In the early 1970's, because of the liberating influence of the Stonewall rebellion in 1969, Gay men and Lesbians across the country became more open and developed a sense of community. Gay men who did not identify with drag queens or effiminate-acting men looked for a way to establish their identity and find others who shared their interests.

They began to appear in the bars wearing Levis and leather, and some discovered they shared an interest in motorcycles. Gay motorcycle clubs began to appear between 1970 and 1975. Gateway MC, all of whose founding members were cyclists, was established in 1973. For a number of years all members had to own cycles, and most of the activities were motorcycle related. The practice of referring to gatherings of clubs as "runs" came from these early years when many runs were outdoors and centered on motorcycle events.

Eventually, like other such clubs around the country, Gateway developed into a social club in which motorcycles were not the only focus. The activities broadened to encompass the Levi/leather community as a whole and its need for its own identity, events, and network of brotherhood.

Early in its history, Gateway anniversary runs were outdoor events, sometimes in collaboration with other clubs. For most of its history, however, Gateway has hosted in-town hotel runs. Over the years, Gateway has had a number of home bars, beginning at Martin's in the old Gateway Hotel, followed by Knights II and Magnolia's. Since 2001, Gateway has had JJs Clubhouse as its home bar, which we share with the Show-Me Bears and Blue Max CC.