San Francisco Bay Times - April 22, 2021 by San Francisco Bay Times

BAY TIMES S

LGBTQ News & Calendar for the Bay Area

CELEBRATING FOUR DECADES (1978–2021) April 22–May 5, 2021 http://sfbaytimes.com

GEORGE FLOYD’S LEGACY

Margaret Cho Gives Voice to ‘The Mortal Minority’ See page 3

PHOTO BY SERGIO GARCIA

See page 2

Social Justice in the Name of George Floyd

‘Justice for Black America Is Justice for All America’: Reaction to Chauvin Guilty Verdict

SF LGBT Center Though accountability was served today, the work to uplift George Floyd’s legacy by achieving racial justice is a movement that’s far from over, and we’re dedicated to the struggle. The SF LGBT Center stands with—and for—our Black siblings and broader BIPOC community, and we are unequivocally committed to racial equity as a core tenet of our work long-term. We will remain vigilant in combating white supremacy and other systems of oppression by centering intersectional activism in everything we do. LGBTQ+ liberation is Black liberation. Black liberation is LGBTQ+ liberation. Mayor London Breed This verdict does not bring back the life of George Floyd. It can’t replace the years of his life that were robbed from him, nor the life experiences and memories that would have been made with his friends and family. What this verdict does reflect is that the tide is turning in this country, although still too slowly, toward accountability and justice. (Full statement: https://tinyurl.com/36kftcy2 ) Former President Barack Obama Today, a jury in Minneapolis did the right thing. For almost a year, George Floyd’s death under the knee of a police officer has reverberated around the world — inspiring murals and marches, sparking conversations in living rooms and new legislation. But a more basic question has always remained: would justice be done? In this case, at least, we have our answer. But if we’re being honest with ourselves, we know that true justice is about much more than a single verdict in a single trial.

Michelle and I send our prayers to the Floyd family, in the hopes that they may find peace. And we stand shoulder-to-shoulder with all those who are committed to guaranteeing every American the full measure of justice that George and so many others have been denied. Governor Gavin Newsom The hard truth is that, if George Floyd looked like me, he’d still be alive today. No conviction can repair the harm done to George Floyd and his family, but today’s verdict provides some accountability as we work to root out the racial injustice that haunts our society. We must continue the work of fighting systemic racism and excessive use of force. It’s why I signed some of the nation’s most progressive police reform legislation into law. I will continue working with community leaders across the state to hear concerns and support peaceful expression. San Francisco Democratic Party Today’s jury verdict was a step in the right direction. But it came with and at a tremendous cost: the Floyd family lost a son, brother, and father, and millions of people across the country and the globe had to march and demand that justice be served for George Floyd. It also does not undo or absolve centuries of oppression, injustice, trauma, and discrimination that the African-American community has and continues to face, and we are reminded that we must never stop continuing to fight to finally make “equal justice under the law” truly a reality for all Americans. There is still much work that needs and must be done here and now, and this work will require the strength and active commitment of all of us to be accomplished. The San Francisco Democratic Party recognizes the outstanding accomplishments, contributions, and impact that Black Americans have made on our city, county, and country, and it is committed to building a Democratic political movement that centers Black lives and the needs of the Black community. San Francisco Democrats: let us continue to stand up, speak out, and take action. Black Lives Matter 330 days to confirm what we already knew. 330 days of reliving the trauma of George’s murder, fearing that the system would let us down again, and mourning so many more that we lost. For a murder witnessed by millions.

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True justice requires that we come to terms with the fact that Black Americans are treated differently, every day. It requires us to recognize that millions of our friends, family, and fellow citizens live in fear that their next encounter with law enforcement could be their last. And it requires us to do the sometimes thankless, often difficult, but always necessary work of making the America we know more like the America we believe in.

And as we continue the fight, we can draw strength from the millions of people — especially young people — who have marched and protested and spoken up over the last year, shining a light on inequity and calling for change. Justice is closer today not simply because of this verdict, but because of their work.

Rev. Al Sharpton and Civil Rights Attorney Ben Crump led the Floyd family and friends in a prayer of thanks following the verdict. 2

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This isn’t proof the system works. It’s proof of how broken it is. Because it took us this long, and this much attention. Until we have a world where our communities can thrive free from fear, there will be no justice.

PHOTO BY VASANTH RAJKUMAR

That sentiment carried through numerous other statements released by LGBTQ organizations, local and national leaders, and many others after the verdict was read. They include the following:

George While today’s verdict Floyd may have been a necessary step on the road to progress, it was far from a sufficient one. We cannot rest. We will need to follow through with the concrete reforms that will reduce and ultimately eliminate racial bias in our criminal justice system. We will need to redouble efforts to expand economic opportunity for those communities that have been too long marginalized.

Tributes and mural outside Cup Foods near where Floyd died.

Jewish Community Center of San Francisco Almost one year ago we witnessed in sorrow the undeniable video testimony of George Floyd’s murder. The demand for justice that erupted from every corner of the country was painful and inspirational. Today’s guilty verdict is an important step forward, but by no means the end of the journey. As George Floyd’s family said in their statement following the verdict, Mural portrait of George Floyd by Eme Street Art in Mauerpark (Berlin, Germany) “Justice for Black America is justice for all America.” We promote the value of justice at the JCCSF and so it is our obligation to share our resources, power, and privilege. We will continue to learn about, connect with, support, and celebrate each other in the pursuit for justice and live by the words of Emma Lazarus, “Until we are all free, we are none of us free.” Castro LGBTQ President Biden and Vice President Harris spoke at The White House following the Cultural District announcement of the verdict. The staff and advisory resent the turning point that we all hope for board members of the Castro LGBTQ Culwill depend on the work still to be done in tural District acknowledge that today’s verpolice departments, court rooms, and legisladict in the Chauvin trial is important and that tive chambers across this country. Racism and we all need to advocate for racial equity in our injustice have been baked into our public instisociety. Minimally, this means equality and jus- tutions over centuries, and no single verdict can tice for all people, especially Black people. reverse that. But the mass protests that followed George Floyd’s murder and today’s verdict have In this case, justice is not achieved with the vershown that things can get better and that Black dict. Justice would be that George Floyd would lives do matter. BLACK LIVES MATTER. not have been murdered and would have been treated like a human being. Because Black President Joe Biden Lives Matter. We have to listen. I can’t breathe. I can’t breathe. Those were George Floyd’s last words. We acknowledge that the verdict represents We can’t let those words die with him. We have accountability in the confines of our justice to keep hearing those words. system, for one murder in one case. We (Watch President Biden address the nation followacknowledge that there are options, other ing the verdict: https://tinyurl.com/ucbj84xs ) than calling the police, when attempting to resolve issues on the streets in San Francisco. Black Lives Matter and other organizations are In the Castro District, the dispatch number drawing renewed attention now to The Breathe for the Castro Benefits District cleaning (nonAct, which calls for: emergency) is 415-471-7536. • divesting federal resources from policing We acknowledge that this verdict is difficult for many of us, especially people of color and others among us who are regularly targeted by violence. Please take care of yourselves, please make space to grieve and emotionally process this news, and please find ways to help us move closer to racial equity. Supervisor Rafael Mandelman Today, a jury in Minneapolis did what so many juries have not. Whether the George Floyd murder and Derek Chauvin verdict rep-

and incarceration and ending federal criminal-legal system harms; • investing in new approaches to community safety utilizing funding incentives; • allocating new money to build healthy, sustainable, and equitable communities for all people; • holding officials accountable and enhancing self-determination of Black communities.

For more information about The Breathe Act: https://breatheact.org/learn-more/

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After a trial closely watched both nationally and internationally, former Minneapolis police officer Derek Chauvin on April 20 was found guilty of unintentional second-degree murder, third-degree murder, and second-degree manslaughter in the death of George Floyd. Street actions—many spontaneous—took place throughout the Bay Area, such as the rally “Justice for George Floyd is No More Cop Terror!” held at 24th and Mission in San Francisco. The Party for Socialism and Liberation - Bay Area, which organized the rally, stated: “Though Chauvin was convicted on all 3 counts, we know it was the power of the people, not the courts, that made this happen. The fight for true justice is far from over.”

Solidarity with the AAPI Community

BAY TIMES S

LGBTQ News & Calendar for the Bay Area

CELEBRATING FOUR DECADES (1978–2021)

New Season of The Margaret Cho Concerns the ‘Mortal Minority’ The popular podcast The Margaret Cho this month has returned with a special second season titled “Mortal Minority.” In it, Cho and guests unpack historic crimes like the 1871 Chinatown Massacre and the 2005 Fortune Teller Murders that unfortunately have paved the way for many of the modern crimes we see today. Cho also discusses ways you can help combat hate and misinformation. The Margaret Cho - Mortal Minority is presented by the new female-led podcast network Earios, in partnership with Acast. If you have not yet checked out Earios, we highly recommend doing so. ( https://www.earios. net/ ) We also cannot recommend enough Cho’s podcast, which for all episodes showcases its brilliant host and the people and issues she is most passionate about now. The Margaret Cho: https://www.earios.net/the-margaret-cho

Margaret Cho Gives a Voice to the ‘Mortal Minority’ in New Project

Now Cho is redoubling her longstanding social justice work in a new project that fights racism, and particularly hate against Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) communities that has risen during the COVID-19 pandemic. She recently spoke with the San Francisco Bay Times about the new project, her memories of San Francisco, and more. San Francisco Bay Times: What challenges did your family face when they came to San Francisco from Korea in 1964? They must have experienced tremendous racism, what with the Korean War only 10 years prior and due to so much else. Margaret Cho: The challenges my family faced when they came to San Francisco from Korea were really big. They in no way felt that they could even get a foot in the door in terms of jobs or just in terms of anything. They don’t talk a lot about it. It’s something that they have tremendous PTSD (Posttraumatic Stress Disorder) from. One of my father’s first jobs was working as a busboy at Finocchio’s, which was on Broadway and was a very famous, bustling restaurant and nightclub. He worked there for like 45 minutes. He got fired because he didn’t understand that, when you give people a breadbasket, that means a basket full of bread. When he saw four people sit down at a table, he would give them four small pieces of bread because that is what you would [expect to] get at a meal. You wouldn’t get this huge basket of bread. Things like that, he just didn’t understand. There was a real divide. San Francisco Bay Times: Your new podcast has us realizing how much AsianAmerican history is too often erased from American history. How do you hope your podcast will make a positive difference, and where would you most like to see longterm beneficial changes? Margaret Cho: I am so excited about my new podcast because there is so much about AsianAmerican history that we don’t know about, whether it’s the Chinese Massacre of 1871, or the Rock Springs, Wyoming, Massacre of 1885. There are so many incredible events that have shaped who Asian Americans are, and yet have been totally erased—really erased in so many ways in American history. I am hoping that we can get a hold on how these events have shaped us in the Asian-American community. We are also talking about particular more recent events like the Fortune Teller Murders, which gave me insight into Little Saigon and the community there in the mid-2000s in Los Angeles. It is a place, like San Francisco, that I [and others] often travel to, and yet we don’t know much about the deep roots Asian Americans have left there. I would love to see change in the way that we tell these stories in schools, in social media, and in the entertainment industry.

San Francisco Bay Times: The “model minority” myth has been incredibly destructive and is still very evident, even here in San Francisco. How can we begin to repair that damage with the truth of “mortal minority”? Margaret Cho: The model minority myth is really damaging because it sets us apart from other minorities. It was really created in order to somehow try to keep the civil rights movement from happening. The model minority movement emerged out of this ethos that was saying there was a certain way you should be a minority, and a certain way you shouldn’t be a minority. If you are a model minority, you don’t make a fuss about your rights. You don’t march. You don’t take action against injustice. And this was the worst thing because it set us apart from other minority communities and it took the real villain of the story, which is racism, out of the picture. It set us across from each other and fighting with each other in a way that makes white supremacy blameless. And this is a very destructive idea. “The Mortal Minority,” the title of my podcast this season, is a way to reject the idea of a model minority. It’s a way to kill off the idea of a model minority. San Francisco Bay Times: What do you think are some of the best things about Asian-American culture and life in San Francisco today, and what do you most miss about San Francisco when you are away from the city for extended times? Margaret Cho: Some of the best things about Asian-American culture and life in San Francisco today are really about the food and about our presence ... our long presence in San Francisco. In San Francisco, there isn’t just one Chinatown; there are a few. I like Clement Street! That’s my favorite Chinatown. San Francisco Bay Times: When you are away from San Francisco, what else do you miss the most? Margaret Cho: What I miss most about San Francisco is the food and all of the things about the city that really make it what it is, such as the Sunset District where I’m from. I always miss it on Valentine’s Day because there are houses that look like those candy hearts. They are that pink pastel stucco with green pastel stucco and I can just taste how pasty those candies are from how those houses look. San Francisco Bay Times: What changes would you like to happen that move us closer to social and racial justice, particularly as they apply to the Asian-American community? Margaret Cho: I would like to see the way that we’re talking about the Asian-American community shift and grow in the future. I would like to see more people get involved. I would like to see allyships. I would like to see more of a focus on AsianAmerican women and queer women who are of Asian-American descent having a voice. It’s such a powerful thing to be able to be heard and be seen.

SERGIO GARCIA

Through hard work and seemingly endless talent, Margaret Cho has earned success as a comedian, actor, musician, entrepreneur, and artist. With so much accomplishment in her creative life, the San Francisco-born star also somehow still finds time to support the causes that are important to her. For example, the openly bisexual Cho has been an advocate for the LGBTQ community for many years.

https://margaretcho.com/ S AN F R ANC IS C O BAY T IM ES

APR IL 22, 2021

Solidarity with the AAPI Community ‘My Little Asian Thing’: Everyday Anti-AAPI Bias and Its Effects

6/26 and Beyond Stuart Gaffney and John Lewis A few years ago, at a professional event we regularly attend, we struck up a friendly conversation with a newcomer. As the man repeatedly used the word “we” in talking about his household, we asked him whom he lived with. The man’s response: “It’s me and my little Asian thing.” We were stunned. The man was referring to his wife. And soon thereafter he revealed his “little Asian thing” was, in fact, a physician at a major medical center. The man’s casually referring to his physician wife in such a manner truly revealed to us the depth of marginalization that Asian-American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) women face. He not only dehumanized her by referring to her as a “thing” that was “little,” but he also expressed his ownership of her. She was “my little Asian thing.”

We can only imagine the degree to which the mass murderer of Asian American spa workers in Atlanta considered those women his possessions with which he could do as he wished, including killing them when he was having “a really bad day.” Of course, it should go without saying that no AAPI woman should face such degradation and violence regardless of her station in life, whether she be a physician, spa worker, or vice president of the United States. Sadly, this incident is just one of a number of times people have nonchalantly marginalized Asian Americans in otherwise friendly conversations with us. Several years ago, we ate dinner at a popular San Francisco restaurant in which the warm and outgoing owner was clearly friends with many of his customers. When he didn’t recognize us, he immediately pulled up a chair to converse. We soon realized that we lived very near each other, whereupon he exclaimed with delight: “It’s so nice to meet neighbors who are not Chinese!” Of course, at that very moment he was meeting a Chinese neighbor: Stuart. He was clearly oblivious to that fact and was perhaps ignorant more generally that there are many mixed-race Chinese Americans like Stuart. It probably didn’t even cross his mind that both of our families could be multi-racial

white/Asian-American families as, in fact, they are. The restaurant owner likely sensed we were taken aback by his words, because he immediately stammered: “Nothing against the Chinese! I’d just like to be able to speak with my neighbors.” Attitudes about race can be multi-faceted, nuanced, and complex. Not everything is blind hatred. But the restaurant owner’s confidence in initially making such a broadly anti-Chinese statement greatly disturbed us. The very casualness with which some people have felt free to denigrate Asian Americans to us reveals the insidious pervasiveness of antiAsian attitudes. This conceptualization of Asian Americans as “other” undergirds the strikingly persistent perception that Asian Americans, even those who have been in the U.S. for multiple generations, are not Americans, but instead “perpetual foreigners.” When a man spray-painted “No More Chinese” in large letters in multiple locations in our neighborhood six years ago, he invoked verbatim the racist rhetoric employed to pass the Chinese Exclusion Act of 1882. When a man brutally attacked a 65-year-old AAPI woman in broad daylight on a New York City sidewalk last month, police said he yelled anti-Asian (continued on page 24)

Anti-Asian Violence and Efforts to Combat It “For far too long our culture has belittled, fetishized, and dehumanized API women, especially poorer, southeast Asian women ... I am urging President Biden, Congress, and every state and local official to work diligently to address [the] ongoing violence against the API community, work diligently to end human trafficking, prioritize the end of sexual violence against women, and help heal racial divides in our country.” —Oakland Councilmember Sheng Thao Since the start of the COVID19 pandemic, hate crimes against Asian-American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) communities have risen by at least 150 percent, according to the Center for the Study of Hate and Extremism at California State University. The crimes have included attacks on some of the most vulnerable citizens, such as the elderly and the poor. Xenophobic rhetoric connecting the pandemic to those who are AAPI is one of the widely suspected drivers of the hate crimes that have been occurring throughout the state and nationwide.

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Recently, the organization Stop AAPI Hate—formed by the Asian Pacific Planning and Policy Council (A3PCON), the Chinese for Affirmative Action (CAA), and the Asian American Studies Department of San Francisco State University—released a national report documenting incidents targeting AAPI Americans from March 19, 2020, to February 28, 2021. Out of the nearly 4,000 incidents, close to a quarter happened in San Francisco.

lator in the transfer station, a man repeatedly punched my back and pushed past us. At the top, he circled back toward us, followed us, repeatedly shouted ‘Chinese b---h’ at me, fake coughed at, and physically threatened us. A few days later, we saw a news story about how the owner of Valley Brook Tea in D.C. was harassed and pepper sprayed by the same man, calling him ‘COVID-19’ repeatedly.” (Annandale, VA)

The report—authored by Russell Jeung, Aggie Yellow Horse, Tara Popovic, and Richard Lim— included the following:

“During an Asian American protest, a white man driving a silver Mercedes drove past the first wave of Asian protesters yelling out of his window at them, “Stupid f---ing Asians!” Afterwards, he drove to where the remaining Asian protesters stood and was witnessed by multiple protesters aggressively driving onto the walkway where several protesters were gathered. Several elderly Hmong women jumped out of the way. An 8-year-old boy, who stood in the path of the oncoming vehicle, was startled into action and quickly moved out of the way towards safety.” (Elk Grove, CA)

• Verbal harassment (68.1%) and shunning (20.5%) make up the two largest proportions of the total incidents reported. • Physical assault (11.1%) comprises the third largest category of the total incidents. • Civil rights violations—e.g., workplace discrimination, refusal of service, and being barred from transportation—account for 8.5% of the total incidents. • Online harassment makes up 6.8% of the total incidents.

Events such as the March 16 mass shooting in Atlanta that left 8 people dead, however, may be rooted in problems that precede the current pandemic by centuries in the U.S. These problems include incidents that mirror those that have been frequently inflicted on the LGBTQ community, including “shunning” or the deliberate avoidance of particular group members.

The states with the most reported incidents were California (nearly 50% of all incidents), followed by New York, Washington state, Texas, Pennsylvania, Massachusetts, Illinois, Florida, New Jersey, and Maryland.

Stop AAPI Hate National Report

“My boyfriend and I were riding the metro into D.C. When on the esca-

Reported Incidents Here are just some of the incidents that were reported to Stop AAPI Hate:

“I was shopping at [store] in Milpitas when an older man started making faces at me. I asked him what was wrong and he said, ‘What’s wrong? You are out here shopping!’ I was confused, and he followed up with, ‘We delisted your companies, shipped back your international students ... when do you ship out? When do you ship out? We are going to take away your citizenship!'” (Milpitas, CA) (continued on page 24)

Solidarity with the AAPI Community

BAY TIMES S

LGBTQ News & Calendar for the Bay Area

CELEBRATING FOUR DECADES (1978–2021)

Out of Left Field Jennifer Kroot & Robert Holgate Kung Food is a popular, cozy Chinese restaurant on McAllister Street, at Divisadero. Recently, several handwritten, angry signs appeared in the front windows, so we reached out to the restaurant’s young owner, and hip-hop artist, Andy Yang. Andy’s signs detail recent attacks on his Asian-American friends and family: “My friend’s 64-year-old mom was robbed and assaulted in broad daylight.” “My best friend, Jessie, was robbed and dragged in broad daylight.” “My home girl’s restaurant was broken into.” “This s--t is happening in the Asian American community!” Andy told us about even more attacks. A friend intervened when three men attempted to steal an elderly Asian-American woman’s purse. Another friend was making a delivery when a homeowner screamed, “Get out of my driveway, chink!” Increasingly concerned about his family’s safety, Andy now drives his wife to and from her job downtown. In addition, Andy has spent the past year dealing with break-ins and vandalism, costing him thousands of dollars. Right before the pandemic, Kung Food’s windows were smashed and $2000 was stolen. It’s happened four more times since. One sign voiced his growing frustration: “Y’all need to stop vandalizing our restaurant! This is the 5th time already. We ain’t got no cash inside!” Andy is troubled by the media’s racefocused emphasis that African Americans are committing the attacks on Asian Americans by “playing up the narrative that there’s tension between the two communities.” “I’m a Chinese man,” he states, “who grew up in the projects and developed a strong bond with my African-American brothers and sisters. Recently, we went to an antiAsian racism rally. We had 400 people and about 20% were AfricanAmerican. They stood with us.”

At 13, Andy moved from China to the U.S. to live with his aunt in the Bay View. Andy laughs as he describes his surprise to find himself in an African-American neighborhood. He says, “I had seen two American movies before I moved here, The Titanic and Home Alone, so I thought there were only white people in America!” He adds, “We were the only Asian family in the neighborhood.” While Andy as a teen found it challenging to be different, and says he was bullied, his devotion to hip-hop helped him through it. “There was a government-funded afterschool program called Keep the Kids Off the Street, using the power of rap,” he explains. “I heard the music one day, so I went over, and from then on, three afternoons a week, I was there. It changed my life completely. I was so timid and indecisive before, but hip-hop is a way of life. It’s making something out of nothing.” Andy Yang of Kung Food

PHOTO BY WILL ZANG

Signs of the Times for Asian Americans

Andy still performs, using the name Chino Yang. Before his son was born over a year and a half ago, Andy toured all over the country, as well as in China, where he was even featured on a popular reality show. “I can be an artist and never starve,” he jokes, “because my day job is owning a restaurant!” Andy doesn’t like discussing politics, but he appreciates President Biden’s condemnation of hate crimes against Asian Americans. “As an Asian American immigrant,” he reflects, “my family always taught me to keep my head down and not engage in politics or speak up in any way.” But when he saw the increase in attacks after former president Trump resorted to labels like “kung flu” and “China virus,” Andy decided to speak out. He says, “We were frustrated by Trump’s misleading statements and the mistreatment that we experienced, but there were no outlets for us to be vocal.” Since Kung Food is on a busy corner, near a bus stop, Andy vented his frustrations through window signs. Locally, he doesn’t feel like Mayor Breed or the city is helping him as a small business owner, or as an Asian American, during this difficult time. However, he was thrilled to receive a call from Supervisor Dean Preston’s office after his signs went up, asking if he needed assistance with anything. Andy says, “I hope I can sit down with Dean one of these days, and talk, but just that they reached out means a lot.” Andy has applied to a program Preston created that reimburses small, District 5 business owners impacted by broken windows.

Images from video by Kung Food restaurant owner Andy Yang

Andy is grateful for his customers’ support. “They bought twice as much food after I put the signs up! I love this neighborhood. 99% of the people are genuine, caring people, and most importantly, open minded.” While San Francisco has gentrified, Kung Food’s clientele still reflects the diversity of the historic Western Addition. “Everyone is welcome here,” Andy declares, and that’s no exaggeration. There is the full spectrum of the neighborhood eating side-by-side, underneath concert posters of Andy’s band. Part of the appeal may be because it’s one of the most affordable restaurants in NoPa, but more than that, Andy, with his youthful, outgoing, and inclusive personality, has created a warm, welcoming environment. Sadly, a reciprocal welcoming environment is not being experienced by Andy and many other of our Asian-American friends and neighbors. As one of Andy’s signs puts it: “We will unite as one and fight for equality.” #STOPASIANHATE - Chino Yang featuring Tony Rey: “Stand Up & Speak Up”: https://tinyurl.com/mh93x2fc Kung Food: https://www.kungfoodsanfrancisco.com/ Jennifer Kroot is a filmmaker, known for her award-winning LGBTQ themed documentaries, including “The Untold Tales of Armistead Maupin” and “To Be Takei.” She studied filmmaking at the San Francisco Art Institute, where she has also taught. She is a member of The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences. A humanitarian, as well as a designer, Robert Holgate is dedicated to critical social issues. With his hands-on approach to philanthropy and social justice, he supports the advancement of local and national social causes. For more information: https://www.rhdsf.com/ S AN F R ANC IS C O BAY T IM ES

APR IL 22, 2021

Solidarity with the AAPI Community Addressing Anti-Asian Hate During COVID-19 a year ago, serving as a portal for victims to self-report their experiences. It has logged nearly 4,000 incidents across the country. About half of those occurred in California, ranging from verbal harassment, discrimination, to physical assaults—sometimes with deadly consequences, as illustrated in the case of 84-year-old Vicha Ratanapakdee, who died from head injuries earlier this year in my district after being forcefully pushed for no reason.

Assemblymember Phil Ting I can’t stomach it anymore. Nearly every day, I see video of innocent Asian Americans being violently slammed to the ground. Or, I cringe at pictures of bruised and swollen faces from a beating. Making it even more sickening, a rash of assaults in the Bay Area have involved elderly victims. When will it stop? Since the start of the pandemic, hate incidents against Asian Americans have dramatically spiked, as people wrongly blame them for COVID-19 and the hardships that came with it. In all instances, the racist attacks were unprovoked. As a result of this alarming trend, the StopAAPIHate tracking website ( https://stopaapihate.org/ ) launched

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We’ve seen this hate before— through the Chinese Exclusion Act, the unjust incarceration of Japanese Americans during World War II, the murder of Vincent Chin—the list goes on and on. Black, Muslim, LGBTQ, and other marginalized communities have also been and continue to be targeted today. We need to keep standing up against bigotry, making sure love and acceptance win at the end of day. As a state legislator, I’m also doing my part to make a difference. In response to ongoing and escalating attacks against Asian Americans, I’m proud to have recently secured $1.4 million from the state budget to help confront the problem. The funding supports community outreach and data-gathering efforts, including those of the Stop Asian American Pacific Islander Hate collaborative,

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comprised by the Asian American Studies Departments at San Francisco State and UCLA, Chinese for Affirmative Action (CAA), and the Asian Pacific Policy and Planning Council (A3PCON). Together, they run the Stop AAPI Hate website, previously mentioned. In order to stop the problem, we have to know how big it is, and documenting as much as we can through the collaborative is crucial to helping us address the rise in violence. California also has a program that supports crime victims as they recover from their trauma. The Victims Compensation Board can help provide reimbursements for medical/ dental treatment, therapy, income loss, and other costs resulting from victims’ injuries. These services are administered through the local district attorney, and victims can inquire about resources through their county’s office. As much as I’m disheartened by this dark chapter in our Asian-American history, I am also encouraged by the emerging reactions. Communities have come together to take a stand against hate. Groups have even formed to support the victims and help other residents feel safe. I thank all of you who have joined the Stop Asian Hate rallies, intervened when

Visit StopAAPIHate for information and resources: https://stopaapihate.org/

someone is victimized, escorted fearful seniors, or carried out other acts of kindness. These are the types of efforts that will stamp out hate and make our communities stronger. Racism is not a problem that can be easily fixed with increased police presence or harsher prison sentences. We must work together to conquer COVID-19 and promote greater acceptance and understanding, not point fingers. Phil Ting represents the 19th Assembly District, which includes the Westside of San Francisco along with the communities of Broadmoor, Colma, and Daly City.

$10 Million to Be Used to Restore Vital Oakland Community Resources and Programs I successfully fought the plans to reduce fire services when they were first announced in December. As a result, the Administration cut back their plans by two-thirds. Now, fire service will be fully restored, which is especially important since the Bay Area faces lengthier and more severe fire seasons each year.

Watch Oakland Vice Mayor Rebecca Kaplan with Council President Pro Tempore Sheng Thao and Assemblyman David Chiu in a discussion on how to make roads safer.

Community Safety Ambassadors will now walk the streets in Chinatown, Eastlake, East Oakland, Fruitvale, West Oakland, and other business corridors to provide a community-based solution to creating safer neighborhoods.

Representatives from OakDOT, SFMTA, and others participated, including David Campbell, Janice Li, and Offer Grembek.

We have closed the gap in funds for the Violence Prevention Funding plan, which includes youth job training.

Out of the Closet and into City Hall Oakland City Councilmember At-Large, Rebecca Kaplan On Monday, April 12, the Oakland City Council passed an important resolution introduced by me and Council President Nikki Fortunato Bas. This resolution accepts the American Relief Plan Act (ARPA) Federal funding, creates a transparent budget process, and allocates the $10 million from the Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum Authority (OACCA)/Golden State Warriors litigation in the effort to provide a just and equitable recovery for the Oakland community. This legislation restored vital community resources and programs that were cut by the City Administrator in December 2020. The restoration of services is responsive to the calls from the community, and they will make Oakland a safer city. The list of restorations is long, but here are some of the highlights.

Roadway Safety Townhall: Equitable Solutions for Traffic Safety

Operation Ceasefire is restored, and ShotSpotter is expanded in an effort to reduce crime in the city.

The discussion addressed the role of speeding in pedestrian fatalities and property damage. The virtual event was held on Wednesday, April 14th. https://www.facebook.com/Kaplan4Oakland/videos/288874409473886

Traffic safety is a significant concern throughout Oakland, with significant and horrible incidents where pedestrians have been struck and sometimes killed by speeding cars. As a result, we have directed funds to traffic calming, such as speed bumps, diverters, and other streetscape improvements that can help reduce speeding, prevent accidents, and protect Oaklanders. Among many other topics, homelessness and COVID-19 response were also funded. Homelessness is a major issue facing Oakland, therefore, under the direction of the Homelessness Director, there will be funding to house the homeless in hotels and to provide trash removal and sanitation services. Grants will also fund community-based organizations for work in Oakland’s underserved communities to provide information and access to COVID testing and vaccination. We are also funding crucial needs to improve opportunity for local, small, and disadvantaged business enterprises to have improved access to participate in economic recovery, and expand local hiring and jobs, and local business utilization. The budgeting process should be transparent. Our budget resolution, including these vital public services, also includes policies to protect our democracy and public process around crucial financial decisions. It places protections on the reserves, so that they cannot be accessed without approval at a public meeting. This action ensures that all budgeting be done as part of a public process—at noticed meetings with public input and a public vote, to make sure community needs and feedback are included. Councilmember At-Large and Council President Rebecca Kaplan was elected in 2008 to serve as Oakland’s citywide Councilmember; she was reelected in 2016 and 2020. She also serves on the Alameda County Transportation Commission (ACTC). Follow Councilmember Kaplan on Twitter @ Kaplan4Oakland ( https://twitter.com/Kaplan4Oakland ) and Facebook ( https://www.facebook.com/Kaplan4Oakland/ ).

S AN F R ANC IS C O BAY T IM ES

APR IL 22, 2021

My Second Coming Out Was Better Than My First By Peter-Astrid Kane

The first time I came out to my parents as gay, I was two months shy of turning 20 and thinking, “You know, I really want to be able to say that I came out as a teenager.”

Coming Out Stories

It was the last Saturday night before the end of winter break and I’d been working up the courage since the day before Thanksgiving. The conversation was about as maximally awkward as it gets, although no part of me thinks my parents were surprised. They came around (plus they’ve been warm and loving to every boyfriend I ever brought home). They also called my gay cousin in Oakland—our humongous Irish-Catholic family contains four other LGBTQ+ peeps that I know of—and asked him to “have a talk with me.” So, the first time I ever visited San Francisco was a rainy President’s Day weekend, courtesy of my cousins and their partners, who were in their late 30s and regarded me as a slightly baffling curio. Photos from that era are ... embarrassing at best. As an identity, “gay” made sense for me, inasmuch as anything does, for a long time. In my mid-20s, I lived in Brooklyn and hung out with art-damaged Bushwick types, and anything pertaining to gender identity got subsumed by the even vaguer concept of being a 20-something Brooklyn hipster gay. We were already different, so different was fine. Gradually, it became clearer to me that “gay” wasn’t an accurate term for me. By then I had moved to San Francisco, which fits me infinitely better than New York ever could. I drifted toward the BDSM crowd, met the daddy of my dreams, and got more comfortable with my furriness and chubbiness and my overall queerness. But I’m not a joiner, just an extrovert. And it was hard to separate my disinclination to join a clique from the idea that maybe I was fundamentally different in some other way—although who did I even think I was kidding with that, because I so obviously am.

Then the world started to change. Pronouns became a more salient feature of everyday life, and single-stall restrooms proliferated. You could sense Blue America’s growing pains as it reckoned with the concept that gender is fluid and complex, and now Red America’s somewhat harsher reckoning, too. I went to Lyon-Martin and started a low dose of spironolactone (testosterone blockers), too low to do much of anything besides act as a nail for me to hang my convictions on. Eventually, I upped it and then started estradiol, too. None of this was in any way linear. I started and stopped hormones a few times, doing my best to document what felt different. It works for me. Last December I came out again, this time as nonbinary. Actually, I did it gooey mozzarella cheese-style, stretching it out into a multi-year exercise of unnecessarily prolonged blurtings-out to Peter-Astrid in 2001 friends and lovers long before making it Facebook official. I tried to be mindful of all the halting, latenight, drunken dorm-room conversations that preceded my working up the nerve to talk to my parents 20 years before, so that I wouldn’t repeat it—and then I basically did exactly that. Just as I agonized for years over the design of my first tattoo, I mentally tried on different names for the better part of a decade. “I think I’m going to go with the name ‘Astrid,’” I said to 10 people in 10 different conversations in 2017–18. “But, like, hyphenated. I like the cadence of ‘PeterAstrid.’ What do you think about the honorific ‘Mx.’?” Anyone who betrayed the least hesitation was immediately shunned like a wayward

Amish. I like the name I picked and you better, too! Now it’s been four months and I feel all the feels: relief, assurance that I made the right decision, and no small amount of shame that I waited until I was 39-andthree-quarters years old. That was dumb, but then again, this is not easy. And now it’s all out there: I am Mx. Peter-Astrid Kane! Oddly, one of the most helpful things to quiet my turbulent mind has been cycling. Not only do 50-mile solo rides have a meditative quality, but since I came out again my quads have gotten really big. I’ve never been muscly—like, at all—so why would I be into it now? The realization that things don’t have to resolve into a coherent picture has been the biggest epiphany of all. If I want to swish around with cute nails and my big hairy gams, then that’s what I’m going to do. This is the Way. Most people, if they’ve ever been fit or athletic, are probably past their peak by 40. But I’ve never been in shape, and never felt this in control of my body, so now I’m filled with the goofily naive optimism that goes hand-in-hand with novelty. Coming out again has been a good use of the pandemic’s imposed semi-isolation, and I suspect quite a few other people feel similarly. More importantly, it’s a continuation of a 20-year adventure that I’ve been lucky to live out in San Francisco. Because nonbinary is beautiful. Non-binary is exciting. Non-binary is awesome. Peter-Astrid Kane is an award-winning journalist who is the Communications Manager for SF Pride.

BAY TIMES S

HONEY BEARS

Photos by Mark Rhoades In June 2020, LGBT community leader and PR strategist Mark Rhoades contacted popular artist fnnch and suggested that he paint rainbow honey bears all over the Castro. Fnnch loved the idea, and added that he would like to honor Pride by painting one specific wall, with one dynamic focus: the SF LGBT Center. Rebecca Rolfe and Roberto Ordeñana of the Center approved the mural, which is dedicated to fnnch’s late gay uncle. Now Rhoades is taking photos of LGBT leaders, well-known artists, and others in order to support the Center. In this column the San Francisco Bay Times is featuring highlights from the colorful collection of images that will be exhibited at the Center for SF Pride 2021. For More Information Mark Rhoades PR https://www.markrhoadespr.com/ fnnch https://fnnch.com/ Paula West - American jazz and cabaret singer

Francis Tsang - Former Deputy Chief of Staff, Office of the Mayor 8

SA N F RANCISCO BAY T I ME S

LGBTQ News & Calendar for the Bay Area CELEBRATING FOUR DECADES (1978–2021)

Paula West, Francis Tsang

SF LGBT Center https://www.sfcenter.org/

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SF Pride 2021: Public-Chosen Community Grand Marshals Named, Events Planned for June Pride Movie Night at Oracle Park

Winners of the Public Choice for San Francisco Pride 2021’s Community Grand Marshals were announced on April 15. They are the Oakland LGBTQ Community Center and Melonie Green and Melorra Green, the Executive Directors of the San Franciscobased African American Art & Culture Complex. Melonie and Melorra, who are twins, shared via social media, “We have big work to do and it starts with us accepting who we are regardless of what we’re told.”

SF Pride is very excited to collaborate on a film screening at Oracle Park with Frameline and the San Francisco Giants (Friday and Saturday, June 11–12). This socially distanced and ticketed event, subject to state-mandated capacity limits, grows out of SF Pride’s longstanding relationship with the nation’s longest-running LGBTQ+ film festival.

The San Francisco Bay Times congratulates both Melonie and Melorra, and the entire Oak2021 Community Grand Marshals: Melonie Green and Melorra Green land LGBTQ Community Center team, on winning the honors. We also congratulate all of the nominees: Krewe de Kinque and The SF Bay Area Queer Nightlife Fund (organizational) and the individual nominees: Akira Jackson, Angelique Mahan, Clair Farley, Morey Riordan, René Rivera, Nicole Santamaria, and George Smith III. SF Pride’s membership and Board of Directors will select several additional Community Grand Marshals and honorees later this month. Look for the full slate of winners next month in the San Francisco Bay Times.

This June, San Francisco Pride and The Giant Race will also be teaming up for the 2021RUN Virtual Fitness Series, creating a month-long themed virtual run/ walk challenge. Those who register will receive an exclusive challenge pin and race bib.

All in This Together #SFPride51 will take place throughout the month of June 2021. After a full year of physical distancing and other restrictions, the Bay Area’s LGBTQ+ communities will once again be able to gather in limited, in-person events while strictly adhering to current safety protocols.

Despite the challenges that remain ahead, we will keep finding creative ways to keep our San Francisco spirit alive and move forward safely, together.”

The theme for this year is “All in This Together.” While SF Pride is unable to include a Celebration in Civic Center or a Parade down Market Street, the organization has expanded its programming from the last weekend of June to encompass the whole of Pride month.

Pride Expo

“Our mission of connecting the LGBTQ+ communities of San Francisco and the Bay Area remains unchanged,” Fred Lopez, Executive Director of San Francisco Pride, said. “Knowing how deeply people miss being together, we’ve worked tirelessly with our partners at City Hall and elsewhere to ensure a number of incredible, safe experiences. SF Pride this year will be all about locals, from queer-owned small businesses to fellow nonprofits that have displayed true leadership over this past year. It’s truly a Pride for the people.”

“Frameline is very excited to be partnering with San Francisco Pride and the San Francisco Giants to host the largest film screenings in our 45-year history,” said James Woolley, Executive Director of Frameline. “We cannot wait to wow the audience by showing some great films on a jumbotron screen. Films are best enjoyed with an audience, and we are thrilled to be presenting a communal, but safe, event for the local community to enjoy.”

2021’s festivities will consist of three major events: a Pride Expo, Pride Movie Night at Oracle Park, and a Black Liberation event surrounding Juneteenth.

To support the city’s LGBTQ+ communities, SF Pride is working on producing a Pride Expo, a modified version of the annual Celebration in Civic Center. Instead of featuring entertainment on community-programmed stages and venues, the Expo will have the look and feel of a resource fair. SF Pride plans to establish a safe forum for LGBTQ+ vendors, merchants, and nonprofits to reconnect with the community, engaging with potential volunteers, customers, and clients.

Black Liberation Event with AAACC Pride will build upon its successful 2020 Marsha P. Johnson Rally with a similar event at the African American Art & Culture Complex. Tentatively scheduled for the evening of Friday, June 18— the eve of Juneteenth—this event will celebrate the intersection of Black history and LGBTQ+ culture, uplifting a marginalized community in the heart of the Western Addition. “The struggles for racial justice and LGBTQ+ equality are one and the same,” said SF Pride Board President Carolyn Wysinger. “Last year, we brought Black Lives Matter back to the forefront of the Pride movement with a Marsha P. Johnson Rally, and this year, we are working even harder to center Black LGBTQ voices and culture even more strongly. I know how badly our communities want to be together after more than a year apart.” (continued on page 25)

“Pride is one of my favorite times of year, and I am so excited that we’ll have the opportunity to come together and safely celebrate our LGBTQ community this June,” said Mayor London Breed. “While this year’s celebrations won’t look the same as they have in the past, SF Pride has done a great job creating events that will enable us to share our pride in our great city and stand united with our LGBTQ+ community. The events planned for this celebration of more than 50 years of Pride in San Francisco give me hope for the future of our city. S AN F R ANC IS C O BAY T IM ES

APR IL 22, 2021

GLBT Fortnight in Review Roland Schembari and Bill Hartman, Co-Founders Randy Alfred, Founding News Editor 1978 Kim Corsaro Publisher 1981-2011

2261 Market Street, No. 309 San Francisco CA 94114 Phone: 415-601-2113 525 Bellevue Avenue Oakland CA 94610 E-mail: editor@sfbaytimes.com www.sfbaytimes.com The Bay Times was the first newspaper in California, and among the first in the world, to be jointly and equally produced by lesbians and gay men. We honor our history and the paper’s ability to build and strengthen unity in our community. The Bay Times is proud to be the only newspaper for the LGBT community in San Francisco that has always been 100% owned and operated by LGBT individuals. Dr. Betty L. Sullivan Jennifer L. Viegas Co-Publishers & Co-Editors

Beth Greene, Michael Delgado, John Signer, Abby Zimberg Design & Production

Kate Laws Business Manager Blake Dillon Calendar Editor

Kit Kennedy Poet-In-Residence J.H. Herren

Technology Director

Carla Ramos Web Coordinator Mario Ordonez Distribution

CONTRIBUTORS Writers Rink, Sister Dana Van Iquity, Ann Rostow, Patrick Carney, Kate Kendell, Alex Randolph, Heidi Beeler, Gary M. Kramer, Jennifer Kroot, Robert Holgate, Dennis McMillan, Julie Peri,Tom Moon, Tim Seelig, Cinder Ernst, John Chen Rafael Mandelman, Jewelle Gomez, Phil Ting, Rebecca Kaplan, Kin Folkz, Leslie Katz, Philip Ruth, Peter Gallotta, Bill Lipsky, Elisa Quinzi, Liam Mayclem, Karen Williams, Donna Sachet, Gary Virginia, Zoe Dunning, Derek Barnes, Marcy Adelman, Stuart Gaffney & John Lewis Brandon Miller, Jamie Leno Zimron Michele Karlsberg Lyndsey Schlax, Randy Coleman, Debra Walker, Howard Steiermann, Andrea Shorter, Lou Fischer, Karin Jaffie, Brett Andrews, Karen E. Bardsley, David Landis, Jan Wahl Photographers Rink, Phyllis Costa, Jane Higgins Paul Margolis, Chloe Jackman, Bill Wilson, Jo-Lynn Otto, Sandy Morris, Abby Zimberg, Deborah Svoboda, Devlin Shand, Kristopher Acevedo, Darryl Pelletier, Morgan Shidler, JP Lor ADVERTISING Display Advertising Standard Rate Cards http://sfbaytimes.com/ or 415-503-1375 Custom ad sizes are available. Ads are reviewed by the publishers. National Advertising: Contact Bay Times / San Francisco. Represented by Rivendell Media: 908-232-2021 Circulation is verified by an independent agency Reprints by permission only. CALENDAR Submit events for consideration by e-mail to: calendar@sfbaytimes.com © 2021 Bay Times Media Company Co-owned by Betty L. Sullivan & Jennifer L. Viegas

Red States Explode with Bad Proposals I’ve lost track of the varieties of anti-trans laws now popping up throughout our country’s red state legislatures, although I’m assuming that some of them are being proposed for show. In addition to the main ones—the anti-trans girls’ sports laws and the bans on puberty blockers for pre-teens—we now have Florida’s “Fairness in Women’s Sports Act,” which not only bars trans girls and women from participating in school athletics, but also subjects them to the possibility of genital inspections. That one passed the state house the other day on party lines, although it looks as if it will die in the senate. Tennessee and Arkansas are working on bills to require parental consent for any GLBT content that might be discussed in schools. Tennessee, which has already passed and signed a sports ban, is also considering a bill to force businesses to post signs if they allow transgender men and women to use the rest rooms, and another that lets medical personnel opt out of offering some forms of care to transitioning individuals. Another Tennessee bill would let public employees skip diversity training. (Note that Hyatt hotels billionaire Jennifer Pritzker, who is a transwoman, has pledged to move her foundation out of Nashville if the state keeps this up. So, I’m thinking by now she’s starting that paperwork.) Arkansas has also gone ballistic, passing a sports ban, and recently overriding the governor’s veto in order to pass a ban on puberty blockers. The Hog State is also considering rules that allow teachers to ignore the preferred gender pronouns and names of transgender students, and let me just quote the local press definition of yet another house bill, House Bill 1882, which “would allow government entities to be sued for permitting a person to use a restroom designated for a sex different from the sex a person was assigned at birth.” Sued by whom? For what? Are government agencies also required to patrol the bathrooms in order to protect themselves from civil litigation? I don’t have to tell you that this stuff is insane. As for the bans on women’s college sports, the NCAA has implied that some of these states might pay a price for their discrimination. “When determining where championships are held,” they said in a statement, “NCAA policy directs that only locations where hosts can commit to providing an environment that is safe, healthy and free of discrimination should be selected ... . We will continue to closely monitor these situations to determine whether NCAA championships can be conducted in ways that are welcoming and respectful of all participants.” I’m not exactly clear on what this means, but it sounds as if the Final Four won’t be staged in states like Arkansas and Tennessee in the future. The NCAA’s veiled threat seems to have helped depress senate enthusiasm for the aforementioned Florida genital inspection bill. And even the uber-Trumpy South Dakota Governor Kristi Noem hedged over signing her state’s anti-trans sports ban last month out of fear that the NCAA might penalize South Dakota down the road. Instead, she issued a couple of executive orders that are probably not even enforceable. While trans bans roll out of the GOP-led states, the Biden administration has recently made clear that transgender Americans are protected against discrimination in public schools and colleges under Title IX. I think I mentioned this last issue, but it’s worth reminding everyone that federal law takes precedent over these state shenanigans and that at least the sports bans can expect to run smack into a federal lawsuit. No Money for Gays Moving right along, here’s an odd story out of Alaska, where I gather citizens are all sent annual checks from some oil slush fund. The cash also goes to military personnel living out of state, and in theory should go to their wives or husbands as well. Yet up until recently, Alaska simply declined to issue checks to these same-sex military spouses, arguing that the

SA N FRANCISCO BAY T I ME S

A PR I L 2 2 , 2 0 2 1

By Ann Rostow

state does not recognize gay and lesbian marriages. Hello! The Supreme Court ruled for same-sex couples in 2015, making marriage equality the law of the land and nullifying any state prohibitions to the contrary. There were no ifs, ands, or buts attached to this decision, and no exceptions for, um, really cold northern states or states beginning with “A.” Prior to that, in 2014, a federal court overturned Alaska’s ban on same-sex marriage, but even if some staffer remained confused about the rules after that opinion, surely the High Court’s blanket decision would have been common knowledge the following summer. Somehow, however, the people in charge of Alaska’s Permanent Fund Dividend Division just ignored federal law for years, sending letters to at least 40 people explaining that state law barred same-sex spouses from receiving the money. “Unfortunately, the state of Alaska doesn’t recognize same-sex marriage yet,” one clerk explained in an email to a colleague in the summer of 2019. At least Marissa Reque ended her email with a frowny face emoji, but the idea that a state employee could pass along such obviously erroneous information is kind of astonishing. After years of living in their own surrealistic legal fantasy world, the state was finally sued by someone, and settled the case just recently. I’m assuming they paid back all the money they withheld to the other families, but I’m not sure about that. The situation is instructive, don’t you agree? It reminds us that the interplay between law, politics, and policy can be complicated, and that just because a court, even the Supreme Court, rules on a core social issue, we also need the Justice Department and state governments to recognize that ruling and issue guidelines to enforce it. We need alert lawyers and informed citizens to fight for action when such decisions are left hanging in the wind by officials who disagree with these outcomes. It’s daunting. I kind of assume that everything just falls into place after a court victory, but it’s not always so neat and tidy. Canceling Krasnik Let’s see what else is new. By the way, I’m writing to you from Kansas, where I am visiting my new grandson and where about four inches of frigging snow piled up during the night. Alaska, maybe. But Kansas? In midApril? What the hell is going on here? Why is it happening to me personally, and why is my infant grandson being subjected to this anomalous weather? It’s not right. So, I was pleased to see that the mayor of Krasnik, Poland, (population 32,000) is regretting his town’s symbolic decision to declare themselves an “LGBT-free zone,” in a resolution two years ago. Since then, Norway has withdrawn a big contract, a French sister city has ended some sort of collaboration, and the EU has condemned Krasnik, along with several dozen other Polish towns that pulled the same stunt. “We have become Europe’s laughingstock,” Mayor Wojciech Wilk said in The New York Times, “and it’s the citizens not the local politicians who’ve suffered most.” Wilk is trying to get the council to reverse itself. The resolution has absolutely no practical impact and was part of a conservative political campaign. Yet the damage is apparently real, which I find most gratifying. Oh, speaking of cancel culture, apparently you can produce an emoji that shows a rainbow flag with a black circle and slash through it, indicating hostility to LGBTs, although I think you have to be somewhat fluent in hacking the Unicode system in order to make it work. Indeed, you can take any emoji and combine it with a black circle and slash if you like. This useless piece of information, which made its way around the internet two years ago, somehow appeared on my recent news list, although I have no idea how that happened. I have no recollection of ever mentioning it before now, so I assume I did not deem it worthy of inclusion in 2019, and I guess we have to conclude that my standards have dropped since then.

But that happens with other pieces of news, I find. I’ll announce some interesting development to my wife, only to notice that the dateline on the story was months or years earlier and have to add, Gilda Radner-style, “never mind.” Unpleasant Person in The News Here’s an attractive-sounding individual. His name is Donnie Lee Barrigar, and he is a twenty-something white guy from Watertown, New York, with one of those scraggly civil war beards. In June of 2019, Donnie Lee posted on Facebook: “Watertown is having a LGBTQ celebration. For the love of God, please let someone go on a mass shooting.” The following year, he proceeded to take down a rainbow flag that was flying in front of City Hall, stuff it in a mail box, get himself arrested for third-degree criminal tampering, and insist that he was protected by the First Amendment because he was expressing his religious views. Donnie Lee is back on our news radar because his trial has just been delayed until June 1. Barrigar insisted on a jury trial and previously tried to fire his court-appointed lawyer. The court, however, ruled that he was not competent to represent himself, so I guess he’s stuck with the public defender. He also tried to get a change of venue, but failed in that effort as well. This time, the trial was delayed a month because the jury pool witnessed some security mix-up in the lobby, or something like that. The wheels of justice roll slowly in Watertown. I did some routine research before raising the subject of Donnie Lee and his escapades, and discovered that he believes that the earth is flat and posted a video to that effect with the hashtags: “Healer,” “Teacher,” “Prophet.” “Okay everybody, I’m going to give my testimony and the gifts that God gave me,” he began. “So God’s given me some gifts. God’s called me to be a healer, he’s called me to be a teacher, he’s also called me to be a prophet, and who knows. There may be some other ones that I don't know about yet ... . And um for me, science did not convince me that the earth was flat. For me it was scripture. Real science is observable, repeatable, proves a flat motionless Earth. That is icing on the cake. But for me it was scripture.” Oh, and this egomaniac is also running for city council. Of course. There are numerous candidates. The primaries are in June, and the election is in November. I’d give you more details, but I have now worn out my welcome at the upstate New York news website I was using and would have to become a subscriber in order to keep reading. Let’s hope that I’ll be awarded a new allocation of free stories next month when we might continue of exploration of the heroic legal and political campaigns of Donnie Lee Barrigar. Finally… I was intending on merging that last story with another one about a rainbow flag at a coffee shop in Bethel, Connecticut, which was stolen and burned. This is one of those heartwarming situations where all the neighboring stores promptly put up their own rainbow flags in solidarity. However, as you noticed, I got carried away with Donnie Lee, who is just one of those people you love to hate. Hate is not the right word. Let’s just say it’s enjoyable to watch him flail and I plan to follow his hapless news trajectory. I also had a vaguely related story about Kellogg’s, which is planning to introduce a gay cereal for this year’s Pride. It is called “Together,” and it consists of little colored heart-shaped Cheerios. Thank you for that, Kellogg’s. I am not personally an adult who eats cereal, but I appreciate the thought. Oh, and before I go, what’s with the car commercial that says things like: “Still your best friend, but now your dog,” or whatever nonsensical language they use? “Still a night out, but now a place for your purse.” It’s meaningless! I hate things like that. arostow@aol.com

Jewelle Gomez Poetry: Necessary Bread

Leave Signs Jewelle Gomez “I think that I shall never see/A poem as lovely as a tree.” What a strange way to enter the world of poetry, but that poem was at the top of the teaching list when I was in elementary school and is the first poem I can remember encountering. That doesn’t count my great grandmother’s periodic recitation of Longfellow’s 19th century ballade “The Wreck of the Hesperus,” another oddity from childhood. I loved the rhyme and simplicity of a poem about the importance of trees, but had my doubts about the poem’s Arisa White

Audre Lorde

opened, angered, and soothed me. At the end of National Poetry Month, I reiterate my belief that poetry is the one of the signposts we have for survival. And they are out there in the open—seditious and charming.

‘losing control’—of her temper, of her appetite, of her sexuality, of her feelings, of her ambition, of her secret fantasies, of her mind.” https://tinyurl.com/yv7jv72s

Sometimes, before you even get to the poem, the title captures a deeply profound and necessary idea, as in Margaret Randall’s “From so Many Rooms Has a House but One Roof.” If there is any social/political concept more important today, I’m not sure what it is. https://www.bkwrks.com/times-language

Last year’s San Francisco Poet Laureate, Kim Shuck (Cherokee), wrote: “... Some of you think that you get a vote don’t/Understand the difference between education and/Entertainment, why would you?” Also a bead worker and weaver, she often speaks in her poems to both the natural and social elements that cannot evade her sharp vision. https://tinyurl.com/5asfmun7

Ultimately the most important idea to remember is that, as Audre said, “Poetry is not a luxury.”

I had the joy of sitting on the San Francisco Poet Laureate committee for several years in the previous century and so I got to meet and read the widest array of local writers, famous and not famous. Each manuscript reminded me of how precious poetic expression is to all of us. Short or long, professionally perfected or not, all of us benefit from

Jewelle Gomez is a lesbian/feminist activist, novelist, poet, and playwright. She’s written for “The Advocate,” “Ms. Magazine,” “Black Scholar,” “The San Francisco Chronicle,” “The New York Times,” and “The Village Voice.” Follow her on Instagram and Twitter @VampyreVamp

Audre Lorde was the poet laureate of New York State when she passed away in 1992 and always reminded people of her identity: “a poet, warrior, mother, lesbian.” “When we speak/we are afraid our words/ will not be heard nor welcomed./ But when we are silent, we are still afraid.” That’s still a significant les-

Kim Shuck

Lawrence Ferlinghetti & Jack Hirschman, San Francisco Poet Laureates, with Jewelle Gomez

those urgent, personal words flung into the heavens and into our hearts.

Elana Dykewomon Margaret Randall

Artshot Abby Zimberg

accuracy ... especially its ending: “Poems are made by fools like me/ But only God can make a tree.” Even at a young age I was less invested in a “God’s” abilities and more committed to the philosophical value of nature’s ability to create trees. I was further thrown by the poet’s need to declare himself a “fool.” You can tell that poem bugged me—60 years later I still find it annoying. I was doubly irritated because the author’s name was Joyce Kilmer, making me feel disloyal because I thought the author was a woman! NOT! Since then, I’ve discovered any number of female and lesbian poets who have infinitely better takes on the natural world and more, fulfilling my need for a female poetic voice. Inaugural poet, Amanda Gorman, reminded me to revisit Sonia Sanchez, Ntozake Shange, June Jordan, Marilyn Hacker, Cheryl Clarke; all

son for women who are traditionally educated not to speak on any number of topics from money to domestic violence. https://tinyurl.com/tpancnrt Not all trees wring adoration from us. Arisa White, a longtime Bay Area poet, writes: “I see too much sky between your branches, and where I was, I see too much trauma in your lashes.” Her new book, Who’s Your Daddy, is a heartbreaking, lyrical multi genre collection that is just out and will give us much to consider as the pandemic winds down (we hope). https://tinyurl.com/w8yktnay Oakland poet, novelist, and playwright Elana Dykewomon has been writing so long that even her conversation sounds like poetry: “Almost every woman I have ever met has a secret belief that she is just on the edge of madness, that there is some deep, crazy part within her, that she must be on guard constantly against

Historic maritime resources preserved at Crane Cove Park

Abby Zimberg is a licensed California Marriage Family Therapist with training in art therapy. She formerly worked as a graphic designer and has always been a photographer. https://theartoftherapysf.com/ S AN F R ANC IS C O BAY T IM ES

APR IL 22, 2021

Gone to the Dogs tiny dog just before the holidays. He was amazing, but the time was not right. In fact, he was adopted by a friend of the chorus! I kept looking and then ... boom. There he was on the Muttville website. I swooned and immediately began communicating with them. He was in a foster home.

TLC: Tears, Laughs and Conversation Dr. Tim Seelig What did you do on your summer vacation? Oh wait, that was not a summer and it wasn’t a vacation. It was a spring, summer, fall, winter, spring and it was shelter in place! It was absolutely nothing like a staycation.

But how do you adopt a dog during a pandemic? Well, of course, it started with a Zoom meet and greet with his foster family. It was hilarious. As much as they tried to engage him through the laptop screen, he was not interested. Regardless, we found out all we needed to know. We were smitten. Ordinarily, you would then meet the foster family in a park for a distanced get to know you, and if it

Now that we are actually facing re-entry, what are your thoughts? How are you doing? Seriously, what did you do for a year+? What did you learn? What are you leaving behind from before? This process is like coming

looked like Grace. Over Easter, Dan came to San Francisco for a visit and brought Grace. These two blondes could have been twins— almost. They got along great. A perfect pair. My granddaughter Clara loved having them both on her lap! Over Easter we celebrated with the family with 3 dogs, 5 cats, and a few fish. Let me tell you a little more about Muttville. Muttville pays for everything to get your dog in the best health possible. Tater Tot had bad teeth from having lived a pretty rough life. They paid for a full dental re-do. They removed 19 teeth, no tooth fairy. But he still has 16 left. I laughingly say we’ll be fitted for dentures together. He has a little heart murmur, so they did an echocardiogram. He has to take a couple of pills a day, fewer than his Dad!

Ed, Bobby Jo, Tim

out again, but perhaps now with a sourdough starter and mad Zoom skills!

Tim with Tater Tot

One of the most important decisions we have to make is what will we not want to bring back into our lives from pre-pandemic. It would be a mistake to simply go back to the way things were out Bobby Jo, Tim and Tater Tot of fear of change or reviving old habits that may not have served us well. A year ago, the universe said, “Go to your room and think about what you’ve done!” Now that our worldwide time out is ending, bit by bit, let’s hope we’ve learned the important lessons. Much has been discussed about the COVID 19 lbs. many have added during a year of sitting around and being forced to cook and eat your own food. I didn’t actually add the dreaded 19 to my girth, but I did happily add 7 pounds of adorable, four-legged fur. Those of you who have followed me for a while know that I’ve had a dog most of my years. There have only been a few short periods when I’ve been without canine companionship. I found myself in one of those in between times about half-way into the pandemic when Dan and Grace moved to Denver. Everyone I know was shocked as the months wore on and there was no movement on the dog front.

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Tater Tot, Tim, and Grace

goes well, a hand off. On the big day, it was raining cats and dogs! Bobby and I drove to their house and the little package was literally handed to us through the car window. He immediately curled up on Bobby Jo’s lap and we were just done. He was ours.

It wasn’t that I wasn’t cruising adopt-a-dog sites. I couldn’t help myself. We called my obsession with scrolling left “puppy porn.” This is not to be confused with the Folsom kind.

They had named him Mashed Potato because of his coloration. Once we got him home, Bobby and I just felt no self-respecting gay men would have a dog named Mashed Potato. It’s nice, but no. After a few days with this adorable little package, we settled on Tater Tot! The best part of all? We are the same age—70!

I dipped my toes in the doggie shallow end by fostering an adorable,

During the process, it didn’t really dawn on me how much Tater Tot

Muttville’s mission is to give senior dogs a second chance at life. They rescue them, give them the care they need, find them loving homes, and spread the word about how WONDERFUL they are! It was founded in 2007 by Sherri Franklin, a longtime animal advocate and rescue worker. Since then, Muttville has grown into a nationally recognized organization that rescues approximately 1000 dogs a year. (And it finally, in 2012, moved out of her house!) Muttville has been recognized for its groundbreaking approach to animal rescue. Their cage-free facility, their focus on foster, their on-site veterinary suite, and their hospice program are innovations that have been lauded and emulated around the country. If you or anyone you know is looking for a companion, Muttville is the place. For more information or to see the irresistible seniors up for adoption, go to www.muttville.org Now it’s time to figure out the rest of the “coming out” of the pandemic. The unwinding of the regulations is going to take much longer than imposing them a year ago. Patience is difficult. It never has been one of my spiritual gifts. But I will be patient, because it is so important to take care of each other and ourselves. Tater Tot is helping slow me down and smell the smells—his favorite thing to do! What did I do during the pandemic? All the things you did, no doubt. But I got a dog—on Zoom! Dr. Tim Seelig is the Artistic Director of the San Francisco Gay Men’s Chorus.

Voting Day for San Francisco Imperial Coronation 56 Photos by Rink In preparation for the San Francisco Imperial Coronation 56, members and friends of candidates for Emperor and Empress campaigned in the Castro, on Polk Street, and in SOMA on April 17. San Francisco Bay Times photographer Rink was among the many there. Voting was held and the results will be announced during the upcoming Coronation on April 24. Hosted by reigning monarchs Emperor William Bulkley and Empress Mimi Osa, the Coronation will reveal the voting results. You can watch online for free at 4 pm ( https://www.twitch.tv/imperialcouncilsf ). For more information: https://tinyurl.com/yuyynzz4

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“People were leading double lives and I didn’t understand it. It was persecution. Why be ashamed of who you are?”

By Donna Sachet

f last Saturday’s explosion of excitement in the Castro is any indication, the Imperial Court of San Francisco is alive and very well! Candidates for Empress Ehra Amaya and Juanita MORE! and candidate for Emperor Mr. David Glamamore were out in force trying to capture the maximum votes with hordes of volunteers, colorful balloons, amplified music, and lots of old-fashioned one-on-one campaigning. As you may know from reading this column with regularity, Saturday was Voting Day for the next Emperor and Empress of San Francisco, and although one could vote in SOMA in front of The Powerhouse and in the Polk area in front of The Cinch, the great majority of votes are always placed in the Castro, right in front of Harvey Milk Plaza. With the temporary closure of Muni underground, the balloting was conducted from a more visible table at street level, staffed by loyal Imperial Family members. For over 50 years, the Imperial Council has asked the public to select the next Emperor and Empress, and every year, outstanding individuals have thrown their hats or tiaras into the ring. And this is what happens when you have unusually qualified candidates, new approaches, and fresh energy: a Voting Day full of passionate competition! This year’s Emperor candidate is Mr. David Glamamore, well-known for years as a costume designer, event producer, and creative performer. Popular Juanita MORE! is one of the Empress candidates and her MORE! Boys and many other supporters were very much in evidence that day, some decked out in puppy-wear and all passing out candidate literature. Also a candidate for Empress is Ehra Amaha, well known in GAPA, Ducal, and Imperial circles for her fundraising and lively performances; she too had scads of volunteers canvassing the Castro for votes. This being the column that it is, we can’t miss a fashion description of the candidates: Mr. David in a bright blue tailcoat over white pants with a black tophat, Juanita in a bold diagonally striped asymmetrical orange and fuchsia duster with black pants, and Ehra in a tight-fitting sexy white nurse’s uniform cinched with a red belt. You could not be in the neighborhood and not know what was happening. A converted school bus in front of the Castro Theatre blared dance music and a balloon-festooned truck there refreshed and replenished volunteers throughout the day. An hour after polls opened at noon, there was a line halfway down the block of people waiting to vote. Word has it that voter turnout hit a new record high. The Polk Street location closed at 4 pm, followed by SOMA at 5 pm, ending with the 6 pm closing of the Castro poll, where exhausted candidates observed the sealing of the ballot boxes and famished volunteers wrapped things up. The closely watched votes will be tabulated by the Imperial Court’s CPA and sealed in an envelope, only to be opened this Saturday night at Imperial Coronation, when everyone will find out who our new Emperor and Empress will be. Imperial Coronation has always been the signature event of the Imperial Court, signaling the end of one reign and the beginning of another. Usually attended by nearly 1000 people, including visiting courtiers from the nearly 70 chapters across the United States, Canada, and Mexico, and local LGBTQ leaders, elected officials, and individuals who share our mission of charitable work with grandeur, there is no grander spectacle. Who can forget the legendary Egyptian entrance of Emperor XVII, After Norton, Jerry Coletti and Absolute Empress XXIV Pat Montclaire? Or the avalanche of pink tulle dresses assembled by Absolute Empress XXIX Anita Martini? Or the frequent appearances of Mayors of San Francisco, from George Moscone and Art Agnos to Willie Brown and Gavin Newsom? From elaborately choreographed dance numbers to the formal crowning of the new Emperor and Empress with all the attendant paraphernalia, there is nothing like a San Francisco Imperial Coronation! All that makes it even more frightening to face the challenge of staging our first virtual Imperial Coronation. Emperors and Empresses will mark certain anniversaries with elaborate performances, the Reigning Monarchs will entertain and distribute funds raised during their year to worthy charitable organizations, and congratulatory messages will arrive from visiting dignitaries ... all virtually. But under the capable leadership of a hardworking Board of Directors and especially Cameron Stiehl and Absolute Empress XXXVI Chablis, we have every confidence that you will be amazed. Within health guidelines, certain segments have been pre-recorded, but others must be live to preserve our traditions going back over 50 years, seamlessly edited into a spectacular final product. It all begins at 4 pm this Saturday, and for the first time ever, it is free of charge. But something tells us that you will be so thrilled with the production that you’ll make a voluntary donation to support the Imperial Court.

–José Sarria

Founder of the International Court System

Thursday, April 22 Crescendo: Voices Rising, SF Gay Men’s Chorus Honoring LeAnn Rimes, Terrance Kelly, Rita Moreno Musical performances 6 pm $25 & up www.sfgmc.org/crescendo Friday, April 23 Imperial In & Out of Town Show Online performances by local and international entertainers 6 pm www.imperialcouncilsf.org Saturday, April 24 Imperial Coronation 56: Get Lit, A Novel Idea Step-down of Emperor William Bulkley and Empress Mimi Osa Crowning of new Emperor & Empress of San Francisco Special recognition of anniversary Monarchs Charitable distributions 4 pm Free, donations welcomed www.imperialcouncilsf.org Thursday, April 29 San Francisco Bay Times presents Divas & Drinks @ The Academy Women’s history game show emceed by Donna Sachet Team Mecca 2.0 vs. Team Olivia with DJ Rockaway, cocktail demos, and a mystery guest to be revealed at the end! Free 6 pm www.academy-sf.com

Check the websites listed in our calendar for access. Celebrate the successful year of Reigning Emperor William Bulkley and Reigning Empress Mimi Osa at Imperial Coronation 56: Get Lit, A Novel Idea and be the first to discover who will be the next Emperor and Empress of San Francisco. 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

Throwback from the 1st to the 50th Reign. Top: Imperial Court of San Francisco in 1965. Bottom: Coronation in 2015. PHOTO BY SHAWN NORTHCUTT

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APR IL 22, 2021

Palette Where Culinary Creations Collide with Design and Art Photos courtesy of Chef Peter J. Hemsley

The Gay Gourmet David Landis When it comes to the quality of food at San Francisco’s restaurants, we’re pretty much #1 in America (maybe the world). We claim such top-name chefs as Alice Waters, Dominique Crenn, Tyler Florence, Annie Somerville, Thomas Keller, and more. And our culinary stake in the ground here—not to mention all the James Beard awards—regularly rewards us with top honors. But restaurant design? Not so much. Sure, we have the wow aquarium factor at Waterbar; the floating jellyfish chandeliers at the erstwhile Farallon; and (in the bar department), the wacky, tiki vision of Zombie Village. I’ve always felt that perhaps our restaurants here could learn a lesson or two about how captivating restaurant design can be from our neighbors down south in Los Angeles. The quality of the food isn’t necessarily always as consistent there. But the artistic design—at places like Beauty & Essex or Tao in Hollywood or The Bazaar by Jose Andrés in Beverly Hills—immediately envelops diners in a fantastical vision and makes them feel special. That’s about to change here. Enter one of San Francisco’s newest dining—and artistic—pleasures: Palette by Peter J. Hemsley. Chef Hemsley’s inventiveness is an explosion at the intersection of food, art, and design. There’s a reason this new venture is called Palette. “Palette is a play on words,” explains Hemsley to me for the San Francisco Bay Times. “The palate of your mouth—and the palette of the artistic side. Spelled differently, but phonetically the same.” Chef Hemsley recalls, “When I ventured off on my own in the restaurant world (after stints at Quince in SF, Daniel in New York, and L’Arpege in Paris, no less), it was a conscientious decision to combine my capacity for art with my cooking career. My goal was to incorporate that into a holistic experience in a restaurant like I’d never seen before. I wanted to do something unique and creative. Beyond that, it’s been a dialogue between me and the artistic community of San Francisco, searching out other artists. It’s been a journey.” A unique journey, indeed. At Palette, you don’t find the typical glassware or tabletop setups at most restaurants. That’s because Hemsley has commissioned Berkeley glass artist Sam Shumacher to create one-of-a-kind glassware. Palette’s tabletop settings are also one-of-a-kind: the unique blue, black, and white earthen plates are from Black Wing Clay; and the flatware is the work of Oakland artisan James Austin. Says Hemsley, “Sam is an independent glassblower out of Berkeley. We 16

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have a great rapport. We started with red and white glassware and it’s bloomed into a full set of service ware: from a shot glass to beautiful ornate wine carafes. Our wine glassware is now, I believe, competitive with the Riedels of the world. He makes them one by one. People can’t really copy what we’re doing. Chips and breakage happen like every other restaurant, but I have a relationship with Sam where, if a glass breaks, I can bring that glass back to him and he can put it back into the mix. You can’t do that with Riedel.” He continues, “The plates are from a two-man ceramic studio, Black Wing Clay. The blue and white design was a bit of mistake. I had wanted a black and white set (to coordinate with the restaurant’s overall design). Ceramics are a process; it doesn’t always come out how you intended it. The black/ white plates came out black/ white/blue. But it speaks to the dialogue of Cal-Coastal, wave symbology. It works really well.”

friends who are greeted with a special bowl of water (designed by Black Wing Clay, of course). Heat lamps, a welcome and often necessary addition for San Francisco evenings, are spaced close by. Freshness reigns supreme at Palette, as The Gay Gourmet can attest after having visited twice. We visited once before the holiday lockdown and then again when they re-opened in April. From start to finish, the service was flawless. Servers anticipate your needs, but never hover: it’s several notches above the norm. Both times we dined, we started with a Negroni

Speaking of Cal-

that isn’t afraid to put a hamburger on the menu—and then delivers, in terms of quality and price. For that first meal, I tried the local bay halibut with West Coast mussels, Marin Roots Farm bok choy, snow peas, and yellow curry. The halibut, perfectly cooked ( juicy and tender), probably came from the sea that day because it was eminently fresh. The combination of spice, local vegetables, and mussels made for a delightful mixture where the flavors blended beautifully. On our second visit, we again started with the caviar, equally delicious. For our second course, we split (most of the dishes are easily splittable) the Dungeness crab crostini with English pea and mint. What a delightful flavor combo, reminding us that there are only a few weeks more of our local crab season—and yes, it is also English pea season once again. For our main dish, we shared the Stemple Creek Ranch lamb meatballs. They had just the right amount of spice, Moroccan-

BAY TIMES S

LGBTQ News & Calendar for the Bay Area

CELEBRATING FOUR DECADES (1978–2021)

ing art exhibition (right now, it’s a show by contemporary ChineseAustrian artist Jun Yang ( https://bit.ly/3dCXb4X ) and Korean artist You Been Kim (https://bit.ly/3dCXfSf ). According to Palette, this show “reflects the tumult and intense emotions of the last year.” While you’re sipping a cocktail and gazing at art in a cozy, club-like setting, you can order inventive bar-bites and sit in pods with friends in a COVID-safe configuration. The third dining option, set to open soon, is the main dining room, which will offer an elevated dining experience worthy of a special occasion. And the fourth is an intimate and very special private dining room, anchored by a live-edge wooden table. So, what makes Palette so special? According to Chef Hemsley, “Dining out is a luxury. It’s part of urban living. I don’t want people to feel guilty about indulging. People should enjoy life. We want different people with different budgets. You might have a burger on Tuesday and caviar on Friday and once a year you do the dining experience on your birthday. (At Palette), you get the experience that you pay for—you’re the driver at our restaurant.” Palette is located on Folsom Street near 4th Street in San Francisco’s SOMA district, near the Convention Center (at the site of the former Lulu). Palette: https://palette-sf.com/ Bits and Bites

Coastal, why does Hemsley describe his cuisine in those terms? “Basically, we’re tremendously spoiled living where we are,” he explains. “We have proximity to the Pacific Ocean, which is an inspiration for myself and the restaurant. The coastal fog line, farms, and purveyors are straddled in that 5-mile stretch off the coastline: farmers, vintners, livestock producers, and the fish from the ocean, all from the Pacific. It’s a sense of place, where we are physically. It’s an inspiration.” Palette’s setting is curated as if you’re in a museum. When you arrive, you see the black and white supergraphic on the outside of the restaurant that defines the space. Lounge music is playing just loud enough to exude a cool vibe but without having to speak loudly over your guest. The outdoor parklet where we dined is itself a work of art—and an extension of the brand. I’ve never seen such a beautifully-designed and visually-inspired parklet. The barrier between diners and the street is steel, but looks like weathered bronze. Gorgeous green landscaping adorns the “walls” of the parklet; and a black mesh that allows airflow flanks the sides and the top of the dining area. The parklet is, of course, dog-friendly with furry A PR I L 2 2 , 2 0 2 1

style (like the best dishes at Mourad), served with herbed chickpeas, zhoug (a spicy cilantro sauce), Greek yogurt, and fennel.

on the rocks made with Hendrick’s gin and superbly balanced, as well as the Lioco Indica still rosé wine from Mendocino County, surprisingly dry and clean—more like a Provence rosé than what we typically think of California rosés. We splurged both times with the white sturgeon California caviar (from The Caviar Company— served imaginatively in an earthen bowl with brioche toasts and an artistic swipe of crème fraîche, shallots, black pepper, and chive. What I personally love about the California caviar (besides the fact that it’s local), is it’s not as fishy or salty as other caviars. The first dinner, my husband had the short rib cheeseburger, complete with Tillamook cheddar, pickled ramp dressing, house dill pickles, and fries (extra crispy, of course!). You’ve gotta love a fine dining restaurant

The wine menu is extensive. New to Palette is wine director Jeremiah Morehouse, a master sommelier we knew from his days at SPQR. We chose a French Louis Michel & Fils chablis—dry and crisp with stark mineral notes—which didn’t break the bank. In addition, the cocktail program (designed by Bar Manager Trevin Hutchins) is inventive, with such offerings as the Moped (Bimini coconut gin and Japanese Bermutto), a Bangkok Babylon (rum, coconut, and lime leaf), and a Toucan (Spanish vermouth, Campari, and charred pineapple). For dessert, both of our offerings were off the charts: we sampled a light-as-air blueberry mille-feuille with buttercream and sorrel that melted in our mouths; and we tried a scoop of the passionfruit orange sorbet with citrus peel, since passionfruit is among my favorites and always reminds me of Hawaii. At Palette, you have several choices for dining: the first is the outdoor parklet. The second option is the gallery, which showcases a revolv-

For beer lovers, there’s a new addition in town. The third largest craft brewer in the U.S., New Belgium Brewing, has just opened shop in Mission Bay (near Oracle Park and the new Chase Center). New Belgium Brewing won’t just have beer, however—on tap, they’ll also have “globally-inspired seasonal cuisine” under the direction of Laura and Sayat Ozyilmaz. It’s a big space, with indoor seating for more than 100 guests and 60 outdoor patio seats, located at 1000a 3rd Street. And a plus for LGBTQ guests: The Human Rights Campaign has recognized the company as a “best place to work, for LGBTQ equality.” Play ball, drink beer, and be proud! New Belgium Brewing Company San Francisco: https://bit.ly/3n6b3b0 Dining Out for Life San Francisco - April 26–30 Multiple restaurants are participating in this week-long effort. Many of the Castro’s restaurants— including Catch, Canela, La Méditerranée, Lookout, Starbelly, Swirl, Willkommen, the Sausage Factory, and Fable (as well as The Vault Garden downtown)—are part of the fundraiser. When you order from a participating restaurant’s Dining Out for Life menu, a portion of your bill will be donated to the San Francisco AIDS Foundation. Dining Out for Life San Francisco: https://www.doflsf.org/ David Landis, aka “The Gay Gourmet,” is a foodie, a freelance writer and a PR executive. Follow him on Instagram @GayGourmetSF, on Twitter @david_landis, email him at: david@landispr. com or visit him online at: www.gaygourmetsf.com

Castro Farmers’ Market Is Back Photos by Rink Pacific Coast Farmers’ Market Association’s Mia Simmans, manager, along with her colleagues Shawn and Paolo, welcomed neighbors and friends to the Noe Street (between Market and Beaver) location for the new season’s opening held on March 17.

Happy Boy Farms at the Castro Farmers’ Market

For more info and the complete list of vendors: https://bit.ly/3dvhp0w

Jacobs Farm’s booth Avocados from Shoup Farms of Temecula

Strawberries from the Berrylicious Family Farm

Organic gourmet mushrooms from E&H Farms of Oakdale

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APR IL 22, 2021

BAY TIMES S

LGBTQ News & Calendar for the Bay Area CELEBRATING FOUR DECADES (1978–2021)

The Oscars: They Matter ... and They're Fun!

Off the Wahl Jan Wahl The 93rd Academy Awards honor films released between January 1, 2020, to February 28, 2021. During that time, many of us didn’t go out to the movies due to massive theatre closures and postponed distribution. As isolating as COVID-19 has been, I am particularly grateful to wonderful series on the internet, including Hollywood, Bridgerton, The Kominsky Method, The Great, and others. Many of us were lucky enough to catch Da 5 Bloods, News of the World, and The Truffle Hunters on other platforms, since the Oscars left these fine films behind. But more on that to come. This year, Mank leads the Oscar nominations in ten categories. Judas and the Black Messiah became the first feature with all Black producers up for best picture. Two women directors, Chloe Zhao and Emerald Fennell, are nominated in the same year. Steven Yeun became the first Asian-American leading actor nominated, and Riz Ahmed the first Muslim. The Oscars matter. Why? It’s a chance for the public to see or hear about work that has been overlooked or under-distributed. It keeps filmmakers themselves shooting for the moon, not just big box office. I vote in the Directors Guild of America and at least three national and local critic organizations. Full disclosure: I am voting for Nomadland and The Trial of the Chicago 7 everywhere possible. I’m going for Youn Yoh-Jung in the delightful Minari; she is an actress who stole every frame she was in. I would also love to see Glenn Close win; it is her eighth nomination and I will happily pretend it’s for Albert Nobbs! Very few saw that one, but she was nominated for best actress, as was the superb Janet McTeer for supporting actress ... check it out! Classic Hollywood is my life, so I couldn’t wait to see Mank, the story of the writing of Citizen Kane. If the filmmakers had stayed with that fascinating backstory, it could’ve been a remarkable movie. Unfortunately, it veered off into subplots that took away from the making of a classic.

Though I was disappointed, it was a beautiful film to look at and still appreciate. It would be satisfying to see it take home the gold for production design and cinematography. One Night in Miami should receive the Oscar for best adapted screenplay and Leslie Odom, Jr., as Sam Cooke merits best supporting actor. Spike Lee (Da 5 Bloods), Aaron Sorkin (The Trial of the Chicago 7), and Regina King (One Night in Miami) for directors were overlooked. But at least people are talking about it! Tom Hanks was powerful simplicity in News of the World, and Del Roy Lindo was unforgettable in Da 5 Bloods. The documentary on Stacey Abrams, All In: The Fight for Democracy, deserved an Oscar nomination. Every year the nominations leave many of us angry about the shut outs. Even the should-havewons leave me seething years later ( Judy Garland, Gloria Swanson, Sweet Smell of Success or A Face in the Crowd, anyone?). It’s still the Oscars, which still carries prestige, profit, glamour, history, and fun. The following winners' acceptance quotes are a few examples of the latter, with some honest emotion thrown in:

Well, it’s time for another Oscars. Next year, there will be even greater universal excitement since more of us will have gone to the big screen. Cinema Paradiso is what I always look forward to. In the meantime, let’s enjoy and appreciate what we have.

Minari

Jan Wahl is a Hollywood historian, film critic on various broadcast outlets, and has her own YouTube channel series, "Jan Wahl Showbiz.” She has two Emmys and many awards for her longtime work on behalf of film buffs and the LGBTQ community. Contact her at www.janwahl.com Stacey Abrams

“I’m just a girl from a trailer park who had a dream.” Hillary Swank, Million Dollar Baby, 2004. “The only regret: I wish I drank and smoked.” Grace Kelly, The Country Girl, 1955.

POP QUIZ

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The same year as this with Jack was one of my all-time favorite moments, Louise Fletcher (best actress, One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest) accepting her award and thanking her deaf parents in sign language.

“You’re only two years older than me, darling. Where have you been all my life?” Christopher Plummer, Beginners, 2010.

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“I’d like to thank one of the founding members of the Academy, Mary Pickford. She was the first actor to get a percentage of her pictures.” Jack Nicholson, One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest, 1976.

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LIL NAS X DIAMOND FANTASY MOMENT For the 2019 MTV Video Music Awards, rapper and songwriter Lil Nas X wore a custom sequined "diamond fantasy moment" Christian Cowan suit in homage to this late artist: A) Prince

B) Michael Jackson

C) Little Richard

D) Marvin Gaye

ANSWER ON PAGE 24

Four Queer Shorts Screening at This Year's San Francisco Greek Film Festival

Film Gary M. Kramer There are still a few more days to watch films screening at the 18th Annual San Francisco Greek Film Festival, which ends April 25. The more than two dozen features, documentaries, and shorts are available online for free with a reservation. (Some geoblocking applies.) This year’s program offers four short films featuring gay and trans characters. Here is a rundown of what to watch. Escaping the Fragile Planet, written and directed by Thanasis Tsimpinis, opens with a disclaimer that the short was made in July 2019, and any similarities to COVID-19 are purely coincidental. It soon becomes clear why. Two young men (Michail Tabakakis and Nikos Lekakis) meet when one enters a record store where the other worked. Outside, there is a lethal pink mist, and with no one having long to live, the guys spent the rest of their time on Earth together. Tsimpinis’s short is a charming, if brief, romance. The

characters talk about their fears, eat plenty of junk food, and bond over a magic trick, a dance, or a dare. And when they finally kiss, it is magical. The characters do wear masks, which gives Escaping the Fragile Planet an eerie sense of timeliness, but this poignant short is mostly enchanting. The Call is a stunning 10-minute short filmed in a single take. A transgender woman (Nektarios Theodorou) is getting dressed to go out when she receives a phone call. Her brother informs her that their mother has died. This disturbing news sets off a heated discussion that reveals much about the main character’s estrangement from her family. Director and cowriter Marios Psaras lets viewers eavesdrop on this private moment, slowly inching his camera closer and closer to the film’s subject as the call progresses. The one-sided conversation is effective in allowing viewers to fill in the blanks as the woman makes sarcastic comments, or refuses to put on “normal clothes,” claiming that her closet is full of “normal clothes.” Her remarks suggest that her family still does not accept her true gender identity. The Call gives Theodorou a terrific showcase in the monologue, and the film delivers an emotionally powerful ending. This is an excellent short film, both in terms of style and content. Madonna F64.0 is arguably the

weakest of the queer shorts in the festival. Maria (Konstantina Lia) is recuperating at home after having a surgical procedure. Her sister (Penelope Tsilika) is grappling with a new baby. But Maria’s sister does not want her anywhere near her child. The tension that exists between the sisters is palpable, especially when they have a fight that gets physical when Maria is referred to as a male. However, despite a striking final shot, this short lacks real power. Draw with Me is the sole documentary queer short. It is also the only one filmed in English, not Greek. This inspiring story is an American production by Greek filmmaker Constantine Venetopoulos about Brendon Scholl, a transgender teen. They [Brendon] are the nephew of Jennifer Lopez (who introduces the short), and their story is told through interviews with their family, including their mother, father, and aunt Lynda ( Jennifer’s sister). The discussions are candid. Brendon’s mother initially has difficulty coming to terms with her child coming out as trans, and Brendon described their mom finding their binder, which prompted that conversation. Brendon also describes that, while their father loves and cares for Brendon, he was mostly silent on the topic of their gender identity.

gets at the mental health challenges they face as a trans youth. During a particularly stressful time, Brendon attempted suicide, which the documentary explains is four times more common for LGBT youth than straight youth, and that a high proportion of the trans community attempts suicide before the age of 25. But the film also has positive scenes of Lynda interacting with Brendon and talking about the rewards of moving through the world, where using gender pronouns and even being called by their preferred name can be a political act. Draw with Me includes a clip featuring Jennifer Lopez and President Biden, and the program concludes with an additional segment featuring Lynda and Brendon one year later.

Brendon has started taking testosterone (their voice is noticeably deeper) and they are in college and have a strong network of trans friends. They also talk about their activism for the Black Lives Matter movement during the era of COVID-19. It is gratifying to have the follow-up short to see how far Brendon—and their family—has come. To reserve free tickets for the 18th Annual San Francisco Greek Film Festival: https://bit.ly/3sBQvbI © 2016 Gary M. Kramer Gary M. Kramer is the author of “Independent Queer Cinema: Reviews and Interviews,” and the coeditor of “Directory of World Cinema: Argentina.” Follow him on Twitter @garymkramer

Draw with Me shows how art provided an outlet for Brendon to express their feelings, as when they draw everyone’s eyes on them. The film also

S AN F R ANC IS C O BAY T IM ES

APR IL 22, 2021

Sister Dana Sez: Words of Wisdumb from a Fun Nun

By Sister Dana Van Iquity Sister Dana sez, "Mother's Day is May 9. May I be the first to wish all you mothers and drag mothers a well-deserved and very happy day! You have raised some delightful offspring!” Comedian, actress, television host, and producer Niecy Nash (newly married to wife Jessica Betts) hosted the 32nd Annual GLAAD MEDIA AWARDS on YouTube on April 8; the show is also now streaming on Hulu. Here are the highlights. Outstanding Music Award (presented by Katy Perry) was Sam Smith. Outstanding Breakthrough Artist was CHIKA. Best Reality Series was HBO’s We’re Here—bringing drag to rural America and everywhere. President and GLAAD CEO Sarah Kate Ellis spoke of the importance of LGBTQ people being seen and heard in the media. “There is still a long road ahead for LGBTQ acceptance, but we have come a long way,” she said. “The Equality Act is moving forward, but with strong Republican resistance.” She added, “Media helps one understand people and walk in their shoes.” Niecy introduced her “hersband” singer/songwriter Jessica Betts to play on guitar and sing the exquisite “Catch Me.” Outstanding Film/Limited Release went to Netflix’s The Boys in the Band from proudly gay Ryan Murphy. You may recall how much I have raved about that film with its all-gay cast and director! Oh, that delicious Matt Bomer! Outstanding Drama Series went to Star Trek: Dis-

LGBTQ activist Demi Lovato spoke of losing her dear friend and actress Naya Rivera who played on TV’s Glee as Santana Lopez and her TV girlfriend. “She inspired young lesbian actresses all over the world with her activism,” said Lovato. Personally, I recall one time fondly when Rivera spoke at a GLAAD celebration with fiery inspiration. We gave her a standing ovation! Lovato then introduced much of the incredible cast of Glee today as themselves to give loving tributes to Rivera. Jane Lynch (Glee’s nasty Sue Sylvester) lauded GLAAD’s work, concluding, “Every year there is more LGBTQ representation on TV and more diverse representation and more acceptance and more kindness.” I am so thrilled to announce that my fave of faves, Schitt’s Creek, received the Best Comedy Series Award accepted by my main man and star and co-creator, Dan Levy! I should remind you that this series swept the Golden Globes and also won last year’s GLAAD Award. “When we started to make Schitt’s Creek, we wanted to be funny, but also show personal growth, love, empowerment, and ‘bebe crows’—but we wanted everyone to be supported without question.” He added, “In reality, there is still so much work that needs to be done, and I cannot thank GLAAD enough for their relentless pursuit that we can one day live in a world where our community feels that kind of support.” Sister Dana sez, “Can I get an amen up in here?!” Sister Dana sez, "I am excited to announce that, once again this year on Pride Weekend, we will have an illuminated Pink Triangle on Twin Peaks for our inspiration, pride, and joy!” SF LGBT CENTER held its annual (but this year virtual) SOIRÉE on April 10. This was a lovely evening celebrating community. Together we helped uplift the impact of the Center's work and raised funds to expand its programs and services virtually. The SF LGBT Center connects our diverse community to opportunities, resources, and each other to achieve our vision of a stronger, healthier, and more equitable world for LGBTQ people and our allies. Board Co-chairs Chris Paul and Sally Jesmonth thanked the many volunteers who help make the Center possible. The Center has successfully moved almost all their services online. They are meeting one-on-one with LGBTQ+ job-search-

ers virtually, leading housing workshops on Zoom, supporting small businesses with online “office hours” and trainings, coordinating drop-offs of essential items for LGBTQ+ youth, and more. They even transitioned several Host Homes guests into housing despite the raging pandemic, getting them into safe, supportive spaces and significantly decreasing their exposure to COVID-19 and other risk factors. Executive Director Rebecca Rolfe spoke about the future—and such worrisome questions as herd immunity, jobs, housing, racial justice, democracy—and how we must be prepared and “show up.” She said, “If we stand in community, we will create the future of our dreams.” Soirée was co-hosted by Sister Roma & fellow San Francisco Bay Times columnist Liam Mayclem and featured entertainment director and virtual bartender Juanita MORE! with afterparty dance DJ Lady Ryan. The evening closed with the lipsynch talents of Voodonna sensually smoking a gigantic joint and doing Dawn Penn’s “You Don’t Love Me (No, No, No)”; Effervesence Jackson with “I Got Rhythm” while serving up old school tap shoe; and Tito Soto with Phil Collins’ “In the Air Tonight” while executing impressive aerial acrobatics. https://www.sfcenter.org/

Sister Dana with Nunny Bear

Sister Dana sez, "Is anyone else sick and tired of hearing all the horrible illegal sexual eXXXcapades of Rep. Matt Gaetz—or what I prefer to refer as ‘Gaetz-gate’?!”

Sister Dana sez, "I'm afraid the smear campaign against Obama is working: Gallup reported that Trump officially topped Obama in their annual public poll of the most admired man in the world. Unbelievable!"

The SAN FRANCISCO BAY TIMES is collaborating with THE ACADEMY to present a new live game show hosted by Donna Sachet. In this matchup, Team Mecca 2.0, led by captain Kelly Gilliam, will take on Team Olivia, led by captain Tisha Floratos. DIVAS & DRINKS will be April 29, 6 pm–7 pm, and enjoy music from DJ Rockaway while learning how to make delicious cocktails. Don’t miss the big reveal at the end: the unveiling of our internationallyrenowned mystery guest who shares thoughts about the women who have helped and inspired her throughout her amazing life. https://tinyurl.com/r9c2javb Sister Dana sez, "Thank God TV's 'Bachelor' star Colton Underwood has come out gay. How tortured he must have been in that huge, scary, national closet!" THE IMPERIAL FOUNDING MOTHER COURT of the International Court System will proudly present Coronation 56: “GET LIT, A NOVEL IDEA” virtually on April 24, 4

SF Sketch

Randy Coleman hails from New York, but has lived in San Francisco since 1975. Coleman shares that before moving to the Bay Area, he studied Art History and Architecture at Boston University while working as a resident artist for architectural rendering at a Massachusetts historical society. “All of my life I’ve been an artist,” Coleman says. “To know me is to know that I have a passion for art and architecture. I love this project for the San Francisco Bay Times, and hope that you enjoy my sketches.”

Lisa Geduldig’s hilarious LOCKDOWN COMEDY was Zoomed to us on April 15. The show featured Jann Karam (LA), Becky Braunstein (Portland, via Alaska), Bob McIntyre (SF), and Arline (Lisa's mom) and Lisa Geduldig (both stuck in lockdown from Flawrida). Note: Jann will be on an upcoming episode of Curb Your Enthusiasm and Becky is on a new TV show, Chad. Laugh along with me every 3rd Thursday with Lockdown Comedy on Zoom! https://bit.ly/2QaF0Lh Sister Dana sez, "Breaking news! Stop the presses! Kellogg’s has a new cereal just in time for Pride Month. 'Together with Pride' is coming to stores in May and will have rainbow-colored cereal hearts in the colors of the rainbow flag. And they’ll be covered in edible glitter! Yummy pride!" THANKS TO HANK is the inspirational story of Hank Wilson, a true unsung hero of the gay liberation movement and the AIDS epidemic, who led a life of such extraordinary humility and compassion that it will inspire people far beyond the LGBTQ community. Unique in its focus on the impact of the AIDS epidemic among poor people and people of color, the film is a chronicle of AIDS activism in the years before ACT UP, and demonstrates the broader vision of social justice held by early gay liberation activists. Also unique in its artistic scope, it features the music of the multiple Grammy Award-winning Kronos Quartet, and gorgeous handmade animation. And not to brag, but some of us Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence. Brilliantly directed by Bob Ostertag. 81minutes. $10 suggested donation—50% of the proceeds go to Coalition on Homelessness. Starts April 23. https://www.roxie.com/thanks-to-hank/

SAN FRANCISCO GAY MEN’S CHORUS is presenting the annual fundraiser CRESCENDO, this year held virtually on April 22 and entitled VOICES RISING. We can enjoy and/or honor SFGMC, Jake Shears, Rita Moreno, LeAnn Rimes, Shangela, Terrance Kelley, Mayor London Breed, Homophonics, and many others. https://www.sfgmc.org/crescendo

pm. Celebrate TMIM Emperor William Bulkley and Empress Mimi Osa as they step down and crown the next Monarchs of San Francisco. We voted for them on April 17, https://www.twitch.tv/imperialcouncilsf

Sister Dana sez, "Speaking of epidemics, which we are constantly doing, the Biden administration is seeking to drastically increase funds to 'help accelerate and strengthen efforts to end the HIV/AIDS epidemic,' an introductory budget proposal submitted to the Senate Appropriations Committee reveals.”

Randy Coleman

PHOTO BY GOOCH

covery. Outstanding Film Wide Release went to Hulu’s Happiest Season.

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Sister Dana sez, "Since Covid-daze have forced me to become a day drinker, I must reveal there are 18 benefits of red wine according to ReformedHealth.net: promotes healthy eyes, cuts risk of cataracts, fights cavities, wards off common colds, protects against heart disease, reduces risk of heart attack, increases longevity, improves bone density, aids in weight loss, contributes to healthy cholesterol, fights cancer, reduces risk of type 2 diabetes, reduces risk of liver disease, lowers risk of stroke, fights depression, helps short-term memory, keeps the brain sharp, and reduces risk of Alzheimer’s. So, break out the vino!”

Comedian D’yan Forest: I Did It My Ways to show me. She phoned ahead and asked if it was OK to bring a friend with her. “Sure,” I said, “who is it?” “She just arrived from Puerto Rico.” “Great, a ray of tropical sunshine!” “Well, she’s not from Puerto Rico. She was just living there. She’s from Long Island.” “Oh, OK.” Not quite so exciting, after all. “She used to be a nun.”

Words Michele Karlsberg Michele Karlsberg: D’yan Forest has always done things her way—or her ways because she’s lived a dozen different lives. Being a desperate Boston housewife, a New York nightclub singer, and a Paris swinger is only part of D’yan’s life story. At 86, she is an internationally known standup comedian and musician. She has appeared on Saturday Night Live and has performed in many New York City cabarets with regular performances at The Gotham Comedy Club. Her critically acclaimed onewoman shows have been presented on stages all around the world. The following is an excerpt from D’yan’s memoir, I Did It My Ways: It was in 1983 that I met Nell the nun. She had just moved to Southampton, Long Island, after divorcing her husband (yes, some nuns have husbands). Maybe I need to give you some background. I was interviewed for an article in one of the Hamptons’ newspapers, and the writer, a lesbian friend called Artemis, came over to my apartment in the Village with the newspaper

“A nun?” Even less exciting. I guessed Artemis was dragging this friend around to liven her up a bit after all those years in a convent. “Bring her over. What’s her name?” “Nell.” “Nell? As in death knell? Great!” It turned out, though, that I was wrong to be pessimistic. Nell was lively, lovely, a lot of fun, and cute. We all went out for lunch in the Village, and Nell gave me an edited version of her life story. “I put on the cowl just after high school,” she explained, while tucking into a grilled cheese sandwich and a mug of beer. This former nun clearly enjoyed the pleasures of life. “It was a Catholic school,” she said, “and I’m pretty sure the principal got a bonus for every girl she turned into a novice. She convinced me to sign up by telling me the convent would put me through college for free—which they did, except as well as studying, I had to cook and clean all day for the ‘qualified’ nuns. They kept telling me, cleanliness is next to Godliness, but in my case, it was next to slavery.” We laughed at Nell’s ironic take on nunnery, but this wasn’t the worst of it. “Every Saturday,” she said, “they made us novices join in flagellation sessions.” “Flagellation?” I’d heard the word before, but only in Parisian sex clubs. “Yes. The nuns used to lock us novices in a room decorated with nothing except a painting of the Virgin Mary looking sorry for us. And we’d have to stand in a circle, lift up our habits and whip our naked backs with a thin metal chain.” “Oh my God.” Artemis and I were listening as if Nell was describing a cheap porno film.

“So, there was this circle of bareback nuns, whipping ourselves, trying to keep quiet because we didn’t want to give too much pleasure to the sadistic nuns listening outside the door.” “Wow.” I was wondering whether it was erotic or sick. “No wonder I turned out kinky,” Nell added, which was the clincher—erotic it definitely was. “While I was at the convent, I fooled around with a few of the novices, too.” “Did you get thrown out of the convent?” I asked. “No, the Mother Superior offered me missionary work in Puerto Rico. I didn’t think I’d be good at converting other people, but I accepted. Maybe I misunderstood what they meant by giving me ‘a missionary position.’” For more information on D’yan Forest: http://www.dyanforest.com Michele Karlsberg Marketing and Management specializes in publicity for the LGBTQ+ community. This year, Karlsberg celebrates 32 years of successful marketing campaigns. For more information: https://www.michelekarlsberg.com

S AN F R ANC IS C O BAY T IM ES

APR IL 22, 2021

Dykes

With Drills

Tip of the Week By Carrie Rasor

Hacks for Stripped Screws Stripped screws are one of the challenges that you may encounter when building with wood. If a screw strips when it is halfway into a piece of wood and you can’t get it to go any further into the wood or get the screw to back out of the board, it can not only be frustrating but you also may feel like the only option is to scrap the wood and start again. But this is not the case! There are many options to remove the screw and save your project. You can purchase a screw extractor from a hardware store or online that will definitely do the job, but if you don’t want to stop what you are doing or spend money, we have a few hacks using items that you likely already have.

screw. To do this, you will place the vice grips tightly locked around the head of the screw. Turn them counterclockwise to remove the screw. This option is just a little more labor intensive, since you will need to manually twist the screw out by hand.

Hack #1: Wide Rubber band To remove a stripped screw using a wide rubber band, place the rubber band on the top of the screw head. Place your screwdriver or drill bit on top of the rubber band so it sinks into the stripped hole on top of the screw head. Apply extra pressure on your screwdriver or drill and twist counter-clockwise; if using a screwdriver or if using a drill, put it in reverse. The extra grip from the rubber band should allow you to remove the screw. This hack is easiest but may not always work, so we have provided a few more hacks for you to try. Hack #2: Drill Chuck

Learn more about woodworking with us in person in San Francisco, or online from the comfort of your own home. Here is what we have coming up next!

Introduction to Tools May 8 and June 12 (Bay Area)

Make your own Charcuterie Board May 8 and May 29 (online)

Learn Advanced Wood Burning May 22 (online)

Another great way to remove a stripped screw is using the chuck of your electric drill. To remove the stripped screw, you will open the chuck of the drill enough to fit the head of the screw in and tighten the chuck as much as you can. Put your drill in reverse and the screw should easily come out of the wood.

Learn Wood Burning Basics

Hack #3: Vice Grips

Julie Peri, who oversees this column, is the Founder and Director of Dykes With Drills. https://www.dykeswithdrills.com/

If you don’t have a drill handy, you can also use vice grips to remove the

June 12 (online)

For more information about these and other events, go to: https://bit.ly/3aodUqN

Take Me Home with You!

Poland Portugal

“Ready for a double dose of feline fun? Meet 7-year-old brothers Poland and Portugal! Poland, who has a handsome brown coat, is a social butterfly who will immediately come to greet you and ask for attention. Portugal, in his black and white tuxedo, also loves affection and will be climbing into your lap in no time. These two are best friends who have spent their lives together, so they must be adopted together. They are a delight to be around and will keep you entertained all day!”

Poland and Portugal are presented to San Francisco Bay Times readers by Dr. Jennifer Scarlett, the SF SPCA’s Co-President. Our thanks also go to Krista Maloney for helping to get the word out about lovable pets like Poland and Portugal. Dr. Jennifer Scarlett and Pup

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To apply to meet Poland and Portugal, visit https://www.sfspca.org/adoptions/

GAFFNEY/LEWIS (continued from page 4) slurs, telling her, “You don’t belong here.” The person who graffitied “F--k China, Get Guns” on a telephone pole just a half block from our house last year delivered a chilling message of intimidation to his many AAPI neighbors. According to a recent report from Stop AAPI Hate, a national coalition formed to address anti-Asian discrimination during the COVID-19 pandemic, nearly 70 percent of reported anti-AAPI hate incidents over the last year targeted Asian-American women. The Atlanta murders and the New York City attack represent two of the most horrific examples of such racist and misogynist violence and demonstrate the gravity of the consequences of our society’s maintaining the attitude that Asian-Americans are foreigners. Educating the nation about our lives by telling our personal stories has been a key element in the successes of the marriage equality and LGBTIQ rights movement. The marked increase in anti-Asian hate incidents over the past year has finally brought much-need attention to Asian Americans’ struggles. We hope that America’s hearing the personal stories of Asian Americans in tandem with other proactive legal and political strategies will greatly reduce physical and verbal violence. We yearn for a day when no AAPI person will ever again be referred to as “my little Asian thing.” Stuart Gaffney and John Lewis, together for over three decades, were plaintiffs in the California case for equal marriage rights decided by the California Supreme Court in 2008. Their leadership in the grassroots organization Marriage Equality USA contributed in 2015 to making same-sex marriage legal nationwide. ANTI-ASIAN VIOLENCE (continued from page 4) “As I was shopping, a white woman and what I am assuming was her husband came into the aisle I was in. They gave me dirty looks and just looked me up and down like they were disgusted with me. I tried to ignore it the best I could so I just walked away. To add to the story, I am a part of the LGBTQ+ community so I was wearing a mask that showed love and support for the community. As I walked away, the woman proceeded to walk up to me and stop me. She looked me up and down and said these exact words: ‘Oh so you’re one of them?’ And I was, of course, confused, but then I remembered I had on the LGBTQ+ mask. I politely responded, ‘Excuse me?’ She proceeded to say slurs that were both directed towards Asians and the LGBTQ+ community.” ( Jefferson, KY) “I was trying to enroll my daughter in a gymnastics class and had left several messages to call back. I was finally able to speak with the owner of the business and asked why he had not returned my phone calls, and was told that he did not like my name which is obviously Asian and he would not accept our daughter into his gym. I was so shocked at his blatant statement and hung up the phone.” (Tustin, CA) Local and National Efforts to Combat Anti-Asian Hate On March 24, Mayor London Breed announced new efforts to advance public safety in San Francisco and provide targeted support to members of San Francisco’s community. The first is an expanded community safety teams program that will provide outreach, support, and engagement in key neighborhood corridors throughout the city. The second is the extension of a program to accompany seniors to medical and personal appointments. “San Francisco, like many areas around California and the country, has seen unacceptable violence targeting out Asian and Pacific Islander residents,” said Mayor Breed. “In an effort to create a meaningful and sustainable response to protect our residents we’re providing a proactive, culturally competent, community-based response. Our goal with these two programs it to build trust among our diverse communities and increase public safety for everyone in San Francisco.” At the federal level, the Biden administration has issued “Additional Actions to Respond to Anti-Asian Violence, Xenophobia, and Bias.” These include reinstating the White House Initiative on Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders and the appointment of a permanent director who will coordinate related policies across the government. The administration has also established the COVID-19 Equity Task Force, which seeks to bring a racial equity lens to addressing xenophobia and acknowledges the significant mental health concerns facing the AAPI community as a result of the rising hate. The Department of Justice additionally announced an initiative to coordinate and expand civil rights protections for the AAPI community. The Biden administration is also providing funding for AAPI survivors of domestic violence and sexual assault. Councilmember Thao also notes an effort that goes beyond government actions: “Black, brown, indigenous, Asian, Pacific Islander, and LGBTQ+ communities are stronger when standing in solidarity, and with a diverse coalition working together against white supremacy, we can protect our neighbors, loved ones, communities, and elders.” Stop AAPI Hate: https://stopaapihate.org/ Center for the Study of Hate and Extremism: https://bit.ly/3xa2KzB

QUEER POP QUIZ ANSWER (Question on pg 18)

A) Prince Lil Nas X’s glittery ensemble that memorable evening also included a ruffled lace blouse with oversized sleeves, multiple rings, and a diamond and silver earring. Lil Nas X holds the distinction of being the first man to be dressed by Christian Cowan, who had previously created custom looks for Kim Petras and Carly Rae Jepsen.

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Speaking to Your Soul ARIES (March 21–April 19) Left to your own devices you’d be happy living with tigers on an island. But this world needs you and your courage. So while your independent fiery spirit prefers doing your own thing, on a deep level you know you’ve come here to help solve the dilemma plaguing humanity. Learn how to play better with others and you’ll find that people respect your leadership and loyalty.

Astrology Elisa Quinzi

TAURUS (April 20–May 20) Happy birthday, Taurus. Use this cosmic window as an opportunity to recalibrate your inner compass. What exactly signifies true north? Earthy as you are, the elements of your biology are sourced from stars. Henceforth, align your efforts with that which is eternal. As you function on a higher frequency, you can loosen your grip on life, and find the peace you crave. GEMINI (May 21–June 20) The antidote to your anxiety is ready and waiting for you to find it. But it’s not on your phone or anywhere online. Soothe your soul by finding time alone, getting still, and breathing love in and out of your heart. Do this with intention and you’ll come out of it renewed.

Our restless energy is looking for form. We may be alive on this beautiful Earth, born into chaos, but what is our purpose? Some would say to “ just be.” But we have a body and a limited timeline so that we may be useful to the whole of existence. We have a part to play in this mysterious drama of life and now is the time to apply ourselves in the name of that greater purpose.

CANCER ( June 21–July 22) Outline your strategy for the next year to best utilize the energy of the moment. Give yourself permission to break away from convention and follow your always-on-point intuition. As you step out in action toward your objective, the Universe shows you signs of support. LEO ( July 23–August 22) All things being equal, of all the signs, you, Leo, might have suffered the most this past year. Having had to hide your light at home, or at the least under a mask, you’ve been eagerly waiting in the wings for your time to step out into the spotlight once again. While the mask might last a bit longer, the galaxy is giving you the green light to go give your audience what they’ve been missing. The world is thirsty and you are the magic elixir. VIRGO (August 23–September 22) Another vacation to a resort in Mexico? There is nothing inherently wrong with that. But the celestial signs suggest you expand your horizons in a different direction. Take

the opportunity to expose yourself to experiences outside your comfort zone. In a world of increasing polarization, you need to cross the tracks to gain a more complete picture of reality. LIBRA (September 23–October 22) You’re especially skilled at going with the flow and making everyone comfortable. But now is the time to voice your deepest desires. The key is to continuously apply effort in the direction of getting your needs met while holding loosely to the plans for getting there. Bend with the wind but remain rooted. SCORPIO (October 23–November 21) Sometimes you need a break from the seriousness of life. Your soul craves connection. Pull yourself up out of isolation and reach out to someone. The frequency of relatedness can ease much of your stress. Trust that both of you will benefit from the experience. SAGITTARIUS (November 22–December 21) Begin or refresh routines and rituals. Now is the time to put work in daily. Humble yourself to set aside what you already know to make space in your vessel to be filled up. Be diligent. Freedom finds its fullest expression on the wings of discipline. CAPRICORN (December 22–January 19) The recess bell has rung. Close your laptop, cancel your meetings, and take some time off from the hustle for some pleasurable activities. The Universe is insisting you have a good time now. Let the joy of play rejuvenate you. Rather than seeing it as a waste of time, know that you must rest your analytical brain so that creative insight can blossom in that recreational space and thus inform your work going forward. AQUARIUS ( January 20–February 18) Plant seeds of intention around home and family matters. Then expect the unexpected. Find moments of stillness so you can know the peace and security that is always deep within you, wherever you are, regardless of circumstance. At your core is the point of connection to all of life. PISCES (February 19–March 20) Life does not demand of you anything other than who you were born to be. So, fear not that your workload may be boring drudgery. There is a perfect place for Pisces’ perspective, and a dire need for it. Your task is to activate constructive imagination and be diligent about what you create in thought. This is the most important effort you can make.

Elisa Quinzi is a certified professional astrologer who brings a strong spiritual perspective, as well as over 20 years of experience, to her work with clients. Contact her at futureselfnow@gmail.com or at 818-530-3366 with your exact birth time to schedule or to ask questions.

PRIDE (continued from page 9) “The African American Art & Culture Complex is proud to partner with San Francisco Pride, as we create space to celebrate and honor the collective freedom of our Black LGBTQIA sisters, brothers and sibs,” said the Green sisters. “We are committed to activating and strengthening our relationship by being a safe space for our collective LGBTQ+ voices through visibility and community building. Last year in June, we proudly hosted the Marsha P. Johnson Black Trans Lives Matter Rally in our open-air gallery. It was a beautiful and muchneeded beginning! It is our desire that our community embrace all our individual and collective displays of freedom! Join us as we celebrate the freedom to identify and love who we love, how we love.” Bay Area-Focused #SFPride51 will essentially be a celebration of, by, and for the people of the Bay Area, according to the organization. The CDC does not yet recommend leisure travel, and SF Pride respectfully asks visitors from outside the region to reconsider their attendance. It is SF Pride’s hope that by keeping the focus local in 2021, San Francisco may welcome everyone back in 2022 and beyond. “San Francisco Pride is back! After a year of terrible loss, I am delighted that our local queer community will be able to safely celebrate San Francisco Pride 2021 this June,” said Supervisor Rafael Mandelman. “We are not all the way back to normal, and this Pride season will reflect that reality, but we are moving forward, coming out in all the best ways. Interconnected, resilient, and ready to create a queer post-pandemic Renaissance, we are indeed ‘All in this Together.’” https://sfpride.org/

STAY SAFE. WEAR A MASK. S AN F R ANC IS C O BAY T IM ES

APR IL 22, 2021

Round About - Springtime & Re-Opening Photos by Rink

Anchor Oyster Bar’s outdoor seating, including a nauticalthemed parklet, fills up fast. Specials in recent weeks have included wild Icelandic cod, fried oysters, and seared scallops.

The Castro Theatre’s marquee earlier this month displayed a new message for the first time in over a year. It advertised the virtual screening of the SF Film Festival.

Flags were flying in the front open-air windows at Philz Coffee on Castro Street.

A server delivered orders to diners at Gyro Express in the restaurant’s 18th Street sidewalk table area.

Harvey’s server Lulu delivered orders to customers on both sides of 18th Street during Shared Spaces on April 11.

Shared Spaces monitor Daniel Cherry offered masks to visitors on 18th Street.

Blush! Wine Bar, on Castro Street, has sidewalk and parklet seating where diners can enjoy beverages and menu items.

Michael Petris displayed a leopard print pillow at The Mask Shop & Castro Stitchery on 18th Street.

Krewe de Kinque co-founder Gary Virginia was joined by Lady Cuki Couture and Carlos Medal on 18th Street on Saturday, April 11.

A decorative wall art item, for sale at PO Plus, features a quote from feminist writer Gloria Steinem. Another features Justice Ruth Bader Ginsberg (1933–2020). 26

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A street sign advertising medical care was on the sidewalk in front of the AIDS Health Foundation Castro Street location.

Round About - Springtime & Re-Opening Photos by Rink

CASTRO STREETCAM presented by

Richmond/Ermet Aid Foundation (REAF) producers Ken Henderson and Joe Seiler (left) enjoyed outdoor dining with friends at Lark restaurant on 18th Street on Saturday, April 10.

A bright pink umbrella and floral designs brought a springtime theme to the window of the Out of the Closet Polk Street store. Sales benefit the AIDS Healthcare Foundation’s HIV/ AIDS programs.

http://sfbaytimes.com/

Gnome Island Studios’ Julian Barber and Kaytea Petro displayed their products and artwork for sale in the Noe Art Mart. Kaytea’s Doggie Diner and bridge paintings were favorites with customers who stopped by their booth.

For those of you who have spent the last year battling foggy lenses, we finally found something that works really well. Anti-fog lens cloths are good for 200 wipes and come with their own resealable storage pouch for just $5.99

Good Vibrations Polk Street’s window display echoed the springtime floral theme also featured at nearby shops.

Mary Vice and Beverly Chills presented selections at the Juanite MORE! sales booth during the Noe Art Mart on Sunday, April 11.

Air plants are back in stock! We have a cheerful assortment of small Tillandsia for $4.99 each, plus a wide variety of terrariums and plant holders to give them just the right home.

Sara Jane Hassler offered jewelry at the Noe Art Mart located on Noe Street near the intersection with Market and 16th Streets.

Neighbors and friends filled the street seating located near the Noe Art Mart on April 11.

pring has sprung and life is starting to bloom in the Castro again. I took an extra day off work and nothing catastrophic happened! I am feeling cautiously optimistic. By the end of the month, most of our staff will be fully vaccinated. Everything is moving in the right direction. But we all have to work to keep it that way. Wear your mask (properly), keep washing your hands and don’t go to Florida for spring break. There is a light at the end of the tunnel. Don’t let it be a mirage. Make it a reality.

As Heard on the Street . . . What is a favorite business in the Castro and why? compiled by Rink

Nicole Whitten

Phillip Ruise

Leandro Gonzalez

Lady Cuki Couture

Frank Pietronigro

“The Lookout for its generosity to the community, with all of the benefits there. And because everyone is welcome.”

“I love the Castro Coffee Company since they have good coffee, and it is a fine spot to sit and observe the street action. They also have nice proprietors”

“The Lookout bar because of its amazing staff that takes care of customers and it is so inclusive.”

“The 440 bar where men buy a lady a cocktail.”

“The Castro Coffee Company, a community space where people can be comfortable. The owners are wonderful people.”

S AN F R ANC IS C O BAY T IM ES

APR IL 22, 2021 27

DIVAS & DRINKS @ The Academy VIRTUAL EDITION

from the Comfort of Your Home FREE! Thursday, April 29, 6pm–7pm via Zoom The San Francisco Bay Times presents a new live game show hosted by Donna Sachet!

DONNA SACHET

Put some sass in your glass and play along as two teams test their knowledge of women’s history, culture, and more.

In this matchup, Team Mecca 2.0 led by Captain Kelly Gilliam will take on Team Olivia led by Captain Tisha Floratos!

DJ ROCKAWAY

JEWELLE GOMEZ

MECCA 2.0

Enjoy music from DJ Rockaway while learning how to make delicious cocktails. And don’t miss the big reveal at the end: the unveiling of our internationally renowned mystery guest —introduced by Jewelle Gomez—who shares thoughts about the women who have helped and inspired her throughout her amazing life.

Register for this free event and check out other events this month at The Academy in the Castro! http//www.academy-sf.com/

BAY TIMES S

LGBTQ News & Calendar for the Bay Area

CELEBRATING FOUR DECADES (1978–2021)