San Francisco Bay Times - September 21, 2023

BAY TIMES

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

September 21–October 4, 2023 http://sfbaytimes.com

DIVAS & DRINKS @ The Academy

Friday, September 29, 6–10 pm

2166 Market Street (between Sanchez & Church)

Largest Ever Gathering of Women’s Music Stars at The Academy! Join us to honor and benefit beloved musician, activist, and educator Linda Tillery. Vickie Randle, Barbara Higbie, Melanie DeMore, Sharon Washington, Shelley Doty. Emcee Diane Amos, DJ Rockaway, photographer Irene Young, and more! https://tinyurl.com/3dunbdb8

Welcome to the 49th Annual Castro Street Fair

The 49th Annual Castro Street Fair is approaching, and we are looking forward to celebrating the city’s most unique and colorful neighborhood with thousands of friends and family. On Sunday, October 1, the streets will fill with smiling faces, music, tasty foods, beverages, and all of you. 2023 holds some exciting changes for the Fair—to begin with, the footprint will once again include 18th Street between Diamond and Noe. A new stage, the Collingwood Stage (Co-Presented by T4T), will be showcasing great local talent at 18th and Collingwood. The Fair will also feature luminaries such as Juanita MORE!, so this year’s live entertainment promises to be incredible.

We are also pleased to be collaborating with Art Mart, which has been a welcome presence in the Castro for over two years, to present ArtyHood on 18th Street between Hartford and Noe. Please check it out and see the wonderful work of local artisans and performers. At the intersection of Castro and Market, the Castro Stage will be pumping out danceable beats all day long. And the Fair is always pleased to welcome our friends from CHEER SF (at 18th and Castro) and

Sundance Saloon (behind the Castro Theatre) to entertain our crowds. There is always something to see and do at the Castro Street Fair!

Please visit one of the Fair’s Beverage Booths this year. For those of us who partake, the booths will be offering adult beverages for purchase. Many of the beverage booths will be staffed by community groups, so the beverages you purchase from the Fair will help raise important funds for our community group partners.

About the Fair

As the owner of Castro Camera at 575 Castro Street, Harvey Milk was faced with many hostilities as a gay business owner. In 1974, Harvey began the Castro Street Fair in order to promote gay-owned businesses and to celebrate the vitality of the Castro neighborhood. Each year, we continue his legacy on the first weekend in October, by gathering in the heart of the Castro to celebrate our diversity and support our community.

If you were not aware, the Fair is a fundraising machine that supports local beneficiary nonprofits. Our beneficiary partners are vital to the Fair. We couldn’t make the Fair a reality without the volunteer support that the beneficiaries provide so thank you, beneficiaries! The Castro Street Fair is proud to report that over $1.5 Million has been donated back to the community since the late 1990s. In addition, the Fair is pleased that we can help purchase and maintain the world-famous

rainbow flag that flies proudly above the intersection of Castro and Market.

Many thanks to our partners at Castro Merchants for the rainbow flag project.

Of course, the Fair encourages everyone to support the local shops, restaurants, and nightlife in the neighborhood. One of the main reasons that Harvey Milk started the Castro Street Fair in 1974 was to highlight the offerings of the establishments of the Castro. The Board of Directors work on the Fair in the hopes that attendees will support our local businesses—not only on the weekend of the Street Fair, but also throughout the year. Thank you for your support!

The Board of Directors is a group of dedicated volunteers who work countless hours to bring this annual event to life. Working with neighbors, city agencies, contractors, local merchants, and partner organizations, the Board takes great pride in providing an enjoyable experience for all

and raising important funds for our beneficiary nonprofit partners. The Fair cannot do all that it does without the generous donations from folks like you. As you enter the Fair on Sunday, October 1, you will see volunteers collecting a donation of between $10 and $20. If you do not carry cash, we are able to take donations using a card or your phone, by just tapping on a donation point at our gates. Please, take a moment

to donate; it makes such a huge difference!

Many thanks to everyone who helps make the Castro Street Fair a success—our volunteers, our neighbors, our grantors, and all of you! We are already looking forward to our fiftieth anniversary in October 2024, so stay tuned. Have a great Fair Day!

In Community, The Castro Street Fair Board of Directors

‘Heigh Ho! Come to the Fair!’

register, the more clout the gay community has. The more clout that we get, the easier the laws are changed.”

Without that clout, he wrote, “gay rights will forever be something sought after.” More than 300 people registered at the Fair and he signed up an additional 2,000 new voters by election day. Harvey believed this success was his greatest achievement of the year.

from Our LGBT Past

When Harvey Milk proposed the first Castro Street Fair in 1974, he had three goals in mind. First, he wanted to show all San Francisco that an old working-class neighborhood in Eureka Valley, near the geographic center of the city, was now a vibrant and prospering LGBT community. Second, he wanted to register as many people as possible for the upcoming elections. Finally, he wanted everyone to have a wonderful time on a lovely summer afternoon. The first goal was easily achieved.

On August the 18th, 1974, some 5,000 people crowded onto Castro Street for the festivities. The largest gathering that the neighborhood had seen since the California Centennial Celebration held many years before, it immediately became one of the major events on the city’s LGBT calendar. Even without Henry the Horse dancing the waltz, the “carnival spirit” and “good vibrations” of the day meant “a splendid time” was “guaranteed for all.”

Harvey’s second goal was not as easy to accomplish, but he believed it was vitally important. At a time when same-sex intimacy between consenting adults was still illegal in California, he understood that “if the gay community is ever to get the laws and general attitudes changed, it will come only through the voting booth.” In addition to everyone else, he had 10 registrars there to begin a massive drive to register voters in the LGBT community.

There was no secret about Harvey’s ultimate objective: “The more we

The third goal was the easiest of all to reach. The artisans, entertainers who performed from the stage at 18th and Castro Streets, food and beverage vendors—Le Bistro at 456 Castro served crepes from a sidewalk stand; the Castro Cabana at 599 Castro gave away cotton candy— jugglers, and fairgoers who simply were able to be themselves saw to that. Harvey called the first Fair “a fantastic success.”

Harvey may have gotten the idea for the first Fair after going to a similar event in North Beach (see the story about San Francisco Bay Times photographer Rink in this issue) and perhaps after hearing that Polk Street, then with its own large LGBT community, was planning one. He simply refused to be outdone. The Castro Street Fair quickly became “one of San Francisco’s most spirited and colorful annual events.” Harvey knew why: “Everyone needs a sense of belonging and neighborliness and the chance to celebrate the joys of living where we live.”

In just three years, he had reached his goals. The neighborhood was recognized as a new, vital community. Its LGBT economy, estimated to be between 25–30 million dollars annually, then a huge amount, was taken seriously by everyone in the city, including business leaders and politicians. Attendance at that August’s event was eight times what it had been in 1974. Residents, now registered in the thousands, elected Harvey to the Board of Supervisors on November 8, 1977.

The last Castro Street Fair Harvey attended was in 1978, less than three months before he was murdered on November 27. By then it was the largest “block party” in the city, including five city blocks. People in more than 200 booths shared information about nonprofit organizations, sold food and beverages, and

offered enough macrame plant holders, beads, postcards, jewelry, and t-shirts to last each of the estimated 75,000 merrymakers who attended for decades.

The other fundamentals that have made the celebrations that followed great fun also were firmly in place, with fairgoers looking forward to a day of sunshine; an occasional glimpse of the odd and unusual; and people watching, with attendees sharing the results of their hard work at the gym and showing off the latest skin fashions from newly pierced nipples to tony tattoo art. Only the date changed over the years, first to mid-September and then to the first Sunday in October.

Over the years entertainers at the Fair included everyone from the Bay City Reds to Lea DeLaria to Jane Dornacker to Tom Ammiano. No one, however, was more beloved

than Castro resident Sylvester, who in the 1970s became a major star; when David Bowie’s San Francisco debut failed to sell out in 1972, he explained, “They don’t need me. They have Sylvester.” He performed at the Fair at no charge, paying the not insubstantial fees for his backup singers and musicians from his own pocket.

The changes Harvey worked to accomplish were dramatically on display at the 1985 Fair, highlighted by the official dedication of Harvey Milk Plaza at Castro, 17th, and Market Streets. As Mark Barabak wrote in the San Francisco Chronicle, “Drag queens in the crowd ... mingled with uniformed police officers and local politicians hoping to win points with an important San Francisco constitu-

ency.” The LGBT community had its “clout.”

What accounted for the Fair’s great and continuing success? In an article for the event’s 10th anniversary, photographer, photojournalist, and human rights activist Dan Nicoletta explained it better than anyone.

When Harvey organized the first festivities in 1974, Nicoletta wrote, “The Castro was a unique area of blossoming social, political, economic, and artistic activity. The Castro Street Fair was the annual celebration of this, and everyone came out into the street to see, and share, and revel in it.”

It still is and they still do. Bill Lipsky, Ph.D., author of “Gay and Lesbian San Francisco” (2006), is a member of the Rainbow Honor Walk board of directors.

Rink Photo Throwback

With the 2023 Castro Street Fair now on the horizon—scheduled for Sunday, October 1— San Francisco Bay Times lead photographer Rink shared historic images that he took at previous such events. Rink has attended and photographed every Castro Street Fair since the first one was held in 1974.

Rink wrote, “Harvey Milk founded the Fair after I invited him to join me at the crowded popular annual Upper Grant Avenue Street Fair in North Beach (now the North Beach Festival).”

Rink and Milk were therefore among the over 5,000 people at the Castro Street Fair that day. It was a wild year: Richard Nixon became the first U.S. president forced to resign (due to the Watergate Scandal) and Gerald Ford had only been in office for a few months at the time of the 1974 fair. Elton John was the top LGBTQ artist on the radio airwaves with singles from the previous year’s release Goodbye Yellow Brick Road (although he did not publicly come out until 1976) and Joseph Alioto was San Francisco’s mayor.

As the years went on, word about the great fair spread. In 1977, the estimated attendance was 70,000. By 2007, that number rose yet again to 300,000, according to the organizers.

The fair went on hiatus in 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic, and returned in 2021. The number of attendees has once again been on the rise, so let’s see what the estimates turn out to be this year. Next year, for the fair’s 50th Anniversary, a record attendance is expected.

For more information about this year’s Castro Street Fair: https://castrostreetfair.org/

And for a look back at the Upper Grant Avenue Street Fair that, thanks to Rink and Milk, helped to inspire the Castro Street Fair: https://tinyurl.com/t3hha7z7

Connecting the Dots

Emergency Financial Assistance program.

In Case You Missed It

Having worked at many places, and volunteered for so many causes, I know it’s inevitable that there will be times when there is overlap. Paths cross, dots are connected between people, places, causes. The synergy between some of these became very apparent these past few weeks, as I attended a thought-provoking open house for one organization I’ve supported for decades, and am working on a big event for another.

Over 30 years ago I started working with the AIDS Emergency Fund. AEF started in 1982 as a grassroots effort by the leather community in the earliest days of the AIDS crisis as a way to provide emergency financial assistance to people with AIDS when they became too sick to work. In 2001, AEF created a sister agency, Breast Cancer Emergency Fund, to provide the same kind of assistance to low-income women while they underwent breast cancer treatment. As the nature of AIDS changed over the course of its 30 years, AEF also changed, and was acquired by PRC, where it continues providing the same kind of essential financial support under its new name, EFA—the

Meanwhile, the Breast Cancer Emergency Fund eventually became a stand-alone agency, and at the beginning of the pandemic began a new chapter as BOCEF—the Breast and Ovarian Cancer Emergency Fund, a program of Bay Area Cancer Connections (BACC), which has been providing a wide array of supportive services for free to breast and ovarian cancer patients for thirty years.

While I was attending the open house at PRC last week (more on that later), I found myself connecting the dots. There is a straight line from the AIDS Emergency Fund to the work that PRC and BACC are continuing to do today. People who are sick, whether it is HIV or AIDS, or breast or ovarian cancer, or any other disease, need financial help to keep the roof over their head and the lights on while they are too sick to work.

Whether it was AEF’s iconic Every Penny Counts campaign (remember AEF’s penny jars on every bar in the city?) to This Old Bag, the festive handbag auction that has been raising funds for breast and ovarian patients since 2005, these programs provide a lifeline to people when they need it most. Read on to learn more about this year’s This Old Bag.

The Return of This Old Bag: An Old Favorite With a New Twist Raising money to pay the bills for cancer patients may be serious work, but that doesn’t mean it can’t be fun, too. “This Old Bag: The Power of the Purse” is a festive, fashion-filled evening of shopping for a cause. Fashionistas, philanthropists, and those for whom cancer is a personal and professional cause will be gathering for a fun and life-affirming event

to raise funds to provide free cancer support for those facing breast or ovarian cancer. Bags of all sorts— handbags, sports bags, tech bags, travel bags—will be auctioned off to raise money for emergency grants that serve as a crucial safety net for eligible clients. These grants help with paying essential bills that make it possible to maintain a stable living situation during treatment.

A small sampling of this year’s auction includes elegant bags from Hermes, Dolce & Gabbana, Prada, Senreve, Mulberry, and many more; autographed bags from Kristen Bell, Glenn Close, and Sharon Stone; a surprise gift from Chelsea Handler; backpacks and messenger bags; and much more. Bags will range from $40 to $7,000—something for everyone. But the real excitement is sure to come from a festive drag bag donated and autographed by San Francisco’s own history-making Drag Laureate, D’Arcy Drollinger. The celebrity emcee for the evening will be none other than Sister Roma.

Why handbags? The “power of the purse” is providing financial assistance when someone needs it the most. Unfortunately, for many, a cancer diagnosis can mean losing their job, insurance, even their home. BACC’s BOCEF program— the Breast and Ovarian Cancer Emergency Fund—can provide a safety net that no one else provides, paying essential bills like rent, utilities, insurance premiums, and co-pays. That Prada bag you purchase at This Old Bag can provide an emergency grant to a client for a year.

Also on display at This Old Bag will be BACC’s mobile resource center: a baby-blue van named Tiffany that houses a rolling boutique, where cli-

ents can get wigs, bras, prosthetics, comfort totes, and other items to make their lives easier during cancer treatment. And all of these services are 100% free. Tiffany’s mission is to take BACC’s services on the road, to help clients who can’t easily access services. Tiffany can often be found at street fairs, health fairs, community centers, as well as regular visits to Zuckerberg SF General’s monthly breast cancer clinic. This Old Bag: The Power of the Purse, a benefit for BACC, takes place on Friday, October 6, at the Green Room at the War Memorial Veterans Building. For more information, tickets, and sponsorship opportunities: https://tinyurl.com/BACCTOB23

Cancer Is an LGBTQ+ Issue

Why did I write so much about This Old Bag? Because September is Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month, and October is Breast Cancer

Awareness Month. As someone who works for an organization that provides services to people with both those diseases, I can tell you we are all out in the community doing a lot of education these days, helping people understand their risks, their options, and how to navigate life with cancer.

One of the issues that has become clear is that breast and ovarian cancers are LGBTQ+ issues. There have not been many comprehensive studies to date, but a few recent breast

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GLBT Fortnight in Review

It’s Show Time!

I have to start this week’s column with a discussion of Representative Lauren Boebert’s recent eviction from that performance of Beetlejuice: The Musical at a Denver theater. Where to begin, my friends?

You’ve read the reports, I assume. But have you seen the video, a replay from the theater’s security cameras that reveals the true Boebert behind the pious MAGA-mom persona she has attempted to cultivate? Waving her arms, dancing in her chair, and singing, her behavior suggested that she was high as a kite. At one point, she pulled out a vape pen and clearly took a big puff, although according to a spokesperson, the woman who asked her to stop vaping suffered from a “misunderstanding” and hadn’t noticed the “heavy fog machines and electronic cigarettes used during the play.” Okay then! The best part, however, was when her date groped her breast, easily within his reach thanks to her absurdly lowcut skintight gold dress, which made her look like the over-the-hill street walker who tells the detective that she saw the dead girl get into a dark blue sedan with a man no one had ever seen before. “Thanks, Candy,” the detective says, passing her a twenty. “Get yourself something to eat.”

And here’s the kicker. The guy she was with, her boyfriend of several months Quinn Gallagher, is a Democrat who runs the “Hooch Craft Cocktail Bar” in Aspen. Last winter, the bar hosted a “Winter Wonderland Burlesque & Drag Show,” so presumably Mr. Gallagher does not share Boebert’s faith-based hostility to LGBT entertainment.

“Take your children to CHURCH,

not drag shows,” she tweeted last year.

Previously, she assured us, “I’m a Christian,” adding: “so they may try to drive me to my knees, but that’s where I’m the strongest.” I’m guessing Quinn Gallagher can vouch for that.

The Bill Comes Due for Kim Davis

Speaking of Christians, Kim Davis, the former Rowan County, Kentucky, clerk, was ordered by a federal jury to pay $100,000 to a gay male couple who sued her after she refused to issue a marriage license in the aftermath of the High Court’s legalization of same-sex marriage. Oddly, Davis was sued by two male couples; they both won, but only one pair got the do-re-mi. There’s probably a perfectly logical explanation, but I wrote “oddly” only because I haven’t bothered to track down the details so it remains “odd” from my limited vantage point. According to an NPR report, the other couple’s lawyer said that her clients “were gutted and even more dejected ... that while their Constitutional rights were broken and they were thrust into a circus not of their making, they [received] no damages.”

Let me pause to say that I have the distinct feeling that I’ve written about other financial penalties incurred by Ms. Davis in the past, but I can’t say for sure. I just went scavenging for clarity, and I could not find evidence of previous money damages, but I did discover that the second couple were at the mercy of a separate jury, so that somewhat resolves that mystery.

Davis is represented by our old buddies at the Liberty Counsel, one of those far-right legal groups that spe-

cialize in anti-GLBT litigation.

The Liberty Counsel’s Mat Staver is “looking forward to appealing this decision and taking this case to the U.S. Supreme Court,” he said.

“Kim Davis has blazed the trail in Kentucky where she has obtained religious freedom for all clerks. Now it is time to extend that freedom to everyone, and that is what Liberty Counsel intends to do.”

So, yes, another nasty piece of work may be headed to the nine justices who begin their 2023/24 season as this issue goes to press. We assume that one or more transgender cases will make their way to the High Court either this term or next. I also just read an interesting piece about the sheer craziness that lies ahead on the docket. Titled “The Supreme Court’s new term will be dominated by dangerous and incoherent lawsuits,” the article is penned by SCOTUS expert Ian Millhiser, writing in Vox

The half dozen or so cases highlighted by Millhiser do not deal with GLBT issues, but his article is well worth reading just to get a sense of how much some of the federal appellate courts have devolved since Trump and McConnell steamrolled a collection of Neanderthals through the Senate. The Fifth Circuit (Texas and Louisiana) in particular is singled out for sheer lunacy, including the ruling that aims to outlaw the early-days abortion pill throughout the country. Millhiser is no fan of this Court, but the pending legal questions are so farfetched that he believes even the Trump appointees are likely to reverse the most outrageous rulings. As for Alito and Thomas, they may be too far gone, but we’ll see.

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Horizons Foundation Luminaries

Horizons Foundation held its annual Luminary Reception at The Green Room on Thursday, July 27, honoring members of the Bay Area’s LGBTQ community who have, through annual gifts and estate plans, helped fund the work of the organization’s programs and services.

During the event, Horizons announced the naming of its Award for Extraordinary Service in recognition of the decades of volunteer leadership and contributions by former Board of Directors member Anne Sterling Dorman. Dorman’s wife Annette Tracy joined the organization’s Board leaders Melissa Marquez and Tim Murray in making the announcement.

For 2023, the recipient of the Anne Sterling Dorman Award announced at the event is community leader, author, and leadership consultant Bev Scott. Scott was joined at the event by her wife and longtime Horizons supporter Courtney. https://www.horizonsfoundation.org/

In Memoriam: Jeff Lewy (1942–2023)

LGBTQ community leader, volunteer, and philanthropist

Jeff Lewy died on July 31, 2023, a day before his 81st birthday.

He served in various volunteer leadership positions at Horizons Foundation, including serving as Board Chair.

Roger Doughty, the President of Horizons, told the San Francisco Bay Times : “Jeff was kind, generous, caring, passionate, seemingly indefatigable, warm, thoughtful. He was a pillar of support for multiple community organizations, and for none more so than Horizons Foundation.

And Jeff was not ‘just’ a board or committee member: he was an active one. He always came prepared. He was 100% engaged, every single time.”

Doughty added, “Jeff was deeply proud of who he was as a gay man, and of our LGBTQ community. He knew and he lived and he treasured our history, even with its pain. More than once, I heard him talk movingly about tearing whole pages from his address book during the hardest days of AIDS. He loved the LGBTQ community with every fiber of his being and lived that love in a hundred ways.

Living and giving as he did, over and over and over again, Jeff gave still one more gift to countless people: the gift of inspiration. He gently called on others to share his passions and inspired so many with the stellar example that he set. I gratefully count myself among them.”

Doughty concluded, “Everyone at Horizons and countless others send their condolences to Jeff’s beloved husband of more than 40 years, Ed Eishen.”

Lewy worked in the aviation industry for most of his career. Upon retiring at age 53, he dedicated his life to board service, fundraising, and mentoring others in the LGBTQ community. As part of honoring his legacy, donations may be made to Horizons Foundation or to the San Francisco Gay Men’s Chorus.

How Much Does Getting Older Cost?

costs for prescription drugs will be capped at $2,000 a year.

Medicare Part C is growing increasingly popular. Also known as a Medicare Advantage Plan, Medicare Part C wraps Parts A and B into a single plan. Many offer vision, hearing, dental, and health and wellness programs. Most include Medicare Part D.

Money Matters

Brandon Miller

65 is the magic number when Medicare can kick in, but just what does that cover? And how much might you need for what it doesn’t?

A single person age 65 in 2023 may need about $157,500 saved after taxes to cover health care expenses in retirement, according to Fidelity. In 2023, their estimate for an average retired couple aged 65 is around $315,000.

Welp, that’s a lot! Now, these are just estimates and the actual amount you’ll need will depend on many variables, including where you live during retirement, your health, and how long you may live.

First, let’s unpack Medicare. Medicare Part A covers treatment in a hospital. It’s free for most folks. The premium for Medicare Part B, which covers doctor visits and lab tests, is currently $165 a month (or more, depending on your income). There’s usually a 20% cost share when you receive treatment.

With traditional Medicare you may consider purchasing what’s called a Medigap policy. A Medigap policy helps plug “gaps” in traditional Medicare coverage. These policies are offered by private insurance companies.

The premium varies for Part D, which covers prescription drugs. Beginning in 2025, out-of-pocket

Private health insurance companies offer Medicare Advantage plans. They must follow rules set by Medicare. But much like an HMO or PPO, you’ll be funneled into in-network doctors or your out-of-pocket costs will be much higher. In 2023, the out-of-pocket limit for Medicare Advantage plans may not exceed $8,300 for in-network services and $12,450 for in-network and out-ofnetwork services combined.

Planning Smart for Healthcare in Retirement

So how can we plan in advance for these future costs?

1. Obtain the correct Medicare plan that best suits your needs. Research the right insurance and Medicare plan given your health, circumstances, and related costs.

2. Take advantage of a Health Savings Account. You must have a high-deductible plan, but you may contribute up to $3,850 pretax to a Health Savings Account (HSA) as a single person and up to $7,750 if you have family coverage.

Much like an IRA, capital gains and earnings in an HSA are sheltered from taxes. Moreover, you may withdraw from an HSA and pay no taxes if the funds are used for qualified medical expenses.

Other HSA advantages:

• You may use your HSA to pay certain Medicare expenses, including premiums for Part B and Part D prescription drug coverage.

• Your HSA can be used to cover part of the cost of a tax-qualified long-term care insurance policy.

• Your HSA is a retirement savings account, too. In other words, an HSA becomes a viable tool that can be used to save for retirement as well as a savings account for health care expenses.

For example, let’s say you are 68 years old and withdraw $1,000 from your traditional IRA to pay for qualified medical expenses. You’ll pay federal and state income taxes on that withdrawal. If you pull $1,000 from an HSA for the same expenses, you won’t pay any taxes.

Consider maxing out your IRA and HSA if possible. If you can’t max out both, consider placing some of your retirement savings into an HSA.

3. Plan for long-term care.

Long-term care is a difficult topic many would rather avoid. A person turning 65 has about a 70% chance of needing long-term care at some point, according to the Department of Health and Human Services. Medicare covers skilled home healthcare if it’s required. However, coverage for skilled nursing home care is limited. Medicare pays for the first 20 days in a nursing home. You’ll pay a $200/day co-payment for days 21 to 100. After day 100, you’ll be responsible for 100% of the cost. You may consider a long-term care policy, which can be quite expensive.

To address this potential obstacle, you may look at hybrid insurance, which is a combination of permanent life with a long-term care rider. Another option is self-insurance, where you set aside funds that may be used for long-term care.

Assessing your situation is the most important factor in determining the correct approach to healthcare. It’s a complex issue. It sometimes feels as if you are untying a knot when you are planning for healthcare coverage. We are here to help walk and talk you through it.

Brio does not provide tax or legal advice, and nothing contained in these materials should be taken

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A Senior’s Guide to Minimizing Estate Taxes

Understanding these nuances is a crucial first step.

Estate Planning Essentials

Trust Essentials

Estate taxes, while an important part of our financial landscape, can sometimes take a hefty bite out of the wealth we’ve worked so hard to accumulate over the years. But fear not. There are smart strategies and tips that can help you navigate these waters and potentially reduce your estate tax burden. Let’s dive in.

Understanding Estate Taxes

Estate taxes, in essence, are like a parting gift from the government to your heirs. These taxes can substantially reduce the wealth you pass on. It’s important to grasp what they are, the thresholds they apply to, and how they impact your estate. I recently worked with a client who was surprised to learn that their estate might be subject to estate taxes.

Before we delve into specific strategies, it’s important to ensure you have a solid estate plan in place. This includes having a will and possibly setting up trusts. A well-structured estate plan not only ensures your wishes are carried out but also can be a powerful tool for reducing estate taxes. One client I worked with had a sizable estate but hadn’t updated their trust in years. This resulted in unintended tax consequences for their heirs. Regularly reviewing and updating your estate plan is essential.

Gifting Strategies

Gifting can be a great way to minimize estate taxes. The IRS allows for an annual gift tax exclusion, which means you can gift a certain amount to an individual tax-free each year.

I’ve seen this used effectively by clients who wanted to pass on some of their wealth to their heirs while they were still alive. A key takeaway here is that smart gifting can significantly reduce your taxable estate. Important: elevated gift tax exclusions will sunset after 2025. What this means is that as of January 21, 2026, the current lifetime estate and gift tax exemption of $12.92 million for 2023 will be cut in half. Families that face estate tax liability in 2026 might benefit from transferring assets and their appreciation out of their estate sooner rather than later.

Contact our office to learn more if applicable to your family.

Charitable Giving

Don’t underestimate the power of charitable giving. It not only supports causes you care about but also can help reduce your estate tax burden. One client I worked with was passionate about a local charity and decided to set up a charitable trust. This not only allowed them to support their chosen cause but also helped reduce their estate’s taxable value.

Use of Qualified Plans

Retirement accounts and IRAs can be a significant part of an estate. Proper planning can help minimize the tax impact when these assets are inherited. I had a client who wanted to ensure that their children wouldn’t be hit with a hefty tax bill upon inheriting their IRA. We set up a strategy to help mitigate this, giving their children more financial security.

Leveraging Life Insurance

Life insurance policies can play a dual role in estate planning. They provide financial security to your loved ones and can also be used strategically to offset estate taxes. I recently worked with a family who used an irrevocable life insurance trust (ILIT) to great effect, ensuring

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Message from Leadership

Supporting Local Culinary Gems: SF Golden Gate Business Association Collaborates with Grubhub and NGLCC

In an age where supporting local businesses is paramount to the vitality of our communities, it’s inspiring to witness the collaborative efforts that uplift and strengthen them. The San Francisco Golden Gate Business Association (GGBA), in a remarkable partnership with Grubhub and the National LGBT Chamber of Commerce (NGLCC), has taken a massive step in championing local culinary establishments by announcing substantial grants to 15 deserving venues. The combined grant, totaling over $80,000, shines a spotlight on a wide range of eateries, each of which plays an essential role in the local culinary scene and represents the diverse spirit of San Francisco and its neighboring towns.

Grantee Highlights

Davis: Red 88 Noodle Bar - With an array of sumptuous dishes, Red 88 Noodle Bar in Davis is a testament to the flavors of East Asia. Their eclectic menu boasts of hearty broths and zesty noodles that bring the heart of Asian street food to the local community.

Healdsburg: Noble Folk Inc - This Healdsburg gem redefines desserts with its creative ice creams and pies. Their commitment to local ingredients and artistic presentation make them an indispensable part of the culinary map.

Oakland: Fluid Cooperative CaféCelebrating the spirit of unity and community, Fluid Cooperative Café is not just an eatery, but a meeting place where conversations brew along with the finest coffee.

Oakland: Super Juiced - A refreshing oasis in the heart of Oakland, Super Juiced offers organic, revitalizing juices that mir-

ror the fresh vibrancy of the town itself.

Oakland: Understory Oakland - This is a unique and vibrant community space, nestled in the heart of the city, where local artists and entrepreneurs come together to showcase their talents and creativity.

Oakland: Wooden Table Baking CoA beloved bakery specializing in artisanal bread and pastries, Wooden Table Baking Co welcomes all with the inviting aroma of freshly baked goods that fill the air.

San Francisco: The Academy SFMore than just a destination for inspired drinks, The Academy SF is an institution. Combining gastronomy with an educational twist, they offer a feast for both the mind and palate.

San Francisco: BIRBA - BIRBA brings sophistication and grace to the plate, crafting experiences that go beyond just flavors.

San Francisco: El Rio - Representing the lively spirit of San Francisco, El Rio is not just about food but the culture, music, and communal celebrations.

San Francisco: Fable - With its farm-totable approach, Fable has crafted a narrative where each dish tells a story, rooted in sustainability and authenticity.

San Francisco: Grubstake Diner - A timeless classic, Grubstake Diner offers nostalgic flavors that transport diners to the golden eras of San Franciscan dining.

San Francisco: Hot Cookie - Beyond the delightful bites, Hot Cookie stands as a beacon of inclusivity and diversity, much like the city it resides in.

GGBA Member Spotlight

Pacific Advisors is a respected firm with offices in California, Oregon, Washington, Idaho, Nevada, Arizona, and Texas. It has earned EDGE certification for gender equality in professional development, mentoring, recruitment, promotion efforts, and community culture. Rodney Suzuki, MBA, is part of the Pacific Advisors team in San Francisco. He specializes in advanced financial strategies for professionals and business owners, and works with clients to empower them by providing innovative methods to mitigate financial risk and plan for their futures.

GGBA: What are the mission and values of Pacific Advisors?

Rodney Suzuki: In our strategic approach as your financial professionals, our first job is to help you protect your current position. Then we work with you to create a roadmap for the achievement and protection of your full vision. We focus on your unique needs and design customized strategies to help meet those needs. Once the strategy is clear, we begin to conservatively advance toward it, never taking more risk than necessary to achieve the fulfillment of your narrative.

GGBA CALENDAR

Thursday, September 28

Wells Fargo LGBTQIA+ in Technology and Digital Networking Event 5:30–7:30 pm

https://tinyurl.com/4wn6kp7c

San Francisco: Manny’sManny’s isn’t just a culinary hotspot but a space for conversations, community building, and change.

San Francisco: Park Café Group - This is a renowned hospitality company celebrated for its diverse portfolio of eateries, offering culinary experiences ranging from casual cafés to upscale dining establishments.

San Francisco: Vico Cavone - Vico Cavone is a charming Italian restaurant nestled in the heart of the city, and is known for its rustic ambiance and delectable pasta dishes.

In bestowing these grants, the collaborative effort between GGBA, Grubhub, and NGLCC not only offers financial support to these businesses but also acknowledges their invaluable contribution to the community. It’s a heartening reminder of the role local establishments play in shaping the socio-cultural fabric of a place.

San Francisco and its neighboring towns have always been at the forefront of embracing diversity, and the culinary scene is a direct reflection of this. Each grantee, with its unique flavors, ambiance, and story, contributes to this rich tapestry. In the end, this initiative isn’t just about food but about celebrating the essence of community. In times where businesses, especially local ones, are facing challenges, initiatives like these infuse hope and solidarity.

Let’s take a moment to applaud the GGBA, Grubhub, and NGLCC for their visionary collaboration and also raise a toast to the 15 culinary establishments that

Tuesday, October 10

GGBA October Make Contact 6–8 pm https://tinyurl.com/2bcy64wj

Wednesday, October 11

LGBTQ+ Real Estate Investors Monthly Meetup 6–8 pm https://tinyurl.com/5c8jmbc8

Wednesday, October 18 New Member Orientation 6–7 pm https://tinyurl.com/ycn8demu

Tuesday, October 24 GGBA October Board of Directors Meeting 5:30–7:30 pm https://tinyurl.com/3ppp5ck6

make our lives a tad bit tastier. Here’s to more flavors, more stories, and an ever-thriving local culinary scene. For more information on the GGBA, please visit: https://linktr.ee/ggba

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

Rodney Suzuki of Pacific Advisors

GGBA: Why did you decide to become a financial advisor?

Rodney Suzuki: I became a financial advisor because I saw both my parents die from cancer, my best friend pass from a head injury, and another friend become disabled and unable to work due to a car accident. These tragedies motivated me to help others in their financial planning for life’s uncertainties.

GGBA: Who are some of your role models, and especially those who helped to influence your work?

Rodney Suzuki: My role models are people of compassion, kindness, humility, and patience such as Mother Teresa and the Dalai Lama.

GGBA: Why did you decide to join the GGBA, and how long have you been a member?

Rodney Suzuki: I have been a member of the GGBA for a few months, but I have made many friends through the association whom I am so grateful to know. I love the networking that is available through the GGBA, and I would recommend attending all events they hold.

For more information about Pacific Advisors: https://www.pacificadvisors.com/

IN MEMORIAM

Susan Elisabeth Calico, Co-Founder of the San Francisco Bay Times (1950–2023)

Susan Elisabeth Calico, Co-Founder of the San Francisco Bay Times in 1978, died on July 23, 2023, in Berkeley. She was a multi-talented person who contributed to her communities in many ways.

Calico was born in Seattle, Washington, on June 30, 1950, to Helen Margaret Sell and Richard T. Pohlman. She was the eldest of four. The family lived in Salt Lake City and Bountiful, Utah, and in San Jose and Cupertino, California. She attended Lynbrook High School. Her childhood interests included horseback riding, reading, writing, puzzles, and games. She participated in 4-H and Girl Scouts.

Calico attended UC Davis in 1968 and transferred to UC Berkeley in 1969. She graduated in 1972 in psychology. She was an editor of the campus newspaper, The Daily Californian

Calico came out as a lesbian in 1975, and changed her name to Susan Elisabeth.

She worked as a writer and sound producer at KPFA radio station in Berkeley in the 1970s and 1980s. In the mid-1970s, she and three other lesbians at KPFA formed a Women’s Recording crew to record live performances of women artists around the Bay Area. At KPFA she trained new staff in production techniques and was a member of the Society of Broadcast Engineers.

In 1978, Calico was the Founding Production Manager of the San Francisco Bay Times, the first West Coast newspaper and one of the first in the world to be produced equally by lesbians and gay men. It was the product of a collective that also included Bill Hartman, Roland Schembari, M.J. Lallo, Priscilla Alexander, Brenda Besdansky, Amson Reinhart, and Randy Alfred. Calico bought a Berkeley duplex with a fellow KPFA staff member and later bought him out. She did all of the rewiring and remodeling herself, and created a garden in her backyard. She bicycled everywhere, and her first motor vehicle was a Post Office mail carrier’s delivery truck bought at auction, cruising at a top speed of 55 miles per hour.

In the 1980s she hosted a radio show on KPFA focusing on lesbian music.

In the 1990s she hosted a Berkeley Flats Dykes gathering in her backyard. She was an active member of Women Over Fifty and Friends (WOFF). In the last few years, she organized materials of several deceased friends for the Bay Area Lesbian Archives (BALA), and her own writings and other materials have also gone to BALA. Calico enjoyed music. She attended the Women Making Music camp for many years, played guitar and banjo, and wrote music. She was in a singing group called the Tribads, which performed at the Montclair Women’s Cultural Arts Club Third Thursday open mics and other events. She sang with the Town Hall Singers and played guitar with the California State Old Time Fiddlers’ Association. She was also a member of Enchanted Moon, a Wiccan singing circle that meets at the time of the full moon.

She was an accomplished quilter, gifting friends and family with her creations. Ever the consum-

mate technician, she applied extensive study and mastery of color to her quilts, which were truly works of art. She had a quilt exhibited at the East Bay Heritage Quilters show in 2014. She also loved cats, and was inspired to change her last name to Calico in the early 1990s after she created a cat-shaped cover for her sewing machine.

Calico cared for others when they needed help. She tutored junior high school students in math. She was a member of Myra’s Care Circle for a friend with dementia. She drove from Berkeley to San Jose daily for two years to care for her terminally ill mother, and inherited her mother’s cats, Wolfee, who predeceased

her, and Tiger, who was adopted by friends after Calico died.

She was knowledgeable about radio, audio/visual, computer, and network technology. She worked for organizations including American Presidents Lines (APL) and various departments at UC Berkeley including campus radio station KALX, Educational Technology Services, and the Microlab. She also created and maintained websites.

She was part of a Zoom community of Spanish learners from around the U.S. and beyond, bringing a spirit of gentleness, curiosity, and compassionate listening. She shared her knowledge and the results of her research, and she liked to learn from

(continued on page 22)

Health Alert: COVID-19 and Mpox Cases Are Rising Again

Roland Schembari and Bill Hartman, Co-Founders

Randy Alfred, Founding News Editor 1978

Kim Corsaro, Publisher 1981-2011

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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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CONTRIBUTORS

WRITeRS

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

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

PhOTOgRaPheRS

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

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According to both national and local health authorities, COVID19 and mpox cases are again on the rise. The best information can be obtained from the CDC and your local health department websites. One likely reason for the uptick in cases is that interactions with people change starting in the fall, increasing

the probability of being infected with COVID-19, mpox, colds, and flu. Also circulating is the Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV).

RSV is a common cause of respiratory illness in infants and young children, as well as in older adults. Each year, RSV causes lower respiratory tract disease, hospitalization, and death. There are two RSV vaccines approved for adults ages 60 years and older: RSVPreF3 (Arexvy, GSK) and RSVpreF (Abrysvo, Pfizer). Both are recombinant protein vaccines that cause the immune system to produce RSV antibodies. Both are currently approved as a single dose and were shown in clinical trials to protect against symptomatic lower respiratory tract disease caused by RSV in adults ages 60 and older, with more than 80% efficacy in the first RSV season after vaccination.

Both the FDA and CDC have approved updated COVID-19 vac-

cines. Pfizer, one of the vaccine manufacturers, estimates that only 24% of those eligible to receive the vaccine will obtain it this season. Do you part, both for yourself and others, and get the new vaccine when it becomes available. And even if you have been vaccinated, be sure to isolate if you test positive.

Mpox remains a health threat as well. Over the summer, even before the predicted fall uptick in cases, the San Francisco Department of Public Health reported a significant rise in cases compared to previous months. Multiple companies, including Moderna, are now working on an mRNA-based vaccine for mpox. Two vaccines are currently available and the CDC recommends that those who have been exposed to the mpox virus or who may be more likely to get it receive vaccination.

The mpox vaccines safeguard against severe illness, hospitaliza-

tion, and death. (The World Health Organization reports that 152 people died of mpox from January 1 2022 to August 9, 2023.) Get both doses of the vaccine for the best protection. Get dose one, wait four weeks, and then get dose two. You will have maximum protection two weeks after your second dose.

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.

Calle 24 - Fiesta De Las Américas

Saturday, September 16, was a day of celebrating Latinx culture and heritage at the annual Calle 24, Fiesta de las Américas held in San Francisco’s Mission District on 24th Street between Bryant and South Van Ness Avenue.

LGBT community member Erick Arguello, who is the current President of the Calle 24 leadership council, along with his volunteer colleagues, the organization’s staff, and supporters, presented a full lineup of activities including live music, folkloric dance, a lowriders exhibit, local food vendors, merchandise and information booths, a youth zone, and more.

San Francisco Bay Times volunteer coordinator Juan R. Davila connected with Arguello, and had an opportunity to photograph scenes during the five-hour event. To learn more about Calle 24 (Latino Cultural District) and its year-round events and services: http://www.calle24sf.org

PRC Open House 2023

During a special Open House reception held by PRC on Wednesday, September 14, a large crowd of PRC staff members, supporters, and volunteers viewed the unveiling of new artwork to be installed honoring Donna Sachet and Gary Virginia. Through their work during the past three decades, Sachet and Virginia have tirelessly organized and conducted benefits, served as volunteers in leadership roles, and supported PRC in numerous other ways. The Pride Brunch and Songs of the Season benefits have raised hundreds of thousands of dollars to support PRC’s ongoing services for LGBTQ+ community members and others.

https://prcsf.org/

Emperor Norton Place Naming Ceremony

Members of the Imperial Court of San Francisco, including Reigning Emperor Michael Anthony Chua, joined Supervisor Aaron Peskin and other special guests on Sunday, September 17, 2023, for a ceremony unveiling the naming of Emperor Norton Place. It is at the stretch of Commercial Street (600 block) between Kearny and Montgomery Streets where Emperor Norton (James Abraham Norton, 1818–1880) once lived in San Francisco.

The San Francisco Lesbian/Gay Freedom Band and Ms. Lola Montez performed “I Left My Heart in San Francisco” and led a procession to the unveiling of the site. Following the ceremony, a reception was held at Empire Park that included a display of artifacts and activities, such as a scavenger hunt, trivia contest, and more.

Additional invited guests included Joseph Amster, noted tour guide who appears as Emperor Norton; Taryn Edwards, Emperor Norton Trust; Stacy Marshall, Emperor Norton League; Lana Costantini, San Francisco Historical Society; and Empress XXX Donna Sachet, a San Francisco Bay Times columnist.

Learn more about Emperor Norton at The Emperor Norton Trust online: https://tinyurl.com/yc4ubtsv

Back in the good ole US of A, we are especially happy to embrace our increasingly rare and delightful moderate weather. Yes, San Francisco summer has arrived, but with it come our welcome fog bank, fresh breezes, and clear skies, quite the opposite of so many areas of the country, suffering record-breaking heat cycles and water shortages. Looking ahead to a very busy weekend, we’ll be merrily celebrating a number of occasions with comfort and joy.

On Wednesday, September 13, PRC opened the doors of its expansive headquarters on 9h Street for an open house and reception. It became a great opportunity for staff, volunteers, supporters, and clients to mingle, learn, and recommit to the important work of this organization. CEO Chuan Teng and Chief Development Officer Randi Paul led a short program, surprising Gary Virginia and this columnist with the unveiling of a tribute to us that will be hung in the main lobby of the building. We have long supported PRC and appreciate this honor and applaud the work of so many at PRC. Don’t miss PRC’s annual gala Mighty Real, coming up on November 9 at St. Joseph’s Arts Society!

Saturday’s Krewe de Kinque benefit at Midnight Sun benefited their Bal Masque Fund and King Mez and Queen Moxie gathered performers and other volunteers in a teasing prelude to Folsom Street Fair. A plethora of raffle prizes ensured that nearly every attendee went home with a prize, in addition to tasty Jello-shots. After a successful event, what could one do but follow a willing group of friends on a short bar-run, including 440 Castro, Twin Peaks, and Last Call. Tantalizing hints of activity at Q-Bar, Bad-

lands, and the soon-to-be-renamed Harvey’s suggest a welcome burst of energy emerging in the Castro as the city recovers from so many challenges, and once again, our community leads the way!

And on Sunday, at the invitation of Stacy Marshall, President of the Emperor Norton Legacy League, we attended the official renaming ceremony of part of Commercial Street as Emperor Norton Place. In the heart of the Financial District, most recently highly publicized as one of the most abandoned and endangered neighborhoods in our city, members of the San Francisco Historical Society & Museum, the Order of E Clampus Vitus, the Emperor Norton Trust, and the Imperial Court of San Francisco joined Board of Supervisors President Aaron Peskin and well-known local characters dressed as Emperor Joshua Norton and Countess Lola Montez at the official unveiling of the new street sign. Adding wonderful revelry to the proceedings was the SF Lesbian/Gay Freedom Band. We smiled as a truck bearing three of the Doggie Diner heads pulled up and impersonators of the Brown Twins strolled by. Talk about an “only in San Francisco” moment!

“Whoever after due and proper warning shall be heard to utter the abominable word ‘Frisco’ ... shall pay into the Imperial Treasury as penalty the sum of twenty-five dollars.”

Friday, September 22 50 Years of Camp & Royalty Grand Ducal Council of San Francisco Cocktails, buffet dinner, speakers, DJ California Academy of Sciences, 55 Music Concourse Drive 6 pm Sold out!

www.sfducal.org

Saturday, September 23

Grand Ducal Coronation XLIX

Step-Down of Grand Duke Gregg Starr & Grand Duchess Kelly Rose Holiday Inn Golden Gateway, 1500 Van Ness 5 pm $60 www.sfducal.org

Saturday, September 23

Brian Kent presents MAGNITUDE!

Official Saturday Night Dance Event of the Folsom Street Fair

Biggest, best dance event of the year!

DJs Morabito, Brady Prince, & Boomer Banks SVN West, 10 Van Ness 10 pm–4 am $100 & up www.magnitudefolsom.com

Sunday, September 24 FOLSOM STREET FAIR XL Biggest street fair in San Francisco Community stages, booths, demos & revelry Free! (donations encouraged) www.folsomstreet.org

Wednesday, September 27 73rd Annual SFCDMA Gala Celebration: The Culture Capital Hosted by Cream & Donna Sachet with music by Wobbly World Green Room of War Memorial Building, 401 Van Ness 5:30–9 pm Sold out! www.sfcdma.org

Friday, September 29

Most significant for us, however, was the attendance by no fewer than seven of the Emperors of San Francisco, direct descendants of the honoree, all dressed elegantly and topped with the official laurel leaves representing their titles. Imagine the impact of Emperor XXXVI John Weber, Emperor XXXVIII Stephen Dorsey, Emperor XLIV Salvador Tovar, Emperor XLVII Terrill Grimes Munro, Emperor XLVIII William Bulkley, Emperor L Brent Daddy Munro, and the Reigning Emperor Michael Anthony Chua all gathered together to witness this timely recognition of their ancestor! For us, and we dare say, for many assembled, it was a very proud moment. Well done!

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

Divas & Drinks at The Academy SF Bay Times presents monthly party Honoring Linda Tillery & SF Pride volunteers

With Melanie DeMore, Shelley Doty, Barbara Higbie, Sharon Washington & more DJ Rockaway courtesy of Olivia Travel, Bacardí cocktails The Academy, 2166 Market Street $15 www.academy-sf.com

Saturday, September 30 51st annual Mr./Miss/Ms./Mx. Gay San Francisco Pageant Hyatt Regency, 50 Third Street 6 pm $25 & up www.sfimperialcouncil.org

cancer studies have showed a disturbing pattern. Breast cancer is the most common type of cancer in the United States. Despite the fact that breast cancer impacts all genders, including men, people who are transgender, nonbinary, or another gender minority tend to have a higher risk for breast cancer than cisgender straight people, and tend to have worse outcomes.

These tendencies are not because of differences in biology. Lifestyle risk factors continue to be studied, but the tendencies are mostly due to the lack of access to affirming, inclusive health care. People who receive regular screenings are likely to find cancer and pre-cancerous cells earlier, and receive treatment earlier, which leads to more effective treatment and better outcomes. If you do not feel welcome or safe at the doctor’s office or local health clinic, chances are you will put off getting screened, or won’t receive recommendations for regular screenings, which means problems may not get caught in time to be treatable.

Ovarian cancer is even more of a challenge. Although it accounts for only about 4% of all diagnosed cancers in women, it is the fourth leading cause of cancer death for people with ovaries. Unlike breast cancer, for which there are regular, effective screenings available, there is no standard, reliable test for ovarian cancer. The good news is that if caught early, the 5-year survival rate for ovarian cancer is over 90%. The bad news is that 75% of patients are diagnosed in advanced stages, when survival rates are low.

Access to welcoming, inclusive, timely healthcare is an equity issue. Fortunately, it is a fast-growing field of study and concern, and each year there are more resources available to help LGBTQ+ people find the culturally appropriate healthcare they need and deserve. I found several listed in an article from UMPC. Check this out; it’s a start: https://tinyurl.com/CncrRscs

PRC’s Open House

One of the ever-present challenges in the nonprofit world is how to keep your supporters engaged in your mission. Many people become involved with an organization because the mission is personal to them: either they, or a loved one, has been affected by that disease, or that issue. But if there is no personal connection, how do you make them understand the urgency of your work?

PRC held an event on September 13 that did an extraordinary job of bridging the gap between understanding the organization’s mission intellectually, and personally. A bit of a history lesson here: In the early 1980s, when San Franciscans were losing their health, their jobs, and their homes due to falling ill from AIDS, AIDS Benefits Counselors was created to help people navigate the systems to be able to access any health and legal benefits they might be entitled to. I remember volunteering for them, in a tiny office overlooking Castro Street.

As the face of AIDS changed over the decades, so did the services they provided. As new treatments became available, and people grew healthy enough to go back to work, job training and computer labs were added. Small but feisty little ABC became Positive Resource Center, then, eventually, PRC. As it became clear that more and more clients were struggling not just with HIV/AIDS, but also substance abuse, mental health problems, and homelessness, services were added to create a more comprehensive safety net. The array of services seemed daunting. How do you explain this all to the public?

PRC chose to open its doors and invite guests in for an open house, offering to let them experience PRC as a client would. Guests were provided with a “passport,” and could visit each department equipped with a sample client story, where they were greeted as a client would be, and walked through the process of accessing services. The theoretical became personal; the effect was profoundly moving. As guests got a glimpse of the enormous challenges faced by PRC’s clients on a daily basis, they began to understand and empathize. Board member Gary Virginia spoke at the gathering about how AIDS Benefits Counselors and AIDS Emergency Fund made it possible for him to keep going when he was at his lowest point. Between the tours and the personal stories, guests were able to connect the dots, understanding the crucial impact of these services on the lives of PRC’s clients. For more info on PRC’s services, and how you can help: https://prcsf.org/

Until Next Time

The fall season is packed with events. Stay tuned for the next issue when I will share more about the 24-hour banned books event at Fabulosa Books on October 14–15, Russian River Pride, Bearrison, and much more. In the meantime, don’t forget to get your flu and COVID shots!

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

as such. The opinions expressed in this article are for general informational purposes only and are not intended to provide specific advice or recommendations for any individual or on any specific security. It is only intended to provide education about the financial industry. To determine which investments may be appropriate for you, consult your financial advisor prior to investing. Any past performance discussed during this program is no guarantee of future results. Any indices referenced for comparison are unmanaged and cannot be invested into directly. As always please remember investing involves risk and possible loss of principal capital; please seek advice from a licensed professional.

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

Brandon Miller, CFP®, is a financial consultant at Brio Financial Group in San Francisco, specializing in helping LGBT individuals and families plan and achieve their financial goals. For more information: https://www.briofg.com/

that their estate would be passed on as they intended.

State-Specific Considerations

It’s important to remember that state estate taxes can vary widely. Some states have their own estate tax laws, which can impact your overall tax liability. Be sure to consider these state-specific factors in your estate planning strategy.

Working with Estate Planning Professionals

Lastly, don’t go it alone. Estate tax planning can be complex, and the laws are subject to change. Professionals like estate planning attorneys, financial advisors, and accountants can help you navigate this terrain effectively. In my experience, clients who seek professional guidance often end up with more tax-efficient estate plans.

Minimizing estate taxes as a senior is not just about keeping more of your hard-earned assets; it’s also about ensuring your legacy benefits as you intended. By understanding the basics, having a sound estate plan, and leveraging smart strategies, you can potentially reduce the impact of estate taxes and leave a lasting finan-

cial legacy. Remember, it’s never too late to start planning for the future. If you are looking for help with your own estate planning needs, or would like to discuss how we can help your loved ones with their plans, please feel free to contact us at obed@greenelawfirm.com or call us at 415-905-0215. We look forward to hearing from you!

Statements In Compliance with California Rules of Professional

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

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

The Road Taken

Two items jump out at me from my news list, neither of which has anything to do with the GLBT community. But when have we ever declined to take the backroads and side trails that beckon with intrigue just because they might be a little off topic? For example, have you seen the “real cheeseburger” that briefly went on sale at Burger King stores in Thailand? The product consisted of 20 slices of American cheese slapped on a bun, period. That’s it. No meat, no burger, no lettuce, no nothin’. Just cheese, and nasty tasting American cheese at that. According to CNN Business, the average Thai customer likes a lot of cheese on food, ergo some brainstorming marketing team came up with this. I guess it was only available for a few weeks, but still. It’s disgusting.

Speaking of disgusting, can I file a formal objection to the genre of television commercials that feature close ups of people eating gross fatty messy things dripping with grease or sauce? The stars of these ads are invariably GenZ types, and no one has taught them to use a napkin or to eat with their mouth closed. They take huge sloppy bites, have a laugh, and let bits of food fall out. Their faces are covered with God knows what. And the whole presentation is theoretically designed to inspire us, the viewers, to join them in their grotesque excess. No thanks, guys. Suddenly I’m not hungry.

Also, Burger King has a jingle that is deliberately sung out of tune by an off-camera bro, who is undoubtedly a participant in one of these mindless orgies. I don’t like it. That, combined with the American cheese promotion, is enough to turn me off Burger King, even though I’ve probably been there three times in my life. Let’s just say there won’t be a fourth.

I’m Too Sexy for My Campaign

And the second item? It’s the Democrat running for a seat in the Virginia House of Delegates who has been making money on the side by having sex with her husband on camera and charging the audience through a service called “Chaturbate.” Susanna Gibson, a 40-year-old nurse practitioner with two kids, had over 5,000 subscribers to the show, which was made public after Republicans discovered it and posted some of her sexcapades.

Gibson was then outraged by the invasion of privacy, which she called “a sex crime.”

“They are trying to silence me because they want to silence you, and I won’t let

that happen,” she said in a statement. “My opponent and his allies know that the people of this district are on our side on the issues, so they’re stooping to the worst gutter politics. There’s too much at stake in this election and I’ll never stop fighting for our community.”

I’m sorry, Susanna, but you simply can’t live-stream explicit sex videos online for money and expect to keep that private while you run for office. I gather the practice is perfectly legal, but that doesn’t mean that it’s admirable or brave. On the contrary, coming from a politician it’s weird and creepy, and it shows terrible judgment, particularly since the platform was not password protected so anyone could join the cyber party.

Speaking to The Washington Post, an adult entertainment lawyer out of Michigan, Corey Silverstein, said it was “fantastic” to have “someone running who has an open sex life. It’s actually very refreshing.” I don’t live in Virginia, but I would still like to see the House of Delegates flip from its 49–46 Republican majority. So, no, I don’t think it’s “fantastic” that our candidate for one of the few tossup seats has no doubt doomed her chances with this outre behavior. Couldn’t she at least have removed the evidence before the campaign began?

We Are in Kansas

I’m feeling my age today as I grouch about low-cut dresses, fast food, and online sex. For three decades or so, let’s say from late twenties to late fifties, everyone is in the same cohort. Some are older, some are younger, and there is a big difference in the extremes, but everyone is a generic “adult.” Then comes an inexorable move into a different generation. You’re not a kid anymore in your early 30s. And you’re not a generic adult in your mid-sixties. Call yourself what you will, you’re part of an older generation. Further, in my opinion, it’s unbecoming to pretend otherwise.

That said, I’m not sure my disdain for Boebert’s trashy look or Gibson’s devilmay-care indifference to hardball politics is a function of my Baby Boomer status. Maybe so, maybe not. The nice thing about getting older is that you’ve earned your opinions and are far less swayed by how they might seem to others. As for the diatribe about the food ads, that just reflects my innate sophistication. I’ve always had it.

Moving on, I was almost going to skip this item out of Sterling, Kansas, population 2,248, because, well, that’s an awfully

small town. And yet, it’s an infuriating story and one that stands in for who knows how many other small towns around the country where a handful of petty power mongers run roughshod over civil rights and state law.

It started when the librarian Kari Wheeler and her assistant Brandy Lancaster arranged a display for the national summer reading program “All Together Now.” Among the books included were The Color Purple, Uncle Tom’s Cabin, Separate Is Never Equal, Wonder, and To Kill a Mockingbird. A poster with a quote from Maya Angelou, “in diversity there is beauty and strength,” showed a disabled child in a wheelchair on a background of five rainbow colors. And in the piece de la resistance, a rainbow infinity symbol and heart that represents autism rights was pictured with the credo, “we all think differently.” You’ll notice that this wasn’t even a GLBT presentation, even though two of the posters had rainbow images.

When news of the display reached the library board and right-wing city staff, the librarians were told to take it down pending a board meeting, which they did.

According to The Topeka Capital-Journal, one city worker said the autism poster “made her sick to her stomach.” Two weeks after the board meeting, the two librarians were fired and the offending posters were gone for good.

On September 12, Wheeler and Lancaster, joined by two neurodivergent library patrons, Samantha Corwin and Audra Asher, filed suit in the U.S. District Court in Kansas City against the 8-person library board, the City of Sterling, and the mayor on Free Speech grounds, viewpoint discrimination, as well as wrongful termination and violation of various administrative rules.

According to the 30-page complaint, earlier this year these same blowhards told the librarians to hide Flight of the Puffin, a book with a non-binary character, in a desk drawer rather than allow it to circulate. Press reports indicate the board members have not bothered to account for their $60,000 annual budget for years now, and it appears they reappoint themselves annually without input from the city. So far, the board has refused to provide comment or information to the press, arguably defying sunshine laws, but they are not likely to avoid scrutiny from the federal bench. Let’s hope that they don’t pull a Trump judge. arostow@aol.com

Oakland Pride 2023

With “Fuel the Power of Pride” as the theme, Oakland Pride and Pridefest joined forces to produce the largest ever Pride celebration in Oakland on Sunday, September 9.

A parade on Broadway kicked off the day led by the Oakland Pride float and a series of contingents representing service and advocacy organizations, businesses, and performing arts groups. The festival’s large footprint featured exhibit booths offering information, healthcare services, food & beverage, and merchandise for sale; all extended over a multi-block area in downtown Oakland. Among the special sections were the Children’s Area, Health Pavilion, Sober Area, Senior Area, Latinx Stage, and Main Stage.

San Francisco Bay Times volunteer coordinator Juan R. Davila and his team created and staffed the Bay Times booth near the Main Stage where free copies of the paper were distributed and a photo step and repeat area was enjoyed by festival goers. Special thanks to Lisa Williams of Oakland Pride!

Watch the Oakland Pride archived livecast by ABC7 News Bay Area: https://tinyurl.com/ycktn5jx

MEMORIAM (continued from pg 14)

others. During Spanish conversation, the group learned about her cats, her love of music, and UC Berkeley ’s peregrine falcons.

Calico fell off her bicycle on July 3 and broke her hip. The resulting surgery, medications, and stress worsened her hyperthyroid condition, leading to cardiac arrest three weeks after the accident.

She is survived by siblings Alice Attwaters (Derek), Barbara Siverts (Ted), and Ted Pohlman (Karen); nephews Kyle, Daniel (Stephanie), and Garrett; nieces Catherine, Olivia, and Gillian; grandniece Heather; and many friends.

A memorial service will be held in person and on Zoom at Berkeley Fellowship of Unitarian Universalists’ Fellowship Hall, 1924 Cedar Street on Saturday, October 14, from 2 to 5 pm. To RSVP for inperson attendance or Zoom link, please call 510-219-1287. Calico often wore Hawaiian shirts because it made people smile. Attendees are encouraged to wear Hawaiian shirts.

Donations may be made to KALW-FM, the Feral Cat Foundation of Alameda and Contra Costa Counties, Violence Policy Center in Washington, D.C., Planned Parenthood of Northern California, or Women Making Music.

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. We have taken a look at the last 48 Royal Houses and have gotten to know a little about each of them. Now, I will feature and spotlight the current Royal House, the 49th, and I will introduce you to the candidates for the upcoming 50th Reign of the Grand Ducal Council of San Francisco!

2022–2023

The 49th Royal House of the Majestics of Light, Love, and Laughter

(H.M.R.S.M) Reigning Grand

Duke: The Platinum Blue-Eyed Extra Duke of Dore Alley Gregg Starr

The 49th Royal House

Colors: black and silver

Symbol: star

(H.M.R.S.M) Reigning Grand

Duchess: The Ever-Blooming Seductive Duchess of Humor and Humility Kelly Rose

Color: teal

Symbol: rose

Coronation Theme: “Pop Art at the Pushkin Museum”

Their Court consists of:

• Royal Crown PrinceX: Angel Summers

• Royal Crown Princess: Sue Trowtower

• Prince Royale: Ray Ray Roldan

• Princess Royale: La Rosa De Los

Gallos

• Miss Debutante: EB Tina

• Royal Rainbow Knight: Aleks Faynleyb

• Royal Baby: Raya Light

• Royal Baby: Tawdry Hepburrn

• Royal King of Hearts: Woodcock Johnson

• Royal Queen of Hearts: Croptop

• Miss Royal Bunny: Lady Fawn

• Miss Royal Bunny: Vivianne Vixen

• Miss Royal Bunny: Salvation

• Royal Daddy: Mark Hankins

• Royal Daddy’s Boy: Pup Rush (Rodrigo Patron)

(H.M.R.S.M) Kelly Rose joined the San Francisco Ducal Council in 2015 as a Royal Baby, for the 43rd Royal House. She then became Royal Baby again in 2017 for the 45th Royal House. I asked (H.M.R.S.M) Kelly Rose on

behalf of the San Francisco Bay Times about her inspiration. She said, “I thoroughly enjoyed my first year as Royal Baby for Grand Duchess Olivia Hart, and even more so, my second go round as Royal Baby for Grand Duchess MGM Grande, then a few years later in 2022, I decided it was my time to run for Grand Duchess and see if I could continue bringing my humor and determination to this title. I love working with new performers and helping bring more awareness to social issues impacting our communities.”

(H.M.R.S.M) Grand Duke Greggory Starr started his journey with the Grand Ducal Council in 2022 when he became Rainbow Knight in the 48th Royal House under Grand Duchess Bobby Friday and Grand Duke Scott Rice.

It was at the Cotillion when it was suggested that Gregg run for Grand Duke, and thus began his journey to becoming XLIX Grand Duke.

I asked (H.M.R.S.M) Gregg about his journey. He shared, “One of the main reasons I chose to run for Grand Duke was to have the opportunity to raise money for the Castro Country Club. I am in recovery and very proud of my recovery process. I am very thankful for the Castro Country Club, and together with the Grand Ducal Council’s platform I would be able to raise much more needed funds for the Castro Country Club that I would not be able to have done on my own.”

Together, with their combined efforts, they raised over $107,000 for their local charities. (H.M.R.S.M)

Gregg and (H.M.R.S.M) Kelly stepped up as Monarchs not knowing each other, and it took a while for

them to become the close friends that they are today. They both expressed to me what a special and unforgettable time they have had traveling together to other Realms, cities, and Kingdoms. In a joint statement they said, “We both thoroughly enjoyed Fresno’s and Las Vegas’s Coronation and we’ve had a fantastic time building friendships and communities while out on the town.”

While their Majesties have had an amazing year, their reign isn’t quite over yet and they are looking forward to their “Pop Art at The Pushkin Museum” Coronation as they help to usher in the 50th reign, and look forward to celebrating their successful reign of community service with everyone.

The Candidates for the 50th Royal House are Christina Ashton for Grand Duchess and Ray Ray Roland for Grand Duke. They are both running unopposed but must still receive 50% +1 yes votes of this communitybased vote in order to receive the illustrious title of Grand Duke and Grand Duchess of San Francisco, Marin, and San Mateo counties. I wish them both the best, as well as good luck in their campaigning efforts.

On Friday, September 22, 2023, from 6 pm to 11 pm, 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.

From September 20–24, 2023, the Grand Ducal Council and Their Most Royal Sovereign Majesties will present:

Coronation 49 Events in San Francisco

In Town Show

Wednesday, September 20

6–9 pm

Beaux

2344 Market Street

50th Anniversary Gala

Friday, September 22

50 Years of Camp and Royalty CA Academy of Sciences

55 Music Concourse Drive

Doors at 6 pm

Sold out!

Coronation

Saturday, September 23

Holiday Inn Golden Gateway Emerald Ballroom

1500 Van Ness Ave

Doors at 5 pm

Coronation at 6 pm

$60 Purchase tickets in advance online until midnight, Friday, September 22. Tickets may also be purchased at the door.

Victory Brunch

Sunday, September 24

11 am–2 pm

Ti Piacera Ristorante

1507 Polk Street

$50 Entry Fee Per Person (includes brunch, coffee, tea & sodas)

Purchase tickets in advance at:

https://tinyurl.com/5amy5c4m

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.

Sean Dorsey Dance’s The Lost Art of Dreaming: A Highlight of the SF Fall Arts Season

Lovers of dance, theater, and live performance—mark your calendars! Bay Area favorite, the award-winning, allqueer/trans dance company Sean Dorsey Dance, will perform in San Francisco this month for one weekend only.

September 29 through October 1, the company will perform The Lost Art of Dreaming at Z Space theater. This visually exquisite, deeply-moving show features full-throttle dance, extravagant costumes, and powerful storytelling—inspiring and uplifting audiences at a time when we need it most.

The Lost Art of Dreaming is coming back to San Francisco as part of its 10-city international tour (the most recent stops were Stockholm, Sweden, and Atlanta, Georgia). The show invites audiences to connect with joy and pleasure, embrace expansive imagination, and propel ourselves toward loving futures.

At a moment in America when transgender and queer people are under attack in every state, transgender choreographer Sean Dorsey dares to dream big. Dorsey told the San Francisco Bay Times, “I believe that dreaming is a political act. Inviting us all to dream at a time when transgender communities are living in a state of emergency is powerful: we cannot

forge the change we want without dreaming of it first.”

Dorsey has long been recognized as the nation’s first acclaimed transgender modern dance choreographer, but lately he received attention for becoming one of only a handful of transgender people ever to win an Emmy Award. Dorsey was awarded an Emmy for his work on the short KQED produced film Sean Dorsey Dance: Dreaming Trans and Queer Futures (dir. Lindsay Gauthier).

Dorsey shared, “The Lost Art of Dreaming is an invitation for us all to imagine what is possible; it’s a love letter to longing and our deepest dreams; and it’s a physical expression of sumptuous, sensual, and expansive futures.”

The Lost Art of Dreaming is choreographed and written by Dorsey, with movement created and performed by Dorsey, Brandon Graham, Héctor Jaime, David Le, and Nol Simonse. Its original music was composed by Anomie Belle, LD Brown, Dorsey, Frida Ibarra, Alex Kelly, Ben Kessler, Jesse Olsen Bay, and Kelsey Lu. The costumes were created by Tiffany Amundson, Krystal Harfert, and Melissa Castaneda.

“I can’t tell you how many people tell us they want one of our gowns!” Dorsey said, referring to the show’s stunning custom-made, couture gowns that were designed and crafted by Amundson.

All performances will be followed by receptions with the

popular Sean Dorsey Dance photo booth, plus the lobby experience of Dorsey’s Postcards From The Future and The Futurist Pledge. Audiences will enjoy a lobby display of original artworks commissioned especially for the show.

“We commissioned four brilliant trans, Indigenous Two-Spirit, and non-binary visual artists (Art Twink, Tupili Arellano, Wriply Bennet, and liminal hymn) to create an original piece of art inspired by the themes of The Lost Art of Dreaming,” explained Dorsey.

“And then we printed these exquisite artworks onto full-color 5x7 postcards for our Postcards From The Future project. On the front: gorgeous art; on the back: space for audiences to write a message from the future and mail it to a loved one ... or to themselves!”

Access Note: ASL interpretation will be provided at the Sunday, October 1, performance. Z Space is wheelchair accessible and has all-gender bathrooms.

COVID-19 safety note: KN95 masks are required (and will be provided by the theater) for this event.

Sean Dorsey - Breaking New Ground in Dance

Sean Dorsey is a transgender and queer choreographer, dancer, writer, educator and activist. He has toured his work to more than 30 cities across the U.S. and abroad—and his dance films have been screened in more than 25 cities internationally.

Dorsey has been named a Doris Duke Artist and a Dance/USA Artist Fellow. He is the first openly-transgender U.S. artist to be presented by The Joyce Theater (NYC), American Dance Festival, and many other major stages. As a transgender, white, disabled/hard-of-hearing and queer longtime social practice artist, Dorsey creates his works over 2–3 years in deep relationship with/in community.

Dorsey is also the founder and Artistic Director of Fresh Meat Productions, a San Francisco-based arts organization

that invests in the creative expression and cultural leadership of transgender and gender-nonconforming communities.

Fresh Meat Productions’ programs include: the popular annual FRESH MEAT FESTIVAL of transgender and queer performance (every June); resident company Sean Dorsey Dance’s performances, teaching, and touring; FRESH WORKS! commissions; national community residencies; co-sponsoring community arts events; free dance education programs; and national advocacy for intersectional trans justice in dance.

Sean Dorsey Dance: The Lost Art of Dreaming

September 29–October 1

Times: Friday @ 7:30 pm, Saturday @ 7:30 pm, Sunday @ 2 pm (with ASL interpretation)

Z Space (450 Florida Street, San Francisco)

Tickets: $15–50 sliding scale Info/tickets: www.SeanDorseyDance.com

Cassandro Is a Great Biopic of the Gay Lucha Libre Wrestler

expectation that he will win. Saúl makes Cassandro’s debut dazzling; he comes out wearing lipstick and hotpants and no mask, which defies lucha libre conventions. He even enters the ring to a Spanish-language version of Gloria Gaynor’s anthem

“I Will Survive.” Before the victor is declared, Cassandro has won over the audience and a star is born.

handful of scenes between Saúl and Felipe have nice sexual tension.)

Regardless of what one may think about the sport of wrestling, Cassandro, set in the world of lucha libre, is an exciting and moving story of queer empowerment.

This fictional film, available on Amazon Prime September 22, is based on the life of the gay wrestler Saúl Armendáriz. A Mexican American in El Paso, he is first seen entering the ring as “El Topo.” A “runt” whose small stature makes him an easy defeat for his opponent, Gigantico (the real Gigantico), Saúl complains not about losing but that there is no poetry in Gigantico’s “performance.” And while Saúl admires the exótico wrestlers, they never win according to the sport’s rules.

But all that changes after Saúl connects with Sabrina (Roberta Colindrez), who trains him and supports his decision to wrestle as Cassandro, an exótico, with the

Gael García Bernal will easily win over viewers with his multilayered performance here. The actor conveys Saúl’s ambitions and his heartbreaks wearing his emotions on his sequined sleeves while also creating a character in Cassandro that is opposite of himself in real life. “I think Cassandro is a top,” Saúl offers at one point, after sex. And Saúl flirts, seductively, with Felipe (Benito Antonio Martínez Ocasio aka Bad Bunny) in one scene where Saúl floats the idea that if Cassandro were here, he would kiss Felipe—though Saúl himself won’t, even though he obviously really wants to. (The

Saúl is constantly thinking and processing what happens to and around him and his alter ego as if calculating what he needs to do to realize his dreams. He may seem naïve at times—as when Lorenzo (Joaquín Cosio), a promoter, is looking to cash in on Cassandro’s success—but Saúl is in on the joke and understands the escapism and entertainment lucha libre wrestling provides to its fans. Saúl knows how to deliver a show, which is why he is so ingratiating.

Director Roger Ross Williams also knows how to deliver a show, and he balances the on- and off-stage drama well, making viewers care about Saúl/Cassandro. Moreover, Bernal is incredibly charismatic as the title character. It is pure joy to see Cassandro showboating in the ring and playing up his femininity. He taunts the wrestling fans to call him “faggot” if only to upend their expectations about how “strong” this

(continued on page 27)

flamboyant gay man can be. But Bernal’s performance is more than just his badly dyed blonde hair, selfapplied makeup, and increasingly more fabulous costumes along with his nifty wrestling moves. (Give extra credit to Bernal for making the fake pain in the ring look so real.) He gives Saúl tremendous heart.

The bulk of the film focuses on Saúl’s personal relationships that suffer

even as he gains more success as a wrestler. He is very close with his supportive mother, Yocasta (Perla de la Rosa), who wants him to “find a nice guy, not some mean boy.” She is reluctant to attend his fights because she doesn’t want to see him get hurt. But when she sees Cassandro perform, she is inspired—and she gets into mama bear mode when a fan disses her son. Saúl dreams of buying

his mother a house with a yellow kitchen. A nice scene has them sneaking into the property’s backyard pool. Saúl says that once he buys the place, he will make the pool heart-shaped, “just to be faggy.” Such is his unapologetically gay nature.

While Yocasta still has feeling for Saúl’s father, Eduardo (Robert Salas), watching him from afar from time to time, Saúl and his dad have not spoken since Saúl came out as a teen. This is Saúl’s Achilles heel, given that Eduardo introduced him to luchadores when he was a boy. Yocasta does wonder how Eduardo will react when he learns his son is Cassandro.

Saúl also has a complicated relationship with Gerardo (Raúl Castillo), a married-with-kids luchador, with whom he is having a secret affair. Saúl wants Gerardo to be with him, especially as his career takes off, but Gerardo is adamantly opposed, which frustrates Saúl, who is tired of hiding their relationship.

Cassandro wisely shows Saúl being true to himself, which is why it is so gratifying. When Gerardo tells Saúl that the other luchadores think he is “getting too big,” Saúl only moves forward. He is pleased when Lorenzo offers him an arena fight in Mexico City with the legendary Son of Santo (the real El Hijo del Santo). However, Saúl has to prove himself worthy of such an important fight, a challenge that is a bit daunting.

Thankfully, the film does not end with the big match, but shows how Cassandro has inspired a young fan to come out, emphasizing the positive impact of being an openly gay wrestler. Saúl also has a bittersweet encounter with his father that is quite revealing. And these scenes show, like the sensational wrestling ones do, that the title character simply does not back down from a fight. This is why Cassandro is so winning.

Gary M. Kramer is the author of “Independent Queer Cinema: Reviews and Interviews,” and the co-editor of “Directory of World Cinema: Argentina.” He teaches Short Attention Span Cinema at the Bryn Mawr Film Institute and is the moderator for Cinema Salon, a weekly film discussion group. Follow him on Twitter @garymkramer

Sister Dana sez, “Happy BI VISIBILITY DAY! It had originally been named ‘International Celebrate Bisexuality Day’—so let’s all celebrate!”

Marked each year since 1999, BI VISIBILITY DAY raises bi awareness and challenges bisexual & bi-romantic erasure. This will be the 25th year that we have celebrated bisexual life on September 23. It is anticipated there will be more than 250 events marking the date, up from at least 170 in 2019 before the COVID-19 pandemic limited activities. Events around the world range from exhibitions, talks, and film screenings to picnics and socials in bi-friendly bars. A host of public buildings around the world fly the pink, purple, and blue bisexual flag, and many business LGBTQ staff networks host specially themed meetings.

Jen Yockney MBE, who has run the international listings site ( https://bivisibilityday.com/ ) since 2001, noted, “After a quarter of a century Bi Visibility Day, like bisexual visibility in wider culture, keeps growing and growing.” She

Sister Dana Sez: Words of Wisdumb from a Fun Nun

continued, “I’ve been organizing events celebrating Bi Visibility Day since 1999, and the transformation in that time is huge. We are more talked about and more heard as bi people than ever before; yet also the challenges and particular needs of bisexuals have been thrown into sharper relief over that time.” She concluded, “Far from the ‘best of both worlds’ cliché, the challenge of either persistently reasserting your bisexuality or having part of your life erased proves wearing for many bi people.” She elaborated that when lesbians and gay men have one closet to escape, many bi people find that leaving one closet just leads to being put in another.

Sister Dana sez, “A Representative for my beloved California, evil Kevin McCarthy, is leading the MAGAs in an absurd ‘limpeachment’ of President Biden and is also holding the country hostage while Congress has just until September 30 to approve Government funding. No shutdown!”

FABULOSA BOOKS is holding an author’s reading of RENEGADES by Chloe Sherman , a photographic overview of the queer utopian butch/ femme culture of the 1990s in San Francisco. Chloe Sherman is a longtime photographer in San Francisco. Her artist statement: “I was impressed by the collective creativity, support, pride, and strident defiance of cultural norms. This subculture emerged against the backdrop of mainstream society. All shot

on 35mm film, my photographs from this vibrant era connect current and future generations to the pulse of the city during a unique time when difference and homecoming were unapologetically celebrated.” Come with questions and comments while enjoying complimentary wine and chocolate. September 28, 489 Castro Street, 7–9 pm. https://www.fabulosabooks.com

Sister Dana sez, “Kudos to Prosecutor Jack Smith for putting a gag order on the ex-president. In other words: ‘SHUT UP, TRUMP! JUST SHUT UP!!!’”

Former Representative Liz Cheney said it all: “Putin has now officially endorsed the Putin-wing of the Republican Party.” Cheney tweeted about Russian President Vladimir Putin blasting the criminal indictments of Trump as “rotten” politically motivated prosecutions. “Putin Republicans and their enablers will end up on the ash heap of history,” she said.

“Patriotic Americans in both parties who believe in the values of liberal democracy will make sure of it.”

Sister Dana sez, “No surprise that Putin is defending Trump and criticizing democracy—

which really means dictatorship! Warmonger Putin continues to ignore Russian human rights abuses while daring to lecture the U.S. We absolutely MUST enforce the law and convict Trump!”

LEATHERWALK , the annual kickoff for Leather Week, took off with banners and leather flags leading the parade on September 17 from City Hall—stopping at many a leather bar and ending at Eagle Plaza to celebrate LeatherPrideFEST Featured was the Raising of the Leather Flag and Blessing of the

(continued on page 36)

Jeopardy! Champion Amy Schneider’s Memoir Comes Out on October 3

In the Form of a Question: The Joys and Rewards of a Curious Life by Jeopardy! champion Amy Schneider will be published on October 3. Publisher Simon and Schuster shares that it is “an inspirational and bold memoir from the most successful woman ever to compete on Jeopardy! —and an exploration of what it means to ask questions of the world and of yourself.”

In eighth grade, Schneider was voted “Most likely to appear on Jeopardy! ” by her classmates. Decades later, this trailblazer finally got her chance. Not only did she walk away with $1.3 million while captivating the world with her impressive forty-game winning streak, but she made history and won an even greater prize—the joy of being herself on national television and blazing a trail for openly queer and transgender people around the

world. Now, she shares her singular journey that led to becoming an unlikely icon and hero to millions. Her super power: boundless curiosity and fearless questioning.

In the Form of a Question explores some of the innumerable topics that have fascinated Amy throughout her life—books and music, Tarot and astrology, popular culture and computers, sex and relationships— but they all share the same purpose: to illustrate, and celebrate, the results of a lifetime spent asking, “Why?”

Charlie Jane Anders, author of All the Birds in the Sky, highly recommends the memoir. “Let Amy Schneider explain absolutely everything to you,” Anders writes. “This brazen, fearless book shows how curiosity and a nose for weirdness can literally change your life—and true to form,

instead of telling you the answers, it’ll help you find better questions.”

For more information: https://tinyurl.com/49mayv22

Lit Snax

Get in Trouble: Stories by Kelly Link Link’s stories are only occasionally queer in the sense of sexual orientation, but are always queer in the sense of being uncanny, unsettling, and deliciously creepy.

Miss Major Speaks: Conversations With a Black Trans Revolutionary

This is a novel about America, as told through the eyes of a girl who uses objects to travel through time. It is wildly imaginative with stunning prose.

Matchmaker by Cam Marshall

Here is a perfect endof-summer graphic novel about young queer love and the beautiful friendships that propel it forward.

Top of your stack

RECOMMENDATIONS FROM BOOK PASSAGE

The Fraud (fiction - hardbound)

From acclaimed and bestselling novelist Zadie Smith, The Fraud offers a kaleidoscopic work of historical fiction set against the legal trial that divided Victorian England, about who gets to tell their story— and who gets to be believed. It is 1873. Mrs. Eliza Touchet is the Scottish housekeeper—and cousin by marriage—of a once-famous novelist, now in decline, William Ainsworth, with whom she has lived for thirty years.Based on real historical events, The Fraud is a dazzling novel about truth and fiction, Jamaica and Britain, fraudulence and authenticity, and the mystery of “other people.”

After the Last Border (nonfiction - paperback) by Jessica

The welcoming and acceptance of immigrants and refugees has been central to America’s identity for centuries, yet America has periodically turned its back at the times of greatest humanitarian need. After the Last Border is an intimate look at the lives of two women as they struggle for the twenty-first century American dream, having won the “golden ticket ” to settle as refugees in Austin, Texas. This book is a

dramatic, character-driven story within a larger history—the evolution of modern refugee resettlement in the U.S., beginning with World War II and ending with current closed-door policies.

Diary of a Misfit (nonfiction/ memoir - hardbound) edited by Casey Parks

When Casey Parks came out as a lesbian in college, she assumed her life in the rural South was over. Her mother shunned her, and her pastor asked God to kill her. But then her grandma, a stern conservative who grew up picking cotton, shared a story about her childhood friend, Roy Hudgins. Roy claimed to have been kidnapped as a baby, and Roy was, in Casey’s grandma’s words, a “woman who lived as a man.” Her grandma said to Casey, “Find out what happened to Roy.” So begins Casey’s tenyear quest as well as one of the most stunning books you will experience.

Upcoming Events

Friday, September 29 @ 6 pm (freeCorte Madera store) Amy Chua, author of The Golden Gate

In Berkeley, California, in 1944, Homicide Detective Al Sullivan has just left the swanky

https://www.fabulosabooks.com/ (continued on page 36)

5th Annual PGA-SF Pride Golf Tournament

(Editor’s note: We are thrilled to spotlight this great community benefit event and to announce that Jamie Leno Zimron, former San Francisco Bay Times sports and wellness columnist, has been chosen as the 2023 Excellence in Golf Award recipient! Please join us in congratulating her on this significant honor.)

Alongside football’s NFL, basketball’s NBA, baseball’s MLB, and hockey’s NHL, the PGA/Professional Golf Association of America stands amongst the most powerful sports enterprises in the world and likely all human history. Harding Park Golf Course, owned by the City of San Francisco and named for the golfing former U.S. president when it opened 98 years ago, is nationally known as a prestigious PGA Tour major championship venue.

In 2019, Greg Fitzgerald, PGA Golf Professional and Chair of the Northern California Diversity & Inclusion Committee, launched the groundbreaking and breathtaking PGA Pride Tournament at Harding Park. Courageously following his passion for no one to have to hide or be excluded in golf, or any sport, he has created a winning partnership between the PGA, San Francisco Pride, SF Parks & Rec, The First Tee, and now title sponsor Top Golf. People came together quickly, says Fitzgerald, because “the community gets excited once they hear the message: make golf for everyone and change the game so all people can play. I think we’re ready for that!”

With an always full field of gender diverse golfers, sponsors, and allied pros and amateurs playing for our community, September 30th celebrates the 5th annual PGA Pride tournament. Recently, Fitzgerald and Pride Executive Director Suzanne Ford called to let me know I have been selected to receive the event’s 2023 Excellence in Golf Award. Needless to say, I am deeply honored and extra excited to get out to Harding Park— and to see everyone and speak at the night-before reception hosted at the Fairmount Hotel. It is truly amazing to see the city and the PGA so all in and going all out for us!

Like music and art, sport is an integral part of our humanity. Self-expression, happily inhabiting your body, equal athletic opportunities, and fulfilling your potential are for every-body. Gender, race, religion, class, size, age, sexuality, etc. have nothing to do with the human need to stretch, get your breathing and heart rates up, break a sweat, rise to challenges, and go beyond current capabilities. Everyone’s inner athlete can come out and play: sport

is no place for discrimination!

And yet ... the sports world persists as one of the hardest arenas for women and gender non-conforming people to gain entrée, much less find safety or parity. Why in sports is the gender pay gap such a chasm, and why are LGBTQ people so especially fearful of coming out?

Sexist gender roles

and homophobia are intensely interlinked in sport, rendering it a last

bastion of male domination and hetero-normative bias and exclusivity. While we’ve made progress, kids and adults are still contending with blueboy/pink-girl conditioning that pictures sport as a masculine domain, where “real” men or “manly” women play. The longtime diminishment of girls and women in sports, and the outright career and safety dangers queer athletes face, are perpetuated so long as hetero-sexism persists. Today’s alarming wave of anti-transgender legislation, largely targeting student sports programs, reflects dangerously cynical wedge politics—not the recommendations of informed scientists, health officials, and educators. It is important to be part of the rising tide of talented, brave athletes and activists who are challenging entrenched patriarchal attitudes, gender norms, and power structures.

The progressive strides we make together, to shift every playing field towards equity and inclusivity, are crucial to our individual and collective well-being.

Every gender-bending, differently-abled, and non-”normative” person deserves to be in the game/s of their choosing. Every human being is equally here to share their unique gifts and realize the birthright of their being and potential.

Now is the time for us all to be freed from ridiculous biases and restrictions, so we can each fully engage our awesome authentic selves as we work, love—and play.

LGBTQ athletes and allies have a long way to go to crack the heterosexist strictures and glass walls and ceilings in sports.

PGA Pride is a brilliant initiative to finally do away with gender stereotyping and discrimination—in golf and on all the playing fields of life. In the face of regressive far-right efforts to drag 21st century life back to medieval times, may we see even more powerful waves of inclusive partnerships and events, with LGBTQ athletes pridefully coming out to play as our whole true ourselves. We must be and are ready for this!

The SF Pride Golf Tournament Awards Ceremony: Friday, September 29, at The Fairmont, Nob Hill

Tournament: Saturday, September 30, at TPC Harding Park https://tinyurl.com/mrx7v5jb

Jamie Leno Zimron, known as The Golf Sensei (Master Instructor), is a Class A LPGA Pro, 6th Degree Aikido Black Belt, Corporate Speaker, MFT Psychologist, Mind-Body Fitness & Peak Performance Trainer, and International Citizen Diplomat. Reach her at 760-492-GOLF(4653) and htt ps://www thecent eredway com/

San Francisco 49ers Pride Watch Party

About 300 fans attended the September 17, 2023, 49ers Pride Watch Party at The Crossing at East Cut outdoor complex. Organized by Colby Michaels and Nick Clarke of the 49ers, the spirited event featured a drag bingo benefit for the African Human Rights Coalition, DJ Cisco, halftime drag show by Christina Ashton and Kelly Rose, door prizes, members of the 49ers employee resource group, alumni players, cheerleaders, and mascot Sourdough Sam. The undefeated San Francisco 49ers beat the L.A. Rams 30–23 on the road.

Gary Virginia is the founder of the social/charitable club Krewe de Kinque, is a former president of SF Pride and a former president of PRC, and is a longtime activist and fundraiser for the LGBTQ+ community.

Fitness SF Trainer Tip

Crystal at Fitness SF Mid-Market

“Confidence is found at the gym. Every day offers a chance to improve upon your fitness journey. Think of how far it will take you!”

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/

Sbrocco Sips

Leslie

2022 Oceano Zero Alcohol

Removed Pinot Noir, Spanish Springs Vineyard, California $55 https://tinyurl.com/yw7pdpwc

I have been on the hunt for a while for non-alcoholic wines to recommend. So far what I have sampled have been grape juice-like sippers with little character. I enjoy plenty of N/A beer choices, but it has been tough to find

Oceano Zero: A New Non-Alcoholic Wine That Tastes Like High-End Pinot Noir

a high-quality, alcohol-free wine worthy to sip, savor, and enjoy. Finally, I have found one!

My friend and vintner Rachel Martin of Oceano Wines makes stunning Pinot Noir and Chardonnay (with full alcohol) from the westernmost vineyard site in San Luis Obispo on the central coast of California. Oceano’s Chardonnay and Pinot Noir are purity in a glass. Pristine flavors, vibrant acidity, and sleek elegance—truly an expression of place.

Rachel, however, set out to make a non-alcoholic, single-vineyard luxury wine (I know ... sounds like a vinous oxymoron) that is delicious to drink. Well, damn, she did it!

Dubbed Oceano Zero Pinot Noir, it is being released in October. The wine looks like Pinot, smells like Pinot, and the hardest part ... it tastes like high-end Pinot Noir, too.

I was impressed with the complexity and mouthfeel of the wine. Typically, without

alcohol to deliver texture and flavor, N/A wines are simply thin and grapey. The 2022 Oceano Zero is one to seek out if you’re interested in sipping well but without the alcohol.

Starting October 1, consumers can find Oceano Zero online: https://oceanowines.com/ and https://boisson.co/ and at select restaurants and retailers nationwide.

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

www.LeslieSbrocco.com

Boichik Bagels and Hella Bagels in the East Bay Reveal Recipe for Success

Boichik Bagels and Hella Bagels have a few things in common. First, the owners of both, Emily Winston and Blake Hunter, respectively, have deep family roots in New Jersey, where delis rule. So often we hear about New York delis, but this time-honored Jewish cuisine is also sacred in the Garden State.

Second, both Boichik Bagels and Hella Bagels have a cult-like following, and for good reason. Their food is off-thecharts good. As in best in the nation, at least that is what The New York Times declared about Boichik in 2021. The year prior, Berkeleyside reported that Hella Bagels’ first batches sold out literally in seconds.

Third, both have ties to the LGBTQ community. Winston, at a recent business networking event presented by the San Francisco Business Times at KQED, was said to be “the most eligible lesbian in the Bay Area.” Who are we to argue with that? The charismatic Winston lights up any room and is fast becoming one of the region’s most successful entrepreneurs. In addition to her flagship location on College Avenue in Berkeley, she has the Berkeley Bagel Factory at 1225 6th Street, and a location in Palo Alto’s Town & Country Shopping Center.

Hunter, who launched his business as a pop-up during the COVID-19 pandemic, donated all of his initial profits to nonprofits, including to racial justice and LGBTQ causes. Both he and Winston are beloved by many, such that when a member of the San Francisco Bay Times team recently went to a Hella Bagels pop-up at Charlie May Coffee (a gem of a place tucked away at 11200 Golf Links Road just up from the Oakland Zoo), a few people greeted Hunter with, “I love you,” before buying enough bagels to feed a small army.

Both Winston and Hunter are passionate about their culinary creations, and are not shy about rolling up their sleeves to tackle hard problems. Winston, on the day of the evet at KQED, fixed some machinery herself. Hunter, with his trusty assistant Wendy, tackles nearly every work task. And we have some news to report! Winston will be attending the September 29 Divas & Drinks @ The Academy SF, so come and meet this rising culinary star. In early 2024, Hunter will be opening his first brick and mortar bagel shop in Berkeley near Albany—an area that, already with Albany’s Delirama, is gaining a reputation for highquality deli fare. In October on Fridays, Charlie May Coffee will start featuring pop-up brunches from another rising culinary star (the name’s a secret for now).

Boichik Bagels (which ships nationwide, but make the trip to the East Bay!)

https://boichikbagels.com/

Hella Bagels (next pop-up at Oaklandish on September 23)

https://www.instagram.com/hellabagels/

Charlie May Coffee

https://www.charliemaycoffee.com/

Ethnic Gold: Exploring San Francisco’s Multicultural Culinary Treasures

I decided to visit two San Francisco relative newcomers—one Mexican/ Peruvian ( Barrio) and one Russian ( Birch & Rye). The tasty results reinforce our reputation as one of America’s most interesting urban areas for distinctive repasts from far-flung parts of the world.

Barrio at Ghirardelli Square

The Gay Gourmet

San Francisco is a goldmine of ethnic culinary discovery. Since the city was founded, we’ve been a polyglot of cultures, mixing up recipes from the homeland that give us distinctive cooking flair. Restaurateurs from hundreds of diverse backgrounds are still making edible magic here.

The first thing that hits you when entering Latin restaurant Barrio is the view. One is actually gobsmacked and reminded how beautiful our burg is, sitting (as the song says) on the dock of the bay. You have a panoramic view of Aquatic Park, the expansive San Francisco Bay, and Alcatraz, all either from outside on the terrace or inside where Barrio has uncovered floorto-ceiling windows.

Owner Billy Riordan (formerly of La Mar) greets you personally, making you feel as if you’re dining in his own home.

The second thing that hits you is the inventiveness of combining Peruvian and Mexican cuisines. Who would have thought? Chef and co-owner Tim Milejovich is a talent to watch. He honed his skills at La Mar, where he learned and perfected Peruvian cuisine. He then moved to the Yucatan in Mexico,

working throughout the peninsula at restaurants and resorts in the region. Clearly, the career and culinary combination has worked in his favor and to our benefit.

Moving on to the beverages, Bar Director Michael Carlisi (formerly of Comal and Kin Khao) has created some creative cocktails that rise above the norm at Fisherman’s Wharf. Given the south-of-the-border theme, of course we had to try margaritas. My insider’s tip is to order the Cadillac margarita, with Grand Marnier. It’s not as sweet (my flavor profile), but if you prefer sweeter, the top shelf margarita with chili salt might be your thing. We started our repast with the excellent homemade guacamole, and yellow corn chips (also homemade, crispy, and yummy). Also on order were the excellent blue corn tortillas (made from scratch, in-house), served with four very different complementary sauces ranging from luscious to hot: sour cream, green tomatillo, habanero mango, and chipotle.

Following our promising start, we moved on to a specialty of the house: the Barrio ceviche, a Peruvian classic with fresh halibut, shrimp, avocado, sweet potato, red onion, corn, and leche de tigre (a piquant, citrus-based marinade). It was fresh and perky, with just the right amount of spice. Next, we sampled esquites, an off-thecob version of elote (grilled yellow Mexican street corn), with chipotle, cotija cheese, and lime. The chipotle

had a nice kick to it; this was one of our favorite dishes of the evening. Other standouts were: the battered shrimp tacos (perfectly fried) with slaw and pickled onion, complemented by Spanish rice, refried beans, and cotija; and the pork Conchita, another Yucatan specialty that delivered a sweetness offset by pickled onion and served with another homemade blue corn tortilla. Some other inviting menu items that we’ll have to try next time include: Latin fries with huancaina sauce (a traditional Peruvian cheese sauce); chicharron (chicken skin with lime and cotija); and a beef birria taco platter. By the way, Barrio is open not just for dinner, but also for lunch, and brunch, too.

Service is also highlight at Barrio, especially if you get one of our favorite waitpersons in town, Carla. She used to work at Kaiyo, where we met her. She’s not just welcoming, but knowledgeable, efficient, and most of all, fun.

There are no desserts at Barrio, but that’s an excuse to go downstairs at the Square and try the Gold Rush white caramel sundae at the renovated Ghirardelli Chocolate

Experience (or the original Ghirardelli Chocolate Shop). Which we did. And those sundaes are still as good as I remember from 40 years ago!

Birch & Rye

The buzz around this Russian/ California cuisine restaurant at the site of the former Contigo in Noe Valley has been captivating. When

they decided to open for Sunday brunch, I thought, “time to check it out!” I’m truly glad I did.

Russian cuisine conjures up heavy dishes, borscht, caviar, and, of course, vodka. But Birch & Rye’s take on this cuisine is lighter, more innovative, and takes its cue from the bounty and creativity of California. Executive Chef and owner Anya El-Wattar is the brains behind the operation and has been lauded by Eater as San Francisco’s 2022 Chef of the Year. Plus, the cocktail program is inventive and unexpected.

First, the indoor setting is modern, inviting, airy, and contemporary, with high ceilings that accentuate the expansive views throughout. There’s a jewel of a parklet peppered with succulents out front, where we dined with our pups. They also have a skylit courtyard at the back of the restaurant that’s both green and sunny.

For dinners, Birch & Rye offers a 5-course regular or vegan menu, à la carte, and caviar service. Brunches are much simpler, making it a great weekend choice.

We began our brunch with a Bouchard Pere & Fils white burgundy wine, a perfect and clean accompaniment to the meal that would follow. A highlight of the meal (make sure to order it!) was the homemade, dense, and delicious petite rye with “smetana butter,” which is a dairy product produced by souring heavy cream. The combination of rye bread with a crème fraiche type accent works extremely well, offsetting the substantial grain with a creamy, sweet-yet-sour accessory. A velvety duck liver pâté with black currants was a must-try and did not disappoint.

The next dish was something I’ve never had before: a “Fabergé Egg,” with Osetra caviar, cauliflower foam, and brioche. The surprise is that it’s served room temperature! The mouthwatering Birch & Rye omelet is cooked French-style (how do they always make it so light and fluffy?) and is filled with tvorog (a type of farmer’s cheese), Kaluga caviar, and chives. My only complaint of the meal was that the caviar tasted a bit fishy to me. When dessert arrived, we split a “syrniki” (lightly fried Russian cheese pancake), a rich, flavorful, and not-toosweet ricotta cake with strawberry and mint. A perfect ending to a marvelous meal!

Momofuku Ko at Nari

Well, it’s not a San Franciscobased restaurant, but I was pleased

(continued on page 35)

Bay Times Dines

to recently try the cuisine of twoMichelin-star, New York-based restaurant Momofuku Ko

American Express Gold Card presented “Momofuku Ko on Tour (powered by Resy)” in several cities, including San Francisco. Here, the night was hosted by contemporary Japantown Thai restaurant

Nari (also recognized by Michelin) and its celebrated chef Pim Techamuanvivit . This peek into Momofuku Ko and Executive Chef Esther Ha’s “break away from conventional” Japanese kaiseki cuisine makes me want to reserve right away for my next New York trip (and I hear that this popular eatery is an extremely hard reservation to snag).

The appetizers astounded. To start, Momofuku’s cold fried chicken is legendary; there’s a reason for that. It’s served as a starter, is cooked perfectly, and is accompanied by amped up spicy bread and butter pickles. Yum. The cornmeal crusted oyster with corn and chili served in an oyster shell followed, paired beside a sweet uni in a flaky pastry tart with chickpea puree. A crudo course was next, which included Boston mackerel with confit pepper sauce and lemon zest, as well as a bass tartare with dashi jelly and shiso—a modern take on crudo that tantalized the tastebuds.

A lobster course with mint and yogurt and paprika followed (flavorful and not chewy), and the moist pork shoulder was the main course, rubbed in koji mustard and roasted. To finish? A lovely pecan pie that “landed at the bar” of Momofuku during the pandemic— and what I liked best about it was that it provided a flourishing finish to the meal without being too sweet. So, put Momofuku Ko on your “to-do” dining list, but book early for your next trip to the Big Apple.

Bits and Bites

I was lucky enough to catch the final brunch performance of my esteemed colleague Donna

Sachet’s Sunday’s a Drag, now re-located to the Club Fugazi in North Beach. What a treat! Not only did the drag performers showcase some of the greats (Judy, Ella, and Eartha), but the Broadwayquality production also gave us an entertaining lesson in the history of drag in San Francisco. Plus, whenever Donna is hosting, you know you’ll have a good time: she’s funny, and quick-witted, and her rendition of “We Can Be Kind” by David Friedman is one for the ages. And a shout out to the brunch offerings from Tony Gemignani of Tony’s Pizza (bagels with cream cheese; eggs, bacon, sausage, and roasted potatoes; and cherry chocolate pudding). That and a wide selection of champagnes, beer, wines (and unlimited mimosas) make for a great way to celebrate a Sunday. Rumor is the show might be coming back in 2024, so stay tuned!

I also recently sampled San Francisco’s iconic Zanze’s cheesecake, which is now available at Little Original Joe’s in West Portal (and soon to arrive at Original Joe’s in North Beach and Westlake). It’s the honest-togood authentic recipe from Sam Zanze, now perfected by the chefs at Original Joe’s. It’s lighter than a normal New York cheesecake without the typical crust. It’s creamy, and a real treat.

The San Francisco Chinatown Merchants Association is preparing for the 33rd Annual Graton Resort & Casino Autumn Moon Festival. This event takes place September 23 from 11 am to 5 pm and September 24 from 10 am to 5 pm. The festival is held on Grant Avenue between California and Broadway, where attendees are treated to a variety of activities, including arts and crafts vendors, delicious food stalls, live music,

local contemporary entertainment, mooncakes, lion dancing, and more.

Naschmarkt Restaurant is an Austrian culinary gem that recently opened in the heart of Palo Alto. Following a decade at their Campbell location, the family-owned establishment brings the essence of authentic central European influences to Silicon Valley. Named after Vienna’s renowned open-air produce market, Naschmarkt offers an array of regional specialties and homemade dishes, such as a soft pretzel with double-smoked bacon and beer cheese sauce, and classic Wiener schnitzel served alongside lingonberry sauce and Austrian potato salad. Guests can also enjoy a handpicked selection of more than 30 specialty wines from the region, as well as a diverse offering of German and Austrian beers.

Barrio: https://www.barriosf.com/ Birch & Rye: https://www.birchandryesf.com/ Momofuku Ko: https://ko.momofuku.com/ Nari: https://www.narisf.com/ Sunday’s A Drag: https://tinyurl.com/3bv479ve

Tony’s Pizza: https://tonyspizzanapoletana.com/ Little Original Joe’s: https://www.littleoriginaljoes.com/ 33rd annual Graton Resort & Casino Autumn Moon Festival: www.moonfestival.org

Naschmarkt Restaurant Palo Alto: https://tinyurl.com/4yahkban

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

Leathers at the Ringold Leather History Walk. All this was also the preamble to the annual FOLSOM STREET LEATHER FAIR

Leather and fetish gear is always encouraged for all the leather events, or come as you are. But with no judgment.

Keeping with the leather theme, my KREWE DE KINQUE social and fundraising club held our monthly fundraiser with the title quite appropriately HOT, NASTY, FETISH FUN at our home bar, the Midnight Sun, on September 16. Sister Dana collected donations at the door in nun’s habit plus a leather vest to be thematic if not dramatic. Hosted and with performances by our reigning Krewe de Kinque King Mez and Queen Moxie, it was a beer bust and most excellent live show. What a special treat to have Imperial Empress Alexis Miranda taking the stage!

September 16 was also VOTING DAY for the Ducal Court’s Grand Duke & Duchess with voting in the Castro at STRUT.

Congratulations to KdK Queen XVI Kelly Rose for a great year as Grand Duchess with Grand Duke Gregg Star! Good luck and heaps of love to KdK Queen XVIII Christina Ashton , solo candidate for Grand Duchess!

The city’s plans for a series of ticketed concerts in Golden Gate Park following Outside Lands Festival and three Downtown locations beginning next year was approved by the Board of

Supervisors. The concert series are projected to provide key economic benefits for San Francisco, while helping contribute to the prevention of cuts to city parks and programming. The new agreement will bring concert series to San Francisco annually for three years as part of the city’s economic revitalization efforts.

I caught the closing night of A CHORUS LINE at San Francisco Playhouse. This was a stellar production of the amazing musical originally directed and choreographed by Michael Bennett ; but every bit as exciting at this new show directed by Bill English , music direction by Dave Dobrusky, and choreography by Nicole Helfer. I have seen this show by different productions a zillion times, so I found myself joyfully mouthing all the lyrics. And I always look forward to the moving, gigantic mirrors reflecting the high kicks of the cast in stunning gold costumes: “one singular sensation.” Every show at the Playhouse is always a delight, and I am happy to promote another great classic, GUYS AND DOLLS, mounted on the Playhouse stage with opening on November 16. https://www.sfplayhouse.org/

THE 40TH ANNUAL FOLSOM STREET FAIR is September 24, 11 am to 6 pm, on 8th, 9th, 10th, 11th, and 12th Streets between Howard, Folsom, and Harrison Streets. Live music returns to the fair! Come catch your fave band or make a new favorite. Whips and chains and rock and roll! Drag. Fun games. Live wrestling. Vendors with every imaginable

leather/fetish item for sale. Various organizations with plenty of info and demos. Let’s have a leatheriffic time! https://www.folsomstreet.org

THE 49TH ANNUAL CASTRO STREET FAIR is a San Francisco LGBTQ street festival and fair usually held on the first Sunday in October in the Castro. Founded by the late, great Supervisor Harvey Milk in 1974, this year it comes to us on October 1, 11 am to 6 pm around Castro and Market Streets. There will be several stages with live entertainment, an ArtMarT, and many info and merch booths. Proceeds from donations received will be shared with their 13 beneficiaries. They are also proud to support the CASTRO MERCHANTS ASSOCIATION in the purchase and maintenance of the world-famous Rainbow Flag which flies in Harvey Milk Plaza. Since 1998, the Castro Street Fair is proud to have given over $1.6 million back to the community beneficiaries. This is only made possible through fairgoers’ generous donations. I am proud to say that the San Francisco Bay Times is a longtime media sponsor of the Castro Street Fair. https://castrostreetfair.org

Sister Dana sez, “I think it is FAIR to say that including the Haight Street Fair, Folsom Street Fair, Castro Street Fair, and Bearrison Street Fair, San Francisco offers an abundance of street fairs with at least one to suit a person’s particular preference!”

SUVs With Distinct Identities

Contrast that with the Atlas, which impresses first with its sheer size. The boxy contours and full-length character line that pinches out over the wheel housings give the Atlas a look that’s at once tailored and supersized. Where the Wilderness has matte black wheels and copper accents to stand it boldly apart, the Atlas has a careful blend of styling cues to help it blend into its very competitive market segment.

Philip Ruth

SUVs come in two basic flavors: city slicker or backwoods explorer.

The two we’re checking out this week are distinct in their chosen identities.

The $48,445 Volkswagen Atlas SEL is a three-row model with smooth styling and a legitimately luxurious interior. The Subaru Forester is smaller with two rows, and the $32,820 Wilderness trim ups its offroad cred.

The Forester Wilderness has features that aren’t just usable when you’re out hugging the redwoods. The rutted streets of Oakland, where an online comment described a pothole as being deep enough to cradle a small child, were one place where the extra ground clearance (from 8.7 to 9.2 inches) and thicktread Yokohama tires gave extra confidence.

Performance is decent in both, even with only four cylinders each. The Forester Wilderness has the same 182 horsepower, 2.5-liter engine as its Forester brethren, but its perkier transmission gives it some extra oomph. The horizontally opposed engine has the usual Subaru charm in its more characterful exhaust note, and my Forester Wilderness presser was quick off the line in city driving.

The 2024 Atlas’ turbocharged 2.0liter 4-cylinder replaces the six-pots from previous years, and its 269 horsepower makes it a solid performer, though not quite with the low-end torque of a six.

Both are happy highway cruisers, and the Atlas distinguished itself with its exceptionally calm demeanor as speeds climbed. Steering that’s firmer and more communicative would complete the package.

I nside, both the Atlas SEL and the Forester Wilderness spoke clearly of

Claremont Hotel after a drink in the bar when a presidential candidate is assassinated in one of the rooms upstairs. A rich industrialist with enemies among the anarchist factions on the far left, Walter Wilkinson could have been targeted by any number of groups.

But strangely, Sullivan’s investigation brings up the specter of another tragedy at the Claremont, ten years earlier: the death of sevenyear-old Iris Stafford, a member of the Bainbridge family, one of the wealthiest in all of San Francisco. Some say she haunts the Claremont still.

Chua’s page-turning debut brings to life a historical era rife with turbulent social forces and groundbreaking forensic advances, when race and class defined the very essence of power, sex, and justice, and introduces a fascinating character in Detective Sullivan, a mixed-race former Army officer who is still reckoning with his own history.

Saturday, September 30 @ 7 pm (ticketed - Great Star Theater SF) Aparna Nancherla, author of The Unreliable Narrator

Unreliable Narrator is a collection of essays that uses Aparna’s signature humor to illuminate an interior life, one constantly bossed around by her depression (whom she calls Brenda), laced with anxiety like a horror movie full of jump-scares, and plagued by an unrepenting love-hate relationship with her

career as a painfully shy standup comedian. But luckily, crippling self-doubt comes with the gift of keen self-examination. These essays deliver hilarious and incredibly insightful meditations on body image, productivity culture, the ultra-meme-ability of mental health language, and who, exactly, gets to make art “about nothing.”

Monday, October 2 @ 5:30 pm (free - Ferry Building store) Kashmir Hill, author of Your Face Belongs to Us

In this riveting account, Hill tracks the improbable rise of Clearview AI, helmed by Hoan Ton-That, an Australian computer engineer, and Richard Schwartz, a former Rudy Giuliani advisor, and its astounding collection of billions of faces from the internet. Facial recognition technology has been quietly growing more powerful for decades. This technology has already been used in wrongful arrests in the U.S. Unregulated, it could expand the reach of policing, as it has in China and Russia, to a terrifying, dystopian level. Your Face Belongs to Us is a gripping true story about the rise of a technological superpower and an urgent warning that, in the absence of vigilance and government regulation, Clearview AI is one of many new technologies that challenge what Supreme Court Justice Louis Brandeis once called “the right to be let alone.”

https://www.bookpassage.com/

their design intentions. The Atlas’ dashboard has a gorgeous sweep of wood trim that frames the instruments and serves as a backdrop for the infotainment screen. A backlit Atlas script illuminates within the wood on the passenger side. It’s all very impressive to Atlas newcomers.

A controversial change to the 2024 Atlas is its slider controls, which replace knobs and switches with slots in which to drag your fingers. Maybe the sliders won’t require the extra attention mine did after living with them for a while, though I wish VW had kept physical buttons for the climate control, rather than drivers having to dig into the screen for them.

The Forester Wilderness interior is familiar Subaru territory. The center screen works well, and the 180-degree front monitor is a real boon when parking. The anodized copper trim seems a bit contrived at first, but your eye blends it in as you drive.

Whether it’s the extroverted sportiness of the Forester Wilderness or the smooth-operator feel of the Atlas SEL, both these SUVs clearly express their respective focuses.

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

20 Years of Art at Magnet

Photos by Rink

The San Francisco AIDS Foundation celebrated the Magnet health clinic’s 20 years of art displays with a special Art Show Reception held on Friday, September 8, at Strut in the Castro.

The featured works were curated by Matthew Denckla, who launched the art program two decades ago. He welcomed guests to the 20 Years of Art at Magnet, honoring the hundreds of artists whose art pieces have been on display over the years.

San Francisco Bay Times lead photographer Rink photographed many of the artists who attended the event. Those in attendance included Joseph Abbati, Diego Gomez, SAPPHIC SCENES, Daniel Arzola, Mikhamik, De Kwok, Jordan Thomas Robinson, Brittany Maxste, Angel Angeles, Jasmine Liang, Luke Kraman, Greg Climer, Midori, Oscar Zamora Graves, Aron Bothman, James Dillenbeck, Meehaun Glasper-Wade, Nathaniel J. Bice, Jovon Bright, Rae Senarighi aka Transpainter, Gabriel Garbow, Sina Grace, and Justin Hall.

To find out more about the 20th Anniversary of the Magnet program: https://tinyurl.com/yvtww6fr

Round About - All Over Town

It is Halloween time at Cliff’s! You will find décor, makeup, and more for goblins of all ages. Decorate early and enjoy a whole month of Halloween frights and fun!

https://cliffsvariety.com/