A New Beginning for a Historic Venue
After a four-year intermission caused by the global pandemic, The Stud, San Francisco’s revered LGBTQ watering hole, has made a triumphant return. Its grand reopening on April 22, 2024, at 1123 Folsom Street was a vibrant ceremony that not only marked the return of a nightlife institution but also symbolized the enduring spirit of the city’s LGBTQ community. First opened in an era that demanded discretion and hidden spaces for the gay community, The Stud became a beacon of resistance and acceptance, emerging in 1966 as one of the oldest gay bars in the city. This new chapter begins in a space formerly housing a sports bar, providing twice the capacity of the historic original location and promising new possibilities for growth and community engagement.
Despite the prolonged shutdown, the collective owners of The Stud did not rest. Instead, they safeguarded the myriad historic relics and narratives that had found a home within its walls. Through vigorous community efforts and a fierce dedication to preserving its legacy—initiated in 2016 when the bar transitioned to collective ownership—The Stud’s spirit persevered. As the doors reopened, patrons old and new flowed into the larger, rejuvenated space, collectively celebrating a storied past and a future rich with potential. This was more than just a revival of an old bar; it was the revival of a sanctuary, where counterculture thrived and a community found solace.
A Home with Open Arms
The Stud’s reopening in San Francisco marks not just a return of a cherished nightlife spot, but a touchstone for personal journeys like Sammy Braxton-Haney’s. This LGBTQ haven saw its revival celebrated with tattoos, blessings from the Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence, and a communal embrace of its cultural legacy. The venue’s impact goes beyond entertainment; it’s a tribute to LGBTQ safe space advocates and a nurturing ground for self-expression and acceptance.
The collective is now raising $75,000 to build a stage and green room for Honey Mahogany’s upcoming drag school, reflecting The Stud’s commitment to inclusivity and the arts. More than a bar, The Stud serves as a beacon of support for the LGBTQ community, honoring a vibrant cultural heritage and ensuring its continuance into the future. The relaunch is a reaffirmation of The Stud’s position as a sanctuary and a cultural cornerstone that fosters creativity and unity.
