove on to John Dill (Robot Heart NYC) for The Show at The EndUp.

CAMERON MITCHELL KEEP ON TRUCKIN’

LIVING LIFE AFTER PORN

By David Helton Photography by Jesse Caylor

Cameron Mitchell has been out of the porn business for more than

ten years and yet he remains one of the most recognizable faces (and bodies) that the industry has ever known. It's rare that someone escapes the adult �ilm industry with any successful long-term relationships, yet he has been married to the same amazing woman for nearly 20 years.

He's running a successful �itness business in Chicago and also preparing for his next bodybuilding competition in July. While he is not without his scars, he is a success story - but not for the reasons you might think. He's battled his addictions and his fears and come out on the other side a better man - and is probably one of the bravest people I've ever met.

Spending a weekend with Cameron was like hanging out with an old high school friend. He is genuine when you open up the conversation about anything serious. He doesn't hold back and will always tell you exactly what he thinks. However, he laughs a lot and likes to have fun. As a former marine who is also openly bisexual, he has a rare and refreshing perspective on sexuality. He has a warmth that is immediate and he approaches everything honestly. Cameron knows how to focus and work hard to reach his goals, but he's also a hell of a lot of fun.

He has built an incredible body, but more importantly, he has kept his kind spirit and managed to evolve into a more complete person in spite of his hardships and setbacks in his life. At 40 years old, he is a wealth of real-life experience.

How the fuck did you end up in gay porn? Well, it wasn't like I tripped, fell and landed on a porn set. <laughs> I actually started stripping on the side after my wife encouraged me to do so. I know it sounds crazy, but she was support-ive about that. I danced for women all over the Midwest and eventually ended up dancing in gay clubs. I got booked for a club in Northern Indiana just outside of Chicago and Chi Chi LaRue was also booked. We hit it off and it sorta went from there. With my desire for the attention and need for an outlet for my bisexuality, I jumped right in without any deep, extensive thought. At the time it seemed like an opportunity and I took it. I was maybe 24 or 25. Very young.

What was making that �irst movie like? It was absolutely horrifying. <laughs> I was so con�ident on my �light out to California from South Bend, Indiana. When I �inally got on set I was incredibly nervous. I mean, I threw up.

I had a dif�icult time keeping an erection. I was just basically really super stressed and out of my element. It was not a really pleasant experience and there was nothing 'sexy' about it.

Do you have any regrets about being involved in the adult �ilm industry?

Sure, I guess I do have some regrets but I don't really focus on that. Without the industry I may not have the fanbase that I do now. I do realize now, however, that it killed my ability to get sponsors for bodybuilding, many modeling contracts or mainstream entertainment. Well, until recently anyway I was just in my �irst mainstream �ilm playing a hit man - but it's always a setback when you are no longer in porn and looking to do other things. I �inally landed a part in a mainstream Indy �ilm that should be at Sundance 2015. I have 341 lines and a supporting actor role as a hitman. Very excited about this opportunity. Hoping this will be the launching pad for me into something new. I think the agonizing part is that it threw me into a drug crazed world where it seemed "normal" to be high as a kite on a regular basis.

That was where I think the real damage was done.

What advice would you have for these young guys who are considering it? Think about your future long and hard before getting rode hard and long on �ilm. <laughs>

Not a good resume builder? <laughs> No way. The reality is that it's going to make any professional job dif�icult to land afterwards. Almost impossible to do any mainstream stuff like television, �ilm, modeling. It's not glamorous nor something that's gonna go away. With smartphones today it's possible for anybody to pull it up anywhere at anytime. Things that I did 15 years ago that were only available on DVD are now viewable from any phone. You just have to understand that it's always going to be there long after you stop doing it. People can use it against you.

You struggled with meth. How did you beat it? When I was younger I was fearless. It's good to be fearless if you are a marine. It's not a good thing if you aren't afraid of drugs or don't really know your limits. I would try anything because I thought simply 'what's the worst that could happen? I’ll die? So what.' It took me years of relapsing every few months, then twice a year, then every two years and �inally one after one relapse in early 2010 to stop using. My wife was the biggest support and strength for my quitting. That bitch Tina still calls my name every so often but I run all the misery, hurt and depression that came from meth use and it's just totally opposite of what it takes for bodybuilding. No more meth use for me. It's a horrible drug with nasty side effects that will eventually lead you to a bad place.

What was that time of your life like? Did you just hide out in a room all day?

I was a popular porn star during the time when I was using meth regularly. For two years I was using meth everyday that I was awake. I was touring the country and traveling internationally so there was no time to spend all day in a room. Although I did spend quite a bit of time watching porn and engaging in some pretty devious sexual things. <laughs> I also spent a lot of time in a very dark place, depressed and scared that I'd never be able to get out of it.

What was your relationship like with your parents? In my early youth I thought it was a good relationship. I think it deteriorated as I got older. My father left so didn't see him much after the age of 12. In fact, I have seen him very little since then.

My mother and I have had our issues but I think it's better now.

Did they �lip out when they found out about the porn? I honestly didn't really care what they thought. I talked to my mom about it and she didn't really have a reaction either way.

â&#x20AC;&#x153;I knew it wasn't for me in reality. I used drugs to cope and was smart enough to know I had to get out.â&#x20AC;?

Why enlist in the marines? Unfortunately, I lost my football scholarship for not keeping my grades up. I just wasn't cut out for college then. Instead, I joined the Marine corps.

What did you get from it? It helped me grow up and gave my my �irst glimpse of the world.

When did you become sexually active? I saw way too much sexual stuff as a young kid. I was doing sexual things with the neighbor girl when were 5yrs old and with my mom's girlfriends boys when I was 7. My �irst real sex was with a neighbor boy at 12 and my 1st girl was at 13. Sounds crazy now but it all seemed completely natural then.

Was there an confusion or were you sure from the beginning that you were bisexual? There was a lot of confusion. I was a jock as a kid. Played lots of sports, got in lots of �ights. I wondered 'How could I have gay thoughts?' - It fucked with me hard as an older teenager and continued to be dif�icult to deal with even after doing gay porn. There were not a lot of masculine gay/bisexual role models around back when I was young. The only image of gay I had was the stereotypical feminine guy. That's what the media portrayed and the gay men I knew growing up were like that. It's only been in the last decade that I've become cool with who I am. I like me. <laughs> Hopefully I can help others get there sooner. A lot of people fall somewhere in the middle of the sexual spectrum - and that's normal.

You've been married for almost 20 years. How does your wife handle all this? <laughs> There really isn't "All This" anymore. I've been out of the industry for a long time and have no plans to ever go back to porn. She's always stood by me. I'd be dead without her. We have a bond and a love that just can't be explained.

What made you get out of the industry? Was there some �inal moment when you were like 'You know what, I'm done with this.' I knew it wasn't for me in reality. I used drugs to cope and was smart enough to know I had to get out. It was fun at times - and I did get caught up in it - but it was a negative time in my life. Lots of deep, dark times. The need to be happy �inally grew stronger than the need to be "loved" by fans.

You have a business of your own now - JNC Fitness -- what's it all about and how'd you get that all going? JnC�itness.net is my training business. I train the average person and I also coach semi-professional as well as professional bodybuilders. I also prepare nutritional plans and manage contest prep. It's going very well and I even won "Best Trainers of Chicago 2013" It's also the parent company for my �itness clothing line, "BEyond limITz" which will be of�icially launching soon.

What are some of the challenges you have in your day to day life running a business and also pursuing bodybuilding? My business is inside Quads gym Chicago so it's easier than some jobs. I work 8-10 hour days training others so that can tap my own motivation at times. I like to train before I start my work day. Eating is hard since my clients are back to back a lot of times leaving me a short window. As a result I tend to eat like an animal <laughs> I love bodybuilding so I don't see it as a burden. It's what I love to do.

You're a competitive bodybuilder - and you have been for most of your life.

Do you �ind that it gives you more discipline? If you're doing what you love - you'll get the job done. I don't look at it as discipline. It's what I want so I do what it takes.

You’re gearing up for the Masters in July - how is it different now in your forties than it was in your twenties? Man...you already know! <laughs> My body hurts a lot more these days, doesn't respond as well and I need more rest than I used to. But I'm much smarter with my training now and I know how to get the most out of my workouts, my diet, etc.

What are some of the misconceptions about you people seem to have?

Some!? <laughs> I think the most common statement people make is " I thought you'd be a dick but you're actually really nice." It's a compliment but it says a lot about how people judge my look. I also get people thinking they can talk to me like a piece of meat since I did porn. Nevermind that I did it more than 10 years ago. They are wrong and get my bad side and temper right back. Have some respect and we're good. Also people think that that I was gay for pay. I wasn't.

Half hetero/half homo.

“Right now in my life, I just want to be happy �irst and foremost. I want to grow my business and inspire and help others to be who they are.”

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By Jason Emer, MD, FAAD

Dermatologist | Aesthetic, Laser, And Skin Cancer Surgeon

Although sun exposure can give the skin a tanned apperance which many �ind attractive and healthy, sunlight can do some major damage. Prolonged exposure to sunlight causes age spots which can be brown or red, scaly or dry, as well as wrinkly. Worst of all, sunlight increases the risk of skin cancers, which are more common in those with fair skin tones that easily burn rather than tan, or those with a personal or family history of abnormal or many moles.

With summer around the corner it is important to protect your skin from the damaging effects of the sun. But how can you avoid the sun? Thatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s tricky, without having to hide from it completely. These ten tips can help minimize your exposure so you can enjoy time outdoors without little worry.

1. Cover up. Avoid sun exposure at its peak intensity which is between 10am and 4pm. If you have to be outdoors, wear sun protective clothing (ie Coolibar) and wide-brimmed hats. Dark, tightly woven materials absorb sunlight better than cotton fabrics in lighter shades. Dry fabrics offer more protection than wet ones.

2. Apply sunscreen. Adequete broad spectum (both UVA and UVB protection) sunscreen with at least a sun protection factor (SPF) of 30 is essential.

Apply sunscreen early, at least 20 minutes before exposure, and often, at least every 2 hours or less if you are sweating, exercising, or getting wet. For those with sensitive or easily irritated skin, consider non-chemical sunscreens termed “physical blockers.” These contain the active ingredients zinc and titanum, which are less likely to cause allergy.

3. Sensitive areas. Do not forget to apply protection to your lips, ears, hands, or hard to reach areas like your middle back. Most skin cancers occur on the head and neck, hands, and lower legs. If you are tanning nude or wearing sandals, the genitals and feet should also be protected.

4. Be aware of re�lected light. Umbrellas or shade from trees provide only little protection from sunlight, and do not protect you from rays re�lected off sand, snow, concrete or water.

5. A “healthy tan” is a myth. Gradual exposure to sunlight increases the melanin content, which is what gives the skin a brown color and protects it from burn. However, this will not protect your skin from the harmful long-term effects of the sun such as skin aging and cancers. Avoid tanning beds regardless of the reason.

6. Do not let the weather fool you. Damaging sun rays are not inhibited by clouds, take precautions even when the sun may not be completely visible.

Cool weather and high altitudes can be a dreadful combination if the the sun is shining bright and you have not taken appropriate precautions.

7. Watch out for photosensitivity. Some medications such as tetracycline antibiotics and diuretics can make your skin extra sensitive to sun exposure and increase the risk of burn. Some herbal medicines, such as St. John’s Wart, have a similar effect.

8. Sunprotect from the inside out. Supplements such as Sun Pill or Heliocare contain Polypodium leucotomos, a fern extract, that helps guard the skin from ultraviolet damage and even decreases redness after sun exposure.

9. Wear sunglasses with protection. These are important for defending the delicate skin around the eyes, as well as the eyes themselves.

10. Perform montly skin self-exams. Regular skin checks looking for new spots or changes in preexisting spots will increase your chance of early skin cancer detection.

Follow these tips and you will be fully protected from the harmful effects of the sun and can enjoy your time ourdoors without fear. It is important you seek a board-certi�ied dermatologist with expertise in the detection and management of skin cancers, and further has experience and training in cosmetic procedures for the prevention and treatment of of sun damaged and aged skin.

Dr. Jason Emer is a board certi�ied and fellowship-trained general, cosmetic and procedural dermatologist.

Connect With Him At: linkedin.com/pub/jason-emer-m-d-f-a-a-d/8a/611/662 facebook.com/pages/Jason-Emer-MD/160783127344687 menkesclinic.com

THE LAST GAY BAR ON HAIGHT STREET

TRAX GETS A FACELIFT

“It’s an artifact, a remembrance and a symbol of times gone by and times to come.”

TRAX Bar on Haight and Ashbury in the upper Haight has been in existence under different ownerships since the 1940’s. It’s had many versions of itself over the years.

In the 1960’s, it was named the Question Mark and was host to the likes of famous SF residents including Janis Joplin and the Grateful Dead. The bar gained a reputation for a new, freer lifestyle during the sexual experimentation that reached its pinnacle during the infamous Summer of Love in 1969.

The Haight-Ashbury area has also had many versions of itself. During the 1970s and 1980’s, there were �ive gay bars in the upper Haight: The Question Mark, I-Beam, The Deluxe (currently run by a homophobic owner), The Gold Cane and Gus’s Pub. Down the road in Cole Valley, a once-popular lesbian bar called Maude’s is now Finnegan’s Wake, a straight neighborhood bar. Today, TRAX is the last gay (straight-friendly) bar left in the upper Haight. Mark Wilson is now the establishment’s sole proprietor/owner.

Over time, the gay bar scene in the Haight has faded. But two men, Bob and Kenny, bought the Question Mark in 1982 and changed the name to TRAX Bar. Back then it was a leather bar with a rough crowd. But after many years and many changes TRAX Bar still remains under new ownership. It’s an artifact, a remembrance and a symbol of times gone by and times to come.

Recently, the bar’s been redesigned (still in process) with the help of Celso Dulay and Chris Knight, longtime Trax regulars and the creators of Glitter Bomb TV, a gay 20/20-like online TV show, and Gnews!, a new gay version of Talk Soup or The Daily Show – where “you can get all your gay in just one day” - which posts to YouTube on Thursdays at 4:20pm. We stopped by TRAX for a daytime drinking party to celebrate Gnews!

Mark Wilson, a San Francisco native, earned his stripes bartending and managing bars at City Nights (1984-1999), Dream Land and the Pleasure Dome before settling into a long tenure the Edge Bar for a decade. While working at The Edge, he met Gordon (Gordy) Boe. Together they bought TRAX Bar, and it’s grown in popularity ever since.

The dynamic duo also bought 440 in the Castro, which was originally named Daddy’s – a popular watering hole in the heart of the Castro, across the street from the Castro Theater. In 2013 Mark became sole owner of TRAX Bar, buying Gordy’s share, and he’s passionate about reinventing the bar once again – and giving it a fresh breath of life.

“Restoring the bar to its original glory has been a passion project for me, and the impact on business has been signi�icant,” says Wilson. “I love this bar. Neighborhood bars like TRAX are on the decline here in San Francisco; being replaced by expensive, trendy bars and clubs that just don’t have the same authentic feel.”

“I’m proud to be the owner of the last gay bar in the upper Haight,” says Wilson. “I would actually welcome the idea of having more gay bars open nearby us for its cross-traf�ic effect. We have plenty of shoe stores and head shops up here. TRAX, like The Cinch on Polk Street, is an alternate destination to the Castro and SOMA. We’re the last vestiges of gay bar culture left outside of those more well-known gay-borhoods.”

With the help of Celso Dulay, designer for project, TRAX Bar is being refurbished back to its original glory. The once-cherry-red Formica bar has been stripped to reveal it’s hidden beauty of solid mahogany underneath. And the 1940’s art deco architecture, once covered by years of paint and bad color choices, now shows its true spectacle. A new rotating show of photos by local nightlife/street photographer Chris Knight (leftcoastscenes.com), who met Celso at TRAX when he was a bartender there while studying Broadcast Media Arts at City College, has recently been added – and there are more photos on the way as street festival season in San Francisco heats up.

TRAX Bar has a friendly feel. It’s a gay bar that’s straight friendly.

During the day, it’s one of the few bars in the area that boasts a loyal daytime drinking crowd “where everybody knows your name,” if you’re a regular. TRAX Bar is a second home to many regulars, and a favorite watering hole for weary shoppers and travelers visiting the historic Haight-Ashbury area. At night, it gets much more “cruise-y” with a hot, hip crowd of all sexual persuasions and tastes.

The bar has recently expanded its selection of high-end whiskies (49 different kinds), tequilas, rums and gins, in addition to adding more local beer choices on tap and a unique variety of can beers such as Baba black lager, Snake Dog IPA, in addition to classics like PBR and Hamm’s. We have sports when people want to watch them, DJs on Fridays and Saturday nights and $2 beer all day long on Tuesdays, which has become one of TRAX Bar’s highest grossing days of the week.

Anybody who walks into TRAX Bar feels welcome by the bartenders and regulars alike (unless they’re obnoxious or too annoying). It’s a place where you can truly enjoy an authentic San Francisco atmosphere and experience, strike up interesting conversations and drop by on your own and have a great time. It also has a reputation as being a great place to hook up because it’s much easier to talk and connect compared to many other nightclubs and bars in San Francisco that can be cliquey or too loud to meet new people.

To keep up on the latest events and happenings, visit TRAX Bar on Facebook at: www.facebook.com/SFTrax, call 415-864-4213 or drop by @ 1437 Haight Street.

Mark Wilson is a local San Franciscan who grew up in the Haight-Ashbury neighborhood. He was a bartender and bar manager at Dream Land and Pleasure Dome, before establishing himself at the Edge Bar in the Castro in 1991 for more than a decade and working on the side as an events and promotion manager. As the owner of Trax Bar for �ifteen years, he’s passionate about Haight-Ashbury and San Francisco gay community.

THE MAGIC OF TOAD HALL

by Bill Lipsky

O

nce upon a time, long, long ago, when cellphones were found only in jails and televisions came with dials, San Francisco had a mythical bar called Toad Hall, innovative, trendsetting – and great fun. At a time when intimacy between consenting adults was illegal in California, it was named for the home of an imaginary being in a fairy tale, Kenneth Grahame's The Wind in the Willows – one of the very few children's classics with a gay subtext – and with a nod toward a then-popular underground edible. Some said, unjustly, that the bar took its name from its patrons. The truth, however, was that “nearly every hot man in San Francisco stopped by Toad Hall sooner or later.”

Toad Hall opened in an era of bell bottoms and love beads, peasant blouses and granny glasses. There were love-ins, be-ins and gay-ins at Golden Gate Park. In that distant Age of Aquarius, gay men from all over the country came to be among the �lower children of San Francisco, labeled the “gay capital” of the United States by Life magazine just a few years earlier. Unfortunately, many arrived too late to �ind the cheap housing Haight-Ashbury once offered, so they took themselves just over the hill to Eureka Valley, where rent was still reasonable and sunshine was plentiful. Of course, gay hippies needed gay bars, which they soon found along Castro Street, the neighborhood's main thoroughfare.

Toad Hall, which opened over Memorial Day weekend, 1971 was the �irst hippie bar in the Castro. Tom Sanford, one of its founders, wanted to call the new establishment the Iron Nun, but one of the bar's landlords, a devout Catholic, refused to allow it. So Toad Hall it became. In true hippie fashion, it featured solid black walls and a psychedelic “dayglo moderne” décor. Local artist Jason Phillips painted a large mural on one wall to illustrate the story of Mr. Toad. His work survived four �ires and countless celebrations before it was covered with steel panels when the bar became Dee Jay's in 1979.

Toad Hall quickly became the “nerve center of the Castro,” the most popular bar in Eureka Valley and one of the most successful bars in California. It was crowded afternoons and evenings, but especially Sundays after 4 pm, “when the whole town seems to show up.”

Although not especially large, Toad Hall was the �irst dance bar in the Castro. It also was one of the �irst bars anywhere to use taped music, not a jukebox. Instead of random music chosen by anyone with change, customers heard programs of carefully chosen songs that �lowed into each other seamlessly.

When other establishments in the neighborhood copied the idea, Toad Hall installed a sound station and hired a disc jockey. The innovations remained popular until City authorities discovered the owners had never applied for a dance permit, which put an end to dancing in the bar.

By the time the bar lost its dance �loor, the hippie mystique had greatly faded. In Eureka Valley, hippie beards gave way to mustaches. Men cut off their shoulder length hair and now wore their hair short.

Tank tops and tee shirts replaced tie-dyes and paisley gave way to plaid. Love beads were out; dog tags were in. Levis – the only gay jean -- replaced elephant bells and boots – sneakers for that casual look -replaced bare feet, sandals and earth shoes. The era of the Castro clone had arrived.

Toad Hall changed with the times. The idealized image of the dropout was supplanted by the image of the idealized working man. Out went the black décor and dayglo decorations. In came walls covered with distressed wood, tasteful mirrors and, behind the bar, wooden shingles. A macrame hanger supported a �ish bowl, home to a gold�ish named "Mark Spits." The result was a rustic, sylvan, intimate fern bar, the �irst fern bar in the City.

Not long after the clones replaced the �lower children, the bar had four �ires in quick succession.

According to urban legend, they were causes by arson, but the actual causes were much more mundane. In 1973 it was a transmogrifying candle, left to itself at closing time that put the damage, consuming the shingles covering the north wall.

“Toad Hall was the �irst dance bar in the Castro. It also was one of the �irst bars anywhere to use taped music, not a jukebox.”

Depending on how you look at it, the second �ire, in 1974, did much worse damage: it burned away the cardboard cases, stacked ten feet high along two walls, containing the beer delivered only the day before. Although it left the bottles standing in place on top of each other, the beer, sadly, could not now be legally sold. The clean-up crew got some, but the rest was consigned to the city dump.

The third �ire, which caused only minor damage, was due to an exposed electric wire that ignited construction materials being used to repair the damage from the second �ire; the crew put the �ire out, sat down and smoked a joint, then went back to work.

The fourth �ire happened during the bar's opening night after repairs for the previous two �ires were completed. Con�ined to the of�ice and restrooms at the back of the bar, it reopened almost as soon as the �ire �ighters left, now with free drinks to celebrate.

Toad Hall �inally closed in 1978. The next year, Dee Jay's opened in the same location with an actual permit for dancing. The Phoenix followed in 1981. When it closed in 1995, the space became part of the pharmacy next door. Now only a memory, Toad Hall will be remembered for being innovative, trendsetting – and great fun – across its storied existence.

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