In the 1950’s Harry Hay and the men of the Mattachine Society, along with the women of their companion group, the Daughters of Bilitis, first defined what it meant to be gay and proud in America. During a time when homosexuality was considered a mental disorder, these men and women lead protests, lived openly, and loved openly. In the face of intense persecution, they were brave enough to put their humanity and love at center stage. They defined Gay to mean something deeper than simply who we have sex with. It is who we love, how we create, and our ability to triumph over adversity because of our diversity. The Mattachine Society is the reason Bar Mattachine is here now. A little gay bar in downtown LA, serving up some damn good drinks and a good time. Gay in all of its many wonderful meanings and proud to be here.