Soho in the late sixties and into the seventies was home to a broad mix of people. There were dozens of young artists types because that is where they could rent huge loft spaces to serve as both studio and home. Where the artists live is where many galleries started moving to.
The Stonewall Riots in Greenwich Village took place on June 27, 1969. The Gay Pride Movement was basically born at that time. Some gay folks made their homes in Soho. They weren't skulking around in basements in 1979.
Soho attracted artsy types, actors, dancers, painters, musicians, filmmakers and photographers among others. There was a large Sicilian/Italian population with their 'clubs', that still resided in Soho at that time. It was an exciting place to be, before all the upscale people moved in.
Just some personal thoughts on the area at about that time.