Release Date: Early Spring 2025

Strolling down 18th Street, you’ll encounter a small sign adorned with an illustration of a sexy leather daddy that says, “We Buy Gay Stuff.” Perhaps some of you are wondering what lies beyond the sleek stairs leading to the top of this establishment. If you're anything like me, you ventured inside without hesitation. You might have expected a typical Castro store—stocked with lube, penis straws, and 10-inch Naked Sword dildos. Instead, what you discovered felt more like a museum of queer culture and gay-themed memorabilia carefully curated by none other than Patrick Batt.

Hours could easily be spent exploring AutoErotica, but the most captivating part of the experience is engaging in conversation with Patrick. Patrick has tapped into a unique niche, diving deep into the rich history and stories of San Francisco's past. His memorabilia collection illuminates the past while offering invaluable insights for our future.

Patrick’s journey is as remarkable as the store itself, from his participation in the inaugural Mr. Leather competition to serving as the first manager of The Eagle. Patrick has witnessed and contributed to key moments in queer history. After a year of working for Drummer, he started Mercury Mail Order, which helped create a network of connections for LGBTQ+ people, especially before the widespread use of the Internet. MMO was a vital part of the history of queer publishing and mail-order businesses. He fostered community during the AIDS crisis and championed queer liberation, all while navigating encounters with law enforcement and cherishing relationships with unforgettable partners.

In 2020, during the pandemic, the future of AutoErotica SF hung in the balance—Bradley Roberge, a queer nightlife photographer, met Patrick. Bradley quickly became a good friend and a lifeline to the store. He created the AutoErotica Instagram account, which garnered over 50,000 followers and reignited interest in the store. Through the account, Bradley raised funds with a GoFundMe campaign, helping pay for the rent during the pandemic and ensuring the store's survival. His efforts brought new attention to the store and helped secure its future.

We need your support to bring this documentary to life. The funds raised will go directly toward final editing, including lighting, visual motion design, music scoring, securing film equipment, renting photoshoot locations, and obtaining archival footage. Additionally, we plan to allocate funds for distribution and submitting the documentary to various film festivals to ensure this story reaches a broader audience.

Queer stories are often left untold, resulting in the loss of vital parts of our history. We aim to change that. These stories are entertaining and carry profound wisdom, essential for continuing the fight for liberation.

We are grateful to all of you for considering supporting our documentary project. Your willingness to contribute means the world to us and represents a significant step in bringing Patrick’s inspiring story to life.

By supporting this project, you're not just funding a documentary; you're helping to preserve and share a vital piece of LGBTQ+ history in San Francisco. Your generosity will allow us to capture and amplify Patrick’s experiences, shedding light on the struggles, triumphs, and contributions of the queer community in San Francisco.