3
8
Gays at Methodist confab
Preparing for the big one
Online at ebar.com
Pot bill clears hearing
17
55th SF Int'l Film Fest
The
www.ebar.com
Serving the gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgender communities since 1971
No sex in Lawrence, book claims by Matthew S. Bajko
T
he author of a new critically-acclaimed book that examines what really happened during an arrest of two Texas men that led to the U.S. Supreme Court striking down the nation’s sodomy laws claims that the pair not only were platonic friends but also that they were not engaged in sex when they were arTim Rummelhoff/University rested. of Minnesota Law School Based on years Dale Carpenter of research into the case, legal documents, and interviews with key figures, University of Minnesota law professor Dale Carpenter lays out the reasoning for his controversial conclusion in Flagrant Conduct: The Story of Lawrence v. Texas (Norton). The most compelling evidence comes from the two gay men at the heart of the case, John Lawrence and Tyron Garner, who both spoke to Carpenter before they died. It came as a shock, for like most people who followed the case, he believed sheriff ’s deputies had caught the pair having anal intercourse inside Lawrence’s Houston-area apartment. “I had not had that impression at all. I came to that conclusion reluctantly,” Carpenter, a former conservative columnist for the Bay Area Reporter, said in a phone interview this week. “I did think people would be somewhat surprised, but I have lived with the case and book for so long now I am constantly astonished at how surprised people are.” Much of what occurred the night of September 17, 1998, it turns out, was based on a string of fabrications, writes Carpenter. A jealous drunk boyfriend of Garner’s phoned 911 with a false report of “a crazy black guy with a gun” at the apartment complex where Lawrence lived. Upon entering the apartment, two of the four responding sheriff ’s deputies claimed they saw Lawrence, an older white man, anally penetrating Garner, a black man years his junior. The men were then arrested, brought to the county jail, and charged with violating Texas’ homosexual conduct law. LGBT rights lawyers had been waiting for just such a set of circumstances in order to contest the constitutionality of the anti-gay law. They convinced the men to plead “no contest,” essentially agreeing to the charges laid against them by the sheriff deputies, and then shielded them from having to talk to the press. Not only were reporters mistaken into thinking that gay sex was at the heart of the case so were the subsequent jurists who heard the litigation. Carpenter notes that the brief Lambda Legal Defense and Education Fund submitted to the U.S. Supreme Court used words such as “intimate,” “intimacy,” and “relationship,” further confusing the matter. “Here, the advocates distanced themselves from the actual circumstance in which the police and the defendants played out their drama in September 1998,” he writes. Even in the court’s majority 5-4 opinion Justice Anthony M. Kennedy referred to the See page 12 >>
Vol. 42 • No. 16 • April 19-25, 2012
Food trucks to replace Pink Sat. stage by Seth Hemmelgarn
I
n an effort to alter the tone of the event, the Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence will replace the main stage at this year’s Pink Saturday with food trucks. The move may disappoint people drawn to the annual street party by the large sound system, which last year occupied a spot near Castro and Market streets. Concerns about safety at the event have grown in recent years, and organizers are indicating they want a more mellow celebration. This year’s Pink Saturday begins at 5 p.m. on June 23. Donation gates will close at 11, and the music will end at 11:15. The suggested donation will be $5. The event, which takes place every year on the night before San Francisco’s LGBT Pride Parade, draws tens of thousands of people. Thousands of dollars are granted to charities after the party. Sister Selma Soul, Pink Saturday event chair, talked to members of the city’s Interdepartmental Staff Committee on Traffic and Transportation about the food trucks at the panel’s Thursday, April 12 meeting. “We wanted to help diversify the tone of the event,” she said before the board’s eight voting members who were present unanimously See page 6 >>
Jane Philomen Cleland
Pink Saturday’s main stage, seen at last year’s street party, will be replaced with food trucks this year in an effort to create a more mellow event, say the Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence.
Protest may hit Castro over Corpus Christi doc A by David Duran
new production of Corpus Christi, Terrence McNally’s controversial play that depicts Jesus as a gay man in 1950s Texas, has some Catholics in an uproar ahead of the premiere of a documentary about the work that will screen at the Castro Theatre next weekend. A protest outside the April 29 event at the Castro could materialize, said officials with 108 Productions, which has staged its touring version of the play since 2006, although there is no indication yet of any organized response. “Surprisingly, now it seems our biggest group of protesters in our six-year history may show up in San Francisco, a city where we assumed we would be most protected from such attacks,” said Nic Arnzen, the play’s director and film’s co-director/producer. “Luckily, we have found the city rallying around us as individuals and organizations come forward to stand in solidarity with us and our quest to spread the message of love and equality.” An online petition, based on a series of previous anti-Corpus Christi petitions by the right-wing Catholic site America Needs Fatima, has drawn over 7,000 signatures to date. The petition denounces 108 Productions’ version of the play – along with the documentary Corpus Christi: Playing with Redemption – as “unspeakable blasphemy” and “prejudicial outrage.” It also calls on the Castro Theatre to “immediately cancel the showing of this movie and play, and to offer a public apology to Our Lord Jesus Christ and to all God fearing Americans.” The controversy has both made sense to and confused Arnzen. He can understand someone being outraged if they had limited information about the play and film but, on the other hand, is confused that people would come to conclusions without seeking more information. “Nearly every person railing against the play and film has not seen or read it,” said Arnzen. “The bottom line is they are upset that we would imagine Jesus as a gay man. As if being
Dustin Franz
A scene from 108 Productions’ Corpus Christi, “You are Healed, Philip,” features David Pevsner, left, as Philip and James Brandon as Joshua, with the cast in the background.
gay was a sin, which of course hits the heart of the matter.” James Brandon, who has played the lead role of Joshua since the production’s inception six years ago and is now a co-producer of the play and film, describes the message of the play in one word, “love.” “No matter what gender, sexual identity, what color the skin, where you’re from, we can all understand the capacity to love one another,” Brandon said. He believes that everyone can learn to live together in this world and actually embrace each other’s diversities as gifts rather than faults. The play has been described as blasphemous and a direct attack on religion by religious groups for years, but Brandon believes it’s actually the complete opposite and considers the
{ FIRST OF TWO SECTIONS }
play a “piece of art.” “If a piece of art challenges your beliefs, makes you actually feel something deep within, what a beautiful thing to explore,” he said. “That’s the gift of art – you have an expressive outlet that allows you to go within and delve deeper into your own beliefs.” He added that the most frustrating part is how anti-gay religious groups can claim to have an informed opinion without being informed about what the play is truly about. Representatives from the office of the Archdiocese of San Francisco declined to speak to the Bay Area Reporter. The Castro Theatre did not respond to an email message seeking comment. However, Cathy Renna, who is helping with See page 13 >>
<<Community News
2 • Bay Area Reporter • April 19-25, 2012
t
EQCA honors gay doctor by Seth Hemmelgarn
A
gay San Francisco doctor who primarily provides care to lowincome transgender women and people living with HIV/AIDS was honored last weekend by Equality California. Dr. Royce Lin, 39, accepted the first-ever State Farm Good Neighbor Award at the statewide LGBT lobbying group’s Saturday, April 14 gala at the Fairmont Hotel. Lin told attendees he’s felt lucky to be able to reach out to those “whose voices so often go unheard.” “Our clients are among the bravest, most tenacious, and generous people I know,” he added. Among other positions, Lin works at the Ward 86 HIV clinic at San Francisco General Hospital and for the Tom Waddell Health Center’s Transgender Clinic. Equality California board President Clarissa Filgioun said in a statement that Lin “provides a lifeline for marginalized gay and transgender people who often lack access to basic health care or for whom a trip to the doctor can be a traumatic experience because of a lack of culturally competent health care providers who understand and empathize with the unique health care needs of LGBT people.” Lin told the crowd, “It is not I who
Jane Philomen Cleland
Equality California honorees Dr. Royce Lin, left, and Senator Dianne Feinstein greeted each other at the gala.
deserve this award,” saying there are many people doing similar work “day in and day out.” A doctor since 2000, Lin said in a phone interview that he chose the profession because “as a gay man coming of age during the height of the AIDS epidemic, I was always drawn to the way that our community gathered” in response. “It was not just for the science, but really the story, the heroism of people who are affected by HIV, and it was a great fit for me,” said Lin. “HIV is
something that certainly has affected my life, as well, so to be able to help others is something that’s tremendously rewarding.” Lin attended college in Boston in the early 1990s. He said that among the memories that stand out to him are volunteering at Fenway Health, which provides HIV care and other services. He recalled “trying to navigate being a sexually active gay man during a time when there was a lot that See page 12 >>
SF supes call for LGBT seniors task force by Matthew S. Bajko and Seth Hemmelgarn
T
hree months after holding a hearing on the needs of LGBT seniors, three out San Francisco supervisors are calling for an advisory panel to report on the issue. Gay Supervisors David Campos and Scott Wiener, along with bisexual Supervisor Christina Olague, introduced legislation this week that would create an 11-member LGBT Seniors Task Force appointed by the board. The city’s Department of Aging and Adult Services would staff it. According to the legislation, the body is to spend 15 months addressing the specific needs of LGBT seniors in San Francisco. Areas it is expressly asked to investigate include housing needs, legal issues, and health services. It would then present the board with a plan detailing its recommendations, timelines for implementing them and estimated costs of the programs. The legislation has a built-in exit clause, stipulating that the task force would be disbanded 18 months after its creation. Once approved by the board and Mayor Ed Lee, applicants would need to apply through the regular Rules Committee appointment process. Meanwhile, District Attorney
Jane Philomen Cleland
Supervisor Scott Wiener
George Gascón has announced the launch of an elder fraud outreach campaign for Elder Abuse Awareness month, which is in May. Such abuse involves any type of fraud aimed at an elder and can range from withdrawing money from an elder’s wallet to an “elaborate scheme” to have the person turn over their property, the DA’s office stated. In a meeting with reporters Thursday, April 12, Gascón said that people from “marginalized” communities, such as LGBTs, might be especially afraid to report incidents. Gascón met with representatives from several LGBT groups Wednes-
day, April 11, to discuss the creation of an LGBT/DA advisory forum, similar to what he created when he was police chief. He said that at the meeting, he was told LGBT elders “have a whole different set of needs,” since they often don’t have the “more traditional family support” that others may have. He also said that he was “surprised” to learn of discrimination and harassment at some senior centers, which isn’t something “I would have expected in San Francisco.” Four subcommittees were created, including a seniors abuse committee to focus on challenges faced by LGBT seniors. The elder fraud outreach campaign, which will cost $25,000 and begins May 1, includes bus stop ads and is being funded by a two-year grant from the U.S. Department of Justice’s Bureau of Justice Assistance. Thursday, Gascón also announced the creation of a multilingual hotline to encourage San Franciscans and people who work in the city to report fraud. The hotline is available in English, Cantonese, Mandarin, and Spanish and allows users to report elder financial abuse and other types of fraud anonymously. The number is (415) 553-9535.t
t
Community News>>
April 19-25, 2012 • Bay Area Reporter • 3
Dine out to fight AIDS in SF, Silicon Valley compiled by Cynthia Laird
I
t’s not too late to make reservations at a restaurant near you that will be participating in next week’s Dining Out for Life to benefit HIV/ AIDS service organizations. Taking place Thursday, April 26 in San Francisco and the South Bay, participating restaurants will donate 25 percent of their gross sales to support the programs of the San Francisco AIDS Foundation and the Health Trust in Silicon Valley, respectively. According to a press release from the AIDS foundation, more than 100 eateries will take part this year. “This is a fantastic opportunity to gather your family and friends at one of our many participating restaurants to have fun, enjoy a good meal, and support a very worthy cause,” stated SFAF CEO Neil Giuliano. “There remains a critical need for our free, local services to stop the spread of HIV and make sure everyone has access to proper care.” SFAF’s Dining Out for Life also features opportunities for diners to enter a raffle for exciting prizes, including a trip to Costa Rica, San Francisco Giants tickets, and much more. This year marks San Francisco’s 11th year hosting Dining Out for Life, which was started by the Stop AIDS Project. Last fall, SAP merged with SFAF, which now co-produces the event. Since it started in the city
in 2002, Dining Out for Life has raised more than $1 million locally. In the South Bay, the Health Trust is organizing Dining Out for Life. It is the largest provider of non-medical AIDS services in Santa Clara County and is the area’s only major public fundraiser for HIV/AIDS. In San Francisco, find participating restaurants by visiting www. dolsf.org. For Silicon Valley, visit www.healthtrust.org.
LGBT vets host open house tonight
The predominately LGBT Alexander Hamilton Post 448 of the American Legion will host an open house and awards night tonight (Thursday, April 19) from 4 to 7 p.m. at the Veterans Building, 401 Van Ness Avenue, room 207. Post Commander Mario Benfield said that prior to the event, the post planned to present House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi (D-San Francisco) with its Medal of Valor for her work in helping to repeal “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell.” At the open house, there will be refreshments and a no-host bar. People are welcome to stay for the post’s regular meeting that follows the open house.
Sample world religions
The Pacific School of Religion is hosting Sacred Snapshots: A Sampler for the Spirit on Saturday, April 21 from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. The daylong event will be held on the PSR
campus, 1798 Scenic Avenue in Berkeley. The public is invited to come and explore the spiritual practices of the world’s major religions without the fear of evangelism or pressure, and allow religion to open up a space for holiness instead of shutting it down. There will be experiential sessions and lectures on divinity in its many forms taught by progressive leaders, thinkers, and practitioners of various faiths. Admission is $10. For more information, visit www.sacredsnapshots.org.
Castro Lions Club event
The Castro Lions Club will have a beer benefit Sunday, April 22 from 4 to 7 p.m. at the Edge bar, 4149 18th Street (at Collingwood) in the Castro. Club president Troy Brunet also said that it’s the post-Mr. Heartthrob party. The event benefits the club’s charities.
Lambda Literary finalists at SF library
Nearly a dozen Lambda Literary finalists will do readings at the San Francisco Public Library next week, ahead of the awards in New York City in June. This year marks the 24th annual literary event, known as the Lammies, which celebrates LGBT literature. Officials at the Lambda Literary Foundation, which holds the awards, said that this year there are more than 600 titles represented from about 250 publishers in the 24 categories. See page 13 >>
Progressive Methodist group seeks pro-gay change by Chuck Colbert
A
s Methodists prepare to head to Tampa, Florida for their General Conference next week, the director of a progressive religious movement within the denomination is calling for a coming together around several issues, including LGBT rights. “People need community,” said cathy knight, executive director of the Chicago-based Church Within A Church Movement, which grew out of the nation’s largest mainline Protestant denomination’s exclusionary policies toward gay and lesbian persons. For more than seven years, knight, who does not capitalize her name, has served CWACM, which is all about “inclusion and just ministry,” she noted. Inclusion means affirming LGBT persons. Justice is about fighting racism and white privilege, she said. Perhaps more important, justice ministry requires ordaining women and men who are still barred by the United Methodist Church’s prohibition on openly gay ministers. The spiritual home of former President George W. Bush and Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, the United Methodist Church has an estimated 8 million members nationwide and in Canada. It is also a global church with an additional 3.5 million members in Europe, Africa, and Asia. The denomination, like other branches in mainline Protestantism, has seen its numbers drop in North America, but membership has risen
Courtesy knight
cathy knight, executive director of the Church Within A Church Movement, will be in Tampa next week for the Methodist Church’s General Conference.
in Africa and Asia. Meanwhile, CWACM is growing, “exponentially,” said knight, readily acknowledging in the same breath that it is a small movement with hundreds of members and a listserv of a couple thousand. The “presumed risk,” knight said, of CWACM membership keeps many supporters from joining. “We are non-hierarchical, very open to how the spirit informs this justice ministry,” she said. “It’s a very liberating place for people who have been harmed in the name of church. “When people can find wholeness and healing and a loving community,” knight added, “that is what I think is church. And when people remember who they are, who God
has made them to be, then they, we, can in turn, transform and liberate our communities and the world.” While other mainline Protestant churches – Evangelical Lutherans, Presbyterians, the United Church of Christ, and Episcopalians with roots in the English Reformation – all have lifted bans on out clergy and have become increasingly welcoming of LGBT persons, the United Methodists have not. That in large part is what draws progressive Methodists to CWACM. In fact since 1972, United Methodist Church doctrine has become increasing explicit in firming up anti-gay policy, and that may be the case at next week’s conference. The United Methodist Church does “not condone the practice of homosexuality and considers this practice incompatible with Christian teaching,” states the Book of Discipline, the denomination’s law book. The book also states, “Homosexual persons no less than heterosexual persons are individuals of sacred worth.” And while “We insist that all persons, regardless of age, gender, marital status, or sexual orientation, are entitled to have their human and civil rights ensured,” the book adds, the United Methodist Church advocates “laws in civil society that define marriage as the union of one man and one woman.” Not only are “self-avowed practicing homosexuals” unsuitable for ordination, but also pastors who See page 13 >>
<< Open Forum
4 • Bay Area Reporter • April 19-25, 2012
Volume 42, Number 16 April 19-25, 2012 www.ebar.com PUBLISHER Thomas E. Horn Bob Ross (Founder, 1971 – 2003) NEWS EDITOR Cynthia Laird ARTS EDITOR Roberto Friedman ASSISTANT EDITORS Matthew S. Bajko Seth Hemmelgarn Jim Provenzano CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Dan Aiello • Tavo Amador • Erin Blackwell Roger Brigham • Scott Brogan Victoria A. Brownworth • Philip Campbell Heather Cassell • Chuck Colbert Richard Dodds • David Duran Raymond Flournoy • David Guarino Liz Highleyman • Brandon Judell John F. Karr • Lisa Keen • Matthew Kennedy David Lamble • Michael K. Lavers Michael McDonagh • David-Elijah Nahmod Paul Parish • Lois Pearlman • Tim Pfaff Jim Piechota • Bob Roehr • Donna Sachet Adam Sandel • Jason Serinus • Gregg Shapiro Gwendolyn Smith • Ed Walsh • Sura Wood
ART DIRECTION Kurt Thomas PRODUCTION MANAGER T. Scott King PHOTOGRAPHERS Jane Philomen Cleland Marc Geller Rick Gerharter Lydia Gonzales Rudy K. Lawidjaja Steven Underhill Bill Wilson ILLUSTRATORS & CARTOONISTS Paul Berge Christine Smith GENERAL MANAGER Michael M. Yamashita DISPLAY ADVERTISING Simma Baghbanbashi Colleen Small Scott Wazlowski NATIONAL ADVERTISING REPRESENTATIVE Rivendell Media – 212.242.6863
LEGAL COUNSEL Paul H. Melbostad
Best Bay Area Community Newspaper 2006 San Francisco Bay Area Publicity Club
Bay Area Reporter 395 Ninth Street, San Francisco, CA 94103 415.861.5019 www.ebar.com
News Editor • news@ebar.com Arts Editor • arts@ebar.com Out & About listings • events@ebar.com Advertising • advertising@ebar.com Letters • letters@ebar.com A division of Benro Enterprises, Inc. © 2012 Published weekly. Bay Area Reporter reserves the right to edit or reject any advertisement which the publisher believes is in poor taste or which advertises illegal items which might result in legal action against Bay Area Reporter. Ads will not be rejected solely on the basis of politics, philosophy, religion, race, age, or sexual orientation. Advertising rates available upon request. Our list of subscribers and advertisers is confidential and is not sold. The sexual orientation of advertisers, photographers, and writers published herein is neither inferred nor implied. We are not responsible for unsolicited manuscripts or artwork.
Faux anger
T
he all-too-common fake anger of our hyperactive politics exploded again last week when lesbian Democratic strategist Hilary Rosen made the now-infamous comment that Ann Romney “never worked a day in her life.” That the underlying crux of Rosen’s remark was correct was beside the point, as Democrats and the Obama campaign piled on, terrified that they would lose the women’s vote in November – as if one sentence from a paid TV commentator would upend the whole election. How dare Rosen say such a thing, they clucked. Republicans wasted no time in criticizing Rosen either. Ann Romney, the wife of presumptive GOP nominee Mitt Romney, even opened a Twitter account so that she could express how hurt she was by the characterization because her decision to be a stay at home mom was hard work. (Never mind that the filthy rich Romneys likely had more attractive options and never struggled with the same painful decisions over work and family that the majority of American women are forced to make for their daily survival.) Before the day was over, Rosen had apologized, Republicans kept rubbing it in, and we all were left to wait for the next ruckus to hit the 2012 presidential race. That there will be more is a given in today’s media spin cycle, where every tweet is analyzed, every pundit tries to outdo the other, and Facebook feeds are filled with shrill words against politicians. Most of it is just stupid. The thing is, the shouting and hyperbole mask the very real problems working women (and men) face today. Women have long had to choose between a career and raising children in an attempt to balance the demands of home and work. The reality of today’s economy requires that many women with children must work outside the home; it’s not a choice, it’s a necessity. Rosen’s point was that the Romneys are so wealthy that they don’t understand the hardship experienced by the majority of Americans. Even in our community, the num-
ber of lesbians raising children has exploded in the last 10 years. Rosen herself is a mom. Statistics show that the income gap between the wealthiest and the middle class has grown during the current recession. More families now live paycheck to paycheck while others have lost homes to foreclosure. Those who have been job hunting for months or even years are now told that if they’ve been unemployed for any length of time not to apply. Just this week Best Buy announced if was closing two Bay Area stores in areas that can least afford the additional laid off workers, East Palo Alto and Pittsburg. The unemployment rate in East Palo Alto is 17.1 percent; in Pittsburg it’s 15.2 percent, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. If these grave problems in the economy
t
are not solved, the personal and economic choices for Americans will decrease even more. It’s voters who are the real losers in these instances of outsized manufactured anger. They want the candidates to talk about their plans for strengthening the economy and putting people back to work. That discussion was largely missing from the Republican primary race and, now that the contest is effectively over, voters will see that Romney has little to offer in the way of concrete solutions. That’s not an encouraging sign for the unemployed, as this country shifts from a manufacturing base to a services-oriented workforce. We don’t need the fake outrage, the piling on, the laughable statements. What we need is Congress to pass the Employment Non-Discrimination Act, repeal the Defense of Marriage Act, and a president who can forcefully articulate that discrimination is wrong, and that all citizens deserve equal treatment.t
Recordando a Agnes (Remembering Agnes) by Tracy Garza
W
ords almost fail to describe the torrent of emotions I felt upon learning of the vicious hate crime that took the life of my compatriota, Mexican trans activist Agnes Torres last month in Puebla state. A boiling sense of outrage, disbelief, dismay, shock, mournful resignation – and even a considerable amount of survivor’s guilt. Torres’s fate, after all, could very easily have been my own, had things been slightly different for me a decade ago. It was about 10 years ago that I requested and was granted asylum in the United States after coming to the San Francisco Bay Area seeking a more LGBT-friendly environment. Had I not been as fortunate and been forced to remain in my native Mexico, is there any reason not to think that it would have been only a matter of time until I might find the same fate as Torres? While some progress has undoubtedly been made by Mexican LGBT activists in the last 10 years, it’s hate crimes such as Torres’s horrific murder that painfully remind us how much more needs to be done – in Mexico and throughout Latin America. In Mexico, violent backlash against anyone who is considered challenging the status quo is still far too frequent, and the federal law enforcement mechanisms still far too ineffectual in most cases to enforce the anti-discrimination laws that are already on the books. I really cannot overemphasize how dangerous a country like Mexico can be to anyone who doesn’t go along with “how it’s always been done”: when they were young, my own parents narrowly escaped the 1968 student massacre in which hundreds of students were killed in cold blood by soldiers, just a few days before the start of the Olympic Games in Mexico City. Those students were ruthlessly massacred simply for daring to ask for more democracy in Mexico through peaceful and lawful public protests.
Agnes Torres
Just as my own parents barely escaped the bloody 1968 Tlatelolco massacre, I was just fortunate enough to seek asylum in the United States in the early 21st century, just as American authorities first began recognizing the very real risk of persecution faced in Latin America by anyone whose real or perceived gender identity doesn’t match the gender they were assigned at birth. Of course, hate crimes against transgender, genderqueer, or gender non-conforming people can happen almost anywhere in the world; it has been almost 10 years since the world lost another beautiful transgender Latina, Gwen Araujo, in a hate crime that happened right here in the Bay Area. Unlike what happened in the Araujo case, it is highly unlikely that Torres’s murderers will ever
be brought to trial; Mexican law enforcement is notoriously inefficient even in instances that don’t involve presumed hate crimes. To make matters worse, at least one Mexican politician made scornful remarks about Torres shortly after she was found murdered. I believe that the best way to honor the memories of beautiful women like Araujo and Torres is to continue fighting for justice and equality, wherever we happen to be, and to never allow ourselves (as trans people or allies) to be intimidated by the sheer amount of hatred, bigotry, and intolerance that’s out there. That is the only way we can continue to make progress toward exactly the kind of world that women like Araujo and Torres deserved and hoped for: one where none of us have to fear getting killed simply for being who we are, and openly expressing our gender identity in all public spaces, as every person should have the right to do. As long as I remain here in the Bay Area, I know I will continue trying to do my part; for the last 10 years, I have been doing all I can to help nonprofits like the Transgender Law Center, the National Center for Lesbian Rights, and the International Gay and Lesbian Human Rights Commission. More recently, I was also very fortunate to be appointed to the LGBT Advisory Committee of the San Francisco Human Rights Commission (a commission that is itself headed by a trans woman). No matter where you are, you, too, can do a lot to help: consider offering some financial support to nonprofits like TLC, NCLR, or IGLHRC; you can also become involved in all present and future efforts to urge local lawmakers and public officials in places like Puebla, Mexico, to put an end to these barbaric affronts to human dignity.t You can find the Agnes Torres memorial Facebook page at: www.facebook.com /YoSoyAgnesTorres. Tracy Garza is a member of the San Francisco Human Rights Commission’s LGBT Advisory Committee.
Read more online at www.ebar.com
April 19-25, 2012 • Bay Area Reporter • 5
<< Community News
6 • Bay Area Reporter • April 19-25, 2012
t
Steven Underhill
Winners are all smiles S
ome of the winners from the Bay Area Reporter’s Best of the Gays readers’ poll showed off their certificates at the post-poll party held April 12 at the Hard Rock Cafe at Fisher-
man’s Wharf. The paper’s second annual poll was a success and winning merchants can now let their customers know they are the best.
Comedian Karen Ripley injured in car accident by Heather Cassell
A
car collided with a vehicle driven by lesbian comedian Karen Ripley last month, totaling her truck and sending her to the hospital. Ripley was driving eastbound on I-80 when the other car was merging onto the freeway, slamming into her truck and causing it to overturn around 2:15 p.m. on March 31, according to the California Highway Patrol. Ripley was not at fault, according to the CHP report completed April 12, said Officer Chris Parker, public information officer for the CHP. The other car was also severely damaged, said Parker. No passengers were in either car.
<<
ebar.com
Pink Saturday
From page 1
approved street closures for this year’s party. Soul, whose legal name is James Bazydola, later told the Bay Area Reporter that organizers are trying to make this year’s event “more of a block party.” She said a portion of the crowd would be disappointed with the loss of the main stage. “You can’t make everyone happy,” she said, adding that the Sisters would gauge people’s reactions. There will be DJ stations throughout the event, and the Sisters are hoping people will be more spread out so there’s “not one lump of folks at an intersection,” said Soul. Alcohol isn’t permitted at Pink Saturday, but people will still have plenty of chances to drink that Saturday as area bars are generally packed. “We figured the food was a great thing for people, especially if they’ve been drinking all day,” said Soul She also said having the food trucks would help free up space for participants from the San Francisco Dyke March, which is also set for June 23 and ends up in the Castro. “We want to make sure their presence is welcome there and embraced,” said Soul. “That was really the goal of that placement.” The Dyke March’s DJ sound truck will be placed near Market and Noe streets, which the Sisters say will be the march’s terminating point.
Comedian Karen Ripley
Ripley, a 25-year comedic veteran and East Bay resident, was taken to Kaiser in Vallejo for minor injuries. The Sisters’ street closure application says their goal is to have at least 10 food trucks at the Castro and Market intersection. Soul said they don’t have any food trucks under contract yet. The Sisters are asking the vendors for about $500 per truck, though that
She is best known for her performances with the Queer Queens of Comedy, Divas of the Divine, and appearances at many Pride celebrations. The other party wasn’t treated for injuries, according to Parker. CHP was at the scene of the incident within four minutes of the accident. Ripley declined to comment for this story, citing legal issues. Ripley, along with other comedians, is scheduled to perform Sunday, April 19 at 7 p.m. at Futon Comedy 94903, at Mary’s Futons, 4100 Redwood Highway in San Rafael. Tickets are $15 online or $20 at the door. For information, visit www.marysfutons. com/Futon_Comedy_94903.php.t
Security
Soul said security measures include hiring at least 50 private security staffers, as they did last year. Also, more Sisters would be inside the event to help “de-escalate” tension, she said. Sergeant Chuck Limbert, LGBT liaison for Mission Station, which oversees the Castro and surrounding neighborhoods, has been involved in planning for Pink Saturday. He said extra police would be assigned to this year’s event, but he wouldn’t say how much additional staff there would be. Police “will definitely be present, and we will not tolerate anyone who is drunk or is coming with the intent to create a disturbance at this venue,” said Limbert. Two years ago, Stephen Powell, 19, was shot to death around the time the Pink Saturday ended. Police have indicated they suspect people from outside the neighborhood were involved in the shooting. Police Homicide Inspector Kevin Jones said this week that the case is still open, but “We’ve exhausted every lead that we’ve been given.” He said investigators developed leads themselves. “We didn’t get a lot of help from the public,” he said. Jones urges people “to report problems as soon as they see something.” Anyone with information regarding Powell’s death may contact the homicide unit at (415) 553-1145. Information may also be provided anonymously at (415) 575-4444, or text-a-tip to TIP411. The case number is 100 589 764.t
“We figured the food was a great thing for people, especially if they’ve been drinking all day.” –Sister Selma Soul
figure hasn’t been finalized, she said. Terrance Alan, who along with John Wood produced and paid for the main stage for years, said that if the Sisters “feel this change is what is needed for the health of the event, then we all support it.” He described the music he and Wood supplied as “popular alternative dance music.” Wood didn’t respond to interview requests. Another change this year is the Sisters’ ability to talk about Pink Saturday. The group of charitable drag nuns has previously been prohibited from advertising the event before the date of the party, but that condition has been lifted by city officials.
t
Politics >>
April 19-25, 2012 • Bay Area Reporter • 7
ENDA top priority if Dems retake House, says Pelosi by Matthew S. Bajko
S
hould Democrats retake the House this fall, passage of federal protections for LGBT employees would be a high priority on their to-do list, promised Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi in response to a question from the Bay Area Reporter during a recent visit to the Castro. Pelosi (D-San Francisco) is in line to once again become House speaker if her party is able to retake control of Congress’ lower chamber from the Republicans in November. To do so they need to reclaim 25 seats, and Democrats are increasingly confident they can due to female voters being turned off by the GOP this election cycle. In talking to local reporters Wednesday, April 11 after an event unveiling a permanent display of the AIDS Memorial Quilt at Castro restaurant Catch, Pelosi said her confidence in winning back the House grows by the week. [Albeit a day later saw a cable news-whipped firestorm over a lesbian Democratic strategist’s dismissive comment of presumptive GOP nominee Mitt Romney’s wife Ann, a stay-at-home mom, because she “has never worked a day in her life.”] Whereas a few months back Pelosi thought flipping the House was a close call, now she believes Democrats have a “more solid 50/50 chance” of taking back the gavel. Asked by the B.A.R. where passage of a pro-LGBT Employment NonDiscrimination Act would be among her to-do list as speaker, Pelosi indicated it would be one of the first pieces of legislation she would want to see the House address. “It would be a very high priority. We have to do it,” said Pelosi. The next night Pelosi repeated her pledge during an appearance on former Michigan Governor Jennifer Granholm’s Current TV show, video of which can be seen on the online version of this column at ebar.com. Asked by Granholm what a Democratic House’s initial legislative agenda would look like, Pelosi replied that “... as part of that initial array of bills we would have ENDA, it was part of our agenda before ... ending discrimination in the workplace, and that would be part of it as well.” The same day that Pelosi spoke with the B.A.R. the Obama administration was meeting at the White House with leaders of national LGBT groups to inform them that the president would not sign an executive order banning federal contractors from discriminating against LGBT workers. Due to the refusal of the GOP House leadership to bring the ENDA legislation up for a vote, LGBT advo-
Jane Philomen Cleland
House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi gave remarks at Catch Restaurant last week where she and AIDS advocates unveiled panels of the AIDS Memorial Quilt.
cates have been pressuring President Barack Obama to issue what is being called a “mini ENDA” through executive order. His refusal to do so has set off a firestorm of criticism against the White House; this week the Human Rights Campaign launched a letter-writing campaign about ENDA targeted at Obama and Congress. Asked about the White House meeting, Pelosi said she was unaware it was taking place but did acknowledge that stopping LGBT discrimination in the workplace “certainly needs to happen at the federal level. It is hard to imagine we need something like ENDA, but we do.” Her response would appear to put Pelosi at odds with the president’s refusal to issue the executive order. Asked for clarification, Pelosi spokesman Drew Hammill told the B.A.R. that the fight over ENDA signals the need to elect a Democratic House. “This decision adds more urgency to Democrats winning back the House to continue on our path of ending discrimination as we did by repealing ‘Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell’ and making a fully-inclusive hate crimes bill the law of the land,” wrote Hammill in an emailed response. “With a Democratic Congress, we will make more strides toward equality by passing a fully-inclusive ENDA and repealing the so-called Defense of Marriage Act.” Senator Dianne Feinstein (DCalifornia) is championing repeal of DOMA, the federal ban against same-sex marriage, in the Democratic-held Senate, but there is zero chance of seeing any LGBT legislation passed this year. There has been virtually no movement on LGBT issues in Congress since the Republican takeover of the House in 2010, apart from DADT’s repeal during the lame duck session that year. ENDA has had a tortured history in Congress since first being
proposed in 1974. A fully inclusive version that would include gender identity protections has never made it out of either chamber. A bill stripped of the transgenderfriendly language came close to passing out of the Senate in 1996. Similar legislation did pass the House in 2007 but was never taken up by the Senate. For Pelosi, who was excoriated five years ago for allowing the version only covering sexual orientation to be voted on, passing a fully-inclusive ENDA would finally heal that wound with LGBT activists.
2nd SF police station to add LGBT liaison
The San Francisco Police Department’s Mission Station oversees much of the city’s gay Castro district, and as such, has long designated an officer to be its liaison to the LGBT community. It is the only police station in the city to do so, though the department two years ago created a citywide LGBT liaison position. Now newly installed Park Station Captain John J. Feeney is looking at naming one of his officers as an LGBT liaison. Once you cross Market Street in the Castro into the Duboce Triangle neighborhood or head up into Twin Peaks, that part of town is actually under the auspices of Park Station, which is more closely associated with the Haight and Cole Valley districts. Feeney attended the April meeting of the Merchants of Upper Market and Castro to introduce himself and was asked about establishing an LGBT liaison by the B.A.R. At the time he said that the idea “hasn’t come up.” But in a follow-up email exchange, Feeney wrote that, “I am interested in designating an LGBT liaison officer and will speak with my lieutenants for their suggestions. I have an officer in mind but would like their input as well.” Feeney added that he hoped to soon be able to publicly announce which officer it would be.t
SF State sexuality center eyes larger role in policy arena by Matthew S. Bajko
A
sexuality center at San Francisco State University aims to play a greater role in the public policy arena following a recent merger. The Center for Research and Education on Gender and Sexuality wants to have a larger voice in debates on such hot button topics as sex education, HIV prevention, transgender rights, and the teaching of LGBT his-
tory in schools. “I think there is a real fear in addressing issues in sexuality and sexual health, but information will not make the problem worse. Talking about these issues and examining them actually helps,” said Colleen Hoff, Ph.D., director of CREGS. “These issues impact everyone, and right now there is a real disconnect between what is a healthy part of life and what is taboo and scares us.”
The increased presence in the public square comes after a merger between SFSU’s former Center for Research on Gender and Sexuality, which Hoff directed, and the National Sexuality Resource Center was finalized in February. CREGS is housed at the public university’s downtown campus above the Bloomingdale’s shopping center on Market Street. See page 12 >>
<< Community News
8 • Bay Area Reporter • April 19-25, 2012
t
Quake ceremony turns attention to disaster preparedness by Matthew S. Bajko
T
he anniversary events this week commemorating the 1906 earthquake and fire that devastated much of San Francisco are once again turning attention to the importance of being prepared for when the next big seismic event hits the Bay Area. The city’s Department of Emergency Management is encouraging residents to assemble earthquake preparedness kits they can store at home. The agency has teamed up with local businesses to promote its “Who Are You Shopping For?” campaign through the end of April. “It highlights the importance of buying emergency supplies for you and your neighbors,” Castro resident Jim Turner, the agency’s private sector liaison, explained to Castro merchants at their April meeting. The participating stores, such as Walgreens and Cliff ’s Variety in the Castro, will have shopping lists detailing the sort of supplies people should have at home in the event of an earthquake or other natural disaster. The city instructs people to have enough supplies to last three days. The family-run Cliff ’s has been urging its customers to assemble the earthquake kits for years, and rotates a window display promoting emergency preparedness between the annual 1906 quake events in April or in October around the anniversary of the 1989 Loma Prieta earthquake. “We think emergency preparedness is very important. We encourage people every year to put together their kits,” said Terry Asten Bennett, the store’s manager. The specific needs of LGBT people during disasters has received little attention within the emergency preparedness field, which takes a broader perspective toward its work, noted a Bay Area Reporter article
Jane Philomen Cleland
Jenn Harris, a buyer for Cliff’s Variety in the Castro, sets up the emergency preparedness display window, timed to this week’s anniversary of the 1906 earthquake.
last month. But that is slowly changing, as evidenced by a first-of-itskind training designed specifically for LGBT people and communitybased organizations launched this spring by Collaborating Agencies Responding to Disasters, known as CARD, in Alameda County. In San Francisco, the level of disaster preparedness varies at LGBT nonprofits depending on the services they provide. Asked if the city’s HIV/AIDS Provider Network had ever worked with an adviser on developing a disaster plan, AIDS Emergency Fund Executive Director Mike Smith said he couldn’t recall the coalition having done so. At his own agency, which helps people living with HIV and AIDS pay their rent or medical bills, Smith said there would be little he and his staff could do in the immediate aftermath of a major disaster. “We have a plan. We won’t be open until the banks are open,” said Smith. “I don’t know what anyone would do with a check from AEF until the banks are open again.” Other agencies that provide direct services, from housing to medical care, have much more detailed plans covering a variety of potential disaster scenarios. At Project Open Hand, which feeds people with HIV and AIDS and other life-threatening diseases, staff regularly participates in earthquake drills and revisits its emergency preparedness plans quarterly. Steve Hunter, the agency’s director of building operations, oversees the food bank’s disaster planning. The contingency plans include everything from educating staff on the need for them to have their earthquake kits at home to backup methods for feeding the agency’s clients. Project Open Hand has a small generator to run some of its systems if the power goes out. It also stockpiles frozen cooked meals that could be thawed out and distributed to clients, as well as what are called heater meals that come equipped with their own heating mechanism. “Our goal is almost immediate service,” said Hunter, who lived through the 1989 quake and whose wife is a member of their Richmond District neighborhood emergency response team. “If it just came down to where we could only distribute bread or cheese sandwiches, we could still pack them in our generating line.” The agency is also part of the Tenderloin Hunger Task Force, comprised of nearby agencies such as Glide Memorial Church and St. Anthony’s that have banded together and devised plans for assisting each other in the event a disaster of any kind disrupts even one agency’s abil-
ity to provide meals. “We all have emergency food on hand, emergency water and we all have radios to communicate between ourselves,” said Hunter. At Maitri, a Castro AIDS hospice that cares for up to 15 patients at any given time, its licensing by various government agencies requires it to have plans in place in the event of a disaster. It too has worked collaboratively with other hospices and the nearby Davies Medical Center off Duboce Park should it need to relocate its patients. “Since we are a 24-hour residential care facility for the chronically ill, our licensing requires us to have up-to-date evacuation plans,” said Maitri Executive Director Michael Smithwick, who also lived through the 1989 quake and has an extensive disaster kit stored at his house. So far the agency has never had to evacuate its building or transfer patients elsewhere, said Smithwick. He and his staff do annual trainings to prepare for what to do in the case of a fire or evacuation. “My personal perspective, having gone through the ’89 quake, is people have short memories. People tend to be in denial about what could happen,” said Smithwick, who happened to be in the heavily damaged Marina district when the earthquake struck. “It has happened before so let’s learn from history.” Larkin Street Youth Services also has detailed plans for each of its 15 different facilities, which includes nine housing sites, two shelters, one permanent housing program, and transitional living programs scattered in various San Francisco neighborhoods. “We are also trying to build an overall plan agency-wide,” said Ray Fort, the nonprofit’s chief operating officer who also oversees its emergency preparedness efforts. “We are making sure we can be up and running and housing all our clients in the aftermath of a major event.” Larkin staff regularly participates in disaster drills, as do residents of its programs. The agency is also looking to duplicate its computer infrastructure so as not to lose important files. While Fort himself has not lived through a major disaster, he said the agency’s planning did kick in in 2009 when a fire at a PG&E facility cut off power to one of Larkin’s Tenderloin shelters. “We have some excess capacity at one of our sites to address this situation or if a building collapses,” said Fort, though he added that, “We haven’t identified space for all the youth if all of our buildings are impacted.” One local business that has been a See page 12 >>
Read more online at www.ebar.com
April 19-25, 2012 • Bay Area Reporter • 9
10 • Bay Area Reporter • April 19-25, 2012
Serving the LGBT communities since 1971
t
Community News>>
April 19-25, 2012 • Bay Area Reporter • 11
Kaiser staffer recognized for Free Clinic work by Elliot Owen
W
hile most people are lazily marinating in the last hours before the work week begins, Huan Dong is busy volunteering 12-14 hours of his time at the Berkeley Free Clinic every Sunday. The 26-year-old UC Berkeley graduate works at the Gay Men’s Health Collective, a section within the clinic that provides free sexually transmitted infections testing and treatment, and counseling to men of all ages and sexual orientations. He is a volunteer medic and a GMHC section coordinator. When Dong isn’t volunteering at the clinic, he’s working as an assistant production manager for the Educational Theater Company, a Kaiser Permanente program that facilitates live theater performances for tens of thousands of adolescents each year, covering subjects like anti-bullying, puberty, STI/HIV prevention, peer pressure, and healthy relationships. “I am a performer/educator,” Dong said in an interview with the Bay Area Reporter. “We engage students, teens, and adults in health conversation and dialogue through the medium of live theater to disseminate information
that will hopefully influence the students and community members to make healthy decisions in their life.” But it’s Dong’s work at the Berkeley Free Clinic for which Kaiser Permanente recently recognized him. In January, his four years of volunteer service were commended when he received the David Lawrence Service Award, which honors Kaiser Permanente physicians and employees who illustrate great community service and undertake exceptional efforts to improving community health. Dong was among the 15 winners selected from 135 nominees. “I felt completely honored,” he said. “I looked at the other people’s profiles who received the award and I’m literally amongst stars, people I strive to be like. Some are physicians that have been through a decade of work. For someone like me that is just starting a medical/health career to receive this award for my work at the clinic – I’m without words.” Each winner receives a $10,000 donation to designate to a nonprofit organization which means that this year, the Berkeley Free Clinic is getting lucky. “The award money couldn’t have come at a better time,” said Evan
Elliot Owen
Kaiser employee Huan Dong recently won an award from the medical group for his volunteer work at the Berkeley Free Clinic.
Howard, the clinic’s funding coordinator. “Over the years our funding has been cut to levels where we’ve considered possibly closing because of the unsustainability of government funding,” Howard added. “Five years ago, we would be working on a budget of $400,000 annually and now, our budget is less than $200,000.” Most of the award money will be
allocated toward the clinic’s Women and Trans-inclusive Services, a new program that provides STI testing and treatment, and counseling services for all women and transgender individuals. While Howard is thrilled for the clinic, he is also proud of Dong. For someone so young to receive the honor, he said, speaks volumes of his character. “I’ve heard people talk about that award, how prestigious it is. If I had to pick someone at the clinic that really represents the idea of doing service for the health community, it would be Huan. He is able to put people at ease and connect with them wherever they are in their situations to bring out fruitful conversations,” Howard said. “He’s so respectful and genuine,” Howard added. For most of his life, Dong was on the receiving end of many services. His parents moved his family to San Jose from Vietnam when he was 4. Growing up, he remembers living in a house with 15 of his family members and the “Monopoly” money his mother used to buy groceries. “They were really food stamps,” he said. After Dong learned English he did
well enough in school to be admitted to UC Berkeley. He credits his hardworking ethic to his parents. “I saw how hard my parents worked so their family could have opportunities they hadn’t received because of the Vietnam war,” he said. “With that, how could I not work hard? I wanted to really follow-through and grasp those opportunities.” If growing up as an immigrant adolescent wasn’t hard enough, add the challenge of coming out as a member of the LGBT community. Dong credits his attraction to community service to the support he received from various people and organizations when overcoming the two adversities. “I’ve gained that system of support from organizations that helped me,” he said. “I want to do the same for others who might need that mentorship. Whenever I can be, I am supportive.” Dong is planning to apply to medical schools by year’s end. Winners of the David Lawrence Service Award were selected by a subcommittee of the Kaiser Foundation Health Plan Inc., and Kaiser Foundation Hospital’s board of directors. Lawrence, a physician, is a former CEO of Kaiser Permanente and lifelong advocate of improving health.t
Queer Asian group celebrates silver anniversary
by Heather Cassell
“around people who look like me, live like me,” said the 37-year-old queer woman. “It’s given me a sense of pride in that APIQWTC is well recognized within the LGBT community as an Asian entity and the involvement in joint efforts with other organizations,” added Lynn Sugihara, a core member and a banquet committee member. Other performers at this year’s event include rap artist Skim; genderqueer artist Tonilyn A. Sideco; country musician Michelle Lee; and Lindsay Chan, a member of the Youth Symphony Orchestra.
T
he Asian Pacific Islander Queer Women and Transgender Community is celebrating its 25th anniversary with a bang at its annual Lunar New Year Banquet this weekend. More than 400 queer Asian women and transgender individuals and allies will celebrate the Year of the Dragon at the sold-out silver anniversary event April 21 that has brought out a host of entertainment for the evening in Oakland’s Chinatown. “It’s going to be an exciting and lively event,” said D’Lo, a queer political theater artist who is flying in to emcee. Award-winning writer Willy Wilkinson will perform a piece, “Transition in the Fierce Year of the Dragon” about his transition from female to male in honor of the spirit of a year that opens up possibilities and transitions. Wilkinson, 49, has participated in the organization since its early years and used to edit its “Phoenix Rising” newsletter, he said. “We’ve come a long way in 25 years,” said Wilkinson, reminiscing about a time when Asian lesbians and transgender individuals were
Jane Philomen Cleland
Building community
isolated and experienced prejudice in the LGBT community. “To see ... how far we’ve come is pretty amazing.” Amber Field, who will be performing a piece from a forthcoming performance at the Queer Arts Festival in June, agreed with Wilkinson. She moved to the Bay Area from the Midwest specifically to be
A quarter century ago a small group of queer and transgender Asian women’s organizations came together and created the annual API Lunar New Year Banquet to network with each other. The banquet eventually evolved into what is now APIQWTC, an all-volunteer umbrella organization that produces political and social events and supports queer Asian women’s and transgender activism. APIQWTC provides the space for an estimated 1,000 queer women and transgender individuals of Asian
bormaster on Narragansett Bay, grew up in Bristol, Rhode Island and loved the water. Landing in San Francisco in the late 1970s as a handsome man, he quickly became a popular addition to the Castro. While managing Moby Dick bar in the late 1980s, he became known for his lavish and unique parties that were thrown with his close friend Pamela Howell. Michael is survived by his ailing father David Goglia; brother David Goglia Jr.; Aunt Felicia; his dog Ditto;
as well as a long list of friends. Michael is predeceased by his mother, Ruth Goglia; Uncle Ray; longtime companion Russ Fields; close friend Dan; and beloved dogs Goofy and Teddy. Michael was a wonderfully loyal and compassionate friend who was always there for his friends. So, it is in Michael’s honor that Erin Lavery and Pamela Howell are throwing a celebration of life at Moby Dick, 4049 18th Street, this Sunday, April 22, from 7 to 9 p.m.
long and courageous fight with liver and kidney failure on December 2, 2011 in San Francisco. Mikey is survived by his mother, Rosemary, of Columbia, Tennessee; sister Michelle; uncle Terry Kean; aunt Denise Carmona; and uncle Michael Kean; as well as his nephew, Jamie W. Phillips, and niece Kristi M. Phillips. He was preceded in death by his partner, Steven. Mikey also leaves behind many close
friends in San Francisco. Mikey moved to San Francisco from Port St. Lucie, Florida, in 1989. He was a poet, a keepsake treasurer, and a collector. Many who remember him knew of his elephant knick-knack collection. He will be missed by all who knew him. A short memorial service will be held on Saturday, May 5 at 5 p.m. in Golden Gate Park by the ocean.
APIQWTC co-founder Crystal Jang
Obituaries >> Michael Howard Goglia April 19, 1954 – March 5, 2012
Michael Howard Goglia, born April 19, 1954, passed away at the age of 57 on March 5. A longtime resident of San Francisco, he died at the home of a close friend, Gayle Harlow. Michael, whose father was a har-
Michael “Mikey” Sweigert
November 29, 1966 – December 2, 2011
Michael “Mikey” Sweigert was born on November 29, 1966 in Chicago, Illinois to Rosemary and Michael Pascual; and later adopted by Robert J. Sweigert. He died of complications due to a
descent to gather and celebrate who they are, said co-founding members Crystal Jang and Koko Lin. Oftentimes, even today, many queer women and transgender Asians live in the closet in fear of losing their family and community, the women said about APIQWTC and
its importance. Celebrating means honoring the women who have given to the community and supporting rising stars. APIQWTC organizers have given out the Phoenix Award since 2002 and scholarships since the beginning, See page 12 >>
<< Community News
12 • Bay Area Reporter • April 19-25, 2012
<<
Queer Asian group
From page 11
except when lack of funds halted the program for a while. Organizers reinstated the scholarship program six years ago, Jang and Lin said. This year, Vuong Nguyen, founder and organizer of “Song That Radio,” an LGBT Vietnamese American weekly radio program
<<
Quake
From page 8
leader on emergency preparedness in the private sector is Gap Inc. The international clothing retailer’s waterfront San Francisco headquarters is equipped to become an emergency operations center, backup workplace facility, and potential shelter should a major earthquake strike the Bay Area region.
<<
SF State
From page 7
The restructuring started more than a year ago when Gilbert Herdt stepped down as director of the national center, which he founded and had a strong advocacy component to its work. Hoff stepped in to oversee the combined research unit and is refocusing its attention to include the policy component. “We feel our research work could be more impactful on policy,” Hoff told the Bay Area Reporter at the official launch of the new center Friday, April 13. She added that CREGS staff is looking to engage in policy discussions “locally, statewide, and nationally.” The center wants to ensure that the
<<
EQCA
From page 2
was unknown, a lot of fear. It really made me feel that I had a duty and obligation to my community to really give back, and medicine was a route for me to do that.” Lin has been a physician at Ward 86 since 2004, where the vast majority of patients either has no insurance or receives public safety net coverage through Medi-Cal or other forms. Many of the ward’s patients are from communities of color, and many are monolingual Spanish or Chinese speakers, said Lin, who speaks both Mandarin Chinese and
<<
Lawrence
From page 1
men’s “private sexual conduct.” Learning that the men were not having sex at the time of the raid, nor had they ever been sexual partners, surprised not only Carpenter but also has shocked reviewers of his book and the journalists who initially reported on the case and the subsequent litigation. Writing about the book in the New Yorker in March, reviewer Dahlia Lithwick acknowledged that those covering the case only had a “gauzy” recollection for the actual facts. “That’s the punch line: the case that affirmed the right of gay couples to have consensual sex in private spaces seems to have involved two men who were neither a couple nor having sex,” wrote Lithwick. “In order to appeal to the conservative justices on the high court, the story of a booze-soaked quarrel was repackaged as a love story. Nobody had to know that the gay-rights case of the century was actually about three or four men getting drunk in front of a television in a Harris County apartment decorated with bad James Dean erotica.” In a post on the National Lesbian and Gay Journalist Association’s
t
that celebrated its 20th anniversary last year, is being honored with the Phoenix Award. “Receiving the Phoenix Award means ‘Song That Radio’ works and my works in Vietnamese American LGBT community [work],” wrote Nguyen in an email. “That’s a great honor for ‘Song That Radio’ and for myself.” Christine Pan and Jamie Suma-
gue are this year’s scholarship awardees. APIQWTC is more than bringing activists together, there has always been a social element, said Jang and Lin about the banquet and other events that help raise funds for the grassroots organization. Jang and Lin declined to provide the organization’s annual budget. “People want to party and have
fun,” said Lin about some of the social events that include skiing, wine tasting, movie outings and more. In its 25th year, core members of APIQWTC are restructuring to broaden the organization’s reach and support for its growing members, that now include families and spans generations, the leaders said.
Organizers are also aiming to continue building coalition with other LGBT organizations, they added. “I want to see not just being able to blossom in the broader area in the LGBT community, but also to be able to go back home and be proud of ourselves,” said Jang. For more information, visit www. apiqwtc.org or email banquet@apiwtc.org.t
Overseeing the company’s efforts is Michael Lazcano, global director of Gap’s business continuity planning, who joined the company in 2007. “As a department we are entrusted with seeing that all or any parts of Gap Inc. around the world are able to respond effectively to a disaster,” said Lazcano. “We supply the tools and mechanisms to make that happen.”
His team gained invaluable insights from the Japanese earthquake, tsunami, and nuclear scare that hit the Pacific Rim country last year. Gap has a major presence in Japan, and Lazcano’s department spent two and half months dealing with the aftermath. Their focus is not just on seeing the company get back to business, he said, but also working to help the local community rebound.
“We are part of the larger community we serve,” he said. In California Gap has teamed with both local and state officials as well as nonprofits like the American Red Cross to plan for when a disaster strikes. When a gas pipeline exploded in San Bruno, for example, the company offered to house displaced residents in its facility in the town. “You start thinking about bad
things before they happen and start creating plans to mitigate the impact of when bad things happen,” said Lazcano, who also helps train Gap’s employees on what to do during a disaster. “Within the walls of Gap Inc. we are constantly sharing information with our employees, globally as well as in San Francisco.” For more information on emergency planning, visit www.sfdem. org.t
“We found there isn’t a lot of support for them in the gay community or the disabilities community” said Hoff, who also wants to broaden her research focus to include lesbian families rearing children with special needs. “This is an emerging area where very little research has been done.” One new initiative CREGS has launched is aimed at increasing diversity in the field of sexuality itself. As American society becomes more ethnic and multiracial, there are “a troubling lack of racial and ethnic minorities in the fields of sexuality and sexual health,” noted Hoff. “We are seeking funding for that right now,” she added. CREGS staff has also been working with local school district officials on
developing LGBT history curriculum to meet the requirements of a new state law that recently went into effect. “I remember the battle over female studies and gender studies. What a radical notion,” said gay state Senator Mark Leno (D-San Francisco), who authored the LGBT curriculum bill and attended CREGS’ launch ceremony. “The work you are doing is cutting edge and all of it is without much precedent.” The center’s work not only informs the community but also policymakers, added Leno. “It helps us craft policy that will positively impact young lives,” he said. To learn more about CREGS or to volunteer for one of its research studies, visit cregs.sfsu.edu.t
academic research conducted by SF State faculty is applied to real-world settings. One example is the fight over abstinence-only sex education in public schools. CREGS researcher Jessica Fields is an expert on how to educate youth about sexuality, noted Hoff, and could be called on more to speak about the need for a comprehensive approach to teaching sex-ed classes. Hoff is an expert on the dynamics within gay male couples, and her research findings could help shape how health officials devise tools to prevent HIV and other STDs among such couples. She has also been studying gay fathers of adopted children with disabilities and is seeking funds to develop supportive services for such families.
Jane Philomen Cleland
Colleen Hoff, Ph.D.
Creating change
Spanish. Most of the clients are gay men, he said. Lin has worked for the Waddell center since 2011 and sees patients in the Transgender Clinic. There, problems facing many people include HIV, poverty, and discrimination. He said a number of the clients are engaged in commercial sex work. As a Waddell center employee, Lin also has provided medical care out of Tenderloin Health’s offices three days a week. He said many of those clients “suffer from a great deal of trauma and have a very difficult time navigating a conventional medical system.” Many of the patients there are homeless or marginally housed
and struggle with substance abuse and mental health issues. The city has been working to ensure Tenderloin Health’s former clients continue to receive care in the aftermath of the agency’s closure. Lin said there’s “absolutely” still a lot of stigma around HIV. “I think stigma is really the big killer,” he said. “I think when I see people do poorly, oftentimes it’s stigma and the silence and the shame that really leads to a poor outcome.” He said that he and other care providers see many people “because of stigma not access care until very, very late in the course” of the disease.
Other honorees
Francisco Equality Awards drew 466 guests and raised $255,000. It’s been a tumultuous year for Equality California. Among other problems, the group saw its former Executive Director Roland Palencia resign after just three months. Interim Executive Director Laurie Hasencamp was brought on board in late February and was at the gala Saturday night. Orr said, “After a really tough year, I think it was good ... to remind people we’re still here, we’re still doing this work, here’s the direction we’re going, and their investment in the organization has made a difference.”t
blog, journalist Kenneth Jost accused Lambda Legal and the other gay rights groups involved in the case of “spinning” himself and the other reporters who covered the story. “We did not know, as Carpenter now discloses, that Lawrence and Garner both had police records,” wrote Jost. “And we did not know that Lawrence and Garner were staying out of the limelight at their lawyers’ directions because the stories of their somewhat checkered lives would not generate the kind of sympathy and support that the gay rights lawyers wanted.” Lambda Legal Executive Director Kevin Cathcart, writing on the Huffington Post, said the question of whether sex actually occurred between Lawrence and Garner is legally beside the point. And he disputed allegations that the legal team had deliberately misled the press or the courts about the facts of the case. “We never misrepresented the facts or dressed up the story; sodomy laws did prevent loving couples from celebrating and protecting their relationships, children, jobs, and security,” wrote Cathcart, “and whether in committed relationships or casual ones, lesbian, gay, and bisexual people are entitled to privacy and dignity ‘just like everybody else.’” In his book Carpenter is careful
not to accuse Lambda Legal of deliberating misleading the courts. “What I said in the book is they did not, as best I could tell, Lambda did not do anything unethical in court. There is a difference between that and, say, representing your case to the media,” Carpenter told the B.A.R. “I get why journalists might feel they were misled. My reading of it is nothing unusual occurred in this case.” Because the arresting officer’s reports included the sex claims, that was all that the attorney’s needed to rely upon in court. “You are perfectly in your right to let police accusations to go forward. There is no such duty to tell the court the right facts,” said Carpenter. “They never say they were having sex. They say there were charged with having sex.” What he discovered about the facts of the case, said Carpenter, means that the Texas law was even more invidious than most people understood. “It meant it was effectively illegal to be gay in Texas as opposed to engaging in any specific prohibited conduct,” he said. Carpenter and another law professor filed a brief in the case with the Supreme Court and were in the chambers for the oral arguments.
Immediately after the historic decision was issued in June 2003, he began writing a law review article about the case. That led him to begin digging into what occurred inside Lawrence’s apartment. A call to a longtime Houston gays rights advocate was the first time Carpenter learned that the story the public had been told likely wasn’t true. He knew he was on to something when the lawyers in the case declined to talk about what sexual actions had transpired. He then tracked down three of the four arresting officers in the case, and in 2004, published his determination that no sex had occurred in his article for the Michigan Law Review. Although he won an award for the article, few people outside legal circles took notice. An editor at Norton who had been shown the piece, though, commissioned Carpenter to turn it into a book. With contract in hand, Carpenter then re-interviewed the people attached to the case. Eventually, he was able to speak with Lawrence and Garner, though their attorneys refused to allow them to answer questions on if they were having sex. As Carpenter makes clear in the book, their answers led him to believe the anal intercourse claims had
been fabricated. Garner died in 2006 without ever directly discussing if he had had sex with Lawrence. Last spring, just as he was about to submit his manuscript, Carpenter received word from Lawrence that he wanted to talk to him again. During their final interview, he emphatically stated that no sex occurred the night in question. “He wanted to tell his side of the story since he had never been allowed to tell it,” Carpenter said. “He told me everything, then six months later, unexpectedly, he died.” Carpenter will discuss his controversial findings at a Commonwealth Club event tonight (Thursday, April 19) at 595 Market Street. The program begins at 6 p.m. and costs $20 for non-members, $8 for members, and $7 for students (with valid ID).t
Also Saturday night, Senator Dianne Feinstein (D-California) accepted Equality California’s Leadership Award. Feinstein is the author of the Respect for Marriage Act that would repeal the anti-gay Defense of Marriage Act. At the gala, the JC Penney Company received EQCA’s Corporate Responsibility Award. The retailer withstood pressure from anti-gay activists earlier this year when it announced that out daytime talk show host Ellen DeGeneres would be its new spokeswoman. According to EQCA spokeswoman Rebekah Orr, this year’s San
Correction In the April 5 Best of the Gays section, the description for Best Place to Buy Fetish Gear winner Mr. S Leather was incorrect. The Madame S boutique is closed, and the store now features the Mr. S Locker Room. The online version has been corrected.
t <<
Read more online at www.ebar.com Community News>>
Corpus Christi
From page 1
publicity for 108 Productions, told the B.A.R. Wednesday that the theater remains committed to the screening and has no plans to cancel it. In March 2010, 108 Productions staged Corpus Christi at New Spirit Community Church in Berkeley and there were no protesters. The upcoming documentary screening launches 108 Productions’ I Am Love campaign, whose
<<
Methodists
From page 3
celebrate same-sex unions or marriages can be put on church trial and defrocked. The high-profile 1999 trial of the Reverend Jimmy Creech is a case in point. Still, the church “implore[s] families and churches not to reject or condemn lesbian and gay members and friends” and commits itself “to be in ministry with all persons, affirming that God’s grace, love, and forgiveness is available to all,” according to the Book of Discipline.
‘Painful’ period
The last 40 years have been “extremely painful,” said the Reverend Kevin Johnson, co-founder and pastor of Bloom in the Desert Ministries, a United Church of Christ and Reconciling Methodist congregation in Palm Springs that is the first new church affiliated with CWACM. Johnson was referring to “the injustice and misinformation and intransigence,” what he referred to
<<
News Briefs
From page 3
Authors scheduled to participate in the April 24 reading include Lara Fergus (My Sister Chaos, Lesbian Debut Fiction category); Justin Chin (98 Wounds, Gay Debut Fiction); Ryan Van Meter (If You Knew Then What I Know Now, Gay Memoir/Biography); Bay Area Reporter assistant editor Jim Provenzano (Every Time I Think of You, Gay Romance); Nat Smith, co-editor with Eric A. Stanley (Captive Genders: Trans Embodiment and the Prison Industrial Complex, Transgender Nonfiction); Jan Steckel (The Horizontal Poet, Bisexual Nonfiction); Malinda Lo (Huntress, LGBT Children’s/Young Adult); and Tirza True Latimer, co-author with Wanda M. Corn (Seeing Gertrude Stein: Five Stories, LGBT Nonfiction). Additionally, three nominees in the Lesbian Poetry category are expected to participate. They are Daphne Gottlieb (15 Ways to Stay Alive); Leah Lakshmi Piepzna-Samarasinha (Love Cake); and Christina Hutchins (The Stranger Dissolves). The San Francisco reading starts at 6 p.m. in the Latino-Hispanic Meeting Room at the main library, 100 Larkin Street.
Adrienne Rich memorial tributes announced
There are two free, public celebrations planned for award-winning poet Adrienne Rich, an out lesbian who died March 27 in Santa Cruz at the age of 82 after suffering from a lifetime of rheumatoid arthritis. In San Francisco, “A Change of World: In Celebration of Adrienne Rich” takes place Wednesday, April 25 at 6 p.m. in the James C. Hormel Gay and Lesbian Center at the main library, 100 Larkin Street. For more
April 19-25, 19-25,2012 2012 •• Bay aya Area rea r Reporter eporter • 13 April
mission is to change the story on religious bullying and homophobia, in all ages and walks of life, by first learning to love the self. The documentary will be combined with performances of the play in select cities. The plan will continue touring in various cities that have reached out to producers in response to anti-gay bills or other proposals such as Knoxville, Tennessee, where residents are currently dealing with fallout over the “Don’t say gay” bill. The producers also are targeting St.
Louis, Missouri, which is known to have one of the highest concentrations of Catholics in the country. The San Francisco premiere is sponsored by Soulforce, which is in the midst of its annual Equality Ride; the Church of Uncommon Hope; and MCC in the Valley church in southern California.t
over the telephone as “the march toward greater exclusion of gay and lesbian people,” which, he added, “is consistent and documentable” in the United Methodist Church. Bloom in the Desert Ministries has a congregation of about 105 members. Every four years the United Methodist Church gathers in General Conference, a convening of clergy and laity, to determine denominational polity. Over the last four decades, United Methodists, meeting in General Conference, have become increasingly conservative, primarily because of its growth overseas. Nearly 1,000 delegates from all over the world will gather in Tampa from April 23 through May 4. There, delegates will grapple with petitions and resolutions, among other matters. General Conference is significant insofar as it is the only body that can set official policy and speak for the denomination. CNSBI_2x6_2x6.25_1512 CWACM’s knight said that she expects any number of LGBT-relat-
ed proposals to come up at General Conference. Some directly aim at “striking ‘the homosexuality-is-incompatible-with-Christian-teaching’ line while others, unbelievably in 2012 when the acceptance of lesbian and gay folks is on the rise, seek to bolster that exclusion,” she said. Yet other resolutions may seek “to include transgender clergy in the list of people who cannot be ordained in the United Methodist Church,” said knight. CWACM plans a visible presence in Tampa, to give what knight calls a “justice ministry witness of hope and equality.” Joining knight will be the Reverend Annie Britton and her wife, Terry Schwennesen, along with the Reverend DeLyn Celec and her wife, Sarah Celec. CWACM ordained Britton in 2008 and last year ordained Celec. “Some people think we are irritants,” said knight. “We’ve been called ‘renegades’ by one United Methodist bishop. We are renegades, so was Jesus.”t
For more information about the play, film, and the I Am Love campaign, go to www.corpuschristi-themovie.com.
SAN FRANCISCO BAY AREA RAPID TRANSIT DISTRICT NOTICE TO PROPOSERS -GENERAL INFORMATION The SAN FRANCISCO BAY Sundheim AREA RAPID TRANSIT (“District”), tal care DISTRICT for LGBTQ patients300 will be information contact Karen Lakeside Drive, Oakland, California, is advertising for proposals to provide FINANCIAL held at UCSF next weekend. Out at ksundheim@sfpl.org. ADVISORY SERVICES for Underwriting Services for Restructure of Sales Tax Revenue practitioner In Airport Santa Premium Cruz, where Ms. Rich Debt, Fare Revenue Bonds, andnurse a New Money Issuance,Rebecca Series 2012,GoldRequest for many Proposals (RFP) No. 6M2035, 16, 2012, withco-chairs proposals due faderApril is one of the of the lived for years, a tribute to heron or about by 2:00 time, Tuesday, May 22, 2012. conference and will be speaking, life and work will also be P.M. heldlocal on April OF SERVICES TO BEwith PROVIDED along Judy Appel, executive 25 from 7 toDESCRIPTION 9 p.m. on the campus of The soliciting for the professional of a qualified consulting firm or joint of Our Family Coalition. UCDistrict SantaisCruz, 1156 High Street,servicesdirector venture (“CONSULTANT”) to provide financial advisory services to assist and advise the Other speakers include Shane Kresge Town Hall. University faculty District staff in restructuring the debt service for economically refundable outstandingSnowdon, director of and thedeveloping UCSF Center and community poetsAirport will Premium present Fare Revenue Sales Tax Revenue Bonds, Bonds 2002; a structure a newMs. money issuework. to fundLight the Oakland Connector forAirport LGBT Health(OAC) and project, Equity;onDrs. readingsforfrom Rich’s a negotiated sale basis. Accordingly, the District is now accepting proposals from proposers Robertson Carol refreshments be served. (“Proposers”) forwill consideration forFor the more selection of aPatricia CONSULTANT to performand the scope andfor Sara Flores,(“RFP”). certified nurse information, Bet- in Miller; of services as contact described Professor further and specified this Request Proposals The strongly encourages firms to seek MBE/WBE midwife. tina Aptheker at District bettinaf@ucsc.edu. participation and propose as a team. “Enhancing Quality of PerinaEstimated Cost and Time of Performance: The District intends to make one (1) award as a Brown fundraiser tal Care for for Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, result from Boi this RFP. Expenditures for financial advisory services this engagement are notThe expected to exceed thousand dollars ($50,000) over a period of performance of Brown Boi fifty Project is comTransgender, and Queer/Questionapproximately six months. ing up on its second anniversary and ing Patients” is the title of the conA Pre-Proposal Meeting will be held on Wednesday, May 2, 2012. The Pre-Proposal will bewill holding itsatfirst whichlocated takesat:place Saturday, Meeting convene 2:00big P.M.,fundraiser local time, at theference, Kaiser Center, 300 Lakeside 17th Floor Main Conference Oakland, California, At theat the inDrive, Oakland on Friday, April 27.Room The # 1700, April 28 from 9 a.m.94612. to 4 p.m. Pre-Proposal meeting the 7District’s Non-Discrimination Program Sciences for Subcontracting event takes place from to 9 p.m. at UCSF Medical Building, 513 policy will be explained. All questions regarding MBE/WBE participation should be the First Unitarian Church, 14thRights at Parnassus Avenue. registration directed to Ms. Ruby Smith, Office685 of Civil (510) 464-6324; FAX The (510) 464-7587. Prospective are requested make every effort toisattend this only scheduled street (nearproposers 12th Street BARTtostadeadline Wednesday, April 25. The Pre-Proposal Meeting, and to confirm their attendance by contacting the District’s tion). cost is $50 for clinicians and $10 for Contract Administrator, Mr. Ron Coffey, at telephone (510) 287-4775, FAX (510) 464The project 7650, is aprior community of students. Nursing continuing educato the date of the Pre-Proposal Meeting. masculine men, creditMay is also available. Proposals mustofbecenter receivedwomen, by 2:00 P.M., local time,tion Tuesday, 22, 2012 at the address listed in the RFP. Submission of a proposal a firm offer the District for two-spirit people, transmen, and al-shall constitute Attendees will to have an opportuone hundred and eighty (180) calendar days from date of proposal submission.
lies that work to transform privilege nity to discuss best practices across WHERE OBTAIN OR SEEdisciplines, RFP DOCUMENTS of masculinity, gender,TO race into tools hear a patient panel speak (Available on or after April 16, 2012). Copies of thetheir RFP may be obtained:and have for achieving racial and gender jusabout experiences, (1) By written request to the District’s Contract Administrator, 300 Lakeside Drive, 17th tice. small break-out discussions. Floor, Oakland, CA 94612. Reference RFP No. 6M2035 – FINANCIAL ADVISORY SERVICES Services for RestructureTo of Salesregister, Tax Revenue Debt, Doloresfor Underwriting Chandler, development visit Airport bit.ly/ Premium Fare Revenue Bonds, and a Newfor Money Issuance, Series 2012, and send requests and communications coordinator lgbtqperinatal.t to Fax No. (510) 464-7650. Brown Boi, said foraddress. the Call the District’s Contract Administrator, (2) By arranging pickthat up atseating the above (510) 287-4775 prior to pickup of the RFP. event is limited to between 70-80 peo(3) By E-mailare request to the District’s Contract Administrator, Ron Coffey, at: rcoffey@ ple. Tickets $75-$100, sliding scale. bart.gov. “We’re super excited about this and obtaining the RFP at the meeting. (4) By attending the Pre-proposal Meeting Online content fundraiser and turning it into an this 12th day Dated at Oakland, California of April 2012. this week• includes the Bay Area /s/ Kenneth A. Duron District Secretary annual event,” Chandler said• Kenneth in an A. Duron, San Francisco Bay Area Rapid Transit District Reporter’s online columns, email. “We plan to make this a larger 4/19/12 • CNS-2297127# • BAY AREA REPORTER Political Notes and Wedding event next year and will be able to acBell Blues; the Jock Talk, Out in commodate more people.” 2x6 the World, and Transmissions The evening will include a super columns; and articles on an quiz that is described as “Family Feud author’s upcoming appearance meets Jeopardy.” at Congregation Sha’ar Zahav, For tickets and to make donations, Assemblyman Tom Ammiano’s visit www.firstgiving.com/brownmarijuana bill hearing, the boiproject/brown-boi-affair. Victory Fund brunch in D.C., and a new poll of Latinos’ views Perinatal care on gay issues. www.ebar.com. conference coming up A conference examining perina-
On the web
ebar.com
Legal Notices>>
CNSBI_2x6_2x6.25_1512 SAN FRANCISCO BAY AREA RAPID TRANSIT DISTRICT NOTICE TO PROPOSERS -GENERAL INFORMATION The SAN FRANCISCO BAY AREA RAPID TRANSIT DISTRICT (“District”), 300 Lakeside Drive, Oakland, California, is advertising for proposals to provide FINANCIAL ADVISORY SERVICES for Underwriting Services for Restructure of Sales Tax Revenue Debt, Airport Premium Fare Revenue Bonds, and a New Money Issuance, Series 2012, Request for Proposals (RFP) No. 6M2035, on or about April 16, 2012, with proposals due by 2:00 P.M. local time, Tuesday, May 22, 2012. DESCRIPTION OF SERVICES TO BE PROVIDED The District is soliciting for the professional services of a qualified consulting firm or joint venture (“CONSULTANT”) to provide financial advisory services to assist and advise the District staff in restructuring the debt service for economically refundable outstanding Sales Tax Revenue Bonds, Airport Premium Fare Revenue Bonds 2002; and developing a structure for a new money issue to fund the Oakland Airport Connector (OAC) project, on a negotiated sale basis. Accordingly, the District is now accepting proposals from proposers (“Proposers”) for consideration for the selection of a CONSULTANT to perform the scope of services as described further and specified in this Request for Proposals (“RFP”). The District strongly encourages firms to seek MBE/WBE participation and propose as a team. Estimated Cost and Time of Performance: The District intends to make one (1) award as a result from this RFP. Expenditures for financial advisory services for this engagement are not expected to exceed fifty thousand dollars ($50,000) over a period of performance of approximately six months. A Pre-Proposal Meeting will be held on Wednesday, May 2, 2012. The Pre-Proposal Meeting will convene at 2:00 P.M., local time, at the Kaiser Center, located at: 300 Lakeside Drive, 17th Floor Main Conference Room # 1700, Oakland, California, 94612. At the Pre-Proposal meeting the District’s Non-Discrimination Program for Subcontracting policy will be explained. All questions regarding MBE/WBE participation should be directed to Ms. Ruby Smith, Office of Civil Rights at (510) 464-6324; FAX (510) 464-7587. Prospective proposers are requested to make every effort to attend this only scheduled Pre-Proposal Meeting, and to confirm their attendance by contacting the District’s Contract Administrator, Mr. Ron Coffey, at telephone (510) 287-4775, FAX (510) 4647650, prior to the date of the Pre-Proposal Meeting. Proposals must be received by 2:00 P.M., local time, Tuesday, May 22, 2012 at the address listed in the RFP. Submission of a proposal shall constitute a firm offer to the District for one hundred and eighty (180) calendar days from date of proposal submission. WHERE TO OBTAIN OR SEE RFP DOCUMENTS (Available on or after April 16, 2012). Copies of the RFP may be obtained: (1) By written request to the District’s Contract Administrator, 300 Lakeside Drive, 17th Floor, Oakland, CA 94612. Reference RFP No. 6M2035 – FINANCIAL ADVISORY SERVICES for Underwriting Services for Restructure of Sales Tax Revenue Debt, Airport Premium Fare Revenue Bonds, and a New Money Issuance, Series 2012, and send requests to Fax No. (510) 464-7650. (2) By arranging pick up at the above address. Call the District’s Contract Administrator, (510) 287-4775 prior to pickup of the RFP. (3) By E-mail request to the District’s Contract Administrator, Ron Coffey, at: rcoffey@ bart.gov. (4) By attending the Pre-proposal Meeting and obtaining the RFP at the meeting. Dated at Oakland, California this 12th day of April 2012. /s/ Kenneth A. Duron • Kenneth A. Duron, • District Secretary San Francisco Bay Area Rapid Transit District 4/19/12 • CNS-2297127# • BAY AREA REPORTER
2x6
SAN FRANCISCO BAY AREARAPID TRANSIT DISTRICT NOTICE TO PROPOSERS -GENERAL INFORMATION The SAN FRANCISCO BAY AREA RAPID TRANSIT DISTRICT (“District”), 300 Lakeside Drive, Oakland, California, is advertising for proposals to provide UNDERWRITING SERVICES for Restructuring of Sales Tax Revenue Debt, Airport Premium Fare Revenue Bonds 2002, and a New Money Issuance, Series 2012, Request for Proposals (RFP) No. 6M2034, on or about April 16, 2012, with proposals due by 2:00 P.M. local time, Tuesday, May 22, 2012. DESCRIPTION OF SERVICES TO BE PROVIDED The District is requesting proposals for underwriting services to engage the services of qualified investment bankers or a joint venture (hereinafter referred to as “BANKER”) to assist the District to serve as a Senior Manager in connection with the possible restructuring of the District’s debt service for economically refundable outstanding Sales Tax Revenue Bonds, Airport Premium Fare Revenue Bonds 2002; and structure a New Money Issue to fund the Oakland Airport Connector (OAC) project - on a negotiated sale basis. The District also reserves the right to select one or more Co-Managers in this process. The District strongly encourages firms to seek MBE/WBE participation and propose as a team. In calendar year 2012, the District intends to restructure approximately $150 million of the District’s outstanding sales tax revenue debt and approximately $52 million Airport Premium Fare Revenue Bonds. Additionally, the District intends to issue approximately $120 million New Money series to fund the Oakland Airport Connector (OAC). The District intends to secure the services of a qualified investment underwriter (herein referred to as “BANKER”) to assist the District and its Financial Advisors in developing the structure of a refunding debt profile for a negotiated sale transaction and optimize a New Money Structure. Accordingly, the District is now accepting proposals from proposers (“Proposers”) for consideration for the selection of a BANKER to effectively provide and perform the scope of services as described further and specified in this Request for Proposals (“RFP”). A Pre-Proposal Meeting will be held on Thursday, May 3, 2012. The Pre-Proposal Meeting will convene at 2:00 P.M., local time, at the Kaiser Center, located at: 300 Lakeside Drive, 15th Floor Main Conference Room # 1500, Oakland, California, 94612. At the PreProposal meeting the District’s Non-Discrimination Program for Subcontracting policy will be explained. All questions regarding MBE/WBE participation should be directed to Mr. Ron Granada, Office of Civil Rights at (510) 464-6103; FAX (510) 464-7587. Prospective proposers are requested to make every effort to attend this only scheduled Pre-Proposal Meeting, and to confirm their attendance by contacting the District’s Contract Administrator, Mr. Ron Coffey, at telephone (510) 287-4775, FAX (510) 4647650, prior to the date of the Pre-Proposal Meeting. Proposals must be received by 2:00 P.M., local time, Tuesday, May 22, 2012 at the address listed in the RFP. Submission of a proposal shall constitute a firm offer to the District for one hundred and eighty (180) calendar days from date of proposal submission. WHERE TO OBTAIN OR SEE RFP DOCUMENTS (Available on or after April 16, 2012). Copies of the RFP may be obtained: (1) By written request to the District’s Contract Administrator, 300 Lakeside Drive, 17th Floor, Oakland, CA 94612. Reference RFP No. 6M2034 – UNDERWRITING SERVICES for Restructuring of Sales Tax Revenue Debt, Airport Premium Fare Revenue Bonds 2002, and a New Money Issuance, Series 2012, and send requests to Fax No. (510) 464-7650. (2) By arranging pick up at the above address. Call the District’s Contract Administrator, (510) 287-4775 prior to pickup of the RFP. (3) By E-mail request to the District’s Contract Administrator, Ron Coffey, at: rcoffey@bart.gov. (4) By attending the Pre-proposal Meeting and obtaining the RFP at the meeting. Dated at Oakland, California this 12th day of April 2012. /s/ Kenneth A. Duron • Kenneth A. Duron, District Secretary San Francisco Bay Area Rapid Transit District 4/19/12 • CNS-2296912# • BAY AREA REPORTER
STATE OF CALIFORNIA IN AND FOR2x6.25STATEMENT FILE A- 034209400 The following person(s) is/are doing business as: THE COUNTY OF SAN FRANCISCO GRAMLY SYSTEMS, 1499 Sutter St. #303, SF, CA FILE# CNC12-548520 In the matter of the application of: SARAH QUEEN BROWNING for change of name, having been filed in Court, and it appearing from said application that SARAH QUEEN BROWNING filed an application proposing that his/her name be changed to SARAH COOK QUEEN. Now therefore, it is hereby ordered, that all persons interested in said matter do appear before this Court in Dept 514 on the 22nd of May 2012 at 9:00 am of said day to show cause why the application for change of name should not be granted.
MAR 29, APR 5, 12, 19, 2012
ebar.com
94109. This business is conducted by an individual, and is signed Lawrence Berkowitz. The registrant(s) commenced to transact business under the above listed fictitious business name or names on 03/16/12. The statement was filed with the City and County of San Francisco, CA on 03/16/12.
MAR 29, APR 5, 12, 19, 2012 STATEMENT FILE A- 034221700 The following person(s) is/are doing business as: EDEN CAFE, 47 Franklin St., SF, CA 94102. This business is conducted by an individual, and is signed Angela Chang. The registrant(s) commenced to transact business under the above listed fictitious business name or names on NA. The statement was filed with the City and County of San Francisco, CA on 03/23/12.
MAR 29, APR 5, 12, 19, 2012
Th 3 UND Premi Propo
The quali assist of th Bond fund t also st In ca the D Prem $12 Di referr the s aN propo pro
A Prewill c 15t Prop will to Pros Pr Con
Propo listed o
(1) B Floor, for Re and (2) B
(3) By (4