October 31, 2007 | Sex & Society

San Fran cancels gay Halloween

On every October 31, since 1979, hot men in skimpy costumes have mingled with sailor boys and witches on San Francisco's crowded Castro Street. And each year the numbers have grown, with up to 500,000 people gathering together to party.

But what started out as innocent fun has in recent years soured. Gay bashers have slipped in amongst other straight rabble rousers and people's lives have been put in danger. Last year alone, 10 people were shot after two groups of young people got into a fight.

This year 600 police officers will be on hand to try to keep traffic moving and people out of the street. There will be no portable toilets, no music stages and no open alcohol allowed. The city will close mass transit stops near the Castro starting at 8 p.m. to discourage bridge and tunnellers from streaming into town. And many bars and restaurants will be closed.  

However, city officials have acknolwedged that it will be difficult to stop large groups of people from gathering if they want to. "We are praying for a peaceful evening, but are preparing for the worst," said Nathan Ballard for Mayor Gavin Newsom.

One of the gayest holidays of the year stuffed back into the closet. What a sad day, indeed.