By Liam P. Mayclem–
(Editor’s Note: This issue marks the launch of “Liam’s List,” a new column for the San Francisco Bay Times by Emmy Award winning radio and TV journalist Liam Mayclem. We are honored to introduce the column in this Pride issue, especially given Mayclem’s many years of covering the San Francisco Pride Parade.
Currently featured on KPIX and KCBS, Mayclem previously hosted the television series Eye on the Bay and was on the Travel Channel show World Access. In addition to being known for “Liam’s List,” he is “The Foodie Chap” on KCBS radio, where he celebrates culinary stars.
Mayclem is also a keen fundraiser. Just some of the organizations that he has supported over the years include the AIDS Emergency Fund, Healthright 360, Family House, Food Runners, Project Open Hand, San Francisco-Marin Food Bank, The Northern California Cancer Center, The 1990 Institute, Raphael House, and San Francisco CASA.)
10. Castro Theatre
Seeing a film here is always a magical experience. From film festivals, to premieres to one-night screenings, this is always the best place in the world to see a movie. When the organist pumps the pedals of the Wurlitzer and the audience sings along to “San Francisco, open your Golden Gate,” you know you are home, like Dorothy when she found Oz. I have had the joy of interviewing some Oscar-nominated stars here, including Rami Malek for Bohemian Rhapsody and Taron Egerton for Rocket Man. Another memorable highlight for me was interviewing Randy, the cowboy from the Village People, and going for drinks at 440 Castro after!
9. The EndUp
This is the first bar I walked into when visiting San Francisco on holiday from the U.K. in 1992 as a shy, curious 22-year-old. The energy and vibe, stiff drinks, and memorable & magical Sunday tea dances made it a fave of mine for years. Armistead Maupin’s Tales of The City books led me here. Thanks, Armi; I’m forever indebted. This bar changed the course of my life. I decided to move to San Francisco after falling for a blond-haired, blue-eyed Californian! The rest is history.
8. Pink Triangle Park
This secret little gem of a park at the top of Castro where Market intersects with 17th Street is an important part of our LGBTQ history, the holocaust, and our brothers and sisters whom we tragically lost.
7. Cliff’s Variety
Everyone and anyone shops at Cliff’s for household items, Pride, costumes for Halloween, or just for weekend needs. This family owned businesses is the heart of the Castro’s business community. The staff are knowledgeable and super friendly. The wig offerings and drill bits make this a store you will want to visit time and time again.
6. GLBT History Museum
Our local story is told here through video, sound, and exhibits. The exhibits change often, so it’s always worth returning for more to see and learn. Check out the 50 Years of Pride currently online.
https://www.glbthistory.org/museum
5. Orphan Andy’s
This 24/7 diner until recently had never closed. It’s where I would go for a 6 am breakfast in the nineties after an hour dance shift at The EndUp or Club Universe. Imagine the reaction when, upon moving here from England, I asked for a “Chip butty”!
https://www.yelp.com/biz/orphan-andys-san-francisco
4. Rainbow Honor Walk
This is our Hollywood Walk of Fame. Walk along Castro Street and check out the brass plaques of our history makers: the artists, filmmakers, and writers who paved the way for us all. Stop to pay respects, take a moment to be grateful, and know that it is upon those brave trailblazing shoulders we stand. From Frida Kahlo to Randy Shilts to Sylvester … thirty-three more are featured along the walk with more to come.
3. SF LGBT Center
This is our gathering place, our meeting place. It’s a resource center too for those seeking legal advice or council. Check out the new Pride mural by artist fnnch. Pose and post with hashtag #SFLGBTCenter
2. Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence
These Sisters are not doing it for themselves but for community. From the day I first stepped foot in the Castro, I saw Sisters on the sidewalks rattling tins for AIDS research. The Sisters show up and show up big time for everyone and every single LQBTQ cause there is. They are to be applauded for their fundraising and raising of awareness of all causes near and dear. Special props to Sister Roma, Sister Dana & Sister Kitty whom I have known man and boy. They have stories.
1. SF Pride Parade & Celebration
This year marks the 50th Pride and the first time in five decades we will not be marching down Market Street and partying after at Civic Center. I have had the joy of being in the parade marching or in a float many times and have done so with Pride in my heart and a spring in my step. There is no more joyous day in San Francisco when the entire city comes together to tell the world who we are. I have worked as a roving reporter for QTV, KRON4, and KPIX. I will be a part of the Pride Parade coverage Sunday, June 28, on KPIX.
https://sanfrancisco.cbslocal.com/
www.sfpride.org
That’s my Pride list, one and all—a personal list of the things that make me feel so very happy to be out and proud and a part of the most welcoming and most diverse community on Earth. To do so with my partner Rick Camargo and my family of friends and allies at my side makes me feel so very rich at heart.
Be safe and good to each other.
Happy Pride!
Emmy Award-winning radio and television personality Liam Mayclem is regularly featured on KPIX as well as KCBS, where he is the popular Foodie Chap. Born in London, Mayclem is now at home in the Bay Area, where he lives with his husband, photographer Rick Camargo. For more information: https://www.bookliam.com/
Published on June 25, 2020
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