Codeword, the queer-friendly nightclub in San Francisco's South of Market district, has closed. Its sister club DNA Lounge, under the same ownership as Codeword, is struggling. In light of this, two San Francisco party promoters spoke to Bay Area Reporter about the future of LGBTQ nightlife in San Francisco.
"The biggest challenge is gentrification," said party promoter Alex Westhoff, better known as DJ Xander. "Condo developments are making it difficult to do what I'm doing. There are less venues. This makes it harder to keep nightlife alive."
Westhoff, whose parties include Boy Division, the queer-centric (but not exclusive) New Wave night (now held at the Cat Club), pointed to San Francisco's history of great nightlife, which included cultural diversity and locally produced music.
"Codeword was great," he said. "I was sad to hear that it was closing."
Support from the community is crucial to keeping the remaining venues alive, according to Westhoff. "If there were economic support, it will keep local nightlife alive. The more people who go out, buy drinks and food, the more nightlife there will be. People also need to speak out about what you value in your community."
"Things are always changing," said Ken Henderson, who produced the second Broadway Bares, a fundraiser for Equity Fights AIDS and the Richmond/Ermet Aid Foundation, at DNA Lounge.
"A lot of promoters are moving to New York or Los Angeles because it' so difficult here. Clubs are charging more. Those still here are looking for feasible venues. It could be a straight club that sometimes holds gay events. It's challenging. They have to go wherever there's a space. Beatbox was a great club, but it was sold. Now it's gay sometimes. Party promoters have to adapt to the changes."
Henderson mentioned promoter Cecil Russell, who had been planning a Pride dance party at Ruby Skye. But then the club announced it was closing.
"Cecil was fortunate enough to find another space," Henderson said.
Henderson offered kudos to Oasis, a club which is enjoying great success in the current high-priced market. "Oasis is a good model," he said. "They try a little bit of everything and prices are good. People have to have some grit and think outside the box."
Though it's struggling, Henderson doesn't think that DNA Lounge will close anytime soon.
"Codeword was competing with DNA," said Henderson. "Now that they closed Codeword, I don't think they'll open another club. They want DNA Lounge to stabilize. Things have gotten better."
DNA, according to Henderson, is the perfect venue for his Broadway Bares shows.
"DNA is bigger," he said. "There's lots of backstage space, which other clubs don't have."
DNA Lounge currently offers a full schedule of events at its website. Club owners are also calling upon patrons to sponsor the club.
"Your donation helps ensure that we can continue bringing you the kind of awesome, eclectic and weird events that you've come to expect from us," the club states at its homepage. "Your donation keeps us independent, and lets us continue to take chances on the kind of local live entertainment that makes San Francisco great. Won't you pitch in?"
Patrons can donate anywhere from $5 to $2,000. Donations can be made on a one time or monthly basis.