August 11, 2016 Edition of the Bay Area Reporter

Daycare goes to the dogs (and cats)

ARTS

10

17

27

Little Men

Carly Ozard

The

www.ebar.com

Serving the gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgender communities since 1971

Changes afoot at Maitri

by Sari Staver

O

n the heels of the announcement that its longtime executive director, Michael Smithwick, was retiring, Maitri Compassionate Care said it was in negotiaJane Philomen Cleland tions with a potential tenant for its ground Michael Smithwick floor space, which has been empty for almost two years.

Maitri, a 15-bed hospice at Church and Duboce streets, has been unable to fill its 4,000 square foot downstairs space since the AIDS Healthcare Foundation moved its thrift store amid a lawsuit over rent.

“We are this close to an announcement,” said Michael Colbruno, a partner in the Milo Group of California, a public affairs firm that represents Maitri.

“Nothing is quick when there are patient and operational issues that take priority,” he added. “I can’t give you a timeline on the new tenant(s), as it’s in negotiation and there is no way to know how much back and forth is required between real estate agents, banks, Maitri and attorneys.”

Maitri’s ground floor space has been mired in controversy since AHF, which operates a chain of Out of the Closet thrift shops, settled an eviction lawsuit with Maitri over its rejection of a rent increase in 2015.

Maitri then endured harsh criticism earlier this year when it announced plans to lease the space to a sex offender rehab company, without giving nearby residents a heads up. That deal fell apart after a neighborhood uproar, and the space has remained vacant.

The loss of income from the vacant space was “significant,” according to Smithwick, and represents about 8 percent of the organization’s total operating budget.

But, according to Smithwick, the thrift store’s departure “coincided with an even more substantial reduction in Maitri’s administrative spending due to our focus on improving our workflows and operating efficiencies. As a result, Maitri has been able to maintain net positive margins even without a performing tenant in our downstairs space.”

In the meantime, Maitri’s board of directors has launched a search for a new executive director to replace Smithwick, who has been leading the nonprofit for the past six years.

As the Bay Area Reporter noted in an August 5 blog post, the board said it was informed of Smithwick’s decision more than a year ago so that it could plan for a smooth transition, according to a statement by Maitri.

Smithwick, a 60-year-old gay man who See page 13 >>

Safety changes eyed for upper Market Street

by Matthew S. Bajko

A

s city officials push forward with their Vision Zero plan to end pedestrian and bicyclist deaths, a host of safety upgrades and traffic changes are being eyed for the upper Market Street corridor.

One of the main streets running through San Francisco’s gay Castro district, upper

Drivers navigate the busy and confusing intersection at Market, 16th, and Noe streets in this file photo.

Market Street is also one of the city’s most dangerous in terms of collisions.

Between 2007 and 2012, there were 27 accidents involving vehicles and pedestrians, 32 vehicle-bicycle collisions and 102 vehicle-vehicle collisions on the heavily trafficked Market Street between Octavia Boulevard and Castro Street, according to transit planners.

The San Francisco Municipal Transportation Agency is working on a plan aimed at making the upper Market corridor’s “complex six-legged intersections,” as described by traffic engineers, easier to navigate for pedestrians, bicyclists, and vehicle drivers.

“This comes out of a long held desire to improve the safety of upper Market Street,” See page 8 >>

Out Methodist bishop opens up about road ahead

by Brian Bromberger

K

aren Oliveto was preparing to move to Denver to assume her new duties as a bishop in the United Methodist Church when she thought about her new calling.

“I began to realize maybe I do have a gift to bring to the church,” she said during a late July interview with the Bay Area Reporter right before she left the Bay Area.

During the Methodists’ General Conference in Scottsdale, Arizona last month, Oliveto was consecrated as bishop of the Western Jurisdiction. She was the first out lesbian to be named a bishop in a denomination that still forbids ordaining “practicing, self-avowed homosexuals.”

Oliveto, 58, has been senior pastor at Glide Memorial United Methodist Church in San Francisco since 2008. Members had been asking for years if her name could be put forward, yet Oliveto said she wasn’t sure she was called to be a bishop.

The United Methodist Church declares human sexuality as a gift from God, but doesn’t condone homosexuality and considers it incompatible with Christian teaching. The dilemma is that 40 percent of the voting delegates come from outside of the U.S. and most of them are not supportive of LGBT people.

“If it was just the U.S. delegates voting, we would have passed pro-gay resolutions back in

Highly competitive and nuanced, the Bay Area real estate market can be both challenging and rewarding. Zephyr turns local clients into successful home sellers, buyers and investors.

ZephyrRE.com

Vol. 46 • No. 32 • August 11-17, 2016

Brian Bromberger

Methodist Bishop Karen Oliveto

2008,” Oliveto said. However, each jurisdiction has its own policy and the Western Jurisdiction has supported LGBT candidates for ministry for many years.

Originally from Babylon, New York, Oliveto came to the Bay Area in 1989 to be a campus minister at San Francisco State University. Since her bishop was far away she could be out. When in 1992 she became pastor at Bethany United Methodist in Noe Valley, she started to go back in

Rick Gerharter

the closet, but her church wanted her to be who she is, desiring an out lesbian for the position, so she has been out professionally ever since.

“I was worried by putting my name up for bishop I would be harming the church, but neither myself nor my partner Robin [Ridenour, a deaconess] want to be harmed either. We went out for dinner and Robin said, ‘perfect love casts out all fear,’ which broke it open for us.

“The next morning was the Pulse Orlando shooting and that confirmed for me, now was the time,” Oliveto said, referring to the June 12 mass shooting at a gay nightclub that left 49 mostly gay Latino men dead and injured 53 others.

At the Scottsdale conference there were nine candidates for bishop and voters were earnestly discerning who they needed at this moment in the church. One by one candidates began dropping off.

“One candidate, the first Tongan to be nominated, he and his gay son were both delegates.

This was causing a break in his family because his son was voting for me,” Oliveto said. “He said, ‘I want a church where my son can go, so I’m withdrawing my name.’ Finally I received 100 percent of the vote. It was a really profound moment, as it was powerful to have this affirmation and validation with people stating we want you to lead our church into the future.”

See page 13 >>

{ FIRST OF THREE SECTIONS }

THINK ATTENTIVE & ASTUTE Think Zephyr.

<< Community News

t Trial closes in lesbian’s killing

2 • BAY AREA REPORTER • August 11-17, 2016

by Seth Hemmelgarn

A WINNER Best Wedding Photographer

Steven Underhill

PHOTOGRAPHY

415 370 7152

WEDDINGS, HEADSHOTS, PORTRAITS

stevenunderhill.com · stevenunderhillphotos@gmail.com

Clogs...

...are for dancing, not for your plumbing! $99 Sewer Clog Service.* Includes video camera inspection Call us 24/7

415-993-9523 ® *Up to 100’ with available access point.

May not be combined with other offer. Limited service area.

Other restructions may apply. Call for details. Expires 08/31/16.

A locally owned and operated franchise. Lic# 974194

VALENCIA VALENCIA VALENCIA CYCLERY CYCLERY CYCLERY SPRING SPRING SALE SALE ON ON NOW! NOW!

ready to ride than any shop in SF!

Hybrid/City

Kid’s Kid’s

Kid’s

Courtesy Sil Warren

Melquiesha “Mel” Warren

Courtesy SFPD

Michael Sione Green

The sheriff ’s department is investigating the incident.

The possibility of witnesses being intimidated came up during the trial.

Transcripts of recordings of calls Green made from jail to a friend were read in court Friday after jurors had been dismissed for the day.

Assistant District Attorney Heather Trevisan read a statement in which Green discussed a couple of female witnesses, saying, “I just hope my brother runs into them. ...

Still no word in ‘14 killing

by Seth Hemmelgarn

T

wo years after a gay San Francisco man died following a Duboce Triangle altercation, the status of the investigation into his killing is unclear.

Bryan “Feather” Higgins, 31, was punched outside 100 Church Street, across from the Castro district Safeway, August 10, 2014, according to a witness. He died three days later at Zuckerberg San Francisco General Hospital after his family had him taken off life support.

In a report released last August, the medical examiner’s office announced that it had ruled Higgins’ death a homicide.

Police have long had a person of interest identified in the case. Officer Grace Gatpandan, a police spokeswoman, said Tuesday that the homicide unit is still investigating Higgins’ killing, and “there have been no arrests.”

Gatpandan said she couldn’t comment on the person of interest or share any other information related to suspects. The medical examiner’s report on Higgins’ death lists the method of death as “assault,” and the cause as “complications of ruptured cerebral artery aneurysm,” with “physical altercation” noted by other conditions.

Soon after Higgins died, police

released a video that they Feather Lynn. People who say shows a man chasing knew Higgins didn’t reafter him and starting to spond to interview requests assault him. for this story.

Soon afterward, a source The medical examiner’s told the Bay Area Reporter report on Higgins’ death the name of the man he says, “The most likely believes hit Higgins. cause of the aneurysmal In a 2015 email exchange, rupture” that Higgins sufthen-police spokesman Bryan “Feather” fered “is a blow to the left Officer Albie Esparza con- Higgins side of the head. If the anfirmed that the man was a eurysm was pre-existing, a “person of interest,” but he was “not blow to the head may have caused a suspect.” He expressed concern that the rupture, or the effects of being publishing the man’s name might in a fight with concomitant rise in compromise the investigation. blood pressure and stress may have Months later, in response to caused the aneurysm to burst.” emailed questions about whether The report also notes that when police had spoken to the person of inHiggins was examined at the scene, terest or if an arrest was forthcoming, he had “no visible trauma, bleeding, Esparza said that police had met with or deformity anywhere on his body. the district attorney “to discuss the No head injury was noted,” and case. Persons of interest are not public there was “[n]o injury to his mouth info unless there is an arrest made.” or bleeding from his ears.”

Facebook photos of the man The toxicology report that was identified as a person of interest apreleased as part of the medical expear to match the man in the video aminer’s file says that Higgins had footage released by police. marijuana in his system, but no other The source who shared the perdrugs besides caffeine and nicotine. son of interest’s name with the Police ask anyone with inforB.A.R. said Tuesday that he saw the mation in the case to contact the man recently in San Francisco. homicide unit at (415) 553-1145, Higgins, who friends have rememthe anonymous tip line at (415) bered as a kind, free-spirited person, 575-4444, or text a tip to TIP411. was part of the Radical Faerie comType SFPD in the subject line. The munity and was also known as incident number is 140 665 807.t

VAL CYC

SPRING SALE ONstock We’ve gotgot more bikes in & ready We’ve more bikes inNOW! stock & We’ve got more bikes in stock & to ride than any other shop in SF! ready to ride thanbikes any shop in SF! We’ve got more in stock ready to ride than any shop in SF!&

Hybrid/City Hybrid/City

San Francisco Superior Court jury was expected to start deliberating by Thursday whether a man murdered a lesbian in a South of Market district parking lot in 2013 after attorneys delivered closing arguments in the man’s trial.

Michael Sione Green, 27, is charged with murder, attempted murder, and seven other counts in the fatal shooting of Melquiesha “Mel” Warren, 23, November 17, 2013 near the gay Club OMG nightclub. A friend of Warren’s was also shot but survived.

During the trial, which began July 13, numerous witnesses identified Green as the killer.

Green, who’s in custody on $50 million bail, fled to Florida after the shooting but was arrested there in May 2014 and extradited to San Francisco.

He was recently accused of trying to smuggle a cellphone into the jail.

It’s my only problem.”

In another call, Green said to “make sure” one woman “knows who the fuck she’s fucking with,” Trevisan said.

Other comments appeared to refer to Haunani Tuopo, a witness who had identified Green to police as the killer. She was arrested after she failed to appear in court and was in custody at the time she testified.

After Tuopo testified, according to the transcript Judge Loretta Giorgi read, Green said, “She was hiding but the police got her,” and “she fucked me up ... I’m still trying to hope for the best.”

Giorgi said the transcripts did not provide enough evidence of Green making “a direct order,” and the recorded statements were ultimately not shared with jurors.

A sheriff ’s deputy testified Monday about how calls inmates make from the jail using debit cards and personal identification numbers are recorded.t

Man sues KRON4 over spousal benefits

by Seth Hemmelgarn

earned during his long now lives in Quincy, service to KRON4 in Massachusetts, said he man whose husband worked order to protect our interned for years at for KRON4 is suing the San family,” Reed said in a KRON4, and human reFrancisco TV station for spousal news release from the sources and other staff benefits he says he’s entitled to after National Center for Lesknew of his and GardRoad Mountain his husband’s death. bian Rights, which along ner’s relationship.

Road Mountain David Reed, 47, filed his lawsuit with Renaker Hasselman “We were deeply in David Reed Tuesday in U.S. District Court for the LLP is representing him. love, very, very, very Now Open Thursday to 7pm!

Northern District of California. Reed Now Open Thursday to 7pm!

Along with KRON4, David Reed, left, and much in love, Don and and Donald Lee Gardner, who was Young Broadcasting of his late husband, I,” Reed said. “Everyone Every Thursday in April between 4 & 7pm KRON4’s technical director for over San Francisco and the Donald Gardner around us knew it.”

Thursday in April between & 4& 7pm take Every 20% OFF all parts, accessories clothing.* 30 years, became registered domestic KRON/IBEW Local 45 He said that he and Open Thursday to &7pm! take Now 20% OFF all parts, accessories clothing.* partners in 2004. Gardner retired in Pension Plan are also defendants in Gardner had planned to move to *Sales limited to stock on hand.

SPRING 2009, and the couple married in 2014, the case. None of them immediately Massachusetts. *Sales limited to stock on hand. only five days before Gardner died of responded to requests for comment.

“We had dreams for ourselves,” m Every Thursday in April between 4We’ve & 7pm got a rare blood disease. He was 64.

According to Reed’s complaint, Reedride said. “... I’m just following take 20% OFF all parts, accessories & clothing.* ready to After Gardner died, Reed sought Gardner had chosen a single-life anthrough on those on my own.” *Sales limited to stock on hand. a spousal survivor benefit under nuity on his pension election form, NCLR senior staff attorney Amy KRON4’s pension plan, which in“which was listed ... as available to Whelan said in Tuesday’s news recorporates California law mandatparticipants ‘If not married.’” The lease, “The plan needs to abide by ing that registered domestic partdocuments say since Gardner wasn’t its promises and provide this much ners have the same rights as married 1065 & 1077 Valencia (Btwn 21st & 22nd St.) • SF “provided with a written explananeeded benefit to David. It is shock1065 & 1077 Valencia (Btwn 21st &415-550-6601 22nd St.) • SF Hybrid/City couples.

However, Reed’s request tion of his right to a joint-and-suring that a San Francisco-based comSALES 415-550-6600 • REPAIRS SALES 415-550-6600 • REPAIRS 415-550-6601 has been rejected. vivor annuity and Mr. Reed did not pany and a California plan would disMon.- Sat. 10-6, Thu. 10-7, Sun. 11-5 “I was devastated by KRON4’s consent to his election of a singlecriminate against its employees and Mon.- Sat. 10-6, Thu. 10-7, Sun. 11-5 refusal to recognize our relationship life annuity,” that choice “is invalid.” their partners in this way. There is and to pay the benefits that Donald In a phone interview, Reed, who absolutely no defense in this case.”t

A

RoadCLEARANCE Mountain HAPPY HOUR AL HAPPY HOUR PRICES! PRICES!V

SALE ON NOW! HAPPY HOUR PRICES!

VALENCIA VALENCIA CYCLERY CYCLERY

VALENCIA CYCLERY valenciacyclery.com valenciacyclery.com 1065 & 1077 Valencia (Btwn 21st & 22nd St.) • SF SALES 415-550-6600 • REPAIRS 415-550-6601 Mon.- Sat. 10-6, Thu. 10-7, Sun. 11-5

CYC

SPRING Road

WE FOCUS ON HIV TO HELP YOU FOCUS ON

TODAY

Ask your doctor if a medicine made by Gilead is right for you.

onepillchoices.com © 2015 Gilead Sciences, Inc. All rights reserved. UNBC1839 03/15

UNBC1839_MA1_BayAreaReporter_9.75x16.indd 1

3/27/15 3:33 PM

<< Open Forum

4 • BAY AREA REPORTER • August 11-17, 2016

Volume 46, Number 32 August 11-17, 2016 www.ebar.com PUBLISHER Michael M. Yamashita Thomas E. Horn, Publisher Emeritus (2013) Publisher (2003 – 2013) Bob Ross, Founder (1971 – 2003) NEWS EDITOR Cynthia Laird ARTS EDITOR Roberto Friedman BARTAB EDITOR & EVENTS LISTINGS EDITOR Jim Provenzano ASSISTANT EDITORS Matthew S. Bajko • Seth Hemmelgarn CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Ray Aguilera • Tavo Amador • Race Bannon Erin Blackwell • Roger Brigham Brian Bromberger • Victoria A. Brownworth Brent Calderwood • Philip Campbell Heather Cassell • Belo Cipriani Richard Dodds • Michael Flanagan Jim Gladstone • David Guarino Liz Highleyman • Brandon Judell • John F. Karr Lisa Keen • Matthew Kennedy • Joshua Klipp David Lamble • Max Leger Michael McDonagh • David-Elijah Nahmod Paul Parish • Sean Piverger • Lois Pearlman Tim Pfaff • Jim Piechota • Bob Roehr Donna Sachet • Adam Sandel • Khaled Sayed Jason Serinus • Gregg Shapiro Gwendolyn Smith • Sari Staver • Jim Stewart Sean Timberlake • Andre Torrez • Ronn Vigh Ed Walsh • Cornelius Washington Sura Wood ART DIRECTION Jay Cribas PRODUCTION/DESIGN Max Leger PHOTOGRAPHERS Jane Philomen Cleland • FBFE Rick Gerharter • Gareth Gooch Lydia Gonzales • Jose Guzman-Colon Rudy K. Lawidjaja • Georg Lester • Dan Lloyd Jo-Lynn Otto • Rich Stadtmiller Steven Underhil • Dallis Willard • Bill Wilson ILLUSTRATORS & CARTOONISTS Paul Berge • Christine Smith ADVERTISING/ADMINISTRATION Colleen Small VICE PRESIDENT OF ADVERTISING Scott Wazlowski – 415.829.8937 NATIONAL ADVERTISING REPRESENTATIVE Rivendell Media – 212.242.6863

LEGAL COUNSEL Paul H. Melbostad, Esq.

BAY AREA REPORTER 44 Gough Street, Suite 204 San Francisco, CA 94103 415.861.5019 • www.ebar.com A division of BAR Media, Inc. © 2016 President: Michael M. Yamashita Chairman: Thomas E. Horn VP and CFO: Patrick G. Brown Secretary: Todd A. Vogt

News Editor • news@ebar.com Arts Editor • arts@ebar.com Out & About listings • jim@ebar.com Advertising • scott@ebar.com Letters • letters@ebar.com 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.

t

Trump’s disingenuous ploy for gay support

A

t the recent Republican convention, presidential nominee Donald Trump said he was going to “stop” terrorists from killing LGBTQ people. During his convention speech Trump also referred to the June 12 mass shooting at Pulse, an Orlando gay nightclub, when he said, “Only weeks ago, 49 wonderful Americans were savagely murdered by an Islamic terrorist – this targeting the LGBTQ community. No good, and we’re gonna stop it.” Convention delegates even applauded Trump’s mention of LGBTQ people, not once but twice, during his remarks.

Trump’s tepid embrace of the LGBTQ community, however, has proved short-lived, about three weeks to be exact. That’s because on Friday, two-months to the day of the nightclub tragedy, Trump reportedly has accepted an invitation to attend a gathering of the America Renewal Project, a vehemently anti-LGBT conference that’s taking place in Orlando, just down the street from Pulse. Political observers liken Trump’s visit to the evangelicals as an attempt to “reset” what has been a disastrous post-convention period, highlighted by his mocking of a Muslim-American man who spoke at the Democratic convention and challenged Trump from the stage. Trump and his surrogates kept that story alive for nearly a week, as television shows repeatedly aired clips of Khizr Khan’s powerful speech, in which he offered to lend Trump his copy of the Constitution.

We don’t care what contortions gay Republicans put themselves through to promote Trump’s gay-friendliness. They’re wrong. Trump is not gay-friendly, and neither is Florida Senator Marco Rubio, who shortly after the Pulse shooting decided to seek re-election this year.

He’ll be at that anti-gay conference, too.

It was interesting to see how Republican elected officials reacted in the aftermath of Orlando. Rubio’s statement

encouraged “anyone living in Central Florida to donate blood to help the injured,” even though he must have known that sexually active gay and bi men are prohibited from doing so. He said he was “devastated” by the carnage and grieved for those who lost their lives, even as most of them were young gay Latino men. For an instant, we thought Florida Republicans might see the massacre as an opportunity for everyone – gay and straight – to come together in shared grief and profound sadness. But here we are, two short months later, and Rubio and Trump are working to woo anti-gay religious zealots.

Faith in America issued a statement this week reiterating that, and also noted that Trump is being manipulated by conference organizers who want to ask him “how he plans to combat “homosexual totalitarianism.”

“The beliefs shared by this group actively harm LGBT people,” Eliel Cruz, executive director of Faith in America, said in a statement.

“This is not the America we want. God will not be found anywhere near that event.”

Cruz pointed out that LGBT teens are six to eight times more likely to suffer deep depression, have serious suicidal thoughts, attempt suicide, and even worse, actually take their own lives because they are so distraught

over religious teachings that are outdated, illadvised, and ill-informed. It is exactly people like the ones at this conference, and those complicit, that cause this reckless harm.”

That’s a strong statement, but this presidential election has unleashed scary themes and Trump’s shoot-from-the-hip, wink-wink utterances happen nearly every day. On Tuesday, he joked that there’s “nothing you can do” if Hillary Clinton is elected and appoints judges.

“Although the Second Amendment people, maybe there is. I don’t know.” It was a brazen statement that suggested shooting a president.

What more do Republicans need before they disavow this guy? The Secret Service said it was aware of the comment, but come on, if anyone else had said something like that agents would descend so fast it would make their head spin.

Instead of groveling to Christian fundamentalists, Trump should use his huuuge megaphone to pick up where his convention speech left off, letting evangelicals know that Orlando just suffered an unspeakable rampage and LGBT people should be respected. Or he and Rubio should pull out of the conference, but neither is likely.

It’s clear that Trump is stuck in primary season; he’s been unable or unwilling to pivot to the general election, when voters want to hear policies and plans. Instead, he keeps up the name-calling, belittling, and gay-baiting and thinks that just because he said “LGBTQ” a couple of times that he’s got gays on board.

We doubt it, aside from the small number of gay GOPers, who are so struck by their love affair with small government that they can’t see Trump for what he is: an unapologetic fear-monger who will not make government leaner (or great again).

Trump is in this race for one reason only – himself. That’s evidenced by his complete lack of campaign discipline, his blatant disregard for the facts, and his juvenile behavior. Trump doesn’t give one iota about LGBT people, and gays should return the favor.t

The gay genius who gave us Milk and Harris

by Shum Preston

T

ake a moment and say the name of one more great gay genius lost to history: Jim Rivaldo.

He is gone. But his legacy is still changing the world, and might be about to change even the U.S. Senate.

Rivaldo was the graphics-and-numbers genius behind Harvey Milk’s campaign. History’s spotlight just missed him, but you can see him skulking around the background in the movie Milk.

As Milk’s political consultant, Rivaldo leaves us a great piece of American art: the blue and white “Milk Supervisor/5” sign, from his winning 1977 race.

That sign belongs in the Smithsonian. Artistically, it’s perfect – a riot of emotions, a restrained but powerful color palette, and a sharp message.

Politically, it’s even better. It worked. It changed a neighborhood, and changed a world. It symbolized a movement and a moment.

But then the world changed again. In 1977, Rivaldo and Milk were at the top of the gay freedom revolution. In 1978, that all came crashing down. A homophobe’s bullet ripped Milk apart, and ripped up Rivaldo’s heart.

By 1982 – amazingly – Rivaldo’s heart got ripped apart again.

“Did you know I designed the first safe-sex brochure in the world?” he asked me one day.

He told me this in about the year 2000, when he was my professional mentor, breaking me into politics.

“I think it was 1982. No one knew what to say or do or think; people were dying everywhere. Dying in the streets,” he said. “You can’t understand. We talked to some people at SF General and made a brochure. It was wrong about a lot – but at least we were trying.”

“Do you still have it?” I asked. “Right here,” he answered, patting his trusty computer.

Rivaldo kept trying like that, and work-

I threw my hands up and proming away, and being a quiet genius, ised to vote for Harris for San Franthroughout the heartbreak of the cisco district attorney.

1980s. In the 1990s, he helped push And I’ve been thinking of that mothe LGBT movement into the mainment again and again recently. What stream, demanding the rest of Caliwould the gay liberationists make of fornia accept what we accomplished this moment? Of the danger we as a in San Francisco. He helped set a people face from violence, and relitemplate for the nation to accept us, gion, and hatred, and politics? as well.

Rick Gerharter I know what Rivaldo, at least, This isn’t a history lesson. Rivaldo has been on my mind because Political consultant would say. He would say that California’s gay community needs to of what is happening in the world Jim Rivaldo send one of our own to the U.S. Sentoday. What would he think about ate. We need someone who understands that marriage, Orlando, and the just-announced homophobia might kill us all, and will swear to USS Harvey Milk? protect and defend us from our haters.

In 2003, Rivaldo consulted on his final And that’s Harris. She is one of us. The campaign before passing away, far too early, a young people murdered in Orlando? I know few years later in 2007. His client was on her that, like us, she took that personally. The kids first campaign – a young, progressive criminal of same-sex parents who got hurt by marriage justice reformer named Kamala Harris, inequality? She knows those kids, and who was looking to take out an encaused the Supreme Court to contrenched incumbent. sider them in marriage rulings. The Now, 13 years later, she is brutal lies of “conversion therapy” looking to bring a fresh voice and “gay panic defense?” She knows from California to a U.S. Senate they are dangerous and has taken that badly needs one. action to toss them into history.

I didn’t know about Harris, Harris is straight, sure – and, and one day I called Rivaldo mazel tov, married her husband, up and told him I wasn’t so Douglas Emhoff, a couple of years sure about the campaign he ago. was advising. It was during the But she is also a native member of the LGBT Iraq War protests, and I wanted a district atcommunity. Harris is gay royalty. She is oldtorney who wouldn’t prosecute peace activists. school gay royalty.

Rivaldo roared down the phone at me: “You And with everything happening today, we have to vote for Kamala Harris. She grew up need her in the Senate. California’s LGBT marching at civil rights protests. She is one of community needs one of our own in Washus. She will ALWAYS stand with the gay comington, D.C. We need to be represented. munity, because she comes from it.”

Harris is our chance.t It took me back. It was quite a change from a gentle soul who had been described as the “Mr. Rogers” of the gay liberation movement.

Shum Preston is a political consultant Rivaldo went to work every day by slipping on and political activist who used to work for both Jim Rivaldo and Kamala Harris. Now, his cardigan and slippers, and settling behind and forevermore, he only works for his his keyboard to help the world. And here he husband. was hollering at me.

t

Letters >>

August 11-17, 2016 • BAY AREA REPORTER • 5

Gay is not newsworthy

I’m sure you’ve come to your senses on how in 2016, in San Francisco, in a field like education, the mention of someone’s sexual orientation in a job appointment article appears either ignorant or heavy-handed [“Gay man to head SF school district,” August 4]. It’s simply not important and as a journalist you should realize it isn’t something that needs to be reported. Announce his appointment for sure, but leave out mention of his sexual orientation. It’s not news.

Jeff Breininger San Francisco

[Editor’s note: On the contrary, Myong Leigh’s appointment as interim superintendent of San Francisco’s public schools is newsworthy in part because he is a qualified gay man, as the story stated. We know of only one other out big-city school district superintendent, Carole Smith in Portland, Oregon, and she just announced her retirement. We work to bring relevant news about LGBT people to our readers, and this certainly qualifies. Of course, next time we could just run a story with the headline, “Man tapped to lead SF schools,” and readers would wonder why it’s even in the paper. There’s no shame in being LGBT; that’s why the Bay Area Reporter has existed for 45 years. As Harvey Milk frequently said, we must come out so people know that we are everywhere.

Coming out is a continuing process throughout one’s life.]

Supports Dufty for BART board

I was a BART director for West San Francisco from 19861990. I was probably the first LGBT BART director ever, but I was not out when I held that office. (I did get a non-discrimination ordinance and domestic partner benefits passed, however.) Last Monday, Tom Radulovich, the gay longtime BART board member, announced he was not seeking re-election.

For about three hours I was a candidate for BART board, then I called Supervisor Scott Wiener and was told ex-Supervisor Bevan Dufty is running [“Out candidates seek SF BART board seat,” Political Notebook, August 4].

Personally, and on behalf of the LGBT community, I hope Dufty is elected, so we can continue to have strong LGBT representation on the BART board.

Arlo Hale Smith San Francisco

Strange rules for Up Your Alley

Did anyone else think the rules at this year’s Up Your Alley Fair were a bit strange?

No smoking at an open-air event. No plastic bottles at an event at which beer was served in plastic cups. I even saw the monitors break up a “slave and master” display that many people were enjoying.

What’s next? No cellphones and no nudity?

It all seemed very odd to me.

Ken Hensley Alameda, California

Oakland at-large council race attracts two lesbian candidates

by Matthew S. Bajko

T

he race this fall for the at-large city council seat in Oakland has drawn two well-known lesbian candidates.

Rebecca Kaplan, the incumbent, is vying for a third four-year term, having lost her second bid to become the East Bay city’s mayor in 2014. She officially kicked off her re-election bid in June.

Speculation had swirled all year that former Oakland Mayor Jean Quan, whom Kaplan had lost to in 2010, would jump into the race.

Quan, as well as Kaplan, was defeated two years ago by Libby Schaaf in the mayoral race.

Now Schaaf ’s mayoral campaign manager, Peggy Moore, has decided to run against Kaplan for the at-large seat. Moore, whose given name is Margaret, earlier this year had taken a leave of absence as a special adviser to Schaaf to work on Hillary Clinton’s presidential bid as the political director for California.

Moore, who had worked in a similar capacity for President Barack Obama’s 2012 re-election campaign, did not respond to an interview request by the Bay Area Reporter’s press deadline Wednesday morning.

Kaplan’s campaign also did not reply to a request for comment by deadline Wednesday.

While she has helped elect others to public office, Moore has fallen short in terms of running for election herself.

In June she lost her bid for a seat on the Alameda County Democratic Central Committee.

In 2013 she surprised supporters by ending her bid for a state Assembly seat based in Oakland. And in 2005 she unsuccessfully ran for the city’s District 2 city council seat.

According to the Oakland city clerk’s website, six other people have also pulled papers to run against Kaplan this fall. The filing deadline to do so is Friday, August 12.

Victory Fund backs gay SF judicial candidate

After staying neutral in the June primary race for a seat on the San Francisco Superior Court, the Gay and Lesbian Victory Fund has endorsed the gay candidate in the runoff race this November.

Paul Henderson, who is Mayor Ed Lee’s deputy chief of staff and director of public safety, landed in second place among the three candidates running in the primary contest with nearly 34 percent of the

Greg Linhares/City of Oakland

Jane Philomen Cleland

Peggy Moore has filed to run for the at-large Oakland City Council seat.

At-large Oakland City Councilwoman Rebecca Kaplan is seeking re-election.

vote. The first place finisher, attorney Victor Hwang, received a little more than 48 percent of the vote, while attorney Sigrid Irias landed in third with 17 percent.

Hwang and Henderson are seeking the local court’s Seat 7, which became vacant with former Judge Ernest H. Goldsmith’s retirement in April. The candidates are both former San Francisco assistant district attorneys, and during the primary, highlighted their courtroom experience.

If elected, Henderson would be the first LGBT African-American to serve on the local court. Ahead of the June vote, he secured endorsements from the B.A.R., the Alice B. Toklas LGBT Democratic Club, and the LGBT legal group Bay Area Lawyers for Individual Freedom.

(The Harvey Milk LGBT Democratic Club had backed Irias in the primary and will be voting on a new endorsement in the fall race at its meeting Tuesday, August 16.)

Henderson told the B.A.R. having the support of the Victory Fund signals how important it is to elect LGBT people at the local level.

“Our struggles for equality are not over and we can’t afford to wait for a seat at the table of decision without participating in elections and supporting each other,” Henderson wrote in an emailed reply.

“Even though these are sometimes hard conversations to have with each other, we can’t fix what we can’t even talk about.”

Now that Henderson has secured the national group’s backing, which he disclosed to the B.A.R. over the weekend, he can tap into its network of donors to further bolster his campaign coffers.

According to his latest campaign finance report, Henderson raised $126,492 this year through June 30. He reported having $50,316 in

cash on hand for the fall campaign.

Hwang, meanwhile, reported raising $158,296 during the first six months of the year, and as of July 1, had just $341 left in his campaign account.

Congresswoman snubs gay man running to succeed her

Congresswoman Loretta Sanchez (D-Garden Grove) last week snubbed the gay man running to succeed her by endorsing his opponent this fall for her 46th Congressional District seat in Orange County.

Gay Garden Grove Mayor Bao Nguyen, who is in San Francisco this week to keynote Thursday night’s Harvey Milk LGBT Democratic Club gala dinner, has long been seen as the underdog in the race. As of Wednesday morning, the Gay and Lesbian Victory Fund had yet to endorse him.

(After it also had stayed neutral in the primary race, the statewide LGBT advocacy group Equality California recently announced it had endorsed Nguyen in the runoff.)

At first landing in third place on election night in June, Nguyen went on to claim second place with nearly 15 percent of the vote once all ballots had been counted. Former state Senator Lou Correa easily placed first with nearly 44 percent of the vote.

On Friday Sanchez, who is running against Attorney General Kamala Harris for U.S. Senator Barbara Boxer’s seat, announced her endorsement of Correa.

“Lou has a great record of fighting for Orange County’s families.

Whether it’s been his work in the state Legislature or on the county Board of Supervisors, he has the proven experience we need right now in Washington,” stated Sanchez.

Correa issued his own statement to say he was honored to have Sanchez’s support. He vowed that, once he is elected to Congress, “I will pick up where she left off and continue See page 14 >>

Barry Schneider Attorney at Law

family law specialist* • Divorce w/emphasis on Real Estate & Business Divisions • Domestic Partnerships, Support & Custody • Probate and Wills www.SchneiderLawSF.com

415-781-6500 *Certified by the California State Bar 400 Montgomery Street, Ste. 505, San Francisco, CA

<< Community News

t Attorneys are paying attention to diversity in law firms

6 • BAY AREA REPORTER • August 11-17, 2016

theonemarkethaps saturday night’s alright Join us for our Saturday Happy Hour from 5:30-9:00pm with cocktail, wine and beer specials in the lounge.

let us entertain you Live jazz piano Monday through Saturday nights from 6:30-9:30pm. Catch Billy Philadelphia Wednesday through Saturday.

august 12 & 13 veal from rossotti ranch Delight in Chef Mark Dommen’s Weekly Beast dishes. Grilled, smoked, roasted — different delicious cuts each evening.

ONE ANIMAL, HEAD TO TAIL

Our full menu is also available.

Mention The B.A.R. and receive a complimentary Singular Sensation dessert with dinner entrée purchase.

R

E

S

T

A

U

R

A

N

T

1 MARKET STREET SAN FRANCISCO 415.777.5577 ONEMARKET.COM

by Sari Staver

burger said. “The Obama administration’s recent push n the wake of the legal de... regarding transgender cisions and administrative bathroom access is a similar policies improving workstep in that direction.” place rights for transgender Stockburger expects to people, law firms are paying see the same dynamic that increased attention to the played out with same-sex benefits of having diverse marriage. offices themselves, said an “The more people are attorney with Dentons LLP, exposed to an idea the less the world’s largest law firm. foreign it seems, and the Speaking at a panel dismore likely it will become Kelly Sullivan cussion at the American acceptable to a majority of Bar Association’s annual Attorney Peter Stockburger talked about the public,” he said. meeting in San Francisco diversity in the profession at last week’s Panel moderator Joe August 5, Peter Stockburger, American Bar Association conference.

Ahlers, a judge advocate for an associate in Dentons’ San the U.S. Air Force, said the Diego office, said that an innew trans military policy angles,” that lead law firms to hire creasing number of large law firms will come with “some very unique and maintain a diverse workplace are making public statements urgchallenges that only the armed he said. Recently, he said, firms have ing companies to consider making forces have to deal with.” been “moving in the right direction,” their workplaces more diverse, inAt the same time, said Ahlers, although historically they have been cluding the inclusion of transgender there are “complex legal and regulaslow to adopt such policies. people. tory changes happening in the civilStockburger’s presentation came Stockburger, a specialist in emian world that are impacting lawyers on the heels of the Pentagon’s June ployment law who has written both working on these issues as well announcement that, effective imabout transgender issues, told the as those attorneys who either have mediately, transgender people can panel attendees that there are sevor will transition.” serve openly in the armed forces. eral “benefits” to adopting a more Ahlers said the transgender rights That decision lifted the long-standdiverse approach in hiring policies. movement has been developing for ing ban on transgender troops, and When going out to pitch work on decades along with gay and lesbian military officials are now workbehalf of the law firm, Stockburger rights. ing on a detailed implementation said he has noticed that an increas“Many advocates would say that plan that will include, among other ing number of companies “want to the last decade has been the accelthings, how to provide medical supsee how diverse your practice is.” eration point for gay and lesbian port for people who transition.

Law firms that diversify by hiring rights, but for transgender indiThe directive from Defense Secreminority applicants – including viduals, we are just now turning the tary Ashton Carter, which affects an people who identify as LGBT and corner to greater legal recognition estimated 2,500 to 7,500 transgender transgender – have learned a diverse of the specific challenges they entroops on active duty, led the Ameriworkplace is a “smart recruiting counter,” Ahlers said. can Bar Association to schedule a tool,” Stockburger added.

Panelist Joshua Toman, who panel to update members on how Law schools today “are a lot more retired as an Army judge advocate the new policy will be implemented, diverse,” he explained, and many general officer in 2015, worked on according to a statement by the ABA. students considering employment the lawsuits trying to repeal the “The military’s decision is anothwith a law firm are interested in “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” policy at the er step toward normalizing the con“corporate social responsibility,” he Department of Defense. cept of transgender status, gender said. identity, and gender expression to See page 14 >> “There are all sorts of different the larger American public,” Stock-

I

New website aims to demystify male sex workers

by David-Elijah Nahmod

T

he co-editors of a book about male escorts have launched a website in support of the often misunderstood profession and hope to demystify it and to work toward the decriminalization of sex work.

John Scott, Ph.D., a professor in the School of Social Justice at Queensland University of Technology in Australia, and Victor Minichiello, Ph.D., a social scientist and adjunct professor at the School of Social Justice at the university, co-edited Male Sex Work and Society (2014, Harrington Park Press), which examines male sex work from a diverse array of perspectives, including public health, sociology, psychology, social services, history, economics, and mental health. The men’s aim was to enrich the ways in which the public views male sex work as a field of commerce and male sex workers themselves.

Minichiello and Scott recently launched Me, Us and Male Escorting, a website that seeks to take the message of the book even further.

They explained their long-term goals to the Bay Area Reporter via a joint email from Australia.

“Our research is aimed at providing a better research-informed understanding of the role of male escorting in society,” they said. “We hope to move the discussion away from pathologizing discourses about homosexuality and the criminalization view of paid sex to a more reasoned discussion about the existence of a sex industry that includes males as the buyers and sellers of

Courtesy Lance Navarro

Escort Lance Navarro likes a new website about male sex workers.

paid sex and sex as work operating in a professional and decriminalized environment regulated by laws that apply to all occupations.”

Scott and Minichiello declined to share their ages or how they identify, stating it was “irrelevant to the value of our work and the project.”

The men said that the stereotype of male escorts as burnt out gay porn stars paints an often-inaccurate portrait.

“The research on male escorts over a decade now is very clear,” Scott and Minichiello said. “Like their clients, they come from diverse backgrounds. Many are from middle-class backgrounds, many are gay identifying but others are bi or straight identifying.”

They noted that the stereotype and the reality of sex work are even further apart than many people realize.

“A significant number of them

have college educations and they represent many different cultural backgrounds,” Scott and Minichiello said. “Most escorts are in their 20s [and] usually work as escorts for a few years, although a significant number work in the business for over five years. Increasingly, most advertise for their business via the internet and work as independent escorts.”

Me, Us and Male Escorting features a wide variety of sections, including resources and news – the news section includes the personal story of sex worker Cameron Cox, who saw most of his friends turn their backs on him when he came out about his profession. The site also covers the ongoing legal battles of Jeffrey Hurant, the founder of the popular gay escorting website Rentboy.com, which was shut down by New York law enforcement officials in 2015.

“Our study reveals that the phenomenon of male escorts is found globally,” Minichiello and Scott said.

“It is timely and important that this is openly acknowledged and that the sex industry is viewed from an occupational perspective because research shows that the benefits of the decriminalization of sex work far outweighs the dangers associated with driving the industry underground and on the streets.”

Those benefits, they said, include a safer and healthier environment for both the workers and their clients.

“Decriminalization is associated with better sexual health outcomes, See page 13 >>

t

Community News>>

August 11-17, 2016 • BAY AREA REPORTER • 7

Gay-owned pot dispensary fights license appeal

by Sari Staver

A

large South of Market medical marijuana dispensary is a step closer to opening a second location following the San Francisco Planning Commission’s unanimous approval August 5 allowing the nonprofit to renovate and expand a storefront at 473 Haight Street.

The San Francisco Patient and Resource Center, or SPARC, is a swank dispensary located at 1265 Mission Street. It opened a pop-up dispensary, Farm Direct, in the Lower Haight in late June but it closed after just 10 days as neighbors appealed the dispensary’s license approval. The Board of Appeals asked SPARC to close the pop-up until it could hear the appeal on its license, now scheduled for October 19.

The neighbors complained that the dispensary had used a loophole to open and had not gotten neighborhood support for its move. SPARC and its supporters, including the Lower Haight Merchants and Neighborhood Association, or LOHMaNA, said they had followed the letter of the law and had repeatedly reached out to the community.

SPARC, co-founded by Erich Pearson, who is a member of the city’s cannabis legalization task force and a founding board member of the National Cannabis Industry Association, has garnered a lot of attention in the competitive San Francisco dispensary business after the San Francisco chapter of the American Institute of Architects awarded SPARC a prize for interior architecture, commending on “the strong social commentary and apothecary-like feel of this beautiful project.”

Pearson, a gay man who has been cultivating marijuana in northern California since he moved here 18 years ago, has also gotten a lot of

press. A profile in 7x7 magazine’s annual “Hot 20 List,” described him as “a modern farmer” who is “tall, dark, and handsome.”

But the pop-up opening in Lower Haight brought SPARC a lot of negative press, after neighbors’ protests drew headlines on local blogs.

In an interview with the Bay Area Reporter, Pearson said he knew community opposition was a possibility when they opened the doors of Farm Direct.

“If you’re in the dispensary business in San Francisco, you know that the planning and permitting process is complicated,” Pearson said. “The process for dispensaries is arduous, overly complicated, and lengthy. An appeal was always possible. We knew that going in.”

The SPARC team chose the Haight Street location for expansion because it was an “underserved community,” Pearson said. The nearest dispensary was the Apothecarium, a mile away at 2095 Market Street in the Castro, he said.

The concept, said Pearson, was a “smaller and simpler” dispensary about one-fourth the size of the 2,200 square foot dispensary in SOMA. Because SPARC grows most of the cannabis it sells – a so-called seed-to-sale business – the company is able to keep prices low because it cuts out the profits that normally go to the middleman, Pearson said.

“By growing ourselves,” he said, “we also know what goes into our plants, in terms of nutrients, and what does not, in terms of pesticides.”

Courtesy Erich Pearson

SPARC’s Erich Pearson

through the dispensary directly, he explained.

But some Lower Haight neighbors are opposed to a medical marijuana dispensary moving into the neighborhood, complaints that were voiced at an August 8 meeting of LOHMaNA, held at Black Sands Brewery on Haight Street, whose owner, Robert Patterson, is vice president of the neighborhood group.

Sama Ahmed, a neuroscientist at UCSF, said SPARC’s plan to open a dispensary would have a “major negative impact” on the neighborhood, pointing out that 16 of the 18 businesses on the 400 block of Haight Street are also opposed.

“I’m not opposed to medical marijuana,” said Ahmed, “I’m opposed to people from outside the neighborhood coming in without adequate discussion. I’d feel much better about it if someone from the neighborhood” was operating it.

Matt Osborne, owner of Glass Key Photo, 442 Haight, accused SPARC of “sneaking into” the neighborhood by qualifying for the previous tenant’s exemption from city rules prohibiting dispensaries within 600 feet of a school. The John

Long history in community

SPARC has a long history of donating to the community, Pearson said. For the past 10 years, SPARC has been donating flowers and edibles to patients at Maitri hospice as well as other patients who apply

Muir School is a few blocks away, he said.

“How are you helping the children?” he asked SPARC representatives at the meeting. “What benefit are you to the school?”

Azam Khan, who owns Love Haight Computers at 473 Haight Street, threatened to move his business to SOMA if the dispensary reopens. “I’m pro-marijuana,” he said, “but if most of the people on my block didn’t want me to move in that should be the end of the story.”

But Joel Freston, SPARC’s community liaison, pointed out that there are many indications that the new dispensary does, in fact, have community support.

Currently, said Freston, SPARC has over 3,200 active members who live in the surrounding 94117 ZIP code. Some 150 of those people have written letters of support, he said. And at each of three prior community meetings, the majority of speakers were in favor of the project, he said.

Freston explained that SPARC had signed a memorandum of understanding with the neighborhood association earlier this year after it was determined that SPARC was

legally grandfathered in regarding zoning and that there was existing public support for SPARC based on testimony at two public meetings.

The MOU contains guidelines, including provisions to ensure onsite security, hours of operation, and other stipulations regarding prohibition of onsite smoking and membership denial of customers who resold or redistributed medical marijuana.

According to Freston, the neighborhood association “challenged SPARC to demonstrate what we were going to commit to the community.”

“We think we have exceeded their expectations and we are giving them the opportunity to hold us accountable” to our promises, he said.

“Whether its Farm Direct or SPARC brands, our organization continues to lead the way in lowering the price of cannabis in the Bay Area. In most cases when comparing apples to apples, SPARC’s Farm Direct line of cannabis is half the cost of other dispensaries,” Freston told the B.A.R. in an email.

More than half a dozen speakers, many who live in the neighborhood and some who are medical marijuana patients, said that they believe that having a dispensary in the neighborhood would actually improve safety, help neighborhood businesses by adding to the foot traffic, and be convenient to neighborhood residents who would have a dispensary within walking distance.

Brett Martinez, who has lived in the Lower Haight for 10 years, said his mother, who is suffering from multiple sclerosis, and his aunt, who has fibromyalgia, use medical marijuana every day.

“Let’s have a happy ending” to the dispute about the dispensary coming into the neighborhood, he said.

“Let’s come together.”t

17 three-bedroom Affordable Below Market Rate (BMR) homes available in San Francisco’s Ocean View District

$438,393 with parking

1 Capitol Ave, San Francisco 100% Median Income

Household Size Median Income

3 persons

4 persons

5 persons

6 persons

7 persons

$96,950

$107,700

$116,300

$124,950

$133,550

Buyer households must earn no more than the income levels listed above

Buyers must be income qualified and first-time homebuyers within the past 3 years.

• •

•

First, please go to www.homeownershipsf.org/workshops-list for a complete list of housing agency homeownership class schedules and to sign-up for a class Next, obtain a loan pre-approval from one of the San Francisco Mayor’s Office of Housing and Community Development approved lenders listed on their website www.sfmohcd.org/lender-list Preferred lenders are listed at www.habitatterrace.org Then, download your application with instructions by visiting www.sfmohcd.org or www.habitatterrace.org

Open House Dates

BMR Informational Workshops

BMR Lottery Date

Monday, August 8th from 5:00pm-7:00pm Sunday, August 14th from 10:00am-2:00pm Sunday, August 21st from 10:00am-2:00pm

Thursday, August 11th at 4:00pm Mayor’s Office of Housing & Community Development 1 S. Van Ness Ave, 5th floor San Francisco CA 94103

Wednesday, September 29th at 3:30pm Mayor’s Office of Housing & Community Development 1 S. Van Ness Ave, 5th floor San Francisco CA 94103

Lottery participants are highly encouraged to view the homes prior to submitting an application for the lottery.

Applications Due Thursday, September 8th at 5pm at Habitat for Humanity Greater San Francisco, 500 Washington, Suite 250, San Francisco CA 94111 Units are available through the San Francisco Mayor’s Office of Housing and Community Development and are subject to monitoring and other restrictions. Visit www.sfmohcd.org for program information. Priority will be given to Certificate of Preference holders, Displaced Tenant Housing Preference (DTHP) holders, neighborhood residents and households who live or work in San Francisco.

For application information visit www.habitatterrace.org or call 415.625.1011.

To view the full unit posting, please visit www.sfmohcd.org.

<< International News

8 • BAY AREA REPORTER • August 11-17, 2016

t

Ugandan LGBTs defiant after police raid Pride pageant

by Heather Cassell

U

ganda’s LGBT community celebrated the fifth annual Pride event at secret events following a brutal police raid August 4 of a Pride event in Kampala.

Some 10 armed police officers illegally raided a pageant to crown Mr. and Miss Gay Uganda at Club Venom that left one person hospitalized and many injured and humiliated.

The raid happened following a tribute to the 49 victims of the Pulse nightclub shooting in Orlando, Florida.

Police arrested Uganda LGBT movement leaders Frank Mugisha and Pepe Julian Onziema, along with 16 others who were taken to a police station, according to an August 5 news release from Sexual Minorities Uganda, the country’s leading LGBT organization. More than 100 attendees were detained at the nightclub for more than 90 minutes, forced by gunpoint into a corner on top of each other.

Police barred all entrances and exits to the venue, demanded information to be deleted from phones, and confiscated cameras. During that time participants claimed police beat, humiliated, and forced people to take pictures and were threatened that they would be published, according to multiple accounts given to human rights organizations and the media.

In an attempt to avoid being targeted, transgender women pulled off their wigs and undid their braids, wiped off makeup, and removed their heels. Police began groping the transgender women, Raymond Nsubuga, director of Equality Heals Africa who was present at the raid, told the Advocate.

Equality Heals Africa is a Kampala-based human rights organization serving marginalized communities.

One first-time Pridegoer, fearing police harassment, jumped from a window four stories high, seriously injuring his spine. He was rushed to the hospital and is now recovering, according to Ugandan LGBT activists and advocates.

Inside the police station, activists were beaten and pushed into cells with other inmates as officers yelled out, “Deal with these ones,” Onziema told Voice of America.

“That means they knew what was going to happen.”

Those arrested were released several hours later, the release said.

None of the activists had been charged with violation of the Public Order Management Act, which police allege prompted the raid, or any other offense.

Homosexuality is illegal in Uganda. The so-called Jail the Gays bill was struck down by the Con-

<<

Safety changes

From page 1

said District 8 Supervisor Scott Wiener, a gay man who lives just off the corridor in the Duboce Triangle neighborhood. “We have a lot of issues on this stretch of Market Street, particularly at these horrible sixway intersections.”

Among the Upper Market Street Safety Project’s components are making sidewalk extensions permanent and realigning crosswalks to shorten the distance for pedestrians crossing at key intersections, and upgrading bicycle access along Market Street with improved green bike lanes and painted buffer zones.

The intersection at Castro and Market streets could see a new, dedicated left turn lane for drivers headed north on Market wishing to turn left onto Castro. Currently, cars can only turn right onto Castro at

stitutional Court in 2014. In 2015, Uganda’s parliament passed the Non-Governmental Organizations bill, which could have a profound detrimental effect on HIV/AIDS and other services LGBT Ugandans depend on.

Police spokesman Kayima Emilian claimed to reporters that Uganda Pride organizers failed to inform police about the event and that it was likely to promote homosexuality. LGBT activists deny the authorities’ claims.

Simon Lokodo, minister of state for ethics and integrity for Uganda, backed up the police’s actions, claiming at an August 8 news conference that the weeklong celebration was “criminal and illegal” and “had not been cleared by the Uganda Police Force.”

Lokodo insisted that, “No one was hurt or injured during the exercise.”

“Police were aware,” said Kasha Jacqueline Nabagesera, executive director of Freedom and Roam Uganda, an LGBT organization. Every year police have not only been informed of Uganda Pride events, but have protected the Pride event, she added.

This was the first time in the history of Uganda Pride that police raided an event and arrested leaders of the LGBT community while harassing Pridegoers, Nabagesera, who was traveling and wasn’t present at Uganda Pride, told the Bay Area Reporter in a phone interview August 8.

Nabagesera, a 36-year-old lesbian, founded Uganda Pride as well as Bombastic magazine and Kuchu Times, an online LGBT radio and TV show. Kuchu Times has an estimated 1.3 million viewers, reported Reuters. (Kuchu is slang for LGBT in Swahili.)

Lokodo also made it clear at the news conference that Ugandan officials will not “condone the promotion of illegal activities” of the LGBT movement and will “continue to suppress them,” including using “rehabilitation programs.”

To protect members of the LGBT community, leaders decided to cancel the August 6 parade. However, LGBT community members privately gathered.

“We decided to suspend it because of the risks to personal safety,” human rights lawyer Nick Opiyo told BuzzFeed, following a meeting with Lokodo. “The minister threatened to mobilize a mob and a large police group to beat up anyone who shows up for Pride tomorrow. We will engage the government next week with a view of holding the Pride parade at another date soon.”

Courtesy All Out

Matt Beard, second from left, executive director of All Out, raises his fist in defiant unity with Ugandan LGBT activists at a secret meeting following the August 4 police raid of a gay pageant.

beat and assaulted Ugandan citizens engaged in peaceful activities is unacceptable and deeply troubling,” said Deborah Malac, U.S. ambassador to Uganda. “This incident adds to a growing list of reports concerning police brutality in Uganda.”

“Individuals and organizations must have the right to meet privately and publicly associate freely without fear of police interference or harassment,” added Julia Mason, a state department spokeswoman.

Malac and Mason called for the Ugandan authorities to protect every Ugandans’ freedoms under the law.

LGBT human rights organizations and the U.S. State Department expressed outrage about the brutal attack.

“The fact that police reportedly

LGBT refugees living in Turkey are shaken as news of the decapitation and brutal murder of gay Syrian refugee Muhammed Wisam Sankari has spread throughout the community.

Many LGBT Syrian refugees in Turkey are on high alert, fearful for their lives and feeling hopeless and frustrated that the police and the

agencies that are supposed to help them are doing nothing, they told the B.A.R. “The brutality of the [incident] is what frightens me,” said gay former Syrian refugee-turned-advocate Subbi Nahas, who spoke about LGBT refugees and his own experience before the United Nations Security Council last August. “You always accepted that you would be harassed, you would be targeted, but not like this, not this brutality.

“We are still, like, really shaken up,” added Nahas, who lives in San Francisco.

Sankari, 24, told his three roommates that he would be gone for only 15 to 20 minutes when left his home in the Aksaray neighborhood of Istanbul July 23.

Sankari’s roommates Diya, Gorkem, and Rayan, who were only identified by their first names in the media, didn’t feel safe that night and they urged Sankari not to leave the apartment, they told Kaos Gay and Lesbian Cultural Research and Solidarity Association. KAOS GL is Turkey’s leading LGBT organization and media outlet.

Threats of violence weren’t new to Sankari’s roommates. Diya, his female roommate, had been kidnapped and raped by some men before, she told KAOS GL. The roommates became concerned when Sankari didn’t return to the apartment. Two days later, Sankari’s decapitated and mutilated body was found in Yenikapi, a neighborhood about two miles away, according to media reports.

CNN reported that Sankari’s body was so badly torn apart from being stabbed 20 times that his roommates could only identify him by his clothing.

“They had cut Wisam violently – so violently that two knives had broken inside him,” said Gorkem, who identified his friend’s body. “They had beheaded him. His upper body was beyond recognition; his internal organs were out. We could identify

the intersection.

At the Noe, 16th Street, and Market Street intersection, bulbouts would be constructed at three of the curbs and new thumbnail islands would be added to the Muni boarding platforms in the middle of the street.

Similar bulbouts and thumbnail islands are planned for the 15th, Sanchez, and Market streets intersection. The thumbnail islands would also be added to the Muni stops at the Church Street intersection and where Market and Buchannan streets intersect.

Where Market and Dolores streets meet, the crosswalk leading from Whole Foods over to Safeway would be rebuilt so it no longer zigzags across Market.

And on Duboce Street the right turn lane cutout for vehicles turning north onto Market Street would be eliminated and replaced with a larger bulbout for pedestrians. Vehicles

could still turn right from the middle lane but would have to go around the newly configured curb extension.

Of the safety enhancements being studied along the corridor, the most controversial would see left turns onto Market Street be prohibited from several side streets that intersect the busy thoroughfare. The SFMTA continues to examine the idea and has yet to decide if it will pursue such a change for both sides of Noe and Sanchez streets.

It is also looking at a left turn restriction on the west side of 16th Street where vehicles turn north onto Market Street. For vehicles on 16th Street in the opposite direction turning south onto Market Street, the SFMTA may add a dedicated green arrow to the traffic light at the intersection there.

Currently, vehicles must yield to on-coming traffic when making a left turn on the green light. Dedicat-

ed left turn green arrows could also be added to the light at the Market and Castro streets intersection.

“Particularly with Noe Street, people for years have been wanting change at that intersection to reduce the chaos that goes on there,” said Wiener. “Cars don’t know how to turn left there. There is all sorts of confusion and conflict and it is dangerous.”

While he has not heard much in terms of public feedback about the proposed safety enhancements for upper Market Street, Wiener said he has heard from some people unsure about restricting left hand turns.

“I understand why some people are concerned. But we have to do something at these intersections,” he said. “And people should keep in mind if what the SFMTA proposes doesn’t work, it can be changed.”

Based on the feedback the SFMTA received from public meetings it has held, and at a town hall

Outraged

Standing strong

“We are stronger than ever before,” said Nabagesera, who was grateful for all the support from around the world. “That moral support was needed and still really needed, because [it] keeps us stronger. It lets us know that we are loved and we are not alone.”

Matt Beard, executive director of All Out who was in Uganda for Pride, told the B.A.R. that the LGBT activists’ main goal is to make sure the community is safe and take care of the injured.

The organization, whose more than 2,500 members donated $20,000 to produce Uganda Pride, launched a campaign to raise the more than $17,000 needed to cover medical expenses for the people injured during the attack.

To donate, visit https://go.allout. org/en/a/uganda-pride.

LGBT refugees in Turkey stunned by brutal murder

our friend from his pants.”

No suspects have been arrested.

This was the second time that Sankari was attacked this year. At the beginning of this year he was taken by some men into a forest and beaten and raped. He managed to escape before they killed him, friends told an unidentified representative of KAOS GL. Sankari and his roommates reported the incident to police and to officials at the U.N., but nothing was done, Rayan told KAOS GL. A 47-year-old gay Syrian refugee who only wanted to be identified by his Facebook identity, Arabbird, and knew Sankari, told the B.A.R. in an interview on Facebook Messenger, “The police didn’t do anything.

They complain before and they ignore him. They don’t give any protect to him. The U.N., they didn’t give anything to us.”

Homosexuality is illegal in Turkey. Attitudes within the refugee community and Turkish authorities, especially the police, aren’t sympathetic toward the LGBT community. LGBT refugees don’t trust the police.

Sankari had only arrived in Turkey a year ago. His roommates told KAOS GL that he believed his life was in danger. He was attempting to leave to another country.

However, it isn’t a simple process.

The waitlist to place refugees in a new host country is long, extending out for years, according to experts and gay refugees. LGBT refugees like Arabbird, who left Syria about two and a half years ago, are in a waiting pattern even after their interviews have been completed. Questions about their status are being met with a deafening silence.

This has caused a sea of distrust among queer refugees toward the Association for Solidarity with Asylum Seekers and Migrants and the U.N. Refugee Agency that are supposed to be fast-tracking them to safe host countries.

Fear is heightened even more due to the fact that it’s easy for members of the Islamic State to illegally slip across the Turkish border from Syria, said Arabbird, who manages http://www.arabhomosexual.com.

The State Department is watching developments in Sankari’s case, Julia Mason, a state department spokeswoman, said in an email to the B.A.R. “This killing was absolutely horrific, and we are deeply concerned,” said Mason. “We hope this killing will be swiftly and thoroughly investigated and that those responsible will be brought to justice.”

However, Willy Fautre, director of Human Rights Without Frontiers, was critical, questioning the value of the European Union’s guidelines protecting vulnerable groups, such See page 13 >> about the project this spring, the agency’s engineers and planners continue to fine-tune the proposed changes to the streetscape and traffic flow along upper Market.

The agency plans to seek additional public input this fall before presenting a final plan at an upcoming SFMTA Engineering Public Hearing, usually held on a Friday morning at 10 a.m.

The goal of the project, according to the agency, “is to improve safety and comfort for all who travel on this section of Market Street, including pedestrians, cyclists, drivers and transit users, by reducing the potential for conflict and by making travel along the corridor more predictable and intuitive.”

To learn more about the project, as well as review detailed drawings about the proposed changes for each intersection, visit https://www. sfmta.com/uppermarket.t

National News>>

t Legal advocates ‘disappointed’ over stay in trans case

by Lisa Keen

L

GBT legal activists were surprised and disappointed last week when two of the U.S. Supreme Court’s most reliably pro-LGBT justices joined with conservatives on the bench to stay a significant lower court decision that said federal law prohibits discrimination based on gender identity.

The case involves a Virginia student, Gavin Grimm, who seeks the right to use restrooms at his public high school that correspond to his gender identity. The 4th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals said the Title IX prohibition of discrimination “on the basis of sex” in schools includes discrimination based on the gender with which a student identifies.

On August 3, in a 5-3 vote, the Supreme Court granted a preliminary injunction that blocked the 4th Circuit decision from taking effect until the court decides either to review the decision itself or votes to leave the decision in place.

Agreeing to the stay were Justice Anthony Kennedy, who has authored several landmark decisions that have secured important rights for LGBT people, and Justice Stephen Breyer, who has voted with Kennedy on those decisions and others that have benefited LGBT people. The three conservatives voting for the stay were Chief Justice John Roberts and Justices Clarence Thomas and Samuel Alito.

Next the court must decide whether to review the 4th Circuit decision on its merits. That vote (called granting a petition of cert) could happen this fall and requires only four justices to agree.

While five justices agreed to the stay, that does not guarantee the same five justices will vote to review the case. Kennedy made no comment concerning his vote, but Breyer attached a statement to the August 3 order, saying his vote was a “courtesy” that would simply “preserve the status quo.”

The statement implied the court being in recess prompted his courtesy, but he also indicated that he knew four justices had already voted to grant the stay so he knew his vote was the necessary fifth vote.

But a number of court observers, including Jon Davidson of Lambda Legal Defense and Education Fund, pointed out that Breyer’s brief statement made reference to his dissent in a death penalty case.

“Such ‘courtesy’ votes are fairly common in death penalty cases,” noted Center for American Progress fellow Ian Millhiser in a ThinkProgress.com essay. They “prevent a situation where the court announces that it will hear a capital case, only to have that case become moot after the inmate at issue in that case is executed. ...”

Grimm, however, starts his senior year of high school August 31. The school district does not have to file its petition to the Supreme Court, for review of the 4th Circuit decision, until August 29. During the several months it takes for other briefs to be filed and the justices to discuss whether to take the case, Grimm will be barred from using the boys’ restroom. (The school district has designated three unisex restrooms for use by Grimm and any other student. Grimm said this stigmatizes him and undermines

August 11-17, 2016 • BAY AREA REPORTER • 9

High school student Gavin Grimm suffered a setback in his court case.

his effort to transition to and be accepted as male.)

If the justices refuse the school district’s petition for review, the 4th Circuit decision will go into effect and Grimm will be free to use the boys’ restroom. If the Supreme Court decides to review the 4th Circuit decision, it will not likely be able to rule on the case until the end of Grimm’s senior year.

Grimm attends Gloucester High School in the rural Virginia county of Gloucester. He’s 17 years old and, has, since age 6, felt that he’s a male.

A psychologist diagnosed Grimm with gender dysphoria, a condition in which a person strongly identifies as a gender different from his or her physical gender attributes.

His parents helped him change his name, secure treatment to enable him to transition to a male identity, and sought help from school officials. School officials were helpful until parents of some other students began to complain about Grimm’s being allowed to use the boys’ rest-

rooms. Then, the school board adopted a policy requiring that transgender students use “an alternative appropriate private facility.”

With the help of the American Civil Liberties Union, Lambda Legal, the National Center for Lesbian Rights, and others, Grimm filed suit. A federal district court dismissed his case, but the 4th Circuit reversed that dismissal and sent the case back to district court, urging it to issue a decision on the merits of Grimm’s Title IX argument as quickly as possible.

Now, Gloucester has won a stay of that directive and has until August 29 to ask for Supreme Court review of the lower court decisions.

There’s also another twist. There’s a possibility that, if the court agrees to hear the case, a court vacancy left by the death of Justice Antonin Scalia will be filled in time to hear argument in the case. That likelihood is deeply complicated by the current Republican Senate blockade against all President Barack Obama’s judicial nominees and the status of a very volatile presidential campaign that won’t be resolved until November 8.

The possibility of the Senate confirming Obama’s named nominee to replace Scalia, Merrick Garland, is not likely until after November 8. And though there is little chance that a decision could be rendered

before the end of Grimm’s senior year, the issue is still critical for many transgender students now and into the future.

Why? Because the 4th Circuit said that Title IX of the Education Amendments Act of 1972 – which prohibits discrimination based on sex by federally funded educational institutions – also prohibits discrimination based on gender identity, a big victory for LGBT people.

It was the first time a federal appeals court anywhere in the nation had ruled that an already existing federal law prohibiting discrimination based on “sex” included discrimination based on “gender identity.”

When that 4th Circuit decision was released in April, LGBT legal advocates thought there was little chance the Supreme Court would accept an appeal of it. The case was (and is still) in a preliminary stage and, at that time, the 4th Circuit decision did not conflict with an opinion of any other circuit in the nation. And, with the Supreme Court having only eight members, a tie vote would uphold the 4th Circuit decision.

There’s still no conflict among the circuits and that, said NCLR legal director Shannon Minter, makes the possibility that the Supreme Court will review the case “less likely” still.

See page 14 >>

Zen Buddhist priest explores systemic oppression

by Sean Piverger

Manuel, 63, said. “Mostly it is of the nature of hate acts. he Reverend Zenju At home it came from an Earthlyn Manuel is internalized place of hatred a lot of things. She’s a through my mother and in visual artist, a teacher, the world it was just plain and a drummer. But hatred against the color of she’s also a Zen Budmy skin.” dhist priest and author.

Despite the fact that she Courtesy SF Zen Center Manuel, a lesbian and her mother had a “vioand Oakland resident, lent past,” Manuel told the The Reverend was at Anasa Yoga Zenju Earthlyn audience at Anasa that her in Oakland’s Laurel Manuel mother gave her a piece of neighborhood last advice, “Don’t look at others week where she talked about her and their path to decide whether or 2015 book, The Way of Tenderness: not you are going to follow because Awakening Through Race, Sexuality, people aren’t perfect.” and Gender, and her life. Prior to her That wisdom allowed her to be in appearance, the Bay Area Reporter “almost any spiritual environment” interviewed Manuel via e-mail. regardless of the “human frailty” “I had explored for 15 years that was happening around her, she the Zen practice and asked myself said. Manuel also told the audience whether or not this practice could that human body is the “real path ease the impact of systemic oppresyou have to awakening to insights sion as a queer black cis woman,” into your life and to understanding Manuel said. “This book is the result spirit.” of that exploration. It’s about using While on a spiritual journey, the struggles of our embodiment in Manuel saw two Zen priests who particular race, sexuality, and genwere talking and she admired their der as gateways to enlightenment. “in the moment” practice because It’s about the relative experience they were not “talking just to hear of life being significant to the exist themselves.” It was then that she boundlessness of life. It’s about oneneeded a “body practice” for herself ness existing with the multiplicity of and to embrace Buddhism. After our differences.”

15 years of study, Manuel became a The Way of Tenderness isn’t ManSoto Zen (a form of Zen in which uel’s first book. Her past publicapractitioners focus on the moment tions include Black Angel Cards: 36 without objects) priest in the Suzuki Oracle Cards and Messages, Tell Me Roshi lineage. The late Shunryu SuSomething About Buddhism, and Be zuki, often called Suzuki Roshi, was Love: An Exploration of Our Deepest a Soto Zen monk and teacher who Desire. was involved in making Zen BudAfter moving from Louisiana, dhism popular in America.

Manuel’s mother and father settled It was at that time that she was in Los Angeles, where she was born given the ordination name, Zenju, in 1952. She said that she didn’t have which means “complete tenderness.” an easy life.

“The Zen priest became me while “Violence happened in my home I was busy healing the violence and when I was out in the world,” against me. Zen is a path of seeing

T

clearly everything and everyone,” said Manuel. “Zen is to study oneself and then forget oneself.”

Manuel holds a master’s degree from UCLA and a Ph.D. in transformative learning from the California Institute of Integral Studies. She is also a guiding teacher at the Still Breathing Zen Meditation Center in East Oakland.

It took Manuel three months to write her latest book. She said that she writes from “experience.”

“My experience is the only place in which I could write. I am not good with generalizations and pontification without experience,” she said.

See page 14 >>

SOFT STORY PROPERTY OWNERS: Your permit application is DUE! If you are a property owner of a multi-unit building with 3-stories and 15+ units, your permit application is due by September 15, 2016, which is less than 45 days away.

DO NOT REMOVE UNDER PENALTY OF LAW! DO NOT REMOVE UNDER PENALTY OF LAW! DO NOT REMOVE UNDER PENALTY OF LAW!

The San Francisco Department of Building Inspection - Tom Hui, S.E., C.B.O., Director SFBC Section 3405B.6.1

EARTHQUAKE WARNING! This Building is in Violation of the Requirements of the San Francisco Building Code Regarding Earthquake Safety.

Turn in your permit application to DBI by September 15 to avoid getting this placard and a Notice of Violation on your property.

Find out if your property is on the list by visiting sfdbi.org/soft-story-properties-list.

The owner(s) of this building have not complied with the Mandatory Soft Story Retrofit Program, as required by SFBC Chapter 34B. Please contact the Department of Building Inspection at softstory@sfgov.org or (415) 558-6699 or www.sfdbi.org/softstory.

地震警告! 這棟樓宇違反三藩市建築條例 有關地震安全的要求。 根據三藩市建築條例第34B章， 本棟樓宇業主未遵守軟層建築物 防震加固計劃強制規定。 請立即與樓宇檢查部連絡， 電郵: softstory@sfgov.org， 電話: (415) 558-6699 或網址: www.sfdbi.org/softstory。

¡ADVERTENCIA DEL TERREMOTO! Este edificio está en la violación de los requisitos del Código de construcción de San Francisco en cuanto a la seguridad del terremoto.

El propietario o los propietarios de este edificio no ha(n) cumplido con el Programa Obligatorio de Acondicionamiento de Pisos (Mandatory Soft Story Retrofit Program), según lo requiere el Código de Edificios de San Francisco Capítulo 34B (SFBC Chapter 34B). Favor comunicarse con el Departamento de Inspección de Edificios (Department of Building Inspection) a: softstory@sfgov.org o (415) 558-6699 o www.sfdbi.org/softstory.

DO NOT REMOVE UNDER PENALTY OF LAW! DO NOT REMOVE UNDER PENALTY OF LAW! DO NOT REMOVE UNDER PENALTY OF LAW!

<< Business News

10 • BAY AREA REPORTER • August 11-17, 2016

t

Locals provide a home away from home for SF’s dogs and cats

by Matthew S. Bajko

I

n July Aga Bojko and Tiff Keegan had back-to-back trips scheduled and felt it would be unfair to ask their friends to care for their two cats the entire time. The elderly felines, 13-year-old Licorice and 14-year-old Oreo, both have medical issues and are on separate medication schedules.

During the several weeks the Castro residents, who are married and identify as queer, spent in Australia, they opted to keep their cats at home. Friends stopped by to feed them, clean their litter box, and administer their pills.

But when the women returned stateside for a weeklong trip to Colorado, they decided it would be best to board the cats, domestic short hairs Bojko adopted when she lived in Chicago, for the first time.

They had read about the opening of the Kitty Chateau, at 4408 18th Street, and decided to try it out.

When they dropped the cats off, the women admitted they were nervous.

“We told them, verbatim, just keep them alive,” said Keegan.

Apart from it being close to their home, Bojko liked that she would be able to monitor Licorice and Oreo via an online video feed during the entire trip.

“I think I used most of my data allowance on Verizon. It was such peace of mind just to see them and see how they were adjusting,” she said. “They are older and have never been outside of the house. After a few days, we could tell from their body language they were comfortable.”

Providing cats a stress-free home away from home while their owners are out of town is what drove Chandra Maniedeo and her husband, Troy Woodcox, to turn the ground floor of their home into an upscale

boarding house “for felines.” (They recently added that specification to the signage for the business after a number of people inquired if they were operating a cat-themed bed and breakfast for two-legged clientele.)

“We have always been animal lovers and we used to travel a lot.

We were always scrambling to find a place to care for our pets. We had no problems finding a place that takes care of dogs, but ones for the cat was always a problem,” recalled Maniedeo, who has lived in the Bay Area since she was 2 years old. “There are so many dog services. But for cats there are not a lot of people taking care of them. They are kind of forgotten about, but there are a lot of cat owners in the city.”

The couple, whose daughter Ashni is 18 months old, have two rescue mutts Anton and Renfield that live upstairs with them. Their adopted cat, Jean-Claude, serves as the “kitty manager” for the chateau downstairs, which opened its doors on Valentine’s Day. The roughly 600-square-foot space features eight separate suites, one of which is larger in size to accommodate families with three to four cats. As an added bonus, it features a live fish aquarium.

Each suite is equipped with a heated granite shelf controlled by its own thermostat, bedding, play structures, TVs, and a recirculating water dish.

They are also equipped with infrared cameras so owners can check in on their cats 24-7 during their stay.

“We are not crazy cat people, but it helps when you have that anxiety because cats don’t settle in as well,” noted Maniedeo, who handles most of the day-to-day operation herself and will provide owners with daily emailed updates about her cat guests.

Room rates at the Kitty Chateau for a single cat are $54 a night for

Kelly Sullivan

Chandra Maniedeo pets JeanClaude, the resident greeter at Kitty Chateau.

the smaller suites, with the larger one priced at $67; each additional cat costs $13 per night. Stays come with 10 minutes of special playtime and a “tuck in treat” at night. Additional treats, cuddles, and toys can be added on; visit http://www.kittychateau.com for the options and pricing under the “A La Carte” menu.

Check in is at 2 p.m. and check out is at 11 a.m. The chateau offers “pajama hours” pickups or dropoffs for an added fee during evening, overnight, or early morning times.

“It is going really well. People are just starting to realize we are here,” said Maniedeo.

She can expect to see Oreo and Licorice be repeat guests, as Bojko and Keegan said they would “absolutely” board their cats again at the Kitty Chateau.

“It is a great place. They really care, and we felt good about the experience,” said Keegan.

Added Bojko about Maniedeo, “I felt like she was on top of it. She asked a lot of good questions. She really cared about them; it was more than a business.”

Gay couple care for canines

For Castro residents Jourdain De-

BUY TWO EIGHTHS

GET ONE FREE! VISIT STORE FOR DETAILS www.medithrive.com

1933 MISSION ST.

1/2 BLOCK FROM 16TH AND MISSION BART STATION Only individuals with legally recognized Medical Cannabis Identification Cards or a verifiable, written recommendation from a physician for medical cannabis may obtain cannabis from medical cannabis dispensaries. May not combine with other offers. Expires 08/31/2016.

Rick Gerharter

Mr. Muggles’ Dogs co-owners and husbands Jourdain Degarmo, left, holding Cookie, who’s blending into his shirt, and Joe Drypolcher, holding Tumbles the corgi, show off their dog care facility.

garmo and Joe Drypolcher, caring for canines has been their main focus for the past eight years since they first started their own dog walking business. Three years ago the married couple opened Mr. Muggles’ Dogs, a doggie day care and boarding facility in the city’s Mission district.

The location, at 2175 Harrison Street, is a former industrial space that features a garage door that rolls up to provide for an airy and open lobby area overlooking the street.

Behind a glass window is the open 2,000 square foot day care area, and in the back of the space is a row of enclosed “homes” sporting colorful rooftops that mirror San Francisco’s famed Victorian houses.

“In January we stopped dog walking and are now just focused on this because it is going so well,” said Degarmo, while seated at the reception desk with the couple’s balding Pomeranian Biggie Smalls in his lap and their other Pomeranian, Cookie, nestled inside a doggie house at his feet.

They decided to open the business in order to offer a better option to dog owners who didn’t want their pets locked up in pens all day.

“We noticed a trend that there wasn’t a whole lot of good places providing daycare for dogs,” said Degarmo.

They limit the canine charges they care for to 40 pounds or less and keep the total number of dogs in their daycare to 50 per day. There is currently a wait list for new dogs to enter the daycare.

“A lot of daycare centers handle over a hundred dogs a day. That is not the best environment as the dogs can get stressed out,” said Degarmo.

The couple also eschewed creating a list of add-ons, like extra walks or cuddling, and instead opted to include everything in one price. The daycare costs $25 for a half day and $40 for a full visit, though packages are available that provide discounted rates.

“We are small enough that if you want an extra walk or a Kong treat, we will do that for free. Just let us know when you check in,” said Drypolcher.

So far they have opted not to install cameras in the facility, and instead, they will email photos and updates about their canine charges to their owners.

“We like to think that we are small enough that people know us,” said Drypolcher.

As for the overnight boarding, it costs $65 a night for the first dog, with discounts for an additional dog as well as stays of 10 days or longer.

They limit the number of nightly guests to 30, and the dogs can sleep on beds set up in the play area or bunk in one of the private enclosures.

The business now employs nine people, allowing the owners to spend more time at home.

“We would do 60 to 80 hours a week just us. But now we have a really good team,” said Drypolcher, a native San Franciscan.

They “have dabbled” with opening a second location in Oakland, said Degarmo, but have yet to find the right location, as “everything is so expensive right now.”

For the time being, they are happy with their sole location. In addition to current dog owners, they invite anyone interested in adopting a dog of their own to stop by, as on any given day they are fostering five to eight dogs ready to be adopted through Wonder Dog Rescue.

To learn more about Mr. Muggles’ Dogs, visit its website at http://www. mrmugglesdogs.com.

Castro’s Eureka Cafe shutters

This Sunday, August 14, will be the end for Castro Street’s Eureka Cafe. After nearly three years of serving up locally roasted coffee, Bay Area made ice cream, and fresh pastries, the gay-owned coffeehouse is shuttering its doors. The coffeehouse, at 451 Castro Street, had opened in September 2013.

But unlike other recent store closures in the gayborhood, this one is not due to a rent hike. In fact, the landlord had been willing to renew the lease for one year at the current rate.

Rather, the owners decided it was time to close their business. They never recovered from a drop off in customers that began in early 2014 when the city ripped up the street to expand the sidewalks and install other improvements to the streetscape.

“The irony is that we were just getting our business going right before the build out of the new sidewalks. The traffic never returned,” said Patrick Batt, a former president of the Castro’s business association who will continue to operate the vintage porn store Auto Erotica on 18th Street.

His business partner, Bill Singleton, said the cafe had seen tourists return to the neighborhood after the sidewalk project finished in the fall of 2014. But locals who had avoided the area due to the construction have yet to come back, added Singleton, who has been the primary manager of the café the last two years.

Over the same time period, a number of other coffeehouses opened within blocks of Eureka, eating into its business. Singleton is amenable to reopening elsewhere in the city but has made no decision yet to do so.

Honor Roll

AEQUALIS, a company launched in December to sell life insurance to people living with HIV and AIDS, has hired Aaron Baldwin, a 25-year veteran of the financial services industry, as its director of innovation and agency development. The gay San Francisco resident, who is HIV-positive, had been working as an agent for the New York Life Insurance Company, where he helped launch its financial planning practice geared toward HIV positive individuals.

He will now assist AEQUALIS in expanding the financial services and insurance products it offers to members of the LGBT community.

“I look forward to contributing my expertise and experience to drive future product innovations and agency development within this dynamic and growing organization,” stated Baldwin about his new job, which he started in early July.t

t

Community News>>

August 11-17, 2016 • BAY AREA REPORTER • 11

Voting open for Muni Art finalists compiled by Cynthia Laird

T

he 10 finalists have been announced for the Muni Art 2017 project and people can now vote for their favorites. The five winners will have their art displayed to over 700,000 daily Muni riders beginning in January.

Among the finalists are two members of the LGBT community, said Darcy Brown, executive director of San Francisco Beautiful, which is coordinating the project along with the San Francisco Municipal Transportation Agency.

One of those artists is Monica Tiulescu, who comes from an architecture background and has taught architecture design for 16 years, mostly at the college level.

The Oakland lesbian has lived in the East Bay city for eight years because of its large welcoming LGBT and diverse ethnic communities, she said in an email.

“Since the theme of the Muni Art 2017 competition was neighborhoods of San Francisco and my art practice focuses on the fluctuation between figuration and dis-figuration, I decided to start with portraits of my students holding up signs with the neighborhood they live in,” Tiulescu said.

She added that in general, she pursues an art form influenced by urban culture and graffiti language.

“I love the idea of buses becoming the galleries of San Francisco and making art accessible for everyone,” Tiulescu added.

The other out artist is Jon Wessel, who was out of town and unable to comment by press time.

Brown said that for next year’s display, SFMTA is doubling the number of participating buses from 50 to 100.

She also praised all the artists who applied this year, saying they’re very talented.

In addition to Tiulescu and Wessel, the other finalists are Marianne Bland, Counterpoint Studio (Peter Tonningsen and Lisa Levine), DrawBridge: An Arts Program for Homeless Children, Amos Goldbaum, Ryan Hungerford, Todd Kurnat, Luis Pinto, and Lillian Shanahan.

In addition to having their art displayed on Muni buses, the artist who receives the most public votes will be awarded $2,000 and each of the remaining four will be awarded $1,250.

The Muni Art program is funded in part by the Community Challenge Grant program.

To cast a vote, people can visit www.neighborland.com/muniart/ vote. The deadline is Monday, August 29 at 6 p.m.

Courtesy SF Beautiful/SFMTA

Monica Tiulescu’s Muni Art submission is one of 10 finalists.

Legal Referral Panel, a nonprofit legal organization providing services to HIV-positive people, now has monthly drop-in hours on the last Friday of the month from 1 to 3 p.m.

The next drop-in will be August 26.

ALRP will also offer drop-in hours at SFAF’s main office, 1035 Market Street, on the first Friday of the month from 1 to 3 p.m. The next one will be September 2. No appointment is necessary at either location.

Finally, Magnet is now accepting submissions of paintings, sculp-

tures, photography, and other art to be exhibited at Strut. This is the continuation of the long-standing art exhibits that were at the old Magnet location before Strut opened. Every show gets a launch party and is exhibited in the gallery for a month.

Submissions are being accepted through August 31. For more information, visit http://strutsf.org/art/.

E. Bay Stonewall Dems bowling party

The East Bay Stonewall Demo-

cratic Club will hold its annual brunch and bowl party Saturday, August 13 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Albany Bowl, 540 San Pablo Avenue in Albany.

Funds raised support the club’s Campaign for Equality political action committee.

Tickets are $30 for club members or $40 for non-members and can be purchased at https:// secure.actblue.com/contribute/ page/2016brunchandbowl?mc_ cid=857fce646a&mc_ eid=015bdfbaa6.

Sonoma County officials issue Russian River caution

The discovery of a low-level of blue-green algae toxins in certain areas of the Russian River has prompted county health officials to issue an alert.

The Sonoma County Department of Health Services issued a news release August 4 stating that results of detailed testing throughout the river See page 13 >>

Magnet closing next week for improvements

Magnet, the sexual health services program at Strut, the San Francisco AIDS Foundation’s gay and bi men’s health center, will close next week so that staff can implement its new electronic health records system.

The closure is planned from Monday, August 15 to Saturday, August 20.

Officials said that mobile testing will be available, directly across the street from Strut, next Wednesday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. for the full bundle of sexually transmitted infection and HIV testing services.

Strut’s other programs, including Stonewall, Positive Force, Bridgemen, and the Elizabeth Taylor 50Plus Network, will continue as regularly scheduled at 470 Castro Street.

In other Strut news, the AIDS

Agency details SF intactivist’s death

Play .

Walk. Sit.

Stay.

Living here we can have it all.

by Seth Hemmelgarn

the apartment they shared in the 1200 block he suicide of a gay San of Grove Street. The Francisco man who’d two weren’t registered campaigned for years domestic partners, and against circumcision is deHolden hadn’t been tailed in a report released able to get his name on by the medical examiner’s the lease. office.

In an interview SaturCourtesy Lindsay Holden Jonathon Conte, 34, was day, just after the medifound by his partner May cal examiner’s report Jonathon Conte 9 in their Alamo Square was released, Holden apartment with a plastic didn’t want to share details of his bag over his head and a helium tank housing situation, but he said, “It’s by his side. The report lists the cause been a difficult transition going of death as asphyxia. from [Conte’s] death into having No drugs were detected in Conto make quick changes in my life. ... te’s system, according to the report, His absence is ever present.” which confirmed the manner of Holden, who’s described Conte death was suicide. as “caring and vulnerable,” has said Conte, who went to LGBT Pride that Conte had never indicated he and other events and rode his bicycle was thinking of killing himself. He carrying signs with slogans like “Got didn’t leave a note. genital rights?” had made intactivism The medical examiner’s office “his life’s work,” Christopher Holdsaid in its report that when the helien, 42, Conte’s partner of five years, um tank arrived with Conte’s body, said shortly after his death. it was empty, but the report indiSince Conte’s death, Holden has cates Conte died solely from having been faced with a rent increase on the bag over his head.t

T

Jim Smith doesn’t like to sit still for long, and neither does his best friend MacDuff.

Good thing they live at The Sequoias.

Jim loves the central location, city views and delicious menu choices. MacDuff loves the Pet Club Dog Park and the walkable neighborhood. When it comes to The Sequoias, one thing is certain. No one has to tell them to stay. Call Alison at (415) 351-7900 to learn more.

A Life Care Community sequoias-sf.org 1400 Geary Boulevard

This not-for-profit community is part of Northern California Presbyterian Homes and Services.

License# 380500593 COA# 097

Job # / Name: NCPHS-559 MAT SSF Harry BayAreaReporter AdME01 Date: 07/20/16

12 • BAY AREA REPORTER • August 11-17, 2016

San Francisco Columbarium A cemetery for cremated remains in the City!

The gold, the bold, and the brain dead

<< Sports

t

by Roger Brigham

S

corecard scribblings on the Summer Olympics in Rio as we look forward to more crotch shots on Twitter from Draymond Green ...

Fashion statement

Did you know...

Meet ...For Your Neighbors 118 years,

the San Francisco Columbarium has been a symbol of the past Wine & Cheese Open with thoughtfulness ofHouse the future.

You’re invited to mix and mingle with the people who will one day share your permanent San Francisco address.

Friday, July 19, 2013 2—5pm

You can make the(415) decision RSVP Required: 752-8791 to be part of this historical setting.

1 Loraine Court—San Francisco, CA 94118

Call us at 415.668.6104 or visit us at 1 Loraine Court to experience this beautiful landmark.

San Francisco Columbarium 1 Loraine Court Located in the Richmond District COA 660

ebar.com

Gotta love the ability of nytimes. com headline writers to capture the essence of a historical moment to its fullest. After New Jersey’s Ibtihaj Muhammad made her debut in the saber competition of women’s fencing while wearing a hijab, the Times headline noted she was the “first American Olympian to compete in a head scarf.”

Yes, that’s it: she’s setting a fashion example. So different from all of the Americans wearing neck scarves in the Winter Olympics.

Gayness grows

We noted last week that there were a reported 42 out LGBTI athletes in this year’s Summer Olympics. Make that 43: in an interview with Vogue, U.S. women’s basketball player Elena Delle Donne has acknowledged her same-sex relationship with Amanda Clifton and announced they were engaged to be married. The interview was conducted months ago but was not published until the eve of the Olympics.

“As the future keeps moving on, I don’t plan on having our relationship out in the public and all this media on it,” Donne told reporters at the Olympics in Rio de Janeiro. “Obviously there’s excitement right now because people see it for the first time.

Amanda is a huge part of my life.”

Donne, the MVP of the WNBA, came off the bench to score a dozen points in Team USA’s 121-56 recordbreaking victory over Senegal in their

YouTube via Wochit Entertainment

The USA women’s soccer team won its match against France 1-0 last Saturday in Rio.

first match of the 2016 Olympics.

Ugliness grows

The NBC broadcasts haven’t talked much about the explosion of street crime in Rio during the Olympics or the security force of 85,000 deployed to counter it, but it’s been difficult for TV viewers to miss the hostile chants of fans during some of the soccer games. Broadcasters did note when fans heckled U.S. goaltender Hope Solo with chants of “Zika!” to chide her for posting an Instagram photo highlighting her fears of contact with that virus in Brazil, but they were relatively mum on rowdy chants of “bicha!” that taunted lesbian players from the United States, Australia, and Canada.

According to UrbanDictionary.com, “bicha” is a slang term in Puerto Rico for “bitch” and in Brazil is used to challenge a man’s heterosexuality. Regardless of language, the hateful intent behind the slang requires no translation.

“It is personally hurtful,” lesbian player Megan Rapinoe told the Los Angeles Times. “I think sort of a mob

mentality kind of takes over a little bit.”

Two boxers, meanwhile, were being detained in Rio’s Bangu prison complex after being charged with sexual assault on female housekeepers in the athletes village.

Two housekeepers accused boxer Hassan Saada of Morocco of thrusting his body against them trying to kiss them, and groping their breasts. Jonas Junis, who carried the flag for Namibia during the opening ceremonies, was accused by another housekeeper of forcefully grabbing and kissing her and offering her money for sex.

What doesn’t kill you

On camera the waters around Brazil where rowing and other events are being held look beautiful, but athletes were still being careful to avoid contact with the water because of the reported contaminants and high virus levels.

“It’s nearly drinking water,” Matt Smith, executive director of World Rowing, told reporters about the water, which the city dumps half of its sewage into without treating it. “It’s swimming quality. It’s really good.”

But apparently not good enough for him to demonstrate See page 14 >>

t <<

Community News>>

Maitri

From page 1

has been HIV-positive for most of his life, said he was looking forward to spending more time with his partner of 23 years and his aging parents, according to the statement.

An executive director transition committee of the Maitri board is starting an active search for his replacement with the input of staff. The goal is to have a new executive director in place by year-end, which will include transition training with Smithwick.

“Michael Smithwick has steadied Maitri at a crucial time in its history.

When hired in 2010, the aftermath of the Great Recession and other structural issues created a very chal-

<<

Methodist bishop

From page 1

Positive reaction

Oliveto has received thousands of emails from around the world, with only four angry responses, “which is amazing as there are so many people churning the waters around this issue,” she said.

“I’m getting heartfelt letters saying what a healing moment of hope this is. LGBT Methodists are excited about reclaiming the church,” Oliveto said. “These are faithful people who can now say, ‘this is truly my church.’”

While other bishops have been supportive, the Southeast Jurisdiction has sought clarification from the Methodist Supreme Court, asking to declare Oliveto’s election invalid and strip her of her credentials. Good News, a major conservative Methodist organization, has publicly called for her resignation.

“What is fascinating to me is that the entire Western Jurisdiction is stating we elected her and we believe she is equipped to lead. We want to receive her gifts,” Oliveto said. “All these different regions in the West are reaching across conference lines and saying we are going to stand in solidarity with her no matter what. Each jurisdiction has the authority to elect who they want, so who knows what

<<

News Briefs

From page 11

showed the toxins present. In accordance with state guidelines, the level of toxin present is enough to trigger the posting of “Caution” signs in both English and Spanish at all 10 public beaches along the Russian River.

Health officials also warned people to stay away from algae in the water; keep children away from algae in the water, on the shore, and

<<

Sex worker site

From page 6

better reporting of sex trafficking, lower incidence of violence, better interactions with the police and government, health bodies and the community, and the development of a more professional business that conforms to existing state regulations, like all other work,” Scott and Minichiello said.

The new website was met with approval by Lance Navarro, a gayidentified escort in San Francisco.

“I like this site a lot,” Navarro said.

“They’ve already featured a great article written by a good friend, David, usually known as DavidSF.

<<

Out in the World

From page 8

as gay people, in the course of saving face with political relationships.

“While gay people are victims of hate crimes in Turkish refugee camps, the EU turns a blind eye and a deaf ear to their desperate calls for help for the sake of good relations with [President Recep Tayyip] Erdogan,” he said. “The EU should prioritize their security and grant them asylum.”

August 11-17, 2016 • BAY AREA REPORTER • 13

lenging climate in which to sustain Maitri’s care model,” stated board President Michael Niemeyer, who also serves as director of meaningful use at Kaiser Permanente.

Niemeyer said that Smithwick had “creative focus around development and an innovative approach with technology.”

“Michael led a transformation of Maitri’s operations that created its current period of stability,” Niemeyer added. “Most importantly, through his leadership, nursing care has become an even greater focus of the Maitri operating model and administrative expenses currently reside at historically low ratios. We will miss him greatly.”

During his six-year tenure, Maitri

said Smithwick reversed a serious operating deficit through administrative streamlining and improving fundraising, posted positive net revenues for the last four consecutive years with clean audits, raised $600,000 in capital funds to improve and maintain the facility, enhanced nursing care, implemented a $15 per hour minimum wage for workers, and added benefits for employees.

Gay District 8 Supervisor Scott Wiener praised Smithwick’s leadership. “Michael did a phenomenal job keeping Maitri strong and helping it adjust to a changing epidemic,” he said in a text message. “He will be missed.”

In an email to the B.A.R., Smith-

wick said his biggest accomplishment has been stabilizing the agency from a financial perspective.

“We were able to significantly reduce administrative spending and increase community support, all while maintaining our traditional high service standards and the number of patients served,” he said.

As far as his biggest disappointment, Smithwick said it was “that San Franciscans continue to die of AIDS, despite the wide availability of free testing, effective medications, and safety-net support systems.

Eighteen of our residents passed at Maitri last year,” he wrote.

Describing changes in hospice care at Maitri, Smithwick said that clinical end-of-life, palliative care

has not changed much at all over the years.

“What has changed is the increasing numbers of Maitri residents who we are able to stabilize medically for discharge back to a second chance at life,” he said. “In Maitri’s early years, there was little we could do other than relieve pain, provide comfort, and ensure that no one suffered or died alone. Today we continue to provide unmatched end-of-life care, but are now able to medically stabilize the majority who seek our care. It feels so good to discharge a stabilized resident back to independent living who had arrived at Maitri thinking it would be their final earthly home,” he said.t

will happen? I’m going to Denver. It’s new ground for all of us.”

Because the issue of homosexuality has been so contentious for the Methodists – with the threat of possible schism – the General Conference this year tabled discussion about openly gay clergy and appointed a special commission to address all aspects of human sexuality. Oliveto saw the move as positive.

“If we had talked about all these controversial topics, it would have been very bloody and it wouldn’t have helped any of us,” she said. “So by removing it and addressing it with a smaller representative group, what we will find is that human sexuality is not the issue, but cultural and theological differences such as how we interpret Scripture are, with LGBT people being put on the altar for church unity to drive a wedge between the factions.”

Addressing the question of whether her elevation to bishop could result in a schism, Oliveto said there is already a conservative group of people who don’t want to be part of the United Methodist Church. They have “their own publishing company, their own mission society, and women’s group [and] is well-equipped in structure to leave the denomination,” she said.

“This may push them over the edge. What’s so sad is I think there

is value in living into the tension of difference. I don’t want to be only around people who think like me and share the same politics. I want to disagree respectfully but learn from each other. It concerns me that if we in the church can’t show the world that we can live together, then where is the hope?” she added.

Oliveto does feel that her work at Glide has helped her prepare for her new role.

“Both theological and racial diversity by staying grounded in unconditional love and acceptance, these are values we live into and are the gifts that I can bring to the episcopacy,” she said. “On the books, Glide has 11,000 members, while all the Methodists as bishop that I will be providing for is 10,000, so the administrative skills I learned at Glide to hold tensions across many dividing lines are real talents to equip me to move forward.”

The Methodist Church is on record that a marriage is only between a man and a woman. Pastors are forbidden to hold same-sex weddings.

“But there are many clergy, often straight, across the country who are saying, ‘I’m not going to create second-class citizens of some of my parishioners. I will care for them and celebrate their love, even if it violates the rules and brings me up for a trial,’” Oliveto said. “They

are willing to risk their credentials and see it as a matter of justice. But recognizing same-sex marriage is a long way off for us. My prayer is that we find a way to stay together despite our disagreements on this issue, but unity cannot come at the expense of LGBT folk or anyone who is told they are less than a child of God.”

openly gay bishop in the Episcopal Church.

“We spoke about what a difference 13 years make. I appreciated his wisdom as to how to move through this time of being the first. Yet my election comes at a time when the U.S. has made leaps and bounds in LGBT civil rights. Did we ever think we would see same-sex marriage in our lifetime? I think there is more support from the greater LGBT community as well as the larger straight community, for whom we are a wonderful part of human diversity as well as a social justice issue. I’m walking a more supportive road than Bishop Robinson was,” Oliveto said.

Still, she is all too aware of the huge responsibility. She praised Ridenour, whom she married two years ago, and who Oliveto said is committed to this process, “as we continue to be grounded in love and to live through the joy with a solid foundation going into this new adventure together.”

But Oliveto is not intimidated at the tasks ahead of her.

“I know a lot of eyes are watching me and what they will see is someone who seeks to be deeply faithful to the Gospel willing to risk much,” she said. “My hope is that people will say she is someone who loves us well.”t

in isolated side pools; do not drink river water or use it for cooking; and do not let pets drink the water or eat scum on the shoreline.

Officials also said that for fish caught in the river, guts should be thrown away and fillets should be cleaned with tap or bottled water before cooking.

Finally, people should rinse off thoroughly with clean water after river play, particularly children and pets.

The health department said that

weekly laboratory testing will continue until there are two successive weeks of negative test results.

Officials said that people who have concerns about their family’s health should contact their health care provider. For pets, people should contact their vet. Medical professionals should be told about possible contact with blue-green algae.

For more information, visit http://www.sonoma-county.org/ health/services/bluegreen.asp.

Public comment launched for jail regulation revisions

will receive public comment until 5 p.m. September 12.

If public comments prompt the organization to make significant changes to the regulation draft, there will be an additional 15-day public comment period before submitting the final rulemaking documents for adoption.

For more information on how to comment and to read the notice of proposed action, visit http://www. bscc.ca.gov/news.php?id=95.t

His story is amazing, going from a place of homelessness and desperation to now having an amazing life, traveling all over the world and putting smiles on lots of faces.”

Navarro acknowledged that some sex workers do turn to the profession because other options are not available to them.

“So many visualize a sex-worker as desperate, destitute, uneducated, and unhappy, because in fact, some are,” he said. “This is an occupation which is sometimes entered for the sake of survival or because one can’t find employment otherwise, due to lack of education, criminal past, racial and/or gender inequality.”

Navarro, however, feels that this stereotype fails to tell the complete story of sex work.

“There are many for who it’s a short term answer but for some of us this is our career, passion, and the source of enormous joy,” he said. “We have a gift for connection and intimacy and the relationships we build with our clients are one part therapist, one part lover, and one part friend.”

Scott and Minichiello said sex work will always exist.

“There are several countries that have now passed laws that have decriminalized sex work, and many other countries and state jurisdictions are thinking about passing relevant

similar laws,” they said. “The reality is that sex work has always existed, and will always exist. Progressive societies will need to make decisions that create the best environment for the development of a professional, respectable, and responsible sex industry.”

Amnesty International issued a policy last year recommending the decriminalization of consensual sex work.

“This is based on evidence that these laws often make sex workers less safe and provide impunity for abusers with sex workers often too scared of being penalized to report crime to the police,” the organization said on its website. “Laws on

sex work should focus on protecting people from exploitation and abuse, rather than trying to ban all sex work and penalize sex workers.”

Scott and Minichiello said that the responses they’ve gotten to the website have been positive across the board.

“It offers the public, including the families and friends of people who decide to be escorts, a better understanding of this work, and challenges the many ill-founded stereotypes associated with escorting in general,” they said.t

Protecting the vulnerable

she added. “We stay together to protect ourselves.”

Protecting themselves is what LGBT refugees are doing in the aftermath of Sankari’s murder, said Nahas. Community members are creating safety guidelines, including that no one is to go out alone.

“They learned that they cannot count on anybody but themselves,” said Nahas, who is concerned for Sankari’s friends’ safety.

“This crime was personal, so I’m

afraid that the friends will be targeted as well,” said Nahas. “We are trying to move them or convince them to move to a safer place or safer neighborhood in Istanbul.”

Nahas is working with his startup LGBT refugee support organization, Spectra, to find a safe house for LGBT refugees, he said. He is also negotiating with a local attorney to represent LGBT individuals pro bono when they need to report crimes to the police in Turkey, since refugees

have no rights in the country.

“When I see these stories and I see my friends and what is going on with them it drives me to do more,” said Nahas, who called for more advocates for LGBT refugees, particularly in governments.t

LGBT refugees feel they aren’t being protected in Turkey and they aren’t being moved out of the country to safer havens. There is no light at the end of the tunnel for them and their cries for help are only being heard by a deaf ear.

“No one cares about us. They just talk,” Diya told the media. “It does not matter if you are Syrian or Turkish. If you are gay you are everyone’s target.”

“We can only protect ourselves,”

Making history

But being a bishop will allow Oliveto to push LGBT concerns.

“When I walk in the room, I’m automatically an advocate for LGBT people. It is no longer hypothetical,” she said. “There are people who are really hurting because of my election, which hits them at the core of their understanding of church. So I see the beginning of my ministry as trying to develop relationships with them, listening to their pain, not trying to debate it, and in respectful ways help us all to grow. One lesson I learned from Glide is to prepare clergy and laity to do ministry at the margins, which is church at its best, to listen deeply to people’s needs and try to help them. I want people to walk by a United Methodist Church and say, I don’t go to that church but our neighborhood is better because it is here.”

Oliveto said she has talked with the retired Gene Robinson, the first

The state Board of State and Community Corrections is required to biennially review and revise the standards for operating local adult detention facilities. The BSCC announced last week that it has completed its draft revisions and has submitted a notice of proposed action to the Office of Administrative Law, which opens a 45-day public comment.

The Office of Administrative Law

Me, Us and Male Escorting can be found at http://www.aboutmaleescorting.com/.

Got international LGBT news tips? Call or send them to Heather Cassell at 00+1-415-2213541, Skype: heather.cassell, or oitwnews@gmail.com.

Serving the LGBT communities since 1971

14 • BAY AREA REPORTER • August 11-17, 2016

<<

Attorneys

From page 6

Although he finds numerous similarities in the legal, operational, and cultural challenges between integrating the military to accept, employ, and utilize LGB soldiers and transgender service members, Toman noted a “key difference.”

“The timeline of challenges to DADT compared to the acceptance of transgender is rather remarkable,” he said. “It took decades to repeal DADT compared to the ‘rapid’ change of policy for transgender soldiers.”

<<

Trans case

From page 9

But Minter and Lambda’s Davidson acknowledged some disappointment over the August 3 action.

“The vote is certainly sobering,” said Minter. “That said, I am cautiously optimistic the court will not take review and ultimately quite optimistic the court will affirm that Title IX protects transgender students when they do take up a case.”

Davidson said he is “very disappointed” in the stay but said the

<<

Zen Buddhist

From page 9

Berkeley resident Erica Svani Grevemeyer, who is a teacher at Anasa Yoga, said that she was “familiar with [Manuel’s] teachings” and is “frequently moved by her words” as well.

“We read Awakening Shakti to look at the various traits and personalities we all harbor from a Hindu perspective,” Oakland resident Jean

<<

Political Notebook

From page 5

to work hard everyday to serve all of my community members in Washington.”

Should Nguyen pull off an upset come November, he would be the first out immigrant to serve in Congress and the second out member of California’s congressional delegation. Gay Congressman Mark Takano (D-Riverside), who has been endorsed by the Victory Fund, is expected to easily win a third term this fall.

Nguyen will be feted at a fundraiser Friday night, August 12, cohosted by several Milk club members. The event takes place from 6 to 9 p.m. at Virgil’s Sea Room, 3152 Mission Street in San Francisco.

To RSVP online, visit http:// bao2016.com/virgils/.

EQCA backs local candidates

Two gay candidates running in the Bay Area were also recently endorsed

by EQCA. Alex Randolph, who is running for re-election to his seat on the City College of San Francisco Board of Trustees, has the group’s backing, as does Concord City Council candidate Pablo Benavente.

Last November Randolph defeated several challengers to maintain his seat after being tapped to fill a vacancy by Mayor Lee. He is now seeking a full four-year term on the oversight body for the local community college.

<<

Jock Talk

From page 12

by actually drinking.

On the other hand, maybe the Olympians got a break with the nice weather. As the Associated Press cheerily noted, “Drier winter weather in Rio recently has also helped because there has been no torrential rain to flush human waste from the hillside slums that surround the city into the lagoon.”

And a bit of thanks should be kicked to Fort Lauderdale’s Brad Funk, a sailor who missed out on making the Olympic team but told

Toman said that among the details to be worked out would be what would happen if a soldier violates the controversial North Carolina law about using restrooms based on one’s gender assigned at birth, and noted that soldiers can be prosecuted for violations of state law.

“The military has had restrictions in place for females in various roles, positions, assignments and functions,” Toman said. “The same sort of operational integration issues will need to be addressed for transgender [soldiers] as it was for female soldiers,” he said.t fact that only eight justices are on the court makes a 4-4 vote on the merits of the case a real possibility.

And a tie vote leaves the lower court decision intact.

“This makes it less likely that review will be granted in close cases, something Supreme Court scholars have noted has been happening since Justice Scalia’s death,” said Davidson. “So, at the moment, it’s very hard to tell whether the Supreme Court will actually decide to hear a challenge to the correctness of the 4th Circuit’s decision.”t Marie Moore, a co-owner and instructor at Anasa, said in an e-mail.

“We know Zenju from the neighborhood and thought her book would be appropriate for understanding Buddhism through the lens of race.”

Manuel said she is working on other books and an audiobook version of The Way of Tenderness, which will be recorded this fall.

“I hope the reader will open their eyes in the way that mine have been opened,” she said.t EQCA has yet to endorse the two other gay candidates in the race: current college board president Rafael Mandelman and Virgil’s owner Tom Temprano, who lost to Randolph last year. There are four college board seats on the November ballot, with one an open seat due to Trustee Steve Ngo opting not to seek re-election.

In addition to Randolph and Mandelman, incumbent Amy Bacharach is also running for reelection this year after winning a two-year term in 2014.

As for Benavente, he is seeking one of two seats on his hometown’s governing body, with one expected to be an open seat. If elected, he would be the first out person elected to the city council in the Contra Costa County city.

He would also be the youngest and, he believes, only the second Latino to serve on the body. The first time candidate for public office told the B.A.R. he is “honored” to have EQCA’s support.

“The council needs diversity,” stated Benavente. “The underrepresented need an advocate and a voice on the council, and the endorsement of EQCA will help my campaign be that voice.”

To date EQCA has endorsed four Bay Area candidates running for municipal office. It is also supporting lesbian San Mateo Harbor Commissioner Sabrina Brennan’s re-election bid and gay Morgan Hill resident Rene Spring’s bid for a city council seat.t the Miami Herald he had hired a boat and spent days hauling diapers and other crap out of Guanabara Bay trying to make conditions better for the Olympic competitors.

“No Olympic medal should be won or lost because of trash in the water,” Funk said. “Rio is my favorite place in the world to sail and it would be a shame if the regatta was compromised by pollution. If I helped one person, I’ll be happy that I was useful to the Olympics.

This is our playground. We all live on a water planet. We’ve got to pitch in and save the environment before it’s too late.”t

t

Legal Notices>> SUMMONS SUPERIOR COURT OF THE STATE OF CALIFORNIA, MONTEREY DIVISION NOTICE TO DEFENDANT: EDGAR ABRAMS, AN INDIVIDUAL; JAMES BLACK & SHIRLEY R. BLACK, AN INDIVIDUAL; MARGARET CASEY, AN INDIVIDUAL; RICHARD FIELD, AN INDIVIDUAL; LINN GASSAWAY, AN INDIVIDUAL; MARK GASSAWAY, AN INDIVIDUAL; ROSEMARY GILLIHAN, AN INDIVIDUAL; KENNETH GUERNSEY, AN INDIVIDUAL; DOE 8 MURIEL FROWENFIELD, THE TESTATE & INTESTATE SUCCESSORS OF MURIEL FROWENFIELD, BELIEVED TO BE DECEASED, AND ALL PERSONS CLAIMING BY, THROUGH, OR UNDER SUCH DECEDENT. YOU ARE BEING SUED BY PLAINTIFF: ALBERT J. DELGADO, AN INDIVIDUAL CASE NO. M122958

Notice: You have been sued. The court may decide against you without your being heard unless you respond within 30 days. Read the information below.

You have 30 CALENDAR DAYS after this summons and legal papers are served on you to file a written response at this court and have a copy served on the plaintiff. A letter or phone call will not protect you. Your written response must be in proper legal form if you want the court to hear your case.

There may be a court form that you can use for your response. You can find these court forms and more information at the California Courts Online Self-Help Center (www.courtinfo.ca.gov/selfhelp) your county law library, or the courthouse nearest you. If you cannot pay the filing fee, ask the court clerk for a fee waiver form. If you do not file your response on time, you may lose the case by default, and your wages, money, and property may be taken without further warning from the court.

There are other legal requirements. You may want to call an attorney right away. If you do not know an attorney, you may want to call an attorney referral service. If you cannot afford an attorney, you may be eligible for free legal services from a nonprofit legal services program. You can locate these nonprofit groups at the California Legal Services Web site (www.lawhelpcalifornia.org), the California Courts Online Self-Help Center (www. courtinfo.ca.gov/selfhelp), or by contacting your local court or county bar association. NOTE: The court has a statutory lien for waived fees and costs on any settlement or arbitration award of $10,000 or more in a civil case. The court’s lien must be paid before the court will dismiss the case.

The name and address of the court is: SUPERIOR COURT OF THE STATE OF CALIFORNIA, 1200 AGUAJITO RD, MONTEREY, CA 93940, MONTEREY DIVISION. The name, address, and telephone number of the plaintiff’s attorney, or plaintiff without an attorney, is:

W. RANDALL SGRO, ESQ. [SBN 184306] FRUCHTER & SGRO, APC, 1609 CRAVENS AVE, TORRANCE, CA 90501; (310) 787-8446.

Date: 04/26/2013; Clerk, by C. TAYLOR, Deputy.

AUG 11, 18, 25, SEPT 01, 2016 FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE A-037181500

The following person(s) is/are doing business as: HALAL SF GYRO, 1301 MARKET ST, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94103. This business is conducted by an individual, and is signed MUHAMMAD AKMAL KHAN. The registrant(s) commenced to transact business under the above listed fictitious business name or names on 07/18/16. The statement was filed with the City and County of San Francisco, CA on 07/18/16.

JULY 21, 28, AUGUST 04, 11, 2016 FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE A-037181400

The following person(s) is/are doing business as: HALAL SF GYRO, 1390 MARKET ST, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94103. This business is conducted by an individual, and is signed MUHAMMAD AKMAL KHAN. The registrant(s) commenced to transact business under the above listed fictitious business name or names on 07/18/16. The statement was filed with the City and County of San Francisco, CA on 07/18/16.

JULY 21, 28, AUGUST 04, 11, 2016 FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE A-037155300

The following person(s) is/are doing business as: CONNIE’S BEAUTY SALON, 5011 GEARY BLVD APT C, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94118.

This business is conducted by an individual, and is signed JIAHUA ZHENG. The registrant(s) commenced to transact business under the above listed fictitious business name or names on 06/28/16. The statement was filed with the City and County of San Francisco, CA on 06/28/16.

JULY 21, 28, AUGUST 04, 11, 2016 FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE A-037169800

ORDER TO SHOW CAUSE FOR CHANGE OF NAME IN SUPERIOR COURT OF CALIFORNIA, COUNTY OF SAN FRANCISCO FILE CNC-16-552291

In the matter of the application of: TAI STILLWATERMOON & MAXINE ZYLBERBERG, 32 DEARBORN ST, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94110, for change of name having been filed in Superior Court, and it appearing from said application that petitioner TAI STILLWATER-MOON & MAXINE ZYLBERBERG, is requesting that the name SIERRA ZYLBERBERG STILLWATER, be changed to CIARA ZYLBERBERG STILLWATER. Now therefore, it is hereby ordered, that all persons interested in said matter do appear before this Court in Dept. 514, Room 514 on the 29th of September 2016 at 9:00am of said day to show cause why the application for change of name should not be granted.

AUGUST 04, 11, 18, 25, 2016 FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE A-037172600

The following person(s) is/are doing business as: WEST HALYARD, 924 MINNESOTA ST, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94107. This business is conducted by a corporation, and is signed CAPITO LIFE TECHNOLOGIES INC (CA). 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 07/12/16.

JULY 21, 28, AUGUST 04, 11, 2016 FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE A-037172901

The following person(s) is/are doing business as: HEADS FIRST SALON; H F SALON, 1700 A UNION ST, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94123. This business is conducted by a married couple, and is signed LINETTE WATSON & GEORGE WATSON. The registrant(s) commenced to transact business under the above listed fictitious business name or names on 07/12/16. The statement was filed with the City and County of San Francisco, CA on 07/12/16.

JULY 21, 28, AUGUST 04, 11, 2016 FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE A-037152000

The following person(s) is/are doing business as: THE JELLY BUS; THE PIANO BUS, 171 COLERIDGE ST, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94110. This business is conducted by a limited liability company, and is signed ABACAXI, LLC (CA). 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 06/27/16.

JULY 21, 28, AUGUST 04, 11, 2016 FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE A-037185900

The following person(s) is/are doing business as: FANTA TRADING COMPANY, 556 5TH AVE #3, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94118. This business is conducted by an individual, and is signed LINGXIA XU. The registrant(s) commenced to transact business under the above listed fictitious business name or names on 07/01/16. The statement was filed with the City and County of San Francisco, CA on 07/21/16.

JULY 28, AUGUST 04, 11, 18, 2016 FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE A-037187200

The following person(s) is/are doing business as: IRONDOZEN, 1549 CAYUGA AVE, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94112. This business is conducted by an individual, and is signed HARUMI DEBONO. The registrant(s) commenced to transact business under the above listed fictitious business name or names on 07/21/16.

The statement was filed with the City and County of San Francisco, CA on 07/22/16.

JULY 28, AUGUST 04, 11, 18, 2016 FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE A-037187300

The following person(s) is/are doing business as: MELISSA KLEIN CONSULTING, 246 2ND ST #605, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94105. This business is conducted by an individual, and is signed MELISSA KLEIN. The registrant(s) commenced to transact business under the above listed fictitious business name or names on 07/22/16. The statement was filed with the City and County of San Francisco, CA on 07/22/16.

JULY 28, AUGUST 04, 11, 18, 2016 FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE A-037183100

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE A-037183500

The following person(s) is/are doing business as: SOCCER TROPHY AWARDS, 1189 GENEVA AVE, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94112. This business is conducted by an individual, and is signed MARIANA JIMENEZ. The registrant(s) commenced to transact business under the above listed fictitious business name or names on 07/18/16. The statement was filed with the City and County of San Francisco, CA on 07/20/16.

JULY 28, AUGUST 04, 11, 18, 2016 FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE A-037155800

The following person(s) is/are doing business as: OM INDIAN CUISINE, 1668 HAIGHT ST, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94117. This business is conducted by an individual, and is signed AJAY RAJ KHADKA. The registrant(s) commenced to transact business under the above listed fictitious business name or names on 06/29/16. The statement was filed with the City and County of San Francisco, CA on 06/29/16.

JULY 28, AUGUST 04, 11, 18, 2016 FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE A-037185500

The following person(s) is/are doing business as: PENSIONE BENEDETTI HOTEL, 556 GREEN ST #211, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94133. This business is conducted by a general partnership, and is signed JAMES T. FIORUCCI & GINO T.L. FIORUCCI. The registrant(s) commenced to transact business under the above listed fictitious business name or names on 01/01/08. The statement was filed with the City and County of San Francisco, CA on 07/21/16.

JULY 28, AUGUST 04, 11, 18, 2016 FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE A-037170100

The following person(s) is/are doing business as: MASHIKO FOLKCRAFT, 1581 WEBSTER ST #216, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94115. This business is conducted by a general partnership, and is signed TERENCE DENNIS COOKE & EDWARD WAYNE SANDERS JR..The registrant(s) commenced to transact business under the above listed fictitious business name or names on 07/01/16. The statement was filed with the City and County of San Francisco, CA on 07/08/16.

JULY 28, AUGUST 04, 11, 18, 2016 FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE A-037187700

The following person(s) is/are doing business as: INN AT GOLDEN GATE, 2707 LOMBARD ST, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94123. This business is conducted by a corporation, and is signed MANGAL INC. (CA). The registrant(s) commenced to transact business under the above listed fictitious business name or names on 07/22/16. The statement was filed with the City and County of San Francisco, CA on 07/22/16.

JULY 28, AUGUST 04, 11, 18, 2016 FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE A-037187800

The following person(s) is/are doing business as: HOTEL 32ONE, 321 GRANT AVE, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94108. This business is conducted by a limited liability company, and is signed HOTEL 32ONE, LLC (DE). The registrant(s) commenced to transact business under the above listed fictitious business name or names on 06/01/16. The statement was filed with the City and County of San Francisco, CA on 07/22/16.

JULY 28, AUGUST 04, 11, 18, 2016 FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE A-037198400

The following person(s) is/are doing business as: GHETTOSABERS, 1883 PALOU AVE #B, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94124. This business is conducted by an individual, and is signed DANIEL EDWARD FARR. The registrant(s) commenced to transact business under the above listed fictitious business name or names on 08/01/16. The statement was filed with the City and County of San Francisco, CA on 08/01/16.

AUGUST 04, 11, 18, 25, 2016 FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE A-037196800

The following person(s) is/are doing business as: STOP & SAVE MARKET, 784 O’FARRELL ST, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94109. This business is conducted by an individual, and is signed DAWLAH MUSAED ALHASHI. The registrant(s) commenced to transact business under the above listed fictitious business name or names on 07/27/16. The statement was filed with the City and County of San Francisco, CA on 07/29/16.

AUGUST 04, 11, 18, 25, 2016 FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE A-037191100

The following person(s) is/are doing business as: MASI PUBLISHING, 1404 FLORIDA ST, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94110. This business is conducted by an individual, and is signed EDDY A. MARTINEZ. The registrant(s) commenced to transact business under the above listed fictitious business name or names on 07/18/16. The statement was filed with the City and County of San Francisco, CA on 07/19/16.

The following person(s) is/are doing business as: KREHBIEL CONSTRUCT, 4718 BALBOA ST, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94121. This business is conducted by an individual, and is signed LAURA KREHBIEL. 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 07/29/16.

JULY 28, AUGUST 04, 11, 18, 2016 FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE A-037184800

AUGUST 04, 11, 18, 25, 2016 FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE A-037192100

The following person(s) is/are doing business as: DREAMSCAPES, 980 TERESITA BLVD, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94127. This business is conducted by an individual, and is signed SUSAN LANDRY. The registrant(s) commenced to transact business under the above listed fictitious business name or names on 07/08/16. The statement was filed with the City and County of San Francisco, CA on 07/08/16.

The following person(s) is/are doing business as: JAMBA JAMBA COMPANY, 1838 42ND AVE, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94122. This business is conducted by an individual, and is signed RIGGIES B. TANG. The registrant(s) commenced to transact business under the above listed fictitious business name or names on 07/15/16. The statement was filed with the City and County of San Francisco, CA on 07/21/16.

The following person(s) is/are doing business as: ALEKSANDRA D FASHION & DESIGN, 643 SPRUCE ST, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94118. This business is conducted by an individual, and is signed ALEKSANDRA SOTELO. The registrant(s) commenced to transact business under the above listed fictitious business name or names on 07/27/16. The statement was filed with the City and County of San Francisco, CA on 07/27/16.

JULY 21, 28, AUGUST 04, 11, 2016 FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE A-037181700

JULY 28, AUGUST 04, 11, 18, 2016 FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE A-037183900

AUGUST 04, 11, 18, 25, 2016 FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE A-037188400

The following person(s) is/are doing business as: NAAN N CURRY, 2154 MISSION ST, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94110. This business is conducted by a corporation, and is signed ALMEER FOOD INC (CA). The registrant(s) commenced to transact business under the above listed fictitious business name or names on 07/15/16. The statement was filed with the City and County of San Francisco, CA on 07/18/16.

The following person(s) is/are doing business as: THEA VISION SERVICES, 305 24TH AVE, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94121. This business is conducted by an individual, and is signed MONICA CHERNOGUZ. 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 07/20/16.

The following person(s) is/are doing business as: TERRA COTTA WARRIOR, 2555 JUDAH ST, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94122. This business is conducted by an individual, and is signed JIE YANG. The registrant(s) commenced to transact business under the above listed fictitious business name or names on 07/25/16. The statement was filed with the City and County of San Francisco, CA on 07/25/16.

JULY 21, 28, AUGUST 04, 11, 2016

JULY 28, AUGUST 04, 11, 18, 2016

AUGUST 04, 11, 18, 25, 2016

▼

Read more online at www.ebar.com

Legal Notices>> FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE A-037188300

The following person(s) is/are doing business as: MINDFUL LIVING, 2676 PINE ST #A, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94115. This business is conducted by an individual, and is signed AMY HEPHNER. The registrant(s) commenced to transact business under the above listed fictitious business name or names on 07/17/16. The statement was filed with the City and County of San Francisco, CA on 07/25/16.

AUGUST 04, 11, 18, 25, 2016 FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE A-037178000

The following person(s) is/are doing business as: DIM SUM KITCHEN INC, 2520 SAN BRUNO AVE, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94134. This business is conducted by a corporation, and is signed DIM SUM KITCHEN INC (CA). 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 07/15/16.

AUGUST 04, 11, 18, 25, 2016 FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE A-037187600

The following person(s) is/are doing business as: CANTON HOUSE GOURMET, 1936 IRVING ST, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94122. This business is conducted by a corporation, and is signed K&K INVESTMENT INC (CA). The registrant(s) commenced to transact business under the above listed fictitious business name or names on 07/22/16. The statement was filed with the City and County of San Francisco, CA on 07/22/16.

AUGUST 04, 11, 18, 25, 2016 FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE A-037198300

The following person(s) is/are doing business as: HUNAN HOUSE, 826 WASHINGTON ST, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94108. This business is conducted by a corporation, and is signed WASHINGTON CAFE INC (CA). The registrant(s) commenced to transact business under the above listed fictitious business name or names on 07/25/16. The statement was filed with the City and County of San Francisco, CA on 08/01/16.

AUGUST 04, 11, 18, 25, 2016 FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE A-037195100

The following person(s) is/are doing business as: GOLDEN BAY INSURANCE INC., 2826 SAN BRUNO AVE, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94134. This business is conducted by a corporation, and is signed GOLDEN BAY INSURANCE INC. (CA). The registrant(s) commenced to transact business under the above listed fictitious business name or names on 07/28/16. The statement was filed with the City and County of San Francisco, CA on 07/28/16.

AUGUST 04, 11, 18, 25, 2016 FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE A-037178100

The following person(s) is/are doing business as: SUITSUPPLY, 173 MAIDEN LANE, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94108. This business is conducted by a corporation, and is signed SUIT SUPPLY SAN FRANCISCO, INC. (DE). The registrant(s) commenced to transact business under the above listed fictitious business name or names on 07/07/16. The statement was filed with the City and County of San Francisco, CA on 07/15/16.

AUGUST 04, 11, 18, 25, 2016 FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE A-037192200

The following person(s) is/are doing business as: ABBOTT WENDLER ARCHITECTS, 760 SOUTH VAN NESS AVE, SAN FRANCISCO, CA. 94110.

This business is conducted by a married couple, and is signed LUKE ABBOTT WENDLER & ANN ABBOTT WENDLER. The registrant(s) commenced to transact business under the above listed fictitious business name or names on 08/08/11.

The statement was filed with the City and County of San Francisco, CA on 07/27/16.

AUGUST 04, 11, 18, 25, 2016 FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE A-037193300

The following person(s) is/are doing business as: DECCAN SPICE BY M&M, 1142 VALENCIA ST, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94110. This business is conducted by a limited liability company, and is signed M&M FOODS LLC (CA). The registrant(s) commenced to transact business under the above listed fictitious business name or names on 07/26/16. The statement was filed with the City and County of San Francisco, CA on 07/27/16.

AUGUST 04, 11, 18, 25, 2016 FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE A-037204100

The following person(s) is/are doing business as: SHELINA PABANI CONSULTING, 1120 RHODE ISLAND ST, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94107. This business is conducted by an individual, and is signed SHELINA PABANI. The registrant(s) commenced to transact business under the above listed fictitious business name or names on 07/28/16. The statement was filed with the City and County of San Francisco, CA on 08/05/16.

AUG 11, 18, 25, SEPT 01, 2016 FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE A-037198800

The following person(s) is/are doing business as: CIVIC CENTER PSYCHIC, 1390 MARKET ST #2050, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94103. This business is conducted by an individual, and is signed BLANSY CHRISTOPHER BASTANI. The registrant(s) commenced to transact business under the above listed fictitious business name or names on 08/01/16. The statement was filed with the City and County of San Francisco, CA on 08/01/16.

AUG 11, 18, 25, SEPT 01, 2016

ebar.com

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE A-037192700

The following person(s) is/are doing business as: STANZA COFFEE, 3126 16TH ST, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94103. This business is conducted by an individual, and is signed ARAFAT HERZALLAH. The registrant(s) commenced to transact business under the above listed fictitious business name or names on 07/27/16. The statement was filed with the City and County of San Francisco, CA on 07/27/16.

AUG 11, 18, 25, SEPT 01, 2016 FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE A-037207900

August 11-17, 2016 • BAY AREA REPORTER • 15

Classifieds The

Counseling>>

The following person(s) is/are doing business as: PHYSIOROBOTICS CONSULTING, 2309 NORIEGA ST #49, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94122.

This business is conducted by an individual, and is signed ANN STERNIN. The registrant(s) commenced to transact business under the above listed fictitious business name or names on 08/08/16. The statement was filed with the City and County of San Francisco, CA on 08/09/16.

4115 19th Street San Francisco, CA 94114

11am-5pm (PST) M-F, Closed on Weekends

415.626.1169 www.nowvoyager.com

Pet Services>>

AUG 11, 18, 25, SEPT 01, 2016 FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE A-037202500

The following person(s) is/are doing business as: SYNAPSE HEALTH CENTER, 3580 CALIFORNIA ST #102, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94118. This business is conducted by a corporation, and is signed BAGHERIAN CHIROPRACTIC, INC (CA).

The registrant(s) commenced to transact business under the above listed fictitious business name or names on 02/01/02. The statement was filed with the City and County of San Francisco, CA on 08/04/16.

AUG 11, 18, 25, SEPT 01, 2016 FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE A-037202400

The following person(s) is/are doing business as: THE GRUBBIES, 303 SACRAMENTO ST, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94111. This business is conducted by a corporation, and is signed THE GRUB-BIES CORPORATION (CA). 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 08/04/16.

AUG 11, 18, 25, SEPT 01, 2016 FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE A-037202000

The following person(s) is/are doing business as: BUBBLE UP ENTERPRISES LLC; BUBBLE UP COIN-OP AND LAUNDRY; 1364 CHURCH ST, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94114. This business is conducted by a limited liability company, and is signed BUBBLE UP ENTERPRISES LLC (CA). The registrant(s) commenced to transact business under the above listed fictitious business name or names on 05/20/16. The statement was filed with the City and County of San Francisco, CA on 08/04/16.

Real Estate>> BUYING? SELLING? RELOCATING? –

AUG 11, 18, 25, SEPT 01, 2016 FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE A-037193900

The following person(s) is/are doing business as: THEA OPTOMETRIC SERVICES, 305 24TH AVE, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94121. This business is conducted by an individual, and is signed MONICA CHERNOGUZ. The registrant(s) commenced to transact business under the above listed fictitious business name or names on 07/27/16. The statement was filed with the City and County of San Francisco, CA on 07/27/16.

AUG 11, 18, 25, SEPT 01, 2016 FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE A-037205400

The following person(s) is/are doing business as: LOVE LETTER TO LENA, LLC, 1325 INDIANA ST #307, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94107-3493. This business is conducted by a limited liability company, and is signed LOVE LETTER TO LENA, LLC (CA). The registrant(s) commenced to transact business under the above listed fictitious business name or names on 06/08/16. The statement was filed with the City and County of San Francisco, CA on 08/08/16.

AUG 11, 18, 25, SEPT 01, 2016 FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE A-037206700

The following person(s) is/are doing business as: RUSTED MULE, 1217 SUTTER ST, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94109. This business is conducted by a limited liability company, and is signed MIND’S EYE RESTAURANT GROUP LLC (CA). 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 08/08/16.

AUG 11, 18, 25, SEPT 01, 2016

35 PUC # 176618

Instant FREE Access Nation’s Top Gay Realtors. Demand to be Represented! www.GayRealEstate.com

POOL HOME PARADISE! $269,000 –

415 861-5381 Tech Support>>

Great Palm Springs Area 4Br, 2Ba, Conv. Family Rm, 2 Car Garage, Great Gardens. Call Todd Bishop 760-321-6999; email: toddbear36@gmail.com

MACINTOSH HELP * home or office * 25 years exp * sfmacman.com

Ralph Doore 415-867-4657

 Yelp reviews

GREAT CLEAN $55 –

Home, Apt $40 Weekly. Once $55. Mop, dust, kitchen, bath, sheets. Serving SF Gays 18+ Years.

Professional, Fast, Not Hourly.

95% Repeat Clients. Spring Clean $125. Call John 415-205-0397 Now!

Many original clients. All supplies.

HEPA Vac. Richard 415-255-0389

PC Support Professional 30+ years exp.

Virus removal PC speedup New PC setup Data recovery Network & wireless setup Discreet

Household Services>>

HOUSECLEANING SINCE 1979 –

R i c k 41 5 . 8 2 1 . 1 7 92

Legal Services>>

ebar.com

AUG 11, 18, 25, SEPT 01, 2016 FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE A-037203000

The following person(s) is/are doing business as: THE URBAN HOTEL, 507 BUSH ST, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94108. This business is conducted by a limited liability company, and is signed 363 GRANT AVE ASSOCIATES LLC (CA).

The registrant(s) commenced to transact business under the above listed fictitious business name or names on 07/27/16. The statement was filed with the City and County of San Francisco, CA on 08/05/16.

Movers>>

Celebrating 31 Years of Fabulous Travel Arrangements!

AUG 11, 18, 25, SEPT 01, 2016 FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE A-037198200

The following person(s) is/are doing business as: FOUNDATIONS LTD, 765 GEARY ST #408, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94109. This business is conducted by an individual, and is signed GARLAND J. SIMPSON. 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 08/01/16.

Vacation>>

To place your Classified ad,

call 415-861-5019

ADVERTISE! The Bay Area Reporter reaches more LGBT consumers than any other advertising medium in the nine county San Francisco Bay Area.

We’re also proud to be the only LGBT print publication with both an audited and verified circulation. Call (415) 861-5019 to market your business to more than 120,000 Bay Area readers.

Then go have a drink & relax...

Ensure that your funeral wishes are honored Many of you have expressed an interest in pre-arranging your cemetery and funeral arrangements. Skylawn Funeral Home, Memorial Park & Crematory offers free informational seminars as a service to our community.

We conduct these seminars in a relaxed environment with a complimentary meal provided. Whether you have chosen traditional burial or cremation, this is a great way to gather information and fellowship with your neighbors.

Attend a pre-planning Seminar There will be no selling at these seminars, only information is shared.

Choose a date and call, text, or email to reserve your seat!

Wednesday Aug. 31 or Sept. 21 11am-1pm

Tuesday September 27 11am-2pm Includes Park Tour!

Women’s Building 3543 19th Street, Room B San Francisco, CA 94110

Skylawn Memorial Park Vista Room San Mateo, CA 94402

Topics of discussion are: • At-Need vs. Pre-Need Benefits • Veteran’s Benefits: What the government does and does not provide • Social Security Benefits • The 72 decisions that Must be made when a death occurs • Why you Don’t want your children or heirs to make arrangements • Why insurance should Not be used for purchasing burial needs • Advanced planning for final arrangements, Burial & Cremation options

Bring a Friend & Join us for Lunch!

RSVP TODAY: (650) 376-5024 (Leave your Name, Phone Number, Lunch Date)

Lorrie Mikkelsen, Sr. Family Service Consultant & Park Historian email: lmikkelsen@skylawn.com Skylawn Funeral Home, Memorial Park & Crematory Hwy 92 at Route 35 in San Mateo 94402 California License FD#: 1848

21

Barbra love

Piano man

Out &About

Women's day

19

O&A

19

22

Vol. 46 • No. 32 • August 11-17, 2016

www.ebar.com/arts

Little Men, big friends

by David Lamble

D

irector Ira Sachs’ Little Men is a revelatory study of two kids growing up fast under the pressure of bad blood between their families. Early in the film, longhaired 12-year-old Jake (Theo Taplitz) is quizzed by an older relative of his new best friend, Tony (scene-stealing newcomer Michael Barbieri). “So, how are you enjoying Brooklyn so far?

See page 18 >> Tony (Michael Barbieri) and Jake (Theo Taplitz) in director Ira Sachs’ Little Men.

Magnolia Pictures

West Edge Opera presents the West Coast staged premiere of Thomas Ades’ Powder Her Face at an abandoned train station in Oakland.

An Italian Mikado

by Philip Campbell

by Philip Campbell

P

owder Her Face, the daring operatic bombshell first thrown at the British class system by composer Thomas Adès and librettist Philip Hensher in 1995, finally got its West Coast-staged premiere at the historic abandoned train station in Oakland last week, part of West Edge Opera’s Festival 2016.

See page 24 >>

fall

L

amplighters Music Theatre, San Francisco’s venerable Gilbert & Sullivan troupe, has been dragged into the 21st century with their latest production of the famous Savoyards’ heretofore most successful operetta, The Mikado.

See page 25 >>

Cory Weaver

{ SECOND OF THREE SECTIONS }

ARTS PREVIEW Coming August 25 and September 1 Call 415-829-8937 for advertising information

Elana Cowen as Pizzi (double-cast with Michele Schroeder), Erin O’Meally as Amiam (double-cast with Patricia Westley), and Allison Spencer as Pippa (double-cast with Autumn Allee) in the Lamplighters’ New Mikado.

Lucas Buxman

<< Out There

18 • BAY AREA REPORTER • August 11-17, 2016

A midsummer book quiz

by Roberto Friedman

B

The plucked passages

ooks pile up on the Out There desk. Some we get to for review, some we don’t. But we love them all.

We’re using only eight of them for the raw materials of the following book quiz. Obviously this is only the merest tease of an encounter with these texts.

We recommend looking at them all, and seeing for yourself if they’re for you. But first, pencils ready? Quiz up!

2. “Chloe was six months pregnant when she and Elvira were married in Toronto. I was their best man and was horribly tempted, as comedians often are, to introduce myself with a joke to their family and friends. ‘Hi, I’m Bob,’ I imagined myself saying.

‘I’m the best man who knocked up one of the brides.’”

3. “What’s In It for Tops? The rewards of topping are a bit less tangible than those of bottoming – after all, it’s the bottom who gets all the sensory goodies.” Side note: “Except for an occasional sore palm.”

4. “In some of Amina Suicide’s earlier photo shoots she’d cropped her photos to avoid revealing her disability, but then decided to come out on the Suicide Girls forum. Her prosthetic was custom-tattooed to match the beautiful art that adorned the rest of her body. She was beautiful and brave and was met with loving kindness in the SG community as she shared her story and revealed and celebrated her body and sexuality openly.”

5. “As early as the 1830s, in his trip to the United States, the Frenchman Alexis de Tocqueville observed that ‘Americans of all ages, all stations of life, and all types of disposition are forever forming associations. In democratic countries knowledge of how to combine is the mother of all other forms of knowledge; on its progress depends that of all the others.’”

6. “For You, Me, and the Elephant in the Room – bowl, 53 peanuts (with shells on), exhibited on kitchen table

1. “Ron Silliman, in his introductory essay in Ironwood 20, notes: ‘We do not contain multitudes so much as we are the consequence of a multitude of conflicting and overdetermined social forces, brought to us, and acted out within us, as language.’”

<<

WINNER Best Wedding Photographer

Steven Underhill

PHOTOGRAPHY

415 370 7152

WEDDINGS, HEADSHOTS, PORTRAITS

stevenunderhill.com · 1stevenunderhillphotos@gmail.com Help22-BAR.ad.qxp_Layout 8/9/16 2:04 PM Page 1 The Richmond/Ermet Aid Foundation Presents HELP IS ON THE WAY XXII

On the Red Carpet

Sunday, August 21, 2016

Herbst Theater & Green Room

Idols & Icons

Benefiting Meals On Wheels of San Francisco and AIDS Legal Referral Panel

TICKETS & INFO: WWW.REAF.ORG

Performance Featuring

★

★

CONSTANTINE MAROULIS, KIMBERLEY LOCKE, LA TOYA LONDON & MELINDA DOOLITTLE Broadway/TV stars

★

★

The cast of the Broadway touring cast of BEAUTIFUL American Idol stars

★

★

DONNA McKECHNIE, CAROLE COOK, SALLY STRUTHERS & JAI RODRIGUEZ Michael Walters as DAME EDNA JAKE SIMPSON • BRANDEN JAMES & JAMES CLARK Jazz/Cabaret stars

★

★

JASON BROCK, PAULA WEST & SONY HOLLAND Directed by DAVID GALLIGAN Musical Director MICHAEL ORLAND

to coincide with guest’s arrival (2015).”

7. “Prostitution, of course, has always been at the heart of the art world, and the relationship between the artist and the collector should not be overlooked here. But the particular psychology of the collector, who has displaced his or her love objects into the form of multiple artworks – that too should be examined.” (AA Bronson, Documenta Sex, 2004) 8. “Edward’s own photography grew exponentially on his second trip to Mexico. Actual subject matter became unimportant: he could make a consequential photograph of literally anything. To prove his point, he placed his camera on the bathroom floor and focused its lens on the toilet. The resulting picture, titled Excusado, was a visual metaphor for Edward’s photographic aesthetics.”

The source books

A. The DIY Porn Handbook – A How-To Guide To Documenting Our Own Sexual Revolution by Madison Young (Greenery Press)

t

B. Group f.64: Edward Weston, Weston Ansel Adams, Imogen Cunningham, and the Community of Artists Who Revolutionized American Photography by Mary Street Alinder (Bloomsbury) C. Power – Why We Want It and What To Do With It by Dennis Toombs (Prometheus Books) D. Queer – Documents of Contemporary Art edited by David J. Getsy (The MIT Press) E. The Skin of Meaning – Collected Literary Essays and Talks

by Aaron Shurin (University of Michigan Press) F. Spanking for Lovers by Janet W. Hardy, illustrated by Barb (Greenery Press) G. Textbook by Amy Krouse Rosenthal (Dutton) H. Treehab – Tales from my Natural Wild Life by Bob Smith (University of Wisconsin Press)t Answers: 1: E; 2: H; 3: F; 4: A; 5: C; 6: G; 7: D; 8: B.

Little Men

From page 17

“I like it a lot. We have a lot more space. It’s a lot more peaceful than Manhattan.”

A scene or two later, the precocious Tony informs Jake that the neighborhood will be a great fit for an aspiring artist like Jake, due to its growing bohemianism. Both boys fail to realize that the area’s rapid gentrification, with its attendant soaring rents, will soon threaten everything they love.

Tony’s Chilean-born mom Leonor (Paulina Garcia, the fabulous star of Gloria) is eking out a small living from a tiny dress shop. The shop is situated on the ground floor of a brownstone once owned by Jake’s recently deceased grandfather. The old man was a loving but careless guy, to both Tony’s mom and his own kin. He died without a will spelling out what would happen if his hard-pressed kids, Brian and Kathy, decide to squeeze more income from the property, effectively crushing the dress shop.

Little Men entertains on parallel tracks. The boys become fast friends and possibly more. Introvert Jake is content to spend his days drawing while Tony sweeps around the hood like a pint-sized tornado, informing everyone that he’s going to LaGuardia Community College to prepare to be an actor. Meanwhile, the adults are girding for class warfare. Kathy presses Brian to triple the dress shop’s rent, a ruinous blow for Leonor, whose handmade gowns can’t possibly pay the way. For her part, Leonor recklessly taunts Brian and Kathy with her past relationship with their late dad, boasting that the old man’s feelings for her far exceeded his interest in them.

The American aversion to acknowledging class can be overcome at the movies by pitch-perfect casting. Here, Greg Kinnear, so ideal as Little Miss Sunshine’s malcontent dad piloting a little yellow van across a desert with the body of his freshly dead Pop in the back, doubles down on being the blue-meanie authority figure. In an effectively emotional moment with both boys in the back

Magnolia Pictures

Tony (Michael Barbieri) in director Ira Sachs’ Little Men.

seat, Brian screams at Jake to display a little loyalty to his parents’ need to get more income from the shop, despite the devastating blow this will inflict on his best friend’s future.

“One of the hardest things to understand is that your parents are people, too. You understand that, Jake? They make mistakes. Does any of what I’m saying make any sense to you? Say something, Jake!”

The boys go on strike, refusing to talk to their parents while the shop’s lease is renegotiated. Little Men deftly examines those awkward moments in adolescence when kids surrender a child’s awe of their parents’ infallibility and become resigned to and even complicit in their family’s flaws and not-so-secret sins.

It’s to Sachs’ great credit as a storyteller that he shows the sadness of the boys’ broken bond in an epilogue where Jake, at college, stares across the school gym at his ex-chum, bonding with a gaggle of jocks. Jake stands just out of earshot, as if he were invisible.

A few years back I had a phone chat with Sachs about an earlier film of his, a snippet from which casts a perceptive light on his plan for Little Men. I asked Sachs, who co-wrote Love is Strange with Mauricio Zacharias (also his writing partner on their previous feature, Keep the Lights On), to reflect on his philosophy and methods as

one of American queer film’s most adroit chronicler of relationships.

Those relationships are either fleeting (The Delta), severely challenged (Forty Shades of Blue), fatally flawed (Married Life), or full of bumps and bruises (Keep the Lights On, a film he concedes was significantly autobiographical). That film was his second effort with screenwriting partner Zacharias, again his collaborator on Little Men. “It helps that we’re both family,” Sachs said. “He’s the godfather of my two-year-old son, and we share a lot of values, similar curiosities about life and relationships and family intimacy, and that’s a very good place to start an artistic collaboration.”

Little Men is a beguiling tale of how two young men find each other and form bonds of friendship and possibly carnal attraction despite obstacles thrown up by everyone around them.

The young leads, Taplitz and Barbieri, are so seamless in their relationship that they allow us to think back on that special time in life when we are freshly if imprudently open to the world.

At a precious moment when LGBTQ partners across America are launching new types of families with children, Little Men is a funny, poignant exploration of what we stand to gain, but also of what can be lost along the way.t Opens Friday.

t

Theatre>>

August 11-17, 2016 • BAY AREA REPORTER • 19

An independent woman

by Richard Dodds

A

literal adaptation of a literary work can be a slog for an audience. Words on a page have a different way of evoking emotions than words on a stage, and a novel’s adaptor must take license to capture intent and spirit even at the price of reverence for the original storytelling techniques. It’s a process that certainly carries risk, but Oren Stevens has pulled it off with Kate Chopin’s The Awakening. Large swathes of the book have been discarded, scenes rearranged, and dialogue rewritten in an unexpectedly successful effort to capture the essences of Chopin’s 1899 novel of early feminist ideas.

Chopin had been known as the author of amiable local-color stories set in and around New Orleans at the end of the 19th century, and critics and readers expected more of the same when The Awakening was announced for publication. Instead, shock and revulsion were frequently the response, and Chopin claimed to be surprised by the criticism. She shouldn’t have been, for she had created a heroine who broke away from the most basic tenets of what it meant to be a woman of not only those times but decades to come.

Stevens developed his adaptation

with Ariel Craft, whose direction of the new script is very much part of the effective translation into a theater piece. Presented by the Breadbox Theatre at Exit Theatre, Chopin’s story is told in semirealistic scenes that don’t necessarily follow the same chronological order of the book, while adding a touch of the mystical further enhanced with choreographed movements by the cast. And it’s a good cast playing the six characters that remain from the dozens that populated the novel.

At the very center of a storm of her own making is Edna Pontellier, an outsider who has married into the lingering remnants of the starchily formal French society in New Orleans. Her husband Leonce is a successful and often absent businessman, and with their two small children, they live in a handsome home in a fashionable part of town. Summers are spent on Grand Isle, a spit of sand that is the closest thing swampy Louisiana has to a beach resort, and it is there where we first meet Edna and Leonce among the other vacationing regulars. But for Edna, this will not be an ordinary summer.

This transformation is communicated in ways both subtle and intense in Maria Giere Marquis’ focused performance as Edna. In

Rebecca Hodges Photography

The characters in The Awakening try to push a conflicted wife and mother (Maria Giere Marquis) in different directions in a new stage adaptation of Kate Chopin’s controversial novel.

her novel, Chopin wrote, “The mother-women seemed to prevail that summer at Grand Isle. They were women who idolized their children, worshiped their husbands, and esteemed it a holy privilege to efface themselves as individuals and grow wings as ministering angels.”

Marquis, working with Stevens’ script and Craft’s direction, communicates these and other sentiments in effective shorthand.

There is temptation for Edna on the isle in the form of buffoonish Robert Lebrun, a habitual flirt who is regarded as harmless by wives and husbands. But Edna becomes increasingly beguiled by Robert’s disregard for societal hierarchies, and Justin Gilman captures the character’s appeal as an unconventional man of his times. But Robert is unreliable as a paramour, nervously fleeing the scene when real

romantic possibilities arrive, and back in New Orleans, Edna finds brief satisfaction through a local lothario (smoothly played by Elliot Lieberman) before Robert returns to unsettling results.

This production has the cast serving as a kind of cacophonous Greek chorus, exhorting Edna into different choices. More specifically tugging at her decisions are the good wife (warmly played by Kirsten Peacock) and an unmarried cynic (given a hint of the Sapphic in Genevieve Perdue’s amusingly steely performance). As Edna’s husband Leonce, Robin Gabrielli gives a steady performance as the vaguely clueless character.

“Love is burdened with ownership,” Edna ultimately discovers, and she can’t live without the former or with the latter. The novel’s ending has always been a challenge for those who want to attach a proto-feminist gold star to the story.

But as rendered with creativity in this sensitive production, we understand the crosscurrents pulling at Edna, and the radical decision she makes to navigate past them.t The Awakening will run at Exit Theatre through Aug. 20.

Tickets are $20, available at breadboxtheatre.org.

Misty, water-colored memories

by David-Elijah Nahmod

L

egendary superstar Barbra Streisand was greeted with a standing ovation as she stepped out onto the stage at San Jose’s SAP Center on Thurs., Aug. 4. Looking decades younger than her 74 years, the diva wowed the crowd with Barbra: The Music, The Mem’ries, The Magic, a two-hour journey down memory lane.

Streisand opened her set with her 1973 hit “The Way We Were,” a fitting start for an evening in which the diva looked back upon a wondrous career that includes Oscars, Grammys, and many other awards.

She has sold more than 100 million albums during a recording career that goes all the way back to 1961’s The Barbra Streisand Album.

Streisand’s voice has lost none of its emotional power. She had the audience cheering with every number.

She was one of the first celebrities to develop a social conscience as part of her public persona, and spoke eloquently about her concerns regarding the direction we might be heading. During a heartfelt rendition of Carole King’s anti-war ballad “Being at War with Each Other,” Streisand stood before a large screen. Images of the civil rights

movement, the women’s movement, the burning Twin Towers on 9/11, ACT-UP, Pulse nightclub, and the recent Congressional sit-in for meaningful gun control flashed onscreen as a mesmerized audience applauded in approval.

Streisand also expressed her support for Democratic Presidential nominee Hillary Clinton, and threw a few witty barbs in the direction of GOP nominee Donald Trump. The audience clearly agreed with her.

It was a simple show. Backed by a small orchestra and three back-up singers, Streisand looked stunning in a black pants-suit for her first act. She twirled around the stage in a flowing gown for her second act.

For most of the show, she stood alone on the stage.

Every decade of her career was represented. She recalled the album-cover shoot for her 1964 album People, then belted out the record’s star-making title track. She had the audience screaming with delight during the evening’s take on “Don’t Rain on my Parade” from Funny Girl, which established her as a movie star. Songs from her films Funny Lady (1975) and A Star Is Born (1976) followed. She also gave a strong performance of her 1981 hit, the feminist anthem “Woman

in Love.”

Streisand spoke of her love for the filmmaking process. To date she has directed three features and has a fourth in the works. She made her debut as a filmmaker with 1983’s Yentl. Her concert performance of that film’s “Papa Can You Hear Me,” a tribute to her late father, was particularly moving.

The star also plugged her forthcoming CD Encore: Movie Partners Sing Broadway, in which she performs duets with fellow movie stars who are not known for their singing abilities. Brief clips of the CD’s recording sessions show Streisand bringing out the best in a list of actors who include Alec Baldwin, Patrick Wilson, Chris Pine, Jamie Foxx

and Melissa McCarthy.

The audience ate up every second of it, and Streisand herself was clearly having a great time. Towards the end of the show she brought down the house yet again with a powerful performance of a song she first sang 55 years ago, “Happy Days Are Here Again.” It was indeed a happy evening in San Jose.t

SPENCER DAY

LUCIE ARNAZ

SUEDE

August 19 – 20

September 16 – 17

September 22 – 23

For tickets: feinsteinsatthenikko.com Steve Jennings

Performing legend Barbra Streisand appeared at San Jose’s SAP Center.

Feinstein’s | Hotel Nikko San Francisco 222 Mason Street | 855-322-2738

<< Out&About

20 • BAY AREA REPORTER • August 11-17, 2016

O&A

Thu 11 Zoë Klein @ CounterPulse

Sat 13 10,000 Maniacs @ Yoshi’s Oakland The multi-platinum-selling art pop band performs at the classy restaurant-nightclub. $49-$79.

7:30pm. 510 Embarcadero West, Oakland. www.yoshis.com

Grand Concourse @ Ashby Stage, Berkeley Heidi Schreck’s new witty drama about the volunteers at a community soup kitchen. $23-$35. Wed-Sun, thru Aug. 21, then in repertory Nov. 26-Jan. 31. 1901 Ashby Ave., Berkeley.

(510) 841-6500. shotgunplayers.org

Kindred

Hearts of Palm @ Berkeley City Club

by Jim Provenzano

W

e’re more alike than different. We want top-notch entertainment in our lives, because we love to gather together to witness art. For more events, visit us online at www.ebar.com. For nightlife events, check out On the Tab in BARtab.

Robbie Sweeny

Thu 11 Colette Uncensored @ The Marsh Berkeley Lorri Holt’s acclaimed solo show about the pioneering writer moves to the East Bay theatre. $20-$100. Thu 8pm, Sat 8:30pm. Thru Aug. 20. 2120 Allston Way, Berkeley. 282-3055. themarsh.org

Desi Comedy Fest @ Various Venues 3rd annual festival of comics from nine countries, all with South Asian heritage, including Irene Tu, Vasu Primlani, Arjun Banerjee and more. Thru Aug. 21 in eight cities. www.desicomedyfest.com

Mame in Concert @ Feinstein’s at the Nikko Jerry Herman’s rollicking musical gets a concert performance with Meg Mackay, Sharon McNight, Jesse Cortez and others; directed by Allen Sawyer; music direction by Joe Wicht. $40-$60. Wed & Sat 7pm. Thu-Fri 8pm. Sun 3pm. Thru Aug. 14. Hotel Nikko, 222 Mason St. (866) 663-1063. www.feinsteinsatthenikko.com

New & Classic Films @ Castro Theatre Aug 11: A Streetcar Named Desire (7pm) and Suddenly, Last Summer (9:15). Aug. 12: The Goonies (7pm) and The Lost Boys (9:10). Aug. 13: Summer Social presents The Great Muppet Caper with guests (10:30am), The Benson Movie and the Found Footage Festival (www.sfsketchfest.com). Aug. 14: The Godfather (2pm, 7pm) and The Freshman (5:05). Aug. 17: noir flicks 99 River Street (8pm) and The Killer That Stalked New York (6pm, 9:45). Aug. 18: Cruising (7pm) and Kamikaze ‘89 (8:55). $11. 429 Castro St. castrotheatre.com

Porchlight @ Verdi Club The unusual reading and storytelling event this time features Moon Zappa, Ben McCoy, Mary Roach, Dominic Riley, Adam Savage and Dixie De La Tour. $20-$25. 8pm. 2424 Mariposa St. www.porchlightsf.com

Showgirls! The Musical @ Victoria Theatre Peaches Christ and April Kidwell star in the West Coast premiere of Bob and Tobly McSmith’s hilarious musical adaptation of the high camp film about female strippers, with musical direction by Peter Fogel (Whoa Nellies) and choreography by Rory Davis (Baloney). $32-$45. Wed-Sat 8pm. Thru Aug. 27. 2961 16th St. www.peacheschrist.com www.showgirlsthemusical.com

Zoë Klein, Stephanie Bastos @ CounterPulse The two resident choreographers present athletic compelling new works. $12-$35. Thu-Sat 8pm. Thru Aug. 20. 80 Turk St. www.counterpulse.org

World premiere of Patricia Milton’s political comedy about capitalism and romance. $15-$30. Thu-Sat 8pm. Sun 5pm. Extended thru Aug. 21. 2315 Durant Ave., Berkeley. (510) 558-1381. www.centralworks.org

The Awakening @ Exit Theatre World premiere of Oren Stevens’ drama based on Kate Chopin’s feminist masterwork novel. $20. 8pm. Thru Aug. 20. 156 Eddy St. breadboxtheatre.org

Charles Gatewood @ Center for Sex and Culture Exhibit of prints by the late prolific photographer of rock music icons and fetish subcultures. Tuesdays 11am6pm, and by appointment. Reception Aug 12, 7pm. Thru Aug. 29. 1349 Mission St. www.sexandculture.org

City of Angels @ SF Playhouse Cy Coleman and David Zippel’s Tonywinning film noir musical is produced by the acclaimed local theatre company. $20-$125. Tue-Thu 7pm. Fri & Sat 8pm. Sun 2pm. Thru Sept. 17.

Kensington Park Hotel, 2nd floor, 450 Post St. 677-9596. sfplayhouse.org

The Gathering @ Live Oak Theater, Berkeley West Coast revivial of Arje Shaw’s drama about the Holocaust’s legacy in Reagan ‘80s America. $35.

Thu-Sat 8pm. Sun 2pm. Thru Aug. 20. 1301 Shattuck Ave., Berkeley. thegatheringplay.com

John Leguizamo: Latin History for Morons @ Berkeley Rep The award-winning comic, stage, TV and film actor performs his solo show about trying to teach his son about Latin history, with satirical takes on the Civil War, Aztec and Incan history. $35-$60. 8pm. Tue-Fri & Sun 8pm.

Sat 7pm & 10pm. Sun 2pm. Thru Aug. 14. 2025 Addison St., berkeleyrep.org

Twelfth Night @ Forest Meadows Ampitheatre, San Rafael Marin Shakespeare Company’s outdoor staging of The Bard’s genderbending romantic comedy. $10-$35.

Fri & Sat 8pm. Sun 4pm. Thru Aug. 21.

Dominican University of California, 890 Belle Avenue, San Rafael. 4994488. www.marinshakespeare.org

Enjoy weekly same-sex tango dancing and a potluck, with lessons early in the day. $7-$15. 3:30-6:30pm. 1970 Chestnut St., Berkeley. (510) 8455352. www.finnishhall.com

Nathan Rapport @ Strut The creator of the new graphic gay sex coloring book signs and discusses his new project; T-shirts, too! Part of the new ‘Shut Up and Draw’ night.

6:30pm-9pm. 470 Castro St. www.nathanrapportart.com www.strutsf.org

SF Hiking Club @ Mount San Bruno Join GLBT hikers for a 7-mile hike at Mt. San Bruno with its abundant native vegetation and butterfly species. Carpool meets 9:30 at Safeway sign, Market & Dolores.

(650) 740-9849. www.sfhiking.com

Jay Brannan @ Bottom of the Hill

Mon 15

The gay singer-songwriter performs another (inevitably sold-out) acoustic concert; Terese Taylor and Mickelson also play. $14. 9pm. 1233 17th St. www.bottomofthehill.com

Drink & Draw @ Noman Coffee Co.

The Real Americans @ The Marsh

Fri 12

Abrazo, Queer Tango @ Finnish Brotherhood Hall, Berkeley

Enjoy beer, coffee or soft drinks at the fun drawing night, this time themed New Wave Mermaid.

6pm-9pm. 55 Duboce St. nomancoffee.com

Dan Hoyle returns with his hit solo show about the polarized sides of right and leftwing America. $25-$100.

Fri 8pm & Sat 8:30pm. Extended thru Oct. 15. 1062 Valencia St. www.themarsh.org

t

Mohsin Shafi @ Strut Exhibit of the artist’s multi-layered mixed media collages that depict the complicated life of being a queer Pakistani. Thru August. 470 Castro St. www.strutsf.org

Will Durst @ The Marsh The political comic’s updated solo show, Elect to Laugh: 2016, adds topical jokes about the bizarre election season. $15-$100. Tuesdays, 8pm. Extended thru Nov. 8. 1062 Valencia St. www.themarsh.org

Wed 17 10 Percent @ Comcast David Perry’s online and cable interviews with notable local and visiting LGBT people, broadcast through the week. www.ComcastHometown.com

Maya Beiser @ SF Jazz Center The innovative cellist performs her uniquely styled concert of hybrid styles. $30-$50. 7:30pm. 201 Franklin St. (866) 920-5299. www.mayabeiser. com www.sfjazz.org

Smack Dab @ Strut Local musician Shawna Virago headlines the eclectic reading-talent series, cohosted by Dana Hopkins and Larry-bob Roberts. 8pm. 470 Castro St. www.strutsf.org

Wed 17 Maya Beiser @ SF Jazz Center

Runway 28: Intergalactic @ Herbst Theatre GAPA Foundation’s annual fun, glamorous pageant for Mr. and Miss GAPA (Gay Asian Pacific Alliance).

May the fierce be with you. $19-$49.

7pm-10:30pm. 401 Van Ness Ave. www.gapa.org

Schooled @ Various Venues San Francisco Mime Troupe’s new satirical political musical comedy takes on collapsing educational system and corporate intervention.

Free/donations. Aug. 13, 2pm at Glen Park, Chenery & Dimaond sts. Aug. 14, 2pm at Washington Square Park, Columbus at Union St.Thru Sept. 5 throughout the Bay Area. sfmt.org

Stanley Kubrick: The Exhibition @ Contemporary Jewish Museum Stanley Kubrick: The Exhibition, a new multimedia exhibit about the prolific filmmaker (thru Oct. 30). Free (members)-$12. Fri-Tue 11am-5pm, Thu 11am-8pm (closed Wed). 736 Mission St. 655-7800. thecjm.org

Strandbeest: The Dream Machines of Theo Jansen @ Exploratorium New exhibit of the amazing walking sculptures that resemble giant insectlike creatures. Thru Sept. 5. Free-$25.

Pier 15 at Embarcadero. Tue-Sun 10am5pm (Thu night 6pm-10pm, 18+). 5284893. exploratorium.edu/strandbeest

Sun 14 50 Years of Fighting for Transgender Rights @ Oasis Celebrate the anniversary of the 1966 Compton’s Cafeteria riots, with activist Felicia Flames and a roof deck celebration with BBQ and Mimosas.

11am. No cover. 298 11th St. at Folsom. 795-3180. www.sfoasis.com

Queerest Library Ever @ SF Public Libraries Hormel at 20: Celebrating Our Past/ Creating Our Future, a dual exhibit of archival materials celebrating two decades of the LGBTQ collections. 100 Larkin St., 3rd floor, and at the Eureka Valley Branch, 1 Jose Sarria Court at 16th St. www.sfpl.org

Tue 16 .66 @ Qulture Collective, Oakland

Alphabet Anthology @ Dog Eared Books

Alphabet Anthology @ Dog Eared Books Signing with local queer cartoonist contributors to the new book, including Eight Rock, Elizabeth Beier, Scout Tran-Caffee, Tyler Cohen, Diego Gomez, Robyn Adams, Ahri Almeida, Emeric L Kennard, Maia Kobabe, and Dorian Katz. 7pm. 489 Castro St. facebook.com/DogearedBooksCastro/

Carly Ozard @ Feinstein’s at the Nikko

Varied-media group exhibit of women of color representing the gender wage gap and feminist issues. Thru Aug. 1714 Franklin St., Oakland. www.herresilience.org

The amazing vocalist performs More Shift Happens, a tell-all, sing-all cabaret concert. $20-$35. 8pm. Hotel Nikko, 222 Mason St. www.carlyozard.com www.feinsteinsathtebikko.com

Compton’s 50th Anniversary @ GLBT History Museum

Comedy Returns @ El Rio

Art launch and artist talk with Nicki Green and Chris Vargas, whose commissioned coffee mugs and T-shirts will be available. Also, Stroke: From Under the Mattress to the Museum Wall, Robert W. Richards’ exhibit of gay men’s erotic magazines from the 1950s to the ‘90s. Thru Oct. 16. Also, Dancers We Lost: Honoring Performers Lost to HIV/AIDS, an exhibit of photos and ephemera, curated by Glenne McElhinney, about Bay Area dancers who died of AIDS. Thru Aug. 7. $5.

4127 18th St. www.dancerswelost.org/ exhibit/ www.glbthistory.org

OutLoud Storytelling @ Oasis

Thu 18

Thu 18

Joshua Grannell hosts the monthly storytelling series, this time themed “Altered States,” with VivvyAnne Forevermore, Waiyde Palmer, Phatima, Becky Motorlodge, Carrie Davis and Tommy Salami. $10. 6pm.

298 11th St. at Folsom. 795-3180. www.sfoasis.com

The monthly comedy night this time features Marga Gomez, Eloisa Bravo, Justin Lucas, Priyanka Wali, and MC Lisa Geduldig. $7-$20. 8pm. 3158 Mission St. www.elriosf.com

The Fifth Element Live @ Great Star Theatre Three nights of the amazing Luc Besson science fiction flick, with live performances by Kat Robichaud, Featherpistol, Fou Fou Ha and more, special effects, cash bar, concessions, etc, and a post-screening costume dance party. $30-$85. 8pm doors, 9pm live show, screening 9:30; postfilm dancing til 1am. Also Aug. 19 & 20. 636 Jackson St. www.greatstarmovies.com

Screaming Queens @ Roxie Theater Susan Stryker and Victor Silverman’s acclaimed 2005 documentary about the history of the pre-Stonewall 1966 Compton’s Cafeteria Riots. $7-$12.

7pm. 3117 16th St. www.roxie.com

t

Film>>

August 11-17, 2016 • BAY AREA REPORTER • 21

Playing the piano man for Meryl Streep

by Gregg Shapiro

I

f Simon Helberg didn’t already have a substantial gay following from the comical interplay between his character Howard and Raj (Kunal Nayyar) on the beloved sitcom The Big Bang Theory, his portrayal of sexually ambiguous pianist Cosme McMoon in Florence Foster Jenkins will remedy that. It’s based on the true story of society hostess Jenkins (Meryl Streep), an opera fanatic with a tin ear when it came to her own operatic renditions. But that didn’t stop her from performing concerts, including a legendary one at Carnegie Hall. McMoon, hired by Jenkins and her paramour St. Clair Bayfield (Hugh Grant) to be her accompanist, is given dimension and depth in Helberg’s performance. I spoke with him about the film shortly before it opened in theaters.

Gregg Shapiro: How aware were you of Florence Foster Jenkins before being cast as her accompanist?

Simon Helberg: Zero awareness.

But it felt familiar, this theme of delusions of grandeur. I always felt very attracted to those traits: people who aspire to be something much larger than they are and who have a complete misunderstanding of who

they actually are. I think that’s kind of sweet and tragic.

knows but doesn’t act on it. A question mark was more interesting to me than the answer.

Opera is featured prominently in the film. Are you an opera fan?

No. There’s that, too. It’s more that I’m unfamiliar than not a fan.

There are pieces of opera that I’ve been exposed to and that I enjoy.

But I didn’t know much about it. I love jazz. That was a tough enough thing to like in high school; I didn’t need to go looking to opera.

What other kinds of music do you like?

Not to be cliché, but I do have an appreciation for all music. I love rock and pop and the Beatles; a lot of stuff that isn’t as current maybe, somewhere between the 1960s and the 90s. The 40s, too.

Acting in a period piece means you get to wear costumes you wouldn’t ordinarily wear. What was that like?

As he began to have a little more money and sustain this job, his clothes did get nicer. The first outfit that he wore was kind of sad. It was shredding on the leg. Consolota Boyle was the costume designer – brilliant! He wore these little sweaters that were very sweet. At the end, the suits were so beautiful; they handmade some of them. What an era for clothes. The flies on the pants were

Paramount Pictures

Simon Helberg as sexually ambiguous pianist Cosme McMoon in director Stephen Frears’ Florence Foster Jenkins.

Cosme’s sexuality is the pink elephant in the room. The scene at the party in St. Clair’s apartment, when Cosme is cruised by that man who eventually attaches himself, manages to be a subtle confirmation of what we’ve all been thinking. What was it like to play a character who lived at a time when his attractions could

threaten his very being?

Yes, it was illegal. I read this Cole Porter biography just to understand what it was like in New York at that time to be gay in the music and arts world. That was an interesting moment, having that guy put his arm around him. I thought, maybe he doesn’t know at this moment what he is. Particularly in a time when not only didn’t people question things, but you weren’t even allowed to express it even if you had the answer.

Maybe he never knows. Maybe he

“You got a file on us?”

“I’ve got a file on everybody.”

The film’s lesbian content, such as it is, is signaled by two preschoolers with the bratty smarts most often only found at the movies. Kudos are due to director Meera Menon, working from Amy Frank’s screenplay. Devoted fans of women-driven

cinema may recall Menon’s 2013 political comedy Farah Goes Bang, about a young Iranian American woman who attempts to lose her virginity in 2004 while on a crosscountry campaign trek for the doomed John Kerry presidential campaign.

In this year of Trump braggadocio,

so enormous; it was very ambitious.

You had to unbutton forty buttons just to pee. I don’t know what was going on down there in the 40s.

One of the most beautiful scenes in the movie is when Florence comes to visit Cosme at his apartment. They end up at his piano, where they play a duet.

What was doing that scene with Meryl like for you?

It was kind of the Everest of the movie for me. It was a scene that stood out, particularly with the duet. Is there a world in which my hand would be next to Meryl’s hand? Meryl and I talked about the scene being an anomaly. This very long and intimate scene, outside of the context of the world we’ve been in. We talked about it being the gentleman caller scene in The Glass Menagerie. It had this very human quality. It took its time. There’s that moment where he asks if she wants a glass of water. In rehearsal, she took the water and drank the whole glass. She said to [director] Stephen Frears, “It’s very important that you shoot me drinking the whole glass.

The whole movie is about this.”

That’s her genius. It’s this abstract idea, yet it makes perfect sense. The thirst and the desperation. It’s this larger-than-life woman needing the human elixir to get back up on her feet in this vulnerable moment. t

Female financiers

by David Lamble

“M

eet the She-Wolves of Wall Street!” I came to a screening of Equity thinking this was a fearless peek at lesbians in the pitiless world of high finance and double-dealing, only to discover that perhaps somewhere in the film’s creative process there had been a hostile takeover and the gay female content largely submerged under myriad plots and melodramatic hurly-burly. The actual movie is not without interest at a time when many of us feel prisoners of Wall Street machinations, but the filmmakers overplay their hand with a cast befitting a cruise ship vacation, unfortunately without any clear sense of where the boat is heading, or how to disembark before final credits roll.

On the plus side, Equity has the scope and breadth of subject matter better-suited to be a high-powered, multi-season TV series, say The Good Wife for a Trump-era Wall Street. While watching the work of this large, talented, predominantly female cast headed up by Breaking Bad’s Anna Gunn, I kept thinking

that each scene felt as overpacked as a trailer for the whole movie.

For the financially illiterate among us, those who have never got much beyond mismanaging their 401K portfolios, Equity’s plot is dense enough to make a remote control rewind button a necessary accessory.

As the film opens Gunn’s Naomi Bishop is running into heavy waters after steering her clients through nine straight hot streaks. She’s called upon to satisfy an especially prickly British client, Ed, saucily portrayed by redhead Samuel Roukin. Since in this world of male and female hyenas you’re only as good as your last slick deal, Bishop is challenged to knock one out of the park by her male superiors. Without getting too bogged down in the nitty-gritty details, suffice it to say things go awry, and suddenly Bishop is meeting government securities cops looking for breaches of the law. One of the best scenes finds Naomi challenged by a female Wall Street securities investigator.

“You’re investigating a drug deal?”

“I’m actually into white-collar crime.”

a halfway clever frolic like Equity may relieve the anxiety of waiting out the unthinkable. I would wait for its debut in the Castro Theatre’s smart repertory program schedule, which I predict should come up sometime around Election Day. t Opens Friday.

August 13-14 Mountain View Center for Performing Arts Tickets: 650-903-6000 • mvcpa.com August, 19-21 Yerba Buena Center, San Francisco Tickets: 415-978-2787 • ybca.org 2 August 27-28 Bankhead Theater, Livermore Tickets: 925-373-6800 • bankheadtheater.org In a time when flirting is a capital offense, a handsome wandering minstrel has fallen in love with the beautiful bride-to-be of the recently appointed Lord High Executioner.

Chaos, desperation, and comical mayhem ensue, with impromptu marriages, substitute executionees, forged death certificates, and the revelation of a prince in disguise. re

Sony Pictures Classics

Sarah Megan Thomas as a subordinate investment banker in director Meera Menon’s Equity.

lamplighters.org info: 415-227-4797

<< TV

22 • BAY AREA REPORTER • August 11-17, 2016

The gays of the Summer Games on TV

by Victoria A. Brownworth

A

h, the Olympics. What a refreshing break from the Sturm und Drang of the political season.

The hyper-focus is now on Team USA through Aug. 21. Keep that DVR going on NBC. The first Olympic and Paralympic Games ever held in South America will host over 15,000 competing athletes. As a former athlete, we love to see the best of the best competing. We like both Winter and Summer Olympics equally. They each proffer different enticements. Summer Olympics highlight many a near-naked body at its peak. Divers, swimmers, beach volleyball, runners – there is something mesmerizing about all these beautiful, honed bodies that have been so rigorously trained. Who could resist that?

And who could resist out lesbian and gay athletes? There are quite a few competing this Olympics, so be on the look-out for them. The news broke on Aug. 3 that WNBA MVP and American Olympian Elena Delle Donne, 26, is a lesbian and is marrying her longtime partner, Amanda Clifton.

August Vogue profiled the country’s best female basketball player. Vogue noted, “Elena divides her time between traveling with her team, the Chicago Sky, and her family’s home in the rolling green landscape of Wilmington, Delaware. She and her fiancee, Amanda Clifton, keep apartments in both Chicago and Wilmington.” “Her fiancee.” Nice.

In a different interview with the Chicago Tribune, Delle Donne said, “It was just one of those articles where they came into my home, spent a couple days with me, and Amanda is a huge part of my life. So to leave her out wouldn’t have made any sense. It’s not a coming out article or anything. I’ve been with her for a very long time now, people who are close to me know that, and that’s that.” Delle Donne said she wanted Clifton’s privacy respected.

She told the Tribune, “As the future keeps moving on, I don’t plan on having our relationship out in the public, but obviously there’s excitement right now because people see it for the first time.”

Anyone who’s seen Delle Donne on the court knows what a tremendous player she is. Knowing she’s one of us is fantastic. So while coming out may not be a big deal to her, in a world where we know now just how damaging coming out can be to athletes (look at the money Greg Louganis and Martina Navratilova never made in endorsements because of their gayness), it’s major.

As it happens, the Rio Olympics is the gayest on record. Delle Donne is the fourth member of Team USA women’s basketball team to come out. Brittney Griner, Angel McCoughtry and Seimone Augustus are all openly lesbian and are competing in Rio. In 2008, 12 LGBT athletes participated in Beijing. In London in 2012, there were 22. That number has nearly doubled for this year. Among the openly lesbian U.S. Olympians are rugby players Kelly Griffin and Jillion Potter, kayaker Ashley Nee and soccer star Megan Rapinoe.

“As an out lesbian, African-American woman, I am proud to represent our country and the diversity that makes us so strong,” Griner told ThinkProgress about competing in the Olympics. “All kids, no matter what their background, religion or orientation can find a role model on Team USA. I hope that at this point in history, our diverse group striving for one common purpose will inspire a sense of unity in everyone.”

There are no out gay male American Olympians, but there are some gorgeous gay men from opposing teams. British diver Tim Daley, who won a Bronze Medal in London 2012 and is engaged to Oscar-winning screenwriter Dustin Lance Black, will be competing and is considered likely to win Gold.

Ian Matos, 27, is a Brazilian diver who has medaled in many world championships. He came out in 2014; this is his first Olympics. British race walker Tom Bosworth came out last year; this is his first Olympics, too.

Netherlander Edward Gal is an equestrian, won Bronze in 2012 and Gold in 2010 Worlds. His partner, Hans Peter Minderhoud, has a plethora of medals as well, and won Silver last time. Both are competing for Team Netherlands. Gal’s ex, Spencer Wilton, will be competing for the Brits. Dutch gymnast Jeffrey Wammes, 27, is one of the prettiest competitors. He’s been medaling in world competitions for years, but this is his first Olympics.

The Netherlands also has two out lesbian field hockey players who took home Gold last time and are among the all-time highest scorers: Carlien Dirkse van den Heuvel and Maartje Paumen. Kate and Helen Richardson-Walsh are married and lead the British field hockey team.

Between the two of them they have a dozen medals, and Kate has headed the British women’s team since 2003. Susannah Townsend and Dirkie Chamberlain, partnered, are also on the team.

Beach volleyball has long been a

Fox Sports

WNBA MVP Elena Delle Donne revealed that she’s gay.

lesbian favorite, and the gorgeous Brazilian player Larissa Franca is the all-time leader in the sport, with more medals and points than anyone. She won Bronze last time, and has nearly 60 medals overall.

Discus has always seemed like a lesbian sport to us, and in the past an East German discus queen would have seemed like a lesbian stereotype, but although she’s 6’4”, Nadine Mueler looks nothing like what you’d imagine from the sport.

Lithe and blonde, she is all sinew.

And something to watch.

Ari-Pekka Liukkonen swims for Team Finland and holds the record for the 50 meter freestyle. He came out right before Sochi in 2014 to draw attention to human rights abuses against LGBTQ people in Russia. In an interview he said, “This has been a long, slow process for me, but now I’m there. It’s a really great feeling that I can finally be myself.”

Michelle Heyman, a member of the Australian Women’s National Soccer Team, told ThinkProgress, “Being an out athlete at the Olympics is an important opportunity to live my truth while competing at the highest level in sport. Everyone has the right to be themselves. We need to accept, understand, and celebrate that everyone and every athlete is different.” There are 41 openly lesbian and gay competitors this year: 10 men, 31 women. What a thrill.

Paddle bods

Speaking of thrills, on CBS This Morning Aug. 5, the anchors showed a clip of Orlando Bloom and Katy Perry kayaking in Italy. Perry was fresh off her fab performance at the DNC. In the kayaking video, Perry was wearing a super-skimpy bikini and boyfriend Bloom, who was paddling, was, well, naked. The video/ pics are going viral, understandably, but Bloom was pixelated for the news. That didn’t stop co-host Gayle King from noting, “I’ve seen the real video. Impressive.”

The morning news program also played a clip of The Late, Late Show host James Corden from the night before. Corden said, “Last week Katy Perry was singing at the Democratic Convention. This week she is paddling with a naked Orlando Bloom.

If this is the kind of America Hillary Clinton is offering, I am in.” How is he not gay?

Meanwhile, actress and director Salma Hayek, who was born and raised in Mexico but is now a naturalized American citizen, was a guest on Corden’s show. Hayek, an avid campaigner for Hillary Clinton, was talking politics with Corden. Corden produced a photo of Hayek with a Donald Trump pinata. Hayek is smiling broadly, bat in hand. Hayek said there was one problem with the pinata: “It isn’t orange enough.” Corden prodded Hayek. “Is there anything Trump says that you would agree with?”

The Oscar-nominated actress said she’d read Trump’s Art of the

Deal. In the book, she explained, Trump said he punched his first grade music teacher because he thought the teacher “didn’t know anything about music.” Hayek said that Trump “reflects, saying that he’s still exactly the same as that kid in first grade – he hasn’t changed. I agree with him that we have a firstgrade bully running for the President of the United States.”

In The Simpsons’ take-off on Hillary’s famous ad from 2008, the 3 a.m. phone call, we see Trump getting that 3 a.m. call. He is on Twitter, a copy of Great Speeches of Adolph Hitler beside him. The Situation Room calls, but he hits ignore on his phone while he tweets about Elizabeth Warren. Then it takes hours for him to be prepped to meet the world, including a fresh spray of orange, and fake hands to cover the tiny hands. Meanwhile, Hillary is in bed in a Chanel suit, earrings and necklace, ready to go. It’s perfect.

Now in its 27th season, The Simpsons is still producing ace political comedy as the longest-running American sitcom. The show is on Sundays on Fox, and in syndication on Fox daily.

This summer we’ve veered between reality shows, sitcoms and drama. Fox’s Wayward Pines just had its second season finale last week. This dystopian drama is such a cautionary tale in counterpoint with the current election. Unlike many Hunger Games-ish dramas, Wayward Pines, exec produced by M. Night Shyamalan and based on the trilogy by Blake Crouch, has its underpinnings in actual history and science. As season two evolved, with its brown shirts, regimentation and master race, we witnessed the grim probabilities inherent in a closed society of the sort Trump proposes.

The catastrophic implications are hard to ignore.

We are catching up on USA’s Mr. Robot post-conventions. Season 2 has just begun, and it’s even better than last season. The foundation of the hacking world we live in today couldn’t be more au courant. This show does the ambiguity of queer oh-so-well. We are going to tip-toe around spoilers here, but we’ll say this: Christian Slater has never been better in anything. His presence has been the kiss of death for a number of projects, but he has found a perfect niche as Mr. Robot.

And Rami Malek’s Elliot Anderson, and his relationship to Slater in both Slater’s roles here? Superb.

Grace Gummer (American Horror Story) is the oft-undersold Meryl Streep daughter. In Mr. Robot she shines as Dominique “Dom” DiPierro, an FBI field agent investigating the E Corp hack and more. BD Wong, who plays Zhang/Whiterose, a trans woman who is also head of the Dark Army, the Chinese hacker group, is one of the more intriguing characters on the tube right now. Whiterose’s interplay with Dom is unexpected.

(Wong, who also plays Hugo Strange on Gotham, is a gay man.)

Mr. Robot uses the queer metric:

t

We know that no straight person ever says “they.” There’s no need.

Him-her-he-she are the definitive opposite pronouns straight people are privileged to use every day to discuss boyfriends-girlfriendsspouses. “They” is the pronoun of hiding. Unnecessary except by those who just don’t feel comfortable flatout lying about who they are. In a world where hiding is an imperative on so many levels in Mr. Robot, the writers have used gayness/lesbianism as a trope: the characters who are not straight are able to intuit who is hiding what because that is how they live their lives, encoded.

It’s an interesting subtext. In the current climate of hacking, Mr. R stands out as a cautionary tale.

Everyone is talking about the Netflix original series Stranger Things, but for us, the must-watch this summer is HBO’s The Night Of. Here’s the intro to the thriller, courtesy of HBO: “Nasir ‘Naz’ Khan [Riz Ahmed] is a naive PakistaniAmerican college student living in Queens. While using his father’s cab one night, Naz picks up a young woman, Andrea [Sofia Black D’Elia].

After a night of sex and drugs with the woman, Naz wakes and finds her stabbed to death; he has no recollection of what happened. Naz leaves the scene but is arrested for a minor traffic violation shortly after. At the station, he declines to answer calls to his mobile phone from his parents, who are trying to reach him. When searching Naz, the police find a knife matching the suspected murder weapon in his pocket, and witnesses identify him. Naz is interrogated by detective Dennis Box [Bill Camp] and eventually asks for a lawyer, but one is not provided until world-weary defense attorney John Stone [John Turturro] hears of the case and steps in to represent Naz.” Ahmed is brilliant. Turturro is an older, more world-weary version of the actor who seemed to be in every other movie during the 90s.

His John Stone is a noir figure, the defense attorney out of Dashiell Hammett or Raymond Chandler, so he fits perfectly into this thriller.

Is Naz guilty? Is he innocent? Is this a set-up? What really happened to Andrea Cornish? These questions will propel you forward into the series, along with the riveting performances.

We have always been a huge fan of Fox’s Master Chef. We love cooking shows, although our kitchen repertoire is limited most by sheer laziness. But what we like best about Master Chef is the contestants are decent, ordinary people who have turned their home-cooking into high art. This isn’t a mean-spirited show like Big Brother or Survivor.

Every season there has been at least one queer contestant, and this season there are more. Alas, one, D’Andre Balaoing, 25, was sent packing this week. But he left a lasting impression with his adorable out black gayness and his willingness to share how he got to MC season 7. He had to learn how to cook to support himself after he was kicked out of the house when he told his family he was gay. To see that D’Andre had managed to land on MC as one of the youngest contestants this season was heartening.

Each of these revelations on reality TV helps viewers at home who are struggling with the same issues and fears. This is why we wanted to highlight the queer Olympians: the world’s best athletes are not necessarily straight. While cooking may have long been a world where gays have found refuge, hearing a young gay man tell his story is vital. So for buff bodies, what-will-he-do-next political melodrama, dystopian serials and the occasional burst of sitcom and late-night humor, you really must stay tuned.t

t

DVDs>>

August 11-17, 2016 • BAY AREA REPORTER • 23

Dramatic, somber Judy Garland

by Tavo Amador

A

s the 1960s opened, Judy Garland’s (1922-69) career was soaring. On April 23, 1961, she gave her legendary concert at Carnegie Hall. The two-record, liveperformance album sold an unprecedented two million copies. After a seven-year absence, she was back on the big screen in Stanley Kramer’s Judgment at Nuremberg (1961), co-starring with Spencer Tracy, Burt Lancaster, Richard Widmark, Marlene Dietrich, Maximilian Schell, and Montgomery Clift, and earning a Best Supporting Actress Oscar nomination for her dramatic performance.

Despite its serious subject, individual Nazi guilt for committing crimes against humanity, Nuremberg did well at the box office and earned its author, Abby Mann, an Academy Award for Best Adapted Screenplay. The success of Nuremberg may have encouraged Mann to believe that the public would respond to another somber subject.

Kramer agreed to produce A Child Is Waiting (1962), based on Mann’s script about developmentally disabled children and young adults.

Actor John Cassavetes directed, and Lancaster and Garland starred. Criterion has just released the Blu-ray DVD. Ted Widdicombe (Steven Hill) drives his young son, Reuben (Bruce Ritchey), to a school that teaches and treats the developmentally disabled. Despite Ted’s coaxing, Reuben doesn’t speak and doesn’t want to get out of the car. The school’s director, Dr. Matthew Clark (Lancaster), persuades Reuben to ride a toy bicycle. While he is doing that, Ted drives away. The boy screams, “Daddy! Daddy!” and races after the car.

Flash-forward two years. Because the school is understaffed, Clark

interviews Jean Hansen (Garland), who has a musical background at Julliard but no formal training in teaching, about a position. Although she hasn’t any experience dealing with children then referred to as “retarded,” she’s comfortable with them. Jean is looking for some meaning in her life. Clark takes a chance. He hires her.

Jean sits in on an art class taught

by Miss Fogarty (Elizabeth Wilson).

Reuben is one of the pupils. He’s instantly drawn to Jean, who responds to him warmly. Clark joins the class and urges Reuben to draw something. He refuses. Eventually, Clark orders Reuben to return to his dormitory. A concerned Jean accompanies him.

On parents’ visiting day, the children, including Reuben, are all dressed up, waiting eagerly to see their mothers and fathers. Reuben, however, waits in vain for his to come – they never have. After yet another disappointing experience, he asks Jean if she likes him.

A flashback shows his life at home. His mother, Sophie (Gena Rowlands), is worried that at 18 months, he cannot walk. Ted dismisses her concern. Later, we learn that Reuben can read, but not at expected levels for his age. He’s tested by a doctor, whose diagnosis is “mental retardation.” Ted, an architect, is devastated. Sophie is equally distraught, determined to protect the boy from ridicule at the hands of other children. Ultimately, they place him in the school.

State funding for the school is an issue. One administrator, Dr. Lombardi (Mario Gallo), doesn’t want to spend any more money on children who are “living vegetables.” He wants to spend money on “future scientists.” Another, Dr. Goodman (Paul Stewart), wants to classify the children as “educable,” “trainable,” and “totally dependent,” and get

funding for all three types.

Jean wants to write to Reuben’s parents, but Clark denies her permission. He insists she teach Reuben the same way she would teach any “normal” child. She disagrees.

He gives Jean a tour of the entire facility, including the cottages where the adult developmentally disabled live. She’s dismayed. She’s upset further because Clark moves her to another cottage, away from Reuben, to whom she has become too close.

Reuben is “borderline retarded,” he says, and needs to learn sufficient skills to live independently.

Defying Clark, Jean gets in touch

with the Widdicombes, now divorced, to find out why they won’t visit their son. They come to the school. An anguished Sophie explains, “I stay away because I love him,” her expression and body language confirming her words. Ted is angry but determined to support Reuben in every way.

Reuben glimpses his mother as she’s leaving. Devastated, he runs away from school and joins a group of boys playing touch football.

Eventually, he’s found and returns to school.

Feeling responsible for endangering Reuben, Jean tells Clark

she’s resigning. He talks her into staying, urging her to use her musical skills to teach the children. She reluctantly agrees to direct a school play about Thanksgiving. Reuben joins the cast. It ends with a song.

The kids, with considerable coaching, get through it. Ted is among the parents in the audience. He’s now more than ever determined to give Reuben a secure future. He will hire someone to take care of him for life. Clark feels Reuben can learn to live independently.

The film doesn’t sugarcoat the complexities and frustrations of teaching these children. The musical number doesn’t remotely resemble a sequence from The Sound of Music. It shows the painful limits and honest disagreements about what can and should be done. Yet it also shows that each child (most of whom are played by nonprofessionals) is an individual, with unique characteristics.

Cassavetes directs with a sure hand, eliciting fine performances.

Lancaster is terrific – the viewer can sense Clark’s commitment and his anger at nature’s unfairness and society’s biases. Garland is poignant and touching in her penultimate screen appearance, confirming yet again that her dramatic gifts matched her musical and comic ones. Rowlands, young and beautiful, is exceptionally moving. Hill superbly conveys Ted’s complex feelings for Reuben. Ritchey captures Reuben’s fear, confusion, and anger without sentimentality or cuteness.

The other children are natural and unselfconscious. The rest of the cast, which includes an unbilled Juanita Moore (1959’s Imitation of Life), is excellent. Mann’s screenplay is unflinching yet humane.

Despite good notices, the movie, not surprisingly, was a box-office failure. It’s still painful to watch, but repays the effort.t

English actor Ben Whishaw (best known as Q in the current James Bond movies) giving a careerdefining performance, you can ride along with him. There are enough terrifying climaxes to mesmerize you even if the twists and turns become confusing. It aims to be a gay Hitchcockian North by Northwest with an innocent man caught in a spy ring, and doesn’t succeed by that lofty standard, though the audience is kept off-balance with superb, eccentric camera angles and intrusive, disorienting sound effects. The script by Tom Rob Smith is a fictional reinterpretation of an actual 2010 event when Gareth Williams was found dead, locked inside a gym bag with the key inside, in an apartment tied to British military intelligence.

Whishaw portrays party boy Danny, a warehouse worker with a tawdry sexual history who, wandering in a park after a night of promiscuity and drug use, meets handsome jogger Alex (Edward Holcroft). There is instant mutual attraction, even if they are opposites from two very different worlds: outgoing Danny, attempting to fill a void left when his parents abandoned him; and a guarded, haunted, lonely Alex. Alex is an investment banker, also a mathematical genius, who went to university at age 15.

Danny is apparently his first sexual partner/relationship as he learns to negotiate intimacy in fits and starts, with a sensual gay sex scene between them. Then Alex disappears after a trivial argument, with Danny finding him dead, locked in a trunk in his apartment’s attic surrounded

by S/M paraphernalia, making it seem as if his demise was caused by a kinky sex scenario gone awry.

Danny is the prime suspect.

His only friend is a much older retired gay alcoholic spy bureaucrat named Scottie (marvelous Jim Broadbent), who was ousted from intelligence decades ago due to his sexuality. He becomes Danny’s sole confidante and guide through the conspiratorial British intelligence world as he tries to find out what happened to Alex. With his old life crumbling as no one believes him, Danny follows the trail of clues no matter where they lead. He discovers that Alex was actually Alistair Turner, an MI6 operative who left behind an encrypted device that uses math to determine if someone is lying, research every intelligence agency in the world wants to stop.

Contrary to what Alex told Danny, his parents are alive. His commanding, enigmatic mother (inscrutable Charlotte Rampling) will play a pivotal role in discovering Alex’s fate.

Essentially, London Spy is a tale of grief, of a man who loses the love of his life and wants answers, similar to a shadier character Whishaw played

in last year’s Lilting. It raises questions about the cost of being true to oneself amidst deception. It quickly becomes apparent to Danny that he knew very little about Alex, but loves him anyway, their relationship the sole source of integrity in a world shaped by secrets and shame. London Spy implicitly asks whether things have changed that much in 30 years.

Though Scottie was persecuted for being gay, even today people’s sexuality can be a source of harassment to shame them. The closet here has many sinister shades of meaning.

Disappointingly, the implausible ending does not live up to the premise, but it doesn’t matter. London Spy is less about political paranoia than about the transformation of Danny from an aimless waif to a confident man discovering his potential. This miniseries establishes Whishaw as perhaps the greatest gay actor of his generation. Stylishly directed

by Jacob Verbruggen, London Spy is cerebral more than action-oriented, a bit slow in spots, but the character relationships keep you riveted, especially because the gay relationship is so integral to the plot. It is not to be missed. t

Secrets & spies

by Brian Bromberger

“Y

ou either step into the abyss or step back from it. You cannot walk along its edge for long.”

These ominous words reflect the threatening tone of London Spy, the five-part miniseries first broadcast in the UK last year and on BBC America in January, recently released by

BBC on DVD. It is a heartbreaking love story disguised as a spy thriller.

Even if espionage plots don’t entice you, the fact that London Spy has a gut-wrenching gay romance as the center of its story should excite you in a genre rarely LGBT-positive.

Yes, the script is convoluted and a conspiracy buff ’s dream, but with the incomparable openly gay

/lgbtsf

<< Books

24 • BAY AREA REPORTER • August 11-17, 2016

Two show-biz lives recounted

by John F. Karr

D

o I have to tell you who Barbara Cook is? I hope not. At the age of 88, the beloved Broadway and cabaret star has written, with Tom Santopietro, Then & Now: A Memoir (HarperCollins, $28.99), and her fans will be grateful.

Barbara’s optimism and positive outlook pour out, ever when she’s talking about “the hard stuff.”

Boy, there’s a lot of it. There was a father she thought deserted her, and a mother who berated and undermined her, even letting her think she had caused her sister’s death. So it’s no wonder that at the moment of her greatest stardom she sabotaged her career by falling into alcoholism and immense weight gain. Proving the deep reach of its psychological devastation, that Bad Mother thing pops up repeatedly and where least expected. It’s a wonder Barbara has the guts to relate it all.

If you’re hungering for backstage stories, you’ll be satisfied if not sated. Most everything you want to know about her learning and singing “Glitter and Be Gay” is revealed, and she’ll tell ya just how sexy she found her Music Man co-star, the wonderful Robert Preston. You’ll read about Barbara with Bernstein, Sondheim, and Stritch, and you’ll also find out everything that made her cabaret career tick (although for a greater look at the cabaret lives of Cook along with Julie Wilson, Rosemary Clooney, and many others, Deborah Grace Winer’s 1996 The Night and the Music is invaluable).

As with Ms. Cook, I doubt Mary Martin needs an introduction. She was not only a great star, whose appeal can be verified by a number of video

<<

Powder Her Face

From page 17

It isn’t too late for Bay Area audiences to find out what caused such a fuss two decades ago. There is still bold relevance and a lot more to consider in the loudmouthed score than the infamous blowjob aria in Act I, which gives a whole new meaning to humming chorus.

In the perceptive staging by director Elkhanah Pulitzer, the show becomes a noisy meditation on excess, morality and fame. Hectic in the manner of a British sex farce, there is more simulated rumpy-pumpy onstage than the script actually calls for, but it is caricature, and while the performers are undeniably attractive, it is also distinctly unerotic.

recordings, but was for some time a resident of San Francisco. And, as a new biography labors to prove without certifiable success, a lesbian.

My introduction to musical theatre was a swift double-play. The telecast of Mary Martin’s Peter Pan in 1956 was a wonderment for my eight-year-old eyes. A year later, there was Annie Get Your Gun, also on TV, also with Mary Martin, but yikes, throwing in John Raitt. I was only nine, but the dude awakened

me to sex appeal. And though I couldn’t name it at the time, to homosexuality. So the two shows seem to be part of my DNA. But the subject at hand is David Kaufman’s new biography of Martin, Some Enchanted Evenings – The Glittering Life and Times of Mary Martin (St. Martin’s Press, $29.99).

Kaufman will be known to gay readers for his excellent biographies of Charles Ludlam and Doris Day. He certainly knows his way around a

life, and has mined all the backstage lore about Martin one could hope for. His book is better written and more extensive than an error-ridden and largely uninformative 2008 bio

by Ronald Davis.

I am given some pause, however, by his relentless efforts to prove Mary was a lesbian. He dutifully draws inferences whenever he can, however specious, and reels in every rumor about her close relationships to Jean Arthur and Janet Gaynor.

Pulitzer allows a few visual rests and even some fleeting sympathy for the generally unpleasant central character, but just when you think there might be a bit of warmth left in the old dinosaur, Hensher’s words condemn her with an offhand antiSemitic remark or a loopy diatribe on the proletariat.

In a series of flashbacks, the caustic libretto recounts the lurid story of Margaret Campbell, Duchess of Argyll. Known as the “Dirty Duchess” from reports of her sensational 1963 divorce case, she may have been the first aristocrat to gain celebrity from naughty photos and outrageous gossip. Fifty years later, the Kardashians have built an empire on sketchy branding. The Duchess only managed to survive

in a posh London hotel until her personal fortune was spent.

Featuring the cheeky little Rrated masterpiece (it made Thomas Adès’ name when he was just 24) in the lineup of Festival 2016 seems less risky than smart for West Edge.

Additional performances have been added, and ironically enough, it proves the company’s good taste in recognizing innovative works.

The decaying train station in Oakland looks deserted outside, but the faded interior comes alive with an elevated stage that accommodates decent sightlines for a large audience. The orchestra is also mostly visible, and the station seems an utterly fitting venue for Powder Her Face.

The set by Chad Owens is functional, and the lighting by Ray Oppenheimer garishly shows Christine Crook’s witty costumes to full advantage. Sophia Smith’s wig and makeup design is clever too, though why she opted for platinum blond hair for the men remains a question.

The cavernous station supplies most of the atmosphere, and despite a dry acoustic, Music Director Mary Chun expertly conducted the

15 members of the orchestra in an exciting performance of the crazybrilliant score. Alban Berg and even a whiff of Richard Strauss mingle with splintered tangos and nostalgic dance music, but the brutally high tessitura assigned to Emma McNairy in various roles doesn’t suggest much kindness from Adès towards sopranos.

McNairy is up to the task, even when the sheer volume of her singing threatens to shatter glass. Her clarity and sassy acting, not to mention her fetching look in schoolgirl gear, captivated the crowd. The man next to me turned to his female companion and said, “Isn’t she wonderful?”

The eye-candy casting was evenly spread throughout the fourmember cast. They managed strong singing, too, blissfully okay with an intentional costume malfunction here or a flash of pubic hair there.

Hey, when you got it, use it – just like the Duchess did.

New Zealand baritone Hadleigh Adams is a former San Francisco Opera Adler Fellow and graduate of the Merola Opera Program. Out, proud and currently based in the

EXPLORE THE GAY WORLD

t

It does seem strange that one of only two books Mary cited in her own memoir having read as a child was Radclyffe Hall’s The Well of Loneliness. You can file that in your incriminating evidence dossier, but it doesn’t make Mary Dorothy’s friend. As concerns her husband, well, everyone knew the flaming queen was gay; oh my, all those young male “escorts.” Of greater interest is their symbiotic relationship, which Kaufman thoroughly explores. Husband strictly policed Mary’s life and handled all affairs so that Mary could concentrate on performing. Which, as the book fondly recalls, is what she did with luminous and effervescent Joy. Here’s a tidbit from the book that’s important. At least to me. The full-color broadcast of Peter Pan has been available on DVD for some time. But it didn’t match up to my memories of seeing it as a child.

Turns out, that wasn’t just a trick of memory. Unlike the B&W broadcasts of 1955 and 56, this full-color 1960 broadcast was directed by Vincent Donohue, who attempted but didn’t entirely succeed in recreating Robbins’ production. “Vincent Donohue,” said Sondra Lee, who owned the role of Tiger Lily, “left out all of the little, special moments.” So, although it seems poised to result in Peter Pan overkill, it may be worth your time, if you’re a Jerome Robbins fanatic such as I, to spring for the VAI issue on one Blu-Ray DVD of both B&W telecasts. The 1956 show is a pretty rough antique, but even in B&W the 1956 performance is the keeper of the trio. You can find the virile John Raitt doing Annie on YouTube, along with many other Martin treasures.t US, his local reputation is assured with his combination of resonant voice, nuanced acting and dropdead good looks. In the pivotal roles of the iniquitous Duke, Judge and unyielding Hotel Manager, Adams confidently delivered the goods.

Rising American tenor Jonathan Blalock is another looker who is out, talented and generous about removing his shirt. He was funny and convincing as a Hotel Electrician, Rent Boy, Lounge Lizard, and others.

The necessary anchor to the piece is the Duchess, and Seattle native, soprano Laura Bohn lent surprising dignity to the role. She managed to project complexity in a woman who stubbornly celebrated her own superficiality.

By the time the saga ends, everyone is satiated with schadenfreude.

Though she was reviled and envied, the unrepentant Duchess survived as a relic of a decadent era. Powder Her Face is not only powerful entertainment, but also an acute assessment of modern narcissism.t West Edge Festival offers two more performances: Thurs. & Sat., Aug. 11 & 13. Info: westedgeopera.org.

Cory Weaver

Scene from West Edge Opera’s West Coast staged premiere of Thomas Ades’ Powder Her Face.

t <<

Music>>

August 11-17, 2016 • BAY AREA REPORTER • 25

The New Mikado

From page 17

On opening night last week at the Lesher Center in Walnut Creek, the Company unveiled a new fashioning of the tuneful Victorian musical intended to address concerns regarding stereotypical treatment of Asians and Asian society in the libretto, while preserving the basic integrity of the work.

The New Mikado – una commedia musicale! represents a fresh take, directed by Ellen Brooks and conducted by Baker Peeples, that moves the action from “the traditional setting of a fictitious Japanese village to a re-imagined Renaissance Italy.”

American revivals of the comic opera in recent years have raised all sorts of controversy. Performances have provoked well-publicized protests and a cancellation by the New York Gilbert & Sullivan Players. A lot of seemingly willful ignorance on both sides of the debate has invoked the much-abused charge of political correctness. A troubling aspect of artistic censorship often lies within the intentions of those calling for prohibition and the openness (or lack thereof) to negotiation by defendants.

Last April, a carefully worded open letter by Lamplighters Artistic Director Rick Williams and Resident Music Director Baker Peeples explained their response to

community concerns. They sincerely tried to weigh the most extreme sides of the argument against the majority middle to find a solution that would preserve the historic work and show sensitivity to the “cultural and political climate of today’s world.” Some outraged opponents still call for a total ban, while others berate the Lamplighters for caving into dreaded political correctness.

I don’t find PC a dirty word, and I fervently believe it has to be judiciously applied, especially when that other really dirty word “racism” appears. I also wouldn’t want to see The Mikado consigned to the garbage dump of theatrical curiosities.

So how was the play, Mrs. Lincoln? Editing with a double-edged sword has changed the setting, adjusted the dialogue and some of the lyrics and names, but it has also traded one set of stereotypes for another. The Mikado was never meant to skewer Japanese society or, in this case, Italian. The parodying is sometimes undeniably ignorant and offensive, but it was part of Victoria’s England, and it was really meant to take comic potshots at the Brits themselves.

In the best of his writing, Gilbert was a universal satirizer bent on exposing human folly. His plots are sublimely silly and often bitingly sarcastic. Sullivan cushioned the words with an endless stream of gorgeous melodies. That is where

David Allen

Ben Brady as Il Ducato (double-cast with Charles Martin) in Lamplighters Music Theatre’s The New Mikado.

The New Mikado succeeds best.

Superbly prepared and refined, the Lamplighters Orchestra continues to beguile, especially when Baker Peeples is in the pit. The singers do well enough, but the instrumentalists surpass themselves.

Sets have been re-purposed and look a bit tatty, but the beautiful costumes by Miriam R. Lewis are up to usual standards, and the lighting design by Brittany Mellerson really

makes them pop.

Roles are double-cast for the fourcity run. Two of the most important parts were exceptionally well-played on opening night, by Ben Brady as Il Ducato (yes, the Mikado) and Samuel Rabinowitz as Coco. Brady’s rich voice and expert timing made a fine impression. Rabinowitz, looking a little like Al Franken with a Harpo wig, owned the stage with his comic athletic energy and genuine

sense of fun.

Anne Hubble tackled the stock G&S battle-axe part of Catiscia with mezzo-soprano gusto. She was stretched a bit vocally, but amusingly fierce in dialogue. Charles Martin as Pooba, the Lord High Everything Else, preened and strutted, and delighted the audience in a suitably over-the-top performance.

The juvenile leads featured Patrick Hagen, in his Lamplighters debut, as Niccolu (the Ducato’s son disguised as a wandering minstrel) and Erin O’Meally as his love Amiam. Their fresh voices grew in strength throughout the evening.

The Chorus of Schoolgirls, Nobles and Townspeople et al. sang and pranced gamely through director Brooks’ and choreographer Nicole Helfer’s sometimes fussy paces.

The big patter song “As Some Day It May Happen” (“I’ve got a little list”) is traditionally tailored to current events and locality, and drew roars of laughter as Rabinowitz gleefully denounced everything from militant vegans to urban bicyclists and Brexit. That’s the spirit we love in Gilbert & Sullivan, and if The New Mikado is still raw, at least the Lamplighters are trying to preserve the tradition and show an obvious sympathy with modern audiences.

The run continues in Mountain View (Aug. 13-14), San Francisco (Aug. 19-21), and Livermore (Aug. 27-28). Info: lamplighters.org.t

WIN A FORD ESCAPE! FRIDAYS, AUGUST 5, 12, 19, 26 DRAWINGS AT 9PM

DRAWINGS AT 11PM

25 WINNERS OF $250 CASH

WIN A FORD ESCAPE PLUS 25 WINNERS OF $250 CASH

ALL PRIZES GUARANTEED TO BE GIVEN AWAY EACH WEEK!

FROM BAY TO PLAY IN 43 MINUTES. ROHNERT PARK @ 101 EXIT 484 288 Golf Course Drive West | Rohnert Park, CA

P 707.588.7100

ACTUAL MAKE AND MODEL OF VEHICLE MAY VARY FROM THOSE SHOWN IN ADVERTISING. ACTIVATE ENTRIES BEGINNING TWO HOURS BEFORE AND UP TO 15 MINUTES PRIOR TO DRAWING TIME. COMPLETE RULES AVAILABLE AT THE REWARDS CENTER. PLAY WITHIN YOUR LIMITS. IF YOU THINK YOU HAVE A GAMBLING PROBLEM, CALL 1-800-GAMBLER FOR HELP. ROHNERT PARK, CA. ©2016 GRATON RESORT & CASINO.

ELECTRONIC

dance music night party

Saturday August 27 6 PM Till 11 PM on Almaden Blvd. (San Jose)

Sunday August 28 10 AM on Market St. Sunday August 28 11AM - 6 PM on Almaden Blvd.

Latin Stage, Food, Drinks, Cosplayers, Family Garden, 7 hours Pokemon Go lures, Interactive Booths, Games, Video Game Arcades, Live Performers and More.

TICKETS: SVPRIDE.COM

OFFICIAL AIRLINES OF SILICON VALLEY PRIDE

SPONSORS:

30

On the Tab

32

On the Town

www.ebar.com ✶ www.bartabsf.com

34

Shining Stars Vol. 46 • No. 32 • August 11-17, 2016

Carly Ozard

Kick-ass singer returns to Feinstein’s for another ‘Shift’

by David-Elijah Nahmod

C

abaret performer Carly Ozard, whose well received tribute to her idol Bette Midler brought down the house at Feinstein’s at the Nikko last year, returns to the scene of her past triumph with More Shift Happens. This time around the diva will sing songs and share stories of her life in show business.

See page 28 >>

Gareth Gooch

Carly Ozard onstage

Stud Savers Legendary bar gets a collective bailout

by Jim Provenzano

T

he historic Stud bar, under seige with the possibility of closing after the building’s sale and a triple raise in rent, has found a group of nightlife and business professionals who’ve joined together to find alternative ways to keep the SoMa bar open.

See page 29 >>

fall

{ THIRD OF THREE SECTIONS }

ARTS PREVIEW Coming August 25 and September 1 Call 415-829-8937 for advertising information

An inflatable toy orca upstages a drag act at The Stud’s 50th anniversary party.

Serving the LGBT communities since 1971

28 • BAY AREA REPORTER • August 11-17, 2016

WINNER Best Wedding WINNER Photographer Best Wedding Photographer

415 Steven Underhill 415 Steven Underhill 370 370 PHOTOGRAPHY 7152 WEDDINGS, HEADSHOTS, PORTRAITS 7152 stevenunderhill.com · stevenunderhillphotos@gmail.com

PHOTOGRAPHY

WEDDINGS, HEADSHOTS, PORTRAITS

stevenunderhill.com · stevenunderhillphotos@gmail.com

Carly Ozard

<<

Carly Ozard

From page 27

t

“I don’t identify as straight,” Ozard said. “My orientation is heterosexual, but on the genderqueer spectrum, I’m actually agender, also known as neutrois, or someone who doesn’t identify as either gender.”

She clarified by explaining that she moves between the genders.

“I yoyo. I do drag,” she explains. “I express myself through the eyes, ears and being as if I were a gay man in a dress. Because I truly am a gay man inside this female shell.”

Labels she does not identify with have often followed.

“People mis-label me all the time,” she added.

“They call me a fag hag or a straight ally. I have never felt like a conventionally straight woman for as long as I’ve been alive on this planet. I never knew there was a queer spectrum. I only thought there was gay or straight. I was straight in my attraction to men, but the rest of me is as queer as they come.”

Stacy Sullivan And so it will be the genderqueer and awesomely talented Carly Ozard who steps into the spotlight at Feinstein’s for this latest slanderous and caused me a great show. Fans of composers J.D. Southdeal of trauma. For the longest time, er, Elton John, Stephen Schwartz, LeI felt like I had to be fat and successful anne Womack and Leonard Cohen in order to prove him wrong. I needwill have a chance to hear Ozard put ed to be fat and successful in order her own unique stamp on a numfor his comments that a fat person ber of iconic tunes. She’ll be doing a couldn’t be successful to not be true. meet and greet after the show.

He held me hostage for years.”

And to fledgling performers, This horrifying experience caused Ozard offers some sage advice. a major shift in Ozard’s perception “Remember that if you’re getting of herself. standing ovations or getting asked “What I learned from the saga back for rehire, you’re doing a good and the trauma was that going onjob,” she says. “Respect your fellow stage today, you are the size that you performers, especially the ones who are today, and if you have something are working a lot harder than you to sing or say, you can’t apologize for are, and strive to get to the level they how you look or how you sound,” are at with as much humility and she said. “If you’re going to present grace and individuality as you can. yourself, regardless of how badly Let the cheering and the applause be you feel about the way you look, if your validation.”t you go onstage, you need to be you, confidently, without any apologies.”

Carly Ozard performs More Shift These experiences helped to Happens at Feinstein’s at the shape the direction of Ozard’s life.

Nikko. $20-$35. Aug. 18 at 8pm.

Though not gay herself, she is a voHotel Nikko, 222 Mason St. cal and powerful ally of the LGBT www.carlyozard.com community. But don’t call her www.feinsteinsathtebikko.com straight!

“Several years ago I did Shift Happens, obviously a play on words Shit Happens,” Ozard said in our interview. “It’s about the bigger picture. We are all focused on the next big step in our personal lives; that role, that promotion, that baby… and then something huge comes along and shakes everything up and you’re left with either a mess or a lot of perspective or both. This yoyo’s back and forth between a budding professional musical theater actress who also cares about the world around her.”

Ozard offered a few choice nuggets of what she’ll be sharing when More Shift Happens comes to Feinstein’s on August 18.

“The first half of the show is my own personal Chorus Line hell,” she explained. “My auditions, the growth I experienced, the connections, the life lessons. Then, the second half is traveling while becoming a more expansive entertainer.”

As Ozard grew both as a performer and as a person, she experienced a number of very personal shifts which continue to steer the course of her life.

“I don’t want to give away the shifts. It’s more pivotal if you see it live!” she said.

As we previously noted when we last chatted with Ozard, the Divine Bette Midler remains one of the strongest musical and personal influences in Ozard’s life. As a survivor of childhood bullying, she turned to Miss M’s music for solace, and to Midler’s personality for strength.

“Bette is everything I want to be,” Ozard explains, “if I could be it in my own way.

She honors the old tradition while introducing it in a new, unique fresh way. That’s cabaret, with a budget. I want that. I wish that being a singer could be enough.”

She also shared a very personal bullying tale.

“I had this stalker who literally didn’t think I should prevail onstage or off because of my weight struggles,” she recalls. “He was obsessed with Carly Ozard letting me know in every way he could and it was invasive,

t

Read more online at www.ebar.com

August 11-17, 2016 • BAY AREA REPORTER • 29

Shot in The City

The newly formed Stud Collective.

<<

Stud Savers

From page 27

The collective members were announced last week after meetings were held, led by Mica Sigourney.

After Stud owner Michael McElhaney held a July 3 meeting at the bar and announced the news of the building sale, Mica Sigourney and others gathered to discuss what could be done. It seemed that the possible closure of yet another LGBT bar was the last straw.

“The real estate market shows no signs of slowing down. If historic businesses are going to survive, our community will have to innovate,” said Sigourney, “And that’s exactly what we’re going to do.”

Sigourney, also known as drag performer VivvyAnne ForeverMore!, has served as the effort’s spokesperson. He’s also the popular drag queen VivvyAnne Forevermore, host of the Friday night Some Thing at The Stud.

“We have the funding, resources and talent to make The Stud a profitable, successful business,” he said.

“We hope the new building owner will give us the chance to sign a market value lease and allow us to keep this historic bar a space where everyone is welcome.”

Marke Bieschke, 48 Hills editor, SF Bay Guardian Publisher, nightlife guru and occasional DJ, has attended the meetings. Along with his partner David Schnur, he’ll be working with the others to develop business and upcoming plans.

“I think this would have been coming anyway,” said Bieschke in a phone interview. We discussed the events that led to the possible closure.

In 2015, the elder owner of the Stud building passed away, and her children just wanted to sell the property as quickly as possible.

Unfortunately, MacElhaney wasn’t notified of it until he went to City Hall to renew his lease, where he discovered that the building had been sold.

“This was just such a surprise that they had sold the building,” said Bieschke. “It is going to be a fight.”

After the sale, The Stud’s rent, formerly at a quite below-market rate of around $3,000 a month, was more than tripled.

That rent increase, combined with the building sale (for nearly $2 million), led MacElhaney to do what he longed to; make plans to move back to Hawaii and hand over the business –and the bar’s lucrative liquor license– to someone else.

Bieschke considers that the looming condominiums under construction across the alley, while visibly imposing, will not become a problem, should The Stud remain in its current location.

However, he added, “the minute the bus parking lot went away, and

Gareth Gooch

A show at Some Thing.

that thing started being erected, the writing was on the wall.”

Beischke said that the new condo building has taken special precautions in its design, putting daytimeuse offices and staircases on the side facing the bar. “They apparently worked to prevent noise complaints from piling up,” he said.

Those new neighbors may not be as threatening as the owners of the bar’s space, or the possible motel renovations next door. With the owners of the nearby hotel having purchased the former next-door offices of the Bay Area Reporter in 2014, might they not eventually buy the bar property and take over the entire corner?

Condos have taken over much of

Gareth Gooch

Barbara Liu McDowell with The Stud’s Michael McElhaney at the bar’s 50th anniversary party in June.

Jane Kim and the Mayor’s Office of Economic and Workforce Development. By expanding their arts offering through live shows and other projects, they may be able to get municipal assistance.

“We can’t underestimate the importance of the Stud to the LGBT community,” said Supervisor Kim in a press statement. “Not only has The Stud been the site of important artistic and political events; it currently serves as one of the anchor business for the future Tenderloin/ SOMA LGBT Heritage District. I’m honored to be helping lead the efforts to make sure the Stud is open for another 50 years.”

Other city officials are stepping up to assist.

“Legacy Businesses like The Stud give our city its world renown character and are a major driver of tourism,” said creator of the Legacy Business Registry, Supervisor David Campos.

“Making sure that historic small business like The Stud are able to weather changes in the real estate will keep our city healthy and diverse.”

Proposition J, which voters approved at the ballots last November, has been slow to find its two dozen applications processed. The Board of Supervisors only recently approved the creation of a position, now filled

by Richard Kurylo.

The nearby Lone Star Saloon has also applied for legacy status, and just this week was approved. While their building could still be sold, the bar itself and its back patio and street sign collection, could be considered a cultural legacy worth saving.

Businesses and nonprofits are eligible if they’ve been around for at least 30 years, have been nominated by a supervisor or the mayor, and can prove in a hearing before the Small Business Commission that they’ve made a significant impact on the history or culture of their neighborhood.

the area, leaving older businesses dwarfed in their shadows.

“There is no business rent control,” said Bieschke of the potential threat to the property. “There is no right of refusal for resident businesses.”

Although the bar is in its second location since it began, there is not yet a plan to leave the current location, or find a new venue. The prospect of historic preservation as a legacy business may be a saving grace for The Stud, but those are not complete, even if approved.

“Our intent is to stay right where we are and do business at the bar,” said Bieschke. “We’re doing everything to stay in the building. Historic preservation would only work for the façade.

It doesn’t offer any protections to the business.”

A designation of legacy business status would qualify the bar for city grants to bring down the rent of $9500 a month. Bieschke said the coop The Stud in the 1990s. is working with Supervisor

Can a cooporatively-owned business, run like a nonprofit, sustain, or even maintain, a liquor license? Are the coop members responsible for raising the $9,500 each month? That has been accomplished for now with The Stud, and hopefully for each upcoming month.

Many of the details obviously have not been ironed out. But the fact that a community of people have come together to fight a fatal turn for a historic gay bar is a great sign.

“Recent nights have been pretty crowded,” said Beishke. “The best thing is to go there and buy drinks.

The advantage of working with other club people is we all have ideas about what to do there. We’re going to start seeing more additions to the line-up by October.”

Sounds of The Stud For DJ Mark O’Brien, co-creator of the popular Burning Man collective BAAAHS (Big Ass Amazingly Awesome Homosexual Sheep), and events like Polyglamorous at Oasis, becoming part of The Stud cooperative is a perfect fit.

“The beauty of a cooperative is that it’s a learning environment,” said O’Brien in a phone interview.

“It’s a chance to share knowledge.

Everyone will have a hand in the operaton. Being able to manage among the worker-owners will be an advantage for all.

“I also have an interest in the mechanics of operating a bar,” said O’Brien.

“Our big goal is to keep The Stud in the same place. That involves beginning sessions with the landlords.

And, we’re still in the process of establishing ourselves as a legal entity.”

The possibility of designating The Stud as a legacy business might help.

“San Francisco as a city places a value on businesses that have been around,” he said. “We’re looking for resources to offset the market that

is pushing legacy businesses out.

Change is inevitable, but we want, as much as we can, to keep queer San Francisco alive. The Stud has been a home for wierdos, and we want to keep it that way.”

But if by ‘weirdos’ one means lower-income under-represented queer people, the idea of buying drinks, paying door charges or even donating directly may be in conflict with a sustainable business model.

Would the bar consider higherend fundraisers for employed and wealthy patrons? Special benefit nights with higher admission might pay the bills more quickly, but would that in itself change the nature of the bar and its patronage?

Understandably, O’Brien could not be specific about upcoming new events that have yet to be created.

“The beauty of it will be finding that balance,” he said. “We want to appeal to a popular audience. But we want people included. There have been discusssions that not every event needs to turn a profit.”

Currently, regular nights include Sigourney’s Friday Some Thing, Tuesday’s Meow Mix, and monthly favorites Go Bang!, Frolic and Dark Room.

“I think we’re all gonna do a bit of everything,” he said. “There’s an eye toward preserving The Stud and maintaining it as an economically viable business, and that includes bringing people into the bar.”

Monolithic new buildings will sprout up to surround the funky one-story bar. But it seems to be the last stand for those fighting to preserve it. By saving The Stud, the cooperative will save a pivotal part of local queer nightlife.

“Our mission is to make this a model possibly for others to save queer nightlife spaces in the future,” said Bieschke. “It’s a unique and excruciating fight. If we can form a path where collectives can not only preserve legacy spaces, but foster new ones, then we would love it to serve as a successful model for other queer spaces.”t The full collective list is in the online version of this article on www.ebar.com.

Visit The Stud at 399 9th Street at Harrison. www.studsf.com The Save Our Stud Facebook group has nearly 2000 members. www.facebook.com/ groups/1376983338984267/

Daniel Nicoletta

Read Mark Freeman’s updated history feature on The Stud (first published in the Bay Area Reporter in 1994) at markhfreeman.wordpress. com/the-stud-decade-bydecade/

<< On the Tab

30 • BAY AREA REPORTER • August 11-17, 2016

Neon Bunny

On the Tab

Sat 13

10,000 Maniacs @ Yoshi’s Oakland The multi-platinum-selling art pop band performs at the classy restaurant-nightclub. $49-$79.

7:30pm. 510 Embarcadero West, Oakland. www.yoshis.com

August 11-17

La Bota Loca @ Club 21, Oakland Latin, hip hop and Electro music night.

June 11, Banda Tierra Del Sol performs live. $5-$25. 9pm-4am. 2111 Franklin St., Oakland. www.club21oakland.com

Bootie SF @ DNA Lounge

C

elebrate local talents and visiting musicians, drag stars and DJs. Dance like no one’s watching, or if anyone is, they like wh at they see.

The mash-up DJ dance party, with four rooms of different sounds and eight DJs. $10-$15. 9:30pm-3am. 375 11th St. www.bootiesf.com www.dnalounge.com

Sat 13

Frolic @ The Stud

Grace Towers hosts the fun sexy night. $100 cash prize for best bulge. $5-$10 benefits various local nonprofits. 10pm-2am. 1347 Folsom St. www.powerhousebar.com

Desi Comedy Fest @ Various Venues 3rd annual festival of comics from nine countries, all with South Asian heritage, including Irene Tu, Vasu Primlani, Arjun Banerjee and more.

Thru Aug. 21 in eight cities. www.desicomedyfest.com

Kingdom! @ Brick & Mortar The acclaimed local drag king ensemble performs at a fundraiser for Queer Life Space. $10-$20. 7pm. 1710 Mission St. at Division. www.brickandmortarmusic.com

Man Francisco @ Oasis The popular sexy male burlesque show returns for three nights. $20$35. $200 VIP tables. 7pm. Thru Aug. 13. 298 11th St. at Folsom. 795-3180. www.sfoasis.com

Mame in Concert @ Feinstein’s at the Nikko Jerry Herman’s rollicking musical gets a concert performance with Meg Mackay, Sharon McNight, Jesse Cortez and others; directed by Allen Sawyer; music direction by Joe Wicht. $40-$60. Wed & Sat 7pm. Thu-Fri 8pm. Sun 3pm. Thru Aug. 14. Hotel Nikko, 222 Mason St. (866) 663-1063. www.feinsteinsatthenikko.com

Mary Go Round @ Lookout Mercedez Munro and Holotta Tymes’ weekly drag show. $5. 10:30pm show.

DJ Philip Grasso. 3600 16th St. www.lookoutsf.com

The Monster Show @ The Edge The weekly drag show with DJ MC2, themed nights, gogo guys and hilarious fun. $5. 9pm-2am. 4149 18th St. at Collingwood. www.edgesf.com

Peaches Christ and April Kidwell star in the West Coast premiere of Bob and Tobly McSmith’s hilarious musical adaptation of the high camp film about female strippers, with musical direction by Peter Fogel (Whoa Nellies) and choreography by Rory Davis (Baloney). $32-$45. Wed-Sat 8pm. Thru Aug. 27. 2961 16th St. www.peacheschrist.com www.showgirlsthemusical.com

Thursday Night Live @ SF Eagle Music night with local and touring bands. $8. 9:30pm. 398 12th St. at Harrison. www.sf-eagle.com

Tubesteak Connection @ Aunt Charlie’s Lounge Disco guru DJ Bus Station John spins grooves at the intimate retro music night. No cell phones on the dance floor, please! $5. 10pm-2am. 133 Turk St. at Taylor. www.auntcharlieslounge.com

Fri 12

Ain’t Mama’s Drag @ Balancoire Weekly drag queen and drag king show hosted by Cruzin d’Loo. 8pm10pm. No cover. 2565 Mission St. www.balancoiresf.com

Cubcake @ Lone Star Saloon Enjoy beats and sweets with DJ Chaka Quan, and bears and cubs. No cover.

9pm-2am. 1354 Harrison St. www.lonestarsf.com

Gamer Night @ Club BnB, Oakland Join Eastbay Gaymers for video game-playing on the big screens in the spacious LGBT nightclub; monthly 1st Fridays. Board games, too. 8pm. 2120 Broadway, Oakland. www.club-bnb.com

DH Haute Toddy’s weekly electro-pop night with hotty gogos. $3. 9pm-2am (happy hour 4pm-9pm). 456 Castro St. www.QbarSF.com

Latin Explosion @ Club 21, Oakland Aug. 12- 24-Year Anniversary party, with a drag show. Enjoy Latin, hip hop and electro, plus hot gogos galore, and a big dance floor. $10-$20. 9pm3am. 2111 Franklin St., Oakland. www.club21oakland.com

Cockblock @ Rickshaw Stop DJs Ms. Jackson and China G play grooves for gals, queers and their pals. $10. 10pm-2am, 155 Fell St. www.cockblocksf.com www.rickshawstop.com

Heklina’s weekly drag show night with different themes, always outrageously hilarious. Aug. 13: Welcome to the Jungle! $15-$25. 10pm-2am. 298 11th St. at Folsom. 795-3180. sfoasis.com

Runway 28: Intergalactic @ Herbst Theatre GAPA Foundation’s annual fun, glamorous pageant for Mr. and Miss GAPA (Gay Asian Pacific Alliance).

May the fierce be with you. $19-$49.

7pm-10:30pm. 401 Van Ness Ave. www.gapa.org

Saturgay @ Qbar Stanley Frank spins house dance remixes at the intimate Castro dance bar. $3. 9pm-2am (weekly beer bust 2pm-9pm). 456 Castro St. QbarSF.com

Soul Party @ Elbo Room DJs Lucky, Paul, and Phengren Osward spin 60s soul 45s. $5-$10 ($5 off in semi-formal attire). 10pm-2am. 647 Valencia St. 552-7788. www.elbo.com

Writers With Drinks @ Make Out Room Charlie Jane Anders hosts the eclectic saucy writer/reading event, this month with Juliana Delgado Lopera, Emmanuel Saadia, Carlos Allende, Roberto F. Santiago and Wendy Newman. $5-$20. Proceeds benefit the Center for Sex & Culture. 7:30pm. 3225 22nd St. www.makeoutroom.com

Weekly drag shows at the last transgender-friendly bar in the Polk; with hosts Victoria Secret, Alexis Miranda and several performers. Also Saturdays. $10.

11pm. 1081 Polk St. www.divassf.com

Red Hots Burlesque @ The Stud The saucy women’s burlesque show hosted by Dottie Lux has moved, with new acts. $10. 8pm-9:30pm. 399 9th St. Also Sunday brunch shows at PianoFight Theatre, 4pm. www.redhotsburlesque.com

Sun 14 Beer Bust @ Lone Star Saloon

Some Thing @ The Stud Mica Sigourney and pals’ weekly offbeat drag performance night. $7. 10pm-3am. 399 9th St. www.studsf.com

Tayte Hanson, Colton Grey @ Nob Hill Theatre Two porn stud puppies perform solo (Tayte, 8pm) and in duo sex shows (with Colton, 10pm). $25. Also Aug. 13. 729 Bush St. at Powell. 397-6758. www.thenobhilltheatre.com

Uhaul @ Oasis The women’s dance night, now 2nd Fridays at Oasis, includes the rooftop bar, DJs Von Kiss, Brlbee, gogo gals and birthday specials. $15. 10pm-2am.

298 11th St. www.sfoasis.com

Themed event nights at the fascinating nature museum, with DJed dancing, cocktails, fish, frogs, food and fun. Aug. 11: Superhero Nightlife with DJs Raffaello and Palermo; dress as your favorite superhero. $10-$12.

6pm-10pm, 55 Music Concourse Drive, Golden Gate Park. 3798000. www.calacademy.org

Dance Party @ Port Bar, Oakland Enjoy relaxed happy hour cocktails early (open at 5pm) and later dancing in the cozy back room at the newest LGBT bar. Daily 5pm-2am. 2023 Broadway, Oakland. www.portbaroakland.com

Drag Me to Brunch @ Lookout Weekly show with soul, funk and Motown grooves hosted by Carnie Asada, with DJs Becky Knox and Pumpkin Spice. The yummy brunch menu starts at 12pm, with the show at 1pm. 3600 16th St. lookoutsf.com

Frolic @ The Stud The monthly fursuit animal dance party returns (2nd Sat.) with DJ NeonBunny and Skibit. $5-$10. 9pm-3am. 399 9th St. at Harrison. www.frolicparty.com www.studsf.com

House Party @ Powerhouse Enjoy Guy Ruben and Mohammed’s house DJ stylings as the cruisy bar gets a homey décor, with hotty gogos. $5. 9pm-2am. 1347 Folsom St. www.powerhousebar.com

Porchlight @ Verdi Club The unusual reading and storytelling event this time features Moon Zappa, Ben McCoy, Mary Roach, Dominic Riley, Adam Savage and Dixie De La Tour. $20-$25. 8pm. 2424 Mariposa St. www.porchlightsf.com

Enjoy hard rock and punk music from DJ Don Baird at the wonderfully divey SoMa bar. Also Fridays. 7pm-2am. 1369 Folsom St. 431-4695. www.hitws.com

The weekly hip hop and R&B night.

8-$15. 9pm to 4am. 2120 Broadway.

(510) 759-7340. www.club-bnb.com

Mother @ Oasis

Midnight Show @ Divas

Nightlife @ California Academy of Sciences

Rock Fag @ Hole in the Wall

Club Rimshot @ Club BNB, Oakland

Rich Stadtmiller

Bulge @ Powerhouse

Hard Fridays @ Qbar

Shot in the City

Thu 11

Showgirls! The Musical @ Victoria Theatre

t

Jay Brannan @ Bottom of the Hill The gay singer-songwriter performs another (inevitably sold-out) acoustic concert; Terese Taylor and Mickelson also play. $14. 9pm. 1233 17th St. www.bottomofthehill.com

Fri 12 Uhaul @ Oasis

King Sunny Ade @ Slim’s The veteran master of Nigerian juju/ Afrobeat music performs an uplifting concert. $26-$51 (with dinner). 8pm.

333 11th st. www.slimspresents.com

Sun 14

50 Years of Fighting for Transgender Rights @ Oasis Celebrate the anniversary of the 1966 Compton’s Cafeteria riots, with activist Felicia Flames and a roof deck celebration with BBQ and Mimosas.

11am. No cover. 298 11th St. at Folsom. 795-3180. www.sfoasis.com

BeBe Sweetbriar’s Brunch Revue, Femme @ Balancoire Weekly live music shows with various acts, along with brunch buffet, bottomless Mimosas, champagne and more, at the stylish nightclub and restaurant. BeBe hosts, with live entertainment and DJ Shawn P. $15$20. 11am-3pm. After that, Femme T-Dance drag shows at 7pm, 10pm and 11pm. 2565 Mission St. at 21st.

920-0577. www.balancoiresf.com

Beer Bust @ Lone Star Saloon Enjoy daytime partying with bears and cubs, plus fundraisers for the SF Fog Rugby team. 4pm-8pm. 1354 Harrison St. www.lonestarsf.com

Beer Bust @ SF Eagle The classic leather bar’s most popular Sunday daytime event in town draws the menfolk. Beer bust donations benefit local nonprofits (Check the website for a list of recipients). 3pm6pm. Now also on Saturdays. 398 12th St. at Harrison. www.sf-eagle.com

Domingo De Escandal @ Club OMG Weekly Latin night with drag shows hosted by Vicky Jimenez and DJ Luis.

7pm-2am. 43 6th St. clubomgsf.com

August 11-17, 2016 • BAY AREA REPORTER • 31

Steven Underhill

t

On the Tab>> Sunday’s a Drag @ Starlight Room

Drink & Draw @ Noman Coffee Co.

Donna Sachet hosts the weekly fabulous brunch and drag show, now celebrating its tenth anniversary. $45.

11am, show at noon; 1:30pm, show at 2:30pm. 450 Powell St. in Union Square. 395-8595. www.starlightroomsf.com

Enjoy beer, coffee or soft drinks at the fun drawing night, this time themed New Wave Mermaid. 6pm-9pm. 55 Duboce St. www.nomancoffee.co

Sunday Brunch @ Thee Parkside Bottomless Mimosas until 3pm at the fun rock-punk club. 1600 17th St. 2521330. www.theeparkside.com

Gaymer Meetup @ Brewcade The weekly LGBT video game enthusiast night includes big-screen games and signature beers, with a new remodeled layout, including an outdoor patio. No cover. 7pm-11pm.

2200 Market St. www.brewcadesf.com

Sat 13 Runway 28: Intergalactic @ Herbst Theatre

GlamaZone @ The Cafe

Lizz Wright @ Great American Music Hall

Pollo del Mar’s weekly drag show takes on different themes with a comic edge. 8:30-11:30pm. 2369 Market St. www.cafesf.com

The amazing vocalist performs jazz, soul and gospel from her three albums.

Harry Duncan also performs. $40-$65 (with dinner). Seated show. 8pm. 859 O’Farrell St. www.slimspresents.com

Jock @ The Lookout Enjoy the weekly jock-ular fun, with DJed dance music at sports team fundraisers. 12pm-1am. NY DJ Sharon White from 3pm-6pm. 3600 16th St. www.lookoutsf.com

Some Are Camp @ R3 Hotel, Guerneville Juanita More DJs the dragtastic show and Wet Kaftan Contest. 11am-6pm.

Poolside, 16390 4th St., Guerneville. www.juanitamore.com www.ther3hotel.com

Witch-themed night with drag acts Fiera, Nicki Jizz, Pepto Dismal, and others. 8pm-12am. 3158 Mission St. www.elriosf.com

Karaoke Night @ SF Eagle Sing along, with guest host Nick Radford. 8pm-12am. 398 12th St. www.sf-eagle.com

Mahogany Mondays @ Midnight Sun Honey Mahogany’s weekly drag and musical talent show starts around 10pm. 4067 18th St. 861-4186. www.midnightsunsf.com Jesse Kitt

Vanessa Bousay @ Martuni’s

Hoe is Coven @ El Rio

The local chanteuse performs at the intimate martini bar’s lounge in a birthday soiree with Paris-themed songs. $15. 7pm. 4 Valencia St.

Enjoy frosty Moscow Mule cocktails in a brassy mug, specials before 8pm. 2023 Broadway, Oakland. www.portbaroakland.com

Mon 15

Drag Mondays @ The Cafe Mahlae Balenciaga and DJ Kidd Sysko’s weekly drag and dance night. 9pm-1am. 2369 Market St. www.cafesf.com

Epic Karaoke @ White Horse, Oakland Mondays and Tuesdays popular weekly sing-along night. No cover.

8:30pm-1am. 6551 Telegraph Ave, (510) 652-3820. www.whitehorsebar.com

Mule Mondays @ Port Bar, Oakland

Sun 14 Lizz Wright @ Great American Music Hall

Musical Mondays @ The Edge Sing along at the popular musical theatre night; also Wednesdays. 7pm-2am.

2 for 1 cocktail, 5pmclosing. 4149 18th St. at Collingwood. www.edgesf.com

See page 33 >>

Serving the LGBT communities since 1971

32 • BAY AREA REPORTER • August 11-17, 2016

t

Leandro Gonzales

Mr. and Miss Golden Gate contestants Kirten Swanson, Mimi Osa, current title holder Leandro Gonzales, and Barry Miles (William Bulkley not pictured) at the Midnight Sun.

Shows, girl!

by Donna Sachet

T

he Mr. and Miss Golden Gate contest is in full swing with contestants introduced last Saturday at The Midnight Sun by the Imperial Court of San Francisco. They are Barry Miles and “Mr. Bill” Bulkley for Mr. Golden Gate and Mimi Osa and Kirsten Swanson for Miss Golden Gate. This is a very straight-forward contest where the winner has sold the most raffle tickets by the completion of the contest.

Prizes are significant, so find those contestants and buy like crazy!

The recent Up Your Alley Street Fair seems to have had quite an impact on Leanne Borghesi, at least as demonstrated by her successful two nights at Feinstein’s at Hotel Nikko. BDSM: Beautiful, Dirty, Sexy Me took us on a musical journey through Leanne’s (or her character’s) exploration of the kinkier side of life, complete with shocking lyrics, revealing costumes, a hilarious hand-puppet, and her signature vocal skills. Her skillful enticing and handling of six volunteers on stage showcased her extemporaneous comedic talents.

On Friday night, we shared the evening with CoCo Butter, Patrick Gallineaux, Josephine Lott, Linda Lee, Jorge Hernandez & Ron Jenkins, William Wicht & Joe Wicht, Mike Wong, Bradley Connlain, and many members of the SF Lesbian/Gay Freedom Band. It was also great to see Sharon Boggs, Leanne’s wife and sound designer, beaming with pride.

We return to Feinstein’s at Hotel Nikko tonight, Thursday, for opening night of Mame in Concert starring Meg McKay and Sharon McNight. This is the fiftieth anniversary of Jerry Herman’s Tony Award winning musical and this three-night run is sure to feature all the much beloved songs and some amusing behind the scenes stories. Also in

the cast are Jesse Cortez, Darlene Popovic, Laura Arthur, Branden Noel Thomas, and Teresa Attridge.

We can only hope for a riveting retelling of Gloria’s ping-pong story.

You would have to be living under a rock not to know about Showgirls: The Musical, opening at Victoria Theatre on Wednesday, August 10, for a three-week run, starring Peaches Christ and April Tidwell and directed by Joshua Grannell. This is a fullscale theatrical production, but with generous layers of camp, including the limited edition Peaches and Popcorn ice cream flavor at Humphry Slocombe available at the concession stand. Once again, San Francisco demonstrates its commitment to live performance, to bold creativitiy, and to show-stopping talent!

Don’t miss it!

Friday night, you can find us at St. Aidan’s for Night Ministry’s annual cabaret, featuring performances by many local favorites, including Vanessa Bousay, Alexis Miranda, John Weber, BeBe Sweetbriar, and many others. Enjoy music, hors d’oeuvres, wine and soft drinks from 7-9:30PM, while supporting the vital work on the streets of the City by Night Ministry and its dedicated volunteers.

And on Saturday, Fauxgirls are back at Encore Karaoke Lounge with a new show starting at 8PM. After great success at Marlena’s and later at Infusion Lounge, this group will astound you with a bevy of talented performers.

The following Friday, August 19, we’ll be joining the throngs to welcome Tony Bennett back to San Francisco for the unveiling of the statue in his likeness right in front of the Fairmont Hotel, home of the fabled Venetian Room where he first sang “I Left My Heart in San Francisco.” This promises to be quite the See page 33 >>

Shelley Rutledge

Leanne Borghesi (center) meets up with some of her friends (from grade school!) after one of her shows at Feinstein’s at the Nikko last week.

t <<

On the Tab>>

August 11-17, 2016 • BAY AREA REPORTER • 33

On the Tab

From page 31

No No Bingo @ Virgil’s Sea Room Mica Sigourney and Tom Temprano cohost the wacky weekly game night at the cool Mission bar. 8pm. 3152 Mission St. www.virgilssf.com

Piano Bar 101 @ Martuni’s Sing-along night with talented locals, and charming accompanist Joe Wicht.

9pm. 4 Valencia St. at Market.

Tue 16

Bandit @ Lone Star Saloon New weekly queer event with resident DJ Justime; electro, soul, funk, house. No cover.

9pm-1am. 1354 Harrison St. www.facebook.com/ BanditPartySF www.lonestarsf.com

Wed 17 Michael Walters as Dame Edna @ Oasis

Thu 18 The Fifth Element Live @ Great Star Theatre

Gaymer Night @ Eagle

Irene Tu and Jessica Sele cohost the comedy open mic night for women and queers.

No cover. 6pm-8:30pm.

4 Valencia St.

OutLoud Storytelling @ Oasis Joshua Grannell hosts the monthly storytelling series, this time themed “Altered States,” with VivvyAnne Forevermore, Waiyde Palmer, Phatima, Becky Motorlodge, Carrie Davis and Tommy Salami. $10. 6pm.

298 11th St. at Folsom. 795-3180. www.sfoasis.com

Tap That Ass @ SF Eagle Bartender Steve Dalton’s beer night happy hours. 398 12th St. at Harrison. www.sf-eagle.com

<<

Shows, girl!

From page 32

San Francisco gathering, followed by a day of events, including a luncheon inside the Fairmont and special recognition at the SF Giants game that night at AT&T Park.

On Monday, August 22, at 6PM, Shanti hosts a preview party for its annual gala in the French Parlor of the Palace Hotel. We’ll find out details about the 42nd annual Compassion is Universal, to be held at the Palace Hotel on Thursday, October 13, again hosted by the tirelessly generous Bahya Oumlil-Murad.

With their recent merger with Pets Are Wonderful Support, there are more reasons than ever to focus on Shanti and its life-affirming work for those impacted by life-threatening medical conditions.

Dana hosts the weekly singing night; unleash your inner American Idol. 8pm. 43 6th St. www.clubomgsf.com

The comic actor performs a loving parody performance of the Australian drag star. $20.

7pm. Also Aug. 18, 7pm.

298 11th St. at Folsom.

795-3180. www.sfoasis.com

Miss Kitty’s Trivia Night @ Wild Side West The weekly fun night at the Bernal Heights bar includes prizes, hosted by Kitty Tapata.

No cover. 7pm-10pm. 424 Cortland St. 647-3099. www.wildsidewest.com

The monthly (3rd Wed.) variety show with drag talents Sophilya Leggz, Bobby Ashton, Frankie Fictitious, Lady Malavenra and Joie de Vivre. $7. 9pm-2am; show at 10pm. 917 Folsom St. www.codeword-sf.com

Hysteria @ Martuni’s

Strip down as the strippers also take it all off. $20. 9pm. 729 Bush St. at Powell. 397-6758. thenobhilltheatre.com

Three nights of the amazing Luc Besson science fiction flick, with live performances by Kat Robichaud, Featherpistol, Fou Fou Ha and more, special effects, cash bar, concessions, etc, and a post-screening costume dance party. $30-$85. 8pm doors, 9pm live show, screening 9:30; postfilm dancing til 1am. Also Aug. 19 & 20. 636 Jackson St. www.greatstarmovies.com

Peep Show @ Codeword

Queer dance party at the stylish intimate bar. 9pm2am. 456 Castro St. www.QbarSF.com

Naked Night @ Nob Hill Theatre

Juanita More! presents the weekly scenic happy hour event, with host Rudy Valdez, and guest DJs. No cover, and a fantastic panoramic city view. 5pm-9pm.

Sir Francis Drake Hotel, 450 Powell St. www. starlightroomsf.com

Kollin Holts hosts the weekly comedy and open mic talent night. 6pm-8pm. 398 12th St. www.sf-eagle.com

Hella Saucy @ Q Bar

The weekly themed variety cabaret showcases new and unusual talents; MC Ferosha Titties. $3-$7. Show at 11pm. 9pm-2am. 399 9th St. at Harrison. studsf.com

Queer Karaoke @ Club OMG

Open Mic/Comedy @ SF Eagle

Gay gaming fun on the bar’s big screen TVs. Have a nerdgasm and a beer with your pals. 8pm. 398 12th St. www.sf-eagle.com

Meow Mix @ The Stud

The Fifth Element Live @ Great Star Theatre

Michael Walters as Dame Edna @ Oasis

Underwear Night @ 440 Strip down to your skivvies at the popular men’s night. 9pm-2am. 440 Castro St. 621-8732. www.the440.com

Floor 21 @ Starlight Room

Pussy Party @ Beaux Una Noche @ Club BnB, Oakland Vicky Jimenez’ drag show and contest; Latin music all night. 9pm-2am. 2120 Broadway. (510) 759-7340. www.club-bnb.com

Underwear Night @ Club OMG Weekly underwear night includes free clothes check, and drink specials. $4.

10pm-2am. Preceded by Open Mic Comedy, 7pm, no cover. 43 6th St. www.clubomgsf.com

Wed 17 Bedlam @ Beaux

Weekly event with DJs Haute Toddy, Guy Ruben, hosts Mercedez Munro and Abominatrix. Wet T-shirt/jock contest at 11pm. $5-$10. 9pm-2am.

2344 Market St. www.beauxsf.com

Ladies night at the Castro dance club. 9pm-2am. 2344 Market St. www.beauxsf.com

So You Think You Can Gogo? @ Toad Hall The weekly dancing competition for gogo wannabes. 9pm. cash prizes, $2 well drinks (2 for 1 happy hour til 9pm). Show at 9pm. 4146 18th St. www.toadhallbar.com

Thu 18

Carly Ozard @ Feinstein’s at the Nikko The amazing vocalist performs More Shift Happens, a tell-all, sing-all cabaret concert. $20-$35. 8pm. Hotel Nikko, 222 Mason St. carlyozard.com feinsteinsathtebikko.com

Comedy Returns @ El Rio

Weekly punk-alternative music night hosted by Uel Renteria and Johnny Rockitt. 10pm-2am. 1347 Folsom St. www.powerhousebar.com

The monthly comedy night this time features Marga Gomez, Eloisa Bravo, Justin Lucas, Priyanka Wali, and MC Lisa Geduldig. $7-$20. 8pm. 3158 Mission St. www.elriosf.com

It is so exciting to see the 24 additional names of individuals who will be recognized in the Castro by the Rainbow Honor Walk. We’re sure you’ve seen the first 20 plaques already in place up and down Castro and 19th Street. This next batch will likely stretch down Market Street, effectively enlarging the footprint of the Castro. Honorees cover a wide spectrum of the LGBTQ Community, including Alvin Ailey, Josephine Baker, Quentin Crisp, Leonard Matlavich, Divine, Sylvia Rivera, Jose Sarria, and We’wha. Few other cities have such an effective way of memorializing those who went before us and on whose shoulders we stand.

Join us on August 26, 8-10PM, at The Elbo Room, 647 Valencia, for a celebration and fundraiser for the Rainbow Honor Walk. This

location was specifically chosen since it was formerly Amelia’s, one of the most popular and longestlasting lesbian bars in San Francisco and run by the legendary Rikki Streicher, who will receive her plaque of recognition in the Castro.

Old friends of hers and other supporters of this project will gather for cocktails, light food, retro music, silent auction, and celebration.

We’re emceeing and promise to keep the night moving briskly!

We couldn’t be more excited for long-time fans of The Stud upon hearing last week’s news of potential new group ownership. So many ongoing events would still have a home and so many new memories could be added to the hundreds already formed. Let’s all do what we can to keep this San Francisco queer institution alive!t

Bone @ Powerhouse

Want your nightlife event listed?

Email events@ebar.com, at least two weeks before your event.

Event photos welcome.

Serving the LGBT communities since 1971

34 • BAY AREA REPORTER • August 11-17, 2016

Personals

t

The

People>>

Massage>>

HOT LOCAL MEN – Browse & Reply FREE! SF - 415-430-1199 East Bay - 510-343-1122 Use FREE Code 2628, 18+

FREE TO LISTEN

ROSES ARE RED –

AND REPLY TO ADS

Roses are yellow. Roses are blue.

If you want to be sucked, text face and cock pic to 415-806-7349.

Must be Asian, 18-30.

Free Code: Reporter

MEN TO MEN MASSAGE

SEXY ASIAN $60 JIM 415-269-5707

I’m a Tall Latin Man in my late 40’s. If you’re looking, I’m the right guy for you.

My rates are $90/hr & $130/90 min.

My work hours are 10 a.m. to midnite everyday.

415-515-0594 Patrick call or text.

See pics on ebar.com

FIND REAL GAY MEN NEAR YOU San Francisco:

“Torment yourself as little as possible, then you’ll torment me less.”

-Franz Kafka

(415) 430-1199 Oakland:

San Jose:

To place your Personals ad, Call 415-861-5019 for more info & rates

(510) 343-1122 (408) 514-1111 www.megamates.com 18+

Shining stars

photos by Steven underhill Drag Me to Brunch @ Lookout

D

rag and brunch paired fabulously at The Lookout on Saturday, August 6 at Drag Me to Brunch, the weekly show with soul, funk and Motwon grooves hosted by Carnie Asada, with DJs Becky Knox and Pumpkin Spice. The yummy brunch menu starts at 12pm and the show at 1pm. And of course, we love the balcony view! 3600 16th St. www.lookoutsf.com More photo albums are on BARtab’s Facebook page, www.facebook.com/lgbtsf.nightlife. See more of Steven Underhill’s photos at www.StevenUnderhill.com.

t

Read more online at www.ebar.com

Shining stars

August 11-17, 2016 • BAY AREA REPORTER • 35

photos by Steven underhill California Gold Pageant @ The Cafe

F

abulous drag featured at eighth annual California Gold Pageant, held at The Café on Saturday, August 6, where Intensive Claire won the crown. Among the gowns was a stunning Medusa costume worn by Miz Palou and designed by Pat N Leather. Other glamorous contestants included Rock M. Sakura, Gem McQueen, Dema Le’Shon and Amoura Teese.

Judges included Jose A. Guzman-Colon, Honey Mahogany, Emily Payne, Miss Gay U.S. Bionka Simone and Alison Kenyon.

More photo albums are on BARtab’s Facebook page, www.facebook.com/lgbtsf.nightlife. See more of Steven Underhill’s photos at www.StevenUnderhill.com.

||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||

For headshots, portraits or to arrange your wedding photos

call (415) 370-7152 or visit www.StevenUnderhill.com or email stevenunderhillphotos@gmail.com