San Francisco’s Legendary Stud Bar Reopens, Ushering in a New Era for Queer Nightlife

San Francisco’s queer nightlife has received a powerful boost with the triumphant reopening of the Stud bar, one of the city’s most beloved LGBTQ+ institutions. After closing its doors in May 2020 due to financial hardships brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic, the Stud officially reopened on April 20, 2024, at its new address: 1123 Folsom Street, in the heart of San Francisco’s Leather and LGBTQ Cultural District . The reopening has been widely celebrated as a beacon of resilience and renewal for queer spaces nationwide.

Founded in 1966 by George Matson and Alexis Muir, the Stud was the first collectively owned queer bar in the United States, setting the standard for community-driven nightlife . Over the decades, it became famous for its eclectic drag shows, wild themed parties, and as a welcoming space for people of all genders and backgrounds. The Stud is credited with nurturing generations of drag artists and activists, including Honey Mahogany, who began her career there before rising to become the chair of the San Francisco Democratic Party .

The bar’s closure in 2020 was keenly felt across the LGBTQ+ community. Its loss symbolized the broader struggles faced by queer spaces during the pandemic, as financial strain and public health concerns led to the shuttering of many historic venues . In the years since, the collective that owns the Stud worked tirelessly to secure a new location, raise funds, and reimagine the future of the space.

The new Stud occupies two adjoining buildings at 1123-1125 Folsom Street, just three blocks from its previous location. The space is larger, featuring two bars, a state-of-the-art sound system, and expanded dance floors—designed to accommodate the surging demand for queer nightlife as San Francisco recovers from the pandemic .

At the grand opening, members of the Stud’s 15-person collective were joined by local officials, including Mayor London Breed, State Senator Scott Wiener, and San Francisco Drag Laureate D’Arcy Drollinger. Honey Mahogany, a Stud co-owner, spoke emotionally about the venue’s return: “We looked long and hard to find a place that was worthy of the Stud’s legacy—a place that could bring us all together. A place that would be at the heart of our queer community. And a place where we could also make a difference,” Mahogany stated at a press conference .

During the event, Mahogany also addressed the challenges facing San Francisco’s South of Market area, noting: “South of Market, the mid-Market area has been really, really negatively impacted by the pandemic. … But now this is an opportunity. It’s an opportunity to rebuild and build back better” .

The Stud continues to operate as a collectively owned business, maintaining its commitment to inclusivity and mutual support. To finance the reopening, the collective launched a fundraiser that has so far raised over $70,000 from hundreds of supporters, demonstrating the enduring love and investment of the LGBTQ+ community .

The bar’s new home has its own storied past, having previously been a collectively owned vegetarian restaurant and, later, Julie’s Supper Club, further cementing its place in the city’s cultural tapestry . As part of the Leather and LGBTQ Cultural District, the Stud’s reopening is seen as a vital step in preserving queer history and ensuring that future generations have access to safe, affirming spaces .

The Stud’s return promises a revitalized program of drag performances, burlesque, and community-led events—continuing its legacy as a launchpad for LGBTQ+ artists and activists. The venue’s reopening comes at a time when queer bars across the United States are struggling with rising rents and changing demographics, making the Stud’s resilience especially meaningful .

As San Francisco prepares for Pride celebrations and a busy summer season, the Stud is poised once again to serve as a gathering place for all members of the LGBTQ+ community—championing visibility, creativity, and solidarity.