The Academy is a LGBTQ+ social club open to all, focused on promoting genuine social interactions while offering engaging programming in collaboration with nonprofit organizations, local businesses, and leading community members. The Club is located in San Francisco's Castro District and was founded in 2017. Club membership is open to anyone who wishes to apply – all are welcome – and aspires to be diverse in age, race, gender, and social standing, with all Members sharing a common interest in engaging in the community and valuing in-person interactions. Learn more on our About page.

At The Academy, we believe that the experience is what is valuable. A membership / subscription model like ours allows us to be more creative in offering events that may or may not involve consuming food or beverages, as opposed to a traditional bar or nightclub format where patrons are encouraged to consume as many drinks as possible to pay for the entertainment or experience provided. Additionally, our format makes us more inviting to those who may choose not to drink at all.

Membership at The Academy has many benefits and perks. To view the currently-available membership types and what each one offers, click here. If you have additional questions about membership, feel free to submit an inquiry and we can set up a time to give you a tour, chat over the phone, or even tour the Club virtually.

We have several Social Club membership options, called "Metropolitan," "City," and "Traveler" plus scholarship offerings for all membership types for those in need of financial assistance. There is no "hierarchy" to the membership types, just differences in what is included. To learn more, fill out an inquiry and we will get in touch with you. For Social Club Members, we offer the option of adding an Academy Daylight subscription (to access the Club during the day) at a discounted rate.

Academy Daylight is a new part of The Academy (launching July 13, 2021) which offers a daytime club experience Monday through Friday, with a subscription model. Daylight Subscriptions are available to all – you do not have to be a Social Club Member to join – and single-day passes are also available. Academy Members can also add a Daylight Subscription to their membership plan at a 50% discount.

Academy Membership refers to our evening social club, and all prospective members must submit an application for approval before becoming an official Academy Member. The term subscription or subscriber refers to Academy Daylight access. Anyone can become a Daylight Subscriber.

Absolutely; part of the mission of The Academy is a cross section of people who make San Francisco the amazing place that it is. To make sure we are able to maintain that, we offer "scholarships" to prospective members in need of financial assistance, with particular emphasis on individuals involved in outstanding work in the LGBTQ+ community, the arts, public service, education, charitable causes, and other vital but financially undervalued occupations. Please indicate your interest in a scholarshop when you inquire or apply for membership.

Not at all—all are welcome at The Academy. We strive for gender diversity in our membership, and we are actively seeking more women, transgender, and non-binary individuals to make our member community more vibrant and representative of the entire rainbow! Please do not hesitate to reach out if you have questions about membership.

Our Members range in age from early 20s to mid-70s, with every age group in between widely represented and an approximate average of 40 years old.

There is no formal dress code at The Academy. We do not have such formalities or antiquated rules of etiquette, however our basic rule is to always present one's self in a way that is reflective of individual style while being respectful of others and maintaining an atmosphere of inclusivity.

We do offer bar service for our members and their guests, with rotating food options available. There is no full-service restaurant at The Academy, however, we do work with outstanding caterers for larger events.

No. The Academy is a welcoming space for all orientations, and is proud to include many allies of the LGBTQ+ community among its members, guests, and community partners.

Yes, in fact, we have a very flexible guest policy. For Social Club Members, a maximum of (5) guests are allowed for any given visit without any additional cost. Groups larger than 6 require an advance reservation and may incur additional staffing and/or facility fees. Ask a representative of Club Management if you have questions about larger groups. Academy Daylight subscribers are allowed a +1 with each visit.

Yes. While we feel the best way to experience The Academy is by becoming a Member or Academy Daylight subscriber, there are many other opportunities to engage with us, including: Academy Homeroom classes, the Barber Salon, attending a fundraiser or special event with one of our non-profit partners, or as an invited guest of a Member or Academy Daylight subscriber. Many of our virtual events are also open to the public.

Yes. We would love to discuss details and options with you. Please visit our private events page, and you may submit an inquiry to our private events manager.