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Program and Community Updates
Get inspired by the important and transformative work of the San Francisco Cultural Districts and their community members.
On May 17th. Pacific Islander Cultural District held its Inaugural Celebration featuring an official street sign reveal followed by a procession to Visitacion Middle School for an afternoon of entertainment, food, and community.
Japantown Cultural District
The Cultural District is excited to announce that the street signs for the Japantown Cultural District have been completed and installed!
Thank you to everyone to stopped by the Japantown Cultural District booth at the 2025 Cherry Blossom Festival where community members offered free Red Cards and a prize wheel for new subscribers to their weekly newsletter.
On May 22, we celebrated Harvey Milk Day in the Castro's Jane Warner Plaza. The event was co-produced with Friends of Harvey Milk Plaza, Opera Parallele, the Castro Community Benefit District, Castro Merchants, and the Harvey Milk LGBTQ Democratic Club. Attendees enjoyed live performances of excerpts from the Harvey Milk Opera.
That same day, Openhouse SF and Mercy Housing co-hosted the Castro Housing Town Hall featuring Rich Hillis, Director of SF Planning; Senator Scott Wiener; Supervisor Rafael Mandelman; Ramie Dare from Mercy Housing; and Tina Aguirre, Director of the Castro LGBTQ Cultural District.
The Castro LGBTQ Cultural District continues to review applications for small business grants. Two applicants will be awarded $10,000 each - more to come!
SoMa Pilipinas recently completed the 2025 SoMa Pilipinas Impact Report which provides a comprehensive overview of all economic revitalization initiatives through arts and culture. Click here to read the full report.
Strengthening the Community
Empowerment Month in the Transgender District
Empowerment Month began in May 2024 and is a significant observance for the transgender community, highlighting the importance of visibility, advocacy, and unity.
On May 8th, there was a community screening and panel discussion of "Breaking the News," followed by a screening of the film "Any Other Way: The Jackie Shane Story" on May 15th.
Thank you to everyone to joined us in celebrating the Tenderloin Music and Arts Festival at Civic Center Plaza and participated in Queer & Well's TGNC self-defense training class.
The Transgender District would like to thank San Francisco Rubber for their generous donation of $10,000, which supports the vital work of preserving and celebrating transgender history and culture. Through these collaborative efforts, Empowerment Month aims to strengthen community bonds and empower the transgender community to thrive.
The Leather & LGBTQ Cultural District's third year of operating the Golden Dildeaux Awards was very successful, raising over $19,000 and attracting over 100 attendees to the Awards Ceremony!
Upcoming Events and Celebrations
From art festivals to fundraisers to cultural celebrations, there's always something new and exciting happening in San Francisco's Cultural Districts.
*Click the image for more information*
Advocacy, Action, Safety Program
The Leather & LGBTQ Cultural District is collaborating with Race Bannon, Brent Heinze, The Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence, and Ms. SF Leather Madam Folly to address issues that have recently become critical to their communities in these uncertain times.
When: Thursday, May 29th, 6 pm
Where: SOMArts Cultural Center, 934 Brannan Street
Flores de Mayo
Flores de Mayo in SOMA is a cherished spring tradition celebrating Filipino culture, community, and legacy. This multigenerational celebration unites our community elders, youth, and families.
When: Friday, May 30th, 2pm
Where: Yerba Buena Center for the Arts (701 Mission St.)
Pride Flag Raising in SF Japantown
Join the Queer & Trans Asian Pacific Islander community and its allies in this annual event that concludes API Heritage Month on the eve of Pride Month.
When: Saturday, May 31st, 2pm
Where: Osaka Way/Buchanan Mall in SF Japantown
Pulse Memorial will be held on June 12 from 5 to 7 pm in Jane Warner Plaza to commemorate the loss of 49 souls in Orlando. The memorial will include speakers and a procession from Jane Warner Plaza to the queer memorial wall at 18th and Castro.
When: Thursday, June 12th, 5pm-7pm
Where: Jane Warner Plaza, Castro & Market St.
Omotesenke Day
According to Japanese tea ceremony master Sen no Rikyu, tea is perceived by our hearts rather than our eyes. Come join a traditional Japanese tea ceremony demonstration to experience it for yourself! RSVP at the link above. There is a $30 materials fee.
When: Sunday, June 15th, 12pm
Where: Japantown Cultural District Visitor Center, Japan Center EAST Mall, 2nd Floor
Volunteer and Career Opportunities
Stay tuned for more information on future opportunities!
The Cultural Districts program is a place-making and place-keeping program that preserves, strengthens and promotes cultural communities. There are ten Cultural Districts located across the City, each embodying a unique cultural heritage.
The program is a partnership between community and City and is coordinated by the Mayor’s Office of Housing and Community Development, in collaboration with the Office of Economic and Workforce Development, SF Planning, and Arts Commission.
