December 16, 2021–January 12, 2022 http://sfbaytimes.com
On the Ice & In the Moment
PHOTO BY BRITTANY HOSEA-SMALL
Brian Boitano Beyond the Olympics • See Page 9
Brian Boitano (right) with Denali during their performance at Drag Queens on Ice 2021.
2021 Year in Review News Quiz Yes, it’s that time of year again. Somehow, I thought 2021 would be better than it’s turned out to be. I didn’t expect the Trump “I won the election” charade. I didn’t expect that so many people would hold on to such a fiction. I didn’t expect January 6. I didn’t expect COVID to drag on and mutate and continue to plague us. I didn’t expect Biden’s approval to tank. I didn’t expect inflation rates at this level. But then again, we’ve passed two impressive pieces of legislation, with a third hopefully just ahead. The economy is pretty good. We are building an arsenal against COVID. Who knows? Maybe 2022 will turn out to be better than I might anticipate. On that note, loyal readers, good luck on our annual quiz. Disloyal readers, do the best you can. 1. In animal news this year, Hennessy was: a) a lab rat participating in an Australian rat tickling research project. b) a cow available for cuddling at a farm in the Netherlands. c) a lobster saved from a seafood restaurant due to his colorful shell. d) a cat who jumped off the fifth floor of a Chicago apartment building to escape a fire. e) a goat that can be hired to pop into Zoom meetings. f) a gay sea snake accused of sexually abusing male scuba divers. 2. Which of the following was not attacked by One Million Moms?
a) a sonic ad narrated by women who announced they were not wearing bras; b) an American Girl doll who was raised by lesbian aunts; c) a male Muppet named Gonzo who wanted to wear a gown to the ball; d) rainbow-colored Cheerios released for Pride; e) a razor designed for the bikini line. 3. Match the following names with their 2021 news-making activities: a) John Dillermand b) Lewis Hamilton c) Jerry Detrick d) Donnie Lee Barriger e) George Langdon IV f) Kristopher Drew a) He pooped and peed in his gay neighbor’s yard for years before being caught. b) He told a private audience that gays would vanish in 40 years if they could be isolated on an island. c) He suggested that people should shoot gay men and women at an upcoming Pride parade. d) He represented our community at the January 6 Capitol riots. e) He is a Danish cartoon character with a giant penis. f) He wore a rainbow helmet to support GLBTs on the Formula 1 circuit. 4. In Fulton v City of Philadelphia: a) the High Court ruled that Catholic Social Services could not discriminate against same-sex foster parent applicants. b) the High Court overturned Employment Division v Smith, an important precedent from the 1990s that
By Ann Rostow
previously blocked religious actors from ignoring generic laws based on faith alone. c) Justice Barrett joined Justices Alito and Thomas in a scathing concurrence. d) the Chief Justice ruled in favor of Catholic Social Services in a narrow decision joined by the three liberals and Justices Gorsuch and Barrett. e) the Court sent the case back to the court of appeals on a technicality. 5. Match the following women with their 2021 news highlight. a) Trashelle Odom b) Sarah Green c) Judy Thomson d) Amethyst Hammerfist e) Crystal Clantzen f) Jessica Smith a) She is Anita Bryant’s lesbian daughter who was wondering whether or not to invite Grandma to her wedding. b) She drove through a Florida crime scene in a golf cart, drunk and naked. c) She was given a prestigious job as an appellate court law clerk despite a history of blatantly racist online posts. d) She and her boyfriend were forced to escape their house in North London after a Gwyneth Paltrow candle called “This Smells Like My Vagina” exploded and caught fire. e) She was relentlessly pursued by Corey Lewandowski during a Republican charity fundraiser after which Lewandowski lost his Trump job and her wealthy husband withdrew his $100,000 gift. f) She was a dominatrix who discovered a dead body at a “kinky rave festival” in Royal Tunbridge Wells in 2017. We dredged up the story in
2021 because we wanted to type her name. 6. Which of these state measures did not actually get enacted in 2021? a) North Carolina outlawed marriage for 14 and 15-year-olds. b) Ohio allowed health workers to opt out of providing certain treatments for religious reasons, including to transgendered patients. c) Tennessee passed a law that requires public facilities that allow people to use the bathroom of their choice to post a warning sign to other customers. d) Indiana passed a bill that sets the value of Pi at 3.2. e) Alabama repealed language from a 1992 statute that said, “Homosexuality is not a lifestyle acceptable to the general public.” f) Oklahoma allowed motorists to hit pedestrians if the driver is “fleeing from a riot.” 7. True or False? Number crunchers in 2021 reported that: a) Malta is the most gay-friendly European country. b) Ohio is the kinkiest state. c) Twelve percent of the LGBT community voted for Trump. d) Gays and lesbians are more likely to be friends with their ex-partners then straights. e) The top health concern for lesbians over 55 is depression. f) Ninety-two percent of LGBTs are vaccinated against COVID. g) The most successful LGBT politicians are cis-gender gay men. 8. Carl Nassib made headlines in 2021 for:
a) running a multi-million dollar lottery ticket through the washing machine. b) publicly demanding that Smith College put tampon dispensers in campus men’s rooms. c) escorting a middle school field trip to a gay bar in Florida. d) coming out as the first openly gay active NFL player. e) producing a gay ghost-hunting reality show. f) raising a stink about his missing rainbow flag until discovering that a raccoon ate it. g) stealing a $58,000 bottle of Japanese whiskey from Mike Pompeo. 9. Which of these GLBT cases might turn into a big High Court showdown? a) the long-running Gavin Grimm transgender bathroom case; b) the antigay florist case out of Washington State; c) the Texas challenge to same-sex marriage recognition; d) the case of the website designer who wants to exclude gay wedding clients; e) the 11th Circuit Andrew Adams trans rights case. 10. In 2022, would you rather: a) See Stacey Abrams win the Georgia governor’s race? Or see Raphael Warnock reelected to the Senate? b) Pass the Equality Act? Or pass the John Lewis Voting Rights Act? c) Get a new job? Get a new partner? Get a new place to live? Or get a new car?
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Forcing Women to Go Through Pregnancy Has No Place in American Society
6/26 and Beyond Stuart Gaffney and John Lewis As we celebrate last week’s historic victory for marriage equality in Chile and take a break for the winter holidays, we must also remain cogni-
zant of what happened at the U.S. Supreme Court on December 1 at oral argument in Dobbs v. Jackson Women’s Health. That’s the legal case in which the Republican Catholic Supreme Court majority could possibly strip women (as well as nonbinary, intersex, and transgender people who can become pregnant) of their most basic Constitutional right to exercise control over their own bodies when it comes to reproduction. At issue in the case is a Mississippi law that prohibits women from obtaining an abortion after 15 weeks of pregnancy, a time before which some women may not even know they’re pregnant or have the means or ability to obtain an abor-
tion. The law makes no exceptions for cases of rape or incest.
poor or low income, with 49% below the federal poverty level.
The State of Mississippi also asked the Supreme court to overrule its 1973 landmark Roe v. Wade decision and allow states to outlaw abortion entirely, even in cases of rape or incest. U.S. Solicitor General Elizabeth B. Prelogar explained to the Court that “nearly half of the states already have or are expected to enact bans on abortion at all stages of pregnancy, many without exceptions for rape or incest.”
Yet the people whom the decision will most affect have no say in the matter. No poor women of color, or poor women at all, sit on the Court. The Court has no African American women Justices. The sole woman of color in the Court’s history, Justice Sonia Sotomayor, made no secret of her perspective on the case, dismantling the State of Mississippi’s arguments at each and every turn. She described the “stench” that would hang over the Court were it to overturn decades of abortion law precedent, less than two years after the last of three Trump nominees joined the Court.
The State of Mississippi and myriad other opponents of women’s reproductive freedom seek to permit states “to force women to remain pregnant and give birth against their will,” in the words of Julie Rikelman, Litigation Director of the Center for Reproductive Rights, who argued the case on behalf of Jackson Women’s Health. A woman who was brutally raped could be forced to go through a compelled pregnancy and bear the child of her attacker. Rikelman further explained: “It’s 75 times more dangerous to give birth in Mississippi ... than it is to have a pre-viability abortion,” and highlighted that “those risks are disproportionately threatening the lives of women of color.” Nearly a quarter of all American women have had an abortion. Black women have abortions at the highest per capita rate in the U.S., at a rate 2.7 times higher than nonHispanic white women, according to 2017 data from the Guttmacher Institute. Hispanic and other women of color also have more abortions per capita than non-Hispanic white women. Further, 75% of women who have abortions are
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The six-member wealthy, conservative Republican majority poised to undermine or overturn abortions rights in America includes: four white, cisgender, heterosexual men (three of whom are conservative Catholics and one who is conservative Catholic turned Episcopalian), a white Catholic woman, and Clarence Thomas, a Catholic African American man who in no way represents the perspectives of the majority of African Americans. None of these Justices has demonstrated personal, first-hand familiarity with the struggles of poor women of color, upon whom they seek to impose their will. Thomas, who was elevated to the Court despite Professor Anita Hill’s sworn testimony that he sexually harassed her, and Brett Kavanaugh, who won confirmation in the face of Dr. Christine Blasey Ford’s sworn testimony that he sexually assaulted her, particularly lack credibility to decide the case.
Further, some Court observers fear that overturning Roe v. Wade could lead to the Court’s overturning Lawrence v. Texas, which invalidated laws criminalizing intimate sexual activity between persons of the same sex, and Obergefell v. Hodges, which made marriage equality the law of the land. All three cases rely on the Constitutional doctrine of personal liberty founded in “substantive due process.” At oral argument, both Kavanaugh and Barrett appeared perhaps to try to assuage such fears, seeming to imply they saw distinctions between the cases. Mississippi State Solicitor General Scott Stewart also emphasized that overturning Roe would not undermine these cases, and in so doing made a stunning admission. He described the court’s prior rulings that “you can’t ban intimate romantic relationships between consenting adults” and “can’t ban marriage of people of the same sex,” as “clear rules” upon which many people have relied that “have not produced negative consequences.” After decades of fear mongering on the part of LGBTIQ rights opponents, Stewart’s acknowledgment that decriminalization of samesex love and marriage equality have resulted in no “negative consequences” is truly an astonishing turnabout. Although one could dismiss Stewart’s words as well as those of Kavanaugh and Barrett as disingenuous or calculating, they may evince how far the LGBTIQ movement has come, as does the recent marriage equality victory in Chile after years of struggle and adversity. (continued on page 22)
Clair Farley Focuses on National Policy After Stepping Down as Pioneering Head of SF Office of Transgender Initiatives
Pau Crego, who served as Deputy Director and Director of Policy and Programs at OTI, is now leading the department while the City Administrators Office leads a search for a permanent long-term replacement. “Clair Farley has been, and I know will continue to be, a fierce advocate for San Franciscans of all backgrounds and particularly for our transgender residents,” said Mayor Breed. “Her work has ensured that San Francisco remains at the forefront of expanding LGBTQ rights and policies. I want to thank Clair deeply for her dedication and her guidance. She will be missed dearly, but I know that she will continue to be a staunch advocate for those in need.” “It has been the honor of a lifetime to work with Mayor Breed,
Farley has been at the forefront of advocating for programs and policies that uplift the transgender and LGBTQ communities. These efforts include launching a citywide Transgender Advisory Committee to move forward community priorities and advise OTI and the Mayor’s office. In 2020, the OTI launched “Our Pau Crego Trans Home SF,” the nation’s first trans housing and rental subsidy program for transgender adults. This year, Farley helped secure a historic $2 million investment to create the country’s first guaranteed income
Clair Farley
program for low-income transgender individuals. “During her four years at the OTI, Clair Farley has been a fantastic advocate for trans and nonbinary San Franciscans,” said Supervisor Rafael Mandelman. “It has been a pleasure working with her on Our Trans Home SF, the expansion of the city’s SOGI data collection, and other efforts to support the LGBTQ+ community.”
PHOTO BY RINK
“Clair is unwavering in her commitment to advance equity and having served as the city’s first Director of the OTI, she has created a model for the rest of the nation to follow,” said City Administrator Carmen Chu. “I am honored to have worked with her and I am proud of the foundation she has built from which we can continue to focus on the needs of our transgender communities.”
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local community organizations, and the incredible team at the OTI,” said Farley. “Although we still have much more work ahead, I am so proud to have been a part of this groundbreaking effort to advance policies, programs, and funding for the trans and LGBTQ community in San Francisco. I know Mayor Breed and the team remain committed to these efforts, and will assure that we are continuing to grow while being a model city for trans rights and equity around the world.”
San Francisco City Hall lit in tribute on Transgender Day of Remembrance (2015)
“Since joining OTI in 2017, I have been fortunate to work with local trans leaders and the city on a number of initiatives focused on trans and LGBTQ+ equity,” said Crego, Acting Director of the OTI. “This has included opportunities to work across city departments in partnership with the Mayor’s Office spearheading San Francisco’s LGBTQ data collection initiatives, the city’s efforts to become WOMENSFOUND.ORG
Clair Farley on December 2 stepped down from her position as Executive Director of the Office of Transgender Initiatives (OTI), stating that she plans to focus on transgender issues at a national level, including trans inclusion in the media, business world, and more. She will bring tremendous skill and experience to these efforts, given her successful work here in San Francisco. During her time leading OTI, Farley made history as the only trans Department Head in San Francisco, helping to launch several critical initiatives with Mayor London Breed. The OTI is the first and only city government office in the country focused on advancing policies, programs, and equity initiatives for transgender, non-binary, LGBTQ communities across San Francisco.
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Let’s Give Oakland a Head Start
Out of the Closet and into City Hall Oakland City Councilmember At-Large, Rebecca Kaplan On December 7, 2021, the Oakland City Council voted unanimously to approve the resolution from me, Council President Fortunato Bas, Council Member Fife, and President Pro Tem Thao directing the City Administrator to ensure Head Start/ Early Head Start is adequately funded now and in the future— including preventing staffing layoffs. The backbone of Early Head Start and Head Start membership is overwhelmingly Black women and people of color, who have historically and disproportionately borne the brunt of the economic difficulties our society experiences. Furthermore, these communities are also disparately impacted when childcare is not available. It is vital to engage frontline workers directly impacted by investments, and to center conversations around these workers in a transparent budget process.
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Stable funding ensures staff retention, and that existing Head Start/ Early Head Start facilities are properly maintained. To ensure equitable sustainability and prosperity of Oakland’s Head Start/Early Head Start programming, these Councilmembers applaud their colleagues’ support for their resolution that will require that if Head Start/ Early Head Start programs are restructured or reorganized before June 2022, all existing staff, who represent decades of experience and expertise serving low-income communities of color in Oakland, are retained. Further, the City Administrator will be required to return to Council with a budget amendment to the biennial budget for fiscal years 2021– 2023 that fully funds all of the City of Oakland’s Head Start/Early Head Start programming no later than May 2022 when the fiscal year 2022– 2023 midcycle budget amendments will be considered. Finally, the resolution requires the Human Services Department to create a transparent, strategic planning process for the operation and management of the Head Start/Early Head Start programs. The fight to save the Head Start/ Early Head Start program for all of Oakland, especially those most in need, has been an ongoing battle in recent months. On September 1, 2021, Resolution No. 88801 C.M.S., introduced by me, Council President Fortunato Bas, Council Member Fife, and President Pro Tem Thao, was approved by the full Oakland City Council, providing $1.836 million to restore Head Start/Early Head Start services in Oakland, and
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supporting the re-opening of the Arroyo, Franklin, and Tassafaronga Head Start/Early Head Start centers. The Councilmembers prevented the closures of these three Head Start Centers. It is a high priority that these centers remain open as they serve children and families in Oakland’s most impacted communities and provide stability to the mostly women of color workers who have been serving our community for generations. The Councilmembers took timely action to prevent layoffs and cuts from taking place by calling for an urgent Special Council meeting and vote prior to the date of the planned closures. We must prioritize equity in our city’s COVID-19 recovery plan and allowing our most impacted communities to have vitally needed services is a high priority. Head Start is an important program that helps children, with lifelong positive impacts on their future, and ensures access to economic recovery for struggling working parents. The Administration’s plan to close these needed centers and layoff these essential workers, while hiding the information from the Council and the public for months, is inappropriate. We need to provide equity and transparency and protect vital services for our communities. I thank everyone who helped pass this important plan to save Head Start and to support providing these services for all of Oakland’s communities. Rebecca Kaplan represents the entire City of Oakland as its Councilmember At-Large and Vice Mayor. She has served Oakland as a
citywide elected official for ten years, working to improve quality of life by enhancing economic opportunity, public safety, and vibrancy in Oakland. She was re-elected in 2016 and 2020, and also serves on the Alameda County Transportation Commission. Follow Vice Mayor Kaplan on Twitter @ Kaplan4Oakland ( https://twitter.com/Kaplan4Oakland ) and Facebook ( https://www.facebook.com/Kaplan4Oakland/ ).
Home for the Holidays with Three-Time Olympian Brian Boitano
Photos courtesy of Liam Mayclem
Liam’s LGBTQI List Liam P. Mayclem Brian Boitano—Gold Medal Olympian, TV host, author, entrepreneur, philanthropist, and inspiration for a memorable South Park song—is one of San Francisco’s most famous and giving residents, and he is home for the holidays. Every year for 29 years Brian has hosted a Holiday Party at Yerba Buena Ice Rink in San Francisco. The 500 invitees are asked to show up with a toy for kids in need. His nonprofit, Youth Skate, also provides an opportunity for kids to ice skate, most for the very first time. Some 10,000 kids have participated in the Youth Skate program in partnership with the San Francisco Unified School District. It’s not lost on Brian how crucial this is. “I love giving back, and doing things for community,” he told me for the San Francisco Bay Times. “Seeing a kid skate for the first time is incredibly special. For a little while they have the chance to escape and leave their worries and their cell phone behind,” he added with a smile. I asked if a future Olympian could be among these young skaters. He replied, “You never know. But it’s just so good to get kids moving, on the ice and out of their heads and in the moment.”
A dedicated mentor, Brian is a powerful role model. In terms of his life as an athlete, he is a threetime Olympian who has won more than 50 titles, including 23 international gold medals, two World titles, two Pro/Am titles, 16 professional titles, four U.S. National titles, as well as that aforementioned Olympic Gold Medal. And what a moment that was for viewers, perhaps one of the greatest in Olympic skating history. The performance was electrifying, with his palpable emotions at the end shared by many spectators. Brian has been inducted into the U.S. Olympic Hall of Fame, the World Figure Skating Hall of Fame, the U.S. Figure Skating Hall of Fame, and the National Italian-American Hall of Fame. After going pro, he dominated competitions in the professional ranks, winning 10 straight titles— half of those at World Professional Championships. He even won an Emmy for the television special Carmen on Ice, and hosted two seasons of What Would Brian Boitano Make? on the Food Network. His cookbook of the same name is first rate, revealing his impressive culinary skills. A champ as well behind the bar, Brian makes medal-worthy cocktails. Several appear on the bar menu at Boitano’s Lounge in Lincoln, Nebraska ( https:// tinyurl.com/3snt638u ). As reviewers at Yelp write, the drinks are “outstanding,” “well designed,” and just plain “great.” Seriously,
Boitano’s Lounge is worth the trip to the Cornhusker State. (Editor’s Note: Members of our team have stopped there during cross-country drives, and loved it. The skyscapes of Nebraska are epic, and the locals have been incredibly welcoming and friendly.) Brian shared a tasty and creative seasonal cocktail recipe with the San Francisco Bay Times called “Hello Gord-geous.” “The cocktail has sugar, cinnamon sticks, ground ginger, nutmeg, cloves, canned pumpkin, lemon juice with chocolate bitters, and reposado tequila,” he said. “It’s Christmas in your mouth.” This man of many, many talents loves the holidays and shared a few of his favorite things about being home this season in San Francisco. Here is some of our recent conversation: Liam Mayclem: What is important to you about this holiday time of year? Brian Boitano: The holidays are about family and friends and reflecting on the year that has passed; and being grateful. Liam Mayclem: What gets you in the holiday spirit?
Brian Boitano: Union Square with the Christmas Tree. the Holiday Ice Rink, and the magical Macy’s window displays. Liam Mayclem: Fave restaurants? Brian Boitano: I love them all as I have many chef friends. However, Gary Danko is special for the holidays and I love Mourad any time of the year. Liam Mayclem: Favorite bar? Brian Boitano: I have a regular boys’ night out and we like to hit up the Big Four; and Whitechapel is great for gin; Comstock Saloon for whiskey and the old school vibe. For brews, go to Standard Deviant in the Mission. Brian added, “What’s most important to me is to sit down with friends in a place with a good vibe, a nice cocktail, and enjoy great conversation—with lots of laughs.” Happy Holidays! Hello Gourd-geous (recipe courtesy of Brian Boitano) 2 ounces reposado tequila 1 ounce pumpkin syrup (see recipe) 1/2 ounce lemon juice 4 dashes chocolate bitters lemon peel for garnish Shake all ingredients in a cocktail shaker filled with ice. Strain into a rocks glass filled with ice. Garnish. Pumpkin Syrup 1½ cups water 1 cup granulated sugar ½ cup dark brown sugar 3–4 cinnamon sticks ½ teaspoon ground ginger ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg ½ teaspoon ground cloves
¼ cup canned pumpkin Combine the water and sugars in a saucepan on medium heat. Bring to a simmer. Stir until the sugars dissolve, then reduce heat to low. Add cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, cloves, and pumpkin. Whisk to combine. Simmer for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally. Make sure it does not boil. Take off the heat and let cool for 15 minutes. Strain through a fine-mesh strainer and store in the refrigerator. Freezes well. Brian Boitano Youth Skate
http://brianboitano.com/youth-skate
Brian Boitano Lounge https://tinyurl.com/yat99emj South Park: “What Would Brian Boitano Do?” https://tinyurl.com/wr8hm6tr Union Square Skate https://unionsquareicerink.com Big Four https://tinyurl.com/4aebtzk5 Comstock Saloon https://comstocksaloon.com Whitechapel https://www.whitechapelsf.com Emmy Award-winning radio and television personality Liam Mayclem is regularly featured on KPIX as well as KCBS, where he is the popular Foodie Chap. Born in London, Mayclem is now at home in the Bay Area, where he lives with his husband, photographer Rick Camargo. For more information: https://www.bookliam.com/
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World AIDS Day Ceremonies 2021 Light in the Grove 2021
Photos by Rink
The National AIDS Memorial welcomed guests to the annual Light in the Grove gala held each year on the evening of November 30, the eve of World AIDS Day. Described as “an evening of illumination, reunion, remembrance, and thanks,” the event has gained a reputation for its elegance in performance and illuminated art. Guests participate by placing candles on the Circle of Friends installation and viewing a representative quilt display, enjoying presentations and a selection of menu items. Light in the Grove is an award-winning event ranked as a favorite among the annual LGBT community observances. https://www.aidsmemorial.org/
‘Inscribe’ in the Castro for 2021 World AIDS Day George Kelly, founder of the community chalk art event known as Inscribe, set up his display table on World AIDS Day, December 1, at Hibernia Beach. Throughout the day and evening, he facilitated participants’ drawing meaningful chalk images as well as signatures on the sidewalks of the Castro business area.
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Inscribe, sponsored by members of the Castro Merchants Association, is held annually and attracts people of all ages who wish to publicly express their thoughts about the memory of friends, relatives, and loved ones lost during the AIDS pandemic.
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Celebrating the Holiday Season Castro Menorah Lighting Ceremony 2021
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LGBTQ News & Calendar for the Bay Area CELEBRATING FOUR DECADES (1978–2021)
The annual Castro Menorah Lighting Ceremony was held at Jane Warner Plaza on Tuesday evening, November 30, the third date of Hanukkah this year. The event is open to the public and includes singing, remarks, and sufganiyot ( jelly donuts). Led by Rabbi Mychal Copeland and Cantor Sharon Bernstein, the program this year also included remarks by Supervisor Rafael Mandelman and State Senator Scott Wiener. Sponsors of the ceremony are Congregation Sha’ar Zahav, the Castro Community Benefit District, and the Castro Merchants Association. CONGREGATION SHA’AR ZAHAV PHOTO
Rabbi Cheryl Peretz gives additional meaning to the Hanukkah story. She shared: “Each night’s candle will burn until all that is left is the small wick of flames desperately trying to continue to revive itself as it starts to burn low. And, inevitably, sad as it may be, it will eventually burn out. And, what will we do? The next night, and each night thereafter, we will not only relight that candle, but we will add more light to the menorah, increasing the light shining from our homes.
Holiday Lights Atop Nob Hill
PHOTO COURTESY OF RAFAEL MANDELMAN
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PHOTO COURTESY OF RAFAEL MANDELMAN
We know all too well that the task of shining light into the world is as challenging today as it was (during the time of the Temple rededication). Lighting the Hanukkah menorah invites us to ignite the flames of our own souls, to find the spark that cannot be extinguished, that can burn not just for eight days, but for the entire year. As the light of our menorah burns, our internal light must also be kindled in the fight against darkness of evil, assimilation, and indifference. The menorah reminds us of the miracle that no matter how dark life may be, hope and faith can inspire a source of light deep within each of us.”
Photos by Rink
b Hill is once again in full festive holiday mode after last year’s quieter season due to the ongoing pandemic. n Francisco Bay Times lead photographer Rink annually records the latest editions of festive treasures such as the rmont Hotel San Francisco’s lawn ornaments, and, in the main lobby: the gingerbread house, Christmas tree, d decorative flowers. He also makes a scheduled stop in Huntington Park to see the trees strung with lights as ll as the facade of historic Grace Cathedral.
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DEC EM BER 16, 2021
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Roland Schembari and Bill Hartman, Co-Founders Randy Alfred, Founding News Editor 1978 Kim Corsaro, Publisher 1981-2011
MPact Initiates Leadership Development Training for Latinx Gay, Bisexual, and Trans Men
2261 Market Street, No. 309 San Francisco CA 94114 Phone: 415-601-2113 525 Bellevue Avenue Oakland CA 94610 E-mail: editor@sfbaytimes.com www.sfbaytimes.com The Bay Times was the first newspaper in California, and among the first in the world, to be jointly and equally produced by lesbians and gay men. We honor our history and the paper’s ability to build and strengthen unity in our community. The Bay Times is proud to be the first and only LGBTQ newspaper in San Francisco to be named a Legacy Business, recognizing that it is a longstanding, community-serving business that is a valuable cultural asset to the city. Dr. Betty L. Sullivan Jennifer L. Viegas Co-Publishers & Co-Editors
Beth Greene, Michael Delgado, John Signer, Abby Zimberg Design & Production
Kate Laws Business Manager Blake Dillon Calendar Editor
Kit Kennedy Poet-In-Residence J.H. Herren Technology Director Carla Ramos Web Coordinator Mario Ordonez Distribution
Juan R. Davila Volunteer Coordinator
Nuestra Voz Eduardo Morales, Ph.D. MPact has launched the national Es TIeMPo (Training, Mentorship, Internship, and Peer-Exchange) Leadership Project and released a recommitment to the National Call to Action: addressing the HIV crisis among Latinx gay and bisexual men in the U.S. and Puerto Rico. This project strives for racial equity and social justice, and an enabling environment that empowers individuals to freely access culturally and linguistically competent, stigma-free, comprehensive sexual health services and information. Angel Fabian, M.D., MNA, is the Advocacy Coordinator at MPact Global Action for Gay Men’s Health and Rights. MPact is a global health advocacy organization that serves as a catalyst for creating change among global gay, bisexual, and gender-diverse communities. MPact works with community partners around the world to educate, empower, and mobilize.
Dr. Fabian says that MPact organizes its work in three ways:
ing program is offered in the following manner:
Latinx gay and bisexual men’s community is reached.”
• educate via campaigns and activities to raise awareness, as well as share up-to-date information to increase skills and knowledge; • empower by providing training, resources, and technical assistance; • and mobilize by working in collaboration with partners at the local, state, and national levels to change policy and shift culture.
• a 7-module series of web-based, community-informed virtual trainings covering advocacy, social/ racial/economic justice, sexual and mental health, stigma and discrimination, coaching, and self-care. The project is bilingual in Spanish and English; • matching of participants with a mentor, who is actively working in the field; • linking of participants, upon completion of the training, to an internship opportunity with a local, regional, or national organization; • creation of a peer exchange network for participants to share practical experience, support other participants, and promote sustainability of learnings beyond Es TIeMPo; • and opportunities to participate in national and international conferences.
MPact received a grant from ViiV Healthcare’s Positive Action for Latinx Men program to help support these initiatives. Dr. Fabian says this funding has been instrumental in building a national presence and bringing some of their global experience to a U.S. audience.
Dr. Fabian told me for the San Francisco Bay Times that “to address these structural barriers, we apply and adapt lessons learned and best practices from our global advocacy and capacity-building work. With HIV activists from the Latinx community at the national, regional, and community levels, we advocate for comprehensive sexual health programs and services that are culturally competent and in the languages that they speak, and we provide training and capacity-building opportunities for advocates to demand the same at every level. We want to make sure the breadth of the
You can find out more information about the Fijate Bien Program by visiting https://tinyurl.com/82zsbd86
Dr. Fabian leads the “Fijate Bien” program at MPact, which loosely translates to “Pay Attention.” The name speaks to Latinx gay, bisexual, and trans men and the entities that provide HIV prevention, care, and treatment services to them—urging them to be aware and take action on the increase of new HIV infections and the structural barriers to prevention, care, and medical services across the U.S. and Puerto Rico. MPact’s Es TIeMPo project, an offshoot of the Fijate Bien program, facilitates leadership development with interested participants who are advocates or leaders involved or interested in the HIV response, human rights, and issues of Latinx gay, bisexual, and trans men in the San Francisco-East Bay and Central Valley areas of California, along the U.S.-Mexico border in Texas, and in Puerto Rico. To encourage active participation in training, mentorship, and internship components, all emerging leaders will receive a stipend for their time in the program. The leadership train-
CONTRIBUTORS Writers Rink, Sister Dana Van Iquity, Ann Rostow, Patrick Carney, 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, Jewelle Gomez, Phil Ting, Rebecca Kaplan, Leslie Katz, Philip Ruth, Bill Lipsky, Elisa Quinzi, Liam Mayclem, Karen Williams, Donna Sachet, Gary Virginia, Zoe Dunning, Derek Barnes, Marcy Adelman, Jan Wahl, 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, Jane Higgins Paul Margolis, Chloe Jackman, Bill Wilson, Jo-Lynn Otto, Sandy Morris, Abby Zimberg, Joanie Juster, Darryl Pelletier, Morgan Shidler ADVERTISING Display Advertising Standard Rate Cards http://sfbaytimes.com/ or 415-503-1375 Custom ad sizes are available. Ads are reviewed by the publishers. National Advertising: Contact Bay Times / San Francisco. Represented by Rivendell Media: 908-232-2021 Circulation is verified by an independent agency Reprints by permission only. CALENDAR Submit events for consideration by e-mail to: calendar@sfbaytimes.com © 2021 Bay Times Media Company Co-owned by Betty L. Sullivan & Jennifer L. Viegas
LGBTQ+ Intersectional Identities in STEMM
Xandria Quichocho, Physics Education Researcher (they/he/she)
(This series of profiles from the California Academy of Sciences New Science exhibit tells first-person stories of LGBTQ+ women and gender minorities of color working in STEMM—science, technology, engineering, math, and medicine—professions.) When I started doing physics education research, I was also coming to terms with the fact that I’m bisexual. I sought truth in my research; in queer, feminist poetry; in critical race theory. I learned new words, a new language—something that felt true and real. I graduated college identifying as a bisexual, Black, and CHamoru woman. I didn’t feel like a woman, but I didn’t feel like a man either. Yet I was supposed to be a Black woman, according to everyone else. It took time, but I learned that the rules that I grew up with were absolutely fake, and that if I didn’t want to be a woman, I didn’t have to be. It was a moment of gender liberation. With the language I’ve learned from intersectional scholars, from Black women and queer folks, I can happily say: Hello! I’m Xandria R. Quichocho, my pronouns are they/he/she, and I am a Black and CHamoru, bisexual, non-binary physics education researcher currently pursuing my physics Ph.D. at Michigan State University. And that’s the most true and real I can be. https://www.calacademy.org/exhibits/new-science-exhibit
San Francisco Bay Times team members will be at the Castro Theatre on December 24 for SFGMC’s Home for the Holidays show! We hope you’ll be there too. For tickets, visit www.sfgmc.org 12
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While there has been a gradual shift and increase of funds into advocacy and awareness efforts for minorities, Dr. Fabian feels this grant funding is different from usual historical capital. He explained, “The funding from ViiV Healthcare has been very responsive to the consultation of the community. That doesn’t happen all the time and we are grateful that community input and feedback was the starting point for this initiative, rather than an afterthought.”
Eduardo Morales, PhD, is of Puerto Rican descent and is one of the founders of AGUILAS, where he serves as Executive Director. He is also a retired Distinguished Professor at Alliant International University and is the 2021 President of the National Latinx Psychological Association.
Shining a Light on Our Neighbors
In the News Joanie Juster Happy Holidays! As the days grow shorter and the nights longer, I find myself giving thanks for every holiday lights display that I see. No matter whether they are humble or over-thetop flamboyant, each one says that someone cares enough to share a bit of joy with all of us. Here’s to everyone who hangs a string of lights, wears a Santa hat or a wacky Christmas sweater, or just takes a moment to wish you happy holidays. It necessitates all of us to create good cheer in the world—every single gesture counts. Shining a Light on Our Neighbors I wasn’t prepared for the sheer joy I felt as I walked down Castro Street on November 29 en route to the lighting of the Castro Christmas
Tree. As I headed down the street, I could hear Donna Sachet leading a chorus of children in singing “Jingle Bells,” and I suddenly realized how much I had missed such simple holiday joys during the pandemic. Castro Street was overflowing with friends and neighbors in holiday gear, eager for the return of a beloved holiday tradition we could all share. Elected officials and community leaders spoke, but it was Donna Sachet who delivered a message that we all received loud and clear: this holiday season, your community needs your support. If you’re going to shop, shop locally, and support local businesses. The Castro, like the rest of the city, has struggled during the pandemic, and needs all of us to support local businesses if they are to survive and thrive. So as Donna suggested, put your phone down, forget Amazon, and shop your neighborhood! And here’s one more suggestion: support local artists. You may have friends who are performers, writers, visual artists, filmmakers, podcasters—and chances are also that this long pandemic period has been tough on them. Show them some love: buy their books/CDs/films/tickets to
their shows. Amplify their voices by talking them up to your friends and on social media. And not only buy their work, but also let them know how much you appreciate their creations (because buying a friend’s book then not reading it is only half a gesture). Shining a light on our neighbors will brighten the holidays for everyone. Creating Change from Within Oral Roberts University is a small evangelical college of about 4,000 students, but it plays an outsized role in the history of anti-LGBTQ discrimination. ORU’s founder, televangelist Oral Roberts, was notoriously homophobic, and made sure his university reflected his beliefs. To this day, 12 years after Roberts’ death, all incoming students are forced to pledge that they won’t engage in what the administration deems “unscriptural sexual acts”—which the school says includes “homosexual activity.” However, some students are fighting to change that legacy. Last week, four students from ORU signed onto a class-action lawsuit demanding protection for LGBTQ students at religious universities, and now, they’re organizing to change the school’s discriminatory “honor code.” One alumnus of ORU shared the negative effects of the discriminatory policy as a student there: “I was closeted my entire time at ORU because the policies essentially banned my existence, putting me in a constant state of fear and hyper-vigilance. I was taught to hate the core of who I am, and I did just that. I’m lucky to be alive. I pray no student ever has to experience the torture that I did as a (continued on page 22)
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16th Annual World Tree of Hope 2021
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Photos by Rink
Created as a symbol of global unity, The World Tree of Hope is introduced each year by the Rainbow World Fund. The tree is decorated with thousands of folded paper cranes that are inscribed with wishes by people of all ages and faiths. Along with emcee Donna Sachet, the ceremony, held at Grace Cathedral, included remarks and performances by Rainbow World Fund’s Jeff Cotter and others, including Native American activist Landa Lakes, the Imperial Council’s Katya Smirnoff-Skyy and Emperor David Glamamore, Tax Assessor Joaquín Torres, Tammy Lynne Hall-Hawkins, members of the Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence, the Lesbian Gay Chorus of San Francisco, and more. The tree can be visited throughout the holiday season at Grace Cathedral. https://www.worldtreeofhope.org/
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LGBTQ News & Calendar for the Bay Area CELEBRATING FOUR DECADES (1978–2022)
By Donna Sachet
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“Just in time for Christmas, You showed me what Christmas is about.” – David Friedman
ell, it has been quite a holiday season! Despite the spectre of COVID looming over the past two years, December burst to life with events both large and small, both public and private, both commercial and charitable, somehow dimming the maudlin memories and aching losses behind us. Since our last column, we have been to Union Square, Club Fugazi, Brava Theater, Grace Cathedral, Victoria Theatre, Sydney Goldstein Theater, Martuni’s, and more, proving that entertainment in its many forms has returned to San Francisco.
Drag Queens on Ice at the Safeway Ice Rink in Union Square couldn’t have been more enjoyable with the largest crowd of spectators ever and the best skating we’ve seen. We were dazzled by Khmera Rouge, Paju Munro, Mahlae Balenciaga, Baby Shaques Munro, Jota Mercury, Jubilee, Dusty Porn, and Princess Poppy and finally a tour de force by Denali of RuPaul’s Drag Race and Olympic champion Brian Boitano, lip-syncing for their lives! Sister Roma and Queen Dilly Dally hosted and we co-emceed with the delightfully funny Robert Keith. After last year’s cancellation, Drag Queens on Ice returned bigger and better than ever! Having heard good things about the theatrical show that has taken up residence at Club Fugazi, former home of Beach Blanket Babylon, we decided to see it for ourselves. And we give Dear San Francisco, a nostalgic look at the city through the eyes of The 7 Fingers circus collective, a resounding stamp of approval! Prepare to be amazed at jaw-dropping acrobatics, beautifully choreographed vignettes, powerful singing voices, charismatic performers, and a lovingly woven tale of this magical place we call home. The action explodes from the stage across the proscenium and into the audience, alternating from hypnotic sequences to manic percussive numbers, each holding your attention as few performances can. What more can we say? Get your tickets soon, take your friends, and spread the word! We joined Gary Virginia in hosting a celebration of life at 440 Castro for our dear friend K.C. Dare, one of the many lost over the past two years without any public ceremony or typical event. Friends flew in from Palm Springs, New York, and across California to pay their respects. The flowers, food, and program were over the top, thanks to Gary’s meticulous planning and generous help from Ben & Moxie Penn and Deana Dawn. A few speakers and songs gave a glimpse into this generous friend who will be greatly missed. The event wound down with a New Orleans-style funeral parade down Castro Street. Even in our current health crisis, there is a way to give tribute to a loved one with precaution and planning. Help is on the Way for the Holidays XX filled the Brava Theater with world-class talent, gorgeous music, and hilarious humor. Performers included Lisa Vroman, David Burnham, Bruce Vilanch, Sharon McNight, Leanne Borghesi, Marta Sanders, Shawn Ryan, Paula West, the Barbary Coast Cloggers, and Salsamania, each receiving deafening applause and putting everyone in the spirit of the holidays. One of the biggest surprises of the night was the return of the dashing Lenny Broberg as auctioneer, a talent he has polished over the years with humor and panache. Kudos to Ken Henderson & Joe Seiler and everyone at the Richmond/Ermet Aid Foundation for returning with such an expertly produced holiday show, benefiting Project Open Hand. The Rainbow World Fund’s Tree of Hope was lit in Grace Cathedral with a beautiful program of music and spoken word to the delight of a huge and diverse crowd. Executive Director Jeff Cotter has tirelessly dedicated hours and days each year to ensuring that the World Tree of Hope continues, offering a glow of optimism through even the darkest years. The San Francisco Boys’ Choir started us off, followed by pianist Tammy Lynne Hall-Hawkins, singer Loberta Loral, Bay Area Indigenous leader Landa Lakes, City Assessor-Recorder Joaquin Torres, origami artist Keiko Kubo, Reigning Emperor Mr. David Glamamore, Imperial Crown Princess Katya Smirnoff-Skyy, the Lesbian/Gay Chorus of San Francisco, and even the Bishop of California, the Right Reverend Marc Handley Andrus. Remarkably, Grace Cathedral continues to stand. We especially enjoyed reading, along with two local students, some of the wishes and hopes written on the origami covering the tree. Finally, members of the Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence blessed the tree and led the countdown to its lighting, as countless photography flashes caught the moment. Find the World Tree of Hope in the Keith Haring AIDS Interfaith Memorial Chapel of Grace Cathedral. The annual Golden Girls Christmas drag reenactment at the Victoria Theater has become an undisputed crowd-pleaser. We joined Brian Kent for a raucous night of hilarity with Heklina, Holotta Tymes, D’Arcy Drollinger, and Matthew Martin each embracing their roles with perfect comic timing, facial expressions, and body language. Creative sets and colorful costumes echoed the orginal television series. The capacity audience left aching with laughter. Don’t miss this winning combination of nostalgia, drag, kitchy costuming, and holiday magic. Speaking of crowd-pleasers, we joined Gary Virginia for the SF Gay Men’s Chorus’ Holigays are Here...Again at the Sydney Goldstein Theater. This concert had everything we all love about this chorus: beautifully performed music, touching holiday moments, campy choral-ography, outstanding solo performances, nods to every possible holiday tradition, and more. The chorus showed particular alacrity with challenging rhythmic songs and fastflying lyrics. At a venue of this size, the health and safety protocols were noticeably awkward and time-consuming, but everyone seemed cooperative and sympathetic. After months of suspension from concerts and even rehearsals, the SFGMC burst back onto the stage with power and heart, skillfully guided through the varied program by Artistic Director Tim Seelig, who left us frankly wishing he had spoken more. We can’t get enough of his dry Southern humor and charming drawl. After his recent announcement of imminent PHOTO BY SHAWN NORTHCUTT
Friday & Saturday, December 17–18 Katya: A Holiday Spectacular 14th annual show of music & comedy Hotel Nikko, 222 Mason Street 8 pm $65 www.ticketweb.com Saturday, December 18 Naughty & Nice Holiday party hosted by Donna Sachet & Santa’s elves Music, cocktails, desserts 8 pm–Midnight www.academy-sf.com Friday, December 24 Home for the Holidays SF Gay Men’s Chorus concert Castro Theatre, 429 Castro Street 5 pm, 7 pm & 9 pm $35 www.sfgmc.org Friday & Saturday, December 24–26 29th Annual Kung Pao Kosher Comedy Lisa Geduldig’s virtual Jewish comedy show $25–$50 www.cityboxoffice.com
retirement, the upcoming season will be bittersweet knowing how much Tim has done for this historic and much-loved chorus. You still have a chance to hear the SFGMC at the Castro Theatre at any of their three Christmas Eve concerts. Finally, Emperor XLVIII William Bulkley produced Christmas Birthdays Are a Drag at Martuni’s on Sunday, emceed by the inimitable Imperial Crown Princess Katya Smirnoff-Skyy. Live singers were the theme, as a tribute to the late Nightingale of Montgomery Street, Absolute Empress I José Sarria, who would have celebrated her 99th birthday on that date. Despite the rainy streets outside, a loyal band of supporters gathered to hear BeBe Sweetbriar (demonstrating the vocal skills that have put her on the Billboard charts), Honey Mahogany (displaying a gorgeous soulful voice, unknown to many), Absolute Empress LII Mercedez Munro (bringing the house down with her powerful vocals), and this humble columnist/singer. Ticket prices and a quick raffle drawing raised money for the upcoming and highly anticipated 50th Anniversary of the Emperors of San Francisco, which makes one wonder where the other Emperors were that night. What a treat to experience wonderful music created by voices within our community! So, as we began this column, we have found new hope in December as most events that were either cancelled or virtual last year rebounded in a live format and audiences joyfully returned to cheer them on. We aren’t yet beyond the cloud of this pandemic, but true to San Francisco’s reputation, we are people who find a way ... a way to take proper precautions, a way to listen to expert advice, and a way to return to life, as we have come to love it. We hope your holiday season has been as full as you wished and rich with the company of friends. Thank you for reading us here every two weeks. Thank you to Betty Sullivan and Jen Viegas for this awesome opportunity to write and be read. And our best wishes to you all for a fabulous 2022! 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
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Gift or Regift Photos Courtesy of Tim Seelig We are bombarded with “the gifts of the season,” “the reason for the season,” and “all I want for Christmas is ... .” Just not more Mariah Carey.
TLC: Tears, Laughs and Conversation Dr. Tim Seelig How are you feeling this mid-December? Are the holidays a gift or a curse? Have you been naughty or nice? Are you feeling Ho Ho Ho or Bah Humbug? There are 15 holidays from different cultures that are celebrated between Halloween (the gateway drug to the rest of the holiday season and national gay holiday) and New Year’s. Many involve gifts, food, family, and nearly all involve drama. Well, like most, if I am honest, all of the above are true on one level or the other, depending on the day. We hear so much more about buying than giving. For most, when you are past about 12, we hear much more about giving than receiving. During other holidays throughout the year, we are either giver or receiver, such as Birthday, Father’s and Mother’s Days, and National Doughnut Day. At the winter holidays, though, we are both givers and receivers. The pressure is enormous.
In writing my articles, and given my 35 years spent on the front pew of the First Baptist, I always feel it is my duty to share that part of my experience. Especially since many of my readers may fall into the “unchurched” category. I take my research seriously, the Hermeneutics. That is the study of the general principles of biblical interpretation. That’s what I have done here. It seems our modern-day celebration and gift-giving all started with the much-romanticized journey of three wise men following a star to the manger, where they presented the baby Jesus with the very first Christmas gifts!
announcement was delivered via a huge star. They did some checking and found out it was a very special baby. They had already missed the baby shower and the actual birth, but decided to go anyway. It took them a couple of months to gather everything they needed for the caravan. Rounding up camels and rapscallions to accompany them was not easy. Then there were long tearful goodbyes to the Mrs. Magi’s. One of their most important tasks was shopping for baby gifts. More on that in a minute. The trip was rough. No one can really pinpoint the actual trip specifics. Google maps is sketchy from Babylon to Bethlehem or, most likely, Jerusalem by the time they got there. Today that would be about 13 hours by car or 234 hours by foot. We’re not clear why it took two years. With no GPS, they obviously wandered a good bit. I can just imagine Caspar bringing up the rear of the caravan constantly asking, “Are we there yet?” Don’t trust my word on how rough it was. It is well-known. Even T.S. Elliot wrote about it in his poem “The Journey of the Magi.” It’s quite descriptive, of course.
The ways deep and the weather sharp, The very dead of winter.’ And the camels galled, sorefooted, refractory, Lying down in the melting snow. There were times we regretted The summer palaces on slopes, the terraces, And the silken girls bringing sherbet. Then the camel men cursing and grumbling and running away, and wanting their liquor and women,
We are not sure they were so wise, since it took them two years to find the baby who would be, by that point, in his terrible twos. But the gifts they brought were not onesies or baby rattles. Oh no. They brought some good stuff: gold. Yes, please. Frankincense and myrhh. Not your mother’s perfume. We’ll get back to the gifts in just a second. Here is the story. There were three wise men from the East: Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego. Oops, wrong trio. Those were the guys thrown in the fiery furnace! The wise men were Caspar, Melchior, and Balthazar. They got a birth announcement for a baby being born hundreds of miles away. The
And the night-fires going out, and the lack of shelters, And the cities hostile and the towns unfriendly And the villages dirty and charging high prices: A hard time we had of it. At the end we preferred to travel all night, Sleeping in snatches, With the voices singing in our ears, saying That this was all folly.
Oh dear, that was a rough trip. Today it would most definitely not take two years and there is a KFC only a 4-minute walk from the Church of the Nativity. OK, back to the gifts. Just as we have idealized the journey, we have done the same to the 3 gifts they brought. We all agree on the gold. That’s good. But the other two have been described as perfume and incense. Needless to say, those were great ideas to cover the prevalent dung scent in the manger, but by the time they got to Jesus, Mary, and Joseph, they were already living in a house, sans barnyard animals. So, what’s up with the frankincense and myrrh? In all transparency, some of my research came from “What is myrrh anyway” from the Monty Python movie The Life of Brian. In that movie, however, the wise men got the wrong house. Turns out the gifts weren’t just a lovely scented Yankee candle and a few sticks of Nag Champa. In an article by Colin Schultz in the Smithsonian Magazine, these Magi may have been onto something with the gifts they chose. “More than just aromatic compounds, frankincense and myrrh have interesting medicinal properties. From tests on mice, chemists at the University of Florence have found that molecules in myrrh act on the brain’s opioid receptors, explaining its painkilling action. The key active ingredient in frankincense has a structure not dissimilar from some hormones like testosterone. Atop its analgesic action, myrrh also seems to have anti-cancer properties. Of the Magi’s three gifts, maybe gold was the least valuable of all?” You go, wise men! You win the Best Secret Santa prize. (continued on page 17)
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Photos Courtesy of Tim Seelig SEELIG (continued from page 16) __________________________________________________________________
One of my most vivid memories is of my paternal grandmother at the holidays. She was left a single mother of three in the midst of the depression in Fredericksburg, Texas. German was her first language as was everything else stereotypically German—work ethic being foremost. When her husband died, she set to work immediately to provide for her children and continued working throughout her life. Her three children were overachievers in their careers and in their personal lives, with eleven grandkids among them. My Oma never had much, but she bought gifts at the holidays for all three of her kids, their spouses, and the eleven grandkids. We knew her gifts would be small and inexpensive. But when we arrived for Christmas, the 11 gifts for the grandkids were wrapped and under the tree. Oma calculated the most expensive one and taped coins to the others to make up for the cost difference. Every grandchild received a gift that cost exactly the same amount when the coins were added in ... no favoritism shown to any. My brother and I scoffed at this until we were old enough to understand her huge heart and that her desire was to demonstrate the equal depth of love she had for each of us. It was her beautiful way to let us know we had equal parts of her heart.
church.” Of course, I very soon came to discover that the Christmas Eve shows are truly the most wonderful time of the year for the chorus. They are our gift to the community in every way. This year will be my last time conducting at the Castro. There will be tears. I just have to forego the lasagna tradition and trade the Bellini for an Irish Coffee at Twin Peaks after the shows. I do fear our gift giving has become a bit of a mess. We don’t really know our friends that well and many of us have moved away from family. Enter the internet. It’s just easier to purchase a Visa gift card and email it. We’ve even stopped handwriting holiday cards. Surely, we can do better. In a 2016 online survey, 15% of respondents were unhappy about their gifts and 10% could not remember what they had received. 25 percent of respondents said they had re-gifted their presents to someone else, 14% sold the items, 10% tried to return them to the store, and 5% returned the gift to the giver. Seniors were more likely to send their unwanted presents to charity, while those aged 25 to 34 “simply threw them away.” Gifts that are the least likely to be appreciated include items like perfumes and cosmetics, ornaments, and clothing. Those were the exact things the last-minute shoppers were grabbing at Northpark Mall in the panic purchasing.
PHOTO BY JOHN VAJDA
OK, enough with the hermeneutics. I have my own story! Or two. OK, three.
Dr. Tim Seelig conducting the annual SFGMC Holiday Concert series held at multiple locations throughout December.
Over the past 12 weeks, the chorus members have been preparing gifts galore. The gifts of time and energy and talent. And the gift of their voices. And you’ve been receiving these gifts with such amazing enthusiasm and gratitude. These concerts wrap up my final holiday concerts of 35 years conducting LGBTQ+ choruses. I’ve seen it all at the holidays. And, in the final telling, there is no Bah Humbug to be found. Just a heart filled to the brim.
When I became a divorced Dad with kids living in another city, I had them most Thanksgivings and they spent the Christmas holidays with their Mom. That made things a lot different. Many of you know what it’s like to mail your gifts. It takes a little more work, but it also leaves you completely free to do whatever you want on Christmas Eve. You’ve finished your shopping at least a week earlier. For years, my partner and I would go to the huge Northpark Mall in Dallas an hour or two before closing on Christmas Eve to watch the mad scramble for last-minute gifts. At that point, it didn’t really matter what they grabbed just to have something under the tree. The male gendered shoppers often stopped at the entrance to the stores and took whatever perfume the impatient sales associate was spraying. They knew that, at 8 pm, the stores would close and their only option would be the 7-Eleven on the corner. We would then retire to a cozy Italian restaurant for Bellinis and lasagna! It was a perfect Christmas Eve—except for the fact that I wasn’t with my kids. Fast forward to the time when I was deciding whether or not to apply/audition for the job of Artistic Director of the San Francisco Gay Men’s Chorus. It came to my attention that the chorus did three shows on Christmas Eve. What? I thought I had left that behind with the multiple candlelight services of a mega church. At least SFGMC didn’t do a midnight mass/show! My first thought was, “If I wanted to do multiple performances on Christmas Eve, I could have stayed in the
One of my favorite songs of all time is “A Song for Christmas” by Frederick Silver. It wraps up my feelings perfectly. No, I can’t give you all a physical gift, but I can share a song. This will be the final song of 2021!
All I can give you is a song for Christmas and a prayer All I can send you is a simple message. Be free, be healthy, be strong. All I can hope is that the year will caress you with a love that will warm you like a fire. If I could write it, you’d have a symphony, but all that I can give you is a song. With that, I wish you the happiest of holidays. Signing off until 2022. Dr. Tim Seelig is the Artistic Director of the San Francisco Gay Men’s Chorus. S AN F R ANC IS C O BAY T IM ES
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Teeling Small Batch whiskey is finished in a rum cask, hence the play on the name of this soothing and warming holiday favorite.
HOT BUTTERED ‘RUM’ OR ‘NOT’
ST. GERMAIN BUTTER
1.5 ounces Teeling Small Batch
1/4 cup St. Germain liqueur
3 ounces hot water
3 sticks soft butter
1 tablespoon St. Germain Butter
2/3 cup packed brown sugar 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg 1/8 teaspoon ground clove For the Butter, cream all Butter ingredients together and form into a log shape. Place in wax paper and refrigerate the Butter overnight. When ready to serve, pour the hot water over a quarter-sized slice of the Butter in a heatproof glass or mug and stir. Add Teeling, stir again, and toast to the season!
Cocktails With Heather Heather Freyer
https://www.bacardi.com/us/en/where-to-buy/
Heather Freyer is a beverage expert who is the Vice President and General Manager for Open West States at Bacardí USA. Previously she was with Trinchero Wine Estates, Castle Rock Winery, Cost Plus World Market, and more.
Holiday Markets in the Castro and SOMA Neighborhoods
Photos by Rink
Based on the success of outdoor markets held earlier this year, holiday season markets have been organized for certain neighborhoods. In the Castro, leaders of the Castro Merchants and Castro Art Project produced on December 9 the Castro Art Walk’s Castro Art Capsule at Jane Warner Plaza. SOMA West, Folsom Street, and the LGBT Cultural District are producing the SOMA Neighborhood Holiday Market. The Noe Street Art Mart/Winter Wonderland will beheld on Sunday, December 19. www.castroartwalk.com
Entertainers Ilhan Sandri and Gary Gregerson of Prune Cup performed at Jane Warner Plaza
Artist Siobhan Aluvalot, Susie Jennings of Spunk Salon, and Kate Bush of https://www.queerpowers.com/
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Stay & Manor gift shop owner Seth Morrison
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Skot Land with his artwork featuring Prince at the Local Take gift shop
Artist Christopher Jeffries' work displayed at Canela restaurant
Returning to Hawaii: The Ultimate Beach—and Food—Vacation tai. Moku’s version— the one served also at their Monkeypod restaurants—is delightfully strong with the added benefit of passionfruit foam on the top. The food at Moku, while casual, is fresh and seasonal, and a perfect choice for lunch.
for so long that those bathrooms would have gotten a much-needed renovation (double sinks, new countertops, and tiles would be nice). Maybe next time?
The famous lyrics to Hawaiian Princess Lili’uokalani’s famous 1878 song rang in my head as I returned to Honolulu and Kauai this year with the Landis clan to celebrate Thanksgiving. You see, I’ve been lucky enough to have been regularly visiting these magical islands since 1960, when our Uncle Lou worked for the military and lived near Pearl Harbor in Honolulu. Yes, the islands have changed a lot since that initial trip, but much of it is for the better. There’s still the tropical vibe, but now in many cases, the food offers an elevated island experience that makes Hawaii even more special. We started our recent trip in one of my favorite cities, Honolulu. For COVID protocols, this city is #1. First off, before you even travel to Hawaii, you have to register with the Go Hawaii site and have proof of vaccination or a recent negative COVID test. Once you arrive in Honolulu, every single restaurant requires proof of a vaccine card to dine indoors and also takes your temperature. Plus, all the retail stores require mask wearing. All of that made us feel comfortable, especially with Omicron rearing its ugly head. But be forewarned: make reservations well in advance or you may not get into the restaurant you choose. Ground zero for us in the city was the gem of Hawaii, the historic Halekulani Hotel. Besides the Mauna Kea Hotel on the Big Island, this is our personal favorite for an unmatched luxury hotel experience in Hawaii. The Halekulani has been closed for more than a year of renovation and the results are stunning. Much of the work was behind-the-scenes, fortifying infrastructure and the like. The public spaces look refreshed and renewed, as do the hotel rooms— with a quiet palette that just speaks “relaxing.” Our Diamond Head view room had its own balcony, plenty of storage, two twin beds that we pushed together to make a king bed, and a comfortable chair for reading while enjoying the vistas. In all the bathrooms, the hotel installed Toto washlet toilets—another Gay Gourmet favorite. But we had hoped that while the hotel had been closed
We started, of course, with the Halekulani’s famous mai tai— one of the two best on the island— which put us in the right tropical spirit for the evening. Next, we enjoyed the hotel’s own smooth Silk red blend from Santa Barbara as well as a crisp white wine, the Albariño de Fefiñanes from Spain. The amuse-bouche that whet our appetite was a delectable biscuit with lemon mascarpone and bacon jam. Our starters included the local fresh onaga carpaccio, spiced with just the right amount of jalapeño heat in a lemon olive oil dressing; and the fresh, chunky tomato soup with a crispy crouton; the squid ink pasta with grated bottarga; the creamiest lobster bisque (with lemongrass accents); an extremely tender grilled prime filet of beef with a Barolo reduction and Hudson Valley foie gras; and the freshest Hawaiian seabass (called Hapu’upu’u) with asparagus flan in a lemon caper sauce. For dessert, one must have Halekulani’s signature, the fresh coconut cake filled with coconut amaretto cream. Simply divine! The hotel’s other not-to-be-missed offering is the House Without A Key. This currently outdoor, oceanfront stop for cocktails and pupus (appetizers) has some of the best traditional Hawaiian music on the island—plus we had the pleasure of meeting the current Miss Hawaii, Courtney Choi, dancing the hula! The hotel is currently renovating the space and when it re-opens, it will have a pool bar, an exhibition kitchen and more— and will be open all day. But in the meantime, the evening respites at this magical space are destinationworthy. Other culinary highlights in Honolulu? We love Merriman’s newish restaurant in the hip Kaka’ako arts district at the SALT Center. It’s called Moku Kitchen, and has Honolulu’s other best mai
IMAGE COURTESY OF HALEKULANI IMAGE COURTESY OF HALEKULANI
“Aloha oe! Aloha oe! Until we meet again.”
IMAGE COURTESY OF HALEKULANI
David Landis
IMAGE COURTESY OF HALEKULANI
The Gay Gourmet
There is so much about the Halekulani that is first-class. Let’s start with Orchids, the Hawaiian meets Mediterranean cuisine restaurant run by the talented Chef Christian Testa, located both outdoors and indoors on the first floor of the property, and with panoramic ocean views. By far, this was the best meal in Honolulu. Chef Testa’s fresh, innovative approach and sourcing of local ingredients make for a dining experience like no other on Oahu.
Offerings include fresh fish tacos, local greens, crispy fries, deviled eggs with shrimp, hand tossed pizzas, a great burger, and more. While in Kaka’ako, don’t miss touring the out-of-the-way alleyways for some of the best mural art in the country. Other places to visit? Make a stop at the Sky Waikiki and Raw Bar, outdoors atop the 19th floor of a building on buzzy Kalakaua Avenue: great cocktails and spectacular ocean and mountain views; Bar Leather Apron—we didn’t get to visit, but we hear great things about their craft cocktails, especially the Garden Negroni with coconut-washed Campari; enjoy drinks at sunset on the beach at the Moana Surfrider; Doraku Sushi in the Royal Hawaiian Center for terrific sushi; Tommy Bahama’s—besides a Hawaiianinspired retail clothing store, they have an outdoor, rooftop restaurant with some of the best coconut shrimp, macadamia-crusted fresh fish, and a passionfruit mai tai that shines; Roy’s Waikiki— go for cocktails but I’d skip dinner; Buzz’s SteakHouse near Lanikai with beach views—great salads and burgers for lunch; the Haleiwa Beach House on the North Shore for oceanfront views and tasty lunch offerings, including
fresh salads and crispy fish and chips; Tiki’s Bar and Grill at the south end of Waikiki has delicious cocktails, food, and live music; Leonard’s is famous for the Portuguese doughnuts known as malasadas (now a Hawaiian mainstay)—unfortunately we missed Leonard’s this trip, but we’ll head there next time; Mariposa’s (at Neiman Marcus, Ala Moana Center) for a just-caught ahi tuna salad luncheon with an ocean view; and visit the wonderful Plumeria Beach House at the famed Kahala Resort south of Diamond Head—the food is tasty (again, with beach views) and afterwards you can visit their lagoons and dolphins! While in Honolulu, we loved renting electric bikes from GoGo Rentals, biking down to Diamond Head along the coast and back along the Ala Wai Canal; visiting the Lyon Arboretum, a research garden that is part of the University of Hawaii and only a 20-minute drive from Waikiki (reservations suggested); the beautiful Byodo-In Buddhist Temple near Kailua, which was built to commemorate the 100th anniversary of the arrival of the Japanese people in Hawaii; the Hoomaluhia Gardens on the East Shore (also near Kailua), where you can hike through peaceful gardens to a gorgeous lake; and the Waimea Falls on the North Shore (be sure to reserve in advance). Make sure also to leave time to relax on Waikiki Beach, still one of the most beautiful beaches in the world, with the impressive Diamond Head as your backdrop. From Honolulu, we flew to the beautiful garden isle of Kauai, possibly our most favorite. Our family has been gathering here for Thanksgiving since the early 80s, and while it’s changed a bit, there still now is no building higher than a palm tree. It still feels like old Hawaii.
A view of the Nā Pali Coast State Wilderness Park from the ocean 20
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Kauai sadly has different COVID protocols—less stringent than Honolulu. But we opted to eat outside to make sure we were safe.
We usually stay in Princeville on the North Shore at the SeaLodge condominiums (which have terrific views), but this time we opted to try something new: the Hanalei Bay Hideaway condominiums at the Hanalei Bay Resort. Our third-floor units had sweeping views of Hanalei Bay and Bali Hai, along with numerous amenities, including: tennis, swimming, beach access, the Happy Talk lounge, and more. The units had been recently renovated in a modern style with 3 generous decks. Because the condos connect, it made for a nice family gathering when we wanted that and privacy when we each needed space. Kauai has not in recent years been known for its restaurants, but that’s beginning to change. Some new chefs are doing exciting things on the island now. At the top of the list, I’d recommend Fish Bar Deli in Kapaa, run by two women from Northern California. This seasonally-driven and craft cocktail haven not only has the freshest and most innovative cuisine and spirits (pan seared fresh island fish, kimchee grilled cheese, buttermilk fried chicken, and craft mai tais), but also has an adjoining gourmet food retailer with everything to spice up your Hawaiian kitchen. Also of note: Bar Acuda in Hanalei, run by another former San Franciscan, offers up American tapas delectables that melt in your mouth, including Hawaiian fish with Yukon gold saffron mashed potatoes, fennel-orange jam and True Leaf farms sunflower sprouts; the Hanalei Dolphin has its own seafood market so the restaurant has the freshest seafood and sushi, along with dining outdoors right on the Hanalei River; Sam’s Ocean View in Kapaa has craft cocktails, an oceanside setting, and contemporary Hawaiian food; Tiki Iniki in Princeville, owned by rocker Todd Rundgren and his wife, has some killer cocktails and tasty bar food; Pink’s Creamery in Hanalei sells tropical ice cream flavors like Haupia (coconut cream custard) as well as mango and cream; Wishing Well Shave Ice and JoJo’s Shave Ice are local favorites, featuring the Hawaiian
version of a snow cone; Postcards Café in Hanalei concocts mouthwatering delicious mai tais, as well as creative fish and lamb entrees; and the Kalypso in Hanalei is known for its Iniki (Hurricane), and in the Gay Gourmet’s opinion has the best mai tai on the island. I also like Oasis on the Beach in the Waipouli Resort in Kapaa, mostly for the views. One of my favorite cocktail and music haunts in Hanalei, the iconic Tahiti Nui (made famous in the movie The Descendants), was unfortunately closed for the week due to COVID. For Thanksgiving, we booked something special. We weren’t sure that restaurants would be open, especially during COVID, so we hired White Ginger Catering (owned by the amiable Ginger Zeitz) to cook for us. We chose her “Kauai Fresh” menu option, and from start to finish, it was an impeccable dining experience. She arrived right on time and began cooking (with a mask) in our condo kitchen while we enjoyed cocktails on the lanai. The menu consisted of fresh vegetarian rolls, kale salad with macadamia nuts and purple carrots, the tastiest fresh Kauai shrimp and ahi tuna, and mango cheesecake. She set the table and served us—and even cleaned up! Our entire family gives Ginger the highest recommendation and we now have a new Thanksgiving family tradition! What’s there to do on Kauai? We love the Na ‘Aina Kai Botanical Gardens and Sculpture Park near Kilauea, a magical respite from the stress of the real world. Not only does this vast garden feature formal gardens, hardwood and wild forests, and picturesque flowers in bloom year-round—but when we visited, the famous albatross birds were nesting; what a sight! You can either book a walking tour or riding tour, but reservations are required. The Lydgate Farms’ Chocolate Farm Tour in the jungle hills outside of Kapaa also is a must: a 46-acre farm that grows the highest quality cacao beans to make some of the world’s finest craft chocolate. During the
Byodo-In Temple, Hawaii
The Lighthouse at Kilauea (reservations also required) is also a fun outing; it’s located on a peninsula on the north shore and often you can see both red-footed booby birds and spinner dolphins from its perch. Ke’e Beach and the Na Pali Coast trail (the Kalalau Trail) are gorgeous, but now require reservations in advance for parking (there is also a shuttle from Hanalei, also requiring reservations). And a word to the wise: even avid hikers find the Kalalau Trail to be a challenge. It’s magnificent, but make sure you’re in shape, wear proper clothing and a hat, watch your step, carry water, and know that you’ll come back with boots stained with the Kauai red clay. Waimea Canyon on the opposite side of the island with its panoramic views—dubbed “the Grand Canyon of the Pacific”—is worth a trip, but it’s an all-day affair. Anini Beach and Lydgate Beach are great for snorkeling; you often can swim with sea turtles. Limahuli Gardens, located at the base of Bali Hai, is an attractive garden with a one-hour walking tour, built on a verdant hillside with ocean views. The Coconut Coast has a 4-mile biking trail on the East Shore—on previous trips, we’ve rented bikes for a leisurely ride with picturesque ocean views. It’s easy to see why Hawaii is such a popular destination, especially for urban-weary San Franciscans. It’s an easy, direct flight from the city. And now, besides just relaxation, the islands are offering up tasty culinary treats as well. Bits and Bites My loyal readers know that I’ve lamented the closure of the historic Cliff House, but now the space has been reborn with a site-specific art exhibit called Lands End, focusing on climate change. It is on display through March 27. I’ve just sampled some tasty chocolates from Giddy Candy in the Castro. It’s a great place for holiday gifts. Graton Resort and Casino in Rohnert Park is offering some new cocktail concoctions, including the tasty-sounding “Pumpkin Alexander.” It’s a drink with brandy, pumpkin chocolate liqueur, Kahlua, and cinnamon syrup. Sounds yummy! I had the good fortune to try peppermint-flavored truffle fudge holiday chocolates from John Kelly Chocolates, a gay-owned chocolatier in Los Angeles. All I can say is, put these at the top of your holiday list to impress your friends! They’re available online and at Neiman Marcus. While you enjoy gourmet chocolates, you can also support an LBTQ+ owned business.
Some great news from another Gay Gourmet favorite: Original Joe’s is opening a new location in the Marina in the old Lucky Brand location at Scott and Chestnut. Plus, they’ll be opening a new Mexican restaurant in West Portal called Elaine’s, named after owner Elaine Duggan. I also hear that the Hammer Museum in LA has nabbed celebrity chef Alice Waters to help open Lulu’s, a new café/restaurant there with an environmentally conscious twist. Some great holiday wine gift ideas that help the planet from the folks at Calhoun and Company: for those who love a great California Chardonnay, the 2019 Chalk Hill Estate Chardonnay (sustainably grown), rich and creamy with balanced minerality; and Rabble 2020 Rosé from Paso Robles, a winery that invests in zero-carbon offset emissions— and also gives a portion of profits to 1% For The Planet. Also of note: VDR (Very Dark Red) from Scheid Family Wines’ Hames Valley Vineyard; 2018 Charles Woodson’s Intercept Wines Limited Edition, an homage to Charles Woodson’s 2021 enshrinement into the Pro Football Hall of Fame; and W. & J. Graham’s Six Grapes Reserve Port, perfect for an after-dinner toast and organic to boot. Speaking of wine, Bright Cellars Wines is a monthly club that matches you with the wines you love by taking an easy 7-question quiz. The company’s holiday gift cards make it easy to buy for someone you love—and who loves wine?! On December 25 and 26, one of my favorite annual holiday events—Kung Pao Kosher Comedy, with the indefatigable lesbian comedienne Lisa Gedulgig—returns in a virtual format, partnering with Lazy Susan Chinese for the food. Deadline to order is December 19. “Cocktail-forward” The Madrigal from Hi Neighbor (owners of The Vault Garden) has opened its snazzy new digs in the former space on Van Ness occupied by Corridor. The good folks at Marin Agricultural Land Trust (MALT) reminded me that you can buy farm fresh from local Marin farms. There are holiday gifts and packages onsite—and online—from renowned specialty meat sources such as Rossotti, Fallon Hills and Stemple Creek ranches; shellfish meal kits from Hog Island Oyster Co.; honey and honey gifts from Sola Bee Farms; sumptuous yarns and fleece from Barinaga Ranch, and pure wool from Joe Pozzi Ranch; holiday wreaths from Little Wing Farm; and cheese delicacies from Cowgirl Creamery, Point Reyes Farmstead, and Nicasio Valley, as well as dairy products from Straus Home Ranch. (continued on page 22)
PHOTO BY BERNARD SPRAGG
IMAGE COURTESY OF HALEKULANI
tour, you not only sample various chocolates and beans, but also some of the tropical fruits grown right on the farm.
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ROSTOW (continued from page 3)
JUSTER (continued from page 13)
d) Have Fox News fire Tucker Carlson? Or see Trump’s new social media company go bust? e) See Justice Alito unexpectedly resign? Or see Donald Trump have a non-fatal stroke? f) See Ghislaine Maxwell convicted? Or see Steve Bannon go to jail? g) Win $50,000? Or have a happy year? Answers 1: d) Sad story. After surviving the leap, Hennessy ran away and was never seen again. The lobster’s name was Freckles. None of these animals were gay, but we still care about them. I don’t think the aggressive sea snakes were actually gay. 2: d) I did not read about a Mom reaction to Kellogg’s pride cereal, but to be honest, the Moms might have gone ballistic over this one as well. 3: a-e, b-f, c-a, d-c, e-b, f-d.
legislature actually might have outlawed the true value of Pi, right?
queer student on campus.”—Jane Doe, ORU Alumni
7: a) True. b) True (according to “Stripchat”). c) False; it was actually 27 percent, according to exit polls. d) True, obviously. e) False; senior lesbians are most concerned about their weight. f) True. g) False; actually, cisgender lesbians won 69 percent of their races, the cis-men won 59 percent.
Faithful America is teaming up with the Religious Exemption Accountability Project (REAP)—an organization that empowers LGBTQ students at Christian universities to fight against discrimination—for this effort. Want to show your support? Here’s a link to their petition: https://tinyurl.com/OralRobertsPetition
8: d) He’s a defensive end for the Raiders. The lottery ticket holder was a woman (the ticket became unreadable and void). The Smith demand came from a woman student. The field trip was to a gay restaurant at lunch time, not a bar. The ghost show is one of Kristen Stewart’s ideas, some other guy had the raccoon incident, and no one knows where that whiskey went.
4: d) The good news is that the Court did not overrule the 1990 opinion. Barrett wrote separately to preserve that crucial precedent, not because she liked it, but for lack of a better option. Alito wrote an angry 70-page conservative concurrence denouncing the 1990 decision, joined by Thomas and Gorsuch. The implications of the results in Fulton as a whole are not yet clear. 5: a-e, b-a, c-d, d-f, e-c, f-b.
9: d) and e) The High Court has declined to review both our victory in favor of Gavin Grimm and the Washington Supreme Court’s ruling against the florist. Those cases are over. There is no challenge to marriage in Texas or anywhere else. The Tenth Circuit ruled against the antigay website designer in a ruling that will be challenged. The full 11th circuit is scheduled to review the Andrew Adams case and may overturn our panel victory in that court. Watch for these two lawsuits to reach the Supremes in 2022 or 2023.
6: d) That bill passed the Indiana house by a unanimous 67–0 vote ... in 1897. But it died in the senate where a mathematician convinced lawmakers that the geometric constant was not subject to legislative review. All the other bills were passed this year (the Ohio bill was buried in the budget). You thought the 2021 Indiana
10: If you ask me, I would rather Warnock win the Senate race, Congress enact the Voting Rights Act, get a car, see the social media company flop, lose Alito, convict Maxwell, and have a happy year. arostow@aol.com
FARLEY (continued from page 7) a more inclusive work place for LGBTQ+ employees, and working alongside our Transgender Advisory Committee to advocate for services that meet our communities’ most pressing needs. I am honored to continue working towards greater self-determination, safety, and wellness for our trans and LGBTQ+ communities in San Francisco and beyond.” Additionally, during her time as Executive Director, Farley: • developed and implemented policy and training efforts to increase trans and LGBTQ inclusion across city departments and San Francisco; • implemented additional local policies, such as all-gender restroom legislation, sexual orientation and gender identity data collection for city employees, contracting and travel ban to states with anti-LGBTQ legislation, and LGBTQ Cultural Heritage Strategy; • increased funding for critical transgender and LGBTQ community services from housing to healthcare, arts and culture, violence prevention, leadership, and economic development; • ensured that the city’s COVID-19 response included efforts to focus on LGBTQ people, particularly seniors and those most impacted by the pandemic; • and expanded funding for essential healthcare and mental health services for low income trans community members. Prior to serving as Executive Director for OTI, Farley worked for over a decade advancing economic development programs at the SF
LGBT Community Center including employment, housing, small business, and financial empowerment services. Additionally, she has helped transform trans representation in media, through sharing her own family’s story of overcoming adversity, in several award-winning films. She was honored last June as one of the San Francisco Pride Community Grand Marshals. About Pau Crego Crego is a bicultural, queer, and trans immigrant, who has worked in trans communities for the past 16 years, both in San Francisco and in Spain, where he is originally from. His trans and queer advocacy work has spanned multiple areas, such as advocacy, direct services, technical assistance for community-based organizations, training/teaching, and policy advocacy and implementation. His work in local community-based organizations included working at Larkin Street Youth Services and El/La Para TransLatinas; he has worked at the OTI since its founding in 2017. Crego is also part-time faculty in the Health Education Department at City College of San Francisco, and a published author and translator in the fields of trans health, gender diversity, and public health. Crego holds a B.A. in Feminist Studies from the University of California, Santa Cruz, and a Master of Public Health from the University of California, Berkeley.
Jeopardy! Update: Amy Schneider Just Keeps on Winning Amy Schneider is on a roll, and shows no signs of slowing down. Her string of powerhouse victories on Jeopardy! is making history. As of press time, the Oakland-based computer scientist has won an impressive thirteen games in a row, and won more than $536,000. This winning streak has qualified her for Jeopardy!’s Tournament of Champions, and also moved her into the rarified rankings of all-time Jeopardy! greats. Not only is Schneider decisively winning games against worthy opponents, but she is also breaking barriers, becoming the first openly transgender player to qualify for Jeopardy!’s Tournament of Champions, and winning over countless fans both through her performances on Jeopardy! itself, and also through her engaging, open tone on social media. Almost every night after the show, Schneider takes to Twitter to talk about the game, praise her opponents, share her feelings, and talk openly about her personal life. Just this week, she revealed her tattoo of Ozma of Oz, a fictional character enchanted to be a boy. “Eventually, the enchantment is lifted, and she is revealed to be the beautiful princess she always was,” Schneider wrote. “So it seemed like the perfect image to commemorate my transition!” On Thanksgiving she chose to use her growing platform to make another meaningful gesture. She wore a trans pride pin to honor the transgender community, then took to Twitter to explain why. “I wanted to explain a bit about why I chose to wear it,” she wrote. “Thanksgiving is a holiday that is all about family. And that can be hard for anybody who has been ostracized or otherwise cut off from their family, a group which, sadly, still includes a disproportionately high number of trans people, especially trans youth and trans people of color.” Schneider then added that she felt it was therefore a good day for her to “show my membership in, and support of, a community that might be having a hard time right now.” She concluded by encouraging her followers to donate to organizations that help LGBTQ causes, particularly Trans Lifeline and Transgender Law Center. Schneider also civilly but firmly responded to criticism after encouraging Ohio viewers not to vote for any Republican candidate, as “one of their goals in office will be to make life harder for me personally.” She replied, “I would be ‘delighted’ for my existence to
not be a political issue. But as the GOP won’t give me that option, please direct your complaints to them. Thanks!’” Keep on rolling, Amy. Giving Beyond Gifts I have been an Auntie since my first niece was born when I was 7 years old. Now with over two dozen nieces and nephews, I wear my Auntie badge proudly. But as their numbers grew, I simply couldn’t do Christmas gifts for all of them. (Except for cookies. They will ALWAYS get Christmas cookies.) A few years ago, I offered them an option: instead of gifts, I would make a modest donation to the charity of their choice. I sent out the offer, not knowing how it would be received. The response bowled me over, and left me kvelling with pride. Their requests reflected a broad range of thoughtful and compassionate choices. Some were large national organizations that fight for our rights and the environment (ACLU, Planned Parenthood, NRDC). But others were small organizations that support very specific and underserved communities: the Sylvia Rivera Law Project, which works to guarantee that all people are free to self-determine their gender identify and expression; Undocufund, which provides direct assistance to undocumented families impacted first by California fires, then by the COVID pandemic; Black Girls Surf; and the National Center for Transgender Equality. What started as an experiment has become a cherished family tradition. They love knowing I will support their favorite causes; I love watching them become engaged, thoughtful citizens who care for the world around them. Many of us are still short on funds after nearly two years of pandemic economy, but we can all find a way to do some good in the world with whatever resources we have. Open your eyes and your heart, and you will find a way to make a difference. Christmas Joy: The Tree Twins Are Back! And finally, need a booster shot of holiday spirit? We have great news—the Tree Twins are back! The fabulously illuminated pair have returned from the North Pole just in time to dance, smile, and twirl their way into the hearts of San Franciscans this holiday season. Follow them on Instagram (@ TreeTwins for clues where to find them each evening throughout December. And for a dose of pure joy, listen to the interview they gave on December 9 on San Francisco’s most positive radio show, Roll Over Easy; you can listen here: https://bff.fm/broadcasts/29290 Happy Holidays, everyone! Joanie Juster is a long-time community volunteer, activist, and ally.
LEWIS/GAFFNEY (continued from page 6) Forcing women to remain pregnant and bear children against their will has no place in a free society and fundamentally undermines the human rights and dignity of women and other queer people who can become pregnant. Now is the time for all Americans who believe in basic freedom and bodily integrity to stand up and make their voices heard. John Lewis and Stuart Gaffney, together for over three decades, were plaintiffs in the California case for equal marriage rights decided by the California Supreme Court in 2008. Their leadership in the grassroots organization Marriage Equality USA contributed in 2015 to making same-sex marriage legal nationwide.
LANDIS (continued from page 21) Frizata, a direct-to-consumer frozen foods company, is launching service in the U.S., first in the Bay Area. The company aims to promote meat alternatives while offering products that don’t use preservatives or artificial ingredients. Nearly 50 frozen food products can be shipped directly to your home. Russian River Brewing is releasing its popular Pliny the Younger Triple IPA February 4–17 at its brewpubs in Windsor and Santa Rosa. And since everyone who drinks should get into the holiday spirit with quality spirits, NEFT Vodka is an ultra-premium vodka with a great, smooth taste and a memorable con22
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tainer: it’s a one-of-a-kind, portable, and unbreakable barrel that keeps NEFT cold for up to 6 hours in any season. (What a great idea!) The company is offering a holiday $5 discount: just use the promo code CHEERS when you checkout online. Hawaii Visitors and Convention Bureau: https://www.hvcb.org/ Go Hawaii (Safe Hawaii): https://www.gohawaii.com/ Halekulani Hotel, Orchids restaurant and House Without A Key: https://www.halekulani.com/ Moku Kitchen: https://www.mokukitchen.com/ Sky Waikiki and Raw Bar: https://www.skywaikiki.com/ Bar Leather Apron: https://www.barleatherapron.com/ DE C E MB E R 1 6 , 2 0 2 1
Doraku Sushi: https://tinyurl.com/2v8ppkjy Buzz’s Steakhouse:
https://www.buzzsoriginalsteakhouse.com/
Haleiwa Beach House:
https://www.haleiwabeachhouse.com/
Leonard’s: https://tinyurl.com/2p8r9334 Plumeria Beach House: https://tinyurl.com/2p8nbs2p Hanalei Bay Resort: https://www.hanaleibayresort.com/ Hanalei Bay Hideaway: https://tinyurl.com/sndxdx6k Fish Bar Deli: https://tinyurl.com/2p8y8hes Bar Acuda: https://www.cudahanalei.com/ The Hanalei Dolphin: https://hanaleidolphin.com/
Kalypso: https://kalypsokauai.com/ Tahiti Nui: https://www.thenui.com/ White Ginger Catering: https://tinyurl.com/3n5sjkd4 Na Aina Kai Botanical Gardens and Sculpture Park: https://naainakai.org/ Lydgate Farms Chocolate Farm Tour: https://tinyurl.com/2p8pznuk Graton Resort & Casino restaurants: https://tinyurl.com/yubw65t3 John Kelly Chocolates: https://tinyurl.com/3zjumk5f Kung Pao Kosher Comedy: https://www.koshercomedy.com/
Marin Agricultural Land Trust (MALT): https://malt.org/ Frizata U.S.: https://www.frizata.com/us/ NEFT Vodka: https://www.neftvodkaus.com/ The Madrigal: https://www.themadrigalsf.com/ Bright Cellars Wine: https://tinyurl.com/2p8ep9mr 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
New Year, New Laws omy and moves us toward a more sustainable model.
Assemblymember Phil Ting As we ring in 2022, the Golden State will take significant steps toward reducing plastic pollution and reforming our criminal justice system—thanks to legislation I authored that takes effect on January 1. Most transformative is AB 793, which will make your sodas, bottled water, and other drinks come in more environmentally friendly packaging. Under my bill, California becomes the first state in the country to mandate recycled plastic content standards, requiring CRV beverage containers to include post-consumer materials. I think it’s ridiculous that companies make new plastic every time they need a bottle for their products. At the rate they were going, plastic waste will outnumber the fish in our oceans by 2050. The new law aims to reduce litter by creating a market for recycled plastics. Reusing what’s already been made also supports the state’s transition to a circular econ-
California uses a phased-in approach. At first, the next drink you grab will have at least 15% recycled materials in that plastic bottle. By 2030, the standard reaches 50%— the highest threshold in the world, surpassing the 30% mandate in the European Union. The AB 793 plastic bottle standard applies to all drinks sold in our state, regardless of where the container was made. Otherwise, manufacturers will face fines for missing the targets. This new law will also help prop up our state’s recycling centers. The dwindling U.S. demand for recycled plastic has led, in part, to the tidal wave of recycling center closures in California, leaving consumers with fewer places to take their bottles and cans to get their CRV deposits back. Additionally, China and other overseas markets stopped buying much of California’s recycled waste. The result? Recyclable plastic is stacking up in warehouses, flooding our landfills, and polluting our environment. As mentioned earlier, we were on track to having plastic waste outnumber fish in our oceans, if we didn’t step in. AB 793 creates a different path by bolstering the market for recycled plastic. Naked Juice has been using plastic bottles made with 100% post-consumer recycled content since 2010, showing the switch can be successful.
Also set to take effect is AB 33, which helps our public schools and hospitals make the switch to greener energy. It allows them to be eligible for an existing low-interest state loan program to install clean energy storage systems and electric vehicle charging stations. An added benefit: they can continue to operate during a prolonged power outage. I’m also excited about a new pilot program starting in San Francisco authorized by my bill, AB 1452. It raises the daily pay of low-income jurors from $15 to $100 to see if higher compensation leads to more diversified juries. Studies have shown diverse juries spend more time in deliberations and are less likely to presume guilt. Philanthropic funds raised will be used for the test period. Additional reform implements a “second look” policy. AB 1540 prohibits the courts from denying resentencing motions without a hearing. This will make the system fairer and more equitable, while also moving California closer to ending mass incarceration. I’m already working on my priorities for the 2022 legislative year. I look forward to telling you all about it in the coming months. I hope you and your loved ones have a safe and happy New Year! Phil Ting represents the 19th Assembly District, which includes the Westside of San Francisco along with the communities of Broadmoor, Colma, and Daly City.
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PHOTO CREDIT: CHRIS HARDY
SF’s British Queen Steals Show in The Christmas Ballet Before Competing for the RuPaul’s Drag Race Crown
PHOTO CREDIT: CHRIS HARDY
Snow Day!: Smuin artist Max van der Sterre prepares to launch a giant snowball at Maggie Carey, Tess Lane, and Ian Buchanan in Rex Wheeler’s “Snow Day!,” part of Smuin’s The Christmas Ballet, touring the Bay Area now through December 26.
Terez Dean Orr and Mengjun Chen in “What Are You Doing New Year’s Eve?”
Bianca Del Rio, who? San Francisco’s very own Lady Camden will be the one to watch when she works the runway in season 14 of RuPaul’s Drag Race. But first, audiences can catch a glimpse of the next potential Drag Race star in Smuin Contemporary Ballet’s The Christmas Ballet. The annual holiday tradition—a smorgasbord of dance from tap and jazz, to swing and sock-hopping—gets a mischievous twist when special guest Lady Camden performs on LGBTQ+ Night, Tuesday, December 21. The San Francisco drag queen extraordinaire—and alter ego of former Smuin artist Rex Wheeler—will host the evening, as well as step into the red-hot heels of “Santa Baby,” the iconic role originated by Smuin Artistic Director Celia Fushille. The Christmas Ballet was created more than 25 years ago by Michael Smuin (1938–2007), who came up with the fiercely festive show as an alternative to The Nutcracker, declaring that he was going to set dances to all different types of holiday songs, from popular melodies to multi-denominational tunes. “Being cast on RuPaul’s Drag Race is a dream come true and to be able to celebrate this moment with the ballet company I’ve loved so dearly in this LGBTQ+ Night is very special,” Wheeler told the San Francisco Bay Times.
“Getting to dance with my peers again as Lady Camden in this beautiful, hilarious, and heartwarming performance feels like a very full circle moment, and if it’s anything like the previous LGBTQ+ Night, the audience is going to be on their feet with absolute joy.” Wheeler attributes his stage name to an unusual childhood growing up in Camden, where his father ran a famous nightclub and his mother was a fashion designer. He attended the Royal Ballet School, performed for the Royal Family on several occasions, and devoted his early career to mastering classical repertoire. However, he changed his mind about his classical focus after seeing Smuin’s The Christmas Ballet, declaring: “It looked like such fun. I thought, ‘To hell with my preconceptions, I want to dance like that!’” After three seasons of dancing with Smuin, Wheeler left to focus on choreography (he also contributes one new piece to this year’s The Christmas Ballet, a new trio set to “Gloria in Excelsis Deo” by Vivaldi) and performs as Lady Camden around San Francisco including mainstays such as Hamburger Mary’s, Oasis, and Beaux. Lady Camden will make her debut on season 14 of RuPaul’s Drag Race, premiering January 7, 2022.
PHOTO CREDIT: KEITH SUTTER
The LGBTQ+ Night performance of Smuin’s irrepressible holiday classic is filled with surprises that add camp, culture, and miles of cheer. Every ticket purchased will also provide a donation to Project Open Hand, a nonprofit organization that serves lifesaving, medically tailored nutrition to community members experiencing critical health conditions including HIV/AIDS, diabetes, cancer, and heart disease in San Francisco and Alameda counties.
Smuin artist Tessa Barbour blows a kiss in Rex Wheeler’s “Christmas Tree Rock,” part of Smuin’s The Christmas Ballet, touring the Bay Area now through December 26, 2021.
QUEER POP QUIZ
“We are humbled and truly honored that Smuin is donating a portion of the proceeds from The Christmas Ballet LGBTQ+ Night to Project Open Hand,” said Project Open Hand CEO Paul Hepfer. “Not only is Smuin at the forefront of contemporary ballet, but they are also at the forefront of supporting and helping their community members in need.” Lady Camden headlines Smuin’s LGBTQ+ Night performance of The
Christmas Ballet at 7:30 pm, Tuesday, December 21, at the Yerba Buena Center for the Arts (700 Howard St, San Francisco). A rollicking afterparty hosted by Lady Camden will follow. Tickets ($25–$99) and information are available by calling 415-912-1899 or visiting https://tinyurl.com/mpt2fs8k
OUTDOORS INDOORS The Christmas Ballet by Smuin Contemporary Ballet traditionally includes a magical finale featuring: A) ballet dancers who sing B) the mayor wearing a tutu D) free hot chocolate for audience members
C) “snow” in the theater
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2021: The Year in Queer Cinema
Film Gary M. Kramer Looking back at the year in queer cinema, there were some absolute highlights, like the animated documentary Flee (forthcoming in January), about a gay Afghan man’s exile. And there were some lowlights, most notably, the screen adaptation of Dear Evan Hansen, an absolutely excruciating experience. One of the most wonderful queer films this year was Summertime, a poetry-infused musical about queer and BIPOC youth in Los Angeles set over a single day. Infectious and emotional, this film was joyful from start to finish. Udo Kier delivered one of the best performances of the year as a gay hairdresser in Swan Song, Todd Stephens’ elegiac homage to a man he knew in his hometown of Sandusky, Ohio. Likewise, Benedict Cumberbatch’s powerful turn as a repressed gay man in The Power of the Dog, is likely to secure the actor another Oscar nomination. Give breakout performance kudos to Max Harwood, who sashayed his way into viewer’s hearts as the title character in Everybody’s Talking about Jamie, the fabulous screen adaptation of the West End musical. Chris Baker also made an impression as the writer/director of the gay comedy-thriller The Estate, which rivals Louise Linton’s bisexual comedythriller Me You Madness as the campiest film this year.
gay son (Mortensen) and his cantankerous dad (Lance Henriksen). Lesbian cinema had a few memorable entries as well this year. Isabelle Furman went all in with her performance as The Novice, about a queer college rower with self-destructive tendencies. Virginie Efira likewise gave a no-holds-barred performance as the titular character Benedetta, who explores her sapphic side in Paul Verhoeven’s overheated nunsploitation drama. The World to Come was a beguiling romance between Abigail (Katherine Waterston) and Tallie (Vanessa Kirby), set in upstate New York, 1856. In contrast, The Affair poorly depicted the sexual relationship that developed between two friends, Liesel (Hanna Alström) and Hana (Carice van Houten), in 1930s Czechoslovakia.
Two strong gay-themed dramas that deserved more attention this year were Moffie, about a teen in the military in 1981 South Africa, and I Carry You with Me, about a chef who leaves Mexico for the U.S. and how that impacts his relationship.
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Bisexual characters continue to get only modest screen time. Notably, there was Tove, a handsomely mounted biographical drama that chronicled the life of Tove Jansson (Alma Pöysti), the bisexual artist and author of the Moomin books. Two intoxicating romances featured polyamorous relationships. Ma Belle, My Beauty, set in the sunny South of
France, has Lane (Hannah Pepper-Cunningham) visiting her former lovers Bertie (Idella Johnson) and Fred (Lucien Guignard), who are now married to each other. Show Me What You Got features Christine (Cristina Rambaldi), Nassim (Neyssan Falahi), and Marcello (Mattia Minasi) meeting and mating in Los Angeles (and in luminous black and white). Trans and genderqueer characters were at the center of several films this year. Together, Together was a warm comedy-drama with trans actress Patti Harrison as a surrogate for a single man (Ed Helms). The poignant drama Cowboys has Troy (Steve Zahn) and his preteen son Joe (Sasha Knight) on the run in the Montana wilderness because Joe’s mother does not accept her child’s gender dysphoria and presenting as male. Little Girl by Sébastian Lifshitz charts a year in the life of Sasha, an eight-year-old who was born in a boy’s body, but says, “When I grow up, I’ll be a girl.” The provocative North by Current, by trans filmmaker Angelo Madsen Minax, takes a reflexive
approach to identity-formation by investigating his own family as they cope with the aftermath of the death of his niece. Among the best documentaries this year were out gay director Todd Haynes’ The Velvet Underground, which provided a deep dive into Lou Reed and John Cale’s band with terrific archival footage and memorable talking heads. Wojnarowicz, about the controversial political activist and multimedia artist, was another outstanding documentary that deftly illustrated the rage Wojnarowicz felt in his life and how he used it to create art and raise awareness. Two documentaries, Ailey and Can You Bring It: Bill T. Jones and D-Man in the Waters, showcased the important contributions of these groundbreaking Black gay choreographers and their contributions to modern dance. Pauli Murray was a fascinating profile of the underknown queer human rights activist, lawyer, poet, and reverend, and Mayor Pete, about the political campaign of Pete Buttigieg, was also winning. Here is to an even stronger 2022. © 2021 Gary M. Kramer Gary M. Kramer is the author of “Independent Queer Cinema: Reviews and Interviews,” and the co-editor of “Directory of World Cinema: Argentina.” Follow him on Twitter @garymkramer
Dishonorable mention goes to Joe Bell, a well-meaning, but clumsy, drama about a father trying to raise awareness about the dangers of bullying LGBTQ youth, and Falling, Viggo Mortensen’s painful directorial debut about a
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Lesbian characters were also visible in several ensemble films this year. The Humans, by out gay writer/director Steve Karam, featured Aimee (Amy Schumer), a woman mourning her ex in the adaptation of Karam’s Tony Award-winning play, and Silent Night featured a lesbian couple, Bella (Lucy Punch) and Alex (Kirby Howell-Baptiste), who gather for the end of the world with their friends.
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Hits and Misses Among 2021 Films, Holiday Favorites On & Off Screen and the beautifully cast Western The Harder They Fall.
Off the Wahl Jan Wahl This is the time of year when people in the movie reviewing business go crazy. We want to make a top ten list at year’s end, but that means seeing a lot of movies. For every good film I see at this busy time of the year, I see just as many that don’t work for me. Why don’t they work? I think I have nailed down the problem. I like one plot, two at the most. I prefer to connect with what is going on and to care about the characters. I want a story well told and a script worth following. Wild and eccentric are fine, but some kind of thread holding the journey together is desired. I know it is asking a lot, but actually feeling emotions adds to the excitement and value of moviegoing. Some I liked enough to recommend this year include the new 007 (No Time to Die), which offers a chance to virtually visit Italy and Denmark and to say a final goodbye to hunky Daniel Craig as Bond. The Eyes of Tammy Faye was much better than my colleagues thought, and played perfectly to my memories of meeting this extraordinary woman. I will always be grateful to her for supporting the LBGTQ community when everyone tried to stop her. I’m hoping Jessica Chastain is nominated for Best Actress for her fragile, mascara dripping performance. But the film is underappreciated. Passing is a strong historical drama with terrific lead performances. Disappointment was brought about by Wes Anderson’s The French Dispatch (gorgeous visuals are not enough; I’ll take his earlier films)
Chastain will have a hard time being up for an Oscar against Nicole Kidman as Lucille Ball in Aaron Sorkin’s terrific Being the Ricardos. It is a great film as well as a surprising performance. At first it is hard to get around Kidman’s face and figure that are not like Ball’s. But soon we buy into the movie and all of the characters, including Kidman and Javier Bardem. The Jan, Russ, Duke & Ella movie treats the Need a Little Christmas.” Get audience as if we are intelligent thee over to San Francisco’s hisenough to know the times and poli- toric Fairmont Hotel. Their lobby tics, and it features gorgeous imagdécor is insane, from the floor to ery highlighting showbiz details, ceiling tree to the remarkable See’s including memorable sets and cine- candy 22-feet-high walk-through matography. gingerbread house. My darling Cinema purists will probably not agree, but The House of Gucci was the flip side of The Godfather. It has a great story and characters, with the divine Lady Gaga stealing every scene. How does one person have this much talent? She recently appeared with Tony Bennett in his last concert and was gentle and sensitive to him while she owned the stage equally. When I see her on talk shows or in concert, I fall in love all over again. In Gucci, it is a straight dramatic turn, but she nails it. Steven Spielberg’s West Side Story remake was a true relief. The music and dance are there; the story opened up but is still Romeo and Juliet. I like to think of young people enjoying it for the first time, being unaware of the magic of the original film. Tony Kushner’s screenplay stays true to the characters and plot. Justin Peck has worked alongside Jerome Robbins, creating marvelous choreography. Spielberg has given us a cast that worked for me, and I loved the reworking of his street scenes. Not messing with Sondheim and Bernstein, the incredible score lifted my heart. I am quite mad for the original play and film, but this one is not a disappointment and for that I am deeply grateful.
doggy Ella loves going there, too. Ella also enjoys her visits to sister hotels The Sonoma Mission Inn and The Claremont (Berkeley). All are dog friendly.
Back to San Francisco’s Fairmont: Get on your hula with their tiki vibe Tonga Room. Or go straight up the lift to your own suite. Choose the Santa Suite completely decorated for the holidays. Or at The Claremont, lace up your skates for their new ice rink: Five Palms Ice Skating. Fan of the bubbly? Sonoma Mission has a ten-foot recycled wine bottle Christmas Tree; I’ll drink to that. Get ready to groove into 2022! Jan Wahl is a Hollywood historian, film critic on various broadcast outlets, and has her own YouTube channel series, “Jan Wahl Showbiz.” She has two Emmys and many awards for her longtime work on behalf of film buffs and the LGBTQ community. Contact her at www.janwahl.com
This time of year, my favorite holiday song comes to us from the great Jerry Herman and Mame: “We
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Missed Always, But with Legacies That Will Live On Stephen Sondheim
as with his collaborators and performers. The book Stephen Sondheim: A Life by Meryle Secrest not only gives us chats with Steve but also with his friends and associates. Thank you for the gift of your talent, Stephen. Once in a while I’ve been fortunate to interview amazing artists before
Off the Wahl Jan Wahl He made it to 91, but it will never seem long enough. I guess I fell in love with him during my teen craze with West Side Story. The Broadway cast recording, the incredibly wonderful film ... all of it. The music by Leonard Bernstein and the lyrics by Stephen Sondheim held an indelible place in my mind and heart. It is still there, every word, note, and phrase. It is hard to believe Sondheim was 24 when he wrote it, moving from it to another glorious favorite, Gypsy. Sondheim had a very sad childhood, complete with a mother who always told him he was not wanted. Thankfully, he became a close friend of Oscar Hammerstein early on and was eventually mentored by him. The pain from Sondheim’s earliest years can be heard in his lyrics in shows like Follies, Company,
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A Little Night Music, and Sunday in the Park with George. One of my personal favorite numbers is “You Gotta Get a Gimmick” from Gypsy. It seems at first to be about three strippers advising Gypsy on how to strip, but actually it’s about any of us finding our unique voice. “Broadway Baby” from Follies is a bittersweet look at what goes on beneath the seemingly sunny exterior during the showbiz climb. She might be belting out the journey, but it also reveals her relentless ambition for success. “I’m Still Here,” also from Follies, reminds us all to be grateful for being survivors through good times and bad. “Send in the Clowns” from A Little Night Music is everyone’s despair, with entertainment legends from Judi Dench to Elizabeth Taylor making it their own over the years.
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Sondheim didn’t come out as a gay man until he was 40, and didn’t live with a partner until he was 61. Like many, it was a long struggle. He’s still here in my heart, and always will be. There are some wonderful CDs, books, and more on Sondheim. A few include Judy Collins’ A Love Letter to Stephen Sondheim and Sondheim! The Birthday Concert (Bernadette Peters and Patti LuPone, anyone?). I am not a fan of the movie Sweeney Todd, but I love the original Broadway cast album, with Len Cariou and Angela Lansbury. 2013’s Six by Sondheim includes many interviews with the great man himself, as well
Cicely Tyson
they passed on. We lost Christopher Plummer this last February. He was once in town with his Tony winning Barrymore, where he portrayed the legendary alcoholic maestro of theatre and film. Sitting down with Plummer was almost like meeting Barrymore himself. He was flamboyant and darkly witty, a mix of Oscar Wilde and Quentin Crisp with Plummer’s own sexy persona. For those who missed Barrymore, see Plummer in his Oscar winning Beginners from 2010. He beautifully plays an older man coming out of the closet, living life with new joie de vivre. For a laugh this holiday season, find Knives Out, a brilliant ensemble comedy with Plummer as the patriarch of a madcap family. I know there’s the hunky Captain in The Sound of Music, which he referred to as “the sound of mucus.” He thought his performance was stiff and too sweet; I thought he was grand.
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People we lost in 2021 will live on forever through their performances and moments we will never forget: Ned Beatty reminding Peter Finch about corporate greed in Network; Cloris Leachman sending the horses into a fright in Young Frankenstein; Jessica Walter showing Clint Eastwood she would not be ignored in Play Misty for Me; Jackie Mason making me laugh so hard at the Curran that I had to be excused for a moment; Norm Macdonald perfection as Burt Reynolds during “Celebrity Jeopardy” on Saturday Night Live, Charlie Watts as my favorite Rolling Stone keeping the beat and the heart of this great band; Cicely Tyson running to her man in Sounder; Dean Stockwell as The Boy with Green Hair; and Ed Asner explaining to Mary Richards why she will always be paid less in the newsroom on The Mary Tyler Moore Show. Let’s appreciate those who will always be with us. Hats off to an exciting and fulfilling (and healthy) 2022! Jan Wahl is a Hollywood historian, film critic on various broadcast outlets, and has her own YouTube channel series, “Jan Wahl Showbiz.” She has two Emmys and many awards for her longtime work on behalf of film buffs and the LGBTQ community. Contact her at www.janwahl.com
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Jewelle Gomez Sharpening the Pencils has been wandering in the woods for a decade, looking for a publisher! Both editors had good feedback and I heard things that will help my stories as well as my poor, wayfaring novel. In my mind, it’s all about keeping the pencils sharp. Another aspect of “sharpening my pencils” refers to my social change perspective. Recently, someone reported a rumor to me that they’d heard I had, at some time, been antiTrans. They were checking in, not accusing; but it was a shock of cold water. I was sad that a Transgender person felt wounded by a position they thought I’d held and I felt hurt that my life’s activism could so easily be dismissed. But it’s hard to know how to respond to a rumor.
Leave Signs Jewelle Gomez We are moving into that fateful period that leads some folks to make January 1st promises to themselves they rarely keep. I prefer to think of this as a time to sharpen my pencils. Who uses pencils anymore?! So, I know I date myself. But my dear friend, poet Cheryl Clarke, gave me the pencil sharpener she had when she was in high school. I’ve held on to it and I keep a couple of #2 Ticonderogas on my desk so occasionally I can enjoy the satisfaction of their smooth, lead glide across yellow, lined paper—framing a fresh start as an active, useful event reminds me that we all have work to do. Recently I had two stories rejected by anthology editors. It was not especially surprising for any writer, but coming close together, it was startling. It made me think about my writing in general: are my pencils sharp? Am I still exploring vital ideas that engage readers? Admittedly, I was trying a new (non-vampire) genre, so no surprise: I might need a bit more sharpening around the edges. I’m excited to try something new, even though my non-vampire, comic novel about Black, 1960s student activists in their middle years
I knew I’d never taken an anti-Transgender position, but who knows what might have been interpreted as hurtful. I’ve had lively discussions with Transgender friends when we didn’t see the world the same way, but I feel like those kinds of conversations need to happen in our community for us all to stay sharp. As a multi-ethnic, lesbian feminist femme, I know I still have to battle to be recognized as human. I keep looking at all facets of the world from multiple perspectives to see how we fit together. And I work for all Queer people to be recognized. Part of keeping the pencils sharp is learning new ways of being in the world. It was a dangerous road from Mrs./
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Miss to Ms.; and now a bit bumpy to get to she/ he/they. But we can’t be too embarrassed to try or even stumble. About twenty-five years ago, I was on a grantmaking panel with Transgender activist and author Kate Bornstein. We happened to be alone briefly in the meeting room and she gave me that gorgeous smile and said something like, “We’re the women they didn’t expect.” And even though it was a Queer funding panel, Kate was right. A woman of color and a Transwoman were still, even in the 1990s, the odd ones out. I understood then that those of us out on the margins must actively secure that bond to make our movement strong. So, listening to rumors and receiving the literary rejections I’m going to use them as an opportunity to sharpen my “pencils”; to be fully conscious in the work I’m doing both in my writing and my activism. 2022—bring it on! Jewelle Gomez is a lesbian/feminist activist, novelist, poet, and playwright. She’s written for “The Advocate,” “Ms. Magazine,” “Black Scholar,” “The San Francisco Chronicle,” “The New York Times,” and “The Village Voice.” Follow her on Instagram and Twitter @ VampyreVamp
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TELL enjoyed MENTS and LAURA MAR For The Realtors DANIELLE CLE dad, Help Is On The Way Navi Feliz , show ay holid REAF’s a Theater Center. day, December 1 at Brav e cast larg Holidays XX held on Sun a Hand, the show featured ne Benefiting Project Open t, Sharon McNight , Lean Wes a Paul rites favo se Parties including Bay Area launch a new series, “Hou will F REA e. mor and Borghesi tions in Palm Springs. PS,” during March at loca BILL COURTZ , SPUNK HAIR SALON Bill Courtz, along with Zie Jennings (not shown), from Spunk Hair Salon in the Cast ro at the Golden State War riors LGBTQ+ Night at Chase Center
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Sister Dana Sez: Words of Wisdumb from a Fun Nun
By Sister Dana Van Iquity Sister Dana sez, “Happy HoliDaze to all, and please try to keep the Spirit of the Season rather than being too overwhelmed with shopping frenzy!” RICHMOND/ERMET AID FOUNDATION (REAF) presented their big fundraiser “HELP IS ON THE WAY FOR THE HOLIDAYS XX: Feliz Navidad” on December 5 at Brava Theater. REAF provides needed aid for HIV services, hunger programs, and support for homeless and disenfranchised youth and seniors. The star-studded cast included David Burnham: Broadway, TV star; Leanne Borghesi: Cabaret star; Rodney Earl Jackson: Broadway actor/cofounder Bay Area Theater Company; Steve Knill: from TV’s The Voice; Sharon McNight: Tony nominated cabaret star; Jai Rodriguez: Broadway, TV star; Shawn Ryan: from TV’s America’s Got Talent; Marta Sanders: MAC award winning cabaret star; Bruce Vilanch: Broadway (Hairspray), TV star; Lisa Vroman: Broadway (Phantom of the
RAINBOW WORLD FUND held the 16th Annual RWF WORLD TREE OF HOPE LIGHTING CELEBRATION on December 6 at Grace Cathedral. We enjoyed the Grammy winning San Francisco Boys Chorus, Emcee Donna Sachet, Emperor David Glamamore, Countess Katya Smirnoff-Skyy, Landa Lakes performing a Native Blessing, the Lesbian/Gay Chorus of San Francisco, Origami Artist Linda Mihara (explaining the tree decorations consisting of thousands of folded white cranes with wishes written within from folx around the world), RWF Founder Jeff Cotter, Assessor Joaquin Torres presenting a Certificate of Recognition to RWF, Opera Singer Lerberta Loral accompanied by Tammy Lynne Hall-Hawkins on organ, The Right Reverend Marc Andrus (Bishop of California), and seven of us Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence blessing the Tree and leading the countdown to its dramatic lighting. Sister Dana sez, “For 2022, Repugnicans under McConnell are now ditching their original ‘Contract with America’ to instead have NO platform other than ‘Opposite Day’ and anything NOT Biden but ONLY Trump!” I was so happy to discover the monthly CASTRO ART WALK had returned after the damn-demic had shut it down. On December 9, two venues were of special note on
my journey. ART HOUSE SF at 2324 Market Street had just been opened in June. Max Khusid had left his high-end career with Apple to become a curator in the Castro. He wants to display a diversity of eclectic artists. Showing currently are the quite amusing “Happy Houses” oil series by George Abramidze, born in Georgia (the Russian one) in 1966. The many-storied buildings appear to sway back and forth in the artist’s colorful renderings. Or was that just the champagne Max served? No, it was definitely the artist’s intention! https://www.arthousesf.com/ THE ART OF AVIVA KANOFF is now on every wall at SPARK ARTS, 4229 18th Street. Aviva, the proprietor and curator, always throws a fabulous reception during Castro Art Walk, and this night was no exception. The wine flowed, as did the vodka. There were baked delicacies, fun sandwiches, and delicious desserts. All this, plus the amazing live Greg Jacobs Trio of piano, standup bass, and percussion to dance to! And what a surprise when Aviva presented me with a framed portrait by her of me wearing a party hat at one of her many festive events! https://sparkarts.com/ Sister Dana sez, “Contrary to some Republican politicians’ advice: Using mouthwash will NOT destroy the coronavirus; however, it might take the nasty taste of ivermectin horse paste out of their mouths!” LUNA RIENNE gallery at 3318 22nd Street and Valencia in the Mission features visual artists working in contemporary mediums who integrate elements of urban culture with traditional techniques. Their current show, LITTLE WONDERS, is a collection of smallscale works by 11 of their exhibiting artists. Accustomed to producing larger work—some on walls up to 14 stories tall—these artists are also able to translate their style and craft to smaller surfaces, a skill that is sometimes underestimated. I am particularly drawn to the many acrylic pieces by Ursula Xanthe Young. She is a painter, illustrator, and graphic designer whose urban fairy tale images have become a trademark of street culture in San Francisco and beyond. Be sure to admire these beauties: “Fairy Dreams,” “We Are Made of Stars,” “What You See When You Close Your Eyes,” and “On the Edge of Dreamland.” Also, if you happen to sit out at the patio, you will be excited to see her very large-scale piece permanently painted on wood back in 2007! https://tinyurl.com/5n8s4aru KUNG PAO KOSHER COMEDY—Jewish comedy on Christmas in a (this year, virtual) Chinese Restaurant—is an annual tradition in San Francisco. Due to the pandemic, the show, which has been operating every December since its inception in 1993 in San Francisco’s Chinatown, took place on Zoom and YouTube Live last year and reached audiences throughout the country and some internationally. Kung Pao will take place virtually again this year; but next year in 2022 for their 30th Anniversary, they plan on being live in-person, while keeping the online component. Now in its 29th year, Kung Pao, which answers the age-old question, “What are Jews supposed to do on Christmas?” is
a take-off on the tradition of Jews going to a Chinese restaurant and a movie on Christmas. The brainchild of San Francisco-based Jewish comedian Lisa Geduldig, is one of San Francisco’s longest running comedy shows. This annual Jewish Christmas tradition spans three days, December 24–26, and will feature Jewish comedians Ophira Eisenberg, Jessica Kirson, Lisa Geduldig, and Arline Geduldig (Lisa’s 90-year-old mother). For info and tix: https://tinyurl.com/bdhzv6r2
If the precedent of Roe v. Wade, which is considered one of the landmark rulings in American history, is allowed to be overruled, that will likely mean that other rulings Dennis McMillan (aka Sister Dana) on December 11 attended the affirming the rights of American citizens could opening reception for the Little Wonder exhibit at Luna Rienne Art get overruled as well, no Gallery where he admired the work of artist Ursula Xanthe Young. matter how set in stone uty director of the OFFICE OF they seem or how much controPRESIDENTIAL PERSONNEL, versy and blowback the decision to is going to be appointed as Director roll them back might cause. Sister following current director Catherine Dana sez, “If abortion rights go, Russell’s selection to become the so could same-sex marriage!” Executive Director of UNICEF, the White House has announced. Sister Dana sez, “And if the During the Obama administration, Supreme Court continues its Raghavan was the White House radical course, it won’t stop at liaison to the LGBTQ community that!” and the Asian American & Pacific SAN FRANCISCO GAY MEN’S Islander community. He worked to CHORUS rang in the holiday end Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell, the milseason on December 10 and 11 at itary’s ban on out gay and bisexual Sydney Goldstein Theater with people. its annual seasonal extravaganza, Sister Dana sez, “It is such a HOLIGAYS ARE HERE... victory that on December 9 AGAIN! Returning to the stage the Appeals Court had ruled for the first time since the 2019 against Trump in his attempt holiday season, SFGMC brought to block his administration’s back everything that has made revealing documents regardthis concert one of San Francisco ing the insurrection! Now we Bay Area’s annual signature dare the Supreme Court to even holiday treats. This year’s concert ATTEMPT to interfere with jusfeatured something for everyone, tice!” including “Festival Gloria,” “Little Drummer Boy,” “Go Tell It on THEATRE RHINOCEROS The Mountain,” “Los Peces en el will present THE 2021 RHINO Rio,” and “Silent Night.” Special HOLIDAY EXTRAVAGANZA on guests were SFGMC’s very own December 30, 8 pm at the Gateway HOMOPHONICS doing “Who Theatre, 215 Jackson. Join powerSpiked the Eggnog” and “We Three house performer Tanika Baptiste Impossible Kings;” plus THE (as your host), Rhino star and LOLLIPOP GUILD with “Santa’s comedian Justin Lucas (Midway! My Boyfriend” and “What’s This?” and Breaking the Code), chanteuse from Nightmare Before Christmas. This Leandra Ramm ( Judy Garland show also served as a teaser for the in The Boy from Oz), crooner Bobby SFGMC Christmas Eve show, 5 Singer (Hot Greek Boys), spoken pm, 7 pm, and 9 pm at the Castro work artist Stan Stone (Pandemic Theater. Not to spoil anything, but Performances), drag artiste Elsa on December 24 expect incredible Touché (The Edge), comedian/songchoreography, dancing, and prancster Jesús U. BettaWork (2019 ing along with gorgeous singing. And NYE Spectacular), the cast of Foodies: anticipate witnessing a whole bunch The Musical (David Goodwin, of nuns, drag queens, and the usual Kim Larsen, Lisa McHenry, holiday characters—along with some and Deborah Russo) and more! rather bizarre ones! It will be an evening of song, dance, https://www.sfgmc.org/ comedy, celebration, with drinks, food, raffles, and a huge balSister Dana sez, “The loon drop—a full day before NEW good news is that horrible Repugnican Rep. Nunes is retir- YEAR’S EVE! (Night before my birthday). Who could ask for anying from the House! The crazy thing more? http://therhino.org/ news is that he is becoming CEO of Trump’s ‘Truth Social’ Sister Dana sez, “I won’t be media platform! Neither truth writing to you until next year, nor social, right?!” so allow me to wish y’all right now a very Happy Queer New President Joe Biden is appointing Year! Twenty Twenty-two: an out gay man to run his White There ain’t nothin’ we can’t House’s personnel office. Gautam do!!!” Raghavan, currently the dep-
Please join us in wishing Happy Birthday to Sister Dana, whose birthday is New Year’s Day! 30
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Opera) star; Paula West: Cabaret/ recording star; and Salsamania: world champion dance troupe.
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LGBTQ News & Calendar for the Bay Area CELEBRATING FOUR DECADES (1978–2022)
Jaguar Paloma and the Caketown Bar use of magical realism in my writing to date, and it was absolutely the most fun I have ever had writing anything. Michele Karlsberg: Tell us about your research for this book.
Words Michele Karlsberg Michele Karlsberg: Local author Jess Wells delights her readers yet again with her sixth novel, Jaguar Paloma and the Caketown Bar. Jess is the author of six novels and five books of short stories, winner of the Bronze Medal in the 2020 Foreword Reviews Indies Award for Adult Fiction/Romance, the recipient of a San Francisco Arts Commission Grant for Literature, a four-time finalist for the national Lambda Literary Award, and is a member of the Saints & Sinners Literary Hall of Fame. Her work has appeared in more than three dozen literary journals and anthologies, and has been reprinted in England and translated into Italian and Dutch. Recently, I got a chance to speak with Jess. Michele Karlsberg: Why did you decide to write it in the style of magical realism?
Jess Wells: In a way, this is an homage to Gabriel García Márquez, so it can’t be in any other form, can it? I’m kidding, of course, but it’s a style I love to read and have always longed to write. It has been creeping into my writing over the years and I’m so excited to be able to pull it off in a full-length novel. For example, in The Mandrake Broom [one of Jess’ historical novels], the protagonist doesn’t age like others do because of a potion given to her by her mother. In A Slender Tether [another of Jess’ books], the doctor in “The Gong Farmer’s Tale” is sealed up in a cave by a bear. There is a tiny bit in Straight Uphill when people arrived to honor the hero of World War I. But this is the most extensive
Top of your stack Still Life (fiction) by Sarah Winman
Tuscany, 1944: As Allied troops advance and bombs fall around deserted villages, a young English soldier, Ulysses Temper, finds himself in the wine cellar of a deserted villa. There, he has a chance encounter with Evelyn Skinner, a middle-aged art historian who has come to Italy with her friend who, although not openly gay, is unabashedly almost mater-of-factly so. While in Italy, Evelyn helps to salvage paintings from the ruins and recalls long-forgotten memories of her own youth. As Ulysses returns home to London, reimmersing himself in his crew of a motley mix of pub crawlers and eccentrics, he carries his time in Italy with him. And when an unexpected inheritance brings him back to where it all began, Ulysses knows better than to tempt fate, and returns to the Tuscan hills. With beautiful prose, extraordinary tenderness, and bursts of humor and light, Still Life is a sweeping portrait of unforgettable individuals who come together to make a family. It is a richly drawn celebration of beauty and love in all its forms. 100 Years of Joys and Sorrows (memoir) by Ai Weiwei Hailed as “one of the most important artists working in the world today” by The Financial Times, Ai Weiwei has written a sweeping memoir that presents a remarkable history of China over the last hundred years while also illuminating his artistic process. With candor and wit, he details his return to China and his rise from artistic unknown to art world superstar and international human rights activist—and how his work has been shaped by liv-
Jess Wells: I went to Columbia on a 14-day tour of the country that included the Gabriel García Márquez Museum in Aracataca, Colombia, the house where he grew up with his grandparents. We also went to Mompós, which is considered more of the actual locale of his stories, and we stopped at Cartagena. Some of the things I saw that I incorporated included the marsh with the cattle on small strips of land, the solitary trees, the birds, the weaverbird (a symbol of Colombia), people cutting mud for bricks, the Magdalena River, and the caimans. We visited the hilly coffee growing region, and the small houses of the coffee growers and pickers. We were fortunate to be there during the three days that the coffee plants bloom, which is a rare event. The floating village in my book—though there is one in the marsh in Colombia—is actually based on my experience of a floating village in Cambodia, and I didn’t know until afterward that the area around the Colombian village is referred to as “The Bay of the Jaguar.”
Michele Karlsberg: Describe some of the themes in the book.
say the chimera—of legitimacy versus illegitimacy.
Jess Wells: [They include] the intense love between women, the oppression of single mothers, the violence and sexual oppression of women, extreme weather and the anxiety it produces, the way a woman’s beauty changes her reality, the temptation to use one’s beauty as leverage, the restorative power of community, the use of men by men, the unique connection between twins, and the frailty—some would
For more information: http://www.jesswells.com Michele Karlsberg Marketing and Management specializes in publicity for the LGBTQ+ community. This year, Karlsberg celebrates 32 years of successful marketing campaigns. For more information: https://www.michelekarlsberg.com
RECOMMENDATIONS FROM BOOK PASSAGE ing under a totalitarian regime. At once ambitious and intimate, this memoir offers a deep understanding of the myriad forces that have shaped modern China, and serves as a timely reminder of the urgent need to protect freedom of expression. Like the artist himself, the book cover is colorful, bold, and alluring, making it not only a unique and pivotal read, but also an attractive and fantastic gift to give. Black Food: Stories, Art & Recipes from Across the African Diaspora (cookbook & essays) edited by Bryant Terry In addition to being a visually stunning and intoxicating cookbook, with a combination of traditional and contemporary easy-to-execute recipes, Black Food is one of the most enlightening and entertaining books on the topic of food. Edited by Bryant Terry— one of the most renowned vegan chefs, who is based in Oakland—this book is the culmination of his vow to serve the needs, hopes, and dreams of the people. It’s packed with recipes, art, poetry, and essays from more than 100 contributors. It will wake those sleeping on the future, the one in which Black food and the people who carried it across the globe for centuries will finally be centered, supported, respected, and celebrated. Black Food honors our earliest ancestors, today’s innovators, and tomorrow’s visionaries. It is grounded in the work of chef Edna Lewis, who celebrated local cuisines with seasonal ingredients, and the countless, nameless Black women and men who paved the way for her. This is a groundbreaking book, highly recommended by Book Passage, which looks and
reads as good as the recipes you’ll be making for years to come. Upcoming Events The Book Buyer’s Guide to Last Minute Gifts December 22, 12:30 pm (Presented by our partner, Alta Live) Literary experts from Book Passage in Corte Madera, Vroman’s Bookstore in Pasadena, and Bookshop will bullet-point top titles that’ll make perfect gifts for the challenging but beloved people in your life. Jean Chen Ho, Author of Fiona and Jane January 12, 5:30 pm (Online event) In stories told in alternating voices, Jean Chen Ho’s Fiona and Jane peels back the layers of female friendship—the intensity, resentment, and boundless love—to probe the beating hearts of young women coming to terms with themselves, and each other, in light of the insecurities and shame that hold them back. https://www.bookpassage.com/
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Speaking to Your Soul ARIES (March 21–April 19) As the first sign of the zodiac, you are the warrior who steps first into battle. You came to fight for a cause and to defend what’s “right.” Yet to fulfill your duties successfully, it is necessary that you pause to follow the cues that life presents to you in the form of other people. Right now, you are particularly being prompted to listen for cues, rather than to act on impulse as is your tendency.
LIBRA (September 23–October 22) Whether single or in partnership, the fact of your aliveness embeds you in a world of polarities. You are always in relationship to others. As Libra is acutely attuned to the other, and in the context of the current planetary positions, it becomes particularly useful to assign meaning to such relationships. So that you are not wasting your precious energy carrying on by default, break up any patterns of routine to get a fresh outlook on the picture, and prioritize the people who matter to you most.
TAURUS (April 20–May 20) You are smarter than people give you credit for. This is largely because of your simple logic and tendency to lay low and avoid drama, which serve you well in life. But you might also be underserving your community and undervaluing yourself by being too passive. You have a story to sell, a song to sing, or a class to teach. Do not sit back any longer, rather, now is the time to act on the thing that wants to be expressed through you.
Astrology Elisa Quinzi Infused with ideals and values born from experience and understanding, we are encouraged to initiate conversations that matter. Bringing together a genuine curiosity about people and the world, and a vision for a sustainable society, communication about the situation is the order of the day. As we risk deeper dialogue with each other while staying open to differing viewpoints, we discover elusive yet universal common truths that counter the divisiveness that is crushing our collective soul.
Elisa Quinzi is a certified professional astrologer who brings a strong spiritual perspective, as well as over 20 years of experience, to her work with clients. Contact her at futureselfnow@gmail.com or at 818-530-3366 with your exact birth time to schedule or to ask questions.
SCORPIO (October 23–November 21) As one of the natural shamans of the zodiac, you are in constant contact with the great abyss that lies beyond our tiny ego. Also particularly articulate, you are currently called to bridge the gap between this world and the great beyond by bringing your depth and substance into dialogue with others. If ever there was a time to open your usually air-tight vault, it is now. SAGITTARIUS (November 22–December 21) It’s true that Sagittarius needs to maintain a great deal of freedom in the interest of gathering a wide breadth of life experiences. You are on a quest for meaning that isn’t necessarily programmed for completion. As such, at points along the way, it is crucial to notice when you’ve inadvertently cut off the flow of oxygen to your mind. If you do not, the universe will send someone to remind you of the importance of fresh, young perspectives to reinvigorate the evolution of your quest.
GEMINI (May 21–June 20) We’re all having a taste of what it feels like to be Gemini in this era of information overwhelm. While you yourself are uniquely wired to process volumes of data, it can feel counterintuitive for you to sit, and not to seek to be where the action is. Yet, at this moment, the cosmos reminds you that you are enough. It’s not that you should close your windows to the breeze blowing in, but you don’t need to go out and climb a tree to experience it.
CAPRICORN (December 22–January 19) You do well with traditional values such as structure, hard work, and long-term security. However, you must be alert to your suffering, as suffering is not a value in itself. Suffering has information in it and is to be used. The brilliant and poetic Dane Rudhyar said, “Suffering is the condition for breaking man’s identification with the ‘less’ as he climbs on his way to the ‘more.’ It is the pressure of his greater destiny upon his attachment to his lesser goals.”
CANCER ( June 21–July 22) Data comes to us in an infinite variety of ways. Because of your innate affinity for the world of imagination and feelings, you come equipped with the ability to perceive data from non-physical realms. Right now, those inner senses are heightened, and you are called to lift your attention to the cosmos to feel the sense of belonging that you constantly seek to feel. The real security you crave is your connection to that which is eternal, and not bound by blood, or by contract, or by time.
AQUARIUS ( January 20–February 18) You were born Aquarius to keep this whole thing moving forward. Your vision of utopia might not come to full fruition on the earth plane, but you still must reach for it and pull the rest of us along. If this doesn’t resonate, you might be stuck in the muck of an old identity. For the key to fulfilling your true purpose is in first risking rejection by expressing your purest, authentic nature.
LEO ( July 23–August 22) No other sign is as capable of pure joy and spontaneity as you, Leo. You bring a refreshing and necessary innocence and childlike wonder to the world. Do not allow yourself to be disheartened by current events, nor to be satisfied with mere attention, power, or glory. As the archetype of the hero, press onward and outward to shine your love and creative light on all who would receive it.
PISCES (February 19–March 20) As the last sign of the zodiac, you are the most aware of the impermanence and the illusion of this seemingly solid world. You are also the most sensitive to its bristle. As such, it is imperative that you pull back from the projection on the screen, and direct your precious and powerful attention inward, to the core of your being. You are empathic and permeable to all that surrounds you; the celestial signposts are pointing you toward true stability that is the quiet stillness of your deepest knowing.
VIRGO (August 23–September 22) Perhaps your block to achieving your highest goals is adherence to values or ideologies that are keeping you stuck. You have a pure heart, and a solid work ethic that can bring you the recognition you desire when you declutter your mind of thought forms that have crystalized there. Let curiosity and wonder free you from the clutches of tradition.
As Heard on the Street . . . What are you looking forward to in 2022?
Sheba
Moxi Penn
Norm Muñoz
Mark Abramson
David Carney
“Rest!”
“I hope that everyone can be kind and gentle with each other, while we all figure out how to return to ‘normal’ and decide what works best for us.”
“Washing off all the dirt from 2020 and 2021, a new beginning, and much success and happiness.”
“I’m looking forward to the release of my next book in 2022, Arlene Francis and Me, which are pandemic diaries from Castro Street 2020”
“Freedom from COVID”
Take Me Home with You! “My name is Babe! I’m 13 years young and looking for a quiet home where I can enjoy my retirement. I’m a purring machine and I love to be petted! My favorite pastimes are taking cat naps in the sunshine, watching birds from the window sill, and cuddling on the couch. I’d love to spend the holidays in my new forever home.”
“Tired of doing boring planks? Try this modified version. Keep your knees slightly elevated above the ground as you move the kettlebells (or any small objects you may have around the house) from one side to the other.”
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/
To apply to meet Babe, visit https://www.sfspca.org/adoptions/
Fitness SF Trainer Tip of the Month Daniel at Embarcadero
Babe is presented to San Francisco Bay Times readers by Dr. Jennifer Scarlett, the SF SPCA’s Co-President. Our thanks also go to Krista Maloney for helping to get the word out about lovable pets like Babe.
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Dr. Jennifer Scarlett and Pup
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SF Bay Times & GGBA Holiday Party
Show-stopping musicians Melanie DeMore—who is a three-time Grammy Award nominee—and renowned theater, musical, and television performer Amy Meyers brought music and singing to The Academy’s garden on Tuesday, December 14, when the GGBA (Golden Gate Business Association) joined with the San Francisco Bay Times for a holiday celebration. Emmy Award-winning radio and television personality Liam Mayclem, a Bay Times columnist who dressed in festive glittery green for the evening, emceed the event. The timing proved to be perfect, as after days of rain, the skies cleared allowing for use of the garden with its firepits and heat lamps, along with the rest of the multi-floor building at 2166 Market Street. A team of volunteers including Sarah Hyde and her crew from the nonprofit TurnOut and Juan Davila (dressed in one of his most fabulous handcrafted outfits ever that included a velvet cape, holiday lights, impressive hat, heels, and ornaments!) helped to ensure that guests showed proof of vaccination upon entry and were comfortable throughout the event. PHOTO BY PATRICK CARNEY
DeMore, currently starring in the Christmas Revels, took time to perform in her mellifluous voice “Somewhere Over the Rainbow,” accompanying herself on guitar. DJ Rockaway then let rip with a series of holiday tunes thoughtfully selected by Meyers, who led a group singalong to songs such as “Jingle Bell Rock,” “Rockin’ Around the Christmas Tree,” “Winter Wonderland,” and “Dreidel, Dreidel, Dreidel,” with partner and Bay Times columnist Lou Fischer providing backup singing and dancing. GGBA’s board member Dr. Krystal Drwencke graciously welcomed guests and introduced the organization’s Executive Director, Terry Beswick, who declared the event to be his debut in his new role. GGBA President Michael Gunther also attended and warmly greeted guests. Davila presented the Bay Times publishers with a giant red velvet-covered book highlighting many front pages of the paper over the years. He lovingly put together every page and it will be treasured.
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Extreme Pizza and La Méditerranée Noe provided an abundant array of savory menu items along with desserts. Lead sponsors for the event were Brio Financial, Celebrity Cruises, and SF Federal Credit Union. Olivia Travel presented DJ Rockaway.
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Members of “Team Bacardí” curated incredible drink specials, including the Sister Dana Sleigh, named after the Bay Times’ own longtime columnist Sister Dana Van Iquity, who was born on New Year’s Day. The vodka-infused drink with edible glitter was sweet, spicy, and flashy—not unlike Sister Dana! It was served in a glass ornament, as was another delicious tart and tangy elixir. A third special cocktail for the evening, a Coquito, is a signature Bacardí drink made out of cream-based coconut liqueur, Bacardí Superior Rum, vanilla, cinnamon, and other festive spices. It was served in a coconut shell-shaped vessel. The drinks were so yummy and visually appealing that most guests had to try all three! And yes, the singing and merriment carried on throughout the night.
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Toast
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QUEER POP QUIZ ANSWER (Question on pg 25)
C) “snow” in the theater While both virtual and in-person viewings of The Christmas Ballet are recommended, it is hard to recreate the sensation of falling “snow” that occurs at the end of each live performance. While the production changes each year, bringing in new surprises, this festive finale has remained a staple of Smuin’s holiday shows.
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SF Bay Times & GGBA Holiday Party (continued) See also pages 33 & 35
Castro Hub - COVID Testing & Vaccination Photos by Rink The final Saturday in 2021 for the Castro COVID-19 Testing and Vaccines Hub, sponsored by the Castro LGBTQ Cultural District, will be Saturday, December 18, 11am-5pm. The Hub will resume for 2022 on Saturday, January 8. The location is the Collingwood and 18th Parking Lot behind Walgreens. Last call for vaccine shots is at 4:30pm. COVID testing continues until 5pm. The Hub’s Facebook page is updated weekly: https://tinyurl.com/yc395p7x PHOTOS BY ABBY ZIMBERG
SF Sketch Randy Coleman
Randy Coleman hails from New York, but has lived in San Francisco since 1975. Coleman shares that before moving to the Bay Area, he studied Art History and Architecture at Boston University while working as a resident artist for architectural rendering at a Massachusetts historical society. “All of my life I’ve been an artist,” Coleman says. “To know me is to know that I have a passion for art and architecture. I love this project for the San Francisco Bay Times, and hope that you enjoy my sketches.” © Randy Coleman, 2021
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Dykes
With Drills
Tip of the Week By Julie Peri
How to Magnetize a Screwdriver Are you tired of dropping screws? We have a trick for you! Stop losing screws by magnetizing your screwdriver. To do this you just need a screwdriver and a magnet. Rub the magnet in one direction along the shaft of the screwdriver 15 times. Make sure to only rub the magnet in one direction, as you would if you were sharpening a knife. Then test the screwdriver by touching it to a metal screw. Repeat this process if you don’t quite have enough magnetic power yet. We hope you enjoyed this tool tip! Join us for more fun tips at our workshops!
Introduction to Tools Workshop, January 8, San Francisco Serving Tray Workshop, January 30, Oakland Introduction to Tools Workshop, February 12, San Francisco For more information about this and other events, go to: https://www.dykeswithdrills.com/workshops Julie Peri is the Founder and Director of Dykes With Drills. https://www.dykeswithdrills.com/
Buddy Bonks, the San Francisco Bay Times cat, is decked out and joins us in wishing you a safe and happy Holiday Season!
The very versatile Juan Davila represented the San Francisco Bay Times as The Grinch at the Santa Skivvies Run in the Castro on Sunday, December 12.
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LGBTQ News & Calendar for the Bay Area CELEBRATING FOUR DECADES (1978–2021)
The San Francisco Gay Men’s Chorus’ annual holiday season show does not disappoint! This year it was performed December 10–11 at the Sydney Goldstein Theater before a standing room only audience; the men of the Chorus conducted by Dr. Tim Seelig brought the house down. The Chorus on December 12 posted: “Our hearts are so full from the love we felt from every one of you in the audience this weekend! Thank you all so much for making this the best return to the live stage we could have hoped for. You’ve got our spirits glowing brighter than the little lights on our fingers during the illuminating finger-ography of “Sparklejollytwinkejingly.”
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PHOTO COURTESY OF SFGMC/GARETH GOOCH PHOTOGRAPHY
PHOTO BY BLAKE DILLON
PHOTO COURTESY OF SFGMC/GARETH GOOCH PHOTOGRAPHY
SFGMC will return to the stage on December 24 for three shows—5 pm, 7 pm, and 9 pm—of the annual Home for the Holidays program at the Castro Theatre. As of this writing, tickets are still available for these sure-to-sell-out shows. http://www.sfgmc.org
SOMA Neighborhood Holiday Market
Santa Al Rahm was assisted by his helper Huggy Bear (rear) and Elf David Hyman (right)
Photos by Rink
Artist John Katz with his colorful prints featuring Sylvester, Harvey Milk, and others
Designer Ariel presented her custom leather bags at the Pearls Deep Beautiful Leather booth.
Cheyenne and Chloe at the Queer Wave Coffee booth
Artist Alexander Prestia displays his work. S AN F R ANC IS C O BAY T IM ES
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Round About - Holiday Season
Photos by Rink
Union Square Hanukkah menorah
Union Square holiday lights
Nutcrackers in the window, Cliff’s Variety
Marilyn Monroe tree ornaments, Cliff’s Variety
Out of the Closet, Polk Street
San Francisco Lesbian/Gay Freedom Band Winter Postcards at St. Marks Lutheran Church
San Francisco Lesbian/Gay Freedom Band member and guest at the Winter Postcards concert
Neiman Marcus at Union Square 38
SA N FRANCISCO BAY T I ME S
DE C E MB E R 1 6, 20 2 1
California Bear ornaments at Local Take gift shop
CASTRO Round About - Holiday Season
Photos by Rink
David Lassman/36th Absolute Empress Chablis and Johaman Jones at Orphan Andy’s
STREETCAM presented by
http://sfbaytimes.com/
Staff member Vite at Orphan Andy’s
Trenton Chew on staff at Harvey’s
Check out Zavor Multi Cookers, this LUX LCD 8 Quart is highly recommended by America’s Test Kitchen. $179.99
The Embarcadero Center
Santacon participants at The Cinch Saloon, Polk Street
Rink Remembers A memorial tribute was held on Tuesday, December 6, at 440 Bar on Castro Street to honor the life of LGBT community leader and drag queen Rick Ashworth (aka K.C. Dare). The memorial, organized by Krewe De Kinque, of which he was a member, included a New Orleans style funeral parade and a program featuring performances and remarks by Gary Virginia, Donna Sachet, Sheba!, Mark Abramson, Buck LaVallee, and Norm Muñoz.
Photos by Rink
Christopher Radko has been making beautiful handmade ornaments for decades. Come see An En-deer-ing St. Nick, plus many others! $66
W
e are so grateful to our community for keeping us going for the last 85 years, but especially the last 20+ months. I could never have fathomed this world we are now living in, but I know with humanity, humility and community we can make it through this. Please shop small. Support your local businesses. And be kind to retail workers. Happy Holidays!
Author Anne Rice and her son Christopher were photographed by Rink at Books Inc. on Van Ness Avenue during a book event there in 2013. Rink recalls being neighbors in the Castro with her and her family during the years she lived there before departing San Francisco and relocating to New Orleans. Rink remembers connecting Anne Rice and fellow author Armistead Maupin during that time. S AN F R ANC IS C O BAY T IM ES
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