There has been a real flurry of events in the Castro over the last month and we've done our best to keep up with it all. Here is a quick re-cap of some of those posts and what has transpired since.
MUMC and the Transgender Flag Flap: As we reported the request to fly the Transgender Pride flag on Nov. 20 in place of the LGBT Pirde Flag in the Castro at Harvey Milk Plaza has been approved by the Merchants of Upper Market Castro (MUMC) after threats of boycotts, online petition, resubmission of application and announcement of protest. That protest set for Nov. 19 against has now been turned into a solidarity march-The Million Trans March for Inclusion & Tolerance- organized by local Transactivist/Performers, La Moni Stat and Michael Soldier. We encourage all our readers to attend and keep an eye peeled for your stalwart Castro Biscuit staff.
World Homeless Day Protest: On Oct. 11 following a march to the Castro Homeless Rights Activists, many of whom identify as LGBT, occupied an empty house that could be used as shelter highlighting this continuing, unresolved and growing issue within City twenty activist were arrested and charged with a variety of offenses including conspiracy. Court dates have been set for those arrested and we will post more on how you can help them as trial dates approach. We encourage readers to get involved in this ongoing social disgrace. According to City statistics LGBTQ kids make up between 40% to 55% of the young people within the City's homeless population. We should and can do more to help our communities in need and at risk youth.
Condoms As Evidence Law Struck Down & No On Prop. 35 March by AIDS Activist, Feminist & Sex Workers: Fifty to seventy five activist marched in the Castro to celebrate the City's decision to stop the practice of detaining and arresting people for carrying three condoms or more on your person as evidence of prostitution. Activists also used the opportunity to encourage everyone to vote no on Prop. 35, billed as stopping the sex slave trade, but actually stipulates that anyone convicted of being a sex worker must then register as a sex offender for the rest of their lives. The march was well received and many local people came out to cheer on the activists who were comprised of the reformed chapter of ACT UP/SF, members of St. James Infirmary and the No On Prop. 35 coalition.
GLBT Museum, Magnet SF, Harvey's & Outfit Hit By Vandals: At post time, according to SFPD, no one has been apprehended who broke out multiple large plate glass windows of both institutions and businesses post celebration of the Giant's winning the 2012 World Series. We're happy however to report that the GLBT Museum will be open today ready to receive visitors as is Magnet. The damage to both these much needed and heralded institutions is extensive and estimates to replace the broken windows will reach the thousands. Donations to the GLBT Museum and Magnet are still desperately needed. Your patronage of Harvey's and Outfit clothing store will also be much appreciated and help them to recover quickly from this senseless violence.
UPDATE to the UPDATE on GLBT/Magnet SF Vandalism: As of Wednesday, Oct. 31st, according to the SFPD and the Bar Area Reporter, a suspect has been identified in the vandalism and is currently under investigation. Arrest should be imminent! Good job SFPD!
Nudity in the Castro: Our recent editorial here at the Biscuit opposing Sup. Weiner's new proposed ban on public nudity has brought a lot of traffic to the site and we welcome all the new readers and viewpoints both for and against this issue. Yesterday the protest was taken to the steps of City Hall where the debate will soon reach the ears of the full SF Board of Supes. We look forward to the next development and continuing to cover this story as it evolves.
