The San Francisco Bay Times congratulates columnist and cancer survivor
Leslie Sbrocco on being named the 2024 Sonoma Epicurean Event Honoree by the V Foundation for Cancer Research.
In this issue, columnist Pau Crego writes how “personal connection can lead to greater empathy, compassion, caring, and even solidarity.” He also believes that vulnerability “is a powerful strategy to challenge assumptions and biases, fight ignorance, and develop bonds.”
Crego was writing about disclosing being transgender, and also recalled Harvey Milk encouraging cisgender LGBQ people to “come out.” While the cover of this issue of the San Francisco Bay Times features two out LGBTQ individuals—media personality and Bay Times columnist Liam Mayclem and world-renowned Chef Dominique Crenn—the focus is on another meaning of the “coming out” phrase. In this case, it refers to public disclosure of a cancer diagnosis, which can come with risks, but also benefits. Read the first paragraph of this article again, and think of it in this different light.
All three of the women profiled in this issue— Chef Crenn, Leslie Sbrocco, and Elle Simone Scott—are high-profile leaders in the culinary field. There can be unfounded stigma associated with cancer, and particularly cancers affecting women, and yet all three have been open about their cancer journeys in order to help others. Their selfless bravery in doing so is bringing much-needed awareness to cancer; roughly two million new cancer cases are diagnosed each year, according to the American Cancer Society. They are also helping combat
isolation, and to bring hope to those impacted by cancer.
They are the trailblazers and history-makers, who are heroes this Women’s History Month and beyond.
We also recognize women’s health advocates such as Mayclem. While putting together this issue, we learned that he extended great compassion and support toward both Chef Crenn and Sbrocco. (Scott lives outside of the Bay Area.) He took time out of his busy schedule to provide them with encouragement and joy, buoying their spirits when they needed it the most.
This is arguably one of the most challenging times to go public about a health challenge, and particularly for well-known individuals. Consider the controversies surrounding the royal family. A member of our team went through a major abdominal surgery, which can involve post-surgical devices like an NG tube. For a leader already under scrutiny in a social
media powder-keg, such images could have a lasting undesired impact. While we do not know the details of Catherine, the Princess of Wales’ situation yet, we can say with certainty that the media and all of us need to develop greater empathy and understanding of health matters that we might one day face ourselves.
Women such as Princess Kate can experience even more intense scrutiny. Few observers likely thought of environmental and behavioral factors when King Charles disclosed his battle against cancer, and yet such suspicion can be directed toward women undergoing health challenges, including cancer. Additionally, some women find themselves in a health limbo due to certain conditions such as “borderline tumors” being so poorly studied and defined.
All three of the women that we highlight in this issue mentioned that they had to be their own
am
health advocates. We encourage you to do the same, and to help advocate for others, just as Mayclem, Chef Crenn, Sbrocco, and Scott continue to do. As Scott writes, “I’m learning how to be a better advocate for myself and for those around me and that using my platform is not only an opportunity but also a responsibility.”
Four-time Emmy and James Beard Award-winning television personality Leslie Sbrocco—who is also an acclaimed author and wine, food, and travel authority, plus a San Francisco Bay Times columnist—recently disclosed that she was diagnosed with Stage 4 colon cancer in March 2021, after nearly two years of misdiagnoses. Since then, she has had eight surgeries, ten radiation treatments, and 22 rounds of chemotherapy.
Now, in March 2024, she has “no evidence of residual disease” (NERD), and jokes that she “always knew she was a nerd.”
In the previous issue of the San Francisco Bay Times, we shared that the V Foundation for Cancer Research ( https://www.v.org/ ) has selected Sbrocco as the 2024 Sonoma Epicurean Event Honoree. She will receive the award during the 3rd Annual Sonoma Epicurean weekend that will be held March 21–24, 2024.
In acknowledgment of that welldeserved honor, and because it is both Women’s History Month and Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month, we spoke further with Sbrocco about what she calls her “cancer journey.”
San Francisco Bay Times: Your work ethic is exceptional, and we believe that is connected to consideration for others, whether they be your team members or audiences. You have mentioned that working throughout your treatment has given you “purpose, joy, and a sense of normalcy.” Please elaborate more on that. We’re curious, for example, if you think there is any value to “acting as if” under such situations.
Leslie Sbrocco: When I was diagnosed in March of 2021, outside of my family and close friends, the next people I called were my colleagues at KQED. Check Please! has been my “family” for nearly 20 years. They supported me fully and scheduled shoots around my treatment schedules so I could keep working (it helped that I never lost my hair!). It made me feel I had a sense of purpose and normalcy. I could laugh with the guests and take my mind off cancer on shooting days. The same was true with my long-term consulting clients. They have all been incredible and I’ve worked basically non-stop for three years. It’s not so much “acting as if,” rather keeping focused on living every day to the fullest.
San Francisco Bay Times: Throughout the time of your 40 procedures (!) to date, did you benefit from any complementary and alternative medicine, such as massage, acupuncture, or something else? If so, what would you say has helped you the most?
Leslie Sbrocco: Three things that have helped me immensely on my journey have been walking, meditation, and breath work. I took up regular walking after my first big surgery and never stopped. Last year alone I clocked 1,400 miles and this year, so far, I’m at 300 miles. Just being outside clears my head and keeps me focused on nature and the world at large. Also, meditation has become a daily practice for me to remain calm, positive, and hopeful.
San Francisco Bay Times: Please tell us about the V Foundation for Cancer Research
and why you support this organization.
Leslie Sbrocco: The V Foundation was founded in 1993 by ESPN and basketball coach and broadcaster, Jim Valvano. He passed away from cancer but left an incredible legacy to achieve their goal of Victory Over Cancer®. They have given more than $350 million dollars in grants to fund cutting-edge cancer research and treatments. I am their honoree for this year’s Sonoma Epicurean weekend, where we hope to raise millions of dollars for research. I am an ardent supporter because of their focus on research to keep people like me, and so many like me, alive and thriving.
San Francisco Bay Times: Coming out as someone who has been diagnosed with cancer has parallels to coming out in other ways, given that it can carry a level of social risk, particularly for a high-profile individual such as yourself. Why did you decide to go public now about your cancer journey?
Leslie Sbrocco: I kept my threeyear journey mostly private to focus my energy on healing and treatments. My strong community of family and friends have buoyed me and kept me going during even the worst times. I knew at some point I would openly discuss and share my journey to inspire and help others. This month was the time to begin talking about it publicly because it’s Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month. Colon cancer has become one of the top cancer killers of people under 50 and doctors don’t know why. I am committed to raising awareness in all age groups about the importance of proactive screening. My cancer was misdiagnosed for nearly two years before they found it. I don’t want that to happen to others. Bringing light, encouragement, and awareness to others fills me with pride and purpose.
San Francisco Bay Times: We love this recent statement from you: “My pillars of
She added, “As President Joe Biden signs a new Executive Order to expand and improve research on women’s health, I am thinking of her.”
RESILIENCE, ATTITUDE AND GRATITUDE, and an amazing community of friends, family and medical teams have helped me get here.” A certain level of innate resilience can kick in after a jolting medical diagnosis, but maintaining it in the long haul is another story. Do you intentionally strive to build your mindfulness and resilience and, if so, how?
Leslie Sbrocco: No one is guaranteed tomorrow so you have to live fully each day. That means I wake up and set my intentions to have the best day possible. You have to have a toolkit to manage that. I use meditation, manifestation, exercise, and thankfulness as key parts of my toolkit. On treatment days, for example, I would walk into the cancer center, raise my arms, and say with a smile, “Thank you! We’re going to kill some cancer cells today!” You have to be resilient and choose an attitude of gratitude to make it through life’s hard times.
San Francisco Bay Times: There can be a lot of fear and inertia where health matters are concerned. What do you say to those reading this now, who might be avoiding the colonoscopies, mammograms, that knee twinge that won’t go
away—whatever it might be that could likely benefit from medical attention?
Leslie Sbrocco: You must be your own health advocate! I cannot say that more emphatically. I would not be here today if I didn’t push the doctors when I knew something was wrong. I kept pushing until we found an answer. I assembled an amazing team of medical professionals, but it wouldn’t have happened without me being in charge of my own health.
https://www.lesliesbrocco.com/
“Girl on Fire” by Alicia Keys describes the year four-Michelin-starred Chef Dominique Crenn is having. She now divides her time between France, where her recently opened restaurant Golden Poppy Paris is, and Northern California, the home of her restaurants Atelier Crenn (recipient of 3 Michelin stars), Petit Crenn, and Bar Crenn (1 Michelin star), as well as to her Bleu Belle Farm in Sonoma.
Chef Crenn is arguably the most influential and successful chef in the U.S., with Europeans now getting a literal taste of her culinary talents on their home turf—and in the skies. That is because she recently created twelve original dishes for Air France customers to enjoy in the La Première and Business cabins. In the latter, travelers can enjoy Californian charbonnier (mushrooms) with quinoa and marinière sauce; or open raviole with eggplant, tomato, hazelnut, and parmesan, among other culinary delights. Her wedding is scheduled for May, when she will marry actress and writer Maria Bello, with whom she has been engaged for five years. As Bello told People magazine, “Dom and I have been through the three C’s: cancer, COVID, and now commitment.”
The cancer diagnosis, Stage II metastatic breast cancer, came shortly after the engagement. Reflecting on that time, Chef Crenn told Mashed: “It was a triple-negative breast cancer, which is quite a difficult cancer to go through.” She endured several rounds of chemo and had a double mastectomy. She is now in remission.
Chef Crenn has always lived her life passionately, and openly. She has been an out member of the LGBTQ+ community for many years, and although the cancer diagnosis came as she was receiving international acclaim for her third Michelin star, she was open about her health challenges then as well.
She told Health Digest that she stopped eating processed foods. “Food is love too, so eat food that comes from love, not from a machine.” She added that doing research about food and health matters is also important. “It’s all about getting information, making sure to keep your head together.”
She also advised, “Have as much support as you can, because it’s not an easy journey.” She added, “What I say to people out there is surround yourself with love ... . Love is probably the best medicine in anything that you do or anything you go through.”
In addition to Bello, Emmy Awardwinning radio and television personality Liam Mayclem, who is also a San Francisco Bay Times columnist, remains part of Chef Crenn’s close, supportive circle. “She is a rebel with a cause,” Mayclem says, thinking of Chef Crenn’s 2020 book, Rebel Chef: In Search of What Matters (Penguin Press). “With the grit and determination of an undefeated boxer, Chef Crenn took cancer’s many punches and won. She remains on top, a champion.”
Read more about Mayclem’s thoughts on Chef Crenn in this earlier piece for the Bay Times:
https://tinyurl.com/2fdxttna
Born and raised in Detroit, Elle Simone Scott— food stylist, author, and veteran America’s Test Kitchen (ATK) cast member—is a culinary maverick. She found her love for food while spending time in the kitchen with a food enthusiast family. After an internship at the Food Network, Scott discovered her inclination towards the creative aspects of culinary preparation, particularly in designing and decorating as a food stylist, which led her to work in culinary production for The Chew, Cook’s Country, and shows on Bravo, the Food Network, the Cooking Channel, and more.
She has been dazzling the culinary world since 2003, and now resides in Boston as a full-time ATK cast member and food stylist. She also focuses on her role as a board member for Ovarian Cancer Research Alliance (OCRA), which she became involved with after her 2016 cancer diagnosis. OCRA is the leading organization in the world fighting ovarian cancer on all fronts while supporting patients and their families ( https://ocrahope.org/ ).
From the start, Scott has been open and honest about her diagnosis and treatments. Viewers could see some of this play out on television, as her weight greatly fluctuated. She told the Foundation for Women’s Cancer: “I was feeling pain in my lower right abdomen. I also noticed that I would have extreme fatigue. I started running because I noticed my belly getting bigger. I noticed that I was toning up and I was definitely losing the weight but my belly wasn’t getting flat.”
A member of the San Francisco Bay Times team, diagnosed with ovarian cancer in 2023, additionally experienced an extended abdomen. In her case, it was not only due to the disease, but also to an exceptional amount of fluid buildup. These are just a few possible symptoms of ovarian cancer and other ovarian disorders, and we advise women to regularly get gynecological check-ups, particularly if ovarian cancer runs in their families. An aunt of the Bay Times team member died of ovarian cancer. Scott has relatives who have had other forms of cancer.
The media often downplays the genetic role in cancer. Our team member’s oncologist, who has decades of experience leading surgical teams, said that nearly all cases of ovarian, breast, and other cancers he has treated have family ties and therefore a likely genetic component. The Canadian Cancer Society, however, holds that “most cancers are caused by genetic changes that happen mostly by chance and are not
inherited.” It goes without saying that more research is needed to pinpoint the precise causes and to pave the way for better treatments.
Cutting-edge research has already led to some promising new therapies, such as what is now helping to keep Scott’s cancer at bay.
At the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, she is in an immunotherapy clinical trial—a combo of the drugs nivolumab, bevacizumab, and rucaparib. It has allowed her to maintain an active work schedule that includes preparing for the launch of her highly anticipated second cookbook, Food Gifts: 150+ Irresistible Recipes for Crafting Personalized Presents (April 16, 2024, America’s Test Kitchen, $30). She is the first African American woman to appear as a regular host on ATK and is now, in addition to being a main cast member on ATK, a judge on America’s Test Kitchen: The Next Generation
She is also the author of best-selling book Boards: Stylish Spreads for Casual Gatherings, released in 2022, where she shares tips for creating photo-worthy spreads for hosting, letting you in on trade secrets ranging from plating techniques to how to keep things looking fresh at parties and gatherings. In her unique new cookbook, Scott expands the boundaries of gift giving with the first all-occasion guide to homemade food gifts with over 150 irresistible recipes, hundreds of creative packing and gift basket ideas, insider tips, and more.
On top of all this, Scott is the founder of SheChef, Inc., for chefs who are women of color. She tirelessly works to support others, both in the culinary field and on the health front. She told the Foundation for Women’s Cancer: “I felt like getting the word out for women of color. I would never see women of color at the (cancer nonprofit) events. Five years in, I’m still curious what happens to women of color who have cancer. It also makes me curious about survivors—are we not surviving? Are we not getting the attention and not being believed? It could be any or all of those things.”
For more information on Elle Simone Scott and America’s Test Kitchen, follow along on her Instagram ( @elle_simone_scott ) and with ATK ( @testkitchen ). To order Food Gifts, available in advance via the ATK website, go to: https://tinyurl.com/4dfw8f5h
By Elle Simone Scott
(Editor’s Note: In 2016, as a rising celebrity chef, Elle Simone Scott was diagnosed with ovarian cancer. She has a recurrent form of the disease, but an immunotherapy clinical trial has slowed her cancer’s progression and she continues to work. Her new book, Food Gifts: 150+ Irresistible Recipes for Crafting Personalized Presents, will be published on April 16. The San Francisco Bay Times thanks her for this piece, written as she received a treatment at the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute in Boston when she had to be seated for a while.)
There’s nothing more devastating or disruptive than receiving a cancer diagnosis, and when you couple that with being a leader in your industry, it can shake you to your core. Your life takes a multitude of unexpected twists and unknown turns. It’s akin to driving with no real destination and no GPS to guide you. I can’t really pinpoint any one particular thing that has helped me along this journey because it’s been many little jewels of experiences along the way.
It’s been making the conscious decision to find support in the National Ovarian Cancer Coalition community, working with my care team at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, and advocating for myself, always. Finally, it’s been finding that I have so much support in the culinary industry and my team at America’s Test Kitchen. Watching my peers, like Dominique Crenn, thrive throughout their respective journeys.
All in all, I’m constantly learning new things about myself, listening to my body and coming to new understandings about my needs and listening to that. I’ve learned that I’m stronger than I ever thought and that it’s okay to be vulnerable when I don’t feel as strong. I’m learning how to be a better advocate for myself and for those around me and that using my platform is not only an opportunity but also a responsibility.
Elle Simone Scott is a chef, culinary producer, test cook, and food stylist. Featured on the PBS television series “America’s Test Kitchen” and “Cook’s Country,” she is the Founder and President of SheChef, Inc., an organization for women chefs of color. https://www.shechef.info/
Update from Ukraine
enough to pay for a stove—and less than two weeks later, the little stove sent with love from San Francisco is warming fighters on the front lines in Dnipro, Ukraine.
Want to send a stove? They are made in Ukraine, so you are helping multiple people with each donation. And you can have a personalized plaque put on the stove to send your love and support! Here’s the link:
https://tinyurl.com/FeedtheWorld24
Easter with The Sisters
If you live in San Francisco, you know that Easter includes celebrating with the Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence in Dolores Park. They are back again this year with an
Also: It just so happens that this year marks the 45th anniversary of the Sisters, so there will be some very special events during Easter Week leading up to the big show on Easter Sunday. Sisters from all over the world will be coming to San Francisco to celebrate and to participate in a conclave. While some of the events are private, others are open to the public, including The Monster Show: Sisters Takeover, an evening of drag performances, pageantry, joy, and fundraising at The Edge, from 9 pm–1:30 am on Thursday, March 28.
It Can Happen Here
In the February 22 issue of the San Francisco Bay Times, I wrote an article about the situation in Ukraine as we marked the second anniversary of the war. San Franciscan Laura Pauli shared her experiences as a humanitarian aide volunteer there. Laura has also been raising funds to help people there, including funding portable wood-burning stoves that can both provide heat and cook food in areas where the infrastructure has been utterly destroyed. A portable, affordable heater/cookstove that could be used anywhere, by civilians as well as by soldiers on the front lines, seemed like such a practical way to help— and it costs less than my PG&E bill for the month! So, I donated
Easter egg hunt for the kids in the morning, followed by the ever-popular Hunky Jesus and Foxy Mary Contest in the afternoon. The event truly qualifies for the description “only in San Francisco.” It is free and open to the public, but if you really want to polish your halo, you can sign up to volunteer! This kind of magical event doesn’t really happen by magic; it takes a lot of hands to make it happen. Sign up here:
https://volunteersignup.org/RWDHE
We may seem to live in a precious bubble of safety and inclusion here in the Bay Area, but every now and then reality slaps us upside the head and reminds us that not everyone around us is on the same page. In Half Moon Bay, an LGBTQ Center, Coast Pride, reported recently that their headquarters had been vandalized for the second time this year. Their Progress flag was destroyed and removed, a rock was thrown through a window, and other damage was reported. Fortunately, there were no injuries.
The vandalism was a sad reminder of the divisions that can tear us apart. But they are also a reminder of our responsibilities to love, support, and look after one another. If you would like to show some love to Coast Pride, either with a donation or with what is sure to be a very welcome message of solidarity, here’s their link: https://www.coastpride.org/
And It Can Happen Anywhere
The sad news that the official cause of Nex Benedict’s death was not inju-
ries from the attack they suffered, but suicide, just compounds the original heartbreak of this young person’s tragic death. While the “official” cause of death may have been selfinflicted, we all know that the real cause was the toxic atmosphere of bullying and hatred against non-conforming, non-binary people that has been fostered and weaponized across the country, often by the very people whose job description includes supporting and protecting youths. Being young is hard enough. Being young and not fitting into rigid societal norms is even harder—especially in this current antagonistic climate. Do your part to protect them from harm. Show love and respect. Let them know you have their back. Stand up for their right to be who they are, and love them for whoever they choose to be.
Save the Date: Gay Power, Gay Politics: 44 Years Later
The GLBT Historical Society has announced an event that promises to provide a fascinating look at our notso-distant past. On Thursday, April 4, they will be showing a program called Gay Power, Gay Politics, which first aired on CBS Reports in 1980. The show proved to be so biased and controversial that CBS actually issued an on-air apology—widely considered the first such public apology by a national news organization. This event will include a screening of the entire original broadca st, and a discussion led by founding San Francisco Bay Times News Editor Randy Alfred and Myron Caringal. It will take place at the GLBT Historical Society Museum on April 4 from 6–8 pm. Admission is $10; free for members.
https://tinyurl.com/GLBT44
As someone who completely lacks the glamor gene, I am awed both by the huge hair and the huge hearts of our drag community. I’m hoping to see you all at So You Think You Can Drag? –a drag fundraiser and competition to benefit the Harvey Milk Elementary School. It is an annual benefit presented by the Grand Ducal Council. This year the truly fabulous Kylie Minono will be hosting the event that will feature an all-star lineup of some of our best local drag talent— and special celebrity judge Sister Roma. In addition to the professional drag artists, the top five community members who have signed up to raise funds for the school will be put in drag to compete for the crown.
Come to The Café at 2369 Market Street on Saturday, March 23, from 5–8 pm, and have a great time for a good cause.
https://tinyurl.com/SYTYCD24
The Return of Spring
After a grey, often wet winter, longer days are here, and California is alive with brilliant colors. Get outside and soak up the sights, sounds, and smells of spring. It will feed your soul.
Joanie Juster is a long-time community volunteer, activist, and ally.
SF Pride has announced the nominees for 2024 Community Grand Marshals. They are:
• The Port Bar - the Oakland LGBTQ bar and community space;
• Children’s After School Arts - a nonprofit after-school arts program;
• Serge Gay Jr - artist, illustrator, graphic designer; Neo Veavea - Co-Founder of United Territories of Pacific Islanders (UTOPIA);
• Fudgie Frottage/Lu Read - Sf drag king legend;
• Tory Teasley - musician, vocalist, and community activist;
• Nicole Adler - advocate for developmental disabilities and LGBTQ communities;
• Xander Briere - nonbinary queer activist;
• Marvin K. White - Senior Minister of Celebration, GLIDE Memorial Church;
• Julia Serano - award-winning trans writer and activist.
Public voting closes on March 25, when one nominee will be selected. Be sure to vote! There will then be a second round of voting by the SF Pride membership from March 25–April 10 to select a second Grand Marshal from the remaining nominees. The final selections will be made by the Pride Board of Directors in late April.
It is not too late to become a member of Pride to make your voice heard during the second round of voting. For more information: https://members.sfpride.org/
To participate in the initial public voting round and to learn more about the nominees, visit: https://sfpride.org/grand-marshals
The San Francisco Bay Times is proud to have many Grand Marshals from past years as part of our team. As SF Pride shares, “Our Grand Marshals represent a mix of individuals and organizations that have made significant contributions to the lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender community. With the help of community input, Pride selects these groups and individuals in order to honor the work they have put into furthering the causes of LGBTQ+ people. San Francisco Pride Community Grand Marshals are local heroes who have contributed greatly to the SF Bay Area LGBTQ+ community or to society at large.”
Brandon Miller
Hear ye, hear ye, my friends! I’m going to climb up on my soap box once again to remind you all how essential estate planning is. You are good planners, right? Be it planning fabulous vacations, Drag Race watch parties, or upcoming nuptials,
I know you have opinions. Well, this is your time to shine!
First off, let’s debunk a myth: estate planning isn’t just for the ultra-rich or elderly. It’s for anyone who wants to make sure their assets are protected and their loved ones are taken care of, regardless of age, wealth, or whom you love.
So, what exactly does estate planning entail? Well, it’s all about making decisions now to ensure your wishes are carried out later. This means drafting a will, setting up trusts, designating beneficiaries, and maybe even considering end-of-life care preferences. It’s also a huge gift not to leave a mess behind for your loved ones to contend with.
For non-traditional and LGBTQ+ folks, estate planning can be especially crucial. Why? Because, unfortunately, our legal system hasn’t always been the most welcoming or
Jay Greene, Esq., CPA
In today’s rapidly evolving world, it’s crucial for LGBTQ+ women to take control of their financial futures. Estate planning isn’t just about passing on assets; it’s about ensuring independence and security for yourself and your loved ones.
In states like California, where legal protections for LGBTQ+ individuals vary, navigating estate planning can present additional challenges. From potential legal hurdles in recognizing non-traditional family structures
understanding when it comes to our relationships and identities. Without proper planning, your assets could end up in the wrong hands or your partner may not have a say in important medical decisions.
But fear not! There are steps you can take to protect yourself and your loved ones given the unique legal landscape and potential family dynamics for our community.
Create a Will
This is where you get to call the shots on who gets what when you’re gone. For non-traditional families, this is even more critical. Without a will, the state will determine how your assets are distributed based on default inheritance laws, which won’t be your partner or chosen family unless you state as such. It’s key to explicitly outline your wishes
(continued on page 18)
to disparities in access to benefits and healthcare, LGBTQ+ women may face unique considerations that require specialized attention in their estate planning strategies.
Estate planning serves as a powerful tool for LGBTQ+ women to achieve financial independence. By creating a comprehensive plan, you can preserve and distribute your assets according to your wishes, while also addressing potential legal complexities that may arise due to your sexual orientation or gender identity. This includes strategies to minimize tax liabilities and ensuring that your loved ones are protected under law, regardless of familial or relationship dynamics.
In the Bay Area, LGBTQ+ women can benefit from tailored estate planning documents designed to address their unique needs. This includes drafting a Last Will and Testament to designate beneficiaries and guardianship for dependents, taking into account your family structure. A Revocable Living Trust can help avoid probate and ensure asset management during incapacity, which provides an added layer of protection for LGBTQ+ individuals and couples. Powers of Attorney and Advance Healthcare Directives are crucial for making financial and healthcare decisions, especially in situations where legal recognition may be questioned.
Estate planning should emphasize inclusivity in beneficiary designations, recognizing the diverse backgrounds and experiences of your loved ones. Whether you’re navigating complex family dynamics or ensuring equitable treatment of heirs, you should develop strategies that protect your assets and reflect your values.
Retirement planning is essential for financial independence, when we may face additional challenges in accessing benefits or healthcare services. Be sure to explore strategies to maximize retirement savings and address long-term care needs, ensuring that you’re prepared for whatever the future may hold.
Dear Friends and Supporters of the Golden Gate Business Association (GGBA),
As we continue our mission to foster inclusivity and diversity within the LGBTQ+ business community, we’d like to take a moment to highlight the innovative initiatives and programs that have been the cornerstone of our advocacy efforts. The GGBA has always believed in the transformative power of diversity as a strength, leading us to pioneer inclusive business practices that set a benchmark for the world.
Our commitment to nurturing an inclusive business environment is exemplified through the Certified LGBT Business Enterprise® (LGBTBE) Certification in collaboration with the National LGBT Chamber of Commerce (NGLCC). This certification not only validates LGBTQ+ businesses but also opens doors to countless opportunities for growth and visibility.
Moreover, our Make Contact networking events and Power Lunch Series are designed to facilitate meaningful connections and discussions among LGBTQ+ entrepreneurs and allies. These platforms encourage knowledge sharing, mentorship, and collaboration, reinforcing the GGBA’s role in creating a vibrant and supportive business community.
This year, we have launched the Intersection Connection series—quarterly networking events tailored to spe-
cific industries to foster deep connections and showcase diverse talents. The inaugural event is scheduled for March 20 at Mindspace coworking offices, focusing on “Real Estate and related” industries.
Also, in a landmark partnership with the Transgender District, we’re rolling out the TGX Employment and Entrepreneurship Initiative, focusing on supporting transgender and gender-expansive individuals in their professional journeys, with details on our kickoff event coming soon. We’re also planning an innovative TGX Welcoming Workplaces and Employment Matchmaker event to promote workplace inclusivity and facilitate direct employment connections alongside developing a formal mentorship program to guide emerging professionals. Our commitment to cultivating an inclusive, equitable business landscape is foundational to our mission, marking not an endpoint but an ongoing journey of transformation—one we eagerly encourage our community to be an integral part of. This journey seamlessly paves the way for the core of our work: advocacy.
At the heart of our endeavors, the GGBA’s dedication to advocacy is unwavering, as we strive to reshape policies and practices that foster equality. Our focus on ensuring the inclusion of LGBTQ+-owned businesses in both public and private sector procurement processes is relentless. By fostering strategic partnerships with organizations and entities that share our vision, we are able to expand our influence and impact, further advancing our goal of a more inclusive business world.
Our partnerships with corporate sponsors, governmental agencies, and other nonprofit organizations greatly enhance the GGBA’s achievements in advocating for
Dr. Angela Rodriguez is a plastic surgeon with a heart for compassionate and personalized care. With 20 years of experience, she is known for her expertise in helping transgender and non-binary patients. She is involved throughout each patient’s entire process, ensuring a high level of individualized care. She and her team also provide non-surgical procedures and treatments.
GGBA: Please tell us more about your surgical practice, including information about its mission and values.
Dr. Angela Rodriguez: ART Surgical is a medical practice created to serve the transgender community and achieve the surgical goals of our patients
diversity and inclusion. These collaborations provide essential resources and support, enabling us to undertake initiatives that directly benefit the LGBTQ+ business community.
Notably, in 2015, GGBA played a pivotal role in the passage of California Assembly Bill 1678, which integrated LGBTQ+ businesses into California Public Utilities procurement programs. Building on this success, in 2016, we led the charge to ensure the inclusion of LGBTQ+ businesses in contracting opportunities with major sports organizations, including the NFL, for Super Bowl 50 (a feat we hope to duplicate in 2026). Additionally, our advocacy efforts resulted in the landmark inclusion of LGBTQ+-certified firms in BART’s procurement programs, marking a significant milestone in fostering inclusivity and economic empowerment for LGBTQ+ businesses.
As we gear up for GGBA’s 50th anniversary on June 7, we reflect on our journey and the milestones achieved. This golden jubilee not only celebrates our past achievements but also sets the stage for our future endeavors in championing an inclusive business community.
We invite all our members, partners, and stakeholders to mark their calendars for our grand gala at San Francisco City Hall, a fitting tribute to our collective efforts and achievements.
Stay connected with us through GGBA PowerConnect 2024 ( https://www.ggbapowerconnect.com ) for updates on this landmark event and more.
In closing, we believe that diversity is our greatest strength. Together, we continue to
Intersection Connection: Real Estate (& Related) Focused Networking
March 20, 2024 6–8 pm
Location: Mindspace https://tinyurl.com/343jujsy
April Make Contact April 9, 2024 6–8 pm
Location: Brio Financial Headquarters https://tinyurl.com/3vcxtzy7
New (& Prospective) Member
Orientation Apr 17, 2024 6–8 pm Online
pave the way for a more inclusive and equitable business world.
With gratitude and pride,
Tony Archuleta-Perkins, MBA, MS President, Golden Gate Business Association
Tony Archuleta-Perkins is the founder and owner of Ide8 Real Estate. He has worked in finance for 25 years, ten of those years specifically as a fractional CFO. He has two master’s degrees: an MBA and a Master of Science in Real Estate. In addition to his educational and professional pedigree, Archuleta-Perkins has a passion for advocacy for the LGBTQ+ community and its allies. He proudly volunteers and serves on two boards here in San Francisco: President of the Golden Gate Business Association and Treasurer of the LGBTQ+ Real Estate Alliance, SF Chapter. He and his husband enjoy international traveling and scuba diving.
in San Francisco, the state of California, and beyond. We serve exclusively the transgender community. We perform all aspects of gender-affirming care. Our values revolve around placing the human back in surgical care. These values are simply expressed by my pronoun HER: Humanity, Excellence (Equality is a big one as well), and Respect.
GGBA: Why did you decide to focus your practice on serving the transgender community?
Dr. Angela Rodriguez: I spent the first 14 years of my career taking care of children with complex craniofacial anomalies and birth defects as the director of the Cleft Craniofacial Center at Valley Children’s Healthcare. It is important for me to be of service to society, and to important causes. I believe gender-affirming care is the cause of our times and I feel honored to be of service to the trans community.
I wanted to create an inclusive place. I am interested in quality care and my patients know that. I wanted to apply my 20 years of knowledge and life experience to the service of my patients. The human factor, I believe, contributes to better outcomes, giving the patient a better experience. I want the outcomes to be measured in quality, not quantity. I want to be heavily involved in the care of my patients and have a presence at all times. I strive to give the patient continuity of care, and I think that can be easily seen in the outcomes of our practice and in the success that we have achieved within the community.
I opened my practice exactly a year ago. The effort has had its challenges, but it has been extremely invigorating and I enjoy the creative process. I never really had the need or burning desire of opening my practice until I realized how I could be of service to the community. Personalized care was not the general rule in in other places, and especially those helping transgender and non-binary patients, and this gave me
the motivation to start my own business.
GGBA: Who are some of your role models, and especially those who have helped influence your business?
Dr. Angela Rodriguez: There have been many role models over the years, including surgeons, colleagues, and mentors who have shaped the way I perform surgery. But I must say that, in terms of business, my father was a great influence. He worked as a businessman for his entire life, and I think if he were alive today, he would be very proud that I started my own business.
It can be challenging to find role models when you are the ultimate minority: I am a gay, Latina woman who has an accent! There were not a lot of people whom I could identify with, so I took bits and pieces from my colleagues, mentors, and other surgeons. I wish we had more women like me in leadership positions, but, unfortunately, that is not the case.
GGBA: Why did you decide to join the GGBA and how long have you been a member?
Dr. Angela Rodriquez: I have been a member for almost a year, and as an ultimate minority, it is all the more important to join an organization that truly represents you, and I have found that with the GGBA. I was extremely excited when I first learned about the GGBA.
GGBA: Although you have been a GGBA member for a relatively short period of time, has it helped your business so far?
Dr. Angela Rodriquez: I believe it is giving me inspiration and representation. We have been extremely busy, which is a good thing, but I am looking forward (continued on page 18)
By Kathleen Sullivan, PhD
I started my career in gerontology, the study of aging, when I was in my 30s. After a career as a community organizer, campaign manager, and political consultant, I went back to school to study aging. I interviewed LGBTQIA older adults and completed the first study on how and why LGBTQIA housing environments had a positive impact on LGBTQIA residents, and more importantly, why a safe, supportive social environment is vital to LGBTQIA people as we age. What seems obvious to those I interviewed was simply not obvious to the field of gerontology. A feeling of belonging is an essential component for all of us to feel we can be our true selves.
Some twenty-five years later I find myself in beautiful San Francisco as the Executive Director of Openhouse and working with the California Department of Aging, UC Berkeley, and UCSF to complete the first ever study of the aging experience of LGBTQIA Californians. I suggested this study to the CDA just over a year ago, and Director Susan DeMarois and her team immediately under-
stood its importance.
LGBTQIA elders are often invisible in the policy arena and few organizations know how to tailor a program or intervention to meet the needs of the LGBTQIA community. Our community deserves to have programs and services that meet our needs, rather than a cookie cutter approach to elder services.
All our voices matter and March is the final month to have your voice heard.
The baseline data from this study—
From Challenges to Resilience—will be available for communities across the state to use to create policies and programs that meet the needs of their communities.
Openhouse built a statewide coalition of organizations that provide services and programs to diverse members of our community: diverse in language, experience, gender identity, immigration status, and type of community they live in—rural, suburban, frontier, or urban. We built this coalition because the community had to be part of the study from the beginning.
Please join those who have already taken the survey; the study link can be found at www.openhousesf.org
It is also at the study website: https://tiny.ucsf.edu/ChallengestoResilience
The survey is available in Spanish, Tagalog, Chinese, and English.
Thank you and we will update the community with the findings once they are available.
Kathleen M. Sullivan is the Executive Director of Openhouse, and holds a PhD in gerontology. When not working, Dr. Sullivan plays tennis, runs, and enjoys life with her wife of 25 years, Dr. Rebecca Levison.
Political activist and author David Mixner, known for his decades of work in anti-war and LGBTQ+ rights advocacy, passed on March 11 at the age of 77 from long COVID-19. His death in a New York City hospice was announced by the LGBTQ+ Victory Fund.
For almost five decades, Mixner was at the forefront of advocacy on key issues from Vietnam War protests in the 1960s, to the “NO on 6” campaign and more in the 1970s, to the AIDS epidemic in the 1980s, co-founding of the Victory Fund in the 1990s, and more. Having served as an adviser to Bill Clinton during Clinton’s presidential campaign, Mixner made headlines when he called out the former president for his “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” policy.
San Francisco Bay Times photographer Rink discovered at Hibernia Beach (18th and Castro Streets) memorial posters noting the passing of Mixner. The trailblazer is also remembered for several plays and books, including his memoir At Home with Myself: Stories from the Hills of Turkey Hollow, which was published by Magnus Books in 2011. Scripps News last year produced a video about Mixner’s life and achievements. View it at https://tinyurl.com/54z3tsbv
By Rebecca Rolfe
Last month, the SF LGBT Center brought together dozens of board alumni, each of whom has played a significant role in our journey. This reunion was a powerful moment for us to reflect on our collective achievements and to reignite our shared commitment to the Center as we embark on the next decade of providing transformative resources for LGBTQ+ people.
Over the past two decades, we have listened, innovated, and adapted our programs and services to meet the evolving needs of our community amidst significant global challenges. Today, the Center stands in the strongest position we have ever seen, both financially and programmatically. We have also maintained a
deep connection with our community, a testament to the dedication and hard work of over 150 board members spanning generations. This achievement deeply reflects our collective commitment and resilience.
The energy at the reunion was palpable. This gathering was a momentous occasion for us to celebrate the Center’s achievements alongside community leaders, luminaries, and visionaries who played a pivotal role in making it all possible. We had almost three decades of leaders represented, from folks who were part of the initial visioning of what the Center could become to folks who helped open the Center doors and guided the development of our programs and services, and current board members who are actively working to ensure the most robust possible future for our community.
to see two of the Center’s founding board members, Jody Cole and former State Senator Mark Leno, as well as Frank Woo, who helped lead the Capital Campaign, back together again. Their dynamic leadership during the 1990s and early 2000s for the Center’s Capital Campaign was instrumental in our existence today, and we are immensely proud of their contributions.
We are gearing up for the SF LGBT Center’s milestone 22nd Anniversary
Among the many standout moments, it was particularly heartwarming
In This Moment We Have a Choice: Feed the ‘Doom-Loop’ Narrative or Commit to a Future Rooted in Hope
By Chuan Teng, JD
If you live or work in San Francisco, you’ve probably heard that we’re a failed city. Or that the city is dying. Or that we’re stuck in a “doom-loop.” But probably, more than anything, you’ve been told that nothing works, that our crises are beyond repair, that there’s no hope of change.
I, like many of my colleagues at PRC, and many of my fellow service providers, am here to tell you that it couldn’t be further from the truth.
The story of San Francisco is one we can all believe in: we find a way to persevere and triumph over adversity. Take the 1906 earthquake and the HIV epidemic of the 1980s as examples. In the aftermath of rubble, twisted iron, and clouds of smoke, we built one of the most inclusive and prosperous cities the world has ever known. When friends, colleagues, lovers, of all races, genders, and walks of life were perishing faster than we could count, we challenged the intolerant status quo and created a system of care that would save millions of lives around the world.
During both crises, our city’s character was defined by a choice: to give into the doom-and-gloom and the politics of old, or to lead with empathy, hope, and the belief that a better day will come.
In the present day, we’re faced with different albeit longstanding challenges and the same choice. A decades-long shortage of deeply affordable housing, a dwindling social safety net, a rapidly changing narcotics market plagued by fentanyl, all make the city by the bay nearly unrecognizable.
But there’s one epidemic that’s holding us back from tackling these challenges: that of hopelessness. When you learn that the definition of epidemic is “a widespread occurrence of an infectious disease in a community at a particular time,” it’s hard to argue there’s a greater poison plaguing our community than apathy and cynicism.
We all hear the statistics. San Francisco saw 811 accidental overdose deaths in 2023, and we’re on pace for 655 this year. These numbers are appalling and cannot be excused. I believe all of us, whether we show it or not, share in the deep grief of our current reality. But somewhere along the way to being shocked and appalled by the status quo, we lost sight of the value of evidence-based solutions that actually work. Some of us, such as the Fentanylifers, even resorted to using sarcasm to shame drug-addicted people and city leaders for the state of San Francisco. I understand the frustration, but I denounce and reject the grotesque denigration of human suffering.
The reality is, more than 70% of people suffering from addiction are either in recovery or have completed treatment, and more than 90% of people living in permanent supportive housing units across the Bay Area remained stably housed after 12 months.
These figures give me hope for the future of our city, but we still have work to do. We can and we must make better use of existing resources to tackle conditions on our streets while making necessary investments to address the real consequences of poverty, racism, and societal extremes.
(continued on page 12)
In this moment, we have a choice. Will we feed the “doom-loop” narrative, giving into the politicking and the punditry? Or will we roll up our sleeves, and do and say what’s positive and productive?
When faced with this question myself, I need only reflect on the story of a man named Daniel, to guide me to hope.
While walking into work one day, I encountered a man lying on the ground in front of PRC’s office. He looked as if he’d been on the streets for a long time, talking to himself, with a phone charger and lighter strewn around him. But, as I approached, I saw a brief glimmer in his eye and something made me stop. I knelt down and asked if I could bring him some water. He said yes, so I went inside and brought back a cup of water and we started talking.
I learned his name was Daniel, and every so often, he spent time in the neighborhood. As we chatted, I asked him if he’d like to check out PRC’s Hummingbird program to get a meal and a shower. He said yes once more, so I went back inside to get a program flyer, and when I returned and asked again, Daniel gave another empathetic “yes!” He wanted to go to Hummingbird!
I called the Hummingbird program director right away to see if someone could come pick Daniel up. She said, “Yes, no problem, we’ll be there in 15 minutes.” Daniel and I stayed together on that sidewalk until my colleague arrived, and they drove Daniel back to Hummingbird.
The next day, that colleague shared that Daniel had dinner at Hummingbird, got some new clothes,
Pau Crego PHOTO BY PAX AHIMSA GETHEN
oring trans people was Trans Day of Remembrance, a time to mourn trans community members who have passed away in the previous year due to violence and suicide, among other reasons.
Every year on March 31, trans people and our allies celebrate the International Trans Day of Visibility (TDOV). TDOV is an opportunity to acknowledge and honor trans people’s contributions to society, and raise awareness about trans issues.
Founded in 2010 by Rachel Crandall Crocker, the Executive Director and Co-Founder of Transgender Michigan, TDOV uplifts the joy, accomplishments, resilience, and empowerment of trans communities. The creation of TDOV was incredibly important at a time when the only annual event hon-
Furthermore, back in 2010, TDOV was instrumental for our visibility. Learning about trans communities was not as readily available online as it is nowadays given the rise in content over the past 16 years via social media, blogs, podcasts, and other personal storytelling platforms.
The increased visibility of trans people’s experiences has been instrumental to educate allies and decision-makers, break down stigma, and hopefully shatter the assumption that trans communities are a monolith. It has surely facilitated the trans rights movement,
by allowing advocates to connect and share key lessons in the pursuit of trans rights across institutions, cities, states, and countries.
Our very own Harvey Milk was aware of the crucial role that visibility can play in educating and inspiring compassion in people who believe they have no apparent relationship to our community. He encouraged cisgender LGBQ people to “come out of the closet” as a way to educate and inspire empathy in people whose biases presumably stemmed from ignorance.
This strategy remains effective to combat transphobia today: according to a 2023 Data For Progress poll, sympathy for trans people among voters who personally know a trans
Eighteen-year-old Oli was in crisis. He’d spent his savings on getting his top surgery and a flight to San Francisco from Alabama. But a few months before his surgery, his team wanted to confirm where he was going to recover afterward. He didn’t know. And if he didn’t confirm that week, his surgery would be postponed.
Unfortunately, this is the reality many transgender people face with their gender-affirming surgeries. While gender-affirming surgeries have become easier to access and more commonplace for people in need, having a safe place to recover is still a pressing issue.
Since 1987, Maitri has provided compassionate care to low-income people living with HIV/AIDS.
Many of the 1,600 clients we’ve served over the years have identified as transgender or gender nonconforming—likely many more than we know as language has evolved and people have begun to be better able to express themselves and their identities.
It’s because of this care we’ve provided that we at Maitri knew we could make a difference to a community in desperate need.
As the nature of the HIV/AIDS epidemic has changed, the need for AIDS-specific hospice care has decreased, and the need for shortterm care for people living with HIV/AIDS has increased; Maitri has adjusted our care to meet the needs of our community.
We continue this with our newest initiative, the Maitri Affirmation Center. At our 15-bed residential
care center, we dedicate one of our rooms to serving people like Oli, lowincome people undergoing genderaffirming surgeries, to ensure they have the care and support they need to recover safely.
Clients like Oli have access to the same incredible programming Maitri provides all of our clients: 24-hour nursing care, on-site mental health
person is significantly higher (68%) compared to those who don’t know a trans person (35%). I am struck by this data point because, at a time when most have first-hand (online) stories of trans people at their fingertips, it seems that personally knowing a trans person significantly changes how much sympathy we inspire. Is it, perhaps, that voters who don’t know a trans person are unlikely to seek out content about trans people and are, as a result, less sympathetic?
rance, and develop bonds. And let’s not forget that trans visibility and disclosure come at a price for those who are making themselves known and seen.
Regardless of the reason, it looks like there is something uniquely humanizing about having a trans person in one’s life, as opposed to consuming content by and about trans people from afar. I imagine that it renders anti-trans policies, politics, and rhetoric more real, more personal. It likely gives the victim of transphobic hate a known face, that of a colleague or neighbor, family member or friend.
I understand that personal connection can lead to greater empathy, compassion, caring, and even solidarity. I also believe that vulnerability—such as disclosing being trans, and how that identity influences our ability to navigate the world— is a powerful strategy to challenge assumptions and biases, fight igno -
Pau Crego (he/him) is a queer and trans immigrant who has worked towards equity for trans and LGBTQI+ communities for almost two decades, both in the San Francisco Bay Area, and in Spain where he is originally from. His advocacy has included direct services, technical assistance, training and education, program design, and policy change. Crego worked at the Office of Transgender Initiatives (OTI) from 2017–2023, most recently serving as the Office’s Executive Director. He is also faculty in the Health Education Department at City College of San Francisco, and a published author and translator in the field of public health.
Educational Resources and Support Networks
There are numerous resources and support networks available to empower LGBTQ+ women in their estate planning journey. From LGBTQ+ community organizations, financial professionals, and attorneys, we’re committed to providing the tools and resources you need to take control of your financial future.
We understand that estate planning can be daunting, especially for LGBTQ+ individuals and couples facing unique legal challenges. My firm is a resource to address common barriers and misconceptions surrounding estate planning in the Bay Area, providing compassionate and knowledgeable guidance every step of the way.
In San Francisco, we recognize the importance of inclusivity in estate planning. Our law firm is dedicated to tailoring our services to meet the unique needs of LGBTQ+ individuals and couples, ensuring that you receive the personalized attention and support you deserve in securing your financial independence and legacy.
Choose to secure your legacy, protect your loved ones, and gain peace of mind. Contact us at obed@greenelawfirm.com or call us at 415-9050215 to schedule your consultation. Your future deserves the attention to detail and care that you have established for your present life.
care, amazing community volunteer support, home-cooked meals, and case management.
We know that, by providing this care, we’re part of a growing continuum of care for the transgender community.
Just as organizations like Maitri, The Shanti Project, PRC, and The San Francisco AIDS Foundation grew to respond to the needs of the gay community at the height of the HIV/ AIDS epidemic, we know organizations need to step up and meet the growing needs of our trans community.
Today, Oli lives his most authentic life in a body that matches his gender identity. And in his own words, “Not a day goes by where I’m not grateful for your care.” Today, Maitri is welcoming another client into our Affirmation Center room so we can help another person just like him because no one should have to suffer, transition, or die alone.
Michael Armentrout is the Chief Executive Officer of Maitri https://www.maitrisf.org/
Statements In Compliance with California Rules of Professional Conduct: The materials in this article have been prepared by Attorney 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, Attorney, 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. For more information and to schedule an assessment, visit: https://assetprotectionbayarea.com/
ROLFE (continued from pg 11)
Soirée, a pivotal fundraising event fast approaching on April 20, 2024, at City View at Metreon. As one of our pillar events, Soirée is not just a spectacular evening that highlights the impact of our work and celebrates our vibrant LGBTQ+ community members, but also a vital platform for raising critical funds. These funds are essential as we combat the growing barrage of targeted political attacks around the country on LGBTQ+ people. Your support at this event is more important than ever.
We invite you to join us in celebration and support of the Center and our vibrant LGBTQ+ community. You won’t want to miss it! To get your dinner and after-party tickets now, visit https://tinyurl.com/32r49xw4
Rebecca Rolfe is the Executive Director of the SF LGBT Center.
By Mike Shriver
The truth is, I miss Al.
Three years ago, we lost a giant in the LGBTQIA+ and Jewish communities. Al Baum, Jr., was a philanthropist, a pioneer, an accomplished lawyer and therapist, an amazing individual, and someone I had the privilege of calling a friend. It was easy to see why Rabbi Camille Angel, along with Robert Holgate (Al’s husband) and Pam David, created the “Al Baum Memorial Lecture Series” at the University of San Francisco (USF), to honor his legacy.
I first met Al in the late 1980s, having been introduced to him by another one of our LGBTQ pioneers and philanthropists, Jim Hormel. Al was funny, he was engaging, he was gruff, and he embodied the spirit of someone who truly wanted to do the best for his community. A tremendous amount of my time with Al was spent in our work to address the AIDS epidemic. Al could always be counted on to help support programs, agencies, and efforts that aimed at helping bring an end to the HIV crisis, both locally as well as nationally. Countless lives were improved, and countless policy and programs were sustained because of Al’s commitment to using philanthropy to further the cause. He made a difference. And his absence is deeply felt.
Al taught me the critical value of being perpetually dissatisfied, of never settling, of always seeking to improve. There is always more to be done, more to support, more to being a responsible member of our community.
In its first two years of existence, the Al Baum Lecture Series has showcased two heroes of mine, Marcy Adelman and Mark Leno, both of whom also are “teaching elders” in Rabbi Angel’s “LGBTQIA+ Jewish Elders” class. Following in their footsteps and being asked to give this year’s Al Baum Memorial Lecture is rather daunting, and I hope to do all their legacies justice.
When I was approached by Rabbi Camille Angel to participate in her LGBTQIA+ Jewish Elders program at USF three years ago, I was both honored and a little surprised.
I mean, I wasn’t sure that I met the criteria for being deemed an “elder” but was more than happy to take that opportunity and help educate a trio of young adults as to what it was like to come of age during the AIDS crisis. I have always believed in the importance of telling our story, our stories, of always making sure our history as a community and as a movement was being used to honor our past and help shape our future. I should also note that I was quite impressed that a Jesuit-run institution of higher learning was hosting such a class, a class taught by an out queer Rabbi.
At the end of the semester, when I viewed for the first time the video my students had made about me, I realized the power of this class and the privileged opportunity I had been given to teach/share with younger
generations my activist history about the HIV/AIDS epidemic and our community’s fierce advocacy to be treated with care and respect. This experience has been repeated each subsequent class I have had the privilege of being a “teaching elder.”
The time with my students has helped me gain a newfound perspective on the work we did as AIDS activists, advocates, service providers, and as community members. It also opened up old memories and wounds, but reminded me of how important my friends and my community were and are to me, to my health, and wellbeing. It has also shown me that the work is far from over.
We find ourselves at a crossroads now in our efforts to end the HIV/AIDS epidemic here in San Francisco (as well as regionally, nationally, and across the globe). Few cities in the world can see the end of the pandemic as clearly as we can here in San Francisco, yet locally we are still miles away from the finish line. While the number of new HIV infections here has been on a steady and encouraging decline, we still see new HIV infections among several of the same communities that have consistently shouldered a disproportionate burden of the HIV epidemic.
The goal in “Getting to Zero SF” is to reduce HIV transmissions and HIV-related deaths by 90% by the year 2025. But this requires a lot of work and a tremendous infusion of energy, funding, and innovation. It also demands a willingness to name and to confront where we have fallen short in helping those communities who are still not seeing the benefit of HIV technologies, interventions, programs, advocacy, and support. It requires a commitment to prioritize, to value, and, most specifically, to invest the necessary resources into these underserved communities.
Unless and until we see all individuals and communities at-risk for HIV infection as being equally worthy of health, wellness, and a future without AIDS, the notion of Getting to Zero will remain aspirational and hollow. I hope to do Al proud with my lecture.
Mike Shriver is a member of the Castro Country Advisory Board who previously served as Co-Chair of the HIV Community Planning Council and Chair of the National AIDS Memorial Board of Directors. He will deliver the third annual Alvin H. Baum, Jr., Memorial Lecture at USF on April 7. For more information: https://tinyurl.com/y9h2cbyd
Dr. Marcy Adelman oversees the A ging in Community column. For her summary of current LGBT senior challenges and opportunities, please go to: http://sfbaytimes.com/challenges-and-opportunties/
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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This year marks the 30th anniversary of AGUILAS, which provides services to the Latinx LGBTQI+ community. Founded in 1991, AGUILAS was funded by the San Francisco Department of Public Health in 1994 to design and develop a long-range delivery of service for the prevention of HIV/AIDS among Latinx men who have sex with men. The Horizons Foundation just awarded AGUILAS $2,500 to help with the 30th anniversary celebration that will take place on Friday, May 17, from 6–8 pm.
The location of the celebration will be the SF LGBT Center Rainbow Room on the second floor where there will be food, presentations,
and entertainment. Reservations are recommended once the announcement is formally made through the AGUILAS website, Facebook, and other social media. Since AGUILAS is the oldest Latinx LGBTQI+ agency in all the Americas, we hope that this historic celebration will bring the community and allies together to celebrate and toast to the organization’s continued success.
As part of its 30 years of service, AGUILAS staff completed a qualitative needs assessment in English, Spanish, and Portuguese of Latinx gay/bisexual men in San Francisco. The findings were incorporated into the updated plan for San Francisco HIV Health Services. AGUILAS during its years of service also took the lead in developing a memorial to those who were massacred at the Pulse Club in Orlando, Florida.
AGUILAS is the only Latinx agency that is a founding donor for the SF LGBT Center that opened in 2002. Also, AGUILAS organized the first ever Mexican LGBT Leadership Conference in Spanish at the top floor of the Sheraton Hotel Maria Isabel in Mexico City; it was held on July 5, 2008, in collaboration with Alliant International University.
For more than 200 years after its independence, Haiti has been plagued by crises and political disruptions. The latest incidents of gang violence and crime have contributed to nearly 13,000 civilian deaths since 2022 that go largely unreported by many major news outlets when compared to other global humanitarian crises, acts of terrorism, and civil unrest. The situation is so bad that some limited U.S. aid, along with an anti-terrorism team of U.S. Marines, has been dispatched to Port-auPrince to bolster the protection of the U.S. Embassy amid escalating gang violence and a deepening political conflict.
What’s behind the latest episode of violent conflict and why haven’t more world leaders and developed nations paid attention to the escalating plight of Haitian people?
History often plays a critical role in unearthing the root cause and diagnosing many of today’s issues. A brief dive into Haiti’s history provides incredible insight into today’s problems. It’s reasonable to conclude that, since the rebellion that led to Haiti’s independence from France in 1804, freedom has been a tumultuous journey marked by economic struggles and trade inequities for the country. Unfortunately, the fight for independence came at a high price in terms of human lives lost and financial
repercussions that continue to haunt the nation today.
By the early 1800s, France was too busy and too leveraged to manage all its domestic conflicts and imperialist battles across the globe, and the rebellion in Haiti was another costly endeavor. To help address demands for capital, the Rothschild family devised sophisticated intelligence networks, financing models, and debt schemes (innovating central banking systems) to help fund countries with a growing appetite for war and imperialism in the early 19th century. Nations who took on debt proved to be a highly profitable business— especially if they could never get out of debt. Invariably, counties locked into debt were relegated to an endless extraction of human and natural resources for generations.
Economically speaking and in the wake of Haiti’s “freedom,” powerful European interests funded by central banks engineered a grim future for the country. Almost immediately, the newly liberated nation faced crippling debt imposed by France as compensation for lost slave labor, as well as lost territory and property. This debt, known as “Independence Debt,” an oxymoron, would burden Haiti for decades, draining its resources and hindering its ability to invest in infrastructure and development. The payment of this debt severely restricted Haiti’s economic growth and perpetuated a cycle of poverty that persists to this day. Haiti’s agricultural economy, once the envy of the Caribbean, suffered significant setbacks after its independence. The plantation system, reliant on slave labor, collapsed, leaving the country struggling to find its economic footing. Attempts to diversify and modernize the economy were hampered by external interference, including embargoes and trade restrictions imposed by neighboring countries and former colonial powers.
Interestingly, this was the first time Mexican LGBTQ+ leaders ever gathered in one place, and consequently, this was a very noteworthy, history-making event—one of many for AGUILAS. So please consider joining us to mark yet another milestone on May 17. Stay tuned for additional information about the 30th Anniversary celebration.
Eduardo Morales, Ph.D. is a Professor Emeritus, retired Distinguished Professor, and current adjunct professor at Alliant International University. He is also a licensed psychologist and a founder and current Executive Director of AGUILAS, an awardwinning program for Latinx LGBTQ+. Of Puerto Rican decent, he has received numerous distinguished awards and citations, including being named a Fellow of 12 divisions of the American Psychological Association.
Despite being located near major markets in the United States and other Caribbean nations, Haiti has struggled to capitalize on its geographic advantage. Lowvalue goods such as textiles and agricultural products are the country’s chief exports, which face stiff competition in global markets. Limited access to credit and investment, coupled with a lack of infrastructure and institutional capacity building, has hindered Haiti’s ability to develop competitive industries and attract foreign investment. A shortage of opportunities and the absence of innovation leave the country vulnerable to corruption and instability.
Moreover, Haiti’s trade imbalance exacerbates its financial problems. The country imports far more than it exports, leading to a chronic shortage of foreign currency and a reliance on foreign aid to sustain its economy. This dependence on external assistance undermines Haiti’s sovereignty and perpetuates a cycle of dependency that weakens efforts to achieve long-term economic stability. Haiti’s government has been corrupted and destabilized, and its resources have been exploited by foreign interests, including the United States, Europe, and neighboring countries, through a combination of political interference, economic manipulation, and resource extraction. Most of us are unaware of, or choose to ignore, the U.S. role in this saga.
Negative propaganda also contributes to the distortion of Haitian identity and the erosion of economic stability. European colonizers and, later, the United States have branded Haiti as primitive and barbaric, perpetuating stereotypes of “savage” and “uncivilized” people to justify dehumanization and colonial rule.
The media and Hollywood routinely
dramatized Vodou rituals, “black magic,” and human sacrifices. The demonization of values and culture has had a profound impact on Haitian identity, fostering a sense of cultural inferiority and economic dependence. In reality, Haiti’s religious practices were a symbol of resistance and resilience against colonial oppression. Its practitioners proclaimed economic independence and celebrated their spiritual heritage as a form of cultural resistance and solidarity. Yet, counteracting the external and negative perceptions of Haitian identity while attaining financial stability remains challenging.
It’s no surprise that Haiti ranks among the top 20 poorest countries, with an annual GDP of approximately $8–10B today. Adjusted for inflation, the country’s total GDP has really been in decline over the past ten years. By contrast, the top 5 richest men in the world have doubled their net wealth to almost $900B since 2020, while over five billion people across the globe have become poorer. These negative economic trends and disturbing realities give rise to the increased levels of poverty, violence, and crime we see in Haiti, other parts of the world, and even some Bay Area cities. Nefarious factions seize opportunities where there is manufactured crisis, weak leadership, unenforced laws, human desperation, and widespread apathy.
(continued on page 18)
In the last year or so, we’ve seen a drop in support for same-sex marriage and gay rights in general. But here’s a big addition to the poll pile. Each year, the Public Religion Research Institute interviews over 20,000 Americans around the country, from non-believers to Christian nationalists, for its annual American Values Vault. And again, for the first time in a long time, the 2023 survey shows lower support for our community.
With a survey this large, however, we can look below the surface for explanations. The key finding is that Democratic attitudes have remained stable, while Red State opinions have shifted against us. Considering the publicity surrounding multiple bills against transgender rights that pervade the airwaves in these areas, the decline is understandable.
What’s even more disturbing is the lower support among young Republicans. In 2020, roughly two thirds of Republicans aged 18–29 favored marriage equality. Now, it’s about half, despite the fact that this rising generation includes record numbers of non-heterosexuals. One would think that a higher percentage of GLBT people would lead to more familiarity and more allies, but the reverse seems to be true. According to Melissa Deckman, CEO of the Institute, many analysts assumed that young Republicans would moderate the party’s attitudes, but instead the data indicates that these twentysomethings are very conservative indeed, particularly on social issues. That’s irritating.
Meanwhile, a glance at the other headlines on a gay news search gives us: “The Recent Rise of American Homophobia and Transphobia,”
“Minister Fears (Northern Ireland) Police Force is Slipping Backwards on LGBT Issues,” and topping those, “Case Opened Against Nightclub in Russia for Extremist LGBT Activities.” Winter is coming, my friends.
Small Ball
Not only am I behind schedule this morning, but I just made my situation worse by taking an extended trip down the rabbit hole thanks to One Million Moms. The Moms have become one of my favorite topics, with their outraged reactions to innocuous TV ads and retail products. This week, they are appalled by another ad for women’s deodorants that target, um, the genital area. This is an unpleasantly vulgar selling point in my view, and I have agreed with One Million Moms when they objected to one of the similar “Lume” commercials. It’s gross. Stop with the pussy perfume and the “it’s fun to take a dump” ads!
That said, the Moms and I part company on every other one of their peeves. Another problem piece was a commercial for a Manscape trimmer that features two tiny hairy men who represent the unkempt balls of our lead actor. The messy pair follow him around demanding scratches from time to time until he pulls out his trimmer as his wife or girlfriend looks on with a smile. A final shot reveals that they are shaved, bald, and neat.
“This commercial is entirely too specific and graphic for television,” the Moms insisted.
“Yet, Manscaped still chose to air these commercials despite their obviously controversial nature.”
“Can you imagine what goes through a child’s mind when viewing this ad?
1MM has received many complaints from moms. Their children did, in fact, fully understand the commercial by the end of it, and these kids were shocked and disgusted. Manscaped should be ashamed!”
I think I’ve mentioned that I have seven grandchildren, none of whom would be shocked or disgusted by an amusing personification of someone’s testicles. On the contrary, many of them would be delighted by the slightest graphic reference to any business involving someone’s private area. A couple are toddlers, but even these children will soon be including what they consider to be risqué terms to their growing vocabulary, beginning with “poop.”
In the course of “researching” the above story, however, I discovered an interesting older complaint on the Moms’ website. Do you remember those “He Gets Us” ads for Jesus?
I was instantly suspicious of them, of course, because I assume that people with enough money to fund a television campaign about Jesus are Not My Friends. That said, I gradually came to think that the funders might be old school Christians, more into “love they neighbor” than “stop Manscaped from advertising its genital razor!” The group ran a Super Bowl ad featuring people washing each other’s feet, which I kind of liked (which made me suspicious again). And that seems to have sent the Moms over the edge.
I was surprised to see One Million Moms, a branch of the (evangelical) American Family Association, upset with a series of ads exalting Jesus, supposedly one of their very very favorite people.
“The commercial was partially true, as it showed the love of Jesus and how we can serve and love one another even with our differences,” they acknowledged. “Unfortunately, the movement’s ‘Foot Washing’ ad missed the mark, because it never shared the Gospel so a person might put their faith in Jesus Christ in order to receive salvation.” It never did ... what? “Sharing only part of the truth can be extremely misleading, especially to those who are unsaved,” they added.
It’s a 30-second TV ad, not a Sunday sermon. As for those who are unsaved, surely a first step might be putting out some good publicity for JC. On the surface there seems to be nothing here to which One Million Moms or the American Family Association would object. That, in turn, suggests that they are opposed to, or threatened by, the shadowy backers behind the “He Gets Us” operation. We know that one of the big funders is David Green, founder of Hobby Lobby, who is not exactly a friend to our community. Others involved seem to have ties to the Alliance Defending Freedom, our adversaries in many civil rights court cases. These are not exactly GLBTfriendly folk, so I would have to explore more rabbit holes to speculate further. Unfortunately, I don’t have time for that now because I watched a lengthy video about a dog whose owners got a new puppy. At first the older dog was upset by the intru-
sion, but over the years the two dogs grew to become inseparable. It’s very sweet. I wonder if One Million Moms would find something objectionable about it? Maybe.
Raunchy Girls for MAGA Guys
My wife just told me that Edgar Allen Poe was an opium addict. Who knew? I have long wondered what it would be like to visit an opium den, sink into shared euphoria for a night or so. The darkness, the musky smell, dreams, oblivion. On the other hand, imagine when you have to exit into the sunshine. What day is it? What time is it? Where am I? What am I forgetting?
It’s Thursday, September 6, 1845, 11:50 am. You are in Chinatown and you’re due to give a lecture at noon on the Presidio. What were you thinking?!
Mel also sent me two articles for this column, my favorite being a Washington Post article about a group of conservative Christian dads who have published a calendar featuring buxom young women in provocative poses on cars or with guns. The Conservative Dad’s Real Women of America calendar includes a woman in a bubble bath, another in her kitchen, one on the beach, and one lighting a copy of The New York Times on fire with a cigar.
Although the rise of Christian politics began with the Puritanical edge of James Dobson and Jimmy Falwell, the merger between evangelicals and MAGA means, as the Post puts it, that “a raunchy, outsider, boobsand-booze ethos has elbowed its way into the conservative power
(continued on page 18)
Rita Rockett, fondly known as the “Brunch Goddess of Ward 5-A” for her work uplifting hospitalized HIV/AIDS patients during some of the darkest moments of the pandemic in the 1980s and 1990s, was welcomed back to San Francisco on March 8. On that evening, Gary Virginia and Deana Dawn co-hosted and co-produced Aloha Friday With Rita Rockett at 440 Castro. The event was a benefit for PRC’s Emergency Financial Assistance Fund.
Rockett, who now lives in Hawaii, was welcomed by Donna Sachet, First Lady of the Castro; PRC Executive Director Chuan Teng; and a host of friends and supporters. Rockett was remembered as someone who, for close to 15 years, hosted brunches every Sunday in the AIDS ward at San Francisco General Hospital. Her story, as well as those of many other caregivers from that time, has been documented in news stories, interviews, and the award-winning documentaries We Were Here (2011) directed by David Weissman; and 5B directed by Paul Haggis and Dan Krauss.
Virginia after the event wrote, “It was great to see PRC’s CEO Chuan Teng participate & looking beautiful in Aloha attire, and former SF General Hospital staff who worked with Rita Rockett’s Sunday Brunches for PWA’s in Ward 5B for close to 15 years at the very start of the ARC/AIDS pandemic. And of course, huge ALOHA & LOVE to our fabulous guest of honor Rita Rockett who brought joy to many people at the event and all week during her visit from Oahu.”
He added, “The generous crowd & performers raised $700 in less than 15 minutes during the brief show, including five donations via Venmo. THANK YOU for your generosity! Funds raised will help low-income, local residents living with HIV/AIDS in need of financial support to prevent eviction or for help with housing, medical expenses, and/or utility bills.”
For more info on PRC’s services or to volunteer or donate, visit https://prcsf.org/
By Donna Sachet
Loyal readers of “Donna’s Chronicles” may turn to this column for its coverage of major San Francisco events, from Imperial Coronation and Opening Night of the Opera to the celebration of marriage equality at City Hall and community building gatherings at the Castro Theatre. But there are times when this columnist enjoys smaller, more personal events that also reflect the beautiful moments and personal connections that continue to represent the LGBTQ+ Community in San Francisco.
On Friday, March 8, Gary Virginia and Deana Dawn hosted a party for Rita Rockett, now living in Hawaii, but for years one of San Francisco’s hardest working and most loving volunteers, spending much of her spare time embracing those facing AIDS in the early years of the pandemic. In the years when the President of the United States was still unwilling to bring attention to this growing emergency health crisis, even refusing to use the word AIDS in public, Rita was hosting brunches in the AIDS Ward of SF General Hospital, offering hugs and a sympathetic ear to those ostracized by their families, and helping to spread factual information about the disease. Friends of Rita’s over decades of volunteer hours gathered at 440 Castro to reminisce, to celebrate, and to show appreciation for this very special lady. A short program highlighted her important work and showered Rita with love. This was no blockbuster event, but it raised $700 for PRC’s Emergency Financial Assistance Fund, was so San Francisco, and overflowed with genuine affection.
“Comparison is the enemy of joy.” —Anonymous
Later that night, we shared some bittersweet moments at Catch on its last weekend in business. Sanjay Gujral owned and operated this popular Castro restaurant for many years, offering excellent cuisine, attentive service, and a warm and welcoming ambiance. But for a host of reasons, we are losing another beloved local business and we will personally miss one of our favorite places to dine. So, over a delicious meal and a couple of glasses of wine shared with this paper’s Co-Publisher Betty Sullivan and dynamic local leader Dr. Marcy Adelman, we said goodbye, but not before joining Dr. Dee Spencer on the piano for a loving serenade. Again, this was a more intimate evening with personal significance.
The next night certainly drew more people, but also had a distinctly personal connection. New Conservatory Theatre Center hosted the premiere of popular local writer Jewelle Gomez’s play Unpacking in P’town. We’ve known Jewelle for some time now, but have never experienced her words spoken in a play on stage, so this was a special delight. Everything from the sets, excellent actors, and musical moments contributed to a great evening, but Jewelle’s wit, honesty, and sometimes sly innuendos were the heart of the production. At the Champagne reception afterwards, we caught up with Artistic Director Ed Decker, Jewelle’s partner Diane Sabin, friends Jorge Hernandez & Ron Jenkins and Chuck Louden, and actor Matt Weimer who is in the play and with whom we once shared the theatrical stage. Sharing the evening with good friends Betty Sullivan and Michelle Jester made it a perfect night, significant artistically and memorable personally.
We spent the evening of the Academy Awards at our own Academy, the private club on Market Street that has opened a whole new menu of experiences to members and guests alike. In the company of about a hundred friends, we co-hosted the Oscar viewing with club owner Paul Miller, handing out personalized Oscars to attendees during the commercial breaks. While those on the television offered little in the way of opulent fashion or witty dialogue, other than host Jimmy Kimmel, a mix of local dedicated watchers and more casual observers made for an enjoyable night for all, far from the over-the-top Hollywood extravaganza.
Last weekend, we shared laughs and cocktails at Midnight Sun on Saturday and 440 on Sunday, both at fundraisers hosted by Gary Virginia. On Saturday, Krewe de Kinque and King Robert Makowka & Queen Vivianne Vixen-Rose welcomed Carly Ozard for a release party for her new original song “We Have a Dream.” Expect to hear this tune far and wide, joining other anthems that lift our community up and adding to Carly’s already extensive musical career. With performer tips and a raffle, an enthusiastic group of friends raised money for Dr. Nas Mohamed’s Alwan Foundation, providing legal and other assistance to immigrant asylum seekers. Great music and a great cause!
On Sunday, we turned our attention to the only openly Gay American Legion Post 448 for a celebration of veterans and fundraiser. Commander Jimmy McConnell brought collectors’ teddy bears donated by the late Al Aiden for a lively auction conducted by Gary. That, in addition to raffle tickets and performer tips, raised over $1000 for Post 448, while providing a special opportunity to recognize the sacrifices and dedication of our Gay Veterans.
Friday, March 29
Divas & Drinks @ The Academy SF
“A Night to Empower the Legacy of Del Martin & Phyllis Lyon”
Featuring a first look at the documentary-in-progress
The Day the Curtains Came Down
Guest host Kate Kendell plus Mandy Carter, Sarah Bush Dance Project, emcee Donna Sachet, DJ Rockaway, and special guests!
The Academy SF, 2166 Market Street 6–10 pm $15
https://tinyurl.com/mw3cts45
Friday, March 31
Easter in the Park
Annual Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence event
Emcees Honey Mahogany & Sister Roma
Hunky Jesus, Foxy Mary, & Easter bonnet contests Dolores Park Noon Free!
galas. Sometimes, we have chances to spend time with cherished friends in familiar locales for worthy causes. Ask around; opportunities abound.
So, as you can see, not every week is filled with gargantuan
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
MILLER (continued from pg 8)
regarding step-children, ex-partners, or chosen family members who aren’t legally recognized as relatives.
Establish Powers of Attorney
Then there’s the matter of healthcare directives and powers of attorney. These documents give someone you trust the authority to make medical and financial decisions on your behalf if you’re unable to do so yourself. For LGBTQ+ individuals, especially those in states or countries where our rights are still up for debate, having these legal protections in place is crucial.
Name Beneficiaries
Ensure that your retirement accounts, life insurance policies, and any other accounts with designated beneficiaries are up to date. This ensures that your assets are distributed according to your wishes and avoids potential conflicts.
Consider Trusts
Trusts can be useful for avoiding probate, maintaining privacy, and providing ongoing support for loved ones. They can also be used to minimize estate taxes. Trusts can be particularly important for LGBTQ individuals who may face challenges with family acceptance or legal recognition of their relationships.
Review Titling of Assets
Make sure that the ownership of your assets (such as property, bank accounts, and investments) aligns with your estate planning goals. Joint ownership or naming beneficiaries can help avoid probate and streamline the transfer of assets.
Update Legal Documents
Review and update all legal documents, including your will, trusts, powers of attorney, and healthcare directives, regularly or whenever there is a significant life event, such as marriage, divorce, or the birth or adoption of a child.
Consider Guardianship for Children
If you have kiddos, it’s crucial to designate guardians who will care for them if you are unable to do so. This can be especially important for LGBTQ individuals who may face custody challenges in certain situations.
ROSTOW (continued from pg 15)
class, accelerated by the rise of Donald J. Trump, the declining influence of traditional religious institutions and a shifting media landscape increasingly dominated by the looser standards of online culture.”
What’s evident to me is less the “looser standards” of those who represent the Christian root, and more the pure misogyny of this male-dominated MAGA world. Did we not just see a female member of the U.S. Senate present herself to the American public as a housewife and mom who spends many hours at the kitchen table, no doubt asking her husband for a raise in the grocery budget thanks to the Democrats’ inept economic policies?
The MAGA Christians are filled with tough-talking Alpha men, and their women are happy to play the role of sexy gun-toting gal pals, equally ready for a shoot-out or a roll in the hay. The Conservative Dads calendar fits right in, just as Lara Trump seems to be the perfect pawn to “run” the Republican National Committee. Hello, State Party Chairs? Good luck getting those funds for that swing Congressional race or that must-hold Senate seat. Maybe you can call E. Jean Carroll. I hear we just wrote her a check.
England Blocks Blockers
Mel also told me about a gynandromorphic rose breasted grosbeak, meaning an individual with both male and female qualities. This bird has golden yellow female feathers on one side, and male red plumage on the other. The scientists at the Pennsylvania Powdermill Nature Reserve where our rare bird was spotted were thrilled. Annie Lindsay, bird banding program manager at Powdermill, said one researcher referred to the experience as “seeing a unicorn,” while another described the discovery as an adrenaline rush, because it was “so remarkable.” Funny how an intersex bird is fascinating while a non-binary human is an abomination.
Actually, I was trying to slow my coverage of transgender rights this week simply because the subject completely dominates my column, and quite frankly, my attention. Much as marriage equality became the only target for the gay movement a decade or so ago, we are now fighting for trans rights, with less momentum, I’d add.
But you should know that England’s National Health Service has just decided to halt new prescriptions
Document Your Wishes
Clearly communicate your wishes to your loved ones and ensure that they have access to important documents and information. This can help prevent misunderstandings and disputes during difficult times.
I know this might seem like a lot to take in, but trust me, it’s worth it. By taking the time to plan ahead, you can ensure that your legacy reflects who you are and what you value most. Plus, you’ll have the peace of mind knowing that your loved ones will be taken care of when the time comes.
So, go ahead—pour yourself a glass of wine (or your beverage of choice) and get to planning. Your future self, and your loved ones, will thank you for it.
Brio Financial Group is an SEC registered investment adviser. SEC registration does not constitute an endorsement of Brio Financial Group by the SEC nor does it indicate that Brio Financial Group has attained a particular level of skill or ability. This material prepared by Brio Financial Group is for informational purposes only. It is not intended to serve as a substitute for personalized investment advice or as a recommendation or solicitation of any particular security, strategy or investment product. Opinions expressed by Brio Financial Group are based on economic or market conditions at the time this material was written. Facts presented have been obtained from sources believed to be reliable. Brio Financial Group, however, cannot guarantee the accuracy or completeness of such information, and certain information presented here may have been condensed or summarized from its original source. Brio Financial Group does not provide tax or legal advice, and nothing contained in these materials should be taken as tax or legal advice. Please consult with your tax professional regarding your particular situation before implementing any strategies discussed.
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. For more information: https://www.briofg.com/
to more opportunities with the GGBA, such as getting to know other GGBA members.
GGBA: Have you gone to a GGBA Make Contact networking event yet?
Dr. Angela Rodriquez: I have gone once so far. That’s just because of lack of time, since I often leave the operating room too late to attend the Make Contact monthly events. But I think it is beautiful to live in San Francisco and to be surrounded by a supportive community, such as what is represented by the GGBA. If anything, it has been an incredible experience from a social standpoint.
GGBA: What advice would you give to someone who is thinking of starting their own business?
Dr. Angela Rodriguez: A business needs extensive planning and you have to integrate your values into it. It has to be something that comes from the essence of who you are. I think that, if you have a good idea and a good service or product, you are going to be successful. You have to be brave, though, and realistic about the possibilities, but that does not mean to stop dreaming.
It is important to have a good team, especially people who believe in you. In terms of my business, I could not have established it without my wife and Business Manager Cristina and our incredible team. There are seven women in our practice who are extremely invested in it and I cannot thank them enough. They joined our practice because they believe in our collective purpose of helping our patients to be who they need to be. I’m extremely impressed with the work that they do dayto-day with their investment, their energy, and their ideas. You need a good team to be successful.
GGBA: Is there anything else that you would like to share?
Dr. Angela Rodriguez: I want to thank you for the opportunity to share my opinion and for placing our business in the spotlight. We firmly believe gender-affirming care is the social cause of our times and we are honored to serve the trans community. I thank the Golden Gate Business Association for making a space for those of us who have been lost in the mainstream. At last, we have a place that we can call home.
https://www.artsurgical.net/
TENG (continued from pg 11)
and the team was linking him with a psychiatric provider. The satisfaction of feeling like we had done our job only grew when a few weeks later, a colleague who witnessed my conversation with Daniel told me that he had come back to the office. They said Daniel looked great and he had come back to thank us. I wish I’d been there to see him myself.
for puberty blockers, determining that the scientific data is not conclusive and limiting blockers to exceptional cases. Anyone already taking puberty blockers is allowed to continue, and surprisingly, guess how many kids that includes? One hundred. I would have thought there were more, given the implication that blockers were being dispensed too casually. It also reminds us that, with all the craziness here and abroad, we’re talking about very small numbers of trans kids, and even fewer on medication.
Meanwhile, The World Professional Association for Transgender Health, WPATH, is drawing fire from the right after some internal discussions between physicians and scientists and others were leaked to the press. In the leaked material, various transgender health practitioners express doubts and concerns about puberty blockers, although it’s not clear whether these concerns are widespread or specific to one or two patients. I haven’t read the report, but I note the usual suspects lining up to defend WPATH or pile on, depending on their side of the aisle. As far as I’m concerned, the whole affair adds another layer of gray haze to this complicated subject. Here, not even the transgender specialists are allowed to raise difficult issues surrounding trans youth treatment amongst themselves without being accused of hiding the risks and deliberately lying to parents, children, and the public. And again, everyone is forced into their tiny corners, when the solutions are to be found in the largest space.
To end on a sad note, Oklahoma transgender teenager Nix Benedict died by suicide, authorities announced. Nix had been in a fight in the school bathroom on February 7. He was treated at the ER, and seemed okay. But the next day he was found unresponsive in his room and he died at the hospital. The autopsy also showed significant injuries from the fight, which involved another transgender kid and some girls who had bullied both trans students.
It’s clear that whether or not the immediate cause of death was a fight or a lethal drug combination, the blame falls on the nasty anti-transgender rhetoric echoing throughout the Sooner State from the governor’s office to the mean girls in the hallways of Owasso High. Oklahoma, like its neighbor to the south, continues to lead the country in cruel politics.
arostow@aol.com
Daniel’s transformation represents what’s possible if we commit ourselves to a future rooted in hope. And although not every story will end happily, it is possible to make a difference, one person at a time.
Chuan Teng, JD, is the Chief Executive Officer of PRC, which has a mission to help people affected by HIV/AIDS, substance use, or mental health issues better realize opportunities by providing integrated legal, social, and health services that address the broad range of social risk factors that impact wellness and limit potential. PRC, in service since 1987, assists approximately 5,000 individuals annually. For more information, please visit www.prcsf.org
BARNES (continued from pg 14)
Countries like Haiti have also seen a dramatic spike in migration to other countries due to natural disasters, political instability, gang violence, and lack of economic opportunities over the last decade. However, according to Reuters, over 200K people were forcibly repatriated by other countries back to Haiti in 2023. We rarely see this type of response when similar crises erupt in European and Asian countries where people are seeking refuge from catastrophic events, persecution, or war in their home country. Insufficient reliable humanitarian aid, little to no media coverage, lack of consistent financial investment, and dwindling resources set the stage for the increased violence and human atrocities we see today.
We shouldn’t dismiss Haiti’s political leader’s responsibility for constructing a new vision for the country and roadmap to success for its people. However, the inconvenient truth is that the country still pays the price for its rebellion, which ultimately led to pseudo-emancipation during a period of neo-colonialism. The consequences have been devastating. Economic struggles stemming from debt, resource extraction, trade imbalances, and external political interference have hindered the nation’s development and perpetuated a cycle of systemic poverty. Negative propaganda serves to perpetuate the exploitation and demonization of Haitian people.
Despite the continued headwinds, Haiti has made some strides in recent years to address these challenges, including efforts to attract investment and improve infrastructure. But without the support of the U.S. and other world powers to reconcile past injury, things could get worse before they get better. The road to economic prosperity remains long and arduous. The legacy of Haiti’s fight for freedom is a stark reminder of the enduring costs of liberation, sovereignty, and economic self-determination.
Derek Barnes is the CEO of the East Bay Rental Housing Association ( www.EBRHA.com ). He currently serves on the board of Homebridge CA and Homerise. Follow him on Twitter @DerekBarnesSF and on Instagram at DerekBarnes.SF
In a significant moment for LGBTQ+ rights and visibility, two prominent lesbian activists, Chantale Wong and Selisse Berry, recently met in Manila, Philippines, to discuss the advancement of LGBTQ+ rights in Asia and globally. This meeting marked an important conversation between two influential figures in the LGBTQ+ community, each bringing their own unique experiences and insights to the table.
Chantale Wong is notably recognized for her groundbreaking appointment as the first openly lesbian U.S. ambassador, specifically to the Asian Development Bank (ADB) in Manila. Her career spans various significant roles, including positions within the U.S. Department of the Treasury and the Office of Management and Budget. Wong also has strong ties to San Francisco, having lived and worked there and continues to visit family there often.
Berry told the San Francisco Bay Times, “Ambassador Wong’s appointment is a landmark achievement, not only for her personal career but also for the representation of LGBTQ+ individuals in high-level international positions.”
Berry is the founder of Out & Equal Workplace Advocates, an organization dedicated to achieving global LGBTQ+ workplace equality based in San Francisco. She is currently
involved in LesbianGlobal, working on behalf of lesbian visibility and viability globally. Berry’s advocacy efforts have contributed significantly to the progress of LGBTQ+ rights, particularly in the context of professional and corporate environments in the U.S. and worldwide.
The meeting in Manila was a convergence of two trailblazing activists along with LGBTQ leaders at the Asian Development Bank and was a symbol of the increasing visibility and acceptance of LGBTQ+ individuals in various spheres, including politics, business, and international
development. The discussions centered on the importance of LGBTQ+ representation in leadership roles, strategies for combating discrimination, and ways to support LGBTQ+ communities in Asia.
Berry shared, “One of the key outcomes of this meeting was the emphasis on the need for global solidarity and collaboration in advancing LGBTQ+ rights.”
She and Wong highlighted the importance of sharing knowledge, resources, and strategies across borders to support LGBTQ+ individuals facing discrimination and marginalization. They also discussed the role of international organizations, such as the Asian Development Bank, in promoting inclusivity and diversity within their operations.
The collaboration between Wong and Berry, with their combined expertise and passion for LGBTQ+ rights, sends a powerful message of hope and solidarity. It reminds us that, through unity and perseverance, significant strides can be made toward a more inclusive and equitable world for all, regardless of sexual orientation or gender identity.
Earlier this year, Ambassador Chantale Wong welcomed Grammy Award-winning artist Allan Pineda Lindo (apl. de.ap) from the Black Eyed Peas to the Asian Development Bank (ADB). Filipino American rapper apl.de.ap visited ADB as a guest of Ambassador Wong. The Manila Standard reported that the rapper’s Foundation signed a memorandum of understanding with ADB to develop a skill development curriculum to train Filipino youth.
For 23 years, Selisse Berry, as founder and architect of Out & Equal Workplace Advocates, worked to engage global business leaders on issues of LGBTQ+ workplace nondiscrimination. Her leadership and advocacy has touched tens of thousands of lives, and she continues her activism today by working globally with LGBTQ+ people and allies. Listen to “In Conversation with Selisse Berry”: https://outandequal.org/in-conversation-with-selisse-berry/
Ivan Leung: I had wished in the past that I could be a lead in my own movie and express my queerness and not have the [actors] be the stereotypical “hot Asian guy,” and we actually got it to happen. It was so gratifying that it came to fruition.
Gary M. Kramer: Why did you create a meta movie?
E xtremely Unique Dynamic, cowritten and codirected (with Katherine Dudas) by stars Harrison Xu and Ivan Leung, is a shaggy, amusing meta-movie about Ryan (Xu, who grew up around Oakland/Fremont) and Daniel (out gay Ivan Leung), best friends in Los Angeles who will soon be separated as Ryan is moving to Edmonton, Canada.
The film—which will be having its world premiere at the Sonoma International Film Festival on March 21 at 7 pm at Andrews Hall at Sonoma Community Center, with an encore presentation March 23 at 1 pm at Andrews Hall—chronicles the buddies’ last weekend together. Rather than hang out, get high, and have fun, the straight Ryan coaxes the closeted Daniel into making a movie together, and a meta one at that. Ryan and Daniel will play Gregg and Tim who will play Jake and Jasper in the film within the film within the film.
The actors/writers/filmmakers spoke with me for the San Francisco Bay Times about their new film, Extremely Unique Dynamic
Gary M. Kramer: What do you think accounts for your extremely unique dynamic?
Ivan Leung: I met Harrison ten years ago in an acting class. The first thing I told him was that I recognized him and loved his work. Ever since then it’s been history.
Harrison Xu: I have a different recollection. He came up to me and said, “I saw you on Shameless, which I thought was a bold introduction. We are very different people in many ways, but we are also very similar. He’s funnier than I am, and he’s cool. I balance him in a different way.
Ivan Leung: That’s not true. I think that Harrison is very, very, cool, and I’m the lame one.
Gary M. Kramer: What prompted you to make this film, which appears to be a thinly veiled version of your friendship?
Harrison Xu: Stubbornness. Ivan and I worked together on the marketing campaign for this film, Winniethe-Pooh: Blood and Honey. It was our first time working together in that capacity. We created a persona for Winnie-the-Pooh as a sassy bear, and I thought: Are we funny together?
We were eating Thai food and I wondered, what if we made a film together, and it was about making something about making something? We kept egging each other on and it started as something we would shoot over the weekend, and it snowballed into something a lot bigger than we intended.
or our characters’ characters, are talking about it.
Gary M. Kramer: You poke fun at Asian hypersexual representations in cinema, as well as cinema tropes, like the makeover, or a celebrity cameo. Can you talk about biting the hand that feeds you?
Extremely Unique Dynamic is very layered.
Harrison Xu: Ivan, you want to explain meta?
Ivan Leung: The meta was Harrison’s idea. I don’t understand meta, just like my character in the movie, and I didn’t understand it during the shoot of the film. If you want to talk meta, Harrison is your man.
Ivan Leung: It is more palatable because
it is in the vein of a stoner comedy. We wanted to talk about all these issues in a way where people can digest it more easily. Another point I’m proud of is the codependency between a straight and a gay best friend, because we don’t talk about that, and guys don’t talk about their feelings in general.
Gary M. Kramer: What can you say about this being a “gay” film?
Ivan Leung: There is a way that writers write queer characters in the media and it’s getting better, but there is such a wide spectrum of queerness, and not everyone is extremely flamboyant or a stereotype. In society, there are people that are out, and they are not comfortable talking about their queerness or their sexuality; it’s just a part of them. I thought it was interesting to have that kind of an “out” character, who doesn’t talk about his sexuality. For the character [of Daniel], there is a sense of shame that resides in him, and it’s interesting to see how he pivots and deals with that shame.
Gary M. Kramer What do you think about the celebrity culture you satirize in Extremely Unique Dynamic? Both Ryan and Daniel want to be famous, and you feature Hudson Yang and Nathan Doan in your film.
Harrison Xu: My character is kind of a meta, over-the-top version of myself. I do work in film marketing, and it was fun taking that character and heightening it. The journey Ryan goes through is learning to accept what is important when making a movie. But finishing the movie, that’s our accomplishment.
Harrison Xu: It was fun tapping into it, and guys who have been friends for a while have trouble expressing how they feel. Through our characters in the film, they can talk about what they did feel. If we had time and budget, we could take it a step further with what their characters’ characters say. We improvised the dialogue about being Asian, being queer, about our parents. The meta-ness of it enabled us to talk about things that didn’t feel on the nose because our characters,
Gary M. Kramer: Was making this film an opportunity to showcase your writing and directing talents as well as your acting styles? Is this a calling card for future work?
Ivan Leung: I want to direct more features and be a showrunner of a series with Harrison. I love being able to express myself and do what I want without having to think about the powers that be. We were able to take big swings with Extremely Unique Dynamic. It was nice to have control and be able express ourselves in the way that we wanted to.
Harrison Xu: We’ve been professional actors for 10-plus years. As an actor, you’re always trying to fulfill the vision of the writer or director. Having ownership of your own project is really fulfilling. This is our concept and our vision, and we know what we’re doing. We trusted each other. We put in thousands of hours into this film.
For more information about Extremely Unique Dynamic at the Sonoma International Film Festival, visit: https://tinyurl.com/3wwr5ujj
© 2024 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.” He teaches Short Attention Span Cinema at the Bryn Mawr Film Institute and is the moderator for Cinema Salon, a weekly film discussion group. Follow him on Twitter @garymkramer
When Phyllis Lyon (1924–2020) and Del Martin (1921–2008) met in 1950, they couldn’t have known how many barriers their love would drive them to break down.
In 1955, they joined with three other lesbian couples to form the Daughters of Bilitis, the first lesbian civil and political rights organization in the United States. Lyon and Martin served as editors of the organization’s newsletter, The Ladder, the first national periodical for lesbians in the U.S., providing a vital point of connection for women around the country. Originally a social club, the organization quickly became politically engaged under their leadership.
Lyon and Martin were heavily involved in advocacy work throughout their lives, pushing for greater equality and LGBTQ rights, including the right to marry. In recognition of their service to the movement, they became the first same-sex couple to legally marry in San Francisco—twice.
Their first wedding took place in 2004, during a brief stint in which then-mayor Gavin Newsom’s administration began issuing marriage licenses to same-sex couples before the
California Supreme Court stopped the practice and voided the roughly 4,000 licenses that had already been issued.
In 2008, after the California Supreme Court finally legalized same-sex marriage, they became the first same-sex couple to legally wed again—just months before Martin would pass away.
After Lyon’s passing in 2020, a movement quickly arose to preserve their memory, and the GLBT Historical Society worked with CyArk to create a digital copy of the home they shared for decades, including oral histories and a guided 3D tour. In 2021, their home became the first officially recognized lesbian landmark in the Western United States.
Phyllis Lyon and Del Martin were pioneers, achieving numerous firsts throughout their lives that are well-documented in our archives. To browse their collection, or explore the 3D tour of their home, visit
https://tinyurl.com/y234dtwy
To learn more about our vast queer past, or make a contribution to support our work, visit https://www.glbthistory.org/
Andrew Shaffer is the Director of Development and Communications for the GLBT Historical Society.
When Simon Tseko Nkoli was born in Soweto, South Africa, on November 26, 1957, everything about his future was determined by a brutal apartheid government that enforced a rigid system of segregation and oppression: where he could live, what he could learn, whom he could love. Described by The Sunday Times, South Africa as “the founder of the Black gay movement” in his country,
“he put his body on the line and his destiny in the public eye” to win human rights for all.
Nkoli came to clearly understand the injustices faced not only by Black women and men under laws enforced by his country’s unjust political and social system, but also by all people marginalized for being who they are. He often told the story of how, at age nine, he locked his parents in a clothes closet to evade police who were enforcing the pass laws, which severely restricted the lives of Black South African and other racial groups by confining them to specific, designated areas.
The experience left a powerful impression on him that he later shared as a metaphor for anyone living a closeted life under a regime that oppressed its citizens, not only because of their race, but also because of their religion, gender, and sexuality. “In so many ways,” he wrote in a memoir published in Defiant Desire: Gay and Lesbian Lives in South Africa, “the closet I have come out of is similar to the wardrobe my relieved parents
stepped out of when I unlocked them after the police left.”
His was a sad truth. “If you are Black in South Africa, the inhuman laws of apartheid closet you. If you are gay in South Africa, the homophobic customs and laws of this society closet you. If you are Black and gay in South Africa, well, then it really is all the same closet, the same wardrobe. Inside is darkness and oppression.
Outside is freedom. It is as simple as that.” Believing a democratic society had to embrace all its citizens, he had a goal to open every closet door.
Nkoli met his first lover, Andre, a white bus driver, when he was 19. The families of both men opposed the relationship. Andre’s parents accepted their son’s homosexuality, but rejected a Black man as his lover. Nkoli’s mother refused to accept his sexual orientation, taking him on what he described as a “year-long tour of the sangomas [traditional healers of Southern Africa] of Sebokeng,” where they lived then, “to find the causes of his so-called bewitchment.” They also visited a priest, who quoted Bible verses to him, and a psychiatrist.
Eventually his mother accepted his orientation, but there was yet another barrier to their relationship: in their segregated society, a Black man and a white man could not live together as equals in either a white neighborhood or a Black neighborhood. Here serendipity provided the solution. The psychiatrist Nkoli’s family took him to see, himself a gay man, suggested that Nkoli simply pose as Andre’s servant. The result created yet another closet—legally they could not live anywhere as a gay couple—one more discrimination to end.
Nkoli’s life of activism began in 1976 with protests against his government’s stark racist policies; he was arrested four times. In 1979, he became a member of the Congress of South African Students (COSAS), which opposed apartheid. Soon after he joined the mostly white Gay and Lesbian Association of South Africa (GASA), although the group refused to support his activism against the government’s racist policies. What he hoped for was an organization that would fight both Black and LGBT suppression.
In 1984, Nkoli participated in a protest march in Sebokeng organized by the United Democratic Front (UDF) that led to 22 arrests, including his. During what became known as the Delmas Treason Trial, the prosecution tried to prove that the UDF, a coalition of anti-apartheid grassroots and community organizations, was working with the banned African National Congress (ANC), which the
governments of Margaret Thatcher and Ronald Reagan also had condemned as a terrorist organization, to overthrow the state by violence. Nkoli remained in detention for nine months before being formally charged with treason, a crime punishable by death. It was two years before he was released on bail and another year and a half before he received a suspended sentence, with severe restrictions on his rights to freedom of speech and association. Another year passed before an appeals court declared the entire trial invalid and the charges against him and his co-defendants were dropped.
During his time in prison, Nkoli realized that apartheid had to be challenged for all its oppressions. Although his sexuality was not a secret, he decided to tell the other defendants that he was gay. Learning his truth, some of them asked that he be tried separately, afraid that his love of men would “further condemn them all” if they were tried together. Ultimately, they came to understand that discrimination is discrimination,
Jan Wahl
I’ve interviewed many interesting famous people. They are often surprising. Tom Cruise was delightful, Paul Newman political, Joan Fontaine gossipy, Hugh Jackman joyous, Kim Novak heavenly, and Matt LeBlanc hungover. But nobody prepared me for the feisty intelligence of Jodie Foster.
I remember walking out of the interview shaking my head in wonderment. Why is this person not running Yale or Harvard?
She is too smart for Hollywood!
Born in 1962, Alicia Christian “Jodie” Foster has two Best Actress Oscars, three BAFTA awards, three Golden Globes, and an Honorary Palme d’Or, among other accolades. As a member of the Directors Guild of America, I voted for her when she directed Little Man Tate and Home for the Holidays
Her acting in The Accused and Anna and the King knocks me out, but so does her recent TV series True Detective: Night Country. I’m just a true fan of this gifted woman.
Her loving portrayal of a coach in Nyad might just be the favorite. I’m glad and surprised she is Oscar nominated, along with her fabulous costar Annette Bening as 64-year-old Diana Nyad attempting to become the first person to swim from Cuba to Florida without a shark cage.
The luminous Bening matches Foster in every scene, reminding us of her immense talent as an actress who can pay any kind of role. From American Beauty to The Grifters and as the title character in Nyad, she burns up the screen. Since she is paired with Foster it is no wonder this is one of my favorite films of this last year.
Please keep working, you two remarkable talents. We need you.
Jan Wahl is a Hollywood historian and film critic on various broadcast outlets. 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
The film is based on a true story. Foster plays Bonnie Stoll, Nyad’s sun-scorched best friend and sister in adversity and success. Nothing is airbrushed here; we get a significant and complicated female friendship that breaks age and gender archetypes with strenuous athleticism. Foster put it best when she told The Hollywood Reporter : “I wanted to show older women who were badasses.”
Foster came out of the closet as a gay woman when she was ready. Her long relationship in the film Nyad subtexts that the two women were once lovers. Now they are deep friends and sisters.
Photos by Rink
On Saturday, March 9, members of the San Francisco Bay Times team were in the audience and applauded loudly during the opening night of Unpacking in P’town by playwright Jewelle Gomez. A columnist and longtime supporter of the Bay Times, Gomez is a double Lambda Award-winning writer known internationally for her multigenre canon of work.
warm welcome, and congratulations to beloved activist and artist Gomez on the completion of another LGBTQ-themed masterpiece that both instructs and entertains.
Thanks to NCTC Founder and Artistic Director Ed Decker for the
Unpacking in P’town is the final chapter in the decade-long Words and Music Trilogy commissioned by the New Conservatory Theatre Center (NCTC). The opening night show was one of a series of special events taking place during the run of the show, which continues at NCTC through March 31.
For tickets and additional information: https://tinyurl.com/3987as38
After Dolores by Sarah Schulman
The New York Times called this 1988 novel “a rare, insightful look into the lesbian mind,” which is sort of hilarious, because what on Earth could they mean by “the lesbian mind”? Anyway, Schulman is an icon, and as of this writing we have one signed copy on hand for the first person who shows up to get it.
The New Life by Tom Crew
Set in late Victorian London, The New Life follows the travails and tribulations of a pair of male homosexual lovers during the anti-queer hysteria occasioned by the arrest of Oscar Wilde.
https://www.fabulosabooks.com/
R ainbow Black by Maggie Thrash
Murder meets lesbian romance meets dark humor in this taut thriller set during the early 1990s when the most gullible, daytime TV-watching portion of the nation was swept by a “Satanic Panic” and accusations of ritualistic child abuse upended scores of lives.
The Town of Babylon (fiction - paperback) by Alejandro Varela
In this contemporary debut novel—an intimate portrait of queer, racial, and class identity—Andres, a gay Latinx professor, returns to his suburban hometown in the wake of his husband’s infidelity. There he finds himself with no excuse not to attend his 20th high school reunion and hesitantly reconnects with old friends. Captivating and poignant, this modern coming-of-age story about the essential nature of community is a page-turning novel.
Wandering Stars (fiction- hardbound) by Tommy Orange
Wandering Stars is the eagerly awaited follow-up to Pulitzer Prize-finalist Tommy Orange’s breakout bestseller, There There, In this novel, Orange traces the legacies of the Sand Creek Massacre of 1864 and the
Carlisle Indian Industrial School through to the shattering aftermath of Orvil Red Feather’s shooting in There There. Wandering Stars is a necessary critique, not of a whitewashed American history, but rather of a colonized one soaked in blood.
Fighting Mad: Resisting the End of Roe v. Wade (nonfiction- paperback) edited by Krystal E. Littlejohn & Rickie Solinger
Fighting Mad is a book about what “reproductive justice” means and what it looks like to fight for it. Editors Krystale E. Littlejohn and Rickie Solinger bring together many of the strongest, most resistant voices in the country to describe the impacts of the Supreme Court’s Dobbs decision on abortion access and care.
Thursday, March 21 @ 6 pm (free - Corte
Madera store) Nam Le, author of 36 Ways of Writing a Vietnamese Poem
In his first international release since the awardwinning, best-selling The Boat, Nam Le delivers a stunning book-length poem that honors every
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San Francisco Bay Times contributor Fernando Camino—whose livecast on Saturday, March 16, presented the annual New York City St. Patrick’s Day Parade—reported observing no LGBTQ contingents once again this year, even though exclusions were lifted in 2014. While standing in his press position inside the street barriers, Camino was told by parade officials, with no explanation, that he had to remove his oversized green top hat while the parade was underway.
On Sunday, March 17, however, Camino wore the same hat with the addition of rainbow-colored feathers at Staten Island’s first ever LGBTQ-inclusive St. Patrick’s Day Parade. The “original” St. Patrick’s Day Parade held on Staten Island (this year on March 3) continues to deny LGBTQ participants since its ban has never been lifted. The second parade was possible thanks, in part, to New York City Mayor Eric Adams, who previously approved it. The result was that thousands of LGBTQ community members and supporters turned out to participate, including the Bay Times’ Camino.
Joining the parade on Staten Island was Brendan Fay, the now famous filmmaker and human rights activist who has been arrested many times over the past 30-plus years and who is a member of the LGBTQ Religious Archives Network Board of Directors. As reported by Camino in the Bay Times (in the March 7, 2024 issue), Fay founded the St. Pat’s for All Parade held in Queens. The first one was held on March 5, 2000. Hillary Clinton, who was preparing to run for Senator in New York that year, connected with Fay and joined the parade.
From his base in New York City, SuperFriends NYC YouTube channel creator Fernando Camino, welcomes “San Francisco Bay Times” viewers to his weekly Times Square livestream on Saturdays (8pm-10pm, Pacific) and selected events on other days. Join the channel: https://tinyurl.com/4jxvumwd
Hosted by the United Irish Societies, the annual St. Patrick’s Day Parade and Celebration in San Francisco is one of the city’s most popular parades. This year’s festivities did not disappoint, as the spring-like weather led to large crowds of spectators lining the parade route, which goes from 2nd and Market to Civic Center Plaza via McAllister Street.
Mayor London Breed donned a bright green blazer. There was little pinching in sight, as most other participants and paradegoers wore emerald green and the Irish eyes were smiling as the bagpipes and drum corps, cloggers, firefighters, union organizers, and more made their way down Market. Giveaways were in force, with even San Francisco police officers handing out stickers to kids.
San Francisco’s LGBTQ+ community was represented by elected officials Supervisor Matt Dorsey, Supervisor Rafael Mandelman, and State Senator Scott Wiener.
Also drawing loud cheers was the gathering of dogs—Irish wolfhounds, kerry blue terriers, and other popular breeds—that combined for a presentation any canine lover would cherish. In keeping with the 2024 parade’s theme, the organizers spoke of “radical inclusivity,” as a key goal. A shared respect for the roles of Chinese and Irish immigrants in building the Transcontinental Railway was demonstrated in floats depicting work on the railroad prior to its completion in 1869.
More than one hundred floats were included and the parade continued for four full hours from the 2 pm start time until the final contingents completed the route at 6 pm. There was a music festival at Civic Center Plaza and a pub crawl in the Marina where shouts of “Sláinte!” (“Health!”) filled the streets.
https://uissf.org/
By Sister Dana Van Iquity
Sister Dana sez, “Easter Sunday is March 31. Be sure to ask the EASTER BUNNY for a big basket—oh, and also something to put the colored eggs in!”
We Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence, San Francisco’s revered and irreverent drag nuns, are delighted to invite the community once again to celebrate Easter with us on Sunday, March 31, in Dolores Park at FORTY-FIVE YEARS OF HOP(E)! Festivities start at 10 am with “Children’s Easter.” At noon there will be music, performance, and the legendary Hunky Jesus, Foxy Mary, and Bonnet contests judged by Sister Roma and me. Easter marks the forty-fifth anniversary of the Sisters. It all began in 1979, when a group of gay men appeared in the Castro wearing nuns’ habits on a lark and discovered a need for nondenominational and nonjudgmental ministry. Today, there is a global order of houses around the country and the world. We promulgate universal joy, expiate stigmatic guilt, and raise funds to support marginalized communities.
The main stage show begins at noon with emcees Honey Mahogany and Sister Roma, and an “eggcellent” lineup of performers including Kat Robichaud, House of Pack, The Mabuhay Bitches, and Sugar Bear. Parents are advised that while nudity and profanity are prohibited, and some may find the Sisters’ trademark irreverence inappropriate for young children. As always, all are invited to enter the Hunky Jesus, Foxy Mary, and Easter Bonnet contests. When the contests are announced from the stage, contestants should gather backstage wearing their bonnet or their Mary and Jesus fabulousness. Finalists will be invited onstage for the audience to decide. Because stage space is limited, groups aren’t allowed. “Easter in the Park” is free and open to all. Sisters will be collecting donations to help cover expenses and support our grant fund,
which in turn supports many worthy causes. Pack a picnic and bring friends to enjoy this signature San Francisco event! We draw a big crowd, so show up early to get a good spot.
THE DEMOCRATIC NATIONAL COMMITTEE has placed four huge billboards in Rome, Georgia (the district of the despicable Republican Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene). All signs have a picture of MTG and Trump. One billboard states: “Donald Trump is to blame for tanking the toughest border security bill in decades.” Another sign takes a Vanity Fair magazine headline: “House Republicans Are Promising to Blow Up Border Deal for Trump.” Sister Dana sez, “If just a few voters go Democrat in that ruby red Republican state—and if those big signs irritate the hell outta Marjie TeeGee—it will be worth the time and money the DNC put into those brilliant billboards!”
Former advisors to Trump are sounding the alarm that their former boss praises despots in private and on the campaign trail. Most alarming was Trump’s repeatedly saying, “ HITLER did some good things.” We who still believe in democracy should be very concerned that Trump will bring us into an American autocracy. Trump even said he would be a dictator on day one of his election win. He threatens that if he loses, there will be “a bloodbath.” Trump openly admires current autocrats governing in Hungary, China, North Korea, and Russia. Alarmed by all this, Emmy Award winning filmmaker Ken Burns has created The U.S. and the Holocaust documentary, discussing the threat of dictatorship past and present.
Sister Dana sez, “Let’s start our own GAYocracy where we take over with our Gay Agenda, and wear rainbow caps with the MAGA letters spelling out: ‘ M ake A merica Gay A gain!’”
The 96th Annual Oscar ceremony did not disappoint, with the spectacular “I’m Just Ken” number from the movie Barbie —and a kast of a kazillion Ken-ough dancers dressed in pink—surrounding the one and only singing Ken (handsome Ryan Gosling). Not to mention more zazz when the hunky muscleman actor John Cena copied the naked streaker guy (at a previous Oscar awards show) and appeared nude with a big envelope to cover his
private parts! And later on, Cena reappeared in a full-length gown— complete with long, long train! Fabulous!
“LET THE RECORD SHOW”
was a reading of her book by Sarah Schulman at the GLBT History Museum on March 13. It was all about the antics of the NYC ACT UP demonstrators for AIDS care and respect. In just six years, ACT UP New York—a broad and unlikely coalition of activists from all races, genders, sexualities, and backgrounds—changed the world. Meanwhile, back in SF, I went to almost every demonstration we activists in ACT UP SF held. Armed with rancor, desperation, intelligence, and creativity, we ACT UP people on both coasts took on the AIDS crisis with an indefatigable, ingenious, and multifaceted attack on the corporations, institutions, governments, and individuals who stood in the way of AIDS treatment for all. ACT UP stormed the FDA and NIH in Washington, D.C., and started needle exchange programs in New York; they took over Grand Central Terminal and fought to change the legal definition of AIDS to include women; they transformed the American insurance industry, weaponized art and advertising to push their agenda, and battled—and beat—The New York Times, the Catholic Church, and the pharmaceutical industry. This activism, in its complex and intersectional power, transformed the lives of people with AIDS and the bigoted society that had abandoned them.
On March 14, the Senate’s top Democrat and highest-ranking U.S. Jewish official, Majority Leader Senator Chuck Schumer, called for new elections in Israel, as well as calling Prime Minister Netanyahu “an obstacle to a two-state solution to the conflict.” He concluded, “Israel cannot hope to succeed as a pariah— opposed by the rest of the world.”
Meanwhile an anti-Biden group of Arab-Americans have formed a protesting verbal attack against the President for not causing an immediate end to the war in Gaza. They are known as the “Abandon Biden Campaign.” Sister Dana sez, “First of all, Biden is doing EVERYTHING POSSIBLE to have a ceasefire and a two-state solution; secondly, if you abandon Biden, good luck with the autocratic Trump and his terrible Muslim ban!”
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2024 has brought an explosion of tempting new Bay Area restaurants worth visiting. It’s a good sign that the industry is beginning a welcome recovery, and also a signal that diners are wanting to get back out and socialize once again. There are too many newbies to name here, but I’ve highlighted a couple of them that are among my favorites. My advice? Try them now before their popularity soars.
Early to Rise, San Francisco
“Early to bed, early to rise, makes a man healthy, wealthy, and wise.” The old adage is a mantra for this welcome newcomer, which opens at 8 am in San Francisco’s NOPA neighborhood. In short, Early to Rise is a must-visit café. Helmed by the charming Chef/Owner Andrew McCormack, lately of Spruce and Quince, this neighborhood spot is the talented young restaurateur’s successful foray into elevating breakfast, lunch, and brunch cuisine. His fine dining pedigree is on display in every aspect of this beautiful restaurant. Housed in an old Victorian, the eatery boasts soaring ceilings, beadboard walls, and stained-glass clerestory windows atop floor-to-ceiling outlooks onto the vibrant street scene outside. Despite its century-plus architectural bones, the interior design exudes a clean, contemporary vibe (think modern diner), with comfortable booths, bar seating and—my preference—counter seating at the window, where you can watch the world go by.
Everything Chef McCormack does is handcrafted, from the handpaddled butter, to the homemade breads, to some of the Bay Area’s best scratch-made malt bagels, and the to-die-for donuts made in-house and filled with Earl Grey tea cream. The quality is first-rate, yet it’s still attractively affordable.
There’s one downside to the restaurant. Partly because it’s so popular already, they don’t take reservations. But waiting in line encourages talking to your fellow compatriots. That supports community building, another positive byproduct that perhaps is also intentional. I’d call that a plus in this era of techno-addictive dining.
Speaking of which, sitting at the indoor streetside countertop also makes you engage with your neighbors, another bonus.
In my case, it included talking shop with the talented singer-songwriter Amy MacClain, as well as discussing our city’s culinary merits with
a lovely gentleman in biopharma who just moved to San Francisco from North Carolina.
So, how’s the fare? It’s comfort food on steroids, with a touch of California innovation thrown in for good measure. My readers know that having grown up in Highland Park, I’m always on the hunt for a good bagel. Guess what? The “everything” bagels at Early to Rise are everything you or your Jewish mother would ever want. They’re dense, chewy, and utterly yummy. They’re served with scallion and chive cream cheese, along with capers, tomatoes, and onions; basically, you have yourself a satisfying meal.
But wait, there’s more! We sampled the Indian-inspired samosa potato pancake, which looks like the Japanese pancake okonomiyaki (but isn’t). It’s filled with roasted carrots and peas, enhanced with tamarind and green masala spices, and topped with a patterned visual display of lime yogurt. It’s another winner. The roasted asparagus salad with molasses was a surprisingly delicious mixture of sorrel, charred baby onions, lemon, and julienned molasses ham. Our next course (and a favorite of my husband) was the tri-tip and poached eggs. It’s a kind of take on coq au vin, but with tri-tip, and served in a red wine and mushroom sauce on homemade sourdough bread. The steak is tender and flavorful, and the combination is perfection. We considered the tangerine pudding that our neighbors ordered for dessert; but we were too stuffed (the portions are eminently shareable). Next time! The service? Efficient and friendly, which adds to the restaurant’s hominess. Beverages include brunch cocktails and a tantalizing wine list, with some lesser known but tasty vintages. The Gay Gourmet’s verdict? Rise up early and savor the gastronomy at Early to Rise.
Malibu Farm, Tiburon
This popular Southern California-based chain has
thankfully arrived in Northern California, and we’re the happy recipients. Now open in Tiburon on Main Street, Malibu Farm astounds with a sweeping view of San Francisco Bay and the city skyline.
There’s a bar and coffee shop on the first level, and indoor dining plus an expansive, outdoor heated deck that’s dog-friendly on the second level. The vibe is California casual chic, with bleached wood tables and chairs amidst a beachy, contemporary design. The restaurant has outposts in the original Malibu location, as well as Newport Beach, San Diego, Lanai (Hawaii), New York, and Tokyo. But make no mistake: this is not one of those formula enterprises where each locale
is a copycat. At Malibu Farm , each restaurant has its own culinary identity, while still offering some of the dishes that make the grade elsewhere.
Chef Helene Henderson is the guiding light, yet Tiburon’s local chef Chris Ball (formerly of One Market and Yankee Pier) adds his own special touches that reflect the Bay Area’s bounty. The eatery’s overall principle embraces sustainability, coupled with a dedication to local farmers. It shows on the menu.
Another admirable quality? The service is welcoming and knowledgeable, with waitperson Kaitlin and manager Tanya standing out as service rockstars. Unlike many San Francisco restaurants, the cocktails arrived on schedule. I got my martini within minutes!
There’s a full bar that entices with some crafty signature cocktails. They include the “Jalapeño,” a tequila-based drink with jalapeño agave and lime juice. On offer also
is a Strawberry Mezcal Negroni, which tempted me, but lost out to my beloved Botanist gin martini. The wine list tends toward local California wines, and my husband selected a dry Provence-style Schug rosé wine.
We began the meal with the housemade, outsized Parker House rolls. They arrived delectably with three different butters. Those included basil butter (tasting like it was just picked from the garden), strawberry butter (like Neiman Marcus, only fruitier), and regular butter. Soft and palatable, the rolls melt in your mouth. For appetizers, we selected a grilled artichoke heart, with a savory and delish crispy panko-crusted poached egg, all surrounded by a creamy hollandaise sauce. The combo worked well together, with the richness of the egg balanced by the heartiness of the vegetable. The shaved, raw Brussels sprouts salad was crunchy and fresh, topped with shaved almonds and just the right amount of spice. Lightly dressed in a whole grain mustard vinaigrette, this salad delivered with a bang. The coconut ceviche, served uniquely with taro chips and a house-made salsa, was silky and tender, another highlight.
For the main courses, the hubby loved his medium-rare hanger steak (he proclaimed it “juicy and tender”), served with a side of roasted Brussels sprouts, mixed with candied pecans, and Point Reyes bleu cheese. My pan-seared Mt. Lassen trout (more like salmon than trout) was cooked perfectly medium-rare, and accompanied by English peas, new potatoes, asparagus, and a piquillo pepper tapenade. I thought the saffron citrus sauce was too tangy and overwhelmed the dish. Nonetheless, I think this entrée has merit. My suggestion to the chef? I’d skip the citrus sauce and let the tapenade (with the accompaniments) shine as the accent to the fish.
The menu also offers an interesting selection of pizzas (including an avocado pizza with jalapeño ricotta that beckoned), a vegan coconut curry, and build-your-own fish tacos.
All in all, Malibu Farm is a modestly priced American bistro, with
About 80 people gathered at the home of San Francisco Bay Times columnist and Gay Gourmet David Landis and his husband Sean Dowdall on March 7, 2024. The purpose? To raise awareness for the Amateur Music Network (AMN), a musical nonprofit that pairs amateur musicians with professionals.
Soprano Candace Johnson and pianist Ben Flint performed. Landis and Dowdall raised around $20,000 for this deserving musical organization. Founder Lolly Lewis was the honoree. www.amateurmusic.org
a talented chef and a stupendous view. I’d recommend visiting before the crowds descend.
Bits and Bites
Old Skool Café, the wonderful youth-run, jazz themed, nonprofit supper club in the Bayview district that employs at-risk youth, is celebrating a big milestone: its 20th anniversary! Supporters are helping create a “Wonderwall,” an art piece that commemorates the 20 years of the organization’s important community work.
Robots are here! China Live, created by celebrated Chef George Chen (and one of The Gay Gourmet’s favorite Chinese restaurants) is partnering with Bear Robotics by introducing its Servi Plus robot.
I’m glad to see that the robots don’t replace the needed waitstaff; they just assist. I still love the personalized service of a human being, but technology can point to the future.
Onward!
I’ve just become acquainted with La Fête du Rosé wine and it’s delectable. Golden
BY
State Warriors’ Chris Paul is an equity partner in La Fête Wine Company, which owns La Fête du Rosé. Since its inception, the company has donated a portion of the proceeds from every bottle sold to programs that send underrepresented youth on unique travel experiences, as well as to organizations focused on creating opportunities for the BIPOC community in the wine and spirits industry. This French imported wine and its sister wine, La Fête du Blanc, are now available at the Chase Center I like that the brand is African American-owned, but I’m also a fan of its taste. The winery describes the nose as exhibiting “hints of apricot and peach, and a slight minerality.” Sipping this dry Provence-style rosé is like taking a mini-trip to St. Tropez. I say, “ La Fête du Rosé all day!”
By the way, yours truly is heading to Japan to celebrate my lovely sister’s big birthday, so I’ll miss a couple of columns. But I’ll be back. Stay tuned!
Early To Rise:
https://www.earlytorisesf.com/ Malibu Farm:
https://tinyurl.com/3x3hsbdp Old Skool Café:
https://www.oldskoolcafe.org/
China Live:
https://chinalivesf.com/
Bear Robotics: https://www.bearrobotics.ai/ La Fête du Rosé:
https://www.lafetewine.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
BOOK PASSAGES (continued from pg 24)
convention of diasporic literature in an array of forms and registers before shattering the form itself.
Expect Le to read several excerpts from the book, making use of multiple tones, and straddling between the personal and the political. Afterwards, Le will be interviewed by Australian author Fiona McFarlane.
Sunday, March 24 @ 7:30 pm (ticketed - Presidio Theater SF) Colum McCann, author of American Mother in conversation with Kelly Candaele
Join us for an evening with Dublin-born Calum McCann, the international awardwinning author of Let the Great World Spin McCann is as fantastic a presenter as he is a writer, so he and Kelly Candaele are destined to charm and delight with their conversations, and McCann will captivate with his reading. Music star Sting says, “American Mother is a book that will shake your soul out. A thriller, a memoir, a mystery, a
LIPSKY (continued from pg 22)
whatever the reason, and decided to stand trial together.
After his acquittal, Nkoli co-founded the group he had long envisioned, the Gay and Lesbian Organization of the Witwatersrand (GLOW), to fight both against racial discrimination and for human rights for LGBT people. The next year, on a world tour, he spoke about need for all oppressed people to work together, so they could guarantee freedom and equality for everyone: “If we isolate the gay and lesbian struggle it will be the same as women isolating their struggle, or the youth, or workers, and then everybody will have lots of struggles within apartheid. So, let’s bring all these struggles together, as we are doing, and united we will go somewhere.”
In 1990, Nkoli helped organize South Africa’s first Gay Pride celebration in Johannesburg. “With this march,” he said, “gays and lesbians are entering the struggle for a democratic South Africa where everybody has equal rights and everyone is protected by the law: Black and white, men and women, gay and straight.” He also co-founded the Township AIDS Project to educate gays about an epidemic made so much more devastating because of the shame, secrecy, and ignorance that still surrounded it.
With change starting to come to the nation, Nkoli began working to include a clause in
portrait of forgiveness, and a literary song of grace, Colum McCann and Diane Foley have filled the empty chair for us all. One of the most extraordinarily well-braided stories that I have read in years.”
T hursday, March 28 @ 5:30 pm
(free - Ferry Building store SF) Katie Gee
Salisbury, author of Not Your China Doll Set against the glittering backdrop of Los Angeles during the gin-soaked Jazz Age and the rise of Hollywood, this debut book celebrates Anna May Wong, the first Asian American movie star to bring an unsung heroine to light and reclaim her space in American cinema. Salisbury will read from her book as well as explain about her passion project and her writing journey from research to publishing. Afterwards, audience members can present questions to the author and get their books signed and personalized.
https://www.bookpassage.com/
a new constitution that would protect its citizens from discrimination because of their sexual orientation. Adopted in 1996, South Africa became the first country in the world to specifically outlaw discrimination against LGBT people in its Bill of Rights: “The state may not unfairly discriminate directly or indirectly against anyone on one or more grounds, including race, gender, sex, pregnancy, marital status, ethnic or social origin, color, sexual orientation, age, disability, religion, conscience, belief, culture, language, and birth.”
By then, Nelson Mandela, 11th President of the ANC, had become the country’s first Black head of state.
Nkoli lost his struggle with AIDS on November 30, 1998, four days after his 41st birthday. His life is an everlasting example not only for Black and LGBT people who are still fighting to be themselves in societies that refuse to acknowledge their humanity, but also for anyone striving for equality and justice in an often-unjust world. He reminds us that “the struggle for human rights knows no boundaries” and inspires us to build societies that embrace everyone.
Bill Lipsky, Ph.D., author of “LGBTQ+ Trailblazers of San Francisco” (2023) and “Gay and Lesbian San Francisco” (2006), is a member of the Rainbow Honor Walk board of directors.
SISTER DANA (continued from pg 28)
Vice President Kamala Harris made a historic visit on March 14 to a Minnesota healthcare center that provides abortions and other care for women. She is the first sitting vice president to make such an appearance. “Right now, in our country we are facing a very serious healthcare crisis,” she emphasized, and called Trump “the architect of the healthcare crisis.” She continued, “How dare these elected leaders who believe they are in a better position to tell women what they need!” Harris concluded, “We have to be a nation that trusts women!” The vice president has been going nonstop state to state, hoping to rally voters for the issue of reproductive rights.
It should be noted that so far, 21 states have become anti-abortionist since the awful overturning of Roe v. Wade.
SAN FRANCISCO PRIDE has announced that Grand Marshal Voting is open until March 25! Grand Marshals represent a mix of individuals and organizations that have made significant contributions to the LGBTQ community. With the help of community input, SF Pride selects these groups and individuals in order to honor the work they have put into furthering the causes of LGBTQ people. San Francisco Pride Community Grand Marshals are local heroes who have contributed greatly to the SF Bay Area LGBTQ community or to society at large. Nominations have been tallied and eight amazing individuals and two incredible organizations have been added to the ballot. Nominees are Nicole Adler, Xander Briere, Fudgie Frottage, Serge Gay Jr., Julia Serano, Tory Teasley, Neo Veavea , Marvin K. White, and The Port Bar and Children’s After School Arts Program . To vote, click onto https://tinyurl.com/2z8t9ruk
It was ST. PATRICK’S DAY weekend, and we K REWE DE KINQUE folx, all in green, helped support the rainbow LGBTQ Community in the dangerous Middle East. On March 16 at the Midnight Sun bar, we had an exciting Music Release Party for extraordinary chanteuse Carly Ozard and her hit new song, “We Have A Dream.” She took the stage at 6 pm to sing that and more. We filled a “pot o’ gold” for the A LWAN FOUNDATION via Open Show Tips, a $10 Beer/Soda Bust, and a fun Raffle drawing. We met the founder of Alwan Foundation, Dr. Nas Mohamed, and heard about his experience as the first openly LGBTQ person from his home country Qatar. Our hosts, KDK King & Queen XXI Robert Makowka & Vivianne Vixen-Rose, kept the party hopping.
Otherwise steadfast conservative Republican Representative Ken Buck has served his resignation from Congress because “[T]his place just keeps going downhill, and I don’t need to spend
my time here.” Sister Dana sez, “Right on, Ken, your observation rings true—from random impeachments to important bills NOT passed. Now, would any more downhill Republican Congress people like to likewise step down? We welcome you with open arms!”
SAN FRANCISCO GAY MEN’S CHORUS presents for one night only DRAG ME TO THE MOVIES on Thursday, March 28, 7:30 pm at Davies Symphony Hall and featuring special guest drag queen extraordinaire Lady Camden This is a cinematic extravaganza that’s more dazzling than a Hollywood premiere. Roll out the glittering red carpet and step into a world where iconic film scores, pop culture anthems, and the allure of drag harmonize in one unforgettable evening. https://www.sfgmc.org/
EASTER EGG-STRAVAGANZA is a Castroriffic Block Party at Noe and Market Street on Saturday, March 30, noon–6 pm. San Francisco’s best and brightest bushy-tail bunnies converge again to commemorate Easter with their Bunny Hop and costume contests (pets, kids and adults—all open themed). Presented by https://www.artyhood.org/
You’re invited to a special PRC Open House on Wednesday, April 3, 5–7 pm. Join them as they celebrate PRC’s fifth anniversary at their Integrated Services Center at 170 9th Street. They will showcase PRC’s incredible work, serving over 5,000 individuals annually through transformative behavioral health and social services. Their Open House last fall was a huge success, and that inspired them to open their doors once again. This second open invitation offers an opportunity to explore PRC’s design award-winning Integrated Service Center, gain insight into the real-life experiences their clients face, and how they access programs that ultimately improve their lives. Enjoy small bites and surprises while they celebrate and recognize their dedicated volunteers who have been the backbone of their success.
The next monthly LOCKDOWN COMEDY show (on Zoom) will take place on Thursday, April 4, and features headliner Wendy Liebman (LA), Dhaya Lakshminarayanan (SF, but originally Alabama), Joseph Nguyen (SF, but originally Atlanta), producer/ comedian Lisa Geduldig (SF), and her 92-years-young mom, Arline Geduldig (Florida)—aka The Geduldig Sisters.
https://tinyurl.com/3ynku8j7
Sister Dana sez, “Sadly, this will be my FINAL column of ‘Sister Dana Sez: Words of Wisdumb from a Fun Nun.’”
Sister Dana sez, “APRIL FOOLS! (April 1). They can’t keep this old nun down!!! See ya, dear readers, again in two weeks!”
Meet Kaya, the “Marvelous Marvel of the Husky World,” a 7-year-old vision-impaired husky whose zest for life is as clear as day. Despite her blurry vision, Kaya’s spirited personality shines through her unique antics, such as her upside-down naps and her love for treats.
She’s a bundle of joy, spreading laughter with her quirky habits and impressing all with her “Sassy Sit” and “Dramatic Lay Down” performances.
Kaya’s adventurous spirit and readiness for love and laughter make her the perfect addition to any home looking for a dose of husky mischief. She embodies the essence of seeing the world not just with the eyes but with the heart, reminding everyone that the most precious experiences in life are those felt deeply and joyfully.
If you’re intrigued by the idea of welcoming Kaya into your family but wish to ensure a perfect match, the SF SPCA offers a unique trial foster program. For one week, you can foster Kaya, giving you both a chance to see if your home is the right forever home for her. This period allows for a meaningful experience with Kaya, helping you decide on adoption with confidence. Interested in this heartwarming opportunity? Reach out to adoptions@sfspca.org for more details. The SF SPCA is located at 201 Alabama Street. Our doors are open from Wednesday to Sunday, 11 am to 6 pm, and Tuesdays from 1 pm to 6 pm (closed Mondays). https://www.sfspca.org/adoptions/
Here are two of the many pets now available for adoption at Oakland Animal Services (OAS):
One-year-old Feta loves to play fetch! This sweet pup would love to be in an active home where he can enjoy lots of daily exercise and enrichment.
Beans is a friendly girl who loves to wag her tail when she sees you. She is about 8 years old, and she would be so happy to be in a comfortable home where she can enjoy her senior years.
The OAS adoption process focuses on matching you with a pet who is a good fit for you and your family. Come by during open adoption hours Thursdays 12–7 pm and Fridays/ Saturdays/Sundays 12–3 pm to adopt your new best friend, or to learn more about the OAS adoption process. Please see the OAS website to learn more about how you can help by adopting, fostering, volunteering, and donating: www.oaklandanimalservices.org
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Year after year, our Roadies dedicate themselves to ensuring cyclist safety, packing up gear, serving food, providing medical care, setting up camp, staffing lunch stops, and more. These amazing volunteers work tirelessly to ensure that cyclists have a safe, enjoyable, and unforgettable journey from SF to LA. Roadies do so much more than just support the logistics of the ride. They bring their energy, their passion, and their personal experiences to the event, creating an unforgettable sense of community.
Let’s get to know a few of the Roadies who join AIDS/LifeCycle out on the route!
Jen Reese is a two-time Rider and longtime volunteer Roadie who co-captains the Lunch Stop. She was first inspired to participate after a close friend signed up, and she hasn’t looked back since. “Riding my first AIDS/LifeCycle was a life-changing experience,” she said. Participating in the ride has given her a deeper understanding of HIV/AIDS and the vital work of organizations in supporting those who are affected.
Dennis Beech is joining our medical team for the third time. Dennis’ motivation for getting involved with AIDS Life/Cycle is personal. His experience of losing his partner and seeing the devastation caused by AIDS in his community inspired him to support others affected. “I became a nurse in the late 1980s to care for people with AIDS. I watched AIDS go from a disease many died from to one that people now live with.”
Rachel Freemon Sowers is an entrepreneur, visibility coach, and podcast creator who is returning to AIDS/LifeCycle for the second time but her first time as a Roadie. She participates to honor her dad, Jim Freemon, who rode AIDS/ LifeCycle three times before passing away in 2019. Having ridden hundreds of miles together, she says that, even though he is now gone, “there is no closer feeling to my dad when I am on the bike.” These roadies, and countless others like them, are the heart and soul of AIDS/LifeCycle. Without their hard work, dedication, and passion, this incredible event simply wouldn’t be possible. So, here’s a huge shout-out to all the amazing roadies out there: thank you for everything you do to make this event a success!
https://www.aidslifecycle.org/ AIDS/LifeCycle is co-produced by the San Francisco AIDS Foundation and the Los Angeles LGBT Center.
—Steven Lorenzen (Director of Personal Training)
Each lucky member and guest received their own personal Oscar statue at The Academy SF’s Oscar Night party held on Sunday, March 10.
Bestowed by co-emcees Donna Sachet and Paul Miller, the golden trophies represented the keepsake, signature human figure in smaller but exact form to emulate the awards given at the official ceremony. Co-hosting with Sachet was The Academy’s Nate Bourg, who welcomed and expressed thanks to all for helping to make the evening a success.
Screens throughout the venue showed the 96th Academy Awards ceremony presented by the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences at the Dolby Theatre in Hollywood. Winners were announced in 23 categories honoring films released in 2023.
At The Academy SF located on Market Street in the Castro, personalized ballots were available for attendees to vote for favorites and tally up the list of winners. Film enthusiasts attending enjoyed an elegant viewing party with curated wines, cocktails, and other refreshments.
https://www.academy-sf.com/
Photos by Rink
Co-hosts Gary Virginia and Donna Sachet welcomed guests to 440 Castro on Sunday evening, March 10, for a St. Patrick’s Day Party benefiting the Alexander Hamilton American Legion Post 448.
Green was the color in force when supporters gathered both outside in the parklet and inside at the bar to raise a toast to Commander Jimmy McConnell and all attending.
Entertainer Candy Mint performed.
Virginia, who also organized the event, sold raffle tickets. Among the prizes was a collection of eight teddy bears from Harrod’s in the U.K. Sachet was elegant dressed in all green. DJ Paul Goodyear provided an audio backdrop of festive and “SanFranDisko” music ( https://tinyurl.com/yckh3f2d ).
For more about the Alexander Hamilton American Legion Post 448, visit https://tinyurl.com/e6kjx9fs
Sunday, March 31, 12-4pm, Dolores Park
http://www.thesisters.org
Come to Cliff’s Annex and find Cartonic 3-D puzzles, the easy and eco way to create a genuine piece of cardboard art. The kit consists of pre-cut cardboard pieces that are easily assembled. During creation, you will literally witness the piece’s formation layer by layer. Assorted styles at $39.99.
Brighten your home with vibrantly colored, 10-inch Le Murrine Bowls by Guzzini. Build a collection of these dishwasher-safe and sturdy Italian bowls that radiate style while standing up to everyday use. $55.99 ince our founding in 1936, Cliff’s Variety has been constantly growing and evolving in response to the needs of our customers. Our buyers strive to keep our selection fresh, on-trend, and competitive. We carry the best of everything from hardware & tools to cookware, garden supplies, toys, crafts, and gifts. We also offer re-keying and lock repair, knife sharpening, glass, acrylic & wood cutting. Light fabrication, pipe threading, and cable crimping are among the many other services we offer at Cliff’s Variety. If your project has gone a little beyond your abilities, we’re here to help.
https://cliffsvariety.com/
