“World War II properly marks the beginning of the nation’s, and San Francisco’s, modern gay history." - John D’Emilio
During WWII, rejection from military service based on sexuality began to make headlines. In an effort to grow the military force, the process for evaluating a soldier's sexuality became a part of the enlistment. These screenings relied on stereotypes and prejudices, as officials had a limited time with each recruit. After enlistment, if a soldier was identified as a homosexual they received 'dishonorable' discharge. Which meant expulsion from the armed forces, no veterans benefits, and limited employment opportunities. Civil service members were also targeted by the Lavendar Scare, when about 10,000 were suspended from service because of their sexuality.
Of course, inspiring LGB veterans rallied together to overcome these obstacles and forge a community. These men and women assisted the nation during times of battle and disaster, founded organizations and preserved their legacies. Independence, activism, spirit, and resilience—helped them carry forward the causes important to the LGB community on and off military bases. Learn about the movements associated with LGB rights in San Francisco and nationwide.
Discover the stories of people at Golden Gate, who fought against discrimination and changed the course of history.
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 Parklands of Golden Gate National Recreation Area incorporate San Francisco, San Mateo and Marin counties. All of which, envelope overlapping military histories, and social movements that influenced each other. This included military bases and the Presidio’s Letterman Army Hospital. LGB military personnel faced the military ban, discrimination and in 1981: the HIV/AIDs epidemic.  The Armed Forces Disciplinary Control Board served as an agent of harassment for LGB servicemen and the establishments they patronized. As raids and arrests continued, many LGB people fought to protect the few places they felt safe. Local bars and clubs admonished by the AFDCB, became unintentional epicenters for this fight.  Military history, LGB culture, immigrant stories, and much more make up GGNRA's roots. For José Sarria, a LGB activist in San Francisco, all the above apply. Born in the Bay Area to a single mother from Colombia, Sarria became the first openly gay, public figure. He ran for the San Francisco Board of Supervisors in 1961.  Dr. Margaret “Mom” Chung was the first Chinese American woman to become a physician. She founded one of the first Western medical clinics in San Francisco’s Chinatown in the 1920s. During World War II, she and her widespread network of “adopted sons,” most of them American soldiers, sailors, and airmen who called her “Mom,” became famous. Although she faced prejudice because of her race, gender, and sexuality, Dr. Chung forged a distinctive path throughout her life.  The Nike Missile Site SF-88, is a Cold War era military site In the Marin Headlands. During the Cold War, there were close to 300 of these sites around the U.S. armed with powerful missiles. The fear of the enemy, the fear of the ‘other’ that powered this missile defense system, is the same sentiment that fueled the military ban on LGB people.  A former U.S. military officer stationed at the Presidio of San Francisco, Gilbert Baker joined the San Francisco Gay Liberation Movement after his discharge. Baker went on to design and create the first Rainbow Pride Flag for San Francisco Gay Freedom Day. The activism and art of Gilbert Baker helped unify a community in the bay area and beyond.  In 1918, the United States Army learned that the Presidio of San Francisco was home to men who desired other men. The Men of Baker Street were incarcerated on Alcatraz Island for five months awaiting their courts-martial. These courts-martial found all six soldiers guilty and dishonorably discharged. They forfeited all pay, and five were sentenced to be “confined at hard labor” for sentences ranging from 2-10 years.  World War II had an impact on the social landscape of the United States. Millions of Americans mobilized to join the war effort, leaving their rural homes for urban centers like San Francisco. For LGB servicemen, who were once isolated, they found community for the first time. While facing ‘the enemy’ on the battlefield, they also fought discrimination in the barracks.
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