Sex, kink, BDSM, fetish, intimacy, love & equality fair — LGBTQIAA+
Dore Alley gave us about what you’d expect this year: Kissing, dance parties, rope demonstrations and yep — lots of nipples, butt cheeks, and dick. Here’s our NSFW album, and what’s below is only somewhat safe for work.
I personally spent a chill year with Daddy above Powerhouse, but “chill” really depends who you ask; A sex party of maybe 40 people is certainly toned down from my friends’ pre-pandemic soirees that saw hundreds. San Francisco provided us no shortage of circuit parties this year alongside house romps with door charges; I really want to get the inside scoop on a pizza orgy I heard about. A pizzorgy?
Officially known as the Up Your Alley Fair, Dore Alley has an unapologetic embrace of leather culture, fetishes, intimacy, and sexual freedom. Its origins date back to the mid-1980s, when it emerged as a more intimate counterpart to the larger Folsom Street Fair.
Whether you’re into bears, pups, or simply curious, Dore Alley provides an inclusive space for all expressions and identities. And we definitely saw a kaleidoscope of options Sunday, from furries to fishnets, strap-ons to angel wings; There was something for everyone. Friends reconnected, strangers became friends, and the celebration of diversity was evident in every corner.
Held annually on the last Sunday of July, the parties transform several blocks of Folsom Street into a lively festival of self-expression and community. We saw everything from live music, performances, fetish demonstrations, and vendor booths.
I personally can only stand in the sun getting nudged by big groups for a little time each year. But I sent intrepid photographers to get the photos below and in our NSFW set. Christopher J. Beale described his experience this year, and Aaron Levy-Wolins gave a good take on pup play last year.
Dore Alley’s enduring legacy is one of inclusivity, freedom, and resilience. It has become a symbol of San Francisco’s progressive spirit and its commitment to providing a space where everyone can celebrate their identity without fear of discrimination. For many, Dore Alley is more than just an event; it’s a powerful statement of pride and solidarity, a reminder of the ongoing fight for acceptance and equality.
Saul Sugarman is editor in chief of The Bold Italic.
More photos from Dore Alley 2024
All photos by photographers for The Bold Italic.
