Impressive.

Woman at reception desk says, "feel free to look around."  "Lots going on."  "Writing workshops, ballroom dancing, yoga."  There is even a seminar on "creating more diverse workplaces." 

I decided to check out the writer's club.  "Take one of those twin elevators to level 3, head down the hall to seminar room 3-D."

As writers gather I mention how lucky San Francisco people are to have such a facility.  Workshop co-ordinator said that, "we haven't had this for very long."  "It's quite new." 

Manuscripts are read and critiqued, then the group heads up Market St. to a place called "Baghdad Cafe" for dinner and more discussion. 

One of the elderly writers talked about a play he produced back in the late 1960s.  It dealt with gay issues and was given a luke warm welcome in the San Francisco, of that day. Also, coincidentally, it was produced in Bellingham to  A luke warm welcome as well.  Vancouver, BC gave him a thumbs up review, even back then.

My 2004 Bicycle Tour

Looking out over city from upper floors of the community center.

Now I wish I would have thought to ask him more questions about that early event in Bellingham. 

It is interesting to follow the gradual progress toward acceptance that gay and lesbian life has made in recent decades.

For culture, San Francisco has a lot to offer.  Wish it was more affordable to live there. 

Several folks, at the writers club, said they would not be in the city if it wasn't for section 8 housing (HUD rent vouchers).  Rather than being millionaires, they were just ordinary folks for the most part.