About 100 people watched the projected election results pour in Tuesday night in San Francisco’s Mission District.
Valencia Street was closed between 15th and 16th Streets for the outdoor watch party. There was a nearly two-story tall screen outside of Manny’s, the restaurant and community gathering spot that organized the event.
“This is just a really great sense of community,” Ashley, a Manny’s volunteer, said. “So, we’ve been doing all of the swing state letters and stuff, which has been really helpful to get the word out to people who don’t think like us, obviously. But then, having the community wrap around and support everybody is really cool.”
People ate, drank and watched drag. Folks also gave speeches, with some encouraging onlookers not to be nervous, yet.
However, many expressed worry.
“The very first image I saw of the Florida map, and I saw some little red precincts,” said one watch party attendee. “I think there’s some borderline PTSD from 2016 – a reminder that we don’t actually know how this is going to go. I think one thing about calling voters – you talk to people who are really excited. I think it actually gave me some hope, which is good, but I think that, seeing the map come up, you remember that in 2016 I also felt hopeful, and that got shattered.”