Nation's first gay museum opens in San Francisco

Associated Press | Posted: Wednesday, January 12

The nation's first gay museum opening in San Francisco's Castro district showcases a variety of items ranging from Harvey Milk's pink-framed sunglasses to manuscripts and sex toys.

The 1,600-square-foot museum, opening Wednesday, chronicles the evolution of what organizers call the liberation of the gay, bisexual and transgender community.

Milk's sunglasses displayed in the GLBT History Museum are a tribute to the late San Francisco supervisor, who was the first elected openly gay politician in California.

GLBT Historical Society executive director Paul Boneberg told the San Francisco Chronicle the society has a five-year lease for a formerly empty storefront.

The society is relying on donations and volunteers to keep the museum open.