New Walking Tour Unveils Queer History Of San Francisco's Tenderloin And Polk Street

A groundbreaking walking tour exploring the rich LGBTQIA+ history of San Francisco's Tenderloin and Polk Street neighborhoods will debut on October 26, 2024.

Created by local historian and professor Shawn Sprockett, the Valley of the Queens tour offers an immersive journey through the pivotal events and unsung heroes that shaped queer culture from the 1960s to the 1990s.

The tour highlights several key moments in LGBTQIA+ history, including the Compton's Cafeteria Riot, a landmark transgender uprising predating the Stonewall Riots, and the site of San Francisco's first Pride parade. It also uncovers lesser-known yet significant stories, such as a police-raided drag ball that was defended by local Christian ministers, showcasing the unexpected alliances that helped shape queer San Francisco.

“The Tenderloin and Polk Street areas are filled with stories of courage and defiance,” says Sprockett. “These are stories not just of struggle but of triumph, community, and the formation of an identity that has influenced the broader queer movement nationwide.”

The Valley of the Queens tour will launch on October 26, 2024, at 2 p.m., continuing through the end of 2024. The tour will last approximately 2 hours and is priced at $35 per person, with discounts available for students and seniors.

Sprockett's organization, Unspeakable Vice, also offers a North Beach tour covering San Francisco's queer history from 1770 to 1960. This tour serves as a prequel to Valley of the Queens, offering a comprehensive look at the city's LGBTQIA+ heritage. Reservations for both tours can be made at unspeakablevice.tours.

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