Markings (The Lex), 2015

Markings is an on-going community-based project in which people are invited to fill out tags printed with “This is where…” – with their memories of places. The tags are then added to flags, which are put in front of the places where their memories took place, and photographed.

This is the fourth version of Markings and it documents 20 memories that people had in/of The Lex, the last lesbian bar presently in San Francisco. It closed on April 30th, 2015. This project was made in communication with Lila Thirkield, the owner of the bar and is supported by the Lexington Club Archival Project.

...I kissed a girl after a 10 year break.
...after transitioning, this was the first place I met and hooked up with a beautiful woman who took me home. I was nervous at first, but we had gotten to know each other here -- where I felt safe.
...I threw a full can of PBR across the bar to get Ben's attention so he could get me another can of PBR. I was cut off.
...I had my first drink in SF...met my partner of 9 years...met my best friends. I had many drinks, laughs, make outs, long nights, great nights.
...I came each week looking for love in all the wrong places...and eventually met Mrs. Right. We arrived as friends, left as so much more and are vowing to spend our lives together this May. Without the Lex, I'd be a crazy cat lady.
...I partied the night before I shipped off to boot camp.
...you cruise and be cruised. No lie...
...I got VIP invited downstairs and soon to be disinvited.
...me and the person I thought I'd spend the rest of my life with discussed who would keep the car and other break-up banalities.
...I spent my first New Years in SF and met the woman I'm marrying in less than 60 days! I kissed her 4 beers in. It took me that much to have the courage.
...I experienced a bartender standing on the bar and announcing Princess Diana's death. The bartender stood on the bar and the "standing room only" bar was silenced. The respect and honor given to such an icon was memorable, like staged, there was silence for about 30 min.
...Heather McAllister wanted an all butch party at the Lex. We showed. We partied.
...I came for a drink on my first visit to San Francisco.
...I remember the Barbie Chandelier.
...I drew Jiz Lee.
...I met my ex who was married so I fucked another gal in the bathroom, than I met my ex here a week later and made out.
...I told my co-worker that if she bought me tequila, I'd want to fuck her. She bought me 5 rounds.
...The amazing bartender polaroids were. Stuck to the mirror behind the cash register. Documents!

Markings series