Standing Up for Fundamental Rights
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March 10–23, 2022 http://sfbaytimes.com
YOUTUBE/EDMUND PETTUS BRIDGE
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LGBTIQ Ukrainians Fighting for Their Lives Russian control. Russia currently ranks 46th out of 49 European countries in the latest rankings of LGBTIQ rights by ILGAEurope (European Region of the International Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Trans and Intersex Association). When we visited the Soviet Union, we met gay Russians outside the Bolshoi Theatre when we stumbled upon the popular Soviet-era gay hangout. After the breakup of the Soviet Union, LGBTIQ Russians were hopeful for a better future. Homosexuality, which had been illegal for decades during the Communist regime, was decriminalized in 1993.
6/26 and Beyond Stuart Gaffney and John Lewis We’ll never forget gazing out our train window at the beautiful golden domes of Kyiv as we traveled through Ukraine from Moscow to Bucharest on a 1989 trip to the former Soviet Union and Eastern Europe. Today, the Russian military at the command of President Vladimir Putin is reducing much of where we traveled in Ukraine to rubble. And untold thousands of Ukrainians have fled their country to Romania on trains travelling the same tracks we did over 30 years ago. Countless other Ukrainians have fled by train, bus, and foot to other neighboring countries with by far the largest numbers going to Poland, followed by Hungary. Many will relocate to other parts of the European Union as well. LGBTIQ Ukrainians, of course, make up a significant number of those refugees, and are also among the millions of Ukrainians who remain in the country to face the invading Russian military. (All Ukrainian men aged 18–60 are required to stay in the country.) Vladimir Putin’s brutal and brazen attack on Ukraine represents first and foremost a horrific human tragedy for all people affected. Even after the fighting finishes, no one will be the same as before. The unfolding crisis also gives us the opportunity to recognize the incredible strength and resilience of LGBTIQ Ukrainians as well as the queer community in Russia and neighboring parts of Eastern Europe. For years, our collective community has exhibited tremendous pride and resolve in the face of formidable obstacles and oppression—just as LGBTIQ Ukrainians are doing in extraordinary ways today. The LGBTIQ Struggle in Russia Many LGBTIQ Ukrainians greatly fear what life would be like under
However, progress has been dramatically reversed in recent years under the nationalist leadership of Putin. Most notably, the Russian parliament, with the support of Putin and the Russian Orthodox Church, enacted legislation in 2013 designed to chill expression of support for LGBTIQ people, stop public education, and invite hostility and violence against the queer community. Known as the “Gay Propaganda” bill, the legislation banned “promotion of nontraditional sexual relations” to minors, including equating same-sex relationships to heterosexual ones— all falsely in the name of furthering “traditional Russian values.” The bill applies to all media, including print, radio, television, and the internet. The bill may likely have caused the postponement of the July 2017 premier of the ballet Nureyev, depicting the life of Rudolf Nureyev, one of the greatest ballet dancers of all time, who was gay and tragically died of AIDS in 1993. The ballet openly portrayed Nureyev’s homosexuality, including a sensuous dance with him and one of his lovers. When the ballet finally premiered 5 months later to a restricted audience, its director was under house arrest on what most consider trumped up charges. Also as part of a sustained antiLGBTIQ campaign, Russian Pride events have been prohibited. In fact, Moscow authorities in 2012 banned gay pride parades in the capital for the next 100 years. LGBTIQ websites have been blocked, and LGBTIQ individuals and groups have otherwise faced discrimination or persecution. In 2017 and 2019, Chechen authorities carried out deadly anti-gay purges.
Golden Domes of Kyiv as seen from a train window, while Stuart Gaffney and John Lewis were traveling through Ukraine in 1989 2
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In 2021, Russia banned same-sex marriage under its constitution. And just last month, the Russian government asked a court to shut down the Russian LGBT Network, one of the country’s most prominent gay rights organizations. The Russian court declined to do so at present, but observers fear what lies ahead for the group. However, as true testament to the strength and resilience of the Russian LGBTIQ community, a 47 percent plurality of Russian people responded that “gays and lesbians should enjoy the same rights as other citizens” in 2019 polling reported by The Moscow Times. The LGBTIQ Struggle in Ukraine Like their Russian counterparts, Ukrainian LGBTIQ activists and the community at large for years have shown extraordinary fortitude in the face of formidable challenges. Ukraine itself only ranks 39th out of 49 countries, just seven positions ahead of Russia, in the latest ILGA-Europe rankings. Same-sex sexual activity was decriminalized in 1991 when Ukraine gained independence with the disbandment of the Soviet Union. However, progress toward LGBTIQ rights and public acceptance has been slow. A 2021 UCLA Williams Institute report ranked Ukraine a dismal 142nd out of 175 countries world-
Stuart Gaffney and John Lewis with Russian and Czech travelers they met in 1989
wide when it comes to social acceptance of LGBTIQ people. Russia, in fact, ranked higher at 126th. Anti-LGBTIQ militants’ burning of Kyiv’s oldest movie theater during the screening of an LGBTIQ film in 2014 serves as a powerful symbol of the threat under which the LGBTIQ community has lived in Ukraine. Nevertheless, the LGBTIQ community has made advances. LGBTIQ people can serve in the military, and Viktor Pylypenko came out publicly as the first openly gay Ukrainian soldier in 2018. In 2015, the Ukrainian parliament enacted nationwide
protection against employment discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity, as part of the country’s efforts to qualify for admission to the EU. Indeed, the EU required Ukraine to pass the measure as a condition for gaining visa-free travel to the EU. That access has proved invaluable to Ukrainian refugees fleeing the war today. Despite threats of violence from far-right extremists, Pride parades have taken place annually in Kyiv since 2015. The first LGBTIQ equality march was held in Odessa (continued on page 4)
About Our Cover Thousands of Bay Area residents, including members of the San Francisco Bay Times team, have taken to the streets to call for peace and an end to war after Russia launched an unprovoked full-scale invasion of the Eastern European nation of Ukraine on February 24. As of this writing, 2000 plus civilians have been killed during the invasion, according to Ukrainian government estimates. The actual death toll may never be fully determined, given the massive scale of Russia’s violent acts under the leadership of President Vladimir Putin. Over two million individuals were forced to flee Ukraine, and that number could climb up to some 5 million—a humanitarian crisis at a scale in Europe not seen since World War II. On March 6, demonstrators also took a stand in Selma, Alabama, to commemorate the 57th Anniversary of Bloody Sunday. On that day in 1965, police attacked civil rights movement demonstrators as they were crossing the Edmund Pettus Bridge attempting to march to Montgomery to demand voting rights. The fight for voting rights continues, with efforts now underway to pass the John Lewis Voting Rights Act, legislation that was proposed in 2021. The Act addresses matters such as redistricting, multilingual voting materials, and voter I.D. requirements. Vice President Kamala Harris attended the March 6th event, along with civil rights and community leaders, and reinforced that the Biden-Harris administration is committed to passing federal legislation to protect the right to vote.
LGBTQ, racial, and other social justice concerns—often intersecting—inherently form a part of these overarching struggles. The related movements are unfortunately vulnerable to those who wish to magnify and maintain divisions in the U.S. and Europe, such as Russia’s leadership. Even before last month’s attack on Ukraine, Russia was already identified by NATO StratCom COE as being a world leader in social media network manipulation. This manipulation is happening right now, weakening civil rights movements and the voice for #StandWithUkraine. “United we stand, divided we fall” therefore rings truer than ever at this difficult time when many are fighting for their very lives and for fundamental human rights. The Universal Declaration of Human Rights, prepared by the United Nations, outlines many of the basic rights that cut across national boundaries and other divisions. It begins: “Whereas recognition of the inherent dignity and of the equal and inalienable rights of all members of the human family is the foundation of freedom, justice and peace in the world, Whereas disregard and contempt for human rights have resulted in barbarous acts which have outraged the conscience of mankind, and the advent of a world in which human beings shall enjoy freedom of speech and belief and freedom from fear and want has been proclaimed as the highest aspiration of the common people ... “ Universal Declaration of Human Rights: https://tinyurl.com/2p8r2hne
Crisis in UKRAINE
All Love for Ukraine with Artist Misha Vladimirskiy
Photos courtesy of Liam Mayclem
and some eager diners were being turned away. A painting featuring the blue and yellow colors of Ukraine with a heart centered in the middle sits near the welcome counter.
Liam’s LGBTQI List Liam P. Mayclem
“That was a gift from a child from a nearby school,” said Pushkin owner Sergey Shukaylo. And at the register there is a QR code for diners to make an immediate donation to a fund for Ukraine refugees. Over Ukrainian beers and a bounty of eats, Misha and I talked about the horrors happening now in Ukraine.
We are all feeling the hurt right now for Ukraine. It may be a world away, but for many here in the Bay Area who have family ties there, it feels most close to home.
“These are challenging times, sad times,” Misha told me for the San Francisco Bay Times. “I never imagined in 2022 we would be dealing with this, an invasion by Russia of Ukraine. But here we are.”
One man’s (Putin’s) woefully poor decision to invade an innocent and peaceful neighbor has us all outraged and wanting to come together to help.
About the cuisine at Pushkin: Misha had a bowl of pan fried Pareniki vegetarian (potato and onion) dumplings and some coleslaw. I enjoyed a big bowl of borscht, a Ukrainian version of this hearty soup with beets, beef, cabbage, and onion, and with a dollop of sour cream on top.
My friend Misha Vladimirskiy, a San Francisco-based artist and photographer, was born in Tiraspol, Moldova, and witnessed the fall of the USSR. He moved to America as a young boy soon after in 1992. As a photographer he has snapped a who’s who of A listers: Lady Gaga, Amy Winehouse, Kathy Griffin, and so many more. Misha—dressed head to toe in yellow and blue, like a Ukraine flag— and I met for dinner recently at Pushkin, a Ukrainian restaurant in Beldon Place, San Francisco. We did not have a reservation, but the owner kindly found us a table and then, within minutes, the place was packed
“You can never have enough sour cream in a good borscht or on the bread,” said Misha, laughing as he watched me spread the sour cream like butter on the bread. I also enjoyed two Polish sausages (beef + pork) with mashed potatoes and coleslaw. The portions were overly generous and most satisfying.
Misha then took me to an art show at Mirus Gallery & Art Bar in SoMa. He had seven pieces in the show, with one art piece Sunflowers inspired by the recent invasion of Ukraine.
we will be matching up to $3 million dollars.” Their campaign as of this writing has raised $19 million dollars, over half way to their goal of $30 million. https://www.gofundme.com/f/stand-with-ukraine
Misha Vladimirskiy: Sunflowers was inspired by a Ukrainian woman I saw in a video clip walking up to a Russian soldier and handing him sunflower seeds saying, “When you die on our land, flowers will bloom.” There’s beauty in what she said. She reminded me that Ukrainian people care so much about their homeland and will never give up.
Here are some other ways you can support Ukraine on a local and national level:
That beautiful picture by Misha that I actually wanted to buy sold for $1200. Misha’s share will go toward funds for the Ukrainian people.
Liam P. Mayclem: There is a palpable fragility in the air here, a little like that feeling around September 11th. Do you get a sense of that?
We were invited to guest on a podcast together, taped at the gallery. We spoke of our dinner at Pushkin, about the art show, and expressed our thoughts about how we hope this will all end.
Misha Vladimirskiy: Yes, I do. It’s a beautiful thing. People are here to show support, to eat here, and let the people of Ukraine know we feel their loss.
Misha concluded the conversation with: “Glory to Ukraine. Glory to the heroes!”
Liam P. Mayclem: Is this déjà vu in a way? Misha Vladimirskiy: Yes, it is. I recall waking up after the fall of the Berlin wall with tanks in the streets. I recall feeling a shift. We were lucky enough to leave the Soviet Union. My extended family in Transnistria, which was occupied by the Soviets, did not get the chance to leave. That was tough. This is a very icy reminder that human nature is unkind at times. Liam P. Mayclem: How have the latest events in Ukraine impacted you personally?
Misha Vladimirskiy
because of my connection to the people, to family, and that land. I wake up every morning hoping another city has not fallen or been deseMisha Vladimirskiy (left) with Liam Mayclem crated by bombs.
Misha Vladimirskiy: It’s personal. My family is partly from Odessa, Ukraine. I’ve been there. My great-grandfather fought in the first war there. This tyrant [Putin] has invaded many lands, but this one is close to home
Misha on Instagram: @MishaVladimirskiy Pushkin: Enjoy the cuisine of Ukraine at this gem of a spot in Beldon Place, San Francisco. The dumplings with options of beef, chicken, or lamb are explosions of soupy, meaty joy and are worth the trip alone. https://www.pushkinsf.com Fundraising for Ukraine Celebrities have also been rallying, organizing online fundraisers for Ukraine. Ukrainian born Mila Kunis launched a GoFundMe with husband Ashton Kutcher and posted this: “Today, I am a proud Ukrainian. While my family came to the United States in 1991, I was born in Chernivtsi, Ukraine, in 1983. Ukrainians are proud and brave people who deserve our help in their time of need. This unjust attack on Ukraine and humanity at large is devastating and the Ukrainian people need our support. Our family is starting this fund to help provide immediate support and
Rainbow World Fund San Francisco-based Rainbow World Fund is raising funds to support the LGBQT community in Ukraine. During this crisis, already vulnerable LGBTQ Ukrainians are even more at risk to be further marginalized and scapegoated. https://tinyurl.com/2jwn4kj7 UNICEF Children are the least responsible for the armed conflict in Ukraine, but they suffer most from its consequences. Your 100% tax-deductible donation will help UNICEF ensure that Ukraine’s children have access to safe water, nutrition, health care, education, and protection. https://tinyurl.com/4vhck78u Cookies for Ukraine Niles Pie shop is doing its bit too to support the people of Ukraine. They are baking cookies and sending them to the team at World Central Kitchen. You can purchase a box and send it with love to a part of the world that needs extra love and support right now. https://www.nilespie.com Nova Ukraine Money from donations to Nova Ukraine is allocated daily to frontline volunteers, helping provide emergency resources to both refugees as well as to citizens who have remained in the European nation. https://novaukraine.org 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/
Importance of Expediting LGBTQ Ukrainian Asylum Applications in the U.S. By Okan Sengun, Esq. My heart goes out to the people of Ukraine. The LGBT Asylum Project has worked with many Ukrainians through the years and I can’t imagine how hard it is for them to see Russia invade Ukraine, destroying their cities and endangering their friends and family. We have heard from many LGBTQI+ people currently living in Ukraine who are terrified of a Russian occupation of their homeland. Many of our supporters have asked us if we could help LGBTQI+ people get out of Ukraine. Unfortunately, we can only assist LGBTQI+ asylum seekers who are already in the Bay Area because the first step to apply for asylum directly to the U.S. government is to be physically in the United States. Therefore, if you know an LGBTQI+ person who is from Ukraine and currently in the U.S., you can help them by telling them about the asylum process. However, and this is very important, please note that if Ukraine becomes a full member of the European Union, almost all asylum applications from Ukraine in the U.S. will be in danger
of getting denied. The reason being, people from EU countries are usually not eligible for asylum in the U.S. because they are free to live in any of those member countries. At this moment, we are working hard to make sure that our clients from Ukraine finalize their asylum documents so we can expedite their cases. It is imperative to get their asylum interviews, which is usually the final step in an asylum application, scheduled as soon as possible. If you know someone who has a pending asylum application, please stress the importance of expediting their asylum applications here in the U.S. I pray that this horrific war comes to an end and our LGBTQI+ family finds safe passage to a better life. Okan Sengun, Esq., is the Executive Director and Co-Founder of The LGBT Asylum Project https://www.lgbtasylumproject.org/
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#StandWithUkraine rally sponsored by Nova Ukraine, Ferry Building, February 20, 2022
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Crisis in UKRAINE
Rally at City Hall, February 24, 2022
Solidarity with Ukraine Rainbow World Fund’s Ukraine Emergency Fund 100% of your donation will fund lifesaving work.
Or, make a donation online: https://donatenow.networkforgood.org/1210623
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Donations are 100% tax-deductible, safe, secure and private. RWF is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. EIN# 94-3372560
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Specify “Ukraine” when you donate by check to: RWF, 4111 18th Street, San Francisco, CA 94114
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in 2016 and in Kharkiv in 2019, with the first Kyiv Trans March taking place last year. Just a month after President Volodymyr Zelensky took office in 2019, Kyiv held the largest Pride parade in the nation’s history. Zelensky helped ensure the safety of the event, and his office declared that “Ukraine’s Constitution states that citizens have equal constitutional rights and freedoms.” Indeed, the existence of Ukrainian democratic institutions provides hope for future progress so long as the Ukrainians prevail in the conflict.
LGBTQ News & Calendar for the Bay Area
CELEBRATING FOUR DECADES (1978–2022)
LGBTIQ Refugees and LGBTIQ Ukrainians Fighting Back
DIVAS & DRINKS @ The Academy
UNITY WITH UKRAINE! Thursday, March 24
6–10 pm The Academy 2166 Market Street Divas & Drinks this month will include a raffle in support of the Rainbow World Fund’s fundraising for Ukrainian LGBT community members. Come and join in as we pass the hat, hear about support efforts, and more! Join emcee Donna Sachet and DJ Rockaway presented by Olivia Travel for a fun evening with details to be announced soon. Our Name That Tune contest will feature the return of current champions Team Village People facing off against Team GGBA. Sponsored by: Bacardí, Extreme Pizza, Olivia Travel, SF Federal Credit Union
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As Ukrainian LGBTIQ refugees flee the war to elsewhere in Europe, they will first arrive in Eastern European countries whose governments themselves have been hostile to LGBTIQ people and where the queer community and its supporters have shown equally inspiring strength in the face of adversity. Poland, the county receiving the most refugees, is itself at a crossroads when it comes to LGBTIQ rights. Farright Polish President Andrzej Duda has conducted virulently anti-gay political campaigns, vilifying LGBTIQ people for his own political gain.
reported that the Polish queer community has been working to make sure that refugees are “placed with people who understand their needs” and to “welcome them and help them” before they likely relocate to more hospitable parts of Europe. And LGBTIQ Ukrainians who have remained in the country appear defiant. Pylypenko reported to the Israel Hayom newspaper that a group of AWOL Russian soldiers unknowingly hid in a basement used by the Kharkiv queer community, and upon their being found, LGBTIQ community members beat and captured the soldiers. Pylypenko proclaimed that he and his queer comrades were fighting not just as Ukrainians, but also “as LGBTQ people” who “are confronting a tyrannical, homophobic enemy.” Further, the Daily Beast reported that Veronika Limina of the Lviv queer community “has been running a camp, teaching volunteer LGBTQ cadets basic combat and paramedic skills.” Limina articulated how high she believes the stakes to be: “Either we defend our country, and it will become a part of the free world, or there will not be any freedom for us and will not be Ukraine at all.”
LGBTIQ Ukrainian refugees coming to Poland face the indignity of traveling through so-called “LGBTfree” zones that permit the banning of LGBTIQ rights marches and other events and encompass fully one third of the country. Prime Minister Viktor Orbán of Hungary, the nation receiving the second most Ukrainian refugees, is also an authoritarian leader who foments homophobia for his political gain, linking it to nationalist values and inspiring further hatred.
When we traveled through Ukraine in 1989, we could not have foreseen the tremendous changes that were about to occur there, and today no one knows what lies ahead. Perhaps Putin’s invasion of Ukraine will mark a moment of truth not just for Europe and the world, but also for LGBTIQ rights and dignity as well. We know that, regardless of what happens in the coming days, LGBTIQ Ukrainians and queer people around the world will never give up fighting for our lives.
The Polish and Hungarian queer communities are already reaching out to arriving Ukrainian LGBTIQ refugees. Viktória Radványi, communications director for Budapest Pride, told NPR that LGBTQ Hungarians “have been giving anything they can to help—a spare room, a couch” and are offering emotional support as well. Julia Maciocha of Warsaw Pride
John Lewis and Stuart Gaffney, together for over three decades, were plaintiffs in the California case for equal marriage rights decided by the California Supreme Court in 2008. Their leadership in the grassroots organization Marriage Equality USA contributed in 2015 to making same-sex marriage legal nationwide.
GLBT Fortnight in Review Chugging the Pierian Spring I was struck by an op-ed in Tuesday’s The New York Times written by a Ukrainian woman of Polish descent who has been living in Poland for several years. She is from Lviv, a previously obscure town in western Ukraine with which we are all now familiar. The author, novelist Zanna Sloniowska, describes leaving Ukraine during the dissolution of the USSR and subsequently having been torn between her Polish and Ukrainian identities. As Russia’s bullying increased over the last five or ten years, Ukrainians of all stripes began to emigrate to eastern Poland, where Sloniowska felt Ukraine’s diversity of thought and culture start to infuse the border communities. Now, she writes that Poland’s powerful and welcoming stand is something to see. I was struck because Poland is a country that I have managed to dislike and stereotype over recent years, despite having dangerously little learning in this regard. After all, what more did I have to know about a country that encourages (symbolic) “LGBT-free zones” and debates a ban on pride parades? Plus, several years ago I read a chilling article in The Atlantic by Anne Applebaum about the rise of xenophobia and extremism in Poland, which I promptly tossed into a simmering stew of Bad-Things-AboutEastern-Europe on the back burner of my mind. Glancing back at that 2018 article just now, however, I’m reminded that Applebaum was really writing about deep political divisions; divisions that turn differences of opinion into chasms that cannot be spanned through dialogue or compromise.
These are, of course, the same divisions that are destroying our own political systems where childlike conspiracy theories and mindless nationalism compete with complex policy, long-range thinking, and international cooperation. With no common ground, we can’t even begin construction on a bridge. It’s too early to say, but it seems as if support for Ukraine is providing a glimmer of hope. I am prepared to suspend my dislike of Poland, where the xenophobes appear to have been supplanted by those in solidarity with their neighbors. I’m wondering as well if the good people of Applebaum’s Poland won’t start fighting their way up from the back benches and whether the relatively gay-friendly Ukrainian refugees won’t improve opinions on the other side of the border. I said “relatively.” Ukraine is no San Francisco, but it’s a damn sight better for our community than Russia, where “propaganda” in support of GLBT rights is against the law. “We all live together in an open society where each one can choose the language they want to speak, their ethnicity, and [sexual] orientation,” Ukraine President Zelensky told an antigay heckler a few years ago. “Leave those people be, for God’s sake.” I’m now seeing a bunch of headlines about how antigay Russia is poised to put a beat down on Ukrainian GLBTs, who will be stuck between the Russian rock and the Polish hard place. But maybe our community will help turn the scenario around by showcasing Russia’s hatefulness and Poland’s generous side. And if the war in Ukraine can unify good Samaritans in Poland, maybe it
By Ann Rostow can do something positive over here as well. Don’t Say Florida Speaking of Russia, the state of Florida has just managed to pass its own version of a “Don’t Say Gay” bill, perhaps not as pervasive as the Russian law (which basically shuts down any public discussion of sexual orientation or gender) but still—who thought an American state would even approach this level of censorship and discrimination? On the surface, the “Parental Rights in Education” bill sounds innocuous, forbidding K–3 elementary school teachers from raising the subject of orientation or gender in a nonage appropriate way. Really, who wants your 8-year-old discussing sex in the classroom to begin with? The last thing you need at a chaotic dinner is little Mandy asking the family in a loud voice why girls don’t have penises. But the statute grows vague, also outlawing any public school teaching at any level “in a manner that is not age appropriate or developmentally appropriate for students.” In addition, the bill requires school staff to inform parents of any changes in a student’s mental or physical status. I don’t have that language handy, but it basically calls for teachers and counselors to tell parents if the child is gay or transgender or uncertain, even if the parent is hostile and the child is scared. Now that the state senate has passed the bill, it goes to the desk of you know who, where it will be signed into law in two shakes of a lamb’s tail. Meanwhile, GLBT allies are frustrated with Disney CEO Bob Chapek, who made excuses rather than come right out and denounce the pending law. Disney, obviously
one of Florida’s biggest employers and an iconic Florida brand, is considered a GLBT-friendly company with a 100 percent rating from the Human Rights Campaign. Yet Chapek contented himself with a public letter where he repeated the company’s commitment to gay rights while avoiding actually taking a stand. “As we have seen time and again,” Chapek wrote, “corporate statements do very little to change outcomes or minds. Instead, they are often weaponized by one side or the other to further divide and inflame. Simply put, they can be counterproductive and undermine more effective ways to achieve change.” He added: “I do not want anyone to mistake a lack of a statement for a lack of support. We all share the same goal of a more tolerant, respectful world. Where we may differ is in the tactics to get there. And because this struggle is much bigger than any one bill in any one state, I believe the best way for our company to bring about lasting change is through the inspiring content we produce, the welcoming culture we create, and the diverse community organizations we support.” Not exactly the epitome of courage, n’est-ce pas? Nor is Florida the only state to flirt with Orwellian restrictions. Other red states are banning books and outlawing discussions of race in American history. In Idaho, the house just passed a measure to hold school and museum librarians criminally responsible for lending books considered “harmful to minors,” an expansive description that basically translates to GLBT titles. One lawmaker told his colleagues: “I would rather my 6-year-
old grandson start smoking cigarettes tomorrow than get a view of this stuff one time at the public library or anywhere else.” You Put a Spell on Me You think that’s bad? There’s more nasty tea brewing down in Texas. But I just don’t have the stomach for it right this minute. Thankfully, my wife just informed me that the cast of the old sitcom Bewitched actually drank real alcohol during scenes that involved cocktails. Now there’s a tidbit you needed to know, dear Readers. And why not! Cinema verite and all that. More power to them. This led me to a series of little-known facts about Bewitched, including the revelation that star Elizabeth Montgomery was a gay rights supporter back in the day and served as Grand Marshal of the LA Pride Parade in 1992 along with her TV husband, Dick Sergeant. Listen, our community was not that popular back in 1992, so good for Liz and Dick. Montgomery died three years later, two months after being diagnosed with colon cancer. She was married four times. That’s not bad for a woman who died at 62. Or it’s sort of bad, but you know what I mean. And in random, unrelated news, I just read that gay men and boys do much better at school than straight males, while lesbians fall behind their heterosexual peers. (We are seeing these and other interesting GLBT data points because it’s only fairly recently that we’ve started to ask people if they’re gay or straight or whatever on the generic surveys that are repeated over time.)
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It’s Time for Our Better Angels
Joanie Juster February ended on a shockingly cruel note. The governor of Texas announced a war on trans kids, their families, and allies, and the next day Putin unleashed his full fury on Ukraine. In the face of such madness, it is up to the rest of us to summon our better angels, stand up to the aggressors, and support their victims with as much kindness and aid as we can. Let the courage of the Ukrainian people—and the countless Russian citizens who are risking everything to protest their dictatorial leader—inspire us to do whatever we can to make the world a kinder and safer place. I’ve included a few suggestions as to how we can all help.
LGBTQ+ Ukrainians are facing additional dangers from Putin’s homophobic policies; many are being targeted and need to flee. According to the Facebook page of Grupa Stonewall in Warsaw, Poland, “Refugees are feeling immense stress and fear that we cannot imagine. LGBT+ people are also uncertain about whether their orientation and/or identity will be respected in the new place.” Sadly, BIPOC Ukrainians, and people of color working and studying in Ukraine, are having difficulty at borders as they try to evacuate.
Crisis in Ukraine: How You Can Help The brutality and inhumanity of Putin’s assault on Ukraine is hard to fathom, but the resilience and resistance of the Ukrainian people has galvanized the world. We need to help them, but how? Simply this: Send money. Every organization working on the ground in Ukraine and the surrounding
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Knowing that LGBTQ+ people face higher risks and cannot count on access to other avenues of social assistance, OutRight Action International, an international human rights organization, is
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responding to the crisis in Ukraine by working with organizations in neighboring EU countries to prepare safe shelters for displaced people. The website for Outreach International states, “As we know all too well, in times of crisis, LGBTIQ people who are already marginalized face higher risks and cannot count automatically on access to humanitarian and/or social assistance. So let’s give our community some sense of hope and help, by providing the funds they need to survive, and the resilience they need to thrive.” https://outrightinternational.org/ Here in San Francisco, Rainbow World Fund, an all-volunteer organization, has also set up an emergency fund for Ukraine to support LGBTQ+ Ukrainians. Their statement focuses as much on spiritual needs as physical ones: “This is a time to remember who we really are—to call upon the better angels of our nature, to respond with courage, compassion, and generosity ... . Your effort will not only provide needed aid but will create and share the hope that is essential to our survival, our healing and humanity.” https://tinyurl.com/RWFUkraine Clearly the situation in Ukraine is highly volatile, and changing rapidly. But even if the invasion ended tomorrow, the need for basic humanitarian aid will be going on for a long time. People will always need food, clean water, shelter, sanitation, warm clothing, and medical care. Whether you can give $5 or $5,000, know that every dollar will help someone in an unimaginably difficult situation. Anti-Trans Bills
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In Case You Missed It
countries needs a massive influx of funds to provide humanitarian aid of the most basic kind: food, shelter, water, medical supplies, sanitation, and transportation to safer regions. The big organizations (International Rescue Committee, World Central Kitchen, Doctors Without Borders, CARE, and others) are experienced in providing aid to conflict zones, and helping large numbers of refugees, but need financial support. Check their websites, and give what you can.
Mezzo-soprano Nikola Printz will be featured in the Schwabacher Debut Recital Series. See page 18 for more information. Tickets: https://tinyurl.com/MezzoRecital
Seriously, February seemed to end with a tsunami of bad news. The day before Russia invaded Ukraine, the governor of Texas unleashed a barrage of unimaginable cruelty upon trans kids, by calling on “licensed professionals”—including teachers, nurses, doctors and “members of the general public”—to report the parents of transgender minors to state authorities if it appears the minors are receiving gender-affirming medical care, and providing criminal penalties for failure to report such “child abuse.”
Support organizations that support not just the rights, but also the physical and mental health of trans youth. These legislative assaults are creating real danger for vulnerable young people. And most of all, be a friend and an ally. Organizations like The Trevor Project and Family Equality have posted guides to being an ally on their websites. 3/21 HIV Rally and Die-In at SF City Hall AIDS activism is alive and well in San Francisco.
And Texas is just one example. As I write this, Alabama is advancing similar anti-trans legislation in their state house, and one after another, other states are doing their best to deny the very existence of trans people. You have to ask: what is the point of such cruelty? And what can we do to reverse this trend? Support organizations that fight for the rights of trans people. The Transgender Law Center and the National Center for Transgender Equality are on the front lines battling these anti-trans bills.
For two years, San Francisco has been a leader in the fight against COVID-19, with infection, hospitalization, and death rates far lower than most other major cities. But that battle meant that resources (continued on page 18)
Vigil to Honor LGBTQIA+ Immigrants & Asylum Seekers
Canceled Culture
Social Philanthropreneur Derek Barnes Among many accomplishments, Whoopi Goldberg has been a veteran co-host of The View since 2007 and has had her share of provocative on-air moments. However, she’s consistently been seen as a model for engagement in modern-day philanthropy: love of humanity. In late January, she expressed comments on the show discussing the Holocaust and Hitler’s massacre of over six million Jewish people. She indicated it was “not about race,” but more about the atrocities imposed between “two groups of white people” and crimes against humanity. The backlash was swift and her attempts at apologizing were a fumble. I found several things fascinating in the Goldberg incident and her inevitable two-week suspension. There shouldn’t be any dispute about what happened to over six million people during the Jewish holocaust. Genocide, crimes against humanity, and ethnic cleansing have been engaged for centuries—perhaps most egregiously executed by Hitler during WW2. But something else surfaced
in examining Goldberg’s comments and the response to them.
some raging pandemic that other races or ethnic groups do not experience.
First, we must acknowledge the unequal standards and penalties applied when one person makes a mistake or misspeaks compared to someone else. Ideally, we should all be enlightened and open to having substantive conversations about identity and historic racial impacts to learn more. But sadly, many people are not.
Technically, Goldberg’s assessment of the crimes against Jewish people in WW2 not being about race is accurate. Distinguishing religious affiliation hasn’t been supported by current or past racial categorization in the U.S. or many other countries. As a propaganda tool, Hitler successfully manufactured a new construct around racial identity to justify the need to protect an Aryan “pure” race of white people by killing those deemed unworthy and inferior of the same race. Today we refer to this as genocide, even though ethnic cleansing and crimes against humanity were also practiced, as Goldberg tried to explain.
Goldberg acknowledged her insensitivity and apologized, which isn’t something we see from others who’ve made more serious blunders, said worse things, or acted out in the most egregious ways, and very little happens. Let the righteous outrage be applied equally. ABC’s response and punishment, as well as the public castigation, seemed unwarranted and unfair. Sometimes we forget that there is a propaganda-driven weaponization of race. Race is an engineered social construct that creates subcategories of people to exploit, fear, or hate—even beyond generally accepted racial categories. Judaism is a religion that people of different racial identities may adopt. The U.S. census, along with many other countries’ population registries, does not recognize being Jewish as a separate and distinct race. However, Hitler did and understood the power of his racial propaganda. He studied how America used it to effectively target groups, create durable divides, and justify human oppression and cruelty. In an inartful way, Goldberg tried to express her opinion (on an opinion show). I believe she was also trying to make a general point about human-on-human or perhaps raise awareness about the occurrences of white-on-white crime and atrocities. For decades, we’ve heard the term “black-on-black crime” expressed as
Photos by Rink Rainbow Beginnings and the Harvey Milk LGBTQ Democratic Club on the evening of March 3 held a candlelight vigil for LGBTQ individuals held in ICE detention and in remembrance of those who died after deportation by ICE. The event’s theme was “Deportation = Death.” Organizers Craig Scott and Ubado Boido joined Assembly candidate David Campos in welcoming participants. To learn more: http://www.rainbowbeginnings.org
Finally, when compared across various racial groups and ethnicities, there is a fascinating difference in the esteem and importance of celebrities and who they represent. It’s no secret that Goldberg has had long-standing ties to the Jewish community, and context matters here. Antisemitism isn’t a problem that she created nor one that she is complicit in perpetuating. But, why are we expecting a Black actress to know and explain the social attitudes, brutality engineered and propagated, and systematically upheld by leaders like Hitler over decades? Why does media tend to default to our celebrities? Is it a relic from the civil rights movement when limited platforms for protest or dissent were mostly afforded to Black athletes, entertainers, and a few highprofile writers? There have always been other very qualified Black historians, sociologists, and scholars who are far more qualified to discuss these complex topics. Mainstream media should actively seek out relevant perspectives from those experts instead of defaulting to celebrities.
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
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Things to Know About Investing in Wild Cards micro-portion of these investments. But still.
Money Matters Brandon Miller I’m glad that Cold Stone Creamery didn’t exist when I was younger. Somehow, I know that I would have been one of those kids who insisted on three different flavors of ice cream with chocolate and caramel sauce, plus crushed Oreos, gummy bears, brownies, M&M’s, strawberries, Reese’s cups, and, of course, sprinkles, all mixed in. That could have been a stomachache that turned me off ice cream forever. At least now I’m old enough to know that combinations in moderation make for a way more satisfying blend. The same holds true for your portfolio. You don’t have to own every type of investment there is to make enough money to afford your dreams. But adding some wild cards to the mix can be fun. If you read my article last month, you know that asset allocation is essential to building your wealth. Owning a mix of stocks, bonds, and cash instruments can help diversify your portfolio so that it’s better able to ride the market’s ups and downs without whipsawing you from castle to outhouse and back again. While you likely want the bulk of your portfolio to contain these traditional assets, you might also enjoy investing a small percentage in “sprinkles” such as a Chagall or potential Kentucky Derby winner. And by sprinkles I mean a mini-
Investing in alternative instruments is easier than ever. It used to be that the private capital markets that offered non-traditional investments were pretty much the domain of major players such as pension funds, endowments, and accredited investors (rich people with the paperwork to prove it). But in 2012, Obama signed the JOBS Act into law, which allowed non-accredited investors to dip their toes into the alternative waters. Equity crowdfunding, the last section of this bill implemented by the SEC in 2016, opened up even more options and opportunities. The democratizing nature of the JOBS Act has led to new investment companies, as well as changes at existing firms, which have opened up alternatives to little guys like you and me. You no longer have to foot the whole six-figure price tag for a filly with a future, but can invest a small amount along with lots of other equine aficionados and still own a fraction of the glory. How cool is that? And there are lots of interesting things that you can invest in, depending on your preferences. I’m not in any way endorsing the following companies (do your own research, as always), but this list gives you an idea of some of the options open to you today through crowdfunding: Commonwealth - race horses FarmTogether - U.S. farmland Fundrise - real estate MasterWorks - fine art SeedInvest - startup companies Yieldstreet - notes, real estate, art, and other alternative investments Adding some of these atypical elements to your portfolio provides a little fun, as well as further diversifying your holdings. But ...there are always caveats, of course. Alternative investments are generally way riskier than your average
mutual fund or bond. Companies just springing up to leverage these new laws obviously don’t have a track record that you can use to help measure your risk. Or the startup you put your money behind could crash and burn before getting their next round of funding. And that seaside condo complex that seems like such a sure thing today could succumb to rising waters in a few years. It’s common sense then not to get too carried away investing in alternatives. Dropping two or three percent of your investable cash in a company developing an electric airplane is a great way to put your money where your beliefs are. But devoting half your portfolio to that startup is just asking for heartache. Or a stomachache if we go back to the ice cream analogy. You don’t want a bowl full of mix-ins with just a tiny amount of ice cream, just as you don’t want a portfolio weighted more in art and real estate than stocks and bonds. But a few M&Ms and Oreos on your scoops of French Vanilla and Mint Chocolate Chip can make your treat just a little more interesting. Brio does not provide tax or legal advice, and nothing contained in these materials should be taken as such. The opinions expressed in this article are for general informational purposes only and are not intended to provide specific advice or recommendations for any individual or on any specific security. It is only intended to provide education about the financial industry. To determine which investments may be appropriate for you, consult your financial advisor prior to investing. Any past performance discussed during this program is no guarantee of future results. Any indices referenced for comparison are unmanaged and cannot be invested into directly. As always please remember investing involves risk and possible loss of principal capital; please seek advice from a licensed professional. (continued on page 18)
Why Have an Estate Plan? the first thought may involve very wealthy people and their “Trust Funds,” or older people who need to plan for their retirement. Yes, an estate plan is useful for preserving wealth and planning for the future as we age, but an estate plan can also be useful for everyone who wants to plan ahead. In fact, more and more people are learning about the advantages of creating an estate plan for themselves and their assets.
Trust Essentials Jay Greene, Esq., CPA (Editor’s Note: “Trust Issues” is a new column in the San Francisco Bay Times by San Francisco-based attorney Jay Greene. You might already be familiar with Jay, if not for his successful legal practice then for his spirited family. He memorably has ridden in the Pride parade with our contingent, and in 2019 was joined by his mother Lola, who wore a “FREE MOM HUGS” shirt with the “O” shaped like a heart. She made headlines for hugging an estimated 1000 people along the parade route! To say that LGBTQ equality is important to his family would be an understatement. Jay’s husband David is successful in his own right. He is the owner of Bladerunners Hair Studio on Haight Street.)
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When to Create an Estate Plan Estate planning is often seen as something that only older people need, and it is not considered as a priority for everyone else. This view of estate planning is untrue and can lead to problems for you down the road. Planning is something to consider at all ages because of the uncertainty life can present to us. There is tremendous risk with waiting to start planning until you are older. A sudden decline in health, a car accident, or other injury would cause you and your loved ones to rush to start planning. But that might be too late. Unfortunately, our firm witnesses this far too often, but this is something that can be prevented. By planning at an earlier age while you are healthy, you will be able to make the best decisions for yourself that will save you and your loved ones costs and stress in the future.
Who Makes Estate Plans?
How an Estate Plan Benefits You
When you hear the term estate plan, or Trust, what is the first thing that comes to mind? For some of us,
By having estate planning documents, you have the power to make plans for your health and finances for
the time you are living and for after your death. In the event you become incapacitated, you would have appointed someone to make these decisions on your behalf. Included in a comprehensive estate plan is a Trust, which will allow your assets to flow to your beneficiaries when you die. Creating a Trust allows you to avoid probate, which costs a minimum of 3% of the gross estate. If you don’t have a Trust, your assets may not even go to the people you care for the most. To learn more about estate planning, please schedule a consultation with our firm so you can start planning for your future: https://tinyurl.com/2p99e3jp Statements In Compliance with California Rules of Professional Conduct: The materials in this article have been prepared by Jay Greene for educational purposes only and are not legal advice. This information does not create an attorney-client relationship. Individuals should consult with an estate planning and elder law attorney for up-to-date information for their individual plans. Jay Greene, Esq., CPA, is the founder of Greene Estate, Probate & Elder Law Firm based in San Francisco, and is focused on helping LGBT individuals, couples, and families plan for their future, protect their assets, and preserve their wealth. To learn more and to schedule an appointment, visit https://assetprotectionbayarea.com/
Message from Leadership
Are You Certifiably LGBTQ? GGBA CALENDAR
By Terry Beswick A few months ago, when I took on this new gig heading up the Bay Area’s LGBTQ Chamber of Commerce, there was a lot of industry lingo I’d previously been unaware of. “Supplier diversity.” “Procurement goals.” “LGBTBE-certified.” At first, I frankly found this last one amusing and often joked about it with friends and prospective members. “Are you certifiably LGBTQ?” I’d demand of them, and invariably they’d reply, “How does one go about getting certified as LGBTQ? Do I have to provide documentary evidence? Like what, video proof?? And what will that get me anyway? Discount theater tickets?” These are all very good questions, giving me an opening to explain what LGBTQ Business Enterprise certification is and what it could do for their businesses. Supplier Diversity Like many progressive queer San Franciscans, I’ve developed a somewhat jaundiced view of major corporations over the years. And yet, not all corporations are alike; some have sound environmental and employment practices, for example. But the thing is that large corporations are like small countries and have budgets of billions and billions of dollars that they spend on contractors and subcontractors around the world. They need to hire vendors to do everything just to function, from construction to catering, from marketing to IT, from travel to decorating, and everything in between. And many of these corporations, as well as government agencies, want to hire LGBTQ-owned vendors. In fact, all the corporations that sponsor the GGBA have supplier diversity procurement goals, in which they aim to contract with an increasing number of minority-owned, women-owned, disabled-owned, veteran-owned and/or LGBTQ-owned businesses.
sites. A few years back, the Human Rights Campaign Corporate Equality Index began requiring that companies make efforts to include LGBTBEs in their supply chains in order to receive a score of 100. And they rightfully love to trumpet those scores during Pride season. Like everything else, some are better than others, to be sure, in terms of setting and achieving supplier diversity goals, and oftentimes LGBTQ contracting is less than 1% of a corporation’s annual spend. But even 1% of a billion dollars is a lot of money. The 1.5% Rule This month, the California Public Utilities Commission is expected to finalize a new rule that would set a goal for public utilities of 1.5% in contracting with certified LGBT Business Enterprises, phased in over the next few years. This rule is now being hailed as an important precedent that can serve as a model for other state and local governments across the country, bringing LGBTQ-owned businesses more clearly under the umbrella of historically disadvantaged communities deserving of inclusive access to business opportunities. All these trends in corporate and government contracting offer a lot of hope for economic empowerment and greater equity for our diverse LGBTQ communities—but there’s a catch. Right now, even if 5–10% of the population is LGBTQ, there are not enough certified LGBTQ-owned businesses to meet the supplier diversity goals of all these corporations and government agencies. And for those that have been certified, it’s often hard to break into the procurement bureaucracies and get the contracts they want. Get Certified But the good news is there’s a lot of folks working on these issues, including the Golden Gate Business Association, and progress is being made every day. And you can help!
They’ve figured out that not only is it the right thing to do, but also that it’s good for business and they become stronger and more competitive as they become more diverse and inclusive throughout their supply chain. It’s actually an enormous focus within corporate governance these days, and progress in this area is commonly expected to be reported in annual reports to shareholders and on corporate web-
The statewide clearinghouse for diverse suppliers says that they want LGBTBE’s from every and any industry. If you make leather purses, get certified. If you make croissants, get certified. If you’re
GGBA Member Spotlight
Wednesday, March 30 LGBTQ Real Estate Group Mixer 5:30 pm–7:30 pm Manny’s 3092 16th Street, SF Free networking event in person for GGBA members and real estate industry professionals. Complimentary wine/beer and light refreshments. Hosted by GGBA and Garret Groenveld of Guaranteed Rate. Register in advance! https://tinyurl.com/4cy53cw2
a florist, get certified. If you make websites, get certified. Corporations and agencies want your lesbian, gay, bi, or trans products and services, and the more of us who join this movement, the stronger our community will be.
If you are LGBTQ and you own a small business, get certified. If you join the GGBA, your certification fee is waived and you will also get all the benefits of being a member of your regional LGBTQ chamber of commerce. We’ll connect you with our national certifying organization to walk you through the fairly simple certification process. No video proof required.
It’s Good for Business
Wednesday, March 16 DEI: Responding to Bias & Microaggressions at Work Noon–2 pm Online Did you know that unconscious bias can affect your business in many ways, from diversity and retention rates to undermining recruiting efforts and employee development? Microaggressions can also have a profound impact on your team. They justify inequality, reinforce stereotypes, and reinforce destructive power dynamics. Learn how to spot them and tackle them. Bring your lunch to this free online event hosted by Nancy Geenen, who is an accomplished entrepreneur, trial attorney, and strategic facilitator. https://tinyurl.com/8zxcs8dr
For more information about getting certified as an LGBT Business Enterprise, visit https://tinyurl.com/57z6ymyu Terry Beswick is the Executive Director of the Golden Gate Business Association.
Gavin Escolar of The Chaga Company
Photos courtesy of Gavin Escolar
Mushrooms are enjoyed worldwide both for their savory, umami-packed taste and medicinal qualities. A rising star among these fabulous fungi is chaga (Inonotus obliquus), which is considered to be one of the most powerful antioxidants—so much so that it is being explored in cancer studies. Here, Gavin Escolar of The Chaga Company shares more about this mushroom and how it is being used to fortify foods and drinks. GGBA: How do you use chaga in your company’s products, and where do you get it from? Do you grow it? Gavin Escolar: The Chaga Company infuses the highest quality and antioxidant superfood in coffee, tea, powders, tinctures, chocolates, salts, and cookies. Chaga is a superfood closely related to truffles with the highest amount of antioxidants—seven times higher than acai, the highest amount of immune boosting properties—and it tastes great! I sustainably source chaga in the deep parts of the Arctic Circle in Alaska and continually test its potency to ensure that we provide the highest quality chaga for everyone. I then infuse this special superfood with the finest teas, coffee, chocolates, snacks, and other products. I believe that chaga should be incorporated in your daily routine for health and wellness. GGBA: Do you believe that chaga has improved your own health, and did that inspire you to start The Chaga Company? Gavin Escolar: Chaga changed my life for the better. Chaga has given me
energy, clarity, and focus. Chaga also helped me with my inflammation and it made me lose 35 pounds. I was so convinced by [the health benefits of ] chaga that I opened a shop in Juneau, Alaska, and stayed for a year there before moving back to my hometown of San Francisco. I started in San Francisco at the San Francisco Fungus Fair in 2018 and grew the business to have an online presence, events, and numerous farmers markets all over the Bay Area from Napa to Carmel Valley. And as the pandemic hit in 2020, it became clear that everyone needs to have chaga in their daily life due to its high antioxidant compounds and immune boosting properties. My business has been in the center stage of wellness and nutrition.
have attended have been essential to the growth of my small business. GGBA: Why did you decide to join the GGBA, and how long have you been a member? Gavin Escolar: I decided to join the GGBA to be with my community. It is my first year as a GGBA member and I experience the community and the desire for all of us to grow and expand. A small business like mine needs a community so that we can meet and grow together. I find that the GGBA has a great group of people with shared interests. GGBA: How has being a member of GGBA helped your business so far?
GGBA: Who are some of your role models, and especially those who helped to influence your business? Gavin Escolar: Pete Slosberg, founder of Pete’s Wicked Ale and an advisor from SCORE SF - SBA helps me on my retail distribution, direction of the company, and overall priorities. I also attribute my knowledge of chaga to the native people of Alaska, mycologists like Lawrence Millman, Robert Rogers, and the members of the Mycology Society of San Francisco. I suggest going to workshops provided by the SBA and GGBA for their networking contacts. The people I have met and workshops I
Gavin Escolar: Being a member of the GGBA gave me confidence to talk to larger companies for contracts and gave me exclusive resources only available to certified members. It allowed me to meet other small businessowners, who are in the same boat, for collaboration. I find going to networking meetings (currently online) has been fruitful, eye opening, and interesting, not to
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The ENACT Act There are 690,000 Californians living today with Alzheimer’s and other forms of dementia. According to projections by the California Department of Public Health, this number will double by 2040. California’s population is projected to grow by 16% by 2040, while the number of people living with Alzheimer’s will grow by 127%.
Aging in Community Alvin H. Baum Jr.
The Inaugural Alvin H. Baum, Jr. Memorial Lecture Honoring an LGBTQ+ Jewish Social Justice Activist Sunday, March 27, 6:30–8 p.m. University of San Francisco, Maraschi Room, Fromm Hall To Register: rsvp.usfca.edu/memorial-lecture-2022
A new lecture series, produced by the University of San Francisco’s Swig Program in Jewish Studies and Social Justice, will be launched to honor the memory of Alvin H. Baum Jr., noted LGBTQ+ Jewish social justice activist. This lecture will preserve the memory of Alvin H. Baum Jr. (1930-2021), a monumental Bay Area figure who fought passionately for the inclusion of LGBTQ+ people in the Jewish community and beyond. Mr. Baum was a lawyer, urban planner, social worker, therapist, and a brilliant strategic philanthropist who emerged as a pillar in the Jewish, civil rights, and gay communities. The inaugural lecture will be delivered by Dr. Marcy Adelman, a stalwart activist in the Bay Area LGBTQ+ community. Dr. Adelman is the co-founder and visionary of Openhouse, which works to center the voices and experiences of older LGBTQ+ adults by providing housing and opportunities to make social connections and build community. Throughout her extraordinary career, Dr. Adelman has advocated for affordable, lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender-friendly senior housing and trained service providers to better support elderly LGBTQ+ people. If you would like to support this important work go to: https://tinyurl.com/3n8v2fbb
Dr. Marcy Adelman Tim and his husband Michael live in San Francisco. They have been together for more than 30 years. Michael is 8 years younger than Tim, so it was a surprise to both of them when Michael started having cognitive problems in his early 60s. At first, Michael thought it might just be a combination of age and an increasingly stressful situation he was experiencing at work. Tim was more concerned that it wasn’t just about stress. Together they sought out testing and a diagnosis. It never occurred to Tim that something would happen to Michael before him. He thought, given their age difference, it would be Michael taking care of him. Tim called me to tell me the diagnosis is early onset Alzheimer’s. He said, “At least we know now and can make plans. We are going to go through this together. I don’t want to miss a minute of my time with him.
Diverse communities are disproportionately impacted. The prevalence of some form of dementia in the Hispanic and Black Californian communities will triple by 2040. Alzheimer’s and other forms of dementia will more than double among LGBTQ Californians and API communities by 2040. Despite being disproportionately affected by Alzheimer’s, Black, Indigenous, Hispanic, Asian Pacific Islanders and LGBTQ populations are underrepresented in Alzheimer’s research. The underrepresentation of diverse communities is a major barrier to understanding health disparities and providing the most effective dementia treatments. Future research needs to include increased numbers of underrepresented populations in clinical trials to ensure everyone benefits from advances in Alzheimer’s science. The Equity in Neuroscience and Alzheimer’s Clinical Trials (ENACT) Act, sponsored by the Alzheimer’s Association, would do just that by increasing diversity of clinical trial staff and expanding education and outreach to underrepresented communities. You can help by asking Speaker Pelosi to bring The ENACT Act to a vote in the House. Madam Speaker’s office phone number is 415-556-4862 If you want to get more involved in the fight against Alzheimer’s, visit: https://www.alz.org/ and https://alzimpact.org/ 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.
Alegre Home Care is proud to support Dr. Marcy Adelman’s Aging in Community column in the San Francisco Bay Times.
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Remembering Anna Damiani
Anna Damiani Has Left the Building ...
By the time I got to know Anna, she was a quiet leader who shunned the limelight and didn’t need fancy titles. When I was vice-president of SF Pride and then co-chair of Alice, I repeatedly asked her to serve in leadership roles and every time she said, “No, but I’ll help out wherever I’m needed.” One of the best quotes about Anna came from Julius Turman, (also of blessed memory, RIP Julius) when he was the Legal Advisor to the Pride Board. During a contentious meeting regarding a lack of volunteers for an event celebrating the opening of a sponsor’s new hotel, Julius suggested we ask Anna. When a new Board Member doubted that she’d come, Julius’ blunt response perfectly summed up Anna, “Please, Anna Damiani
PHOTO COURTESY OF LOU FISCHER
While I am devastated by this staggering and tragic loss, it gives me comfort to think of Anna free from pain, no longer reliant on her trusty wheelchair for mobility. If there is a heaven, I have no doubt that when Anna reached the pearly gates, she brushed St. Peter aside and said, “Move along, I’m in charge of check-in now. Get me two lists in 14-point font and bring me the dogs. I have treats in my pocket.”
PHOTO COURTESY OF LOU FISCHER
Anna’s professional career was summed up in the Alice B. Toklas
I first met Anna in 2002 when she began her 15-year employment with former Assemblyman and State Senator Leno. I got to know her bet-
For those of you who are not familiar with the voter-sanctioned attacks on the gay community in the late 1970s, Anita Bryant, former beauty queen and shill for Florida Citrus, led the effort to repeal an anti-discrimination ordinance against “homosexuals” in Dade County; 70% of voters agreed that it was perfectly OK to discriminate against gay people. The ordinance was not reinstated until 21 years later in 1998.
Anna cemented her place in Alice Board lore and legend as the “checkin” person for all Alice events. She had very specific requirements: “two printed copies of the list in 14-point font.” Even as the club moved to digital processes, someone always found a way to get Anna her printed lists in 14-point font; we never did find out what she did with the second list and now that she’s gone, we’ll never know.
Farewell, Anna. You will be missed. May your memory be a blessing. Louise (Lou) Fischer is a Former Co-Chair of the Board of Directors of the Alice B. Toklas LGBT Democratic Club and has served as an appointed and elected Delegate for the State Democratic Party. She is a proud graduate of the Emerge California Women’s Democratic Leadership program, was a San Francisco Commissioner, and has served in leadership positions in multiple nonprofit and community-based organizations.
PHOTO BY RINK
Anna was notorious for never backing down from a challenge, always speaking her mind (even when the recipient didn’t want to hear what she had to say), but her claim to fame was always responding with a resounding “yes” to the question, “Can you do me a favor and help with ... ?”
After her death was announced, it seemed that every LGTBQ community member and ally in San Francisco had pictures with Anna; of course, they did, because Anna showed up everywhere. Despite mobility issues and reliance on a wheelchair to get around, Anna could regularly be seen giving treats to her many canine friends from her perch in front of Spike’s Coffee in the Castro, or presiding over the check-in table of events throughout the city.
would show up to the opening of an envelope.”
PHOTO COURTESY OF LOU FISCHER
On February 25, the San Francisco LGBTQ community unexpectedly lost a legend and I lost a friend and fellow “Political Sister/Elder Stateswoman” when Anna Damiani, 65, wheeled her way over the rainbow bridge to eternity. Anna, best known as the “Purple Lady” for her obsessive love of purple clothing, embodied the spirit of this quote by filmmaker Woody Allen: “Showing up is 80% of life.”
Tributes have poured in from elected officials, political operatives, fellow Democratic club members and the many friends she made over her 40+ years in San Francisco; all variants of the same theme, that Anna could always be counted on to show up.
Even though I was sometimes the recipient of her criticism on how I was running the Alice Board or regarding a decision I made on the Pride Board, I respected Anna’s opinions and admired her for being an early pioneer in both the women’s liberation and gay rights movements. When I asked her what brought her to San Francisco, she said, “In 1977 I was living in South Florida and when 70% of your neighbors go to the trouble of voting to deprive you of a place to live and the ability to get a job, you don’t hang around.”
Anna Damiani Celebration of Life to Take Place March 12 On Saturday, March 12, from 6 pm–8 pm, a public Celebration of Life will honor LGBTQ activist and former legislative aide Anna Damiani, who died at her Castro district home on February 25 at age 65. She had long suffered from diabetes and used a wheelchair, but remained very active with the Alice B. Toklas LGBTQ Democratic Club and much more.
PHOTO BY RINK
Louise “Lou” Fischer
ter in 2008 through my involvement with the Alice Board. Her apartment in Noe Valley was on my way home from pretty much everywhere in the city, so my role as one of her “designated drivers and wheelchair schleppers” gave us the opportunity to forge a deeper friendship.
PHOTO BY RINK
Well-Behaved Women Seldom Make History
LGBTQ Democratic Club’s tribute to her penned by Gina Simi, former co-chair: “In addition to her work with Alice, she staffed Senator Mark Leno for more than 15 years, served as President of the Golden Gate Business Association, Board member of San Francisco Pride, and as Mayor Willie Brown’s liaison to the LGBT community. In her early career, Anna was a strong advocate for women and the LGBT community while working at Pacific Bell. Her advocacy led to strong support for domestic partnership benefits and expanded marketing strategy for the LGBT community.”
Alice Board Chair Gary McCoy has organized a GoFundMe to raise funds for the gathering. All proceeds after expenses will be split between two organizations that Anna supported: the San Francisco SPCA and Openhouse. https://tinyurl.com/nk3zavdm S AN F R ANC IS C O BAY T IM ES
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Common Characteristics Among Latin American Countries country in the world and the second biggest country in Latin America. While Belize is the least populous, its official language is English, yet many speak Spanish.
Roland Schembari and Bill Hartman, Co-Founders Randy Alfred, Founding News Editor 1978 Kim Corsaro, Publisher 1981-2011
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Nuestra Voz Eduardo Morales, Ph.D. Latin America consists of 20 countries and 14 dependent territories that cover an area stretching from Mexico to the north and Tierra del Fuego at South America’s southernmost tip. Much of the Caribbean is included in Latin America as well. Despite the vast span, many characteristics are shared throughout this sizable portion of the Americas and those with Latin American heritage. Some of the similarities center on language, as most Latin Americans speak Spanish or Portuguese, including local sets of dialects within these languages. In Brazil, for example, most speak Brazilian Portuguese. Mexico, on the other hand, is the most populous Spanish-speaking
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Juan R. Davila Volunteer Coordinator CONTRIBUTORS Writers Rink, Sister Dana Van Iquity, Ann Rostow, Patrick Carney, Leslie Sbrocco, Heather Freyer, Kate Kendell, Heidi Beeler, Gary M. Kramer, Joanie Juster, Julie Peri, Jennifer Kroot, Robert Holgate, Eduardo Morales, Dennis McMillan, Tim Seelig, John Chen, Rafael Mandelman, Jewelle Gomez, Phil Ting, Rebecca Kaplan, Leslie Katz, Philip Ruth, Bill Lipsky, Elisa Quinzi, Liam Mayclem, Karen Williams, Donna Sachet, Gary Virginia, Zoe Dunning, Derek Barnes, Marcy Adelman, Jan Wahl, Stuart Gaffney & John Lewis Brandon Miller, Jamie Leno Zimron, Michele Karlsberg, Randy Coleman, Debra Walker, Howard Steiermann, Andrea Shorter, Lou Fischer, Brett Andrews, David Landis
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While most Latinxs are considered Christian, numerous religions are actually practiced in Latin America. By and large, religious Christian holidays are officially observed. For example, Lent is a time for reflection and preparation for holy week and Easter. Advent and Christmas are also observed, incorporating family gatherings. For Latinxs, gender role identity is part of an overall philosophy of life and is defined by secular society and religion. An exceptionally strong emphasis on gender dichotomy in a
Despite larger cultural differences among various Latinx countries, commonalities pertaining to language and traditional value systems again do exist. Researchers have found various common characteristics and cultural values with the following terms: familismo, machismo, marianismo, simpatía, personalismo, respeto, and saludos. Familismo refers to the importance of the family as the primary social unit and entails the very active involvement of the extended family as a source of instrumental support in the forms of financial assistance and childcare. Machismo refers to the responsibility of a man to provide, protect, and defend his family. His loyalty and sense of responsibility to family, friends, and community make him a good man. The AngloAmerican definition of macho tends to refer to someone who is sexist, or exhibits male chauvinist behavior. This is radically different from the original Latinx meaning of machismo, which conveys the notion of being an honorable and responsible man. Marianismo refers to the responsibility of a woman to provide, protect, and nurture her family and to strongly value motherhood. The term marianismo comes from a biblical figure, the Virgin Mary or María, and refers to
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Latinxs represent a wide variety of nations and races, making them multicultural and multiracial as well as cross-cultural and multilingual. Although many Latinxs may share the same language, all types of races and ethnicities are found among the different Latinx nations including Black, Asian, Native American or American Indian, Caucasian, and multiple combinations including mulatto or of mixed African Black and European-Caucasian heritage; and mestizo, meaning to have mixed American Indian and EuropeanCaucasian heritage.
binary manner is evident throughout Latinx societies and belief systems. Most emphatically, it is central to the Spanish language. Gender is assigned not only to living beings but also to inanimate objects in the world, so that everything is essentially divided as males or females. Hence, one’s whole universe is binary and partitioned into being masculine or feminine. This fosters a binary gendered way of perceiving and thinking that is internalized by individuals growing up in the culture.
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her purity and sanctity in relation to the family while maintaining high moral and ethical standards. Being self-sacrificing and dedicated to the family and motherhood are viewed with great esteem and are expected among Latinxs. Simpatía refers to empathy and to the importance of smooth social relations and social politeness. Confrontation and persistence are viewed as offensive. Consequently, it is common that there is an avoidance of disagreement and confrontation. Hence, the Latinx listener may appear to agree with the speaker in a conversation as a sign of respect. For example, a Latinx person may refrain from disagreeing with an authority figure, as a sign of respect and being polite. Personalismo refers to a preference by Latinxs for forming personal relationships with others. This is based on a strong sense of trust, cooperation, mutual help-giving, and inclusion rather than exclusion. Respeto refers to the need for respect, especially for authority figures. There is the expectation for persons to be treated with dignity. This is especially true for honoring the dignity of older citizens by addressing them formally and using the title “Don” or “Doña” before their names. Saludos refers to the importance of greeting others, touching, and expressing affection, with proper ways of addressing them. Introducing people and using correct social protocol are preferred for expressing simpatía and respeto. For instance, when latecomers arrive at a meeting, they are formally greeted, while in the U.S., latecomers sit quietly without interrupting the meeting at hand. Eduardo Morales, PhD, is one of the founders of AGUILAS, where he serves as Executive Director. He is also a retired Distinguished Professor at Alliant International University and is the current Past President of the National Latinx Psychological Association.
Third Round of LGBTQ Honorees Selected for SF’s Rainbow Honor Walk The Rainbow Honor Walk recently announced its full slate of 24 history-making LGBTQ pioneers to be honored with sidewalk tributes in the city’s Castro District.
public a wide range of personal and political truths, notably recording 1939’s anti-lynching song “Strange Fruit,” widely considered one of America’s most influential protest songs;
Last year, the all-volunteer Board of Directors began its selection process with the unanimous selection of Phyllis Lyon, the world-renowned San Francisco-based activist for lesbian rights and visibility. The group has finalized this selection round with 23 additional individuals to memorialize. To date, the nonprofit organization has installed 36 sidewalk tributes, with another previously chosen 8 plaques scheduled for placement this spring.
Langston Hughes (1901– 1967), a leader of the Harlem Renaissance, whose poetry, plays, novels, and columns gave fresh insight into the experience of Black men in the U.S.;
“We continue to find inspiration and strength from the lives of LGBTQ pioneers,” says Rainbow Honor Walk board president and Bay Times columnist Donna Sachet. “In this diverse group of names, some are quite famous and others not as well-known. As we review hundreds of names for inclusion, we seek to honor individuals from a wide range of careers and across a great span of history to highlight contributions that have truly changed the world. The process of doing this, especially during the ongoing pandemic, has only strengthened the love and appreciation we feel for our far-flung community.” Hometown Heroes, International Leaders, and Artists for the Ages Joining Phyllis Lyon, the additional 23 honorees are: Peter Adair (1943–1996), filmmaker best known for 1977’s Word is Out: Stories of Some of Our Lives, offering a clear, detailed picture of the broad spectrum of the LGBTQ population; Gloria Anzaldua (1942– 2004), a Tejana-Chicana who wrote widely on feminism, queer theory, and marginalization, best known for her ground-breaking books 1981’s This Bridge Called My Back and 1987’s Borderlands/ La Frontera: The New Mestiza; Gilbert Baker (1951–2017), American artist, gay rights activist, and designer of the rainbow flag, worldwide symbol of LGBTQ pride;
Tallulah Bankhead (1902– 1968), openly “ambisextrous” stage and screen actress, gay icon, and pioneering civil rights activist who strongly and publicly opposed racism and segregation; Bernice Bing (1936–1998), recognized San Francisco Bay Area painter whose artwork bridged her Chinese American background and her interest in modern philosophy, women’s issues, and abstract expression; Bobbi Campbell (1952– 1984), early self-identified person with AIDS whose prolific writing helped inform the public, empower early sufferers, and destigmatize the condition; Esther Eng (1914–1970), the first woman to direct Chinese-language films in the U.S., recognized as a female pioneer who crossed the boundaries of race, language, culture, and gender; Leslie Feinberg (1949–2014), radical activist and author whose book Stone Butch Blues familiarized readers with transgender, non-binary and genderqueer terms, pronouns, concepts, and politics; Lorraine Hansberry (1930– 1965), first African American woman to have a play performed on Broadway and the youngest playwright to receive the New York Drama Critics’ Circle Award; Magnus Hirschfeld (1868– 1935), pioneering German physician and sexologist, outspoken advocate for sexual minorities, important theorist of sexuality, and a prominent advocate for sexuality minorities in the early 20th century; Billie Holliday (1915– 1959), Harlem-based singer and jazz legend who courageously made
Carlos Jáuregui (1957–1996), a courageous Argentinian activist who fiercely fought for the rights of the full spectrum of the LGBTQ community; Marsha P. Johnson (1945–1992), k nown as the “Mayor of Christopher Street,” a founding member of the Gay Liberation Front and co-founder (with Sylvia Rivera) of the radical activist group Street Transvestite Action Revolutionaries; Larry Kramer (1935– 2020), American playwright, author, film producer, public health advocate, LGBT rights activist, and a founding member ACT UP, created to publicize and protest the lack of treatment and funding for people with AIDS; Xulhaz Mannan (1976–2016), martyred Bangladeshi human rights activist, founder of the country’s first and only gay magazine, and organizer of the Rainbow Rally to celebrate its broader LGBTQ community; Marlon Riggs (1957–1994), Award-winning filmmaker whose examinations of Black gay life boldly confronted racism and sexual repression, most notably with 1989’s Tongues Untied; Bob Ross (1934–2003), cofounder and publisher of the Bay Area Reporter, the oldest continuously published LGBTQ publication in the U.S., political figure, and philanthropist; Charley Parkhurst (1812–1879), famous California stagecoach driver in the Gold Rush era who was discovered, upon his
death, to be biologically female; decades before female suffrage was legal, he voted as a man in the 1868 presidential election; Oliver Sacks (1933–2015), neurologist, naturalist, historian of science, and author who wrote of his experiences with some of his patients to inform and inspire others; Jon Reed Sims (1947–1984), founder of the San Francisco Gay Freedom Day Marching Band and Twirling Corps (now San Francisco Lesbian/Gay Freedom Band), the first openly LGBT musical group ever formed in U.S. history, and the San Francisco Gay Men’s Chorus, the country’s first openly gay American choral group;
Edith Windsor (1929–2017), who faced onerous federal tax penalties after the death of her spouse, Thea Spyer, following their 40-year relationship, and was the lead plaintiff in the 2013 landmark Supreme Court case, United States v. Windsor, which established marriage equality rights for American citizens; Sophie Xeon (1986–2021), Grammy-nominated musician, record producer, singer, and DJ who reframed trans self-expression for Millennials and Generation Z cohorts with her brash and “hyperkinetic” take on pop music; With this announcement, the Rainbow Honor Walk Board of Directors now turns its attention to a daunting fundraising effort. Each bronze sidewalk plaque costs nearly $6000 to fabricate and install. Help is needed! Financial support for the public tributes has overwhelmingly come from individual donors, with additional gifts from corporations and allied nonprofits to the 501(c)3 organization. To make a taxdeductible donation, please visit http://rainbowhonorwalk.org/ Photos courtesy of Rainbow Honor Walk
© Randy Coleman, 2022
SF Sketch Randy Coleman Randy Coleman hails from New York, but has lived in San Francisco since 1975. Coleman shares that before moving to the Bay Area, he studied Art History and Architecture at Boston University while working as a resident artist for architectural rendering at a Massachusetts historical society. “All of my life I’ve been an artist,” Coleman says. “To know me is to know that I have a passion for art and architecture. I love this project for the San Francisco Bay Times, and hope that you enjoy my sketches.” S AN F R ANC IS C O BAY T IM ES
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Imperial Council of San Francisco Coronation 57 Saturday, February 26, Midway SF
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Photos by Rink
“Life is what happens while you are busy making other plans.” By Donna Sachet
– John Lennon
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mperor Mr. David Glamamore & Empress Juanita MORE! stepped down in sensational style on Saturday, February 26, continuing a 57-year-old tradition, full of history, pageantry, and community. The Midway proved a worthy location with lots of space, high ceilings, wonderful sound, and incredible technical possibilities, even if the central floor space remained dimly lit, hampering guests’ ability to socialize. (Every new location has its challenges and the Imperial Court will make the necessary tweaks.) The evening began with the formal Color Guard presentation and National Anthems of Mexico, Canada, and the United States, each performed admirably by Leandro Gonzales, Pseudo, and Breanna Sinclairé, followed by a lighthearted invocation by Sister Roma and Native American blessing by Landa Lakes. The Reigning Emperor & Empress then made their grand entrance with their titleholders and court, visibly representing the rich diversity of our community and instantly grabbing everyone’s attention. Various elected officials paid their respects, including State Senator Scott Wiener, City Supervisor Rafael Mandelman, City Treasurer Jose Cisneros, and David Campos. It was heartwarming to see the Imperial Family of San Francisco assemble on stage after a two-year pandemic compelled hiatus. In the absence of Queen Mother Nicole the Great, due to illness, King Father I Terry Sidie warmly addressed the crowd surrounded by the leadership of the International Court Council, followed by a crowd-pleasing command performance by Dulce De Leche and a band of back-up dancers. The first act of Imperial Coronation concluded with three entertainment segments that harkened back to the court’s heyday. First, Absolute Empress XXVII Velveeta Mozzarella the G.R.A.T.E. celebrated the 30th anniversary of her reign with an incredible number with two dancers, two costume reveals, and a video projected behind her that featured her performing three decades earlier. This Empress and her Emperor XX, A.N., Douglass Stromberg ushered in a renewed sense of whimsy and humor during their time and this anniversary number encapsulated all the irreverence and hilarity they loved. The room exploded with applause! Second, Emperor XXX, A.N., Berlin marked his 20th year with a moving vocal solo in elaborate costume that had the room rapt with attention and his many followers flush with emotion. Third, candidate for Empress Ehra Amaya displayed her considerable stage talent with a production number, costuming, video back-up, and remarkable energy. This Imperial Coronation was off to an extraordinary start! The second act was filled with formal walks by the visiting out-oftown courts, all thrilled to return to this live and in-person format, interspersed with command performances, Emperor XXV, A.N., Jacques Michael’s 25th anniversary solo performance, Absolute Empress XLI Galilea filling in for Absolute Empress XLII Chika’s 15th anniversary, and a lively production number by candidate for Emperor Brent Daddy Munro. Various traditional ceremonies took place throughout the evening, including special awards from the Emperors and the Empresses and the announcement that Emperor Mr. David Glamamore & Empress Juanita MORE! had raised $190,000 for charitable organizations during their reign. This is particularly noteworthy, given that their reign lasted only nine months, again due to the pandemic and Imperial calendar changes.
The annual Pilgrimage to Colma took place the next day with a bus meeting devoted courtiers at the crack of dawn in Jane Warner Plaza at the Rainbow Honor Walk plaque honoring Empress I José Sarria and then whisking them all to Woodlawn Cemetery where José and Emperor Joshua Norton are buried. We have co-produced this annual event with the Emperors of San Francisco since José’s death and it always reflects the history, revelry, and sense of humor for which José was widely known. This year, we co-emceed with Emperor XLV, A.N., Nic Hunter. Joining the ceremonies were the Lesbian/ Gay Freedom Band, conducted by Mike Wong, members of the clergy from Night Ministry, and a gaggle of wide-eyed Imperials. A new highlight was a rousing operatic performance by Countess Katya Smirnoff-Skye that José would have loved. The annual Pilgrimage to Colma is an event totally unique to San Francisco and the Founding Mother Court of the International Court System. Don’t miss it next year!
Wednesday, April 6 Castro Farmers’ Market ribbon-cutting Elected officials & Donna Sachet Noe & 16th Streets 4 pm Free! Saturday, April 9 Soirée 2022 SF LGBT Community Center’s annual gala Co-Hosted by Sister Roma & Honey Mahogany Entertainment curated by Juanita MORE! City View at Metreon 5:30 pm $95–250
Donna Sachet with Amy Schneider at Oasis, Sunday, March 6, where Amy was interviewed by San Francisco Chronicle reporter Tony Bravo.
Congratulations to the new Reigning Emperor Brent Daddy Munro & Reigning Empress Ehra Amaya! If their far-reaching campaigns for office and the crowd’s uproarious reception are any indication, we have an exciting year ahead! We encourage you to follow the goings-on of Their Most Imperial Majesties in this column and join in the fun and fundraising they are bound to produce.
PHOTO BY SHAWN NORTHCUTT
Thursday, May 24 Divas & Drinks Bay Times monthly gathering Bacardí drinks, Name That Tune competition DJ Rockaway, Donna Sachet hosts The Academy, 2166 Market Street 7 pm $10
PHOTO BY LINDA LEE
The final act included more entertainment, final walks by those prolific fundraisers, and preparation for the official crowning of the new monarchs. We had the pleasure of co-emceeing that portion of the evening with Roberto Ordenana, Deputy Executive Director of the LGBT Community Center. Any description here of the pomp and circumstance surrounding the crowning ceremony would be inadequate, but suffice it to say, anyone with a fascination with international royalty would be amazed. Imagine dazzling crowns, sparkling orbs, gleaming scepters, rich robes, elaborate thrones, and more!
Saturday, March 12 Suicide Is a Drag Amateur drag competition, photo booth Benefits American Foundation for Suicide Prevention Club Wingtip, 550 Montgomery Street 7 pm $150
As live and in-person events begin to pop up and our calendars start to fill up, we look forward to reuniting with friends, including many of our loyal readers. Please say hello when you too are out and about! 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
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JUSTER (continued from page 8)
GGBA (continued from page 11)
and personnel were stretched thin, and other services suffered—among them, HIV prevention and care. With access to health care, prevention, and testing limited during the pandemic, infection rates rose, viral loads went up, and some of the city’s most vulnerable populations suffered.
mention fun! To meet cool, likeminded people in different industries helps me and my business grow.
A coalition of activists and HIV providers are looking to reverse that trend by holding the city accountable. They are planning a “Back to HIV Rally & Die-In” on the steps of San Francisco City Hall on Monday, March 21, from 11–1. Speakers at the rally will include keynote speaker Dr. Monica Gandhi, Medical Supervisor at SF General Hospital’s Ward 86, and more. Join us on March 21, because AIDS isn’t over, and silence still = death. https://tinyurl.com/BackToHIV Horizons Foundation Announces Grantees On a happier note, Horizons Foundation, which supports grassroots LGBTQ+ organizations in the Bay Area, recently announced their newest round of grantees, in which $400,000 was granted to 31 organizations. The grants, ranging from $7,500 to $15,000, make a big impact on small groups. The work produced by the grantees covers an eye-popping range, from the arts, to social services. It is well worth your time to check out this list of grantees and celebrate all the good work they are doing in the community. https://tinyurl.com/HorizonFnd AIDS Walk Returns to Golden Gate Park; AIDS LifeCycle set for June 5–11 After two years as a virtual event, AIDS Walk San Francisco is returning to its traditional home in Golden Gate Park on Sunday, July 17. The live event will run in tandem with a live broadcast on ABC7 KGO-TV. And AIDS LifeCycle will be on the road again June 5–11. I’ve been raising money for AIDS Walk since 1988, as well as supporting riders in AIDS LifeCycle, and will be writing more about both of them in the weeks to come. AIDS Walk provides vital support to a diverse group of Bay Area HIV/AIDS organizations, while AIDS LifeCycle, which starts in San Francisco and ends in Los Angeles, provides major support to San Francisco AIDS Foundation and AIDS Project Los Angeles. Between them, these high-profile events make an enormous difference in the battle against a disease we’ve been fighting for over 40 years, which still has no vaccine and no cure. Chances are you know someone who is participating in one or the other of these events, so you can support them here: https://sf.aidswalk.net/ https://www.aidslifecycle.org/ And Now for Something Completely Different ... and Fabulous In case you are under the impression that classical song recitals are boring, we have news for you. On March 15, San Francisco Opera Center and Merola Opera Program’s esteemed Schwabacher Debut Recital Series will feature a genre-bending recital by decidedly non-traditional mezzo-soprano Nikola Printz, who has self-described as a “Human opera singer. A queer, trans, trapeze-swinging them-fatale.” Their concept for the concert: “This program is a love letter to all forms of gender expression told with a narrative or finding and flailing through the thin veil between femininity, masculinity, and all that glitters in between. Like breaking the binary—I wanted to step out of the traditional mold of recitals and put my story in three parts. I like to think of it like an opera where the main character I am playing is myself!” This will be a don’t-miss event. Tickets here: https://tinyurl.com/MezzoRecital Remembering Anna Damiani Our community is mourning the passing of our beloved Anna Damiani. Fierce and fabulous, kind and loving, powerful yet using her powers for good, she brought grace, dignity, wisdom, and tremendous joy to every room she entered. Thank you, Anna, for all the good you did in the world. That’s it for this week, friends. Stay strong, and be kind to one another. Joanie Juster is a long-time community volunteer, activist, and ally.
MILLER (continued from page 10) Brio Financial Group is a registered investment adviser. SEC Registration does not constitute an endorsement of Brio by the SEC nor does it indicate that Brio has attained a particular level of skill or ability. Advisory services are only offered to clients or prospective clients where Brio Financial Group and its representatives are properly licensed or exempt from licensure. No advice may be rendered by Brio Financial Group unless a client service agreement is in place. Brandon Miller, CFP®, is a financial consultant at Brio Financial Group in San Francisco, specializing in helping LGBT individuals and families plan and achieve their financial goals.
GGBA: Would you then recommend the GGBA monthly Make Contact events to others? Gavin Escolar: Yes, I started going to the online Make Contacts and cannot wait to meet person. I would recommend going to networking events. A collaborative effort of helping each other as a community yields better results than doing [most] things yourself. GGBA: What other advice would you give to someone who is thinking of starting their own business? Gavin Escolar: Start, plan, and find a mentor who can help you navigate the gestation period of your business. Passion, persistence, and courage are essential to open your business with a combination of financial knowledge and focus. There will be many obstacles and challenges, but focus, ethos, and drive always trump obstacles. Just have fun and faith in yourself and the business you have built. You will always find a solution and opportunity to grow and succeed. GGBA: Is there anything else that you would like to share? Gavin Escolar: Live your dreams; courage is when you start your own company and nourish your journey with chaga along the way. You are your own master and your business will show the quality of your work and persona. So, live your business and live your life. Enjoy! https://www.thechagaco.com/
ROSTOW (continued from page 5) The most sensible theories explain these patterns by looking at gender stereotypes. If academic excellence and attention to detail are considered feminine traits, it is not illogical that effeminate boys would excel while masculine girls would not. It’s also possible that gay boys and young men, more likely to be bullied than gay girls, might hit the books in order to prove themselves to all the haters. Of course, these factors will stop operating to the extent that gender stereotypes fade. At any rate, over half of gay men have a college degree, versus 35 percent of straight men and women both. Around 45 percent of white gay women graduate from college, but gay women as a whole come in below the other groups, and gay male couples make an average of $30,000 more than lesbian couples. Cha-ching! Guys? Dinner’s on you next time. Austin, We Have a Problem God, I don’t want to write about this Texas story. Part of the reason is that the premise is ridiculous. Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton, a despicable buffoon, recently published a meaningless (and totally unenforceable) “legal” opinion, which claimed anyone who helps a transgender person under 21 with various aspects of transitioning or counseling might be guilty of felony child abuse under preexisting Texas statutes. Paxton’s partner in idiocy, Governor Greg Abbot, took the ball and ran with it, issuing a directive to the Department of Family and Protective Services to look into situations where parents or others participate in gender-affirming care. The announcement had the desired effect of stirring up a media storm, with our side exploding in outrage and the far right sitting back with smug expressions on their smug jowly faces and hemming and hawing about whatever. I cannot be bothered to even read this stuff, because frankly it’s the sort of stunt that GLBT activists would be well advised to ignore rather than amp up. Now, the state officials are preening their Trumpian feathers while Lambda Legal and the ACLU have been obliged to file a lawsuit in Austin, where a state employee with a transgender child is under investigation. For all my eye rolling, however, who knows how far things can go these days? Where once I could flap my wings at the Chicken Littles of our vibrant community, I now must check to see if the sky is indeed still intact. Meanwhile, just as versions of Don’t Say Gay bills are proliferating, antitransgender health bills are now making headlines. A bill heading to the Alabama house would make it a felony to treat transgender minors with jail time of up to ten years. Another bill in committee in Idaho calls for life in prison for anyone who prescribes hormones or puberty blockers to a minor. (I should really check the text of this measure, but I’m trusting The Advocate.) Finally, Iowa has become the 11th state to force transgender women and girls to compete against boys and men, even after they have gone through a year or more of hormone treatment. Readers, we have not faced this kind of onslaught in 20 years. Been There, Done That I don’t really have enough time or space to do justice to a lawsuit out of Michigan, where the state supreme court has just heard arguments in favor of interpreting the state’s laws against sex discrimination to also cover sexual orientation and gender bias. And, yes, of course the Supreme Court also heard arguments against the idea, an idea that was decided in no uncertain terms by the United States Supreme Court in a 6–3 decision in 2020. I’m no lawyer, but I have covered a lot of legal news of interest to our community. So, I like to pat myself on the back at times when I recognize a famous precedent or have an interesting legal thought. But I can stumble as well. Please, real lawyers out there, who may be reading my words: Explain to me how the Michigan Supreme Court can simply wash its hands of a straightforward high court precedent, decided less than two years ago by a sizable majority, directly on point. Can it? Assuming it cannot, it will be useful to see our somewhat bizarre gay and trans rights victory bolstered by a state high court. Any other decision out of Mitten Land will be disturbing, to say the least. arostow@aol.com
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LGBTQ News & Calendar for the Bay Area CELEBRATING FOUR DECADES (1978–2022)
Genderation Profiles San Francisco’s Pioneering Transgender Community
Film Gary M. Kramer At the Berlin and Beyond Film Festival, held March 11–16 in San Francisco, Palo Alto, and Berkeley, moviegoers will have the opportunity to see out filmmaker Monika Treut’s Genderation, a sequel to her 1999 documentary Gendernauts: A Journey Through Shifting Identities. The film will screen at noon on March 13 at the Castro Theatre.
This new film reconnects with several—but sadly, not all—of the subjects from the first documentary. Here, Treut interviews Annie Sprinkle (and her wife Beth Stephens), Stafford, Susan Stryker, Max Wolf Valerio, and Sandy Stone. The focus here is less about establishing a gender identity and more about how the subjects have lived in the
world with their trans and genderfluid identities over the past two decades. Some of the observations are gratifying, as when Stafford says that people who know him well through working with him are surprised when he reveals he is transgender. Others, like Susan Stryker, who has made critical inroads in academia with transgender studies, show how far the discipline has come during a scene of her presenting at the National Women’s Studies Association conference. Genderation is particularly sensitive to how San Francisco has changed in the past two decades. There are several discussions by multiple interviewees about how the tech boom has squashed the arts, raised the cost of living, and gentrified neighborhoods. This surely is not news to anyone who lives in the Bay Area, but the nostalgia the participants feel for the past when San Francisco was an exciting scene for trans and nonbinary people and artists is palpable. Annie Sprinkle and Beth Stephens try to continue the effort staging “ecosexual” events, and the film features scenes with them literally communing with nature. An episode of the couple looking through bins of costumes from past performance art events is charming. Some viewers might wish to see more contrast between the subject from then to now, to illustrate the changes that have taken place in the ensuing years. Treut includes some images, but for anyone unfamiliar with the individuals featured in Genderation, it
can feel like a disadvantage in having a learning curve. There is also an imbalance regarding the interviews. Max Wolf Valerio gets minimal screen time here, which is disappointing. The author of The Testosterone Files is an engaging presence and appears only in the first part of the film before disappearing entirely. Moreover, there are no people of color represented in this sequel.
bathroom bills, the world is far more accepting than it was when these subjects transitioned years ago. Genderation is also noteworthy for presenting older transpeople who have survived and Monika Treut
Sandy Stone, who narrated the first film, is given arguably too much visibility. During one interview, she is interrupted by a phone call from her ex, Darcy, a real estate agent confirming that her purchase of a house went through. It may be a significant moment, but it is not very illuminating. She also recounts a long-winded story of how she met Cynbe online and how after a lengthy email process, and eventually meeting, they became lovers, partners, and married. The story is interesting in regard to how the transgender Stone found herself attracted to a male after being in relationships with women. And her observations about gender fluidity and identity are detailed in a photograph of her extended family, where she recounts everyone’s connection to eventually arrive at a statement that this is a “normal” American family. The point about normalizing the trans experience is salient, but it is made far more succinctly as Stafford creates a desert community and appreciates that it is not exclusively LGBTQ. While he and others are concerned about the Trump administration rolling back rights for the transgender community in respect to health care, military service, and
thrived, and have formed loving, long-term, stable relationships. (Annie and Beth have been together for 15 years; Susan and her partner Mimi have been together for more than 23 years.) They are concerned with preserving a legacy and making the world better, not just for transpeople, but for everyone. As Annie and Beth speak to groups about global warming or Susan talks at a conference about the politics of trans studies, they are being productive and disruptive, not unlike how they were when they first started their activism. Treut’s film offers an interesting enough portrait of its subjects that its flaws are forgivable. The opportunity to see what has become of a handful
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of members of San Francisco’s pioneering transgender community is valuable—even if it may leave viewers wanting more. For tickets and more information, visit The Berlin and Beyond Film Festival https://berlinbeyond.com/2022/ © 2022 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
Documentary in the Works Sean Penn recently escaped war-torn Ukraine, where he was filming a documentary. As an actor, Penn played Harvey Milk in the film Milk that was released in what year? A) 2011
B) 2010
C) 2009
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Lit Snax Pop Trash: The Amazing Art of Jason Mecier Mecier’s hilarious, playful, and insanely beautiful collage portraits of celebrities are made using candy, cosmetics, trash, bacon ... you name it. No lover of High Camp should be without this book. And just for the month of March, Fabulosa is also hosting an art show of pillows featuring Mecier’s art!!! Afterparties by Anthony Veasna So Queerness, the immigrant experience, and coming of age themes mingle promiscuously in these short stories set in a Cambodian American community in Stockton. By turns poignant, droll, and illuminating, they take readers into the author’s complex world with aplomb and verve.
The Right to Sex: Feminism in The Twenty-First Century by Amia Srinivasan This is a brilliant collection of essays bringing complexity and nuance to some of contemporary feminism’s stickiest conundrums. Controversial, but refreshing! https://www.fabulosabooks.com/
Top of your stack Black Cake (fiction - hardbound) by Charmaine Wilkerson Byron and Benny are estranged siblings who are reluctantly reunited in the aftermath of their mother’s death. Benny stayed away from the family for years when she felt rejected by her parents when they realized she was a lesbian. That, combined with her seemingly lack of professional ambition and success, drove a wedge between her and her family. In going through their mother’s will, they learn things about their family that are shocking. Charmaine Wilkerson’s debut novel is a story of how the inheritance of betrayals, secrets, memories, and even names can shape relationships and history. Black Cake is deeply evocative and beautifully written. The novel was Book Passage’s First Edition Club pick last month.
Charm Offensive (fiction - paperback) by Alison Cochrun Dev Deshpande has always believed in fairy tales. So, it’s no wonder then that he’s spent his career crafting them on the long-running reality dating show Ever After. Dev has a great record for casting, but that’s until the show casts disgraced tech wunderkind Charlie Winshaw as its star. Charlie is far from the romantic Prince Charming Ever After expects. This witty and heartwarming romantic comedy is reminiscent of Red, White & Royal Blue. The Agitators: Three Friends Who Fought for Abolition and Women’s Rights (nonfiction - paperback) by Dorothy Wickenden From the executive editor of The New Yorker comes a riveting, provocative, and revelatory history of abolition and women’s rights, told through the story of three women— Harriet Tubman, Frances Seward, and Martha Wright— in the years before, during, and after the Civil War. Through richly detailed letters from the time and exhaustive research, Wickenden traces the second American revolution these women fought to bring about, the toll it took on their families, and its lasting effects on the country. Riveting
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RECOMMENDATIONS FROM BOOK PASSAGE and profoundly relevant to our own time, The Agitators brings a vibrant, original voice to this transformative period in our history. Upcoming Events Tuesday, March 15 @ 6 pm (Shack 15 in the SF Ferry Building) Silvia Vasquez-Lavado, author of In the Shadow of a Mountain Silvia Vasquez-Lavado is a Peruvian-American explorer, mountaineer, social entrepreneur, and technologist. In June 2018, she became the first openly lesbian woman to complete the Seven Summits, the tallest mountain on each continent from both the Messner and Bass lists. In the Shadow of a Mountain is a remarkable story of heroism, one which awakens in all of us a lust for adventure, an appetite for risk, and faith in our own resilience. Sunday, March 20 @ 4 pm (Corte Madera Book Passage) Michael J. Coffino with Robert Stricker, Truth Is in the House Coffino’s Truth Is in the House is an epic and provocative tale that plumbs historical and modern racial themes and explores redemption, forgiveness, and the power of connecting through the human spirit. https://www.bookpassage.com/
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Hollywood Legend Ruta Lee Dishes on Closeted Stars of the Golden Age ... and Sinatra’s Privates Kissed. Yes, I know the witty and wise Tom Ammiano has Kiss My Gay Ass, but Ruta admits she has been using her expression for years, too. She has helped achieve millions of dollars for an organization dedicated to emotionally disturbed children, seniors, and veterans. It is called The Thalians: http://www.thalians.org/
Off the Wahl
This is one hell of a woman and getting to know her is a showbiz dream come true!
Jan Wahl
Regarding Tyrone Power, she told me for the San Francisco Bay Times: “He was so warm and nice, bisexual. Deep friends with my very good friend Cesar ‘Butch’ Romero.” She added, “Danny Kaye, also bisexual. And the marvelous Charles Laughton, he was gay and had a lovely relationship with his wife Elsa Lanchester. She would take care of him like a mother.” Ruta did not express much fondness for Marlene Dietrich, though. “I called her the ice queen, very cool to me,” she said. “But she would bring her own lighting and use it if she had to, demanding her perfect shadows and angles.” Ruta is still gorgeous and glamorous, and loves animals and raising money for her famous charity— more on that later. Let’s move to her film roles that include two of the greatest movies ever made. The first is Billy Wilder’s Witness for the Persecution, which is the film she
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I recently enjoyed a conversation with Ruta Lee, who is a true Hollywood and show business veteran. She starred and costarred in many well-known plays and films, as well as in many classic TV shows. She knew and/or worked with countless stars from Hollywood’s Golden Age, many of whom were closeted.
worked on with Dietrich, Power, and Laughton. At the end of the movie, she is the other woman attached to the hunky Power and tells Dietrich she is too old for him. Somehow Ruta lived to tell the tale. Dietrich’s expression alone could have killed her. Ruta often found herself in films and television surrounded by gorgeous guys. That has to take us to the second film of hers that I’m highlighting: Seven Brides for Seven Brothers. It is my idea of one of the finest musicals of all time. “All the brothers were the greatest dancers anywhere,” she said. “At least three or four were straight. I loved Tommy Rall and Jacques d’Amboise. I became great friends with Jacques and he’d put me in the wings for his ballet performances. He’d come off after doing one of his amazing turns and mutter, “Oh f--k. [He was] a real New York guy.”
She continued: “Making the film was a huge challenge. We had to shoot everything twice, in wide screen and then Cinemascope. For one we squished together, for the other wide apart. Michael Kidd would say spread out for one and push in for the other.”
the Prosecution. Once he showed me his penis. Huge. Largest I’ve seen before or since. I didn’t experience it, but I’m sure he made many ladies happy.” Ruta has that and more in her new memoir Consider Your Ass
In other movie news, Ruthe Stein and colleagues are again bringing us the Mostly British Film Festival 2022: New Films from the United Kingdom, Australia, Ireland, and India, from March 10–17. This is one of my favorite festivals, offering a diverse and terrific group of films, documentaries, and tributes, co-curated by the remarkable Ruthe. See you there and visit http://mostlybritish.org/ Jan Wahl is a Hollywood historian, film critic on various broadcast 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
In terms of her TV show guest appearances, Ruta said, “It was great to be around the boys of Bonanza, a TV show that still plays in syndication. I played a drunk on one episode; really fun.” She added, “People seem to remember me from a classic episode of Twilight Zone, playing a tart who was such a little b---h. Those parts are great to play, so much better than just a pretty girl or sweetheart. I wanted to be closer to Rod Serling, but he was a total chain smoker and that made it impossible. It killed him.” “For so much of this I was young and sometimes kind of foolish,” she said, looking back at her career as a whole. “I didn’t realize how much I was in the presence of genius, style, and longevity. Johnny Mercer, Kaye Thompson—cold like Dietrich on the set of Funny Face where I played her secretary, but so wonderful—and warm and kind Audrey Hepburn and Astaire. I never felt harassed by the men, maybe because I was so loud. Dean Martin and the Rat Pack gang (she was one of the stars of Sergeants 3) called me ‘Loudy,’ saying I had a set of speakers attached to me.” “They were so funny with tricks and nicknames: Dean Drunky, Sammy Smokey, and Frank The Pope,” she said, sharing some of their creations. “Frank was a good friend and responsible for my screen test in Witness for S AN F R ANC IS C O BAY T IM ES
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Gender-Bending Ballet22 Prepares for Summer Season Founded in 2020 by Roberto Vega Ortiz and Theresa Knudson, Ballet22 exists to push the boundaries of what is possible in ballet by focusing on producing and presenting works, ranging from classical to contemporary ballet, which break gender normative traditions. The company is guided by values of inclusivity of body type, gender identity, and race. Vision The creation of Ballet22 was inspired by a lack of representation and opportunities in the ballet field for men, mxn, transgender, and non-binary artists to perform professionally “en pointe.” While there are opportunities to perform in a drag-comedy context, Ballet22 seeks to present a range of work beyond these confines. Ballet22 is dedicated to commissioning new works that give representation to mxn dancers en pointe, as well as works that amplify queer voices. In addition, the company aims to create positive change to ballet culture by providing a respectful, safe place to work with equitable wages for artists. Commissioned Works Since its founding, Ballet22 has commissioned 7 new ballets that contribute to representation in the ballet world. Named by Dance Magazine as “25 to Watch in 2022,” the company continues to prioritize commissioning works that bring inclusion to the LGBTQ+ community and experience in ballet. Summer Season 2022 Ballet22’s Summer Season of performances will take place at The Cowell Theater, Fort Mason Center for Arts & Culture, on July 29 and 30. The program will include excerpts of classical ballets that honor the technique and history of ballet, contemporary works re-envisioned for an all mxn and non-binary cast, as well as a world premiere. Repertoire to be announced soon! For tickets and information: https://tinyurl.com/ms2zedmu
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Photos by Vincent Marcel
Sister Dana Sez: Words of Wisdumb from a Fun Nun
By Sister Dana Van Iquity
The annual STATEN ISLAND ST. PATRICK’S DAY PARADE will return this year after COVID-19 kept the event from taking place in 2021. But in keeping with the parade’s longstanding tradition, LGBTQ people will be banned from participating. Hey, Staten Island, kiss my shillelagh! Senator Scott Wiener released the following statement on February 23 after Governor Greg Abbott of Texas announced that he would direct child protective services to investigate the parents of trans kids who receive gender-affirming medical care for prosecution: “This despicable move by Governor Abbott criminalizes parents for supporting their trans children and threatens to tear trans kids away from their parents. It will lead to even more trans kids committing suicide. I simply cannot comprehend the obsession of right-wing politicians with attacking trans kids and trying to destroy their lives. California will continue to stand strong for trans children and for all LGBTQ people.” Sister Dana sez, “We should demand Secretaries of State across the nation hold insurrectionists accountable by preventing them from running for office and becoming poll workers and election officials. That is, of course, if the secretaries themselves aren’t insurrectionists!” LOCKDOWN COMEDY has been making us laugh on Zoom every 3rd Thursday of the month since July 2020 featuring comedians from all over the U.S. and some internationally. The March 17, 7 pm show will feature Cathy Ladman (LA), Wendy Liebman (LA), Nina G (Oakland), producer/comedian Lisa Geduldig (SF & Florida), and her 90-year-old mom, Arline Geduldig (Florida). Lisa says, “With Lockdown Comedy coinciding this month with the wild and wacky Jewish holiday Purim, we are partnering with the JEWISH COMMUNITY CENTER OF SAN FRANCISCO ( JCCSF) to present our March show. The JCCSF’s Rabbi Batshir Torchio will say a few words at the start of the show to introduce the audience to Purim, which invites us to revel, dress up in costumes, and celebrate the randomness of life.” https://tinyurl.com/39hkjtpp Sister Dana sez, “Setting the bar for the rest of the Repugnicans, Trump has praised Putin’s ‘genius’ and ‘savvy’ in annexing parts of Ukraine. Is there no evil Trump will not embrace?!” In contrast, Former President Barack Obama stated, “Every American, regardless of party, should support President Biden’s efforts, in coordination with our closest allies, to impose hard-hitting sanctions on Russia.” I am thrilled to see that Mr. David Glamamore and Miss Juanita MORE! are on a gorgeous new mural in San Francisco celebrating their reign as Emperor and Empress of THE IMPERIAL COUNCIL OF SAN FRANCISCO, INC. on 26
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Sister Dana sez, “I want to wish everyone an early Happy St. Patrick’s Day (March 17)! Be sure to wear green! Oh, and by the way: Kiss Me, I’m Irish!”
Decked out for St. Patrick’s Day and Mardi Gras, Sister Dana received a Certificate of Appreciation, presented by Gary Virginia, at the annual Krewe de Kinque St. Patrick’s Day Celebration. (2018)
the Illinois Street side of The Midway. Juanita told me, “I fell in love with the artist Josh Katz’s work when I saw the mural he did of Sylvester on the outside of Oasis. I knew I had to meet and work with him. One of my longtime supporters AJ Shelton of RepairPal sponsored the mural.” She added joyfully, “Mr. David Glamamore and I are so happy!” Created by San Francisco artist Josh Katz from a photo taken by photographer Fred Rowe, Katz said, “When planning this mural, I wanted to incorporate symbols that would highlight the glamorous legacies of Juanita MORE! and Mr. David Glamamore as pioneers of San Francisco queer nightlife.” Lindsey Graham whined, “If media reports are accurate, and Judge Jackson has been chosen as the Supreme Court nominee to replace Justice Breyer, it means the radical Left has won President Biden over yet again.” Sister Dana sez, “Oh, Lindsey sweetiepie, don’t you fret now, because the radical Right won over President T-rump THREE TIMES in THEIR Supreme injustice!” By the way, Graham had happily confirmed Jackson for the D.C. Court of Appeals previously—so go figure! THE IMPERIAL COUNCIL OF SAN FRANCISCO, INC. presented CORONATION 57: “FAMILY IS UNIVERSAL.” It was a celebration of the reign of their most Imperial Majesties Emperor Mr. David Glamamore and Empress Juanita MORE! and the Court of More is MORE! and as they crowned the successive Monarchs of The Imperial Council of San Francisco, Inc., the Founding Mother Court of the International Court System. Proceeds benefited the Imperial Council of San Francisco, Inc., a 501c3 nonprofit organization in the State of California. Congratulations to the newly crowned SF Imperial Empress Ehra Amaya & Emperor Brent Marek. Thank you to stepping-down Empress Juanita MORE! & Emperor Mr. David Glamamore on your amazing reign with dignity, diversity, creativity, and glamour, having raised over $190,000 for your charities during this difficult pandemic year. This all occurred on Saturday, February 26, at The Midway, 900 Marin Street. https://tinyurl.com/2cbzf72w I will steal Cleve Jones ‘ perfect words: “RIP Anna Damiani, one of the kindest souls I’ve known. She was a brave woman who endured considerable suffering with grace, dignity, and (continued on page 32)
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Leslie Sbrocco 2021 Borreo Sangiovese Rosa, Napa Valley, California $28 www.Silveradovineyards.com
The refreshing combination of Bacardí Tropical Flavored Rum and fresh coconut water over ice allows you to enjoy the tropical flavor of summer year round. Simple yet flavorful, enjoy Bacardí Tropical H-2-0.
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Sbrocco Sips
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Heather Freyer is a beverage expert who is the Vice President and General Manager for Open West States at Bacardí USA. Previously she was with Trinchero Wine Estates, Castle Rock Winery, Cost Plus World Market, and more.
Cocktails With Heather
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Pinot Noir is a grape variety that takes center stage in California’s coastal regions and this wine from Bucher is a star of Sonoma. This Bucher story began in 1958 when the family emigrated from Switzerland and began an organic dairy farming operation in Russian River Valley. John Bucher took over after he graduated from the University of California at Davis planting organically grown Pinot Noir vines on the 38-acre farm. Today, John and his wife Diane run the dairy and vineyards of Bucher Farms.
This limited-production, splurge-worthy Pinot Rosé is a year-round sipper Noir is laden with dark in my house and this unique cherry and rich fruit aroCalifornia version is one to mas with undertones of seek out. Made by the team earth and spice. The texat Napa’s famed Silverado ture is lush and silky with Vineyards, the Borreo line a ping of freshness. It’s a is a tribute to Felix Borreo, beauty to age, but drinks an Italian immigrant who in well now with pork loin in 1888 planted grapes and olives a mushroom sauce or roast at his property in Napa. The chicken with sweet potaMiller family of Silverado purtoes. chased the site in 1992. The stylish label was designed by Walt Disney’s great-granddaughter, Annabelle Rey Author, speaker, wine consultant, and Miller—a fourth-generation winery owner. television host Leslie Sbrocco is known for her entertaining approach to wine This wine is made from the Italian grape and food. She has won multiple Emmy variety Sangiovese, lending a rich spiciness Awards for her work on PBS, which to the already juicy yet dry, fruit-forward includes hosting the series “Check, pink. Pour it alongside brunch dishes from Please! Bay Area” and “100 Days, egg casserole to smoked salmon or piquant Drinks, Dishes & Destinations.” fare from fiery burritos to Thai curry. www.LeslieSbrocco.com
TROPICAL H-2-O 1 1/2 ounces Bacardí Tropical Flavored Rum 3 ounces coconut water lime wheel for garnish Fill a highball glass with cubed ice. Pour in Bacardí Tropical Flavored Rum followed by coconut water. Stir gently. Garnish with a lime wheel. https://tinyurl.com/yyc4me8t
This Month at the Castro Farmers’ Market The Stalk Market - Where Has All the California Asparagus Gone?
the state’s asparagus is a strong selling point.
By Debra Morris
A lovely plate of fresh steamed or roasted asparagus is something we look forward to each spring in California. Once called “The King of Vegetables,” the local fields of Delta asparagus have become harder and harder to find. Thousands of acres of asparagus used to cover the Stockton-Brentwood area in soft green spears every spring, but urban sprawl and other crops have stealthily replaced them. In the last 20 years, California’s asparagus acreage has plummeted. At the turn of the 21st century, California growers were farming over 36,000 acres of asparagus. In 1995, Contra Costa County harvested 20,000 acres of asparagus. In 2017, that figure dropped to a mere 1,300 acres, according to the California Asparagus Commission. Another way to look at it is that California growers harvested 58 million pounds of fresh asparagus in 2007 on 20,000 acres. That fell to just over 20 million pounds of production from 8,000 acres in 2016, according to the California Department of Food and Agriculture. Acreage is even less now. It is said that the crop has declined so drastically because imports have made it almost impossible for local farmers to financially compete. Even the California Asparagus Commission has suspended its operations. (Editor’s Note: The Commission’s website is still accessible 28
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Woody Guthrie once sang about “Pastures of Plenty” and we hope asparagus will spring back with increased awareness of its value to California agriculture and the local economy. Other compelling reasons to save dwindling asparagus acreage include supporting the farmers who still want to grow it and offering asparagus to customers who want to know where their food is grown and whether it is safe to eat.
and offers great recipes, information about nutrients, and more: https://www.calasparagus.org/ ) This decrease in acreage began with the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) that took effect in 1994. Until that time, growers were able to get a premium for their high-quality California asparagus. With NAFTA in place, the difference between California’s labor costs and its strict safety regulations, and those of Mexico’s for producing the asparagus, have had a major impact. (NAFTA was replaced in 2019 by the U.S.-MexicoCanada Agreement and has continued to exacerbate the problem.) “Asparagus is a labor-intensive crop, and it’s hard to be competitive,” says Barbara Cecchini of what was once Cecchini & Cecchini Farms in Brentwood. “Perfectly good Delta asparagus is getting chopped-up and tilled under.” The Cecchini family has grown asparagus since the 1930s, but sold the land and moved their operation to Urban Edge Farm. Another local asparagus grower, Roscoe Zuckerman of Zuckerman Farms in Stockton, relies heavily on direct-to-consumer farmers’ markets to sell his product. Local farmers’ markets, CSAs, and restaurants make up over half his business. He says, “It’s the only way we have of breaking even. They give us the opportunity to communicate MA RC H 1 0 , 2 0 2 2
the freshness of a local-grown product that is harvested the day before market, compared to asparagus that has traveled thousands of miles and is a week old before it hits market shelves.” Once asparagus is cut, the sugars begin to break down and the flavor becomes starchy. That’s why it’s important to get freshly-cut asparagus from your local farmer. Added to the increased costs of producing it, asparagus produce for nine years and require, on average, nearly 260 gallons of water per pound. With an almost constant drought in California for several years, Delta asparagus has become even more costly to grow. There are few or no groundwater reserves from which to pull. Under the state’s new Groundwater Management Act, agriculture is required to adhere to strict “sustainability plan” guidelines for pumping in dry years.
Growers of California asparagus have had to become more conscious of their production and growing methods to be even remotely competitive. Growing and harvesting asparagus has had to become more efficient, even though it still has to be hand-harvested, hand-sorted, and hand-packed. Water is cut back in the fall and winter to avoid the growth of asparagus fern production as it goes into dormancy. Farmers used to f lood the fields in the spring, which is not common anymore. The annual yield has become smaller as acreage is reduced. One strong element that has California asparagus ahead of any other country is the state’s standards of production and food safety regulations, which are among the most stringent. Yes, you may pay more for California asparagus, but the superb quality, f lavor, and safety of
There are no better climate or soil conditions, nor deeper knowledge of growing asparagus than in California, so don’t give up on California-grown asparagus just yet! Farmers still have difficult choices ahead, but as long as we continue to buy asparagus grown in California to support them, we may continue to see fields of asparagus growing in Contra Costa County, San Joaquin, Salinas, and other areas of the state for years to come. Thank you for supporting your local asparagus growers where quality, freshness, and safety are unsurpassed. You’ll f ind the best California asparagus at your local farmers’ market! 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/
Castro Art Mart Returns to Market & Noe Streets Photos by Rink On Sunday, March 6, the first Castro Art Mart of 2022 was held on Noe Street, featuring live music and booths by local artists. This popular outdoor gathering will continue on the first Sunday of each month, 11–6 pm. Sponsored by the Castro Merchants Association, the event has evolved into a popular community gathering in addition to providing a place to support local artists and enjoy musicians and DJs.
Savage Music
Oscar Gallegos Zamora
Diana Musa https://www.doubledownzine.com
Cabure Alejandro Bonugli @MisterTuftGuy
Greg Climer, textile artist
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What’s New in Napa? view to the water. We opted for a Luxury King room that included: a modern bath sporting a spacious walk-in shower, bathtub, and double sinks; a sitting area with a massive TV and fireplace; and a desk/ workplace that doubles as a dining table. (Insider’s note: when visiting the hotel, I’d ask for one of the refurbished rooms.)
The Gay Gourmet David Landis As a food and restaurant writer, I’m constantly asked, “What’s new? Where should I go? What should I try?” In San Francisco, there are always a plethora of new restaurants, and with Omicron subsiding, more are opening in the Bay Area every day. Yet, often people want to get away— especially during this pandemic. Tahoe, Carmel, and Santa Barbara
Being pet-friendly, the hotel also delivered a goody welcome package with toys and treats for the pooches from Napa’s own Milo & Friends. A downside is there isn’t an onsite pool, but that hardly matters when you have hiking trails outside your doorstep. The hotel’s resident restaurant, Alba, is a design-forward space with soaring ceilings. Instead of indoors, we opted to have cocktails (the seasonal craft cocktail program is exemplary) and dinner with the dogs on the beautiful outdoor terrace overlooking the river. The wine menu focuses on local Napa offerings, but showcases a smattering of international wine choices as well. Additionally, the craft cocktail
its seasonal fruit and crumble that was very tasty, but we could only manage a couple of bites after this satisfying meal. Other new places of note in the Napa Valley: don’t miss the North Block Restaurant in Yountville, a true culinary highlight located within the beautiful, new North Block Hotel. This is one of Yountville’s best new restaurant offerings. The former chef earned a Michelin star from New York’s Momofuku and the innovative menu reinforces that influence. The courtyard setting is straight out of old Europe with stucco and Spanish tiles—and the interior is modern, clean, and artsy. We again opted to eat outdoors (which is dog-friendly), and the restaurant was prepared with heating lamps to counteract the Valley’s evening chill. We began our meal with the freshest Hamachi, served sliced with avocado, kohlrabi, and buddha’s head (a fruit that’s also called apple custard). Light and flavorful with surprising accents, this appetizer bode well for the rest of the meal. Other starters included a delicious golden beet and mandarin orange salad topped with Sicilian pistachios, which reminded us of
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are always great places to visit since they’re an easy drive. But even closer—and perhaps with the best restaurants of all—is the wine country and my personal favorite, Napa. So, what is new in Napa? Well, as it happens, quite a lot. And lucky for us, much of it is dog-friendly! My husband and I decided to explore Napa for the second time in a year, packed up the dogs, and took off for a couple of days last month to celebrate Valentine’s Day. It turns out that Napa offered many new places in which to celebrate. A great landing pad in downtown Napa—especially (but not only) for pet owners—is the luxurious River Terrace Inn. Run by Noble House and located on the beautiful Napa River a stone’s throw from downtown Napa and the Oxbow Market, this gorgeous property recently had a partial makeover, and it shines. All the rooms on the river side of the property are extremely quiet and have balconies with a birds-eye 30
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program sports one-of-a-kind libations in inventive combinations like the Berry Blossom Fizz (with raspberry vodka, lemon, and prosecco). Featuring local ingredients and California cuisine, Alba’s dinner standouts included: fresh-baked (and addictive) melt-in-your-mouth cornbread with a slightly-smoked maple butter and fruit jam; a mushroom and crescenza cheese tartine with kale, basil and balsamic—the combination of sweet and savory makes this appetizer almost a meal in itself; a bechamel sauce-based mussels and green olive toast from Napa’s local Model Bakery that tastes as if it’s right from Italy; and a generous little gem chopped salad that surprises with quinoa, roasted beets, pistachio, dried cherries, and roasted carrots, topped with Point Reyes blue cheese and house-made ranch dressing. The only disappointing offering that night were the lamb meatballs: they boasted a provocative herb-laden mixture, but they were undercooked on the inside and yet still dry. The restaurant was nice enough to send over MA RC H 1 0 , 2 0 2 2
Kelly brought an amazingly smooth Alpha Omega Cabernet Sauvignon Beckstoffer Missouri Hopper 2014—a perfect complement to the duck. Desserts were equally amazing: a dense yet still light Burnt Mt. Tam cheesecake (served with whipped honey), a blood orange sorbet with chocolate mousse and meringue, and a sourdough ice cream with brown butter crumbles and persimmon that all provided a grand ending to a perfect meal. Another new, fun hotspot on the river in downtown Napa: Wilfred’s Tiki Lounge. As readers of this column know, The Gay Gourmet is something of a mai tai snob. Most places forget that the best recipe is Vic Bergeron’s original 1944 unadulterated version from Trader Vic’s. Wilfred’s looks like a modern yet retro tiki bar with all the visual Polynesian trappings, but with a bartender who knows what they’re doing and expertly re-creates Vic’s original recipe. Wilfred’s Mai Tai is the real deal—no grenadine here— and enjoying it on their upper deck with the riverfront view (and dogs at our side) is a true highlight.
Even though it’s not new, we always love visiting Gott’s on the site of the old Taylor’s Refresher, the original burger joint in St. Helena. You order at the counter, round the corner to pick up your wine (yes, they have an extensive wine selection), and then wait at your picnic table for your cheeseburger (yup, with American cheese!) and onion rings. It’s still one Alba exterior dining patio of the best burgers in the Valley and the restaurant’s history some of the best dishes from the is palpable. And, of course, it’s dogMediterranean; and aromatic friendly. squash fritters exploding with flavor, served with a honeynut mousse and nori. For our mains, we opted for the “duck a la gray,” with preserved lime, crème fraiche, and tatsoi. Without a doubt, this was the best duck I’ve ever had in my life. Truth be told, I’m not usually a duck fan because often it’s not cooked properly. This duck was medium rare and juicy, yet still tender. Our other entrée—again not a usual favorite for The Gay Gourmet—were the smoked pork ribs. The reason I don’t normally like ribs is that the quality of the meat, if not chosen properly, can be grisly; also, they’re often overcooked. These ribs were succulent with a Korean-style flavor that included caramelized honey, chili, and chrysanthemum. Simply divine! The menu also boasts snacks and wood-fired pizzas for a more casual dining option. To accompany our meal, we had a lovely Carballal Albarino white wine from Spain—dry, mineral, and clean. And our dear friend
Speaking of burgers, everyone has been raving about the cheeseburger at Chef Christopher Kostow’s (of Meadowood fame) more casual restaurant, Charter Oak, located on the site of the former personal favorite Tra Vigne in St. Helena. They’re not wrong. This burger, accompanied by hand cut fries, is smash-burger style with two patties of the best cuts of beef, served with white cheddar in between and topped with a jalapeño relish. Everything that Chef Kostow does is impeccable, with quality ingredients and an outstanding wine and cocktail list to boot. We started with grilled sunchokes accompanied by a mustard vinaigrette and paired it with a perfectly crisp Roland Lavantureux Chablis. We’ll
have to return for the soft serve ice cream (with burnt vanilla) which also receives plaudits. Again, we ate outdoors on the deck and they welcomed Gaston and Alphonse with open arms. By the way, Chef Kostow (with wife Martina) will soon be opening a new Jewish delicatessen, Loveski at the Oxbow Public Market. It’s not new, but Hall Winery in St. Helena is a must-see destination. From the verdant gardens to the one-of-a-kind art collection (you can spot the winery from Highway 29 because of the giant steel rabbit sculpture that dominates the winery’s entrance) to the luxurious top-level tasting room with an outdoor lounge, Hall exudes class. That said, the Halls are currently embroiled in a controversy over a land acquisition in Napa that has made the news and is unresolved as of my press time. Regardless, we love their wines. We sampled a clean Sauvignon Blanc with just a hint of oak as well as the winery’s “Art of Cabernet Tasting.” The Terra Secca Cabernet has more of a European style and the Coeur is true Napa Valley—rich, bold, and tasty. The winery is, of course, dog friendly, and the views of the vineyards from the upstairs, outdoor lounge are divine. Of special note, Hall Winery hosts its thirteenth annual Cabernet Cookoff on Saturday, April 30. Hosted by Vintner Kathryn Hall, the event features a lineup of renowned culinary teams vying for a chance to win proceeds for a charity of their choice by participating in a food and wine pairing competition. 100% of ticket proceeds benefit nonprofit organizations as selected by the winning chef teams. The event includes a VIP Culinary Stage event from 11 am to noon prior to the main event that takes place from noon–3 pm. Chef teams are tasked to create a small dish that they feel pairs best with 2019 HALL Jack’s Masterpiece Cabernet Sauvignon. The 2022 Cabernet Cookoff also serves as the release of the 2019 vintage of the Jack’s Masterpiece wine. Guests in attendance will sample all pairings to vote on the People’s Choice Awards, and a star-studded panel of celebrity judges will taste to vote for the Judge’s Choice Awards. Again, not so new (but new to me) is Farmstead at Long Meadow Ranch (curated by the Halls),
Bay Times Dines
Newish to me and now at the top of my wine-tasting list, Davis Estates on the Silverado Trail near Calistoga marries great wines with Michelin-quality food pairings. It is family-run and our guide was son Brandon Davis, who was knowledgeable and welcoming (even to the dogs!). The setting on a hilltop offers panoramic views, and the winery tasting room is an architectural wonder.
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LGBTQ News & Calendar for the Bay Area CELEBRATING FOUR DECADES (1978–2022)
The Davis Estate red wines are elegant and smooth, holding up well to spicy offerings, but without the bombast of many big Napa Valley red wines. From there, we tried the elegant 2017 Zephyr wine, paired with a black truffle spaetzle, sauteed kale, roasted maitake mushrooms, and topped with truffle cream and tarragon crunch. To conclude, we had a taste of the magnificent 2018 Calistoga Cabernet, paired with an Asian-braised Niman Ranch beef short rib (moist and juicy) with coconut milk polenta. The Gay Gourmet gives Davis Estates 5 stars! All in all, there are many great new reasons to visit Napa (and its dogfriendly offerings) once again! Bits and Bites Undercover Quinoa Crisps – A healthy, chocolate crunch bar that titillates your taste buds, they’re light as air, yet still tasty. Because they’re nearly 50% crispy quinoa, they have less sugar. They’re all natural and gluten free. The chocolate is luxury grade, certified Rainforce Alliance chocolate—flavorful, but not overpowering. The crisps come in a variety of flavors that include dark and milk chocolate as well as a mixture of fruits like blueberries, pomegranate, and currants that offer pleasant accents. The dark chocolate/sea salt is now available at Costco. All flavors are available online and also in CVS, Rainbow Grocery, and Rite Aid stores.
hour. Their frozen homemade pastas are the real deal as well: easy to cook and they taste just like your Nonna from Italy made it fresh. St. Benoit Creamery Yogurt from Sonoma – one of the creamiest
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Remember this name: Chef Mark Caldwell. His food rivals some of San Francisco’s finest restaurants. Our wine/food pairing began with a lovely 2019 Sauvignon Blanc paired with a leek and russet potato bisque; light yet still creamy. It was a perfect accent to the clean, white wine. We then sampled the 2018 Classic Chase, a delicious red wine paired with roasted carrots and chermoula, date paste, smoked gouda, and kalamata olives.
Wildgrain – Delicious frozen sourdough loaves are sent directly to your home; just pop them frozen in the oven and you have freshlybaked, tasty, and crusty bread in about a half
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plain yogurts I’ve ever sampled— so delish! This yogurt brand sports a topping of cream that adds to its luxurious texture. Other flavors include: Meyer Lemon, Strawberry, and French Vanilla (which have added sugar). Also, the vanilla, salted caramel, and TCHO chocolate pot de crèmes are to die for! And their plain organic milk is anything but plain. From real Jersey cows blended with real cream, this whole milk comes in real glass and tastes as if it’s fresh from the farm. New in the Castro is Hot Johnnie’s on 18th Street, which features house-cured pastrami, plant-based corned beef, grassfed burgers and halal fried chicken sandwiches. On top of that, they have a lovely deck out back, perfect to enjoy the springtime sun. Eclipse Dairy-Free (and Plant-Based) Ice Cream – from Oakland, a company that makes non-lactose ice cream that is refreshing, surprisingly creamy, and really tastes good! For those with lactose intolerance, this is a terrific alternative. It’s also plant-based, so it helps the planet. I personally loved the Mint Chip, but the company’s flavors also include: Caramel Butter Pecan, Cookies N’ Cream, Classic Chocolate, Vintage Vanilla, Mango Passionfruit, and more. Chef/owner Bruno Chemel has announced that Baumé in Palo Alto just ended service in February and re-opens this month as Bistronomie by Baumé, showcasing bistro style dishes prepared with gastronomic cooking methods. Fine dining restaurant Luce at InterContinental SF Hotel partners with the City College Hall Winery of San Francisco (CCSF) Culinary Arts & Hospitality Studies program for the 11th Annual Culinary Clash 2022, a fundraiser for CCSF’s Culinary Arts & Hospitality Studies scholarship fund. Six rising CCSF students and recent graduates take over
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Our starter included a tasty woodgrilled Castroville artichoke with grilled lemon and gribiche, fresh off the farm; from there, we split a rich yet fresh Dungeness crab roll on a brioche bun with house-made potato chips; the cole slaw with cabbage and green apple was a standout, as was the homemade potato salad with whole grain mustard; the special pork tacos with mango were juicy and not overcooked, with just the right amount of tang. The beignets, crisp, light, and fluffy and dusted with a generous sprinkling of powdered sugar, left us on a high note, a great topper to a delicious meal.
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a delightful repast for lunch in a bucolic setting. In addition to the outdoor restaurant, the complex also includes a grocery store, bar, and indoor dining. The shining star is its outdoor patio, especially during those lovely Napa spring days. The wine list, of course, highlights local Napa and nearby regions, but offers a smattering of international varietals (and beers) as well. The cocktail program is out-of-thebox, presenting such creative concoctions as a “Birds of Paradise” (mezcal, aperol, passionfruit, caramelized pineapple, and lime).
BAY TIMES
Luce’s world-class kitchen on three consecutive Mondays (March 14, 21 & 28) to showcase their very own three-course fine-dining menu as they compete for scholarship and cash prizes. CCSF Culinary Arts & Hospitality Studies students/ grads gain unprecedented realworld kitchen experience while a panel of special guest judges and Rogelio Garcia (Luce, Executive Chef) judge the tasting menus to see which ones truly stand out in flavor, technique, pricing, and originality. Culinary Clash 2022 is open to the public and tickets are $50/person. KAIYO Rooftop, a contemporary Peruvian Nikkei bar and lounge owned and operated by San Francisco restaurateur John Park of Brick x Brick Hospitality Group (KAIYŌ, Whitechapel, and Novela) just opened in San Francisco’s SOMA neighborhood. Nestled on the rooftop of the Hyatt Place Hotel in SOMA, steps away from Oracle Park, KAIYŌ Rooftop is the second location for Park’s KAIYŌ concept, following the success of the concept’s Cow Hollow restaurant. Congratulations! U.S. News and World Report just named Hotel Valencia Santana Row the #1 hotel in San Jose. The popular Schlok’s Bagels just opened a brick-and-mortar store in Nopa on Fell off Divisadero Street—and since The Gay Gourmet is always looking for a great bagel, I’ve heard these are certainly ones to try. Some good news for The Castro: A new ordinance recently passed by San Francisco’s supervisors will allow additional bars to open in the commercial district of the neighborhood. Cheers to that! Cassava in the Outer Richmond just celebrated its 10th anniversary and is planning a second location opening in North Beach for August. And one of The Gay Gourmet’s favorites, Sam’s Anchor Café, just reported its biggest January ever in its 102-year-history. Bravo, that’s quite an accomplishment! River Terrace Inn and Alba Restaurant: https://www.riverterraceinn.com/
Visit Downtown Napa: https://donapa.com/ Milo & Friends: https://tinyurl.com/2p8ksmtb North Block Restaurant: https://tinyurl.com/kv7jnrcd Alpha Omega Winery: https://www.aowinery.com/ Wilfred’s Tiki Lounge: https://wilfredslounge.com/ Gott’s Roadside Napa: https://www.gotts.com/locations/ Charter Oak: https://www.thecharteroak.com/ Loveski Deli Napa at Oxbow Market: https://www.loveskideli.com/ Farmstead Restaurant at Long Meadow Ranch: https://tinyurl.com/3zx9a5bn Undercover Quinoa Crisps: https://tinyurl.com/2p8pe9nk Wildgrain: https://wildgrain.com/ St. Benoit Creamery: https://www.stbenoit.com/ Hot Johnnie’s: https://www.hotjohnnies.com/ Eclipse Non-Dairy Ice Cream: https://www.eclipsefoods.com/ Bistronomie by Baume: https://tinyurl.com/2p874up6 Luce at the SF Intercontinental Hotel: https://tinyurl.com/3dc7ax9k KAIYO Rooftop: https://kaiyosf.com/kaiyorooftop Hotel Valencia Santana Row: https://tinyurl.com/2p8tpesd Schlok’s Bagels: https://www.schloks.com/ Cassava: https://www.cassavasf.com/ Castro Merchants Association: https://www.castromerchants.com/ Sam’s Anchor Café: https://samscafe.com/ 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
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SISTER DANA (continued from page 26) endless good humor. I know that Mark Leno and all of her former colleagues and many friends are grieving today and will never forget her or her gentle smile. Goodbye, Anna.” I will add: “Rest in power, dear, dear friend, who was always there for me and for the community. Purple power forever!”
Claudette lives her life, either. With Daphne, Claudette, and another daughter, Valerie, all under one roof again, each family member is forced to confront her emotions while there’s still time. March 16–April 3, 4229 18th Street, live and intimate in the Castro. http://therhino.org/
Sister Dana sez, “President Biden's State of the Union speech was so inspirational! But it was disheartening to watch the Repugnicans stubbornly sit on their hands through most of it, while the Democrats passionately stood and cheered. Democrats were truly the spirit of Mardi Gras that night; while Republicans were more like the following Ash Wednesday.”
The LEATHER & LGBTQ CULTURAL DISTRICT, FOLSOM STREET, and the SOMA WEST COMMUNITY BENEFIT DISTRICT announce their first-ever SOMA SECOND SATURDAYS – MOVIE DAY! Saturday, March 12, 12 to 5 pm, Folsom Street Community Center, 145 9th Street (between Mission and Howard). There will be an exciting selection of films by filmmakers with Bay Area roots—including Leo Herrera, Jiz Lee, Aron Kantor, and Bearpad. Popcorn, snacks, and non-alcoholic beverages will also be on hand. The event is free. Donations are welcome but not expected. The Leather & LGBTQ Cultural District Manager, Cal Callahan, said “We’re thrilled to showcase the works of local filmmakers, including exciting footage of Up Your Alley and Folsom Street Fairs past. It’s a Sunday matinee for adults, it’s free, and of course there will be popcorn.” https://sflcd.org/
Correction: Not ALL Republicans were silent. Reps Bobohead and Marjie QAnon stood up and booed—so I guess you’d call that participation?! LANDMARK MUSICAL THEATRE presents YOU’RE A GOOD MAN, CHARLIE BROWN. Based on the beloved comic strip by Charles Schultz, the Peanuts gang is brought to life in this classic musical by the talented group of Landmark Musical Theatre regulars. Good ol’ Charlie Brown, the kid who never gives up (even though he almost never wins), is joined by his little sister Sally, Charlie’s principal nemesis Lucy Van Pelt, her blanket-loving brother Linus, young pianist Schroeder, and Charlie’s favorite dog Snoopy for a delightful evening of songs and scenes depicting a typical day in the life of Charlie Brown. This revised version of the original 1967 production includes two new songs written by Andrew Lippa for the 1997 Broadway revival: Sally’s “New Philosophy” and Schroeder’s “Beethoven Day” along with all of the wonderful songs from the original including “Suppertime,” “Baseball Game,” and “Happiness.” March 11–April 10, (Opening on Friday, March 11), 8 pm. 533 Sutter Street, 2nd Floor. https://www.landmarkmusicals.com/ Sister Dana sez, “With Roe v. Wade under attack, there’s never been a more pressing time to nominate a brave pro-choice woman like Ketanji Brown Jackson to the Supreme Court. But Mitch McConnell and his Senate Republicans are scrambling to BLOCK Biden’s nominee because she’ll SAVE Roe v. Wade!” THEATRE RHINOCEROS presents HOW BLACK MOTHERS SAY I LOVE YOU. Claudette travels to visit her dying mother, Daphne, in Brooklyn. But that doesn’t stop her anger and abandonment issues from bubbling up. It doesn’t stop Daphne from voicing her opinions on how
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The belief that we are all one human family is fundamental to RAINBOW WORLD FUND and their efforts. And today they are unified with their world community in the concern for the people of UKRAINE. RWF is raising funds to support the LGBQT community in Ukraine. During this crisis, already vulnerable LGBTQ Ukrainians are even more at risk to be further marginalized and scapegoated. 100% of your donation will fund lifesaving actions. Specify “Ukraine” when you donate online or when sending a check to RWF, 4111 18th Street, San Francisco, CA 94114. https://www.rainbowfund.org/ Mayor London Breed has announced over $4.7 million in funding to support neighborhood events and activities focusing on Asian American/Pacific Islander (AAPI) and Latino arts and culture. The investments include funding for museums and exhibitions, including the creation of an historical exhibition in Chinatown showcasing the career of iconic martial artist Bruce Lee, as well as funding for major cultural events like the CHINATOWN LIGHT AND ARTS FESTIVAL, CARNAVAL, DÍA DE LOS MUERTOS, and other Mission District celebrations. Sister Dana sez, “Believe it or not, Trump actually wants HIS face added to Mount Rushmore! Talk about your cliff hangers!”
QUEER POP QUIZ ANSWER (Question on pg 21)
D) 2008 It is hard to believe that over a decade has passed since the film Milk was first released. Members of our San Francisco Bay Times team recall seeing Penn, director Gus Van Sant, and others in San Francisco, where several key scenes were filmed on location. Regarding Penn’s latest work: in addition to filming the documentary in Ukraine, Penn has an organization called CORE (Community Organized Relief Effort) that is currently on the ground in Poland supporting people fleeing Ukraine in the wake of a massive humanitarian catastrophe. https://www.coreresponse.org/
Take Me Home with You! Fitness SF Trainer Tip of the Month
“My name is Tortuga! I’m eight months old and still full of youthful energy. I’m a sweet kitten who can be a bit shy at first, but once I get to know you, we’ll become fast friends. My ideal adopter is someone who will give me lots of playtime, socialization, and kitten love!”
Maria L. at Fitness SF Transbay “If you’re short on time at the gym, hit the sled! It’s a great full-body compound exercise. It will help you reach your daily calorie quota and it is a great calorie burner.”
Tortuga is presented to San Francisco Bay Times readers by Dr. Jennifer Scarlett, the SF SPCA’s Co-President. Our thanks also go to Krista Maloney for helping to get the word out about lovable pets like Tortuga. To meet Tortuga, visit the SF SPCA Mission Campus @ 201 Alabama Dr. Jennifer Scarlett and Pup Street. It is open for appointments from 8 am–6 pm daily.
Tortuga
For more information: https://www.sfspca.org/adoptions/
Tore Kelly, Director of Creative & Social Media for Fitness SF, provides monthly tips that he has learned from professional trainers. For more information: https://fitnesssf.com/
As Heard on the Street . . . How do you deal with anxiety?
compiled by Rink
Anna Katz
Devin Holbert
Don Ho Tse
Joe Mac
Ric LeBlanc
“Deep breaths and positive affirmations.”
“I spend time with my friends.”
“I drink and think about how a character from Game of Thrones would handle it.”
“I go to sports and theater.”
“Meditate with legal marijuana”
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AGUILAS Social AGUILAS, the nonprofit organization providing services to LGBT Latinx community members, held a post-Valentine’s social at the SF LGBT Community Center on February 24. Gustavo Ordoñez served as emcee for the event that was catered by the Mission’s Cafe De Casa. Entertainer Bella Aldama captivated the large audience with her very large heart purse. Executive Director Eduardo Morales and staff member Renato Talhadas joined with greeters in welcoming guests.
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Photos by Rink
Round About - All Over Town
Photos by Rink
CASTRO STREETCAM presented by
Ish Ruiz served as emcee for a forum held at The Academy, an LGBT social club located at 2166 Market Street, about the relationship between the San Francisco Police Department officers and members of the LGBTQ community. Speakers included Supervisor Rafael Mandelman; Christopher Del Gandio, who is the first openly gay SFPD captain; trans officer Kathryn Winters; and Sgt. Tina To.. A crowd of more than a thousand showed up and waited in long lines to receive the free tulips given out on Flower Bulb Day at Union Square on March 5. The event, hosted by the European Union’s Flower Bulb Growers, promotes International Women’s Day on March 8.
http://sfbaytimes.com/
Get ready for spring! We’ve received a fresh shipment of Momma Pots from San Diego. These gemstone cylinders are in stock in four sizes and many colors, including these electroplated gold beauties! Starting at $23.99.
On Tuesday, March 1, the annual Fat Tuesday Mardi Gras Bar Crawl was hosted by Krewe de Kinque as a benefit this year for the Ukraine relief project of Rainbow World Fund. Among those enjoying the fun were host Gary Virginia (center) and left to right Joseph Nunez, Colby Michaels, Deana Dawn, Virginia, Christina Ashton and Frank Vera. To celebrate Mardi Gras, greeter Lizzi Dierken and bartender Marty Orton offered a special punch at Moby Dick.
Not enough light for a real plant? Buy yourself or someone you love a paper bouquet! These oversized 3D cards from FreshCut Paper will brighten any room. $10.99 per bunch.
St. Patrick’s Day cards were on sale at the Russian Hill Bookstore on Polk Street.
Bob’s Donut and Pastry Shop at 1621 Polk Street is offering St. Patrick’s Day-themed donuts.
PHOTO COURTESY OF JUSTICE FOR JAXON SALES
Rink Remembers Jaxon Sales (1999–2020)
Change.org has gathered more than 40,000 signatures on a petition requesting further investigation into the circumstances around the death of Jaxon Sales, a twenty-year-old gay Asian man. His parents, Angie and Jim, spoke at a rally held at San Francisco City Hall, sponsored by GAPA, on February 26. A shrine of photos, flowers, candles, and other items was set up along with a sidewalk art area where participants could contribute their drawings and signatures. An array of signs was displayed by rally participants.
Photos by Rink
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s spring approaches and we come up on the 2-year anniversary of the pandemic, I am taking a moment to reflect. There has been lots of fear and frustration. There have been days where it is a miracle that I have any hair left on my head. There has been an unprecedented number of broken windows. Those are things I will never forget about these last 2 years, but they aren’t my takeaway. The most impactful thing about the last 2 years is the way my staff and our community pulled together to make it through this. My staff pushed aside their own fears to show up every day to take care of the rest of our community. They did what was necessary to keep each other safe. They supported each other when fear and tempers were high. Sure, they didn’t always do it perfectly and with grace, but they showed up and they tried. And our community showed up. They found ways to support local businesses. They followed the rules to keep our doors open. And they supported us. It is because of this community that I can show up every day and keep going. My big takeaway from the last 2 years is that community matters and that is why I am here. https://cliffsvariety.com/
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