For Immediate Release
August 1, 2006

Contact: Don Romesburg, 415.850.8580

RETRO-A-GO-GO AT STRAY BAR
GLBT Historical Society Party Features Vintage Drinks & Gear

SAN FRANCISCO—On Friday, August 18, girls, boys, and all the rest should head to Stray Bar in Bernal Heights for Retro-A-Go-Go, an old-school party to benefit the GLBT Historical Society. The gorgeous, multi-gendered bartenders will be mixing up a special cocktail for the event, the “Mona-jito,” to honor the legacy of Mona’s 440, a nightclub that was widely touted as the first lesbian bar in the city. During World War II, butches and femmes flocked to Mona’s to see cross-dressed performers such as Gladys Bentley belting out blues and jazz. The GLBT Historical Society will also hold a raffle and auction for some amazing vintage queer goodies, including t-shirts from the 1970s and 1980s, pulp fiction, and saucy porn.

Stray Bar, located at 309 Cortland Street in the heart of Bernal Heights, opened in June.   When people ask if it is a “straight” bar or a “gay” bar, the staff simply says, “We’re a Stray Bar—where everyone is welcome!” In that spirit, Retro-A-Go-Go is free and open to all.

THE BASICS:
WHAT: RETRO-A-GO-GO @ Stray Bar to benefit the GLBT Historical Society
WHERE: 309 Cortland Street at Bocana Street (Bernal Heights)
WHEN: Friday, August 18, 8-11 PM

The GLBT Historical Society turning 21! Come celebrate at our annual Home for Our History Gala on September 28. The mission of the organization is to increase public understanding, appreciation, and affirmation of the history and culture of gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender and other sexual minority individuals and communities. For more information, call 415.777.5455 or visit www.glbthistory.org.