Change
After fourteen years in SOMA, and ten years under my ownership, Wicked Grounds will be winding down physical operations at our 8th Street location at the end of June. Over the past three years, downtown San Francisco has changed substantially; many much larger and better-resourced businesses than us have pulled out. Keeping a retail & drop-in space in the neighborhood’s current economy is unsustainable – and a distraction from the many things we still have to offer.
Evolution
Wicked Grounds is growing as an educational and events business, and we are keeping that mission alive. Going forward, we will lend our support to other community organizations and stay stronger together.
If you have a ticketed event at Wicked Grounds, you’ve probably already been re-located – check your email or Forbidden Tickets.
I’ve been able to reach several munch leaders & leaders of pass-the-hat events already to plan for the future of those events. If you host a munch or pass-the-hat event, and we haven’t connected yet, I have recommendations on spaces that can house you – just reach out. Once we’ve worked out a new space/ time for your event, Wicked Grounds will help you promote the new location.
If you’re interested in acquiring anything from café and Annex equipment to furniture and board games, please reach out our just drop by (keep an eye on Erobay for available boutique & “garage sale” hours now through the end of June). We must have the space cleared out by June 30th, and almost everything must go.
Beginnings
I am pleased to announce that as part of our transition, I have voluntarily recognized the formation of the Wicked Union – a labor union of most Wicked Grounds staff. This formation is a huge accomplishment, and I hope that you will join me in congratulating the team.
Epilogue
Transition and change is inevitable, but our mission remains the same: Kink Community. Everywhere. I hope you will continue to support our evolution.
Do not hesitate to reach out to me with questions or assistance as we make this change.
In closing, I want to echo what a dear friend of mine shared eighteen years ago, when his first large-scale event space was being closed for redevelopment in downtown Phoenix:
“Losing this space isn't a big deal. It doesn't diminish the book you're reading because you reach the end; you can read it and relive it again and again," says Michael 23. "So much happened inside this space in the past 10 years, and I don't think there's anything ending, really. We're closing one chapter and opening another, and we're not disappearing from the scene. There's still other things we need to do."
Michael was true to his word and kept shaping the Arizona arts scene for decades afterward.
Wicked Grounds is not disappearing from the scene. (Far from it.) There’s still other things we need to do.
Warmly,
Mir
We are a queer-centered educational and community building space for sex-positive adult education, including relationships, dating, BDSM, kinky, polyamory and more. Posts mostly written by Mir (that dude in the chair) on behalf of the Wicked Grounds team. Welcome aboard!
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