LGBT nonprofits, businesses, religious institutions, and others are taking action related to the spread of coronavirus. Some are canceling events in the short term or making other changes.
Some organizations remain open; they are listed at the end.
The Bay Area Reporter will update this list as we receive information. Email us at [email protected]
Moratorium on events of 100 or more: Mayor London Breed on Friday, March 13, announced that the health officer of the City and County of San Francisco has issued a public health order prohibiting all non-essential events of 100 or more persons. This measure is necessary to slow the spread of novel coronavirus (COVID-19) in the community. The order is effective immediately.
Moratorium on large gatherings: After initially issuing an order banning events with 50 people or more in city-owned buildings on Friday, March 6, San Francisco Mayor London Breed issued another order Wednesday, March 11, placing a moratorium on all large gatherings of 1,000 people or more. That is in effect until March 25 and can be renewed.
Health Officer Dr. Tom�s J. Arag�n issued the order prohibiting all large group events of 1,000 or more persons. The order was expected to be in effect for at least two weeks until March 25, and can be reauthorized by the health officer.
"We're following the recommendations of public health officials to slow the spread of COVID-19 in our community," Breed stated, referring to the respiratory disease caused by coronavirus.
In a statement, Breed said the new order builds upon the city's previous order that banned non-essential group events in city-owned buildings. That order was issued March 7 and is in effect for two weeks. It also complements the March 6 guidelines regarding the coronavirus including social distancing, like not shaking hands. Try elbow bumps or waving, the guidelines state.
The city-owned buildings include City Hall, Moscone Center, Bill Graham Civic Auditorium, New Conservatory Theatre (see more below), War Memorial and Performing Arts Center (Davies Hall, Opera House, and Veterans Building), Palace of Fine Arts Theater, San Francisco Public Library at 100 Larkin Street, and Piers 27 and 35.
According to the March 7 order, non-essential group event "means any congregation of 50 or more people for any social, cultural, entertainment, or other special event or other non-essential purpose where people are not separated by physical space of at least four feet (which is slightly longer than an average arm's length)."
Cancellations, postponements
Slainte: The lesbian-owned Irish pub near Oakland's Jack London Square has canceled its third annual St. Patrick's Day block party that was scheduled for Saturday, March 14.
In a post on Facebook, owner Jackie Gallanagh wrote that officials pulled the permits due to coronavirus.
"We are heartbroken to announce that our street party permits have been pulled by Alameda County," Gallanagh wrote Thursday, March 12. "The pub will be open with music and craic [fun] but our block party is canceled."
Slainte is located at 131 Broadway.
Club Papi's weekly Friday event at Splash Video Dance Bar at 65 Post Street in downtown San Jose has been canceled, according to a March 13 Facebook post by Jaime Awad, the owner of Club Papi productions.
"Tonight's event is canceled," Awad wrote.
Awad cited Santa Clara County health regulations, promulgated March 13, putting restrictions on non-essential gatherings of between 30 and 100 people.
Club Papi hosts a weekly event in San Francisco Wednesday nights at Beaux on Market Street in the Castro district. Awad wrote that he would update everyone about that "as soon as we have more information." San Francisco non-essential gatherings of over 100 persons were also restricted beginning March 13.
Shanti: The San Francisco nonprofit that provides practical support to people living with HIV/AIDS and other illnesses announced Friday, March 13, that it has suspended all non-vital client services through March 22.
Officials made their decision based on Department of Public Health recommendations and "out of an abundance of caution and great care for our community," an email stated.
The suspension affects groups, activities desk, and non-essential in-person appointments.
"We will continue to provide care navigation and support by phone, as well as essential in-person appointments," the email stated. "Clients and volunteers can call care navigators and other Shanti staff as usual to receive support."
More detailed information can be found at www.shanti.org
Updated: Bay Area Musicals: After initially saying the shows would go on, the theater group announced Friday, March 13, that remaining performances of "The Full Monty" have been canceled.
"We are currently following guidance provided by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the California Department of Public Health, and the San Francisco Department of Public Health to fortify your well-being. The CDPH is not recommending the cancellation of public events," Matthew McCoy, founder and artistic director, wrote in an email.
For questions or concerns, email the box office at [email protected].
Mark Foehringer Dance Project SF announced that it has postponed or canceled the remainder of its 24th season.
"The health of our patrons, artists, staff, and participants comes first," Mark Foehringer wrote in an email Friday, March 13.
The company's "Alice in Wonderland" has been postponed from March 21-22, 2020 to March 2021.
Additionally, "Dancing in the Park SF," scheduled for April 25 in Golden Gate Park has been canceled and will return next April as part of the group's 25th season.
If people want to convert their tickets to a donation, they can email [email protected]
For a refund, email [email protected]
1015 Folsom: The South of Market event space, which regularly hosts LGBT circuit parties and was once an LGBT nightclub, announced on its Facebook page March 12 that its canceling events for the rest of March.
"We've been open — every week — for 35 years. But given the current situation surrounding COVID-19, we're taking a pause," the statement reads. "All existing ticket-holders for March 2020 events will be sent emails regarding any specific reschedules or cancellations."
Vintage Culture, which was scheduled at 1015 Folsom for March 13, has been postponed until July, though an exact date has yet to be announced.
RAW Artists San Francisco Presents Metamorphose, initially scheduled for March 25, has also been postponed though an exact date has yet to be announced.
It is unclear from 1015 Folsom's Facebook page whether two other events scheduled for March 20 and March 27 have been canceled or postponed.
Pacific Center: The Berkeley LGBTQ community center announced Thursday, March 12, that its programming has moved online, after a person associated with the center was tested for coronavirus.
"Though we have yet to hear back regarding the specific diagnosis of the person ... we are moving forward with a revised plan to ensure the continued wellness and safety of our team and broader community," Pacific Center for Human Growth Executive Director Michelle Gonzalez wrote in an email to supporters.
Gonzalez wrote that peer support groups, onsite and offsite, as well as Older & Out, will only be available through Zoom, a video conferencing site. Front desk volunteer shifts are canceled.
Mental health clients will be seen via phone or video conferencing.
Gonzalez added that the changes are in effect through March 29. For more information, visit www.pacificcenter.org
LGBT Community Center: The center announced March 12 that it has moved its Soiree annual benefit from Saturday, March 28, to Saturday, October 10.
Additionally, the center is taking other steps.
"We are implementing a range of precautions throughout the Center, and intend to remain available as an access point for basic needs, such as handwashing, up-to-date information via our Cyber Center, and other essential programs and services," Executive Director Rebecca Rolfe wrote in an email announcement. "Currently, we have modified our services to prioritize those most critical to the health and well-being of our community. We will continue to monitor the recommendations from experts, and will evaluate the best way to meet community needs on an ongoing basis."
Rolfe recommended people check https://www.sfcenter.org/calendar/ or email [email protected] for more information.
Openhouse Updated: the provider of services to LGBT seniors in San Francisco is suspending all of its senior programs and group activities through the end of March. It had already canceled such offerings this week.
"We continue to follow the SFDPH aggressive recommendations to try to reduce the spread of COVID-19 and ask that everyone do the same to support our seniors," wrote Executive Director Karyn Skultety, Ph.D., in a March 12 email to its clients and supporters. "These recommendations include 'social distancing' and limiting all non-required group activities, especially for older adults and persons with underlying health conditions due to increased risk for severe illness and complications from COVID-19."
The agency will continue to provide services and housing navigation by phone, as well as case management for its clients and residents of the housing at its campus on Laguna Street. In-home visits will occur if a health or safety risk needs to be addressed, stated the agency's email.
"We will begin doing check-in calls to our community members on Monday," wrote Skultety. "Community members can also call to request a check-in/support call from us."
For more information visit https://openhouse-sf.org/
To request assistance with services/housing or just a call to feel connected, people can call Openhouse's main number (415) 296-8995.
Food for Thought: The nonprofit that provides groceries, frozen meals, and other items to people living with HIV and other illnesses in Sonoma County announced Thursday, March 12, that it has canceled two fundraising events.
In an email to supporters, officials wrote that its Give Back Tuesday event scheduled for Tuesday, March 17, and Soul Cafe on March 22 will no longer take place due to the COVID-19 outbreak.
"Food for Thought hoped to raise $3,000 at these events, and we appreciate donations to help feed our clients during this challenging time," the email stated.
The organization, which is based in Forestville, serves over 850 people.
Officials said they are monitoring the situation carefully and have a tiered plan in place to respond to the pandemic as it evolves to protect clients, volunteers, and staff.
For more information, visit https://www.fftfoodbank.org/
The Circuit Sundays event featuring DJ Hannah from Miami, scheduled for Sunday, March 15, at 5 p.m. at the Cafe, 2369 Market Street in the Castro district, has been postponed, according to a Facebook post from event promoter Gus Bean.
"In the face of the current coronavirus pandemic, Gus Presents has elected to postpone our Sunday, March 15, party at the Cafe," Bean wrote on his Facebook page. "The health and safety of our valued patrons is top priority, thus we are taking a short break until the virus and the fear surrounding it are under control, #SafetyDance!"
Bean said that ticket holders will receive funds and a new date will be announced soon.
For more information, visit the Gus Presents Facebook page.
Disco Daddy's sixth annual Sylvester Tribute, which was originally scheduled to take place at the South of Market leather bar The Eagle Sunday, March 15, at 7 p.m. has been postponed.
In a statement on its Facebook event page, DJ Bus Station John said it was out of an abundance of caution.
"Be assured we are the last ones to buy into media-induced mass hysteria (how basic & boring!) or the bubble of denial (also b&b). That said, we've decided to take a little break from throwing our larger parties & step back for a spell to see how things play out over the next several weeks," the statement reads. "This is a challenging time for all of us, but we plan to stay as optimistic as a 59-year-old furball dj can be — & hope you will too."
The annual tribute to Sylvester has a cover of $7 and will tentatively take place in the same location at the same time but on May 17.
"Drag Becomes Her": Peaches Christ and some of her closest friends were set to bring this satire of "Death Becomes Her" to the Castro Theatre Saturday, March 14. But on March 12, Joshua Grannell, the alter ego of Peaches, announced the show has been postponed.
"In accordance with the governor's overnight ban of events with over 250 people we have no choice but to postpone this show to a later date," Grannell wrote on his Facebook page, referring to action Governor Gavin Newsom took Wednesday, March 11. "As you can imagine, this is a huge disappointment to all of us but the health and safety of our community must take priority. I am working with the Castro Theatre and the show's talent to find the best possible date for rescheduling and we will announce as soon as possible.
"Of course, all ticket sales will be honored at the same value for the new show. As you can imagine, this has put Peaches Christ Productions in a financially crippling position due to so much money already spent. It is our hope that with postponement we are best able to survive this as a company. Thank you all so much for understanding!"
For more on the show, see the story in this week's Arts section.
The GLBT Historical Society has moved its planned 35th anniversary party set for March 19 at its museum in the Castro online.
In an email Thursday, March 12, Executive Director Terry Beswick cited the San Francisco Department of Public Health's latest recommendations regarding coronavirus and COVID-19, the respiratory disease caused by the virus.
Those who have already purchased tickets to the planned party at the society's museum in the Castro should have received an email offering a refund. People can also choose to convert their ticket into a donation, Beswick wrote.
"The planned celebration at the museum was, of course, also a fundraiser and, like other museums and archives around the world, we are experiencing a downturn in attendance from travelers during this crisis," he added.
Additionally, as of Wednesday, all March programs at the museum, located at 4127 18th Street, have been canceled, according to its website.
Updated, 3/13/20: The Castro museum and Mid-Market archives are closed through March 31.
For more information, go to https://www.glbthistory.org/
Daytime Realness has pushed back its planned 10th Season kick off for the popular monthly dance parties from this Sunday, March 15, to Sunday, April 19, at El Rio in San Francisco's Mission District. It made the decision since its turnout falls between the 50 and 1,000 person threshold for events that city officials have said should be canceled over the next two weeks at least.
In a Facebook post, the party organizers noted they had "made the very difficult decision" to do so because the safety of its patrons and "the safety of our community is our biggest priority." But they added that healthy people should still consider patronizing the bar and other entertainment venues hurting for business amid the coronavirus outbreak.
"Many events like ours have had to cancel and this is creating a huge burden on folks in the nightlife and bar industries. Even though there won't be Daytime Realness this Sunday if you are feeling 100% healthy, not among a vulnerable population, and want to go out for some fun we recommend visiting our good friends at El Rio and supporting the amazing team behind the bar," they wrote.
For more information, visit https://www.facebook.com/DaytimeRealness/
Hard French Winter Ball has also postponed its 10th annual dance party that was set to take place this Friday, March 13, to an as yet determined date.
"While there are equally strong arguments for moving forward as there are for canceling, in the end we decided that erring on the side of caution is the most responsible thing to do," noted the party organizers in a statement on the event's ticket page. "Ticket sales reflected a general sense of apprehension, understandably. That along with recommendations from state and local health officials were factors in coming to this decision."
But they also faulted the "severe lack of action on the part of the federal government along with a lack of data and information" for causing "a very confusing situation. Since there is no way to know whether the virus might be spreading at a higher rate in the area than confirmed cases might suggest, we have chosen to turn our concerns for the health and well-being of our community into action. We've concluded that it is safer to take a position more closely aligned with those of local and state officials than that of the Trump administration."
All ticket holders will be issued refunds by next week. Those with questions should email [email protected]
LGBT Asylum Project announced that its walk-in clinic scheduled for Saturday, March 14, has been canceled to preserve the health and well-being of the community. "We are closely monitoring the coronavirus (COVID-19) in San Francisco and we are following current guidance from the San Francisco Department of Public Health that advises limiting community events," Okan Sengun, executive director and co-founder, wrote in an email.
As for next steps, Sengun wrote that those who were planning to come to the walk-in clinic should stay tuned for details about the next one. Those with emergency situations should email [email protected]
The Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence have postponed their annual Easter celebration that was to take place at San Francisco's Mission Dolores Park Sunday, April 12. It will be resurrected at a later date yet to be determined.
In a note they posted to their Facebook account March 11, the charitable drag nun group wrote, "It is with a heavy heart that we inform you that our annual Easter celebration (commonly known as 'Hunky Jesus') will be postponed to a later date due to the current threat from COVID-19 (Coronavirus) and it will not take place at Dolores Park on Easter Sunday this year."
They added, "We're terribly sad and this was a very difficult decision to make, but we're sure that this event will be even more special once it happens - don't throw your costumes away, Hunky Jesus is only postponed! We appreciate your understanding in this matter and wish everyone to be safe, healthy and full of joy!"
For more information, visit https://www.facebook.com/SFSisters/
Updated: The AIDS Memorial Quilt display planned for San Francisco's Golden Gate Park April 3-5 has been postponed to later this year. It was to be part of the sesquisentennial celebration events for the public park, which is to include a gigantic Ferris wheel in the Music Concourse, but that celebration was pushed back by city officials Tuesday, March 10.
The National AIDS Memorial Grove, which recently took over stewardship of the quilt, posted a note to its Facebook page that day that it was following the lead of city officials. The quilt display was expected to be one of the largest and busiest activities in the park for the anniversary weekend, utilizing over 500 volunteers.
"This was to have been the largest display of the quilt ever in San Francisco," stated Mike Smith, quilt co-founder. "We had an incredible response from volunteers, and many people had begun to make new panels for the Quilt to be added at the display. With this renewed community support and with the Quilt now relocated here in the Bay Area, we look forward to announcing a new date as soon as the situation warrants."
For information about the quilt and plans to display it, visit www.aidsmemorial.org
The grove announced Thursday, March 12, that it has canceled its community volunteer workday that had been set for Saturday, March 21. In an email to supporters, Executive Director John Cunningham said he would update the community in April.
Cunningham said that he has also instituted a work-at-home policy for staff through the end of March. Board and staff-related committee and contractor work will be done virtually, with no in-person meetings.
Commonwealth Club: The public affairs organization located in San Francisco announced March 10 that it has paused programming. As a precaution, all in-person events in San Francisco, Marin County, and Silicon Valley have been canceled.
The club, which features a number of LGBT programs and speakers, did say that beginning the week of March 16 people will have an opportunity to participate in some events virtually. For more information, people should check the event listings on its website at www.commonwealthclub.org
Sean Dorsey Dance: The trans-led dance company announced Tuesday, March 10, that it is postponing its spring home season, which had been scheduled for April and May.
Shawna Virago, general manager of the company, said the date change was made "because of the health issue going on."
GAPA: The Gay Asian Pacific Alliance announced Tuesday, March 10, that it has canceled its potluck that was scheduled for Sunday, March 15, at Strut, the men's health center in the Castro.
Rainbow Community Center: The LGBT community center in Concord announced Tuesday, March 10, that it has postponed, suspended, or rescheduled all in-person events, programming, and meetings through Sunday, March 22.
In an email, Executive Director Kiku Johnson noted that the LGBT population is more vulnerable to coronavirus due to its increased tobacco use rates. (COVID-19 is a respiratory illness, officials said.) Officials also said that the population has higher rates of HIV and cancer, which means more LGBTQs may have weakened immune systems, and that because of discrimination and unwelcoming attitudes in many health care settings, some LGBTQs are reluctant to seek medical care.
"LGBTQ+ communities are very familiar with the phenomena of stigma and epidemics," Johnson wrote. "We want to urge people involved with the virus response to ensure that LGBTQI+ communities are adequately served during this outbreak."
For more information, see the center's Facebook page.
Compton's Transgender Cultural District: Event organizers sent an email Monday, March 9, stating that the Bro Talk session for Wednesday, March 11, has been canceled. The event focuses on the emergence of trans masculine voices and was to have been held at Strut, the men's health center in the Castro.
The session was canceled due to the city's announcement not to have large group events.
Organizers plan to hold the next session in April, though no date has been set.
SF Pride: The San Francisco LGBT Pride Celebration Committee's membership meeting scheduled for Wednesday, March 11, has been canceled. Carolyn Wysinger, president of SF Pride's board of directors, wrote on Facebook March 9 that the organization is following city recommendations over the next two weeks.
"San Francisco Pride continues to eagerly plan for our 50th annual celebration and parade, to be held on Saturday and Sunday, June 27-28," Wysinger wrote. "The safety of our communities is our main priority. We are working diligently with our partners and city agencies to ensure that our communities can enjoy the celebration in a healthy way."
San Francisco Sex-Positive Democratic Club: The political group announced Sunday, March 8, it is postponing its gala that was scheduled to take place Thursday, March 12, due to it falling under the category of "non-essential community events (groups 50 or more)." Ticket holders can request a refund by emailing [email protected]
The club is still planning to host its quarterly member meeting Thursday, March 26, but plans to provide an option for people participate via video call.
"As an organization that concerns itself with public health (sexual and otherwise) we could not, in good conscience, move forward with an event that could potentially put the well-being of our communities at risk," the club wrote in an email to members and supporters. "We support our city's effort to slow the rate of COVID-19 transmission, thereby safeguarding medical resources and the lives of San Francisco residents. As the impact on our city remains unknown, a new date will be announced within two weeks."
For more information about the club, visits its website at http://sfspdc.nationbuilder.com/
SF Gay Men's Chorus, Updated: Due to the current threat from COVID-19, San Francisco Gay Men's Chorus, in collaboration with Davies Symphony Hall and City Box Office, announced March 10 that performances of "Penned in Pink," initially scheduled to perform at Davies Symphony Hall on Thursday, March 26, at 8 p.m. and Palo Alto High School on Saturday, March 28, at 2 p.m. have been canceled.
Previously, the chorus and its National LGBTQ Center for the Arts announced the cancellation of all programs, meetings, and rehearsals at the center, located at 140 Valencia Street, until March 20. Chorus officials cited the mayor's recent recommendations. The cancellations include the Festival of Choral Music scheduled for March 19.
For more information and updates, visit https://www.sfgmc.org/
Alice B. Toklas LGBT Democratic Club: The club announced Sunday, March 8, that its March 9 membership meeting has been postponed.
In an email, club co-chairs Catie Arbona and David Fujimoto cited ongoing coronavirus concerns and the city's request not to have community events. An email will be sent to members when a new meeting date has been determined.
MCC San Francisco: The city's predominantly LGBT church has canceled its in-person church services for the next two weeks due to the advice from city officials. It will be conducting services via its Facebook page in the interim at https://www.facebook.com/MCCSanFrancisco/
In an email to parishioners Saturday, March 7, Senior Pastor Annie Steinberg-Behrman wrote, "After consultation with various knowledgeable people, we have decided to hold worship on Facebook live for the next two weeks. We will, unfortunately, also be cancelling out Wednesday evening Bible study and our Candlelight Prayer service."
She noted that the church's "congregation is primarily in the high risk group, and many of us take public transit to get to and from church. Mayor Breed has declared a state of emergency for the city of San Francisco for the next 14 days, and we will abide by the suggestion to not gather in groups."
For more information about MCC SF, visit http://mccsf.org/
Congregation Sha'ar Zahav: The predominately LGBT synagogue across from Mission Dolores (209 Dolores Street) announced in an email Saturday, March 7, it was canceling its Gender Schmear Purim Party at Oasis nightclub that night and its Monday, March 9, Purim celebration at its building.
It is not planning to cancel its Shabbat services or meetings, however, but informed congregants it would make final decisions in the days ahead.
"Purim is our holiday of joy--and this is disappointing. Our additional health recommendation during this uncertain time: Find a way to bring joy, silliness and laughter into your coming week!" wrote Rabbi Mychal Copeland and other synagogue officials in the email.
The LGBT synagogue had announced March 5 that it had instituted several practices, which it hoped would be temporary, due to the coronavirus outbreak. Staff have been asking people not to kiss or shake hands. Instead, they recommend touching elbows, doing a fist-bump, or making up their own creative way of saying hello.
The synagogue is also offering pre-cut challah.
It is also recommending things that the CDC and health officials have emphasized, such as washing your hands often with soap (if using hand sanitizer, make sure it is at least 60% alcohol-based); avoid touching your face; and staying home if you're sick.
Flower Bulb Day: The event in Union Square that featured lots of tulip bulbs that people could take home saw most of its activities canceled hours before it was to take place Saturday, March 7. (The item was featured recently in the Bay Area Reporter's News Briefs column.) Organizer Royal Anthos made the decision after the mayor announced aggressive new guidelines Friday.
In an email, organizers said that instead of people picking bulbs to take home, Royal Anthos volunteers will begin handing out bouquets of free tulips on Union Square to the public on a first-come, first-served basis, until all the tulips are gone.
Flower bulb day was to take place from 1 to 4:30 p.m.
New Conservatory Theatre Center: On Friday, March 6, NCTC sent out an email reiterating the mayor's directive prohibiting all mass (50+) gatherings in city-owned buildings for the next two weeks. "NCTC is in a city-owned building, so after tonight's performance we are cancelling all performances of our world premiere of 'The Book of Mountains and Seas' through Saturday, March 21," an email from Ed Decker, NCTC founder and artistic director stated.
For more information, visit https://www.nctcsf.org/
Our Family Coalition: The LGBT family organization announced Friday, March 6, that it is temporarily suspending in-person programs.
"In an abundance of caution and care for our community, the board and leadership of OFC have decided to follow the lead of other Bay Area nonprofits, schools, and companies and temporarily suspend in-person programs, transitioning to virtual programming for the next two weeks wherever possible," the organization stated.
In an email to supporters, Sam Ames, interim executive director, noted that the Bay Area is emerging as one of the affected regions for coronavirus. San Francisco Mayor London Breed said March 5 that two residents with no history of recent travel have been diagnosed with the new coronavirus. (LINK: https://www.ebar.com/index.php?id=289065)
"We have been monitoring the situation closely and following all recommendations from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and local departments of public health," Ames wrote.
They noted that OFC serves multigenerational families from several counties in the Bay Area, as well as people with higher rates of compromised immune systems.
"We are building systems as we speak that will enable us to offer support, connection, and community by video and phone whenever possible," Ames wrote. "During a time when we may all begin to experience increased feelings of stress and isolation, we know how important it is that we retain connections with our community."
For more information, visit http://www.ourfamily.org
Lesbians Who Tech: The annual conference for LGBT women announced March 3 it was postponing its 2020 summit in the Castro to early August due to the coronavirus outbreak. Previously held in the winter months, the summit organizers had already pushed back the yearly gathering to April of this year.
In an email the summit's founder Leanne Pittsford noted that "after many discussions with local health officials, our partners, our venues, and our community, we have decided to postpone our San Francisco Summit to a later date."
It is now expected to take place August 6 - 8 with a potential pre-Summit day on August 5. But those dates could change depending on permitting issues with the city and other factors.
For more information, visit https://lesbianswhotech.org/sanfrancisco2020/
Events that are continuing
Frameline: The San Francisco International LGBTQ Film Festival announced March 12 that it is "continuing to closely monitor the situation in the San Francisco Bay Area with the novel coronavirus, which causes COVID-19 respiratory illness."
Officials wrote that they are "moving cautiously forward" with plans for this year's festival, scheduled to take place June 18-28.
For now, most staff members are working remotely and festival partner deadlines have been extended until April 24 to allow Frameline's "corporate and community partners extra time to pause, and address all necessary human resource and business adjustments needed to meet current CDC and public health mandates for the safety of the larger community," the email stated.
The organization will continue to work with city officials and will share updates on www.frameline.org, its social media channels, and its email list.
The Stud: Nate Allbee, one of the co-owners of the South of Market queer bar the Stud, posted a statement on Facebook March 12 that the bar will remain open but will be limiting people inside to 250, in line with San Francisco Department of Public Health recommendations.
"The Stud Collective believes in the power of nightlife to create community, art, and movements. We will follow all directions from the city. And we will do everything possible to keep our space open in whatever form that means," Allbee wrote. "The Department of Public Health has recommended that people not congregate in groups over 250. We'll be following that guideline and our door-people will be there with a clicker counting you all in."
"Also for the first time in our history 'everyone is welcome here' above our door is a little less true," Allbee added.
Allbee asked people who fall into high-risk groups, such as those over the age of 60 or with certain chronic illnesses, to stay home — though he was clear to say next to immunocompromised that this "does NOT include people who are HIV undetectable with strong immune systems."
As the B.A.R. previously reported, people with HIV on stable, antiretroviral therapy may be at a slightly elevated risk, but HIV patients should not necessarily be counted among the immunocompromised in general.
"I think the risk is not going to be tremendously different," Dr. Steve Pergam of the Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center in Seattle said.
Allbee said he understands that the coronavirus outbreak has made things difficult, but that the LGBT community is resilient.
"We've faced down a much scarier virus and have come out the other side," Allbee wrote. "It's tempting to take our collective experiences with the plague and apply them directly to this new virus that is so quickly changing our world — but during a pandemic, we've got to be smart and we've got to be nimble."
Mystopia Presents: Disco Divas is scheduled for Saturday, April 4, at 9:30 p.m. at Public Works SF at 161 Erie Street, but may be postponed following San Francisco's ban on gatherings of 1,000 people or more.
While the ban is only in effect for the next two weeks, it may be "reauthorized by the health officer," according to a city news release.
"Today the city of San Francisco has placed a moratorium on large-scale events. Because of this, we have made the decision to pause ticket sales until we have a better understanding of the ramifications to you, the community that supports us," the event organizers posted on Facebook March 11. "This is not something anyone could have been prepared to handle, so please be patient as we assess the next steps. More information will be posted in the following week(s)."
Castro Country Club: The clean and sober space in the Castro remains open, Executive Director Billy Lemon wrote in a March 12 email to supporters.
"We have been in contact with the San Francisco Department of Public Health and are following their guidelines for operation," Lemon explained. "Our primary concern is the health and well being of our community. This situation is fluid and for now the Castro Country Club will not have an interruption in service. Please be mindful to wash your hands often and stay home if you're feeling sick."
Lemon wrote that in meetings, leaders have proposed elbow bumps instead of holding/shaking hands.
"We are stepping up our efforts to keep the cafe clean. Please be mindful to take care of each other and, if you're feeling overwhelmed, reach out to your support system. Events such as Mascara next Saturday are still planning on moving forward. We encourage everyone to follow individual events on Facebook for the most up-to-date information."
Mascara, a benefit, is scheduled for Saturday, March 21, at 7:30 p.m. at the Eureka Valley Recreation Center, 100 Collingwood Street.
The country club is located at 4058 18th Street. For more information, visit https://castrocountryclub.org/
Manny's: The gay-owned cafe and event space at 3092 16th Street in the Mission, is open.
"Our events are still happening for the next two weeks, as they are not very large," owner Manny Yekutiel wrote in an email to supporters. "We're purchasing automatic hand-sanitizer dispensers, wiping down all touch surfaces with sanitizer hourly, and taking other extra precautions to ensure cleanliness. We gotchu."
For a listing of upcoming events and more information, visit https://www.welcometomannys.com/
If your group is postponing or canceling an event, let us know by emailing [email protected]
Matthew S. Bajko and John Ferrannini contributed reporting.