SAFETY ADVISORY: San Francisco Avoid Gaybars with Facial Recognition Technology this Pride Weekend

June 25, 2025 | ATTN San Francisco: Three prominent gay bars in San Francisco (Mix, Badlands, and Toad Hall) have been exposed for using TSA-level face scanners for entry, putting already vulnerable patrons at severe risk of surveillance. San Francisco’s Pride festivities are set to take place this weekend, June 27th- June 28th, and many will be hitting iconic venues in the Castro to celebrate. We advise San Franciscans avoid such bars until they remove the facial recognition technology to ensure safety for the queer and trans community, free from harmful surveillance. Allies have put together an interactive map and reporting tool to help track surveillance technology at area venues.

This warning comes as facial recognition at larger venues, including Madison Square Garden, is highlighting some of the key risks of this technology in event spaces. Earlier this year MSG was exposed for using this technology to profile and track a trans woman in real-time, including every trip to the restroom, repeatedly over several games. And most recently, a MSG data hack exposed an op-sec file on activists that oppose facial recognition, including Fight For the Future’s own Evan Greer.

In addition to this public safety warning, Fight for the Future is calling on all artists, including trans and gender expansive entertainers, drag performers, and musicians, to refuse to perform at any gay bar, theater, or venue that uses facial recognition technology or AI to surveil its patrons. Already beloved San Francisco artists Tune Yards, Deerhoof, and Boots Riley have answered this call, and local venues El Rio and La Pena Cultural center have committed to not allow facial recognition in their spaces. Community members will be distributing the printable flyers below ahead of Pride activities this weekend.

Stay safe San Francisco, and happy pride!