Sometimes I feel like I was born in the wrong generation! After posting that video in the previous post featuring Phyllis Lyon and Del Martin speaking at the GLBT Historical Society, I began exploring the society's Youtube account, which features tons of amazing archival footage from various events throughout queer history (beginning in the 40s). Here's a few gems I thought you might enjoy from the 1980s:

1) The Hayward Rah-Rah's (later renamed Cheer SF, who are still going strong today) perform in this clip from 1986 at the Track and Field Festival. They were formed in 1980 as the first all-volunteer, adult cheerleading team in the country, and became an important morale-boosting facet of the community when AIDS hit in the mid-80s:

2) Disco sensation Sylvester's "40th Birthday Party" in 1985 -- actually two years before his real 40th birthday. He died three years later from AIDS-related complications:

3) On Friday, October 6, 1989, San Francisco police conducted a sweep of the Castro district in response to a small, peaceful march protesting federal neglect of people with AIDS. The nearly 200 police cleared a 7 block area, with many protesters beaten. Patrons in stores and restaurants, as well as residents, were trapped inside for hours. Video by Patrick Henry, local producer and video store owner.

4) Stand-up comic Danny Williams performing at the National March for Gay and Lesbian Rights in San Francisco. You'll notice that his wit / bitchiness is reserved for the police, government, and gay bashers -- not other gay men: