LGBTQ News & Calendar for the Bay Area CELEBRATING FOUR DECADES (1978–2023)
March 9 –22, 2023 http://sfbaytimes.com
The Nebraska state senate proposed LB574, a bill that would make gender-affirming care for transgender children illegal. And in this era when state legislatures are passing anti-LGBTQ+ bills right and left, one state senator stood up and said, “Enough!”
I’ve been writing A LOT lately about the hateful and dangerous nincompoopery that has taken over so many state legislatures. Trying to keep up with all the bills against drag queens, trans kids, LGBTQ+ parents, librarians, books, teachers, and so on is an exhausting, depressing task. So, this week I’m going to recommend you read (or reread) the column from the last issue of the San Francisco Bay Times written by my brilliant, wise, and often trenchantly funny fellow columnist, Ann Rostow. She took a deep dive into this subject, and her piece is well worth reading. In case you missed it, here it is:
https://tinyurl.com/AnnRostow
This is What an Ally Looks Like
“If this legislature collectively decides that legislating hate against children is our priority, then I am going to make it painful, painful for everyone.”
—Nebraska State Senator Machaela
Cavanaugh
You never know where heroes are going to show up. On February 27, it was—of all places—Nebraska.
Senator Machaela Cavanaugh quite literally stood up, and started talking. And talking. And talking. She made it clear that she intends to keep talking throughout the ensuing 50+ days of the legislative calendar. She has said, “I will burn this session to the ground over this bill.” She intends to keep filibustering in order to block any action on bills that are harmful to LGBTQ+ people, forcing her colleagues to make a choice: legislate hate, or actually take care of the business of their state. And by doing so, she has brought much of the legislature’s business to a screeching halt.
NOTHING but time. And I’m going to use all of it.”
This woman is a fierce advocate and ally for the community. Look her up, support her efforts, and send her a thank you.
https://twitter.com/senatormachaela
Creating Change
2023 marked the 50th anniversary of the National LGBTQ Task Force, and the 35th anniversary of their annual conference, Creating Change Billed as the foremost political, leadership, and skills-building conference for the LGBTQ+ movement, it brought over 3,000 attendees to San Francisco for four days of daylong institutes, workshops, caucuses, expo, and networking.
This was my first Creating Change ; I came away wishing I had started attending when I was younger. It was inspiring and empowering to see so many people in one place focused on, literally, creating change to make the world a better and more inclusive place. The expo hall alone was brimming with energy as attendees visited booths representing a wide range of organizations that support the LGBTQ+ community. One that impressed me most was Trans Tech, an incubator for LGBTQ Talent with a focus on economically empowering transgender people. TransTech is a co-working, co-learning community dedicated to empowering trans, lesbian, gay, bisexual, queer people, and allies with practical, careerready skills. I’ll be writing more about them in my next column, and their upcoming TransTech Summit on March 31–April 3.
https://transtechsocial.org/
that advocates for civil rights and protections for LGBTQ+ residents of Florida. Support their work here: https://www.eqfl.org/
The Imperial Council of San Francisco’s 58th annual Coronation was held February 25, and it was, as always, spectacular: the gowns, the jewels, the coiffures were stunning. After all, members of sister courts come from all across the country to take part in this family reunion, the culmination of a year of community service and fundraising, and a final week of wall-to-wall events that strengthen ties between these activists, performers, and community leaders. Congratulations to the outgoing monarchs, Empress Ehra Amaya and Emperor Brent Marek, and welcome to the incoming monarchs, Empress Cameron Stiehl and Emperor Michael Anthony Chua.
Join us on Sunday, March 19, from 4–7 pm at The Edge Bar for “The Saints Come Marching In,” a benefit for the Sisters produced by some of the Saints—folks who have been “Sainted” by the Sisters as recognition for their community service. Come on down for a beer and soda bust, Jell-o shots, performers, raffle, and more. But most important of all: come and show the Sisters some love. https://tinyurl.com/SaintsSPI
Leather News
There is lots going on in the leather community. First, the Bare Chest Calendar is holding preliminary competitions for the 2024 Calendar at the Powerhouse through the end of March, with the Finals Contest on May 6 at DNA Lounge. At the February 16 competition they presented a giant check representing their fundraising total from the 2023 calendar: $205,190, the second highest total ever raised in one year. The Calendar, which started as a fundraising project of the AIDS Emergency Fund, has raised over $3 million for beneficiaries since 1985. The sole beneficiary this year is once again Positive Resource Center and its program, Emergency Financial Assistance (formerly AIDS Emergency Fund). Want to try out? Attend? Support? Go to www.barechest.org/ImNext
Senator Cavanaugh has drawn a line in the sand to protect LGBTQ+ people from state-imposed harm. She has firmly said, “I have nothing,
Coronation is a joyful and celebratory event, but the sequins and tiaras are just the glamorous façade for the serious work these folks do, raising money for organizations that serve and support the community. Impressive fundraising totals for the year were announced: Over $65,500 was raised for organizations including the Castro Country Club, Lyric, Community Health Center, Coming Home Hospice, San Francisco Night Ministry, LGBTQ Asylum Project, Rafiki Coalition, Lyon-Martin, and Tenderloin Tessie. The Brotherhood of Emperors bestowed the Bob Cramer Award to Lawrence Wong, a longstanding public servant who, in 1994, became the first openly gay Asian-American elected official in the United States. In his acceptance speech, Wong summed up the spirit of the evening, saying, “If you want to live a life of purpose, live a life of service.”
One inescapable theme at the conference was the need to collect good data in order to effectively advocate for policy and legislative change. The National Center for Transgender Equality was excited about the overwhelming response they have had to their recently closed U.S. Trans Survey; while they couldn’t disclose numbers yet, they said the response was far larger than the last survey in 2015. Another major survey, by the Anti-Violence Project, recently closed. They have been collecting data on the threats of violence against queer spaces, another subject that was a major theme at the conference.
There were many outstanding sessions, but the one that really hit home was a session by the Florida Caucus. The room was overflowing with activists who are fighting every day on the front lines in a state that is determined to erase them, led by a governor who is so vehemently antiLGBTQ+ that he literally created the Don’t Say Gay movement. These activists are motivated, fired up, and doing heroic work. There are many grassroots groups doing great work, as well as Equality Florida, the only statewide political advocacy group
If you don’t happen to be familiar with the Imperial Council and the important work they do, I highly recommend watching the documentary Fifty Years of Fabulous https://www.50yearsoffab.com/
The Saints Come Marching In
The Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence promulgate joy and expiate stigmatic guilt on a daily basis (check it out; it says so right on their website). They devote themselves to doing good deeds throughout the community, providing service, ministry, and outreach to those the most marginalized. They stand up and speak out for human rights, expose bigotry and complacency with irreverent wit, and, in general, make the world a better, safer, and more joyful place.
But you already knew all that, right? What you might not realize is that while they are busy helping others, they sometimes need help as well. Last August they went public with the sad news of an embezzlement that was a significant blow to their finances. Despite that, they found a way to dispense grants to a dozen small organizations and projects that provide direct services to underserved communities. And now they are gearing up to produce their biggest event of the year, their worldfamous Easter celebration in the park. And they need our help to do it.
Another annual fundraiser for PRC’s Emergency Financial Assistance program is also underway, with a change in leadership. The Golden Dildeaux Awards are being produced this year by the LEATHER & LGBTQ Cultural District, after having been presented by the Golden Gate Guards for the past 28 years. In November 2022, the Guards rolled up their banner and dissolved the club at their anniversary party. They had served the Bay Area community for 36 years, and were proud to have supported this program, which provides grants to low-income San Francisco residents living with HIV/ AIDS for their housing, medical, and/or utility bills.
A good-humored contest among community members, the Awards are given in sometimes coveted, and mostly suggestively-named categories. Winners are chosen by popular vote, each vote costing $1. Nominations for the awards close today, March 9, with a launch party and beer bust at the SF Eagle on March 12 for revealing the nominations and kicking off voting. Voting ends April 20, with the awards and check presentation at the SF Eagle on April 22. Last year’s Awards raised $10,494; let’s see if they can top that this year. For more info, and to vote: https://tinyurl.com/GDil2023
If you have ever taken on the role of caregiver for a family or friend suffering from chronic or terminal illness, you know the emotional toll that goes with the territory, and how the feelings of grief and loss can weigh on you. As we care for ones we love, we grieve as we watch them change or suffer due to illness, and grieve our personal losses as we prioritize caregiving over our own selfcare.
On March 23, Openhouse, in partnership with the Family Caregiver
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Much has been made of the rapid rise of gay and lesbian rights over the last three decades, and rightly so. Back in the day, being a lesbian was seen as a quirky anomaly or perhaps a feminist affectation. Gay men, in turn, were promiscuous sexual misfits, loitering in parks and alleyways or maybe ogling little boys on the playground. Attitudes progressed a little bit, but only to expand the stereotypes with a few less problematic images; the fun gay best friend, the outrageous drag queen, the suffering AIDS patient, the harmless suburban lesbian family, the regular guys and gals just trying to get along. Many Americans replaced disgust with a benevolent indifference, and if you had frozen the social status quo at that point, you might have expected a slow but steady improvement, emphasis on slow.
Instead, we saw a stunning advance in our favor. Why? It wasn’t some phenomenal strategy by gay and lesbian activists. It was the exodus from the closets that began in the 1980s and accelerated through the millennium. Our straight families were confronted by the gay and lesbian aunts, cousins, sons, and grandparents in their midst and the majority became our allies. New civil rights laws and court victories reflected our surge into all aspects of American life and society. The gay predator in the bathroom and the psychotic lesbian wallflower who couldn’t get a man dissolved seemingly overnight in a paradigm shift that gave way to loving couples in a fight for marriage, a home life, and freedom from baseless discrimination—goals shared by everyone of all sexual orientations.
I bring up this simplified version of history because the fight for gay and lesbian rights was successful thanks to all of these phenomena happening at once and feeding off each other. The more people came out of the closet, the easier it was for others to do so; the more support we built, the more political and legal progress we made, and so forth. Right now, as we face a massive attack on our transgender brothers and sisters, can we take any lessons from the advances we’ve made on the gay and lesbian front?
I honestly don’t know. But the reason I brought it up was my impression that the circumstances that governed the gay rights movement don’t necessarily apply to the trans rights movement. The gay community had a large hidden population ready to emerge. Is that the case with transgender Americans? To some extent, yes, but to what extent? The political atmosphere is profoundly hostile, far more so even than the negative attitudes that surrounded earlier debates on marriage. The courts have also turned far more conservative in the last decade.
And significantly, the goals of the transgender community are harder to defend, only because of their complexity. Should pre-teens have gender surgery? Not only should the answer be no, but no one is even advocating for such drastic policies. But laws that “protect” children from transgender therapies win thoughtless support from a society that is a) basically indifferent to the plight of transpeople and b) easily seduced by the idea that a ban on “therapy” prevents young kids from getting their dicks or breasts hacked off at will. Once you start to discuss hormone blockers or letting children explore their gender
By Ann Rostowidentities through different clothes and pronouns, some people stop listening and others imagine that we want to give everyone a green light to act out flights of fancy that will lead inexorably to harmful interventions.
Finally, the attack on the trans community is a mechanism for those who lost the war on gay rights to reposition themselves for another sustained assault on the GLBT community.
Last time, we were represented by the sympathetic couple who had been together for 30 or 40 years but who lacked the basic rights of marriage; inheritance, taxes, joint parenthood, even family gym memberships. This time, we are surrogates for vulnerable kids but we are fighting other surrogates who insist our policies are dangerous. It doesn’t matter how many studies or medical research papers we can offer. They have their own junk science to offer in rebuttal, and most people just stick with their gut feelings—boys are boys and girls are girls.
Why else would so many states have passed laws against transgender women playing team sports, given that transgender girls represent roughly one percent of school and college aged kids? I’m basing that on the latest Gallup poll, which shows 1.9 percent of Gen Z adults identify as transgender, and I’m assuming that number is about split between males and females. Whatever the number might be, the scope and intensity of legislative attacks on trans kids and young adults is massively out of proportion to the absurd threat that lawmakers insist this tiny minority presents to the country at large.
So where does it end? How do we confront this? What can we do? The
days when logical argument could sway political thought are long gone. We now live in a world of make believe, deep fakes, alternative facts, and bizarre conspiracy theories. Politicians no longer compromise or put in the hard work of crafting complex legislation. With some exceptions, they’re all show, developing their public images and planning their next runs for office. The news media is compartmentalized into separate echo chambers, some on the left and some on the right, preaching to the choirs on either side.
The only solution I see is demographics. Gen Z has to grow up and take over as fast as possible.
Cruel Intentions
It’s one of those weeks where I have dozens of similar sounding stories about horror shows in red state legislatures around the country. Not only are they repetitive, but it’s depressing just to list them one after another. That’s why I wrote about the larger context in that first section.
Because, for example, Texas lawmakers have offered 82 anti-GLBT bills in this session alone, and the session started in January! I couldn’t even begin to account for these proposals, let alone assess the likelihood of passage. I think we can assume that not even Texas will enact 82 new antiGLBT laws, but will there be five?
Ten? To give you a sense of their thinking, one of the ideas coming out of Austin is to ban undocumented children from attending public school. I know it’s not a GLBT issue, but can you imagine a whole generation of immigrant kids stuck at home or on the streets instead of getting an education? Does anyone think that sounds like good policy?
How about Alaska, where the conservative Attorney General has quietly ordered the Alaska State Commission for Human Rights to revise the state’s anti-discrimination protections, which were formalized after the High Court’s 2020 ruling in Bostock v Clayton County
I won’t go into detail for the umpteenth time, but Bostock said that gay and trans employees are covered by the ban on sex discrimination in the workplace under Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964. After that, many federal and state agencies went ahead and determined that gay and trans people were covered under all bans on sex discrimination, and the Alaska Commission was one of those agencies. Now, however, spurred by the intervention from a Christian advocacy group, Alaska will limit anti-discrimination coverage to workplace claims alone. Gone are protections for housing, finance, public accommodation, and whatever else Alaska had put under its wing.
Tennessee seems to be distinguishing itself as the anti-GLBT state of the week, but I grow weary of this subject. There’s stuff coming out of Kansas as well, my wife’s state, but we are saved here by the Democratic governor, Laura Kelly, who can be counted on to veto nasty bills.
Speaking of Kansas, we are on the verge of March Madness, and once again, Kansas is a one seed for the tournament. You may remember that I won our family bracket contest last year, an irony since I am one of the least educated family members, mainly because I did not spend decades watching every Kansas basketball game and calculating every
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By Daniel Joraanstad
(Editor’s Note:
On February 27, the Rotary Club of San Francisco held its annual Emergency Services Day to honor outstanding representatives of the departments that we depend on for public safety: the Fire Department, the Department of Emergency Management, the Police Department, the Sheriff’s Office, the Coast Guard, and the Recreation and Park Rangers. Each honoree was celebrated for acts of heroism and outstanding service in handling an urgent call to duty in the past year. The heroes of Emergency Services Day are selected by the leadership of their department.
This is a large public forum where department leaders thank and congratulate the award winners, cheered on by an appreciative audience that includes Rotarians, families of these guardians of our city, department leadership, and many political notables. The event has grown to be one of the most popular luncheons of the Rotary year.
Daniel “Dan” Joraanstad helps to make this important annual event possible, as does Rotary Club President Christopher Wiseman. Wiseman told the San Francisco Bay Times : “Emergency Services Day, with Co-Chairs Bob Hermann and Matt Madsen, was a great success. The event was at capacity with 150 attendees. Since 1987, this has been a signature event for our club and is important to our entire membership. The event means a lot to the emergency workers and their families. At the luncheon, we share their stories, publicly recognize them, and celebrate their importance to the city of San Francisco. When I hear their stories, it reminds me how hard they work every day on behalf of San Francisco and those like me who call it home.”)
Isn’t coming out a constant process? I make a few speeches each year, as I did on February 27 for Emergency Services Day. This is a wonderful tradition since 1987 for the Rotary Club of San Francisco to honor our Emergency Service Workers—Police and Fire Departments, Sheriff’s Office, Coast Guard. This year the Park Rangers joined us as did
911/DEM. I was the Master of Ceremonies. In my usual biography, which is read to introduce me, I conclude by saying, “My husband Bob Hermann and I have spent 35 years together, most of them in San Francisco.”
At this event, as Master of Ceremonies I provided a short story about each of our heroes to the audience after a flashy video introduction and taped interview. For example, I detailed a story of a heartbroken
mother coming back to look for her drug addicted son repeatedly in the Tenderloin. The police officer she bumped into, Raylene Larot, took it as a mission to reunite the two ... and I noticed in her biography that she and her wife were expecting their first child. What an uplifting end for the sad story! And another way to say, “Hey, world, LGBTQ people are everywhere.” It feels good, it feels safe, here in gay central to express myself, but it works in the rest of my experiences, too.
As a financial advisor, I frequently went to conventions with my coworkers and their spouses from around the country. This time it was not just once or twice a month to come out, but many times a day as Bob and I met our colleagues. The funniest coming out story was with a rather deaf older man from Ohio who was there with his son. At the round dinner table, he cupped his mouth to whisper loudly into his son’s ear, after I struggled to make it clear that Bob and I were more than business partners (before I could say husband), “Son, I think they’re GAY!”
For more information about the Rotary Club of San Francisco: https://sfrotary.org/
Daniel Joraanstad is the Membership Chair for the Rotary Club of San Francisco. He previously served as the managing editor of science, engineering, and computer science works at publisher Benjamin Cummings and was a managing director at Wells Fargo Advisors.
eight percent of their area median income. He or she must also meet at least one of the following:
• their employer does not compensate for jury service; or their employer does not compensate for the estimated duration of jury service; or
• they are self-employed; or
• they are unemployed.
Additionally, for jurors who don’t meet the above criteria, AB 881 makes $15/day the base pay, as opposed to the cap. This gives courts the flexibility to pay more, if they can and are able to.
This new proposal is modeled after a 2021 bill I authored, AB 1452, which allowed San Francisco to try out a similar program. Since its implementation locally, the results have been substantial.
in East Oakland, and how community-oriented revitalization of the Coliseum site can help remedy these problems. (Read the piece here: https://tinyurl.com/mjzcwuex ) Bringing cricket to the Coliseum expands this vision.
With 2.5 billion followers, cricket is the world’s second-most popular sport. Our Board has become aware of the cricket market and the need for the U.S. to expand venues for such a popular and growing sport. The Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum has the largest playing surface of all the Major League Baseball venues in the country. As such, it uniquely meets the field requirements to host cricket matches.
While California requires employers to provide time off for jury duty, they are not required to pay their workers while they serve on a jury. If a juror’s job does not cover their wages or salary, the court system compensates them nothing on their first day of service, then only $15 per day after that. The stipend hardly covers gas and parking, let alone lunch in many places.
It’s a dilemma many potential jurors face. They know serving on a jury is a meaningful opportunity for impactful participation in our democracy. But it doesn’t pay much, forcing many people to forgo their civic duty in favor of going to work where they can earn a full paycheck. This results in juries that lack diversity.
In order to address the disproportionate and inequitable jury composition, I have proposed AB 881, or “Be The Jury California.” It increases daily compensation in criminal cases for low-to-moderate income Californians to $100 a day, making jury duty more accessible to all Californians.
To qualify, a juror’s earnings for the past 12 months must be less than
• Eighty-one percent of participants say they could not have served without the $100 per day stipend.
• Program participants reflected the racial demographics of the broader San Francisco population. Sixty-three percent of participants self-identified as people of color.
I thank our San Francisco partners at the Public Defender’s Office, District Attorney’s Office, Treasurer’s Office, Superior Court, and Bar Association for working to diversify juries in our city. It’s now time to make similar strides statewide.
My hope is the higher pay will result in more diverse juries up and down the state, just like it did in San Francisco. Studies have shown diverse juries spend more time in deliberations and are less likely to presume guilt, thereby improving the legitimacy of the criminal justice system.
A fundamental aspect of democracy in the United States is the right to a fair trial and a jury of our peers, which means a jury of equals, drawing from different races, genders, and socioeconomic classes. But due to the steep financial hardship facing potential jurors, jury service, in its current form, is a luxury for people to participate in. It’s an incredible sacrifice to serve for workers who are surviving paycheck-to-paycheck.
AB 881 is a crucial reform to our criminal legal system. It’ll make our juries more illustrative of California’s diversity by establishing a greater incentive for working-class and lowincome Californians to serve on juries.
Phil Ting represents the 19th Assembly District, which includes the Westside of San Francisco and portions of South San Francisco along with the communities of Broadmoor, Colma, and Daly City.
Oakland City Councilmember At-Large, Rebecca Kaplan
As the City of Oakland Councilmember At-Large who also serves on the Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum Authority (OACCA) Board, I with pleasure share our interest to host cricket games at the Oakland Coliseum. The coliseum is a large and welllocated venue, in the heart of a region with a strong and growing cricket fan base. The Coliseum Complex site is on the verge of a renaissance. The African American Sports and Entertainment Group recently entered into an Exclusive Negotiating Agreement with the City of Oakland to develop the site, which will include affordable housing, and business development including life sciences, public services, and a potential home to a new WNBA team.
Three years ago, in an op-ed for The Oakland Post, I wrote of the existing concerns about the loss of jobs, lack of affordable housing, and the further erosion of the Black community
Our venue has a proud history of hosting several different types of sporting events over the years. It is set up for broadcasting, and has a capacity of over 50,000. Additionally, it is centrally located in the Northern California Bay Area, near hotels and transportation options including the Oakland International Airport, trains and subway and bus transit, and a major freeway, with ample onsite parking, making it the ideal venue for games. In addition, we are located in Alameda County, which is home to a large and growing cricket fan base, including significant Indian and other South Asian communities.
As the range of sports played in the U.S. continues to expand—with WNBA, soccer, and more growing in popularity—these, along with cricket, can provide for a positive, interactive, diverse future.
Councilmember At-Large and Council
President Rebecca Kaplan, who is the Vice Mayor of Oakland, was elected in 2008 to serve as Oakland’s citywide Councilmember; she was re-elected in 2016 and 2020. She also serves on the Alameda County Transportation Commission (ACTC).
Follow Councilmember Kaplan on Twitter @Kaplan4Oakland ( https://twitter.com/Kaplan4Oakland ) and Facebook ( https://www.facebook.com/Kaplan4Oakland/ ).
Nearly every day, we see alarming news about the latest legal assaults on LGBTQ+ youth, particularly transgender children. While we frequently read news coverage about LGBTQ+ young people, we rarely hear directly from them.
Rather than share my own perspective on these issues, I decided to bring together several high school and college students who are active in Keshet’s youth programs: Cameron (they/them), 19, a nonbinary first year at Brandeis University and advocate for LGBTQ+ rights issues in Texas; Mark (he/him), 18, a gay first year student at Mississippi State University; Is (they/them), 19, a nonbinary, transmasculine, transgender, lesbian sophomore at Columbia University; and Amanda (she/ her), 17, a lesbian senior at Wylie E. Groves High School in Beverly Hills, Michigan. In a recent conversation via Zoom, they offered their thoughts about struggles, hope, and liberation in their lives and visions of the future as young LGBTQ+ Jews.
Idit Klein: What is it like for you as LGBTQ+ Jewish young people today?
Cameron: I came from Texas to Massachusetts for college. The difference was stark. In Texas, we didn’t learn about the Holocaust and couldn’t have open discussions about being queer. Now at Brandeis, it is so different. I no longer have to watch my back and watch what I say. I am overwhelmingly affirmed, which makes it feel like I am living in an entirely different country.
Mark: I grew up in a New York City suburb. Especially in my Jewish community, I felt very affirmed. In other aspects of my life, through high school and even now into college, it hasn’t been overwhelmingly affirming.
Is: The biggest thing I’m feeling now, especially as a person of color, is the difficulty of living in a world where the central parts of who I am are perceived as a threat, even within my different communities. I feel a lot of anxiety about that, but I also feel joy and gratitude that I get to belong to communities with powerful histories of resilience. I’m excited that I get to be proof of survival in a world that is still violent towards people like me.
Amanda: My home, my school, and my Jewish community are all very accepting of my queer identity. Unfortunately, that’s not the reality for so many people. It’s extremely important that more people can
feel like I do, safe and affirmed, so that they don’t feel like they have to give up their safety in order to be out as LGBTQ+ people.
Idit Klein: As young, queer Jews, have your experiences changed over time, and if so, what are the people, resources, and experiences that have made a difference?
Is: I grew up in Miami Beach, so my life here in New York feels very different. Also, I was not raised in a very religious household. As I’ve become a part of queer communities, I have felt more emotionally and spiritually connected to Jewish life. I attend shul almost every Friday night, which is something that would’ve been unthinkable five years ago. I feel like every day I realize more and more how inextricable my queerness and Judaism are to one another.
Amanda: I completely agree: I started living my truth in the LGBTQ+ community and the Jewish community when I realized that those identities are completely inseparable and make each other better. When I went on my first Keshet Shabbaton, I came home feeling empowered to bring all of myself everywhere.
Cameron: I struggled to navigate my queer identity and advocate for myself in high school. I struggled to be in front of a room. Eventually, by finding groups that supported my queer identity, I connected with others, especially at the intersection of my queer and Jewish identities. Those became my safe spaces. Since then, I’ve become more confident in my leadership ability, am able to advocate for my needs as a queer and Jewish person, and also work with others on that same journey.
Mark: For me, it’s a little bit different because apart from very early on, I never felt that my Jewish identity and my LGBTQ+ identity couldn’t coexist. One of the first adults in my life that I came out to as gay was my rabbi. She was one of the people who helped me understand the inextricable link between those two.
Idit Klein: What should people be doing to better support LGBTQ+ young people?
Amanda: The legislation that’s being introduced every day in this country is dehumanizing. The goal is to take autonomy away from young people and to make us feel powerless, but we aren’t powerless. I’m the president of my school’s GSA and I interact with adults on these types of issues a lot. So, I say to adults who want to support us: help us organize our collective power and give us a voice. We
need you to hand us the microphone and listen to us.
Cameron: Right. We need to have open conversations and a platform to voice our needs. Generation Z is the most queer generation that has ever existed. We cannot ignore these realities no matter how many times state legislatures attempt to erase our identities.
Is: I really, really encourage folks to fight against the anti-queer legislation that we are seeing more and more and that especially affects youth. People need to support LGBTQ+ young adults by listening to us and seeing us as leaders. So much of the joy I’ve experienced with other young queer Jews is when people are actually listening to what we have to say and perceiving us as leaders.
Idit Klein: Each of you exudes so much exuberance and resilience, despite the obstacles the world puts before you. What makes that possible for you?
Is: I ground myself in queer Jewish pasts and queer Jewish futures. I feel grateful to build intergenerational connections with older LGBTQ+ Jews who have lived through so much, especially the AIDS crisis. I mean, talk about a group of people who embody resilience and survival against all odds. And I am equally moved by working with folks younger than me, and I am a young person!
As an intern at Keshet, I have had the privilege of working with incredible young people who have beautiful visions of the future. And so, I’m both moved by history and how far we’ve come, how our people have survived so much against all odds and continue to survive, and how that survival is embodied in queer Jewish youth.
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Jennifer Kroot and Robert Holgate curate the “Out of Left Field” column for the San Francisco Bay Times. Kroot is a filmmaker, known for her award-winning LGBTQ themed documentaries, including The Untold Tales of Armistead Maupin and To Be Takei. She studied filmmaking at the San Francisco Art Institute, where she has also taught. She is a member of The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences. Holgate, a humanitarian as well as a designer, is dedicated to critical social issues. With his hands-on approach to philanthropy and social justice, he supports the advancement of local and national social causes. For more information: https://www.rhdsf.com/
My dear friend Rabbi Camille Angel has been a trailblazer for many decades in many ways. Currently, she is the Rabbi in Residence at the University of San Francisco—yes, a Jesuit institution of higher education. At USF, Rabbi Angel has created a course entitled “Honoring our LGBTQ Elders,” which does just that. It has become one of the most popular classes on campus. Additionally, she has initiated The Al Baum Memorial Lecture series at USF. Last year, Dr. Marcy Adelman, a psychotherapist, advocate, and founder of Openhouse, an LGBTQ+ senior serving nonprofit, was the first speaker. On March 26th I will have the privilege of following her in that honor.
There is good reason why Rabbi Angel named this unique lecture program in the loving memory of Al Baum. As a friend of mine for over 30 years, Al was to me an uncommonly talented and accomplished individual. In many ways, he was a modern age renaissance man. Trust me, this is no exaggeration. Passionately curi-
ous about and deeply engaged in human rights issues, city and regional planning, environmental conservation, mental health, LGBTQ+ equality, the Jewish community, travel, and the arts, Al pursued leadership roles in each of these disciplines.
With a law degree from Harvard, Al moved to San Francisco, joining a legal firm in the late fifties. By 1963, Al enrolled at UC Berkeley to follow one of his interests, which led to a master’s degree in city and regional planning. With that credential in hand, Al joined the SF Bay Conservation and Development Commission, where he helped craft novel regulations to protect the Bay’s health. From there, Al opened his own law office to further engage in local planning issues.
In the early years of the AIDS epidemic, Al returned to UC Berkeley to earn another master’s degree, this time in psychotherapy. Sensing the need in our community for quality and accessible mental health counseling, Al thrived for decades offering his services in some of our darkest and most challenging times. I know that Al felt compelled to do what he could to ease some of the emotional suffering that he saw all around him. Somehow, despite the many professional responsibilities that Al so readily and successfully embraced, his sense of tikkun olam, the Hebrew expression for the repair of the world, drove him to extensive community service and philanthropy. Al served on countless nonprofit boards including Lambda Legal, Jewish Family and Children’s Services, the New Israel Fund that advocates for equal-
By Mark Leno
ity and democracy in Israel, the ACLU of Northern California, and the Jewish Community Federation. Clearly, Al’s twin identities of Gay and Jewish were at the core of his leadership and generosity. Additionally, for many years Al was the only queer representation on the board of the Fine Arts Museums of San Francisco.
Always out and proud, Al was blessed in his last decades to meet the love of his life, Robert Holgate. Together, they were greater than the sum of their parts. For nearly 20 years, Al and Robert were everywhere in the community, attending events and fundraisers, traveling worldwide, pursuing their common interests in theater and art, and focusing on their ever-growing philanthropy.
Al Baum was my friend, mentor, and someone I greatly admired. With each new office I considered Al was my sounding board, wise counsel, and major supporter. I miss him greatly. It gives me great pleasure to see Rabbi Angel honor him so appropriately at USF and to offer me the honor to participate in the lecture series named for him.
Mark Leno has been a small business owner in San Francisco for 45 years. He is also a community activist and was a public official for 18 years, having served as San Francisco City Supervisor, State Assemblyman, and State Senator.
Alegre Home Care is proud to support Dr. Marcy Adelman’s Aging in Community column in the San Francisco Bay Times
Dr. Marcy Adelman, a psychologist and LGBTQ+ longevity advocate and policy adviser, oversees the Aging in Community column. She serves on the California Commission on Aging, the Board of the Alzheimer’s Association of Northern California, the California Master Plan on Aging Equity Advisory Committee, and the San Francisco Dignity Fund Oversight and Advisory Committee. She is the Co-Founder of Openhouse, the only San Francisco nonprofit exclusively focused on the health and well-being of LGBTQ+ older adults.
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Friday, February 7, 2023, marked the passing of Dr. Michael I. Loewy, a beloved member of the psychology community and advocate for LGBTQ+ individuals. He was known for his warmth, generosity, and dedication to social justice and equity. He made significant contributions as a scholar, activist, advocate, and educator.
Most recently, Dr. Loewy served as an associate professor and was the
program director of the Ph.D. clinical psychology program from 2009 to 2015 at Alliant International University’s San Francisco Campus. Earlier in his career, he taught multicultural counseling at San Diego State University (1995–2001) and counseling psychology at the University of Missouri (2001–2002) before he went to the University of North Dakota, where he served as the program director of the doctoral program and then became chair of the department of Counseling and Community Services (2002–2009).
Born in 1952 in Los Angeles, he earned his B.A. in sociology from the University of Las Vegas (1987) before moving to Santa Barbara to obtain his Ph.D. degree in counseling psychology in 1994. His professional interests included health at every body size, physical appearance, sexual orientation, race, gender, and gender expression as well as religion, age, and social class. Dr. Loewy enjoyed telling personal stories complementing his expertise in qualitative research and scholarship. For example, he would recount his
The Mardi Gras Carnival is an annual event, hosted by AGUILAS, the award-winning nonprofit organization honoring Latin culture. The organization offers multiple ongoing services, including HIV/HCV and STIs testing referrals, counseling, support groups, and educational and social events.
The Mardi Gras celebration for 2023, held on Friday, February 24, at the SF LGBT Center, featured live musical performances and refreshments and cocktails customized for the occasion.
experiences, which happened before he decided to become a psychologist, about working in casinos. He attracted students within marginalized communities, including those who are LGBTQ+, to pursue research on a wide array of topics, such as fat shaming, health at every body size, and social justice.
As a leader, he had a major role in developing the careers of numerous students; he embraced their intersectionality as developing clinical psychologists. Dr. Loewy was a true activist with a heart of gold. He possessed the gift of humility, and his genuine compassion toward his students, colleagues, friends, and family will live on through his legacy.
He was honored by the American Psychological Association’s Society of Counseling Psychologist for his work as one of the co-authors of the Counseling Psychology Model Training Values Statement Addressing Diversity. Dr. Loewy was also recognized for his outstanding service to the Southern Nevada community, receiving the
Community Foundation Award and Congressional Recognition for being one of the 25 most influential LGBTQ leaders of that region. He was also one of the founders of the More Pie Initiative, which brought together counseling psychologists across identities to engage in dialogue about current events, controversial topics, and community building.
Dr. Loewy will be greatly missed, not only as a friend and colleague,
(continued on page 22)
renters struggled to meet their financial obligations. Today, COVID-19 infections and deaths are significantly lower, the Bay Area economy is thriving, and unemployment is below 4% in many areas. However, rental housing providers are still unable to remove non-paying and non-compliant renters due to eviction moratoriums in place in the aforementioned municipalities.
It’s worth noting that households never needed to prove COVID-19 hardship and many renters who had no financial impact decided to stop paying rent. As a result, a growing unpaid rent debt crisis has ballooned across the Bay Area. After moratoriums being in place in some areas for three years, the rent debt bubble will have shocking impacts on the Bay Area housing market for years to come.
Derek
There is something ominous that is hiding in plain sight. Very few people talk about it or write about it, but its presence is an undeniable threat to the Bay Area’s housing market— the growing balance of unpaid rental debt.
The COVID-19 pandemic unleashed a series of state and local laws that legislators rushed to enact to protect renters without doing proper impact studies or analysis. Some municipal leaders even used the pandemic’s urgency to push more sweeping and permanent housing restrictions and enforcement policies—rent control, Just Cause, rent increase caps, and establishing rental registries. Health Emergency Mandates at the state and local levels led to three-year eviction moratoriums in San Francisco, Oakland, Berkeley, Alameda County, and Santa Clara County.
Continuing eviction moratoriums present great challenges to the rental housing market in Bay Area cities. During the height of the pandemic in 2020, unemployment levels soared to over 15% in some communities as
Sources like The Urban Institute, National Low Income Housing Coalition, and Bay Area Renters Coalition believe the current unpaid rent debt in the nine-county Bay Area may be as high as $3.5 billion. In San Francisco, the unpaid rent debt may exceed $900 million, and Oakland holds about $640 million in unpaid rent debt due to the eviction moratorium as federal and state emergency rental assistance has also been exhausted. These numbers are staggering.
The growing rent debt is a crisis that also hurts rental communities.
According to experts, there are other unintended consequences when rental owners cannot take action against non-compliant renters. A ripple effect in the market causes increased mortgage defaults (especially for smaller, BiPOC, and immigrant rental owners), a spike in eviction filings due to a three-year backlog, more nuisance complaints directed at non-compliant renters, and higher vacancy rates because owners may leave homes empty for fear they can never remove a renter from their property. Additionally, there have been decreased rental rates, reduced security and community safety, less maintenance on older properties due to insufficient income and higher operating costs (inflation), and an overall decline in property values.
To address the growing unpaid rent debt bubble and negative effects on the housing market, the following solutions should be implemented:
• Rent relief funds or spot grants can be established to provide ongoing assistance to low-income tenants struggling to meet their financial obligations. The fund should be able to assist with rent and financial counseling to those legitimately affected by the pandemic.
• Rental owners/operators should have incentives to work with their renters to negotiate repayment plans that are both affordable and manageable. This could include a rent forgiveness program or a rent reduction program.
Local legislators need to work towards creating more equitable and transparent resolution practices that provide greater protections and services for both renters and rental owners—equipped to handle disputes well before expensive legal triage and remedies are needed.
• Investors can be encouraged to invest in housing development to increase production, add more affordability, and reduce vacancy rates.
• A task force should be established to monitor the unpaid rent debt on an ongoing basis and make recommendations to local legislators on how to move forward.
If the rent debt bubble expands or bursts, local municipalities who continue their eviction moratorium without installing adequate programs to ensure a smoother reconciliation should expect a protracted or more painful crisis. Unpaid rent debt is a serious concern that must be addressed to protect the long-term health of our Bay Area housing market. The mentioned solutions can help mitigate and resolve the crisis and ensure that rental property owners and renters have access to fair practices, equitable housing services, and incentives that produce positive results.
Derek Barnes is the CEO of the East Bay Rental Housing Association ( www.EBRHA.com ). He currently serves on the boards of Horizons Foundation and Homebridge CA. Follow him on Twitter @DerekBarnesSF or on Instagram at DerekBarnes.SF
Hosted by The Commonwealth Club of California, in partnership with Women’s March San Francisco and Northern California Women’s Caucus for Arts March 23, 2023 at 5 pm https://tinyurl.com/3ezbwuyc
It’s now been almost 8 months since I drove away from San Francisco. That journey is well documented in earlier articles. I think that time frame is long enough to reflect on where I am with all of it. Of course, it will continue to develop and change as the months and years go by, but I certainly have some thoughts. They range from, “What shall I do next?” (meaning this afternoon) to “Medicare costs,” (what the heck!) and the most important, “What did retirees do before Netflix?”
According to the research, I fall into what they call the “mid-retirement” group. Who knew? MidRetirement starts at 70 years old and extends whatever length of time you are still able to safely live independently. This period can vary greatly based largely on health, genes, and lifestyle. (Thanks, Dad, for the nice genes.) This is also the most important time to begin thinking about where you would like to live as you get older, and begin having honest conversations with your family members about what is most important to you, particularly if your health declines. (They are clear on my wishes—when it’s time, it’s time; no hesitation, please.)
Given that cheery information, I asked the age-old question of basically no one, “How long do I have?”
When the U.S. Constitution was adopted on September 17, 1787, the average life expectancy in this country was 35. Thank goodness that has more than doubled. According to the American Society on Aging, there has been a steady march toward increased life expectancy in the U.S. We, however, have had “a sustained two-year downward turn for the first time in a century. There is a widening gender gap with women’s life expectancy now 79.1 years compared to men’s life expectancy of 73.2 years.”
That came as a shock. The clock was ticking faster than I had thought. That would give me exactly one year to go. I’ve always been one to
take things as they come, but that was a lot to take in. Then I found a fascinating calculation table through the Social Security website that made me laugh at some of the questions but gave me some very reassuring news. My life expectancy is somewhere between 76 and 89 with 83 as the average guestimate. That’s better! I’m great with the average. Here is the site: https://tinyurl.com/3kp798jz
The form has the usual questions about health, smoking, drinking. But then there are these:
• “The driver of the automobile which I most frequently travel in is drunk while driving.” Answer options: Sometimes. Don’t know. Never.
• “How many sex partners do you have per month?” (This struck me as funny considering it is the government asking this to 70+ year-olds!)
The new information that my life expectancy is between 1 and 18 years, brought the next question: What is it going to cost to retire, after all?
My Mama said to never discuss money, sex, or politics in public. Religion was on the list, but that was fine if it was hers. Sorry, Mom, gonna talk about money. This is the sticker shock part. This is important information to share. Don’t get me wrong. I am very grateful to be able to retire. This is not complaining or whining. It is a cautionary tale about the huge disconnect in the perception vs. reality about retirement finances.
If you have not given any thought to your retirement or for those you love, start now. Make sure those folks in Washington (who have pensions) leave their grubby hands off these “entitlements”—which is not what they are at all! And, of course, you pay income tax on your Social Security income. I’ll repeat how grateful that I am to be able to begin this new phase called retirement. I’m grateful for the HIV meds that keep me alive. I am very clear that I am one of the lucky ones to be able to do this.
Final question that has been top of mind for all my friends and family: What will I do to keep busy since I never picked up a golf club in my life? I had been here in Portland no more than two weeks when I started wondering what I would do next. Just sitting around was not going to work for me. Part of it was the good old German work ethic my father passed on. But more of it was because I had spent the last 35 years trying to be an agent of change, moving the needle for human rights where I and my choruses could. That’s the part I couldn’t imagine bringing to a halt.
Medicare Parts A and B $597.50
Supplement for Parts C and D, Dental and Vision $174.30
Coverage gap ($2,740 per year) $228.33
Total monthly health insurance cost $1,000.13
The next shock: In January, the pharmacy called to let me know my HIV meds cost $10,375.88 for a 90-day supply. My copay was $2,043.21. This threw me into the coverage gap, lovingly known as the donut. It’s complicated, but I pay the actual cost of medications between $4,660 to $7,400. So, I will end up paying $2,700 out of pocket each year for HIV meds.
Once again, the universe bopped me on the head and put an incredible opportunity in my path. I saw an ad for a company, ThoughtLeader, which helps speakers navigate the very complicated, arduous path to a TEDx talk. In August, I engaged them to help. What followed was some of the most challenging work I’ve done. Narrowing a lifetime of experiences and stories down to a 16-minute speech was quite a challenge. The average person submits a minimum of 85 applications before getting a response or invitation to speak. It can take a year or more.
Enter Tim: “People, I don’t have that much time!” So, I put it on the fast track, finished my intensives, and started applying. I am very happy to say that in November of last year, I got two firm invitations and requests for follow-up interviews from two others. I selected one of the two firm invitations and here we go. It will be March 30 in Fort Collins, CO. The process is daunting. The 16-minute speech is scripted and memorized. No teleprompter or cue cards. I’ve given the talk for wonderful professional coaches, and given versions of it to Bobby, Dan, Judson, and mostly to Tater Tot who sits patiently if I give him a treat. If you can get to Colorado, come on out. The video will be posted about two months after the event.
There are some other things happening. I am, of course, still doing choral work here and there. Most of all, I am over the moon that I didn’t have to pick up a golf club!
Dr. Tim Seelig is the Conductor Laureate of the San Francisco Gay Men’s Chorus.
http://www.timseelig.com/
As a board-certified urologist, I’ve seen a growing demand for penis enlargement procedures. Men of all ages and backgrounds have come to me seeking solutions for what they perceive as inadequate penis size. While the desire for a larger penis is understandable, the available medical options have significant drawbacks. Temporary cosmetic fillers and surgical procedures are expensive, risky, and often provide unsatisfactory results.
Penile enlargement surgery involves cutting ligaments or using implants to add length and girth to the penis. Surgery costs range from $15,000 to $25,000 and involve sig nificant risks. Complications include infec tion, bleeding, and scarring, as well as erectile dysfunction and loss of sensation. Additionally, surgery results can be unpredictable, and some men end up with a deformed or unsatisfactory penis shape.
Another option for penile enlargement, cosmetic fillers, involves injecting materials such as hyaluronic acid, silicone, or polyacrylamide gel into the penis to increase girth. While the results are immediate, the fillers are temporary and require repeated injections every year or two. Furthermore, the fillers can cause significant complications, such as granulomas (small nodules at the site of an infection or inflammation), penile distortion, and foreign body reactions. The cost of fillers can range from $5,000 to $15,000, depending on how much filler is used.
The P-Long Protocol involves a combination therapy, including monthly doses of platelet-rich plasma and daily traction therapy, stretching exercises, and the AFFIRM nitric oxide boosting supplement. Men wear traction and suction therapy devices for a little more than an hour a day to gently stretch the penile tissue in both length and girth. The traction and stretching exercises are designed to improve the length and girth of the penis, the platelet-rich plasma accelerates the effects of the suction and traction, and the AFFIRM supplement boosts nitric oxide levels, which enhances circulation that delivers oxygen and nutrients to the growing phallus.
A recent clinical trial of the P-Long Protocol showed impressive results. Over six months, participants in the study experienced an average increase of almost a full inch in length and an average of half an inch in girth. They also reported improved sexual function without any adverse side effects or downtime.
Dr. Brandeis’ book, published in 2022, includes contributions from more than 60 doctors and men’s health experts. https://thetwentyfirstcenturyman.com/
These risks and expenses associated with traditional penis enlargement options are why I am excited to share information about the P-Long Protocol with you. P-Long is the first and only clinically proven protocol that naturally increases the length and girth of the penis without the need for surgery or temporary fillers. P-Long combines traction therapy, stretching exercises, AFFIRM circulation boosting supplement, and platelet growth factors in achieving natural and permanent penis enlargement.
I developed the P-Long Protocol in response to the low level of satisfaction with current penis enlargement options. We wanted to create a safe, effective, and affordable solution that allows men to achieve their desired penis size without the drawbacks of surgery and fillers.
The P-Long Protocol offers many advantages over traditional penis enlargement options. Firstly, it is a natural and long-lasting solution that doesn’t involve surgery or temporary fillers. Secondly, it is a safe option that doesn’t carry the risks and high costs associated with surgery and fillers. Finally, it offers improved erectile function and size, as shown by clinical studies. The good news: P-Long is now available to the public nationwide and offered by medically-trained experts. As a urologist, I believe the P-Long Protocol offers a better and safer solution for men seeking penis enlargement. That’s why I have created a complimentary guide that offers accurate information on male enhancement, which can be downloaded at https://p-long.com/download
https://www.youtube.com/@BrandeisMD
Judson
Brandeis, M.D., is a board-certified urologist in private practice in the East Bay for over 20 years. He was chief of urology at John Muir Hospital and Hills Physicians Medical Group for over a decade. From 2014–2023, he was voted Top Urologist in the Bay Area by “San Francisco Magazine.” After earning degrees from Brown University and Vanderbilt University’s Medical School, he spent a year at Harvard Medical School doing research sponsored by the Howard Hughes Medical Institute. He finished his formal medical training with 2 years of general surgery and 4 years of urology training at the UCLA Department of Urology. In 2019, he opened his office in San Ramon, where he focuses his practice entirely on men’s sexual health and rejuvenation. For more information: https://brandeismd.com/
“Rise of the Golden Gods” was the theme of the Imperial Council’s Coronation 58 held on Saturday, February 25, at the Hyatt Regency SF Downtown/SOMA. The event celebrated the accomplishments of former Emperor Brent Daddy Munro and Empress Ehra Amaya with The Court of the Starlight Scepter and The Golden Heart as they stepped down ahead of the crowning of the newly elected monarchs: Emperor Michael Anthony Chua and Empress Cameron StiehlMunro.
Emperor of the Americas Terry Sidie and Empress Nicole the Great, Queen Mother I of the Americas, blessed the event, which was chaired by former Empress Misty Blue before a sold-out crowd. https://www.sfimperialcouncil.org/
If ever a theme was carried out with style and panache, it was last Saturday night as the Hyatt Regency Downtown San Francisco Hotel was drenched in gold for Imperial Coronation 58: Rise of the Golden Gods! This is the signature event for the Imperial Court of San Francisco, the Founding Mother Court of the International Court System with over 70 chapters across the United States, Canada, and Mexico. Emperor Brent Daddy Munro and Empress Ehra Amaya ended their reign with a very well-attended affair, marked by simple, but effective, sets, spectacular costumes, entertaining performances, and all the pageantry for which the Imperial Court is recognized.
A time-honored, and sometimes criticized, portion of every Coronation is the presentation of each guest in attendance as they promenade across the stage as a member of some organization. Yes, it takes time, but it is an opportunity to showcase elaborate costuming, demonstrate support for the Imperial Court, or impress with distance traveled to attend, among other things. It seems that local organizations of late less frequently assemble a group to be recognized during such a walk, but Krewe de Kinque participated this year with a colorfully costumed and appropriately enthusiastic assemblage. Visiting Courts ranged from Boise, Colorado Springs, and San Antonio to Alaska, Texas, Florida, Hawaii, and Canada. Costumes included lots of thematic gold, as well as remarkable garments with amazing couture detailing ... regardless of gender.
The entertaining performances, referenced above, included musical numbers to commemorate the anniversaries of certain Emperors & Empresses. We were particularly moved by the elaborate performance of Absolute Empress XXXIII Alexis Miranda, a
powerful number by Absolute Empress XXXVIII Snatch, the carefully choreographed presentation by Emperor XXXVI, A.N., John Weber, and a simple, but effective, musical rendition by Absolute Empress XLVIII Patty McGroin. All of them are good friends of ours and their moments on stage brought back lovely memories of 10, 15, 20, and 25 years ago. Command performances by visitors are a chance to introduce outstanding entertainers and to acknowledge special friendships and they added considerably to the evening. Surprisingly powerful performances by the two candidates for Emperor & Empress demanded attention from the audience and boded well for the coming year.
During the night, checks representing over $84,000 raised by these monarchs during their year were presented to a variety of nonprofit organizations, reminding everyone of the long history of much needed fundraising by the Imperial Court. Various new titles were dispensed, awards were presented, and Queen Mother Nicole Murray-Ramirez and King Father Terry Sidie of the International Court System and their coterie of Heirs Apparent assembled on stage for their official ceremonial duties. Throughout, excellent production skills kept the event moving smoothly, promising a timely conclusion.
But, beyond all that, this was Brent & Ehra’s night! Their dazzling multiple costumes, calm stage presence throughout, and emotional last walks firmly established their reputations within the San Francisco Imperial Court and the International Court System, reflecting their extensive and well-received travel and their beloved local presence. They obviously had a great time personally during their year and were determined to show their gratitude and appreciation for all the support they received while in the public spotlight.
Imperial Coronation ended, as it has for 58 years, with the announcement of newly elected monarchs and their crowning on stage. With great excitement and fanfare, we welcomed Emperor Michael Anthony Chua and Empress Cameron Stiehl-Munro as the Imperial Family gathered to perform a variety of symbolic acts associated with our crowning traditions. Every available camera and cell phone captured the scene! We wish our new Monarchs all the best and we promise our readers a full account of the activities of the Unifying Court of Love and Transformation during their reign.
Hip, hip, hooray!
We conclude this column with a suggestion. Head to Nob Hill, go to the Mark Hopkins Intercontinental Hotel, and ride the elevator up to The Top of the Mark. Day or night, the spectacular view is bound to remind you of why you live in San Francisco. We recently attended a 50th anniversary celebration there, compliments of General Manager Michael Pace and Heather Noll of Chalkboard Communications, enjoying culinary treats from six continents, refreshing cocktails, engaging jazz from the Nick Rossi Trio, and the excellent company of Dejah Overby of K&L Wine Merchants and San Francisco Bay Times columnist David Landis & Sean Dowdall. We were captivated by the inviting room and the incomparable view. Each of us recounted special memories of this incredible city and restated our commitment to San Francisco. For all its challenges, this is the place we want to be. How about you?
Donna Sachet is a celebrated performer, fundraiser, activist, and philanthropist who has dedicated over two decades to the LGBTQ Community in San Francisco. Contact her at empsachet@gmail.com
Thursday, March 9 Oscar Preview with Jan Wahl & Frameline Allegra Madsen, Frameline Director of Programming
The Academy, 2166 Market Street 7 pm $15
www.academy-sf.com
Sunday, March 12
Memorial for Kevin Shanahan
Friends of Michael Montoya remember Atwater Tavern, 295 Terry Francois Blvd. 2–6 pm
Sunday, March 12
Oscar Night at The Academy
Hosted by Katya Smirnoff-Skyy Viewing, drinks, food, dish The Academy, 2166 Market Street 5–9 pm $25 www.academy-sf.com
Saturday, March 18
Krewe de Kinque monthly event Midnight Sun, 4067 18th Street 4–7 pm Free!
Friday, March 24 Divas & Drinks
Monthly party produced by the San Francisco Bay Times & The Academy
Celebrating Gay Softball League’s 50th Anniversary & Women’s History Month
Emcee Donna Sachet, DJ Christie James Bacardí specialty cocktails, Extreme Pizza, Olivia Travel, SF Federal Credit Union
The Academy, 2166 Market Street 6–10 pm $15 www.academy-sf.com
“Well-behaved women seldom make history.”
—Laurel Thatcher Ulrich
Tales From Two Wheels
I fled to San Francisco from the Southeast part of the U.S. in 2007.
I rode a bicycle everywhere I went in San Francisco for 13 years. As I grew older, potholes increasingly got on my nerves. I needed something with shocks, so a little motorcycle seemed like the logical choice.
At 58 years old, I began taking private riding lessons—bonus that the instructor was quite sexy! I rented a garage despite not yet having a bike, but with the knowledge that I needed some place to store my future ride. By my last riding class, I had a Harley Davidson Sportster and was riding around the neighborhood.
It wasn’t long before I realized I wanted to share the exhilaration of
riding with others in a group. I joined a coed HOG (Harley Owners Group), but it just didn’t do it for me.
I wanted to try riding with the San Francisco Dykes on Bikes® but was hesitant. After some prodding by my therapist, I finally joined a ride and it’s been one adventure after another since then!
I always wanted to find a way to be of service to our community and Dykes on Bikes has given me that opportunity. I’m now a Dykes on Bikes patch holder and member of the Board of Directors. I couldn’t be happier with the way things have turned out!
https://www.dykesonbikes.org/
articulate, handsome, deadly serious, and funny. This was before the internet, so I had to carry her image in my mind. When the coffee table book was published, I bought it just so I could see her face whenever I wanted.
When I finished graduate school in 1973, I was teaching in an upstate New York arts center, The Loft, which brought together the children of wealthy, white parents in affluent Bronxville and children of working class, mostly Black and Puerto Rican parents in neighboring Tuckahoe. It was one of the most gratifying experiences I’ve ever had because of the students and the instructors, who were a motley mix of women and men who were devoted to the arts and the kids. I was, however, also the loneliest I’d ever been in my life.
The young woman with whom I’d been in a relationship through much of high school finally married a man and I was left without a clue how to find other lesbians. The two women at The Loft who gave me the books that helped me define myself as a feminist were not lesbians, so I wasn’t sure about confiding in them. Still, they managed to change my life.
They were friends with several documentary filmmakers and were offered an invitation, which they passed on to me, to a private screening of a new, groundbreaking film, Word is Out: Stories of Some of Our Lives, which premiered in 1977 ( https://tinyurl.com/y9xt27se ).
Directed by the Mariposa Collective, it features interviews with 26 gay men and women who relate coming into their sexuality in times and places where there was not much of a “gay movement.” From parental rejection to electric shock treatments, the stories were uncensored. Last year it was added to the National Film Registry. Someone recently identified people my age with a term much better than “Baby Boomer.” We are the Liberation Generation; every moment, whether under a disco ball or in a contentious meeting, was a step toward the liberation of ourselves and those who would follow.
Watching the film in 1977, I saw the first Black lesbian I’d ever encountered. Betty Powell (1941–2023) was
As time passed, I became active in the LGBT community, in part, because of the sound of Betty’s urgent voice talking about
together through our liberation activism. Then I met Betty! She was one of the women who invited me to participate in the first board of the Astraea Foundation. We were a board of lesbians, however, we knew we couldn’t put “lesbian” in the name of the foundation in the 1980s because too many women would be afraid to apply for funds from us.
Celebrity window dresser Simon Doonan is behind the adorably pocket-sized introduction to Keith Haring, whose instantly recognizable art melds hip-hop, graffiti, New Wave, and queer sensibilities to fabulous effect.
liberation. Later, I met some of the people involved with the film: Tede Matthews, Sally Gearhart, and Harry Hay. Each of us was drawn
Achebe, the name she soon adopted, served not only on the Astraea board (now the Astraea Lesbian Foundation for Justice https://tinyurl.com/y4ap779m ), but also on the board of Kitchen Table - Women of Color Press. We were fellow members of the New York social/activist organization SalsaSoul Sisters in the 1980s, so I learned she could party with the best of them! She belonged to many organizations, such as the National Black Feminist Association and the Black and Jewish Women’s Dialogue Group. She was the poster child for the Liberation Generation. Her life was a gift you can explore at the Smith College Voices of Feminism History Project: https://tinyurl.com/yckabs75
(continued on page 22)
Sontag: Her Life and Work by Benjamin Moser
No intellectual has had a greater impact on popular culture than the brilliant and mysterious Susan Sontag, herself a queer icon, whose ideas continue to foment queer culture and inspire controversy.
Field Theories by Samiya Bashir
Samiya Bashire, a queer AfricanAmerican poet, weaves her way through chicken wings, theories of thermodynamics, Newports, and more in this electric collection.
https://www.fabulosabooks.com/
I recently took a winter wonderland trip to Mammoth Lakes to frolic in, on, and around all the amazing fresh powder the Eastern Sierras received through mid-February. Although I have been to Mammoth Lakes several times, my visits centered around summer recreation on the lakes and the stunningly beautiful golden fall colors that canvas the foothills, the valleys, the lakesides and the canyons. This was my first foray into the snow. I grew up in Los Angeles, and most Southern Californians head either to nearby Big Bear Lake for a quickie, or to Mammoth Lakes for a far more extensive and immersive winter sports and recreation experience. Now, in my 25th year as a Bay Area resident, I’ve always wondered why most
Northern Californians don’t think about going to Mammoth Lakes for a weekend getaway or even consider the destination during a long holiday weekend. Things that make you go hmmm ... .
Hey, come closer, I have a secret to share with you. From the Bay Area to Stockton, and cross the Sierra Nevada Mountains on California Hwy 88, I made it to Mammoth Lakes in less than six hours with a major pit stop for gas, snacks, and bathroom. That’s just a hair over the amount of time on heavily congested I-80 or U.S. Hwy 50 during peak hours to Lake Tahoe.
Upon arrival, I went into the Mammoth Lakes Tourism and Recreation Office, where friendly, knowledgeable staff greeted me and were eager to help. Lara Kaylor, the Director of Communications, put a fun itinerary together for me that included skiing, snowboarding, tubing, snowmobiling, riding the gondola, après ski scene, as well as recommendations for breweries and distilleries, coffee shops, brunch, lunch, and an intimate dinner at the Lakefront Restaurant.
Brian Wright, the Director of Marketing, took some time to be my personal tour guide around town, the lodges, natural hot springs, the frozen lakes, and up to the summit at just over 11,000 feet! Suffice it to say, my visit to Mammoth Lakes embraced a whirlwind of fun activities from sunrise to sundown to high moon.
While in the Mammoth Lakes Tourism Office, I noticed various rainbow décor, and on the reception counter, there were stacks of rainbow Mammoth Lakes stickers. Since “inquiring minds wanna know,” I asked and Kaylor was frank, forthcoming, and explained, “Mammoth Lakes is very LGBTQ+ friendly and inclusive from our community members to our businesses. Our residents all drive Subbies (Subarus) and own
dogs.” Kaylor and several Tourism staff chuckled and winked. “In fact, one of the biggest annual events we host is the Elevation Gay Ski Week in March. This year [2023], Elevation will be from March 15–19. Our community very much looks forward to this major celebration week every year!”
Wright added, “During Elevation you can see LGBTQ+ Pride affirmation signage everywhere in town. Our ski slopes are adorned with thousands of rainbow ski gear and all types of Pride
accessories! Even our mascot, Wolly Mammoth, is ‘proudly’ dressed for the occasion. This March, we are looking at several thousand gay skiers, snowboarders, snow lovers, and people who just want to be here because they want to hang out and partake in après ski, [all the super fun events after a day on the slopes].” Wright continued, “Even if you can’t make Elevation, Mammoth has a lot to offer LGBTQ+ visitors in a safe, supportive, and welcoming environment.”
Wright was right! Throughout my visit, Wright, who is an ally and was my personal guide, wore LGBTQ+ Pride accessories on his head, around his neck, and on his chest at restaurants, breweries, lodges, ski slopes, and around town. At a popular local breakfast and lunch joint, The Warming Hut, our waiter Rich Collins sat down next to me to take my order and without hesitation invited all my friends to visit him and try, “the Cuban, the Rueben and the Texan.”
Wright concluded, “We are voted by USA Today just this year as one of the most welcoming destinations and the best ski town in California. We are also very accessible from the San Francisco Bay Area via a short flight. We have free shuttles that run from early mornings to late nights that transport visitors and their gears pretty much anywhere they want to go or whatever recreation they would like to do at Mammoth Lakes.”
For more information on visiting Mammoth Lakes year-round, go to http://www.VisitMammoth.com
For questions and inquiries email info@VisitMammoth.com
Follow Mammoth Lakes on social media @VisitMammoth
John Chen, a UCLA alumnus and an avid sports fan, has competed as well as coached tennis, volleyball, softball, and football teams.
“To
This dedication appears at the beginning of On a Grey Thread, the first collection of openly lesbian love poetry published in North America. A wink and a nod to the audiences who would find the book, the introduction is an intimate invitation, encouraging readers to ask whether they belonged to the “few” or to the “many.”
Published in 1923—a century ago this year—the poems convey the daring desires and heartfelt yearning of 25-year-old poet Elsa Gidlow. Her 1986 autobiography, Elsa: I Come with My Songs, was the first complete lesbian autobiography whose author published under her own name.
In 1954, she purchased a ranch that she named Druid Heights, using it as both a personal home and a retreat
for fellow artists, feminists, and bohemians. An appearance in the 1977 documentary Word is Out: Stories of Some of Our Lives brought a larger audience to Gidlow, who lived her long life out of the closet and within the queer community.
The photos here show Elsa throughout her life—as a dashing young poet, enjoying the company of her friends, lounging with her cat, and finally enjoying her garden in Druid Heights. They are held by the GLBT Historical Society, one of more than 1,000 individual archival collections that reveal a vast array of LGBTQ life, history, and culture. From drag outfits and massive flags, to deeply personal diaries and correspondence, to organizational records, historic bar signs, ephemera, and more, our archival holdings make
up one of the largest collections of LGBTQ historical materials ever assembled.
We share our collection highlights at our museum, located at 4127 18th Street in the Castro district. Our archives, located downtown at 989 Market Street, are open by appointment to anyone interested in diving deeper into queer history. To book your visit to the GLBT Historical Society’s archives or museum, or to make a contribution to support the organization’s work, visit https://www.glbthistory.org/
The GLBT Historical Society maintains a strong commitment to documenting the diverse lives of LGBTQ communities and is especially interested in receiving and preserving archival collections that focus on the intersectional experiences of women, people of color, transgender, and nonbinary people. If you have materials that fit our mission and are interested in donating them, please consider contacting our archives staff at reference@glbthistory.org
Alliance, is holding an Anticipatory Grief Workshop for LGBTQ+ Caregivers. This 90-minute virtual workshop is designed to help LGBTQ+ caregivers better understand how they may be affected by anticipatory grief. Thursday, March 23, 4–5:30 pm. https://tinyurl.com/GriefWkshop
Bayard Rustin Anniversary Celebration
March 17 will mark the 111th anniversary of the birth of Bayard Rustin, so the Bayard Rustin Coalition will be celebrating his life and legacy of activism with a birthday party at the Grubstake Diner at 1525 Pine Street on March 18. Come celebrate with food, wine, a champagne toast, and birthday cake. More info: info@bayardrustincoalition.com
Until next time, friends. Go outside, make someone’s day, look for sunshine. Joanie Juster is a long-time community volunteer, activist, and ally.
MORALES (continued from pg 10)
but also for the warm, kind, and loving person that he was. With his husband Dr. Nat Pyle and friends by his side, he transitioned peacefully and without pain. The last song he heard before his passing was Nina Simone’s “My Baby Just Cares for Me.” Tributes continue to be posted at this CaringBridge page: https://tinyurl.com/4r99xfzu
In addition to his husband, Dr. Loewy is survived by his daughter Hannah and numerous members of his chosen family who miss him dearly. A celebration of his life will take place on March 25, 2023, from 12–4 pm at The Sea Star, 2289 3rd Street, San Francisco. Another celebration of his life is currently being planned for April 1, 2023, in Santa Barbara. Additionally, friends of Dr. Loewy are planning to gather during the 2023 APA Convention in Washington, D.C., in August at a date and time to be determined to celebrate his life and to share loving stories.
I was surprised when I learned of Dr. Loewy’s passing and will miss his humor, warmth, and collegial spirit as a fellow psychologist. I could always count on him to address LGBTQ+ issues and to advocate for our community as well as to fight for all those who are marginalized and impacted by racial and social injustice. He holds a special place in my heart due to our long collaboration on common issues of interest.
Eduardo Morales, Ph.D. is a Professor Emeritus, retired Distinguished Professor, and current adjunct professor at Alliant International University. He is also a licensed psychologist and a founder and current Executive Director of AGUILAS, an award-winning program for Latinx LGBTQ+. Of Puerto Rican decent, he has received numerous distinguished awards and citations, including being named a Fellow of 12 divisions of the American Psychological Association.
Kansas basketball statistic since Wilt Chamberlain graced the Kansas court. Nonetheless, I triumphed. Make of that what you will.
What? You didn’t remember my bracket victory last year? Please pay closer attention, dear Readers. You’re missing the best parts.
Despicable Ron
I’m really starting to hate Ron DeSantis, with his smug outrage and preening self-importance. One of his latest moves is to take control of a 25,000-acre tax district that includes Disney World and other Disney facilities. By “take control,” I mean that the legislature has given him the right to name the five board members who will dictate policy for what was called the Reedy Creek Improvement District, but is now known as the Central Florida Tourism Oversight District. Starting in 1967, Disney had named the board members and made decisions for the area. Now, the rightwing DeSantis-named board will control the goings on, although it’s not exactly clear to me what changes they can make. Originally, DeSantis and the legislature were planning just to dissolve the District, but they thought twice once they realized that the local taxpayers might be on the hook for huge District debts or maybe obliged to pay for maintaining Disney’s roads and infrastructure. Instead, they rejiggered the District and put their own people in charge, leaving some powers in Disney’s hands in order to save the aforementioned taxpayers. All the board members are conservative, but one of them, Ron Peri, is actively anti-gay and runs The Gathering USA, a Christian ministry for men. Another member, Bridget Ziegler, founded “Moms for Liberty” to fight “woke” school policies, while Michael Sasso is President of the Orlando Lawyers Chapter of the Federalist Society, the right-wing legal group that advised Trump on all his judicial picks. It’s not just another one of DeSantis’s hard right maneuvers. It’s the small mindedness of his direct attack on Disney, payback for the company’s opposition to Don’t Say Gay. If you’re really sick of the political situation in the United States, and if you have a few bucks in the bank, you can always buy a gay pub called the Royal Vauxhall Tavern in London for about $3 million. The four-floor tavern has been running a Saturday night cabaret since 1995 that has become one of the longest running club
GOMEZ (continued from pg 19)
nights in the city. I think that kind of investment would get you a long-term visa. Plus, think of the streaming subscription fees you’d save if you could cancel Britbox and Acorn.
I have yet to discuss a study that shows about 1 percent of teens and adults who transitioned expressed regret. That was a review of 27 other studies that combined results for 8,000 recipients of transgender surgery. According to the Associated Press, some of those who regretted their transitions were okay with everything eventually. A few others reversed their surgeries, but the bottom line is that a change of heart is extremely rare, which indicates that transition surgeries are not performed willy nilly (so to speak), but are scheduled after careful deliberation.
I was also going to delve into that Gallup poll that I mentioned earlier in this column. As with previous surveys, Gen Z adults take the headlines for coming out as not straight, with 19.7 percent of that generation listing themselves in one category or another. Lesbians comprised 2.2 percent of Z-ers. Gays were 3.4 percent, bisexuals came in at 13.1 percent, 1.9 percent were transgendered adults, and 1.5 percent used other queer rubrics.
The Z adults, born between 1997 and 2004, were much more likely to identify as not straight than their Millennial elders. Millennials were 11.2 percent nonstraight, including 1.5 percent lesbians, 1.9 percent gay, 6.9 percent bisexual, 1 percent trans, and 0.2 percent other. The numbers went down with age as you would expect through Gen X, Boomers, and the Silent Generation.
Unlike previous years, the overall numbers seem to have stabilized a bit. For a time, they were increasing every year. The Gallup lede tells us that after showing “perceptible increases in 2020 and 2021,” U.S. identification as something other than heterosexual “held steady in 2022, at 7.2% ... double what it was when Gallup first measured LGBT identification a decade ago.”
Whatever.
arostow@aol.com
Amanda: What makes me happy is that there are a million ways to be Jewish and a million ways to be queer. As a queer Jew, seeing queer, Jewish stories being celebrated brings me joy. And being able to work with organizations like Keshet makes me very hopeful for the future.
Mark: It makes me hopeful to know that there are so many organizations that exist that help to fight for the rights of Jews, queer people, and queer Jews. Working with Keshet and seeing other young queer Jews celebrating their identities gives me a lot of joy.
Cameron: As Is noted earlier, it is difficult being a queer person, much less a transgender person, but we have made so much progress. We have more representation in the media than ever before. We not only have organizations on the national and state levels prioritizing LGBTQ+ issues, we also have organizations at the intersection of our identities, like Keshet. We are going to soon reach a time where we will no longer have to struggle navigating our identity because we can openly and unapologetically be queer.
Idit Klein is the President and CEO of Keshet, a national organization working for LGBTQ equality in Jewish life. For more information: https://www.keshetonline.org/
Some friends recently got together on Zoom to comfort each other after Achebe’s loss from COVID this February. There was so much to say we could barely speak. She made a huge difference in many lives because of her ability to work hard and to inspire others to do the same. She loved to speak French, she loved tennis, and she lived for liberation.
Jewelle Gomez is a lesbian/feminist activist, novelist, poet, and playwright. She’s written for “The Advocate,” “Ms. Magazine,” “Black Scholar,” “The San Francisco Chronicle,” “The New York Times,” and “The Village Voice.” Follow her on Instagram and Twitter @VampyreVamp
On his visit to Dolores Park on Saturday, March 3, San Francisco Bay
The Bay Bridge Lights installation, shimmering and shining for the past ten years, was turned off at 8 pm on Thursday, March 3rd. Ben Davis, executive director of Illuminate, the sponsoring nonprofit, has begun a campaign to raise $10,000,000 to cover the cost for reviving the project bigger and better. http://www.illuminate.org
When a candidate campaigns to become a Grand Duke or Grand Duchess, there is always a representation of colors that allows voters to know whom they are voting for. In most cases, candidates will also have a “catchphrase” and a coronation theme for their step-down. Here is a look back at what those were from 1997–2000.
1997–1998
The 25th Royal House of Guts and Glamour
Grand Duke XXIV Shawn Dru Colony
Colors: orange and yellow
Symbol: Aztec sun
Grand Duchess XXV Patty Mae (deceased)
Colors: pink and silver
Symbol: sterling silver hamburger
Coronation Theme: “Silver JubileeAn Evening of Silver Elegance in Old San Francisco”
1998–1999
The 26th Royal House of Food, Fun, and Friendship Grand Duke XXV Phillip Seddon (deceased)
Colors: none
Symbol: sterling silver spider Grand Duchess XXVI Kristy Cruise
Colors: none
Symbol: full plate baby el-e-plant
Coronation Theme: “ A Night in San Francisco with the Royal Family - An Old Fashion Russian Ball”
This was a very exciting year for The Grand Ducal Council due to the creation of the Royal Daddy contest.
The reigning Grand Duchess Kristy Cruise and Grand Duke Phillip Seddon began the process of renewing ties between the Leather community and the Drag community. This inaugural contest was held at Daddy’s bar (now 440 Castro) and has continued throughout the years at strengthening our Leather and Drag communities’ togetherness.
1999–2000
The 27th Royal House of Elegance and Romance
Grand Duke XXVI Michael Parsons
Colors: pink, black, blue, and red
Symbols: Union Jack of England, tea cup & rose
Grand Duchess XXVII China Silk
Colors: blue and gold
Symbol: Asian eye with the word
“Love” written in Chinese Coronation Theme: “ A Royal Russian Wedding - A Wedding of a Decade ... A Love That Lasts Forever”
This was another spectacular year for the Grand Ducal Council. It was during the reign of Grand Duchess China Silk and Grand Duke Micheal Parsons that the White Knight and Miss Debutante Contest was created. The first White Knight was Darrell Starrling and the first Miss Debutante was Carlotta Osmon Ashton, who would go on to become Grand Duchess XXIX. (More on Carlotta in the next column.)
2000–2001
The 28th Royal House of Commitment and Compassion Grand Duke XXVII Greg Osmon (deceased)
Colors: none
Symbol: triple star
Former Grand Duchess Angelina Josephina Manicotti
Coronation Theme: “A Russian Space Odyssey”
On September 22, 2023, the Grand Ducal Council of San Francisco will celebrate 50 years of Camp and Fundraising. The celebration will take place at the Academy of Sciences in San Francisco. Please consider becoming a sponsor.
Inquiries: 50thanniversary@sfducal.org
Tickets ($60) are now on sale through August 25, 2023, with a hard stop on that final date. This will be a once-ina-lifetime historic event, so we hope to see you there!
https://www.sfducal.org/
Kippy Marks is Grand Duke XL of The Grand Ducal Council of San Francisco. He is the first ever elected AfricanAmerican Grand Duke.
Jan Wahl
Winter is a great time to curl up with a good book. Sometimes it takes a little digging and research to find the perfect book, but it is so worth it! An author who is currently at the top of my list is Boze Hadleigh. His The Lavender Screen: The Gay and Lesbian Films traces the evolution of LBGTQ-themed films from the 1930s to the present. Hadleigh’s The Vinyl Closet: Lesbians and Gays in the Music World focuses on present and past singers, dancers, musicians, composers, and their artistic contributions. From Broadway Babylon to Leading Ladies, Hadleigh has authored at least 22 books. Some include interviews, some consist of endless quotes, and there are many historic overviews. I appreciate that they are written by a gay man who has knowledge and sensitivity for the subject.
I am currently on the hunt for Hollywood Lesbians by this
author. It is a collection of ten interviews with Dorothy Arzner, Edith Head, Judith Anderson, Agnes Moorehead, Marjorie Main, Barbara Stanwyck, Nancy Kulp, Capucine, and Sandy Dennis. I’m sure the carefully couched questions find a clever way to bring about answers about the closeted culture and individuals. Particularly, I am always looking for information about Arzner, a person I hope someday gets on the Castro’s Rainbow Honor Walk. This out lesbian director was making amazing films early in Hollywood, and was a favorite of the industry at the time. She ended up teaching and people still hold on to her guidance and wisdom.
Hollywood Gays is Hadleigh’s portrayals of widely known industry gay men. Liberace, Anthony Perkins, Randolph Scott, William Haines, and James Whale are a few of those included, and then there is the much-married Cary Grant. One of the best books ever written about early Hollywood, Wisecracker, tells the story of William Haines; it is by William J. Mann. Tab Hunter’s honest autobiography gives us details into the turbulent love affair with Perkins. But I always look for more information and dish.
Have you ever had the feeling that a book is so juicy and good that you hate to put it down and cannot wait to pick it up again? That is happening to me now with the giant new read Hollywood: The Oral History by Jeanine Basinger and Sam Wasson. It includes an impressive series of candid remarks by luminaries from Hitchcock to Irene Sharaff to Jordan Peele. There are hundreds of famous people explaining aspects of showbiz and the wild ways the industry works. Experiences with other famed folks include this from Ron Howard, on working with Miss Bette Davis: “She would not call me Ron, always Mr. Howard. I asked her why and she said that she first had to decide if she liked me or not. She said I looked like a little boy. Eventually she called me and kept patting my ass.”
Steven Spielberg did an early project with Joan Crawford. He says that he was scared, knowing she could have turned the film into a horror show for him as a new director. But he found her to be the only person in the crew who treated him with total respect and kindness. He called her compassionate and a refreshment in the land of sharks.
Two go-to books for all weather are the classics of this genre. The first, Behind the Screen: How Gays and Lesbians Shaped Hollywood by the brilliant Mann, reads almost like a novel. There are stories, personalities, and historical context that teach and inspire.
The ultimate, of course, is the tome that started this area of study for me when I was very young. It is Vito Russo’s The Celluloid Closet: Homosexuality in the Movies. The depictions onscreen, from the silent movies until now, will blow you away. Russo’s details,
insights, horrific possibilities, and humor as he carefully takes us through each frame will change the way you see movies. It is a book that changes our world.
Jan Wahl is a Hollywood historian, film critic on various broad-
cast outlets, and has her own YouTube channel series, “Jan Wahl Showbiz.” She has two Emmys and many awards for her longtime work on behalf of film buffs and the LGBTQ community. Contact her at www.janwahl.com
Sister Dana sez, “‘Beware the IDES OF MARCH’ (March 15) is a quote from Shakespeare regarding the assassination of Emperor Caesar. I don’t know what that has to do with us modern folk—but just beware!”
Coronation 58 “RISE OF THE GOLDEN GODS” arose on February 25 at Hyatt Regency San Francisco Downtown SOMA.
Congratulations to stepping down Imperials, Emperor Brent Daddy Munro and Empress Ehra Amaya, on a glorious reign! And welcome to incoming Imperials, Empress Cameron Stiehl-Munro & Emperor Michael Anthony Chua! www.sfimpImperialcouncil.org
2358MRKT Gallery Space (on 2358 Market Street) held its everyfirst-Thursday reception, HELLO CITY, on March 2 with a play on the concept of the Japanese animation cat, “Hello Kitty.” I have three faves.
“Rock M Sakura” is a stunning photograph of that famous DQ of the RuPaul drag dynasty by CashMonetDrag of Los Angeles. Clint Fredric Wiater’s “Tighty Kitty Whities” acrylic on wood panel is a delightfully whimsical underwear cat. Katie Capadona’s photographs have taken a posed model’s body and inserted a cat’s head instead with “You Can’t Hang with Me(ow),”
“What Meow?” and “Tuna Tartare & Sloe Gin Fizz.” All these cool cats and more will be on display through March 12.
https://www.2358mrkt.com/
SAN FRANCISCO AIDS
FOUNDATION & STRUT at 470 Castro Street held their monthly art reception of OUR FELLOW MORTALS aka Mementos Salvatruchos on March 3. “Our Fellow Mortals” is the name for Bay Area-based artist Jonathan Hemelberg. Born and raised in San Francisco, he creates artwork that is inspired by the intersection of queer, cultural, and ethnic identities. Growing up as a queer first-gen Salvadoran-Colombian-American often left him feeling invisible in a vast
majority of spaces, even queer ones at the time. As a result, he focuses on painting and drawing figures that celebrate sex, queerness, brownness, and indigenous history as a way to make others, like him, feel powerful in their own skin. “Self Portrait,” in acrylic gauche on wood, is very moving— especially with the tear running down his face. “Creamed Corn” is an arousing, erotic depiction. Well, to be truthful, almost all these works are erotic gay men. https://www.sfaf.org/ By the way, on April 7, Strut is inviting you to help them behold and enjoy the work of JessJae! I have no idea what that is exactly, but I’m sure it’s great. Something to do with Tarot cards. I will have more info in my next column. The Art Opening starts at 8 pm and will go till 10 pm. They will have light snacks and some refreshments (including wine) for everyone. But lately, at their first Friday events, they are requiring an advance free ticket, which I am not happy about— regarding these mandatory ticket things for all the art receptions these days.
On March 3, Schlomer Gallery at 2128 Market Street held a reception for SHAPE SHIFTERS:
QUEERING THE METAVERSE, a portal into artist Joseph Abbati’s own metaverse where his painted portraits, avatars, and queer identity transcend the chains of hetero-normavity and reclaim its power. Infused with Abbati’s background in graphic arts, each photo-like rendering in these paintings creates a new meta-world, a metaverse where meaning is rooted in the essence of queerness. To view Abbati’s works, you must pass through last month’s exhibition, SKINTIGHT, by Lanee Bird, to enter a little portal to two little cubbyholes for viewing. Abbati’s works are LITERALLY mind-bending—with odd curvatures in the faces. My favorite was a bearded man with either a black eye or the start of face paint on his eyelid for a drag show. https://schlomerhaus.com/ Barry Moore, Lauren Boebert, and George Santos have introduced a bill to make the AR-15 “The National Gun of America.” This is basically a slap on the face to the memory of every victim of mass shootings and their families. Sister Dana sez, “It’s bad enough that they wear AR-15 gun pins on their lapels, but they are now trying to memorialize an instrument of war and massive destruction? Just shoot me!”
Marjorie Taylor Greene has called for a “national divorce” between liberal and conservative states. She has
practically called for a Civil War. Sister Dana sez, “Let’s call for a divorce of MTG from the House of Representatives!”
Cole Porter’s award-winning musical, ANYTHING GOES, continues at 42ND STREET MOON now through March 12 at the Gateway Theatre, 215 Jackson Street. First produced on Broadway in 1934, it has twice won the Tony Award for “Best Revival of a Musical” (1987 and 2011). It’s a zany trip on a yacht with romantic entanglements, crazy disguises, talented tap-dancing sailors, gangsters, pranksters, and blackmail along the way. This hilarious, heartwarming romantic comedy musical features such Cole classics as “I Get a Kick Out of You,” “You’re the Top,” “Easy to Love,” “Friendship,” “Blow, Gabriel, Blow,” “All Through the Night,” and “It’s De-Lovely”—not to mention the title song!
https://42ndstmoon.org/
DOMINION VOTING had contacted Fox News via 3,682 emails about false election fraud claims; yet Fox continued the lies. Sister Dana sez, “After the Dominion suit has revealed FOX NEWS has spread ‘The Big Lie,’ knowing it was a lie; then now that particular station of information and mischievous cunning can definitely be called ‘sly like a fox’!’’ Disney has been dazzling audiences for 100 years—and SAN FRANCISCO GAY MEN’S CHORUS (SFGMC) is proud to celebrate their 45th anniversary with some of the most-loved music from Disney with DISNEY PRIDE IN CONCERT. Returning to Davies Symphony Hall, 201 Van Ness Avenue on March 16 and 17, 7:30 pm, this two-act spectacular—featuring the 250 members of the chorus and a 25-piece orchestra—combines over 40 classic and contemporary Disney songs with unique storylines that come directly from SFGMC chorus members. Get ready for hit songs from The Lion King, Aladdin, Peter Pan, Cinderella, Beauty & the Beast, Mulan, Hercules, Coco, and so many more in their extraordinary spring production. Disney concerts offer “A Whole New World” of wonder and possibility for those who have felt unworthy, struggled with self-acceptance, or wondered about their purpose in life. The magic of these events cannot be overstated. Go see the show, and make anti-Disney DeSantis angry! https://www.sfgmc.org/
Lockdown Comedy is on Zoom on Thursday, March 16, featuring Matt Kirshen (LA), Mina Hartong
(continued on page 36)
PHOTO BY CHRIS MICHAELSON
Out gay filmmaker Matt Carter makes an auspicious feature film directorial debut with In from the Side His terrific drama—now available on iTunes, Amazon, DVD, and Bluray—mixes romance and sports as Mark (Alexander Lincoln) is a B-team rugby player who falls for Warren (Alexander King), who is on the league’s A-team. While both men, are, in fact, in relationships with other guys, they cannot control their desires and embark on a secret affair. And when Warren joins
Mark’s league for an away game, Mark ditches his teammates to be alone with Warren, indicating their trysts may be turning into something more serious. As Mark falls more in love with Warren—and they spend more alone time together—Mark rethinks what he wants out of a relationship. Will their love win against all odds?
I recently spoke with Carter for the San Francisco Bay Times about making In from the Side to find out.
Gary M. Kramer: What can you say about making a gay romantic drama about rugby players for your feature directorial debut?
Matt Carter: I think it’s an authentic representation of that world. I’ve been involved with inclusive rugby for eight years as a player, coach, and referee, and that is exactly what that
world is like. From the inception of the idea, we wanted no homophobia and no coming out storylines. The fact that these characters are gay is unremarkable and not a comment on that. We just showed their lives. It flavors the story, but it’s not the story’s theme. So many films deal with the angst and stress and dark side of being in the LGBTQ community. [It is] nice to show things as they are and it allows you to look at life after coming out and shows that authentically without having to default to the stereotypes in gay cinema. It is refreshing that there is no drama about their sexuality.
Gary M. Kramer: What about depicting the romance? This is a film that addresses infidelity. Can you discuss why you chose to examine that theme and build the story around that topic?
Matt Carter: Open relations and monogamy are huge topics we’re on the forefront of exploring. The film reflects reality—it does not promote something in a negative or positive way. It invites sympathy for these characters who are doing morally questionable things, but the love they develop is beautiful in
and of itself. All the characters are flawed, imperfect, because that’s real life.
Showing that one couple has an open relationship, and one has a closed relationship— which is better, which is worse, are they both problematic? It explores that. But also, the wider friendships and the different friendships we have in the gay community, and the sense of belonging we long for whether that is in a relationship or the community aspect of a rugby club.
Gary M. Kramer: The story is mostly told through Mark’s point of view. We get very little information about Warren’s life; he often just shows up wanting sex and romance. What can you say about creating the characters and developing their relationship?
Matt Carter: We view everything through Mark’s perspective. We rarely linger on Warren. We see Warren through Mark’s eyes, but in the French Alps scene, Warren is vulnerable, and Mark is the confident one. Mark is in his world, and it’s fun to see the bravado and mask Warren
wears fall away. It shows what their love could be.
Warren is desperate for a closeness and that manifests through the physicality of sex and lust. He wants someone who really sees him and who makes him feel something that his current relationship doesn’t. We infer he is a thrill seeker and that he has a shady past and has an addictive personality. He is looking for constant excitement and Mark kind of gives him that. He falls for Mark because he feels really seen by him, and they both find in each other what they don’t have in their current relationships.
continued on page 36)
Visit Oakland has announced the return of its popular Oakland Restaurant Week (ORW), which this year will take place March 16 to March 26. Featuring specially-designed dining experiences, great deals, and a range of options from Michelin-starred restaurants to food trucks to newly opened eateries—it will be 10 days of lunch and dinner specials, and infinite possibilities of deliciousness.
Diners are invited to support local restaurants, many of which are owned and operated by members of our LGBTQ community and people of color. The San Francisco Bay Times is proud to serve as a media partner, particularly during a year when numerous small businesses are striving to stay afloat and financially recover after the tremendous challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic that hit the restaurant sector hard.
Here in the Bay Area, we have also experienced an unusually wet and inclement winter. A lot of us have been staying home more and ordering takeout or delivery as a result. With spring starting on March 20, though, the days continue to grow longer, helping to fuel pent up desire to enjoy a meal out with friends, family, and colleagues. It seems like this year’s ORW could not be coming at a better time.
Launched in 2010, ORW is an annual dining promotion presented by Visit Oakland, a nonprofit organization marketing Oakland, California, as a travel destination. The 10-day celebration highlights the flavors of Oakland and is designed to support local establishments, enticing diners with menu offerings and experiences made available only during ORW.
“Oakland Restaurant Week is about celebrating our diverse collection of restaurants and the talented chefs that give our culinary scene its vibrancy,” said Peter Gamez, President & CEO of Visit Oakland. “With more than 100 restaurants participating, it’s a great opportunity to come to Oakland and stay for a day or two. There is so much to see and do in Oakland and we look forward to welcoming everyone to The Town.”
ORW is offered at no cost for any and all Oakland restaurants to participate. Participating restaurants create new and unique offerings from family-style dinners, special menu items, prix fixe menus, ingredient-driven tastings, and more. It’s an invitation for the community, locals, and visitors alike to eat, drink, and repeat!
The community and fabric of Oakland are made up of culturally-distinct neighborhoods, inspiring an incredibly creative food scene of unexpected pairings and fusion-style flavors. Favorite foodie hot-spots include Jack London Square, Temescal, Uptown, and Fruitvale, to name just a few.
All Oakland Restaurant Week participants will feature lunch and/or dinner menus at six different price points:
• Lunch: $15, $25, $35 • Dinner: $35, $45, $65
As of this writing, the ORW participants include:
À Côté
ABURAYA Japanese Fried Chicken
ACRE Kitchen & Bar
Agave Uptown
alamar Kitchen & Bar
Asmara Restaurant
Bar César
Barcote Ethiopian Restaurant
Bardo Lounge & Supper Club
Beauty’s Bagel Shop
Bellanico Restaurant & Wine Bar
Bird & Buffalo
Brotzeit Lokal
Buck Wild Brewing Co.
Burma Superstar
Cactus Taqueria
Café Colucci
Calavera Mexican Kitchen & Bar
Chef Smelly at AU Lounge
Chop Bar
CoCo Noir Wine Shop
Cocobreeze
Communitē Table
Daughter Thai
District Oakland
Duende
Earheart’s Tavern at Hilton Oakland Airport
El Huarache Azteca
El Malecon
Ethnic Ties
Farmhouse
Forge
Graffiti Pizza
Grand Lake Kitchen - Dimond
Grand Lake Kitchen - Lake Merritt
Grand Lake Social Club
Gyu-Kaku Japanese BBQ
High 5IVE
Home of the Chicken and Waffles
Horn BBQ
Hornitos Cafe
Ikaros Greek Restaurant
Iron & Oak Restaurant and Bar
Italian Colors Restaurant
Jo’s Modern Thai
Jollof Kitchen
Kitava
Kitchen Story
La Frontera Mexican Restaurant
La Mexicana Restaurant
Left Bank
Lion Dance Cafe
Los Cocos Salvadoran Restaurant
Mägo
Mela Ethiopian Bistro
Millennium
Mockingbird
Mua
Nido’s Backyard
Noka Ramen and Bar
Obelisco
Odin Mezcalería
Oeste Bar and Cafe
Otaez Mexican Restaurant
Otto’s Uptown Kitchen
Parche
Parras Restaurant
Perle Fine Wines & Cocktails
Persian Nights Restaurant
Petit Cafe
PinToh Thai Street Food
Pizzaiolo
Plank
Pomella
RBG Grill
Saucy Oakland
Seabreeze on the Dock
Shakewell
Sidebar
Smokin Woods BBQ
Sobre Mesa
Soi4
Sovula’s Kitchen - Taste of
Sierra Leone
Spinning Dough Square Pie Guys
Taava Kitchen
Taquería El Paisa
Taqueria El Tio Juan
Taqueria La Gran Chiquita
Taqueria Reynoso
The Cook and Her Farmer
The Melt
Town Fare Café
Vegan Mob
Viridian
Wahpepah’s Kitchen
Yimm
Some of the restaurants have already posted the specials that they will be offering, so we encourage you to check out the ORW website to see them and for updates: https://tinyurl.com/m8h4kxs4
Liam P. Mayclem
The East Bay is hopping with a lovely and thriving restaurant scene. In recent weeks I have made regular visits to “The Town” and have been impressed with the cuisine, the chefs, and the creations they are cooking up. Oakland might just be the most diverse food city in America, a reflection of the richly diverse people who live and work in the
city. Diners benefit with incredible, diverse, tasty cuisine made by chefs from around the world and across the county who now reside here. Allow me to share some of my personal discoveries:
Casual ROASTED & RAW by Chef Imani Greer, where bowls of plant-based delights shine https://www.roastedraw.com/
Cocobreeze Caribbean Restaurant and Bakery by Chef Anna Goodridge
takes you on an instant vacation to Trinidad where love & soul steer the menu. https://cocobreezeco.myshopify.com
Fine Dining
ACRE by Chef Dirk Tolsma, where local and sustainable are the orders of the day https://www.acrekitchenandbar.com
CoCo Noir Wine Shop & Bar by Alicia Kidd, where wines by African American & female producers are showcased https://www.coconoirwine.com
To delve further into Oakland’s restaurant scene, I recently for the San Francisco Bay Times spoke with Peter Gamez, who is the CEO and President of Visit Oakland. He spoke with me not only about Oakland Restaurant Week, but also about the things he loves and is excited about in the “510.”
Liam P. Mayclem: What is Oakland Restaurant Week (ORW) all about?
Peter Gamez: Oakland Restaurant Week is a celebration of our diverse, vibrant culinary scene that takes place from March 16–26. The event is designed to build awareness for our
amazing restaurants, shine a bright light on our talented chefs, and welcome people to Oakland to eat, drink, and repeat as they feast their way through The Town.
Liam P. Mayclem: What are some of the highlights on ORW menus?
Peter Gamez: With over 110 restaurants participating in Oakland Restaurant Week, the list of highlights is very long.
One of the most amazing things about Oakland Restaurant Week is that, because our culture is so diverse, there are all types of cuisines shared and special offers at very authentic restaurants. The restaurants are offering great value menu prices at $15, $25, and $35 for lunch and $35, $45, and $65 for dinner. Some restaurants have two-for-one offers, free appetizers with an entrée,
and other discounts available. There really is something for everyone in Oakland!
Liam P. Mayclem: There are many rising star chefs in Oakland. Whom should we be excited about?
Peter Gamez: We are excited about all the chefs and restaurants in Oakland. Our Restaurant Week is a great opportunity to discover local hidden gems and experience awardwinning restaurants—from neighborhood favorites like Sweet Fingers, Pomella, and Mela Ethiopian to our (continued on page 36)
there for the same reason we were— dinner before seeing Stephanie Mills and Patti LaBelle down the street at the Paramount!); Farmhouse Kitchen Thai Cuisine, the food is AMAZING! Absolutely love it; Yoshi’s, every time I see a show there, their Japanese cuisine has always been consistently good, along with great service; and SIDEBAR (New American) on Lake Merritt is also worthy.
David Landis
It’s that time of year again. Oakland is celebrating all things restaurant-wise with its annual Oakland Restaurant Week (March 16–26). From food trucks to neighborhood joints to Michelinstar destinations, Oakland has it all. In advance of the week-long promotion (where you can get real deals for both lunch and dinner), I asked a few of my pals for their favorite eateries in Oakland and the East Bay. Here are the results:
Brenda Way, ODC Artistic Director: Most of my favorites have closed, but Chez Panisse downstairs (in Berkeley, not Oakland!) remains my all-time fave. I also recommend The Wolf (used to be Beowulf) on Piedmont Avenue, Soi 4 Bangkok Eatery (Thai) on College Avenue, and Belotti Ristorante e Bottega (Italian, two locations).
Michael Williams, producer of Live at the Orinda: I went to Z Café & Bar (American) on Broadway a few months ago; it was really good. Great food, over 100 vodkas, and it seemed to have a gay-friendly vibe (there happened to be several other gay people there, but it could’ve been that they were
Ash Walker, Pacific Edge Voices Artistic Director: OakCali Cafe near Lake Merritt: amazing Ethiopian food, including breakfast, and other dishes. Great prices and the staff are so friendly!
Leah Garchik, former San Francisco Chronicle columnist: I have a fondness for Rudy’s Can’t Fail Café (a retro American diner), but it is actually in Emeryville. The food is good, but it is right near the cheapie places for art supplies and dog food, making it an A-1 destination for me!
Mark Streshinsky, West Edge Opera General Director: My favorite is Viridian. It’s bar-focused, but with absolutely stunning panAsian small plates. Kevin Tang is the executive chef. In February they did a month-long Chinese New Year celebration they called “Red Envelope” (full disclosure, my partner was on the team for three years (he’s now at PCH in the city). My other fave is Agave Uptown (Oaxacan Mexican).
Go-to restaurant publicist and taste connoisseur Andrew Freeman recommends: newlyopened Colombian spot Parche; Israeli-inspired Pomella, run by female chef Mica Talmor; Mama Oakland, an affordable Italian gem; just-opened French mainstay Left Bank at Jack London Square; natural wine (plus food) bar Snail Bar; and Cal-Med ACRE Kitchen & Bar in Rockridge Market Hall.
Fellow San Francisco Bay Times columnist
Liam Mayclem: If you love BBQ, you will fall deeply in love with the Texas-style BBQ at this spot in Oakland: HORN BBQ. At the
helm is Matt Horn, one of Oakland’s best chefs, recognized in 2022 by James Beard Foundation for the impressive mark he is making around BBQ. Chef Horn is a wickedly driven chef who cooks with heart, passion, and with those who came before him in mind. Order the brisket but be sure to also add sides: mac & cheese and pit beans. Dine out or order to go via delivery apps.
Also, Crumble & Whisk: this new kid on the block on MacArthur in Oakland has a naughty little secret—herein lie the most scrumptious cheesecakes on the planet. The creamy, fruity, sweet, and crusty cheesecakes are made with love by chef Charles Farriér. The flavors vary: beet & berry, puckered up lemon, pumpkin, vegan, and many more. Order online and pick up from the store or select home delivery. The chicken pot pie is a thing of delicious decadence!
Diana Haven, East Bay foodie maven: LGBTQ+-owned, SpanishMediterranean Shakewell; seasonally-focused Bardo Lounge & Supper Club in the Grand Lake district; and Ramen Shop (started by three Chez Panisse alumni).
Dirk Tolsma, ACRE Kitchen & Bar: I have to stick close to home with Bombera. Great cocktails and food that I can eat any day of the week. The vibe and dishes are light and fresh; it works in so many ways.
Nelson German, Sobre Mesa/ alaMar Kitchen & Bar: I love to dine at Parche, the new Colombian restaurant on Broadway. Their take on Colombian cuisine is brilliant, the vibe is spot on, and Paul and Sophie welcome everyone like you’re in their living room.
Chris Ahr, Left Bank Brasserie, Oakland: Hancook (Korean fusion)—because it’s never too late at night for hot pot!
Mica Talmor, Pomella: There are so many places in Oakland that I like to eat at, and many where I like to take out. Two dine-in experiences I absolutely love are (restaurant and bottle shop) Day Trip and (Colombian restaurant) Mägo. Day Trip is always a party, and the team is incredibly talented and imaginative. Mägo is absolutely the best prixfixe in Oakland. You feel relaxed and [experience] just the right amount of
pampering. The menu is always good and always creative. My fab Jewish Community Center trainer, Ian Rooney: Pintoh Thai near downtown. It’s affordable and their khao soi is incredible!
Derreck B. Johnson, Home of Chicken and Waffles: I choose Everett and Jones because I love BBQ and (founder) Dorothy (King) was a mentor and community activist. She hired from Oakland—I learned from the best!
Peter Gamez, Visit Oakland: Oakland Restaurant Week is about celebrating our diverse collection of restaurants and the talented chefs that give our culinary scene such vibrancy. With nearly 100 restaurants participating including food trucks, family-owned eateries, Michelin and James Beard recognized establishments—it’s a great opportunity to come to Oakland and stay for a day or two. There is so much to see and do in Oakland and we look forward to welcoming everyone to The Town.
And the Gay Gourmet’s personal favorites? Top Chef Nelson German’s Afro-Latino Sobre Mesa on Franklin Street in Oakland; and, of course (but in nearby Berkeley), Alice Waters’ acclaimed temple of California cuisine, Chez Panisse Bits and Bites
I just had the pleasure of revisiting Chef Jason Fox’s recently
post-pandemic re-opened Villon Restaurant at the San Francisco Proper Hotel on Market Street. It’s magical. The Kelly Wearstler interiors are a breath of fresh air, with delightful pops of aquamarine blue that help brighten a challenging part of Market Street. The housemade Parker rolls are a play on the traditional starter: homey yet surprising, with seaweed butter. Our large party then split the Proper Salad prepared tableside (just like the old days)—but not like the old days, with gem lettuces, smoked mushrooms, beets, garlic, and miso dressing. For our entrées, we shared a satisfying (and deliciously moist) roasted chicken with mushroom, truffle, bacon, and red wine jus. Finally, we sampled the redwoodgrilled lamb shoulder with smoked polenta, onion gratin, and spring greens. Villon has a creative cocktail program and an out-of-the ordinary wine selection to boot. I’d also like to say “Bravo” to our servers, who graciously accommodated a latearriving surprise dinner attendee to our large party. It’s also a convenient pre-theatre choice as well. Mark this
Plus, it comes in a variety of flavors, including: peppermint, cinnamon, and bubble gum.
Oakland Restaurant Week:
https://tinyurl.com/yuhxavuk
Chez Panisse:
https://tinyurl.com/2zfem778
The Wolf: https://tinyurl.com/mrxv9sxf
Soi 4 Bangkok Eatery: https://tinyurl.com/2ntshpn3
Belotti Ristorante e Bottega: https://tinyurl.com/2r726tkc
Z Café & Bar:
https://tinyurl.com/4jmse4b4
Farmhouse Kitchen Thai Cuisine: https://tinyurl.com/2currff3
Yoshi’s:
https://tinyurl.com/yc6zdecu
SIDEBAR:
https://tinyurl.com/58xtfcxb
OakCali Café:
https://tinyurl.com/2je9uvbr
Rudy’s Can’t Fail Café: https://tinyurl.com/y4ba2a5t
Viridian: https://tinyurl.com/yc5ywbfu
Agave Uptown: https://tinyurl.com/5f2u8j7a
Parche: https://tinyurl.com/42htrbjw
Pomella:
https://tinyurl.com/58hyr6au
Mama Oakland: https://tinyurl.com/yc8zc2m7
Left Bank at Jack London Square: https://tinyurl.com/yz9hrczf
Snail Bar: https://tinyurl.com/2p8ddpxf
Acre Kitchen & Bar: https://tinyurl.com/mrxdup4v
Shakewell: https://tinyurl.com/y3j2p47e
yummy eatery as a “go-to” destination.
Did you know that nearly 100% of all fresh American artichokes are grown in California, and mostly in Castroville? To celebrate, Castroville’s 63rd annual Artichoke Festival will take place June 10–11 and this year’s fete will include stints by two talented star chefs: Chef Brandon Miller from Paella LLC and Chef Kevin Fisher from Sea Root at the Hyatt Regency Monterey Hotel & Spa. Both will be participating in the popular chef demos on the main stage, with more chefs to be announced soon.
Another trivia challenge: guess which property was the first InterContinental hotel in North America? Yup, it’s San Francisco’s own InterContinental Mark Hopkins San Francisco. In March 1973, the Mark Hopkins hotel signed a long-term management contract with InterContinental Hotels and it became The Mark Hopkins - An InterContinental Hotel (the earlier version of the brand included a hyphen). That means the historic hotel atop Nob Hill is celebrating its 50th anniversary. Well worth another trip to the Top of the Mark, and not just for the views (for great bites and cocktails, too)!
Here’s an interesting new twist on an old product: KickBallz caffeinated chewing gum. The gum offers the convenience of a gum that you can carry anywhere, with a shot of caffeine to help you through those afternoon doldrums (and it freshens your breath). The creators claim it gives you that hit faster than coffee.
Bardo Lounge & Supper Club: https://tinyurl.com/4x4eauub
Ramen Shop: https://tinyurl.com/y2xwm7mx
Sobre Mesa: https://tinyurl.com/bdra72y5
Villon Restaurant at the San Francisco Proper Hotel: https://tinyurl.com/5y34dxhu
Castroville Artichoke Festival: https://tinyurl.com/2p8wbp3c
KickBallz caffeinated chewing gum: https://tinyurl.com/jvpvx5w8
Bombera: https://www.bomberaoakland com/ Hancook: https://tinyurl.com/2p8r23cb
Day Trip: https://tinyurl.com/3xf9cznn
Mägo: https://tinyurl.com/yckt6ewn
Pintoh Thai: https://tinyurl.com/mwy2atv7
Horn Barbecue: https://tinyurl.com/4vayrscz
Crumble & Whisk: https://tinyurl.com/bdzhjnfm
Everett & Jones: https://tinyurl.com/bdcm3z9m
InterContinental Mark Hopkins San Francisco Hotel: https://tinyurl.com/45tkwaap
Home of Chicken & Waffles: https://tinyurl.com/rs3fy5kc
David Landis, aka “The Gay Gourmet,” is a foodie, a freelance writer, and a retired PR maven. Follow him on Instagram @GayGourmetSF or email him at: davidlandissf@ gmail.com Or visit him online at: www.gaygourmetsf.com
By Debra Morris
We’ve received quite a few questions about the farmers’ market in the last few months, such as whether farmers always sell what they grow, when produce will arrive at the market, and why we don’t sell certain items. So, this month we will endeavor to answer them.
Where do the farmers get the produce they sell?
PCFMA operates only certified farmers’ markets. Certified Farmers’ Markets are the only place, other than the farm itself, where California law allows farmers to sell their fruits and vegetables directly to consumers. In a certified farmers’ market, all produce and farm products are certified by local county Agricultural Commissioners and can only be sold by the California farms that grew them. So, yes, the farmers are offering only what they’ve harvested from their farms.
Why aren’t there bananas at the market?
Believe it or not, this is one of the questions we get asked most often. That’s easy—bananas are very difficult to grow in California. Though many farmers have tried, they have discovered that our climate is just not suitable for growing tropical fruits. The bananas you see at the grocery store come from humid, southern climates and are often transported large distances to arrive on the shelves. California can be hot enough, but not nearly humid enough to produce these fruits that thrive in tropical climates. Since farmers can only bring to market what they grow, you won’t find bananas at California’s certified farmers’ markets anytime soon.
Why can’t I find figs at the market? Where are all the persimmons now?
Well, one reason is that the crop is not ready to harvest yet due to weather or a change in what the farmers grow. But the main reason is that produce grows with the seasons, and each fruit or vegetable has a different growing season. Ever since I began going to farmers’ markets many moons ago, my mantra was to try to “eat with the seasons” as much as I could. I’m not always successful because I like my tomatoes too much! But it’s the effort that counts, along with the under-
standing that your favorite fruits and vegetables may not be available all year round. Farming practices are always evolving and changing, so some farmers might use greenhouses to grow, protect, and harvest crops like strawberries and tomatoes almost year-round. Not all produce can be grown this way.
Do you see tomatoes and grapes in the grocery store in mid-winter?
Sure, you do. Those items come from countries in the Southern Hemisphere, like Chile and Australia that have seasons opposite to ours. Can’t find figs or persimmons in the farmers’ market in March? These fruits are harvested from late summer to fall. Learning what produce is in season will help you plan ahead and get you eating with the seasons. Visit our website to see what’s currently in season:
https://www.pcfma.org/taste-season
The big question is, why should I eat with the seasons anyway?
First, eating something that’s ripe, fresh, and just picked is a whole lot tastier than eating something that travelled across several countries and was most likely picked underripe! Don’t take my word for it—try
(continued on page 36)
My Nemesis (fiction- hardbound) by Charmaine Craig
Tessa is a successful writer who develops a friendship, first by correspondence and then in person, with Charlie, a ruggedly handsome philosopher and scholar based in Los Angeles. Sparks fly as they exchange ideas about Camus and masculine desire, and their intellectual connection promises more—but there are obstacles to this burgeoning relationship. Compassionate and thought-provoking, My Nemesis is a brilliant story of seduction, envy, and the ways we publicly define and privately deceive ourselves today.
Women are the Fiercest Creatures ( fictionpaperback) by Andrea Dunlop
Set in the wealthy enclaves of Seattle’s tech elite, the lives of three women grow entangled as longheld secrets are forced to the surface, threatening to destroy their families. Written with razorsharp intelligence and heart, Women Are the Fiercest Creatures is a searing look at the complexities of family and the obstacles women navigate in every aspect of their existence.
What Napoleon Could Not Do (fiction - hardbound) by DK NNuro
America seen through the eyes and ambitions of three characters with ties to Africa are highlighted in this gripping novel. When siblings Jacob and Belinda Nti were growing up in Ghana, their goal was simple: to move to America. For them, the United States was both an opportunity and a struggle, a goal and an obstacle. Their desires and ambitions shed light on the promise and the disappointment that life in a new country offers. How each character comes to understand this and
how each learns from both their dashed hopes and their fulfilled dreams lie at the heart of what makes What Napoleon Could Not Do such a compelling, insightful read.
Upcoming Events
Wednesday, March 15 @ 6 pm (free, Corte Madera store) Kate Zernike, author of The Exceptions Zernike is the Pulitzer Prize–winning journalist who broke the story about the inspiring account of sixteen female scientists who forced MIT to publicly admit it had been discriminating against its female faculty for years, sparking a nationwide reckoning with the pervasive sexism in science. The Exceptions is a powerful yet all-too-familiar story that will resonate with all professional women who experience what those at MIT called “21st-century discrimination”—a subtle and stubborn bias, often unconscious but still damaging.
Thursday, March 16 @ 6 pm (free, Corte Madera store) Andrew Sean Greer in conversation with Sarah Ladipo Manyika, author of Between Starshine and Clay: Conversation from the Black Diaspora
In a series of incisive and intimate encounters, Ladipo Manyika introduces some of the most distinguished Black thinkers of our time, including Nobel Laureates Toni Morrison and Wole Soyinka, and civic leaders first lady Michelle Obama and Senator Cory Booker. She searches for truth with poet
ARIES (March 21–April 19)
There couldn’t be a better time to start, or up-level, your meditation practice. Set your alarm, and create a discipline around communing with the power that makes the earth turn and your heart beat. This is the start of a brand-new cycle! The slate is clean.
TAURUS (April 20–May 20)
Every one of us has a tendency to fall back on our emotional autopilot setting, which is to say, to think, feel, and act from our unconscious childhood fears. Some version of not feeling good enough plays out in every corner of our lives. If we are reading this astrology column, we are open enough to the possibility of a higher intelligent order, or force, in the universe. The intersection of our fears, and this higher force, is where our attention is needed. The planets indicate that we need to mature spiritually. Individually, and as a collective, the only way to truly face our fears and overcome challenges is with a real trust in the intelligent force that runs the cosmos.
Elisa Quinzi is a certified professional astrologer who brings a strong spiritual perspective, as well as over 20 years of experience, to her work with clients. Contact her at futureselfnow@gmail.com or at 818-530-3366 with your exact birth time to schedule or to ask questions.
Step 1) Allow yourself to dream again. Step 2) Remember that all of the power of the universe is pressing to come through you. Step 3). Put your dreams into physical form by making a vision board. Your practical nature can find that your feet and heart have grown heavy, so the act of seeing your vision in pictures every day can activate the magic of life that you may have lost touch with.
GEMINI (May 21–June 20)
You have a reputation of being interesting to talk with, fun to have at a party, and often having your senses plugged into the buzz of culture. The truth is you’re more than all that, but even you are guilty of neglecting your deeper waters. Higher forces now bring you opportunities to develop your compassion and to recognize your unity with all beings. Keep your heart open and honor any shifts in direction your life may want to take.
CANCER (June 21–July 22)
Your sensitive nature makes you particularly vulnerable to the frequencies of the world around you. What you place faith in can make or break you. If you find yourself despairing, and disillusioned, it’s likely you’ve cut yourself off from the superpower that is your intuition. Plug back into it and trust it to lead you to a direct experience of the magic and mystery of life.
LEO (July 23–August 22)
The planets prompt you to take a deep dive within. Signs are pointing toward the need for you to take radical responsibility for your feelings. In myth, this is when you slay some dragons. Face your underlying fears, and surrender to a larger force that you are right now suspended in. The point is the development of reliance on this force rather than on any one person. Doing so will allow you to be more vulnerable with the people who trigger you.
VIRGO (August 23–September 22)
This coming period will emphasize and encourage you to cultivate greater compassion for your fellows. Before retorting that you’re already plenty compassionate (which you are), consider the ways your inner-critic has its way with you, and the way that comes out as judgment toward the people you love. Your soul is ready for an advanced heart-opening class, and it starts now.
Claudia Rankine and historian Henry Louis Gates, Jr. She discusses race and gender with South African filmmaker Xoliswa Sithole and American actor and playwright Anna Deavere Smith. She interrogates the world around us with pioneering publisher Margaret Busby, parliamentarian Lord Michael Hastings, and civil rights activist Pastor Evan Mawarire—who dared to take on President Robert Mugabe and has lived to tell the tale.
Sunday, March 19 @ 2 pm (free, Ferry Building store)
Adele Bertei, author of Twist: An American Girl
Through the eyes of her alter ego Maddie Twist, Bertei threads together the tapestry of an extraordinary, troubled childhood in the 60s and 70s. It begins with her beautiful mother, whose delusions of grandeur bring both wonders and horrors to the Bertei home. In frank prose without an ounce of self-pity, Twist is an episodic survival of the fittest, navigating the crooked rivers of poverty, race, sexuality, and gender. It is a world of little girl gangsters, drag queen solidarity, wild roller-skating, and magical thinking. With Twist, Bertei gives us a story of violence and madness, of heartbreak and perseverance, and, ultimately, redemption.
https://www.bookpassage.com/
LIBRA (September 23–October 22)
Do not confuse politeness with humility. Librans are famous for their social graces, but it’s important to get real about the ways you can improve yourself. Not only will you be better able to be of service to the people in your life, but you’ll also feel happier making disciplined effort toward personal growth.
SCORPIO (October 23–November 21)
It’s time to get serious about your creativity. Take that half-written script off the shelf, blow the dust off, and make the artist in you show up for the work. Something in you will feel good when it’s expressed, and it won’t fully come out until you show up to give it a chance to move through you.
SAGITTARIUS (November 22–December 21)
Your ideas about belonging and security have a chance to deepen and mature. Commit time and effort to some self-exploration. Root out the parts of your family myth that don’t serve you, and strengthen and develop a feeling of security that is personal to you and to who you’ve become.
CAPRICORN (December 22–January 19)
Most Capricorns value security above all else, and as such are naturally wired to acquire it, particularly materially. And so, when physical assets appear to be lacking, Capricorn’s fears can overwhelm. The antidote to this fear of material loss is awareness of the greater permanence of the spiritual realms. It’s this awareness that you are to lean into now. There is great wisdom in you, and more than any financial legacy, it is your wisdom that your loved ones need to inherit from you most.
AQUARIUS (January 20–February 18)
You have access to universal truths that can unite humanity. You also have an underlying vulnerability to withdraw from society and live off the grid, away from the masses. Living in isolation won’t satisfy your soul, as one of your fundamental needs is to share your ideas with a group. Make room for the mystical, as it will sustain you in your work with others.
PISCES (February 19–March 20)
Pisces are the mystics and the shamans of the zodiac. You see past the veil into other dimensions that are as valid as this physical one we inhabit. Some would say more valid. But often Pisces hangs back in a womb-like existence, waiting for the next life, depriving the world of your much-needed gifts. The time has come to share with the world what you see and sense, and bring your wisdom and experience into form. Face your fears of unworthiness and make an allout effort to start living your full potential as you intended before you came here.
SISTER DANA (continued from pg 26)
(NY), Carla Clayy (SF), and “The Geduldig Sisters”—producer/ comic Lisa Geduldig and her 91-year-young mother Arline Geduldig (Florida). Lockdown Comedy has been running every 3rd Thursday of the month on Zoom since July 2020. Since the monthly shows still cater to audiences of some 30–50 people monthly throughout the U.S. and some internationally, and since the pandemic is not yet over, the show will continue on Zoom for the foreseeable future.
https://www.koshercomedy.com/
Sister Dana sez, “The English professor in me needs to stress that the word ‘woke’ is a verb, and is the past tense of ‘wake.’ It is NOT an adjective. Please stop using it incorrectly! Wake up!”
Based on the iconic 1985 film—which was inspired by the classic Hasbro board game—CLUE is a hilarious farce-meets-murder mystery comedy. At a remote mansion, six mysterious guests assemble for an unusual dinner party where murder and blackmail are on the menu. When their host turns up dead, they all become suspects. As the body count rises, Miss Scarlett, Professor Plum, Mrs. White, Mr. Green, Mrs. Peacock, Colonel Mustard, and Wadsworth, the butler, race to find the killer. Clue is the comedy whodunit that will leave both cultfans and newcomers in stitches as they try to figure out WHO did it, WHERE, and with WHAT?!
Mysteriously playing now through April 22, SAN FRANCISCO PLAYHOUSE, 450 Post Street, Floor 2M.
https://www.sfplayhouse.org/
Sister Dana sez, “I said it once, and I’ll say it again: Let’s hope they really ‘Gay It Up’ at the OSCARS on March 12!”
THE SAINTS COME MARCHING
IN is a benefit for us Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence on March
19, 4–7 pm at the Edge bar, 4149 18th Street. Hosted by our saints, with emcee Mark Paladini and music by DJ Jimmy Strano. Live performers. Beer/Soda Bust.
The 58th Anniversary of BLOODY SUNDAY in Selma, Alabama was commemorated on March 5 when President Biden visited the historic site of Edmund Pettus Bridge where civil rights protesters were senselessly, violently, brutally attacked. On March 7, 1965, Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., and soon to be Congressman John Lewis led hundreds in a peaceful protest across the bridge to Montgomery for the right to vote—but were cruelly assaulted. This public display eventually led to passage of the VOTING RIGHTS ACT OF 1965 five months later. Then in 2013, all that was sadly, unfairly diluted by the radical right and Supreme Court.
Sister Dana sez, “We need to bust the filibuster and pass the JOHN LEWIS VOTING ACT!”
Sister Dana sez, “We need to rename the bridge that was named after a KKK Grand Dragon U.S. senator—to become the John Lewis Bridge!”
Anti-Semitism is on the rise in this country. According to a report from the ANTI-DEFAMATION LEAGUE, anti-Semitic incidents have reached a record high of 2,700 acts of assault, vandalism, and harassment, up 34% from 2020 to 2021, the highest level since tracking began in 1979.
Sister Dana sez, “The Radical Right is attacking our rights: attacks against media, Black voters, libraries, teachers, LGBTQ people, Jewish people, immigrants, trans kids, women’s choices, free enterprise, drag, and bloggers.
Welcome to AmeriKKKa the autocracy!”
FARMERS’ MARKET (continued from pg 34)
biting into a big ripe peach or tomato that’s just been harvested.
A bonus to eating with the seasons is that it is less expensive overall, and with the cost of living increasing, we need all the help we can get! It’s cheaper to buy something that’s in season when quantities and varieties are readily available. An additional benefit to eating in season: research has shown that the produce is more nutritionally dense because it’s had time to ripen naturally. Eating with the seasons and eating foods from local farms is also better for the environment. Fruits and vegetables taste better when they don’t need to catch a flight or cross the ocean to get on your plate!’
The bottom line is, eat with the seasons as much as you can. We’re not saying don’t have a tomato in March
if you want one. Just remember it won’t taste as good as a tomato, fresh off the vine, in July. Buy from your local farmers’ market often and you will be rewarded with the best tasting produce you’ve ever had, while helping local farmers bring you the finest of what they’ve grown. Happy munching!
If you have questions you’d like us to answer about your farmers’ market, please send them to deardeb@pcfma.org
Debra Morris is a spokesperson for the Pacific Coast Farmers’ Market Association (PCFMA). Check out the PCFMA website for recipes, information about farmers’ markets throughout the region, and for much more: https://www.pcfma.org/
KRAMER (continued from pg 27)
Gary M. Kramer: I know you coach rugby, and the film’s sports scenes have a real sense of authenticity. Can you talk about staging them? And did you cast actors who could play rugby, or did you find rugby players who could act?
Matt Carter: All the actors are actors, but during the casting process we said anyone who had prior sport or rugby experience was a plus. Most played in school, but a few never played. We wanted performance first. I coach, so I could bring people up to speed. I teach beginners to learn the sport in 8 weeks to make newbies match-ready. I did a boot camp. But it’s a movie, so it’s choreography, and we don’t expect the actors to do much other than pass the ball and look confident. There is genuine rugby happening in the film, and we did lots of set pieces. So, we showed the best bits of what we filmed to make it authentic. Rugby is a complicated sport, and you can bore an audience if you ask them to follow any game, but we do care about characters, so we focused on characters’ faces and what they were feeling.
LIAM (continued from pg 31)
James Beard and Michelin restaurants like Wahpepah’s Kitchen, Millennium, Jo’s Modern Thai, Horn BBQ, and more. We celebrate every chef and restaurant in Oakland.
Liam P. Mayclem: Why are chefs and restaurants leaving other cities for Oakland?
Peter Gamez: Aside from the simple fact Oakland is beautiful, vibrant, and very inclusive, the culinary scene in Oakland is ever evolving and growing every day. The culinary community in Oakland is very unified and proud. The restaurateurs and chefs support and celebrate each other every day. This true sense of community is felt by all who visit and that makes the Oakland experience very special.
Liam P. Mayclem: How diverse is the food scene in Oakland?
Peter Gamez: 125 languages are spoken in The Town. That diversity is strongly represented in our culinary scene. Here in Oakland, you can enjoy food from around the world including Ethiopian, Indian, Mexican, Native, Chinese, American, and so much more. You can also experience more than 20 plant-based restaurants along the Oakland Vegan Trail.
Liam P. Mayclem: The LGBTQ+ community no doubt adds to the diversity?
Peter Gamez: Yes, our LGBTQ+ chef scene is also very vibrant. We have a number of LGBTQ+ owned restaurants and bars including Shakewell, Port Bar, and Port Bar’s soon-to-open sister bar FLUID. It is scheduled to open this June.
Liam P. Mayclem: What are your favorite Oakland restaurants in the following categories and your favorite menu item at each spot?
Peter Gamez: It is impossible to pick a favorite because I love them all. But I will share a few suggestions:
Breakfast
• Home of Chicken & Waffles - Need I say more?
• Grand Lake Kitchen, for their Savory French Toast
Gary M. Kramer: I really appreciated the camaraderie of the teammates and that you took time to define the characters. What can you say about creating that in the script and with the cast?
Matt Carter: There are about 15 speaking roles in the film, and it can be very easy to get them mixed up, so we had to give them personalities and connections—who are they friends with, or do they not get along with? We are dropping [viewers] into a world that already exists. It’s a rugby family, and you don’t always get along, but you put up with and tolerate and love each other in their way. The B-team story is almost as important as the central relationship is and it’s the stage the relationship takes place. They affect each other.
Gary M. Kramer: Let’s talk about the love scenes and making a gay romance with more romance than sex.
Matt Carter: Adam Silver, my cowriter, and I had a discussion from the start that we would not have any gratuitous sex. Anytime sex is used it
Lunch • Agave Uptown - Everything they prepare is super fresh, authentic, and simply delicious.
Food Truck
• Guadalajara Oakland - They have a brick and mortar and a great food truck out of our Fruitvale neighborhood. It’s a very popular truck in The Town.
Date Night
• Duende - They have great sharable entrées, amazing cocktails, and often live music. It’s a great place to dine before a show at the historic Fox Theater, making for a perfect date night.
New Restaurant
• Left Bank for their Steak Frites
• Occitania for the Escargot
• Parche for the cocktails and appetizers
All the food is great at these spots. They are all beautiful spaces and great additions to The Town.
[is done so as] a storytelling device. There are only two scenes where the characters are actually having sex: a scene in a bathroom and after the Cardiff match. They are turning points for the characters. It’s really showing how they start to fall for each other. The sex is more lovemaking and them falling harder for each other. It shows they have a physical attraction.
Gary M. Kramer: The film is really about body blows—getting hurt physically on the pitch and emotionally with heartbreak or hurting others. Can you talk about that aspect of your film?
Matt Carter: It is about how you hurt your head and you hurt your heart. The tagline one of the actors came up with, which is used on the poster, is: Love is a contact sport.
© 2023 Gary M. Kramer
Gary M. Kramer is the author of “Independent Queer Cinema: Reviews and Interviews,” and the co-editor of “Directory of World Cinema: Argentina.” Follow him on Twitter @garymkramer
Bar Food • Sobre Mesa for their amazing cocktails. I also love the Empanadas and Tostones (fried plantains).
Signature Oakland Experience
• Fentons Ice Cream for the ice cream tasting. It is so much fun!
Liam P. Mayclem: How can we find out more about ORW and make a resy?
Peter Gamez: Oakland Restaurant Week takes place March 16–26. For a list of participating restaurants and more details go to https://tinyurl.com/m8h4kxs4
Emmy Award-winning radio and television personality Liam Mayclem is regularly featured on KPIX as well as KCBS, where he is the popular Foodie Chap. Born in London, Mayclem is now at home in the Bay Area, where he lives with his husband, photographer Rick Camargo. For more information: https://www.bookliam.com/
“Homecoming” was the theme of the closing ceremony for Black History Month, hosted by California State Controller Malia Cohen, City Supervisor Shamann Walton, and Mayor London Breed, held in the rotunda at San Francisco City Hall on Tuesday, February 26.
A large crowded attended, including other elected officials, city administrators, entertainers, and members of the public. San Francisco Treasurer José Cisneros and San Francisco Fire Department Chief Jeanine Nicholson, both out members of the LGBTQ community, were among those in attendance. The event included live performances paying homage to the cultural traditions of Black Americans. Among the featured performers was San Francisco Bay Times columnist and musician Kippy Marks, whose skills as a violinist always amaze. Food and wine were provided by Black-owned businesses, including Theopolis Vineyards, which was highlighted in the March 11, 2021, issue of the Bay Times View a video of the event: https://tinyurl.com/2tf8rpxa
Photos by Rink and Karina Patel Neighbors gathered on Saturday, March 4, for a soft launch reception in the Castro at the historic Café Flore location—2298 Market Street—to enjoy refreshments and hear from the new operator, Serhat Zorlu, about his plans to open a seafood restaurant at the site to be named Fisch and Flore.
Floor plans were displayed and the Castro Community Business District, represented by Executive Director Andrea Aiello, was commended for its efforts to keep the streets cleaned through the Castro Cares program. The event included remarks from District 8 Supervisor Rafael Mandelman. State Senator Scott Wiener also attended, as did the former operator of Café Flore, Terrance Alan, who is now the President of the Castro Merchants Association.
Renovations at the site, according to Zorlu and his team, will include “refreshed gates with a modern glass fence and the botanical native garden we’re known for—ADA-compliant bathroom, kitchen, and seating.”
Café Flore first opened in 1973, and Zorlu indicated that his new restaurant at the site will later this year honor the location’s 50th anniversary.
Bert Eibner 1951–2023
A tribute posted by friends on the grill at Hibernia Beach in memory of Bert Eibner, who was a longtime member of the LGBTQ community in San Francisco, noted his passing on February 2, 2023.
The 43rd Annual Gala of BALIF (Bay Area Lawyers for Individual Freedom) was held on Friday, March 3. With “Let’s Camp!” as its theme for 2023, the Gala was held at the historic Julia Morgan Ballroom.
California Supreme Court Justice Kelli Evans was the keynote speaker. Honorees included Honey Mahogany, Trailblazers Award; Sonya Laddon Rahders, Legal Services Award; and Somos Familia, Community Service Award.
DJ Jimmy Strano provided tunes to accompany the entertainers who included Dextra DeNovo, KaiKai Bee Michaels, and co-hosts Mudd & Lisa Frankenstein.
The event is the annual benefit supporting the organization’s programs providing advocacy, justice, and professional development services with the goal of LGBTI community empowerment. BALIF is the oldest and largest LGBTQI bar association in the U.S. https://www.balif.org/
http://sfbaytimes.com/
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ince our founding in 1936, Cliff’s Variety has been constantly growing and evolving in response to the needs of our customers. Our buyers strive to keep our selection fresh, on-trend and competitive.
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What would you do if you won the lottery? compiled by Rink As Heard on the Street
Dana Riceel
“I would open a cultural and educational center for LGBT youth.”
Marian Abdullah
“Keep it a secret. There are problems with winning lots of money.”
“Open
“Present a spectacular show with friends who are bellydancers and musicians at the Palace of Fine Arts”
Morningstar Vancil
“Buy
