The Stud, which is the oldest gay bar in San Francisco, is expected to reopen its doors in 2024 following its closure due to rent inflation in May 2020. According to the San Francisco Chronicle, the iconic venue will be located in the South Market area, three blocks from its original spot on Folsom St. The bar’s permanent closure prompted campaign groups to step forward in efforts to save it. The campaign groups were successful in their advocacy, and The Stud will reopen with the help of a fundraiser that has raised more than $45,000 out of a target of $500,000.
The reopening of The Stud comes as a relief to San Francisco’s queer community, which had made it a hub for live performances, drag shows, and club nights since its opening in 1966. The venue will reopen with a 15-person team from the collective that took over its operations, intending to keep bringing cutting-edge artists to the city in an inclusive and freeform environment. They have hosted dance music acts such as Ben UFO and rRoxymore in the past.
The fundraiser set up to support The Stud’s renovation and building work is urging the nightlife community to assist in its reopening. Co-owner Marke Bieschke expressed hope that the venue would shine as “a beacon of community and love,” providing a safe haven for the LGBTQIA+ community inside a fun and drama-free environment.
The Stud is considered one of the oldest cooperatively owned queer clubs in the United States, and its eventual reopening marks its growth and persistence in the face of adversity. To donate to The Stud’s fundraiser, head to their website and join the cause
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