San Francisco Bay Times - July 13, 2023 by San Francisco Bay Times

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LGBTQ News & Calendar for the Bay Area

CELEBRATING FOUR DECADES (1978–2023) July13–26, 2023

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Ms. Sachet Goes to Washington

OFFICIAL IMAGE FROM THE OFFICE OF VICE PRESIDENT KAMALA HARRIS

See Pages 12–13

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

Sparkle Harder Sparkle harder not just during Pride Month, but all year round. Be yourself even when the haters are trying their best to change you. Radiate joy and strength, because they are trying to rob you of both. Keep sparkling. About the Supreme Court ...

In Case You Missed It Joanie Juster The relentless marine layer of one of the gloomiest June Glooms in San Francisco history lifted a bit on Pride Weekend, providing some welcome warmth and sunshine for festivities in San Francisco. Parties abounded, the SF Pride Parade and Festival were packed with revelers, and there was pride and joy in the air. But the last week in June is also when the United States Supreme Court tends to hand down some of the most consequential decisions, and this year was no different. If much of the point of Pride is about celebrating freedom, the current conservative-dominated Supreme Court was there to remind us all that freedom can never, ever be taken for granted. During the SF Pride Parade, a reporter asked Drag Laureate D’Arcy Drollinger for advice as to how the LGBTQ+ community should combat the atmosphere of hate it is facing. D’Arcy’s defiant answer: “Sparkle harder.”

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Keep sparkling, but we also need to fight. The recent Supreme Court decision on a Colorado ani-discrimination law was a wake-up call, as they enshrined “separate but equal” into our daily lives. While the ruling was narrow, and may end up having little direct impact on day-to-day business, the warning bells were loud and clear: this is a Supreme Court that has no problem taking away established rights. Not convinced? Just ask any woman in the U.S. since the Dobbs decision this time last year. And, of course, it isn’t just at the Supreme Court level that damage is being done: state legislatures and courts across the country have been doing their best to diminish the rights of already-marginalized groups. I cringe every time I hear someone nonchalantly say, “Oh, I don’t pay attention to politics.” Well, wake up, because politics is paying attention to you. It is all too easy for San Franciscans to feel comfortable in our liberal bubble, but the danger is real, and it is everywhere. Homophobia, transphobia, antisemitism, and hate of all kinds don’t stop at state lines. It is up to all of us to wake up, take a stand, and fight. There are plenty of places to put your time, energy, and money, but the ACLU is still a great place to start, especially since they created a divi-

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supported and protected. They need us to come to story hours, and surround them with love and joy.

sion specifically to track and fight against anti-LGBTQ+ legislation. Here’s the link; do whatever you can to help: https://tinyurl.com/ACLUlg Drag Story Hour Needs You On June 24 I had the pleasure of attending Gary Virginia and Donna Sachet’s 25th annual Pride Brunch, at the Westin St. Francis. It is one of my favorite events of the year, and not just because it is a joyful celebration. For me the main draw is that Gary and Donna invite the SF Pride Grand Marshals to speak. This is a rare opportunity to hear some of our community leaders who are being honored for the good work they do actually talk about their work. It is eye-opening and inspiring. This year one of the speakers was Black Benatar, representing Community Grand Marshal Drag Story Hour. They spoke passionately about the good work Drag Story Hour does, engaging and inspiring children. But they also talked about the frightening opposition they can face, including a recent story hour in the East Bay where the haters far outnumbered the attendees and supporters. The threat was real, and terrifying. And they made a fervent plea: they need the supporters to outnumber the protesters. They need to feel

To this end, Drag Story Hour has launched a new program called “Shields Up!” that provides safety training to storytellers and volunteers to ensure that “the show must go on.” The program is designed to offer a de-escalatory and playful physical presence to ensure the safety of both the performers and the families. Shields Up! has already begun piloting in the Bay Area, and will soon roll out statewide pilots in Arizona, North Carolina, and other states. How can you help? There are lots of ways. Go to the website ( https://www.dragstoryhour.org/ ) to donate, join their mailing list, and learn about upcoming events where you can show up in person and be part of the solution. Also, follow this link from their website to learn about many ways you can help combat the onslaught of hate and ignorance. The article is packed with a lot of good information and action items; there is something in here for everyone to do: https://tinyurl.com/LGBTQedu Good News: Sunday’s a Drag is Back! Despite all the naysayers and doomloopians, there is good news to be found in San Francisco. One of the best: On August 6, Donna Sachet will bring back her beloved show, Sunday’s a Drag, to a perfect new location: Club Fugazi in North Beach. Sunday’s a Drag had been a fixture for 15 years at Harry Denton’s Starlight Room at the Sir Francis Drake Hotel, until the pandemic closed down all

live performances. Bringing this longrunning hit to a larger venue and a new neighborhood will be an exciting adventure. Club Fugazi has a long, storied history, including 45 years as the home of Steve Silver’s Beach Blanket Babylon, and is now the current home of Dear San Francisco, a show that, like Donna Sachet herself, exudes a deep and abiding love for our city. The new version of Sunday’s a Drag will feature Donna plus three other drag queens performing songs that illuminate San Francisco’s drag history. One of the performers, Holotta Tymes, has especially deep roots in the North Beach neighborhood: prior to performing in Sunday’s a Drag for 13 years, Tymes performed at North Beach’s iconic drag revue, Finocchio’s, a worldrenowned attraction that closed in 1999 after 63 years. Sunday’s a Drag is sure to be a hot ticket, featuring not only a great show, but also an Italian-themed brunch by chef Tony Gemignani, famed for his Tony’s Pizza Napoletana. If all goes well, this limited run in August may be the precursor of a year-round launch in 2024. Show your support now by grabbing tickets at https://tinyurl.com/3bv479ve More Good News: JOYRide In case you missed it (it has been a busy year), legendary DJ Page Hodel is back spinning tunes. In May she launched (continued on page 22)

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

A Call to Embrace the Constitution, Even as the Supreme Court Abandons It

6/26 and Beyond Stuart Gaffney and John Lewis Justice Sonia Sotomayor wrote a powerful dissenting opinion to last month’s disturbing U.S. Supreme Court decision, issued by the extremely conservative Republicanappointed Court’s supermajority, which permitted a politically conservative Christian custom web designer to openly discriminate against loving, committed samesex couples. It is very important to note, as the leading LGBTIQ legal organizations such as GLAAD have explained, that the case before the Court pertained to a web designer who asserted that she created “unique” commissioned “original artwork, designs and text” for specific clients. Thus, “the unusual nature of the transaction in the case suggests the ruling has virtually no application to the overwhelming majority of businesses providing goods and services to the public.” But Sotomayor, as well as the lead-

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ing LGBTIQ legal organizations, are deeply concerned about the implications of the ruling for queer people and other minority groups and about how the Court could rule in future public accommodations cases that the far-right Christian political movement may bring. Sotomayor’s incisive opinion, joined by her fellow Democraticappointed women colleagues, Justices Kagan and Jackson, shredded the legal reasoning of the all Republican-appointed majority decision. But most striking about Sotomayor’s opinion was the enormous empathy and deep care for LGBTIQ people that she expressed in the opinion—two treasured traits rarely found in legal opinions. For example, Sotomayor recounted the recent horrific experience of a gay widower when a funeral home refused to receive or cremate the body of his deceased husband, much less host a memorial luncheon for the family—simply because he was gay. Sotomayor recounted: “Robert ‘Bob’ Huskey and John ‘Jack’ Zawadski ... were a loving couple of 52 years. They moved from California to Colorado to care for Bob’s mother, then to Wisconsin to farm apples and teach special education, and then to Mississippi to retire. Within weeks of [the 2015 Supreme Court decision establishing nationwide marriage equality], Bob and Jack got

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married. They were 85 and 81 years old on their wedding day.

parts of the country” in the last couple of years. She declared that the Court’s “decision itself inflicts a kind of stigmatic harm” on queer people, thereby accusing her Republican-appointed colleagues themselves of complicity in the anti-LGBTIQ backlash being carried out in numerous Republican-controlled governmental institutions across the country.

A few months later, Bob’s health took a turn. He died the following spring. When Bob’s family was forced to find an alternative funeral home more than an hour from where Bob and Jack lived (because Bob was gay), the lunch in Bob’s memory had to be canceled. Jack died the next year.” “This ostracism, this otherness, is among the most distressing feelings that can be felt by our social species,” explained Sotomayor, citing expert psychological findings. After later recounting another personal story of another LGBTIQ couple, she noted, “[t]here are many such stories, too many to tell here,” and warned that “after today, too many to come.” Sotomayor further related in a strikingly personal manner the everyday experience of far too many queer people today: “Ask any LGBT person, and you will learn just how often they are forced to navigate life” and self-monitor their behavior between “public places where they can be themselves” and others “where they cannot.” Sotomayor had clearly listened to and taken in the personal stories and experiences of real LGBTIQ people. She explained that many queer people “must ask themselves: If I reveal my identity to this coworker, or to this shopkeeper, will they treat me the same way? If I hold the hand of my partner in this

setting, will someone stare at me, harass me, or even hurt me?” And she laid bare that having to do so “is an awful way to live,” declaring that “[f ]reedom from this way of life is the very object” of public accommodation laws. Sotomayor in her opinion affirmed the proud presence of queer people and the dignity and worthiness of our struggle for equality in a way never before expressed in a U.S. Supreme Court opinion. She proclaimed: “LGBT people have existed for all of human history. And as sure as they have existed, others have sought to deny their existence, and to exclude them from public life.” She recounted “the brutal murder of Matthew Shepard,” the horror of “the Pulse nightclub massacre,” and the high rates of violence overall against “LGBT people, with transgender persons particularly vulnerable to attack.” Sotomayor’s decision also referred to the “slew of anti-LGBT laws [that] have been passed in some

In conclusion, Sotomayor denounced the moral vacuity of the “[w]hat’s mine is mine, and what’s yours is yours” approach to life that underlies the Court’s decision. She reminded us that nothing forces us to treat each other this way, and that even faced with the current Supreme Court supermajority’s inordinate power we are not “powerless in the face of the decision.” She appealed: “The meaning of our Constitution is found not in any law volume, but in the spirit of the people who live under it. Every business owner in America has a choice whether to live out the values in the Constitution. Make no mistake: Invidious discrimination is not one of them.” 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.

Bay Times NEWS GLBT Fortnight in Review Trans Care in the Crosshairs I should, by rights, begin this column with a discussion of the Colorado website designer who was just given the High Court’s thumbs up to discriminate against gay couples in violation of the state’s civil rights law. We’ll get to it, I promise. But first comes news of an equally disturbing opinion, and one that has not gotten the same media coverage as the first; namely, the ruling by the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Sixth Circuit that temporarily restored Tennessee’s ban on health care services for transgender minors, allowing the law to go into effect as scheduled July 1. This is the first time that a court has permitted one of these trans-youth health bans to take effect during a legal challenge, and while the court has promised to rule quickly on the status of an injunction that could put the law on hold once again, it seems likely that the 2–1 majority will agree with itself over the next eight weeks or so as it deliberates further. That will put the Sixth Circuit at odds with the Eighth Circuit, which ruled in favor of blocking Arkansas’s anti-trans health law while a challenge was underway. Last month in that case, Judge James Moody became the first federal judge to rule on the merits of a health ban, striking the Hog State’s prohibition as unconstitutional in an 80-page opinion. Except for Judge Moody’s recent decision, the various other rulings throughout the country involved motions to put a hold on these laws pending litigation. But because a court must first find that the plaintiff is likely to succeed on the merits of the case before such an injunction is allowed, these decisions are significant. In the Sixth Circuit opinion, the majority decided gender identity discrimination does not require any heightened scrutiny from a court, in part, because the discrimination applies equally to both genders. Further, the majority characterized trans health care as some kind of avant-garde medical treatment. Other courts, by contrast, understand that gender identity bias is always a form of sex discrimination and that most trans health procedures are well established. Note as well that the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fourth Circuit is considering the same issue en banc, which means that the full ten or twelve judges on the court will deliberate on the two combined cases under review. And various other appellate courts will be taking a stand as well. Don’t ask me to track down all this litigation, please. Let’s just say that, thanks to the Sixth Circuit, we are headed for the kind of split in the appellate bench that requires the Supreme Court to take action. At this rate, we will have a trans health care case on the docket in this coming session. Nuance Eludes Us And here’s the tough part of the transgender youth health issue. Answer the following: What exactly are the repercussions of puberty blockers? Do doctors agree? Are they safe? Who should decide when to authorize their use and under what circumstances? How do we tell the difference between a struggling trans kid and a cis kid who thinks it’s fun to fool around with gender? Should a child ever have non-reversible surgery before the age of 18? When should hormone treatment start? What are

the long-term effects of starting hormones and then stopping? And, of course, what is the impact on a transgender child of going through puberty in the wrong gender? I could go on. Why do medical experts in Europe disagree with the consensus in the United States? Do they? How do we know which researchers and which reports to trust? To what extent has politics influenced the scientific debate? As a non-scientific reporter, I have no way to assess the “medical experts” on either side. Finally, what if “we,” the politically correct GLBT community, are wrong about some aspect of transitioning youth? Why can’t we leave some of the answers to these questions to be determined on a caseby-case basis? Much of our political agenda does indeed lend itself to clarity. Equality is equality, not some second-rate compromise. But transgender kids are out there on the playground with tons of cisgender kids who look and sound just like them. Does 8-year-old Susie want to be a boy? There are a thousand reasons why she might, and most of them do not involve being transgender that affects less than one percent of us. Take Susie to the wrong gender therapist and instead of a “wait and see” approach that allows the child to experiment, you might end up with a prescription for puberty blockers just based on a consult. Is that true? Does that really happen? Like most of this stuff, I don’t know! I do know that if Susie has been wanting to be male for some time, if she prefers a boy’s name and boy’s clothes, if she’s had a therapist you trust for over a year, if you as a parent feels this is right, that goes a long way towards making a good decision. That’s why blanket bans on transgender youth health care are so dangerous. But there are other dangers as well, and groupthink might be one of the most insidious. Free Lorie On Friday, June 30, the High Court ruled 6–3 that Lorie Smith, the Colorado website designer, does not have to accept gay wedding couples who might want her services; this despite the Ski State’s ban on GLBT discrimination in public accommodation. The decision was based ostensibly on Smith’s right to free speech, making the assumption that these wedding websites are examples of Smith’s creative expression. In an annoying and irrelevant side issue, Smith and others have at times claimed erroneously that two men wanted her to set up a website for their wedding, which is not true. But her case did not rely on this misinformation, and, in fact, she has never created any wedding websites for anyone, insisting on a ruling before starting this aspect of her business. Nonetheless, the press has been inundated with stories implying that the entire case was based on a falsehood and that the ruling should be suspended. Perhaps, unfortunately, that’s not a thing. One of my most admired and thoughtful conservative legal friends, an ally in most of our communal goals, is on the “free speech” side of this case, and indeed, we all agree that free speech is a vital American constitutional right. But if Smith’s websites are expressive speech, then so are the floral arrangements at the reception, and so is the cake, and certainly so is the videography, and

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

By Ann Rostow the decor. If Smith’s Christianity is not the issue here, and technically it’s not, then she should also be allowed to bar the door to mixed race couples if she so chooses, or interfaith marriages. According to the stipulated facts of the case, viewers of Smith’s websites “will know that the websites are [Ms. Smith’s and 303 Creative’s] original artwork.” This suggests there’s a note on the site to this effect, much as “flowers by Ann” is probably posted somewhere in the reception hall, along with information on other wedding vendors. So why can’t they also say no to certain clients based on their expressive speech? The obvious point is there seems to be no limiting principle, and even if a handsome conservative law professor can find one, it’s not one that a future conservative court will likely consider binding precedent. Lorie Smith also claims that she has nothing against gay or lesbian clientele, and will happily do business with them, much as the antigay baker of yore said he’d sell us cookies but not a wedding cake. But if Smith’s designs are so expressive, then what of an anniversary party site? A family website for an unmarried lesbian couple and their kids? A professional site for a civil rights attorney who specializes in GLBT cases? Or even a personal website for an openly gay man? Would she really take on these projects? Why? Why not exercise her “free speech” on them as well? We will soon see the impact of this opinion. We theoretically “won” the Masterpiece Cakeshop case, because although the baker won on a technicality, Justice Kennedy ruled that businesses may not ignore GLBT public accommodation laws. But that aspect of the opinion has often been simply ignored or twisted against us. Imagine what courts will do with this decision, a green light to sidestep civil rights ordinances that we have struggled for years to enact and enforce. Already we are seeing public opinion shift against gay rights over the last five years or so. The majority of Americans currently think businesses should be required to serve GLBT clients, regardless of the business owner’s faith or opinion. How long do you think that majority will last? The Kids Are Okay Everyone is blown away by a survey out of Brown University, where 38 percent of students now say they are not straight, up from 14 percent in 2010. A close look at the numbers indicates that the increase doesn’t represent that many more gays and lesbians, but rather reflects bisexuals, along with a host of other categories. Now you can choose pansexual, asexual, queer or questioning. No wonder more people have joined our expanding “community!” How many boxes will students be able to check in 2032? Given the progress and visibility of the last 13 years, it’s not surprising that kids would rather be in a funsounding identity group if given the choice. It’s like asking them to define themselves as “boring” or “not boring.” I read elsewhere that college students have less sex than they used to, so it’s all kind of hypothetical. According to Gallup polling, nearly 20 percent of Gen Z adults say they’re LGBTQ, mostly on the bisexual side. Nationally, the figure (continued on page 22) S AN F R ANC IS C O BAY T IM ES

JULY 13, 2023

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

AGUILAS Obtains Funding to Continue Services for SF’s Latinx LGBTQ+ Community County contracts) to accept the funds for AGUILAS, which is now a subcontractor. We are extremely grateful to the SF LGBT Center!

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

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Juan R. Davila Volunteer Coordinator 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

Nuestra Voz Eduardo Morales, Ph.D. After extensive letter writing campaigns, presentations, and communicating with Mayor Breed and all members of the SF Board of Supervisors, AGUILAS was able to obtain funding at the very last minute, at 1 am Thursday morning, June 29, 2023. At that time, the SF Board of Supervisors approved $200,000 for AGUILAS. We are extremely grateful for the support, which was led by Supervisors Hillary Ronen and Rafael Mandelman. The funds for AGUILAS are channeled through the SF LGBT Center, which has a contract with the Municipal Office of Housing and Community Development to sustain AGUILAS’ efforts for community service. AGUILAS’ contract with the San Francisco Department of Public Health for HIV/AIDS prevention services ended on June 30, 2023. Unfortunately, AGUILAS did not have another San Francisco County contract, so the SF LGBT Center stepped in at the last minute (since the Center has other San Francisco

Photographers Rink, Phyllis Costa, Sparks, Paul Margolis, Chloe Jackman, Bill Wilson, Jo-Lynn Otto, Sandy Morris, Karina Patel, Abby Zimberg, Joanie Juster ADVERTISING Display Advertising Standard Rate Cards http://sfbaytimes.com/ or 415-503-1375 Custom ad sizes are available. Ads are reviewed by the publishers. National Advertising: Contact Bay Times / San Francisco. Represented by Rivendell Media: 908-232-2021 Circulation is verified by an independent agency Reprints by permission only. CALENDAR Submit events for consideration by e-mail to: calendar@sfbaytimes.com © 2023 Bay Times Media Company Co-owned by Betty L. Sullivan & Jennifer L. Viegas

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With these funds, AGUILAS plans to have four support groups a month: one will be for HIV-positive individuals who speak Spanish, another will be for HIV-positive Portuguese speakers, and the other two will be open to all, with one group gathering held in Spanish and the other in Portuguese, respectively. The limited funding requires us to limit our very popular social events that attracted 80 to 100 participants to only one for this year. AGUILAS will be doing outreach at various events to keep the community informed and engaged in this nonprofit’s work. AGUILAS will also continue to offer individual counseling sessions to the Latinx LGBTQ+ community in English, Spanish, and Portuguese. Participants seeking political asylum can get information and referrals for their status and obtain support for the traumas they have experienced in their countries. Our history demonstrates that 100% of those seeking political asylum were successful in their quest with the assistance of AGUILAS and their legal representatives. As was done in prior years, AGUILAS will continue to seek more funding from other sources. For example, in the past three years, we were able to match dollar for dollar the funds that were received from the San Francisco City and County. Given the 58% reduction of funding from the City and County, many

of our employees had to be released from employment on June 30, 2023. The limited funds require AGUILAS to reduce its office hours to four days a week with hours from 1pm to 6 pm and have all part-time workers. They are kind, dedicated, and generous to take up the challenges of this funding reduction, such that they are planning to still be available to continue services for the Latinx LGBTQ+ community in all three languages. Through funding from the ViiV Foundation, AGUILAS will continue to provide leadership development training in its La Academia program for one more year. This program offers trainings in the areas of Basic Financial Knowledge, Efficient Communication Tools related to how to talk to the media, Legal Rights and Awareness, and Effective Strategies for Advocacy. Upon completing the basic four workshops, participants will be granted a certificate of training given by AGUILAS in collaboration with Alliant International University where I am a Professor Emeritus. An advanced set of similar workshops is offered to further strengthen and build the leadership skills of participants. After completing the four advanced sets of workshops, participants will receive a certificate documenting their advanced training that will be given by AGUILAS in collaboration with Alliant International University. AGUILAS is the oldest Latinx LGBTQ+ agency in all the Americas: Northern, Central, and South America. In the spring of 2024, AGUILAS will celebrate its 30th Anniversary, marking three

decades of providing important services. Founded in 1991 by a grassroots effort, its mission statement reads as follows: “AGUILAS is dedicated to creating a supportive, culturally sensitive environment for gay/ bisexual Latinxs. We strive to foster knowledge and pride of the diversity of our language, culture, history, and spirituality. AGUILAS is committed to developing programs that promote health, well-being and community building that foster positive self-identities, healthy relationships, and leadership skills.” AGUILAS looks forward to serving the community and finding funding sources that can make the entirety of its mission statement a reality. For more information and updates, you can follow AGUILAS and its service offerings at 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.

Bay Times NEWS

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

CA Hate Hotline Launches as New Report Shows Hate Crimes Rose in 2022

Oakland’s Budget Passes, Includes Rapid Response to Homeless Housing

The one piece of encouraging news from the latest report is that hate against Asian American/Pacific Islanders is down 43 percent. The last three years have been especially tough for AAPIs because a former U.S. president and others wrongly blamed this community for the COVID-19 pandemic. The rhetoric largely spurred attacks against Asians.

to collect and analyze evidence, and to do the follow-up work needed to solve crimes. We also restored other key community needs.

Assemblymember Phil Ting Despite increased awareness and education on how wrong it is to discriminate, bully, harass, or assault someone based on race, religion, sexual orientation, and other protected characteristics, acts of bias are still on the rise. A new report by the California Department of Justice shows hate crimes jumped 20 percent last year—from 1,763 cases in 2021 to 2,120 in 2022. The following groups experienced the biggest increases in the same oneyear period: • transgender people saw a 55 percent rise; • anti-Islamic incidents swelled nearly 40 percent, while those that were anti-Jewish were up 24 percent; • biases involving sexual orientation rose 29 percent; • and hate crimes against Black communities were the most prevalent, rising 27 percent with 652 cases last year.

As Assembly Budget Chair, I credit the $166.5 million Asian Pacific Islander Equity Budget I helped champion the last couple of years in reducing the number of incidents impacting this community. The added resources not only included victim support, but also educational outreach and violence prevention programs. There’s another $40 million in the new state budget to ensure the progress we’re making continues. As part of the funding to stop AAPI hate, a new nonemergency statewide hotline to report hate incidents was created and is open to all communities. It’s called “California vs. Hate” and it launched just a couple of months ago. The number is (833) 8NOHATE, or 833-866-4283, and is open Monday to Friday, 9 am to 5 pm. Care coordinators can provide assistance in more than 200 languages. Because victims may be afraid of law enforcement, the hotline workers can also facilitate involving the police or local prosecutors, if warranted. But people can also remain anonymous, if they choose. Online reporting is also available at https://www.cavshate.org/ (Please note that 911 is still the best number to call in emergency and/or life-threatening situations.) The California vs. Hate hotline can also connect victims with programs to help them deal with the aftermath, including legal services, mental health support, or housing. Some may not know what to do once they’ve experienced a hate incident, and we wanted to make sure they could move forward with experts who understand the network of resources available. (continued on page 22)

Oakland City Councilmember At-Large, Rebecca Kaplan

We additionally made a substantial and vital investment in affordable housing and meaningful and more rapid solutions to homelessness. There is a need to expedite working with community-based organizations to acquire and operate properties, so that Oaklanders in need can get housed timely, including available apartments, dorms, and hotels. With these considerations in mind, the Rapid Response Homeless Housing Acquisition Fund was created with these proposed budget amendments. This supplements millions from Measure U, as well as potential funds from State Homekey Grants for these purposes. The allocation of local funding will allow our projects to score better in State funding applications, so this money can bring additional resources too.

On June 26, 2023, the Oakland City Council successfully passed the proposed budget for the coming two years, including our amendments. This included the proposals from Mayor Sheng Thao, and the amendments from the Council President’s Budget Team, led by President Nikki Fortunato Bas, and including myself, and Councilmembers Carroll Fife and Kevin Jenkins.

The coordinated strategy includes seizing opportunities for housing by rapidly conducting appraisals, environmental studies, and more for properties, such as hotels, dorms, and apartment buildings that could be available for acquisition, and thus, be able to help get people off the streets more quickly. This included direction to work on opening new sites across Oakland—East, West, and Center—to help better respond to homelessness. It includes the need to expand support for LGBT homeless people, who have been disproportionately represented among the unsheltered.

Together, we worked diligently with city staff and the Mayor to come up with budget amendments that provided a balanced budget in the face of a historic budget deficit, while protecting and restoring vital programs for our communities. We were able to restore fire department services, eliminating cuts to fire stations; and to expand support for violence prevention, adding civilian investigators

We continue to support major new construction of affordable housing, including in transit-oriented development. We are pleased that many Oakland projects, including those in priority development areas, are moving forward in seeking the state funding process. And, by expanding the capacity to more effectively acquire small and medium existing buildings, we can more effectively help people off the streets.

Out of the Closet and into City Hall

(continued on page 22)

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CELEBRATING FOUR DECADES (1978–2023)

San Francisco Bay Times Honored as Best Newspaper for Media Excellence & Community Service

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JULY 13, 2023

DIVAS & DRINKS @ The Academy

Divas & Drinks @ The Academy Third Annual Pride Party Photos by Rink

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On Thursday, June 22, the third annual Divas & Drinks @ The Academy Pride Party included rousing speeches by community leaders and a stirring live performance by vocalist Rhonda Benin and her All Stars. It was the most well-attended event of the Divas & Drinks series so far, with partygoers filling the garden and all floors of the multilevel venue.

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Pride Celebration

Jon Koriel, representing the presenting sponsor, Comcast/Xfinity/NBC Universal, welcomed guests and invited all to the Pride After Glow at the Castro Theatre. (See pages 2 and 3 of the Arts & Entertainment section of this issue.) Featured speakers, representing San Francisco Pride, were Board President Nguyen Pham, Executive Director Suzanne Ford, and former president Carolyn Wysinger, who is now an El Cerrito City Councilmember. Emcee Donna Sachet presented a bright pink cake in celebration of Dr. Hossein Carney’s recent birthday. (Carney helps with the Pink Triangle project, founded by his husband, Patrick Carney, and is a Golden Gate University faculty member as well as a Treasury Analyst for BART.) DJ Rockaway presented by Olivia spun tunes in celebration of Pride 2023. Sachet and Rockaway led the Name That Tune contest, which ended in a tie between Team Dykes on Bikes and an ad hoc team led by Suzan Revah ( http://www.suzanrevah.com/ ). The teams are being invited to return for a rematch!

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Benin is an internationally known multi-genre artist who hosts the annual Just Like a Woman concert held annually at the Freight & Salvage in Berkeley. She is widely acclaimed for her live performances at events such as Oakland’s Art & Soul. Accompanying Benin were Grammy winner Tammy Hall, legendary bassist Ruth Davis (whose discography includes several platinum and Grammy-winning recordings), and drummer Mark Lee, who has backed The. Pointer Sisters and many other artists. The audience, geared up to celebrate Pride Week in San Francisco, enthusiastically joined Benin in singalongs, call and response, and dancing in The Academy’s outdoor deck and garden space. Sachet thanked not only the presenting sponsor on behalf of the San Francisco Bay Times, but also The Academy SF, and additional sponsors Olivia Travel, Bacardí, Extreme Pizza, and the San Francisco Federal Credit Union. The next Divas & Drinks will be held on Friday, July 28, with details to be announced soon.

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http://www.academy-sf.com

“My only regret about being Gay is that I repressed it for so long.” —Armistead Maupin

By Donna Sachet

ride in San Francisco is back in full force, standing as a beacon to those who live elsewhere and do not share our freedoms, legal recognition, and unity. The month of June saw a plethora of Pride events, leading to the largest and most festive Pride Parade and Celebration in recent memory.

Our Pride Weekend began on Thursday, June 21, at The Academy for a panel discussion about the meaning of our celebrations and how much Pride itself has changed. Michelle Meow moderated a lively conversation between Graylin Thornton and Gary Virginia, covering a wide variety of thoughts, memories, and opinions, many contrasting, but all thought-provoking. The evening concluded in a unique fashion. Fred Small, the composer of the well-known song “Everything Possible,” happened to be in town for a conference and contacted the former Artistic Director of the SF Gay Men’s Chorus, Tim Seelig, who then contacted Betty Sullivan & Jen Viegas of this publication, who then suggested several opportunities for him while in town. After a single rehearsal, we performed together that night, Fred playing guitar and singing beautifully and this singing columnist joining him as a surprise to the audience. Somehow, it all worked nicely. What a treat to be able to perform with the composer of such an iconic song and to get to know the man behind the song! Thanks to Tim, Betty, Jen, and Fred. Saturday, July 15 Moulin Rouge Krewe de Kinque’s monthly fundraiser Benefits AIDS Walk SF & KdK team Midnight Sun, 4067 18th Street 4–7 pm $10 Beer/soda bust

The next night was the June Divas & Drinks, our third Pride Party at The Academy SF. This joint event of the Bay Times and The Academy along with loyal supporters Olivia Travel, Bacardí, Extreme Pizza, and the SF Federal Credit Union welcomed over 200 guests in a celebration of SF Pride. New partner Comcast sent representatives Adriana Arivzo, Joan Hammel, Jon Koriel, and other team members to promote their upcoming screening of the film To Wong Foo at the Castro Theatre. SF Pride leadership was on hand, including Former President of the Board Carolyn Wysinger, current President Nguyen Pham, and Executive Director Suzanne Ford, and the crowd joined in a birthday celebration for Dr. Hossein Carney. The special feature of the evening reflected the recent cover story of the Bay Times, namely Women’s Music, as singer Melanie DeMore introduced Rhonda Benin who led an ensemble (Tammy Hall, Ruth Davies, and Mark Lee) in a lively miniconcert. Never has the patio of The Academy heard such a wonderful selection of music, reminding us of a beautiful night at Stern Grove. A game of Name That Tune between Team Dykes on Bikes and Team Suzan Revah and Rusty Best wrapped up the event with a tie that hopefully will lead to a rematch.

Saturday, July 15 you/niQue From the creators of ShangriLa SF Birthday & Retirement party for Michael Daniels (Papasan) DJ Bugie, performance by Khmera Rouge Beaux, 2344 Market Street 9 pm–2 am Sunday, July 16 Help Is on the Way XXVII: Broadway & Beyond Richmond/Ermet Aid Foundation benefit for Project Open Hand Members of the touring cast of Les Miserables Lisa Vroman, David Burnham, Leanne Borghesi, Debby Holiday & more Live auction Marines’ Memorial Theater, 609 Sutter Street After-party at Beacon Grand Hotel, 450 Powell Street 7:30 pm $39 & up https://www.reaf-sf.org/

Believe it or not, we returned to The Academy the next night as hostess for a corporate party and to celebrate the birthday of Nate Bourg. Both events were full of fun and excitement, the perfect prelude to Pride Weekend. Gary Virginia & Donna Sachet’s Pride Brunch celebrated its 25th year on Saturday, June 24, at the Westin St. Francis Hotel in Union Square. How this event has grown! Over 350 guests enjoyed a 3-course served brunch, hosted Tito’s Handmade Vodka and Korbel bars, various entertainers, and remarks by Mayor London Breed, State Senator Scott Wiener, and State Assemblymember Matt Haney. All the Community Grand Marshals, Paul Agular, Honey Mahogany, Nas Mohamed, Laura Lala-Chavez, Breonna McCree, and Black Benatar, representing Drag Story Hour, were on hand to address the crowd. The live auction, conducted by Liam Mayclem, was wild and raffle tickets, sold by Gypsy Love, Suzan Revah, and Julian Marshburn, broke all records. That ballroom has never looked or felt so festive! And $78,000 was raised to support the life-changing work of PRC.

PHOTO COURTESY OF ROBERT CAMACHO

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

Donna Sachet with (left to right) Tim Miller, Robert Camacho, and Matthew Rothschild attending the Pride VIP reception on June 28, at the home of the Vice President in Washington, DC.

If any doubt remained that SF Pride was back, the following day’s Parade and Celebration reminded the world that San Francisco knows the meaning of LGBTQ+ Pride! An estimated one million people gathered up and down Market Street and in Civic Center, a powerful message of unity in the face of so many conflicting movements across the country. Not every day can be so empowering and celebratory, but for a brief 24 hours, we deserved some joy, some appreciation, and some proud demonstrations of San Francisco values. On Monday, the ongoing work continued. We’ll see you in the trenches! Donna Sachet is a celebrated performer, fundraiser, activist, and philanthropist who has dedicated over two decades to the LGBTQ Community in San Francisco. Contact her at empsachet@gmail.com PHOTO BY SHAWN NORTHCUTT

Friday, July 28 Divas & Drinks at The Academy Monthly party produced by the Bay Times & The Academy Emceed by Donna Sachet DJ presented by Olivia Travel Bacardí cocktails, Extreme Pizza Name That Tune game The Academy, 2166 Market Street 6–10 pm $15 https://tinyurl.com/y6cksukz Saturday, July 29 Judy vs Liza Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence benefit Connie Champagne, Suppositori Spelling, Lady Cuki Couture & more Beaux, 2344 Market Street 5–8 pm Sunday, July 30 Dore Alley Street Fair 11 am–6 pm Free! https://www.folsomstreet.org/

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JULY 13, 2023

Ms. Sachet Goes to Washington Ms. Sachet Goes to Washington By Donna Sachet

As I prepared, I didn’t make a very public announcement about my invitation, not wanting to upset any who might not be invited or be unable to attend. I waited until I was in D.C. before posting it on Facebook, in the hope that friends who were also there might reach out. Something about arriving at the heavily guarded residence of the Vice President by myself seemed quite daunting. I was amazed at the many comments on my post, congratulating me on this honor and declaring me to be a great representative of our city.

PHOTO COURTESY OF ROBERT CAMACHO

And if there was anything on my mind before going, it was that I would symbolically take our entire community with me. One of my few regrets was having to explain that this particular invitation did not include any plus one. I’ve had the pleasure of bringing along so many wonderful friends to so many events, truly sharing the experiences with them; but this was a solo trip and breaking that news to Michael Loftis, Richard Sablatura, Bob Brunson, Brian Benamati, and so many others was not an easy task.

Donna Sachet with (left to right) Tim Miller, Sasha Colby, Matthew Rothschild, and Robert Camacho SA N FRANCISCO BAY T I ME S

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That night reminded me of so many other nights when I have questioned my right to be attending an event. When you do drag as much as I do, the process becomes fairly routine, but in this case every glance in the mirror threw back a question at me. Why me? Would I fit in? Was it too late to turn back? That last question was only fleeting, but climbing into an Uber all by myself and giving the driver the address of the Naval Observatory—which is the official home of the Vice President of the United States—was a unique experience. After a short drive, we pulled up to a tree-covered estate with Secret Service everywhere and a line of colorfully dressed people snaking down the street. A little uncertain, especially about the most recent request to arrive early and take a different entrance, I exited the car cautiously. Within seconds, a guardian angel appeared; Matthew Rothschild, a friend from San Francisco, dressed in the perfect pastel seersucker suit, took me under his wing. We quickly cleared security, gained our identifying bracelets, and passed through the wrought iron gate, kindly assisted by friendly Vice-Presidential staff. We followed a wandering path up to the main house and entered what looked like a side door down a couple of hallways and into a rather small reception room where wine and iced water were being served in new glassware, purchased especially for the occasion, in rainbow colors. There, I began to see some others I knew, including Susan Leal & Susan Hirsch, Santa Clara Assemblymember Evan Low, Russell Roybal, Robert Camacho, some GLAAD Board members, and the amazing Manny Yekutiel. Matthew generously introduced me to several others familiar to him. At some point, we were guided into a loose line and directed towards a door where the official photo would be taken. As we had entered the residence, we were given an index-sized card with our names and a brief description, which we would then hand to the person who announced us for the photo moment. With little time to check my lips or hair, I heard, “Donna Sachet, singer, fundraiser, activist.” We were surrounded by maybe a dozen staffers and suddenly standing next to the Vice President and Second Gentleman. For a moment, the gravity of the situation disappeared as I gave Kamala a quick hug, thanked her for the invitation, and chatted with her like an old girlfriend. On cue, we turned to the official photographer and we were captured on film. As I left her, I thanked her again, awkwardly saying I didn’t know how I got on the guest list, and she said very calmly, “I put you on the list.” Imagine.

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Of course, I had myriad questions about the details of the event and was unsure how to get answers with so little time to prepare. The reception was being co-hosted by GLAAD; maybe that was my connection, since I had co-chaired three GLAAD Media Awards in San Francisco many years ago. How many people are going? What is the program of the event? What does “smart casual” mean? And most importantly, will drag be welcomed? Accepting the invitation required answering a list of security questions with clear warnings that the personal identification used must match perfectly with the guest invited. Within a few days, the Social Secretary for the Vice President had answered my questions and quelled my fears. “Arriving in your drag persona is not an issue at all,” she wrote. Now, I could pack for the trip.

How could there be anything more special than simply attending? Now, I would be welcomed inside their home, have a personal moment with the hosts, and get an official photo of my visit. Suddenly, I was glad that I had packed three different outfits so that I would have options. The only clue I had about what to wear was that phrase “smart casual” on the invitation. My classic St. John suit seemed too buttoned up and probably too warm. The black cocktail dress was too dressy and serious. I would wear the short red summer dress with lace shoulders and sleeves with simple pearls.

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But, to be honest, I was so surprised that I called my good friend Mark Leno, asking if he knew anything about this event and why I might have made the guest list. Gentleman and friend that he is, he said, “Donna, your modesty is showing.” Thank you, Mark. So, I made some fast phone calls, carefully covering some local commitments, most notably the Comcast screening of To Wong Foo, Thanks for Everything! Julie Newmar, (read all about it elsewhere in this issue), cobbled together the funds to finance the trip, and made my reservations for Washington, D.C.

I arrived in D.C. the day before the reception scheduled for Wednesday, June 28, giving me time to settle into the Dupont Circle Hotel. Remarkably, I identified no one else I knew who had been invited or was attending. In preparation, I carefully reviewed the email invitation and answers to my questions and discovered an unread email from that day! I was requested to arrive a bit ear“Pride is patriotism!” - Vice President Kamala Harris lier and to enter https://tinyurl.com/3styj6sv through a slightly different entrance as part of a VIP group who would enjoy individual one-on-ones with the Vice President and Second Gentleman inside the residence, while the main event began around the pool outside. PHOTO COURTESY OF GLADD/GETTY IMAGES

During the week of San Francisco Pride, I received an email invitation to a Pride Reception by Vice President Kamala Harris at her residence. To say I was surprised would be a great understatement. Indeed, I do know Kamala Harris and I was involved in her campaigns for San Francisco District Attorney, California Attorney General, U.S. Senator, and Vice President, and I happily attended each of her victory parties at Delancey Street, but I am sure many others did more. We have run into each other at many events over the years and she has been in my home for social occasions.

Admiral Rachel Levine, MD, Assistant Secretary for Health, and Matthew R with Donna Sachet at the poolside reception

Kate Ellis, young student Sam Charney, and Douglas Second Gentleman. (Think about it.) Then followed a crow President Kamala Harris took the microphone and spoke a rageously, and personally. You can easily imagine the conte ahead of us, but we are a resilient, creative group and Pride mal program over, she and her husband greeted a few and g became even more animated, many contacts were made, an gleamed through tree branches, the pool and its surroundin to a close.

Some will read this account with amusement at my pencha it is my intention to share my feelings and the actual experi Franciscans, I truly felt like a chosen emissary, reuniting wi

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PHOTO COURTESY OF OFFICE OF THE VICE PRESIDENT

We’ve all been places that amazed us, met people who thrilled us, and experienced things we might never have conceived, but Kamala Harris has always made me feel at ease, talking directly with me, often with humor and personal vulnerability. She has Conversation was animated, led a life of remarkable knowing glances of recogniachievement and I feel tion abounded, and the program like I have shared some began. Sasha Colby, winner of part of that journey. To be last season’s RuPaul’s Drag Race, included in this very speDonna Sachet with California Rothschild emceed and a handful of speakAssemblyman Evan Low at the Vice cial Pride Reception was ers addressed the crowd, includPresident’s residence a significant and greatly ing GLAAD President Sarah appreciated gesture and s Emhoff, who playfully introduced himself as the First she welcomed me into her home and into wd-pleasing song delivered by Alex Newell. Finally, Vice her tremendously elevated position with as I have heard her speak so many times, genuinely, couwarmth and graciousness. I will cherish the ent, but suffice it to say, her theme was that we have work evening of June 28, 2023, for a very long e is patriotism. The assemblage was ecstatic! With the fortime. Thank you, Kamala! gradually disappeared into their home. Conversations nd a happy crowd began to disperse. As the sunset Donna Sachet is a celebrated performer, ng patio lit up, and the night of so much preparation came fundraiser, activist, and philanthropist who has dedicated over two decades to the LGBTQ Community in San Francisco. ant for drama and childish entrancement with celebrity, but Contact her at empsachet@gmail.com ience that this event was. In the absence of many other San ith a friend, but also there to demonstrate San Francisco’s

Sunday’s a Drag Returns Donna Sachet’s beloved Sunday’s a Drag returns, for the first time since 2020, on Sundays in August (Aug. 6, 13, 20 and 27) Club Fugazi 678 Green Street http://www.clubfugazisf.com

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support and encouragement. If you are reading this, you were there with me in the nation’s Capital.

Tony award-winning performer Alex Newell https://www.facebook.com/725975373/videos/241229472001645/

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We were ushered through a different door into a waiting room where I admit having to sit down for a second to gather my wits. An aide thanked us and handed us each a commemorative fan bearing the seal of the Vice President and her autograph on a field of rainbow colors. Then another door opened and we were in the yard headed to the poolside gathering. About 300 guests milled around the pool as waiters passed hors d’oeuvres and bartenders served refreshing gin cocktails. What a diverse group from the LGBTQ+ Community it was, including familiar faces like White House Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre, Bobby Berk of Queer Eye, Sandy Stier & Kris Perry, Admiral Rachel L. Levine, Assistant Secretary for Health & Human Services, in uniform, and Ariana DeBose.

PHOTO COURTESY OF GLAAD/GETTY IMAGES

Donna Sachet at the Front Gate entrance to the Vice President’s residence at the U.S. Naval Observatory in Washington, D.C.

PHOTO COURTESY OF GLAAD/GETTY IMAGES

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For the first time ever, the annual Pride Brunch co-hosted by Donna Sachet and Gary Virginia was a near-immediate sell-out, netting more than $75,000, a record-setting amount for the second year in a row in support of PRC, which is a longstanding nonprofit serving thousands of people affected by HIV/AIDS, substance use, or mental health issues. More than 350 guests showed up in vibrant outfits for the event, filling the ballroom at the Westin St. Francis hotel at Union Square on Saturday, June 24, 2023.

Sachet added, “Rarely do we see such a joyful coming together of the LGBTQI+ community as Gary Virginia and Donna Sachet’s Pride Brunch! We are so proud to continue this 25-year tradition while raising significant funds for PRC.”

Speakers included Mayor London Breed, State Senator Scott Wiener, State Assemblyman Matt Haney, PRC CEO Teng, and Pride Grand Marshals Paul Agular, Laura Lala-Chavez, Honey Mahogany, Breonna McCree, Dr. Nasser Mohamed, and Black Benatar from the Drag Story Hour. Auctioneer Liam Mayclem led an exciting live auction, and performances were presented by DJ Jimmy Strano, flow artists Fiona Davidson and Jouke Lanning, powerhouse vocalist Carly Ozard, violinist and Bay Times columnist Kippy Marks, and the San Francisco Lesbian/ Gay Freedom Band. The San Francisco Bay Times & “Betty’s List” are proud to have been honored as Legacy Partners along with Steve Adams, Randy Arnold, Sharon Chism, Michael Daniels, Deana Dawn, Dixieland Dykes + 3, Rusty Gaspard, Karin Jaffe, Richard Lopez, Tom Taylor, and Ingu Yun.

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Virginia shared: “Every element of this year’s benefit befitted our 25th anniversary: record attendance and sponsors, all Grand Marshals present to deliver powerful remarks, the historical display honoring Legacy Partners and posters since 1999, an exciting live auction and raffle drawing, amazing performances, florals, balloons, bars, the band, and more! Pride Brunch is a bucket list event for anyone in town for San Francisco Pride.”

PHOTO COURTESY OF PRC

“I was moved beyond words witnessing community members, friends, supporters, and elected officials come together to celebrate Pride and the Grand Marshals,” PRC CEO Chuan Teng said. “As I listened to each Grand Marshal speak, I felt so humbled by each one’s experience and privileged to be amongst such great leaders.”

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25th Anniversary Pride Brunch

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http://www.prc.org

Solidarity Dinner for Asian, Black, and LGBTQI+ Communities Helped Kick Off Pride Month On Tuesday, June 5, 2023, the San Francisco Department on the Status of Women, in partnership with Asian Women’s Shelter, Black Women Revolt Against Domestic Violence, the Office of Transgender Initiatives, and the Human Rights Commission, hosted a solidarity dinner entitled Asian & Black Pride: Building Community Solidarity One Meal at a Time at the Chorus Hall at 30 Otis Street in San Francisco. “Now more than ever, our beautiful and diverse communities must come together to break down barriers, strengthen relationships, and build coalitions to make sure that justice and equality for everyone can be truly realized,” said Kimberly Ellis, Director of the Department on the Status of Women.

“United we stand and divided we fall. Our department will continue to serve as a convener—bridging gaps, finding solutions, and bringing people together in solidarity around our shared values.”

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Photos Courtesy of SF Department on the Status of Women

The dinner’s primary purpose was to bring together people from all walks of life within communities that have historically been pitted against each other, oftentimes resulting in misunderstanding, mistrust, and fear. A five-course fusion meal was curated by Chef Eva Morris—head Chef at Voodoo Love—and lauded personal Chef Monica Lee. https://tinyurl.com/pe37sttt

20th Anniversary Trans March San Francisco Bay Times columnist Joanie Juster was among the many who participated in the 2023 Trans March, which marked the annual tradition’s 20th Anniversary. The March took place on Friday, June 23.

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She added, “The March was long, defiant, and joyful, with nothing but enthusiastic support along the way. I hope photos and videos from the March give encouragement and hope to trans and gender non-conforming people living in less-welcoming communities around the country.”

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As reported by Juster, who met with friends Sister Merry Peter and Carlos Medal: “The March began at 18th & Dolores with a powerful die-in, symbolizing the proliferation of anti-trans bills enacted in red states around the country that are doing serious harm to trans people everywhere. ‘Your Bills Are Killing Us,’ said their signs, as the orange jump-suited marchers wore the offending bills’ numbers on their backs.”

https://www.transmarch.org/

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CELEBRATING FOUR DECADES (1978–2023)

San Francisco Pride Parade 2023 ‘Looking Back and Moving Forward’ San Francisco Pride President Nguyen Pham along with other board members, staff, volunteers, and supporters carried the banner officially opening the 53rd Annual SF LGBT Pride Parade on Sunday, June 25. “Pride was founded as a riot and has since evolved into a celebration, which is a powerful mode of collective resistance,” said Pham. “We are thrilled to be celebrating these most honorable luminaries, all of whom reflect the evolution not only of the makeup of our community, but also of our broader movement and where we’re going. The inclusivity of this group is an uplifting representation of our queer POC community especially. Given the tidal wave of bigotry in red states, namely the record number of anti-queer and anti-trans legislative actions, this cohort of our honorees is at the leading edge of our fight against the hate.

MIKE KIRSCHNER

As in previous years, the Dykes on Bikes® motorcycle contingent launched from their lineup position from the California & Drumm intersection on Market Street. They were accompanied by participants riding scooters, bicycles, and more. Kate Brown, Ph.D., who is the Dykes on Bikes President, and other officers led the way as the first to complete the route. Accompanying the contingent was their legendary service vehicle, the “K. Anne Rickertsen Memorial Helmet Truck,” fully staffed by its volunteer team. Also appearing early in the Parade were the Resistance Contingent and contingents representing Congressional, California State Legislature, and City of San Francisco elected officials and department leaders; and vehicles transporting the 2023 SF Pride Parade Grand Marshals. Upon completing the Parade route, participants were welcomed to the turning point at 8th Street by Suzanne Ford, SF Pride Executive Director, and a core of dedicated Parade volunteers.

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SF Pride Volunteers

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Grand Marshals

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Holly Near, Linda Tillery, and Other Women’s Music Legends Featured in the 2023 SF Bay Times Pride Parade Contingent “Celebrating 50 Years of Women’s Music” was the theme of the San Francisco Bay Times 2023 SF Pride Parade contingent that featured not only Women’s Music legends, but also many Bay Times team members, advertisers, and supporters at the parade, which was held on Sunday, June 25. Performers and activists Holly Near, Linda Tillery, and Melanie DeMore were the Women’s Music Coordinators. Joining them were Joyce Bake, Ginny Berson, Lou Fischer, Leslie Ann Jones, Sandy Linton, Amy Meyers, Sandy Morris, Sally Ann Nichols, Sarah Bush Dance Project, Suzanne Shanbaum, Nancy Vogl, Debra Walker (who was contingent hopping), Sharon Washington, and numerous others.

Health; and Elizabeth Tucker—whom DeMore nicknamed ET because she seemingly can handle “everything”! Special thanks to Chief Jeanine Nicholson and the SFFD ESER team. Thanks also to all others who helped out with, rode in, walked alongside, or otherwise cheered on the Bay Times 2023 contingent. Please join us for the Appreciation Party at The Academy SF on August 25. The event will also be a fundraiser for Tillery to help with expenses following a few major medical procedures that she is having this month. Whether it is coming together for a parade or helping out an individual in need, the LGBTQ community time and again demonstrates its spirit, dedication, and compassion for others. These are qualities that we can all truly take pride in and continue to cultivate well beyond June.

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Music was also provided by two renowned DJs: DJ Rockaway presented by Olivia Travel ( https://www.djrockaway.com/ ) and DJ Val G ( https://valgeezy.com/ ).

The San Francisco Bay Times thanks all who helped with the contingent. They include Karen E. Bardsley, Contingent Manager; Warren Alderson (rocking a stylish kilt) and Steve Scheitlin, Contingent Managers; Steve Harrison, Front Banners Manager; Juan R. Davila (in an incredible botanical-inspired costume), Volunteer Troupe Coordinator; Leticia Lopezz (also in a gorgeous costume matching that of Davila’s); Jade Martner, Hospitality; Fran Herman & Audry deLucia, Production; Laura Martel & Marla Foreman, Vehicle Managers; Andrew Smith, Nicole Ritthaler and Stacy Marshall, Big Bus Tours; Autumn Nazaria, Logistics Coordinator for Olivia Travel; Suzanne Ford, Executive Director of SF Pride; Olivia Passlacqua, Logistics Coordinator for NAPA Cellars; Winemaker Joe Shirley and other joyous members of the NAPA Cellars team; Todd Parent and Suzanne Duhig, Extreme Pizza; Gail Isono, Harbor Court Hotel; the UCSF National Center for Excellence in Women’s

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JULY 13, 2023

is about 7.2 percent. This trend, however, is feeding the antigay and anti-trans movement that has taken firm hold on the country in recent years. I just watched an ad from Casey DeSantis that focuses on “standing up for kids,” and includes a scene from a Pride parade where everyone’s chanting “we’re coming for your children,” long a satiric gay meme that is now being portrayed as an actual threat.

AIDS Walk: Why We Keep Walking I was cleaning house the other day, and stumbled upon a letter I had written in January 1990, to a fellow Names Project volunteer I had worked with at the Quilt display in Washington, D.C., the previous October. The letter took me tumbling back in time: “I just spoke with Rebecca at the Names Project. It was very sad—all sorts of depressing news. I was telling her about all the wonderful photos I took of various volunteers who worked with us, and asked for their addresses. But every one of them is currently in the hospital or immobilized at home. It’s almost unreal.” I put down the letter and cried. That was then, this is now. Today testing positive for HIV is no longer an automatic death sentence. Many live long and productive lives with HIV. But that doesn’t mean there isn’t still work to do. Infection rates rose during the pandemic, long-term survivors are in need of care, and there are still inequities in the medical and social network systems that make it harder for marginalized communities to access the treatment they need. Small local nonprofits need all the help they can get to keep doing their good work. AIDS Walk is a lifeline for many, raising money that stays right in our community. Anyone can walk, and anyone can help. I know this because I’ve been walking for this critical fundraiser since 1988. Please join us for AIDS Walk in Robin Williams Meadow in Golden Gate Park on Sunday, July 16. Sections of the AIDS Memorial Quilt will be on display on Hippie Hill. To volunteer, to support an individual walker or a team, or to just make a general donation, go to https://sf.aidswalk.net/ There you have it, my friends: your marching orders for this week are to sparkle, walk, and fight. I hope to see you all at the 2023 AIDS Walk!

And news reports that suggest the rising generation is twice as gay as they were a few years ago feeds right into these fears, does it not? Our fight for marriage equality was all about adults, and we were the victims of unfair rules and regulations that demonized committed couples. The image of an elderly widow assessed $300,000 and change for taxes on her own property brought down the Defense of Marriage Act. It was no accident that the plaintiffs in our marriage cases around the country were fine citizens with longstanding relationships. And despite media reports to the contrary, it wasn’t an overnight victory, but a decades-long battle for marriage rights. But this fight, our continuing fight, is for a place in society and for true equality, not as victims of never-ending discrimination, but as fellow Americans. It’s a more complicated debate, and it’s not one we will win using an old approach of “us vs. them” unless the “us” includes, not just our community, but a solid majority of our country. arostow@aol.com

TING (continued from pg 9) In its first month of operation, the hotline is already proving to be a valuable tool. Preliminary data shows 180 incidents were reported statewide. Race and ethnicity were most commonly cited, followed by religion and sexual orientation.

PHOTO BY MIKE KIRSCHNER

The Brave New Voices festival, including Queeriosity, will take place at the San Francisco War Memorial & Performing Arts Center. Queeriosity is scheduled for 9 pm on Thursday, July 20. More info and tickets: https://tinyurl.com/bdfee22j

One thing is clear. Our adversaries are using children as the vehicle to attack every aspect of GLBT rights based on fear. Fear that kids will be turned gay through books at school, through celebrations of Pride, through rainbow toys, or gay movie characters. Fear that boys will want to be girls and vice versa and society will allow them to change genders at will, maybe with medical help. Fear that drag shows and parades sexualize children.

If you experience a hate incident, I encourage you to contact the California vs. Hate hotline to not only report what happened to you, but also to get the support you need. Additionally, reporting your case will help policymakers, like me, to get a fuller picture of hate in our state. This will, in turn, enable us to take more steps to address it.

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At a time when queer youth are under attack across the country, it is especially important to listen to them. Brave New Voices, which bills itself as the world’s premier youth poetry event, amplifies those voices. Each year it convenes young poets and leading artists in a different U.S. city for three days of arts education, performance, and narrative change. This year it is back in San Francisco, where it all started. There are several different events, but what caught my eye was “Queeriosity.” One of the longest-running programs at Youth Speaks, this LGBTQIA+ event explores personal and historical narratives that (re)frame perceptions of language, sexuality, and gender. The workshop is created as a safe place for a diverse population of queer youth to be their authentic selves, and be not just welcomed, but celebrated.

PHOTO BY MIKE KIRSCHNER

Brave New Voices

The ad, promoting “Mamas for DeSantis,” also includes shots of transgender women athletes, babies shrieking while being forced into Covid masks, and a small child facing a leather man wearing a horse head. “When you come after our kids,” Casey promises, “we fight back!” The ad is well-executed and effective in contrast to her husband’s bizarre antigay ad that placed DeSantis’ most draconian attacks in an unflattering spotlight. It makes you wonder who authorized the nasty attack ad versus who created the “Mamas for DeSantis” kids’ champion ad. It feels as if these commercials were generated by two completely separate campaigns. Or perhaps Casey DeSantis stepped in to mitigate the backlash caused by the original spot.

More SF PRIDE

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JOYRide as a weekly dance party at the White Horse Inn in Oakland, which may be the oldest operating gay bar in the country. After several weeks of joyfully rocking the place, Hodel is dialing it back just a bit to a monthly dance party, instead of weekly. She announced on Facebook: “We have had an amazing run so far. The energy is completely settling in. And the vibe is just right. What we ARE going to do now is convert it to a MONTHLY party ... so everyone can be there together on the same night ... . Now we fine tune to make it EXACTLY what the community, our community, wants and needs ... . Hot summer nights dancing!!!!”The next party will be on Saturday, August 5, at the White Horse Inn, 6551 Telegraph Avenue, Oakland, from 8–12 pm. Wear your dancing shoes and be prepared to boogie.

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ROSTOW (continued from pg 7)

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JUSTER (continued from pg 4)

Phil Ting represents the 19th Assembly District, which includes the west side of San Francisco along with the communities of Broadmoor, Colma, and Daly City, as well as part of South San Francisco and San Bruno.

Councilmember At-Large and Council President Rebecca Kaplan, who is the Vice Mayor of Oakland, was elected in 2008 to serve as Oakland’s citywide Councilmember; she was re-elected in 2016 and 2020. She also serves on the Alameda County Transportation Commission (ACTC). Follow Councilmember Kaplan on Twitter @Kaplan4Oakland ( https://tinyurl.com/2dtjmazc ) and Facebook ( https://tinyurl.com/2p9dd5ta ).

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KAPLAN (continued from pg 9)

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

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San Francisco Bay Times Volunteers Making It Happen Annually!

LGBTQ News & Calendar for the Bay Area

CELEBRATING FOUR DECADES (1978–2023)

The San Francisco Bay Times is grateful for the volunteers and supporters who regularly contribute their time, expertise, and resources, making possible our ongoing community services. The assistance they provide, from photography to assembling goodie bags, assures the success of multiple events we co-produce and promote on a monthly basis throughout the year.

PHOTO COURTESY OF BETTY L. SULLIVAN

During Pride Month in June, our volunteer team rises to the occasion to ensure the success of the Divas & Drinks at The Academy SF event series, our award-winning contingent in the San Francisco Pride Parade, information booth at the Pride Festival held at Civic Center, and other Priderelated events we participate in as Media Sponsors.

We are grateful to the entire leadership team of our San Francisco Pride Parade contingent as well as those who devoted many hours to behindthe-scenes tasks, generously giving resources, motivation, artistic expression, and more. Sincere thanks to Volunteer Coordinators Juan R. Davila and Leticia Lopezz and to the entire team who assisted in multiple ways: Andrea Aguirre, Grace Aguirre, Ramon Aleman, Drew Bernard, Alexia Carranza, Irene Francés, Aviva Kazdan, Nicholás Madrona, James Martinez, Eli Vare, Miguel Vázquez, Olivia Scheffler, Araceli Smith, and others.

PHOTO COURTESY OF JUAN R. DAVILA

Plans are underway for our annual post-Pride Volunteer Appreciation Party to be held on Friday, August 25, which will also be a benefit supporting the healthcare needs of singer, musician, educator, and activist Linda Tillery. To find out more about the plans, please send a message to Publisher@sfbayimes.com

PHOTO BY ELIZABETH TUCKER

PHOTO COURTESY OF JUAN R. DAVILA

PHOTO BY KARINA PATEL PHOTO BY KARINA PATEL

PHOTO COURTESY OF JUAN R. DAVILA

PHOTO BY KARINA PATEL

PHOTO COURTESY OF JUAN R. DAVILA

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PHOTO COURTESY OF JUAN R. DAVILA

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We hope you will enjoy the collection of images presented here and we encourage you to send additional ones that you may have available. More information is presented in this issue, on all pages related to Pride 2023, about the Bay Times stellar volunteers.

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JULY 13, 2023

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

Queer Documentaries and Shorts to See at the San Francisco Jewish Film Festival

Film Gary M. Kramer The 43rd San Francisco Jewish Film Festival will take place July 20–August 6. This year’s program will open with Remembering Gene Wilder, about the comic actor, and will close with Bella!, about Bella Abzug’s legacy. In between, gay Bay Area filmmaker H.P. Mendoza will screen his new film, The Secret Art of Human Flight, and LGBTQ advocate and activist Lisa Edelstein will be honored with the Freedom of Expression award. The festival will also include three queerthemed documentaries as well as a trio of gay and lesbian shorts. Here is a rundown of what to catch at this year’s fest. Among the non-fiction selections, one of the highlights this year is the documentary Queen of the Deuce, which profiles the formidable Chelly Wilson, a Greek-Jewish woman who owned and operated a handful of porno theaters in New York City in the 1970s–1980s. (She lived above the Eros theater, which showed gay male porn films.) Wilson was larger than life: a tomboy back in Greece, she bristled at being married off as a young woman. She left her young daughter with a friend so she could come to America, where she became a successful businesswoman. Returning to Greece, she retrieved her daughter and eventually started working in the film business. At first she showed Greek films, but she later moved into soft- and hardcore adult films, which were extremely lucrative. She also was queer, having relationships with several women, and creating a chosen family, despite being married to a man. Queen of the Deuce uses photographs, home movie footage, animation, and marvelous anecdotes by Chelly’s daughters, grandchildren, and associates to present her remarkable life. This is a fun doc about a fascinating woman.

A disappointing entry is Desperate Souls, Dark City and the Legend of Midnight Cowboy that plays out like a tedious DVD commentary track. The documentary, by Nancy Buirski, features a few interesting nuggets, including Jon Voight’s screen test, to discussions about the film’s rating controversy, as well as observations about how gay Jewish director John Schlesinger’s feelings of not fitting in informed his work. However, much of this film is a slog with lengthy digressions about Schlesinger’s childhood, his other films, other films of the era, as well as film clips and photographs of New York in the late 1960s–early 1970s that are all meant to contextualize the few salient points Buirski makes about how the British filmmaker viewed American culture and society. Dustin Hoffman’s remarks are limited to a previously recorded interview about how he studied a guy in New York to “find” his character Ratso Rizzo’s limp. The point that Midnight Cowboy was something counterculture that became mainstream—it was a critical and commercial success—is made repeatedly, diluting its impact with each pronouncement. There are brief and mostly pointless appearances by Edmund White, Brian DePalma, and Michael Childers (Schlesinger’s husband). The film emphasizes that Schlesinger made a drama about the tenderness between two men, and boldly featured gay content to two scenes, one of which is discussed at length here. The impact Midnight Cowboy had is important, but this haphazardly assembled and unfocused film feels irrelevant. The San Francisco Jewish Film Festival also gives moviegoers another chance to see Nelly and Nadine, a moving documentary that uncovers the hidden history and “double lives” of its titular subjects: Nelly MoussetVos and Nadine Hwang. They met in the Ravensbrück concentration camp and began a romance that continued after the war. Filmmaker Magnus Gertten follows Nelly’s granddaughter, Sylvie, as she pieces together the story through letters, diaries, photographs, Super-8 films, and interviews with folks who knew the couple. This lyrical and inspiring film recounts Nelly and Nadine’s experiences during the war, as well as their hope—and will—to both survive and be together.

Diving In

Among the shorts, the amusing Diving In has Rachel (Maria Dizzia) and Yael (Gloria Bess) coupling up one night. While it is said that the eyes are windows to the soul, this short proves that another opening can reveal much about a person. What transpires is as startling as it is funny—and it is best left for viewers to discover. The leads handle the unusual situation with aplomb, which is why Diving In is so much fun. I Missed You at Synagogue has teenager Carmel (Nir Knaan) learning that his classmates Michal (Neomi Harari) and Ido (Ido Tako) have broken up. This gives him the opportunity to get close to Ido, whom he secretly loves. But can a relationship develop? Writer/director Hanan Brandes builds the tension as the youths smoke a cigarette and wrestle on Carmel’s bed before something happens that may change everything. This is a slight short, but it captures the feelings of a same-sex crush with authenticity. Arava depicts the title character (Batèl Zaharaa Mann) spending the weekend—she’s in rehab—with her best friend Tzipi (Swell Ariel Or). They decide to go to Tzfat to “talk to saints in their graves” as they believe it is good luck; both have bad energy. They hitchhike to Tzfat and meet Haim (Itamar Rotschild), who takes them to his apartment, feeds them, and lets them crash. Arava shows how Tzipi impacts everyone she encounters, but it is how Arava processes her romantic feelings towards her friend that gives this short its power.

Queen of the Deuce

I Missed You at Synagogue

© 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

Nelly and Nadine

Desperate Souls, Dark City and the Legend of Midnight Cowboy

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JULY 13, 2023

COMCAST AFTERGLOW @ THE CASTRO THEATRE

2023 Comcast Pride Afterglow Packs Castro Theatre, Benefits Equality CA and the SF LGBT Center

Photos: Don Feria for Comcast.

Comcast, in partnership with the San Francisco Bay Times, presented Pride Afterglow on June 28, 2023, at the Castro Theatre. The event included a free screening of the film To Wong Foo, Thanks for Everything! Julie Newmar, free concessions, photos, and a program co-hosted by Bay Times columnist and renowned film critic Jan Wahl and Absolute Empress 50 Khmera Rouge. Julie Newmar initially hoped to attend, but suffered a fall and was represented by her brother, winemaker and LGBTQ community member and supporter John Newmeyer. (Julie is now on the mend and will soon be celebrating her 90th birthday!) Newmeyer shared memories about his sister, his own life, and recollections about the film, which was the first major Hollywood release to focus on drag. The evening began in classic Castro fashion with David Hegarty playing a selection of film and Broadway-themed tunes on the theatre’s mighty organ. The packed house enthusiastically cheered and applauded as the organ lowered and Hegarty took his bows. Comcast Senior Vice President David Tashjian presented $25,000 to Equality California, accepted by Tom Temprano—the nonprofit’s Managing Director of External Affairs—and $25,000 as well to the SF LGBT Center, accepted by Jennifer Valles, the Center’s Director of Programs. As confetti rained down virtually from the overhead screen, both expressed how the funding will help sustain critical work. The film then took center stage, reminding attendees how magical such showings are at the beautiful and historic Castro Theatre. Although the movie was first released in 1995, its primary themes seem just as relevant today and perhaps even more so, given the ongoing recent attacks on the drag and trans communities. The Bay Times wishes to thank Donna Sachet for helping with the programming, The Academy SF for assisting with promotions, the Comcast team, co-hosts, and all who helped make the event possible. The Bay Times also thanks everyone who attended; filmgoers at the Castro Theatre often become part of the show. In this case, attendees cheered the heroes of the film, such as Noxeema Jackson, Vida Boheme, and Chi-Chi Rodriguez, and booed and hissed at the villains: Sheriff Dollard (“Dullard”) and Virgil. A video showing highlights from the memorable evening capping off Pride 2023 is at the Bay Times YouTube channel: https://tinyurl.com/rkpw89yu

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COMCAST AFTERGLOW @ THE CASTRO THEATRE

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

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

JULY 13, 2023

Shalom Wonderful San Francisco Jewish Film Festival!

Off the Wahl Jan Wahl

From our remarkable Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence to questioning agnostics to firm atheists and everyone in between, we all look inside for our beliefs. In part because of this, the Jewish culture, religion, or whatever you call it is multi-layered, diverse, textured, and colored in every hue of human existence. Even through overt and covert antisemitism, hate threats, and idiots of all kinds, it survives. It’s a culture of strong women, who learn early to handle family finances and speak truth to power. The humor is witty and wry, from Fiddler on the Roof to Mel Brooks to Adam Sandler. Sandler’s latest movie is titled You Are So Not Invited to My Bat Mitzvah. The ability to find laughs in gloom is shared by the Irish and others, but we’ve perfected it in numbers like “Springtime for Hitler” and “The Inquisition.” Thank you for those, Mr. Brooks! Brooks brings us to Gene Wilder. Remembering Gene Wilder is a terrific documentary chronicling the life of this gifted artist. Director Ron Frank uses archival films, interviews with Brooks and many others, as well as Wilder’s heartbreaking battle with dementia. We learn how such an unusual character actor made the transition to leading man and writer/director. His personal life is examined in his deep love for his wives. There is also a fascinating look at his relationship with Richard Pryor, as well as Wilder’s quirky and volatile personality. Remembering Gene Wilder is the Opening Night film for this year’s San Francisco Jewish Film Festival. Jay Rosenblatt is the Festival’s Director of Programming. He has curated 67 films this year including world premieres, tributes, panels, and documentaries. Sharing a building with Frameline and CAAM, this Jewish Festival draws LBGTQ and Asian stories, as well as those that are international, romantic, controversial, and humorous. Jay loved telling me about Queen of the Deuce, a Greek woman’s tale of becoming a porn impresario. There is also Desperate Souls, 4

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Dark City and the Legend of Midnight Cowboy, giving us the backstory on that brilliant classic film, and Bella! about groundbreaking and gutsy Bella Abzug. Fractured Lens: Divergent Perspectives on Israel and Palestine highlights stories of Israelis, Palestinians, and American Jews grappling with their relationship with the Jewish state. My Neighbor Adolf is about a cranky, suspicious Holocaust survivor in South America who is convinced his neighbor is Hitler. Get ready to laugh during a nostalgic journey to The Catskills, a celebration of vacation resorts in the Borscht Belt that paints a vibrant picture of Jewish recreational life in 20th century America. Academy Award nominated filmmaker (Hoop Dreams) Steve James directs A Compassionate Spy about the youngest physicist on the Manhattan Project and his race against Germany to create the first atomic bomb. Those are just a few of this year’s offerings at the 43rd annual Jewish Film Festival, which takes place from July 20 to August 6. For more information and to purchase tickets, go to: https://jfi.org/sfjff-2023 There are many Jewish-themed films that I return to in my life: Hester Street, A Majority of One, The Diary of Anne Frank, Judgement at Nuremberg, Crossing Delancey, the aforementioned Fiddler on the Roof, Woman in Gold, An American Tail, Schindler’s List, Exodus, Defiance, Funny Girl ... oy, it never stops! 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

My Neighbor Adolf

Remembering Gene Wilder

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

Three Writers and a Publicist Walk Into a Bar spoke with each about their books and how I admired their self-promotional drive. It’s not an easy road to navigate. Allow me to introduce to you some great summer reads written by these wonderful authors.

Words Michele Karlsberg Michele Karlsberg: This past March I presented a workshop on publicity and marketing for writers at the Saints and Sinners Literary Festival in New Orleans. I spoke about how important networking is, along with recognizing opportunities that are right in front of you. I also told the attendees that I have a column in the San Francisco Bay Times that highlights books. I said all with a smile and a wink, but this is how I met K.M. Soehnlein, Jobert E. Abueva, and Rob Graves. I later

Jobert E. Abueva - Boy Wonder: A Coming of Age Memoir Jobert surely took his time, learned his craft, and studied the book world. Then he landed a book deal with Rattling Good Yarns Press. Recently he was awarded The J. Michael Samuel Prize, which honors emerging LGBTQ writers over the age of 50. A child TV personality from a prominent Filipino family and the son of an accomplished academic, Jobert was a high achiever at his all-boys Catholic international school in Tokyo, Japan. Whatever he did, he had to be the best, racking up achievements. He was a favorite among his fellow students, who

elected him three times to the student council as class president, vice president, and president. Jobert was a triple all-star winner at the brain bowl interschool academic competition. He was in the debate and speech teams, and was a varsity track hero. He wrote for the school newspaper and yearbook and performed in school plays. He was a golden boy who could do no wrong. But Jobert had a secret nobody could know. After school, he led a clandestine existence turning tricks with foreign male guests at Tokyo’s world-renowned Imperial Hotel. So, it’s not surprising that he had to be the best and was handsomely paid for it. It was more exciting and earned better pay than waiting tables. A BMOC (Big Man on Campus), he juggled dual identities of boy wonder and boy toy, sure that if exposed, he would be shunned by his friends and devastate all who groomed him for greatness. Jobert is a winner of the Writer’s Advice Flash Memoir contest. He is also a recipient of the Arch and Bruce Brown Foundation Literary Award for historical LGBTQ short fiction and received two National Arts Club literary scholarships. Read more at https://www.jobertabueva.net/ K.M. Soehnlein - Army of Lovers, A Novel When you meet K. M., you feel Act Up, Fight Back energy all around you. His energy alone makes for great self-promotion. Army of Lovers follows a young gay man swept up in the excitement, fury, and poignancy of the AIDS activist group ACT UP. Arriving in New York City full of idealism, Paul (continued on page 22)

Lit Snax Cosmoknights Book Two by Hannah Templer Behold: Here is the long-awaited sequel to the sexiest and most riveting lesbian graphic novel space saga! Red, White & Royal Blue by Casey McQuiston This is a fun, easy read about an international gay romance between America’s First Son and a British prince. Read it before the movie comes out! From Castro to Christopher: Gay Streets of America 1979–1986 by Nicholas Blaier, with an introduction by Jim Farber The dazzling black and white photos depict the zany, sexy heyday of the nation’s “gayborhoods.” Readers of a certain age may experience flashbacks, and younger readers can get a history lesson. https://www.fabulosabooks.com/

Top of your stack

RECOMMENDATIONS FROM BOOK PASSAGE

The Celebrants (fiction - hardbound) by Steven Rowley From the author who brought us Guncle, Steven Rowley now gives us A Big Chill for our times, celebrating decadeslong friendships and promises—especially to ourselves. It’s been years since Jordan Vargas last saw his college friends, and twenty-eight years since their graduation. Now they all find themselves at the brink of a new decade, with all the responsibilities of adulthood, yet no closer to having their lives figured out. But this reunion is different. This time, Jordan is sitting on a secret that will upend their pact.

author of literary fiction. January Andrews writes bestselling romance. When she pens a happily ever after, he kills off his entire cast. But one hazy evening, one thing leads to another and they strike a deal designed to force them out of their creative ruts: Augustus will spend the summer writing something happy, and January will pen the next Great American Novel.

This is a deeply honest tribute to the growing pains of selfhood and the people who keep us going, coupled with Rowley’s signature humor and heart, The Celebrants is a moving tale about the false invincibility of youth and the beautiful ways in which frienship helps us celebrate our lives.

Upcoming Events

Pageboy (nonfiction/memoir - hardbound) by Elliot Page With the movie Juno’s massive success, Elliot became one of the world’s most beloved actors. His dreams were coming true, but the pressure to perform suffocated him. He was forced to play the part of the glossy young starlet, a role that made his skin crawl, on and off set. As he navigated criticism and abuse from some of the most powerful people in Hollywood and a society dead set on forcing him into a binary, Elliot often stayed silent, until enough was enough. Full of behind-the-scenes details and intimate interrogations on sex, love, trauma, and Hollywood, Pageboy is the story of a life pushed to the brink. But at its core, this beautifully written, winding journey of what it means to untangle ourselves from the expectations of others is an ode to stepping into who we truly are with defiance, strength, and joy. Beach Read (fiction - paperback) by Emily Henry A romance writer who no longer believes in love and a literary writer stuck in a rut engage in a summer-long challenge that may just upend everything they believe about happily ever afters. Augustus Everett is an acclaimed 8

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Saturday, July 15 @ 10:30 am (free - SF Ferry Building store) Maria Zizka, author of Cook Color: A Rainbow of 100 Recipes What is the flavor of sunshine? The taste of forest green? Does the red of a pepper evoke the warmth of its spice? Cook Color reveals a whole new way of thinking about food. Author Maria Zizka introduces readers to ideas from color theory and cooking sciences, explaining how to master food styling and cooking techniques to enhance and preserve color, without any artificial additives. But cooking by color isn’t just about looks; it is an approach that draws connections between aesthetics, seasonality, and flavor. Tuesday, July 18 @ 5:30 pm (free - online event) Andrew Lipstein, author of The Vegan Andrew Lipstein, the author of Last Resort, challenges our notions of virtue with a brilliant tale of guilt, greed, and how far we’ll go to be good. A wildly (continued on page 22)

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

Jewelle Gomez

The Real Problem Jewelle Gomez The New York Times’ scathing and somewhat puerile review (6.6.23) of humorist Hannah Gadsby’s feminist examination of the legend of Pablo Picasso at the Brooklyn Museum (which runs through September 24) lands far from the mark. It’s as if the reviewer dropped in from the 19th century and was startled that women did not like being objectified. He (who shall remain nameless here) feels so strongly about the play on words of the title of the exhibit, It’s Pablo-Matic: Picasso According to Hannah Gadsby, that he claims to be unable to type the words, so he must cut and paste them. This is where the hypermasculine sensibilities of the reviewer and his editor begin to give them away. Even art critic Robert Hughes referred to Picasso as “a walking scrotum,” according to Gadsby’s notes. Stand-up performer Gadsby, a lesbian (they/them), has a degree in art history and curatorship, and uses a section from one of her monologues to examine some of Picasso’s work to tie his stated position that women are “goddesses or doormats” to his actual art. However, the reviewer essentially tries to dismiss the significance of Picasso’s restricted view of women

deemed so popular that he’s considered unassailable. One of my favorite buttons in the 1970s was “Question Authority,” and I still believe that is where we must begin in order to reach full equality.

In the interest of full disclosure, Australian Gadsby and I share a literary agent. But it’s not that remote professional connection that inspires this column. (After all, there are only one thousand lesbians in the entire world, right?) But rather it is the insightful and inciting nature of Gadsby’s exploration of an artist

Many of the criticisms from the Times reviewer have nothing to do with what Gadsby is trying to accomplish. One complaint, for example, is that there’s no catalogue for the exhibit. What does that have to do with the installation as a whole? There are so many fully explanatory, cogent, historical notes—written and in audio

recordings—which accompany each piece, such that viewers have an interactive experience all the way through. Gadsby’s goal isn’t to fill the world with glossy, paper paeans to her own scholarship, but to give women and all people an experience that will engender the power to have a critical eye when looking at art depicting women. How many times do I have to view representations, either visual or literary, of “vagina dentata” before I call out that I’m being labeled an emasculator? Another complaint from the reviewer is that “this new exhibition backs away from close looking for the affirmative comforts of social-justice-themed pop culture ... .” Is that like being told to smile? It’s irrelevant to the exhibition’s goal. The reviewer also mistakenly indicates the exhibit, which rolls through several galleries, is too small. As we know, size is in the eye of the beholder.

PHOTO COURTESY OF BROOKLYN MUSEUM

Leave Signs

in the service of maintaining his preeminent position in the pantheon of great artists. The reviewer’s assessment is a perfect example of the fragile male ego protecting his privates while he’s being shot in the head.

Picasso and Gadsby

As a monologuist, Gadsby knows how effective humor is in making a point. She wields this tool in many of her notes, which the reviewer dismisses as quips as if there is only one, classical way to comment on art. Based on the laughter and animated conversations around me in the galleries, Gadsby was totally on target. After reading the Times review it might be determined that

Community Treasures from the GLBT Historical Society Archives

Celebrating Queer Bodies at the Gay Games The Gay Games is a competition for LGBTQ+ athletes from around the world. It was founded in 1982 by a group that included Olympic decathlete Dr. Tom Waddell, as well as Rikki Streicher, owner of the iconic lesbian bar Amelia’s.

Patterned after the Olympics and held every four years in a different city, the Gay Games came to encompass many events, including track and field, wrestling, and bodybuilding. The photos here are from the 1986 Gay Games, held in San Francisco, an event that included more than 3,000 participants from 17 different nations. As AIDS cast a

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As the ability of queer people— especially trans athletes—to compete in sports is being restricted in

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Gadsby also uses the work of more recent female artists like Louise Bourgeois, Mickalene Thomas, Dindga McCannon and Marilyn Minter to give context to the legacy of a dominant figure like Picasso. For inexplicable reasons, the reviewer believes they are being insulted by being included in this exhibit’s discussion. When a lesbian opens people’s eyes, we are suspect and easily diminished. Remember the phrase meant to demean us and keep us in our place: “the lavender menace”? Let’s all order t-shirts! Jewelle Gomez is a lesbian/feminist activist, novelist, poet, and playwright. She’s written for “The Advocate,” “Ms. Magazine,” “Black Scholar,” “The San Francisco Chronicle,” “The New York Times,” and “The Village Voice.” Follow her on Instagram and Twitter @VampyreVamp

Special thanks to Andrew Shaffer

Photos by Robert Pruzan, from the Robert Pruzan Collection (1998-36), GLBT Historical Society.

locations around the U.S., it’s important to reflect on the long history of queer athletics and to continue to celebrate queer bodies in all their diversity. These photos are drawn from one of the more than 1,000 individual archival collections held by the GLBT Historical Society that reveal a vast array of LGBTQ life, history, and culture.

International athletes entering the stadium for the Gay Games under signs and flags from various nations and cities including Athens, Guam, Ireland, Dublin, Israel, Tel Aviv, Italy, and more.

Two medalists embracing at the Gay Games. 10

growing shadow over queer people’s lives (and led to Waddell’s 1987 death), the Games’ mission of celebrating the queer body became increasingly vital. Today, it remains a significant athletic and cultural event that gives athletes of many nations a joyous place in which to excel. The next iteration of the Gay Games will be held in Hong Kong and Mexico City in November, 2023.

Picasso was so unassailable that Gadsby was spitting in the wind. The opposite is true. Gadsby isn’t the first, nor will they be the last, to reexamine the canon of the traditional art world to reposition our expectations and refocus our vision. The Guerilla Girls, cited extensively by Gadsby, raised feminist critique to an art form. This is one of the ways that the creation and appreciation of art in society evolves. And I don’t imagine the exorbitant price of a single Picasso canvas has suffered after his work is reexamined.

We make these community treasures available to all at our archives downtown and our museum in the Castro district. To book your visit, or to make a contribution to support our work, visit https://www.glbthistory.org/

A man in silver body paint and a woman in gold body paint holding a large mock torch on the Gay Games podium stairs.

Is Pride a Trigger Word?

church, taking any credit would be the pride that would bring a fall.

TLC: Tears, Laughs and Conversation Dr. Tim Seelig The big Pride Month is over in most states. Portland Pride is in mid-July, so I have a little more priding to do. I need to talk about the word pride. It has vastly different meanings to different slices of humanity. For a large swath, it is a trigger word and one that the LGBTQ+ community may have appropriated from the “other” side. Pride cometh before a fall. That message was drummed into my brain as a little boy in the pew of our Southern Baptist Church in Texas. It comes from Proverbs 11:2. “When pride comes, then comes disgrace.” Pride is, after all, one of the Seven Deadly Sins! If you did not grow up anywhere near evangelical Christianity or the Bible, good for you. In case you thought, “Oh, it can’t be that bad,” it was. It took no time at all to search the use of pride in fundamentalist jargon. They really do love to beat folks down who exhibit the least bit of self-worth. One sermon brought me to a full stop. I found a delicious sermon by Pastor Natasha Penny from Hope Bible Church titled “The Fruits of Pride.” It sounded like the perfect theme for a Pride parade float. In the “you can’t make this up” category, the pastor dove even more deeply into the topic; she literally ended by listing the “Fifty Fruits of Pride.” I thought this would be a great name for a choir! A couple special points were: • God is not out to hurt your pride; he is out to kill your pride. God hates pride. • Pride is the first sin and the most serious sin. Pride is our greatest problem. Not the devil. Not low self-esteem. Not our upbringing or injustices suffered. Ouch! But even Psycholog y Today has some less than flattering things to say about pride: “Pride is often driven by poor self-worth and shame.” So, all of this makes one wonder again how we chose this word to describe our best selves. These and other demoralizing messages were beat into those of us who grew up in church. But for me, there was also something wonderful that came from those same pews: a love of music. I set out to be “The Best Little Boy in the World” to distract everyone from the turmoil inside. I was good at the music thing. With each degree, award, and accomplishment, my parents were there to remind me that I was to give God all the glory and take none for myself. I did what they said. But I was the one sitting in class, voice lessons, practice rooms, studying languages, and memorizing whole operas. To my parents and the

At the ripe young age of 20, my struggle reached a dangerous depth. I told my parents I needed to talk to someone. They found a Christian psychiatrist 30 miles from my college. They assumed I was going to see him because of my struggle with pride. It was only half of the reason. I’m pretty sure I walked in and blurted out, “I think I am a homosexual!” It was 1971. He gave me a long test full of scripture. He graded the test and announced I was not gay. I was definitely proud of that! So, I shut up and stayed in the closet, giving God the glory for the next 15 years. When I came out, I did not understand why I was supposed to be proud of being gay. It was hard! I had struggled mightily to accept the truth that I was “born this way.” It was not a choice. If I believed that, how could I be proud of it? We still fight the perception that being gay

is a choice we make. I’m not proud of any of the other things I was born with. It just didn’t seem to make sense. Being proud should be about something you did or something you achieved or overcame. After 35 years of resisting and being scared to death of the sin of pride, it was a difficult switch suddenly to the world of celebrating PRIDE (all caps). I wondered when the gays appropriated the word pride from the church. How did it go from the greatest sin to parades? I am certain they are not OK with us stealing one of their favorite sins and turning it into rainbow flags! They are not happy with many of us completely deleting the word and concept of sin from our life lexicon. I have a sneaky feeling our liberal use of the word pride gets under the fundies’ skin. In 1987, I jumped from the evangelical frying pan right into the fire of being an LGBTQ leader. As the years went by leading hundreds of LGBTQ+ singers, I began to hear their stories—each one of courage and thriving and finding joy. I heard the hurt in their voices, but also the pride that they had made it. Ah, that was the pride thing. I heard them describe their pride in overcoming. I heard their pride in taking even a small part in the fight for equal rights. I heard the pride in the way they described the chorus community they had joined. My transformation came full circle when, in 2017, I rode with my granddaughter Clara in the San Francisco Pride Parade Grand

Marshal car representing the San Francisco Gay Men’s Chorus. You don’t get much gayer. Or prouder! All this talk about pride made me wonder when we started using the word to describe us. What a fascinating path that took me. The first parade/march was held in New York City, June 28, 1970. It was the Christopher Street Liberation Day March. On the same day, against enormous odds, L.A. held the Christopher Street West Parade. The L.A. Police Chief said a march of homosexuals would “discommode the public” and he would have to allow “thieves and burglars” to parade next. The first events resembling the modern San Francisco Pride Parade and Celebration were held on the last weekend of June 1970. Organized by the San Francisco Gay Liberation Front, a march included 20 to 30 people who walked from Aquatic Park to Civic Center on Polk Street on Saturday, June 27. The following afternoon, a “Christopher Street Liberation Day Gay-In” brought some 200 people to Golden Gate Park. The gathering was raided by officers from the SF Police Department on Hondas and on horseback, with seven people taken into custody at Park Station, then released without charges. Everything I read described those early marches as incredibly empowering, but there was no use of the word pride. NYC activist L. Craig Schoonmaker was the one who had suggested the word “pride” rather than the phrase “gay power.” “There’s very little chance for people in the world to have power. People did not have power then; even now. But anyone can have pride in themselves.” Those early courageous folks began to make the change and we’ve never looked back. My response to music-making after coming out was completely different. I was proud of it! I was proud of every single singer in every one of my choruses. I was proud of the activism and outreach. I was proud of the work we did through two pandemics. I was proud of the music we made, recordings, documentaries, tours. I took great pride in every accomplishment. What a difference a little therapy made. Wait, a lot of therapy. For me, Pride did not cometh before the fall. For me, Pride cameth after my fall. I still suffer from PTSD from 35 years of indoctrination and brainwashing. I am very happy to say that the word pride is no longer one of the causes. We have a lot of reasons to be proud. Some of those have been slipping away recently. It’s time to turn the heat back up. It’s time to let them know that the massive pride we feel at how far we have come will not be diminished. It is time to fight back ... like those who went before us were willing to do. There is no turning back. Dr. Tim Seelig is the Conductor Laureate of the San Francisco Gay Men’s Chorus. http://www.timseelig.com/ S AN F R ANC IS C O BAY T IM ES

JULY 13, 2023

Sister Dana Sez: Words of Wisdumb from a Fun Nun

By Sister Dana Van Iquity Sister Dana sez, “Now that PRIDE MONTH is over, are we supposed to stop being proud? Of course not! PRIDE is 365, 24–7, nonstop, all the time!” We celebrated Pride with REVOLUTION OF LOVE San Francisco Pride Party on June 20 at El Rio bar. We schmoozed and fundraised for EQUALITY CALIFORNIA (EQCA) and danced as DJ Parks spun with stellar performances from DQs extraordinaire Dulce De Leche and Shiksa. “The LGBTQ community and our fearless allies are no strangers to Revolution,” said EQCA Communications Director Jorge Reyes Salinas. “Our communities have been at the forefront of changing hearts and minds, sharing ideas, and innovating culture—but most importantly, fighting, protecting, and advocating for full-lived equality!” On June 22, to launch the third season of DIVAS & DRINKS, the San Francisco Bay Times and The Academy SF proudly presented 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 for the evening was my dear friend, fellow columnist, and Pride Brunch co-host Donna Sachet, with music by DJ Rockaway presented by Olivia. Featured guests included SF Pride Executive Director Suzanne Ford, SF Pride Past President Carolyn Wysinger, and SF Pride Board President (in killer high heels), Nguyen Pham. Ten years after California first resumed same-sex marriages, 250 couples were wed by City Administrator Carmen Chu and the Office of the County Clerk in a special LGBTQ PRIDE MARRIAGE CELEBRATION at City Hall on June 23. Couples received commemorative Pride marriage licenses and Pride pins.

and Matt Haney. Each of the Grand Marshals gave riveting speeches of Pride. These Grand Marshals included Honey Mahogany, Laura Lala-Chavez, Dr. Nasser Mohamed, Breonna McCree, and a representative for Organization Grand Marshal Drag Story Hour. Vocalist Carly Ozard belted out “Everything’s Coming Up Roses,” and auctioneer Liam Mayclem did the lively live auction. Lifetime Achievement Grand Marshal Paul Aguilar was the final speaker, and Donna perfectly closed the day singing what else but “I Left My Heart in San Francisco!” LOCKDOWN COMEDY’s 3rd Anniversary Show on Zoom is July 19, 7 pm. The show features Shazia Mirza (London), Cathy Ladman (LA), Will Durst (SF), and “The Geduldig Sisters”—producer Lisa Geduldig (SF) and her 92-yearsyoung mother, Arline Geduldig (Florida). https://www.koshercomedy.com/ I heard this on the news—an absolutely perfectly poetic summation: “Trump’s incompetence outweighs his malevolence.” The latest Brady PAC poll has found that 61% of Americans support an assault weapons ban. This year there have been 342 mass shootings (plus at least 17 more over the July 4th holiday). Sister Dana sez, “Did you know that AR-15 rounds eviscerate tissue, and leave stumps where once were heads? These weapons of war decapitate, amputate, and permanently debilitate, IF the victim survives. Knowing these shocking facts, how can ANYONE cling to the original, outmoded, archaic Second Amendment Rights to supposedly just hunt animals?!!” RICHMOND/ERMET AID FOUNDATION (REAF) is presenting HELP IS ON THE WAY XXVII, Broadway and Beyond on July 16, 7:30 pm, at the Marines’ Memorial Theatre, 609 Sutter Street. This year’s concert will feature most of the touring cast of the Tony Award-winning Broadway show Les Miserablés in addition to some of our REAF favorites in this Broadway-themed spectacular including Phantom of the Opera star Lisa Vroman, Wicked and Light in the Piazza star David Burnham, MAC Awardwinners Leanne Borghesi and Marta Sanders, Cabaret star Ava Nicole Francis, and Billboard

top recording star Debby Holiday singing a tribute to TINA TURNER. Joining them will be comedian/ author/director Del Shores as auctioneer, and they will be paying special tributes to our REAF grand diva CAROLE COOK and REAF veteran LESLIE JORDAN. https://www.reaf-sf.org/ Large majorities of U.S. adults across different racial, ethnic, and religious identities oppose religious-based discrimination against LGBTQ people, according to a new WILLIAMS INSTITUTE report. Even majorities of Republicans oppose religiousbased anti-LGBTQ discrimination, the report finds. Its findings suggest that Republican-led attacks on LGBTQ civil rights—many of which are couched in religious terms—are actually opposed by most American adults. We are amidst an unprecedented wave of direct, discriminatory attacks against LGBTQ people. This year, more than 400 anti-LGBTQ bills have been introduced across state legislatures. Many of these bills target transgender youth, preventing their access to lifesaving healthcare. Last year marked the passage of the most anti-LGBTQ and anti-transgender legislation in recent history. Congress must act now to protect all Americans’ inalienable right to EXIST. THE EQUALITY ACT, the only piece of federal legislation to explicitly affirm LGBTQ civil rights, can rectify and protect LGBTQ individuals from these attacks at the state level. At MOULIN ROUGE, KREWE DE KINQUE will be raising funds for our first-ever TEAM KDK in the AIDS WALK! Organized by KdK King XX Mez, this will be a fun event whether or not you are walking on July 16, getting donations virtually, or helping at the Midnight Sun beer bust fundraiser on Saturday, July 15, 4–7 pm, 4067 18th Street. There are so many great songs from the musical Moulin Rouge—the open show is calling you! https://tinyurl.com/5ck22r7p HELLO YELLOW BRICK ROAD, performed by the SAN FRANCISCO GAY MEN’S CHORUS, is a wild and wonderful celebration that combines highlights from Elton John’s groundbreaking album, Goodbye Yellow Brick Road— marking its 50th anniversary—along with favorites from The Wizard of Oz, The Wiz, and Stephen (continued on page 22)

Hosts Gary Virginia and Donna Sachet introduced PRC CEO Chaun Teng, SF Mayor London Breed, State Senator Scott Wiener, and State Assemblymembers Phil Ting 12

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Dennis McMillan (aka Sister Dana) with (left to right) photographer Chris Michaelson and Pink Triangle founder Patrick Carney at the 3rd Annual Divas & Drinks Pride Party held at The Academy on Thursday, June 22

PHOTO BY RINK

Gary Virginia and Donna Sachet’s 25th Annual PRIDE BRUNCH honoring the San Francisco Pride Parade Grand Marshals is always one of the most high-profile and festive events of Pride Week. This beloved tradition, a fundraiser for PRC, marks a major milestone this year and was a rare opportunity to meet and hear from all the Grand Marshals. All proceeds supported PRC’s lifesaving, integrated social, legal, and behavioral health services for those affected by HIV/ AIDS, mental health issues, and substance use. Held at the Westin St. Francis on June 24, the program began with mesmerizing music by violinist Kippy Marks, the SF Lesbian/Gay Freedom Band, and DJ Jimmy Strano, as well as colorful flaggers Fiona Davidson & Jouke Lanning.

Bay Times Dines

BAY TIMES S

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

This Month at the Castro Farmers’ Market

A Plethora of Perfect Peppers

By Debra Morris

PEPPER JELLY

Peppers are arriving! Everything from sweet bell peppers to the hottest habaneros is now at the farmers’ market. Toss on the grill, slice and dice in salads, stuff with cheese and rice or sweet Brentwood corn. Versatile and delicious, peppers are rich in antioxidants and other good things to keep you healthy and full of energy during the hot summer months. Besides, they taste delicious! Hotness in peppers is determined by the amount of capsaicin present. Capsaicin, an acrid, volatile alkaloid, is a general irritant that attacks any tissue it contacts. This leads to the question of why many people love to eat “hot” peppers. Eating chili peppers releases neurotransmitters. These proteins cause the sensations of burning or pain. The body responds by increasing heart rate, increasing the metabolism, and by increasing salivation. Endorphins are also produced by the body in response to capsaicin, which may account for the feeling of pleasure and well-being. Sweet bell peppers, on the other hand, are cultivars of the species

of plant called Capsicum annuum. Jalapeño, pimento, eggplant, potatoes, and tomatoes are all members of this nightshade family. Colors range from green, red, yellow, and orange. Why the different colors? It depends on when they were harvested. Because they are unripe, green peppers are less sweet and slightly more bitter than the reds, oranges, and yellows. The colors then change progressively from yellow to orange to red, getting sweeter as they ripen further. The longer they stay on the vine, the sweeter they get. Find both mild and hot peppers at your Castro Farmers’ Market at Fifth Crow Farm from Pescadero, Jacob’s Farm in Los Banos, and Valley Bee Farm in Fresno. Debra Morris is a spokesperson for the Pacific Coast Farmers’ Market Association (PCFMA). Check out the PCFMA website for recipes, information about farmers’ markets throughout the region and for much more: https://www.pcfma.org/

1 cup red bell peppers, finely chopped 1 cup green bell peppers, finely chopped 1 to 2 jalapeño peppers, seeded, minced 1–1/2 cups apple cider vinegar 1/4 teaspoon pepper flakes 6–1/2 cups sugar 2 pouches liquid pectin In a large pot, stir together chopped bell peppers and jalapeño peppers, vinegar, pepper flakes, and sugar. Bring to a boil over medium heat, stirring constantly. Boil for 5 minutes. Remove from heat and let stand 20 minutes, stirring occasionally. Gradually add pectin, put back on heat, stirring constantly. Return jelly to vigorous boil, stirring constantly; boil 1 to 2 minutes. Mixture will thicken slightly. Remove from heat. Fill sterilized jars, add lids and rings; process 15 minutes. Remove from water bath and let cool on the counter, listening for lids to “pop” to ensure seal. As the jars cool, turn jars upside down, and then right side up every half hour or so to ensure peppers don’t float and are evenly mixed in the jelly.

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JULY 13, 2023

Bay Times Dines

BAY TIMES S

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

Noe Valley Bakery: ‘We sell happiness. It just happens to look like a cupcake.’ school and college. I worked at Acme Bread Company and then decided that something else was better out there for me. I got a job at Il Fornaio to help in Southern California in Irvine. That was exciting. That’s where I met Mary. She was a customer of mine. We were both single. The Gay Gourmet: Tell me about your first date!

The Gay Gourmet David Landis There’s something intensely welcoming when you walk through the door of a neighborhood bakery: the captivating smells of freshly baked pastries, the colorful cupcakes, and the decorated cakes add to an intoxicating sense of joie de vivre. When service is paramount, it’s even better. That’s the formula that has made Noe Valley Bakery (now in two locations—Noe Valley and West Portal) a neighborhood favorite for nearly 30 years. The Gay Gourmet had a chance recently to speak with the bakery’s husband and wife owners Mary Gassen (President) and Michael Gassen (Chief Baking Officer). Here’s what they had to say. The Gay Gourmet: Mary, tell me a bit about your background. You worked with chef Barbara Tropp, right? Mary Gassen: Yes, I did. I worked at Il Fornaio in Southern California—my first real job after culinary school. I left there and landed with Barbara. She had just published the China Moon Cookbook. She needed help on her book tour, managing her restaurant, and launching a catalogue. I was looking for a job, and landed with her. I worked with her for a year and then with the International Association of Women Chefs and Restaurateurs, until we opened the bakery in 1995. The Gay Gourmet: And Michael, what about you? Michael Gassen: I started baking in a bakery in high school to pay my tuition. I worked my way up and kept baking through high

Michael Gassen: I was at home on one of my few days off, doing laundry and ironing. I had some housemates and Mary was friends with one of them. They said to her, “Why don’t you go to the house and hang out?” She marched in while I was ironing. I was clothed! She said ironing is fun, but then we went to the movies and dinner, and that was it. We were inseparable after that.

Mary Gassen: I’d add that the secret to our success is consistency and excellence, which Michael provides in the kitchen every day. That’s not easy to do. It’s exhausting work, 7 days a week, nearly 24 hours a day, but he has persevered. The other secret is that we think about our business as part of the ecosystem. Our mission was to revitalize the concept of a full line, old school European bakery. In 1994, that wasn’t the thing. That mission is accomplished. But we have to have dreams. So, we came up with a new mission: to provide love and community connection through excellent baked goods and hospi-

The Gay Gourmet: You’ve been in business together since 1995. What’s the secret to your success? Mary Gassen: It’s not difficult for us to be in business and be married. We are peas in a pod and agree on the big things and don’t argue. We have a separation of duties. Michael does the baking and I do the financial and business management. We stay out of each other’s way. Somebody gave me good advice: you look at your relationship before you become partners and that’s what it’s going to be like when you become business partners. We agree on the big things and it has worked very well. Michael Gassen: We trust each other. There’s not a doubt ever about where I stand with her, that she’s always beside me, and what I’m doing is valid. We listen to each other. Regarding success, bakeries are built for pandemics and recessions. We didn’t know that when we started out. We realized that our initial feeling—that we are the hub of the community—was the constant. People always have room for a small treat. It’s the center of a lot of activity in the community. It’s in human DNA to come to a bakery and have the bakery serve as the neighborhood hub. We knew that. We’ve lived in the neighborhood for many years. We felt we are the community.

Michael and Mary Gassen

tality. That’s what makes us special. We focused on that and trained people on that. Then the pandemic came and we could not have imagined that what the world needed was love and connection in a big way. It was positioned right there; everything was going to be ok if folks could get a loaf of bread and a cookie. Michael Gassen: We’re surrounded by schools and organizations like LYRIC in the Castro, which benefits LGBTQ+ youth. We did Grace Cathedral’s Pride celebration. Supporting our local people means giving back to their graduations, and recognizing they’re living their lives around us. We have the privilege of being welcomed into their lives. It’s humbling. We want to show people we care about where we are. Mary Gassen: That doesn’t happen by accident. When we opened our second bakery, we knew we had good people working for us. We hire nice people. Then we realized, we can’t just rely on that. We have to expect people to be loving. Michael Gassen: We challenge people to bring their best self. It’s a utopian community where we want everyone to treat each other with respect.

The Gay Gourmet: What’s the hardest challenge you’ve had to face? How did you overcome it? Michael Gassen: For me, I’m a perfectionist, a type A-plus personality where I can be your hardest critic, but also your biggest ally. For me, I recognized that when people show up, they want to be the best they can be. How do I acknowledge what they bring and encourage them to do more? And what can I take from them that makes us better? What can I give to them that they need? Mary Gassen: We have 75 employees. I think it’s challenging running a business for a long time. You can get tired. You want something new. We ask for help. We have a wonderful marketing team that we put together that helps us, a woman who does leadership coaching where we set goals, every 90 days. We’ve

asked for help and that made a big difference. Michael Gassen: You should not be afraid to admit you don’t know everything. The Gay Gourmet: What’s your favorite item on the menu? Mary Gassen: That’s hard, but yes, the blueberry pecan scone. Michael Gassen: The fig bread because it has so many memories from being a kid and the journey to where it became is really special. I had some levain bread today— I love baking that. There’s nothing better than slicing open a loaf of levain. It’s all natural. The Gay Gourmet: My friend John swears by your blueberry pecan scones. Often, I find scones to be dry and tasteless. What makes yours different? Michael Gassen: (laughs) You really don’t want to pay attention to how much butter is in the recipe! We approach it like making biscuits. We make it from that perspective. Crispier, thicker exterior with a tender, lighter interior, like a biscuit. They’re all hand-formed. Keeping the ingredients to a bare minimum helps to control the quality. The recipe is easy to follow. The Gay Gourmet: Do you carry gluten-free products? Michael Gassen: We do. We have two free gluten-free cakes. We call them made without gluten. A strawberry shortcake and a dense, devil’s food cake, which is made in a

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long time, so many of our friends and customers all through the years have been members and leaders of the gay community. It’s part of our DNA. gluten-free version (and slices). We have a flourless chocolate cookie that’s phenomenal (that’s Mary’s favorite cookie) as well as a gluten free fruit frangipane tart. The Gay Gourmet: When you’re not at the bakery, where do you like to dine in San Francisco? Mary Gassen: Our new favorite is Sorella, the sister restaurant to Acquerello. Michael Gassen: Acquerello was a customer of ours. Our other customers included Greens, Hayes Street Grill, and Palio d’Asti, where our bakery started in the back of the restaurant, on Commercial Street. The owner there wanted a bakery for the restaurant and he gave me total autonomy. Mary Gassen: We also really like Monsieur Benjamin. The Gay Gourmet: Which San Francisco chefs/bakers do you admire? Mary Gassen: I’m a member of Les Dames d’Escoffier. It’s a group of women in the San Francisco Bay Area involved in hospitality. I admire so many women: Emily Luchetti and Kim Alter of Nightbird (to name two); it’s hard to pick. The Gay Gourmet: How do you describe the difference between cooking and baking? Michael Gassen: Mary is a classically trained chef. I’ve learned to cook from her, and she doesn’t bake. We’re using two different types of our brains. Baking is more scientific; it’s daunting for people because of the science. The other aspect is, most of the time, I have to touch this thing and shape it, mix it by hand. I have no idea what the texture might be—it challenges people because it’s so different than what people normally do with their hands. Baking is very hands-on. The Gay Gourmet: What is your connection to the LGBTQ+ community? Mary Gassen: We have one very big connection. Our daughter is queer and nonbinary, and she’s an important person in our lives. We’ve lived in San Francisco for a

Michael Gassen: We see community with a small “c,” but in San Francisco, it was easy to be a part of everyone’s community. We lived in the Castro for many years—and lived in Noe Valley, too, and Mission and Twin Peaks. Community here means a lot of different things. The gay community has asked for support and we appreciate that willingness to ask for participation from a business. One big LGBTQ+ group we support is the LYRIC Center on Collingwood. During Pride month, we give a percentage of sales to LYRIC as a donation. Mary Gassen: One funny story: when Gavin Newsom allowed gay marriage in the city in 2004, there was an urgent need for quick wedding cakes without prior notice. We made simple cakes. We had big fun. We prided ourselves on being able to do it quickly. Michael Gassen: We don’t want to make a big political statement. We wanted to celebrate the community. It’s a lot of work to be exclusionary. San Francisco isn’t perfect, but for better or worse, it’s a pretty easy place to be for a lot of people. Mary Gassen: The gay community and us—we’ve always been a part of the community. Michael’s sister is gay. Our kids’ godparents are gay. Our daughter is nonbinary. It’s not unusual for us. We celebrate gay Pride because we’ve been part of the community since moving here. The Gay Gourmet: Any plans for expansion in the future? Mary Gassen: We’re open to exploring ideas and we have looked at some ideas. But, we’re not in a hurry to expand. We’re happy to be a functioning part of the community. The Gay Gourmet: So, you’re sticking around? Mary Gassen: Back a long time ago, a couple ran our establishment as Plate’s Bakery; Eric Eberly and his wife bought the bakery and then bought the building. We leased the space from the Eberlys, and in 2021 they sold us the building. We are the third couple to own the building and run it as a bakery—for over 115 years. It’s been a bakery since 1908!

BAY TIMES S

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

Michael Gassen: We’re the longest ownership here. We’re the quiet people in the community. We just do our job and hope people love what we do. Noe Valley Bakery’s Blueberry Pecan Scones Ingredients: 2/3 cup pecans 7 ounces (1 3/4 sticks) cold unsalted butter 2 3/4 cups all-purpose unbleached flour 1/3 cup plus 2 teaspoons granulated sugar 2 teaspoons baking powder 3/4 teaspoon fine sea salt 1/2 teaspoon baking soda 3/4 cup buttermilk 1/2 cup (3 ounces) fresh or frozen blueberries Preheat the oven to 350°F. Line 2 or 3 baking sheets with parchment and coat lightly with nonstick baking spray. Cut the butter into 1/2inch pieces and put in the freezer to harden (about 20 minutes). Roughly chop the pecans and in a small pan toast in the oven for 8 minutes or until golden. Set aside. Increase the oven temperature to 400°F. In a large bowl, stir the flour, sugar, baking powder, salt, and baking soda until combined. Add the frozen butter pieces, and using your fingers, a fork, or a pastry blender, break up the butter until it’s pea-sized and mixed in with the dry ingredients. Stir in the chopped toasted pecans. Slowly stir in the buttermilk until the dough is a shaggy mass (you want it to be barely combined with visible streaks of flour). Sprinkle the blueberries on top of the dough and gently work them in until they’re evenly distributed, being careful not to smash them. Divide the dough and roll into 2-inch balls and place them on the prepared baking sheets 3-inches apart. Bake the scones for 23 to 25 minutes or until they’re golden brown and crispy on top. Let cool 10 minutes before removing them from the pans. Store at room temperature in a covered container for up to 2 days. The scones can be reheated in a 300°F oven before serving. Makes 12 scones. Noe Valley Bakery: https://tinyurl.com/2s3jn5nb 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 S AN F R ANC IS C O BAY T IM ES

JULY 13, 2023

Joey Chestnut Wins Again! SuperFriends NYC’s Fernando Camino made his way to Coney Island to see the Bay Area’s own Joey Chestnut competing to retain his title.

Fitness SF Trainer Tip

“When Joey Chestnut walked onto the stage, we all got excited! It’s like seeing an American hero for a homecoming. We all knew he’s gonna do so well and he didn’t disappoint. To see him down one hotdog after another was exhilarating! How he can eat 62 hotdogs in 10 minutes was mindlbowing, unbelievable! He is legendary! I can’t wait to see him again next year,” Camino said. Watch the short clip from the annual 4th of July Hot Dog Eating Contest: https://tinyurl.com/2kwbujj8

Kaitlyn at Fitness SF Transbay “If you start the engine of your car during the winter, you need to wait a few minutes for it to warm up. Think about this when you arrive at the gym, no matter the season. Stretching is your way of getting the body ready to move.”

SCREEN SHOT BY BETTY L. SULLIVAN

And read the feature on SuperFriends NYC in the San Francisco Bay Times Pride Commemorative issue: https://tinyurl.com/2p8bkrzd

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/

Take Me Home with You!

“My name is Marshall! I am a 3-yearold, male terrier. I am a big goof who loves to go outside and show my coolest toys. I absolutely love to play fetch and be outside in the yard. Toys are my favorite thing and my foster family confirmed that I even will play soccer Marshall with you. I will do best in a quiet, lowtraffic area where I can focus on hanging out with people who will let me relax in my own respected space. The volunteers really enjoy taking me out each day and letting me be myself outside! If you think we might be a match, come say hello!” Volunteer Minori says, “Marshall is adorable! Such cute smiles.” Marshall is 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 Marshall. To meet Marshall 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/

Dr. Jennifer Scarlett and Louie

As Heard on the Street . . . What is a favorite destination for a road trip? compiled by Rink

Todd Hotty and Nicole Duminie

Richelle Lee Slota

Joshua Smith

Jen Chan

“Lake Tahoe. The lake has a magical energy!”

“The giant sequoias in Sequoia National Park”

“Bagdad”

“17 Mile Drive with its breathtaking natural beauty of coastal cliffs, forests, and architecture”

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43rd Royal House Grand Ducal Founders Award, The Grand Duke Don Baker Memorial Humanitarian Award, The Grand Duchess Kitty Memorial Presidential Award, and several Certificates of Achievement from state and local government offices.

Celebrating 50 Years of the Grand Ducal Council of San Francisco Kippy Marks 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.

Grand Duchess Olivia still works alongside the new courts, and is currently the Prime Mister of the 49th reigning Court, and she serves on the board of directors. Grand Duchess Olivia has also been featured in a documentary, Beautiful By Night, and a photo book: Legends of Drag: Queens of a Certain Age. I asked Olivia how long she has been involved with the Council. She

Tenderloin Pride in San Francisco, which ran for three years. I recently spoke with Grand Duke Aja, who has been having some health issues for the last couple of years. He said, “My time with the Ducal Council has been a wonderful experience. I am really a shy guy deep inside and I didn’t join the Council for recognition. I joined the Council to be of

We have taken a look at the last 42 Royal Houses and have gotten to know a little about each of them. Now, I am featuring the remaining Royal Houses one at a time with 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 43rd Royal House: 2015–2016 The 43rd Royal House of the Diamond Eyed Ebony Panther and the Lady of the Giving Read Heart Grand Duke XLII, The Diamond Eyed Panther Aja Monet - Ashton Colors: orange and blue Symbol: black panther Always saying: “Each one teach one.” Grand Duchess XLIII, The Lady of the Giving Red Heart - Olivia Hart Colors: black & red Symbol: red heart Always saying: “From the heart, through the Court, to the Community.” Coronation Theme: “A Russian Military Ball” Their court consisted of: Royal Crown Prince: Jouke Lanning Royal Crown Princess: Paris LaQuinta Prince Royale: Madd Dogg 20/20 Princess Royale: Miss Shugana Prime Minister: Renita Valdez White Knight: Colby Micheals Miss Debutante: MGM Grande Royal Baby: Jared Neil King of Hearts: Strobe (Luis Canales) Queen of Hearts: Sable Jones Mr. Royal Bunny: Gareth Gooch Miss Royal Bunny: Bernadette Bohan Royal Chick-a-Dee: Just-in-Thyme (1st ever Royal Chick-a-Dee) Royal Daddy: Mark Hankins Royal Daddy’s Boy: Pablo RiquelmeCuartero California Gold: Intensive Claire

replied, “I joined the Ducal Court back in 2010 when I met GD Landa Lakes, GD Cookie Dough, and Princess Miso Hornay, and they got me excited about their upcoming Queen of Hearts Contest. I had to have it!” She added “I had just arrived in San Francisco that year and needed to continue my community service, which I was doing in Pennsylvania for 10 years with F.A.C.T. (Fighting AIDS Continuously Together).” I wanted to know what inspired Grand Duchess Olivia to join the Grand Ducal council. She explained: “I was inspired by the community service that the GDC did and still does and the fact that they do it with camp. I love ballgowns and jewels and giving back to the community year after year.” Grand Duke Aja Monet Ashton is considered to be my great grandson. When Aja approached me and asked if I would be his campaign manager, I humbly agreed. Aja would then become Grand Duke and the second elected African American to hold that title. Grand Duke Aja got his start with the Council by running and winning the title of Royal Baby. He also started

service to the community, and at that time there was a need, and I hope my service did help.” 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.

Grand Duchess Olivia Hart started her journey with the Grand Ducal Council running for the annual court title “Queen of Hearts” in 2010. She ran for Grand Duchess three times before she won the hearts of the community. Grand Duchess Olivia has proven her dedication to the Grand Ducal Council and has received The Trixie Trash Memorial Workhorse Award, The National Sarria-SidieTownson Outstanding Veterans Award, The S AN F R ANC IS C O BAY T IM ES

JULY 13, 2023

Traveling with Pride

Traveling With Pride: My Recent Trips to Guadalajara and Sydney By Marsha H. Levine

A big birthday year and a 40-year celebration of an organization culminated with an incredible travel year wrapped up in Pride, since I last wrote about—for the San Francisco Bay Times—my 2022 travels to Prague and Vienna. This journey happened during Prague Pride’s week-long festivities and human rights conference, and included my observations regarding the old Jewish history of both cities. It was sort of a dual discovery trip on what I viewed as a possible once-in-alifetime opportunity, and my travels have continued. InterPride Trip to Guadalajara Two-and-a-half months later, I went to Guadalajara with over 150 of my friends and associates for the 40th Annual General Meeting & World Conference for InterPride, a nonprofit networking and information-sharing organization that I founded in 1982 while living in Boston. The idea initially behind it was simple and unassuming: likeminded folks who organized Pride would get together to discuss issues and commonalities, as well as help each other grow and learn skills. Who would have imagined that four decades later it would still be going strong and have a vast international membership? The team from Guadalajara Pride, led by former InterPride Vice President of Global Outreach and Partnership Management, Emmanuel Temores, along with Andrea Covarrubias, arranged one of the best experiences by combining a lot of regional flair and flavors with the business at hand. Arriving a day early, and spending three days afterward sightseeing and exploring, a few of the San Francisco Pride crew and I got to experience another country and culture. I firmly believe exposure to that which you do not find the same or usual opens you up to growth and better understanding. We took a trip to one of the local markets, taking in all the sights and sounds. During the conference, many of the post-day events had evening activities at historic or popular venues that featured dance, music, songs, and rituals different from what we might know or practice. One such event was our scholarship reception, where we meet and greet those who received a grant to come attend the conference. Most of our recipients are from places and Pride organizations where either geography or financial issues present an obstacle, and our funding gives them an opportunity to bring their message forward, as well as learn how we can help each other, and how they might be able to bring these skills and experience home. It was held at the Museum Cabañas, a beautiful 18th century converted orphanage and hospital that is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site. As we arrived shortly before sunset, the low building fronted a massive city-block plaza and the pale stone picked up the dusk shadowing. Up a wide staircase, we walked through the main entry, and were greeted by a courtyard with a bell tower set with chairs and small round tables, arranged in groups to view a “stage” set up upon another stair landing. It was a pretty dramatic venue with all

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The author at the InterPride scholarship reception, Guadalajara 2022

the tiny lights and candles in the middle of all this history, on a wonderfully balmy night. First to perform was a troupe of Aztec dancers, much like what I have experienced when I have gone to the Día de los Muertos (Day of the Dead) celebrations in the Latinx areas of San Francisco and Oakland, so that was familiar, and as always, a delight. Next came some Jarabe Tapatío dancers, which many recognize— dancers dressed in dresses with voluminous skirts that can Suzanne Ford, SF Pride Executive Director, with Chris Grafton, SF be whirled and Pride Deputy ED, just outside Mercado Libertad swirled colorfully, constructs neatly placed next to each and men dressed in fitted suits with other in perfect fit without the use of sombrero hats. There was a drag mortar or wattle. There are a few thequeen or two, and some caballeroories about what the meaning is of themed song and dancing, before we the configuration: some say celestial; finally got to hear introductory one theorized they were communal speeches and acknowledgements. and used for ceremonial purposes. All Toward the end, we cut a multi-laytold, it seems mostly to be about comered cake with a big 40 on top that munity. had been precariously leaning starboard as the evening progressed. How interesting that this theme interWith several workshops each day for the next three days, many caucuses, and some passionate business meetings of the organization, the conference concluded just in time for Halloween and the Day of the Dead celebrations. Needing a break from the intensive conference, we got a car for a drive out to the Zona Arqueológica Teuchitlán o Guachimontones, about 45 minutes or so west of Guadalajara, past the bluish agave fields of Jalisco’s Tequila Valley. We drove through the small village of Teuchitlán, part of a culture that existed more than 2,300 years ago and up into the foothills extending to nearby quiet volcanoes. It was an easy hike to the concentric circles that formed the larger central pyramid surrounded by several platform ruins. All were dry-stone

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sects from those ancient times to the present day, when you consider the conference we had just attended was of a similar vein. We work together toward common goals, with our chosen family, building together and celebrating together.

After exploring for a bit, we returned to Teuchitlán and checked out the narrow, cobblestoned streets with their small crumbling, old stone buildings, pausing to take a break in in the zocalo—the central park—decorated with all sorts of banners, flowers, signs, murals, art, and papel picado (those paper decorations with cut-out designs) flying in the gentle breeze. The village was getting ready for celebrating the departed souls and memories of ancestors. When I was about high school age, I had read about the Day of the Dead celebrations in

Museo Cabañas bell tower (IP Co-President Natalie Thompson bottom left), Guadalajara 2022

Cake to celebrate the 40th Anniversary of InterPride, Guadalajara 2022

Mexico and longed to see it in authenticity ... now I was finally living it! The next day, we took a tour and spent the afternoon in Tlaquepaque. Founded in 1530, it was a prehispanic town originally inhabited by the Tonalteca Indians before being conquered by Spainards. With the spread of Guadalajara in modern times, it is now considered a neighborhood of the city, and is famous for its art and crafts. It was also highly decorated for the Day of the Dead, which was being celebrated that day. We

wandered in and out of shops, had a lovely lunch, and bought a few souvenirs to remember our trip before heading home the next morning. It is easy to see parallels between Pride and communities of the past, and how experience brings understanding, tolerance, growth, and can change perspective. This is why I believe the InterPride conferences taking place in other cities and countries are both crucial and critical to the change we wish to make, even when confronted with those who tilt against us.

Traveling with Pride Photos courtesy of Marsha H. Levine

route, while I got to ride on the float wearing a poncho of pastel glittering, long, rectangular paillettes that was so completely heavy, my arms hurt from waving at the crowd under the burden of it. Item #2 crossed off a different bucket list! I was somewhat normalizing to my surroundings at this point, as many of my friends I had just seen in Mexico last autumn were now here, in what was our late winter/early spring in America, but the end of a warm Sydney summer. Here was yet another conference where we were rushing off to workshops, panels, presentations, when not hanging out at the InterPride exhibit area or up at the InterPride Hub near Oxford Street. I had not been to a WorldPride during the last 23 years, so this experience

The Sydney Opera House

With just two days left before heading home, I thought I’d be able to take in some of the sights, becoming a regular tourist, so I went out and sat in the sun near the water, crossing off two more on my dish list: Moreton “bugs,” also known as “slipper” lobsters (they are much smaller crustaceans) and a dessert of burnt Basque cheesecake with an espresso that finished all the food adventures for this trip. On my last full day, I took a 2-hour tour of Sydney, my one chance to do any sightseeing.

Harriet Kirk, Alan Reiff, and Perin Hurewitz and the global InterPride map, 2023 WorldPride Sydney

try! I took the first day to explore locally before all the activities would occupy almost every evening. So, off I went to the grocery store to stock some snacks in the fridge and make sure there was plenty of herbal tea. Priorities! And a bit of getting in some orientation.

Kylie Minogue and sister Dannii Minogue at the 2023 WorldPride Opening Concert

Sydney Harbour Bridge

WorldPride Trip to Sydney, Australia Little did I realize that, four months later, I would make yet another journey. It was a last-minute decision; I think I bought my ticket 36 hours before I left. The destination was Sydney, Australia, for the 2023 WorldPride Human Rights Conference and an almost lifelong dream to be in the Sydney Mardi Gras Parade. About 15 years ago, I saw a documentary about Sydney Mardi Gras: its planning, and then footage of the nighttime parade. I was highly fascinated. By that time, I had been part of the Pride movement for more than 20 years, and the idea of

making a special appearance, along with Robyn and Jessie J also performing at an outdoor setting called the Domain. There were lots of receptions at bar, hotels, and other venues, including the Sydney Town Hall that is also made of the local sandstone that underlies much of the area. This Victorian era building is an ornate establishment of stone, brick, and cedar timber. Coming out of her office, the Lord Mayor Clover Moore greeted InterPride members from Prides around the world, and some local LGBTQ+ activists. On another day, at Bondi Beach, there was a massive beach party featuring Ava Max, then a closing concert back at Domain, with singer Kelly Rowland. It was like a Pride Parade and Celebration times ten!

seeing floats with lights seemed like a dream I would never witness. Even when I helped coordinate the LovElution Parade several years ago, which started at dusk before ending at a nearby pier as darkness fell, it never matched the exuberance I’d seen in that film. Fourteen hours later, I arrived in Sydney, on United Airline’s inaugural “Pride Flight” too wide awake to sleep and looking all around me as we made our way to our temporary home for several days. I already knew so much of what to expect—a large downtown waterfront, the Opera House, neighborhoods, and I had memorized a list of regional foods to

Nguyen Pham, San Francisco Pride’s Board President, and I were staying together in a small suite in Surray Hills, a neighborhood not far from downtown Sydney that is the LGBTQ+ center of the city. We stuck to dinner locally that first night, right in the hotel, where I was able to cross the first item off my cuisine bucket list: a passionfruit and mango pavlova, the dessert they brought us for his birthday. Now, I’ve had pavlovas before, made by very talented culinary friends, but I’d had no idea until I Googled several articles that pavlovas were special to Australia. Thus, having one while there was important to me. By the time I fell asleep that night, it was still difficult for me to believe I was actually half-way around the world and in a different country. I was a bit overwhelmed. A day or two later, it was time to get ready for the Sydney Mardi Gras Parade, their Pride event. Celebrating 45 years since their first one, and amplified by WorldPride being hosted by their city, the parade was electric in more ways than one! Nguyen and I were invited to join the Chicago float, coordinated by Chicago Pridefest chairperson, Mark Liberson. In custom costumes made by, I believe, the Chicago Bears team, Nguyen and about a dozen others danced their choreographed way along the long

was a bit new to me, while old hat to my other associates. So, I mostly followed their lead, happy to trail along, with occasional forays out on my own when not helping guests place sticky gems on a world map, to show where they were from, or watching as Michelle Meow and others did some interviews for the InterPride’s InterPod podcast show. Michelle and her wife, Tookta, had arrived a couple of days after Nguyen and I, and we all moved to an odd little “terrace” house as it is called, what we might call a row house in America. A short foyer led across a “bridge” to a small floating living room that overlooked the subfloor kitchen and dining area, featuring a stage that hid an arcing bathroom/laundry area. Above it was a circular ceiling-like fixture with plants, which Michelle said had drains or maybe jets, and she thought it was a hot tub of sorts, though none of us could figure how people would get into it, because the only “door” to it was a glass roof that parted and then you’d have to drop down several feet. Needless to say, we did not experiment. The original building foundation evident in the kitchen was made of carved pinkbeige sandstone blocks, a common foundation for mid-1800s construction, and locally sourced. And though the outside could have been period, the inside was totally redone and modern. We were now in the next neighborhood over, called Darlinghurst, which was also known to be very LGBTQ+. As if to confirm that, I found a single, detached crystal bead and a few flakes of glitter on the sofa cushion, probably from the previous guests. But, so much for digressing with housing details. For WorldPride, there was an opening concert with Kylie Minogue, with her sister Dannii

Arriving home, I had time to reflect on my trip. Much of the conference I attended had many elements of discussion or presentation from those indigenous to Australia, or from other locations around the world where it is not easy, and often not safe, to be openly LGBTQ+. This was comparable to what I had learned in Prague about the difference between living in what is still, largely, a free America, as opposed to living under the thumb of conservatives, Communists, and the religious as they often do in the Eastern bloc. With many seeking to erase and restrict our communities, it makes for a scary and life-threatening reality. It has only been in recent years that the U.S. has been awash in a wave of turning back time and reversing some of the strides we have made toward equality. We could learn from those who live with the focus of a looking glass upon them. We might have to if restrictive laws continue getting passed. Ancient cultures fought to be free and sometimes wound up conquered, colonized, scattered, or decimated. This is history repeating itself, a lesson we seem to need to keep learning over and over. And while Pride might be, for some, just a party, for those of us who organize Pride events, it’s a chance to unite people—whether they feel alone in some rural part of Kentucky or live in a major metropolitan city. Pride can send a message, share a purpose, educate the uninformed, and spread love. So, let’s keep Pride going in San Francisco, and everywhere else around the world. We need it. Marsha H. Levine (she/they/ey) is the Community Relations Manager at San Francisco Pride, of which they have been a consistent member for more than 37 years. Levine also founded InterPride, the International Association of LGBTQ+ Pride Coordinators, in October 1982, and currently serves as one of their Vice Presidents of Global Outreach & Partnership Management.

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JULY 13, 2023

SISTER DANA (continued from pg 12) Schwartz’s blockbuster musical, Wicked. This will be SFGMC’s second collaboration and performance with the SAN FRANCISCO SYMPHONY. Davies Symphony Hall, July 19, 7:30 pm. https://www.sfgmc.org/ California has unveiled its 2023 State Income Limits, demonstrating the widening income inequality gap in the state, and putting further emphasis on the high cost of living in cities like San Francisco. According to the updated guidelines by The Department of Housing and Community Development (HCD)’s latest income limits, Sister Dana sez, “(Are you ready for a scornful laugh?! And a huge hiss?!)” a single person earning less than $122,500 in San Francisco County is now considered to have low income.” On June 28 we enjoyed free admission to the Castro Theatre for a special showing of “TO WONG FOO, THANKS FOR EVERYTHING! JULIE NEWMAR”—the first major Hollywood studio film to center on drag queens! The event was sponsored by Comcast NBC Universal, the San Francisco Bay Times, and The Academy SF. Comcast is giving $25,000 each to EQUALITY CALIFORNIA and to THE SF LGBT CENTER. Double Emmy Award-winning producer, director, and writer Jan Wahl co-emceed with renowned drag artist, LGBTQ community fundraiser, and Absolute Empress Khmera Rouge. For this historic night, John Newmeyer— LGBTQ community member, philanthropist, and the brother of Julie Newmar—spoke about his convincing Julie to be “Catwoman” in the “Batman” TV series. Julie will soon be celebrating her 90th birthday. Catwoman says of John: “My brother is one cool cat!”

On June 29, the U.S. Supreme Court ruled on two landmark cases challenging Affirmative Action in higher education, ending decades of expanded access to college education for students of color and overturning decades of precedent. Chief Justice Roberts’ opinion for the court held that Harvard University and the University of North Carolina’s raceconscious admissions policies violate the equal protection clause. The UNC case was decided 6–3 and the Harvard case 6–2, with Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson recusing herself. Sister Dana sez, “Of course the six ‘justices’ are doing anything they can to deny human rights. They are doing away with the civil rights of women, people of color, students, and queers. But they forget: WE VOTE!” The Supreme Court issued a ruling in Creative LLC v. Elenis on June 30 (the last day of PRIDE MONTH) that overrules state laws protecting LGBTQ people’s access to publicly available services, and enshrines antiLGBTQ discrimination. In response, Senator Scott Wiener (D-San Francisco) issued the following statement: “The Supreme Court today ruled bigoted business owners can exempt themselves from civil rights laws by refusing to sell to LGBTQ people. This ruling is dangerous and horrifying. It has massive implications for LGBTQ antidiscrimination laws in employment, housing, and other contexts,” said Senator Wiener. “The Court is taking us down a road where discrimination against LGBTQ people is constitutionally protected. This attack isn’t happening in a vacuum,” he noted. “It’s part of a well-funded, concerted legal strategy by right-wing extremists to hijack the First Amendment and use it as a tool to validate and constitutionally protect

anti-LGBTQ discrimination,” he concluded. It should be pointed out that this was an imaginary made-up, fake case with no actual gay couples involved. Sister Dana sez, “We LGBTQ people will NOT accept secondclass citizenship!” Seventeen Broadway dancers are auditioning for eight spots on a chorus line. Exploring the inner lives and bittersweet ambitions of performers, A CHORUS LINE, playing now through September 9, captures the spirit, tension, and hope of an audition. It is the winner of the 1976 Pulitzer Prize for Drama, winner of nine Tony Awards, four Drama Desk awards, three Obie Awards in 1976, and a Special Gold Tony Award in 1984 in honor of becoming Broadway’s longest-running musical. Get in line and audition at San Francisco Playhouse, 450 Post Street, Floor 2M, SF! https://www.sfplayhouse.org/ Spanning 11 days, the 2023 San Francisco International LGBTQ+ Film Festival (Frameline47) marked the largest film festival in Northern California this year. In addition to the Audience Awards, Frameline presented emerging and established queer and trans filmmakers with four juried awards, including the Outstanding First Feature Award. And Frameline is happy to report that they received almost $60,000 in funding on Closing Night. https://www.frameline.org/ Recent decisions of the majority Supreme Court Six have rolled back abortion rights, voting rights, access to education, and LGBTQ rights. And they won’t stop there. Sister Dana sez, “We need to be like THE only true-blue SUPREMES and sing out: ‘Stop! In the Name of Love!’”

WORDS (continued from pg 8) discovers the queer community gathering strength in the face of government inaction and social stigma. As he protests, parties, and makes a new home, he finds himself pulling away from his HIV-negative boyfriend to pursue an intense bond with a passionate, HIV-positive artist. Paul’s awakening parallels ACT UP’s rise, successes, and controversies. And then everything shifts again, as his family is thrust into their own lifeand-death struggle that tests him even further.

For more information: https://www.kmsoehnlein.com

Born out of the author’s activism inside the vibrant queer community of the ’80s and ’90s, Army of Lovers blends history and fiction into an exploration of memory, community, love, and justice.

Rob has spent his life dealing with chronic clinical depression and bipolar disorder. I, Rob Graves offers a candid and poignant story about his life as a gay man suffering from these mental health issues and a genetic disposition for substance abuse, which morphed into an anonymous sex addiction during the height of the AIDS epidemic.

K. M. Soehnlein (he/him) is the author of three novels, including his Lambda Literary Award-winning debut, The World of Normal Boys. He is the recipient of the Henfield Prize in short fiction and a Rainin Filmmaking Grant for screenwriting.

Rob Graves - I, Rob Graves, A Memoir When you read about Rob’s memoir, certain words stand out like misdiagnosis, treatment noncompliance, coping with sexuality, sex addiction, depression, bipolar disorder, selfmedicate, and trauma; heavy stuff. As soon as I met Rob, I felt a sense of calmness come over me. I knew I had just met a wonderful human spirit.

He chronicles his personal story, illustrating the dangers of misdiagnosis and treatment noncompliance,

but rather than teach or preach any specific cure, his memoir lets the reader decide whether the life choices described are right or wrong for their own life path. He shares the journey he took to come to terms with his homosexuality and overcome tremendous health odds—through years of therapy, medication management, and learning the arts of forgiveness and acceptance—to find success and peace with himself and thrive in the present. He aims to provide an inspirational example of breaking the cycle of mental health stigmas and addiction, both in the gay community and the community at large. For more information: https://irobgraves.com Michele Karlsberg Marketing and Management specializes in publicity for the LGBTQ+ community. This year, Karlsberg celebrates 34 years of successful marketing campaigns. For more information: https://www.michelekarlsberg.com

BOOK PASSAGE (continued from pg 8) inventive, reality-bending trip, The Vegan holds a mirror up to its reader and poses a question only a hedge fund manager could ask: Is purity a convertible asset? The more Herschel disavows his original sin, and the more it threatens to be revealed, the more it becomes something else entirely—a way into a forgotten world of animals, nature, and life beyond words. Saturday, July 22 @ 6 pm (ticketed - Corte Madera store) Joe Ide, author of Fixit

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In this novel—the sixth installment of the IQ series— Isaiah Quintabe is faced with a nightmarish scenario when the love of his life is kidnapped by a maniacal hitman who bears a grudge against him. The compelling story is an explosive collision of drug dealers, thieves, maniacs, shotguns, vicious dogs, stampeding horses, and Ide’s signature energy, grit, and profundity. This event is presented as part of the 2023 Mystery Writers Conference. https://www.bookpassage.com/

Round About - All Over Pride Weekend Photos by Rink

San Francisco Bay Times lead photographer Rink has documented Pride-related events in San Francisco since their inception in the 1970s (and even before that time, when the term “Pride” was not linked to the LGBTQ community). Rink was therefore all over the city during Pride Weekend, Friday through Sunday, June 23–25.

STREETCAM

On Friday evening, Rink joined hosts Lisa Williams and Lawrence Shine and their guests at Ula Restaurant for the Bayard Rustin Coalition’s party honoring the SF Pride Grand Marshals and featuring a fashion show with LiBush International Models from Sacramento.

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At the Pride Festival held in San Francisco’s Civic Center, Rink visited a diverse array of booths, stages, and display areas near City Hall. During the Parade on Sunday, from his favorite vantage points, he photographed contingents making their way on Market Street. Later, he visited the SF Pride Main Stage at City Hall for views of the crowd and performers, including representatives from Drag Queen Story Hour, the SF Lesbian/Gay Freedom Band, and many more. At the Asian Art Museum on Sunday afternoon, Rink joined SF Pride leaders and guests for the annual VIP Reception.

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Talavera Dolores Pot

The 12” Talavera Dolores Pot is made of a special clay that is glazed and fired twice for durability. It is authentically made in Mexico and 100% hand-painted using lead-free mineral pigments that will not fade. We have a variety of colors to choose from. The pot is perfect for a little lemon tree on your deck or for a fancy way to feature your favorite aeonium! $104–119.

‘Life’s a Drag Without Queens’ Mug We would be lost without our Queens. New from Citizen Ruth is this 11-ounce white mug with original artwork. Made in the U.S.A. and dishwasher and microwave safe. $18.99 Happy Summer 2023 from all of us at Cliff’s Variety! https://cliffsvariety.com/

Since our founding in 1936, Cliff’s Variety has been constantly growing and evolving in response to the needs of our customers. Our buyers strive to keep our selection fresh, on-trend, and competitive. We carry the best of everything from hardware & tools to cookware, garden supplies, toys, crafts, and gifts. We also offer re-keying and lock repair, knife sharpening, glass, acrylic & wood cutting. Light fabrication, pipe threading, and cable crimping are among the many other services we offer at Cliff’s Variety. If your project has gone a little beyond your abilities, we’re here to help.

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

JULY 13, 2023