104. The Castro Clone Wars

Following the Stonewall Riots, San Francisco’s Castro District gained a reputation for its relative openness and soon emerged as a gay haven. During the 1970s and 1980s, a group of predominantly white, masculine-presenting gay men gained prominence for their uniform aesthetic, characterized by closely cropped hair, well-groomed mustaches, denim attire, and a rugged, hyper-masculine appearance.In this episode, we’re exploring the origins and characteristics of this archetype, referred to as the Castro Clone, along with some famous Clones, and how this subculture both challenged and perpetuated narrow ideals of masculinity.Related Episodes:Listen to Episode 19. The Queer History of DiscoListen to Episode 24. Gay Villages: Won't You Be My Gaybor‪?‬ Listen to Episode 81. Are Mustaches Gay?Listen to Episode 82. Gay Gym CultureListen to Episode 86. Turn Off Your Code-SwitchingListen to Episode 92. Metrosexual MadnessAdditional Resources:Castro CloneCastro District, San FranciscoThe History of the CastroCruisin’ with the Mustache CrewArthur EvansHow the '70s “Clone” Look Paved the Way for the Queer Clothing of TodayThe Incredibly Gay History of Manly ClothesAfraid You're Not Butch Enough?The Fabulous Sylvester: The Legend, the Music, the Seventies in San FranciscoSupport the showGet Your Merch

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