The monthly party BEATPIG celebrates 16 years this Saturday night at Powerhouse.
The Powerhouse Bar is unquestionably one of San Francisco’s best-known South of Market bars. They have set the style for no-attitude, dirty, South of Market fun. Their style has been imitated all over the City, but here you’ll find the best pumping, cutting-edge music, the smell of men (the no-cologne zone), sexy videos, and the hottest crowd. They anchor the gay bar scene on Folsom Street.
They say that the building was a whorehouse in the old days. The Powerhouse has a long history within its walls; it was the In Between, the Cow Palace Saloon, and No-name Bar, Bolt and the Brig. During this time, it evolved into a leather bar.
In the late 1980s, it became The Powerhouse and was purchased and reopened by its current owner, Paul Langley, in 1997. The bar just celebrated its 29th year during the week of the Folsom Street Fair.
It’s funny how some things habitually return to our lives. As a teenager, I spent a lot of time in SoMa. It’s where I felt safe and accepted. In 2010, I approached the manager, Scott Peterson, about hosting a monthly party with my son, Walter Gomez, whom I’ve christened a one-person Puerto Rican Parade; Walter had been immersed in the San Francisco club scene since 2004 and hosted the party’s Steam and Chickenbear (he will be here for the anniversary party).
Together, we merged the best elements of leather, fashion, and drag at the legendary SoMa venue. We decided to call it BEATPIG and make the night a fundraiser for some of our favorite San Francisco LGBTQIA+ nonprofits. Stanley Frank Sensation has been killing it on the decks forever. And, over the years we’ve had many great DJs roll through and play the night away, including Sidekick, Rolo, Entree, and many more. And, all the cities photographers have passed through to capture the antics.
There’s definitely a sense of family at BEATPIG; I’m happy to see familiar faces and meet new ones every month. Powerhouse is the bar that I spend most of my time in these days. It’s one of the most age-diverse bars in our City’s queer community.
A gentleman, decked out in leather from head to toe, started a conversation with me by revealing how old he was ––85! He said he wanted to thank me for creating a party where he feels comfortable attending at his age. If I do nothing else in my life — I’m proud of that.
I am proud to say that we have donated over $36,000 to various local LGBTQIA+ San Francisco nonprofits over the years. We appreciate your support. Come party with us on Saturday!
Juanita MORE! is a denizen of the limelight. For almost three decades, the laudable hostess has blitzed San Francisco with high glamour, drag irreverence, and danceable beats that have illuminated the entire city. MORE! continues to be a heaping dollop of generosity and a sprinkle of nerve. She inspires those around her to make positive differences in their lives and communities — and doing it all with timeless elegance and an innovative spirit. Most recently, after her reign, Miss MORE! holds the title of Absolute Empress 56 of the Imperial Council of San Francisco –– one of the oldest non-profit organizations globally.
To date, MORE! has helped raise over 1 million dollars for local charities — among them GBLT Historical Society & Archives, Our Trans Youth, Q Foundation, Queer Lifespace, Transgender Law Center, and more. In addition, MORE! tirelessly fundraises for organizations in San Francisco that are adamant about helping communities in the seven-by-seven thrive, all while shining light and offering support to those who’ve been overlooked for far too long.
MORE! embodies what it means to be a conduit of connection. MORE!’ brings the people together to fundraise, celebrate community, and demand social change around San Francisco and elsewhere. Her culinary expressions are an extension of what mothers have been doing in their kitchens for generations — which, simply states, is sharing “loads of love.”
Related
