With San Francisco and now California’s orders to shut bars and clubs, many people who work in San Francisco’s LGBTQ nightlife scene – bartenders, barbacks, security, drag performers, go-go dancers, and more – are suddenly finding themselves without an income. In addition, the “shelter in place” policies are also cancelling the private parties that many bartenders and performers used to supplement their income.
The initial impetus for this list was to support nightlife organizations, but we realize now that many other businesses have like smaller coffee shops have also had to close. We created a separate section at the bottom for those business campaigns.
We know these are not the only campaigns out there. If you know of others supporting large groups of San Francisco’s LGBTQ nightlife workers, please let us know in the comments or on Twitter and we will update this page.
Many individual performers and nightlife workers are also creating side hustles (their own GoFundMe campaigns, Cameos, OnlyFans, Venmo links, and more). While this article isn’t the best place for all of those, we will happily retweet your efforts on Twitter, and may consider other ways to promote these individual efforts as well.
Multi-business Campaigns
SF Queer Nightlife Fund
Donate to the SF Queer Nightlife Fund to support employees of LGBTQ nightlife venues throughout the city. Also provides streaming fundraising events. Their Facebook page also posts other resources for LGBTQ nightlife workers seeking assistance.
Nightlife Businesses
Beaux
GoFundMe campaign, which the bar owners will match (up to $10,000).
The Detour
GoFundMe campaign to support employees of the Castro’s newest video bar.
The Edge
GoFundMe campaign. The bar owners are matching up to $5,000.
El Rio
Creating a Patreon with different membership levels that will provide benefits once they are able to reopen.
Hi Tops SF
GoFundMe campaign, with a promise of a t-shirt when they reopen for donations of $75 or more.
The Last Call
GoFundMe campaign for the smallest and easterly-most gay bar in the Castro.
LookOut SF
The LookOut is allowing patrons to purchase gift cards that can be redeemed for drinks when the bar is able to reopen.
Martuni’s
GoFundMe campaign for the employees of the piano/cabaret bar.
The Midnight Sun
GoFundMe campaign, which the owners will match up to $5,000.
The Mix
GoFundMe to support employees of The Mix.
Moby Dick
GoFundMe campaign to support Moby Dick employees.
Oasis SF
IndieGoGo campaign with perks such as tickets to future cabaret shows.
The Stud
GoFundMe campaign to support the employee-owned queer collective.
Other Businesses
Spike’s Coffees and Teas
GoFundMe campaign to support the baristas.
Related COVID-19 Resources
- San Francisco Department of Public Health’s COVID-19 Page
- Stay at Home FAQ
- SF Shelter in Place Order
- Center for Disease Control & Prevention (CDC)’s COVID-19 Page
