..."The Gay Disneyland," "the best place in San Francisco," "the rainbow neighborhood," "the center of friendliness and kindness," "the right place for everybody and everyone,"or even "the best place on earth"...These are just a few of the descriptions that I've heard from strangers over the past few days while making my inaugural visits to the Castro neighborhood in San Francisco. I decided to speak to anyone who would be willing to talk. I just wanted to approach whomever would be approachable and willing to spare their time and share a few words about this part of town.
The interesting and very impressive realization for me was that EVERYBODY was willing to talk. They all seemed to bubble up with opinion, suggestion and before they said "bye" didn't forget to leave me with at least one compliment. Strange.
What is this place? And why is it the way it is? Where does all this kindness comes from? Is it real or superficial and if it is superficial why is it so popular? My natural skepticism was calling for attention and trying to get the pink filter off of the glasses I was wearing. It just didn't seem right, everyone acting so perfect and positive...
The Castro seems to be suffused by understanding and not much judgment. These surely are qualities that in general maintain easier life everywhere . But it also looks like there is something maybe even magical about this palace itself (and no, I do not mean to bother with some "new-agey" ideas here). It is very welcoming, embracing, almost therapeutic and seems to have open arms for everyone. And I mean.. every one.
Besides a lot of pretty bars, restaurants, the famous Castro theater that has been there for years and many other "lovely looking" things and people, there is, as I found, "real life" happening at here as well. There is a very creative life of support groups and help centers trying to do their best to make life situations, problems or any kind of hardships easier for, again, EVERY individual who approaches them in need of help, The Bare Chest organization, the Under One Roof or the Kids Space just to name a few. I got the impression that those involved in these groups work quite hard and intensively fro their causes, and since they often do it on a voluntary bases, I have to admit that makes a reasonable objection to my raised accused of superficiality.
The life under the surface of this colorful neighborhood is what proves that what looks like "superficiality" at first glance might actually be real care, offering asylum and support to minority groups or any other kinds of people with even the weirdest habits, needs, looks, thoughts or faiths.
The Castro has its own religion just for being the way it is.
