December 25, 2014 Edition of the Bay Area Reporter by Bay Area Reporter

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GAPA early endorses SF mayor by Matthew S. Bajko

club for gay Asian and Pacific Islander men in the Bay Area has come out with an early endorsement for San Francisco Mayor Ed Lee’s re-election bid. After Lee met with Rick Gerharter the board of the Gay Asian Pacific Alliance Mayor Ed Lee at its December 9 meeting, the members voted to back Lee’s 2015 mayoral campaign. “Mayor Lee has proven himself to be an effective leader, he has taken the city in the right direction,” Benjamin Leong, who stepped down this month as GAPA’s co-chair, told the Bay Area Reporter. “The economy is up and unemployment is down. And we would like to see this trend continue.” Leong added that since Lee became the city’s interim mayor in 2011, and then won a full four-year term that November, he has been a leader for both the LGBT and API communities. “He has been a leader for the San Francisco community,” wrote Leong in an emailed response. “Mayor Lee has been a leader for the Bay Area and the region and that is why GAPA has come out and gave an early, sole endorsement of Mayor Lee.” In doing so GAPA is the first major LGBT group in the city to announce its support of Lee’s re-election campaign, whose slogan is “Ed Lee. He’s for Me.” Neither of the city’s two main LGBT Democratic clubs – Alice B. Toklas and Harvey Milk – is currently looking to early endorse the mayor. In 2011 Alice gave Lee its third choice endorsement under the city’s rankedchoice voting system, and Milk altogether snubbed the mayor, who at first had insisted he would not seek election to a full term. Alice co-chair Zoe Dunning told the B.A.R. last week that it was “undetermined” if the more moderate political club would follow GAPA’s lead. No board member has yet requested that Alice consider early endorsing Lee. Should someone do so, the club’s political action committee, by a 66 percent vote, would then need to recommend that the membership hold an early endorsement vote, otherwise it would be rejected. The threshold for approving such a vote by the membership would then drop to 60 percent, and if met, the club would then consider early endorsing Lee. “No one has done so or indicated doing this right now,” said Dunning, a mayoral appointee to the city’s library commission who has yet to personally endorse Lee. “I am waiting to see where Alice goes first.” See page 14 >>

Courtesy SFO

San Francisco International Airport is decked out in holiday lights – and a miniature Golden Gate Bridge – as passengers arrive and depart.

SFO Milk terminal is in holding pattern by Matthew S. Bajko

Rick Gerharter

his year 29 Castro merchants chipped in to drape 31 sidewalk trees from Sanchez to Castro in white LED lights to provide a festive, warm welcome to the

LGBT neighborhood. The tree lights joined the gold bows adorning the median palm trees for the holiday decorations, which were organized by the Castro Merchants group.

ineteen months after he agreed to name a terminal at San Francisco International Airport in honor of gay

Sit/lie law still draws concern

See page 2 >>

by Seth Hemmelgarn

our years ago, San Francisco voters passed the sit/lie law, which bans people from sitting or lying on the city’s sidewalks between 7 a.m. and 11 p.m. From the beginning, opponents have said the law amounts to harassment of homeless people, including LGBT youth. Supporters have said the ban is needed to keep the sidewalks open for businesses and residents. Since the law passed in November 2010, the discussion has died down, and there hasn’t been much analysis on data related to the ban. But the law is being enforced, and it still evokes strong feelings. “The biggest problem with sit/lie is we can keep ticketing and keep jailing, but it doesn’t end homelessness, so people have nowhere to go,” Jennifer Friedenbach, executive director of the city’s Coalition on Homelessness, said in an interview last week. Friedenbach said when people don’t pay their citations, they may get warrants, and then they can be blocked from getting into public housing or get arrested. According to Officer Grace Gatpandan, a San Francisco Police Department spokeswoman, from January through December 17 this year, there have been 514 warnings and 776 citations issued citywide. Data by district and historical figures weren’t immediately available. Data on how often people don’t pay their citations – $50 to $100 for a first offense – isn’t readily available from San Francisco County Superior

Rick Gerharter

Homeless people slept in front of Most Holy Redeemer Church in the Castro district in this 2012 file photo.

Court or other agencies, but longtime gay housing activist and sit/lie opponent Tommi Avicolli Mecca said it’s time for the law to go. “I really call on the leaders of the LGBT community to look at this law and to make it a priority to repeal this law, because it does affect the poorest of folks in our community,” said Avicolli Mecca, who works at the Housing Rights Committee of San Francisco. “It affects them by affecting their ability to get housing.” “What is the point of having this law in the first place?” he added.

{ FIRST OF THREE SECTIONS }

Vol. 44 • No. 52 • December 25-31, 2014

FINAL 1616 FINALWEEKS! WEEKS!CLOSES CLOSESFEB FEB

OPEN TODAY!

Moving people along

Andrea Aiello, executive director of the Castro/Upper Market Community Benefit District, expressed support for the ban. “I think that there are some times, when people spend five or six hours in one spot sitting on the sidewalk, that it’s helpful for police to have a tool to move people along,” especially if someone is blocking the path, Aiello said. Captain Raj Vaswani heads the Park police station, which oversees part of the Castro neighSee page 11 >>

H E RB ST E X H I B I T I O N G A L L E RI E S

Golden Gate Park • deyoungmuseum.org

<< Community News

2 • BAY AREA REPORTER • December 25-31, 2014

Horizons awards grant checks by Khaled Sayed

GBT nonprofits doing innovative work were recently recognized by the Horizons Foundation, which hosted organization representatives at its annual grantee breakfast. Horizons, a San Francisco-based philanthropic organization, granted

$1.37 million this year to key organizations serving the LGBT community in the nine-county Bay Area region. The December 16 breakfast, held at the Westin St. Francis, brought together 30 nonprofit organizations. Dan C. Quigley, Horizons board chair, welcomed the attendees. “For the board members at the

Horizons Foundation this is the highlight of our annual calendar,” Quigley said. “The main reason why we are here is to celebrate the primary reason why the Horizons Foundation exists, which is to support and fuel the LGBT community and the nonprofits, who do the work day-in and day-out, to succeed and grow.” Miko Thomas, of the Bay Area American Indian Two Spirits, performed a Native American ceremony. BAAITS received $6,630 from Horizons for general operating support to teach gender-neutral powwow dance classes and regaliamaking classes for Native American Two-Spirit people. Francisco O. Buchting, director of grantmaking and community initiatives for Horizons, mentioned 2014 grantmaking panelists, and also introduced many nonprofit organizations, such as the Transgender

Khaled Sayed

Grant recipients, Horizons Foundation staff and board members, and donors attended the foundation’s annual grantee breakfast.

Law Center, a 2014 Give Out Day prize award grantee ($5,000); the San Francisco LGBT Community Center, which received $10,000 to increase giving support for the implementation of a new fundraising plan; and the Rainbow Women’s Chorus, which received $5,000 for general operating support to develop choral musical programming by the allwomen’s chorus, to name a few. Brian Villa, of the RYSE Center, presented a short video made by the center’s youth members. The organization, in Richmond, received $8,000 from Horizons. “I’m really honored to be here and share with you some of the work we do at the RYSE Center,” Villa said. “Before we opened in 2008, we wanted to make sure that we would be a space for all young people no matter who they were and where they came from. Because we understand the importance of providing opportunities to support their identities in a safe and healthy way.” RYSE received support for the Alphabet Group, a space where LGBTQQ youth can talk about their experiences, explore their identities, attain new skills, engage in political advocacy, and inform allies about issues. Annalise Ophelian of Floating Ophelian Productions, LLC, which received $5,000 from Horizons, showed a trailer of its new documentary, Major!, about Miss Major Griffin-Gracy, a formerly incarcerated black transgender elder and activist who lives in the Bay Area and has been fighting for the rights of transwomen of color for over

EQUALITY = HEALTHY

SFO Milk terminal

From page 1

icon Harvey Milk, Mayor Ed Lee continues to drag out the process for determining which one will receive the designation. Despite repeated pledges from the mayor that he was close to naming his picks in 2014, Lee has yet to reveal his five nominees to the advisory committee tasked with choosing which of the airport’s four terminals should be named for Milk. Christine Falvey, Lee’s director of communications, told the Bay Area

40 years. Griffin-Gracy was a San Francisco Pride community grand marshal this year. “Miss Major is the reason why we are all here today,” Ophelian said. “It is the women who were on the forefront of the LGBTQ struggle for civil rights. It’s transgender non-conforming youth of color and feathered spectrum youth of color who were fighting back in Stonewall, fighting back in Compton’s, pushing back against a system that would seek to marginalize, eradicate or destroy us, that made it possible for us to talk about things like marriage equality.” Ophelian was referring to the Stonewall rebellion in 1969 in New York City, and the 1966 Compton’s Cafeteria riots in San Francisco. Both events included trans people who fought back against police raids and other discrimination. Other large grant recipients included Our Family Coalition ($15,000), the Rainbow Community Center of Contra Costa County ($15,000), the San Francisco Gay Men’s Chorus ($10,000), and the Transgender, Gender Variant, and Intersex Justice Project ($10,000). Horizons has been hosting the annual grantee breakfast celebration for 10 years. In all 100 people from Horizons Foundation’s board of directors, individual donors, institutional partners, and grantee representatives attended the event. Horizons Foundation’s grants are made possible through the generous contributions of individual donors, institutional partners, and legacy gifts included in the LGBT Community Endowment Fund.t Reporter that due to Nicole Wheaton, the mayor’s appointments secretary, out on vacation this week, she wouldn’t know the status of the selection process until after the Christmas holiday. Meeting with the paper’s editorial board in September, Lee had said at the time that he was “getting close” to naming his appointees to the panel. “I am committed to that,” Lee said of selecting a Milk terminal. “We have an approach. I think it will be complementary and okay to everybody that is interested in this.” See page 13 >>

Pride toy drive helps kids

We all bring something unique to the world, something for which we are proud. For the 5th year in a row, Kaiser Permanente has been recognized as a leader in health care equality for lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender populations in the Healthcare Equality Index 2014 report.

Rick Gerharter

Pride toy drive helps kids

J kp.org/thrive

ust in time for Christmas, Alvaro Gonzalez, center, from San Francisco Pride, delivers a large box of toys to Melissa Larrea and Alex Goldsmith with the Homeless Children’s Network Monday, December 22. The toys will be distributed during the holidays to

children involved in the organization’s programs. The gifts were the result of the annual Pride Toy and Food Drive. The food will be distributed to several community partners of Pride. Donations were much greater in this second year of the drive.

Community News>>

December 25-31, 2014 • BAY AREA REPORTER • 3

SF main library removes newspaper shelves by Seth Hemmelgarn

he San Francisco Public Library is looking for a new space to house the Bay Area Reporter and other community publications after shelves near the main library’s Fulton Street entrance were recently removed. Heads of some newspapers are unhappy. The publications “weren’t doing what the publishers and the organizations expected, and by that I mean they were being dropped off in the morning before we opened and left out in the rain,” or “people would come in and grab some to sit on,” and the area could get messy, Karen Strauss, chief of the main library, said. The spot “was very much not mediated by the library,” Strauss, a lesbian, said. “This was a space where people could come in and put a stack of fliers one month” and then “not do it again,” she said. “It wasn’t something the library even tracked.” She added that the use of the shelves “has really diminished over time.” The shelves were taken down at the beginning of December. It could take months for a new spot to be selected. Strauss said, “We’re looking inside the library for a location that will be an improvement” for the communities the publishers are targeting. “We’re doing a fair amount of

Rick Gerharter

Shelves for community papers are gone at the cleaned up Fulton Street entrance to the main library in the Civic Center area.

construction” in the library, she said, and “we’re looking at a couple possibilities, so we’ll be working on those over the next several months.” Strauss said the publications have been placed in sections of the library that match their subject matter. The B.A.R. is now available near the James C. Hormel Gay and Lesbian Center on the third floor. According to B.A.R. publisher Mike Yamashita, the shelves, which had been in place for several years, had been just inside the library’s Fulton Street entrance. There was never any written policy concerning the shelves, but the move caught Ya-

mashita and others off guard. “They were there one day and gone the next,” he said. But in an email, Strauss said a flier had been posted that said, “On Friday, December 5, these shelves will be removed and will not be replaced. All remaining fliers and pamphlets will be recycled. Please keep this area clear in order to provide a welcoming entrance to the main library.” Asked why the library didn’t move the newspapers to a new space and then take down the existing shelves, with a sign pointing people to the new spot, Strauss said, “That’s a fair question. That was never an

there,” Link said in an email to Strauss and others that was copied to the B.A.R. “It’s the biggest drop point for the Extra, and up to 800 people monthly depend on finding it there. How can the library unilaterally decide to end its decades-long role as a dependable place to find information about all of the city’s neighborhoods in one spot? It feels like a form of censorship and if that goes too far, it certainly is an abdication of the library’s traditional role as a communication center for community news.” Strauss said the shelves are “completely unrelated” to the archives of the papers the library keeps, including the B.A.R., and those archives are still available.t

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San Francisco nonprofit that works with homeless youth – and which itself has been homeless for a year – is working to raise up to $5 million to buy a building. Homeless Youth Alliance, which provides therapy, basic medical care, needle exchange, and other services, had to move out of its drop-in center at 1696 Haight Street after the landlord decided not to renew the lease in January. Since then, the group has largely been meeting with young people on sidewalks or in restaurants. Mary Howe, HYA’s executive director, said when it left its Haight Street space after being there for over a decade, the alliance lost some of the services that are most important to clients, like a place to go to the bathroom and take a shower. “More than anything,” though, Howe said, “we lost privacy and respite from the street. When we’re sitting with youth and talking about how they were assaulted or raped last night, it’s really difficult to make that feel safe when you’re sitting on the street having that conversation.” The nonprofit works with a population of about 5,000 people ages 13 to 29 who live in the Haight’s parks and streets. The group says 44 percent of its participants are LGBTQ. Buying and customizing a new building will likely cost from $1 million to $3 million, according to the organization. Money would also be used to cover expenses such as publicity and staff costs associated with the capital campaign, which launched December 15, and permanently increasing outreach, medical, and other staff. Last week, Howe, 35, said the campaign, which is called “Go Big or Stay Homeless,” had raised at least $15,000 so far. The nonprofit, which wants to stay in the Haight, would like enough room for a larger medical room that’s better equipped than what it’s had, multiple showers and

ideal space to begin with, and it really had gotten to the point where we felt like it was time to address it.” Strauss estimated there had been “half a dozen” papers on the shelves. Besides newspapers, there had also been advertisements and magazines in the spot. She wasn’t sure of all the papers that were there, but said, “It was not a consistent set of publications.” Geoff Link, executive director of the San Francisco Study Center, which publishes the Central City Extra, was also unhappy about the shelves being taken out. The paper covers the Tenderloin and nearby areas. “The main library is also the Tenderloin library, and we depend on being able to leave our papers

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ESCAPE TO PALM SPRINGS Jane Philomen Cleland

Homeless Youth Alliance Executive Director Mary Howe

bathrooms, a full-service kitchen, and spaces where youth can meet privately with therapists. Even if the agency gets the money, Howe’s experiences over the past year indicate finding a new space will be tough. “We’ve applied to 33 places and been turned down for all of them,” she said, adding, “I never thought for a second we would be homeless for an entire year.” The nonprofit has worked with “several Realtors who have given up quickly” since the search began, Howe, who was once homeless herself and identifies as “non-specific,” said. Property owners “don’t want to rent space to us,” she said. “I think they really thought the youth would leave the Haight when the drop-in closed,” Howe said of people in the neighborhood who didn’t like HYA’s clientele. She also said, “It’s really easy for people to judge them when we see them doing things we get to do inside.” She pointed to someone who urinates between cars after being denied access to a bathroom by restaurants and businesses. Jeanette Hall, 29, has been associated with the nonprofit both as a client and as a volunteer. She’s had

housing for about a year and has a 1-year-old son. Hall, a straight ally who said HYA has been “a huge influence in my life,” said the group has helped her with food, clothing, and other assistance, but it’s mostly provided her with “someone to talk to.” She still helps with the needle exchange program and is studying health education in school. “That space was so important to so many people,” Hall said of the drop-in. “It was like their home for kids that didn’t have anything.” Since the site closed, Howe said, the health of young people who come to the neighborhood “has deteriorated,” without access to things like showers and hot food, and watching the decline in their wellbeing “is breathtaking sometimes,” she said. Howe said HYA is serving the same number of clients, except for “the really mentally ill folks.” Without a stationary center, it’s difficult for some clients to remember when and where they can find the organization. The nonprofit still sets up outside the former drop-in three days a week. The site appears to still be vacant, although some electrical

TERRY MURPHY 760-832-3758

See page 14 >> CA BRE# 01346949

<< Politics

4 • BAY AREA REPORTER • December 25-31, 2014

Low Aalready sizing up his Statehouse role fun place to play… a fab place to stay!

by Matthew S. Bajko

A fun

and youngest Asian American to be elected to the Legislature’s lower ong touted as a rising star in the chamber. Democratic Party, gay freshLast week lesbian Assembly man Assemblyman Evan Low Speaker Toni Atkins (D-San Diego) place to play… (D-Campbell) is already signaling released assignments for commita fab place stay!tees and named Low to the panels he intends to make a markto in the Statehouse. overseeing legislation related to Elected last month to the 28th banking and finance, higher educaAssembly District seat covering tion, labor and employment, and portions west Santo Joseplay… and sevpublic safety. Low was also given A funofplace eral Peninsula cities, the 31-year-old a seat on the Assembly Legislative a fab place to Ethics stay!committee. Low is the youngest out lawmaker

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Come February Low expects to introduce his first pieces of legislation, including LGBT-related bills, for the 2015-2016 Legislative Session. “I am still in the process of putting the pieces together for that,” he said. “I am taking a thoughtful process, engaging with stakeholders to discuss pieces of legislation.” In a recent interview with the Bay Area Reporter, Low said one of his main priorities in the coming year would be to recruit out candidates to seek legislative seats in order to ensure there continues to be LGBT leaders serving in the Legislature. The number of out lawmakers is down one and now numbers seven after the fall election. Three of the current members of the California Legislative LGBT Caucus will be termed out of office in 2016: lesbian Assembly Speaker Toni Atkins (DSan Diego); gay state Senator Mark Leno (D-San Francisco); and gay Assemblyman Rich Gordon (DMenlo Park). Then in 2020 two more members

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will be termed out: lesbian Senator Cathleen Galgiani (D-Stockton) and gay Senator Ricardo Lara (DBell Gardens). Elected under revised term limit rules, lesbian Assemblywoman Susan Talamantes Eggman (D-Stockton) is able to serve in the lower chamber through 2024. Due to freshman lawmakers now able to remain in their seats, whether it is the Assembly or Senate, for a dozen years, it is important that when a seat opens up that LGBT candidates jump into the race. Should they win, their being incumbents provides them a large amount of security in not facing serious challengers for their seats. And if they lose, it could be a decade-long wait before they can run again. “The continuity of the LGBT caucus is going to be critical. 2016 is our time,” said Low, who is eligible to serve in his Assembly seat through 2026. “I am also actively trying to recruit, look, and identify LGBT folks to run.” When asked if he was interested in becoming the next chair of the

Assemblyman Evan Low

LGBT caucus next month, Low did not rule it out. “Certainly, I would be willing to continue the leadership of the caucus,” Low told the B.A.R. The caucus members will meet the morning of Wednesday, January 7 to elect a new chair, and after having served in the post the last three years, Gordon is looking to pass the baton. “I have tried to step down both of the last two years,” said Gordon. “I have been very honored my colleagues have said, ‘No, no, we want you to keep doing this.’ But this would be my fourth term; it is time for somebody else.” Also that morning the caucus members will take up the request from Assemblyman David Chiu (D-San Francisco), who is straight, to be allowed to join the LGBT legislative group. Its rules, however, restrict membership to only those lawmakers who identify either as gay, lesbian, bisexual, or transgender. Echoing comments made by Leno and Gordon in interviews with the B.A.R. on the subject, Low also expressed reservations with doing away with the caucus’s membership requirement. Instead, Low favors creating an honorary membership level for straight lawmakers or hosting joint activities with members of the other minority caucuses. “I think there is definitely room for a partnership and coalition building,” he said. In the meantime, the public is invited to send Low their suggestions for legislation that he should author to his Assembly email at evan.low@ asm.ca.gov. “I welcome hearing those ideas,” he said. “Also for LGBT youth, if they are interested in leadership opportunities, whether internships or whether it be shadowing me for a day, I really want to focus on LGBT youth and empower those youth to gain the necessary skill sets to be productive members of society.”

Out Senate leaders land key posts

The state Senate’s three out members have landed key posts for the 2015-2016 Legislative Session. Last week the Senate’s new leader, Kevin de Leon (D-Los Angeles), released his picks for committee chairmanships. Receiving one of the more powerful positions was Lara, who will become chair of the appropriations committee when the Legislature reconvenes Monday, January 5. Leon will be sworn in that day as the new Senate Pro Tem, the chamber’s top leadership post that allows him to dole out committee assignments. Keeping his chairmanship of the budget committee will be Leno, while Galgiani will remain as chair of the agriculture committee. See page 14 >>

Commentary>>

December 25-31, 2014 • BAY AREA REPORTER • 5

A transgender title

This Christmas, let MORE LOVE be born again!

by Gwendolyn Ann Smith

Wherever you are in your spriritual journey, you are welcome here.

ormally at this time of year, I might just do a column highlighting all that the transgender community has been through – and trust me, it would be a long list. It’s been a huge year for us all over, and transgender issues are at the forefront like they’ve never been before. Before I can wax nostalgic on transgender issues in 2014, however, there has been a very big gift given to all transgender people at the closing of this year. On Thursday, December 18, United States Attorney General Eric Holder’s office issued a news release. In it, the attorney general announced that the Department of Justice would include gender identity, including transgender status, within claims of discrimination under Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964. This is a change from the way the Department of Justice has treated Title VII in the past: historically, it was declared that Title VII excluded discrimination based on gender identity. “This important shift will ensure that the protections of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 are extended to those who suffer discrimination based on gender identity, including transgender status,” Holder said in the release. “This will help to foster fair and consistent treatment for all claimants. And it reaffirms the Justice Department’s commitment to protecting the civil rights of all Americans.” This is landmark stuff. In short, transgender people are being afforded the same rights as others currently covered by Title VII. Currently, Title VII prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, pregnancy, age, disability discrimination, or based on their association with someone of the above. This decision did not come in a vacuum: in April 2012, the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission ruled similarly, saying that discrimination against a person based on their gender identity is discrimination based on sex, and can be actionable under Title VII. This decision – from Macy v. Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives – was one of the first transgender rights cases to be decided favorably for a transgender person under Title VII. In September of this year, too, the EEOC filed the first federal lawsuits in Florida and Michigan on behalf of trans people who were discriminated against in the workplace. When filing these cases, a statement from EEOC attorney Laurie Young stated that Title VII “prohibits employers from firing employees because they do not behave according to the employer’s stereotypes of how men and women should act,” again tying transgender issues into the Civil Rights Act of 1964. All of this surely helped to get the ball rolling on the DOJ decision. This decision is also consistent with other departments in the Obama administration, including Housing and Urban Development’s move to protect transgender people as well as the Department of Education’s take

On the web Online content this week includes the Out in the World column. www.ebar.com.

You’re welcome here if you are: • Single, married, divorced, gay, straight, bi, cis, trans, ﬁlthy rich or dirt poor • A person of color, a crying newborn, or using a walker • Just looking or just waking up

We don’t care if you are: • More Catholic than the Pope or more Methodist than John Wesley • Inked, pierced, or plain • A tourist, a seeker, a doubter, or a bleeding heart

Attorney General Eric Holder

on Title IX. The latter was also determined to cover transgender people under its protections prohibiting sex discrimination. It is policy changes like this that also helped pave the way for bills such as California’s Assembly Bill 1266, which protects transgender youth in public schools across the state.

Again, I cannot underscore how important this is. This secures the civil rights of all transgender people in the United States, and allows us potential recourse from discrimination. It is a very big deal. This is not an ending point, however. There is still a lot of ground to cover. Transgender people are still harassed and ill treated within Immigration and Customs Enforcement detention facilities. TransgenSee page 14 >>

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Diverse People, Inquiring Minds, Open Hearts

<< Open Forum

6 • BAY AREA REPORTER • December 25-31, 2014

Volume 44, Number 52 December 25-31, 2014 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 Chuck Colbert • 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 Elliot Owen • Paul Parish • Sean Piverger Lois Pearlman • Tim Pfaff • Jim Piechota Bob Roehr • Donna Sachet • Adam Sandel Khaled Sayed • Jason Serinus • Gregg Shapiro Gwendolyn Smith • 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 Rich Stadtmiller • Steven Underhil Dallis Willard • Bill Wilson ILLUSTRATORS & CARTOONISTS Paul Berge • Christine Smith ADVERTISING/ADMINISTRATION Colleen Small VICE PRESIDENT OF ADVERTISING Scott Wazlowski – 415.861.5019 ADVERTISING ACCOUNT EXECUTIVE Lance Roberts NATIONAL ADVERTISING REPRESENTATIVE Rivendell Media – 212.242.6863

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BAY AREA REPORTER 44 Gough Street, Suite 204 San Francisco, CA 94103 415.861.5019 • www.ebar.com A division of BAR Media, Inc. © 2014 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.

Lumps of coal for these holiday scrooges

ith Christmas upon us and a new year right around the corner, we decided to take a look at some of the disappointing developments of the past year, and award symbolic lumps of coal to those responsible for the actions, or inactions as the case may be.

Mayor Ed Lee

It’s been 19 months since San Francisco Mayor Ed Lee brokered a deal with gay Supervisor David Campos to name a terminal at San Francisco International Airport after Harvey Milk, the city’s first gay supervisor. Under terms of the arrangement, the Board of Supervisors and the mayor were each to appoint people to an advisory panel, which would suggest which terminal would be named in Milk’s honor. The supervisors and mayor would have final approval. The supervisors picked their appointees months ago. The mayor, however, has yet to name his five people to the committee. We have yet to hear a satisfactory explanation from Lee about what’s taking him so long. In May, the mayor told us that his office “had started putting our folks on it” and would announce the names of his appointees “very soon.” Nothing happened. In mid-September we met with the mayor and the topic again came up. “I’m committed to that,” Lee said, referring to a terminal being named for Milk. “We don’t have our names yet but we’re getting close.” Now, it’s closing in on 2015 and the mayor still has not picked his appointees. This is important because at the rate San Francisco’s bureaucracy churns, it’s now looking increasingly unlikely that any decision will be approved in time for Harvey Milk Day, the May 22 observance, which next year marks what would have been Milk’s 85th birthday. That’s a milestone anniversary that would have provided the perfect time to unveil a Milk terminal. Even if the mayor announces his picks today, there are meetings, working with the airport management, and securing approval from the mayor and the Board of Supervisors. All of this takes time. We don’t understand the hold-up. At first we

thought it was because Lee didn’t want to give Campos a success story (the mayor endorsed Campos’ opponent, David Chiu, in the Assembly race that Chiu went on to win) ahead of the November election. But that’s been over for seven weeks now. At any rate, Lee has dropped the ball on this project, and that’s a shame. We backed the 2013 compromise plan as an alternative to Campos’ original proposal of wanting to name the entire airport after Milk. Perhaps we were the ones being shortsighted.

SF planners, disability officials

The recent rains have been a welcome relief for our drought-stricken state, but they have only caused misery for homeless people who, accustomed to the dry winters here, have suddenly been confronted with cold temperatures and days of rainy, windy weather. A planned homeless shelter for LGBT folks has been mired in bureaucratic mumble-jumble for nearly five years. In October we provided an update on the shelter and one of the hold-ups was that to be compliant with the Americans with Disabilities Act, the shelter needed a parking space. Never mind that the clients likely will not have cars. Thankfully, city bureaucrats signed off on a phased-in plan so that the parking spot can wait, but other permitting hurdles have caused one delay after another. The idea for this shelter was proposed after a March 2010 hearing called by Campos that revealed widespread problems with the city’s shelters when it comes to serving LGBT clients. The staff aren’t trained to deal with issues specific to trans people and use the wrong pronouns; there are issues with straight homeless people who stay there, such as name-calling, property theft, and more. The fact that a progressive city like San Francisco can’t open a facility with 24 beds at an existing space is mind-boggling. And while city officials drag their heels, LGBT homeless people are in a no-win situation: stay out on

the streets, or be hassled at a shelter. We had been hopeful the shelter would be open this year, but that didn’t happen. Officials need to get it together and solve the bureaucratic mess so that it can open in 2015. The shelter won’t solve the city’s LGBT homeless problem, but it’s a start.

Openhouse

There’s a senior art show now on exhibit at the LGBT Community Center, but visitors won’t see one photo that was submitted because it was deemed “too graphic” by the jury who selected the pieces. Openhouse, a nonprofit LGBT senior agency, is sponsoring the art show. Five jurors – all LGBT artists 60 and over who were picked by Openhouse – made the decision. Longtime gay photographer Lionel Biron, known professionally by his last name, took the photo, titled “Sailor Boy,” that features a handsome model with an erect penis. Biron maintains that while he understands the jury made the decision, he’s disappointed that the “gay community is censoring itself over sexual images when it is, essentially, though it’s been forgotten, a sexual movement.” Rather than nix the artwork, the jury should have accepted it. And instead of caving, Openhouse should have discussed the issue with the jurors. Agency officials have struggled to explain the jurors’ decision, especially given that two other pieces that were accepted for the show feature nudity. Certainly, Biron’s piece could have been exhibited somewhere in the center. Visitors could have been told when they check in that there is some explicit material. Heck, Openhouse could have used “Sailor Boy” as a marketing tool and increased attendance – and potentially sales of the art, from which the artist and the LGBT center would benefit. It’s a sad state of affairs when LGBT people start censoring material – decades ago we were the ones being censored, yet some in the community are still doing it. Art is in the eye of the beholder but people going to the exhibit – Vantage Points: A Lifetime of Perspective, which runs through January 26 – aren’t going to be able to behold “Sailor Boy.”t

The ecstasy and the agony of 2014 by Kate Kendell

his was a spectacular year in the fight for LGBT equality – especially for same-sex couples. We began 2014 with 16 states in which same-sex couples could marry and end the year with 35. (Marriages are also set to begin in Florida, yes, that Florida, next month, so we will soon be at 36.) It is now irrefutable that we have hit our tipping point. When it comes to marriage equality, a just and fair conclusion, though it may still be many months or even another year off, seems inevitable. For some in our community, it is the best of times. Of course, a tipping point is not a finish line. We are far from done when it comes to so many other issues that affect the well-being and even survival of many LGBT people – employment protections, basic fairness for immigrants and undocumented people, parenting rights, an end to the systematic abuse of LGBT prisoners, safety and acceptance for LGBT youth, security for LGBT elders, protections for transgender people, and economic security for the most vulnerable members of our community. In chilling contrast to the gains we have witnessed for same-sex couples, the recent killings of Michael Brown, Tamir Rice, Eric Garner, and many other unarmed black men and boys at the hands of police officers have exposed troubling injustice. These killings, and the lack of accountability, expose the stark reality of systemic racism that is a daily reality for people of color, particularly Latinos and African-Americans – the criminalization of youth of color, entrenched economic injustice, the militarization of law enforcement, and a deeply biased justice system. And the recent horrifying ambush murders of two New York police officers at the hands of a mad man leave all of us feeling more dispirited and hopeless.

For many in our community, it is the worst of times. We live in a nation where white privilege, racial inequality, implicit bias, and structural oppression are calcified and entrenched. And where the gap between the police and the citizens they protect and serve seems to be widening. Many of us who have never been an object of racial bias or who have benefited in countless ways from white privilege, reflexively see the killings of Brown, Garner, and Rice as isolated or exceptional, or we make sense of the carnage by asserting that Brown, Garner, and Rice were complicit in their own deaths. These are reactions rooted in privilege. The privilege of never being hassled by the police, the privilege of seeing officers as protectors and guardians (which they generally are), the privilege of believing that life is mostly fair and just, the privilege of knowing that you will be judged based on character not color, the privilege of making a mistake and not losing your life over it. From an early age many people of color learn that the system is stacked against them. When you grow up both as a target and a witness of daily injustice, resistance is a rational response. When you grow up aware that no matter what you do, you will be unjustly judged by many, defiance is a rational response. If such a response seems inconceivable to you, you are living with privilege and you are very likely white. In the weeks since grand juries refused to indict the police officers in the Brown and Garner killings, the protests, the outrage, the actions, the conversation, the demands for change have swept the nation. Led by the communities most impacted by our broken system, including countless LGBT people of color, joined by the president, the Department of Justice, and very likely you and your

Courtesy NCLR

Kate Kendell

neighbors, these actions have been vocal and visible in insisting that those of us living with privilege resist the urge to go back to our cozy lives until the next outrageous and sickening headline. If we all keep resisting, we can help make the systemic changes that will be required to upend the system that makes too many lives mean too little. We all deserve a justice system we respect and trust. We all share a common humanity and no one can stand on the sidelines. In a few short years, we have seen breathtaking forward movement in the struggle for inclusion, equality, and justice for LGBT people but those gains will decay if we do not assure that every LGBT person of color lives with dignity and freedom for ALL that they are. We cannot come close to declaring victory until we live in a nation where true and meaningful justice for all is a promise fulfilled.t Kate Kendell, Esq., is the executive director of the National Center for Lesbian Rights.

Letters >>

December 25-31, 2014 • BAY AREA REPORTER • 7

Those were the days

It is interesting to see 298 11th Street at Folsom opening up again as a gay venue [“Drag club races to open by New Year’s Eve,” December 18]. In 1969, the space was an after-hours venue and owned by Ray Rule, who was a member of the Tavern Guild. In the 1970s a San Francisco law that would have caused him to close his business confronted Rule. It was a cabaret law that forbids many venues from being open after 2 a.m. To get around that law Rule installed an outdoor heated swimming pool and called his business a health club. I am certain that the pool is still under the floor. Rule also had a problem with the same law with his venue in the Polk Street corridor. Rule had his staff teach dancing lessons and called it a dance studio. Jerry Royer San Francisco

Boycott Sony

By giving a pass to employees who make racist taunts, they condone this activity.

Lesbian hits ‘trans obstacle course’

Remember when you “forgot” to endorse Rebecca Kaplan, an out lesbian, in her Oakland race? Oops, you did it again, this time dragging singer Kate Pierson through the trans obstacle course [“No one’s ‘Mister Sister,’” Transmissions, December 11]. What is it with you and lesbians; can’t we all just get along? Why not take on the mighty Dan Savage, who in a recent column flagged persons identifying as “gender neutral” as “attention whores.” A. Cobbett Berkeley, California

Shops before crosswalk?

In a recent front-page story about businesses in the Castro, Patrick Batt is quoted as saying out-oftown visitors are disappointed with the lack of “cute little gay shops” where they can spend money [“Castro retail debate lands at City Hall,” December 4]. Shouldn’t the idea of getting a good mix of businesses into the neighborhood have had priority over building the rainbow crosswalk, which is already showing wear and tear from traffic, and widening the sidewalks for the anticipated crowds – who will have nothing to do but go to bars and restaurants, if they arrive? Steven Short San Francisco

Michael Brownstone San Francisco

SF Pride accepting grand marshal noms compiled by Cynthia Laird

he San Francisco LGBT Pride Celebration Committee is now accepting community and organizational grand marshal nominations, as it gears up for the 45th annual parade in June. The theme for 2015’s Pride parade and festival, to be held June 27-28, is “Equality Without Exception.” In a news release, SF Pride officials said that suggestions for grand marshal nominees should include the full name, contact information, and criteria qualifications. Community grand marshals should be local heroes living in the nine-county Bay Area region (Alameda, Contra Costa, Marin, Napa, San Francisco, San Mateo, Santa Clara, Solano, and Sonoma counties), who have contributed in large part to the San Francisco Bay Area LGBTQ community; or as openly LGBTQ contributed in large part to society in general. For next year, officials said there would be four community grand marshals: one selected by public vote, one selected by the members of SF Pride at its March 10 general membership meeting, and two selected by the Pride board of directors. Organizational grand marshal nominees must be nonprofit groups. Additionally, SF Pride announced that nominations will be accepted for a pink brick recipient. The pink brick is awarded to someone or

something that has caused harm to the LGBTQ community. For organizational and pink brick categories, recipients will be selected by both public vote and the members in attendance at the aforementioned March meeting. To submit nominations, email gmnominations@sfpride.org. They can also be faxed to (415) 864-5889, or dropped off at the Pride office, 1841 Market Street, fourth floor (entrance is at 30 Pearl Street). The deadline is the January 13 general membership meeting, at which time nominations can also be received verbally. For more information, visit www. sfpride.org.

Tessie’s ready for Christmas dinner

Tenderloin Tessie will be serving its annual Christmas dinner for those in need. The nonprofit also needs donations of new or gently used coats, socks, blankets, and similar items for distributing to dinner guests. The dinner takes place Thursday, December 25, from 1 to 4 p.m. at First Unitarian Universalist Church, 1187 Franklin Street (at Geary), in San Francisco. Entertainment will be provided by Vanessa Bousay and pianist Marc Sanders. Michael Gagne, president of the Tenderloin Tessie board of directors, said that volunteer shifts have been filled. Those making clothing donations should contact Claire Brees at brees.c@gmail.com.

• Divorce w/emphasis on Real Estate & Business Divisions • Domestic Partnerships, Support & Custody • Probate and Wills

415-781-6500 *Certified by the California State Bar

DeFrank center property remains intact

State officials have ratified a decision by Santa Clara County staff that the Billy DeFrank LGBT Community Center property in San Jose should remain intact and be kept in the public domain, meaning the site won’t be sold for redevelopment. Gay county Supervisor Ken Yeager made the announcement in a recent newsletter to constituents. In 2011, California passed a law dissolving redevelopment agencies across the state. In their place, successor agencies were established to dispose of all redevelopment agency properties and distribute the proceeds to benefit school districts and other local governments. This year, Yeager said, the DeFrank property, at 938 The Alameda, came under consideration for sale. The San Jose Successor Agency, as it’s known, determined that the city’s long-term lease of the building qualified it to be saved from being sold. However, Yeager said that agency staff proposed subdividing the property in order to sell the parking lot. Yeager said that he worked with staff to keep the entire property intact. Ultimately, city staff determined that the entire site should be kept in the public domain and the San Jose Oversight Board for the Successor Agency voted unanimously to follow staff ’s recommendation. On September 8 the state Department of Finance, which gives final approval on redevelopment property decisions, ratified that decision, Yeager said.t

Jane Philomen Cleland

family law specialist* www.SchneiderLawSF.com

Silent protest in the Castro lergy and others at Metropolitan Community Church-San Francisco held a silent protest at Harvey Milk Plaza Sunday, December 21 to call attention to the recent incidents of unarmed black men and boys killed by police officers in Missouri, New York, and Ohio. Participants also took part to show that all life matters and every person deserves to be loved and protected from hate and

Barry Schneider Attorney at Law

gun violence. Those in attendance Sunday included, from left, the Reverend-elect Daniel J. Borysewicz, volunteer clergy at MCC-SF; congregant Liz LaVenture; the Reverend Robert Shively, senior pastor, MCC-SF; Irene Laudeman, executive pastor, MCC-SF; and volunteer clergy the Reverend Annie Steinberg-Behrman. Similar protests are planned for December 28 and January 4 at 1 p.m.

400 Montgomery Street, Ste. 505, San Francisco, CA

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t Community News>> << Sit/lie

From page 1

borhood, as well as much of Haight Street. That neighborhood is near Golden Gate Park, which serves as a haven for many homeless people, who often populate Haight Street and share sidewalks with shoppers and tourists. Reports of what’s been described as “aggressive” panhandling in the area helped spawn the sit/lie law. Vaswani said the ban has been helpful. “I think it is important for the merchants and residents not to have people in front of their store for long periods of time,” Vaswani said, and it’s “important for us to at least have that point to engage with somebody.” That’s where sit/lie has been effective, he said. “We’re not trying to make it unpleasant for the homeless,” Vaswani said. Police are “trying to make it a good place to shop and a good place to live.” He added, “We do warn individuals and try to gain their cooperation,” and officers have “a good working rapport” in most of the interactions. “They know who they need to warn,” and “who gets cited.” Often, Vaswani said, when officers see someone new to the area, they’ll ask if the person’s looking for services and tell them about available resources. Most of the officers who work on Haight Street have been to specialized training, he said. Avicolli Mecca said the law’s being “selectively enforced,” where police pass over youth sitting on the sidewalk who look “respectable” and instead approach those who appear to be homeless. Vaswani said he wasn’t aware of any selective enforcement. He’s seen officers walk by homeless people violating the law without citing them. “They don’t always enforce,” he said. “It just depends on what they have on their plate” with other calls. The captain wasn’t able to provide statistics on sit/lie citations that have been given in his district. Last Thursday night, one homeless man on Haight Street, who didn’t want his name published, said he was cited for violating the sit/lie ban six months ago. He didn’t pay the fine and eventually

December 25-31, 2014 • BAY AREA REPORTER • 11

got a warrant, spent about a day in jail, and was sent to a program for his drug and mental health issues, he said. The man, whose account couldn’t immediately be verified, said that he’d been “talking shit” to police when he got into trouble and the situation had “escalated.”

‘Incredibly useful’

The Tenderloin is another neighborhood known for drawing homeless people, but it appears sit/lie warnings and citations are issued infrequently. (Police have to issue warnings first.) According to Captain Jason Cherniss, who oversees the Tenderloin Station, police in his district gave 12 warnings and 12 citations in 2011. This year, through December 10, there were 27 admonishments and nine citations. The figures reflect only the work of Tenderloin officers, and don’t show warnings or citations written by other officers or specialized units. The ban has been “an incredibly useful tool,” Cherniss said. He said interactions with people who’re sitting or lying down usually start with the question, “Do you need help?” It can give officers a chance to encourage people who are sleeping in the cold to get services or “at least get up and move around a little bit” to get their blood flowing. “We can do that now because we have sit/lie,” Cherniss said. The sit/lie law also gives police “a pretext” to look into activity that’s generating complaints, such as suspected drug dealing, he said. The captain also said, “There’s a difference between enforcement and action.” Even though sit/lie has enabled police to approach people who are sitting or lying on the sidewalk, “we don’t necessarily cite them for that.” Asked about the ban resulting in harassment and wasted resources, Cherniss said, “We expect all our officers to engage in community policing from a conscientious and compassionate perspective, and we expect them to consider the spirit of the law and understand the letter of it.” Police “don’t always have to engage in enforcement when it comes to an infraction,” he said, but they do have to respond “to the concerns of the community,” he said.t

Rick Gerharter

A tent on the sidewalk in the north Mission provided makeshift protection from the rain last week.

If someone needs help … M

ost San Franciscans have likely had the experience of walking by someone lying on the sidewalk and trying to determine whether that person is passed out, just sleeping, or in need of medical attention. The consequences of someone not getting help can be serious. Based on state data provided by the city’s health department, almost 130 people who were homeless in the city died each year from July 2007 through June 2013. “I think if someone’s not breathing, or not coherent and not able to answer basic questions, it’s definitely a medical emergency,” and calling 911 may be appropriate, said Jennifer Friedenbach, executive director of the Coalition on Homelessness. In an interview during the city’s recent rains, the Reverend Lyle Beckman, the night minister and director of San Francisco’s Night Ministry, said, “People can die from hypothermia when the temperature is around 45 being out in the rain like this. People can actu-

ally suffer an enormous amount of secondary issues from being wet and cold constantly.” The website for the city’s 311 customer service line says, “There can be many reasons for someone to be in a sedated or non-responsive state, including serious medical problems. You should not attempt to touch or move the individual to assess the condition. Call 911 unless the reason is clearly known not to be medical,” such as if they’re intoxicated. In non-medical cases, the site recommends calling the San Francisco Police Department’s nonemergency line at (415) 553-0123. Beckman, whose group provides pastoral care, crisis intervention, and other services to people who are homeless and others, encouraged erring on the side of caution, noting one option is to “wake [people] up a little bit and ask if they’re OK. ... It doesn’t cost anybody anything.” He said, “It’s better to check just to be sure. 911 is a good first response if you’re really concerned

someone is ill or in danger.” If someone is “curled up and sleeping like you would sleep in your own bed, they’re probably OK,” Beckman said. For a situation that doesn’t appear to be an emergency, numbers other than 911 are available. Among other services, the Homeless Outreach Team can help someone get medical help if they’re suffering from an injury that doesn’t involve bleeding, such as a twisted ankle, and they’re not having a heart attack or other medical emergency. The team’s 24-hour phone number is (415) 734-4233. The Crisis Treatment Team provides psychiatric crisis intervention services in the city and can be reached at (415) 970-4000. The hours are 8:30 a.m. to 11 p.m. Monday through Friday (last field visit at 10 p.m.) and noon to 8 p.m. Saturdays and holidays (last field visit 7 p.m.).t

– Seth Hemmelgarn

12 • BAY AREA REPORTER • December 25-31, 2014

Steven Underhill

PHOTOGRAPHY

<< Travel

t It’s a gay old party in Key West

415 370 7152

WEDDINGS, HEADSHOTS, PORTRAITS

stevenunderhill.com · stevenunderhillphotos@gmail.com

Courtesy Florida Keys and Key West

Famed drag queen Sushi (Gary Marion) is lowered from the roof of the Bourbon Street Pub as the last minutes of the year count down at Key West’s New Year’s Eve “Shoe Drop.”

by Heather Cassell

SAN FRANCISCO

COLUMBARIUM Meet Your Neighbors AYou’re strong supporter of the LGBT community invited to mix and mingle with the people who will one for many years, the Columbarium has added day share your permanent San Francisco address. a new building.Wine Come see Open our Hall & Cheese Houseof Olympians.

rooster crowed and sunlight was streaming through the cracks in the blinds, lighting up the whitewashed room as I opened my eyes. I could hear women laughing outside. My girlfriend’s arms were tightly wrapped around me. I tried not to disturb her as I wiggled out of them, but failed. “What are you doing?” she asked as I lifted up one of the blinds to peek outside. Women were eating breakfast around the pool, chatting and laughing. I turned around, smiling and pointed outside. We had arrived in paradise at the southernmost edge of the U.S.: Key West. Unable to resist my excitement to get out and explore, we quickly got dressed and stepped out the door to find ourselves in a world of sun, fun, and women. Neither one of us had been to what’s billed as one of the nation’s oldest gay resort towns, but we had heard about it. Key West is legendary for its yearround parties, the New Year’s Eve “Shoe Drop,” – in which drag queen Sushi (Gary Marion) is lowered from atop the Bourbon Street Pub in a giant red high-heel shoe – and sites that pay tribute to famous 20th century writers like Ernest Hemingway and gay playwright Tennessee Williams. We happened to be guests of the historic Lighthouse Court across the street from the Ernest Hemingway Home. Once the residence of the Nobel Prize-winning author, it is now the home to hundreds of sixtoed cats, one of Hemingway’s legacies. Visitors can use the Key West Visitor’s Pass to tour the tropical plantation-style estate surrounded by lush gardens and pet the cats, as we did. The pass also includes entrance to a dozen sites around the

main part of Key West, including the Key West Butterfly and Nature Conservatory.

Key West escape

We were enjoying the long weekend getaway as guests of the Gay Key West Visitor Center, the first official LGBT visitors center in the U.S., and the Florida Keys and Key West visitors’ bureau, for WomenFest, the annual all-women weekend in September. One of our first stops was at the visitor center where there’s a permanent exhibit honoring Williams that is open to the public. Some of Williams’ personal belongings, along with books and movie paraphernalia of his famous plays, adorn the single room in the back of the center. In front, visitors can pick up information about gay tours and events in Key West. There’s a lot happening. On one hand, it’s a typical tropical island destination. It’s completely laid back to the point that it feels like time has slowed down to a nice natural roll. There’s no need to rush, just be happy. On the other hand, Key West is hopping with entertainment throughout the year from splashing around in the warm ocean water to its nightlife. The island’s residents like to play outside all day and party all night throwing extravagant weeklong parties and other events, many of which support local organizations. My girlfriend and I fit right in. We checked out Fury Water Adventures on its All-Women Ultimate Adventure aboard a catamaran headed by Captain Jenna Moller and her allfemale crew. It was a day filled with sailing, snorkeling, jet skiing, parasailing, kayaking, climbing wall, and water slide fun with our group. The package also included a nice breakfast and lunch. At night, we enjoyed two sunset

Eat like a local

Friday, July 19, 2013 2—5pm Celebrate our largest discount ever! RSVP Required: (415) 752-8791 25% off in the Hall of Olympians.

Offer1 Loraine goodCourt—San through 12/31/2014. Francisco, CA 94118 Private tours are available. …and of course we have the Harvey Milk honorary niche.

Call 415.752.7891 Visit us at One Loraine Court in the heart of the Richmond. COA 534

sail dinners, but hands down the Fury’s “Commotion on the Ocean” Live Music Sunset Sail was the best. The Fury folks know what women want and they delivered, from the live music with Jennifer Corday to the food and even the sunset, which could be seen from every angle of the catamaran. Just because the women take over Key West for a weekend it doesn’t mean the men aren’t out for fun, too. We couldn’t miss the drag queens outside of 801 Bourbon Bar on Duval Street, teasing people as they walked by, or the gay guide who led our Gay Key West Trolley Tour. He couldn’t help himself, checking out some of the hunky men strolling down the streets in between rattling off historical facts and telling us stories about Key West. Key West is a men’s paradise throughout the year with events such as the Annual Drag Races, Bone Island summer and winter weekends, and Tropical Heat. In May, men and women come together for Kamp Key West, an adult camp that brings people back to those long days of summer with scenic nature outings, campfires, and the awkward dances in the mess hall at night. Nighttime at WomenFest featured parties at the former Pearl’s Key West, or what was known as Pearl’s Rainbow, the all-women’s inn on the island. After decades of hosting women, Pearl’s shuttered its doors this past year and is being resurrected as the Southernmost Inn. During the day, my girlfriend and I enjoyed shopping, checking out pool parties at Bourbon Street Pub and Pearl’s, and cruising around the island on our scooter. Florida does not have a helmet law, so we let the warm breeze caress our hair as we rode around the island for an afternoon, stopping off at beaches and the famed Southernmost Point marker denoting that Cuba is only 90 miles away. What followed was more bar hopping and eating, stopping off at Antonia’s, Aqua Nightclub, Little Room Jazz Club, and Martin’s.

Geena Dabadghav

801 Bourbon Bar’s drag queens and friends greet visitors to Key West.

Key West doesn’t have a shortage of good restaurants, but you’ll be sure to meet locals at Abbondanza Italian Restaurant and El Siboney. Abbondanza serves up huge portions, enough for two people and still have leftovers, but it’s a good old-fashioned Italian eatery, complete with checkered tablecloths. One of the things my girlfriend and I brought back from Key West was picadillo, a Cuban dish that she was introduced to at El Siboney, a locally owned Cuban restaurant. We have fond memories of sitting around the dinner table with our group sampling each other’s dishes, but the picadillo’s See page 13 >>

Sports>>

December 25-31, 2014 • BAY AREA REPORTER • 13

Christmas gifts, whether they’ve been naughty or nice by Roger Brigham

y goodness, is it that time of year again? Why, it certainly is. So even though Fox News swears everybody in the media is out to kill Christmas, I’ll get into the holiday spirit by listing my gifts for some of the newsmakers in sports. For the executive board of FIFA, the all-male cast that has made an obscenity of its ruling of international soccer, a collective rectal enema and frontal lobotomy to clear out the way it thinks and does its business. In the past few months we’ve seen FIFA award its male World Cups to countries that are decidedly homophobic (with its only cautionary step being to warn fans and players not to be too gay while at the event), and OK’d its women’s World Cup to be played on injury-inducing artificial surfaces. Taken together, these actions expose FIFA for the anachronistic, misogynistic, greedy money machine that it really is rather than the idealistic sports promoting body it should be. So, get the douche bags and scalpels ready: it’s time for soccer to clean up its act.

For the state of Missouri, an overhaul of its criminal laws dealing with HIV and unprotected sex. As we’ve seen in the case of former Lindenwood University wrestler Michael L. Johnson, the hysteria-driven laws are applied and abused in ways that are racist and homophobic. We pray that in the long run, sanity and justice prevail.

next year. So, pucker up, Giants fans! For Indian national sprint star Dutee Chand, a successful and unchallenged competition season. Last year the season of the runner, who has an intersex condition, was marred when she was quite suddenly and unexpectedly left off that national team on the eve of the Commonwealth Games. Just this month Chand was cleared to compete in India’s national games, to be held January 31 through February 14, but she still has yet to be cleared under the international track federation’s hyperandrogenism policy. “Only women athletes

fall under these regulations and there is enough evidence that athletes from a country like India are targeted and tested under this policy,” said Jiji Thomson, director general of India’s sports authority. “So, this policy discrimination against women and specially women coming from Global South needs to stop immediately.” And for me? Tickets in left field at O.co Coliseum for the May 25 game between the Oakland A’s and the Detroit Tigers. That game will mark the return to O.co of Yoenis Cespedes, whose trade last year to the Boston Red Sox marked the beginning of the unraveling of one of the most entertaining baseball teams ever to bless the bay. Until then, Go Giants!t

Key West

From page 12

flavors of ground meat, olives, and spices burned in our memory. We also enjoyed tasty appetizers for lunch at Martin’s, which has a mouthwatering menu and a sophisticated atmosphere. One of the other places we enjoyed eating at was the Hard Rock Cafe. I know, you can enjoy burgers and rock and roll memorabilia at any Hard Rock Cafe in the world, but this one is unique. It’s set in a historic Victorian along Duval Street. It has a sprawling tiered patio to enjoy brunch, lunch, or dinner outside as well as an array of diverse dining rooms downstairs and upstairs. It was just fun and the food was good, too. We didn’t get a chance to dine at Better Than Sex Dessert Restaurant. The name alone puts it on the top of our list for a reason to return to Key West, aside from locals’ recommendations for the restaurant. Also on our list to check out during our next trip to Key West, 2 Cents.

Sleeping around Key West

Key West is home to charming historic inns as well as brand name resorts. We enjoyed our stay at the Lighthouse Court, which is a part of the Historic Key West Inns, where the service was friendly and help-

NFL teams were naughty this year for not signing Michael Sam, who made history when he became the first out player to be drafted.

For the NFL, a second chance to prove it’s ready to accept an openly gay player. Hell, it’s been 40 years since former player David Kopay walked out of the closet, the league swears it’s ready to accept a gay player and has cracked down on abusive language and behavior, and still the clubs collectively fumbled the chance to prove themselves to be about winning and acceptance rather than fear and covering their own asses when not one of them signed SEC Defensive Player of the Year Michael Sam after he came out. (He was drafted by the St. Louis Rams but later cut. After a stint on the Dallas Cowboys practice squad, he was released.) For LGBT fans at the San Francisco Giants 2015 LGBT Night Out at the Ballpark, equal airtime on the Kiss Cam. Last year not a single same- sex couple was shown during the between-innings feature, and club officials declared they would make sure that snub was not repeated

SFO Milk terminal

From page 2

Tom Temprano, the outgoing copresident of the Harvey Milk LGBT Democratic Club, took issue with how long it has taken to get the advisory committee up and running. “I think many of us are really disappointed at the lack of movement around the airport naming committee. I have not heard anything about it, which is also disappointing, from anyone really,” he said. “If the city and mayor’s office can hold such a grand Harvey Milk stamp release party at City Hall, the least he could do is show interest in permanently honoring Harvey at the San Francisco airport. It should be a no brainer to get the city moving on this.” The idea for honoring the city’s first out elected official at SFO dates back to January 2013 when gay District 9 Supervisor David Campos first proposed renaming the entire airport after Milk. Elected to a supervisor seat in November 1977, Milk was killed the following November along with then-Mayor George Moscone by disgruntled former supervisor Dan White. Campos’ proposal stunned the

Courtesy Florida Keys and Key West

Men get a start erasing their tan lines in the Florida sun in Key West.

The best ways to get around

Key West are by bike, scooter, or walking. Most hotels have bikes to rent and bike rental booths and shops are all over the main part of Key West. We didn’t rent a bike this time, as we chose to stroll up and down Duval Street, which is a little more than a mile long and stretches from the Gulf of Mexico to the Florida Straits and the side streets. My girlfriend and I rented a scooter for a day from A&M Rentals Key West, but we heard from others on the trip with us that the best deal on the island is at Moped Hospital.t

city’s leaders and was even met with derision from some quarters within the city’s LGBT community. Looking to salvage his idea, Campos brokered a compromise with Lee in May 2013 to name only a terminal, rather than the entire facility, after Milk. By early 2014 the Board of Supervisors had selected its four members to the Airport Facilities Naming Advisory Committee, as it is officially known. In May ahead of the annual statewide observation of Harvey Milk Day, held each May 22 to coincide with Milk’s birthday – next year is Milk’s 85th – Campos told the B.A.R. that the board had no power to force the mayor to make his appointments and the process was in a holding pattern until Lee did so. Campos did not return a request for comment for this story prior to deadline Tuesday afternoon. Gay Supervisor Scott Wiener, who supported naming SFO in its entirety for Milk, told the B.A.R. this week that he has no idea why it is taking the mayor so long to name his people to the advisory committee. “I have never spoken to the mayor about that,” said Wiener,

adding that in terms of selecting a terminal, “I would like to see this happen, absolutely.” Temprano suggested the hold up could be due to behind-the-scenes objections to seeing the airport’s international terminal, which is the building that greets passengers arriving to SFO from the highway, named for Milk. The advisory committee has been tasked with recommending people to name all the airport’s terminals afterwards, if it chooses to do so, as well as other major structures. The supervisors, who can either accept or reject the panel’s guidance, will then vote on the matter before sending their decision to the mayor. “Now there is still jockeying over who gets the international terminal and who gets the new terminal, but we will see,” said Temprano, referring to the redevelopment of Terminal One. The mayor also suggested as much earlier this fall when meeting with the B.A.R. “There are a lot of interests in the naming of particular buildings and infrastructures,” said Lee. “We need to make sure there is a good approach to that that is inclusive to everybody.”t

ful. It was perfectly located near the heart of the action just slightly away from the party. Guests searching for a little romance in addition to the party will enjoy the Gardens Hotel. Like the Lighthouse Court, it’s right off of Duval Street, but it’s a whole other world tucked away from the frenzy inside its sprawling gardens. If resorts are more your style, the Hyatt Key West and the Reach, a Waldorf Astoria Resort, are good choices.

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14 • BAY AREA REPORTER • December 25-31, 2014

GAPA

From page 1

Tom Temprano, the Milk club’s outgoing co-president, said the progressive group only in “very rare circumstances” makes early endorsements. “I don’t personally see an early endorsement of Mayor Lee being one of those rare circumstances,” he said. “If the mayor wants to come address the club, which he hasn’t done in his four years in office, I am sure the club would come listen.”

Homeless youth

From page 3

and other permits have been filed for the building in the past year, Department of Building Inspection records show. “It could take another year” before HYA has a new building, Howe said. HYA has a budget of about $620,000 and 14 paid staff. The group will add a campaign manager “by the end of the month,” she said. Someone has been letting staff use her private home as office space, and the nonprofit does have some strong support in the neighborhood. Christin Evans, who’s co-owner of the Booksmith and sits on the board of directors for the Haight Ashbury Merchants Association, which represents more than 160 businesses, said in an email that her group’s members “have individually contributed” to the campaign. The

Political Notebook

From page 4

Gay SF entertainment official to resign

Glendon Hyde, whose drag persona is Anna Conda, will be resigning from San Francisco’s entertainment commission next month. Hyde, 47, announced last week that his final meeting would be Tuesday, January 6. He decided to step down in order to focus on his undergraduate studies ahead of his moving to Portland next summer to complete his degree. “I have never felt to be so of use ever in my whole life,” he said. “It’s really been one of the most positive experiences of my entire life.” Currently enrolled at City College, Hyde will be transferring to Portland State University in June to pursue an

Transmissions

From page 5

der inmates – not the least of which being Chelsea Manning – are still denied transgender care. Transgender people cannot openly serve in the United States military. I feel I should add another important caveat: even with this decision, people’s rights can and will be abused. This gives us recourse, but it does not stop things from happening in the first place. We can and will still be discriminated against, even if it is not legal to do so. The difference – and it is key – is that we do have the law on our side. Of course, such moves don’t come without backlash. I am sure we’ll see continued assaults on

In terms of the mayoral race next year, Temprano said there are “certainly a number of club members would like to see some alternative candidate to the mayor.” After flirting with the idea of challenging Lee, gay state Senator Mark Leno (D-San Francisco) in November nixed doing so. Gay former Assemblyman Tom Ammiano, who has twice run for mayor, could jump into the race. While he has already pulled papers to run for Leno’s Senate seat in 2016, when Leno will be termed out

of office, the progressive Ammiano told the San Francisco Chronicle last week that he has not yet ruled out another mayoral bid. Unless Ammiano or another progressive announces their campaign in the coming months, the Milk club likely will wait until the filing deadline for the mayoral race closes next summer before it endorses, said Temprano. “The most likely scenario is the club will be endorsing in the mayor’s race at the regular endorsement meeting in August,” he predicted.t

board also voted to write a letter supporting the nonprofit. “HAMA’s support is predicated on the belief that maintaining a stable place for the area’s homeless youth to get off the streets and use the bathroom, shower, and obtain vital health and human services is an investment in the commercial viability and residential well-being of the neighborhood,” the letter said, in part.

for the Office of Housing Opportunity, Partnerships and Engagement, is one of the people who’s been trying to help HYA. He’s donated $100 to the capital campaign and has been encouraging others to help. “It really only takes one donor,” Dufty said. “That can make all the difference in the world.” Dufty also got one of the Realtors that tried to help HYA find a new building. The trouble finding property owners willing to sign a lease with the organization has “galvanized HYA and me to see we need to get them a property they control,” he said. Despite the problems, Howe said, “We’re doing really amazing work,” and the youth “are really grateful. ... They are so touched that we have continued to show up every day to help them.” To contribute to HYA’s campaign, go to http://www.homelessyouthalliance.org/capital-campaign-2015/.t

A lofty goal

Despite what may seem like a lofty goal, Howe said “with all the wealth in San Francisco,” $5 million is a realistic figure. She also said people with less tend to give more. “I have homeless kids panhandling for change and giving it to me as a donation, and I will meet billionaires who give a few thousand dollars,” she said. “It’s always been that way.” Bevan Dufty, a gay former supervisor who is Mayor Ed Lee’s director

anthropology degree. He intends to then earn a master’s and possibly a doctorate in queer archeology. “Partially, it is because I have senioritis and I am getting mouthy,” joked Hyde, who is HIV-positive. “I really want to concentrate on my next semester at school. I am making sure I have everything in line for my scholarship, housing and stuff like that when I get up to Portland.” After running for the District 6 supervisor seat in 2010, Hyde was appointed by the Board of Supervisors to the city’s nightlife oversight panel in the summer of 2011. He also was elected in 2012 as the first drag queen to be president of the progressive Harvey Milk LGBT Democratic Club. Before deciding on Portland, Hyde had looked at enrolling at Humboldt State University in Ar-

cata, California. He also seriously considered the University of Hawaii at Hilo but decided against it due to having to ship his 18-year-old Macaw, Conrad, to the island. “I feel the city is changing, but also I feel like I have changed a lot,” said Hyde. “If I want to take school seriously, I should be somewhere where I am not involved in things like I am involved in here.”t

transgender people from the right. Indeed, days before Holder’s news release, the Family Research Council – an anti-LGBT hate group based in Colorado – got a small amount of press pushing for no less than a constitutional amendment regulating gender identity. “I think the ideal policy for government with respect to [transgender rights] is that your sex is your biological sex,” said FRC spokesman Peter Sprigg. “If your biological sex is unambiguous at birth – if your internal sex organs, your external genitalia, and your chromosomal makeup all are unequivocal in declaring you to be of one sex – then that is your sex for life and that is your only sexual identity that the government will recognize.”

Now I hate to break it to the FRC, but I don’t think it will get a lot of traction on this, even within the upcoming Republican-majority Congress. I just don’t see that happening. Nevertheless, this gives us a sense of where conservatives are going, and that they will be pressing to roll back some of these changes as they attempt to grasp what the transgender movement is all about, and how to best assault us. Make no mistake, though: when they try, Title VII clearly provides for us another very important tool. Our inalienable rights are powerful things.t

her family to California at the age of 12. Graduating from Oakland High, she went on to earn a B.A. from San Francisco State University and did graduate work at the University of Washington. In 1968, Nancie published Reflections in Pike Place Markets, a photo book showing scenes around the Seattle landmark. In 1987, after 12 years in New York, Nancie moved to San Francisco, where she worked as a legal secretary until retiring in 2005. Afterwards, Nancie focused her energies on investments and photography, conducting workshops

on the former, and using the latter to visually document pigeons. Online articles about her pigeon photography were published in SFBay.ca, San Francisco Weekly, and the Noe Valley Voice. She is survived by her sisters Mable and Lucy, six nephews, four nieces, five grand-nephews, and three grandnieces, all of whom live in California. A private memorial service will be held at Unity Spiritual Center in San Francisco on January 24. Memorial gifts in her name may be made to the Castro Senior Center, 110 Diamond Street, San Francisco, CA 94114.

Political Notes, the notebook’s online companion, is on holiday hiatus. The column will return Monday, January 12. Keep abreast of the latest LGBT political news by following the Political Notebook on Twitter @ http://twitter.com/politicalnotes. Got a tip on LGBT politics? Call Matthew S. Bajko at (415) 8298836 or e-mail m.bajko@ebar.com.

Gwen Smith will wax nostalgic some other time. You’ll find her on Twitter at @gwenners.

Obituaries >> Nancie Gee January 30, 1940 – November 24, 2014

Nancie Gee passed away peacefully at Coming Home Hospice in San Francisco on November 24, 2014 after a ninemonth struggle with abdominal cancer. She was 74. Born to Edward and Helen Gee in Lambert, Mississippi, Nancie was the youngest of five children, moving with

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The following person(s) is/are doing business as: GENE FACTOR, 610 22ND ST #305, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94107. This business is conducted by an individual, and is signed GENE LEE. The registrant(s) commenced to transact business under the above listed fictitious business name or names on 01/04/2005. The statement was filed with the City and County of San Francisco, CA on 12/03/14.

The following person(s) is/are doing business as: SPOT ON SF, 325 NEWHALL ST, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94124. This business is conducted by a limited liability company and is signed HOGAN PENROSE LLC (CA). The registrant(s) commenced to transact business under the above listed fictitious business name or names on 11/01/14. The statement was filed with the City and County of San Francisco, CA on 11/17/14.

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The following person(s) is/are doing business as: FRANCESCA EVENTI, 35 CASA WAY #303, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94123. This business is conducted by an individual, and is signed FRANCESCA ANTONACCI DELECCE. The registrant(s) commenced to transact business under the above listed fictitious business name or names on 11/26/14. The statement was filed with the City and County of San Francisco, CA on 11/26/14.

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The following person(s) is/are doing business as: APP770, 2655 BALBOA ST, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94121. This business is conducted by an individual, and is signed MENACHEM MENDEL PIL. The registrant(s) commenced to transact business under the above listed fictitious business name or names on 12/01/14. The statement was filed with the City and County of San Francisco, CA on 12/09/14.

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The following person(s) is/are doing business as: PETALS 4 THOUGHTS, 8 10TH ST #2607, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94103. This business is conducted by an individual, and is signed KYLE THEIS. The registrant(s) commenced to transact business under the above listed fictitious business name or names on 12/01/14. The statement was filed with the City and County of San Francisco, CA on 12/01/14.

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DEC 04, 11, 18, 25, 2014 FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE A-036155100

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DEC 04, 11, 18, 25, 2014 FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE A-036155000

The following person(s) is/are doing business as: 24TH STREET BAR, 3336 24TH ST, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94110. This business is conducted by an individual, and is signed CAROLINE BROWN. The registrant(s) commenced to transact business under the above listed fictitious business name or names on 11/14/14. The statement was filed with the City and County of San Francisco, CA on 11/14/14.

DEC 04, 11, 18, 25, 2014 FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE A-036174200

The following person(s) is/are doing business as: TOYA STUDIO, 1040 FULTON ST #1, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94117. This business is conducted by an individual, and is signed JOHN JAMES TOYA. The registrant(s) commenced to transact business under the above listed fictitious business name or names on 10/01/14. The statement was filed with the City and County of San Francisco, CA on 11/25/14.

DEC 04, 11, 18, 25, 2014 FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE A-036173300

The following person(s) is/are doing business as: KELLY MASSAGE THERAPIST, 30 WAVERLY PL, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94108. This business is conducted by an individual, and is signed CHUN TONG WU. The registrant(s) commenced to transact business under the above listed fictitious business name or names on 12/02/14. The statement was filed with the City and County of San Francisco, CA on 12/02/14.

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DEC 11, 18, 25, 2014, JAN 01, 2015 FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE A-036155900

The following person(s) is/are doing business as: BONE APPETIT, 2948 FOLSOM ST, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94110. This business is conducted by a general partnership and is signed MOLLY MCGEE and ANJULI KONAS. The registrant(s) commenced to transact business under the above listed fictitious business name or names on 11/14/14. The statement was filed with the City and County of San Francisco, CA on 11/14/14.

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The following person(s) is/are doing business as: MELISSA MAHER COACHING, 427 WEBSTER ST, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94117. This business is conducted by an individual, and is signed MELISSA MAHER. The registrant(s) commenced to transact business under the above listed fictitious business name or names on 11/24/14. The statement was filed with the City and County of San Francisco, CA on 11/24/14.

The following person(s) is/are doing business as: PET’S CORNER 2, 1232 9TH AVE, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94122. This business is conducted by a general partnership, and is signed LINH DO and JONATHAN TRUONG. The registrant(s) commenced to transact business under the above listed fictitious business name or names on 12/08/14. The statement was filed with the City and County of San Francisco, CA on 12/08/14.

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The following person(s) is/are doing business as: PACIFIC BAY PIPING SYSTEMS, 161 UNIVERSITY ST, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94134. This business is conducted by a corporation, and is signed JM PACIFIC BAY PLUMBING, INC (CA). The registrant(s) commenced to transact business under the above listed fictitious business name or names on 12/01/14. The statement was filed with the City and County of San Francisco, CA on 12/01/14.

The following person(s) is/are doing business as: FLEETWOOD CONSTRUCTION; NUTRISHOP SAN FRANCISCO; 1118 POLK ST, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94109. This business is conducted by a corporation, and is signed FLEETWOOD INVESTMENTS, INC (CA). The registrant(s) commenced to transact business under the above listed fictitious business name or names on 12/01/14. The statement was filed with the City and County of San Francisco, CA on 12/03/14.

DEC 04, 11, 18, 25, 2014 FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE A-036174000

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The following person(s) is/are doing business as: SUBWAY SANDWICHES 61241, 1501 B SLOAT BLVD, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94132. This business is conducted by a limited liability company, and is signed NORTHBAY SUBS, 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 11/25/14.

DEC 04, 11, 18, 25, 2014 FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE A-036174400

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The following person(s) is/are doing business as: FORT 1, 2801 LEAVENWORTH ST #J32, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94133. This business is conducted by a limited liability company, and is signed FORT 1 LLC (CA). The registrant(s) commenced to transact business under the above listed fictitious business name or names on 11/24/14. The statement was filed with the City and County of San Francisco, CA on 11/25/14.

The following person(s) is/are doing business as: CM INTERNATIONAL, 301 CRESCENT COURT #3409, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94134. This business is conducted by an individual, and is signed JAVAD MIRSAIDI. The registrant(s) commenced to transact business under the above listed fictitious business name or names on 12/16/14. The statement was filed with the City and County of San Francisco, CA on 12/16/14.

DEC 04, 11, 18, 25, 2014

DEC 18, 25, JAN 01, 08, 2015

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DEC 25, 2014, JAN 01, 08, 15, 2015

City and County of San Francisco December 2014 Monthly Stay Connected To the City through SF311 The SF311 Customer Service Center is the single stop for residents to get information on government services and report problems to the City and County of San Francisco. And now, we have even more ways for you to stay connected to the City with our SF311 App and SF311 Explorer website. The SF311 App lets you get information on City services and submit service requests on-the-go right from your smartphone. You can track your service requests through the app or through our new website, SF311 Explorer. SF311 Explorer not only lets you check the status of your own requests, it enables you to see what issues are being reported throughout all of San Francisco and what the City is doing to resolve them. Download the SF311 App from your smartphone’s app store and visit the SF311 Explorer at explore311.sfgov.org today! Department of Elections Coming in 2015: San Francisco Election Materials in Four Languages. Choose to vote in English, Chinese, Spanish, or Filipino! Beginning with the November 3, 2015, Municipal Election, San Francisco ballots, the Voter Information Pamphlet, and other elections materials will be available in Filipino, in addition to English, Chinese, and Spanish. The City has recently certified Filipino (Tagalog) as the third language required under the San Francisco Language Access Ordinance, in addition to Chinese and Spanish. If you are a San Francisco voter and want election materials in a language in addition to English, please update your language preference at sfelections.org/language. Healthy Foods and WIC Nutrition Services at No Cost To You Eating well during pregnancy is important. The Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) Nutrition Program can help. WIC serves pregnant women, new mothers, infants and young children under five years old who meet 185% or below of the federal poverty income level. WIC benefits include nutrition and breastfeeding education and support, checks to buy healthy foods (such as fresh fruits and vegetables) and referrals to low cost or free health care and other community services. Enrolling in WIC early in your pregnancy will give your baby a healthy start. Also, WIC staff can show you how you and your family can eat healthier meals and snacks. Migrants are welcome to apply as well. San Francisco WIC has six offices throughout the City. For more information, call (415) 575-5788. This institution is an equal opportunity provider. Board of Supervisors Regularly Scheduled Board Meetings January and February 2015

January 8 (43rd Inaugural Meeting) January 13 January 27 February 3 February 10 February 24

The City and County of San Francisco encourage public outreach. Articles are translated into several languages to provide better public access. The newspaper makes every effort to translate the articles of general interest correctly. No liability is assumed by the City and County of San Francisco or the newspapers for errors and omissions

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Vol. 44 • No. 52 • December 25-31, 2014

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Best of the year in Bay Area theatre by Richard Dodds

f we had six fingers on each hand, I suppose it would be Top 12 lists that would have developed into end-of-year-traditions. As round as it sounds, 10 is pretty much an arbitrary number that evolution has established for human counting. But since it has been a journalistic tradition for tens and tens of years – did a 12-fingered species develop the notion of a dozen? – the tradition will be maintained here. There is no particular order in this theatrical Top 10 list, with each entry providing its own distinctive memories as 2014 begins its disappearing act. See page 26 >>

Nicolas Pelczar, as a grieving man eating himself to death, tries to reconcile with his daughter (Cristina Oeschger) in The Whale at Marin Theatre Company.

2014 in Bay Area art museums & galleries by Sura Wood

ith few exceptions, 2014 was noteworthy for a lack of drama and knock-your-socks-off art shows, but there were pleasures to be found and events worthy of comment. The opening of the newly constructed facility at Stanford University for the Anderson Collection, one of the finest privately-held assemblies of 20th-century post-war art, was certainly a high point. Right next door, with See page 27

“Untitled” (1982) by Keith Haring. Baked enamel on steel. The Eli and Edythe L. Broad Collection, Los Angeles. Keith Haring Foundation

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18 • BAY AREA REPORTER • December 25-31, 2014

Five short notes about music by Roberto Friedman

. In her cover of the classic 1965 Mamas & the Papas hit “California Dreamin’” on her upcoming album Wallflower (Verve), jazz singer Diana Krall takes the well-known melody down to a simple vocal line backed by piano and strings. On the second verse, a bass line and electronic rhythm track assert themselves and return us to the song’s classic rhythms. Musical lifer Graham Nash supplies distant backing vocals. It’s the immortal dream of a new California, on such a winter day. Other covers on the album include “Desperado,” “Alone Again (Naturally)” and “Sorry Seems To Be the Hardest Word.” Sounds like our boyhood in the 1970s all over again. (Coming out in February 2015.) 2. “Nobody here but your body, dear” is the intriguing and suggestive hook-line to the danceable track “The Party Line” from the upcoming Belle & Sebastian album Girls in Peacetime Want to Dance, out next month from Matador Records. You can already find the video online to whet your insatiable B&S appetite. 3. Contemporary composer Philip Glass began writing a series of etudes in 1991 to challenge himself as a pianist. He eventually completed two sets of 10 compositions, and now pianist Maki Namekawa has recorded them both, including the world premiere recording of the second book, Nos. 11-20, for the new 20-track double-album Philip Glass: The Complete Piano Etudes (Orange Mountain). An online video of Namekawa performing the Romantic Etude No. 20 shows the

pianist’s precision, grace, and her way with lush melody. 4. This week, electronic-musician Moby has re-released Hotel: Ambient, the long out-of-print, limited-edition companion disc to the 2005 album Hotel, in a remastered version, with the original tracklist filled out by previously unreleased tracks. Here’s the pop star talking about the music: “I first heard, and heard about, ambient music on the B-side of David Bowie’s Heroes. As much as I’ve loved writing songs and dance tracks, I’ve always been obsessed with the ways in which ambient and instrumental music can transform the space in which they’re being listened [to]. I also really appreciate the subtle and at times un-demanding qualities of ambient music, and the ways in

which it can unconventionally reach people emotionally.” 5. Late gay beat author William S. Burroughs is nobody’s idea of a pop star. But consider this intriguing press release: “In 1980, Genesis POrridge and Peter ‘Sleazy’ Christopherson [both of Throbbing Gristle renown] travelled to New York City to meet up at the fortified apartment, known as The Bunker, of famed beat writer and cultural pioneer William S. Burroughs and his executor James Grauerholz to start the daunting task of compiling the experimental sound works of Burroughs, which up until that point had never been heard. “During those visits, Burroughs would play back his tape-recorder experiments featuring his spoken word ‘cut-ups,’ collaged field record-

ings from his travels. Dais Records is honored to have worked with the Burroughs estate to finally reissue, for the first time since its original release in 1981, a proper album reissue of Burroughs’ Nothing Here Now but the Recordings in its original vinyl format to celebrate Burroughs’ centennial anniversary, fully remastered from the original master tapes in a limited edition of 1,000 vinyl copies.”

there, but it was something of a slog sitting through an evening primarily made of highlights and encore pieces. Celebrating the lost art of enjoying classical vignettes on their own smaller-scaled terms did dovetail rather nicely with the celebration of MTT’s 20th season with the orchestra, and it added some needed cohesion to an unavoidably disjointed program. It is good to find the present compilation makes better sense

as a recorded concert (which was the original idea, anyway) now that it can be heard at the listener’s own discretion. Playing it through from start to finish, especially at full volume, might emphasize the still disjointed nature of the different tracks, but the editors have carefully paced the disc, starting and ending with strong selections, and placing another wake-up number in the middle. That turning-point selection, “The Alcotts” from Henry Brant’s/ Charles Ives’ A Concord Symphony, seems a little bit like an iceberg in the Sea of Tranquility, and it was also extracted from a previously released performance of the whole work. Much as I admired that recording (also live from DSH), it sticks out as a jarring mismatch here. The home listener can easily skip it, program it out, or better yet, enjoy it alone. There wouldn’t be any harm in listening to the gorgeously recorded and performed concert simply as

Frank talk

We were reading the new book by Pulitzer Prize-winning author Richard Ford Let Me Be Frank With You (Ecco), four interconnected stories featuring Ford’s longtime creation Frank Bascombe. It’s set in postHurricane Sandy suburban New Jersey. But upon reading a paragraph in the second piece, “Every-

thing Could Be Worse,” we were suddenly pitched forward in time to the present, post-Ferguson America. It’s uncomfortably timely. This is the passage we mean: “When the red-coated black woman at my front door realized no one was answering, and that a car had crunched into the snowy driveway, she turned and issued a big welcoming smile down to whoever was arriving, and a demure wave to assure me all was well here – no one hiding in the bushes with burglar tools, about to put a padded brick through my back window. Black people bear a heavy burden trying to be normal. It’s no wonder they hate us. I’d hate us, too. I was sure Mack Bittick was watching her through the curtains.” In some ways Ford’s book is a poem-in-prose describing postfinancial collapse America (thanks again, unscrupulous bankers and speculators!). Here Bascombe describes the long-range effects of the recession on his N.J. suburb: “Meanwhile Haddam itself is countenancing service cutbacks. Too much money’s ‘lost’ to wages, the Republicans on the Boro council say. The budget gap’s at fifteen mil. Many old town-fixture employees have been pink-slipped in these days before Christmas. The previous manger scene, mothballed a decade ago, the wise men all portrayed as strapping Aryans instead of dusky Levantines and Negroes, has been revived – the rental company for the race-appropriate mangers having upped their prices.” Happy Christmas, one and all!t

Little wonders by Philip Campbell

Masterpieces in Miniature San Francisco Symphony, Michael Tilson Thomas, conductor; Yuja Wang, piano (SFS Media, 2014) approached the latest Super Audio CD release from the San Francisco Symphony and Music Director Michael Tilson Thomas with some hesitation. The arrival of the beautifully packaged and fully notated SACD recalled the pleasant

but ultimately unsatisfying memory of the concerts at Davies Symphony Hall from which the majority of the present selection was derived. Gorging on hors d’oeuvres and then missing the main meal was my lasting impression of the original experience, despite the charming and sometimes reflective qualities of the musical bon bons included in the delectable bill of fare. We know that was the point, after all, for there was never really a there meant to be

background music, either. The familiar strains of Rachmaninoff ’s Vocalise and Faure’s Pavane flow nicely with lesser-known but equally reflective pieces by Grieg and Delius. Principal Trumpet Mark Inouye brilliantly opens Blumine by Gustav Mahler, which started as a theatrical piece and was later incorporated into the composer’s Symphony No. 1 (then later dropped). It is an exquisite moment, and the surging and lush strings of the SFS that accompany him make it my personal favorite on the disc. Yuja Wang starts the concert with the Scherzo from Litolff ’s Concerto symphonique No. 4, and MTT and his merry band end the parade with a rousing Cortege de Bacchus from Sylvia by Leo Delibes. I can well imagine New Year’s Eve with Masterpieces in Miniature on the CD player while we savor other morsels from the past. (Available for download from iTunes and from shopsfsymphony.org.)t

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December 25-31, 2014 • BAY AREA REPORTER • 19

2014, the year in classical discs by Tim Pfaff

oo many of the year’s best recordings were tombstones. Recording of the Year was a tie between Claudio Abbado’s transcendent Bruckner Ninth Symphony with the Lucerne Festival Orchestra (DG) and Patrice Chereau’s production of Strauss’ Elektra from the 2013 Aix Festival (BelAir Classiques DVD). Abbado died Jan. 20, depriving the music world of one of its true visionaries, but this live recording of his last-ever performance with the hand-picked orchestra he had groomed for just such a mission was, in the words of some who were there, cosmic, and so it sounds. Gay director Chereau, by general consent the greatest and most discerning of opera directors, was gravely ill with the lung cancer that claimed him when he was making his Elektra, but that didn’t stop him from doing his customary meticulous, searching work. He both gave the opera back its dignity by respecting it on its own terms and found its molten core in the ElektraKlytemnestra scene lesser directors were glad to play as camp. Iconic gay composer Benjamin Britten was long dead, but the 2013 Britten Year that recognized the 50th anniversary of his passing spilled over, in recording, into the Opus Arte DVD of his final opera, Death in Venice, in a radiant production by English National Opera. Like the La Scala Peter Grimes of the previous year, and with the same tenor, John Graham-Hall, this Death in Venice took the opera out of Venice and Aldeburgh and into the universal, while also giving us what Britten had envisioned by way of Sam Zaldivar, a dancer worthy of the silent role of Tadzio. Legendary soprano Magda Olivero, who sang Tosca at the War Memorial in what was to be history-making gay Supervisor Harvey Milk’s last night at the opera, herself died, at the age of 104, on Sept. 8.

Composer Francesco Cilea came out of retirement to bring Olivero out of early retirement (she married well) to school her in his Adriana Lecouvreur, which became one of her signature roles. Perhaps the finest recording of her as Adriana, live from the 1963 Edinburgh Festival, appeared at year’s end, on the aptly named Testament. Jonas Kaufmann, a sensational Maurizio in Adriana, if not with Olivero, continued showing on record why he’s such an exemplary singer. He won a 2014 trifecta for Sony with a glowing Parsifal in the Met’s ideal production of the opera, a powerful Schubert Winterreise, and in proof of his versatility, a CD and DVD (slightly different contents) of German popular (semi-classical) songs from the Berlin Christopher Isherwood knew, You Mean the World to Me. Same back at you, Jonas. Schubert’s other major song cycles, Die Schoene Muellerin and

Schwanengesang, brought revelatory, mandatory and in some particulars game-changing readings from baritone Florian Boesch and Malcolm Martineau (Onyx). A year that recognized the centenary of the beginning of WWI in myriad musical ways also was the year of the themed vocal/song recital, and produced none better than the overlooked Behind the Lines (DG), songs of soldiers and war delivered with spellbinding power by soprano Anna Pohaska and pianist Eric Schneider. Openly gay pianist Stephen Hough headlined a simply stunning year for keyboardists with In the Night (Hyperion), a canny program of night-themed pieces that included his own Sonata No. 2, “notturno luminoso,” which any of the following young pianists would do well to learn and perform. Jan Lisiecki made the Chopin Etudes (DG) sound fresh-minted. Alessio Bax matched a Beethoven Moonlight

Sonata as individual as Hough’s with an arresting Hammerklavier to take its place among the best. The best would also include the one by Igor Levit in his revelatory Beethoven Late Sonatas, and at year’s end, the complete Bach Partitas, both for Sony. A pianist of staggering virtuosity, the 26-yearold Levit has already established himself as one of the great minds at the instrument, a successor to Rudolf Serkin in the way most of his age-mates are successors to Vladimir Horowitz. Into that second group, welcome 24-year-old Daniil Trifonov. Martha Argerich, still the greatest pianist playing, inimitably said that Trifonov has it all and more, and doubters need go no farther than The Carnegie Recital (DG), a scorching 2013 performance of Scriabin, Liszt and Chopin. If you hurry, you can find his subsequent, Dec. 9 Carnegie recital online, where you can encounter

not just his Liszt and Bach-Liszt, but an ecstatic performance of Beethoven’s final sonata, Op. 111. The Composer Years were JeanPhilippe Rameau’s (250th anniversary of his death) and C.P.E. Bach’s (300th birth anniversary), and breaking harpsichordist Mahan Esfahani proved nothing short of revelatory in the music of both. His recording of Rameau’s complete Pieces de clavecin (Hyperion) makes it clear that he’s the equal of Christophe Rousset in this repertoire, and very much his own man. And his Hyperion CD of the second-greatest Bach’s Wuerttemberg Sonatas was widely considered the best of the C.P.E. celebrations. But in the end it was really Papa Bach’s year, in recordings at least. The first book of J.S. Bach’s Well-Tempered Clavier got a compellingly fresh outing by pianist Pierre-Laurent Aimard (DG), the second a masterful, concentrated reading from gay early-music wizard Rousset (Aparte). The two books together yielded a brilliant re-visioning by onetime Berkeley music professor, harpsichordist John Butt (Linn), whose Mozart Requiem (Linn), a recreation of the first performance with his ace ensemble the Dunedin Consort, similarly shed new light on the piece and would have been choral recording of the year, had it not been for gay director Peter Sellars’ ritualization of Bach’s St. John Passion, with the Berlin Philharmonic and the Berlin Radio Chorus under Simon Rattle. It is a worthy, devastating yet unforgettably uplifting successor to the same musicians’ St. Matthew Passion. It’s not, strictly speaking, my turf, but the recording that spent the most time on my various players was the SF Symphony’s complete West Side Story, one of my favorite pieces, in a performance with unfading visceral, emotional impact.t

Making the Yuletide gay by Gregg Shapiro

or his first holiday album A Michael Feinstein Christmas (Concord), the Great American Songbook specialist doesn’t stray too far from his roots. Accompanied by acclaimed jazz pianist Alan Broadbent, Feinstein’s renditions of Christmas classics are sources of endless joy. The arrangements allow both Feinstein and Broadbent to shine like the lights on a Christmas tree. Sure, we know these songs, including “The Christmas Song,” “There’s No Place Like Home for the Holidays,” and “What Are You Doing New Year’s Eve?” by heart, but Feinstein touches our hearts with these simple and pleasing renditions. Leave it to a nice Jewish gay boy to refresh these timeworn classics. Gay smooth-jazz sax man Dave Koz’s annual holiday-music tour, billed as Dave Koz & Friends, is hitting the road and coming to a town near you this holiday season. Some of Koz’s friends, musicians and singers join him on his latest holiday recording, The 25th of December (Concord). A cover of the Beatles standard “All You Need Is Love” features Stevie Wonder, Gloria Estefan, Richard Marx, Heather Headley and Mr. Christmas himself, Johnny Mathis. Mathis can also be heard on “It’s the Most Wonderful Time of the Year.” India.Arie is joined by Trombone Shorty on “I’ve Got My Love To Keep Me Warm.” And on “Let It Snow! Let It Snow! Let It Snow,” Koz goes toe-to-toe (or is that horn-to-horn?) with Kenny G.

The Classic Christmas Album (Columbia/Legacy) by Johnny Mathis consists of selections from Mathis’ considerable cache of Christmas albums, dating as far back as 1958’s mega-bestselling Merry Christmas. It also features Mathis’ duet with Bette Midler on the “Winter Wonderland/Let It Snow!” medley, as well as two previously unreleased numbers, “Ol’ Kris Kringle” and “Give Me Your Love for Christmas,” both from 1961. Australian vocal group Human Nature will be familiar to anyone who watches PBS and has seen its Motown show featuring Smokey Robinson. The foursome, featuring

gay member Toby Allen, gets festive on The Christmas Album (HN Entertainment). With the exception of a cappella numbers “Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas” and “Mary’s Boy Child,” Human Nature is backed up by a band, on holiday favorites “Christmas (Baby Please Come Home),” “Winter Wonderland” and “This Christmas.” The guys are joined by HLN anchor Robin Meade on “Sleigh Ride,” and Robinson on “Please Come Home for Christmas.” A cappella favorite Pentatonix boasts openly queer Mitch Grassi among its ranks. For the quintet’s first full-length holiday album That’s Christmas to Me (RCA), they

give their vocal muscles a workout and throw in a few surprises. A cover of “Let It Go” from Frozen is a pretty inspired choice. The group also earns points for including an original tune, the cheerful title track. Pentatonix spark “Hark! The Herald Angels Sing” into a hand-clapping, foot-stomping gospel experience, and take “Silent Night” to church. Gays love their divas, and this year the hottest diva around, Idina Menzel, releases her first Christmas album, Holiday Wishes (Warner Brothers). She makes sure we hear her on “Do You Hear What I Hear?” and out-Mariahs Mariah Carey on her blazing rendition of “All I Want

for Christmas Is You.” Menzel raises the standard on the holiday standard “What Are You Doing New Year’s Eve?,” adds her own touch with the original “December Prayer,” tips her fur-lined hat to her Disney clan with a cover of “When You Wish Upon a Star” and interprets Joni Mitchell’s modern Christmas classic “River.” Frumpy TV talent-show diva Susan Boyle’s new album Hope (SYCO/ Columbia) isn’t exactly a holiday album. But religious-oriented numbers “Abide with Me,” “Oh Happy Day,” “You Raise Me Up,” and “I Can Only Imagine” (originally performed by Christian rockers MercyMe) give the album a specific bent. The real holiday gift here is Boyle’s reading of Pink Floyd’s “Wish You Were Here.” Not. Kidding. Hipster gays love their divas, too, and they have four to choose from when it comes to The Living Sisters. Growing from a trio (Inara George, Eleni Mandell and Becky Stark) to a quartet with the addition of Alex Lilly (of Obi Best), The Living Sisters present Harmony Is Real (Vanguard), the best holiday album of 2014. What makes it so? First, The Living Sisters’ harmonies are pure perfection. With the exception of the gals’ interpretations of “Jingle Bells” (which must be heard!) and “Little Drummer Boy,” Harmony Is Real is a stellar set of new songs for the season. Mandell’s “Kadoka, South Dakota,” “Baby Wants a Basketball for Christmas,” “Hanukkah” and “Neon Chinese Christmas Eve” are brilliant.t

<< Film

20 • BAY AREA REPORTER • December 25-31, 2014

Artistic genius in an English landscape by David Lamble

he latest release from hyperrealist filmmaker Mike Leigh, Mr. Turner is simultaneously a splendid holiday treat from one of modern Britain’s living treasures, and illustrative of the current state of modern art-house cinema. For those of us who know nothing or next to nothing about the acclaimed landscape painter, we’re drawn in by the challenge of Leigh’s 11th full-length fiction feature. We know going in that Mr. Leigh can be as much of a mountain to climb for even his most fervent fans as Joseph Mallord William Turner (17751851) was to aristocratic patrons as well as to the then-growing middleclass, art-appreciating world of early Victorian England. One of the film’s in-jokes features a still-young Victoria taking a derisive jab at Turner at a gallery within earshot of the tormented artist. It was a moment when royal bequests still mattered a hell of a lot more than critical buzz. It could be said that Turner’s career marks the point where the balance shifted from feudal to modern. Naturally, this lively bio is more about the man than about the art, although Leigh does justice to both, even to the point of having his Turner (Timothy Spall) take painting lessons and complete a large-scale Turner copy. Spall, a veteran of four Leigh films (including the Gilbert & Sullivan bio Topsy-Turvy from 1999), takes special pains to mime this earthy character in all his considerably offputting traits, including a mode of speaking that can at times appear little more than animal grunting. To say that Turner had a complicated personal life is to wildly understate his reality. His three ongoing female relationships required both a year-round London residence and a seaside summer inn in Margate, com-

plete with a housekeeper who gave as good as she got, Hannah Danby (the witty Dorothy Atkinson). The drama is framed by gorgeous hunks of the British countryside and its steampuffing monsters, the oddly beautiful sight of early trains cutting a swath through a landscape that inspired so much of Turner’s work. One of Leigh’s many gifts is to subtly remind us about how much our “casual Fridays” world differs from Turner’s day, when even poor people felt the need to put on an appearance well beyond their means. Turner and his class peers were forever moving from one dress-up event to another, exhausting their slim incomes with a whirlwind of costume changes as if their lives were really being filmed at the time. A gifted actor and a great conversationalist (catch Terry Gross’ recent Fresh Air chat with him), Timothy Spall’s likely Oscar-bait turn gets one thing ever so slightly wrong: contemporary paintings and early photographs of the real Turner suggest he was a much more comely figure than the actor who otherwise serves his memory so extraordinarily well. He may have been the father of modern abstract painting styles, but foremost of all, Mr. Turner demonstrates that he was a complex, affecting and even memorably tragic figure who contributed considerably to our contemporary notions of artists as wastrels and failed adults. The only thing I regret about Mr. Turner is that our current movie-rating censorship system makes it unlikely that it will be viewed by visually hungry adolescents, the very folks who stand to gain the most from a peek at this splendid if morally untidy life. If you like catching every Oscar-worthy film, beat a quick path to Landmark Theatres for this fascinating true-life art lesson.t

Timothy Spall as J.M.W. Turner in director Mike Leigh’s Mr. Turner. Simon Mein, Courtesy of Sony Pictures Classics

Simon Mein, Courtesy of Sony Pictures Classics

Timothy Spall as J.M.W. Turner in director Mike Leigh’s Mr. Turner.

More from the ‘Greatest Generation’ by David Lamble

he new WWII-era survival film Unbroken hits theaters on Christmas Day. As much as I hate to admit this as a self-respecting film critic, the movie works as well as it does because its creators – director Angelina Jolie and her screenwriting elves, Joel and Ethan Coen – shamelessly but effectively rip off classic 1940s rules for telling “truelife stories.” They’re rules that could have been lifted from virtually any issue of the Reader’s Digest from the third Roosevelt Administration through the free-booting capitalist nostrums of the men behind General/President Dwight David Eisenhower. Yes, Unbroken is a story of, by, and largely for the surviving members

of Tom Brokaw’s “Greatest Generation,” the hard-working, largely uncomplaining souls who endured the Great Depression, overcame the worst excesses that Hitler and the Japanese dictatorship could throw their way, and came out of the war to create a smug, prosperous world that my generation of 1960s brats could rebel against. The truly galling thing is that, by and large, their instincts were correct, as illustrated in this 150-minute saga (from which 15 minutes could easily have been trimmed) in which there is probably not a single line of dialogue that is not a heart-wrenching but extremely serviceable cliche. We’ve seen and heard them all before, and we’d probably miss them if they weren’t there. Louis “Louie” Zamperini (Jack

O’Connell) comes across on screen as if his everyman character had been cloned from leftover Tyrone Power DNA. (Newcomer C.J. Valleroy is a perfect lookalike fit as the younger Louis.) He’s a frequently pickedon skinny little runt who literally develops speed to outrun the bullies. Quickly the story flashes ahead to Louie winning a come-from-behind sprint at the 1936 Berlin Olympics. Then war breaks out and Louie becomes an Army/Air Force “flyboy” until his aging “tin can” bomber gets shot down over the Pacific. Spoiler alert: Louie survives nearly 50 days in a small inflatable raft, overcoming near-starvation, the pitiless sun overhead, the death of a buddy and a shark attack or two, only to slip from the frying pan into the fire dilemma of being

Jack O’Connell as Louis “Louie” Zamperini in director Angelina Jolie’s Unbroken.

rescued by a Japanese war ship. It is here that the politically correct among us will squirm a bit, slip down in our seats or take a powder altogether. The film’s Japanese soldiers – most especially, a cruel P.O.W. camp commandant, “The Bird,” played with an almost lyrical sadism by a Japanese pop singer with the single-word name Miyavi – fulfill every worst-possible-scenario story-beat. Louie’s treatment by “The Bird” mirrors many a goodcop, bad-cop story, without any sign of the good cop. Essentially, Unbroken ratchets up the impact of the torture scenes from the level of David Lean’s genre-defining P.O.W. camp epic The Bridge on the River Kwai to a pitch almost unendurable for holiday-mall audiences. You’ll feel like bailing, but won’t want to

miss Louie’s ultimate salvation. Queer-content spoiler alert: this is classic Hollywood homo-denying fare. The late Vito Russo might find here an entire new chapter’s worth of subliminal gay-exclusion-fromthe-American-story material. There are, of course, the deliciously obligatory scenes of strapping young guys naked to the waist – almost half the running time – but they’re erotic only in the eyes of the beholder. I have no earthly idea what actually happened in those bygone years around the time of my birth, but this movie follows the standard American film-industry playbook of, it’s either a queer-themed movie or queers don’t exist in this alternate universe. As we’ve observed recently with Tinsetown’s “Korea-gate” flap, big-budget Hollywood considers all issues to be bottom-line marketing ploys. If you can sell a movie to queer people and their friends, great. If not, there’s not even a hint that homosexuality could possibly exist on this planet. It’s yin or yang, it overflows or it’s banished. Unbroken is, if nothing else, a startling update on how far we haven’t come. Otherwise, it’s good popcorn fare with something for the whole family. Probably the single best thing about this yarn is the seamless high-standard quality of the film’s supporting cast. From the Irish star-in-the-making Domhnall Gleeson as Russell “Phil” Phillips to Miyavi’s riveting sadist, to On the Road’s Garrett Hedlund, to Finn Wittrock, to Jai Courtney, to rising young movie icons Luke Treadaway and John Magaro, to Alex Russell, to Maddalena Ischiale, to Morgan Griffin, to Savannah Lamble as Sylvia Zamperini, there’s a lot to savor.t

DVD>>

December 25-31, 2014 • BAY AREA REPORTER • 21

Bumpy ride by Brian Bromberger

“

hat is a big gay love? A love so big it becomes infinite; a love so gay it contains no sorrow, a love so unconditional you can never find it.” These poetic words dreamily volleyed by the lead character, Bob Bartholomew, point to both the potential and ultimate misfire of the film Big Gay Love, just released on DVD by TLA Releasing. The story begins with Bob, a successful party planner, ready to buy his first house in LA, but he has no one with whom to share it. Bob is chubby and average-looking, which he reminds us ad nauseam throughout the movie. At his best gal-pal Lana’s party he meets “hunky” (at least in comparison to Bob) Andy Darcy, a successful chef, restaurant owner, and budding author of a soon-to-be-published book, A Gay Man’s Guide to Cooking. We know from the start it will be a bumpy ride, though many of the plot obstacles border on the trite. Will Bob be able to overcome his own fears and lack of confidence to find the happiness he so desperately wants? You can imagine the conclusion of this film within the first 10 minutes, but sadly, by the time Big Gay Love ends, you will have probably lost interest in Bob and Andy’s fate. Directed by newcomer Ringo Le, the movie stars Jonathan Lisecki, the writer, director, and co-star of Gayby, a superior movie from two years ago. Lisecki reminds viewers of a totally out, younger version of Nathan Lane. He plays a similar character in Big Gay Love, but with less

charm and vulnerability. Bob is an incessant pity-party whining about his inadequacies. He hates himself but in a self-deprecating way, which is amusing for about 15 minutes, then quickly becomes annoying. Oddly, Bob is as self-obsessed and narcissistic as he accuses LA’s pretty boys of being. Lisecki knows how to deliver clever one-liners such as calling Andy the love child of the Naked Chef and Carrie Bradshaw. Alas, a dozen funny quips cannot alone make a good movie. Bob continues to sabotage his relationship with Andy, and after a while you just want to slap him and bring him to his senses. The main culprit here is an inane script including a pointless section on Bob’s infatuation with liposuction surgery. All the subordinate characters are cartoonish, from the flighty 20something gay couple who try to seduce Andy to Bob’s mother, a former USO singer now See page 24 >>

10%

OFF WITH

AMY & FREDDY

KATHY NAJIMY

BILLY PORTER

January 2 - 3

January 9 -10

January 30 - February 1

For tickets:www.feinsteinssf.com Feinstein’s | Hotel Nikko San Francisco 222 Mason Street 855-MF-NIKKO | 855-636-4556

095084.01_HNSF_Bay_Area_Reporter_12-25 ROUND #: MECH Trim: 5.75in x 7.625in Bleed: none Live: 5.75in x 7.625in Color Space: CMYK Fonts: Futura Publication Name: Bay Area Reporter PM: PM AS: RB AD: PA: BA Date: 12/05/14 Loaded Date: 12/25/14

<< Out&About

22 • BAY AREA REPORTER • December 25-31, 2014

O&A

New & Classic Films @ Castro Theatre Dec 26: Casablanca (2:55, 7pm) and The African Queen (4:55, 9pm). Dec. 27: All About Eve (1:25, 6:30pm) and The Women (4pm, 9:05). Dec. 28: Gone With the Wind (2:30)and Django Unchained (6:45). Dec. 29: My Fair Lady (2pm, 8pm) and The Music Man (5:15). Dec. 30: The Thin Man (3pm, 7pm) and A Day at the Races (4:45, 8:45). $11-$16. 429 Castro St. 621-6120. www.castrotheatre.com

Out &About

Our Town @ Ashby Stage, Berkeley

Fri 26 Kinky Boots

Beatus Ianuariis by Jim Provenzano

ay goodbye to 2014 in whatever way you choose; a big party, a quiet tribute, or complete indifference to the Gregorian calendar. Not surprisingly, a lot of folks like to stay in for New Year’s Eve, aka the drinker’s “amateur night,” so a few festive TV listings have been added. For more boisterous bar fun, see our On the Tab listings on page 34. See you next year!

Thu 25 Into the Woods @ Metreon Stephen Sondheim’s much-anticipated film adaptation of the fairy tale musical is finally in theatres. Various times, and at other Bay Area theatres. 101 4th St. 369-6000. Also Dec. 26: Leathermen at the Movies, 7:30pm at AMC Van Ness 14, 1000 Van Ness Ave. AMCTheatres.com

Kung Pao Kosher Comedy @ New Asia Restaurant 22nd annual Chinese food and Jewish humor night returns, with Ophira Eisenberg, Jeremy Holtz, Simon Cadel, and host Lisa Geduldig. Enjoy a sevencourse dinner show at 5pm ($65), or the 8:30pm cocktail show (veggie dim sum) $45. Also Dec. 24 & 26. 772 Pacific Ave. www.KosherComedy.com

The Monster Show @ The Edge Cookie Dough’s weekly drag show with gogo guys. Special Dec. 25 Christmas night show takes on the music of Stephen Sondheim’s Into the Woods. $5. 9pm-2am. 4149 18th St. at Collingwood. www.edgesf.com

Free Family Day @ Contemporary Jewish Museum Enjoy all the museum’s exhibit and kid-friendly activities. 736 Mission St. 655-7881. www.thecjm.org

Fri 26 Avenue Q @ New Conservatory Theatre Center The local production of the naughty hit Broadway puppet musical returns! (Music and lyrics by Robert Lopez & Jeff Marx; Book by Jeff Whitty). $22.50-$45. Wed-Sat 8pm. Sun 2pm. Extended thru Feb 1. 25 Van Ness Ave., lower level. www.nctcsf.org

Cirque du Soleil @ AT&T Park Lot

Shotgun Players’ unusual take on the classic drama by Thornton Wilder (a 1915 Berkeley High graduate!) includes live music and a haunting take on life and death in a small town. $23-$30. Thu 7pm. Fri & Sat 8pm. Sun 5pm. Extended thru Jan. 25. 1901 Ashby Ave., Berkeley. (510) 841-6500. www.shotgunplayers.org

Promises, Promises @ SF Playhouse Burt Bacharach, Hal David and Neil Simon’s lighthearted swingin’ ‘60s Broadway hit gets a local production. Tue-Thu 7pm. Fri & Sat 8pm. Sat 3pm, Sun 2pm. Thru Jan 10. Kensington Park Hotel, 450 Post St., 2nd floor. 677-9596. www.sfplayhouse.org

Smuin Ballet @ YBCA

The Montreal acrobatic circus returns with their new show, Kurious: Cabinet of Curiosities, a steampunk-themed spectacle. $53-$135. Tue-Sat 8pm. Fri & Sat 4:30pm. Sun 1:30pm & 5pm. Thru Jan. 18. Third Street at Terry A. Francis Blvd. (800) 450-1480. www.cirquedusoleil.com

Foodies, the Musical @ Shelton Theater Morris Bobrow’s musical comedy revue of songs and sketches about food. $32-$34. Fri & Sat 8pm. Open run. 533 Sutter St. (800) 838-3006. www.foodiesthemusical.com

The Christmas Ballet: Uncorked, the late choreographer/artistic director Michael Smuin’s holiday dances, and a new work by Amy Seiwert (set to music by Chanticleer), is performed, plus debut pieces from dancers Ben Needham-Wood, Nicole Haskins, and Weston Krukow. $24-$68. Thu-Sat 8pm. Sat & Sun 2pm. Sun 7pm. Thru Dec 27. Yerba Buena Center for the Arts, 700 Howard St. 912-1899. www.smuinballet.org www.ybca.org

Fri 26

Brian Copeland’s solo show about his family’s eccentric holiday memories, when as a six-year-old trying to get employment to buy his grandma a gift. $30-$100. Thu & Fri 8pm. Sat 5pm. Thru Dec. 27. 1062 Valencia St. 282-3055. www.themarsh.org

Kinky Boots @ Orpheum Theatre

Mittens and Mistletoe @ Dance Mission Theater Sweet Can Productions’ annual winter cirucs cabaret show returns, with a dazzling array of talented Bay Area circus artists. $15-$60. Fri & Sat 8pm. Sun-Wed 2pm. Sun, Wed, Fri 4pm. Thru Dec. 28. 3316 24th st. 225-7281. www.sweetcanproductions.com

Mittens and Mistletoe Shoot That Clown

Sat 27 Beach Blanket Babylon @ Club Fugazi The musical comedy revue celebrates its 40th year with an ever-changing lineup of political and pop culture icons, all in gigantic wigs. Special New Year’s Eve shows Dec. 31, 7pm and 10:15pm, with post-show dancing until 1am ($65-$190). Reg: $25$160. Beer/wine served; cash only; 21+, except where noted. 678 Beach Blanket Babylon Blvd (Green St.). 4214222. beachblanketbabylon.com

A Christmas Carol @ Geary Theatre

Fool La La! @ The Marsh, Berkeley

American Conservatory Theatre’s annual large-scale production of Paul Walsh and Carey Perloff’s adaptation of Charles Dickens’ classic holiday tale of Ebeneezer Scrooge. $20-$110. Evening and matinees thru Dec. 28. 415 Geary St. 439-2309. act-sf.org

Unique Derique’s holiday clowning show’s fun for kids and adults alike. $15-$35. Daily 2pm thru Jan. 4 (except Dec. 25, 31 and Jan. 1). 2120 Allston Way, Berkeley. 282-3055. www.themarsh.org

Red Hot Patriot @ Berkeley Repertory Theatre

Cinderella @ Marines’ Memorial Theatre Campy comic family-friendly production of the British panto version of the classic fairy tale includes drag performances by Jason Brock and Matthew Simmons (as Peggy L’Eggs). $40-$60. Thu-Sat 7:30pm. Thru Dec. 28. 609 Sutter St. (800) 838-3006. www.pantosf.com

Kathleen Turner stars in the onewoman show, The Kick-Ass Wit of Molly Ivins, Allison and Margaret Engel’s acclaimed show about the late Texan political columnist. $29-$81. Tue, Thu-Sat 8pm. Wed & Sun 7pm. Sun 2pm. Extended thru Jan. 11. Roda Theatre, 20171 Addison St., Berkeley. (510) 647-2949. berkeleyrep.org

Sat 27 Fool La La! Eric Carmichael

Join GLBT hikers for an easy six-mile hike on the Bay Bridge Trail from Emeryville to Yerba Buena Island. Bring water, lunch, layers, good shoes, hat, sunscreen. Carpool meets at Safeway sign, Market & Dolores, at 9am. (530) 330-5524. sfhiking.com

Sharon McNight @ Feinstein’s at the Nikko The veteran cabaret singer performs her popular music and comedy show, Twisted Xmas: A Druid’s View of the Holidays. $25-$40. 8pm. Also Dec. 27, 8pm. ($20 food/drink min.) Hotel Nikko, 222 Mason St. ticketweb.com

Wicked Games @ Wicked Grounds Monthly (4th Saturdays) evening of board and card games at the kinkfriendly SoMa café. 6pm-10pm. 289 8th St. www.wickedgrounds.com

Sun 28

All Aboard @ Walt Disney Museum A Celebration of Walt Disney’s Trains, thru Feb. 9, plus classic art work and ephemera from the park and animated films. Free/$20. Open daily 10am-6pm. 104 Montgomery St., the Presidio. 345-6800. www.waltdisney.org

Deck the Walls @ NIAD Art Center, Richmond Group exhibit of art with a holiday theme made by developmentally disabled people. Also, The Geometry of Cats: Recent Work from Ann Meade. Mon-Fri 10am-4pm. 551 23rd St. Richmond. (510) 620-0290. www.niadart.org

Eden Hutchinson @ Glama-Rama The hair salon hosts the artist’s exhibit of works, Bitter Waitresses, Hair-Brained Hairdressers & Whirling Dervishes. Thru Jan. 4. 304 Valencia St. www.glamarama.com

Aquascapes @ Conservatory of Flowers Fascinating new exhibit of underwater plant sculptures that resemble miniature outdoor English, Asian and classic gardens (thru April 12). Permanent floral exhibits as well. Free-$8. Tue-Sun 10am-4pm. Golden Gate Park, 831-2090. www.conservatoryofflowers.org

Celebrating AIGA @ Museum of Craft and Design Dogpatch warehouse is now a museum store, gallery and program space. Exhibits include Celebrating AIGA (the American professional organization for design). Mon-Fri 9:30am-5:30pm. 2569 Third St. 7730303. www.sfmcd.org

Houghton Hall: Portrait of an English House @ Legion of Honor

The Jewelry Box @ The Marsh

The national touring company of the hit Broadway adaptation of the film –about a failing shoe factory owner who collaborates with a drag queen– won six Tonys, and includes songs by Cyndi Lauper and book by Harvey Fierstein. $40-$300. Fri & Sat 2pm and 8pm. Sun 2pm. Thru Dec. 28. 1192 Market St. at 8th. (888) 746 1799. www.shnsf.com

SF Hiking Club @ Bay Bridge

Sat 27 Red Hot Patriot Mark Gavin

A Look at the City @ SF Public Library Mini-exhibit showcases San Francisco in the 1970s era of Armistead Maupin’s Tales of the City. Thru Jan. 8. Other exhibits thorughout the library. 100 Larkin St. www.sfpl.org

Exhibition drawn from the collections of a quintessential English country house. Built in Norfolk in the 1720s for England’s first prime minister, Sir Robert Walpole, Houghton Hall features suites of grand rooms conceived by architect William Kent as settings for Walpole’s old master paintings, furniture, tapestries and Roman antiquities. $10-$18. TueSat 9:30am-5:115pm. 34th Ave. at Clement. www.legionofhonor.org

Various Exhibits @ California Academy of Sciences

Roads of Arabia @ Asian Art Museum

Woods to Wildflowers @ SF Botanical Gardens

Roads of Arabia: Archeology and History of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (thru Jan. 18); Dual Natures in Ceramics: Eight Contemporary Artists from Korea (thru Feb. 22). Other fascinating exhibits as well. Free (members, kids 12 and under)-$15. Tue-Sun 10am-5pm. 200 Larkin St. asianart.org

Songs and Sorrows @ Oakland Museum Dias de Los Muertos 20th Anniversary, a group exhibit of the Mexican-themed art (thru Jan. 4). Fertile Ground: Art and Community in California (thru April 12). Free/$15. Reg. hours Wed-Sat 11am-5pm (Fri til 9pm). 1000 Oak St., Oakland. (510) 318-8400. www.museumca.org

Tours and Exhibits @ The Old Mint New Sunday program offers tours and exhibits about San Francisco’s history. Explore the fascinating building’s grand halls and vaults. $5-$10. Weekly, 1pm-4pm. 88 5th St. 5371105. www.SFhistory.org

Mon 29 1964: The Year San Francisco Came Out @ GLBT History Museum Exhibit focusing on San Francisco’s emerging gay culture at the time of the pivotal LIFE magazine feature “Homosexuality in America.” Reg. hours Mon-Sat 11am-7pm. Sun 12pm5pm. ($5/free for members). 4127 18th St. 621-1107. glbthistory.org

Exhibits and planetarium shows with various live, interactive and installed exhibits about animals, plants and the earth; special events each week, with adult nightlife parties most Thursday nights. $20-$35. Mon-Sat 9:30am5pm. Sun 11am-5pm. 55 Music Concourse Drive, Golden Gate Park. 379-8000. www.calacademy.org

See blooming floral displays, trees and exhibits. Also, daily walking tours and more, at outdoor exhibits of hundreds of species of native wildflowers in a century-old grove of towering Coast Redwoods. Free-$15. Daily. Golden Gate Park. 661-1316. www.SFBotanicalGarden.org

Tue 30 Alien She @ YBCA The first exhibition to showcase the impact and ephemera of the Riot Grrrl movement and culture. Free-$15. Exhibit Tue-Sun 12pm-6pm. Thru Jan. 25. 701 Mission St. www.ybca.org

Carl Linkhart @ Glamarama, Oakland Dreamscape: The Night Vision of Carl Linkhart, a new exhibit of unusual surreal paintings. Thru Jan. 11. 6399 Telegraph Ave., Oakland. www.carllinkhart.com www.glamarama.com

Gay Skate Night @ Church on 8 Wheels LGBT night at the former Sacred Heart Church-turned disco roller skate party space, hosted by John D. Miles, the “Godfather of Skate.” Actually every night is gay-friendly, including Saturday’s Black Rock night (Burning Man garb encouraged). Also Wed, Thu, 7pm-10pm. Sat afternoon sessions 1pm-2:30pm and 3pm5:30pm. $10. Kids 12 and under $5. Skate rentals $5. 554 Fillmore St at Fell. www.churchof8wheels.com

Out&About>>

December 25-31, 2014 • BAY AREA REPORTER • 23

Fri 26 Our Town Chesire Isaac

Flaming Lips @ Warfield Psychedelic pop band performs. Foxygen and other artists open. $42$55. 8pm. Also New Year’s Eve show, Dec 31 ($55-$70) 8pm. 982 Market St. www.flaminglips.com www.thewarfieldtheatre.com

It’s Everything @ KOFY-TV Local nightlife host and singer BeBe Sweetbriar’s new streaming web talk show welcomes local celebrities. 7pm. Audience welcome at KOFY-TV, 2500 Marin St. www.BeBeSweetbriar.com

Meditation Group @ LGBT Center Weekly non-sectarian meditation group; part of the Let’s Kick ASS AIDS Survivor Syndrome support group. Tuesdays, 5pm, 1800 Market St. letskickASS.org www.sfcenter.org

Science Exhibits @ The Exploratorium Visit the fascinating science museum in its new Embarcadero location. Free$25. Pier 15 at Embarcadero. Tue-Sun 10am-5pm (Thu night 6pm-10pm, 18+). 528-4893. exploratorium.edu

Stranger Than Life @ Cartoon Art Museum The Cartoons and Comics of M.K. Brown (thru Feb 15). Other exhibits and events. Free-$8. Tue-Sun 11am5pm. 655 Mission St. 227-8666. www.cartoonart.org

Wed 31 Art/Act: Maya Lin @ David Brower Center Exhibit of new works by the sculptor/ designer (Vietnam Memorial). Mon-Fri 9am-5pm. Sun 10am-1pm. Thru Feb 4, 2015. 2150 Allston Way, Berkeley. www.browercenter.org

At Large: Ai Weiwei @ Alcatraz Island The internationally acclaimed Chinese sculpture’s exhibit of seven sitespecific multimedia installations; the largest art exhibit ever hosted by the Golden Gate National Parks Conservancy. $18-$30. Daily except major holidays thru April 26, 2015. www.AiWeiWeiAlcatraz.org

Drapetomania @ Museum of the African Diaspora Grupo Antillano and the Art of AfroCuba, a new exhibit of works by the Grupo Antillano, the name given to an outstanding group of artists in the 1970s and 80s, at the re-opened African-Caribbean art and crafts museum. Also Lava Thomas: Beyond is a two-part exhibition. Free/$10. Thru Jan. 4. 685 Mission St. moadsf.org

Edith Piaf: Beneath Paris Skies @ Cinnabar Theater, Petaluma World premiere of a concert/theatre tribute to singer Edith Piaf, with five singers and a five-piece band; adapted for the stage by Valentina Osinski, Michael Van Why and Lauren Lundgren. $9-$66. New Year’s Eve opening ngiht 9:30pm. Fri & Sat 8pm. Sun 2pm. Thru Jan. 18. 3333 Petaluma Blvd. North, Petaluma. (707) 7638920. www.cinnabartheater.org

Thu 1 Great Performances @ PBS Julie Andrews hosts the annual From Vienna: The New Year’s Celebration, with the Vienna Philharmonic and the Vienaa State Ballet performing great works, with Zubin Mehta conducting. 9pm. www.pbs.org

J. Otto Seibold and Mr. Lunch @ Contemporary Jewish Museum New exhibit of works by the beloved children’s book author. Also, Arnold Newman: Masterclass, an exhibit of prints by the influential photographer. Other exhibits, lectures and gallery talks as well. Free (members)-$12. Fri-Tue 11am-5pm, Thu 11am-8pm (closed Wed). 736 Mission St. 6557800. www.thecjm.org

Keith Haring: The Political Line @ de Young Museum New exhibit of 130 large-scale paintings, sculptures and retrieved subway drawings by the late great gay graffiti artist who came to global fame. Free-$26-$41. Also, Anthony Friedkin: The Gay Essay, an exhibit of photos, and an audiovisual installation, by the Los Angeles artist who focused on gay underground culture of the late 1960s and early ‘70s in SF and LA. Thru Jan. 11, 2015. Lines on the Horizon : Native American Art from the Weisel Family Collection, thru Jan. 4, 2015. Tue-Sun 9:30am5:15pm. Thru Feb. 16. Golden Gate Park, 50 Hagiwara Tea Garden Drive. 750-3600. www.famsf.org

Shopping @ Eureka Theatre Theatre Rhinoceros presents a one-night-only productoin of Morris Bobrow’s musical comedy about consumerism. $20-$25. 8pm. 215 Jackson St. at Battery. (800) 8383006. www.TheRhino.org

Twenty Favorite Photographs @ Robert Tat Gallery Popular photographs selected by the gallery’s collectors, including Imogen Cuningham, James Bidgood, Walker Evans, Aaron Siskind and others. Thru Feb. 28. 49 Geary St. 781-1122. www.roberttat.com

Thu 25

Into the Woods

CMY

Tom and Jerry’s Home Display @ Church & Sanchez See the annual over-the-top festive holiday house display, with a a Santa in attendance. Daily 6:30pm-9:30pm. Free. Thru Jan. 1. 3560 21st St. at Church. www.tinyurl.com/mhh98vz

Safeway Holiday Ice Rink @ Union Square The seventh annual ice skating festivities, including special events (Macy’s Christmas tree lighting ceremony, Nov. 28, 6pm); continues thru Jan 19. $7-$11. Skate rentals $6. Powell St. at Geary. 781-2688. www.unionsquareicerink.com

Mon 29 Deck the Walls

To submit event listings, email jim@ebar.com. Deadline is each Thursday, a week before publication. For more bar and nightlife events, go to On the Tab in our BARtab section, online at www.ebar.com/bartab

<< Books

24 • BAY AREA REPORTER • December 25-31, 2014

2014 in gay nonfiction

by Brian Bromberger

wo big themes dominated 2014’s gay nonfiction books. First was the renewed interest in AIDS. Enough time has elapsed so that we can look back and assess what was lost and learned during the heartbreaking period when HIV was a death sentence. Second were the reverberations within the LGBT community after last year’s landmark Supreme Court cases legitimizing samesex marriage, as well as asking the challenging question, are gay and lesbian people becoming too assimilationist? Also with mainstream acceptance there has come a desire to revisit gay history recovering overlooked or underappreciated heroes who made recent societal approval of LGBT people possible. Any Top 10 list is subjective, and all critics are biased. Nevertheless, here are my Top 10 Gay Nonfiction Books of 2014, in ascending order: 10. A Heaven of Words: Last Journals, 1956-1984 by Glenway Westcott. Winner of this year’s Lambda Literary Award for best autobiography-memoir, these are the final journal entries of the influential gay midcentury American poet and writer Glenway Westcott. Editor Jerry Rosco makes the case that Wescott’s lasting literary legacy is in his witty, melancholic, and insightful journals (including his sexual exploits with and without his famous 50+ year partner Monroe Wheeler), which perhaps allowed him honesty and eroticism he wasn’t able to convey in his novels due to the homophobia of his day.

9. Gay Is Good: The Life and Letters of Gay Rights Pioneer Franklin Kameny, edited by Michael Long. A decisive force in the early gay rights movement, Kameny was fired from his U.S. government job as an astronomer and argued his case before the U.S. Supreme Court in 1961. Though he lost, his was the first civil rights claim based on sexual orientation, the start of many activist accomplishments. Through the 150 letters he wrote from 1958 to 1975, Kameny’s provocative, inspiring, and infuriating voice is restored, underscoring that he deserves to be remembered and celebrated. 8. Positive: One Doctor’s Personal Encounter with Death, Life,

and the U.S. Healthcare System by Michael Saag. An AIDS memoir by one of the principal researcher/clinicians who founded the 1917 Clinic at the University of Alabama as a new, improved version of Ward 86 at SF’s General Hospital. The core feature of the book is the emotionally exhilarating and gut-wrenching case histories of patients stricken with the illness, unfortunately diluted by alternating chapters of a manifesto attacking our broken healthcare system and Saag’s vision of how to fix it. Two books crammed into one, but crucial reading from one of the doctors whom HIV+ patients owe their lives today. 7. Forcing the Spring: Inside the Fight for Marriage Equality by Jo Becker. This provocative account of the historic Prop 8 Supreme Court case became a deserved bestseller. Becker, a NY Times investigative reporter, embedded herself for 4.5 years with the lawyers and four plaintiffs. Vilified by the gay intelligentsia, her chief sin was not providing a background chapter providing the historical, legal and political background of the fight for gay marriage, which certainly did not begin with Prop 8. While a flaw in the book, it is not a fatal one, as this detailed behind-the-scenes record is a dramatic page-turner even though we know the final outcome. 6. Tennessee Williams: Mad Pilgrimage of the Flesh by John Lahr. Lahr, the theater critic for The New Yorker, has written a compelling biography of America’s greatest playwright with the possible exception of Eugene O’Neill. Lahr is superb at analyzing all his plays, even the flops, and argues persuasively that Williams channeled his turbulent life into his art, especially his family and lovers, who became stage characters. An ego-maniac, Williams’ decadeslong spiraling descent into alcohol and prescription drug addiction is sympathetically rendered, though the role that anti-gay societal attitudes played, both professionally and personally, should have been given greater weight than it is here.

Big Gay Love

From page 21

attempting a comeback as an artist with semi-pornographic wall drawings of her vagina and breasts. Actress Ann Walker manages to create a spirited portrait of a self-obsessed egomaniac. Nicholas Brendon (Xander on TV’s Buffy the Vampire Slayer) gives Andy depth, which

5. Queer Clergy: A History of Gay and Lesbian Ministry in American Protestantism by R.W. Holmen. This mammoth, 600-page history charts the 40-year struggle in mainline Protestantism (all five denominations) for the full inclusion of gay and lesbian Christians. Written by a straight Lutheran lawyer and grass roots advocate, this comprehensive, exhaustively researched story chronicles the evolution from rejection to welcome. The Bay Area is well-represented in this inspiring journey as we get to re-experience many of the moving personal stories of these courageous witnesses (gay and straight) once derided as divisive heretics. 4. Fairyland: A Memoir of My Father by Alysia Abbott. Alysia’s father was SF gay poet/author Steve Abbott, who wrote many years ago for the B.A.R., and died of AIDS in 1992. She beautifully chronicles queer bohemian life in 1970s Haight Ashbury and the early years of the AIDS epidemic, with her primary source material being her father’s journals and letters. One of the many strengths of the book is Alysia’s fearlessness in revealing her father’s flaws as well as her own in describing her unconventional upbringing. Fairyland now becomes a vital part of the narrative history of SF queer culture.

3. Gay Berlin: Birthplace of a Modern Identity by Robert Beachy. Covering the period from the 1860s to the rise of the Nazis in the 1930s, the book highlights two key figures: Karl Heinrich Ulrichs, the first openly gay man who believed homosexuality should not be criminalized; and Magnus Hirschfeld, who through his Institute for Sexual Science tried to prove same-sex desire is an inborn biological characteristic. Berlin became the showcase for uninhibited urban sexual experimentation. This book makes a convincing case that Germany played a decisive role in constructing our modern understanding of sexual orientation and gay identity. 2. Body Counts: A Memoir of Politics, Sex, AIDS, and Survival by Sean Strub. A people’s history of AIDS activism, written by the founder of POZ magazine. Diagnosed with HIV in 1985 and after watching so many of his friends dying of AIDS, Strub started participating in ACT-UP/New York. In humorous and poignant detail we relive demonstrations where a giant condom is draped over the home of AIDS funding foe Senator Jesse Helms, and Cardinal O’Connor’s mass at St. Patrick’s Cathedral is interrupted. The book is totally absorbing, gossipy, but candid, bringing back the sense of panic and urgency of those early years of despair and wasted lives. 1. The Tolerance Trap: How God, Genes, and Good Intentions are Sabotaging Gay Equality by Suzanne Danuta Walters. Walters argues that despite the end of the military’s DADT and the Supreme Court decisions validating same-sex marriage, we have settled for a watered-down tolerance as perpetual outsiders rather than full civil rights as equal citizens. She asks uncomfortable questions with no superficial answers, attacking both conservative and liberal orthodoxies about LGBTs, such as rooting civil rights in biological determinism. Walters recognizes the huge advances that have been made, but convinces us it is far too soon to declare victory. She presents a humane, snarky, compassionate vision of gay uniqueness via scholarly but accessible cultural criticism.t

makes Bob’s continual rejection of him incomprehensible. There is little chemistry between him and Lisecki, and the big sex scene between them is a bust. The film deals with themes such as the gay obsession with looks and youth, and the search to be accepted as one is. Regrettably, the script degenerates into New Age cliches with lines such as, “In the gay universe, a

million stars are waiting to be born. They just need a little encouragement,” or, “Anything you have ever wanted to be is inside of you, and all you need is a little love to make that passion grow.” Lisecki is never dull, and there are a few humorous scenes, but the substantive movie critiquing the narcissism and gymbody infatuation of the LGBT subculture is still waiting to be made.t

Books>>

December 25-31, 2014 • BAY AREA REPORTER • 25

Kings of queens by Jim Piechota

those dedicated viewers of Bravo TV’s melodramatic Real Housewives franchise.

The Andy Cohen Diaries: A Deep Look at a Shallow Year by Andy Cohen; Henry Holt, $26 Choose Your Own Autobiography by Neil Patrick Harris; Crown Books, $26 as the reality-TV circus gone too far? Not for ringleader Andy Cohen, whose newly released epistolary mini-memoir depicts a year in his life as the Bravo television network’s gay golden boy. In The Andy Cohen Diaries: A Deep Look at a Shallow Year, he’s a chatty, effervescent tour guide escorting readers along the kind of glitzy, selfindulgent red carpet he’s become well-accustomed to, yet doesn’t seem to enjoy all that much. For all of the star sightings and parties and Housewives reunion showdowns, Cohen does a lot of kvetching. Aside from the daily business-life of a Bravo executive producer, the author’s “human” side pops up quite often. The book softens in places where Cohen writes about his dog, Wacha, a constant companion who offers so much more than the occasional unconditional love and support (pet owners can surely relate), or when he waxes nostalgic for his youth in the early 1990s, acknowledging that today’s New York City is “less glamorous and debauched, but no less fun.” While there’s a certain thrill that comes from reading about how Cher and Madonna behave (does Madge really mouth the words to her own songs at parties?) or what they text and tweet, we can also sincerely appreciate the more charmless, cringeworthy aspects of his showbiz life, which is shared generously and quite candidly throughout. Cohen, 46, writes of being just

Freedom of choice

weight issues, and of finding love in the age of social-media devilry are refreshingly grounded, anchoring all the silly gossip to the real dirt found in everyday life. So the book’s “shallow” subtitle can be construed as something of a misnomer, as there is indeed some substance in these pages. But there are also mountains of fluff – depending upon how much importance you place on Madonna’s career, dating on Tinder, and a summer vacation spent chasing Speedos on Fire Island. Ultimately, Cohen is an affable, hyperactively goofy, and exceedingly self-deprecating narrator. Though his book is often “grossly opportunistic” (Cohen’s own words), it’s still a definite musthave item for readers who thirst for endless pages of Hollywood dish or

Neil Patrick Harris’ considerably larger fan-base will revel in his new autobiography, Choose Your Own Autobiography. Curiously, it’s been modeled after the Choose Your Own Adventure game-book series, replete with illustrations, photographs, a “cryptic crossword puzzle,” shticky commentary on gay life, and a heartfelt chapter on life with his partner, actor and chef David Burtka, and the surrogacy process gifting them with the birth of twins. Of course, there is sufficient detail of Harris’ youth growing up in Ruidoso, New Mexico, and of his stage and screen stardom on such hits as Doogie Howser, M.D. and How I Met Your Mother, and of more recent work in the Broadway production of Hedwig and the Angry Inch (he won a Tony Award), the film Gone Girl, and the fan-favorite, gothic television drama American Horror Story. The narrative even delves into the more provocative parts of Harris’ life, in the form of past LSD trips and sex romps courtesy of the “golden age” of AOL chat rooms. The book further branches out to include cocktail recipes, magic cardtricks courtesy of “Neil the Magnificent,” Doogie Howser references, campy celebrity “cameos,” and a few pages of silly Twitter tweets. Though there’s nothing too terribly earth-shattering to be found in either of these two autobiographies, there is sufficient cuteness and clever creativity to please the masses. It just depends on whether readers prefer their celebrity memoir vigorously shaken (Cohen) or gingerly stirred (Harris).t

the nosebleed end of the scale (far off the staff) but if anything even more effective in the considerable spoken portion of her role. Hannigan – my musician of the year; she conducted while singing at last summer’s prestigious Lucerne Festival, and plainly will now be doing more of that – is also at the center of a newly released DVD set of Berg’s Lulu (whose title role she was born to sing) from The Monnaie in Brussels, also in 2012 (BelAir Classiques). Without her clear command of one of the most elusive characters in opera – her notes about her deep identification with the scrappy fighter-survivor in Lulu are worth the price of admission

– the hyperactive production by Krzystof Warlikowski might go off the rails, or, as it turns out, the barre. But the director shrewdly hangs his concept of Lulu on the fact that she is, among the many other things she is, a dancer (literally so in the first act), and Hannigan gives him everything he could possibly want. She sings a good deal of Lulu’s torturous first-act music in a tutu – and en pointe, and for real – and she inhabits the nymph (whom Warlikowski conceives as a primal Lilith, mate of Adam, banished from Paradise) to its far corners and beyond. She performs with a frequently shocking level of generosity, and a paradoxically low level of self-consciousness, and her singing of the notoriously demanding score is as close to perfect as could be expected – or as you’d want in acting this adventurous and unsparing. In the same way that Barry’s opera feels like one that Wilde would relish, this Lulu is consistently Bergian in spirit, if sometimes too smart by half. The opera unfolds in three onstage performance spaces simultaneously, with some very fine child dancers and a superb ballerina playing a Black Swan off Lulu’s bruised White Sawn counterpart. And many mimes. Not surprisingly, the Artist (a terrific Tom Randle) is a video artist, but the updating works superbly when Lulu forces Dr. Schoen (Dietrich Henschel at his most acute, playing an alarmingly young-looking Schoen and Jack the Ripper) to text (yes, the verb) his betrothed the cancellation of their wedding. Sadly, the loser – yet again – is the lesbian Countess Geschwitz (Natahsa Petrinsky), who this time just gets lost in the shuffle.t

a “wide-eyed twenty-one-year-old intern at CBS News” back in 1989 when his journalism career had just begun, but that’s about as far back as he’s willing to go. The book’s year-inthe-life chronology launches in the fall of 2013, when he gets U.S. Open tickets for his parents and he writes of sitting in front of a humorless Martha Stewart and behind Kevin Spacey, who sported a “face full of makeup” and three male companions who “were definitely not raising any questions.” Celebrity outing seems to be something Cohen feels justified to partake in, apparently. The latitude of this self-proclaimed “pop culture obsessive” seems endless as Cohen gleefully glosses across days spent taking business calls while getting massages, and nights hosting Bravo’s Watch

What Happens Live, where Lady Gaga once urinated in her dressingroom garbage can. A good portion of the material is gratuitously titillating; however, in a nearly 350-page book, this leaves plenty of room for lukewarm scenes with his doorman Surfin, screeching at a beetle infestation in his bathroom, and mean-spiritedly pondering the demise of his elderly upstairs neighbor so he can convert his condo into a duplex. This leaves the truly pedestrian: do readers really care that the author ate French onion soup and branzino at a stiff dinner with his ex? Cohen’s opinions of the unmitigated cruelty apparent within our own community (“Gay people will eat other gay people alive”), of his loneliness, of his struggles with

Nonstop virtuosity by Tim Pfaff

f force-fed holiday music has you down, modern opera offers some quick routes out. For the really fast lane, there’s Gerald Barry’s The Importance of Being Earnest (NMC Recordings), an hour-plus screech through the familiar Oscar Wilde play with music doing the job of Wilde’s rapier wit, and more. The composer himself has whittled a libretto from the already fast-paced play, then dressed it up with music of lightning strikes. And did I mention? It’s also black comedy, but side-splittingly so. Knowing the play could only help, but newcomers to Barry’s manic music – and, generally, people who think at normal speed – will be grateful for the enclosed libretto, if only as something to hang onto. The opera, a co-commission with the LA Philharmonic and here recorded in a concert performance at London’s Barbican in 2012, stops just this side of the complete absurd, but there’s no mistaking the genius at work at every turn. The nonstop virtuosity finds perfect executants in the Birmingham Contemporary Music Group conducted by gay allaround contemporary music genius Thomas Ades. You know you’re not really on Half Moon Street anymore when Barry’s version of “Auld Lang Syne” – all piano forearm chords with the familiar melody sounding out in some post-Ivesian distance – comes barreling out of the speakers. While on the one hand it’s an obvious pity that the performance is audio only – the opera has, since, been staged in Nancy and London, with largely the same cast – on the other, there’s

only so much a mind can keep track of, and the audio is essential. Barry sends up a good deal of other music – a frantic ensemble version of Schiller’s Ode to Joy, with hints of Beethoven, is one of its most memorable moments – and the lampooning of German music in the later acts is delectable even to confirmed Lieder-lovers. Yet what sticks in the ear, sort of, is the wild invention of Barry’s musical lines. They’re energetically supercharged and reel off in one direction only to take hairpin turns into another, but in the end they create character. Barry may set the text just this side of the speed of sound, but the right cast – and this is it – makes it dizzy-

ing fun. Sometimes you feel you’ve stumbled into a rehearsal of a Virgil Thomson opera, other times the Berg of Lulu, complete with Sprechstimme. Against all odds, it’s all genuine. Just knowing that the part of Lady Bracknell is written for bass (a highly resourceful Alan Dewing) should tell you a lot. While “her” music rarely requires actual low notes, the timbre achieved by sending a bass into head voice is, to use a small word, distinctive. Soprano Barbara Hannigan – for whom Barry wrote a solo one-act opera, La Plus Forte, based on the Strindberg play – is simply astonishing as Cecily Cardew, sometimes singing on

<< DVD

26 • BAY AREA REPORTER • December 25-31, 2014

Uplifting ‘Pride’

by David-Elijah Nahmod

e don’t see big-budgeted gay/ LGBT themed films very often. Pride, a recent release produced by BBC Films now out on DVD/ Blu-Ray, is one of the most uplifting films to be released in quite some time. The film’s title is most fitting. Set in London and Wales during the Thatcher era, Pride tells the true story of Mark Ashton (Ben Schnetzer), an idealistic young gay activist who aligns himself with striking Welsh coal miners. At first, the residents of the small Welsh town of Onllwyn aren’t terribly enthusiastic about the young queers who come

2014 Theatre

From page 17

1. The Totalitarians SF playwright Peter Sinn Nachtrieb’s new political satire was a little bit scary and a whole lot funny as it chronicled the rise of a fear-mongering candidate with fascistic tendencies. Nachtrieb’s wonderful sense of the absurd found a fine forum in the Z Space-Encore Theatre production sharply directed by Ken Prestininzi and featuring an in-sync cast comprised of Jamie Jones, Liam Vincent, Andrew Humann, and Alexis Lezin. 2. The Whale As the title character in Samuel D. Hunter’s funny/sad play, Nicolas Pelczar delivered an agonizingly detailed and ultimately triumphant performance as a griefstricken gay man eating himself to death following his lover’s death. Director Jasson Minadakis’ production at Marin Theatre Company was all the more powerful for its patient approach to the accumulation of short scenes, with vivid performances also coming from Cristina

Oeschger, Adam Magill, Liz Sklar, and Michelle Maxson. 3. Painting the Clouds with Sunshine Instead of reviving an old musical, which is its forte, 42nd Street Moon created its own “old” musical and provided it with a sunny new production. Cowritten by Greg MacKellan and Mark D. Kaufman, and directed by Kaufman, the show was a playful amalgam of old musical tropes made even more fun through the use of lesser-known songs by the giants of the era. It can’t be easy working a song titled “Gather Lip Rouge While You May” into a story, but the Moon team did it with panache. 4. Ideation Written before the Ebola crisis had emerged, but staged by San Francisco Playhouse just as panicky headlines were appearing, Aaron Loeb’s mordant comedy felt eerily prescient. Even without that specific immediacy, the play offered a caustic look at how corporate paranoia can spin out of control, as a think-tank team is charged with concocting a plan to liquidate car-

Steven Underhill

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415 370 7152

WEDDINGS, HEADSHOTS, PORTRAITS

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to their village and offer to help. There are also a few queers who have no interest in becoming allies with people they view as gay-bashers. Slowly but surely, an unlikely alliance is formed, as both sides learn some important lessons about tolerance, and about the need for communities to build bridges. Pride is a powerful message film, yet it never preaches. There are some genuine laughs, such as when a group of miner’s wives eagerly examines one of their new friend’s gay porn stash. The ladies laugh hysterically, wishing their husbands were as endowed as the well-hung models. There are also many profoundly riers of a hypothetical virus for the common good. Loeb’s script had a lot more laughs than that summary might suggest, rooted largely in the increasingly complicated relationships among the corporate players. Jason Kapoor, Mark Anderson Phillips, Michael Ray Wisely, Carrie Paff, and Ben Euphrat brought edgy comedy to these characters under Josh Costello’s taut direction. 5. The Intelligent Homosexual’s Guide to Capitalism and Socialism with a Key to the Scriptures Tony Kushner’s newest play clocked in at nearly four hours, but given the number of ideas and subplots being juggled, it could almost be called a streamlined affair. At the play’s center, the quietly charismatic Mark Margolis played an old union organizer whose family – a group with many, many issues – has gathered to dissuade him from the assisted suicide he has planned for himself. The multiple verbal collisions could be frustrating at times to sort out, but the emotionally wrenching, intellectually stimulating, and thematically unwieldy play found fulfilling life under Tony Taccone’s direction at Berkley Rep. 6. The Habit of Art In one of Theatre Rhino’s classiest productions in memory, Alan Bennett’s ingenious play-within-a-play gave us big-laugh backstage humor as well as the emotionally charged scenes that a somewhat disorganized troupe is trying to rehearse. An imagined late-life meeting between the poet W.H. Auden and the composer Benjamin Britten circled around conflicting views on the proper approach to acting on their homosexuality in 1973 England. Director John Fisher played Britten and had an equal sparring partner in Donald Currie’s Auden in this stylish gift to local audiences. 7. Into the Woods Well, the movie is now out, and word-of-mouth reports it’s a pretty good rendering of the musical. San Francisco Playhouse offered a very good rendering of Stephen Sondheim and James Lapine’s fairytale mash-up. Director Susi Damilano’s production highlighted the humor in the material without undercutting its darker sides, and the cast brought airy individuality to the characters, even if the impact of some songs was lost in an awkwardly utilized set. But the production reemphasized Into the Woods as a musical that seems only to improve with time – at least in as good a production as provided here. 8. Hir Liberation from labels pushes a happy homemaker to the edge of insanity in Taylor Mac’s absurdist comedy that had its world premiere at the Magic Theatre. Nancy Opel was terrific and frightening as Paige, who has turned her home into a trashed circus as she tortures her now-disabled husband, mockingly embraces her daughter’s sexual transitioning into a gay man, and further rattles her war-rattled son returning from Afghanistan. Director Niegel Smith found control and balance in a play of hairpin

moving moments, some of which might induce viewers to tears. In one scene, retired miner Cliff (Bill Nighy) turns to an old friend and says, “I’m gay.” “I know,” she replies. “I can’t speak for the rest of the village, but I’ve known since 1968.” They quietly continue making sandwiches. There are characters on both sides of the fence who are dealing with coming-out issues. As a direct result of his involvement in the miner’s strike, young, semi-closeted gay activist Joe (George MacKay) finds the courage to come out to his homophobic family and leave home. “I hope we can be friends again, Mum,” he says tearfully, as he walks

out the door. Life lessons are learned in the mining community as well. Miner’s wife Sian (Jessica Gunning) finds her own voice through her involvement with the gay activists. She returns to school. In 2005, Sian James was elected to Parliament. She remains in office today, and was a strong opponent to renewed air strikes in Iraq. These are real-life people, and Pride tells a groundbreaking story. It all happened, and it led to the British Labor Party’s support for LGBT equality. Few LGBT films have been more important, more worthy of viewing, than Pride.t

David Allen

With Painting the Clouds with Sunshine, 42nd Street Moon created a new “old’ musical that it staged with panache.

turns that swerved among the tragic, the comic, and the absurd. 9. Die Mommie Die! New Conservatory Theatre Center provided Charles Busch’s comedy with a high-tone production featuring a commanding performance by J. Conrad Frank in the star-turn role that Busch wrote for himself. Frank played Angela Arden, an aging celebrity dealing with a family of disturbing neuroses in a send-up of the kind of movies Bette Davis and Joan Crawford were making late in their careers. Director F. Allen Sawyer knew where to find the laughs, and he was abetted by Kuo-Hao Lo’s luxurious bad-taste set and Mr. David’s splendiferous gowns that Frank worked to the max.

10. An Audience with Meow Meow The Australian-born performer known as Meow Meow has a considerable following both Down Under and in London, but she arrived at Berkeley Rep pretty much an unknown quantity. Offering herself up as a chanteuse worthy of adoration, even as her cabaret show grows increasingly shambolic, the tottering Meow Meow demanded increasing affirmation from an audience that needed a sense of irony to get on board. But directed by the magical Emma Rice of Kneehigh Theatre, the performance ended with Meow Meow crowd-surfing through the audience that seemed delighted to give her the support she needed.t

Jennifer Reiley

Nancy Opel played a happy homemaker-turned-maniac in Taylor Mac’s Hir at the Magic Theatre.

t <<

Fine Art>>

2014 Fine Art

From page 17

former CJM director Connie Wolf at the helm, the Cantor Arts Center, the little museum with a fat endowment and a splendid collection of Rodin sculpture, experienced a resurgence, with shows on Carleton Watkins, the great 19th-century photographer who captured the vastness and grandeur of the American West when the region was as remote as a distant planet; Elizabeth Murray, the New York abstract postmodernist painter who thought outside the box, plunging into adventures in 3-D in both printmaking and painting with zest and zaniness; and Sympathy for the Devil: Satan, Sin, and the Underworld, which featured artists’ evolving images of the devil over the past 500 years, from fallen angel and horned beast to suave Mephistopheles. The year was also marked by what was missing. Despite a series of satellite exhibitions at host venues, SFMOMA’s absence was keenly felt, and surprisingly, other Bay Area institutions failed to step in to fill the void and grab the spotlight. The Museum of the African Diaspora was largely MIA while undergoing renovation, and the Berkeley Art Museum closed its doors this month and won’t reopen in its new digs until 2016. Alternative spaces, sometimes run out of storefronts or curators’ apartments, proliferated in the city as well as in Oakland, fast evolving into the city’s answer to Brooklyn for hipsters and artists. In a disturbing ongoing trend, non-profits were displaced by San Francisco’s astronomical rents, the highest-profile casualty being Meridian Gallery. Run by the beloved powerhouse Anne Trueblood Brodzky, it valiantly fought eviction from its gracious Powell Street home, but ultimately was forced to move its various programs to three different locations. Herewith, more highs and lows of

December 25-31, 2014 • BAY AREA REPORTER • 27

the year that was. Best Blast from the Past: Roads of Arabia. Enter a time capsule and journey back a million years to the outer edges of history on the Arabian peninsula, courtesy of this archaeology buff ’s dream of an exhibition, exquisitely displayed (per usual) at the Asian Art Museum, which consistently sets the bar high. Triumph of Hype Over Substance: @Large: Ai Weiwei on Alcatraz. It’s difficult to recall another event in recent memory that arrived on such a tidal wave of publicity. It was an ambitious project Courtesy of National Museum of Saudi Arabia, Riyadh with an irresistible premise: a Chinese dissident artist un- Funerary mask (1st century CE), gold. der house arrest in his native Thaj city, Tell al-Zayer site, Saudi Arabia. country creating a series of installations meditating on Golden State artists from the 1930s freedom of expression and to the present, at the Oakland Muprisoners of conscience for the stoseum, which integrated SFMOMA’s ried ghost prison in San Francisco contributions while remaining true Bay. But the results didn’t deliver on to its historical, California-centric the promise, in part because the artimperative. ist wasn’t able to commune with this A 15th Anniversary Shout-Out haunted atmospheric site in person. to the wonderful folks behind ModMost Joy in a Public Space: Keith ernbook Gallery. Established by a Haring: The Political Line at the de pair of college pals, the enterprise Young Museum. Though its themes began life as a bookstore in Palo Alto and motifs were redundant, it was before moving into the 49 Geary St. hard to resist the humanity and incomplex in 2010 as a full-blown art fectious vitality of this 1,000-watt gallery. Mounting (primarily) phogay artist who wanted to change the tography exhibitions and publishworld and did; Hofmann by Hofing limited-edition monographs, mann at BAM, where a riot of color they’ve cultivated a stable of strikharmonized with lush gobs of imingly original artists such as Fan pasto from an artist and respected Ho, Maia Flore, Frank De Mulder teacher who was still going strong and Tom Chambers, some of whom well into his 70s and 80s. To be in a mine their dreams, the surreal and gallery surrounded by his paintings magical realism to weave enigmatic was to be energized by his exuberant visual narratives rich in dark psylife force. chological subtext. Maximum Exposure While Best Gallery Show: Annie KevIndisposed: SFMOMA kept their ans: Women and the History of Art impressive collections on the radar at the Jenkins Johnson Gallery adand out of storage through “coldressed the disparity between the laborative” exhibitions that yielded representation of female artists and mixed results. The most successful their male counterparts in galleries venture was Fertile Ground, a fasand museums, as well as in the pubcinating survey of communities of

National Gallery of Art, Washington, D.C., collection of Mr. and Mrs. Paul Mellon

“Self-Portrait Dedicated to Carriere” (1888 or 1889), oil on canvas by Paul Gauguin (French, 1848-1903).

lic mind and the sexist annals of art history. The work itself, uniformly sized, bust-length, oil-on-paper paintings based on the artists’ selfportraits, may have been traditional, but it was the stories accompanying the pictures of these women artists who were recognized in their lifetimes, but then largely forgotten, that gave the show its punch. The same gallery mounted another favorite: Romare Bearden: Storyteller, an array of dazzling collages, water-

colors and prints that sang out in a jazzy ring-a-ding-ding rhapsody of color. Best Museum Exhibition: Intimate Impressionism from the National Gallery of Art, the gathering of gem-like small-scale beauties at the Legion of Honor, was as close to heaven as one could get this year. Could this many Frenchmen – and Berthe Morisot – be wrong? Happy Holidays, all!t

FINAL WEEKS! CLOSES FEB 16

Through his graffiti-inspired drawings, paintings, sculptures, and murals, Keith Haring created an immediately recognizable iconography that speaks to a diverse population. Making its US premiere at the de Young with more than 130 works of art, The Political Line lends gravitas to the artist’s career by focusing on his political activism. Exuberant, profane, witty, and provocative, the works in this exhibition trace Haring’s creative development and his historical significance as an advocate for social justice. SPECIAL HOLIDAY HOURS! OPEN DAILY DEC 26–JAN 4 This exhibition is organized by the Fine Arts Museums of San Francisco. Director’s Circle: Penny and James George Coulter. Curator’s Circle: Sloan and Roger Barnett, Ray and Dagmar Dolby Family Fund, Holly Johnson Harris and Parker Harris, and the Shimmon Family. Conservator’s Circle: The Buena Vista Fund of Horizons Foundation. Supporter’s Circle: Nancy and Joachim Bechtle, Juliet de Baubigny, and Richard and Peggy Greenfield. Community Partner: WEBCOR Builders. The exhibition is supported by an indemnity from the Federal Council on the Arts and the Humanities.

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Keith Haring, Untitled, 1982. Enamel and Day-Glo paint on metal. Collection of the Keith Haring Foundation. Keith Haring artwork © Keith Haring Foundation

â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;Tis the Season for Science Now through January 4 The reindeer are back! Meet our Arctic friends and learn how they adapt to extreme conditions in this one-of-a-kind interactive experience. Plus, enjoy indoor snow flurries, music and other festivities at our annual holiday exhibit. Get tickets at calacademy.org

Leather

Bianca Del Rio

NIGHTLIFE

SPIRITS

DINING

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SOCIETY

ROMANCE

LEATHER

PERSONALS Vol. 44 • No. 52 • December 25-31, 2014

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Game night Brewcade blends Pac-Man and pilsners by Andre Torrez

Dallis Willard

he excitement of being able to enter three letters as my initials for being the highest scorer on Galaxian was unexpected since I’m not much of a gamer. Whether or not my score was a fluke didn’t matter. I inaccurately entered ‘ATZ’, not exactly my initials but close enough, into the machine—one of the 24 See page 30 >> video games at San Francisco’s Brewcade.

Guests enjoy first dibs of the arcade fun at Brewcade’s opening.

Spirited Outings

Tiki décor overload at Smuggler’s Cove.

San Francisco bars with exceptional selections by Sean Timberlake

Allison Webber

hank heavens the holidays are behind us, almost. All that frenzy is enough to drive one to drink. If you’re going to partake, you might as well go for the good stuff; your head will thank you in the morning. Luckily, this happens to be one of the See page 31 >> best drinking cities anywhere.

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30 • BAY AREA REPORTER • December 25-31, 2014

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Game Night

From page 29

Nestled on Market Street near where Duboce Triangle meets the Castro, recognizable names like Donkey Kong, Space Invaders, PacMan and even his better half, Ms. Pac-Man, fill the medium-sized industrial space designed by Craige Walters (Hi Tops) in all their 8, 16, and 32-bit pixilated glory. The sibling entrepreneur duo of Shawn Vergara and his sister Tiffny Vergara Chung are the businesses’ owners and the team who, back in 2009, brought us Blackbird Bar, a comfy lounge about a block away. No strangers to the neighborhood, Shawn’s roots to San Francisco bars and restaurants runs deep and date the 46-year-old more than 20 years back to his start working the door as security at 1015 Folsom, to the more recent business partnership with his late mentor, Doug Murphy—the former owner of Moby Dick, who passed just weeks before Blackbird opened. “I played these games as a teenager at 7-11,” he recalls over the phone. Vergara remembers his early 1980s youth, playing the game where Mario would make his debut against a menacing kidnapper ape and another favorite, Dig Dug. While the “barcade” is nothing new, it wasn’t until his nephew tipped him off about one in Colorado Springs that Shawn had heard about the adult concept. I myself had gone to one in Chicago called Headquarters Beercade that shamelessly plastered Wrestlemania and Amercian Gladiators reruns on multiple big plasma screens. Would that fly in San Francisco? Maybe not so much near the Castro. Instead, we get the scaled down, sophisticated version claiming to be a “date and entertainment destination” that boasts 25 different craft beers and what Vergara calls “prebatched, loop-hole cocktails.” Along with general manager and “beer guru” Kai Villegas, they’ll focus on expediting service, having learned from missteps after so many years in the industry. Vergara says four draft cocktails will be available on demand and poured. “A couple of them are carbonated; one of them is in a nitrogen base.” He says they pour kind of like Guiness or a stout. “I have learned that guests get extremely frustrated with long waits.” For patrons looking to forego any possibility of a hangover, or are maybe in the mood for something on the softer side, Brewcade serves assorted sodas from The Fizzary, San Francisco Soda Shop and even has Stumptown Coffee ready to go. The bar may be marketed as a playground for adults, but the video game theme and heavy selection of sodas have some considering the bigger picture. What kind of clientele will this attract, and is there such a thing as “teenification” of bar goers? “My sister and I are just really proud to open another business for

Dallis Willard

Guests enjoy a shooting arcade game at Brewcade’s opening.

Dallis Willard

“Beer Guru” Kai Villegas and co-owner Shawn Vergara at Brewcade’s bar.

the community. We’re always looking to add something that’s missing and not duplicate things,” Vergara says about the neighborhood. “That’s what Blackbird was. Making the Castro as colorful and as diverse as it should be. We have a ton of empty storefronts. I’m helping to fill these storefronts and to provide job opportunities for people.” About 15 employees have been hired so far, many of which identify as LGBT, but he’s aware of the idea that “stray” bars (straight/gay) could become the norm in a city where once- strictly queer spaces are getting pushed out or homogenized. “I think there’s a fine line with protecting the overall LGBT businesses in the heart of the Castro, but as we start to push out of the neighborhood, I think that it’s only natural that these bars are going to be more in the gray area just because of proximity.” I’m munching on some kind of rosemary-infused caramel corn by OC Made. It’s one of the bar’s “gourmet” snack offerings and is delicious. But I notice a bespectacled gray-haired man with a matching mustache busily scurrying around during the hustle of the bar’s media preview night. Bob Albritton, or “Video Bob” as he’s called, is a game enthusiast and he’s very much responsible for supplying the city’s first self-professed bar-arcade with these coin-op, vintage-arcade cabinets. “Shawn pretty much singlehandedly had the law changed,” Albritton tells me. He’s talking about the antiquated laws in the city’s books that limit how many machines can be inside a building. Video Bob would

know. He’s been around as a business owner, game collector himself, perhaps best known for the old Star Base Arcade in San Rafael, which has recently lost its lease. He says many of the laws dated back to the 1930s and 1980s and had to be changed. But it isn’t quite accurate to say Vergara did it by himself. His more financially-minded sister, Tiffny, tells me they went through the process of obtaining a $700 Mechanical Amusement Device permit together. She credited city supervisors Scott Wiener and London Breed as being instrumental in working with them to spearhead the initiative to get these complex, confusing, and sometimes vague laws changed and that there are still efforts to streamline them citywide rather than on a district-by-district basis. “Some districts are exempt on the law,” she says, mentioning that a lot of them were originally in the books because of child truancy and delinquency concerns. But with handheld gaming and the proliferation of smart phones, the supervisors agreed that the old rules didn’t quite apply in the same ways and needed to be amended. The police department and the planning commission are just some of the entities involved in the process of deciding how many machines can be placed within the square footage in one establishment. Things went pretty smoothly on opening night by Tiffny’s account, but she did admit one important hiccup. The quarter machine stopped working midway through the night. While their business savvy has served the Vergaras well, the only one they knew to call for a fix was Video Bob.t

Dallis Willard

Pac-Man and other arcade games await on a casual afternoon at Brewcade.

Read more online at www.ebar.com

December 25-31, 2014 • BAY AREA REPORTER • 31

Outside, inside, behind the scenes in the kitchen, and a menu from Alembic.

Spirited Outings

From page 29

“San Francisco is where what is new and novel in other cities has long been standard,” says spirits and dining writer Virginia Miller of The Perfect Spot (www.theperfectspotsf. com). “Many bar managers and bartenders alike have traveled to meet with distillers. They are among the first in the U.S. to taste new products and create delicious outlets for them in their cocktails.” The world of spirits is astonishingly diverse, and growing ever more so with the advent of craft distillers both domestically and abroad. So if you want to further your knowledge about the hard stuff, take to these

America, and possibly second only to one other bar worldwide. This is where you want to get your rum on. It would take a lifetime and two livers to drink your way through the expansive cocktail list, but the rum selection is the star here. Smuggler’s Cove features the “Rumbustion Society,” a tasting club. You start with a punch card of 20 rums to try, each different in style. From there you go onto a list where you track the various tastings, and score plaques on the wall for achievement levels of 100 and up. At least one club member has tried no fewer than 700 rums, having tasted rare selections no longer available. If you drop in, be sure to try a shot of their custom Plantation

A pair of tasty cocktails at Alembic.

bars that have expansive or notable selections of particular spirits. You wouldn’t think twice about the glass and steel facade on a bustling block of Gough Street, but cross the threshold into Smuggler’s Cove (650 Gough Street), and you are transported to a dimly lit threelevel bar adorned with tiki paraphernalia. Here, owner Martin Cate boasts a nonpareil rum collection. If rum conjures up memories of sickly sweet mai tais, you’re missing the big picture. It is one of the most varied and interesting of spirits, with a history spanning centuries and a deeply intertwined with America’s own story. Unlike many other spirits, there is no central authority that regulates production or nomenclature, so styles of rum run a gamut as wide as ocean. Cate boasts some 530 rums, many of them unique, historic and irreplaceable. He could easily have significantly more, except that he sees no reason to stock white or flavored rums, since they’re neither suitable to his cocktails nor likely choices for tasting straight. Until recently, the oldest rum he had in stock was a French one from 1819. Currently, he has selections dating to the 1920s, though he intimated that he’s working on bringing in one special rum that would be older even than the 1819 items – much older. Cate’s selection is handily the largest in

Royal Blend, a blend of rums from four major producing nations – Jamaica, Trinidad, Barbados and Guyana – that is aged in Cognac, France in Maury port casks. At $14 a shot, it’s not cheap, but its complex aromas and flavors of spice, dark fruit and an almost barnyard-like funk leave a haunting impression. This spring, Cate will take his spirited obsession in a new direction, opening Whitechapel at the corner of Polk and Turk. Whitechapel will feature a retro-Victorian in-

terior, reminiscent of a London underground station, and a profound selection of gins. Like Smuggler’s Cove, Cate will bring his fascination of the history of the spirit to the menu, and will also feature a tasting club. Gin is going through a major renaissance, with many new craft distillers tweaking the formulas, dialing down the heavy juniper notes and expressing other botanicals like lavender, cucumber, and coriander. If you can’t wait until April to begin your gin education, the newly opened Cockscomb (564 Fourth Street) already has 65 gins on the shelf.

Cocktail profiles

San Francisco is a brown drinking town, and there’s no shortage of spots to imbibe a good whiskey. Head bartender Larry Piaskowy at Alembic (1725 Haight Street) seeks to bring increased awareness to craft whiskeys. Though he stocks some 300 whiskeys with a primary focus on bourbon and American whiskeys, you won’t find stalwarts like Maker’s Mark. Instead, if Maker’s is your thing, Piaskowy will steer you toward Larceny, a small-batch producer with a similar profile, without elevating the price point. Piaskowy offers periodic tasting flights showcasing different expressions, like a flight of West Coast craft distillers: St. George Spirits from the Bay Area, Oregon’s Westward and Seattle’s Westland Distillery. A longtime chef, Piaskowy takes a culinary approach to creating cocktails with his whiskeys, focusing on complementing each spirit’s profile. For example, the Haiku d’État, uses Akashi White Oak blended whiskey from Japan. The whiskey is delicate and feminine, easily overpowered. Piaskowy washes the glass with smoky Laphroaig to add structure and finish to the cocktail, made with citrus, honey syrup and aromatic shiso. A dash of celery bitters gives it a fresh note. Tequila is another spirit undergo-

Tequila cocktails poured at Tommy’s.

ing a renaissance. Much has changed with regards to modern tequila production, and the caliber of what’s become available in the American market, so now is an excellent time to bone up on your agave.

Tommy, can you drink me?

The city’s most iconic and famous tequila bar is Tommy’s (5929 Geary Boulevard) in the Richmond. Owner Julio Bermejo’s parents opened the restaurant in 1965 as a typical American eatery, eventually integrating dishes from their homeland of the Yucatan. It wasn’t until Bermejo took over the bar program 18 years ago that tequila began to make an appearance. As higherquality tequilas started entering the U.S. market, he began to seek out the good stuff for the bar. Tommy’s does not boast the biggest selection of tequila in the world, nor does Bermejo seek that mantle. Instead, he focuses on quality over quantity. Still, the list is impressive, featuring more than 100 distilleries, with about 350 labels on their regular list, plus another 110 vintage bottles. If you loved a bottle of Herradura from the ‘90s, odds are you can take a trip down memory lane here. You’ll find original bottles of Patron, and a rare Chinaco black label extra añejo that goes for $100 per two-ounce pour. Bermejo’s dedication to tequila has not gone unnoticed. In 2003 the governor of Jalisco dubbed him “Ambassador of Tequila to the United States.” Bermejo also is the creator of the Tommy’s Margarita, a global standard recipe used by bartenders around the world.

The Mosto

Another great tequila spot is Mosto (741 Valencia Street) in the Mission District, attached to Tacolicious. The bar sports about 300 agave spirits, mostly tequila and some mezcal. Bar manager Danny Louie goes beyond the traditional margarita to showcase the different styles of the spirit, with a focus

Mosto on Valencia Street.

on small-batch, family-owned distilleries. One of the more playful cocktails leverages the smoky flavor of mezcal in a savory drink called the Tomato Salad, made with roma tomatoes, basil, Aperol and a bit of spice. Mezcal has been a growing trend for at least a decade, and San Francisco is one of the major epicenters of popularity. “San Franciscans love a good story, and if there’s one thing every bottle has, it’s a good story,” says Susan Coss, cofounder of the website Mezcalistas (www.mezcalistas.com) and Director of Marketing and PR for CUESA (www.cuesa.org). “Here they can dive deep and learn the story of the craft of each bottle.”

Whatever Loló wants

Just a few blocks from Mosto, Loló (www.lolosf.com) is one of the leaders in the mezcal revolution. Though they stock only about 40 mezcales, each with a unique history. Working closely with folks like Max Garrone, the other half of Mezcalistas, they tap into small and rural communities to get smallbatch, hand-crafted spirits. To access some of these communities, Garrone sometimes has to travel on foot to villages where there are no roads, sometimes traveling for a day to cross small distances. Some of these distilleries produce fewer than 50 bottles per batch. Adding to the scarcity, some of the varietals of agave used in their production are nearly extinct. Consequently, mezcales can run quite expensive. For the mezcal-curious, bar manager Juan Carlos Ruelas recommends El Jolgorio Tepeztate, made from wild-harvested agaves, for its mineral flavor and mild smokiness. They also stock a number of socalled Vinos de Mezcal, agave spirits from regions outside the prescribed mezcal confines. These are among the most exclusive and limited production, and have unusual profiles. See page 33 >>

Serving the LGBT communities since 1971

32 • BAY AREA REPORTER • December 25-31, 2014

Older Kinksters

by Race Bannon

n past columns I’ve mentioned how younger leatherfolk and kinksters face some unique challenges. What about those at the other end of the age spectrum? What about the older among us? Of course, what “older” is remains a relative thing based on your own age, but let me randomly pick those over the age of 50 as belonging to the older group. (Apologies to those who think that cutoff should be higher.) Since I fall into the older camp (I’m 60), this topic comes up a lot in conversations I have with my peers. Many of them have mentioned to me a wide range of challenges they face as they navigate the kinky social and erotic landscape. So what are those challenges and how might both the older and the rest of the community address those challenges? Front and center are the challenges that many older people face regardless of their sexual proclivities or identities. The ravages of age on the body. How aging impacts a person’s face and appearance. Selfimage that’s strongly influenced by society’s worshiping at the altar of certain standards of beauty. Planning for future financial security. Affordable housing in retirement. And much more. On top of and amid these ubiquitous issues, older kinksters also have other things with which to deal. Since I can’t assume my own perceptions of my advancing years are an accurate reflection of how others perceive their own aging, I asked a number of people for their own thoughts on the topic. I got an earful. Let me recount some of the things they told me. I hope this sparks some discussion about how we can improve the overall situation. One man immediately began to provide me a litany of things that he deals with as an older kinkster. He said the obvious physical aspects of getting older has turned his former three-hour play scenes into shorter 30-minute scenes most of the time. Energy levels also affect how many leather events he can go to and how long he can participate in them. His

Richard Stadtmiller

Two of the guests at the recent Leather Alliance holiday party at Beatbox.

A pair of gents at the recent Leathermen’s Discussion Group holiday party at the LGBT Center.

fixed income status means he has to be more careful about what events he can attend. His ideas about relationships have changed in that he and others vacillate between either not wanting more than one partner or alternatively wanting more partners. And he said that among his friends who are in long-term relationships he’s seen many of their partners no longer share a desire for anything leather or kink, and that this sometimes presents conflicts with the partner who still requires such play or identity. He noticed that many such relationships tend to open up even more than they might have previously. Another guy brought up the waning of erectile functioning. His dick doesn’t get as hard as it used to, and taking the usual erectile medications gives him a three-day headache. He said he’s more or less adapted to this situation, but he finds that younger bottoms are often more popular than older bottoms and such erectile issues further exacerbate the issue. The comment about older bottoms often being less desirable than younger bottoms came up a lot in different variations. Apart from the issue of dick functioning, there is a common perception that the community generally perceives older kinksters as more likely to be (or should be) top or dominant, perhaps because our scene values experience so much, while the younger are relegated

folks always assuming they’re being cruised by them and loudly announcing that they are “icked” out by this happens far too often. Friendliness is mistaken for erotic interest more readily when an older person chats up someone younger. I’ve touched upon just a handful of issues, but I hope this leads to more frequent discussions about it. I know there are solutions. There are ways to foster better self-acceptance. There are ways to adapt play to keep it hot. There are ways to bridge the divide between generations. There are ways to accommodate older players while not stepping on the toes of the younger. There are ways to create housing and community options so that kinksters can live out their lives surrounded by a supportive environment. There are ways to encourage us all to be kinder to each other. I know there are such solutions. We just have to put our heads together and make it happen.

to bottom or submissive status. This of course flies in the face of reality. Older and younger both have desires that run the gamut from top to bottom and dominant to submissive. So older folks who want to bottom or sub often feel that their options are fewer and this contributes to their erotic frustrations. Related to the fixed income and housing issues is another one that comes up a lot. As older kinksters ponder their laterin-life future, they want to make sure they can continue to live among others who share their same values and life experience. While there have been efforts to provide housing and community living situations for the aging LGBT community, there have been no such efforts I’m aware of to provide kinksters with the same options. One lesbian was rather vocal about this saying that she’d rather live among heterosexual kinksters than among vanilla (non-kinky) LGBT cohabitants. That’s how strong the desire to remain within a kink community is for some. It can transcend gender orientation. I think this is an area that needs some serious groupthink energy behind it among our scene’s leadership and organizations. How do we keep older kinksters in their golden years living with others of like mind? While I haven’t heard this much from those in the San Francisco Bay Area, elsewhere it appears that older and younger kinksters mixing is more difficult. Specifically, the rejection of the older by the younger seems more pervasive than it does in the Bay Area. One leatherwoman mentioned that having younger

New Mr. Edge Leather

Now for some local news about a contest I attended. Mr. Edge Leather 2015 was chosen this past weekend and that man is Gerald Borjas. Congratulations, Gerald. I hope you have a great year.

Sober Kink Together @ Castro Country Club

Mon 29 Ride Mondays @ Eros A motorcycle rider and leathermen night at Eros, bring your helmet, AMA card, MC club card or club colors and get $3 off entry or massage. 2051 Market St. www.erossf.com

Fri 2 Race Bannon

Gerald Borjas, the new Mr. Edge Leather 2015.

Mr. Edge Leather 2015 contest night: Ray Tilton (front), rear left to right are Erick Lopez, Clay Gould, Gerald Borjas (Mr. Edge Leather 2015), Paul Younadim (runner up), and Sissy Parker the Church Lady (MC).

Race Bannon is a local author, blogger and activist. You can reach him on his website www.bannon.com.

Leather Events, December 25, 2014 – January 11, 2015 Mon 5 Fri 26 Officially a CMA meeting, but open to all Anonymous 12-step Fellowship members, 4058 18th St., 9:30pm. www.castrocountryclub.org

Nate “Cotton” Burris

Let me also congratulate Paul Younadim (runner up) and Clay Gould for being great competitors. I chatted with one of the judges after the contest and he mentioned that all three contestants were outstanding during the entire competition. Edge bartender Erick Lopez produced the contest and he selected a wonderful group of judges: Stephan Ferris, Mr. Edge 2014; Nile Eckhoff, Mr. Daddy’s Barbershop 2014; Val Langmuir, Ms. SF Leather 2013; JB Kern, Mr. Hayes Valley Leather 2011; and Doug Mezzacapo, SF Leather Sir 2004. Jason Husted served as Tallymaster and Nate “Cotton” Burris was Den Daddy. Sissy Parker the Church Lady did a masterful job as the MC for the evening. It’s always great to see a leather and kink crowd in a Castro venue and the Edge is to be commended for continuing to be a welcoming place for us. Oh, and so you know, the Edge contest crowd had a wonderful mix of younger and older kinksters. And they all got along really well. Yet another reason why I love living here.t

Sober Kink Together @ Castro Country Club Officially a CMA meeting, but open to all Anonymous 12-step Fellowship members, 4058 18th St., 9:30pm. www.castrocountryclub.org

Ride Mondays @ Eros

A motorcycle rider and leathermen night at Eros, bring your helmet, AMA card, MC club card or club colors and get $3 off entry or massage. 2051 Market St. www.erossf.com

Fri 9 Sober Kink Together @ Castro Country Club Officially a CMA meeting, but open to all Anonymous 12-step Fellowship members, 4058 18th St., 9:30pm. www.castrocountryclub.org

Read more online at www.ebar.com

December 25-31, 2014 • BAY AREA REPORTER • 33

Shooting Stars Extra

photos by Steven Underhill Bianca Del Rio O

n December 19, RuPaul’s Drag Race season six winner Bianca Del Rio took to the stage of the Castro Theatre with her comedy show Rolodex of Hate. Del Rio was joined by Peaches Christ, Pippi Lovestocking and producer Sasha Soprano. The audience also included local drag talents in high holiday glamour. For our interview with Del Rio, read last week’s BAR feature in the Arts section. Enjoy event photo albums aon BARtab’s Facebook page, www.facebook.com/lgbtsf. nightlife. See more of Steven Underhill’s photos at www.StevenUnderhill.com.

Spirited Outings

From page 31

Ruelas remarks the Vinos San Luis Potosí has notes of sugar cane and chewing gum.

Urban Outfit

A somewhat larger collection of some 80 mezcales can be found at La Urbana (661 Divisadero Street). Open about a year now, La Urbana also cultivates close relationships with mezcal producers, featuring small batch producers, including a focus on mezcales made with wild agave. Bar manager Joel Ocariz favors Tobala, made from the tobala agave that grows only in shaded high-altitude canyons, for its earthy, mineral and herbaceous notes. Coming up with cocktails that play well with the assertive flavors of mezcal requires creativity, and they draw inspiration from the flavors of Mexico. For example, their Mexican Russian is a riff on the White Russian, subbing in mezcal for vodka, orchata in lieu of milk and an Italian coffee liqueur.

Grappa-tite

Ready for a nightcap? Do as the Italians do and finish off the evening repast with a shot of grappa. What started out as a way to use the leftovers from wine production has evolved into one of the great spirits of the world, and Bar888 at Luce in the InterContinental Hotel (888 Howard Street) has by far the best selection, currently clocking in at about 100 and growing. In its purest form, grappa is a clear distillate, like vodka, but retaining some of the character from the grape pomace it’s made from. Within Europe, the name grappa is protected, and only distillates from Italy’s Veneto region can be called that (in France, for example, it is referred to as marc). The name is not

Ron Armstrong

Bar888’s fascinating suspended bar shelves, and bottles of Aquavite.

protected domestically, though, and so a few American producers have gotten in on the game, like Oregon’s Clear Creek and Germain Robin in Mendocino. Grappa’s popularity is not huge in the states, but it is growing, and Bar888 helps expand that by doing

flights to illustrate how different grape varietals shine through in the final product. “It’s interesting to see how in white versus red varietals, different flavors come through,” says Assistant Director of Food and Wine Max Pilz. “With red wine grapes,

darker fruit flavors are expressed even in the clear liquid.” Some grappa makers are aging the spirit, as with cognac, and increasingly flavoring their product with natural ingredients to add to their appeal. Bar888 uses a honeyinfused grappa to make an Italian

version of a mojito, the sweetened grappa replacing both rum and sugar in the classic recipe, and so introducing customers to the appeal of this spirit. With so many offerings in town, you should have a new year full of tasty spirits to try.t

<< On the Tab

34 • BAY AREA REPORTER • December 25-31, 2014

AB f eON TH–E nT . 1, 2015 Dec. 25, 2014 Ja

Nick Ice

Wed 31

ow do you celebrate the new year? Do you make resolutions? To drink less? To drink more? Whatever your newly found convictions, celebrate the new year safely.

Thu 25

The Monster Show @ The Edge

Acid Xmas @ F8 Local DJs Carlos Souffront, Ken Vulsion, Miquel Solari and Tyrel Williams spin grooves at this special Christmas Day dance night. 9pm-2am. 1192 Folsom St. www.facebook.com/feight1192

Cookie Dough's weekly drag show with gogo guys and hilarious fun. Special Dec. 25 Christmas night show takes on the music of Stephen Sondheim's Into the Woods. $5. 9pm2am. 4149 18th St. at Collingwood. www.edgesf.com

Beats Reality @ Trax

My So-Called Night @ Beaux

Resident DJs Jim Hopkins and Justime welcome guest DJs and play groovy tunes. Weekly, 9pm-2am. 1437 Haight St. 864-4213.

Bulge @ Powerhouse Grace Towers hosts the weekly gogotastic night of sexy dudes shakin' their bulges and getting wet in their undies for $100 prize (contest at midnight), and dance beats spun by DJ DAMnation. 10pm-2am. 1347 Folsom St. www.powerhousebar.com

Club Yass @ City Nights Frisco Robbie presents a new 18+ LGBT weekly night, with live sets by guest performers, DJ TwistMix, with a Latin room up front, gogo guys and gals. $10. 9:30-3am. 546-7938. www.sfclubs.com

Fuego @ The Watergarden, San Jose Weekly event, with Latin music, halfoff locker fees and Latin men, at the South Bay private men's bath house. $8-$39. Reg hours 24/7. 18+. 1010 The Alameda. (408) 275-1215. www.thewatergarden.com

Funny Fun @ Club 21, Oakland New weekly LGBT and straight comedy night hosted by Dan Mires. $10. 8pm. 2111 Franklin St. Oakland. (510) 2689425. www.club21oakland.com

Gym Class @ Hi Tops Enjoy cheap/free whiskey shots from jock-strapped hotties and sexy sports videos at the popular sports bar. 10pm-2am. 2247 Market St. 551-2500. www.HiTopsSF.com

Heklina hosts a new weekly '90s-themed video, dancin', drinkin' night, with VJs Jorge Terez and Becky Knox. Get down with your funky bunch, and enjoy 90-cent drinks! '90s-themed attire and costume contest. No cover. 9pm-2am. 2344 Market St. www.beauxsf.com

Nap's Karaoke @ Virgil's Sea Room Sing out loud at the weekly least judgmental karaoke in town, hosted by the former owner of the bar. No cover. 9pm. 3152 Mission St. 8292233. www.virgilssf.com

Nightlife @ California Academy of Sciences Themed event nights at the fascinating nature museum, with DJed dancing, cocktails, fish, frogs, food and fun. $10-$12. 6pm-10pm, 55 Music Concourse Drive, Golden Gate Park. 379-8000. www.calacademy.org

Pan Dulce @ The Cafe Amazingly hot Papi gogo guys, cheap drinks and fun DJed dance music. Free before 10pm. $5 til 2am. 2369 Market St. www.clubpapi.com www.cafesf.com

Pussy Party @ Beaux Women's happy hour, with all-women music and live performances, 2 for 1 drinks, and no cover. 5pm-9am. 2344 Market St. www.beauxsf.com

Rock Fag @ Hole in the Wall Enjoy hard rock and punk music from DJ Don Baird at the wonderfully divey SoMa bar. 12pm-2am. 1369 Folsom St. 431-4695. www.hitws.com

DJed tunes, gogo hotties, drag shows, drink specials, all at Oakland's premiere Latin nightclub and weekly cowboy night. $10-$15. Dancing 9pm-4am. 2111 Franklin St. (510) 268-9425. www.club21oakland.com

Holiday Party @ SF Eagle

Club Rimshot @ Club BNB, Oakland

Hip Hop, Top 40, and sexy Latin music; gogo dancers, appetizers, and special guest DJs. No cover before 11pm and just $5 after all night. Dancing 9pm-3am. Happy hour 4pm8:30pm 2111 Franklin St. (510) 2689425. www.club21oakland.com

Fri 26

The peppy Pound Puppy peeps present a Christmas weekend canine fun night, with DJs Taco Tuesday, Chipmint, guests Michael Serafini, Jackie House, Tyrel Williams, and hosts Blake and Jorge. 10pm-1am. 1192 Folsom St. at 8th. www. facebook.com/feight1192

Beer Bust @ SF Mix The popular Castro bar hosts its weekly softball team beer bust fundraiser. 3pm-7pm. 4086 18th St. 431-8616. www.sfmixbar.com

Big Top @ Beaux Joshua J.'s homo disco circus night returns, now weekly, with guest DJs and performers, hotty gogo guys and drink specials. 9pm-2am. 2344 Market St. www.BeauxSF.com

Brunch @ Hi Tops Enjoy crunchy sandwiches and mimosas, among other menu items, at the popular sports bar. 2247 Market St. 551-2500. www.HiTopsSF.com

Friday Night @ de Young Museum Nightlife events at the museum take on different themes. Free/reduced admission. 6pm-8:45pm. 50 Hagiwara Tea Garden Drive. www.deyoung.famsf.org

Happy Friday @ Midnight Sun The popular video bar ends each work week with gogo guys (starting at 9pm) and drink specials. Check out the new expanded front lounge, with a window view. 4067 18th St. 8614186. www.midnightsunsf.com

Latin Explosion @ Club 21, Oakland The festive gogo-filled dance night; no cover before 10pm. ($10) 9pm-4am. 2111 Franklin St., Oakland. (510) 2689425. www.club21oakland.com

Manimal @ Beaux Gogo-tastic dance night starts off your weekend. 9pm-2am. 2344 Market St. www.beauxsf.com

Some Thing @ The Stud Mica Sigourney and pals' weekly offbeat drag performance night. 10pm2am. 399 9th St. www.studsf.com

X @ The Fillmore Exene Cervenka, Jon Doe and the band return for a night of hard rock. The Blasters open. $45. 9pm. Also Dec. 27. 1805 Geary Blvd. www. livenation.com www.thefillmore.com

Sat 27

unwrap

THIS

pack

Bootie SF @ DNA Lounge Celebrate eleven years of the weekly mash-up dance night, with resident DJs Adrian & Mysterious D. No matter the theme, a mixed fun good time's assured. $8-$15. 9pm3am. 21+. 375 11th St. at Harrison. www.BootieSF.com www.DNAlounge.com

EDGE brings you all the LGBT News, Hot Photos and Entertainment you could wi

edgeonethen

Beer Bust @ Hole in the Wall Saloon

The classic leather bar's most popular Sunday daytime event now also takes place on Saturdays! 3pm-6pm. 398 12th St. at Harrison. www.sf-eagle.com

Sharon McNight @ Feinstein’s

Husky @ F8

The classic leather bar's most popular Sunday daytime event in town draws the menfolk. 3pm-6pm. Now also on Saturdays! 398 12th St. at Harrison. www.sf-eagle.com

The musical comedy revue celebrates its 40th year with an ever-changing lineup of political and pop culture icons, all in gigantic wigs. Special holiday-themed shows now through the New Year. $25$160. 678 Beach Blanket Babylon Blvd (Green St.). 421-4222. www.beachblanketbabylon.com

Beer Bust @ SF Eagle

Sat 27

Get groovin' at the weekly hip hop and R&B night at their new location. $8-$15. 9pm to 4am. 2120 Broadway. www.bench-and-bar.com

Beer Bust @ SF Eagle

Beach Blanket Babylon @ Club Fugazi

Beer only $8 until you bust. 4pm-8pm. 1369 Folsom St. 431-4695. www.hitws.com

Kung Pao Kosher Comedy @ New Asia Restaurant

Suppositori Spelling, Mercedez Munro and Holotta Tymes host the weekly night with DJ Philip Grasso, gogo guys, drink specials, and drag acts. 10pm-2am. 3600 16th St. www.lookoutsf.com

Christmas Night special with guest DJs Kenneth L. Kemp and John F*cking Cartwright, plus guru DJ Bus Station John at the intimate groovy retro disco night. $4. 10pm-2am. 133 Turk St. at Taylor. www.auntcharlieslounge.com

VIP @ Club 21, Oakland

Mary Go Round @ Lookout

La Bota Loca @ Club 21, Oakland

DJ Dano spins tunes at the leather bar's holiday fete. 6pm-ish happy hour drinks all night long. 398 12th St. at Harrison. www.sf-eagle.com

Heklina and D’Arcy Drollinger open Oasis on New Year’s Eve

22nd annual Chinese food and Jewish humor night returns, with Ophira Eisenberg, Jeremy Holtz, Simon Cadel, and host Lisa Geduldig. Enjoy a sevencourse dinner show at 5pm ($65), or the 8:30pm cocktail show (veggie dim sum) $45. Also Dec. 25 & 26. 772 Pacific Ave. www.KosherComedy.com

Tubesteak Connection @ Aunt Charlie's Lounge

Sharon McNight @ Feinstein's at the Nikko The veteran cabaret singer performs her popular music and comedy show, Twisted Xmas: A Druid's View of the Holidays. $25-$40. 8pm. Also Dec. 27, 8pm. ($20 food/drink min.) Hotel Nikko, 222 Mason St. www.ticketweb.com

Telegenic @ White Horse Bar, Oakland Pop music video night (4th Saturdays). 9pm-2am. 6551 Telegraph Ave, (510) 652-3820. www.whitehorsebar.com

Sun 28 Beer Bust @ Lone Star Saloon The ursine crowd converges for beer and fun. 4pm-8pm. 1354 Harrison St. www.lonestarsf.com

Brunch Sundays @ Balancoire Weekly live music shows with various acts, along with brunch, mimosas, champagne and more, at the stylish nightclub and restaurant. 2565 Mission St. at 21st. 920-0577. www.balancoiresf.com

GlamaZone @ The Cafe Pollo del Mar's weekly drag shows takes on different themes with a comic edge. 8:30-11:30pm. 2369 Market St. www.cafesf.com

Husky @ White Horse Bar, Oakland Bear T-dance (4th Sundays), with DJs Sir Ellis and Lifeline; no cover, $10-$15 beer bust. 4pm-9pm. 6551 Telegraph Ave, (510) 652-3820. www.whitehorsebar.com

Jock @ The Lookout The weekly jock-ular fun continues, with special sports team fundraisers. 3pm-7pm. 3600 16th St. www.lookoutsf.com

On the Tab>>

Liquid Brunch @ Beaux No cover, no food, just drinks (Mimosas, Bloody Marys, etc.) and music. 2pm-9pm. 2344 Market St. www.beauxsf.com

The New Diva @ White Horse Bar, Oakland Ana Mae Coxxx and Cemora Valentino-Devine cohost the revamped fun drag show, with Scarlett Rivers, Izzy Adahl, Amelia Ross, Viconia Knightingale, Sasha Stephane and King McQueen. $5. 8pm-12am (show 9:30pm). 6551 Telegraph Ave., Oakland. www.whitehorsebar.com

Salsa Sundays @ El Rio Salsa dancing for LGBT folks and friends, with live merengue and cumbia bands; tapas and donations that support local causes. 2nd & 4th Sundays. 3pm-8pm. 3158 Mission St. 282-3325. www.elriosf.com

December 25-31, 2014 • BAY AREA REPORTER • 35

Dare 2 Bare @ Club OMG

Mon 29

New weekly underwear night includes free clothes check, no cover, and drink specials. 9pm-2am. 43 6th St. www.clubomgsf.com

Cock and Bull Mondays @ Hole in the Wall Saloon Specials on drinks made with Cock and Bull ginger ale (Jack and Cock, Russian Mule, and more). 8pmclosing. 1369 Folsom St. 431-4695. www.hitws.com

Gays Gone Wild @ Powerhouse

Drag Mondays @ The Cafe Dec. 15: Gia Gunn from RuPaul's Drag Race season 6. Mahlae Balenciaga and DJ Kidd Sysko's weekly drag and dance night, 2014's last of the year. 9pm-1am. 2369 Market St. www.cafesf.com

Epic Karaoke @ White Horse, Oakland Mondays and Tuesdays popular weekly sing-along night. No cover. 8:30pm1am. 6551 Telegraph Ave, (510) 6523820. www.whitehorsebar.com

Fri 26 Name That Beat @ Toad Hall BeBe Sweetbriar hosts a weekly musical trivia challenge and drag show. 8:30-11:30pm. 4146 18th St. at Castro. www.toadhallbar.com

No No Bingo @ Virgil's Sea Room

Piano Bar 101 @ Martuni's

Trivia Night @ Hi Tops

Sing-along night with talented locals, and charming accompanist Joe Wicht (aka Trauma Flintstone). 9pm. 4 Valencia St. at Market. www.dragatmartunis.com

Play the trivia game at the popular new sports bar. 9pm. 2247 Market St. 551-2500. www.HiTopsSF.com

Block Party @ Midnight Sun Weekly screenings of music videos, concert footage, interviews and more, of popular pop stars. 9pm-2am. 4067 18th St. 861-4186. www.midnightsunsf.com

Bombshell Betty & Her Burlesqueteers @ Elbo Room

ish for!

The weekly burlesque show of women dancers shaking their bonbons includes live music. $10. 9pm. 647 Valencia St. 552-7788. www.elbo.com

The popular twice-weekly countrywestern dance night includes linedancing, two-stepping and lessons. $5. 6:30-10:30pm. Also Thursdays 6:30pm-10:30pm (closed dec 25). 550 Barneveld Ave. at Industrial. www.sundancesaloon.org

Sunday's a Drag @ Starlight Room Donna Sachet hosts the weekly fabulous brunch and drag show. $45. 11am, show at noon; 1:30pm, show at 2:30pm. 450 Powell St. in Union Square. 395-8595. www.starlightroomsf.com

Unicorn @ Powerhouse The monthly art party this time includes a live drag show with Phatima Rude, Laundra Tyme, Quinton Monroe, Jillian Gnarling; DJ Dutchboy Del Lee; art by Grace Towers, Diego Gomez, Uel Renteria and others. $5. 6pm-10pm (drag show 8:30pm). 1347 Folsom St. www.powerhousebar.com

Weekly dance lessons and live music at the pub-restaurant, hosted by John Slaymaker. $5. 7pm. 3101 Shattuck Ave., Berkeley. www.thestarryplough.com

Karaoke @ The Lookout Paul K hosts the amateur singing night. 8pm-2am. 3600 16th St. at Market. www.lookoutsf.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

Monday Musicals @ The Edge The casts of local and visiting musicals often pop in to perform at the popular Castro bar's musical theatre night. 7pm-2am. 2 for 1 cocktail, 5pmclosing. 18th St. at Collingwood. www.edgesf.com

Wed 31 Bearracuda @ Beatbox Celebrate New Year's Eve with the manly menfolk; DJs John LePage and James Torres. $20-$25. 9pm-4am. 314 11th St. www.bearracuda.com www.beatboxsf.com

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. www.studsf.com

Honey Soundsystem and Sunset Soundsystem's fifth annual New Year's Eve dance music event, with DJ Lee Douglas and Honey/Sunset crew, plus a huge LED sculpture, and the BAAAHS crew out front. $25-$30. 9pm-4am. 2665 Mission St. www. HoneysunsetNYE.com

Joe Wicht @ R3, Guerneville The multi-talented singer-pianist hosts New Year's Eve and subsequent cabaret shows at the Russian River gay hotel's intimate nightclub, with different set lists of show tunes, and a Jan. 2 drag show as Trauma Flintstone (guests encouraged to don drag, too!). 6:30pm-close. Jan. 1-3 at 8pm. 16390 4th St., Guenreville. (707) 8698399. www.ther3hotel.com

Bondage a GoGo @ Cat Club

Bottoms Up Bingo @ Hi Tops

Meow Mix @ The Stud

Honey Sunset @ Gray Area

Juanita More!'s New Year's Eve affair features DJs Elaine Denham and Robin Malone Simmons; party favors, champagne toast. $10-$15. 9pm-2am. 456 Castro St. www.qbarsf.com

Gay Skate Night @ Church on 8 Wheels

Show off your tattoos and piercings at the weekly cruisy SoMa bar night. 10pm-2am. 1347 Folsom St. www.powerhousebar.com

Olga T and Shugga Shay's weekly queer women and men's R&B hip hop and soul night, at the club's new location. No cover. 8pm-2am. 2120 Broadway, Oakland. www.bench-and-bar.com

Booty Call @ QBar

Ronn Vigh hosts the weekly LGBT and gay-friendly comedy night. Dec. 2; Thai Rivera headlines. one-drink or menu item minimum. 9pm. 500 Castro St. at 18th. 431-HARV. www.harveyssf.com

Ink & Metal @ Powerhouse Irish Dance Night @ Starry Plough, Berkeley

Weekly women's night at the stylish intimate bar. 9pm-2am. 456 Castro St. www.QbarSF.com

The (mostly straight) kinky weekly dance night, where fetish gear is welcome; DJs Damon and Tomas Diablo play electro, goth, industrial, etc. 9:30pm-2:30am. 1190 Folsom St. www.bondagea-go-go.com

Funny Tuesdays @ Harvey's

LGBT night at the former Sacred Heart Church-turned disco roller skate party space, hosted by John D. Miles, the "Godfather of Skate." Actually, every night is gay-friendly, including Saturday's Black Rock night (Burning Man garb encouraged). Also Wed, Thu, 7pm-10pm. Sat afternoon sessions 1pm-2:30pm and 3pm5:30pm. $10. Kids 12 and under $5. Skate rentals $5. 554 Fillmore St at Fell. www.churchof8wheels.com

net.com

Weekly game night for board and electronic gamers at the warehouse multi-purpose nightclub. 21+. 6pm12am. 1425 Folsom St. www.showdownesports.com

Switch @ Q Bar

Tue 30

All Year long!

Showdown @ Folsom Foundry

Mica Sigourney and Tom Temprano cohost the wacky weekly game night at the cool Mission bar. 8pm. 3152 Mission St. www.virgilssf.com

Strip down to your skivvies at popular men's night. 9pm-2am. 440 Castro St. 621-8732. www.the440.com

kage

Good Times @ Bench and Bar, Oakland

X @ The Fillmore

Underwear Night @ 440

Sundance Saloon @ Space 550

Slutty New Year's Eve party, with DJs Juan and Adam Kraft, gogo guys, tequila shots, champagne toast at midnight. $10. 9pm-2am. 1347 Folsom St. www.powerhousebar.com

Play board games and win offbeat prizes at the popular sports bar. 9pm. 2247 Market St. 551-2500. www.HiTopsSF.com

Tue/Wed 30/31 Ryan Rose @ Nob Hill Theatre

John Lloyd Young @ Feinstein's at the Nikko

DJ Kidd Sysko spins tunes for the bro-tastic midweek night, with $2 beer pitchers, beer pong, $1 shots served by undie-clad guys. It's like a frat house without the closet cases. 8:30-10pm. 2344 Market St. www.beauxsf.com

Tony Award winning singer-actor (Jersey Boys) helps you ring in the new year with some classic songs from past years. $65-$80. 7:30pm and 10:30pm. ($20 food/drink min.) Hotel Nikko, 222 Mason St. (866) 663-1063. www.johnlloydyoung.com www.ticketweb.com

Comedy Fiesta @ Brava Theater

Miss Kitty's Trivia Night @ Wild Side West

Bromance @ Beaux

Marga Gomez' annual comedy show features Diane Amos and Betsy Salkind, host Betty Pazmiño, DJ Page Hodel, champagne, no-host bar, party hats and treats. $35-$50. 9pm-1am. 2781 24th St. www.brava.org

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

See page 36 >>

Piano Bar @ Beaux Singer extraordinaire Jason Brock hosts the weekly night, with your talented host –and even you– singing. 9pm-2am. 2344 Market St. www.beauxsf.com

Ryan Rose, JR Matthews @ Nob Hill Theatre Enjoy a special New Year's strip and sex show with the two hot porn studs. Dec 30, 8pm & 10pm. Dec. 31, 9pm & 11pm, with a dessert buffet, and a champagne toast. $25. 729 Bush St. at Powell. 397-6758. www.thenobhilltheatre.com

Wed 31 Sundance Saloon’s New Year’s Eve Dance

<< On the Tab

36 • BAY AREA REPORTER • December 25-31, 2014

Wed 31 New Year’s Eve @ Lexington Club

Wed 31 DJ Lee Douglas @ Honey Sunset

On the Tab

From page 35

New Bohemia @ The Armory Large-scale, mostly straight New Year's Eve event, with kink.com demos and tours, Elite Force, The Scumfrog, Lee Coombs, Vau de Vire Society, four stages, circus and freak acts, art cars, burlesque dancers and more. $50-$175. 8pm-4am. 1800 Mission St. www.NewBohemiaNYE.com

New Year's Dance @ Hotel Whitcomb Sundance Saloon's annual festivel dinner and two-stepping line-dancing party; hundreds of cowboys and cowgirls will be two-steppin’ and line dancin’ right up to the midnight balloon drop, and then continuing on into the new year. $25-$55. Optional dinner 6pm, lessons 8pm. dancing 9pm-12:30am. 1231 Market St. www.sundancesaloon.org

New Year's Eve @ Lexington Make a toast at your favorite selfdescribed "lezzie bar" before it closes. Champagne toasts, dance music with DJs Durt and Siobhan Aluvalot, gogo gals and wild fun. No cover! 9pm2am. 3464 19th St. www.lexingtonclub.com

Opening Night/ New Year's Eve @ Oasis Heklina, D'Arcy Drollinger and their coproducers present the first night of the newest drag and cabaret-themed nightclub, with almost a dozen drag acts –Sue Casa, Raya Light, Jennifer Schulze aka Gurleen, Exhibit Q/ Rory Davis and Michael Phillis, Travis Santell Rowland aka Qween, U-Phoria Peter Griggs, Miss Rahni NothingMore and others. $30-$40. 11pm show. 298 11th St. at Folsom. www.sfoasis.com

Wrangler Wednesday @ Rainbow Cattle Company, Guerneville The Russian River bar's country music night attracts cowboys and those who like to ride 'em. 8pm-1am. 16220 Main St., Guerneville. (707) 869-0206. www.queersteer.com

Rainbow Skate @ Redwood Roller Rink

Enjoy cheap whiskey shots from jock-strapped hotties and sexy sports videos at the popular new sports bar. 10pm-2am. 2247 Market St. 551-2500. www.HiTopsSF.com

The Monster Show @ The Edge

Thu 1

Cookie Dough's weekly drag show with gogo guys. $5. 9pm-2am. 4149 18th St. at Collingwood. www.edgesf.com

Bulge @ Powerhouse

Morning Glory @ Beatbox

Grace Towers hosts the weekly gogotastic night of sexy dudes shakin' their bulges and getting wet in their undies for $100 prize (with a contest at midnight), and dance beats spun by DJ DAMnation. 10pm-2am. 1347 Folsom St. www.powerhousebar.com

Special New Year's Day after-hours dance party, with 30-minute sets from Steve Fabus, Primo, Doc Sleep, Trevor Sigler, Taco Tuesday, Carry On Disco, MJR, Jackie House and Chi Chi/Ajai Nicole. $5-$10. 4am-9am. 314 11th St. www.BeatboxSF.com

Pan Dulce @ The Cafe Enjoy amazingly hot Papi gogo guys, cheap drinks and fun DJed dance music. Free before 10pm. $5 til 2am. 2369 Market St. www.clubpapi.com www.cafesf.com

Open Mic/ Comedy @ SF Eagle Kollin Holts hosts the weekly comedy and open mic talent night. 6pm-8pm. 398 12th St. www.sf-eagle.com

Gym Class @ Hi Tops

Pussy Party @ Beaux

Thu 1 Thump @ White Horse Bar

Weekly LGBT and friends skate night, with groovy disco music and themed events. $9. 8pm10:30pm. 1303 Main Street, Redwood City. www.rainbowskate. net www.facebook. com/rainbowskating/

Red Hots Burlesque @ El Rio Women's burlesque show performs each Wed & Fri. Karaoke follows. $5$10. 7pm. 3158 Mission St. 282-3325. www.elriosf.com

Rookies Night @ Nob Hill Theatre Watch newbies get nude, or compete yourself for a $200 prize. Audience picks the winner. $20. 9pm. 729 Bush St. at Powell. 397-6758. www.thenobhilltheatre.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

Trivia Night @ Harvey's BeBe Sweetbriar hosts a weekly night of trivia quizzes and fun and prizes; no cover. 8pm-1pm. 500 Castro St. 4314278. www.harveyssf.com

Way Back @ Midnight Sun Weekly screenings of vintage music videos and retro drink prices. Check out the new expanded front window lounge. 9pm-2am. 4067 18th St. 8614186. www.midnightsunsf.com

Wooden Nickel Wednesday @ 440 Buy a drink and get a wooden nickle good for another. 12pm-2am. 440 Castro St. 621-8732. www.the440.com

Women's happy hour, with all-women music and live performances, 2 for 1 drinks, and no cover. 5pm-9am. 2344 Market St. www.beauxsf.com

Thump @ White Horse, Oakland Weekly electro music night with DJ Matthew Baker and guests. 9pm-2am. 6551 Telegraph Ave, (510) 652-3820. www.whitehorsebar.com

Tubesteak Connection @ Aunt Charlie's Lounge

Funny Fun @ Club 21, Oakland

Enjoy retro disco tunes and a fun diverse crowd, each Thursday; now in its tenth year! $4. 10pm-2am. 133 Turk St. at Taylor. www.auntcharlieslounge.com

LGBT comedy night hosted by Dan Mires. $10. 8pm. 2111 Franklin St. Oakland. (510) 268-9425. www.club21oakland.com

Want your nightlife event listed? Email events@ebar.com, at least two weeks before your event. Event photos welcome.

Wed 31 Bearracuda NYE @ Beatbox

Read more online at www.ebar.com

December 25-31, 2014 • BAY AREA REPORTER • 37

Warholes Cockyboys’ epic by John F. Karr

he two hour and twenty minute Cockyboys film Boys to Adore Galore is an anthology made up of five disparate short features. I’m glad I saw it—the sex is mighty fine, although it’s constantly overlaid with arty intrusions. CockyBoys prez and chief filmmaker Jake Jaxon has taken inspiration from Andy Warhol. In the first, and longest episode (it’s well over an hour), the idea seems to be that sexuality in The Factory, Warhol’s headquarters during the 1960s, was openly expressed and consciously ignored (Warhol preferred voyeurism). So cuties Jett Black and Levi Karter share great intimacy while all around them hangers-on kibitz, costumes are fitted, haircuts are styled, flash bulbs pop, and Factory business is discussed by the management. All this in turn is interrupted by title cards, like in silent movies, bearing factoids about Warhol’s forays into porn. That they’re interesting is beside the point. The two youngsters are having steamy sex (Black’s long cock as impressive as Karter’s deep throating ability), but it’s defused by all the interruptions. Note to director Jaxon: It’s one or the other, sir, or one at a time. The reality stuff would be intriguing as preliminary scene setting. But running throughout, it sucks. The flimflam fortunately ends after 20 unsettled minutes, when four other guys drift in for various duo, trio and finally, six-way couplings. Whoopee, they’re allowed to go on uninterrupted for 34

stimulating minutes. This makes us grateful, as the other guys are sultry Max Ryder, hot and thick-dicked fellas Bravo Delta and Dillon Rossi, and young charmer Ricky Roman. The second short is only 14 minutes, but it’s effective. It’s a JO montage that Bravo Delta made to celebrate his cock—definitely an item worth celebrating. In this scene, we’re disturbed by the found footage quality of most of the clips, startling moments of polarization, and over-editing. Yet what you can see is worth seeing. I particularly

CockyBoys’ Boys to Adore Galore

Cockyboys Cockyboys

Bravo Delta shows why he earns fandom so easily.

GoGo Harder’s hat trick during his Boylesque routine—a screengrab from Boys to Adore Galore.

liked a triptych sequence, in which three images of Delta jack off side by side. Finally, he cums nice—copious and ropey. Performer Frankie V (slender and pale, hung thick) made the next short, in which he jacks off in creative positions for 15 minutes, while in a nonstop Voice-Over (VO) he pontificates on the duo meanings of selflove, as masturbation and personal acceptance. His conclusion: the former can lead you to the latter. Well, flip that, kiddo, as the latter can improve the former. The next two scenes are special. The first stars GoGo Harder, who also wrote and directed. He’s a Manhattan demi-celeb for his Boylesque performances. His appeal—and he is appealing—is not based on a big dick (although it is an attractive dick). Nor is his dancing special. It depends a lot on youth, enthusiasm and getting naked (refer back to his dick size, please). GoGo is off to Europe, and he films himself all the way. Seven weeks, six countries, eight cities and 35 shows. Quel whirlwind! I enjoyed the tours a lot. They’re lively fun, and GoGo crams much into the 14 minutes allotted. I enjoyed even more the near half hour of sex he gets as an end of trip reward. He meets up with Sam Barclay (hung and uncut) and JP Dubois (very stiff and cut), and they barrel through everything three guys can do, including a tasty chain fuck that culminates with the boys feeding their cum to each other. The movie’s finale serves up an encore for Frankie V, in what he tells us is his first partner scene. You’d never guess it, from his élan with dark-haired partner Cameron, who is also a newbie, and a foxy one, with tunnels through his ears, and cheek bones that slash his face. They’ve a pair of succulent cocks between them, and their coupling is passionate, horny. But as in earlier scenes, they’re yapping in VO throughout, testifying to their profound thoughts on sex. I thought they’d stop the chatter when Frankie’s lush cock first comes out of his briefs. That’s a moment when everything should fall silent. I mean, now we’re in the temple. But no, it’s yakkety-yak to the very end. After fierce fucking, a side by side JO may be disappointing, but at least it ends in good orgasms. So, Boys to Adore Galore is a film worth exploring. And if you aren’t disturbed by the intrusions, or can block them out, you’ll enjoy some good sex with heated youths.

Cockyboys

The cast of Boys to Adore Galore.

Cockyboys

Jett Black (on top) and Max Ryder in a hot smooch during Boys to Adore Galore.

And what, pray tell, has become of the lovely Jett Black? Before porn, he’d been a dancer with the Royal Winnipeg ballet, which disappeared him when his porn career was discovered. And since this scene was

filmed, over a year ago, he’s disappeared again. I Googled him as both Jett Black and his birth name, Jeppe Hansen, but couldn’t track him. Where, oh where can my little boy be?t

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photos by Steven Underhill Drag Queens on Ice

espite the rain, the annual Drag Queens on Ice show, held at the Safeway Holiday Ice Rink in Union square, took place. After a delay due to the torrential storm, the event was rescheduled to December 17. Other events at the rink continue through January 19. $7-$11. Skate rentals $6. Powell St. at Geary. 781-2688. www.unionsquareicerink.com. More event photo albums are on BARtab’s Facebook page, www.facebook.com/lgbtsf.nightlife. See more of Steven Underhill’s photos at www.StevenUnderhill.com.

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