"The ... doorman, after checking my ID, asked me, 'Do you have any money, because you need to have enough money to buy at least one drink?' In response to this, I pulled out my wallet and fanned my money to show him I had enough cash. The doorman then let me into Badlands."

African American patron Jamez Smith, verified statement to the San Francisco Human Rights Commission, July 2005

"I told Mr. Natali that it seemed that Badlands did not hire women and asked whether I should simply tell female applicants that we did not hire women. Mr. Natali responded by saying, 'Well, you would never tell them that.' "

Derek Turner, verified statement to the San Francisco Human Rights Commission, July 2005

LAST SUMMER A new group called And Castro for All launched a massive complaint with the San Francisco Human Rights Commission and with state agencies based on sworn statements from nearly 20 former employees, patrons, and witnesses who charged that Les Natali, the baron of Castro nightlife who owns the Badlands and Detour bars, routinely discriminated against African Americans, Latinos, and women, in violation of city and state civil rights laws.

Among other things, the activists reported that Natali had brazenly posted signs at his establishments proclaiming that he reserved the right to request two forms of valid ID – despite the fact that city law expressly prohibits such multi-ID policies because they were used in the Castro in the 1980s as a ruse to discriminate against Asian Americans, African Americans, and others.

But the struggle for accountability rages on 10 months later, an embarrassing testament to the ability of one man to thwart justice and due process – and yet an inspiring testament to the undying commitment of a community to speak truth to power and honor our city's legacy of defending civil rights.

Although Natali has consistently denied the allegations, the HRC was concerned enough to launch a rare, full-scale investigation. In the ensuing six months, Natali has failed to meet most of the HRC's deadlines and to provide some of the data requested.

But these indiscretions pale in comparison to Natali's master stroke: last December, he – with the aid of business partner Trelawny Bruce, owner of Sacramento's Depot bar – bought the Pendulum, a Castro bar with a predominantly African American clientele. Allegedly, Natali plans to close the bar for "renovations" – a signal that the bar's days as a safe space for African Americans could be numbered.

But there is a silver lining to the Natali scandal. For the past 10 months, people from every corner of the city have stood shoulder-to-shoulder to proclaim repeatedly to Natali – and anyone like him – that "discrimination is not welcome in our city." Community leaders like Sups. Bevan Dufty, Sophie Maxwell, and Tom Ammiano, as well as other members of the board, and assemblymembers Mark Leno and Leland Yee have played key roles in ensuring that the allegations against Natali are taken seriously by the state – including having a hold placed on his applications for a liquor license and entertainment permit at the Pendulum, pending the outcome of investigations.

Perhaps more important, the Natali matter has served as a reminder that the lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender community – particularly the Castro – doesn't necessarily live up to its Oz-like reputation. In October, 40 groups, including Greens, Democrats, and organized labor, joined forces to cosponsor an antidiscrimination march in the neighborhood. And later this month, And Castro for All is launching a collaboration with the Castro Merchants Association to promote greater inclusion within the community.

Even so, much work remains. We all must remind Natali that we will not abide any "rush" attempts to close the Pendulum before the city and state can issue their findings and rule on his license applications. But more important, if the HRC finds that Natali has engaged in discriminatory practices, we must stand together and insist that he receive his just rewards, making it clear once and for all that San Francisco won't abide discrimination.

John Newsome is a member of And Castro for All.