As someone who lives in the Castro of San Francisco (like, I can see the rainbow flag at Harvey Milk plaza from my window) I can assure you. Hilcrest != Castro. First of all, the culture of northern california and southern california are completely different. And Castro is blocks and blocks of 99% GLBT stores/banks/restaurants, Hilcrest is a couple blocks of a few kitschy shops and some gay run stores. Also the diversity of the gay scene in most cities is usually minimal. (ie. mostly white, upper/middle class, party/drug boys). Although I will have to admit the majority of our gay community is also white, middle/upper class, drug/party boys, we also have a large ‘alternative’ gay community. Many places that cater to GLBT of color (ie. Latin, Black, Asian bars/clubs/organizations) As well as more diverse body types and ways of expressing sexuality. (ie. big boy, leather, hipster, bear) Also the diversity of events for members of our community to attend, not just bars and clubs (although many are mentioned above) but also social events that happen in the daylight ;-). Parks, cafe’s, concerts, fairs, sports teams.
So yeah, I’m totally biased, and love my city. But if you want to live in a community where you can forget there are straight people in the world, or at least ones that want you to rot in hell, this is the place to do it.
(PS: Sorry, I just REALLY love San Francisco)