Lauren Tabak

Never a Cover

Susannah Smith, Lauren Tabak

In 1997, a then 25 year old Lila Thirkield opened a dyke bar in San Francisco's low rent Mission District. Over the next 18 years, the bar, like many of its patrons, transitioned, becoming the only dedicated lesbian/queer/transgender space within city limits. In the years leading up to 2015 the city itself also saw major cultural shifts, and now with the neighborhood transformed, Lila is forced to make a difficult decision that sends ripples through the queer community.

Love Me Like You Should: The Brave and Bold Sylvester

Lauren Tabak

Sylvester

In partnership with filmmaker Lauren Tabak and writer/consulting producer Barry Walters, we dive into the music career of Sylvester, starting from church choir in South Central LA to his early years in San Francisco. It follows his ascent to stardom through his evergreen, international hits "Dance (Disco Heat)" and "You Make Me Feel (Mighty Real)". Through his groundbreaking career, Sylvester blew open the doors for queer visibility and gender fluidity in mainstream music, leaving a legacy that continues to influence today's pop music.