San Francisco Bay Times - June 22, 2023

BAY TIMES

LGBTQ News & Calendar for the Bay Area CELEBRATING FOUR DECADES (1978–2023)

June 22–July 12, 2023 http://sfbaytimes.com

San Francisco Bay Times Pride Parade 2023 Contingent Will Highlight 50 Years of Women’s Music

In conjunction with this commemorative Pride issue, the San Francisco Bay Times Pride Parade 2023 contingent will highlight 50 years of Women’s Music—music by, for, and about women. The genre’s roots go back far longer than a half-century, but are largely associated with the artists and labels in the 1970s that fostered a lesbian-supportive musical movement. Many of these artists will be featured in this year’s Bay Times contingent.

Internationally acclaimed singersongwriter, actress, teacher, and activist Holly Near will be among those participating. In 1972, she founded the independent record label Redwood Records to produce and promote music by “politically conscious artists from around the world.”

She was one of the first women to found an independent record company. Her artistry and activism in the years that followed have earned her numerous honors including from the American Civil Liberties Union, the National Organization for Women, Ms. Magazine (Woman of the Year), the Legends of Women’s Music Award, and numerous others.

A year after Redwood Records was founded, ten women—including artists Cris Williamson and Meg Christian, as well as entrepreneur Judy Dlugacz—launched Olivia Records in 1973. During its twenty years of operation, Olivia Records sold more than one million records and produced over forty albums.

Olivia Travel today, under President and Founder Dlugacz, Co-Founder Rachel Wahba, and Vice Presidents Jill Cruse and Tisha Floratos, keeps the music flowing with its renowned entertainment. From fresh new talent like LP and Be Steadwell to legendary performers like Bonnie Raitt, Patti LaBelle, Sarah McLachlan, and Heart, Olivia Travel provides an unprecedented variety of women-focused talent.

During the Parade, Olivia’s DJ Rockaway (Tina Salano, who is married to Floratos), will be spinning tunes as the San Francisco Bay Times contingent’s official DJ. Silano is Olivia’s Digital Content Creator and resident DJ for the monthly Divas & Drinks event held at The Academy SF in the Castro.

The following Women’s Music artists and allies will also be in the Bay Times contingent:

About Our Cover

Internationally recognized painter and printmaker Debra Walker, who is also an LGBTQ activist and a Commissioner for the City of San Francisco, created the cover for this Pride 2023 issue of the San Francisco Bay Times. The image celebrates Women’s Music: music by, for, and about women. In particular, it focuses on the past fifty years of this genre.

Featured in the image are some of the most iconic and influential Women’s Music artists throughout this period: Margie Adam, Meg Christian, Barbara Higbie, Krissy Keefer and Dance Brigade, Holly Near, Vicki Randle, Linda Tillery, Cris Williamson, Julie Wolf, and others. In an exclusive piece for the Bay Times (see pages 6–7 of this issue), Margie Adam reflects on her life as a singer, songwriter, pianist, and activist. As she shares in the piece, she performed with Meg Christian, Holly Near, and Cris Williamson during a seminal 6-city, 9-concert tour. These four artists are therefore shown together on the cover. The background of the image was inspired by the 650-acre woodland site of the Michigan Womyn’s Music Festival in Oceana County, Michigan. The music festival was founded by Lisa Vogel, her sister Kristie Vogel, and friend Mary Kindig. It was held annually from 1976 to 2015.

Walker has created other memorable covers for the Bay Times over the years. Regular readers of the paper may recall her artwork for

Joyce Baker

Ginny Berson

Mandy Carter

Melanie DeMore

Emma’s Revolution

Jean Fineberg

Lou Fischer

Judy Graboyes

Tammy Hall

Leslie Ann Jones

Sandy Linton

Amy Meyers

Sandy Morris

Sarah Bush Dance Project

Suzanne Shanbaum

Linda Tillery

Nancy Vogl

Debra Walker

Sharon Washington and many more.

the cover of the June 25, 2015, Pride issue. It too celebrated Women’s Music, which emerged as a musical expression of the second-wave feminist movement as well as the labor, civil rights, and peace movements. http://www.debrawalker.com/

Look them up if you are not already familiar with their work! It would take volumes to do justice to their respective careers, which collectively include multiple Grammy Awards, groundbreaking firsts, and much more. Listen for them during the SF Pride Parade, as DJ Rockaway will bring her mic for impromptu singalongs and interactions with paradegoers.

The Bay Times contingent would not be complete without Sister Dana Van Iquity blowing kisses and photographer Rink capturing memorable moments, as he has for every San Francisco Pride Parade and even prior related events such as 1970’s Gay Liberation March. The Bay Times publishers, many other columnists, several advertisers, and supporters will also be in the 2023 contingent.

The San Francisco Bay Times extends special thanks to:

Karen E. Bardsley, Contingent Manager

Warren Alderson, Contingent Manager

Steve Harrison, Front Banners Manager

Juan R. Davila, Volunteer Troupe Coordinator

Jade Martner, Hospitality

Fran Herman & Audry deLucia, Production

Laura Martel & Marla Foreman, Vehicle Managers

Kevin Lively, Vehicle Manager

Holly Near, Melanie DeMore, and Linda Tillery, Women’s Music Coordinators

Autumn Nazaria, Logistics Coordinator for Olivia Travel

Olivia Passalacqua, Logistics Coordinator for NAPA Cellars and DJ Rockaway.

The Bay Times also gives thanks to this year’s contingent sponsors, many of which have also supported our past SF Pride Parade contingents:

NAPA Cellars

The UCSF National Center of Excellence in Women’s Health Extreme Pizza La Méditerranée Grubstake and Olivia Travel.

Join us on Sunday, June 25!

If you would like to be in this history-making SF Pride Parade contingent, please contact publisher@sfbaytimes.com

Moments That Made a Movement: My Life in Early Women’s Music

I began composing instrumental music in 1963, my junior year at Marymount School for Girls, when I fell in love with my best friend, Kathy. My first solo piano piece was entitled “Kathy’s Song.” When I signed up for the “open mic” at Kate Millet’s Women’s Music festival ten years later, on May 4, 1973, I had been writing songs with lyrics for less than a year. This evening, in a music classroom at Sacramento State University, I sat at a grand

Linda Shear, a singer/songwriter and a member of the Family of Woman rock band, held a musicrelated workshop and passed around a contact sheet on a clipboard. I met Joan Nixon, a low-key Jenny Appleseed, who was driving Linda’s band around the country in her station wagon while recording and sharing the music of women she heard along the way; musicians like me, who would later be identified with Women’s Music. She was also a behind-the-scenes philanthropist, who invested in many lesbian feminist endeavors including Cris Williamson’s album, Changer and the Changed

Deep inside, my Muse gathered Herself, cleared Her throat and whispered, “Yes!” I heard Her Voice ring out from my soul that weekend in April 1973, sitting with several hundred lesbian feminists in a UCLA lecture hall. Now, five decades later, I can see many instances when I received similar directives that I followed just like I did that day, as extraordinary opportunities and experiences began to come my way in Women’s Music and beyond.

hours together, talking about music in ways neither of us had ever spoken before, sharing songs and ourselves with each other. Before long, she came to visit and we began to perform together. I tripped and skipped over fundamentals of performing as we explored the order of songs, when and if to talk between songs, what clothes to wear, how we would present ourselves individually and as a duo. Much later, a tone poem called “Woodland” came to me and spun our transformative relationship into spacious melody, rhythm, and chord color. I included that piece on my first solo piano album, Naked Keys

piano facing twenty-five strangers and explained I had never sung my songs in public. I suppose it was an awkward request for support. When the women laughed gently and applauded, I had my first experience of an audience becoming a community. I began my set with “Susan’s Song.”

If not for the passion I felt for my lover, Susan, maybe I never would have written words to that song. However, a decade into writing jazz/ pop piano music, my artist self was compelled to give voice to my lesbian heart. I spent months at an upright piano in a farmhouse in the middle of a field in Atascadero, California, composing music, writing lyrics, and singing my life out, while Susan drove away each day to work with criminally insane sex offenders at a nearby state mental hospital. I wrote “Beautiful Soul” for her.

As songs accumulated on my cassette tape recorder throughout 1972, I began to get serious. I researched how I might get my songs to someone like ... Dusty Springfield, one of my favorite singers. In early April, 1973, I spent a week in Los Angeles, meeting with record company guys who were listening for “hits” for their singers. One after another, they rejected the songs I had spent the last year channeling and crafting.

At the time, their reactions didn’t faze me. My excitement about the upcoming weekend overrode my disappointment. A new friend, Liz Stevens, who later co-founded Iris Films with Frances Reid and Cathy Zheutlin, had invited me to what may have been the first national lesbian conference. This conference, held at UCLA, turned my young lesbian identity inside-out. To paraphrase Sydney Abbott & Barbara Love’s seminal book, Sappho Was a Right-on Woman: “By envisioning and demonstrating a new reality for and with Lesbians ... “ we also created it.

When I reached for Linda Shear’s clipboard, I added my name and contact information to a virtual network being born right on the spot. In this ecstatic setting, I heard Kate Millet, author of Sexual Politics and Flying, announce that she was going to stop giving speeches, and instead, organize a music festival. I was on my way.

My plan was to get to Kate’s music festival at Sacramento State University where she was teaching, share my songs at an open mic session and find someone who might want to sing them. Forget Dusty Springfield and mainstream singers! However, once I sang my own songs, in my own voice, my plans changed, primarily because I encountered two women: Woody Simmons and Jeanne Cordova.

As I waited for my turn at the open mic, I felt increasingly out of place as I listened to folksinger after folksinger singing ... folk music. Strumstrum, free-free. Then Woody Simmons sauntered over to the microphone and began to sing. Her music and performance came at me from a different realm. My ears

The other woman I met that night was Jeanne Cordova, a radical lesbian feminist writer and organizer, who had been the force behind the recent national lesbian conference in Los Angeles. She was there in the audience at that open mic session, decompressing after confronting very difficult post-conference controversies. She invited me to sing at an upcoming fundraiser for her magazine, The Lesbian Tide The event was to feature Jill Johnston, author of Lesbian Nation

There were some significant consequences of saying “Yes!” to Jeanne’s invitation to sing at her Lesbian Tide fundraiser. I went to the local veteran’s memorial building and tracked down the janitor whom I brazenly asked to set up a microphone at the piano so I could practice singing into it. He said he’d set it up but would turn the sound off if he didn’t like the music. Fortunately for me, he liked it. My first audition.

Just as I was being introduced at the Tide event, Robin Tyler, a comedian and excellent festival producer, jumped up on stage and interrupted the program to criticize Jeanne for bringing in an “unknown performer” instead of inviting Maxine Feldman, a local lesbian folk singer, to sing. She then invited Max, who had just recorded her song, “Angry Atthis,” to take the stage and Max sang a rousing version of that song. I followed her. After a nervous start, the audience was encouraging and I sang my heart out. Later, I met Barbara McLean, Jeanne’s roommate and singer Vicki Randle’s manager. Barbara asked me if I would like to write music for Vicki and accompany her on the piano from time to time. I said, “Yes!”

In early 1974, Barbara heard from her friend, Joan Lowe, one of the few female recording engineers in America, that some women at the University of Illinois in ChampaignUrbana were organizing a National Women’s Music Festival.

Vicki should be there, Joan said. Barbara asked if I’d like to accompany Vicki in her set and, perhaps, I could sign up for a set myself. I said, “Yes!” having recently performed at “Woman-Made Day,” a Los Angeles Women’s Building event featuring artist Judy Chicago, lesbian feminist theorist/writer Charlotte Bunch, and The Women’s Survival Catalog creators, Kirsten Grimstad and Susan Rennie. I was getting ready.

It was Kristin Lems, a folksinger/ songwriter, who inspired and coordinated the surprisingly diverse, week-long festival of women musicians Vicki and I were about to join when we arrived on site, May 28.

Cris Williamson was on the bill that Tuesday night. In one of the many magical synchronicities of my early days in Women’s Music, when I took my seat in the auditorium, I had been listening to Cris’ music for two years. Someone had mentioned I should get her Ampex album and I had become strangely obsessed with the quest until I found it in a record store cutout bin in Portland, Oregon.

Watching her sing those songs, so familiar to me, was breathtaking. It was a 360° experience of an aesthetic and emotional soundscape I had been inhabiting for two years.

housed as festival participants. For the next hours, we slid easily from ordinary time into a mystical space where the music was the message and the message was a mind-body-spirit blend of woman-loving energy shifting effortlessly back and forth from major to minor, from finished work to potentialities.

I prefaced one song I had written by saying I wasn’t sure about it because the audience didn’t applaud. It was “Beautiful Soul.” Cris said something like, “That song does not call for applause. It invites silence as we take it in.” Then she played a song she had just completed. Its melody was inevitable. Each phrase flowed easily into the next. The rhythmic patterns, chord color, and progressions were glorious. The song was “Waterfall.” It is now 50 years since that night and whether the details of this recollection are entirely accurate, I’m not sure. But that we sang for each other and to each other and were swept away by the encounter is simply true.

snapped to attention as she executed intricate chord progressions with accessible melodies while accompanying herself on piano, banjo, and her twelve-string guitar. This was not folk music!

By the time the weekend was over, Woody and I had spent hours and

Vicki was an extraordinary singer and interpreter of songs. She could blend her voice with other voices effortlessly, shifting styles and musical genres in a second. It was a thrill to have her sing my songs alongside her other repertoire, which included Melissa Manchester, Carole King, and Joni Mitchell.

When I approached Cris after her set and introduced myself as a songwriter and admirer of her music, our connection was immediate and fullon electric. We quickly agreed we’d like to find a piano somewhere so we could share our music with each other.

There was a spinet piano in the dormitory lounge where we were both

I met Meg Christian the next day in Cris’ dorm room. Cris and Meg already knew each other. They had sung each other’s music together in Washington, D.C., where Cris performed and Meg lived and was a member of the Olivia Records collective. Meg was an elegant guitarist whose classical training also aligned perfectly with her folk and pop impulses. Her songwriting and singing were irresistible and, coupled with her flirtatious sense of humor, knocked me out the first time I sat in her festival audience on Thursday night.

So many connexions! Each of us had been singing along with Dusty Springfield since 1964 so we knew her vocal “licks.” We were totally unselfconscious as we broke into three-part harmonies mimicking

(continued on page 7)

Dusty’s “Oooooh, Baby!” We all knew Carole King, Joni Mitchell, and Laura Nyro’s music and understood that those women’s individual evolutions from songwriter to singer/ songwriter/performers pointed toward a new freedom for female singer-songwriters like us. How is it that we ended up singing together at that first National Women’s Music Festival in 1974— each of us appearing on Saturday night’s bill? Well, the original music acts—Yoko Ono and Roberta Flack—both canceled at the last minute and the festival organizers scrambled to replace them with musicians whose performances had been popular earlier in the week. Woody Simmons and the Clinch Mountain Back Steppers opened the show. Meg, Cris, and I each did short sets and, more significantly, we sang together. By this time, we were dying to climb into each other’s songs. We were like joyful playmates, desperate to jump into the water, holding hands, delighted to float down the river together. The audience that Saturday night witnessed the beginnings of a musical love affair that altered each of our hearts and artistry forever. The sound we made together was exquisite.

Shortly after the festival, Barbara McLean produced The Women’s Sound of Music, with Vicki, Cris, and me in concert at the Embassy Theater in Los Angeles. Lynda Koolish, a fine Berkeley photographer, was brought in to photograph the three of us in rehearsal and those photographs became central to promotional materials and the concert program. By now, we were on purpose.

Ginny Berson, a member of the Olivia Collective and Meg’s partner, having heard us all sing at the first National Women’s Music Festival, contacted Barbara (Boo) Price, her close friend from Mt. Holyoke College days, and said something like: “You have GOT to see these three women, Vicki Randle, Margie Adam, and Cris Williamson, in concert. They are going to blow the roof off!” Boo, at the time a law student at UC Davis with a very young child, managed to attend that concert. And we did “blow the roof off!” We had created a musical performance that literally demonstrated sisterhood.

Soon after that event, Boo invited Vicki, Cris, and me to repeat our Embassy Theater show in Davis and proved herself to be a brilliant producer and promoter of our explosive artistic and political endeavor.

A lesbian feminist advance was gathering momentum all over the country, fueled in part by the meteoric rise of a Women’s Music movement. Word of this woman-loving wave of singer/songwriters and musical groups surged across the country like a slow-rolling tsunami. Women’s Music festivals were superspreader events, mixing multiple musical genres for hundreds and soon thousands of women who heard their lives celebrated in music and then returned home to tell their friends who told their friends about Women’s Music. Cris and I found ourselves performing solo and together at colleges, universities, and for feminist organizations coast to coast, brought in by lesbian feminists who had heard one or both of us in concert.

We raised a joyful noise from all over the United States and Canada in these early years: Alix Dobkin, Berkeley Women’s Music Collective, Kay Gardner, Izquierda, Jade & Sarsaparilla, Willie Tyson, Gwen Avery, BeBe K’Roche, Ferron, Mary Watkins, the New Haven Women’s Liberation Rock Band, Jane Sapp, Casse Culver. And on and on ... .

My life in Women’s Music moved very quickly during these early days. Olivia Records recorded Meg’s album, I Know You Know, in Washington, D.C., in 1974. Meg, Ginny, and the rest of the Olives moved to Los Angeles shortly thereafter and produced Cris’ record, Changer and the Changed, in 1975. I learned the ins and outs of studio recording at the knee of Joan Lowe, the sound engineer on both albums and the same woman who alerted Vicki Randle’s manager, Barbara McLean, about the National Women’s Music festival.

I played piano and sang backup vocals on these recordings and began considering my own recording possibilities. By then, Boo Price and I had grown together in a creative and loving partnership, which made launching Pleiades Records inevitable. With Joan Lowe as engineer, and supporting musicians including Woody Simmons, Vicki Randle, Cris Williamson, Meg Christian, Kay Gardner, Marcy Dicterow, Diane Lindsay, Linda Tillery, and Harriet McCollum (my mother, on organ!) we released Margie Adam.Songwriter. in 1976.

For me, the culmination of this period in early Women’s Music was an extraordinary 6-city, 9-concert tour entitled An Evening of Women’s Music with Cris Williamson, Margie Adam, Meg Christian and Holly Near. By now, Holly had joined with us through an organic process common in Women’s Music circles. First, by happenstance, one of us shared a gig with her and was struck by her vocal command, her focused intention, and engagement with the audience. Then two of us were on the same bill with her and came back talking about her songwriting. Finally, the four of us ended up in a room with a piano and/or Meg’s guitar and one of our songs, and as we sang into the possibilities of 4-part harmony, we slid into place as a quartet. And, oh my ... what a feeling it was to sing into the middle of that forcefield.

The tour was nicknamed “Women on Wheels” and took place over a 12-day period in February 1976.

The concert run ended in a performance for the women at the California Institution for Women,

a state prison. There were remarkable demonstrations of professionalism from producers like Marianne Schneller and Boo Price, and technicians like Margot McFedries (sound), Leni Schwendinger (lights), and Jennifer James (stage management), all of whom were more than competent to interact with male-only unions in concert settings throughout California. After this tour, and the release of Margie Adam. Songwriter., my work was focused on integrating Women’s Music with feminist politics, carrying both into mainstream venues with diverse audiences. I joined Sweet Honey in the Rock and Malvina Reynolds for the gala concert at the U.S. State Department’s International Women’s Year Conference in Houston (1977).

During a closing plenary session threatened by right-wing protestors, I led attendees in a 3-part harmony version of my song, “We Shall Go Forth!” which was later inducted into the Smithsonian’s Political History Division. Dusty Springfield recorded “Beautiful Soul” after hearing a bootleg tape recording of my 1974 Women’s Building concert. Judy Chicago invited me to celebrate in concert the San Francisco opening of her Dinner Party installation. (1979)

The National Women’s Political Caucus sponsored a 20-city concert tour entitled Margie Adam: On the Road for Women’s Rights, in support of prochoice women candidates (1980). I joined Sweet Honey, Gloria Steinem, and Bella Abzug at Constitution Hall in Washington, D.C., for an ERA deadline program (July 1, 1982). Boo Price, with her Women in Production

associates, Margot McFedries and Leni Schwendinger, collaborated in all these pivotal projects while mentoring others. We also co-produced two more albums on Pleiades records: We Shall Go Forth! (1982) and Here Is a Love Song (1983).

Just to be clear: these vignettes are part of a prismatic memory narrative, what comes to me as a 76-year-old woman who feels deeply privileged and grateful to have been supported and lifted up by feminist and progressive audiences for decades—as an artist and activist in the Women’s Music movement, network, and industry. My intention in writing this piece has been to remind and reaffirm for myself and others that this was a miraculous time in our unique and particular culture, and in lesbian feminist history. © Margie Adam 2023

Margie Adam, singer, songwriter, and pianist, released nine albums on her label, Pleiades Records, between 1976–2008. Her songs have been recorded by Dusty Springfield, Peter, Paul & Mary, George Lam, Cris Williamson, Meg Christian, and Holly Near. In 2010, Margie completed a Ph.D. in Psychology and currently maintains a practice in integrative counseling. Her commitment to the Women’s Music movement, network, and industry continues to engage her. Find her music at her website ( https://margieadam.com/ ) and at her YouTube channel ( https://tinyurl.com/bdhu6a3f ). More information about Margie’s counseling work is at http://www.margieadamphd.com/

Our 47th Year Leading Off a San Francisco Pride Parade

Dykes on Bikes®

Tales From Two Wheels

Happy Pride Month from “four days to the Parade” (as of Thursday, June 22) and counting!

We are so excited to be back on Market Street again. In 2023, the San Francisco Dykes on Bikes (DOB) Women’s Motorcycle Contingent is in our 47th year, and we are honored to lead off the San Francisco Parade this Sunday, June 25. It’s a thrill every year to greet excited riders while they line up and get ready to kick off the parade— the costumes, the signs, the beads, the tassels ... which may make you wonder, where does everyone put their helmets and gear?

For 2023 we are honored and proud to announce the K. Anne Rickertsen Memorial Helmet Truck. Anne unexpectedly left us in 2022. She rode with San Francisco DOB for more than 30 years, and was a longstanding presence at the Pride Parade.

For decades, “Helmet Truck Anne” would show up on Market Street

bright and early in the Veritable Vegetable truck, ready to welcome riders and securely tuck their possessions away in boxes so they could enjoy the parade without worrying about all their riding gear. The helmet truck is one of the most critical elements to the success of our presence in the Parade. It keeps our riders safe, and is a sturdy, reassuring, helping presence—just like Anne was. We always miss her even more this time of year, and are grateful for her many years of being, as her obituary truly stated, a “hard working badass.” And a big thank you to Anna, who not only proposed that the truck be re-named the “K. Anne Rickertsen Memorial Helmet Truck,” but who also has taken over responsibility for the helmet truck and conveying our riders gear safely down Market Street.

A special thank you also to Veritable Vegetable for many years of ongoing support. Veritable Vegetable stores our pallet of helmet boxes at their facility 363 days a year. It’s a kindness that many people may not know about but that is a considerable gift to our organization—we appreciate all that Veritable Vegetable does in support of LGBTQIA2S+ riders for the parade!

Please register to join us if you’re interested in riding with us in 2023. We welcome both participants and volunteers to come be part of the Parade with us!

You can read more information and pre-register at: www.sfdykesonbikes.org

You can also register at: https://tinyurl.com/2p8nfesw

Or, you can also register on the day of the Parade.

We want to send one last reminder to welcome everyone to attend our annual Pride Saturday Fundraiser on Saturday, June 24, from 12:30–3:30 pm. We’re at a fun new queer venue for our party this year—The Academy SF at 2166 Market Street. Come join us for dancing (music from DJ Rockaway), auction prizes, and more! You can pick up our limited-edition T-shirts and Dykes on Bikes® merch, and also preregister to ride with us at the Parade. Our mid-day event allows for plenty of time to experience all the activities on Pride Pink Saturday.

Kate Brown, Ph.D., is the President of San Francisco Dykes on Bikes® Women’s Motorcycle Contingent. https://www.dykesonbikes.org/

We Need Everyone This Year!

Make no mistake. This is the most important SF Pride in the last 25 years! We, as a community, especially trans people, face an unleashed anger we have not seen in decades. My heart aches as crazed legislators all over this country dream up new laws meant to oppress a vulnerable minority. Many people have asked me how they can help. Join us!! Help SF Pride draw a line on Market Street. Are you on the side of human rights for all people, or does your silence aid those who would erase us? There is no middle of the road or moderate position.

Many people have taken Pride parades and celebrations for granted over the last decade. Why should we attend or donate? Because Prides all over our country are under assault. Here in San Francisco, SF Pride has remained free to the public, while many of the nation’s larger Pride celebrations have charged for many years. The rising costs to produce safe parades and events have outpaced our ability to raise money. Donations have steadily declined since 2017.

This year we are determined to give you the opportunity to say that SF Pride matters. We will use a new device on Market Street that will allow us to safely raise desperately needed funds. An army of volunteers will go down Market Street with selfie sticks with devices called Tip Tap. You can use your credit/debit cards or cell phones with Apple or Google Pay to donate either 5 or 10 dollars. This transaction will only take 2 seconds!!!! I know our paradegoers want to support SF Pride! These same devices will also be used at the celebration site. Help us to remain the iconic queer organization for the world!

Welcome to SF Pride 2023!

Do not miss out on Saturday’s celebration this year!

The Main Stage will feature headliner Princess Nokia! Four community stages will be in action: Soul of Pride, Latin X, Trans stage, and the Indie Oasis. Homo Hip Hop and the Country Dance folks return for two days this year. We need you to come out Saturday and support these great communities.

Sunday, of course, will be the culmination of a month of honoring the LGBTQIA community. The Dykes on Bikes will lead us down Market Street. The API and the Women’s stages will join Soul of Pride and the Latin X. Our Kaiser Permanente Main Stage will feature headliners Princess Nokia and Hayley Kiyoko.

Remember, showing up at SF Pride goes beyond a celebration of love and acceptance within the LGBTQ+ community. It becomes a powerful statement for human rights, not just for ourselves, but for all LGBTQ+ individuals around the world. By joining together in this deep display of solidarity, we send a resounding message that equality, dignity, and freedom are non-negotiable rights that should be afforded to every single person, regardless of their sexual orientation or gender identity.

SF Pride becomes a platform where our voices amplify, where our presence ignites change, and where our collective determination reshapes the very fabric of society. So, let us march, let us dance, and let us embrace one another with pride, for in doing so, we become agents of progress, inspiring hope and paving the way for a brighter, more inclusive future for all.

Suzanne Ford is the Executive Director of San Francisco Pride.

On behalf of the entire SF Pride organization, I am thrilled to extend a warm and exuberant welcome to all community members, supporters, and allies. As we gather, we honor the vibrant tapestry of our diverse community, celebrating love, acceptance, and the hard-fought progress we have made together.

As one of the world’s largest and most iconic annual LGBTQ+ celebrations, the SF Pride Parade often strikes me as the world’s largest pageant—a magnificent display of unapologetic authenticity and queer joy. For those fortunate enough to witness the hours-long procession down Market Street on the last Sunday of every June, it is impossible to deny the fabulously queer pomp and circumstance that fills the air. For more than two decades, I have had the privilege of marching in every single SF Pride Parade, proudly embracing my identity and amplifying our collective voices. The pause forced upon us by the regrettable impact of COVID-19 may have temporarily disrupted our physical celebrations, but it has never diminished the liberatory spirit that burns within us.

SF Pride has always been more than just a parade. It is a gateway to a world of queer advocacy and activism, a catalyst for change and empowerment. It has shaped my journey as a late-30s gay Vietnamese man who has found love in the vibrant

heart of the Castro, and it has given me the strength and audacity to embrace my own truth.

This year, as we reunite in a renewed sense of solidarity against the coordinated vitriol and violence of our detractors, let us remember the power of community. Let us celebrate our resilience, our achievements, and the victories that have paved the way for a more inclusive and accepting society. In the spirit of this year’s SF Pride theme, “Looking Back and Moving Forward,” we acknowledge that we stand on the shoulders of trailblazers who dared to dream and fight for equality, and it is our duty to carry their legacy forward.

From the electrifying parade to the captivating performances, from the inspiring speakers to the joyful expressions of love, SF Pride 2023 promises to be a transformative experience. Let us embrace the spirit of love, acceptance, and unity that has brought us here today. Let us come together in celebration of our vibrant LGBTQ+ community, while recognizing that our fight for liberation is far from over. As President of SF Pride, it is my honor to welcome you to this extraordinary event. May your time here be filled with joy, love, and a profound sense of belonging. Together, let us create unforgettable memories and continue the march toward a future where every person can live—and love—freely, authentically, and proudly. Nguyen Pham is the President of San Francisco Pride.

Take It From Me, One Day We’ll All Be Free

of out LGBTQ elected officials taking office this year, we are seeing a record number of laws across our nation aimed at erasing Queer and Trans identities and limiting Black voices. This tells me that it is not just enough to be at the table. It’s not just enough to be visible and seen. It’s about getting down in the trenches and doing the work together.

What Dubb Says

Pride Weekend is here! I thought June would be a lot quieter for me without being President of SF Pride, but that clearly that was not to be. With the emergence of Juneteenth as a National Holiday, a holiday the Black community has been celebrating for as long as I can remember, June has been busier than ever.

However, it’s certainly a tender time to be a Black person, an LGBTQ person, and especially a Black LGBTQ person anywhere in this country. In Florida you have a governor who is creating Anti-Gay laws to go along with his “Anti-Woke” i.e. Anti-Black laws that will not only ban children from learning about cultural history but could also eliminate POC spaces and groups like Historically Black Greek organizations.

In Texas, you have a governor who has outright banned “diverse spaces.”

In Georgia you have a legislature that is still trying to limit the rights of Black people to vote. In Mississippi, there was an attempt to create an entire voting district so Black people could vote. Multiple states have used censure rules from the floor to kick out or silence Black and Queer legislators.

Even though we saw a huge rainbow wave in 2022 with a record number

One thing that I reminded my constituents in El Cerrito, and I want to remind our readers, is that Juneteenth and Pride are both all about community taking up space— whether it is to celebrate our triumphs, yell about the injustices we still face, or just to celebrate our brilliant selves. This space is ours! It is ours to own and invite others in to celebrate and fight alongside us.

Let this also serve as a reminder that sitting in the intersection of these two brilliantly bright celebrations are Black LGBTQ people. Black LGBTQ people are still the most atrisk populations in both communities. We are the ones often left out of the conversations about resources and services. We are the least likely to be in positions of power in either community. So, as you are celebrating, remember those at the intersections fighting for all of us to be liberated and free.

We will dance for our victory. We will cry about our pain. We will yell for our liberation. We will fight like hell and we will win!!

“Take it from me, one day we’ll all be free.”

—Donny Hathaway

Carolyn Wysinger was elected in 2022 to serve on the El Cerrito City Council. She is an LGBTQ author, activist, and former president of the SF Pride Board of Directors. She can be found on Instagram & Twitter @ CdubbTheHost

Pink Triangle Ceremony

This Year’s Pride Carries an Increased Sense of Urgency

In Case You Missed It

Looking back on my Pride column from this time last year, it seemed like a more innocent time, before Florida went completely bananas and became a rogue state, and other red states joined them, slashing and burning human rights at every turn, and doing their darndest to erase LGBTQ+ people from public life.

This year feels different. The threats are very real, not just from individual armed bigots, but from our local and state elected officials—the very people charged with protecting people and our democracy. In the face of this endless onslaught of attacks on drag performers, trans youth, librari-

ans, teachers, doctors, and LGBTQ+ people and their allies in general, this year’s Pride carries an increased sense of urgency. The increased need to protect both the physical safety of LGBTQ+ people and their very right to exist openly in this country demands that we all stand up and be counted. It requires strength. It requires defiance. It requires thoughtful, sustained resistance. And as the haters try to shut you down, it requires more. More glitter. More feathers. More rainbows. More love. And always, ALWAYS, more joy.

SF Giants Pride Night

The Los Angeles Dodgers generated a month of high-pitch drama when they announced they were honoring the Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence during their annual Pride Night, then rescinded the invitation upon being pressured by conservative right-wing groups, then re-invited the Sisters after a massive public outcry in response to their cowardly move.

Meanwhile, the San Francisco Giants quietly went ahead with their own Pride Night, holding a peaceful, festive, joyful event where the only drama was whether newly-appointed Drag Laureate D’Arcy Drollinger would be able to get the first pitch

GLBT Fortnight in Review

The Truth Is Out There

It’s always hard to decide how to start this column. I go back over a dozen possible lead stories and check for any breaking news, but in the process, of course I stumble over unrelated links. Now, if you were faced with reviewing a federal judge’s hold on an anti-trans law in Florida from two weeks ago, or reading about aliens landing in Las Vegas, which would you pick?

Yes. Me too! And it happens repeatedly (I’ve wasted 90 minutes so far this morning) adding an unnecessary frisson of deadline pressure to an otherwise disciplined distillation of LGBT information. The aliens in Vegas were over ten feet tall and “definitely 100 percent nonhuman,” according to the witness, and appeared after a fireball was seen and photographed in the skies. Do you believe this? I’m not sure I do either, but I like the speculation. As a Star Trek fan, I see aliens as friendly envoys from advanced planets rather than demonic killers looking to wipe out life on Earth and use our planet as a mining station. But as a rational 21st Century Earthling, I see the prospects of their visits as figments of our imagination, a possibility debunked by experts in astronomy and physics. If I used emojis, I’d send a sad face.

The aforementioned Florida judge, Robert Hinkle, ruled that Florida could not block puberty blockers or other care for three transgender youth as they proceed with their lawsuit against the Penis State’s brandnew ban on gender healthcare for kids under 18. The legal requirements for issuing a preliminary

over home plate (spoiler alert: they did). The ballpark was filled with happy baseball fans—both gay and straight—wearing the coveted Pride jersey that was given to the first 20,000 fans. A group of LGBTQ+ elected officials raised the Trans and Progress flags over the outfield. A special pre-game party dedicated to the memory of Heklina ended with prominent drag leaders parading around the ballpark to cheers from the crowds. And when D’Arcy Drollinger put on a comic master class on the pitcher’s mound prior to throwing out the first pitch, the crowd went wild.

Note to the Dodgers: This is how you hold a Pride event: You work WITH the community. And you spread joy.

Fighting Back Against Book Bans

For too many months the news has been filled with stories of books being challenged, removed, or outright banned from schools and libraries, usually due to LGBTQ+ content, or because the books address issues of race or racism. Conservative groups fanning the flames of the culture wars under the guise of “protecting the

(continued on page 22)

injunction include a determination that the challengers will likely be successful in their efforts down the line, and indeed, while applying intermediate scrutiny to the case, Judge Hinkle wrote that the Florida law was motivated by “the plainly illegitimate purposes of disapproving transgender status and discouraging individuals from pursuing their honest gender identities.”

This “purposeful discrimination,” he went on, meant that the plaintiffs were likely to succeed on their Equal Protection claim. He also thought a parental rights argument would prevail. And interestingly, at a time when European health authorities are expressing concerns with pre-pubescent blockers and the like, Judge Hinkle notes that these counties are not outlawing youth health care, but making sure that therapies and drugs are applied with care on a case-by-case basis. No one disagrees with that strategy.

I don’t see any mention of Florida contesting this injunction, but then again, I was distracted by the aliens.

Play Ball

In other trans news, as our last issue went to press, the full U.S. Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit heard arguments on Connecticut’s refusal to ban transgender girls from playing on high school sports teams.

Earlier this year, a three-judge Second Circuit panel ruled in favor of Connecticut’s trans-friendly interpretation of Title IX, but that decision was based on the fact that the four cisgender girls who sued had graduated, and their case was moot. Further, the notion that any of these

plaintiffs would have won their track events in the absence of the two victorious transgirls was speculation. Finally, is the failure to win a high school trophy of some sort really the sort of loss a federal court can rectify after the fact? After all, in order to have standing to bring a lawsuit, a plaintiff must suffer an actual injury.

According to a report in Courthouse News, one of the trans athletes, Terry Miller, never ranked higher that 325th when she ran with the boys, but won a 100-meter dash “by a large margin” against the girls. That gave me pause until I was reading from the earlier three-judge ruling, where I learned the cisgirls had beaten Miller “on numerous occasions” themselves, and also beaten the other transgirl in the case, Andraya Yearwood.

Either way, it sounds as if the lawyers for Connecticut bumbled through the June 6 arguments, trying to get the case tossed on technical grounds. We’ll see what the 15 judges think of the situation soon enough, I imagine. And it’s not hard to predict that the Supreme Court will eventually have something to say on this issue.

How Low Is Your T?

Before we move on from trans athletes, however, let’s ask ourselves this: Does it matter if a transgirl never has a chance against the boys but turns around and crushes it against the girls? As usual in trans issues, it’s complicated.

First, sports for girls and boys prior to varsity high school and college athletics is not aimed at winning. It’s aimed at socialization, fitness, friendship, and fun. The notion of remov-

ing a girl from these games because she’s trans is outrageous. Then there’s college sports and perhaps top-level high school competition. If I’m not mistaken, transgender girls have to take hormones for a couple of years before they’re eligible to play. If not, of course they would have an unfair advantage in one-onone events against cisgirls. Making it more complicated is the question of to what extent your testosterone level affects your athleticism. I think the research is unclear. Then, what other factors influence a transwoman who has gone through puberty as a biological male? Again, unclear. Finally, when it comes to women’s sports, what are the natural elements in determining athletic excellence and how are these elements distributed throughout trans and ciswomen? How do we treat ciswomen with high testosterone? What if a transwoman is naturally much better than her peers? Is her success automatically suspect? Why would she be dismissed when a ciswoman who consistently outplays her peers is celebrated?

Answer these and other questions before you make an all or nothing decision.

Are You Kidding Me?

What else is new, you wonder? I was all set to rail against the Lynnwood, Washington, spa that was refusing to allow transgender women to participate unless they have had bottom surgery. I assumed that everyone involved would be wearing gym clothes or bathrobes, so what’s the big deal?

According to LGBTQ Nation, however, the Olympus Spa is some kind of all-female Korean nude place, where everyone is naked. Transwomen are welcome, but not if their genitals are still swinging. Now, Olympus has been charged with discrimination under the state’s civil rights law, normally a process of which I approve. But, come on, guys! If I were the type of person to go to a women-only nude spa for a “traditional, ceremonial, act of cleansing,” I doubt I’d be comfortable with male genitalia on display, regardless of whether the person doing the display was a transwoman or a cisguy. It doesn’t matter. I don’t want to look at someone’s junk during my “traditional act of cleansing.”

Haven Wilvich was part of a women’s group that was planning on a trip to the spa, but when she called ahead, she learned she would not be allowed to participate. “It felt really terrible to be invited to an event and find out I can’t attend because the spa is willing to reduce me to my genitalia and not see me as the woman that I am,” she told The Lynwood Times. I can see how that could be hard to take, but Haven’s genitalia just don’t belong in this context. That said, I think she could have worn a piece of clothing to tuck it all out of sight for the occasion, but I suppose that would not have been an option.

And in other news, I read that Johns Hopkins issued a new glossary of GLBT terms where it defined “lesbian” as a “non-man attracted to a non-man.” The absurd definition was quickly deleted, but not before it caused a well-deserved outcry, and

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Acting Up and Fighting Back in 2023

6/26 and Beyond

Imagine: A politically conservative Christian television station applies to the City of San Francisco for a permit to use Civic Center Plaza for a Christian youth concert on the last of weekend in June, which just so happens, of course, to be the date of San Francisco Pride. And imagine further that despite Pride being held for years on those dates, San Francisco grants the permit to the television station. Fortunately, that scenario seems very far-fetched, but sadly it’s exactly what happened in Seoul, South Korea. There, the city government granted the South Korean Christian Television System the right to use the plaza in front of Seoul City Hall for a Christian youth concert, instead of this year’s Seoul Pride, which had taken place there since 2014. The Seoul government’s actions are emblematic of the many challenges LGBTIQ activists face in their struggle for equality in South Korea. But, make no mistake, the Korean LGBTIQ community did not give up for a moment, and Seoul Pride will go on at a different location in the city.

Imagine: The San Francisco LGBT Center is forced to shut down under

pressure from the U.S. government because it serves the queer community. Fortunately, that would be unthinkable today. Yet, that’s exactly what happened last month when the Beijing LGBT Center, which had provided vital services to LGBTIQ people all across China for 15 years, was forced to close its doors as part of the Chinese government’s antiLGBTIQ crackdown. But Chinese LGBTIQ activists have far from given up.

This year, at San Francisco Pride, we think of the countless LGBTIQ activists, whose courage and perseverance inspire us. Of course, they include fearless South Korean and Chinese activists as well as those in Uganda, who are waging a fight for their survival against incalculable odds. We also salute the conviction and tenacity of Nebraska State Senators Megan Hunt and Machaela Cavanaugh, who together engaged in

a months-long filibuster to prevent passage of legislation banning gender-affirming medical care for trans youth in the state. Sadly, the bill eventually passed, but Hunt, who herself has a transgender son, revealed on the Senate floor that another trans youth had told her that they had attempted suicide during the legislative session. Hunt reported to her fellow state legislators what she told the trans youth: “‘Do not let one of these trash people who I work with be the reason that you’re not here. They don’t matter. The potential you have for the rest of your life is so much bigger than the damage any of these trash people can do in their little four-year or eight-year term.’”

And we draw inspiration from transgender Montana state legislator Zooey Zephyr, who during floor debate on a bill to ban gender-affirming medical care in her state told her fellow legislators that if they voted in favor of the legislation: “I hope the next time there’s an invocation, when you bow your heads in prayer, you see the blood on your hands.”

The bill passed and was enacted into law, the Montana House of Representatives censured Zephyr for her words, and the Speaker of the Montana House of Representatives asked her to apologize. But Zephyr did not back down for a second. She told Democracy Now that the Speaker “is asking me to be complicit in this Legislature’s eradication of our community. And I refuse to do so, and I will always refuse to do so.”

Today these bold leaders continue to fulfill that call of AIDS activists nearly forty years ago: “Act Up. Fight Back.” And this year in San Francisco, the LGBITQ community will march and gather together just as we’ve done for each of the last 53 years: “Looking Back and Moving Forward.”

John Lewis and Stuart Gaffney, together for over three decades, were plaintiffs in the California case for equal marriage rights decided by the California Supreme Court in 2008. Their leadership in the grassroots organization Marriage Equality USA contributed in 2015 to making same-sex marriage legal nationwide.

Looking Back and Moving Forward - Spending With Purpose

wasn’t necessarily with the renewed attack on LGBTQ+ rights in mind. What should be a joyous time of celebration must serve dual purpose as a call to action. I hope you’ll join me?

Money Matters

I remember my first ever Pride celebration, and while it pales in comparison to the party that San Francisco puts on every year, it is an important core memory for me as it symbolized what community coming together could mean. Sure, there were parties, thumping music, fabulous outfits and all of that, but there was more. I just felt it, BELONGING.

It was exhilarating. It was also scary. Being openly gay in small town Kentucky took some gumption. Since that Pride way back when, it’s been a priority for me to build and celebrate my community, now here in San Francisco. That may be watching my boys march in the parade or hosting my own party, or passing out ice cream to clubgoers at the stroke of midnight. Sometimes all of the above! I need to spend the day recreating that sense of belonging I felt when I got my Pride cherry popped. The theme for this year’s is Looking Back and Moving Forward. I imagine when that theme was selected it

As a financial advisor who’s been serving in this community and is a proud member of the community, it’s been extra important for me to acknowledge how far our rights have come but also that there is so much more work to get done—especially with the recent attacks on our rights with a whopping 124 total bills introduced in 2023 thus far that focus on restricting LGBTQ+ people, stopping their freedom of expression, the livelihood of transgender students, and basic access to health care for gender dysphoria.

In 46 states, these anti-LGBTQ+ bills are specifically targeting young transgendered folks and it’s clear that we are entering a new era of attacks on our communities. In 2019 there were no state laws banning transgender youths from participating in sports and now in 2023 there are bans in 19 states. Unthinkable, right? The goal in mind is to force LGBTQ+ people out of the public life. Why, you ask? Hate and fear. It’s key that we understand the source of the attacks so we can work to fight them.

The current state of our communities’ rights is scary. What can we do when we see our rights are being threatened? Fight back! This can mean through traditional political and human rights channels but also the little bits you can do day to day, not just during June, to make a difference and lift up the voices of others.

Community

Be present in your community. Use your gay dollars to spend at gay or gay friendly places. Don’t give your money to companies or states that are actively working to erode progress. You can seek out Certified LGBT businesses as designated by the National LGBT Chamber of Commerce. It’s that easy to make a difference.

Volunteer

There are so many dedicated organizations locally and worldwide that are in the fray every day working to protect us. Find one or more that resonate with you and get involved. You’d be surprised how fulfilling volunteering is! Studies suggest that those who volunteer are happier. Yay for serotonin!

Don’t Have Time? Give Money

Have enough money to share some with worthy causes? Do it. Make a one-time donation. A recurring one is even better and can really help cash flow for nonprofits. Setting up a donor advised fund is even better. Build your legacy plan to give back to the communities and causes that are special to you.

Speak Your Truth and Live

Loudly

Be your authentic self, unapologetically the unique gay little snowflake you are. We gain strength from numbers and representation. What makes a hate-filled, fearful bully mad? You happily living your best life!

Allyship and Asking for Help

We need our wonderful allies side by side with us on the fight. Ask for help, encourage them to share with

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San Francisco Bay Times Team Member Celebrates Pride in Salt Lake City, Utah

San Francisco Bay Times lead designer Beth Greene participated in Utah’s largest LGBTQIA+ event: The Utah Pride Parade. Held in downtown Salt Lake City on Sunday, June 4, this year’s celebration was the Utah Pride Center’s 33rd annual Pride Parade. Its theme was “Queer Pride Is Unapologetic.” Greene shared: “Utah’s Pride events are surprisingly extensive. Some of the festivities taking place during the month of June include drag brunches, a Gala, the annual weekend-long festival, parties, pageants, concerts, a film festival, Pride march and rally, and the always eagerly anticipated Pride Parade.”

The 2023 Utah Pride Parade was attended by over 150,000 spectators and participants. Greene said, “The parade is a family-friendly event, and usually takes place Sunday morning of Pride Festival weekend. Families and supporters line the streets dressed in colorful attire as rainbow flags wave throughout downtown Salt Lake City. Many local Utahns are eager to spread messages of acceptance and love to the large and ever-growing LGBTQ+ community in an effort to combat the hostility and lack of inclusion many feel living in Utah.”

Participating groups included the local chapter of Dykes on Bikes, IRCONU - The Imperial Rainbow Court of Northern Utah, Free Mom Hugs, Dragon Dads, the Utah Gay Fathers Association, Affirmation LGBTQ Mormons Families and Friends, and many others.

For more information, visit https://utahpridecenter.org

Selisse Berry Legacy Leader: Rebecca Rolfe of SF LGBT Center

Lori Augustine, United Airlines

Melissa Berg, Dome Construction

Jamie Burning-Miles, YMCA

LeFawn Davis of Indeed

Suzanne Ford of SF Pride

Carrie Hall, SAP

Michel Huff of Huff Law

John Lee of Wells Fargo

Marcus Lindner of EY _____________________________________________________________________

Ryan McNeill of Bank of America

Tomiquia Moss of All Home

Craig Rouskey of Renegade.bio _____________________________________________________________________

Corporate Pride Award: Newfront Insurance

Power Connect 2023: A Gala of Pride, Solidarity, and Hope

The Golden Gate Business Association (GGBA) wishes to extend a heartfelt thank you to everyone who attended our Annual Gala, Power Connect, held on June 1. Hosted at the vibrant Oasis in San Francisco, the event marked a stellar kickoff to Pride Month. This year, as we gather to celebrate diversity and inclusion, our unity and shared commitment to support our community are more vital than ever.

With the backdrop of vibrant flags, heartfelt laughter, and engaging conversations, Power Connect 2023 was more than a gala—it was a tribute to resilience, a beacon of hope, and a rallying call to action. Oasis, known for its rich history and inclusive ethos, provided the perfect setting for this celebration. We were thrilled to see attendees from different walks of life, each bringing their unique voice to our gathering.

As the evening progressed, a tapestry of emotions, experiences, and aspirations was woven into the fabric of the event. Each shared story and connected glance served as a testament to the strength, courage, and unwavering resolve of the LGBTQ+ community. We reveled in the unique tales of triumph and took inspiration from stories of struggle and perseverance.

While the event served as a celebration, it was also an emphatic reminder of the struggles our community continues to face. The appalling number of legislative measures against the LGBTQ+ community introduced in 2023, over 520 as per the Human Rights Campaign, is a sobering reminder of the ongoing fight for equality and acceptance.

The time is now to acknowledge and counteract these distressing developments. Our shared platform is more than a means for networking and celebration; it’s an impetus for change. Power Connect 2023 stands as a beacon for this, reminding us of all of our collective responsibility to oppose discrimination and champion equality in all its forms.

The gala’s theme, Celebrating Diverse Communities, was a fitting descriptor for the palpable energy that suffused the event. It was a night of building connections, forging alliances, and further cementing our shared mission. By uniting our voices, we demonstrate the power of diversity, the importance of inclusion, and the resilience of the human spirit.

Power Connect 2023 was also a powerful reminder of the incredible progress we’ve made. We’ve come a long way, but there’s still much work to be done. With over four decades of advocating for LGBTQ+ businesses, the GGBA is committed to building upon this momentum and pushing for further strides towards equality and inclusivity.

In this critical time, it is essential that we continue to support each other, regardless of who we are or who we represent. We must remember that our community’s strength lies in its diversity, and in accepting and celebrating these differences, we pave the way for a more inclusive and accepting society.

In conclusion, Power Connect 2023, for all its glitter and glamour, served as a poignant reminder of our mission and the battles we are yet to conquer. As we move forward, we carry the energy and hope from this event, using it to fuel our drive towards a future free from discrimination.

We once again extend our deepest gratitude to everyone who attended and contributed to the success of Power Connect 2023. Your presence and support have not only made the event memorable but also have strengthened the resolve of our community.

Finally, we extend our warm thanks to Oasis for their wonderful hospitality. Their commitment to creating an inclusive space is truly commendable.

As we continue to celebrate Pride Month, let’s carry forward the spirit of unity, resilience, and hope. Let’s remember the power of connection, the importance of solidarity, and our shared commitment to a more inclusive, diverse, and equal society.

For more information on the GGBA, please visit: https://linktr.ee/ggba

GGBA CALENDAR

Tuesday, June 27 GGBA June Board of Directors Meeting https://tinyurl.com/yc74sb8s

Tuesday, July 11 GGBA July Make Contact https://tinyurl.com/3khb8ejz

Tuesday, July 25 GGBA July Board of Directors Meeting https://tinyurl.com/mww2892s

Tuesday, August 8 GGBA August Make Contact https://tinyurl.com/mrxr7kwu

Thursday, August 24; Thursday, November 9

Chase for Business Presents: LGBTQ+ Business Certification & Readiness Series

Please join Chase for Business’ free series in partnership with the Golden Gate Business Association. Together, we will deliver curated business readiness courses quarterly to help LGBTQ+ businesses grow and scale. They will be presented at different locations around the Bay Area.

They will be hybrid events. Register for the Remote option of the session(s) you want to attend. You will be emailed the remote access link before the day of the course.

• August 24 (Palo Alto) Navigating Your Cashflow

• November 9 (Oakland) Cyber Security https://tinyurl.com/ykfpx7tf

Tony Archuleta-Perkins is the founder and owner of Ide8 Real Estate & Eclat Group He has worked in finance for 25 years, ten of those years specifically as a fractional CFO. He has two master’s degrees: an MBA and a Master of Science in Real Estate. In addition to his educational and professional pedigree, Archuleta-Perkins has a passion for advocacy for the LGBTQ+ Community and their allies. He proudly volunteers and serves on two boards here in San Francisco: President of the Golden Gate Business Association and Treasurer of the LGBTQ+ Real Estate Alliance, SF Chapter. He and his husband enjoy international traveling and scuba diving.

GGBA Power Connect 2023

“Celebrating Diverse Communities” was the theme of GGBA’s annual Power Connect held this year on Thursday, June 1, at Oasis and commemorating the organization’s 49 years of service to LGBTQ+ businesses and community.

GGBA President Tony Archuleta-Perkins, wearing eye-catching hot pink heels and a dinner jacket, welcomed members, supporters and guests. San Francisco Bay Times columnist Liam Mayclem served as emcee, and DJ and producer Oleksandr Stepanov provided music.

Speakers included State Senator Scott Wiener, former GGBA president Gina Grahame, board members Imani Brown and Aaron Lander, and Ryan A. H. Weyandt, CEO of LGBTQ+ Real Estate Alliance.

Scott Gatz, founder of Q.Digital, received the Small Business of the Year Award. JP Morgan Chase was honored as Corporate Sponsor of the Year.

Guests enjoyed cocktails prepared by Oasis bar staff and menu items served at an assortment of food stations: Azucar Lounge, Kokak Chocolates, Boichik Bagels, and Hugh Groman Catering. Rainbow-colored Pride cookies were among the items enjoyed by attendees.

Display tables were presented by event sponsors, including The Body Gods and African Queens Travel. https://ggba.com/

JUSTER (continued from pg 12)

children” have urged parents across the country to file objections to books they haven’t even bothered to read—and too often, those books disappear off of shelves due to a sole person’s objection.

Organizations like the ACLU, PEN America, the American Library Association, Florida Freedom to Read Project, and many others have been working together to help communities fight back against this ideological censorship. Students need to see themselves and the world they live in reflected in the books they read. When those books disappear off the shelves, they feel erased, and threatened.

GLAAD has taken up this issue, producing a playbook for communities to fight back against book banning. It is going to take engaged communities working together to fight this plague of censorship. You can download GLAAD’s playbook here (see link). And if your community is working on fighting book bans, I would love to hear from you:

https://tinyurl.com/BkBansGLAAD

4th Annual People’s March and Rally ... and Music Festival!

Born during the COVID lockdown of 2020 and the turmoil of the George Floyd protests, the People’s March and Rally continues to draw a passionately committed crowd on Pride Sunday. Proudly non-corporate, organized by activists Alex U. Inn and Juanita MORE!, and led by Black, Brown, and Indigenous queer people, this march is both a grassroots labor of love and a defiant call to action, centering the needs of the most marginalized in our community, and calling for public money to be reallocated for social services, mental healthcare providers, and social justice. It is also joyfully defiant, and uplifting. It begins with a rally at Polk and Washington Streets in San Francisco on Sunday, June 25 at 11 am, then proceeds right down Polk Street—the route of the first Gay Liberation protest in 1970—directly to Fern Alley, where there will be a Fern Alley Music Festival from noon to 6 pm, featuring DJs and performers. Fern Alley just happens to

ROSTOW (continued from pg 12)

gave undeserved credence to those who ridicule legitimate attempts to make language more inclusive or, for that matter, more expansive.

What were they thinking, you wonder? Um, they were trying to recognize that a non-binary person might consider themselves a lesbian, while failing to realize that they just effectively downgraded every woman on the planet, cis, trans, gay, and straight. Meanwhile, the group had no problem referring to gay “men,” when consistency would have required they revert to the term “gay non-women” if they really wanted nonbinary people to fit into the category.

Language is important. But language can only be stretched so far if it’s to maintain its role as an expressive means to communicate. And I don’t think many non-binary people are insisting that we dispense with male, female, man, or woman in order to embrace the ambiguity that can exist in the liminal space between them. Quite the contrary, I imagine.

Our community can go too far, and being “woke” can too easily stray beyond a range of common sense that leaves us vulnerable to easy condemnation. We are already condemned unfairly; let’s not give people a real excuse to point the finger.

We Dare Defend Our Rights

Over in Montgomery, Alabama, the co-founder of the Invisible Histories Project, Dr. Maigen Sullivan, delivered a lecture on LGBTQ history in Alabama, which sounds like one of those innocuous well-meaning events that I personally like to skip in favor of Margarita Night at the Rainbow Cattle Club.

be a short skip to Juanita MORE!’s legendary Pride Party, so if you managed to score a coveted ticket to that event, the March will take you right there.

More Pride, More Joy

There are SO many events, parties, and performances during June that no one could list them all. But here are a few worth checking out through the end of June that you might have missed:

The Bayard Rustin Coalition and Soul of Pride are hosting their annual Pride Weekend Kickoff Reception on Friday, June 23, at the Ula Grand Ballroom in San Francisco. They will be honoring the SF Pride Grand Marshals and Black community leaders. Enjoy African Diaspora art, cocktails, delicious bites, and lively music. All are welcome. RSVP at: https://tinyurl.com/BRCPride23

For sheer magnitude of celebratory Pride events, look no farther than Parivar Bay Area’s website. The number and variety of their Pride events is enough to lift your spirits and get you in the mood to celebrate. Parivar Bay Area is America’s only Transgender-led, Transgendercentering South Asian organization, and their Pride events reflect the breadth, diversity, global scope, intersectionality, and joy of the work they do in the community. They have Pride events every single day in June; check them out here: https://tinyurl.com/ParivarPride

Oakland Black Pride is once again closing out Pride Month with a series of events that range from a 7-course tasting dinner to an exploration of kinky expression to a queer pub crawl. All the events are designed to improve economic opportunities, access to safe spaces, and wellness resources for Black LGBTQ+ people, and strengthen the community through accountability and collaboration. See all their events and learn more about their work here:

https://tinyurl.com/OBPride

It is heartening to see Pride celebrations popping up all over the Bay Area, even in some of the smaller towns. While a truly comprehen-

The event was hosted by the Alabama Department of Archives and History, but paid for, not with taxpayer funds, but under a grant from the Alabama Humanities Alliance. Nonetheless, a couple of GOP lawmakers attacked the program as part of a “woke liberal” agenda that doesn’t represent Alabama values. “The fact that state money, buildings, and resources are being used to promote a liberal political LGBTQ agenda flies in the face of our state’s values,” said House Majority Leader Scott Stadthagen. “If this is what they are doing with the taxpayer money that is sent to them, perhaps we should rereevaluate their [ADAH’s] allocation in the next budget.”

It wasn’t paid for with public funds! And even if it had been, since when are funds for archives and history limited to subjects of interest to right-wing politicians and conservative activists? Talk about big brother and the thought police. There’s no one worse than this “antiwoke” cabal with its banned books, its restrictions on school discussion, its denial of slavery, its war on drag shows, and its insufferable pomposity. I’m waiting for the arc of the moral universe to bend back towards justice, but these days I fear the arc is operating on cosmic time.

Oh, the title of this section? It’s the state motto of Alabama!

I Want a Fun Badge

Guess who’s on today’s target at the One Million Moms shoot out? It’s the Girl Scouts of America, who have “been on a moral decline for a long time, supporting abortion, sexual education similar to that of Planned Parenthood, and the LGBTQ+ agenda.”

sive list might be impossible, this link gives you an idea of how communities around the Bay are celebrating: https://tinyurl.com/ChronPride

Queens of the Castro Scholarships

If you were lucky enough to attend the evening with Jane Fonda at the Castro Theatre that kicked off Pride Month on June 1, you got to enjoy the Queens of the Castro as they started the festivities by sashaying through the aisles, then leading the audience in a surprisingly refreshing set of seated warm-up exercises. In addition to being festive entertainers and experienced fitness gurus, Queens of the Castro are activists with a serious purpose. Since 2011, they have been supporting and creating safer spaces for LGBTQ+ youth, ages 16–25. Their list of accomplishments to date is impressive, including planning and implementing dozens of drag shows in California, educating teachers and students about gender identity, supporting the work of drag performers in California, connecting LGBTQ+ youth with drag mentors, and granting more than $250,000 in scholarships to youth.

The scholarships are mostly granted to youth pursuing higher education in the sciences, math, and other academic fields. However, QOC member Grace Towers decided to take things one step farther, creating the Grace Towers Scholarship for the Arts, to encourage LGBTQ+ youth who want to explore selfexpression and creativity through the arts. Said Towers, “Oftentimes when words fail us, as artists, we turn to our creative practice. It really helped me during times in my youth that were difficult. This is my way of being the mentor I needed when I was a younger version of myself. By letting our youth know that their art is appreciated, seen, and important, we can continue to collaborate on our commitment to raising awareness about LGBTQ+ issues and stories of resilience.”

Applications for this year’s Queens of the Castro Scholarships are due at 11:59 pm PDT on June 30, 2023. Due to a high volume of applicants,

This month, girls “as young as kindergarten age” can earn a rainbow striped Fun Badge by learning some GLBT terminology and completing one or more gay-themed activities. According to One Million Moms, the girls might: “sketch a portrait of a member of the LGBTQ+ community whom you admire; make a LGBTQ+ music playlist; create art that celebrates how families come in all kinds; participate in No Name-Calling Week, which is sponsored by the Gay, Lesbian, and Straight Education Network (GLSEN); or attend an LGBTQ+ Pride celebration.”

It’s not at all clear from the Moms’ press release exactly what might be wrong with these sweet-sounding tasks. Still, the Moms request that we all stop buying cookies and boycott the Girl Scouts “as long as the organization is pushing these liberal agendas on girls.”

It’s interesting. The press release doesn’t even include the usually amusing hyperbole. It’s almost as if they’ve forgotten what all the fuss is about and it reads as if they cut and pasted the language from the GLSEN or Girl Scout pamphlets. Are they perhaps getting tired of hyperventilating into a paper bag every time they see a non-binary minion or a gay starfish? Who knows?

Before I go, let me mention the depressing Gallup Poll results that I was going to cover, but did not. It looks as if support for the GLBT community has plummeted in American society over the last year—down 7 percent. I don’t like to think about it and I find it depressing, so I’m just ignoring it (sort of).

arostow@aol.com

incomplete submissions will not be considered. For application information, go to:

https://tinyurl.com/QoCGTS

Mark Your Calendar: AIDS Walk

Returns to Golden Gate Park on July 16

Since 1987, AIDS Walk San Francisco has brought together people from all over the Bay Area to raise crucial funding for a number of local organizations that support people with HIV or AIDS. Full disclosure: I have been part of AIDS Walk San Francisco since 1988, and what drew me to this event in the beginning is what I still find compelling: Anyone can participate, and anyone can make a difference, no matter their age, income, or level of ability. They only need to bring their heart, and a desire to help.

What brings me back year after year is a memory from an AIDS Walk in the late 1990s. In those days, walkers would turn in the donations they had collected in the form of envelopes full of checks and cash. I opened one fat envelope turned in by a young teenage boy. Inside was over $200, all in $1, $5, and $10 bills. That boy had asked everyone he knew to help him raise money to help people with AIDS—something that was NOT easy for a teenage boy to do in those days. The heart and courage behind that boy’s efforts made me cry that day, and have inspired me ever since.

You can make a difference, too. Whether you walk as an individual, or part of a team, the funds you raise will make a difference to organizations right here in the Bay Area. Sign up to walk, or to support a walker, here: https://sf.aidswalk.net/

Go Forth and Celebrate

I hope to see many of you at the Trans March, Gary & Donna’s Pride Brunch, Frameline, SF Pride’s parade, the People’s March & Rally, and many other events. Please stay safe, stay proud, and don’t let anyone steal your joy. Happy Pride, everyone!

Joanie Juster is a long-time community volunteer, activist, and ally.

MILLER (continued from pg 17)

their networks the challenges ahead and what they can do year-round and not just in June. We are truly all in this together.

Let’s show the world that we are not afraid to put into the work to keep marching forward. Happy Pride!

Brio does not provide tax or legal advice, and nothing contained in these materials should be taken as such. The opinions expressed in this article are for general informational purposes only and are not intended to provide specific advice or recommendations for any individual or on any specific security. It is only intended to provide education about the financial industry.

To determine which investments may be appropriate for you, consult your financial advisor prior to investing. Any past performance discussed during this program is no guarantee of future results. Any indices referenced for comparison are unmanaged and cannot be invested into directly. As always please remember investing involves risk and possible loss of principal capital; please seek advice from a licensed professional.

Brio Financial Group is a registered investment adviser. SEC Registration does not constitute an endorsement of Brio by the SEC nor does it indicate that Brio has attained a particular level of skill or ability. Advisory services are only offered to clients or prospective clients where Brio Financial Group and its representatives are properly licensed or exempt from licensure. No advice may be rendered by Brio Financial Group unless a client service agreement is in place.

Brandon Miller, CFP®, is a financial consultant at Brio Financial Group in San Francisco, specializing in helping LGBT individuals and families plan and achieve their financial goals.

Home

Finding Your Place of Love, Hope, and Dreams

Laura Martell

5354 Broadway, Oakland

3 bedrooms/3 baths Craftsman home in Rockridge near College & Piedmont Aves. ADU bonus space below. Natural light and view of Mt. Tam. Breakfast nook, backyard garden, laundry room, builtins, gumwood trim finish

1,898 Sq Ft

$889,000

Laura Martell (415)948-1282 laura@danielwinklerinc.com

Danielle Clements (510)734-1287 danielleclements9@gmail.com

Jeffrey Plocher

787 Monterey Boulevard, Unit A San Francisco

Condo with 3 bedrooms, 2 baths, private roof deck, washer/dryer, high ceilings, large windows, north-facing, easy access to I-280 and 101.

$1,195,000

Jeffrey Plocher DRE #01248348 jeff@vanguardsf.com 415-272-5333 Vanguard Properties

Bay Times News

The Comfort and Activism of a Quilt

Some Sunday mornings are destined to be far more than pancakes and juice, lazing with the morning newspaper, or catching up on that show you’ve heard so much about.

I figured going to see the AIDS Memorial Quilt headquarters (in San Leandro) would be both educational and meaningful. But I had no idea how heartfelt and wonderfully emotional it would be.

Congregation Sha’ar Zahav’s Social Action Committee arranged the visit. I jumped at the chance to view the quilt up close and personal, particularly as we were able to request to view specific panels in advance.

Friends Deborah and Gabe carpooled with me from San Francisco. Gabe shared the story of the creation of the panel for his late partner, Gerard Michael Chevalaz. He talked about their wide circle of loving family, friends, and pets. Gabe’s sister designed a Tree of Life motif, allowing space on Gerard’s panel for the names of loved ones to be together forever with him. At the warehouse we wept at the loss, albeit from years ago, of this wonderful man. During my visit I learned of synchronicities, which not only helped create the Quilt/Names Project, but also have helped support it over these 36 years.

Walking into the warehouse, we were greeted by Bear and Sasha, two adorable dogs. Their wagging tails warmed me on a chilly morn. Their presence was a precursor to how one Project donor recognized the warehouse as a holy site: think of what dog spells backwards.

Prior to my visit, I had never heard the story of how the quilt, officially called the NAMES Project AIDS Memorial Quilt, came to be. John Cunningham, CEO, explained that AIDS activist Cleve Jones realized as deaths to AIDS-related causes increased, loved ones’ names were being overlooked and were at risk of being forgotten.

So, in 1985, prior to San Francisco’s annual candlelight march in memory of Harvey Milk and George Moscone, Jones encouraged folks to write friends’, family members’ and lovers’ names on simple signs. At the conclusion of the march, those signs were spontaneously taped to the side of the old Federal Building, creating what to Jones resembled a patchwork quilt. The NAMES Project idea was born, and subsequently officially started in 1987. One early volunteer,

Gert McMullin, remains on staff to this day, and has been referred to as the Mother Teresa of this blessed endeavor.

McMullin spent hours with our group, sharing stories, anecdotes, and decades worth of memories.

McMullin refers to “her boys,” since the vast majority of those lost to AIDS were men. The heartfelt way she spoke was so intimate, I felt I was in a sacred site with a guardian angel. The pieces of fabric, and the lives they represent, were brought to life through McMullin’s expression of love and care.

As the group unfolded panels of our loved ones, many relayed stories, often over choked up tears, of friends and lovers we had lost. It was an honor for me to speak about my college dorm friend Mark Scheffel. (See the Bay Times “Coming Out” story on page 28 of the June 25, 2020, Pride edition at https://tinyurl.com/jswm7ver ) It was an honor and pleasure that morning to hear others recall memories of their friends ... some memories having not been brought to consciousness in decades.

The Quilt is a homegrown and handmade stunning work of comfort to those who crafted each and every panel, as well as for millions who have seen it on display. And, it is far

more than that. It is a symbol, a huge nearly 50,000 panel strong symbol, of memories, hope, and activism. Groups of panels (called “12 by 12s,” as they are twelve feet wide by twelve feet high) are exhibited throughout the U.S. This is done to help teach/ remind people not only about HIV and AIDS, but also about racial and economic disparities in health care. And, to share the importance of self-care, since putting an end to HIV transmission requires individual practices as well as community support.

A friend on the excursion emailed later that day, it “was all incredibly moving and a part of healing for me ... . This has been one of the fullest days of my wonderfully full life.” May all our loved ones’ memories be for a blessing. And, hopefully on a

SUPER FRIENDS NYC

Fernando Camino of SuperFriends NYC Introduces San Franciscans and Others to Nightlife in the Big Apple

Just as New Yorkers and others away from the Bay Area check in on the Castro via the 24/7 livestreaming Castro Street Cam ( https://tinyurl.com/4jphheav ), San Francisco residents and more get a taste of the Big Apple, and Brooklyn, by watching the videos of Fernando Camino. He is the host and creator of the SuperFriends NYC YouTube channel: https://tinyurl.com/yckj2cvu

The San Francisco Bay Times recently caught up with Camino between video shoots.

San Francisco Bay Times: Please tell us about yourself, including where you are from and how you came to live in Brooklyn. How often do you visit your family, including your mom and also your sibling who lives in the San Francisco Bay Area? What’s your day job?

Fernando Camino: I’ve been a Brooklyn resident since 2007. In the beginning of 2002, when I was living in Alphabet City (Lower East Side of Manhattan), I met my bf (partner) Patrick. In 2007, I moved in with him in Brooklyn. I return to the Philippines to see my family every year. Sometimes, we also have family reunions, which is usually the only time I can see my sister and her family who live in Sacramento, California. I work as a Front Desk Agent/Concierge for a hotel on the Upper West Side of Manhattan.

San Francisco Bay Times: How did you develop the concept for the SuperFriends YouTube channel? What is its purpose? How did you get the idea for it, and how has the concept for the live videos evolved and changed since it began? How long has it been operating? Who helps you with the livecasts and what do they do?

Fernando Camino: It all started with my love for cooking. Whenever I needed fun ideas for recipes, I’d go to YouTube. Eventually, I decided to create my own channel! One day I got together with my friend, Mini-me, also Filipino, and told him about my idea. It was in December 2019 that he started filming me shopping at a fruit stand on the Upper West Side. And the rest is history!

I never really got to make the cooking video with my friend, but we’d get together once a week to do an indoor live video of us telling stories or just being funny. However, since we both had full-time jobs and didn’t live near each other, meeting up became difficult. And that’s when I decided to go live alone.

I began frequenting Times Square and other parts of NYC at least once a week. When I realized that SuperFriends were responding well to my interactions with random people in Times Square, I began to have a regular Saturday night live show there.

San Francisco Bay Times: Viewers and bystanders alike love to see you in Times Square. What is it like to be there every week and are there people you have met whom you see repeatedly? Any favorites?

Fernando Camino: On weekends, when Times Square is at its busiest, the unbelievable energy is palpable! I love seeing the excitement on everyone’s faces! The noise of New York, the people, the chaos ... it’s awesome!

Over the years, I have met and befriended people who work in Times Square. My favorite is Edwar Amean and his family (Instagram-EdwarNYC, more than 500K followers). He’s very charming, very friendly, and is a famous photographer.

San Francisco Bay Times: What is the Midnight Moment in Times Square and when can we expect to see it live on your channel? How do you select the other events and locations that you include for your livecasts? We have enjoyed watching you live from other cities both in the U.S. and beyond. Where have you been and where would you like to go in the future when SuperFriends goes on the road?

Fernando Camino: Midnight Moment is a digital art installation synchronized on more than 90 billboards in Times Square every day from 11:57 pm–Midnight. There’s a different installation/artist every month.

I select events like parades, and street festivals with lots of people. For each parade or event, I wear a huge hat inspired by the event.

I have taken my show on the road like Fremont Street in Las Vegas. I went to the Philippines in January 2023 to cover the biggest parade in the Philippines. In the future, if I get enough funding, I would like to take my show to San Francisco, Los Angeles, Disneyworld in Orlando, New Orleans, Brazil, and Japan.

San Francisco Bay Times: Do you have any favorite moments you would like to tell us about, when something special happened? Have you met any celebrities or other interesting people in leadership roles?

Fernando Camino: Always my favorite is meeting SuperFriends (subscribers) in person. I can’t believe they would go out of their way to meet me. Most of them know where to find me, Times Square on a Saturday night.

I have met a couple of South American superstars like Leslie Shaw from Peru (IG: LeslieShaw) and Mike Bahia from Colombia (IG: MikaBahia).

I met them in Times Square, both were very fun to talk to, and indulged us by singing a few lines of their hit songs. [As for someone in a] leadership role, Jason Morsette from MHA Nation, New Town North Dakota. He has a great story about his tribe. Then there’s my Boogie Bob, my friend, a YouTube (@Boogie Bob

Live) live streamer from Manhattan. He is hilarious, inspirational, informative, and kind. He also helps the needy, homeless.

San Francisco Bay Times: How do you maintain your “diplomatic” role when people you interview respond in unexpected ways? How have you learned to use humor as a tool in your interactions?

Fernando Camino: If someone is offended by my questions, I apologize sincerely immediately. Sometimes they are just simply mean, in which case, I leave them alone. If they are rude or rowdy, I use humor to make the best of the situation.

San Francisco Bay Times: Tell us about your visits to LGBT events and settings around Time Square and other parts of NYC. How does one meet the entertainers who often are part of the livecasts from sidewalks or inside venues?

Fernando Camino: My viewers tend to like my visits to LGBT events. It’s always very entertaining and spontaneous. Although I get some unfriendly comments when I cover these events, that doesn’t stop me from doing what is comfortable and enjoyable for me. I consider myself a good ambassador of the LGBT community.

They can find the entertainers or regular guests you see on my shows in Times Square.

SUPER FRIENDS NYC

San Francisco Bay Times: Do you have any plans for the future of the SuperFriends channel that you would like us to know about?

Fernando Camino: For now, I’d like to continue to grow my channel by coming up with a consistent schedule for my live shows and by discovering interesting events that my subscribers would find very entertaining. San Francisco Bay Times: Are there ways that you think SuperFriends can promote understanding, awareness, and appreciation of diversity and expressing kindness toward others?

Fernando Camino: On my show, I welcome diversity! I tend to gravitate toward people who are different from me. I know they have a wonderful story to share. Some have happy stories; others have sad ones to share. Some are more interesting than others but they are all valid stories. By talking to them, I show my subscribers that it’s ok to be different, and in the process, I show them kindness without ever mentioning the word “kindness.” Also, on my show, I talk about the things or people who inspire me or make me happy.

San Francisco Bay Times: How can readers of the San Francisco Bay Times find you? Do you have a website or Facebook page or other platform in addition to the YouTube channel?

Fernando Camino: Readers of the San Francisco Bay Times can check out my Instagram: SuperFriendsNYC. I usually post clips from my live shows on my IG.

San Francisco Bay Times: When do you think you may come to visit us here in San Francisco, and where in our area would you like to do a SuperFriends livecast?

Fernando Camino: I haven’t spoken with my boyfriend/partner about this, but I think I’d like to visit San Francisco next year for Pride. I’d like to do a livecast in the Castro area and other interesting parts of San Francisco like Fisherman’s Wharf, the Bay Bridge, and more.

Thank you so much for your interest in my story! If your readers are interested, they can find my exciting live broadcast every Saturday night in Times Square, people watching, talking to people, laughing, and singing with them or just being in the middle of this world-renowned square absorbing and enjoying the positive vibes. https://tinyurl.com/yckj2cvu

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The Bay Times is proud to be the first and only LGBTQ newspaper in San Francisco to be named a Legacy Business, recognizing that it is a longstanding, community-serving business that is a valuable cultural asset to the city.

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CONTRIBUTORS

WRITeRS

Rink, Sister Dana Van Iquity, Ann Rostow, Patrick Carney, Carolyn Wysinger, Leslie Sbrocco, Heather Freyer, Kate Kendell, Heidi Beeler, Gary M. Kramer, Joanie Juster, Julie Peri, Jennifer Kroot, Robert Holgate, Eduardo Morales, Dennis McMillan, Tim Seelig, John Chen, Rafael Mandelman, Tabitha Parent, Jewelle Gomez, Phil Ting, Rebecca Kaplan, Leslie Katz, Philip Ruth, Bill Lipsky, Elisa Quinzi, Liam Mayclem, Donna Sachet, Gary Virginia, Zoe Dunning, Derek Barnes, Marcy Adelman, Jan Wahl, Holly Near, Stuart Gaffney & John Lewis

Brandon Miller, Jamie Leno Zimron, Michele Karlsberg, Randy Coleman, Debra Walker, Howard Steiermann, Andrea Shorter, Lou Fischer, Brett Andrews, David Landis

PhOTOgRaPheRS

Rink, Phyllis Costa, Sparks, Paul Margolis, Chloe Jackman, Bill Wilson, Jo-Lynn Otto, Sandy Morris, Karina Patel, Abby Zimberg, Joanie Juster

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AGUILAS has been invited by the Pride Committee to march in the SF Pride Parade along with the Resistance contingent. This group is the third of many to march in the parade. Being up front this year will provide visibility and convey the importance of AGUILAS, whose HIV/AIDS funding grants from the SF Department of Public Health (SFDPH) and the CA Office of AIDS are scheduled to end on June 30, 2023.

There will be a hearing, allowing for public comments, led by the San Francisco Board of Supervisors at 10 am on Monday, June 26, in City Hall regarding the city’s budget. All are welcome to join and lend support to having continued funding for HIV/ AIDS services provided by AGUILAS. As you may know, AGUILAS is the only agency in San Francisco that offers all its services in English, Spanish, and Portuguese. For over 29 years, AGUILAS has been instrumental in providing HIV/ AIDS services to Latinx LGBTQ+ individuals.

Historically, AGUILAS is the only and oldest independently run Latinx LGBTQ+ organization in all of the Americas! The organization’s

AGUILAS News This Pride Month

advocacy efforts include raising the awareness of Latinx LGBTQ+ needs to our elected officials, funding agencies, and providers of human services. For every dollar the SFDPH provided AGUILAS in the past three years, AGUILAS was able to match that dollar for dollar by acquiring funding from other external sources.

Brazilian-Style Chocolate for Pride

On a lighter note this month, I would like to tell you about Tiny B Chocolate, which has launched rainbow-colored brigadeiros, a Brazilianstyle chocolate truffle, for Pride. Based in South San Francisco, Tiny B Chocolate offers an array of different chocolate treats. The bite-size brigadeiros are rich in flavor and the special recipe heightens the chocolate intensity without the bitterness of dark chocolate or the sweetness of extra sugar.

Each are hand-dipped in the tradition of Brazilian brigadeiros. They are made with local natural ingredients and are always gluten free. The rainbow-colored ones now come in different flavors for Pride. To my knowledge, this is the only company that specializes in these Brazilian treats. They are made fresh to order with two-day guaranteed delivery anywhere in the continental U.S.

Tiny B Chocolate introduced their new confections, as well as huge, delicious cookies, at a fundraiser called Bedtime Confessions for AGUILAS, held on June 4 from 4 pm to 7 pm at the Midnight Sun and presented by the Majestic Court of Light, Love, and Laughter, Princess Royale La Rosa de Los Gallos and Royal Crown Princess Sue Trowtower in conjunction with the Grand Ducal Council of

San Francisco. The afternoon featured numerous entertainers for the very well-attended event. It was a late afternoon filled with entertainment, exciting raffle prizes, and much more. Some of the proceeds for sales of the new rainbow brigadeiros go to AGUILAS. I learned that Tiny B Chocolate offers an array of events for team building, in-office events, business gifts, chocolate making, and party get-togethers. More information about the company can be found at https://www.tinybchocolate.com/

I wish you a safe and meaningful Pride, and hope to see you at the SF Pride Parade this Sunday and at the opportunity for public comment on June 26 concerning funding that

makes possible HIV/AIDS services for Latinx community members at AGUILAS:

https://www.sfaguilas.org/

Eduardo Morales, Ph.D. is a Professor Emeritus, retired Distinguished Professor, and current adjunct professor at Alliant International University. He is also a licensed psychologist and a founder and current Executive Director of AGUILAS, an awardwinning program for Latinx LGBTQ+. Of Puerto Rican decent, he has received numerous distinguished awards and citations, including being named a Fellow of 12 divisions of the American Psychological Association.

Embracing Inclusivity: Gender Neutral Estate Planning Documents

Choose gender-neutral language when possible.

When drafting your estate planning documents, select gender-neutral terminology wherever feasible. For example, use “they/them” pronouns instead of “he/she” and “spouse/ partner” instead of “husband/wife.”

This will guarantee that your documents are inclusive of all individuals, regardless of their gender identity today or in the future.

Consider a gender-neutral title.

Trust Essentials

Jay Greene, Esq., CPA

June marks the celebration of Pride Month, a time when the global community commemorates the progress and accomplishments of the LGBTQ+ community. It’s a month of happiness, introspection, and empowerment for many individuals who identify themselves as part of our community.

Unique Challenges in Estate Planning for LGBTQ+ Individuals

For lawyers who specialize in estate planning, Pride Month represents an opportunity to ponder the exceptional challenges faced by LGBTQ+ individuals when it comes to estate planning. These challenges can be particularly evident for those who identify as gender non-conforming and non-binary, as they often encounter additional obstacles in navigating a legal system that has traditionally been designed with binary gender norms in mind. Fortunately, there are measures that LGBTQ+ individuals can take to ensure that their estate planning documents reflect their gender identity and safeguard their loved ones.

Here are some suggestions for creating gender-neutral estate planning documents that mirror you and your loved one’s unique identities:

If you’re concerned about the gendered language utilized in traditional estate planning titles, consider using a gender-neutral title like “Personal Representative.” This will ensure that your estate planning documents are consistent with you and your loved one’s gender identity and principles.

Work with an LGBTQ+-friendly attorney.

When choosing an estate planning attorney, make sure to select someone who is well-versed in the unique challenges faced by LGBTQ+ individuals. Look for an attorney who has experience working with gender non-conforming and non-binary clients and who is dedicated to creating inclusive documents that reflect their clients’ and loved one’s identities. Include a statement of intent.

If you’re worried about how your gender identity might be perceived or misinterpreted by family members or others after your death, consider including a statement of intent in your estate planning documents. This statement can clarify your wishes regarding gender-neutral language and other issues related to your gender identity.

Regularly update estate planning documents.

Finally, it’s critical to update your estate planning documents regularly to ensure that they reflect any changes in your or your loved one’s gender identity or other personal cir-

Rink Photo Throwback

cumstances. Make sure to review your documents periodically with your attorney to ensure that they remain current and effective.

In conclusion, Pride Month is a time to celebrate the diversity and resilience of the LGBTQ+ community. As an estate planning attorney, it’s important to recognize the unique challenges faced by gender non-conforming and non-binary individuals and to take steps to ensure that their estate planning documents reflect their unique identities and protect their loved ones. By working with an LGBTQ+-friendly attorney and using gender-neutral language and titles, individuals can create estate planning documents that reflect their values and protect their legacy for future generations.

If you are looking for help with your own estate planning needs, or would like to discuss how we can help your loved ones with their plans, please feel free to contact us at obed@greenelawfirm.com or call us at 415-905-0215

Statements In Compliance with California Rules of Professional

Conduct: The materials in this article have been prepared by Attorney Jay Greene for educational purposes only and are not legal advice. This information does not create an attorney-client relationship. Individuals should consult with an estate planning and elder law attorney for up-to-date information for their individual plans.

Jay Greene, Attorney, CPA, is the founder of Greene Estate, Probate, & Elder Law Firm based in San Francisco, and is focused on helping LGBT individuals, couples, and families plan for their future, protect their assets, and preserve their wealth. For more information and to schedule an assessment, visit: https://assetprotectionbayarea.com/

San Francisco Bay Times photographer Rink not only has photographed every Pride Parade in San Francisco, but he also photographed even earlier gaythemed gatherings in the city since the late 1960s and inspired Harvey Milk (1930–1978) and his efforts with the annual march/parade in the early to mid 1970s. (About 30 people participated in the initial San Francisco Gay Liberation March on June 27, 1970.)

A decade after Milk’s death, and during the heart of the HIV/AIDS crisis, Rink captured this now-historic photo of ACT UP (AIDS Coalition to Unleash Power) members marching in the 1988 parade, which was then called the International Lesbian & Gay Freedom Day Parade. It was a heated year for ACT UP, which first formed in New York in March 1987

before expanding to San Francisco in 1988 and then to many other cities.

Note that many women actively supported the organization. Individuals such as Bay Times columnist Joanie Juster were among those who helped care for their friends, family members, and colleagues with AIDS at a time when public fear surrounding myths about the virus was still high.

Two years after this photo was taken, ACT UP militant members again took to the streets of San Francisco, this time essentially shutting down entire sections of the city during a week of massive protests as the Sixth International Conference of AIDS was held. Former San Francisco Bay Times journalist Tim Kingston reported on the protests, and later helped host a series of commemorative events about them.

Action = Life

Monday, June 5, was National HIV Long-Term Survivors Day. San Francisco AIDS Foundation’s HIV Advocacy Network (HAN) hosted a day of action called Action = Life to advocate for housing and healthcare for queer and HIV communities in the San Francisco city budget. The day began with advocacy training, then a march to City Hall, and a rally on the steps. Participants then met with members of the Board of Supervisors to share their stories, and ask representatives to prioritize making these investments in the community.

Joanie Juster is a long-time community volunteer, activist, and ally.

Pride 2023, Looking Back and Moving Forward

morally deficient and mentally ill, I knew that wasn’t true because that description didn’t fit me. Something was terribly wrong but it wasn’t me. If it was okay to be me, then by extension, it was okay to be a lesbian.

Aging in Community

It was the 1960s when I walked into my first gay bar in Boston’s Combat Zone, a sketchy neighborhood known for its adult nightlife of strip clubs, X-rated movie theaters, and adult bookstores. While I had known I was attracted to other girls since I was 16, I didn’t know any gay people, and I had no idea what being a bisexual or lesbian would mean, or what kind of life I could have.

Those days, reading books and playing sports were my favorite activities. So, it was natural for me to look up anything and everything about being a “lesbian” and a “homosexual.” I quickly learned that research journals and clinical books on gay people were closely guarded on a shelf, and under lock and key, behind the reference librarian’s desk. You had to be a certain age, and present identification, to read them. Needless to say, I didn’t feel safe showing my driver’s license. How would I explain my interest in the subject without outing myself?

The clinical material that I did manage to read made absolutely no sense to me. While the writers and researchers described gay people as

In the 1960s there were no laws prohibiting discrimination based on sexual orientation or gender identity in employment, or housing, credit, education, in the military ... . There was no marriage equality. Instead, there were the so-called blue laws that made it a crime to have samesex activity, to cross-dress, and for gay people to congregate. If you were outed you could be incarcerated, put in a mental hospital or lose your job, your children, or the connection to your family and friends. It seemed to me that the only way to navigate the combination of social stigma and discriminatory laws was to be closeted. But that didn’t sit easy with me.

After some searching, I discovered a treasure trove of literature by lesbians and gay men: Gertrude Stein, Natalie Barney, Djuna Barnes, Colette, Virginia Wolfe, and James Baldwin, to name a few. These authors and their books gave me hope that I could find others like myself and with them create a meaningful and purposeful life.

That day, standing outside the gay bar in Boston’s Combat Zone, alone with my fear and anxiety, balanced by a belief in myself and the hope that I would and could find my way, I finally stepped into my journey and my future.

My first Pride parade was in San Francisco in 1972. Like so many of my generation, I had moved to San Francisco to live an out life. The Pride parade, then and now, is a celebration of pride in ourselves and each

other, and the joy of living an out life and being our authentic self, as well as a protest against those who would deny us our humanity and our civil rights. Every year, the parade has gone through a different mix of these two experiences that capture where we are as a community in that moment of time. The feel and spirit of the parade reflect both the progress we have made and the challenges we face.

We’ve come a long way, from a profoundly troubled and difficult beginning, to securing legal protections and our civil rights. In 1972, homosexuality as a mental illness was removed from the American Psychiatric Association’s diagnostic manual. In 1976, California decriminalized sodomy between consenting adults in private. Nationally, the decriminalizing of sodomy laws was passed in 2003. In 1994, there was the “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” policy, designed to prohibit military personnel from discriminating against closeted gay service members. A twisted policy that banned openly gay people from serving, it was repealed in 2011. Then in 2015, the Marriage Equality Act granted same-sex couples in all 50 states full equal legal recognition. We have much to celebrate and much to be proud of.

When I contemplate how far we have come and in such a short time, I am in awe of what we have built together. When I contemplate the changes in my own life, I am filled with pride, gratitude, and love. We are everywhere and everywhere we are, we are out and proud and beautiful. There is strength and love in community and we have never been stronger. Each time that homophobes have tried to block our progress, we’ve come together as a community

and triumphed. This year will be no different.

This year, in 2023, according to the National Center for Lesbian Rights (NCLR), more than 600 antiLGBTQ laws have been introduced across the country. This hateful, right-wing backlash to our civil rights is unprecedented in its scope and coordination. But NCLR and other LGBTQ+ defenders are on the frontlines winning cases, protecting our rights, and protecting our trans children and drag queens.

Going forward, we need to remember we are in this for the long haul. We need to come together in unity and with our allies to preserve our freedom and protect those among us who are most vulnerable and under attack. We need to support the amazing community organizations that we have built up over the years, which protect and fight for our rights. Each one of us needs to ask, “What can I do to help fight back?”

This Pride, ask yourself that question and take an action. Volunteer for an organization, make a donation, write a letter to a legislator, find that action that manifests the best of you. Then don’t stop there. Do it again tomorrow, and the day after that. Step into your journey to make a change. And always remember to bring your joy with you.

Happy Pride.

Dr. Marcy Adelman, a psychologist and LGBTQ+ longevity advocate and policy adviser, oversees the Aging in Community column. She serves on the California Commission on Aging, the Board of the Alzheimer’s Association of Northern California, the California Master Plan on Aging Equity Advisory Committee, and the San Francisco Dignity Fund Oversight and Advisory Committee. She is the Co-Founder of Openhouse, the only San Francisco nonprofit exclusively focused on the health and well-being of LGBTQ+ older adults.

Alegre Home Care is proud to support Dr. Marcy Adelman’s Aging in Community column in the San Francisco Bay Times

Vital Services for Our Queer and Trans Elders and Adults with Disabilities

Older adults are the fastest-growing age group in San Francisco. However, the specific needs of queer and trans adults over 60 have often been overlooked.

My name is Kelly Dearman, and I am the Executive Director of the San Francisco Department of Disability and Aging Services (DAS). DAS provides a wide range of services that promote health, safety, and independence for our city’s older adults, people with disabilities, veterans, and caregivers.

As a leader in our department, I strive to be a strong ally to everyone in our community, meeting people where they are in order to make sure that our services can be accessed by San Francisco seniors and people with disabilities from diverse backgrounds and financial circumstances. A critical part of this work is making sure we are serving our queer and trans community’s elders and those who experience disabilities.

This year’s SF Pride theme is “Looking Back and Moving Forward,” so it seems appropriate to make sure our community knows what we have been able to accomplish—so far—in serving LGBTQ+ older adults and adults with disabilities, and what our plans are for the future to ensure those in need are accessing our services.

LGBTQ+ adults with disabilities and seniors face a heightened risk of isolation, a significant risk factor for future determinants of health. Queer and trans people are less likely than their peers to have traditional sources of support like biological family as they age or experience a disability. Further, many LGBTQ+ seniors have lost chosen family and close friends to illness, including HIV/AIDS. We can observe these broad trends among our clients: in DAS community-based services, 61 percent of LGBTQ+ senior clients live alone, a much higher rate than older adults generally (just 39 percent of whom live alone).

Other research by our department has revealed that some queer and trans older adults have been forced “back into the closet” because of discrimination they experience across health, housing, and social services systems. These fears and experiences of discrimination can cause people in need to hesitate to access services or seek out support. We also know that these challenges can be compounded for LGBTQ+ older and disabled adults of color, who may experience systemic barriers to participation in services at the intersection of sexual orientation, gender identity, race, age, and ability.

The community’s needs were highlighted by the groundbreaking work of the LGBT Aging Policy Task Force, which in 2014 identified specific recommendations for

programs and policies to address the challenges facing older LGBTQ+ adults. Since the report was issued, the task force’s recommendations have resulted in the implementation of numerous city programs, services, and trainings that have enabled more queer and trans seniors to age with dignity within their homes and neighborhoods, adding to the vibrancy of our communities.

Services for our queer and trans elders and those with disabilities include the LGBTQ+ Care Navigation program that utilizes trained staff and peer mentors to help clients access social services and reduce isolation; the LGBTQ+ Mental Health Connections program, which bridges the digital divide to connect users with culturally competent mental telehealth services; cultural sensitivity trainings for service providers in working effectively with LGBTQ+ seniors; a housing subsidy program for those at risk of eviction; a financial literacy empowerment program; and legal and life planning services to ensure their chosen family relationships and end-of-life choices are respected.

We continue to invest in reinforcing and expanding our existing LGBTQ+ programming. We are working to establish new programs based on our findings from the Dignity Fund Community Needs Assessment, such as the nation’s first services specifically for transgender and gender-nonconforming older people and adults with disabilities. The services focus on providing programming and social services in a supportive and genderaffirming environment.

However, it’s clear we have much more to do. We need to reach more LGBTQ+ older and disabled adults with our supportive services. LGBTQ+ seniors tend to access DAS community services at much lower rates than their peers—about one-third as often as San Francisco’s older adults generally. The same pattern holds true for queer and trans adults with disabilities, who access these services at about half the rate of all disabled adults. For example, approximately 12 percent of city seniors are estimated to be LGBTQ+, but only about 4 percent of our clients that participate in our community-based services self-identify as LGBTQ+ seniors. In addition, disabled adults represent approximately 22 percent of our city’s population, but only 12 percent access our DAS community services.

Our in-depth research and conversations with the community have also told us some of the reasons behind these disparities: LGBTQ+ seniors and people with disabilities are not always aware there are tailored programs that serve them. We need to inform the community about our services so they can feel included and safe in accessing these programs. We also know our challenge is not just in

funding LGBTQ+ focused programs but also in ensuring that queer and trans consumers can access any service provided by DAS or its partners in a culturally responsive way—ensuring that we affirm their identities and make them feel included, accepted, and safe across our entire service portfolio.

To help further our goal of serving more LGBTQ+ San Franciscans, we need the community’s help to spread the word that there are many services to help our queer and trans older and disabled adults age in place, with us, in our neighborhoods and districts. DAS provides vital supports across a wide range of needs—whether it’s through our Community Service Centers where people can socialize and participate in a variety of programs and classes, or food programs that provide nutritious meals and promote healthy eating habits, or individualized case management services to help clients get the support and

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Corporate Pride

Social Philanthropreneur

Significant progress has been made to support the LGBTQ+ community’s efforts to gain greater visibility and equality. Despite more recent political attacks on LGBTQ+ rights and protections, we’ve seen more allyship and wider acceptance from the broader population over the last several decades. Given that LGBTQ+ individuals form a prominent segment of the U.S. population, the strength of our community’s buying and political power is also undeniable. There has been tremendous wealth-building in distinct groups within the lesbian and gay community that has always fueled grassroots efforts, greater charitable giving, and philanthropy.

Gay and lesbian leadership within corporate America has also increased in executive roles, on boards, and in influential nonprofit organizations. Today, more Fortune 500 companies embrace the inclusion of the LGBTQ+ community as part of their diversity and inclusion strate-

gic objectives. However, this rise in influence and power may explain the anti-woke and progressive sentiments expressed today by the radical right.

Some of the largest Americanbased corporations—JPMorgan Chase, Walmart, American Express, Apple, and Bank of America—have shown more explicit support for the LGBTQ+ community. For example, JPMorgan Chase announced a five-year, $100 million commitment to support LGBTQ+ organizations in the U.S. and worldwide. Walmart also formed an advisory council for its LGBTQ+ employees and donated to related causes. Similarly, Apple expanded its “Everyone Can Code” programming initiative to include LGBTQ+ youth development and launched more openminded and friendly company policies. Clearly, gay dollars are good for big business.

During Pride Month, we see a steady stream of Pride flags waved in parades, corporate-sponsored Pride events, and a plethora of rainbow merchandise and insignia within the spaces of these mega-organizations. But are they doing enough to support the community holistically, given the commercial dollars we pour into these businesses annually?

Additionally, are they helping the factions of the queer community that are often in more dire need of support—communities of color, immigrants, and transgender people? Are we holding these companies accountable to the significant marketing commitments they proclaim in their philanthropic, diversity, inclusion, and equity objectives?

It’s worth noting that while there’s been a corporate embrace of LGBTQ+ dollars via target marketing efforts, there is a noticeable decrease in actual philanthropic contributions from the largest Americanbased corporations. This decrease is especially evident compared to the contributions made by smaller organizations, which often contributed more financially and by creating spaces for LGBTQ+ inclusion than large corporations. For example, some have been very critical of Apple not doing more LGBTQ+ philanthropic work, given its global revenue, the community’s loyalty to the brand, and that its CEO is an openly gay man. It’s a valid observation and criticism.

Generally, corporatizing Gay Pride Month was a step forward in market acceptance. Learning the differences between corporate support and actual philanthropic contributions is necessary. With media influence and marketing power, large corporations helped bring more inclusion and acceptance of the LGBTQ+ community. That’s important. Still, their philanthropic contributions lack the depth and authenticity many queer activists expect. On the other hand, smaller organizations and individual efforts have made tremendous strides in changing policies and creating safe spaces for the full range of LGBTQ+ people and their needs.

Beyond the commercialization of Pride, June allows us time to reflect and celebrate our collective accomplishments, acknowledge those who came before us (shoulders we stand on), and to continue the work

required to ensure we lift all marginalized groups. I refer to “ the work” that’s focused on continued advocacy, activism, and philanthropy. “The work” should be informed by why— why is this work important. But our memories get shorter as time passes, and why we do “the work” becomes more obscure. We can forget the magnitude of moments (the why) that created social movements that are so intrinsically interconnected: abolition of slavery, women’s rights and suffrage, labor rights, civil rights, voting rights, gay rights, and now transgender rights. We can use the playbook or framework from one movement to engage new movements that advance greater justice, equity, and equal rights for all. We should not lose sight of the importance of acknowledging what and who sparks a movement and why they happen in the first place.

Why do we celebrate in June? Some may already know that Pride Month honors the 1969 Stonewall Riots in New York City and the subsequent gay rights activism that followed. The Stonewall uprising was a series of spontaneous demonstrations by members of the LGBT community in response to a police raid of the Stonewall Inn in Greenwich Village. Key leaders of the uprising included Marsha P. Johnson and Sylvia Rivera—members of the Gay Liberation Front who organized a series of protests and marches in the days following the Stonewall event. The first organized gay march in the U.S. was held on June 28, 1970, called the Christopher Street Liberation Day March. It was orga-

nized by the Gay Liberation Front, the Gay Activists Alliance, and the Mattachine Society, to name a few. About 5,000 people attended the event, many wearing paper-mâché masks or paper bags to conceal their identity. It’s hard to imagine hiding our identities in a Gay Pride Parade today. The injustice and police brutality ultimately led to the first gay rights marches held in cities across the U.S. in the following year. This perpetual and institutionalized violence still plagues many communities today.

The Stonewall uprising marked a significant turning point in the history of gay rights in the United States. It launched a new era of allyship, advocacy, and activism—similar to earlier human rights movements. In June, we celebrate the gains made in the fight for equality, and it gives us space to acknowledge people who are still struggling to be fully accepted and supported today. Remember this when you see the perfectly merchandised rainbow mugs in a Starbucks’ display.

Martin Luther King said, “Injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere.” We are caught in an inescapable network of mutuality, tied in a single garment of destiny. Whatever affects one directly affects all. Pride Month in June is much more than the parties we attend, LGBTQ+ flagbearing sponsored events, or retail marketing campaigns and merchandising to court our dollars. Our collective struggle and pain should not be so cheap. As individuals, we must

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Why We Should March

Editor’s Note: The San Francisco Bay Times, established in 1978, was rebranded as Coming Up! from 1979–1989 before going back to its original title. Throughout the earlier period, when founding news editor Randy Alfred was with the paper, he wrote many memorable articles that today still resonate and ring true. One is this powerful piece, published in Coming Up! in June 1981:

doorstep. Sure, it hasn’t got off to a flying start in San Francisco. But can we be content that the wolf is merely at the door, and not yet inside the house?

Many gay men and lesbians don’t march, because they remain in the closet. Either they haven’t acknowledged their homosexuality to themselves, or they’re self-aware gays who feel they must hide their lifestyles from anti-gay friends (?), families, employers, schools, and other institutions.

We can’t expect the former to march, but their plight is further reason for the rest of us to do so. The more visible we are, the more we show that we feel good about being gay, and the more we show ourselves to be mutually supportive, then the more we encourage our sisters and brothers to take that all-important step of selfacceptance.

60,000? 100,000? A quarter million?

Who knows? Crowd estimation is an inexact art at best, and the moving, bustling celebrants at Lesbian/Gay Freedom Day in San Francisco make it no easier. Suffice it to say that our annual commemoration of the Stonewall Rebellion is the largest conscious gathering of lesbians and gay men in the world.

Despite these numbers, many people do not participate. They stay at home or stand on the sidewalks as the parade passes them by. Why? And why should we take part anyway?

When tallying up the reasons, we should consider three interrelated levels of impact. First, what will participation do for us individually? Second, what are the effects on other gay people? And, finally, what impact will the parade have on the straight population? Can we project our newfound pride and power to advance our liberation in terms of legislative victories and reduced socio-economic discrimination?

Some people think the parade is passé. They marched a few years back, when the idea was new. Now it’s like yesterday’s fashions, and they wouldn’t be caught dead in anything so dated. But if the movement and community solidarity are passing fashions, we may learn too late that even our relative haven in the City of St. Francis is a passing fashion. Political apathy is easy but expensive. The Christian Right is on our

“Well,” says the hesitant would-be marcher. “What If someone I know sees me?” There’s no better time and place to be seen. March proudly in the light of day, among thousands of other gay persons. It can be a liberating experience for you personally, and your participation can move others to march, increasing the political clout of the parade and swelling the ranks of the visible gay electorate.

If you have friends or family who don’t know about your secret, Gay Pride Week is the ideal time to come out to them. Why not bring them to the parade, or ask them to march with you?

There are those who don’t march because they see no significant difference between gays and straights, apart from what we do in bed. I’ve been asked, “Why should I march down the street screaming, ‘Gay is good!’? It’s not an important difference.” This just doesn’t wash. We are different. (Fortunately!) Our perspectives, our patterns of interaction, our creativity and very consciousness have been shaped and colored by an apartness from the conventional assumptions of everyday heterosexual reality. From childhood onward, we encounter stereotyped, negative, and often violent images of homosexuality.

Lesbians face the added oppression of being virtually ignored. Many lesbians grow up unaware that there are others like them; and many a gay man grows up thinking he’s the only queer in the world without limp wrists, a lisp, and an uncontrollable urge to don skirts and molest little boys.

This psychic violence takes its toll in negative self-images. When we treat each other poorly, it usually stems from poor self-esteem. This is truly unfortunate, for we already have enough to do, combatting our oppression by those straights who are unenlightened or downright malicious.

The price of accepting this oppression and denying our true and deeply felt emotions is a slow killing of our very beings. “We must love one another or die”—Auden’s advice to all humanity—has special meaning for his gay brothers and sisters. As we learn to love each other, we must teach the world to love along with us. So we march because we are different. We enjoy a long history and current plenitude of great and creative women and men in many fields of human endeavor, and so we are proud. We are subject to political, economic, social and psychological oppression, and so we are angry. And we march in numbers to show that we are strong, that we will no longer put up with being put down.

This spells positive political results, increased community awareness, and enhanced individual self-images. And we can bring hope and confidence to gay men and lesbians who are still learning not to hide and not to hate themselves. But what kind of images are we providing?

A friend’s mother living in Manhattan’s East 80s once asked, “Convertibles filled with musclemen in swimsuits: this is a political statement?” Well, maybe it is. In a puritanical society, just having fun can be political.

As a reason for staying out of the parade, though, this is a

self-fulfilling prophecy. If you object to the lifestyle imagery projected by parades you’ve witnessed, dropping out will only ensure that your own style isn’t adequately represented. If the great gay mass of “ordinary people in ordinary clothes” is not present to create new images, then all the old images and stereotypes will be reinforced.

These stereotypes include the straight impression that the only homosexuals are able-bodied white men. If lesbians, Third World, and disabled persons don’t participate in large numbers, the myth of their invisibility will continue. and the parade will be an inhospitable medium for strong profeminist, anti-racist and egalitarian consciousness.

The presence of large numbers of lesbians and gay men of all shapes and colors in their accustomed attire does not always deter the media from focusing on the most outrageous floats and most garish costumery. But we must not let the “bad” images drive out the “good” in a perverse Gresham’s Law of public relations. Instead, we can work with the media to ensure their coverage of the parade will be fair and balanced, and that we’re given the same consideration other minorities are accorded. Such efforts have yielded promising results, at least locally.

We can’t expect everyone to conform to our own values and tastes. Censorship is out of place in our parade or anywhere in a free society. Who is to say what is political (and thus presumably uncensorable), and what is offensive or obscene and “without redeeming social value”? Is drag, for instance, anti-woman or an inspired condemnation of conventional sex roles?

Some of us may regard others in the

parade as continuing the sexual objectification instead of fostering personal liberation and mutual respect. Others might object to a closety prevalence of hetero-imitation among the conservative in lifestyle. Still others will find it unpleasant to share space with churchly gays—antigay religions having oppressed us for so many centuries. Women and men may not relish marching closely together. And so on.

But at least once a year we should be able to set aside these differences and achieve a sense of solidarity and unity. Unity is not uniformity. If we cannot allow each other personal freedom, how can we expect the straight public and straight politicians to do so?

Our diversity is our strength, and it is also the essence of our gayness. We are free spirits. We accept, and indeed celebrate, our variety. This is our profoundest political statement. Diversity is life, and the destruction of diversity is death.

Come out into the streets on June 28 and be a part of that diversity. Be yourself, and get high on our strength and our beauty. It is a day, truly, to be gay. Join the festival. Its name is life, and its face is love.

Journalist, producer, radio talk show host, and book author Randy Alfred, the founding news editor of the “San Francisco Bay Times,” in 2015 was inducted into the National Lesbian & Gay Journalists Association Hall of Fame. To learn more about his work and achievements, view the collection of his written and recorded materials at the California Digital Library: https://tinyurl.com/5h3425ju

Horizons Grantee Partner Pride Breakfast

On Wednesday, June 7, 2023, Horizons Foundation’s Grantee

Partner Pride Breakfast was held at The City Club’s elegant Grand Salon. Representatives from grantee partners through Horizons’ flagship funding program Community Issues were in attendance alongside representatives of partners from the foundation’s other funding programs, scholarship funds, Horizons donor advisors, and Horizons professional advisors. Columnist Donna Sachet represented the San Francisco Bay Times. The event honored the founders of API Family Pride (Belinda DronkersLaureta and John Dronkers-Laureta) and Somos Familia (Mirna Medina and Martiza Martinez) for their pioneering work fostering acceptance for LGBTQ families in the San Francisco Bay Area. https://www.horizonsfoundation.org/

Over $45,000 Raised for Nonprofit Rainbow Honor Walk

It was an artful experience for San Francisco’s Rainbow Honor Walk (RHW), the nonprofit that highlights the contributions of LGBTQ pioneers with sidewalk plaques in the city’s Castro district, when an exhibit of works by the late acclaimed artist Beth Van Hoesen raised over $45,000. The exhibit, Beth Van Hoesen: Punks & Sisters, was held earlier this year at the Altman Siegel Gallery. When longtime Castro resident Van Hoesen died in 2010, her estate donated a significant number of her works to the RHW for sale to benefit its work.

“Thank you, Beth Van Hoesen,” said RHW President and San Francisco Bay Times columnist Donna Sachet. “Thank you to Diane Roby, who administered her artistic estate. Thank you, Altman Siegel Gallery, and especially thank you, Peter Goss, our longtime supporter and board member who helped to facilitate the sale of the Rainbow Honor Walk’s Beth Van Hoesen artworks. The work of the Rainbow Honor Walk, celebrating with members of our LGBTQ family who walked the walk before us, has never been more important than now, in a time when, sadly, our values, and our lives, are under threat.”

To date, the RHW organization—in conjunction with the San Francisco Department of Public Works—has installed 44 plaques along Market, Castro, and 19th Streets, as well as Collingwood Avenue. The Walk will eventually extend from the Harvey Milk Civil Rights Academy on 19th Street at Diamond down to Castro Street, and will continue up Market with additional extensions on 18th Street. On Market, it will continue to the LGBT Center at Octavia Boulevard.

Each plaque costs approximately $6000, with all funds raised privately. For more information and to make a donation, visit: www.rainbowhonorwalk.org

ride Month started early and hasn’t stopped since! Come with us for a whirlwind tour of events over the past couple weeks.

On June 9, we attended the first full-scale fashion show benefiting the Transgender District at The Academy, the private LGBTQ+ club that continues to broaden its offering of events for every taste. This Queer/Trans fashion show showcased local creators, models, and stylists with a far-reaching assemblage of looks, punctuated by creative performances, as about 100 people took it all in. One never knows where the next break-out fashion designer will arise!

The next day, the SF Giants hosted their Pride Day, preceded by a salute to the memory of Heklina, organized by good friends Sister Roma and Peaches Christ. Although we were unable to attend, all reports indicate a well-attended game and lots of LGBTQ+ visibility.

On Sunday, June 11, we joined a small group at the Mission Cultural Center for a long-awaited screening of Joe Castel’s Nelly

Queen: The Life and Times of José Sarria. If there were ever a doubt about the significant contributions of this man to our civil rights movement and to the vibrant life of San Francisco, this movie puts that to rest. Even as a friend of José for years, we learned new facts and gained an even greater appreciation for him. Make sure you see it when it goes into wide release. Among the attendees were three Emperors and three Empresses, other good friends of José, and even the son of the owner of The Black Cat, where José made his performing debut. In addition, this was our first visit to the Mission Cultural Center and we under-

stand it is in financial distress. With so many urgent needs around us, it is hard to single out individual opportunities, but check it out before it closes for retrofitting and other improvements; maybe you will be moved to help out.

Manny Yekutiel had a dream and his coffee shop in the Mission has exceeded even his expectations. Here you have a place for people to linger, sometimes over coffee or books or public readings or political actions or lectures and the list goes on and on. Most prominent local and national politicians, at least Democratic ones, have appeared there, as have various writers, performers, and other activists. But Tuesday, June 13, broke new ground when Manny hosted First Lady Jill Biden, making various appearances across town, campaigning for her husband. That alone would be exciting, but in addition, Manny invited five drag queens to be the first to welcome her to San Francisco! We joined Honey Mahogany, Dulce de Leche, Grace Towers, and Juanita MORE! and ushered the First Lady into Manny’s. She was gracious and enthusiastic. Following that, Lieutenant Governor Eleni Kounalakis introduced the First Lady to hundreds of well-wishers and she gave a rousing campaign speech. Don’t worry; photo evidence will follow.

Wednesday night’s Opening Night of the Frameline Film Festival was triumphant ... the perfect film, Fairyland (a moving, sensitive story of parenthood, lovingly set in San Francisco) , a packed house at the Castro Theatre (when have we seen that for years?), and the Castro neighborhood teeming with excitement (with bars, restaurants, and other businesses reaping rewards). If any recent event has put the COVID disaster in the background, it was this one. The roar of appreciation from the attending crowd must have given renewed energy to the Frameline team and film aficionados everywhere. The after-party at Terra Gallery was a terrific celebration, mixing the people behind films and those in front of them for cocktails, bites, and animated conversation. We had a quick moment with Frameline Executive Director James Woolley, who glowed with satisfaction.

The Pink Triangle once again is visible all over the city, thanks to Patrick Carney and his team of tireless volunteers, rising very early atop Twin Peaks annually to remember those shamed and imprisoned by Nazi Germany and turning this symbol into an emblem of resilience and strength. Last Saturday’s opening ceremony, attended by Mayor London Breed, State Senator Scott Wiener, Assemblymembers Phil Ting and Matt Haney, Supervisors Rafael Mandelman and Joel Engardio, and several other elected officials, offered spectacular vistas as the morning fog dispersed. Additional speakers D’Arcy Drollinger, Gary Virginia, Dr. Michelle Kraus, Joe Rodriguez, and Suzanne Ford gave a historical perspective to the Pink Triangle and its relevance to today. Pink balloons, pink fabric, and bottles of pink Champagne completed the picture.

Thursday, June 22

Divas & Drinks Bay Times party at The Academy

DJ Rockaway, Bacardí cocktails, Extreme Pizza Pride Party & celebration

Featuring Rhonda Benin and the All Stars

Name That Tune ongoing competition The Academy, 2166 Market Street $20 https://tinyurl.com/yyzsmtrn

Saturday, June 24

Gary Virginia & Donna Sachet’s 25th Pride Brunch

Annual benefit for PRC, honoring SF Pride Parade Grand Marshals 3-course brunch, drinks, program, entertainment Westin St. Francis Hotel, 335 Powell Street 11 am–2 pm $150 & up www.prc-sf.org

Sunday, June 25 SF Pride Parade and Festival Market Street & Civic Center www.sfpride.org

Wednesday, June 28

Comcast presents To Wong Foo screening Co-Emcees Khmera Rouge & Jan Wahl with John Newmeyer

Personal video message from Julie Newmar Dress as your favorite character Castro Theatre, 429 Castro Street 6 pm Door, 6:30 pm Film Free movie & concessions with reservation! https://tinyurl.com/47ypysec

Sunday, July 9 Broadway Drag Show

Hosted by Renita Valdez Benefits Monarchs’ Charity Fund Aunt Charlie’s Lounge, 133 Turk Street 4–7 pm Free! www.sfimperialcouncil.org

Wednesday, July 19

Hello, Yellow Brick Road: Elton, Wicked, & Oz ... Oh My! SF Gay Men’s Chorus Davies Symphony Hall, 201 Van Ness Avenue 7:30 pm $59–175 www.sfgmc.org

The final weekend leading up to SF Pride Week ended with the Red Dress Bar Crawl, when every kind of red dress imaginable appeared on every male body type imaginable for unimaginable display throughout the Castro. Must we reconsider our nature color? Perhaps.

Regardless, we anxiously await the many events of Pride Week, leading up to the extraordinary demonstration of the rich variof the LGBTQ+ Community that is the Pride Parade & Celbration. So many places around the globe cannot envision having this freedom of expression and will be looking on envy. Be visible! Be out! And be proud!

Donna Sachet is a celebrated performer, fundraiser, activist, and philanthropist who has dedicated two decades to the LGBTQ Community in Francisco. Contact her at empsachet@gmail.

“Perhaps the safest prediction we can make about the future is that it will surprise us.”

– George Leonard

DEARMAN (continued from pg 14)

resources they need to remain in their community. Through these essential supports, we help to ensure adults with disabilities and older people can thrive and, in turn, continue to add vibrancy and diversity to our neighborhoods and city.

The vast majority of our community services are available to San Francisco seniors and people with disabilities of all income levels.

Our DAS Benefits & Resource Hub is a one-stop shop to learn about and get connected to a wide range of services for all older people, adults with disabilities, veterans, and caregivers. Please do not hesitate to reach out, either by calling 415-355-6700 or by visiting us in person at 2 Gough Street. You may also visit https://tinyurl.com/3xtzzzbs

Please help by getting involved and spreading the word about these critical programs to our queer and trans elders and those who experience disabilities. These supports are vital not only to them but also to our entire community.

On behalf of the Department of Disability and Aging Services, I want to wish all a Happy Pride Month!

As Executive Director of the Department of Disability and Aging Services, Kelly Dearman coordinates services to veterans, older adults, adults with disabilities, and their families to maximize health, safety, and independence so that they can remain active in their community for as long as possible and maintain the highest quality of life. She has more than 15 years of experience developing policies and services to help ensure San Franciscans thrive as they age. Dearman was born and raised in San Francisco. She lives in the Cole Valley neighborhood with her family, living in the same house she grew up in. She lives with her husband, two children, and her parents.

BARNES (continued from pg 16)

stand against injustice whenever we see it—silence equals death. As a community, we must hold our political leaders accountable for the change we want and demand more from businesses that commercialize Pride Month without fully engaging their philanthropic responsibility and commitments.

Derek Barnes is the CEO of the East Bay Rental Housing Association ( www.EBRHA.com ). He currently serves on the board of Homebridge CA. Follow him on Twitter @DerekBarnesSF and on Instagram at DerekBarnes.SF

AIDS/LifeCycle 2023:

Terry Asten Bennett, whose family has been running Cliff’s Variety since 1936, continues to be a tireless and dedicated ally for the LGBTQ community. She recently, for example, served as a Roadie for the 2023 AIDS Life/Cycle where bike riders rode 545 miles from San Francisco to Los Angeles.

“It was an amazing week filled with hard work and so much love,” Asten Bennett told the San Francisco Bay Times. “It takes me a few days to recover after the ride, but it is all worth it. The work I do to give back to my community pays me back tenfold in love and joy.”

She shared photos showing how she and others during the ride “build and breakdown a moving city down the coast,” such as when they create the Lifecycle Village. The Captain of the Village she said was Raoni, who with others worked side by side with Asten Bennett’s team.

On day 4, Asten Bennett and the other participants arrived in Santa Maria, which is just past the halfway point to Los Angeles. There is a park in the city with a well-known Pirate Ship Play Structure that inspires plenty of pirate-themed antics. Asten Bennett said, “My small but mighty info services team celebrated [there].”

She also shared photos of her Bus Liaison, Tom, as he drove to the Santa Monica Pier. His birthday festivities took place during the event. Asten Bennett said, “Tom has participated in every AIDS/LifeCycle as either a cyclist or a Roadie.”

When she reached the finish line, Asten Bennett was full of emotion. “[I felt] so happy and sad, all at the same time,” she said. Thanks to her efforts and those of the other riders, volunteers, donors, and more, AIDS/LifeCycle 2023 raised $11,711,785 to support the San

Francisco AIDS Foundation and The Los Angeles LGBT Center.

Since its founding in 1994, the ride has raised more than $300 million for HIV and AIDS-related services. It raises awareness about the ongoing epidemic and the need for continuing HIV testing, prevention education, care, and more.

The San Francisco Bay Times is proud to support the fundraising efforts of Roadie Terry Asten Bennett, who serves as President of the Castro Merchants Association in addition to her work at Cliff’s. As of this writing, she has raised $9,244 this year with a goal of $10,000. You can help her to reach that goal by contributing any amount:

https://tinyurl.com/bdev3he2

https://www.aidslifecycle.org/

‘An Amazing Week Filled With Hard Work and So Much Love’

Celebrating 50 Years of the Grand Ducal Council of San Francisco

When a candidate campaigns to become a Grand Duke or Grand Duchess, there is always a representation of colors that allows voters to know whom they are voting for. In most cases, candidates will also have a “catchphrase” and a coronation theme for their step-down. We have taken a look at the last 40 Royal Houses and have gotten to know a little about each of them. Now, I will feature the remaining 9 Royal Houses, one at a time and each leading us to the current Reigning Monarchs and to the candidates of The Grand Ducal Council’s 50th Reign. Here is a spotlight on the 42nd Royal House:

42nd Royal House

2014–2015

The 42nd Royal House of the Fiery House of Charm, Candy, and Courage.

Grand Duke XLI TJ Wilkinson: The Majestic Ruby Lion of the Giving Heart.

Colors: red and gold

Symbol: the lion

Always saying: “I do it for the community.”

Grand Duchess XLII Roxy Cotton

Candy

Colors: pink and purple

Symbol: Gummy Bear cotton candy

Coronation Theme: Commie-Con

The 42nd Royal House brought a unique flair with anime and commiecon themed events for the Grand Ducal Council. Their core court consisted of:

RCP: David Herrera

RCP: MGM Grand

PR: Peter Griggs

PR: Laundra Tyme

The 42nd Royal House traveled to 9 coronations including those in Las Vegas, Reno, Chico, Sacramento, Modesto, Fresno, Stockton,

Alameda, and Corpus Christi, TX. It also did Command Performances for 5 of these Coronations. The Court was awarded the Double Eagle Medal from Queen Mother Nicole The Great. This Royal House’s Pride theme was “Super Heroes Take San Francisco.”

I asked TJ for the San Francisco Bay Times: “Can you tell me why you decided to run and join the Grand Ducal Council of San Francisco?”

TJ replied, “I had been friends with several people who were past Monarchs and part of the court system. I ran for King of Hearts in 2013. I believed in the organization after several years of attending fundraisers.”

“I only had a week to sell tickets and ended up winning with Khmera Rouge,” TJ continued. “We had a fun year of fundraising and I decided to keep going with the energy and support that I had from the community.”

(As a side note, Khmera Rouge would go on to become Absolute Empress 50 of the Imperial Court of San

Francisco and would reign alongside Emperor XLIII A.N. Kevin Lisle.)

TJ said, “We reigned during San Francisco’s Imperial Court 50th Anniversary, and we were really close to Empress Khmera and Emperor Kevin. The energy, the fundraising, and friendship were amazing, and I am thankful for the special bond I created with them both, as well as with the Emperor of Sacramento, Matthew Bunch, and the Emperor of Fresno, Robert Lujan.”

Grand Duchess Roxy Cotton Candy is the drag daughter of The House of Glitter, which was started by Grand Duchess XXXVI Landa Lakes. Roxy Cotton Candy was crowned Jewel of the Galaxy in a National Pageant in Maui, and was one of the younger Grand Duchesses within the Grand Ducal Council.

During her reign, Roxy worked diligently on including the Pup community into the Grand Ducal Council of San Francisco and created “Best in Show.” Roxy is very artistic and creative, which has led her to own her own drag fashion business, and she regularly showed at Divas of Design, which was held

at the San Francisco Design Center until COVID-19 reared its ugly head. Together with TJ, their Investiture theme was “Wild Kingdom” and this was one of the last events at Balançoire, an LGBTQI-owned businesses that was located in the Mission district. The 42nd Royal House commitment and dedication to the Grand Ducal Council started a trend of raising more money every year thereafter. We will talk more about this trend in the coming issues.

On September 22, 2023, the Grand Ducal Council of San Francisco will celebrate 50 years of Camp and Fundraising. The celebration will take place at the Academy of Sciences in San Francisco. Please consider becoming a sponsor.

Inquiries: 50thanniversary@sfducal.org

Tickets ($60) are on sale through August 25, 2023, with a hard stop on that final date. We hope to see you at this once-in-a-lifetime historic event! https://www.sfducal.org/

Kippy Marks is Grand Duke XL of The Grand Ducal Council of San Francisco. He is the first ever elected African-American Grand Duke.

Highlights From the Closing Weekend of Frameline47

presents the critical case of David Reimer, who was raised—on the recommendation of sexologist John Money—as a female after his penis was damaged during circumcision. Every Body is a commendable introduction to the intersex community, but it is best when it focuses on its three subjects who share and relate to each other’s experiences.

Film

This year’s Frameline Film Festival comes to a close June 24 (with select films available via streaming through July 2). Here are nine features and documentaries playing closing weekend to catch before the festival ends.

Nevertheless, Glitter & Doom is still appealing.

Hidden Master: The Legacy of George Platt Lynes is a luminous documentary portrait of the gay photographer who may be best known for his gorgeous male nudes. Director Sam Shahid features hundreds of

sticking point becomes the escalating battle for primary physical custody of Owen (Christopher Woodley), their 8-year-old son. Whereas Nicky, the biological father, has been the breadwinner, Gabriel sacrificed his career to parent their child. Both Evans and Porter convey a wistfulness in their sensitive performances. Nicky is obvi-

Director Georden West assembles a queer cast of performers, including Lady Bunny, who reenact scenes from the past ranging from drag performances to opera. The highly stylized vignettes feature fabulous costumes and period details. Equally notable are the voiceovers, archival footage, and news clips that recount anecdotal histories ranging from the publication of Fag Rag, a gay magazine—to pride parades, protests, and racial tensions around busing. This hypnotic experimental film captures a mood and moments in history. However, it will frustrate viewers who prefer a more traditional documentary on the venue.

Chasing Chasing Amy is an affectionate documentary by queer director Sav Rodgers, who once gave a TED Talk about how Kevin Smith’s film Chasing Amy saved his life. The 1997 film—about a straight guy (Ben Affleck) who falls for Alyssa (Joey Lauren Adams, then Smith’s girlfriend), a lesbian—was both provocative and problematic for its representation of sexual identity. However, for Rodgers, the film presented positive queer characters that brought solace during his difficult teenage years. As Chasing Chasing Amy shows, the film made Rodgers be honest with himself. After coming out as queer and falling in love with Riley, Rodgers comes out as a transman. Featuring extensive and informative interviews with Smith and Adams about their film and its legacy, this is an impassioned documentary about personal growth, and the power of cinema.

Every Body is an illuminating documentary that presents three admirable case studies to show how binaries about gender need to be reconsidered in a world where 1.7% of the population is intersex. Alicia Roth Weigel (she/they), (Sean) Saifa Wall (he/ him), and River Gallo (they/them), recount their experiences as intersex individuals and their advocacy to end the practice of genital surgery without consent. (Each has had unnecessary or unwanted medical procedures.) The documentary also

Glitter & Doom is a joyful musical romance directed by Tom Gustafson and written by Cory Krueckeberg. (They previously collaborated on Were the World Mine and Hello Again.) Glitter (Alex Diaz) wants to run away and join the circus. Meanwhile Doom (Alan Cammish) is hoping to perform his music at a local nightclub, but Boston (Lea DeLaria), the manager, thinks his tunes are too dark. The guys meet cute at a nightclub and perform one of several catchy musical numbers.

The songs, sung throughout the film, are all from the Indigo Girls catalog, and both Amy Ray and Emily Saliers have cameos. As the guys fall in love, go camping, and make love, they share their anxieties and dreams. Yet both Glitter and Doom also have to deal with their strong-willed mothers (Ming-Na Wen and Missi Pyle, respectively). This visually striking film features strong vocal performances from the leads, but the flashy editing undercuts some of the power of the images and performances.

Lynes’ photos including his commercial fashion shots, celebrity portraits, and his sexually explicit pics. (Don Bachardy amusingly recounts how Lynes could literally charm the pants off his models.) Various talking heads recount Lynes’ life—in the 1930s, he lived with Glenway Wescott and Monroe Wheeler—his sexuality, archive, and his importance in American culture. This is a loving, elegant profile of a remarkable, nearly forgotten artist.

Our Son has Nicky (Luke Evans) and Gabriel (Billy Porter) heading for a gay version of Kramer vs. Kramer after Gabriel decides to leave their marriage. While Nicky is devastated, the

ously hurting and adrift after the life and family that he thought were secure implode. Meanwhile, Gabriel determines what he truly wants in life—and that absolutely includes Owen. Director/cowriter Bill Oliver thankfully never lets his film get maudlin as the drama plays out in ways that reveal the humanity that drives each character. This is a compelling film that takes a thoughtful approach to the idea of loving and letting go.

Playland is an artfully made queer memory piece/time capsule about the titular late Boston café/gay bar.

Rock Hudson: All That Heaven Allowed is a fleeting documentary that recounts—for anyone who wasn’t aware—that Roy Harold Scherer, Jr., aka Rock Hudson, was a famous movie star who was closeted and died of AIDS. The film, directed by Stephen Kijak, uses photographs and judiciously selected interviews and film clips to winkingly comment on Hudson’s sexuality, while emphasizing that he could not live openly gay, but could be seen sharing a one-bedroom “bachelor pad” with another handsome actor in publicity maga-

zines. Hudson was also pressured to get married, which he did, days before his 30th birthday, to Phyllis Gates, his gay agent Henry Wilson’s secretary. (She claimed, like several others, not to know Hudson was gay). The actor’s celebrity was cemented by his work in glossy melodramas including Magnificent Obsession and All that Heaven Allows (both co-starring Jane Wyman, and directed by Douglas Sirk), as well as his Oscar-nominated role in Giant Other key films are showcased, including his part in Pillow Talk where Hudson, a gay man, playing straight, pretending to be gay, is cringey, as well as his playing against type in Seconds, an underappreciated John Frankenheimer film. But off-screen, Hudson had many relationships with men (including Lee Garlington and Armistead Maupin, both interviewed here) that fueled rumors, including a “fake marriage” to Jim Nabors that was reported in the National Enquirer He also ended up on the FBI watch

list. Rock Hudson: All that Heaven Allowed culminates with Hudson contracting AIDS, and how it was kept a secret— even compromising things for actress Linda Evans, whom he kissed on an episode of Dynasty. That Hudson became an unexpected activist by being the most famous person to die from AIDS is a point the documentary makes, but like much of the superficial Rock Hudson: All that Heaven Allowed, it does not provide any real insight.

Taylor Mac’s 24-Decade History of Popular Music, directed by Rob Epstein and Jeffrey Friedman, documents the extraordinary and ingenious 2016 titular event at St. Anne’s Warehouse, in Brooklyn. This maximalist “performance art concert” chronicles American culture through songs, storytelling, and audience participation with Mac staging a battle between Stephen Foster and Walt Whitman, reappropriating the racism in songs like “Ghosts of Uncle Tom,” and turning Ted Nugent’s homophobic “Snakeskin Cowboy” into a gay junior high prom for the audience. He also removes one of his 24 stage musicians every hour, signifying the painful losses suffered during the AIDS crises. His imaginative costumer, Machine Dazzle, designs multilayered, eye-popping creations using corks, toilet paper rolls, and even potato chip bags, which have to be seen to be believed. But it is Mac’s unwavering voice—as well as his endurance—that makes this

performance so inspiring. Epstein and Friedman’s documentary will have viewers wishing they had attended in person, and grateful to get a glimpse of what was truly a phenomenal production.

Will-o’-the-Wisp is the latest provocation—dubbed a “musical fantasy”— by out gay Portuguese filmmaker João Pedro Rodrigues. An extended prologue introduces Prince Alfredo (Mauro Costa), whose parents are shocked by his decision to be a firefighter. When Alfredo also meets fellow firefighter Afonso (André Cabral), who trains him, the two men begin a relationship that starts with a seductive lesson in ventilating a victim and segues into a wonderfully choreographed dance sequence. Will-o’-the-Wisp jumps across time and genres as this queer romance plays out, but there are provocative and serious undercurrents as themes about race, class, colonialism, and privilege are raised. For tickets, showtimes, and more information, visit https://www.frameline.org/

© 2023 Gary M. Kramer

Gary M. Kramer is the author of “Independent Queer Cinema: Reviews and Interviews,” and the co-editor of “Directory of World Cinema: Argentina.” Follow him on Twitter @garymkramer

LGBTQ+ Pride Started for Me As a Child

Off the Wahl

Gay Pride started for me as a child. But it was mixed with anger and resentment towards a society that didn’t get it. My mother was raised in Waukegan, Illinois. It was the 1940s, and her family owned a boarding house where they lived. Mom’s two earliest friends were the kind, gentle men who rented the top rooms. When she was around six, they suddenly left her life forever. You know where this is going. The two men were forced out of town for being a gay couple. My furious grandmother carefully explained it to my mother, and though it was a challenge to comprehend at first, mom grew to join her own mother as they burned with anger. I heard this story my entire life and watched my mom walk the walk of someone determined to fight for LGBTQ rights.

I grew up in a showbiz world in West Los Angeles. My parents found it easy to have gay friends and colleagues. In the land of movies, TV, theatre, and the rest, the late fifties and sixties amazingly seemed free to this liberally raised, showbizloving kid. When I started collecting early movie magazines and demonstrated a fierce passion for Hollywood history, Mom introduced me to designers, technicians, writers, costumers ... people who had worked in the Business or still did.

I have warm memories of a couple who worked as an art director and a joke writer, another who filled me in on costume design. We would trade classic Photoplay magazines and other memorabilia while I soaked in their world. Sometimes we’d have tea at homes, or would often meet up at a Hollywood Boulevard bookstore to browse the latest.

These were gays and lesbians, and I was lucky to know them. Add to this my father’s hobby of big band drums. We had a kit in our living room, and those jam sessions were part of this time. Just like Some Like It Hot, there were some great gal musicians, and guys, who would stop by to play Goodman, Ellington, and Miller. Of course, there were always straights mixed in, but this was a delicious stew of intelligent and worldly folks.

Theatre was a big part of life for me, then and always. One of the first shows I ever saw was Annie Get Your Gun, music by Irving Berlin and starring Mary Martin and John Raitt (known later as Bonnie’s father). I loved the strong character of Annie Oakley, as I grew to love all strong women in

musicals, from Mame to Fanny Brice. Later, when I worked as a stage manager on the PBS show Over Easy, I got to know the real Mary, a closeted lesbian and a wonderful performer. When she would warm up the studio audience with the song “Getting to Know You” from The King and I, everyone was in love with her, including me.

One of my recent favorite shows was at San Francisco’s Orpheum Theatre earlier this month. The Book of Mormon brings me back every time, and this was my third time laughing and loving this unusual musical. Written by Trey Parker, Robert Lopez, and Matt Stone, it tells the tale of Mormon boys on a journey to Africa. Though some may find it shocking and offensive, I think it is extraordinary, hip, and very funny. Even the Church itself buys ads in the Playbill, reminding us that if we liked this, we’ll love the real thing! Right.

Sam Nackman portrays Elder Cunningham, a part made famous by Josh Gad in the original production. Sam recently spoke with me

(continued on page 24)

Lit Snax

This Arab Is Queer: An Anthology by LGBTQ+ Arab Writers, edited by Elias Jahshan

This anthology presents a groundbreaking and wide-ranging collection of voices too often ignored and unheard.

Bi: The Hidden Culture, History, and Science of Bisexuality by Julia Shaw

An engaging, empowering, and highly readable survey of all things bisexual, this book makes for enlightening Pride Month reading.

https://www.fabulosabooks.com/

Top of your stack

RECOMMENDATIONS FROM BOOK PASSAGE

DC Pride: The New Generation (graphic novel - hardbound) by DC Comics

The highly anticipated sequel to the Ringo Award-winning DC Pride 2021, DC Pride: The New Generation, features more stories, more characters, and more pride than ever before! It spotlights LGBTQIA+ fan-favorites new and old, including Superman (Jon Kent), Nubia, Tim Drake, Kid Quick, Connor Hawke, Aquaman (Jackson Hyde), Green Lantern (Jo Mullein), Alysia Yeoh, the Ray, Harley Quinn, Poison Ivy, and Batwoman—brought to life by a stellar lineup of queer and ally talent. This is perfect for fans of Red, White & Royal Blue and The Guncl e

The Essential Dykes to Watch Out For (graphic novel - paperback) by Alison Bechdel

Settle into this wittily illustrated soap opera (Bechdel calls it “half op-ed column and half endless serialized Victorian novel”) of the lives, loves, and politics of Mo, Lois, Sydney, Sparrow, Ginger, Stuart, Clarice, and the rest of the cast of cult-fave characters. Most of them are lesbians, living in a midsize American city that may or may not be Minneapolis. Bechdel’s brilliantly imagined countercultural band of friends—academics, social workers, bookstore clerks—fall in and out of love, negotiate friendships, raise children, switch careers, and cope with aging parents. Bechdel fuses high and low culture—from foreign policy to domestic routine, hot sex to postmodern theory—in a serial graphic narrative “suitable for humanists of all persuasions.”

You Gotta Be You (nonfiction/ self-help - hardbound) by Brandon Kyle Goodman

As a Black nonbinary, queer person in a dark-skinned 6’1”, 180pound male body born into a religious immigrant household, Brandon Kyle Goodman knows the pain of having to hide one’s true self, the work of learning to love that true self, and the freedom of finally being your true self. In You Gotta Be You, Brandon affectionately chal-

lenges readers to consider, “Who would I be if society never got its hands on me?” This question set Brandon on a mission to dropkick societal shackles by unlearning all the things he was told he should be in order to step into who he really is.

Upcoming Events

Saturday, June 24 @ 3 pm (free - SF Ferry Building store) Fred Small, author of Everything Possible

Strong and bold, or quiet and kind, every child is unique with a future filled of possibilities. Based on Fred Small’s iconic folk song that became an anthem for generations, Everything Possible celebrates love and friendship, gently encouraging children to dream their own dream and choose their own path, wherever it may take them. It is an inspiring and uplifting picture book for children everywhere.

Sunday, June 25 @ 4 pm (ticketedCorte Madera store) Lisa See, author of Lady Tan’s Circle of Women $45 includes a book and full tea service Join us for a special event celebrating this latest historical novel from New York Times bestselling author Lisa See, inspired by the true story of a woman physician from 15th-century China. This is perfect for fans of See’s classic Snowflower and the Secret Fan and The Island of Sea Women.

Sunday, July 9 @ 1 pm (free - Corte Madera store) Federico Erebia, author of Pedro & Daniel Pedro and Daniel are Mexican-American brothers growing up in 1970s Ohio. Their mom doesn’t like that Daniel plays with dolls or that neither of the boys loves sports. Life at home can be rough but the boys have an unshakable bond that will last their entire lives. Pedro & Daniel is a sweeping and deeply personal novel that spans from childhood to teenage years to adulthood.

Together the brothers manage an abusive home life, school, coming out, first loves, first jobs, and the AIDS epidemic, in a coming-of-age story unlike any other.

https://www.bookpassage.com/

Teaching Our Children Well: A SF Pride Month Miracle

Accurate, Inclusive, and Respectful references to contributions by people with disabilities and members of the LGBTQ community in history and social studies curriculum. As a testament to the Flynn community, there was no measurable negative pushback from the parents after receiving these letters.

Band of San Francisco—to come play for the event, and the band has been back for every Rainbow Day since.”

Something amazing took place at a San Francisco public elementary school on April 21.

On this day, the Leonard R. Flynn Elementary School held its annual Rainbow Day, as part of their 7th Annual Rainbow Week. Serving 430 students from the Mission District and other neighborhoods across the city, the school enrolls grade TK (transitional kindergarten) through grade 5 students. With LGBTQ+ visibility in K–12 education under attack in Florida and other places across the country, this Pride event speaks highly of the Flynn community and is a great example of San Francisco family values.

Letters from Flynn Principal Tyler Woods informed families about the Rainbow Parade event and how it was in line with SB 48, the FAIR Education Act. Authored by Senator Mark Leno in 2012, SB 48 amended the California Education Code to require the inclusion of Fair,

On Rainbow Day, each grade level comes to class dressed in a different color of the rainbow. The highlight is the afternoon Rainbow Day celebration on the schoolyard. Woods dresses in a costume as mascot “Flynnda the Eagle,” wearing a Rainbow Cape and directing the festivities. Students line up in their grade color forming a giant rainbow flag. The event then transforms into a school parade, where the students and teachers parade in a big circle around the yard while the San Francisco Lesbian/Gay Freedom Band (SFLGFB) plays peppy music. Finally, everyone dances the “Cupid Shuffle” together.

Gretchen Schuessler, math teacher and parent at Flynn, has taught at the school since 2001. She is also a member of the SFLGFB, where she plays trombone and percussion. According to Schuessler, “Flynn started celebrating Rainbow Week and Rainbow Day in 2017. It was spearheaded by Allison Shoule, who was our PE teacher at the time and now works for the SFUSD Student and Family Services Division. In her current role, she supports Pride Clubs in schools across the district. That first year I invited the SFLGFB—the Official

As a Flynn teacher and musician, Schuessler stated, “Having the SFLGFB there is a very special part of the event. In 2022, students really loved that we played ‘Old Town Road’ by Lil Nas X, and this year the big hit was ‘Industry Baby.’ Students always get excited to see me playing, and I think it’s good for students to see their teachers proudly and openly celebrating the LGBTQ+ community.”

This year, the Band was joined by the inaugural performance of the Flynn Pride Band, consisting of 4th and 5th grade students who learned violin, trumpet, or flute for the performance. Playing in an ensemble for the very first time, the Flynn Pride Band members joined SFLGFB in a rousing rendition of Queen’s “We Will Rock You.”

Mike Wong, Artistic Director of SFLGFB’s Marching and Pep Bands, said, “Playing at Rainbow Day at Flynn Elementary is always a highlight of our year,

and fulfills a critical part of our mission of spreading joy and LGBTQ+ visibility through music. This year it was so special to have the Flynn Pride Band join us, and to get the entire school to play the percussion part to ‘We Will Rock You’ by stomping and clapping. It was also great to see how much work the Flynn Pride Band members put into learning their parts so they could play with the Band, as they made leaps and bounds from when I first heard them a few weeks before the event. I encouraged them

to keep practicing, and maybe one day ten years or so from now they can join the Freedom Band!”

Michael McNamara, Paraeducator at Flynn Elementary for the past two years, co-founded the Flynn Pride Club in 2023 with Schuessler. Aimed at students in grades 4 and 5, the club met monthly, with some meetings having as many as 28 students. According to McNamara, in addition to the creation of the Flynn Pride

(continued on page 24)

Spotlight on the ‘70s: A Groovy Evening of Celebration, Fun, and a Musical World Premiere

The Oakland Asian Cultural Center came alive on May 20, 2023, when the San Francisco Lesbian/Gay Freedom Band presented Spotlight on the ‘70s, saluting the decade when the Band was founded 45 years ago. The sold-out crowd enjoyed music from the era, presented live by the Official Band of San Francisco. The vocal stylings of Phaedra Tillery-Boughton and host Donna Sachet added to the trip down memory lane. Being a fundraiser for the Band, the evening also featured many exciting auction prizes, including a Princess Cruise for two and the chance to conduct the Band in the 1978 classic “Y.M.C.A.” Thousands of dollars were raised.

A highlight of the concert was definitely not from the 1970s: the world premiere of Awakening, a work commissioned by renowned BIPOC composer Roger Zare, who was in attendance. Zare and Artistic Director Pete Nowlen gave a joint pre-concert talk about the piece and also addressed the audience just before Awakening was played. You can see the performance online: https://tinyurl.com/2pfm5zfs

Sbrocco Sips

Leslie Sbrocco

Sincere Cider, a crisp and refreshing California-made cider, recently released three new flavors for Pride and summer sipping: Ginger Agave, Pine-Apple (infused with pineapple and foraged spruce tips), and

LGBTQIA+ & Woman-Owned Sincere Cider Launches Three New Flavors

Granada (apple, pomegranate, and floral Seville orange). These and all other Sincere ciders feature a unique blend of culinary apples from Washington’s Yakima Valley that are combined with French wine yeast, fermented until dry, and then back-sweetened with just a touch of fresh-pressed apple juice.

“We’re incredibly proud of our growth as a company and feel that the launch of our new flavors is an incredible chapter of our continual expansion,” said Sincere Cider founder Bex Pezzullo. “We’re excited for our new and existing consumers to try out these three delicious new flavors to compliment the summer season, and to tee it up with Pride Month to encourage the support of LGBTQIA+-owned companies.”

Check, Please! Bay Area Taste & Sip 2023

All floors of the San Francisco Design Center Galleria were abuzz with excitement on Monday, June 12, 2023, for this year’s Taste & Sip, an annual event celebrating the popular KQED program Check, Please! Bay Area. The show, now in its 18th season, launched in 2005 with a simple premise: to welcome local diners—not professional restaurant critics—to share their favorite Bay Area restaurants.

Host and San Francisco Bay Times columnist Leslie Sbrocco, along with reporter and coordinating producer Cecilia Phillips, audience engagement manager Coco Keevan, and other members of the Check, Please! Bay Area team, warmly greeted and took photos with guests, including the Bay Times publishers who presented Sbrocco with a colorful Pride cake from Noe Valley Bakery.

More than 50 restaurants featured on the show and some of Sbrocco’s favorite local wineries came together for the celebration that showcased the flavorful diversity and heart of the Bay Area’s culinary community. The event is wellnamed, as guests were able to taste and sip their way throughout the Galleria.

The NomaD Band provided live music. A raffle, with some prizes worth thousands of dollars, led to squeals of happy joy from the rafters as winners heard their names being called by Phillips and Sbrocco. The charismatic host rocked Elton John-inspired “bubble boots” for the memorable evening.

Watch Check, Please! Bay Area on KQED 9 and check out KQED’s live summer events: https://www.kqed.org/events

Sincere is a sponsor of Juanita MORE!’s 2023 Pride Party for which proceeds will benefit Queer Lifespace, an organization dedicated to providing mental health resources to the LGBTQIA+ community.

https://www.sincerecider.com/

Author, speaker, wine consultant, and television host Leslie Sbrocco is known for her entertaining approach to wine and food. She has won multiple Emmy Awards for her work on PBS, which includes hosting the series “Check, Please! Bay Area,” “Check, Please! You Gotta Try This!” and “100 Days, Drinks, Dishes & Destinations.”

www.LeslieSbrocco.com

The Gay Gourmet

I’ve been following the culinary career of talented chef Srijith Gopinathan since even before he earned two Michelin stars years ago at Campton Place. He went on to launch the lauded Cal-Indian eatery Ettan in Palo Alto. Thankfully, he has returned to the city with business partner Ayesha Thapar to open Copra in Pacific Heights (in the former Dosa space). In short, we’re glad he did. Copra (which translates to dried coconut kernel) is a love letter from the chef to his native Indian states, Kerala and Tamil Nadu. Both are situated in the south, bordering the coast near Sri Lanka. The influence of those areas is felt throughout the menu, highlighting the local spices (including chilies, curry leaves, mustard seeds, turmeric, tamarind, black pepper, cardamom, clove, ginger, and cinnamon), as well as the area’s abundance of rice, fish, and coconut. It’s an appetizing choice not prevalent in San Francisco, and I welcomed trying something new.

I dined there recently with my husband and well-known cheese expert and author Laura Werlin.

Copra: Reinventing Indian Cuisine

It was unanimous: we all fell in love with this welcome addition to Fillmore Street. Since my loyal readers regularly listen to my opinions, I thought I’d turn the tables and first let you know what Laura had to say:

“The first course comes when you walk in the door. It is a visual feast of hanging macrame ropes—lots of them. There are wooden pillars, woven light shades, and floor-to ceiling cubbies, each with its own unique piece of pottery or basket. Together, the dramatic design signals this is going to be more than a meal and instead an experience. The bold but not too spicy flavors, the vibrant colors of the sauces, dips, chutneys; the deep golden brown of the uber crunchy fried, yet greaseless, juicy chicken; and the explosive flavor package of perfectly cooked spiced cod wrapped in banana leaves (a dish that could easily be ho-hum but one for which Chef Sri (as he’s known) has raised the bar a hundredfold)—is just the beginning. The welcoming staff brings warmth alongside the extraordinary dishes, and together with the balanced yet explosive ingredient combinations inherent in each dish, Copra is unquestionably one of the most satisfying restaurant experiences I have ever had, both inside and out.”

Undoubtedly, with Chef Sri at the helm, this restaurant aims for Michelin quality. The design, as Laura pointed out, is contemporary, with a throwback to the fern bar rope designs of the ‘70s. The soaring ceilings create a buzzy, inviting,

fun atmosphere, but thankfully you can still talk. I will say that the wine list is quirky. It’s more for oenophiles than regular restaurant goers and was the only disappointment during the evening. The Canary Islands Dolores Cabrera Bianco was funky (not my favorite); the Eric Kamm Pinot Gris from Alsace was a little fermented and effervescent. So, I settled on a Botanist gin up, which was perfect. (According to its own description, the restaurant also offers “an eclectic cocktail program crafted in a collaboration between Nora Furst, Stephanie Gonnet, Christopher Longoria of West Bev Consulting, and acclaimed mixologist Varun Sudhakar, who is based in Kerala.”)

We started with the steamed delta asparagus accompanied by a lentil dumpling, tomatoes, coconut, and turmeric. It was like a mouthwatering, delicious vegetarian meatball with just-picked produce and tropical accents. The torn salad with pomelo, avocado, chicory, and mango vinaigrette was a refreshing palate cleanser.

For the chutney course, you get to pick four different types, and they’re served with a poppadom (a thin, round, crispy Indian bread). Our favorites? The wild gooseberry and the burnt chili and tamarind

chutneys. Our next course was new to me—a dish called rasam poori—and it’s a winner. It consists of sprouted chickpeas, radish, mint, and passion fruit—an unexpected but delicious combination.

For a fiber intermezzo, we enjoyed vibrant green, fresh snow peas. Then, as Laura indicated, the star of the evening was the black cod in banana leaves, with moilee broth (a coconut-based curry): so different and yummy. Thattukada fried chicken, a staple Indian street food, came next, with fennel, red chilis, shallots, black pepper, and masala crumbs. The unusual spices make this dish come alive, and yet it’s still crispy on the outside and tender on the inside. Southern or Korean fried chicken, beware: this might be the next big thing. A rice cake with egg and black truffle, all gently mixed together, was another standout. In a nod to the former Indian restaurant, Dosa, Chef Sri serves a savory crepe with potatoes and a variety of sauces. A side dish of

rice with pineapple and fried onions is another tasty tropical twist. For dessert, we sampled another dish I’ve never tried before: watalappan. It’s a flavorful blend of pineapple, cashews, butterscotch cream, and palm sugar—light, sweet, and just the right ending to a wonderful meal.

Footnote: The Robb Report just came out with its ranking of top 10 new American restaurants and guess who’s on top? Copra!

Hats off to Chef Sri and partner Ayesha: Copra is a restaurant to watch.

Bits and Bites: Pride

It’s still Pride Month, and many restaurants and retailers are offering celebratory specials. Here are a few:

One Market is showcasing a “Drag Race Margarita”: grilled jalapeno-infused Espolon Reposado tequila, with fresh lime, agave nectar, strawberry, and, of course, the obligatory “secret ingredient.”

Bay Times Dines

Their Pride bite is a “Rainbow Latke,” with sweet corn purée, roe, smoked salmon, and avocado.

Tribini’s canned espresso martinis (ready-to-drink vodka with espresso) come in a variety of flavors: double espresso, toasted hazelnut, and golden espresso with creamy liqueur. For every four-pack sold during Pride month, the brand is donating $1 to help queer youth at Waltham House.

Castro-based Kokak Chocolates is kickstarting Pride celebrations ahead of its third anniversary. The retailer’s queer Filipina chocolatier Carol Gancia has created special artisanal chocolates for the season. These include: the “Rainbow Love Truffle Collection,” colorfully placed in a rainbow-shaped box, featuring nine heart-shaped single-origin chocolates in hazelnut praline and kalamansi (a Philippine lime) truffle flavors; and the “Say It Louder Truffle Collection,” featuring four colorful Pride flag designs with 12 premium assorted flavorful truffles, such as vanilla sea salt caramel. Kokak Chocolates has just added chocolate pastries that are absolutely scrumptious, including a dark chocolate brownie, a dark chocolate cupcake muffin with caramel, and a dark chocolate chip cookie. Soon to come? Lunches with an Asian and Filipino twist. Stay tuned! There’s a new social hub and nightclub welcoming the

LGBTQ+ community in Oakland called Fluid510 (a nod to an open space for all genders). “We are endlessly proud of what we accomplished with The Port Bar, and we wanted to extend that sense of community with a space that celebrates the vibrant, diverse culture of Oakland and the greater Bay Area— a place where all are welcome and treated like old friends,” said coowner Richard Fuentes. “With Fluid510, we’re elevating Oakland’s nightlife experience and showcasing the incredible potential of this city as it enters its post-COVID renaissance.”

In addition to an ongoing schedule of events and shows with unique nightly themes, Fluid510 features “an expertly crafted cocktail selection from General Manager Yao Liow, formerly of Kincaid’s and Palomino, and an elevated bar food menu from chef Alessandro Campitelli, formerly of Contrasto.”

According to Eater, the food menu will offer “staple items, including a zhuzhed up grilled cheese sandwich, fries, and pizza, done in Campitelli’s style. There are also standout dishes such as grilled octopus, plus a number of options for vegetarians ... including an upcoming vegetarian moussaka dish, as well as a pea hummus dip.”

Another highlight in Oakland: The annual Oakland Black Pride Festival will take place June 28–July 2. It celebrates the moments in queer history that sparked activism and progress toward equality, and many of the Black and brown LGBTQ+ activists who have helped fight for liberation. High 5ive,

the Kissel Uptown Oakland hotel’s rooftop bar & lounge (named for baseball’s first out professional player, Glenn Burke), is the first stop on the Queer Bar Crawl , which will begin Friday, June 30, at 6 pm.

Otto’s Uptown Kitchen on the ground floor of the hotel will host a Sunday brunch on Sunday, July 2.

Copra:

https://tinyurl.com/y3tapw8x

One Market:

https://tinyurl.com/bvjheu4j

Tribini:

https://tinyurl.com/bccaa9ye

Kokak Chocolates: https://tinyurl.com/2n2xuyz2

Fluid510:

https://tinyurl.com/2hcnvv28

Laura Werlin: https://tinyurl.com/4pmrzz39

Oakland Black Pride: https://tinyurl.com/ycktfab3

Kissel Uptown Oakland hotel: https://tinyurl.com/4mbxvnec

High 5ive: https://tinyurl.com/5hd47u4h

Otto’s Uptown Kitchen: https://tinyurl.com/4jd5xt3u

Queer Bar Crawl: https://tinyurl.com/yckvy22u

Robb Report Top 10 New American Restaurants:

https://tinyurl.com/4p9ha685

David Landis, aka “The Gay Gourmet,” is a foodie, a freelance writer, and a retired PR maven. Follow him on Instagram @GayGourmetSF or email him at: davidlandissf@gmail.com Or visit him online at: www.gaygourmetsf.com

Sports

“I am very lucky that my workplace is one of inclusion and diversity. Our corporate LGBTQ+ acceptance and advocacy policies gave me the courage to come out, offered me support and resources, and afforded me with educational advancement and equal opportunities as an openly gay employee. Now I am sharing my story and taking a leadership role in the continuing efforts of advocating for and building corporate LGBTQ+ inclusion, visibility, and empowerment.”

—Vinny DiCicco

Hawaii-born Vinny DiCicco grew up surfing, body boarding, kayaking, swimming, and playing volleyball on pristine tropical beaches. DiCicco particularly loved swimming and said with a slight sassy grin, “I did breaststroke, back stroke, front stroke, etc. If there’s stroking involved, I did it. Also, being around practically naked guys with amazing bodies all the time, why wouldn’t I take up swimming? But I was closeted and didn’t feel comfortable with the stigma of being a homosexual. I thought gay equated to perversion, not love and relationships. So, I didn’t allow myself to have any positive gay experiences such as friends and a support system.”

After high school, DiCicco moved to California and attended California Polytechnical University San Luis Obispo (Cal Poly) majoring in mechanical engineering. The decision was a no-brainer. Sunny California offered a similar outdoor lifestyle and had prestigious schools in his chosen field of study. Although he was academically successful and continued to swim and play volleyball at the club level, DiCicco stayed in the closet keeping one step ahead of one fastgaining truth.

Not just brawn, DiCicco had brains too. After college, DiCicco immediately got an offer from PG&E to work in the Bay Area as an Energy Solutions Engineer assisting the likes of Google, Apple, and Genentech to run more efficiently.

DiCicco recounted his early days in the Bay Area: “Career-wise, I had an excellent start. Socially, I was still in the closet, but continued to play sports such as indoor and beach

LGBTQ+ Athlete Advocates Corporate Pride

volleyball and took up mountain biking and paddle boarding. In what was kind of serendipitous or foreshadowing if you will, through open gyms I was invited to play a NAGVA (North America Gay Volleyball Association) tournament in San Jose without knowing what NAGVA stood for. I competed as one of the many straight allies.”

DiCicco continued, “Competing in gay volleyball tournaments as an ‘ally’ helped me to gain my first and firsthand gay positive experience where being gay is not a perversion, and there exists a support system. At the same time, I learned that PG&E has a strong and one of the oldest corporate LGBTQ+ resource groups called the PrideNetwork. For a couple of years, I cautiously joined PrideNetwork under the guise of an ‘ally.’ Over time, I met many highly visible and successful out and proud coworkers and leaders both at PG&E and other major companies. And through all the nonjudgmental interactions, community work, and positive support, I gained great confidence and pride about being gay and realized it was time. I came out. I was inspired, energized, hugged, and accepted.”

Soon after he came out, DiCicco became a PrideNetwork Board Member where he was a regional lead for San Jose and Sacramento

educating members on LGBTQ+ history, accomplishments, pride, as well as outreach, community building, and engagement.

DiCicco said he wanted to do more for the LGBTQ+ community. “A couple of years ago, I became the Director of Pride Celebrations where my team led a corporate-wide effort to increase LGBTQ+ community visibility, direction, and support. Every Pride celebration we attend and sponsor advocates for LGBTQ+ voices and equality. Since my company serves the people, it makes sense that our philanthropic philosophies, goals, and resources are interwoven into the community. And I am proud to carry that torch on behalf of the PrideNetwork.”

Last year, 2022, for the first time since 2019 (pre-pandemic), DiCicco and his PrideNetwork team attended and advocated, supported and sponsored, mingled and marched in San Francisco, Oakland, San Jose, Sacramento, and Fresno Pride celebrations decked out proudly in all colors of the rainbow. This year, 2023, look for DiCicco and his team, especially during June Pride Month, out in full force.

John Chen, a UCLA alumnus and an avid sports fan, has competed as well as coached tennis, volleyball, softball, and football teams.

Sister Dana Sez: Words of Wisdumb from a Fun Nun

Sister Dana sez, “Welcome to the 53rd annual San Francisco Lesbian Gay Bisexual Transgender Pride Celebration and Parade! Sister Dana is delighted to once again ride on top of the SF BAY TIMES bus— blowing kisses and flashing peace signs to the beautiful crowd!”

On Saturday, June 24, and Sunday, June 25, the 53rd Annual Pride Parade & Celebration will take place. This year’s theme is LOOKING BACK AND MOVING FORWARD. The Pride Parade on June 25 begins at 10:30 am and goes down Market Street from Embarcadero to the Celebration at Civic Center (around 8th Street). The parade has over 200 contingents and may go on for over 3 hours. The Pride Celebration will be June 24 and 25. Gates open at 11 am. There will be 5 Community Stages, and the Kaiser Permanente Main Stage will be live noon to 6 pm. https://sfpride.org/

Sister Dana sez, “June is PRIDE MONTH, a season to celebrate the lives and experiences of LGBTQ communities, and to protest against recent attacks on hard-won civil rights gains!”

An utterly insightful and special delight was hearing Marga Gomez reading from her latest play, SWIMMING WITH LESBIANS, at Fabulosa Books on June 8. She and I go waaay back when she did stand-up comedy at Valencia Rose and Josie’s Joint in the Mission! But now she has a killer one-woman show she is working on, and can be seen at the Marsh.

Vermont Representative Becca Balint absolutely destroyed a witness for unnecessarily bringing up transgender rights during a House Oversight Committee hearing on June 6. At one point, Balint asked witness Mandy Gunasekara about her claim that ESG (environmental, social, and corporate governance) promotes forced gender transition for children.

“I want to know, do you really believe that garbage?” asked Balint, who is the first woman and openly LGBTQ lawmaker to represent Vermont. She said since marriage equality had such overwhelming approval, the backlash for Republicans is trans kids to be MAGA’s new boogeyman.

FRAMELINE’s SAN FRANCISCO INTERNATIONAL LGBTQ+ FILM FESTIVAL—with 90 screenings at venues in the city and Oakland—got started with an opening night presentation at the Castro Theatre and will conclude on Pride Saturday (June 24). Its 11 days will highlight more than 130 films, among them shorts and world premieres. For those who can’t attend the in-person screenings, they will be available to stream June 24–July 2. https://www.frameline.org/

According to HUMAN RIGHTS CAMPAIGN (HRC), over 525 antiLGBTQ bills have been introduced in state legislature (which is a record); over 200 bills specifically target transgender and non-binary people (also a record); and 76 anti-LGBTQ laws have been enacted so far this year (which has doubled). HRC has officially declared that we are in a “State of Emergency.”

President Joe Biden spoke at a PRIDE MONTH celebration on the South Lawn of the White House on June 10. Guests included survivors of deadly shootings at the LGTBQ CLUB Q nightclub in Colorado Springs last November and Pulse, a gay nightclub in Orlando, Florida, in 2016. Thousands of guests picnicked on the South Lawn together with Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg, the first openly LGBTQ person to hold a Cabinet position, and Assistant Secretary of Health and Human Services

Admiral Rachel Levine, the first openly transgender person to be confirmed by the Senate. Biden, a proud Democrat, urged Congress to pass the EQUALITY ACT which would amend the 1964 Civil Rights Act to include sexual orientation and gender identity for protection alongside race, religion, sex, and national origin, and ban assault weapons. “You are loved. You are heard. You are understood and you belong,” Biden said in his remarks to the cheering crowd. The president praised the “extraordinary” courage of LGBTQ Americans, while acknowledging the discrimination and violence the community faces. First Lady Jill Biden said the celebration was meant to “find joy” and “celebrate the beauty and resilience” of the LGBTQ community.

Sister Dana sez, “It really pleases me that the NAACP has issued a travel advisory warning that recent laws and policies championed by Governor Ron DUH Santis and Florida lawmakers are ‘OPENLY hostile toward African Americans, people of color, and LGBTQ individuals.’ Now maybe more activists will join in the fight for equality!”

Speaker Emerita Nancy Pelosi joined more than 200 volunteers for the COMMUNITY WORKDAY in the NATIONAL AIDS MEMORIAL GROVE (“the Grove”) on June 17 to commemorate her three and a half decades of service in Congress, celebrating her principles of Love, Action, and Leadership. Featured speakers included Pelosi, National AIDS Memorial CEO John Cunningham, musical performances by New Voices Bay Area TIGQ Chorus, and Bishop Yvette Flunder. As she has done over the years to mark anniversaries of her time in Congress, Pelosi planted a commemorative tree, and rolled up her sleeves to tend the grounds of the National Memorial.

Krewe de Kinque King & Queen

XX Mez & Moxie hosted the “ALL PRIDE - NO PREJUDICE” benefit on June 17 at the Midnight Sun in the Castro! We raised funds for RAINBOW RAILROAD, a global nonprofit organization that helps atrisk LGTBQ people get to safety worldwide. Based in the United States and Canada, they’re an organization that helps LGBTQ people facing persecution based on their sexual orientation, gender identity, and sex characteristics. Queen VII Sister Dana was happy to pass out rainbow bracelets.

Donald Trump is the only President ever to face federal charges. But he’s still the 2024 Republican frontrunner. Merrick Garland appointed Special Counsel Jack Smith to bring criminal charges against Trump. Sister Dana sez, “We can’t let this criminal escape justice yet again!”

EQUALITY CALIFORNIA

(EQCA) will be celebrating Pride in San Francisco on Tuesday, June 20, at El Rio, 3158 Mission Street, from 6–9 pm. This year their Pride theme is REVOLUTION OF LOVE to celebrate the LGBTQ community and support the work Equality California is doing every day to advance LGBTQ civil rights and social justice! https://www.eqca.org/

Swedish Liberal Party leader Jan Jönsson has released a video of himself dressed in drag reading a fairy tale to children. But in a cutting dialogue with the camera, he addresses adults, not kids. “Fairytales are not dangerous for children, and drag queens aren’t either; but populism and intolerance: those are dangerous for children, and for adults too,” he says in the video. “When right-wing populism seeks to stamp its rule over culture and ban drag queens reading fairytales, they are limiting children’s freedom, the freedom to laugh, be inspired, and discover new worlds,” he said. “They won’t be satisfied until the whole world is as grey and depressing as their own.”

Exhorting at the end of the video, he exclaims, “This is a time when we need more glitter, love, and rainbows! On Father’s Day, June 18, 6 pm, we participated in a CASTRO DRAG STREET EUCHARIST at the 18th and Castro LGBTQ Community Shrine, which included a march from there to Jane Warner Plaza and everyone gaily gayly singing “This Little Light of Mine.” After many blessings, we ate the holy rainbow cupcakes and drank the holy wine

(continued on page 24)

A Urologist’s Guide to Safely Increasing the Length and Girth of Your Manhood

As a board-certified urologist, I’ve seen a growing demand for penis enlargement procedures. Men of all ages and backgrounds have come to me seeking solutions for what they perceive as inadequate penis size. While the desire for a larger penis is understandable, the available medical options have significant drawbacks. Temporary cosmetic fillers and surgical procedures are expensive, risky, and often provide unsatisfactory results.

Penile enlargement surgery involves cutting ligaments or using implants to add length and girth to the penis. Surgery costs range from $15,000 to $25,000 and involve signif icant risks. Complications include infection, bleeding, and scarring, as well as erectile dysfunction and loss of sensation. Addition ally, surgery results can be unpredictable, and some men end up with a deformed or unsatisfactory penis shape.

Another option for penile enlargement, cosmetic fillers, involves injecting materials such as hyaluronic acid, silicone, or polyacrylamide gel into the penis to increase girth. While the results are immediate, the fillers are temporary and require repeated injections every year or two. Furthermore, the fillers can cause significant complications, such as granulomas (small nodules at the site of an infection or inflammation), penile distortion, and foreign body reactions. The cost of fillers can range from $5,000 to $15,000, depending on how much filler is used.

The P-Long Protocol involves a combination therapy, including monthly doses of platelet-rich plasma and daily traction therapy, stretching exercises, and the AFFIRM nitric oxide boosting supplement. Men wear traction and suction therapy devices for a little more than an hour a day to gently stretch the penile tissue in both length and girth. The traction and stretching exercises are designed to improve the length and girth of the penis, the platelet-rich plasma accelerates the effects of the suction and traction, and the AFFIRM supplement boosts nitric oxide levels, which enhances circulation that delivers oxygen and nutrients to the growing phallus.

A recent clinical trial of the P-Long Protocol showed impressive results. Over six months, participants in the study experienced an average increase of almost a full inch in length and an average of half an inch in girth. They also reported improved sexual function without any adverse side effects or downtime.

Dr. Brandeis’ book, published in 2022, includes contributions from more than 60 doctors and men’s health experts. https://thetwentyfirstcenturyman.com/

These risks and expenses associated with traditional penis enlargement options are why I am excited to share information about the P-Long Protocol with you. P-Long is the first and only clinically proven protocol that naturally increases the length and girth of the penis without the need for surgery or temporary fillers. P-Long combines traction therapy, stretching exercises, AFFIRM circulation boosting supplement, and platelet growth factors in achieving natural and permanent penis enlargement.

I developed the P-Long Protocol in response to the low level of satisfaction with current penis enlargement options. We wanted to create a safe, effective, and affordable solution that allows men to achieve their desired penis size without the drawbacks of surgery and fillers.

The P-Long Protocol offers many advantages over traditional penis enlargement options. Firstly, it is a natural and long-lasting solution that doesn’t involve surgery or temporary fillers. Secondly, it is a safe option that doesn’t carry the risks and high costs associated with surgery and fillers. Finally, it offers improved erectile function and size, as shown by clinical studies. T he good news: P-Long is now available to the public nationwide and offered by medically-trained experts. As a urologist, I believe the P-Long Protocol offers a better and safer solution for men seeking penis enlargement. That’s why I have created a complimentary guide that offers accurate information on male enhancement, which can be downloaded at https://p-long.com/download

Judson Brandeis, M.D., is a board-certified urologist in private practice in the East Bay for over 20 years. He was chief of urology at John Muir Hospital and Hills Physicians Medical Group for over a decade. From 2014–2023, he was voted Top Urologist in the Bay Area by “San Francisco Magazine.” After earning degrees from Brown University and Vanderbilt University’s Medical School, he spent a year at Harvard Medical School doing research sponsored by the Howard Hughes Medical Institute. He finished his formal medical training with 2 years of general surgery and 4 years of urology training at the UCLA Department of Urology. In 2019, he opened his office in San Ramon, where he focuses his practice entirely on men’s sexual health and rejuvenation. For more information: https://brandeismd.com/

Take Me Home with You!

Fitness SF Trainer Tip

Wyktor at Fitness SF SoMa

“When lifting free weights, always make sure to flex your target muscles. This will ensure that you are activating the right places of your body.”

“My name is Dexter! I am a male pit bull terrier mix, almost 2-yearsold, originally from Fresno, CA, but am now at the SF SPCA. I have a zest for life, but am also learning to enjoy chill outings and interactions. I absolutely love people; I just can’t help myself! I also love affection, treats, and playing with toys of all shapes and sizes. If you think we might be a match, come say hello!”

*Special offer for a special dog! You can do a week-long foster trial period with Dexter that we hope will lead to him finding his forever home. Please come and check him out!

We would also like to introduce you to Mardi:

“Hey, this is Mardi! I am a super fun, 5-year-old, female terrier who has done well interacting with other calm doggies. I am always ready to bring smiles to the SF SPCA staff. I like both children and other dogs and do better if they respect my space and things. (Well, don’t we all?) As this column says, please come take me home with you!”

Dexter and Mardi are presented to San Francisco Bay Times readers by Dr. Jennifer Scarlett, the SF SPCA’s CEO. Our thanks also go to Paradise Osorio for helping to get the word out about lovable pets like Dexter and Mardi.

To meet Dexter and Mardi in person, visit the SF SPCA Mission Campus @ 201 Alabama Street. It is open for appointments from 10 am–6 pm (Monday–Wednesday, Friday–Sunday) and 1 pm–6 pm on Thursdays.

For more information: https://www.sfspca.org/adoptions/

Renewing the Fight for Pride

bring our A-game to defend the most vulnerable among us, and ourselves.

I typically look to cars for inspiration, and the two we’re checking out this week—the Honda CR-V Hybrid Sport Touring ($39,845) and the Mazda CX-90 3.3 Turbo S Premium Plus AWD ($61,920)—are A-game indeed.

The CR-V is Honda’s perennial best seller. I could see why, after a recent used-car client compared a CR-V with a Lexus NX and VW Tiguan. In her eyes, the amiable CR-V was the obvious choice—the most well-rounded and engagingly designed.

Honda’s Real Time AWD boosts to 50% the amount of the substantial 247 lb.-ft. of torque it can send to the rear wheels. I don’t know how much of that percentage I used, but I did enjoy kicking this CR-V into corners. For me, CR-Vs have always been pleasant enough, but this is the first one that actually felt fun.

The Mazda has its own innovations, with an engine change to an uncommon inline-six.

Tore Kelly, Director of Creative & Social Media for Fitness SF, provides monthly tips that he has learned from professional trainers. For more information: https://fitnesssf.com/

Pride means a lot in 2023.

Our community is under fire, and Anita Bryant’s 1977 “Save Our Children” campaign has nothing on what’s now aimed at us. For example, Florida’s Senate Bill 1580 allows healthcare providers to deny us care based on their CBOs, or consciencebased objections. It takes effect July 1.

Worse, Florida Governor Ron DeSantis has made no bones about turning these efforts into national law if he’s elected president, making these serious times indeed.

For those of us who were lulled into thinking the next generations would float on our hard-won gains, the signs are clear that it’s time once again to

The CX-90 aims to grow Mazda’s niche presence in the big-SUV market as it also grows in most every direction, though overall length creeps over 200 inches by only a bit.

The CX-90’s width stays the same, but better packaging turns the third row into a three-seater in the lower trims, with a three-inch increase over the CX-9’s rearmost seat. Those riders themselves will need to be neatly packaged to pull off the three-across, but the belts are there.

The Honda’s nice surprise is its bracingly refined feel, mirroring the upscale gains first seen in the Civic and Accord. This new CR-V punches above its weight in performance and solidity, feeling at once nimble and indomitable.

Turbocharging and a mild hybrid system help crank out 369 lb.-ft. of torque, which shot the CX-90 up the Castro’s hills like they were flat as the roads in the Sunset. It shared the CR-V’s deliciously solid feel, and I had flashes of the Jaguars I’ve driven with the CX-90’s handling fluidity.

They both caught eyes in San Francisco, which is another first for me in any CR-V. At almost $62,000, the top CX-90 charts about $10K more than the maxedout CX-9, but it feels double that, well into luxury territory.

So, now off we go from thinking about cars to renewing the fight. ‘Tis the season, after all.

Philip Ruth is a Castro-based automotive photojournalist and consultant with an automotive staging service.

Leo Laurence: The Joy of Pride

Anything less than total honesty is slavery.”

Faces from Our LGBT Past

On Saturday, June 27, 1970, 30 or so hippies and self-proclaimed “hair fairies” marched down Polk Street from Aquatic Park to City Hall, where they celebrated the first anniversary of the Stonewall Riots. There were no Dykes on Bikes leading the parade. No rainbow flags lined the streets. No marching band inspired the crowd. There were no floats or corporate contingents. Not only could all the participants have fit onto the back of one flatbed truck, but they also could have been fired from their jobs simply for being LGBT. The next day some 200 revelers gathered in Golden Gate Park for the world’s first “Christopher Street Liberation Day Gay-In.”

Organized by the Gay Celebration Front (GCF) and modeled after a New Left “be-in,” they had learned of the event mostly from word of mouth and a widely distributed flyer that not only informed the community about it, but also proclaimed a new vision for LGBT activism that was radically different from the one shaped by the pioneers of the lesbian and gay homophile movement less than two decades before.

Where the established homophile organizations believed in “Promoting the Integration of the Homosexual into Society” quietly through education and the “due process of law in the state legislatures,” the people who organized the Gay-In were convinced that “gay liberation,” itself a new concept, would come only through demonstrations, boycotts, rallies, marches, and direct confrontation of their oppressors. For them, the time for closets and compromises was over. It was now the time for “gay power” identity, pride, visibility, community, and the “Freakin Fag Revolution.”

Leo Laurence, one of San Francisco’s leading advocates for gay liberation, embodied and expressed the movement’s new ideas. The first step LGBTs needed to take, he argued, was to be open about themselves, to “come out” to family, friends, and co-workers to “go public” about their sexual identity and way of life. As his friend and fellow advocate Gale Whittington wrote at the time, “Liberation will come when total honesty is no longer repressed

The idea of acknowledging, never mind celebrating, their sexuality in public was unthinkable to the leadership of the most influential homophile organizations, which did not even have terms like “lesbian” or “gay” in their names. Laurence called them “timid leaders” and “uptight conservatives” who “were hurting almost every major homosexual organization on the West Coast and probably throughout the nation.” Most of them, he stated, “are their own worst enemy, afraid to become militant.” He invited them to “join the revolution” for gay rights.

Laurence intensified both his criticism of the homophiles and his call for confrontation in an article titled “Homo Revolt: ‘Don’t Hide it’” in the

When his employers at the States Steamship Company, where he worked as a file clerk, saw the photograph, Whittington lost his job. (He did receive two weeks’ severance pay.) The next month, he and Laurence created the Committee for Homosexual Freedom (CHF)—the first gay liberation organization in San Francisco—then publicly declared their sexuality by picketing the company’s headquarters in the Financial District every weekday at noon with signs reading, “Let Gays Live,” “Free The Queers,” and “Freedom for Homos Now.” Unlike the city’s homophile leadership, the CHF embraced confrontation.

Job discrimination was only one of the issues San Francisco’s LGBT communities faced then. Police harassment was another. Only the month before the Gay-In, the city’s underground newspaper Good Times reported that the “cops [were] tearing up the grass in Golden Gate Park on bright yellow Honda Trail 90 motorcycles ... where they putter out from behind the bushes and bust people for all kinds of petty daylite [sic] crimes.” In exasperation, the GCF reprinted the article about the “fruit and pot patrol, as they call it at the local station,” on the back of its flyer.

So, no one was much surprised that, while the revelers were enjoying their day in the park, the police “with military precision ... force invaded the Gay Liberation Front ‘Gay-In’ at Speedway Meadows.”

According to the July 3 issue of the Barb, participants were confronted by “six or eight Honda Pigs and a Jeep patrol car,” “while a mounted patrol man pranced his horse and stroked pistol[!]” They “were harassed, asked for ID, and searched.” Seven were taken into custody.

According to Laurence, the celebrants had been passing bread and wine “almost like a religious meeting” when the police arrived. “We told them we were only indulging in our constitutional right of assembly, and asked them to ... join us in our love, but they wanted to hassle us instead.”

He continued, “The gathering was beautiful and peaceful before the police came, the homophiles gathered in pride in their identity.”

Without knowing it, Laurence identified what the true revolution that Stonewall came to symbolize was all about.

First, he believed lesbians and gays “have to love themselves.”

March 28 issue the of the Berkeley Barb, an underground weekly newspaper begun in 1965. “Society has made us perverts for too ... long,” he told an unnamed interviewer. “It’s time for a change right now.” Because the Barb included a photograph, without their knowledge or consent, of Laurence and Whittington embracing, change, at least for them, came much sooner than either had expected.

They “have to get over this b.s. of guilt, the feeling we are degenerates” or “there will be no change.” Then, “after we can believe to ourselves ‘gay is good’ the revolution will come.” We did and it did. More than anything else, we celebrate the pride we have in our identity and in each other, publicly and proudly.

(grape juice). It was “Queer Church like you’ve never experienced before. It was a Drag Celebration!” All this was presented by the Faithful & Fabulous of the SAN FRANCISCO NIGHT MINISTRY.

Sister Dana sez, “It’s Pride Month, and as more and more businesses have climbed on board the rainbow train, Republicans are running out of places to dine out. Oh, tell them to ‘Taste the rainbow’”!

To launch the third season of Divas & Drinks, the San Francisco Bay Times and The Academy SF proudly will present powerhouse vocalist Rhonda Benin and her All Stars: Grammy winner Tammy Hall, legendary bassist Ruth Davies (whose discography includes several platinum and Grammy-winning records), and drummer Mark Lee, who has backed The Pointer Sisters, and many other artists.

Emcee will be my fellow Bay Times columnist, Donna Sachet Featured guests will include SF Pride Executive Director Suzanne Ford and SF Pride Past President Carolyn Wysinger. https://www.academy-sf.com/

Gary Virginia & Donna

Sachet’s PRIDE BRUNCH is celebrating 25 years! The 25th Annual Pride Brunch honors the San Francisco Pride Parade Grand Marshals. This beloved tradition marks a major milestone this year and is a rare opportunity to meet and hear from the Grand Marshals as we mix with movers and shakers, enjoy hosted bars, take pleasure in live entertainment, and dine on fine cuisine. All proceeds support PRC’s lifesaving, integrated social, legal, and behavioral health services for those affected by HIV/AIDS, mental health issues, and substance use. June 24, Saturday from 11am-–2pm at the Westin Saint Francis, Grand Ballroom, 335 Powell Street. http://prcsf.org/

For the fourth consecutive year, activists and community leaders Alex U. Inn and Juanita MORE! will be leading the PEOPLE’S MARCH & RALLY - UNITE TO FIGHT! on Pride Sunday, June 25, on Polk Street in San Francisco. The event will begin with a rally at

JAN WAHL (continued from pg 6) for the San Francisco Bay Times about the role. “I know Arnold Cunningham and I are somewhat similar. We are both often too enthusiastic and overuse our imaginations. I might have a bit more social skills, but when I get the laughs, it is just perfect. Elder Cunningham is sweet and has the best intentions.”

I asked Sam about one of the great songs titled “Turn It Off.” He replied, “This is one of the many gay or straight moments, a song that everyone identifies with. It may appear to be about these guys going on their mission, but it is about secrets, rationalizing, profound thoughts. This show brings laughter and great discussion after. The audience tells me how much it means to them, Mormons and everyone else.”

Hey, I’m all about The Music Man, The Sound of Music, West Side Story, Company. No matter how you like your musical theatre, The Book of Mormon is one to see.

This month I also enjoyed some stress-free fun in the Wine Country at the gorgeous Sonoma Mission

the corner of Polk and Washington Streets, then march down Polk Street—the same route as the first Gay Liberation Protest, which occurred on Saturday, June 27, 1970. The march will end at Fern Alley for a celebration of culture and community with DJs, performers, and artists’ booths.

Having raised an impressive $1 million for LGBTQ nonprofit organizations to date this year, Juanita MORE!’s highly anticipated Pride event, taking place on June 25, will serve as a fundraiser for QUEER LIFESPACE. This organization offers affordable mental health services tailored to the LGBTQ community in San Francisco and beyond. By selecting Queer Lifespace as the beneficiary, Juanita aims to provide much-needed support and resources to help enhance the mental well-being of LGBTQ individuals in the area. Juanita’s Day Pride Party is June 25, noon to 7 pm at 620 Jones Street. Her Night Pride Party is 6 pm, June 25, to “late” at Halcyon, 314 11th Street. https://juanitamore.com/

Enjoy free admission to the Castro Theatre along with complimentary refreshments for a showing of “To Wong Foo, Thanks for Everything! Julie Newmar” the first major Hollywood studio film to center on drag queens! Your emcee for this historic evening to help close out Pride Month 2023 will be Donna Sachet. The event is sponsored by Comcast, in partnership with the San Francisco Bay Times and The Academy SF. June 28, 6 pm, 429 Castro Street. Don’t miss this hilarious romp! https://www.academy-sf.com/

INDEPENDENCE DAY and/or

THE FOURTH OF JULY is a federal holiday in the United States commemorating the Declaration of Independence, which was ratified by the Second Continental Congress on July 4, 1776, establishing the United States of America.

Sister Dana sez, “May I be the first to wish you a happy 4th of July or Independence Day! I just wish we could be less dependent on the united MAGA Republicans who continually get in the way of democracy!”

Inn for a Drag Brunch on June 4. I was there with a big hat on for this glamorous, colorful event in the elegant locale. Check out The Sonoma Mission Inn whenever you are in that beautiful area. Drag queens make the world a better place! And speaking of drag, I will be co-emcee with Khmera Rouge for a special free showing of To Wong Foo: Thanks for Everything! Julie Newmar at the Castro Theatre on June 28 interviewing Julie’s brother John and introducing a personal video created by Julie. To register for this free event (free concessions too) benefiting the SF LGBT Center and Equality California, go to: https://tinyurl.com/59z974x5

Happy Pride, everyone! Together we fight, stand tall, and celebrate!

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

Band, the club created a bulletin board featuring LGBTQ+ activists Marsha P. Johnson, Sylvia Rivera, and We’wha, as well as club-member messages about identity and inclusion.

McNamara said, “In May, for the first time, we invited Third Graders to a Pride Club meeting, and several dozens of them came.” McNamara and Schuessler anticipate that the Pride Club will continue to be strong. In fact, said McNamara, “What was really transformative was seeing the strong interest from second and third graders who can’t wait to join the Pride Club in the future.”

This year’s Rainbow Day was made extra special by the inclusion of the first Grand Marshal for the Rainbow Day Parade, Honey Mahogany. After the entire student body and their teachers assembled on the Flynn playground, Mahogany captivated the group with stories about the 1969 Stonewall riots and the local Compton’s Cafeteria riot that preceded it by three years. She also spoke about how she grew up very close to Flynn Elementary School and how proud she is to still live near the area. Then, accompanied by the Band, Honey led the festive parade around the playground.

On the inclusion of a Grand Marshal for the event, McNamara stated, “One of the ideas the Pride Club had was to invite a dignitary to serve as Grand Marshal for the Rainbow Day Parade. The students immediately got very excited. The first person they wanted to invite was Michelle Obama and the students wrote her office a letter. I knew that we weren’t going to hear back from Michelle Obama, but the students kept asking if we’d gotten a response. I thought we should approach a dignitary who is more local. I personally know Honey Mahogany and live in District 6 where she worked and recently ran for Supervisor there (she is also the Chair of the San Francisco Democratic Party). I was inspired to contact Honey by a Flynn student who had previously written her biography for a Black Women’s History project. Knowing how the students were so in solidarity with trans people, as well as the empowerment of Black, Brown, and Indigenous peoples—which is the mission of our school—I presented the idea of Honey Mahogany to them and they got very excited and sent her a letter.”

Upon receiving the letter from the Flynn students, Honey Mahogany said, “I was really honored to be asked to be the Grand Marshal for Flynn Elementary’s Pride celebration. This would be an incredible honor at any time, but right now, as we are experiencing book bans in schools, classrooms, and libraries across the country, as trans affirming care and practices are being banned, and as parents of trans children are thinking about fleeing their homes, being able to serve in this way at this particular time was especially poignant. It was wonderful to get to speak with the students of Flynn, to get to meet them and see them so joyfully celebrate the diversity within their community. I even got to meet a few children who identified as trans themselves. The confidence and joy I saw from those trans kids in particular reminded me that, even as things sometimes seem scary or hopeless, that there is still hope, and that these kids are who we are fighting for.”

Amazing miracles like this don’t just happen at Flynn Elementary School. April is Pride Month across the San Francisco Unified School District (remember, schools are not in session during the citywide Pride Month of June). During Rainbow Week, said Schuessler, “Teachers choose a book related to LGBTQ+ issues to read to their class. Each class learns about an

important LGBTQ+ person. The bulletin board next to the school office features photos and bios of important queer people.”

Coordinating these activities across all the schools is Mx. Kena Hazelwood, District Coordinator, LGBTQ Student Services in the Student & Family Services Division. Kena had this to say about SFUSD’s April Pride Month in San Francisco public schools: “This year, more than ever, it has been important for SFUSD to shine as a beacon and an example of inclusion and acceptance. Throughout the year, we have been welcoming families from across the country whose families have had to make the difficult choice to leave their homes due to worsening safety concerns. The Rainbow clubs, GSAs, Rainbow Assemblies, Read-ins, and Parades being held at our schools, across the district during the month of April, are one way how we show our commitment to being a school district where everyone is welcome to be fully themselves.”

As if coordinating the Pride Day wasn’t enough, Schuessler and McNamara also held a Pink Shirt Day at Flynn during Rainbow Week 2023. Said McNamara, “This is an international anti-bullying school campaign,

which began at a high school in Canada in 2008. Normally celebrated in late February, Flynn incorporated its first Pink Shirt Day into its 2023 Rainbow Week.”

Learn more at https://www.pinkshirtday.ca/

When reflecting on the miracle of Rainbow Week at Flynn Elementary School, the lyrics to Whitney Houston’s “The Greatest Love of All” come to mind: “I believe the children are our future. Teach them well and let them lead the way. Show them all the beauty they possess inside. Give them a sense of pride to make it easier. Let the children’s laughter remind us how we used to be.”

What does all this mean? We should all be thankful to live in a place like San Francisco where values of respect and understanding are taught every day. But, this doesn’t happen by accident; we all need to support our public education teachers, all of whom are true heroes.

Author Doug Litwin is a 35-year member of the San Francisco Lesbian/Gay Freedom Band and has performed at each one of the Flynn Elementary School Rainbow Day events.