San Francisco LGBT Forum

01/12/2026

12/17/2025

IMPORTANT EXTORTION ALERT:

Captain Del Gandio of the San Francisco Police Department LGBTQ+ Advisory Forum asks that you share the following information about a current trend that is increasingly being reported with all of your networks and friends.

EXTORTION ALERT via Grindr

There has been a recent trend of reported extortion for folks using the "Grindr" app.

The victim connects with someone on Grindr and then they transition to text message. The victim then sends the suspect explicit photos of themselves and then the suspect tells the victim they are not who they say they are. The suspect then demands the victim send them a specific amount of money or they will share the victim's explicit photos with their family, co-workers, etc. Some of the victims suffered a financial loss and some refused and immediately reported it.

Please help us to get the word out there so the community is aware.

We ALWAYS encourage everyone to REPORT ALL CRIMES to Police as soon as possible. Reporting is confidential and the information provided in the reporting process may help prevent others from becoming victims of the same perpetrator/s or crime/s. Reports can help to identify, locate, and apprehend suspects who otherwise may continue their crimes, netting additional unaware victims until they are eventually caught. Privacy and confidentiality are always important considerations for Police who investigate crimes and for prosecutors who charge and take suspects to trial, and they will work with you to help protect your identity when possible.

PLEASE SHARE THIS INFORMATION WITH YOUR FRIENDS AND NETWORKS TO HELP IDENTIFY AND HOLD THESE SUSPECTS ACCOUNTABLE, AND TO HELP PREVENT OTHERS WITHIN OUR COMMUNITY FROM BECOMING VICTIMS OF THIS CRIME.

We wish everyone a safe, fun, and happy holiday season.

Please direct any comments, suggestions, thoughts, ideas, and any referrals for potential new Forum members to [email protected].

Website: https://www.sanfranciscopolice.org/lgbtq-advisory-forum

10/24/2025

District Attorney Brooke Jenkins attended our most recent Forum meeting on Wednesday October 22 where we discussed a number of important topics including:

> The excellent work of the SFPD in their efforts to disrupt and arrest retail theft gangs,

> The significantly increased arrest numbers for various crimes as a result of using new technology such as cameras and drones,

> A 90% plus solving of recent murder cases resulting in arrests,

> City preparation for the anticipated Federal Agent immigration operations within the City.

Our forum forms a vital conduit of communication from the broader LGBTQ+ community to the SFPD Command Staff and vice-versa.

San Francisco Mayor Daniel Lurie announced Thursday morning that an expected federal immigration action has been called off.

09/10/2025

FROM: Ken Craig - Forum Community Co-Chairperson

We still have a few spaces left in the Beginners Self-Defense Class I will be leading on Saturday September 13th from 12:30 PM to 4 PM in the heart of the Castro with Castro Community On Patrol. Only $30 per person for this community training opportunity.

Come join us for a fun and empowering self-defense class designed for beginners. Learn essential techniques to protect yourself in various situations. Our experienced instructors will guide you through practical skills and strategies to boost your confidence and safety. Don't miss this opportunity to learn valuable self-defense skills in a supportive environment.

The class is open to anyone of 18 years and older. Dress comfortably, wear sneakers, bring a sweatshirt (the room can get chilly at times), bring some water or an energy drink, and maybe bring a friend to train with you.

All post-training reviews are anonymous and results are confidential, however these testimonials were freely provided:

“The class was fun, well-paced, and full of really useful information.”

“Everyone should take this training, and probably repeat it a few times to really lock in the ideas presented.”

“I learned so much for the class. I feel much safer and more confident now. Thank you.”

“As a former victim of violence I was apprehensive about the class, but the instructors were compassionate, professional, friendly, and extremely knowledgeable. I felt safe and comfortable during the class and learned a lot.”

“I cannot say thank you enough for providing this training for the community. It is essential.”

Sign up now!
https://www.eventbrite.com/e/beginners-self-defense-class-tickets-1514286243919?aff=oddtdtcreator&fbclid=IwY2xjawMt7eVleHRuA2FlbQIxMQABHrPNqYGFY5dMGojCnSfPCXT9R3Ny-w_7CLaon_n0n_vHkGX_rCrmRREEO1QB_aem_MESDZe-F6Ky73r1aiYGdMA

Come join us for a fun and interactive Beginners Self-Defense Class where you'll learn essential techniques to protect yourself!

04/26/2025

This is narrow minded and does not enhance the safety and security of the public in any way whatsoever. It simply perpetuates prejudice and exacerbates misunderstandings and in some cases legitimate mistrust of law enforcements officials by members of the broader LGBTQIA2S+ community.

04/25/2025

Our sincere thanks to BAR Assistant Editor and LGBTQ+ Forum member, John Ferrannini, for the excellent article covering our most recent Forum meeting.

More news about the violent Easter Sunday assault in the Castro was revealed at the quarterly meeting of the San Francisco Police Department’s LGBTQ+ advisory forum.

01/19/2025

SPECTRUM! an evening of q***r variety performances benefiting trans and nonbinary Humans! Aerialists, burlesque performers, drag kings, dancers and more will showcase their talents on the Club Fugazi stage.

Chances to take home amazing prizes from VRV3 Studios, Misfits Kabaret, Heliotrope, Fabulosa, Circus Bella, Eros and more!

All proceeds will benefit https://ellaparatranslatinas.org/

Doors are at 6, show is at 7, there will be some housewarming performances during this time so feel free to come early and be social!

No one gets turned away for lack of funds.

LIVE STREAM OPTION:

Venmo $15 Joey-Moore-32 , state live stream, include email and a link will be sent to you.

We are committed to advocate for the rights of translatinas. OUR MISSIONEl/La Para TransLatinas works towards a world where TransLatinas are protected, celebrated, and loved, where trans/intersex/gender diverse Latinx people are welcome, safe, represented and valued in all spheres of life.   OUR VI...

11/22/2024

If you know of anyone considering a law enforcement career, please feel free to pass along this information from our FBI partners:

Dear Community Partners,

Please see below for the announcement of the next FBI San Francisco Diversity Agent Recruiting Event on behalf of our Applicant Recruiter. Feel free to share this opportunity and the attached flyer with anyone who may be interested!

I am excited to announce FBI San Francisco's upcoming DAR event, taking place on 1/22/2025 from 4:00 to 6:00 PM at Oakland, CA . This will be an in-person recruiting event to provide information about the Special Agent career path. Local FBI Special Agents will share their personal experiences to offer insight and inspiration. Additionally, the Special Agent applicant coordinator and physical fitness advisors will provide vital information to help you prepare for the application process. This event is an excellent opportunity for mid-career professionals who are looking for an exciting career opportunity as a Special Agent at the FBI and who meet the Special Agent Eligibility:

Special agents must meet the specified requirements listed below in addition to all FBI eligibility requirements.

> Have a bachelor’s degree with at least two years of full-time professional work experience or have an advanced degree with at least one year of full-time professional work experience.
> Be at least 23 years old.
> Apply before your 36th birthday unless you have veteran’s preference or federal law enforcement experience. You must complete the SASS process and enter on duty no later than the day before your 37th birthday.
> Possess a valid driver’s license.
> Meet our physical fitness requirements.
> Be able to obtain a Top Secret Sensitive Compartmented Information (SCI) Clearance.

Respectfully,
FBI SF Community Outreach

11/16/2024

https://selfdefenseclass20250118.eventbrite.com/

11/15/2024

As the election results throw many people into a dark place of concern and worry, many within the community are coming together, talking, planning, preparing, and activating to help protect our most vulnerable, and to chart a positive course through the next four years.

As part of this effort we are involved in a new UnitedSF group of community leaders and activists who will meet regularly, discuss, strategize, and share resources and information.

We are also part of the overall community safety efforts in our work with the FBI, the San Francisco Police Department LGBTQ+ Advisory Forum, Community Patrol Service and Castro Community On Patrol among others. We will be hosting a Community Self-Defense class for beginners on Saturday January 18, 2025 in the heart of the Castro from 1 PM - 4:30 PM and we encourage everyone to attend, learn, and share the information widely.

Some other useful resources for the future:

The Trevor The Trevor Project
thetrevorproject.org 212-695-8650

National Su***de Prevention Lifeline
988lifeline.org 988

SAGE LGBT Elder Hotline
sageusa.org 1-877-360-5428

Trans Lifeline
translifeline.org 1-877-565-8860

LGBT National Youth Talkline
lgbthotline.org 1-800-246-7743

https://SelfDefenseClass20250118.eventbrite.com

Beginners self-defense concepts and techniques, suitable for anyone of 18 years or older.

09/13/2024

We had an exemplary panel of experts at our Hate Crimes Presentation this evening including Chief Scott, DA Jenkins, SAC Tripp FBI, and Chief Boersch US Attorneys office.