January 1, 2015 Edition of the Bay Area Reporter by Bay Area Reporter

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Vol. 45 • No. 1 • January 1-7, 2015

New laws to take effect

Rick Gerharter

by Seth Hemmelgarn

MCC-SF, a longtime spiritual home for many LGBTs, will be put on the market next week.

alifornia is set to see several new LGBTrelated laws take effect in 2015. Because of bills signed into law by Governor Jerry Brown, death certificates have to reflect people’s lived Rick Gerharter gender identity, and Assembly Speaker criminal defendants Toni Atkins won’t be able to use victims’ sexual orientation or gender identity to help fight charges. Most of the new laws are expected to take effect January 1. One bill Brown signed last year was Assembly Bill 1577. Known as the Respect After Death Act, the law ensures death certificates for transgender people reflect their lived identities. The bill, authored by lesbian Assembly Speaker Toni Atkins (D-San Diego) was inspired by the death of Christopher Lee, a San Francisco artist and transgender advocate who had the wrong gender on his death certificate after his suicide in 2012. Transgender Law Center co-sponsored AB 1577, which takes effect July 1. Masen Davis, the nonprofit’s outgoing executive director, has stated it “brings us a significant step closer to making sure that all transgender people are able to live – and die – authentically in accordance with who they really are.” The LGBT lobbying group Equality California was another sponsor of the bill. Also last year, Brown signed Assembly Bill 2501, which was authored by Assemblywoman Susan Bonilla (D-Concord) and prohibits the use of the “panic defense,” where people charged with murder try to excuse their acts by claiming the victim’s sexual orientation or gender identity triggered them. EQCA co-sponsored the first-of-its-kind bill along with Attorney General Kamala Harris. “The ‘panic defense’ is a homophobic and transphobic ploy that blames the victims of horrific acts of violence for the crimes committed against them,” Rick Zbur, EQCA’s executive director, stated in a news release not long after the legislation was signed. “It has no place in California’s legal system.” Locally, the 2002 murder of transgender teen Gwen Araujo, 17, brought attention to trans panic defense tactics. Araujo reportedly engaged in anal and/or oral sex with Michael Magidson, Jose Merel, and his brother Paul Merel, who didn’t participate in the killing. Magidson and Merel claimed that the discovery of Araujo’s birth gender had threatened their sexualities and self-images. See page 10 >>

MCC-SF selling church, apartments by Seth Hemmelgarn

Freeway exit briefly closed

Rick Gerharter

ver 200 LGBT and other activists peacefully blocked the Highway 101 Octavia Boulevard exit to Market Street in San Francisco December 24 dur-

ing a queer march and rally in support of #BlackLivesMatter and against police brutality. The group then went to Castro and Market streets, where they blocked the intersection.

aced with a dilapidated building, Metropolitan Community Church of San Francisco, which for decades has been the spiritual home for many LGBTs in the Bay Area, plans to sell the 150 Eureka Street property and an adjacent four-unit apartment building in the Castro. MCC-SF plans to relocate and share space with a church in the Polk Gulch area. The Reverend Robert Shively, MCC-SF’s See page 2 >>

SF slow to enact LGBT senior report by Matthew S. Bajko

ight months after it received a detailed report on the needs of the city’s LGBT seniors, the San Francisco Board of Supervisors has yet to enact any legislation based on its recommendations. Gay Supervisors Scott Wiener (District 8) and David Campos (D9) in April had indicated that the first piece of legislation stemming from the 120-page report, titled “LGBT Aging at the Golden Gate: San Francisco Policy Issues and Recommendations,” would be introduced within the month. The first issues they decided to focus on is requiring all city departments to collect data on LGBT people, including seniors, and any service providers that work with seniors to train their staff on LGBT cultural competency. In 2013 Governor Jerry Brown vetoed a similar bill regarding LGBT data collection statewide, while a state law that requires LGBT cultural competency training for health care providers takes effect January 1. “In terms of all the recommendations, these were two very basic areas that we felt were important to address quickly,” said Wiener. “It is hard to pursue thoughtful policy without having data, so it was important to get the data going.” Yet the drafting of the San Francisco legislation has turned out to be more complicated than local lawmakers were expecting. Wiener had told the Bay Area Reporter he planned

Rick Gerharter

Supervisor Scott Wiener

to have it introduced by the end of 2014, but last week he said it would now be sometime in January. “Drafting innovative legislation is never fast,” he said. “As much as you want to get things done immediately, it takes longer than you think.” City officials did set aside a $220,000 two-year grant, at Wiener’s request, to fund programs aimed at assisting LGBT residents, particularly seniors, wishing to sign up for affordable housing wait lists. It was one of the suggestions high-

lighted in the LGBT aging report, which called on the city to provide housing search counseling for LGBT seniors. As for the delay with the legislation, it was partly due to Wiener’s office wanting to speak to as many service providers as possible to learn how “things are working on the ground,” he said, “so we are not just drafting legislation in a vacuum.” Campos did not respond to a request for comment for this story. In May he had said that his office was working with aging advocates on a “bill of rights” for LGBT seniors who are in long-term care facilities. He said he was also working on housing policy to address the needs of LGBT seniors. In August, in a memo sent to the members who served on the task force that issued the LGBT aging report, Department of Adult and Aging Services special projects manager Tom Nolan indicated that “significant progress” was underway on the ordinance for LGBT protection in long-term care facilities. Nolan, a gay man and former Project Open Hand executive director, also wrote that the Department of Human Resources had set aside funding for cultural competency training and that his department had secured funding for additional support for an ombudsman program. Ahead of the supervisors taking up the legislation, Nolan also wrote that outreach work to various city departments and local agencies was underway “in preparation for collection of LGBT demographic information and cultural competency training.”t

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2 • BAY AREA REPORTER • January 1-7, 2015

MCC-SF

From page 1

senior pastor, said the 114-year-old church building is “simply worn out. It’s beyond the maintenance stage. It’s simply falling down, and we’ve had routine inspections of it, and the engineer’s report said it’s past its useful life.” The congregation is feeling “some well-earned nostalgia about the community in the Castro,” Shively, who’s gay, said. However, he said, “The community really understands our ability to do ministry has been hampered” by the building. “It has become such a burden.” Katharine Holland, the Realtor tasked with selling the properties, said they’ll go on the market January 5 and offers will be taken January 21. The church building will be listed for about $2 million and the apartment building, at 138-140 Eureka Street, for approximately $1.5 million. The MCC-SF congregation voted December 7 to sell its buildings and move in with First Congregational Church of San Francisco, at 1300 Polk Street, after several months of discussion, Shively said. “We are looking at the first Sunday in February” as the moving date, he said. The church is considering starting its last service on Eureka Street that day and finishing the service on Polk Street.

Jane Philomen Cleland

The Reverend Robert Shively

Holland, who thinks the properties will sell quickly, noted the church’s unusually large lot size. “The standard lot in San Francisco is 25 by 100 [feet],” she said, “and this is 50 by 125.” The two-story, 5,550-squarefoot facility is also “an interesting building in that it is considered a commercial space. There are no residents in there, but it is zoned RH2,” Holland said, which means it’s zoned for “residential-house, two family.” In response to emailed questions, Gina Simi, a spokeswoman for the planning department, said because of how it’s zoned, the building could

conceivably be turned into housing. A theater wouldn’t be an option, since it’s not zoned for commercial use. Permits would be required if a new owner wanted to demolish the site. Shively said money from the buildings’ sale would be used “to continue to be the church that we have always been, to act in the community, to offer services and programs that meet the needs of the people we serve” and to “expand our vision to the whole of San Francisco.” He added, “We are looking at ways to use the money as an endowment for the future. There will be many choices we have along the way.”

Strong connections

MCC-SF has had strong connections with the community. In the 1980s, the church frequently hosted funerals for people who had died from AIDS-related complications. The congregation has also offered food for homeless people, and at one time a shelter. Holland, a lesbian who was a member of the congregation for several years, choked up during a recent interview about the sale and said, “I’m just feeling a little emotional.” Despite her attachment to the site, though, she was blunt in her assessment of the structure. “They’ve been limping along for a long time with that building,” Holland said. Several rooms in the upstairs portion of the building, which includes meeting space and offices, are unusable. “When I’m up there, I’m afraid to walk around to the full extent of the rooms,” she said. The building’s bland interiors also leave something to be desired. “Usually, when you walk into a church, people go ‘Wow,’” she said. “That’s never been the case there.” She said she looks forward to a time when people can be “comfortable and proud in their space.” Maureen Bogues, a lesbian who serves as lay co-leader of MCC-SF’s board, supports selling the building. “The building was worn out,” Bogues said. “... It’s really outlived its purpose, and we’ve loved it to death,” she added with a laugh.

Eviction potential

Of concern is the uncertainty for the residents living in the apartment building. Shively said “of course” the church is worried about the possible evictions of residents of the building, which MCC-SF bought several years ago as an investment. “We’re worried, and we care for our neighbors very much,” he said. The church considered many options related to selling one or both buildings. “We feel selling them both at the same time gives us the best opportunity for the future,” Shively said. Lawrence Chatfield, 48, a gay materials scientist and game designer, has lived in the apartment building for five and a half years. See page 10 >>

Community News>>

January 1-7, 2015 • BAY AREA REPORTER • 3

LGBT center lacks easy disabled access by David-Elijah Nahmod

gay disabled senior is pressing the San Francisco LGBT Community Center to install an electronic door opener so that he and others can independently access the building. Robby Cruz-DeCastro, 66, uses a wheelchair. DeCastro has been participating in programs at Openhouse, an agency that works with LGBT seniors, since October 2013. Openhouse maintains its offices in the LGBT Community Center at 1800 Market Street. According to Cruz-DeCastro, center Executive Director Rebecca Rolfe promised him that the building would install electronic automatic doors. Those doors have yet to be installed. Easy access to the building is critical for the disabled if they are to participate in center programs, CruzDeCastro said. Right now there is a sign outside the main entrance that instructs disabled people to call if they need assistance entering the building. “It was a surprise to me that a community center building in San Francisco in this century wouldn’t be supporting accessibility technology that has been commonly around for a couple of decades now,” Cruz-DeCastro said. “Especially at the front entrance that first greets you on arrival.” Cruz-DeCastro is a regular attendee at the Monday evening men’s group run by Openhouse. He said that he stopped going in October because he has lost so much upper body mobility. “Many people with disabilities don’t find it too welcoming to run into barriers from the moment of getting somewhere,” Cruz-DeCastro said. “We regard them as psychological as well as physical barriers, for

REFRESH YOUR SEX DRIVE! Rick Gerharter

Robby Cruz-DeCastro sits in his wheelchair at the entrance to the LGBT Community Center and the front door, which he cannot open without calling for assistance, as the sign on the door instructs.

reasons that should be apparent to anyone who doesn’t like to be unwelcome somewhere they need to be.” Cruz-DeCastro claimed that Carla Johnson of the Mayor’s Office on Disability informed him via email that her office would fund the installation of the electronic door. “The Mayor’s Office on Disability offered to help the center obtain the funds to make the entrance more accessible,” Johnson said. “The Mayor’s Office on Housing and Community Development came through and provided the money to pay for the power door operator.” Rolfe said that Cruz-DeCastro made his concerns known in July. “We worked with the Mayor’s Office on Disability to identify the potential solutions and costs associated with installation of an electric door opener,” she said. The installation would cost $16,000, according to Rolfe. Rolfe maintained the center is in compliance with Americans with

Disabilities Act requirements. Johnson, in an email to Cruz-DeCastro, Rolfe, and others that Rolfe shared with the B.A.R., also said the center is in compliance with the ADA. Johnson also said that the center “operates in a highly regulated environment” and that providing power to the doors was a “relatively small job that has some complexity built in.” She added that Rolfe has had difficulty finding a contractor in part because of all the construction going on in the city. “We are committed to ensuring that our building is as accessible as possible and to maintaining the full independence of people with a broad range of physical disabilities,” Rolfe said. Rolfe and Openhouse Executive Director Seth Kilbourn said that the situation was frustrating and that they understood Cruz-DeCastro’s concern. See page 10 >>

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Volume 45, Number 1 January 1-7, 2015 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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Blood ban revision insufficient

e ended 2014 with an announcement from the Food and Drug Administration that it would end its decades-old lifetime ban on blood donations by gay and bisexual men. But the caveat that the FDA included – that a prohibition continue on blood donations by gay and bi men who have had sex with a man in the last year – is as outdated as the ban itself. It’s also stigmatizing and not based on scientific research, as many advocates have pointed out. In short, we don’t see a significant shift in the federal government’s blood donor policy, and the LGBT and HIV/AIDS communities must continue to press for the FDA to remove the ban entirely. Gay and bi men would have to be celibate in order for them to donate, which is at odds with reality. Married men in monogamous sexual relationships wouldn’t be able to donate, not to mention single guys. And while FDA rules do prohibit some heterosexuals from donating blood, including a 12-month ban for those who have sex with prostitutes or people who inject drugs, the blanket ban on gay and bi men unless they haven’t had sex for a year is offensive, harmful, and discriminatory. The blood ban, of course, had its origins at the height of the AIDS epidemic in the 1980s. Back then, tests couldn’t quickly determine whether someone was infected with HIV and blood centers couldn’t adequately screen donations. As a result, there were incidents of people becoming infected through blood transfusions. Thankfully, medical and scientific advances over the past 30-plus years have changed the nature of both HIV and blood donations dramatically. Now, tests can determine antibodies to HIV within a couple weeks. People can get into treatment quickly,

and decrease their viral load to undetectable. Blood centers also have developed better screening tools. Unfortunately, the FDA’s recent announcement also relies on unfounded fears, generalizations, and stereotypes, as Lambda Legal Defense and Education Fund attorney Scott Schoettes said in a statement. “Merely changing the parameters of this outdated policy does not alter its underlying discriminatory nature, eliminate its negative and stigmatizing effects, nor transform it into a policy based on current scientific and medical knowledge,” he added. Schoettes, who is director of Lambda Legal’s HIV Project, said that within 45 days of exposure, currently required blood donation testing detects “all known serious blood-borne pathogens, including HIV.” Since that is the case, a deferral of more than two months – for anyone – is not necessary and does not noticeably enhance the safety of the blood supply, he explained. A better approach, as Lambda Legal suggests, is that donor deferrals be based entirely on the conduct of the potential donor and not

on sexual orientation, gender identity, or the perceived health status or risk factors of the donor’s sexual partners. “The reason is straightforward, and is a foundational principle of our prevention efforts: an adult person becomes HIV-positive – or acquires another blood-borne pathogen – only after engaging in activities that present a risk of transmission,” Schoettes said. “To base deferrals primarily on prevalence within certain communities rather than behavior could serve to disqualify other segments of the population based on race, sex, and where they reside – a very slippery slope toward more easily recognizable forms of illegal discrimination.” We know that when it comes to gays, the federal government can be squeamish. We may have the right to legally marry in 35 states (soon to be 36) and be able to receive federal benefits, but discrimination exists in the medical arena not only around blood donations, but also around organ transplants for HIVpositive people. There needs to be a more comprehensive system for monitoring blood donations, including donations that test positive for bloodborne pathogens like HIV and hepatitis C. Lambda Legal pointed to the hemovigilance system, which is the international standard. It “could inform further development of the donor questionnaire used to assess an individual’s conduct-based risk, as well as to track any new, emerging infections before they have the chance to infiltrate the blood supply,” said Schoettes. The FDA keeps saying that more research is needed. Actually, medical experts already know the routes and relative risks of transmission for bloodborne pathogens that recipients are legitimately concerned about. The blood donor system should instead focus on individual donors, and not one that still prohibits a whole group of people from donating simply based on who they are.t

Keeping the queer left in the game by Tom Temprano

s we say goodbye to 2014 the left in San Francisco has a lot to be proud of. Despite losing the most important political battle of the year, the Assembly race between David Campos and David Chiu, by less than 3,000 votes out of over 120,000 cast, our movement made aggressive advances. Campos, and his incredible campaign staff made up of many skilled queer organizers, led one of the most spirited efforts we’ve seen in over a decade. The Harvey Milk LGBT Democratic Club flexed muscle that it hasn’t had in years, leading two of its biggest political programs ever and showing that the queer left is alive, well, and only getting stronger. We showed that in a changing city we are still a force to be reckoned with and that, despite these changes, San Francisco’s moral compass still leans to the left. The coming year marks the beginning of a new era where we can take the lessons of campaigns past (and a relatively off electoral year) to lay the foundation for fresh leadership in a changing city. Those of us organizing are already moving forward with our eyes on the jam-packed 2016 ballot – a ballot which will feature supervisors races, an open state Senate race, and of course a presidential race that ensures a large turnout, which is usually a bonus for the left. We are already at work building a strong bench of candidates ready to run for office. This bench is comprised of people that mirror the diversity of our neighborhoods with queers, parents, and people of color ready to take the helm and run for everything from supervisor to school board. Look for the first wave of new candidates to emerge in the June 2016 election for the city’s official Democratic Party body, the San Francisco Democratic County Central Committee.

The DCCC sends out arguably the most important election endorsements in the city each year and in 2014 it did not endorse a single LGBT candidate aside from incumbent District 8 Supervisor Scott Wiener. That is a real problem, and one that demonstrates the need for new voices from the left and from the LGBT community. A quick look at the city’s commissions, committees, and task forces shows a number of promising members of San Tom Temprano Francisco’s LGBT left, a number that you can expect to grow in the coming year as new opportunities open. Serving on these panels is an important introductory experience into city government and helps develop the skills and connections necessary to run for higher office. As part of our ongoing efforts to ensure LGBT voices are leaders amongst the city’s left, the Milk club has been working diligently to support the efforts of our members to serve the public on bodies ranging from the Entertainment Commission to the Sunshine Ordinance Task Force to the Geary Bus Rapid Transit Citizens Advisory Committee. The club’s incoming executive board, led by a slew of energetic and passionate organizers, is full of future commissioners and potential candidates. Despite a strong effort from the Campos campaign to reach out to the ever-increasing number of absentee voters – and winning 57 percent of the vote on Election Day – 2014 underscored the need to be even more aggressive as we grow our vote-by-mail base. Super-

visor Campos is already at work on a groundbreaking solution – having the Department of Elections send every registered voter an absentee ballot. The ultimate goal in any election is to have as many people as possible vote so, since people who vote by mail have far higher turnout, why not send everyone a ballot? In addition to policy fixes, the left is already beginning the work of organizing renters, LGBT people, and members of the Latino and Rick Gerharter African-American communities to form a formidable and dependable absentee voter bloc. With a demonstrated track record of success on Election Day and a growing absentee program, we will be poised to overcome the avalanche of billionaire cash that San Francisco’s own Koch Brothers, Ron Conway and Reid Hoffman, have used to buy victories in the past couple cycles. Having spent the past four years as a member of the Milk club’s board, serving as president and co-president for the past two, I am proud of the work we have done to grow our membership, increase our presence in City Hall, and significantly impact elections. We have worked hard to recruit an effective and diverse group of leaders who have revamped the club and restored it to the pillar of San Francisco’s left that it ought to be. As we usher in a new era in San Francisco politics, you can look to the Milk club for aggressive voter recruitment, envelope-pushing policies and the elected leaders of tomorrow.t Tom Temprano is the outgoing co-president of the Harvey Milk LGBT Democratic Club. For more information, visit www. milkclub.org.

Politics>>

January 1-7, 2015 • BAY AREA REPORTER • 5

LGBTs make wagers on 2015 political developments by Matthew S. Bajko

t is never easy predicting what will happen in politics. Most voters stay tuned out until shortly before Election Day, with ever growing numbers not even bothering to cast ballots. Polls can present false impressions of where a race is headed. The news media increasingly ignores issues-based reporting to focus merely on the horse race aspects of campaigns and who has raised the most money. Meanwhile, most local and down ticket state races receive scant coverage these days. Nonetheless, the Political Notebook continues to ask LGBT politicos to make their best guesses about what the next 12 months holds in store at city halls, the state Capitol, and on the national political stage. This year marks the 10th anniversary of this New Year’s tradition. But before plunging into the 2015 predictions, here is a look back at some of the prognostications made about last year. First up, some of the way-off-base guesses. Nationally, Congress failed to pass an immigration reform bill; Democrats did not hold on to the Senate; and gay Republican Carl DeMaio did not make history by winning a House seat in San Diego. In California gay San Francisco Supervisor David Campos failed to win an Assembly seat; a repeal effort of a bill protecting transgender school children failed to make the ballot (though a few people correctly predicted this one); and no well-known progressive ran against moderate gay Supervisor Scott Wiener for his District 8 seat. As for a sampling of what became true: Congressman Mike Honda (D-Campbell) won re-election; Betty Yee defeated her opponents, including gay former Assembly speaker John A. Perez (D-Los Angeles) to become the new state controller; and Governor Jerry Brown sailed to a historic fourth term. Check back to this column come 2016 to test the veracity of this year’s group of soothsayers.

2015 predictions

The end of 2014 has awakened a long slumbering uprising that’s been in the making since the election of Ronald Reagan. At the forefront of these efforts are young people in Hong Kong; Palestine; Mexico; and Ferguson, Missouri, to name a few. Even though we’ve been accused of being the most apathetic generation, millennials will passionately challenge systemically problematic legislation and policies. Nationally, more progressive legislation will be introduced under the State Innovation Exchange in a challenge to the American Legislation Exchange Council, which is primarily responsible for drafting such legislation as SB 1070, the controversial Arizona anti-immigration bill, and other conservative laws. Same-sex marriage will finally become legal everywhere in the United States, which might create more Republican gay men, who will abandon other LGBT issues that affect LGBT folks of color, transgender people, young LGBT folks, and/or LGBT immigrants, because white, gay men will have one of the last forms of privileges that they need to live equal lives. On the topic of racial issues, the end of 2014 has begun the second

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wave of the civil rights movement. It will start small, with a temporary fix to the police brutality epidemic that our nation faces; the most progressive cities with racial issues, such as Berkeley, San Francisco, New York City, and Los Angeles, will start to turn to their respective police commissions and go through each page of their respective police general orders, the police code of conduct and manual, to find that it is flawed and indoctrinates police officers in racial bias. In San Francisco, I predict changes to the police code that goes over community policing. 2015 will be a polarized year, an uncomfortable year, and a revolutionary year. Change hurts, but complacency kills. Angel VanStark California State Director for the Campaign for a Presidential Youth Council

2015 will be the year of strange bedfellows. Big Tech’s meddling in local politics has redrawn the lines in the sand forcing former enemies to form new alliances. Expect more interesting teams like Campos and Supervisor Mark Farrell (D2); and housings activists and the San Francisco Apartment Association. The Harvey Milk LGBT Democratic Club, which 10 years ago had a dwindling membership made up of the city’s crankiest activists, has grown under the leadership of Tom Temprano into a young, savvy, and strangely hip power player. It’s only going to get stronger under new CoPresidents Laura Thomas and Peter Gallotta. Expect them to continue flexing their new fundraising and field game muscles against their arch-nemesis, and sometimes frenemy, the Alice B Toklas LGBT Democratic Club. The terms progressive and moderate will stop mattering in 2015; the new teams will be who’s bought and who’s not. As the city’s very own Koch Brothers, Ron Conway and Reid Hoffman, become household names, it’s going to be a lot harder for politicians to pretend that votes aren’t being bought and sold in City Hall. The city’s Left has retreated to the San Francisco equivalent of the Ewok Planet where they will make plans to take down the Evil Empire in 2016. Open supervisor seats and a presidential election will result in a new class of left freshmen supervisors who will stand up to tech money and make development deals that are good for the people of San Francisco rather than just their own careers. 2015 will begin the rise of the moms. San Franciscans will realize that to keep families in San Francisco we have to actually elect representatives that know what it’s like to take care of kids, have a career, and navigate our byzantine school and transportation systems during a housing crisis. Moms will throw their hats in the ring in record numbers and will start what will be a national revolution in equal pay, universal child care, real maternity leave and health care. Nate Albee Aide to San Francisco Supervisor David Campos

Senator Barbara Boxer (D-California) will announce by March that she is not running for re-election in 2016. Lieutenant Governor Gavin Newsom announces his bid and so does newly elected and super ambitious Secretary of State Alex Padilla. Attorney General Kamala Harris will wait for the open governorship in 2018. New Oakland Mayor Libby Schaaf has a rough start with continued protests against police shootings and the announced plan the Oakland Raiders to move back to Los Angeles. Golden State Warriors make the Western Conference Finals but lose again to the old school San Antonio Spurs. Hayward’s Latino community is bracing for three strong candidates for city council in 2016: incumbent Francisco Zermeno, appointed council member Eliza Marques, and former City Councilman Mark Salinas. State Assembly freshman class stars: Assemblymen David Chiu (D-San Francisco) and openly gay Evan Low (D-Campbell). Newly elected Senate Pro Tem Kevin De León (D-Los Angeles) is replaced by former Assembly speaker and newly elected Senator Bob Hertzberg after scandals and mistakes keep coming after his presidential level swearing-in. Presidential race: Hillary Clinton announces and only faces token Democratic opposition to her party’s nomination. Mayor Ed Lee will face strong opposition in November; 50 percent chance that Senator Mark Leno changes his mind and runs. Kevin Dowling Former Hayward city councilman No one runs against Mayor Lee unless he’s caught with a dead body or a live man. Actually, getting caught with a live man would probably get him even more votes.

The U.S. Supreme Court will open the year by agreeing to take up a series of lower court appeals on the issue of same-sex marriage. In a historic 5-4 decision written by Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg, the court rules that the freedom to marry the person you love is protected by the Equal Protection Clause of the 14th Amendment. Justice Antonin Scalia argues in his dissent that the court should not intervene in state domestic relations laws and says the right to define marriage should rest with the states. Outside of the court’s ruling, the federal government will be a major downer for the LGBT movement this year. Look for Republican leadSee page 7 >>

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<< Travel

6 • BAY AREA REPORTER • January 1-7, 2015

Women discover another side of Europe with French Escapade by Heather Cassell

ombining her wanderlust and love of France, Jacqueline “Jackie” Grandchamps launched French Escapade 10 years ago so that she could help women discover new places. A decade later, Grandchamps hasn’t tired of sharing Europe with guests and she’s made friends who have returned trip after trip. “I’m pleased because I feel like I’ve helped a lot of people achieve their goals of discovering a new country,” said Grandchamps, a 47-year-old lesbian who is owner and tour director of French Escapade. “The last 10 years have been very rewarding for me.” Grandchamps, who is a native of Belgium, has been taking women on tours of that country, France, and Spain. During weeklong tours at different locations, women get to

explore culture, art, and cooking as well as connect with locals. There are about 15 different trips that are available. “It’s been very rewarding,” said Grandchamps, whose motto for French Escapade is “Don’t be a tourist. Be our guest.” Grandchamps typically splits her time between the Bay Area and France, spending spring and fall in Europe and the rest of the time in the Bay Area, she said. When she isn’t in Europe Grandchamps takes guests on daytrips around San Francisco, Napa, and Monterey and Carmel-by-the-Sea.

Following wanderlust

Grandchamps earned her Ph.D. in molecular biology and was a cancer researcher at Stanford University from 1995 until she decided to chase her love for travel in 2003. A year later she

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launched French Escapade with the assistance of her life partner, Valarie Sans, a professor of British and American history and literature in the RhoneAlps region of southern France. She started her company with a single tour to the French Alps, where she and Sans rented a house and brought guests that she signed up through marketing on lesbian listserves and at house parties. Not wanting to limit herself when she first started out she opted to offer trips to gay and straight women. It worked, sexual orientation didn’t seem to matter and the women enjoy each other’s company, she said. “Women feel safer to travel with just other women and the tour guide, which is me,” said Grandchamps, pointing out that traveling with women – gay or straight – is a different experience than traveling with men or straight couples. “I mean, women laugh much more at the dinner table when there are no men. Men don’t laugh about the same thing or talk about the same thing, so just being with women is another plus that people really like,” she added. Grandchamps took guests out during the day and Sans cooked meals at night after she left the university. They did that for three years until they outgrew the guesthouse and people began to ask about trips to other locations with Grandchamps. She branched out by planning a cultural trip to Belgium. The suggestions for destinations and types of tours continued to come and she responded by developing a new tour every two years, she said. Sans continues to teach, rarely participating on the tours beyond helping out in the background, said Grandchamps, who has learned not only flexibility and patience as a tour leader, but also more about Europe. Not every tour has been successful,

Courtesy French Escapade

French Escapade guests paint while in Provence, France.

said Grandchamps. She attempted to offer golf and writing tours, but France isn’t known for its golf and writers don’t necessarily need to go to France to write, they can write anywhere, she said. So, she dropped those tours. Whatever she’s doing it’s working. She’s gained fans for her style of tours, and oftentimes her regular guests book trips even before they are announced, she said. Grandchamps estimates that she has between 30 and 40 percent return rate for her trips. Tours cost from $3,000 to $4,000 per person depending on the trip and if it’s a solo traveler or couple (some trips are women-only, while others are mostly women), not including airfare, trains, some lunches and dinners, and gratuities. Supplemental costs range from $350 to $550. “I had actually lesbian[s] who came on the cultural trip, on every single one, and actually those women are waiting for me,” she said. “They want me to organize new trips and they are already waiting for the next destination and usually it doesn’t matter what destination they know that they are going to come back.” Today, women from all over the world find French Escapade online and through a few targeted ads on women’s travel websites, said

Grandchamps, who has entertained guests from North America, Australia, the United Kingdom, and Japan.

A unique experience

The painting trips are her most popular. Aspiring women artists get to take in the landscapes and scenery and paint where the masters of French impressionism once did with the help of an art instructor. Similarly, women with a love for cooking who want to experience learning the art of French cuisine spend a week of private lessons under the instruction of a chef from a “one star Michelin restaurant,” getting to know the unique ingredients and flavors of the various regions of France. Guests have also learned about the flavors of Spain, with one of her newest cooking tours in 2014. She’s considering following up the painting trips with cultural trips to the French Riviera and Amsterdam in 2016, she said. The tours are unique not only because of the themes, which are carefully executed with care and perfection, but Grandchamps also sticks to taking groups of no larger than 12 to popular destinations, where she blends traditional tourist experiences See page 8 >>

t <<

Politics>>

January 1-7, 2015 • BAY AREA REPORTER • 7

Political Notebook

From page 5

ership on the Hill to dig in their heels on federal immigration reform and employment discrimination measures that would protect and strengthen LGBT families. The state Senate race to replace newly elected Congressman Mark DeSaulnier (D-Concord) in District 7 will largely be defined by the primary showdown between former Assembly colleagues Joan Buchanan and Susan Bonilla. Both women have been strong leaders in the East Bay, but I predict Bonilla will narrowly take the primary and then win the seat. While many have speculated that a number of big names will jump into the race for San Francisco mayor, I predict that it will be little more than chatter in the end. With almost no opposition, look for Mayor Lee to win reelection handily in a dud of a race. The affordability of housing has suffered in the wake of redevelopment’s dissolution and the court decision in Los Angeles v. Palmer. In the meantime, landlords and property owners are capitalizing on the highpriced rental market that emerged from the foreclosure crisis. Many tenants living just above the poverty line now spend 50 percent or more of their income on rent. Anything more than a minor dip in the economy or job market could spell disaster for thousands of Bay Area families locked into pricey leases. In 2014, the California Association of Realtors came out in force against SB 391, the California Homes and Jobs Act, which would have created a permanent funding source for affordable housing development. Look for Assembly leadership to return to the table with the hope of creating a permanent funding source for affordable housing again in 2015 – and for the real estate industry to fight once again to maintain the untenable status quo. John Bauters Emeryville civic leader

Courtesy John Bauters

Courtesy Jamie Whitaker

John Bauters

Jamie Whitaker

I predict Mayor Lee’s District 3 supervisor appointee in January will have a resume that includes experience working for the Chinatown Community Development Center and a blessing from Rose Pak. If the appointee is Planning Commission President Cindy Wu, she fills a huge knowledge gap on the board about the community health impacts of bad land use planning. I believe Supervisor Scott Wiener will become Board of Supervisors president in 2015 because he is the most expert horse trader thanks to years of experience actively participating in the San Francisco Democratic County Central Committee. That is a compliment. The November 2015 election will be a cakewalk for San Francisco incumbents except Sheriff Ross Mirkarimi. I believe the sheriff will eke out a re-election victory because San Franciscans see the good in everyone and are increasingly disgusted by the tactics of technology venture capitalists’ political action committees and advertorial lynchings of our public servants’ reputations. Affordability and transportation (pedestrian safety in particular) will be the city’s big focus in 2015. While the flow of venture capital money needs to significantly slow down before rents decline, a re-

calibration of the Central SoMa Plan to emphasize housing rather than its current focus of more office space would help with affordability. While a second BART tube is just a fantasy, San Francisco and Alameda counties should work on getting a dedicated bus lane on both decks of the Bay Bridge to encourage transit use by commuters. Instead of waiting for the San Francisco Police Department to earnestly enforce traffic laws, I predict Supervisor Jane Kim will write legislation to make greater use of computerized traffic sensors for enforcement. Jamie Whitaker South Beach, Rincon, Mission Bay Neighborhood Association board member Look for Mayor Lee to re-dial his political persona this year (for at least the election season). His mooning over the tech industries with regular weekly lunches at their offices, his avid pursuit of things like the Olympics and high profile costly events, and his foreign trips bankrolled by lobbyists and those seeking City Hall approvals will increasingly be contrasted with complaints that he has failed to tend to some basic needs (anyone remember the Housing Authority elevators in a senior/disabledT:9.75” building not due See page 8 >>

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<< Politics

8 • BAY AREA REPORTER • January 1-7, 2015

Political Notebook

From page 7

to be repaired until next October? Or the ambulance shortage due to his budget priorities while reducing taxes on the tech industry?). But local politics tends to be personal more than ideological, and Lee will continue to be haunted by his appointees who would be fired in any other administration (Mel Murphy at the Port; Larry Mazzola at the Airport; Wendy Paskin Jordan at Retirement). He will get smooth seas from city labor unions, most of which will be renegotiat-

ing their contracts during the key months of the mayoral campaign. But Lee may well lack coattails to see his pick for District 3 supervisor elected against a challenger, and that would impact any second term. Expect gay former state Assemblyman Tom Ammiano to continue to keep open the option of running for Leno’s state Senate seat. The Castro neighborhood may well drop its high ranking for voter turnout as the neighborhood feels the impact of hundreds of highend condos, and the once prolific individual small businesses will struggle to hold their own against

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chain stores (the old Obelisk versus Pottery Barn, Now Voyager travel agency versus online reservations, and the Patio still won’t get its act together). Halloween will disappear entirely from community consciousness. Larry Bush 2013-2014 SF Civil Grand Jury member As I look into my crystal ball for 2015 I predict that relationships between citizens and police will continue to be tense until: 1. We stop the militarization of the police; and 2. The U.S. citizenry recognizes the depth and breadth of racism in the country and the pain it has caused. I also predict things will continue to escalate causing more and more human damage. On a national level I see no chance for full equality with the passage of the Employment Non-Discrimination Act. But I do see marriage equality continuing to spread across state lines. Florida next baby!

French Escapade

Courtesy Gloria Nieto

Gloria Nieto

The LGBT community will stretch our hands across the Florida Keys and find friendship and common cause with our hermanos y hermanas en Cuba. There will be more friendship trips to expand our world community and hear the truths from those living in Cuba. Russian queers will continue to fight the incredible fight for equal-

ity against the monstrous Putin regime. Queers will continue to be heard as #blacklivesmatter, #berobin, climate change and other issues requiring compassion and commitment move forward in a world that still needs us to be active and visible. Last but not least, I think more people will join the ranks of ukulele players like myself and bring joy to others and ourselves four strings at a time.t Gloria Nieto Longtime LGBT activist Santa Cruz resident 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.

and have developed new friendships. Laurie Drabble and her partner of 11 years, Chase Pearce, who are looking forward to their fifth adventure with French Escapade and have become friends with Grandchamps, agreed. “She always has much more sort of intimate opportunities to go on little small adventures that you would never be able to do on your own,” said Drabble, 58. “The fact that she does all of that research does create kind of an ideal experience.” Pearce, 62, agreed, reminiscing about their 2013 trip to Barcelona where they enjoyed a private meal with their group hosted by a local

gentleman who brought in a jazz band for entertainment. The women traveled with another couple they met through French Escapade during that trip, they said. “It’s nice to travel with a small group of other people who are interested in traveling,” said Drabble, pointing out that the couple has recommended French Escapade to family and friends. “I think that may be some of the best travel dollars that we’ve spent.”t

Kurt Barrie

Jim Duggins

April 17, 1966 – December 15, 2014

December 21, 1933 – December 13, 2014

Kurt Barrie, a significant queer Democratic Party activist, died December 15, 2014 of AIDSrelated causes at 48. Barrie was born in Auburn, California in 1966, and escaped an abusive childhood at 15, traveling around the country and ending up in San Francisco. Though he never went to college, Barrie was a brilliant political strategist who came in to his own in developing grassroots political campaigns, often with armies of local volunteers. A charismatic, warm, and bubbly presence, Barrie was also famously handsome, quick-witted and a passionate fighter against injustice of all stripes. Once in San Francisco, Barrie quickly became involved in local politics, both as an aide to San Francisco Supervisor Harry Britt (the man appointed to fill Harvey Milk’s seat following his assassination) and as architect of one of the most important precursors to queer marriage, domestic partnership legislation. He was chief strategist for the Yes on K campaign in 1990, the first successful domestic partnership law in San Francisco and one of the first in the country, and successfully defended that legislation against repeal a year later. Barrie went on to serve in San Francisco Mayor Frank Jordan’s office as special assistant and liaison to the LGBTQ community. He helped push through one of the nation’s first needle exchange programs and was active in the Lavender Sweep that saw Carole Migden and Roberta Achtenberg elected to the Board of Supervisors, Donna Hitchens to Superior Court judge, and Tom Ammiano to the San Francisco school board, the most significant string of queer political victories in San Francisco since the initial election of Milk. A committed community activist, Barrie moved to Palm Springs, and there founded the Palm Springs Democratic Club, helping elect Ron Oden as the city’s first gay African-American mayor in 2003. He led several other activist endeavors to victory in Palm Springs, including the Save our Mountains campaign. Barrie is survived by his beloved sister, Tonie “Lizzard” Barrie, and legions of friends, including Clay Baker and his ex, Jonathan D. Katz. He died in Palm Springs. The Kurt Barrie Domestic Partnership Collection is being established at the GLBT Historical Society. If people want to donate ephemera or information about Prop S, Prop K, anything related to the early days of domestic partnership, or the Lavender Sweep, write to Kurt@queerculturalcenter. org. The collection will kick off with a conference exploring the early history of domestic partnership legislation in San Francisco.

James H. Duggins, Ph.D., 80, of Rancho Mirage, California, passed away December 13, 2014, peacefully at home of heart failure. Born in Missouri to James and Mary Duggins, he led a life notable for extraordinary achievement and significance. Mr. Duggins was a Navy journalist in the Korean War from 1951-1954, enlisting at age 17. Afterward, at age 22, he worked as a clerk in the prison population on Alcatraz Island, an account of which appears in his “The Rock and a Hard Place” in Love, Castro Street (Alyson Books, 2007). He then attended college on the GI bill, receiving a BA in English in 1960 from San Francisco State College, an MA in speech science in 1964 from San Francisco State University, and his Ph.D. in English education in 1970 from UC Berkeley. He began his professional career in the Mission district, where he taught from 19621964, then at Laney College in Oakland from 1964-1969, followed by SFSU from 19692002, from which he retired as a full professor. A resident of San Francisco for 47 years, he was a member of the GLBT Historical Society, where he initiated the “Uncles” oral history project, vital oral histories of aging gay men of the Stonewall era conducted by him and others and now accessible through the Online Archives of California. A former board member of Lambda Literary Foundation, he played a key role in the creation of one of its major programs, the annual Emerging Writers Retreat, and created and funded the James Duggins Mid-Career Novelist Award, one of the most prestigious prizes awarded annually in LGBT literature. He was among the first to demand LGBT rights within the UC system. His lifelong passions were community service, volunteerism, and equal rights, and he supported organizations at the forefront of the struggle, in particular San Francisco’s Horizons Foundation and the National Center for Lesbian Rights, as well as the aforementioned Lambda Literary Foundation. He volunteered at organizations especially in support of gay youth, including suicide prevention work. He was an active participant in Desert-Stonewall Democrats. A noted writer, his early work includes co-authorship of Hooked on Books (Berkley), and Teaching Reading for Human Values (Charles Merrill) as well as articles for The English Journal, The Journal of Reading, and Wilson Library Journal. He was a well-known author and critic of historical fiction, having studied the craft under James Michener. His well-received novels include The Power; Slave Stealer;

The Man Without a Conscience; and The Possession of Sarah Winchester (Smoke Tree Press). He was at work on a new novel, It’s in the Cards, which will be published posthumously. A resident of California’s Coachella Valley since 2002, he was a member of National Teachers of English, International Reading Association, California Teachers of English, the California Reading Association, the original Palm Springs Writers Guild and the Authors Guild, as well as the Historical Fiction Novel Society. He spent time in the home he built in Oaxaca, Mexico, a city where he became an active part of a project to provide books to underserved youth. He was a major collector of Mexican art, from which he made donations to museums in the U.S. and Mexico, including the Palm Springs Art Museum. Mr. Duggins is predeceased by his parents and two sisters, and beloved former partners John Smiddy and Rex Spinney; and he is mourned by former partner Jonathan Greene of La Quinta and a multitude of friends in California and Oaxaca. Donations in the name of James Duggins may be made to http://www.Lambdaliterary.org.

From page 6

while diverging off the beaten path. She often incorporates dinners at locals’ homes, staying at bed and breakfasts, and allows guests to set the pace for a more “authentic” and “intimate” experience rather than being in a large group that is shuttled around from site to site on a strict schedule. “It’s very different,” she said. “It’s more intimate and more authentic than what other tour operators may offer.” Because the groups are unusually small, often by the end of the week many of the guests know each other

To learn more about French Escapade, visit http://www. frenchescapade.com.

Obituaries >>

Timothy Peter Vos December 13, 1957 – September 14, 2014 Timothy Peter Vos, 56, died unexpectedly September 14, 2014. A native of Salt Lake City, he moved to San Francisco in 1983. He commented that in SLC he could shock people, in San Francisco he could only mildly amuse them. He had a passion for life, quick wit, big heart and smile, and killer good looks. He bought a run down compound of Victorians in 1991, and transformed them into a “Tales of the City” gem. He enjoyed restoring the houses; his real joy was transforming asphalt parking to a garden paradise. An appraiser for Butterfield’s Auction and Clars Auction, he also sold antiques with his partner. An AIDS survivor for 16 years and sober for five years, he found healing at the Integral Yoga Institute, took teacher training classes and cooked in their kitchen and worked in the garden. Tim leaves behind his partner of 29 years, Lynn Wilkinson, mother Kate Vos, siblings Rick, Gloria, and JoDee, his best friend Matt, and his beloved Zeus. The yoga institute held a celebration for his life; his family had a farewell in Salt Lake; and friends gathered to celebrate in his courtyard garden. His ashes have been scattered at Harbin Hot Springs, Red Rock, and the Yuba River. Fly high, my little man. I love you.

Sports>>

January 1-7, 2015 • BAY AREA REPORTER • 9

2014 in sports: The year of the inconvenient truth by Roger Brigham

utsports.com declared that a collective Gay Athlete should be named Sports Illustrated’s Athlete of the Year, because of the way in which LGBT athletes coming out of the closet have changed the dialogue throughout sports. Truthdig. com declared, without offering documentation, that “more than 100 athletes came out in 2014.” We were delighted by the release of the first autobiography of an active out male professional team athlete, Robbie Rogers, and even more pleased that not only has his career continued to flourish, it has actually improved. Yet despite all the apparent momentum and milestones, I don’t think this is a time for elation. If anything, I think 2014 in sports was the Year of the Inconvenient Truth. And that truth is this: homophobia may not be as outspoken as it was before in sports, but it is just as prevalent. Transphobia in sports is as loud and as ignorant as ever. And neither will truly improve and disappear until the institutionalized and culturally ingrained sexism that permeates sports is eradicated. We hailed 2011 as the Gayest Year in Sports, marked by a slew of high profile athletes coming out and the launching of several organizational initiatives, from Equality Coaching Alliance to Athlete Ally, all aimed at opening up communications, raising awareness, and making life better for LGBT individuals in sports. Then we praised 2012 as the Year of Critical Mass, when other initiatives such as You Can Play and the Ben Cohen Stand Up Foundation were launched and the first ever LGBT Sports Summit was held, sponsored and financially propped up by no less than Nike Inc. The wave of progressive momentum toward a more inclusive and supportive sports world was tested in 2013 by several notable events: professional mixed martial artist Fallon Fox came out as transgender in the early stages of a promising career; free agents Jason Collins in men’s basketball and Rogers in soccer came out after lengthy noteworthy college and pro careers, their sports futures very much in the balance; and with growing concern that the Winter Olympics were about to be held in a country hell bent on stifling LGBT human rights, the international track federation showed its backbone by admonishing Swedish high jumper Emma Green Tregaro after she competed with her fingernails painted in the colors of the rainbow to show support for those rights. How’d all that turn out in 2014? Well, Collins had to wait months before being signed by a coach who knew him well, landing him in a comfortable reserve role for 22 games before retiring. So, overall a plus, although he was landing with a familiar coach. Rogers was signed right away with the Los Angeles Galaxy and they went on to win the Major League Soccer Cup. So, another plus, although those who read his autobiography had to be troubled when they realized that until he came out, he had felt so isolated and was so ignorant of the support services available to him that he was a serious suicide candidate. So, maybe not quite as joyous a cheer. And then we have Fox, who has been called a “lying, sick, sociopathic, disgusting freak” who is “still a man” by a TV fight commentator. Some opponents

have refused to fight her, claiming transgender women have inherent biological advantages, despite there not being a shred of scientific evidence to support that. In the past year, we’ve seen virtually every major sports organization adopt language supportive of the rights of individuals regardless of sexual orientation. We’ve heard pledges of support for those who come out of the closet, and in 2013 we were thinking it would be any second that a player would come out in the NFL. Well, the circus started last January, when headlines were dominated not by the gutchecking first round playoff games, but by Green Bay quarterback Aaron Rodgers taking time on his weekly radio show to deny rumors that he was gay. “I’m not gay,” Rodgers told his listeners. “I really, really like women. That’s all I can say about that.” Then Michael Sam, after being named the Southeastern Conference Defensive Player of the Year,

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Los Angeles Galaxy star Robbie Rogers

came out on the eve of the 2014 NFL draft. Originally projected as a high-round draft pick, he was not taken until the final round by the St. Louis Rams. TV analyst Tony Dungy said he would not have drafted Sam because an openly gay player would be a “distraction,” and an ESPN reSee page 10 >>

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10 • BAY AREA REPORTER • January 1-7, 2015

Jock Talk

From page 9

porter informed the nation that she believed Sam was “respecting” the space of his teammates by avoiding showering with them. The Rams cut him in what was termed “a football decision,” and he was then picked up by the Dallas Cowboys practice squad. Again he was cut, again it was called a football decision, and the man is now without a job, historically snubbed by some of the most pathetic defenses in the league. Hey, it’s just football. Or is it?

MCC-SF

From page 2

In a Facebook exchange with the Bay Area Reporter, Chatfield, who pays $1,700 a month on his rent-controlled, one-bedroom apartment, said the move to sell his building was “unexpected.” “I figured a church wouldn’t be selling the property, but then organized religion doesn’t really surprise me anymore nowadays,” he said. He’s “clearly worried about being evicted, as it happens quite frequently” in San Francisco “in an effort to increase monthly rents.” The Ellis Act, a state law that allows landlords to evict tenants in order to get out of the rental business, “does provide some protec-

LGBT center

From page 3

“The center, Openhouse, and the seniors are all in agreement that installing the door opener is the best and the right solution to make the center more accessible,” said Kilbourn. He said that he agreed with Cruz-DeCastro’s statements about why the doors were critical to the disabled. “We will continue to work with Robby and the center to eliminate any barriers that seniors and people with disabilities face in accessing the programs they need,” Kilbourn said.

New laws

From page 1

Another bill Brown signed into law is AB 496, which gay Assemblyman Rich Gordon (D-Menlo Park) authored. According to Gordon’s office, the law expands “existing cultural competency training requirements in continuing medical education curriculum to include a discussion of LGBT-specific issues.” Gordon also authored, and Brown signed into law, AB 1678, which encourages public utilities to enter into contracts with LGBTowned businesses by extending the Supplier Diversity Program administered by the California Public Util-

Well, it could be just football. We remember that in late 2013, when Miami Dolphins rookie Jonathan Martin was the subject of horrific, racist bullying by teammates, many in the game were quick to defend the behavior as part of football culture. You were weak – unmanly – if you couldn’t take it. Rah, rah, rah. But I think the issue is deeper and more widespread than that, and football just happens to be the worst of the cases. We all know that football scholarships play havoc with the attempt to have gender equity in college athletics. We know

there are a slew of men coaching women’s sports and hardly any women coaching men’s sports – not a damned one in football. We know the University of Iowa and other schools are coming under fire for applying a double standard to their women coaches and are being sued for discrimination. The international soccer federation would never put the men’s World Cup on artificial turf, but plans to do just that with the women’s World Cup in 2015. The International Olympic Committee adds gays and lesbians to its Olympic

charter – but leaves transgender individuals out in the cold. The hosts of the next two men’s World Cups invite all to come – but warns them not to be “too gay” when they do so. The NFL found itself at the center of a shit storm when it turned out it had no adequate measures in place to handle the plethora of domestic abuse cases that haunt the league. So, yeah, there have been some nice moments in 2014. It was great that Major League Baseball hired Billy Bean to be an ambassador of inclusion. It’s great that in the NBA there is now one (1) assistant coach

who’s a woman, the first in history. It’s great that a MLB umpire felt comfortable enough to come out of the closet. But sports remains plagued by sexism, homophobia, and transphobia. Their shouts and braggadocio may have turned to whispers and winks, but they remain. So once you’ve recovered from the bubbly and the fireworks, put the party favors away and get ready to work. There’s plenty to do in the next year if 2015 is to live up to the promise of the previous few years. And that’s the truth, however inconvenient.t

tion, but not enough if [money] is the new owner’s main concern,” Chatfield said. Holland didn’t know about the possibility of the residential building’s tenants being evicted. “We never know, really,” she said. Most people “just want the steady income” of a rental property, but there are people, such as developers, who are “more aggressive,” she said. “I haven’t had any discussions with anybody about it right now.” Robert Collins, deputy director at the city’s rent board, said Ellis Act evictions “do happen more often in smaller buildings.” Transforming the building so that each of the tenants owns their own unit, for example, is “easier” when the building has four units than when it has 20.

First Congregational

“Our congregation has been looking for partners in ministry to the community for a long time, and this is just something that seems to have worked out, the timing and the connection between the two congregations,” Cowell, who’s gay, said. “... We’ve just been so happy to find each other.” It’s not clear how much MCC-SF will pay the other church in rent. “We’re still hammering out the details of the agreement,” Cowell said. Shively referred a question about rent to MCC-SF Executive Pastor Irene Laudeman, who didn’t respond to an emailed question about the figure. In a brief phone interview Laudeman refused to discuss other financial matters.

Asked about MCC-SF’s budget, she said, “I’m not going to answer that. ... That is not public information.” In a recent interview with the B.A.R., Supervisor Scott Wiener, whose District 8 includes the Castro, said, “I haven’t spoken to MCC” about the prospective sales, “so would rather not comment in detail.” However, Wiener said, “We want to make sure those properties are put to good use.” He said the church building “always has been an important community gathering space. It would be a shame to lose that.”t

Rolfe said that it took time to obtain the funding, which was an additional frustration for her office. “In the meantime, we have taken steps to increase our accessibility,” she said. “Including training of our volunteers and staff, posting of notices, and leaving the doors fully open for events like the recent Senior and Disability Action Center fundraiser that we hosted at the center.” Rolfe said that the installation date had not yet been set pending approval of the bidding contractor by the Mayor’s Office of Housing and Community Development. The administrative process takes

time, she said. “Openhouse is a key part of the city and community’s overall strategy for enabling and empowering LGBTQ baby boomers entering retirement to continue living happy, healthy, secure, fulfilling lives,” Cruz-DeCastro said. “This is a significant segment of the community.” Cruz-DeCastro described his condition as “free fall deterioration.” He suffers from post-polio syndrome. “In the last year I have already lost range of motion in my arms,” he said. “In my power wheelchair I can no longer negotiate those steel and glass doors without a door opener.”t

ities Commission to LGBT business enterprises. Gay state Senator Mark Leno (D-San Francisco) co-sponsored the bill in the Senate. Under the law in existence when Leno introduced AB 1678, electrical, gas, water, and other public utilities with annual revenues of more than $25 million had to implement programs encouraging business with enterprises owned by women, disabled veterans, or designated minorities. The new law adds certified LGBT-owned enterprises. The National Gay and Lesbian Chamber of Commerce sponsored AB 1678. LGBT couples could benefit from AB 2344. The new law, authored

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Shively said the schedules for his church and First Congregational are “very compatible.” Congregations of both churches are small. Average Sunday attendance at 150 Eureka has been about 53 people in the morning and 50 in the evening, which is roughly the same as figures from a year ago. Wednesday evening prayer services attract 15 to 20 people. FCC-SF’s average Sunday attendance is about 35. The Reverend David Cowell, FCC-SF’s designated interim pastor, said in interview before the B.A.R. spoke with Shively that he and others at his church are “having a very serious discussion” with MCC-SF about sharing space.

by termed-out gay Assemblyman Tom Ammiano (D-San Francisco), will help “reduce unnecessary legal actions involving families who use assisted reproductive technologies” such as surrogacy or in vitro fertilization, according to Ammiano’s office. It primarily benefits LGBT couples who have families through assisted reproductive technologies. Finally, Brown signed AB 966, which requires the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation to develop a five-year plan to distribute condoms in all state prisons. The law is aimed at decreasing HIV transmission and other sexually transmitted infections. Assemblyman Rob Bonta (DOakland) authored the bill. Asked to comment about EQCA’s plans for the coming year, Zbur said in an emailed statement that his group is “more energized than ever.” The nonprofit’s plans for 2015 include its Fair Share for Equality program. “We will use our legislative capacity to increase the amount of government resources that are available to help address LGBT youth homelessness, bullying in schools, and the needs of LGBT seniors,” Zbur said. “A key priority for EQCA will be to assure that LGBT people are counted in our social service programs. Unless LGBT people are counted, we will not receive our fair share of government resources to address our community’s needs.” EQCA will discuss the Fair Share plan and other initiatives at a town hall Thursday, January 22 at 6:30 p.m. at Most Holy Redeemer Church in the Castro. B.A.R. news editor Cynthia Laird will moderate.t

Matthew S. Bajko contributed to this report.

Legal Notices>> FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE A-036178000

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.

DEC 11, 18, 25, 2014, JAN 01, 2015 FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE A-036192200

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.

DEC 11, 18, 25, 2014, JAN 01, 2015 FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE A-036180200

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.

DEC 11, 18, 25, 2014, JAN 01, 2015 FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE A-036182000

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.

DEC 11, 18, 25, 2014, JAN 01, 2015 FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE A-036183200

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE A-036168000

The following person(s) is/are doing business as: MUTTS LOVE, 122 JOOST AVE, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94131. This business is conducted by an individual, and is signed J. LAYNE RINGGENBERG. 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 11/20/14.

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.

DEC 11, 18, 25, 2014, JAN 01, 2015 FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE A-036189700

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.

DEC 11, 18, 25, 2014, JAN 01, 2015 FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE A-036183700

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 11, 18, 25, 2014, JAN 01, 2015 FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE A-036175000

The following person(s) is/are doing business as: COAST TO COAST PATROL DIVISION, 740 LA PLAYA #225, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94121. This business is conducted by an individual, and is signed LLOYD A. FORD SR. 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 12/03/14.

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 11, 18, 25, 2014, JAN 01, 2015

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FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE A-036206200

The following person(s) is/are doing business as: RONA CAREER AND LIFE COACH, 1425 FILLMORE ST, #609, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94115. This business is conducted by an individual, and is signed RONA DANEILO. The registrant(s) commenced to transact business under the above listed fictitious business name or names on 12/03/14. The statement was filed with the City and County of San Francisco, CA on 12/17/14.

DEC 18, 25, JAN 01, 08, 2015 FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE A-036180600

DEC 25, 2014, JAN 01, 08, 15, 2015 FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE A-036210100

DEC 18, 25, JAN 01, 08, 2015 FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE A-036200200

The following person(s) is/are doing business as: NAPA VALLEY SPICE CO, 2450 FRANCISCO ST, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94123. This business is conducted by an individual, and is signed FREDERICK DAVID HALPERT. 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 12/15/14.

DEC 18, 25, JAN 01, 08, 2015 FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE A-036164600

The following person(s) is/are doing business as: PECO JANITORIAL, 511 BIRCH ST, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94102. This business is conducted by an individual, and is signed RAMIRO VASQUEZ. The registrant(s) commenced to transact business under the above listed fictitious business name or names on 11/19/14. The statement was filed with the City and County of San Francisco, CA on 11/19/14.

DEC 18, 25, JAN 01, 08, 2015 FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE A-036195400

The following person(s) is/are doing business as: BIG DOG SAUSAGES, 300 7TH ST, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94107. This business is conducted by a general partnership, and is signed BLAGO OGNIANOV & GEORGI KRISTOV. The registrant(s) commenced to transact business under the above listed fictitious business name or names on 12/10/14. The statement was filed with the City and County of San Francisco, CA on 12/10/14.

DEC 18, 25, JAN 01, 08, 2015 FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE A-036198400

The following person(s) is/are doing business as: ICYBOTTOM SPORTS CAFE, 2275 SAN JOSE AVE, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94112. This business is conducted by a corporation, and is signed PREMIER BEANS (CA). The registrant(s) commenced to transact business under the above listed fictitious business name or names on 12/12/14. The statement was filed with the City and County of San Francisco, CA on 12/12/14.

DEC 18, 25, JAN 01, 08, 2015 FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE A-036202900

The following person(s) is/are doing business as: REAL ESTATE TIMES OF SAN FRANCISCO; SAN FRANCISCO REAL ESTATE TIMES; 696 AMADOR ST, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 941241241. This business is conducted by a corporation, and is signed SAN FRANCISCO BAY DISTRIBUTORS (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 12/16/14.

DEC 18, 25, JAN 01, 08, 2015 FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE A-036172500

The following person(s) is/are doing business as: SAN FRANCISCO COLLATERAL RECOVERY AGENCY, 1 AVENUE OF THE PALMS #10B, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94130. This business is conducted by a corporation, and is signed SAN FRANCISCO COLLATERAL RECOVERY AGENCY (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 11/24/14.

DEC 18, 25, JAN 01, 08, 2015 FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE A-036192400

The following person(s) is/are doing business as: BIOGENIC ENERGY LLC, 184 MENDELL ST, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94124. This business is conducted by a limited liability company, and is signed BIOGENIC ENERGY LLC (CA). The registrant(s) commenced to transact business under the above listed fictitious business name or names on 08/12/14. The statement was filed with the City and County of San Francisco, CA on 12/09/14.

DEC 18, 25, JAN 01, 08, 2015

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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.

The following person(s) is/are doing business as: SAMSON SOLOMON GROUPPE INTERNATIONAL; CLEANTECH SUSTAINABLE SYSTEMS AND SOLUTIONS; ANYTIME CUSTOM DESIGN; 2139 O’FARRELL ST #301, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94115-3481. This business is conducted by an individual, and is signed DONALD A. FRANKLIN. The registrant(s) commenced to transact business under the above listed fictitious business name or names on 07/01/13. The statement was filed with the City and County of San Francisco, CA on 12/01/14.

January 1-7, 2015 • BAY AREA REPORTER • 11

The following person(s) is/are doing business as: PHYSIOROBOTICS CONSULTING, 399 STEINER ST, #19, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94117. This business is conducted by an individual, and is signed ANN STERNIN. The registrant(s) commenced to transact business under the above listed fictitious business name or names on 12/12/14. The statement was filed with the City and County of San Francisco, CA on 12/19/14.

DEC 25, 2014, JAN 01, 08, 15, 2015 FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE A-036201500

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The following person(s) is/are doing business as: ALYSSA BLOCK STUDIO, 1015 PACIFIC AVE, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94133. This business is conducted by an individual, and is signed MARY ALYSSA BLOCK. 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 12/16/14.

DEC 25, 2014, JAN 01, 18, 15, 2015 FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE A-036207600

The following person(s) is/are doing business as: LEILA’S FLORAL DESIGN, 1950 15TH AVE, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94116. This business is conducted by an individual, and is signed LEILA SIMMS. The registrant(s) commenced to transact business under the above listed fictitious business name or names on 12/18/14. The statement was filed with the City and County of San Francisco, CA on 12/18/14.

DEC 25, 2014, JAN 01, 08, 15, 2015 FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE A-036194900

The following person(s) is/are doing business as: BOTANICA LOS SUENOS, 3274 23RD ST, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94110. This business is conducted by an individual, and is signed MELISSA TREJO. The registrant(s) commenced to transact business under the above listed fictitious business name or names on 12/10/14. The statement was filed with the City and County of San Francisco, CA on 12/10/14.

DEC 25, 2014, JAN 01, 08, 15, 2015 FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE A-036211000

The following person(s) is/are doing business as: ASCEND FINANCIAL SOLUTIONS, 1957 BEACH ST, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94123. This business is conducted by a corporation, and is signed CARGO CORP (CA). The registrant(s) commenced to transact business under the above listed fictitious business name or names on 12/19/14. The statement was filed with the City and County of San Francisco, CA on 12/19/14.

DEC 25, 2014, JAN 01, 08, 15, 2015 FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE A-036205400

The following person(s) is/are doing business as: INTACT QUALITATIVE RESEARCH CORP., 599 THIRD ST, #104, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94107. This business is conducted by a corporation, and is signed INTACT QUALITATIVE RESEARCH CORP (CA). The registrant(s) commenced to transact business under the above listed fictitious business name or names on 12/17/14. The statement was filed with the City and County of San Francisco, CA on 12/17/14.

DEC 25, 2014, JAN 01, 08, 15, 2015 FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE A-036193100

The following person(s) is/are doing business as: MAREEN SWIMWEAR, 2400 PACIFIC AVE, #408, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94115. This business is conducted by a limited liability company, and is signed MAREEN SWIMWEAR LLC (CA). The registrant(s) commenced to transact business under the above listed fictitious business name or names on 12/06/14. The statement was filed with the City and County of San Francisco, CA on 12/09/14.

DEC 25, 2014, JAN 01, 08, 15, 2015 FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE A-036211700

The following person(s) is/are doing business as: ITTY BITTY VITI, 820 SCOTT ST, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94117. This business is conducted by a limited liability company, and is signed ITTY BITTY VITI, 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 12/22/14.

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

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The following persons have abandoned the use of the fictitious business name known as: BOTANICA LOS SUENOS, 3274 23RD ST, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94110. This business was conducted by an individual and signed by MARIA G. PATINO. The fictitious name was filed with the City and County of San Francisco, CA on 04/30/2012.

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DEC 25, 2014, JAN 01, 08, 15, 2015 FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE A-036211300

The following person(s) is/are doing business as: CHRYSALIS DEVELOPMENT GROUP, 2838 BUSH ST, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94115. This business is conducted by an individual, and is signed SIUYIN SHALVARJIAN. The registrant(s) commenced to transact business under the above listed fictitious business name or names on 12/22/14. The statement was filed with the City and County of San Francisco, CA on 12/22/14.

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The following person(s) is/are doing business as: UNDERGROUND GRILL KINGS, 2543 NORIEGA AVE, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94122. This business is conducted by a limited liability company, and is signed OP GG 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 12/23/14.

JAN 01, 08, 15, 22, 2015 FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE A-036181500

The following person(s) is/are doing business as: INSTA VISER, 760 MARKET ST, #500, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94102. This business is conducted by a limited liability company, and is signed GOGO TRACKER, LLC (DE). 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 12/02/14.

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Vol. 45 • No. 1 • January 1-7, 2015

www.ebar.com/arts

Activist Mark Ashton (Ben Schnetzer) in a scene from the year’s best LGBT film, Pride.

by David Lamble

2014: the year’s best films

n reflection, 2014 was a fabulous year for LGBT cinema, beginning with an incredibly moving tale of UK queers battling Britain’s “Iron Lady,” Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher. See page 21 >> Courtesy BBC Films

2015

in Bay Area art museums by Sura Wood The Metropolitan Museum of Art

Shoe prototype (evening pump) (1939) by Steven Arpad. Silk satin, gold kidskin, and wood. Brooklyn Museum Costume Collection at The Metropolitan Museum of Art. Evening jacket, summer (1937) by Elsa Schiaparelli. Silk velvet embroidered with rhinestones and paillettes. Brooklyn Museum Costume Collection at The Metropolitan Museum of Art.

lthough it’s impossible to foretell the future, the following abbreviated rundown provides some clues as to what’s in store at area museums in 2015. Happy New Year! The Legion of Honor’s High Style: The Brooklyn Museum Costume Collection, opening in early spring, is, for this writer, one of the most anticipated exhibitions of the year. Utilizing the acquiescent services of 60 mannequins, it traces the changing face of fashion from 1910-80 with elegant ball gowns, upscale accessories and designs by French couturiers Dior, Lanvin and Elsa Schiaparelli. Special attention is also paid to American women designers of the 1930s and 40s, and to their male counterparts. Oh boy! (March 14-July 19) The de See page 23

The Metropolitan Museum of Art

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<< Out There

14 • BAY AREA REPORTER • January 1-7, 2015

Festive is as festive does

by Roberto Friedman

veryone make it through the holiday season okay? Out There had a merry Festivus, or Hanukmas, or Christukkah, or whatever it’s called. Despite early deadlines and breakneck production schedules, we managed to pack some festivity in. Nothing’s more festive than a holiday meal. We were lucky enough to be treated to an iconic San Francisco lunch at Bistro Boudin, the restaurant with a Bay view up on the second floor of Boudin Bakery’s Flagship (160 Jefferson St. in Fisherman’s Wharf). Executive Chef Misael Reyes has unveiled two new menus inspired by SF Sourdough in the restaurant’s Main Bar and Oyster Bar. From 11:30 a.m.-4 p.m. daily, Salvadoran tamales are $10, and house-cured pork belly sandwiches are $9. From 4-7 p.m. Mon.Fri., catch the $1 oysters, $9 calamari, $6 select cocktails, $5 wine and $3-$4 beers, including sour beers such as Bacchus Flemish Red and Duchesse De Bourgogne. Such deals! OT & Pepi began our repast with an outstanding trio of ceviche dishes, some delicious ahi tartare and a dapper pair of oysters. Then the Pep proceeded to devour his bay scallops and pork loin while OT plunged into our cioppino, the spicy lot of it washed down by some very good Roche Winery unoaked chardonnay.

Courtesy SFS

Pianist Marc-André Hamelin is part of an upcoming San Francisco Symphony program at Davies Hall.

Dessert was sourdough upside-down bread pudding and crème brulee. A double espresso got us home, but we’ll be back for more during the winter doldrums. We believe in making merry all year round.

Road movie

Congratulations to Bay Area filmmaker Jenni Olson, whose new film The Royal Road will have its world premiere in the Sundance Film Festival’s New Frontier section in Park City, Utah this month. (The Sundance festival runs from Jan. 22-Feb. 1.) Here’s the production company’s input about the film: “A feature-length cinematic

Classically queer by Gregg Shapiro

ecorded live during the Met’s 2013 season, the double-disc Two Boys (Nonesuch) is queer classical composer Nico Muhly’s collaboration with gay playwright Craig Lucas (Prelude to a Kiss, The Light in the Piazza). It’s a cautionary tale of murder and intrigue involving the Internet and the police. Set in 2001, Two Boys follows Luddite detective inspector Anne Strawson (mezzo-soprano Alice Coote) as she’s thrust into the technological realm of the 21st century investigating the stabbing of one boy (Jake,

portrayed by Christopher Bolduc and Andrew Pulver) by another, older boy (Brian, portrayed by Paul Appleby). This thoroughly modern opera, sung in English, will be accessible even to the most hesitant and inexperienced opera-listener. Nico Muhly is also present on Music for Heart and Breath (Universal Music Classics/Deutsche Grammophon), composed by Richard Reed Parry of the Grammy Award-winning Canadian band Arcade Fire. Heart and breath play a vital role in these compositions, performed by Muhly, Parry and Kronos Quartet/yMusic. Described as a

essay in defense of remembering, Jenni Olson’s The Royal Road offers up a primer on the Spanish colonization of California and the Mexican American War alongside intimate reflections on nostalgia, the pursuit of unavailable women, butch identity and Alfred Hitchcock’s Vertigo – all set against a contemplative backdrop of 16mm urban California landscapes, and featuring a voiceover cameo by Tony Kushner.” We look forward to the film’s appearance in festivals here, and possible commercial release.

Elvis lives

Recording artist Elvis Costello has been a musical chameleon for some time now, but we truly did not see this coming. From a San

“series of compositions that use involuntarily moving organs of the human body [i.e., the lungs and the heart] as performance parameters,” according to Parry, the concept is “less about performance in the traditional musical sense,” and more about translating “the quiet internal rhythms of the body” into music. Lesbian classical guitarist Sharon Isbin is feted with an eponymous

Courtesy the restaurant

The bar at Bistro Boudin, a hidden gem in Fisherman’s Wharf.

Francisco Symphony release looking ahead to the new year: “Music Director Michael Tilson Thomas (MTT) leads the San Francisco Symphony (SFS) in performances of Stravinsky’s L’Histoire du soldat (The Soldier’s Tale) with Elvis Costello as narrator, Jan. 16-18 at Davies Symphony Hall. In the first half of the program, MTT and the Orchestra perform a work written for the SFS and premiered by them in 1982, John Adams’ Grand Pianola Music, with pianists Orli Shaham and Marc-André Hamelin and vocalists Synergy Vocals. As part of the long-standing artistic and recording relationship with Adams, one of America’s most wellknown living orchestral composers, the performances will be recorded for future release on SFS Media.”

We’ll definitely be there. Meantime, now that the days are short and the nights are long, we’ve been burrowing into our record collection (kidding: it’s all digital). Consider this, from the Pixies’ Indie Cindy: “I had a bad reaction to your public hobby writings./I get no satisfaction from your very recent sightings./Like when I hear the sound of feet slapping on the runway/Like a small bird pretty while it’s crapping on the new day.” Pure poetry. Or this, from Owen Pallett’s In Conflict: “The sticks smash on the flatbed/Boys tour the town,/ Victorious in war./The sticks smash on the flatbed/Boys on the ball.” Flat-out genius. Happy baby new year 2015 to all our buds and constant readers. Now can’t we all just get along?t

five-disc box set on Warner Classics. Encompassing three of Isbin’s Teldec and two Warner Classics recordings released between 1997-2004, the five albums do a solid job of spotlighting Isbin’s outstanding fretwork and guitar skills. The albums Journey to the Amazon (joined by saxophonist Paul Winter), Dreams of a World (featuring folk-inspired guitar music by Theodorakis), Guitar Concertos (with music composed by Christopher Rouse and Tan Dun), Baroque Favorites for Guitar (with compositions by Bach and Vivaldi) and Concierto de Aranjuez (featuring the music of Rodrigo, Villa-Lobos and Ponce) are all splendid achievements, each complementing the rest. Queer organist Cameron Carpenter’s If You Could Read My Mind (Sony Classical) is his most daring album by far, and marks the debut recording of his International Touring Organ. While it’s unlikely that Carpenter will achieve the kind of crossover success that he deserves (perhaps a dance remix would do the trick), it’s not hard to admire his substantial talent. What’s especially striking is the inclusion of both original compositions (“Music for an Imaginary Film”) and his renditions of 20th-century pop tunes, including the Gordon Lightfootpenned title tune, Burt Bacharach’s “Alfie,” Leonard Cohen’s “Sisters of Mercy” and Anthony Newley and Leslie Bricusse’s “Pure Imagination.”

The limited deluxe edition includes a DVD with the doc Birth of the International Touring Organ. Beginning with 1990’s acclaimed Cole Porter tribute Red Hot + Blue, which featured a stellar assortment of queer and queer-friendly artists including Sinead O’Connor, Jimmy Somerville, Erasure, k.d. lang, Annie Lennox, U2, Debbie Harry + Iggy Pop and the late Kirsty MacColl + the Pogues singing Porter tunes, the Red Hot Organization launched a series of AIDS fundraising albums that continue to be issued to this day. Covering a variety of genres (indie, country, dance, Latin, Brazilian, African, alternative and jazz) and calling on an incredible array of talent (Antony, Sharon Jones, David Byrne, Grizzly Bear, Meshell Ndegocello with Herbie Hancock, Bebel Gilberto, Angelique Kidjo, George Michael, Natalie Merchant, Smashing Pumpkins, Patti Smith, Bob Mould, Pavement, Dolly Parton, Wilco with Syd Straw, and Future Bible Heroes), the Red Hot compilations are all in the name of a worthy cause. Red Hot + Bach (Masterworks), one of 2014’s Red Hot releases, is akin to Cameron Carpenter’s work in that in features a variety of hip artists (Chris Thile, Mia Doi Todd, and Julianna Barwick) performing the music of J.S. Bach for an audience that might not necessarily have Bach in its iTunes playlist.t

Theatre>>

January 1-7, 2015 • BAY AREA REPORTER • 15

Stage offerings in the new year by Richard Dodds

pening presents is a big part of the holiday season, but opening shows definitely is not. The hiatus always means a new year arrives with a burst of theatrical openings before settling into more regular patterns of scheduling. Here is an effort to sort through and give some order to the January deluge as 2015 begins its strut upon the stage.

All Americans

A pair of contemporary playwrights known for their individualistic visions of American society will help launch the new year on stage. Theatre Rhino fires first, with David Mamet’s The Anarchist running Jan. 2-17 at the Eureka Theatre. This recent Broadway entry focuses on a woman convicted for a radical political action that turned deadly. In her 35 years in prison, she has accepted both God and her lesbianism. She verbally duels with the prison warden, a woman with her own personal prisons, on why she deserves her freedom. Sam Shepard provided the Magic Theatre with its early voice, and the Magic gave him an early home. As part of the theater’s ongoing Sheparding America celebration, the Magic will stage A Lie of the Mind on Jan. 28-Feb. 22. Originally presented in New York in 1985, Shepard again uses a rugged Western setting for a story of two families drawn together and pulled apart by a savage act of spousal abuse perpetrated by a member of one family upon a member of a second clan.

Typically British

Britons Tom Stoppard and Noel Coward are two titans of the 20thcentury theater who found distinctive styles in capturing their homeland’s psyche. ACT provided the American debut for Stoppard’s Indian Ink in 1999, and will revisit the time- and continent-jumping play Jan 14-Feb. 8. Set both in

Robert J. Saferstein

Angela Lansbury brings her acclaimed performance as psychic Madame Aracti in Noel Coward’s Blithe Spirit to San Francisco this month.

David Wilson

Andrew Nash and Scott Cox play a married gay couple whose seaside idyll is disrupted by the arrival of a ne’er-do-well sister and her daughter in NCTC’s production of Harbor.

1930s India where an adventurous British poet may have found her soulmate in an Indian painter, and in 1980s England where longheld secrets are unraveled, the play offers a study in contrast between cultures and artistic expression. And what could help provide a brighter start to the year than knowing that Angela Lansbury will soon be in our astral plane as she arrives as the psychic Madame Arcati? Lansbury’s performance in Noel Coward’s Blithe Spirit won her rapturous notices in London and New York (and added another Tony to her mantle-busting collection). A short North American tour of the arch comedy includes a Jan. 20-Feb. 1 run at the Golden Gate Theatre.

Retransmissions

Two popular productions that blur gender lines return to inaugurate a new SoMa venue and bid farewell to an old one. Shit & Champagne will be the first stage attraction at Oasis, a new cabaret theater, bar, and nightclub that D’Arcy Drollinger and Trannyshack’s Heklina have spearheaded. Drollinger is also the star and author of S&C, a scatological “whitespoitation” satire that had a long run last year at Rebel. The revival runs Jan. 8-Feb. 14. Returning after a hiatus following multiple holdovers, Hedwig and the Angry Inch will make its absolutely last stand at the Boxcar Theatre on Jan. 14-25 before the group perma-

Lois Tema

A former political radical (Tamar Cohen, right) argues for parole with a tightly wound warden (Valina Brown) in David Mamet’s The Anarchist, which opens the year for Theatre Rhino.

nently vacates its SoMa space while in search of a new venue. Director Nick Olivero’s reimagined version of the John Cameron Mitchell-Stephen Trask musical now has multiple performers sharing the title role of a surgically and psychologically damaged rock singer who didn’t fully make an MTF transition as planned.

Visiting relatives

Plays about unexpected guests who push the traditional boundaries of family will herald the start of the year for San Francisco Playhouse and New Conservatory Theatre Center. Playwright Julie Hebert’s Tree, runSee page 22 >>

2014 at the opera & symphony by Philip Campbell

he San Francisco Opera called it a wrap recently for the 2014 fall season with a final matinee performance of the company’s charming new production of Puccini’s beloved La Boheme. It was a solid close for a year that also brought the not unexpected but still seriously thought-provoking announcement by General Director David Gockley of his retirement in July 2016. Gockley will have been at the helm for over a decade by then, and his stewardship of the SFO has benefited vastly from his many years in the arts business. He is also a time-tested, sensibly conservative impresario with a loyalty to new compositions and American composers. Remember, it was Gockley who brought the Gershwin’s Porgy and Bess to its rightful home on the opera stage back in his days as Director of Houston Grand Opera. He also brought the show to SFO, and a DVD/Blu-ray release in the company’s growing archive of highdef performances documents the latest incarnation of the uncut edition that many consider the crowning achievement of the compelling leader’s remarkable career. We still have plenty of time to assess his impact here. For now, let’s look at some highlights of what he has done for us lately. The opening of the 2014 season filled the stage of the War Memorial Opera House with a slow and stately production of Bellini’s bel canto

masterpiece Norma. It was left to the formidable cast to ignite the passion and torment of the tortured characters. For the most part they succeeded, and the SFO debut of Jamie Barton, whose Adalgisa at the Met was already well-reviewed, triumphed with her display of pure and thrilling singing. She matched beautifully with star soprano Sondra Radvanovsky in what amounted to the closest we have come in years to a golden-age pairing of divas in Norma. Hard on the heels of the beleaguered Druidic priestess, another, very different heroine appeared to struggle with her own problems with religious intolerance. Carlisle Floyd’s all-American score for his most popular opera, Susannah, hauntingly evokes the work’s rural Appalachian setting and provides a stunning showcase for a soprano with the necessary range for the title character’s grueling assignment. Well, ta-da: SFO superstar and hardest-working act in opera business, soprano Patricia Racette came, saw and continued to conquer with a performance that was predictably fierce, but also marked by her trademark poignancy. Another local favorite, tenor Brandon Jovanovich, was just right as her drunken and vulnerable brother Sam, and bass Raymond Aceto gave a remarkably sympathetic interpretation of the itinerant preacher who robs what is left of her innocence. The physical production was simple and striking, and the work of the SFO Chorus (Ian Robertson,

Terrence McCarthy

San Francisco Opera General Director David Gockley has announced his retirement in July 2016.

director) added immeasurably to a swift, moving production that amply repaid Gockley’s devotion to American opera. It was a real thrill to see the 88-year-old composer onstage for the curtain calls. The other stand-out and surprise audience hit of the season was a rollicking production of Handel’s com-

edy of romantic mores and morality, Partenope. Danielle de Niese was elegantly seductive in the title role, and she navigated Handel’s vocal pyrotechnics beautifully. International star countertenor David Daniels was also at ease with his thoughtful portrayal of one of Partenope’s numerous suitors, but another countertenor

simply stole the show away from both of them. Anthony Roth Costanzo scampered, mooned, fell upstairs during a difficult aria, sang shirtless, and even proved a credible tap dancer as the lovably dorky guy who ultimately gets the girl. Partenope may have been out of his league at the beginning, but hard work and dedication won the day, and Roth Costanzo’s hilariously endearing performance had us rooting for him all along. Another rapidly rising star, tenor Michael Fabiano, was part of a twocast extended run for the fine new La Boheme that closed out the year. His stellar Rodolfo set the seal on a new career that will have local aficionados crowing, “I saw him then” in years to come. The summer season looks promising, with a big word to the wise: single tickets for Berlioz’s epic Les Troyens (The Trojans): The Fall of Troy and The Trojans at Carthage are on sale now, and this should be the hottest ticket in town by June. Susan Graham and Sasha Cooke are only two reasons why I’m looking forward to the run with heightened anticipation. Maestro Donald Runnicles will be back in the pit, and it is also a rare opportunity to experience the majesty of an infrequently staged masterwork.

Big opportunity

Across Grove Street, the San Francisco Symphony has been moving towards the end of the first third See page 17 >>

<< TV

16 • BAY AREA REPORTER • January 1-7, 2015

Turning our backs on 2014 by Victoria A. Brownworth

appy End of 2014! We can’t remember when we were happier to see a year end. 2014 will go down as one of grotesque ugliness and incomparable violence, from police brutality to pandemic sexual assaults of women (including lesbians and trans women) to climate-change disasters. And that was just in the U.S. Abroad it was far worse, especially for our people. We began 2014 with the Russian government’s assaults on LGBT people and Vladimir Putin’s declaration that gays should stay home for the Olympics. In an exclusive interview with ABC news director George Stephanopoulos for GMA and This Week, Putin said, “We don’t have a ban on nontraditional sexual relations. We have a ban on promoting homosexuality and pedophilia among minors.” Continuing to spread the lie that all gay people are pedophiles, Putin added, “Leave the children in peace.” In Jan. and Feb. 2014, more laws were passed in several African nations making just being lesbian or gay a crime against the state, punishable by imprisonment and even death. Families were encouraged to turn in their lesbian and gay family members or risk arrest themselves. In 2014, it was illegal to be lesbian or gay in 38 African nations, and punishable by death in seven. This news was so egregious, it was actually on TV on every network – in part, we believe, because Pres. Obama spoke out on the issue. What did not make the TV news was that gay men were being killed in the streets, set upon by mobs, one man burned alive in Nigeria, in response to the new laws. Except for BBC and Al-Jazeera, mainstream TV news also neglected to report Iran executing gay men throughout 2014 for the crime of “perversion,” even though their former president, Mahmoud Ahmadinejad, famously declared there were no gays or lesbians in Iran. Execution seems to be the way Iran keeps up the facade that no gays live there. TV networks in the U.S. should report it. In Gaza, gay men were hounded out of the country into gay-friendly Israel, a disturbing reality that was reported by CNN and BBC, but like most international gay news, has received no attention from mainstream U.S. media. Lesbians were “correctively raped” and murdered at a phenomenal rate in South Africa and Jamaica, but again, while international news media reported these crimes, U.S. TV news did not. There was also no mainstream TV news reportage of the rape and murder of a Filipino trans woman by a U.S. Marine except by (wait for it) Fox News. We ended the year with more news that wasn’t reported by the TV networks: calls for the annihilation of lesbians and gay men for Christmas by an Arizona pastor. The declaration on Dec. 6 by Arizona pastor Steven Anderson, who “absolutely hates gays” and “will not allow any queers or homos in my church as long as I am alive,” that executing all “homos” would rid the world of AIDS by Christmas, was met with no reportage on TV news networks. Anderson also said: “If you executed all of the homos like God recommended, you wouldn’t have all this AIDS running rampant.” Also, “All homos are pedophiles. There, I said it.” Anderson and his Faithful Word Baptist Church were originally located in California, but moved to Tempe, AZ. Anderson and his “ministry” have been listed as a hate group by the Southern Poverty Law Center. SPLC reports Anderson describes

Least valuable player: Russian President Vladimir Putin said gays should stay home from the Olympics.

gays and lesbians as “sodomites” who “recruit through rape” and “recruit through molestation.” SPLC put Anderson on their list because Anderson says lesbians and gay men should be killed. The group quotes Anderson: “The biggest hypocrite in the world is the person who believes in the death penalty for murderers but not for homosexuals.” Would TV news (the way most Americans over 30 get their news) ignore calls for the annihilation of any other group? When Florida pastor Terry Jones called for the burning of the Koran, it was a lead story on every TV network newscast. Honor killings and corrective rapes of lesbians, executions of gay men for “perversion,” calls for total annihilation of our people: still not news in the straight world. Yet how is this different from ISIS (which also executed gay men and lesbians in 2014, not that anyone noticed other than Al Jazeera) beheading Western journalists and aid workers? As we turn our backs on 2014, we set the DVRs for 2015. There are new shows, more limited series, the return of some of the best shows for a new season, and the beginning of the awards season. There is also, sadly, the end of Glee. We began to fall out of love with Glee a few seasons ago, when our favorites graduated from McKinley High and made their way to NYC, but as is the gay way, we’ve remained in touch. We took time out to watch a re-run of the Glee Christmas episode on Boxing Day. The episode filled us with nostalgia for our gay youth that at its best Glee helped all of us to relive in a more meaningful and less bullied way. There was the living Nativity scene at McKinley High. There was Sue: almost human, which is how we like her. There were Kurt, Rachel and Santana as elves in New York. It was gay all the way, as always, because even the straight kids like Rachel have always felt a little gay to us. It felt like old times. It made us pull out our Glee Christmas CD. The final season of Glee begins Jan. 9, on a new night, Friday, on Fox. We will watch, because Glee is our homo homie. We are pretty sure we will cry during every episode. We know it’s time for Glee to go, but this is one of the shows that changed the TV landscape. It’s one of the best things (if most unrealistic) that Ryan Murphy’s creative genius has brought us. Murphy’s American Horror Story: Freak Show returns Jan. 7. What better way to spend Greek and Russian Orthodox Christmas than watching Murphy’s

best season of the AHS franchise? Everyone’s favorite aristocrats return Jan. 4 to PBS as Downton Abbey begins its fifth season. We await what Michelle Dockery (Lady Mary) brings. Last season was so crushing. Other faves we’ve barely had time to miss return Jan. 5, with backto-back mid-season premieres: On Fox, Gotham (the cliffhanger left us with Barbara and Montoya in bed!) and Sleepy Hollow. Following those series is State of Affairs on NBC. The cliffhanger had Charli getting truth serum to find out what happened post-torture “over there.” We’re still a little up-in-the-air about SOA, but we like seeing a woman as the kickass CIA operative and Alfre Woodard as the President. We also find it compelling to see Courtney Vance in the role of First Husband. Vance is a powerhouse actor who almost never gets decent roles. We like him here in a role that has never existed in real life. He’s making it his own, dealing with the sexism that is bound to follow discourse about the First Husband (First Laddie?) when that finally happens, hopefully in 2016. ABC’s endlessly tedious reality series The Bachelor returns Jan. 6. Every time we see the beginning of the promo trailer, we think this time it’s going to be gay. Go to ABC and see if you think the real reason this guy is back for a re-boot is because he might just not be straight. Is there a show that is more unflattering to women? No, there is not. Women fare much better in an old fave that returns for its final season on Jan. 8, when NBC’s Parenthood begins. The Bravermans feel like our own family, we’ve been through so much with them. We’d love to see a few more members come out of the family closet before the series ends, but we’ll be content to bid adieu sans more revelations. On Jan. 4, ABC premieres its new limited series Galavant. Like most gays, we’re a fool for a musical, and this one looks fantastic. Melding comedy, knights of yore and music, the series follows the adventures of Galavant (sexy Brit Joshua Sasse), a dashing hero determined to reclaim his reputation by going after the evil King Richard (Timothy Omundson), who stole the love of Galavant’s life, Madalena (Mallory Jansen). The episodes will chronicle Galavant’s journeys through musical numbers composed and written by Oscar-Emmy-Tony-Golden GlobeGrammy winner Alan Menken and Glenn Slater. So we know the music will be brilliant in this new take on an old Arthurian theme. Music is the over-arching theme in Fox’s new drama series Empire, which debuts on Jan. 7. This show has so much star power we can’t imagine it won’t become a huge hit.

It’s on everyone’s list of Most Highly Anticipated New Shows. Empire is exec-produced and written by out gay African-American director Lee Daniels, and stars three Oscar contenders: Terence Howard, Taraji P. Henson and Gabourey Sidibe. The L Word’s Ilene Chaiken is also a writer on the show. The newly sober Courtney Love has been signed for several episodes. Fox promos for the show describe this: “Hip-hop artist and CEO of Empire Entertainment Luscious Lyon (Howard) has always ruled unchallenged, but a medical diagnosis predicts he will be incapacitated, which prompts the sharks to circle. He must decide which of his three sons will take over. His favorite, young Hakeem (Bryshere Gray), is a gifted musician but values fame over hard work. Middle son Jamal (Jussie Smollett) is talented and shy, but gay, embarrassing to Lyon. The oldest, Andre (Trai Byers), is businessminded but lacks charisma. The reappearance of Cookie (Henson), his ex-wife, complicates things; she says he owes her for taking the fall for the drug-running that financed his early career.” Drama ensues. It’s like a hiphop Game of Thrones. Another series bound for stardom is the new Marvel franchise limited series Agent Carter on ABC, debuting Jan. 6. Unlike Marvel’s successful Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D., Agent Carter is set in the 1940s and has the hyper-stylized noir feel established by Gotham. The show stars British actress Hayley Atwell as Peggy Carter, a role she has played on both TV and film, in the Captain America franchise. According to ABC, Carter must “balance the routine office work she does for the Strategic Scientific Reserve while secretly assisting Howard Stark, who finds himself framed for supplying deadly weapons to the top bidder. Carter is assisted by Stark’s butler, Edwin Jarvis, to find those responsible and dispose of the weapons.” So she’s like a female James Bond and Miss Moneypenny. Full of intrigue and lots of sexy young lesbians, ABC Family’s Pretty Little Liars returns Jan. 6. This is the non-musical guilty pleasure of all lesbians everywhere, regardless of age. Allegedly this is the final season for the murderous mystery series, so gather ye Rosewoods while ye may. We will just sit back and see what Emily Fields (Shay Mitchell) brings us as the series draws to what we hope is an open-ended close. Also premiering on Jan. 6 is our favorite cooking contest show ever, Fox’s MasterChef Junior. This show previews pre-pubescent chefs as they cook their way to stardom, and trust us, these kids are stars. Their knowledge of food is extraordinary, and the dishes they prepare

are breathtaking. The season that ended Dec. 11 blew us away with the brilliance of the chefs, who range in age from eight to 13. In our house, we refer to this show as The Littlest Chef or Young Gay Cooks, which tells you something about the show. Gordon Ramsay never curses at the children, unlike what he does to adults on Hell’s Kitchen. This is, pardon the pun, a far cry from the execrable child abuse fest that is Lifetime’s horrible Child Genius series, which debuts Jan. 6, and which is train-wreck, car-crash, gawd-awful TV. It seems we get rid of one horror (Honey Boo Boo) and gain another. It’s based on a series of the same name in the UK that caused quite the furor as contestants were reduced to tears by the competition. The network says the show “centers on America’s most extraordinary and gifted children and their families as they prepare for a national intelligence competition. In cooperation with American Mensa, the competition takes place over eight weeks and tests the nation’s brightest young minds on their knowledge of Math, Spelling, Geography, Memory, the Human Body, U.S. Presidents, Vocabulary, Current Events, Zoology, Astronomy and Space, Inventions, Literature and the Arts, Earth Science and Logic. Hosted by Leland Melvin, former NASA astronaut, the show features 20 boys and girls ages 8 to 12 from across the country, all competing for a $100,000 college fund and the title of Child Genius 2014.” We can’t think of a more despicable premise. Way to traumatize your child for life. And we thought Dance Moms and Toddlers and Tiaras were abusive. HBO’s Togetherness is muchhyped. We’re not sure we want another HBO comedy, but we will watch anything Amanda Peet stars in, so we will give it a whirl. A creation of Jay and Mark Duplass, it stars Mark as Brett Pierson and Melanie Lynskey as his wife Michelle. They are a sedate yet somewhat cool married couple. But then Michelle’s sister Tina Morris (Peet) moves in with them after being evicted, along with her out-of-control husband, Alex Pappas (Steve Zissis). We love creepy, so we are waiting for the debut of SyFy’s 12 Monkeys. If you saw the film (we did) and loved it (we did), then you are going to set your DVR now for this series that begins Jan. 16. The series is based on Terry Gilliam’s brilliant film, which was itself based on Chris Marker’s 1962 short film La Jetée. In 1995 when the film debuted, there was a lot of discourse about the film’s relevance to and resonance for the AIDS epidemic. In the series, James Cole (Aaron Stanford) travels from the year 2043 to the present day in order to stop the release of a deadly virus by the enigmatic organization known as Army of the 12 Monkeys. In Cole’s world, the virus killed 94% of the world population. Cole gets assistance from virologist Cassandra Railly (Amanda Schull) and math genius with mental issues Jennifer Goines (Emily Hampshire), whom Cole meets in the mental institution where he lands because he keeps telling people he comes from the future. Dystopian is the new black, and Ebola is real, so expect this series to be a hit. Finally, The Americans returns to F/X Jan. 28. This is the best spy series since Person of Interest, so put it on your list. As Lily Tomlin said, “No matter how cynical you become, it’s never enough to keep up.” So for the possibility our gay lives might matter enough to make the news, for new debuts and returning favorites, and for being able to learn about fabulous foodie-ism from gay-ish 10-year-olds, you really must stay tuned.t

Film>>

January 1-7, 2015 • BAY AREA REPORTER • 17

Long live liberty! by Erin Blackwell

hristmas, designed to celebrate the birth of an avatar of peace on earth for people of good will, has been hijacked by the HollywoodPentagon-propaganda continuum. This year’s patriotic duty involves paying to see a hitherto unknown genre, an assassination comedy. How low can we go? There’s no proof North Korea hacked Sony’s computers, but Kim Jong-Un is our designated scapegoat, so Americans must chuckle smugly as he dies onscreen. Meanwhile, an Italian film opening to zero fanfare contemplates the split in political consciousness between philosophic freedom and market slavery. Opening tomorrow at Opera Plaza, Viva La Liberta (Long Live Liberty) might remind us to regret what we’ve lost. We’ve lost our democracy. We’ve lost our privacy. We’ve lost our freedom from foreign entanglements. We’ve lost the notion that philosophy runs government. Which is crazy, right?, considering this country’s founding by a bunch of Enlightenment-edged radicals. Government is the ultimate realworld expression of philosophy. The question is, which one? Beyond Republican and Democrat, or so-

2014 Music

From page 15

of the 2014-15 season with a mixed bag of concerts that haven’t really illuminated Davies Symphony Hall with the usual brilliance we expect from maestro Michael Tilson Thomas. It’s a little surprising, considering this is the 20th anniversary of MTT’s tenure with the orchestra, and he is turning 70. That’s some big-time opportunity for partying in the characteristically sophisticated

called partisan politics, as Naomi Klein explains in her must-read takedown of Chicago economic guru Milton Friedman Shock Doctrine (2007), the bottom-lineplus-corporate-personhood has put profit in the driver’s seat of what used to be known as the Land of the Free. In writer-director Robert Andò’s screen adaptation of his own novel, twin brothers represent the conflict of market forces vs. the inalienable right to liberty. Oliveri, the leader of the political opposition, is literally rendered speechless by his failure to denounce a business-as-usual regime that insults Italy’s proud roots in republican rebellion, not to mention its aesthetic heritage including some of the greatest artists ever to grace the planet. Stunned by his own lack of inspiration, Oliveri does what no U.S. minority whip could or would: skips town and hides out with an ex-girlfriend in Paris. Spoiler alert: he does not play golf. Twenty minutes in, the existence of his intellectual twin is revealed. I love movies in which an actor gets to play both sides of a single personality, like Olivia de Havilland in Dark Mirror (1946). The schism between Oliveri and his slightly unhinged philosopher brother Giovanni doesn’t involve homicidal

jealousy, merely the eccentric’s need to test a political system’s tolerance of nonconformity. Nonconformity, the essence of liberty, is the only legitimate basis of government. Viva La Liberta posits philosophic tidbits, haikus, classical music, movie-

making, and possibly France itself, as the shock treatment necessary to restore basic human rights to a country. Naïve? Well, it’s only a movie. A modest, rather melancholy movie, without a precise political program,

way of the SFS, and we have a hunch that life is going to get much livelier soon when the organization throws a gala party for him on Jan. 15. Since the opening gala last September (marked by a delightful visit with singer and MTT pal Bonnie Raitt), the orchestra has presented a few months of reliably satisfactory concerts, and joined with the maestro on another successful American tour. My favorite evening at DSH to date was spent with MTT and pianist Leif Ove Andsnes. The

former gave his exciting insights to the orchestral genius of Beethoven, while the latter perfectly essayed the technical demands assigned by the composer to instrumental soloists. In-between we were treated to a very 21st-century creation by socalled electronica composer Mason Bates. Alternative Energy proved to be a surprisingly rugged and textured piece from a composer I have taken a long time to warm to. It was a pleasant discovery finding a more mature Bates with deeper and of-

ten beautiful ideas transcending his more superficial pop influences. We have plenty more Beethoven to look forward to this coming June, when another favorite pianist, Jonathan Biss, joins MTT as a guest star during the scheduled festival. The celebration includes performances of the glorious Missa solemnis (another happy chance to hear mezzo-soprano Sasha Cooke) and a full-on, one-performanceonly Beethoven marathon. The jewel in the crown should be the

Lia Pasqualino

Toni Servillo plays a politician and his twin in writer-director Robert Andò’s Viva la Liberta.

other than to denounce catastrophe as a governing principle. Andò echoes Klein’s thesis without mentioning parasitic lenders IMF or World Bank, which have systematically plunged Western democracies into ruin via austerity. To paraphrase the subtitles over Giovanni’s rousing statement of principle, “Our social program is to live on the brink of the abyss. Politics and industry profit from catastrophe. I don’t know how or why people tolerate this. Our party has been complicit. No more. From this day forward, they won’t be able to say of us, ‘They were silent.’” There’s no gunplay in Viva La Liberta. No state-sanctioned, CIAordered extrajudicial murder. It didn’t cost $44 million exclusive of marketing, as did Sony’s assassination comedy. The lead is an old man. The subject is philosophy. The hero’s an outcast. The actors speak a foreign language, a very beautiful language called Italian. Non-Italian speakers are obliged to read subtitles. What chance does such a film have in a market dominated by hormonal teenage boys? What chance do any of us have? Happy New Year. And long live liberty!t Opens Friday at Landmark’s Opera Plaza Cinemas.

concert rendition of the composer’s sublime only opera, Fidelio, with soprano Nina Stemme singing the role of Leonore, and Brandon Jovanovich as her imprisoned husband Florestan. There is much more happening before then, and I am seriously up for Stravinsky’s The Soldier’s Tale on a bill with the big-gestured Grand Pianola Music by John Adams in mid-January, but my lifelong adoration of Beethoven already has me breathless with anticipation.t

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Out &About

O&A

18 • BAY AREA REPORTER • January 1-7, 2015

Cirque du Soleil @ AT&T Park Lot

Cabaret Showcase @ Hotel Rex

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

Up and coming singers AnnMarie Ballinger, Tom Signore and Pamela Sevilla perform cabaret music sets at the elegant hotel lounge. $20-$45. Drinks and small plates available. 8pm. 562 Sutter St. 857-1896. www.SocietyCabaret.com

Edith Piaf: Beneath Paris Skies @ Cinnabar Theater, Petaluma

Wed 7 At Large: Ai Weiwei

New, now, never again by Jim Provenzano

; that’s the number of art galleries that have closed in the past few years, according to an article in The Bold Italic. It actually listed 41, but another one closed since the article was published. Shoved out by quadrupling rents, small art galleries and performance spaces have become an endangered species in this town. So enjoy them while you can. This should answer the question of why I include so many art gallery listings each week. And check out the panel discussion on January 8 at the GLBT Historical Society about gentrification that explores why this is happening.

Thu 1

Fri 2

Great Performances @ PBS

50 Shades, the Musical Parody @ Marines Memorial Theatre

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

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. www.amctheatres.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

New and Classic Films @ Castro Theatre Jan. 1: Singin’ in the Rain (2:30, 4:45, 7pm). Jan. 2: Snowpiercer (7:20) and Runaway Train (9:45). Jan. 4: A Place in the Sun (5pm, 8pm) and The Age of Innocence (9:20). Jan. 7: St. Vincent (5pm, 7pm, 9pm). Jan. 8: Birdman (3pm, 7pm) and Persona (5:15, 9:15). $11. 429 Castro St. www.castrotheatre.com

San Francisco Magic Parlor @ Chancellor Hotel Theatre David Facer’s solo magic show, The World of Paradox, entertains and beguiles. $40. Thu-Sat 8pm. openended run. 433 Powell St. at Post. www.MagicParlor.blogspot.com

Tom and Jerry’s Home Display @ Church & Sanchez Last day to see the annual over-thetop festive holiday house display, with a Santa in attendance. 6:30pm9:30pm. Free. Thru Jan. 1. 3560 21st St. at Church. www.tinyurl.com/mhh98vz

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. Fri & Sat 8pm. Sun 2pm. Thru Jan. 18. 3333 Petaluma Blvd. North, Petaluma. (707) 7638920. www.cinnabartheater.org

Vestiges, a duo exhibit of new works by the textile artists whose unusual works blend traditional craft with modern composition. Thru Jan. 11. 3344 24th St. 800-7319. www.campfiregallery.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 ‘Hangover Edition’ of the sexy reading event features Greta Christina, Princess Cream Pie, Jen Cross, Renee Garcia, Daphne Gottleib, horehound stillpoint, and Naamen Tilahun, with hosts Simon Sheppard and Carol Queen. $10-$25. 1349 Mission St. www.sexandculture.org

Fool La La! @ The Marsh, Berkeley

Red Hot Patriot @ Berkeley Repertory Theatre

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

Hick: A Love Story @ Berkeley City Club

The touring company of the comic musical parody of the bestselling trashy straight SM books returns. $55$85. 8pm. Sat 2pm, 5pm, 8pm. Sun 2pm, 7pm. Thru Jan. 4. 609 Sutter St. www.50shadesthemusical.com

Amy & Freddy @ Feinstein’s at the Nikko The comic singing duo (vocalist Amy Armstrong, pianist-singer Freddy Allen), known for 14 years as a top-billed RSVP Cruise act, perform at the intimate nightclub. $25-$40. 8pm. Also Jan. 3, 7pm. Hotel Nikko, 222 Mason St. (866) 663-1063. amyfreddy.com ticketmaster.com

The Anarchist @ Eureka Theatre Velina Brown and Tamar Cohn costar in Theatre Rhinoceros’ production of David Mamet’s tense drama about a lesbian anarchist who’s forced to confront a prison psychologist in order to get parole. $15-$30. Wed-Sat 8pm. Sat 3pm. Sun Jan. 4 3pm & 7pm. Thru Jan. 17. 215 Jackson St. at Front. (800) 838-3006. www.therhino.org

Art Murmur @ Oakland Galleries First Friday monthly evening art gallery crawl, with diverse visual works on exhibit, at venues downtown, Lake Merritt, Jack London Square, uptown, West and North Oakland, and elsewhere. Check the guide and listings at oaklandartmurmur.org

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

Sun 4

Keith Haring: The Political Line at the de Young

Cindy Steiler, Amber Jean Young @ Campfire Gallery

Terry Baum returns with her show subtitled The Romance of Lorena Hickok and Eleanor Roosevelt, written with Pat Bond, about the secret affair of FDR’s wife. $20 Thu (pay what you can) & Fri 8pm. Sat 2pm & 8pm. Sun 5pm. Thru Jan. 25. 2315 Durant St., Berkeley. (800) 838-3006. www.crackpotcrones.com

Perverts Put Out @ Center for Sex & Culture

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

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. Tue-Sun 9:30am-5:15pm. Thru Feb. 16. Golden Gate Park, 50 Hagiwara Tea Garden Drive. 750-3600. www.famsf.org

SF Hiking Club @ Cataract Falls Join GLBT hikers for an 8-mile hike on Mt. Tam from Rock Springs to Willow Meadow, Laurel Dell, and then to Cataract Falls above Alpine Dam. Bring water, lunch, hat, layers, sturdy boots. Carpool meets 9am at Safeway sign, Market & Dolores. 242-4376. www.sfhiking.com

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

Notions of Romance @ Vessel Gallery, Oakland Opening reception for a group exhibit of works (by David Burke, Thekla Hammond, Gordon Glasgow, Diana Hobson, Walter James Mansfield, Kevan Jenson, Cyrus Tilton, Sanjay Vora) that explores the concept of romance. Reception 6pm-9pm. Exhibit thru Feb. 14. Reg. hours: Tue-Sat 11am-6pm. First Fridays til 9pm. 471 25th St. (510) 8938800. www.vessel-gallery.com

Our Town @ Ashby Stage, Berkeley

Thu 1 Singin’ in the Rain at the Castro Theatre

Sun 4

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

Aquascapes @ Conservatory of Flowers

Point Break Live @ DNA Lounge

Celebrating AIGA @ Museum of Craft and Design

The dude-tastic live parody performance of the surfer-bank robber-skydiving movie, now monthly, features a chosen audience member in the lead. Enjoy messy, wacky, zany shirtless dude theatre, bro. $20-$50. 7:30pm and 11pm. First Fridays. 375 11th St. www.pointbreaksf.com www.dnalounge.com

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

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, 8312090. conservatoryofflowers.org

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

Sat 3

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. Tue-Sat 9:30am-5:115pm. 34th Ave. at Clement. legionofhonor.org

Beach Blanket Babylon @ Club Fugazi

Roads of Arabia @ Asian Art Museum

The musical comedy revue celebrates its 40th year with an ever-changing lineup of political and pop culture icons, all in gigantic wigs. Reg: $25$160. Beer/wine served; cash only; 21+, except where noted. 678 Beach Blanket Babylon Blvd (Green St.). 4214222. beachblanketbabylon.com

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. www.asianart.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 5 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

Hello, My Name Is… @ NIAD Art Center, Richmond Exhibits of art made by developmentally disabled people. Also, Making Friends and Rampage: The Monsters of Jon Fukui. 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

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

Out&About>>

Various Exhibits @ California Academy of Sciences 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

January 1-7, 2015 • BAY AREA REPORTER • 19

Fri 2

Steven Underhill

Woods to Wildflowers @ SF Botanical Gardens 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 6 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

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

Fri 2

Julia Bullock @ Nourse Theater SF Performances presents soprano and winner of the Walter W. Naumberg Competition performs a recital of works by Rossini, Berio, Poulenc and several other composers, with accompanist Renate Rohlfing. $40 (free for SF Performances subscribers). 7:30pm. 275 Hayes St. at Franklin. 392-2545. www.sfperformances.org

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. www.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. www.exploratorium.edu

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 Cunningham, James Bidgood, Walker Evans, Aaron Siskind and others. Thru Feb. 28. 49 Geary St. 781-1122. www.roberttat.com

Thu 8 Glamorgeddon: The Spectacle @ SOMArts Cultural Center

Gay Skate Night @ Church on 8 Wheels

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

stevenunderhill.com · stevenunderhillphotos@gmail.com Matthew Murphy

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

It’s Everything @ KOFY-TV

WEDDINGS, HEADSHOTS, PORTRAITS

50 Shades, the Musical Parody

Carl Linkhart @ Glamarama, Oakland

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

PHOTOGRAPHY

415 370 7152

Hick: A Love Story Lynne Fried

Wed 7 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. 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. 685 Mission St. www.moadsf.org

The Drexler Sisters @ Feinstein’s at the Nikko Identical twin sisters Lily and Michelle perform A Very Drexler Cabaret, with comedic showtunes and autobiographical tales. $20. 7pm. Hotel Nikko, 222 Mason St. (866) 6631063. www.ticketmaster.com

Group exhibition of works focusing on a freeform interpretation of glamour, with Opening night Jan. 8, 6pm-9pm, with live music by Fuzzybunny with Chris Brown, Tim Perkis, Scot-Gresham Lancaster, Theresa Wong as Dolly-Lama and Guillermo Galindo in over-the-top performances, plus limited-edition, artist-created swag, and roving pink limosine rides (Jan. 30 event 5pm-9pm: $20). Exhibit thru Feb. 4. 934 Brannan St. at 9th. somarts.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

Neighborhood Turf Wars @ GLBT History Museum Anna Conda and Maria Poblet in conversation about Neighborhood Turf Wars and Questions of Territory. 7pm-9pm. Also, 1964: The Year San Francisco Came Out, an 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

Safeway Holiday Ice Rink @ Union Square The seventh annual ice skating festivities, including special events, continues thru Jan 19. $7-$11. Skate rentals $6. Powell St. at Geary. 7812688. www.unionsquareicerink.com

Shit & Champagne @ Oasis D’Arcy Drollinger’s hilarious nightclub hit, a whitesploitation comedy with action-packed models fighting a drug cartel, returns at the new SoMa nightclub; featuring Matthew Martin. $20-$25. Thu-Sat 7pm. Thru Feb. 14. 298 11th St. at Folsom. sfoasis.com

Thu 8 Glamorgeddon at SOMArts

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

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<< Books

20 • BAY AREA REPORTER • January 1-7, 2015

John Waters explains it all for you by Ed Gunts

o you have trouble telling a bear from an otter? Let John Waters help. “The bear community is a community that all gay people know what they are, but no straight people do,” he says. “Bears are middle-aged, overweight gay men, and they like it. They are hairy and they like cubs, which are younger versions. And then there are otters, people who aren’t fat or hairy yet, but will be.” The 68-year-old filmmaker and author, known for Hairspray, Polyester, Pink Flamingos and other movies, demonstrated his mastery of gay lingo during a recent talk in his hometown of Baltimore. “There’s a lot of vocabulary,” he says. “I’ve heard people say, ‘This is my hus-bear,’ and, ‘This is my significant otter.’ But I heard two new ones recently. Somebody said, ‘Oh, he’s such a blouse,’ and I said, ‘A blouse?’ and they said, ‘Oh, a feminine top.’ And then somebody said, ‘Oh, he’s not a bear anymore. He’s a dolphin,’ and I said, ‘What’s a dolphin?’ That’s where you shave and you’re really nelly.” He does a twitching dolphin impression. Waters, who is gay, says he’s intrigued by a new category. “I had never even heard of this one: autosexuals,” he says. “A psychiatrist at a fancy girl’s college told me, ‘We have to ask them now, if they come in for counseling: Are you gay? Straight? All those initials. Then we have to say, Are you autosexual? I said, what’s that? And they said, That’s a person who prefers masturbation to sex with other peo-

Filmmaker John Waters: “I’m for coming in.”

ple. And I said, Well, isn’t that everybody? And they said, No, an autosexual, if they ever have sex with another person, they feel they have been unfaithful to themself.’ This is the next battle with the Catholic Church: I want to marry myself.” Standing onstage in a restored movie theater in Baltimore, dressed in a tailored jacket with a bright spotlight on him, Waters comes

across as a mix of Jerry Seinfeld with his observational humor, and Michael Kors with his Project Runway tartness. He has a quick, stream-of-consciousness delivery that allows him to flow easily from one subject to the next, as if he’s at a cocktail party. As far as kink is concerned, Waters says, he tries to be accepting, but he has to draw the line sometimes.

to be a writer. Eduard takes him to lunch at a brasserie and gently admonishes him. “You need to stay out in the sun, Dinu. You are far, far too pale.” Dinu is mourning the recent death of his adored mother, the exquisite Elena, to whom he, an only child, was devoted. Eduard asks about her, but Dinu thinks, “What was there to say? She was dead, suddenly and inexplicably dead, and I was having to survive without her warmth and affection.” He had grown “into the habit of hugging my grief to me as something preciously mine.” In memorable, chiseled prose, the first-person narrative recounts how

Dinu, having as a 12-year-old felt sexually drawn to a dark, hirsute, muscular Romanian porter, summons the courage – and his father’s 100 francs – to visit the notorious Bains du Ballon d’Alsace, the male brothel frequented by the voyeuristic Marcel Proust. He immortalized it in his A la recherchez du temps perdu as the establishment funded by Baron Charlus and managed by Jupien. Jupien recruited males to satisfy the forbidden desires of the Baron and other leading Parisians. Dinu, calling himself “Jean-Pierre,” is met by the brothel keeper, M. Albert, whom he recognizes as the model for Jupien. M. Albert knows Dinu is using a false name. He wants to hire the beautiful young man to work for him. The boy declines. M. Albert takes him to see his most prized employee, “Honore,” who reminds Dinu of the sexy Romanian porter – the same dark complexion, the same muscular, hairy body, the same handsome face. After two visits, “Honore” leaves the brothel, and he and Dinu become lovers. “Honore” is in reality a Romanian named Razvan and is nearly middleaged. As a youth, the virile, intensely sexy Razvan, a peasant, was seen working in the fields by a Romanian prince, who adopted him, educated him, and brought him to Paris, where he became known as “the Prince’s Boy.” Nothing sexual happened between them, and in the bordello, “Honore” wouldn’t allow any of his male patrons to touch him or be touched by him. They could merely plead with him for sex – requests he declined. For the next year, Dinu and Razvan are ecstatically, passionately in love, exploring each other’s

Extraordinary love by Tavo Amador

enre fiction is a staple of the publishing world and can be very rewarding to read. Occasionally, however, a novel rises above its genre and becomes literature. That’s the case with Paul Bailey’s remarkable The Prince’s Boy (Bloomsbury, $26). This gay coming-of-age story begins in May, 1927, when dark-haired, beautiful 19-year-old Dinu Grigorescu arrives in Paris and is met by his charming distant cousin, Eduard. Dinu has been sent to the City of Light from Bucharest by his “generous, inartistic,” and wealthy father to pursue his literary ambitions. The youth wants

“Adult babies? Uh-oh. Lock them up. I’m not much into them,” he says. “Have you seen them? Threehundred-pound men in a baby bonnet and a bassinet? I’m like, Oh no, no, no. Lock them up.” He doesn’t mind sploshers. “I like them all right. That’s people who have sex with food. I’m liberal. I mean, I think we should encourage piggish men to be sploshers. You can’t date-rape a cookie. Let them do it. Who cares?” But he has problem with feeders and gainers. “Feeders are chubby chasers” who are into S&M, he says. “The feeder has his partner, and they’re called a gainer. And they keep feeding the gainer until he or she gets so fat that they can’t get out of bed. Then they put a funnel in their mouth and then shovel more food down into it, and then just have sex with them, until Richard Simmons has to come and take them out through the window with a crane or something. I‘m kind of against them, too. I try to be liberal, but sometimes that is really going too far.” Speaking of definitions, Waters says juvenile delinquents aren’t the same as when he filmed Johnny Depp in Cry-Baby. “What is a juvenile delinquent today? When I was young, you were a 1950s Elvis type. Then it was hippies. And then punk. And then grunge. Then gangsters. But if you’re a juvenile delinquent today, what are you doing? You live with your parents. They haven’t seen you for six months. They leave food outside your door. And you’re shutting down the government on your computer.”

He thinks there should be a Heterosexual Pride Day for straight people. “There are a lot of minorities that need our help,” he says. “Like straight people in Provincetown. I want to have a Heterosexual Pride Parade, in January, for parents who say, ‘I’m so proud of my straight children.’ We’d have heterosexual folk dances like the electric slide. And straight guys who get dressed up like Burt Reynolds.” For his latest book Carsick, Waters hitchhiked from Baltimore to San Francisco, and wrote about his adventures along the way. He encourages people to follow his example. “Hitchhike home tonight. I mean, really. It’s green. You might meet a date. Go to the store or something. Just take a little journey while you’re hitchhiking.” Waters takes positions on gay issues. He said he got flak for using the late Sonny Bono in Hairspray because Bono was against gay marriage. Waters says he is a strong supporter of gay marriage and campaigned to win passage of legislation that made it legal in his home state of Maryland. But one recent development has him stumped. There are still states where gay people aren’t allowed to get married, “but [Charles] Manson can,” he says. “That is really, really, really amazing to me.” Waters has concerns about the number of gay people in general. “I think we have too many gay people,” he says. “I’m for coming in. We have enough! It’s not a numbers game. Let’s concentrate on quality, not quantity.”t

bodies, glorying in their Romanian heritage, their love of Paris, of poetry, literature, music, and art. They can barely keep their hands off each other. Alas, Dinu’s father promised him only 12 months in the French capital, and the youth is forced to return to Bucharest. He brings a photograph of Razvan with him, and knows his lover will visit as soon as he can. In Bucharest, Dinu meets Amalia, his father’s new, beautiful wife, whom he resents, although he is slowly loosening the grip of his mother’s memory. He knows that Elena’s spirit disapproves of Razvan and their relationship, but he is undeterred. Amalia recognizes the photograph of the Prince’s Boy and instantly understands more about her stepson than his father does. She suggests he keep the picture hidden. Dinu becomes a teacher and a crit-

ic, specializing in French and Romanian literature. He is an unrelenting champion of Proust. In a splendid scene, his father, now aware of his son’s love for Razvan and unable to hide his contempt, suggests that he marry to comply with social mores, while keeping his personal life hidden. Dinu refuses. He returns to Paris and to Razvan, and they resume their life together. Dinu works as a teacher and Razvan as a waiter to supplement the inheritance left him by the prince. The novel covers 40 years as Dinu recounts the story of the Prince’s Boy and his own life. Bailey’s prose is often mesmerizingly erotic without being explicit. It is equally compelling describing how Dinu willingly builds a life for himself that differs from what his birth promised. As he matures, he reassesses Elena, Amalia, Eduard, his father, M. Albert. His love for Razvan also changes, but they remain constant and true, even as passion fades into habit, even when death separates them. He distances himself from his beloved homeland, which becomes Fascist and then a satellite of the Soviet Union. Bailey’s remarkable narrative runs a mere 151 pages, yet is complete and satisfying. In Dinu, he has created one of the most intensely sympathetic and engaging characters in modern fiction. Readers are unlikely to forget him, his Proustian sensibilities, or his passion for the complex Razvan. The Prince’s Boy is nearly impossible to put down. It invites a second reading almost as soon as the first one has ended. How often does that happen?t

Books>>

January 1-7, 2015 • BAY AREA REPORTER • 21

Oscar Wilde vs. the Bohemian Club by Peter Garland

he Battle of the Bohemian Club was not about booze, but about brains. Oscar Wilde did not “drink the Bohemians under the table” as reported in such works as Kevin Starr’s Americans and the California Dream 1848-1915 and in David M. Friedman’s just-published Oscar Wilde and the Invention of Modern Celebrity, but he did turn the tables on the Bohemians. For those who don’t know, the Bohemian Club is one of America’s powerhouse gentlemen’s clubs, originally started in 1872 by newspapermen, but whose subsequent membership has included Ronald Reagan, Jack London, Herbert Hoover and George H.W. Bush, along with Charles Coburn, Maynard Dixon, Tennessee Ernie Ford, William Randolph Hearst and Teddy Roosevelt. To get the facts in the Wilde case, one goes to a source document, which in this case happens to be an article published in the San Francisco Chronicle on October 24, 1897. The author is a journalist named Dan O’Connell, Irish-born grandnephew of Daniel O’Connell, “The Liberator,” who had won Catholic Emancipation for the Irish in 1829 – that is, Irish Catholic men could vote and be elected to the British Parliament. San Francisco’s Dan O’Connell, who spoke Gaelic along with other languages, had left the British Navy to join an uncle in New York. Upon his uncle’s demise in 1868, O’Connell moved to San Francisco and settled here. In a wonderfully drawn-out metaphor, he tells us exactly what happened that evening on April’s Fool’s Day of 1882 when Oscar Wilde visited the Bohemian Club. The Bohemians were lying in wait to put this young Caesar in his place. O’Connell was present that evening, as he had been present at Wilde’s first lecture in San Francisco (the Irishman would give 10 lectures here in 12 days). Dan had been one of the founding members of the Bohemian Club in 1872. He had quite a few publications, including a book whose title hints at his sense of humor, The Inner Man: Good Things to Eat and Drink, and Where

2014 Film

From page 13

1. Pride It’s 1984, and 20-year-old Joe lands in London from the coalmining region near Bromley for his first Gay Pride march. Taken under the collective wing of a queer group of gay men and lesbians who meet at a Soho bookshop, the young man quickly finds his coming-out journey framed by two odd bedfellow political movements: out lesbians and gays form a most unlikely but powerful alliance with striking coal miners. The miners are battling Thatcher’s decision to close pits of declining economic value. Northern Irish activist Mark Ashton urges a gay/miners solidarity alliance; this risky strategy receives an unexpected boost when a van full of gays find themselves in the Welsh village of Onllwyn. Disco-dancing proves an unlikely fundraising and consciousness-raising tool, surviving local bigotry and leading up to a massive benefit concert that seals the deal on this incredibly moving slice of contemporary history. Check your pulse if your eyes aren’t a little moist by the time the credits roll. 2. The Last Weekend Tom Dolby, scion of the fabled “Dolby Sound in selected theatres” family, offers a quirky family drama where an anxious matriarch (a crackling good Patricia Clarkson) has come to the

Oscar Wilde was up to the challenge presented to him by the Bohemian Club in San Francisco.

to Find Them. He also was a professor of Latin, Greek and Mathematics at Bay Area Catholic universities. He makes a formidable witness as to the proceedings the night of April 1. Some Bohemians had been among those who welcomed the 28-year-old Dubliner Wilde at the train terminus in Oakland a couple of days previously. They accompanied him on the ferry, and to his lodging at the Palace Hotel in San Francisco, a luxurious establishment where he would have his choice of 13 restaurants. O’Connell notes that in San Francisco, Wilde was “regarded in about the same light as the Wild Man of Borneo.” The Bohemians invited the visitor to come to dinner at the club during his stay. O’Connell describes the set-up: “I must say that the feeling in the club was one of mingled curiosity and enthusiasm. The wise men of Bohemia [had] held a conference and decided that the mask should be torn from the face of this imposter. Figuratively speaking, ev-

ery guest attended the feast with a dagger hidden beneath his toga. “The chief conspirators, those who were expected to administer the coup de grace, were Judge Hoffman

and General Barnes. Oscar was to be well fed and wined, and when bursting with viands and liquid to be led to the altar and knifed. Judge Hoffman, whose reputation as a

conclusion that it’s time to ring down the curtain on her frisky clan’s eons-old tradition of ringing out the summer at their fabulous Lake Tahoe lakefront estate. This weekend, her adult gay son has chosen to bring along his latest trick, although the perky one-night-stand has his own ideas about how the script will play out. This sharply observed portrait of an upper-income West Coast family is enlivened by a sharp ensemble including Joseph Cross, notable for his high-wire comic turn in the film version of Running with Scissors, Augusten Burroughs’ sassy memoir of growing up crazy. 3. Kill the Messenger Twotime Oscar nominee Jeremy Renner heads up an all-star cast in a dramatic thriller based on the true story of Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist Gary Webb. Webb stumbles onto the sinister origins of the men who launched the crack epidemic on the nation’s streets. Webb alleges that the CIA was aware of major dealers who were smuggling cocaine into the U.S. and using the profits to arm rebels fighting in Nicaragua. Director Michael Cuesta (Homeland, L.I.E.) and screenwriter Peter Landesman based their story, set in California, Nicaragua and Washington, on the books Dark Alliance by Gary Webb, and Kill the Messenger by Nick Schou. 4. Appropriate Behavior One of the year’s hippest comedies is an

achingly wise and poignant account of life in Brooklyn’s lesbian fast lanes from Iranian-American director Desiree Akhavan. Her wise-ass heroine Shirin starts with a messy breakup – her ex cuts up her underwear as an exclamation point to their final fight. She’s not out to her family, her day job involves teaching filmmaking to six-year-olds, and worst of all, she just can’t get her mind off her ex. Akhavan punctuates her story with flashbacks like that long-ago New Year’s Eve when Shirin first met her honey on the steps of a Park Slope brownstone. With a sharp eye for the pratfalls of coming out in a conservative ethnic culture, Akhavan offers a queer version of mumblecore classics like Andrew Bujalski’s Funny Ha Ha. Beginning and ending with our gal on the subway, we pray that Shirin finds her way before the end of the line. 5. The Two Faces of January In 1962, a well-heeled couple (Vigo Mortensen & Kirsten Dunst) hook up with an American expatriate acting as an Athens tour guide (Oscar Isaac). An incident at the couple’s hotel puts all three in danger and creates a precarious interdependence between them. A tense and dangerous battle of wits leads from Greece to Turkey, and to a gripping finale in the back alleys of Istanbul’s Grand Bazaar. A big treat for Patricia Highsmith fans.

6. Whiplash is a terrific psychological thriller set in the emotionally shark-infested waters of an elite New York music academy. An aspiring jazz musician (Miles Teller) finds a teacher/mentor (scary good J.K. Simmons) who offers keys to the kingdom at a steep price. “Here, kid, join my little coven of talented but mostly spineless wimps, and I’ll not only turn you into a seasoned pro, but I’ll make a man of you in the bargain.” The bargain ranges from enduring profanity-laced lectures to actual physical pummelings in the classroom. It’s those first slaps across the boy’s face that clue us into the fact that writer/director Damien Chazelle isn’t remaking Mr. Holland’s Opus. 7. Men, Women & Children is an ensemble comedy-drama from Jason Reitman (Up in the Air), cowritten with Erin Cressida Wilson, based on Chad Kultgen’s novel. Rosemarie DeWitt, Jennifer Garner, Judy Greer, Dean Norris, Adam Sandler, Ansel Elgort, and Kaitlyn Dever play teens and their parents addressing videogame culture, anorexia, infidelity and the proliferation of illicit material on the Web, phones, tablets, and computers. 8. The Theory of Everything Eddie Redmayne (Les Misérables) and Felicity Jones (The Amazing Spider-Man 2) headline James Marsh’s (The King) bio of astrophysicist Stephen Hawking,

The Bohemian Club’s mascot owl is found in masonry at the main entrance, 624 Taylor St., SF.

classic stood high in the clubs and the Bar Association, was to do him up with the ancients, and General Barnes was to wipe the floor with him on English literature.” Oscar arrived in his black velvet coat. “At dinner Wilde was placed upon the right of General Barnes, and Judge Hoffman opposite, with instructions [to them], when the proper time arrived, to open the attack and demolish Oscar. “There was a feeling of impatience among the crowd. Even as the Roman grew impatient for the hustling of the Christian martyrs into the arena, so did those bloodthirsty Bohemians await the sacrifice of Oscar. When the walnuts and the sparkling wine came in, Judge Hoffman opened the attack. But the old gentleman was no match for a young man fresh from Oxford, where he had taken a gold medal for those things with which the Judge endeavored to confound him. “[Eventually] Wilde grew nettled and not only parried Hoffman’s thrust but lunged back in return, until the Judge lost his temper and the contest. General Barnes pitched in to the aid of his fellow Bohemian,” but the young Irishman outclassed them. As O’Connell (who, you will not be surprised to hear, was also a fencer) put it, “When the guests arose from the table Wilde’s victory was complete – the old gladiator, bleeding from a hundred mortal wounds, is removed, feebly babbling about the unfairness of his defeat.” All reports agree Oscar departed the Bohemian Club that evening in the best of spirits, thanking his hosts for a fine event, and ready the following day to continue to lecture San Franciscans and America on the art of living graciously. How different this is from the boozedominated accounts of such historians as Kevin Starr and David M. Friedman, both of whom portray Wilde as merely a formidable young Irish drinker rather than as the wit, poet and intellectual that he was. O’Connell was an eyewitness. He recorded the true Battle of the Bohemian Club. But the false version is still promoted in book after book. I wonder what Oscar would say.t

who at 21 receives the nominal death sentence of “Lou Gehrig’s Disease.” Once a healthy, active young man, Hawking embarks on his most ambitious scientific work, studying the very thing he now has precious little of: time. The film is based on the memoir Traveling to Infinity: My Life with Stephen by Jane Hawking. 9. Love is Strange Ira Sachs begins with the nuptials of two 60-something New Yorkers: a painter, Ben (John Lithgow), and a music teacher, George (Alfred Molina), decide to use the passage of New York’s Marriage Equality Act to legally baptize their nearly 40year union. Soon real life intrudes: George is fired from his job at a Catholic high school, and suddenly the couple are technically “homeless,” unable to make the mortgage payments on their co-op apartment. Since none of their friends have space in their own cramped quarters for a couple, Ben moves in with Kate (Marisa Tomei), a female novelist; her husband, Elliot (Darren Burrows); and their teenage son, Joey (Charlie Tahan), while George bunks down on the couch of two gay cops (Cheyenne Jackson and Manny Perez). Ben is particularly hard-hit as his mere presence puts a crimp on Kate’s daily writing ritual, while Ben’s being in the lower bunk See page 22 >>

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22 • BAY AREA REPORTER • January 1-7, 2015

2014 Film

From page 21

in Joey’s bedroom causes the teen to start to resent his once-beloved gay “uncle” while also putting the kid’s own burgeoning romantic life on hold. 10. Five Dances One of the San Francisco LGBT Film Festival’s favorite directors, Alan Brown (Private Romeo, The Book of Love), returns with a low-key romance set in Lower Manhattan’s moderndance subculture. Broadway star Ryan Steele is enchanting as a shy student dancer about to burst out of the closet. Chip (Steele), still freeing himself from the Kansasbound apron strings of an emotionally needy mom, finds himself sleeping on the couch of one of the company’s veteran female dancers while weighing whether to pursue one of its cutest aspiring male stars. Like the recently released, SF-situated Test, Five Dances is sublimely on-point about both modern dance and love. 11. Boyhood The year’s best fiction epic on the dilemmas of growing up an American male kid, Richard Linklater’s Boyhood gives us a unique perspective on how a Texas boy (Ellar Coltrane) matures over an 11-year period (2002-13), showing the maturation of a boy and his sister. Debuting at the 2014 edition of the Sundance Film Festival, Boyhood is a lovely companion piece to the long-running British reality series 7-Up. 12. Night Moves recalls that brief shining moment in the 1960s when, fueled by generational shifts, sexual politics and a post-Vietnam disillusion with politics as usual, brave filmmakers attempted to straddle a growing chasm between traditional forms of dissent and acts of violence that would be viewed as treason. The mood of curdled idealism becoming existential despair is enhanced by three strong performances, particularly the passive/aggressive rebel played to chilling perfection by Jesse Eisenberg, an actor previously more identified with acts of neurotic comedy than of dissent. 13. The Double British director Richard Ayoade (Submarine) bases his second feature on Russian novelist Dostoyevsky’s second novel. Few viewers will miss the irony of Jesse Eisenberg, the young actor who won an Oscar nomination for his take on Facebook founder Mark Zuckerberg, here returning as a haunted loser who suffers the ultimate identity theft. 14. The Way He Looks In 2010, Brazilian Daniel Ribeiro’s short Eu Nao Quero Voltar Sozinho plopped us down inside the complicated world of a young blind teen who feels he’s being smothered by an overprotective mom. Now the feature-length version preserves the short’s unique vision while provid-

Texas boy Mason (Ellar Coltrane) grows up in director Richard Linklater’s Boyhood.

Strand Releasing

Gabriel (Fabio Audi) and Leo (Ghilherme Lobo) in writer/director Daniel Ribeiro’s The Way He Looks.

ing fascinating clues about how our senses shape and inform our sexuality. It opens on two best friends lying lazily by a pool. Leo (Ghilherme Lobo) is bright, handsome and blind from birth. Giovana (Tess Amorim) is Leo’s guide and platonic girlfriend. Things get sticky when a new boy, the radiant, curly-haired Gabriel (Fabio Audi), becomes a classmate and replaces Giovana as Leo’s best bud. A highlight is an erotic post-pool shower scene between the boys. Ribeiro seamlessly charts the baby steps by which new alliances are formed among school chums, and how puberty can drastically up-end old bonds. This may be the first feature to trace with humor and compassion how hard it is to be gay, blind and in love with a boy you’ve never actually seen. 15. The Imitation Game The personal life of closeted WWII-era British science whiz Alan Turing, highlighted by feats of mathematical brilliance that exposed Nazi Germany’s top wartime secrets, would have been unexceptional if it weren’t for the Victorian-era laws that turned “poofs” into dangerous outlaws. One of the film’s achievements comes from hinting at the

enormous power possessed by an unseen monarch. Oscar bait: a very likely Best Actor Nomination for Benedict Cumberbatch (as Turing) for projecting an extraordinary anti-charisma. 16. Interior. Leather Bar. Palo Alto native James Franco deconstructs the fallout, 30 years later, from the queer protests directed against William Friedkin’s inflammatory melodrama about cops and queers, Cruising. 17. Citizen Four Filmmaker Laura Poitras (My Country, My Country) snatches a rare moment in the making of a reluctant celebrity, the moment before a beautiful young man – on the cusp of 30, but still looking like a perpetually distracted grad student – becomes, in effect, a digitalera debutante. Edward Snowden’s “coming out” party is a tad impromptu, downright bumpy in fact, as he stumbles out of the shadows from idealistic NSA whistleblower to expat fugitive and temporary houseguest in that bastion of free speech, Putin’s Russia. 18. Mr. Turner British auteur Mike Leigh provides gifted character actor Timothy Spall a likely Best Actor Oscar nomination for an uncompromising portrayal of 19thcentury landscape painter Joseph Mallard William Turner. Regarded by many as the father of modern abstract painting, in Spall’s hands Turner emerges as a complex and

2015 Theatre

From page 15

ning Jan. 20-March 13, follows the ramifications when a white Southern woman shows up at the door of a black Chicagoan claiming to be his half-sister. She knew her father only as an angry racist, and sees in the interracial affair a source of possible redemption – while her half-sibling thinks this climb up the family tree can only upset his own home. In Harbor, running Jan. 23-March 1 at NCTC, playwright Chad Beguelin takes a lighter approach as Kevin and Ted, a married gay couple living in Sag Harbor, have their manicured world upended when Ted’s pothead sister and her teenage daughter arrive for an extended stay. Ted hates children, and

memorably tragic figure building on contemporary notions of artists as wastrels and failed adults. 19. The Drop “Are you doing something desperate, something we can’t clean up this time?” The question from Tom Hardy’s taciturn bartender to the late James Gandolfini’s amiable “Cousin Marv” reverberates all the way through this smart if bloody thriller from the pen of Dennis LeHane (Mystic River). This dark tale loses little punch despite the switch in settings from LeHane’s “Southie” Boston precincts to a drab slice of industrial, non-gentrified Brooklyn. 20. Stranger by the Lake Taking on a subject, gay male cruising, that has eluded many, French director Alain Guiraudic sets us down in a fairy-tale pretty environment: a crystal-blue lake, 150 kilometers north of Cannes, where a motley assortment of men, both out and closeted, check each other out and frolic in the nearby vegetation. Guiraudic conjures up the duality of excitement and ennui affecting gay male cruising spots worldwide, with a plot that borrows from classic filmnoir tropes, producing an effect that is sexy, thrilling and oddly funny. 21. 3 Still Standing “When it works, it’s better than sex, better than drugs, better than family, better than chocolate fudge.” Comic Will Durst’s elixir is to slay a large group of humor-deprived adults in it turns out his unmarried sister is also pregnant again. The comedy goes into some dark territory before finding an unexpected conclusion.

Without labels

Two noteworthy January openings just aren’t going to fit into any category here. The first is a world premiere at Berkeley Rep that takes on America’s passion for a game that is often injurious and sometimes lethal. X’s and O’s (A Football Love Story) is a docudrama based on stories conducted with players, their families, and fans. Playwright KJ Sanchez calls himself a football “superfan,” and collaborator Jenny Mercein is the daughter of former Super Bowl-winning player Chuck Mercein. It runs Jan. 16-March 1.

a darkened room. Robert Campos and Donna LoCiero use Durst and his comic peers Johnny Steele and Larry “Bubbles” Brown to illustrate the shifting landscape of the oncevibrant SF standup comedy scene. Dedicated to and with participation from the late Robin Williams, this well-made piece shifts between uproariously funny and sadly elegiac. 22. Palo Alto Gia Coppola’s first feature captures the elusive feel for life in a wealthy San Francisco suburb whose privileged denizens don’t regard themselves as anybody’s mall rats. Coppola aces her take on the short stories of one of her hometown stars, the ever-controversial James Franco. Comparable to last year’s The Perks of Being a Wallflower, without the benefit of the latter film’s incendiary gay hero (Ezra Miller). 23. Rich Hill In their terribly human, fitfully funny but always empathetic portrait of small-town America today, cousins Tracy Droz Tragos and Andrew Droz Palermo make what could have been an unbearably sad story quite unexpectedly hopeful. The filmmakers zero in on three boys whose intelligence, earthy humor and refusal to give up on themselves will give you something to chew on if you fear for the future of American boys. 24. The Third One This erotically charged caper kicks off in a young man’s bedroom as the college student begins a sexy web-chat with an older guy. Argentine director Rodrigo Guerrero uses long takes to show how the kid hooks up for some frisky action with the man and his lover. What distinguishes this romp is the deliberately paced escalation of carnal hooks: sex must wait for dinner with white wine. The bedroom scenes are worth the wait, in carefully choreographed erotic sequences, for a film that steers clear of obvious porn. 25. Cupcakes Israel’s jack-of-allgenres director Eytan Fox returns with a cinema sugar-rush about six friends at a European TV song contest. Ofer, a sexy and vocationally frustrated pre-school teacher, ropes five female pals into subordinating inflated egos to deliver a blockbuster slice of pop treacle. Framed by my favorite disco anthem, “Love Will Keep Us Together,” Cupcakes unveils the party-down side of a country surviving perilously in the world’s toughest neighborhood. 27. Boy Meets Girl Eric Schaeffer gives the story of a Kentucky newbie a sassy spin. Newcomer Michelle Hendley offers a brave interpretation of the complex motives of a “simple country girl” who trusts her platonic best friend/one-time wannabe lover with a naked glimpse of both her heart and a body that’s still very much in transition. 28. Salvation Army Abdellah Taia embeds us inside an extended Moroccan clan as a shy, queer Arab boy (Taia’s younger self) plots to escape the tyranny of family and the mostly benevolent but still painful exploitation by foreign sex tourists.t Lamplighters, known for its love of Gilbert and Sullivan, will make one of its more intriguing strays from its base repertoire. The troupe is taking on Candide, the musical adaptation of Voltaire’s social satire that had a bumpy initial ride on Broadway in 1956 despite a score by Leonard Bernstein and a libretto by Lillian Hellman. With considerable revisions, the operetta found Broadway success in a 1974 revival, and more revisions and restorations in the coming years were capped by a version prepared for the Royal Shakespeare Company. That is the Candide that Lamplighters will present first at Yerba Buena Center for the Arts on Jan. 30-Feb. 1 before traveling to Walnut Creek and Mountain View.t

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Fine Art>>

January 1-7, 2015 • BAY AREA REPORTER • 23

2015 Fine Art

From page 13

Young Museum has a raft of promising shows like Janet Delaney: South of Market, which illuminates the transformation of a San Francisco neighborhood through more than 40 archival pigment prints by the Berkeley-based photographer, who shot the images during the 1970s and 80s, when redevelopment was threatening to overtake the district. (Jan. 17-July 19); Botticelli to Braque: Masterpieces from the National Galleries of Scotland The 55 paintings gathered from three esteemed Scottish art institutions span more than 400 years, from the Renaissance through the early 20th century, with masterworks by El Greco, van Dyck, Watteau, Raeburn, and Monet, as well as by Vermeer, Velázquez, Veronese, and a Botticelli never seen before in the U.S. (March 7-May 31); J.M.W. Turner: Painting Set Free Mr. Turner, Mike Leigh’s biographical film starring Timothy Spall, who’ll likely be forever identified with the grunting, irascible 19th-century British painter of sublime land- and seascapes (though not exclusively those subjects), covered roughly the last 20 years of his life, the same productive period as this exhibition, which explores his revolutionary techniques, and includes 65 major oils and watercolors, resplendent with spectacular light and color. (June 20-Sept. 20) MoAD is back in gear this year in an expansive, newly renovated space, fresh environs that will be accompanied, one can only hope, by a reinvigorated commitment to getting the word out about their shows. On view now: Lava Thomas: Beyond, a two-parter that mediates on the passage of time in both spiritual and physical manifestations. It incorporates early and new works – drawings, photography, sculpture, and installations – by Thomas, a West Coast artist who takes a variety

Estate of Tetsuya Ishida

Maze (approx. 2001) by Tetsuya Ishida. Acrylic on canvas. Courtesy of private collection.

of approaches to the body, referencing cloudscapes, Victorian funerary practices, the modern-day operating theater, and hair as a potent symbol of identity. (through April 12); Portraits and Other Likenesses from SFMOMA, which includes paintings, sculptures, photographs, and videos, mines interpretations of portraiture from the early 20th century onward, in European, African and American cultures. It features works by Romare Bearden, Sargent Johnson, and Wifredo Lam in dialogue with recent pieces by Nick Cave, Glenn Ligon, Chris Ofili, Kara Walker and Carrie Mae Weems, among others. (May 8-Sept. 27) Asian Art Museum: Tetsuya Ishida: Saving the World with a Brushstroke is an exhibition of eight works, on view in this country for the first time, by the Japanese painter, whose career and life were cut short in 2005 at the age of 31. Known for his dark imagery and his probing of identity, social displacement and the meaning of existence in the post-industrial landscape, his paintings combine nature and the unnatural, the fantastic and the hyperreal. (through Feb. 22); Seduction: Japan’s Floating World A selection of 50 woodblock prints, paintings,

ornate kimonos that adorned courtesans, flashy Kabuki theater costumes and other fantasy-laden objects transports visitors to the mid-1600s, when Japan’s alluring entertainment districts and the Yoshiwara, or “pleasure quarter,” flourished in Edo (now Tokyo). (Feb. 20-May 10) Cantor Arts Center: She Who Tells the Story: Women Photographers from Iran and the Arab World showcases work ranging from fine art to photojournalism, by a dozen leading female artists of the region, who explore issues of identity and representation, and the ravages of war and its impact of daily life. Through 81 photographs and a pair of videos they create narratives that forge a deeper understanding of the Middle East, while dispelling myths of female oppression. (Jan. 28-May 4); Promised Land: Jacob Lawrence The Cantor has one of the largest museum collections of artworks by this dynamic chronicler of the black American experience. Characterized by a bold, distinctive style sometimes described as a meld of Cubism and early 20th-century Social Realism, the show’s prints, paintings and drawings chart the evolution of a natural storyteller over six decades,

Abhi Singh

Lamp of the Covenant (detail) by Dave Lane.

offering a panoramic perspective of the struggle against slavery and for civil rights, the rise of Harlem as a thriving center of black culture, and the contributions of AfricanAmerican builders who shaped the country’s cities at the beginning of the 20th century. (April 1-Aug. 3) The Contemporary Jewish Museum kicks off the year with Lamp of the Covenant, a commissioned artwork by Dave Lane. The massive, 90-foot-long, six-ton, antique steel sculpture, suggesting the divine and humanity’s relationship to the cosmos, will be suspended from the ceiling in the lobby starting Feb. 1; For their immersive video project Letters to Afar, Budapest-based filmmaker and video-artist Péter Forgács, along with the New York City band the Klezmatics, resurrect a vanished world based on archival

materials and home movies made by Jewish immigrants from the US who had returned to their hometowns in Poland during the 1920s and 30s before the Holocaust annihilated a entire people and their way of life. (Feb. 26-May 24); While it’s true that Amy Winehouse: A Family Portrait won’t be up until mid-summer, I’ll be counting the days until it arrives. Winehouse, the young British singer who loved jazz and gospel, and idolized Mahalia Jackson, Ray Charles, Dinah Washington and Sarah Vaughan, had a big, emotionally expressive voice and an even larger problem with alcohol that contributed to her tragic death three years ago. Her guitar, record collection, edgy outfits and private photographs are on view in a show that reveals the Jewish roots of one extraordinarily soulful white girl. (July 30-Nov. 1)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

WALT’S TRAINS NOV 13, 2014–FEB 9, 2015

ALL ABOARD

From Marceline to the Magic Kingdom, Walt Disney’s fascination with trains influenced his personal life and work. Explore Walt’s railroading legacy with more than 200 artifacts, archival video, vintage photographs, and working model trains that will take you on a journey through Walt’s personal collection, Disney films, and theme park attractions from around the world. All Aboard: A Celebration of Walt’s Trains is produced by The Walt Disney Family Museum. Walt Disney, 1951; Collection of LOOK Magazine, photo by Earl Theisen; Courtesy of the Library of Congress; © Disney | The Walt Disney Family Museum® Disney Enterprises, Inc. | © 2014 The Walt Disney Family Museum | The Walt Disney Family Museum is not affiliated with Disney Enterprises, Inc.

New! Head First

NIGHTLIFE DINING

On The Town

SPIRITS

On the Tab

SOCIETY

ROMANCE

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PERSONALS Vol. 45 • No. 1 • January 1-7, 2015

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Kathy Najimy

Actress, activist and ally at Feinstein’s by Jim Provenzano

ans of Kathy Najimy will get a special treat next week when the actress known for dozens of film and TV roles shares a special San Francisco edition of her one-woman show, Lift Up Your Skirt, at Feinstein’s at the Nikko. Talking by phone from her home in New York City, Najimy discussed her acting, activism, and aspects of balancing her convictions with being a popular actress, speaker and producer. Longtime fans know Najimy from her duo feminist comedy play with Mo Gaffney, The Kathy and Mo Show, which was an Off-Broadway Obie Award-winning hit in New York See page 27 >> that was also adapted into two HBO specials.

Museum amusements Unleash your sapiosexuality at smart parties by T. M. Elmo

t’s a new year, so why not consider new ways to party? If you’re a sapiosexual (a person who’s turned on by intelligent people), then you’re in luck. Local museums and galleries are a prime source of interesting fun for grown-ups, be they DJed dance parties or thought-provoking lectures and exhibits. Art and science exhibits lead to more interesting conversations and flirtations. Unleash your inner sexy nerd at nightlife events hosted by two of our fabulous science museums, See page 26 >> The Exploratorium and the California Academy of Science.

A December After Dark party at the Exploratorium.

{ THIRD OF THREE SECTIONS }

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26 • BAY AREA REPORTER • January 1-7, 2015

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WEDDINGS, HEADSHOTS, PORTRAITS

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Left: Gals having fun at an Exploratorium Glow party. Upper Right: An aerialist performs a recent Exploratorum party. Lower Right: Musician Dan Deacon performs a cell phone-interactive music work at a recent Exploratorium event.

WARNING << HOT GUYS!

Museum amusements

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Thursday Jan. 1: After Dark The first nightlife party at the fun museum is themed In With the New, a fun party where guests can explore the exhibits while enjoying tasty savory samples of new culinary treats. $10-$15. 6pm-10pm.

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Thursday Jan. 8: Pickling Learn about the trendy culinary craft of pickling food with vinegars or salt brine fermentation. Taste samples and get tips on do-it-yourself pickling. 7:30pm.

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Thursday, Jan. 15: Orchestra Nostalgico The multi-instrument band performs a collection of score excerpts from famous movie soundtracks. 7pm.

Thursday, Jan. 8: How-to NightLife Start your new year with a new skill at NightLife’s annual salute to all things hands-on. From tips to make domestic life more blissful to tricks that will impress your friends to no end, explore the museum for demos and workshops galore. From cider-making demo with Golden State Cider reps, to eco-friendly tips on how to conserve water, you can party while becoming informed. Crafty gurus from GoGo Craft share the basics of weaving and knitting. Create your very own woven bracelet, scarf, or custom wall hanging; plus, needle-work and other crafts displays and demos, including the fiery alchemists of The Crucible, who show jpw they create beautiful metal jewelry. There will be plenty more, all set to ‘90s-era rock and pop riffs spun by DJ Jamie Jams.

Thursday, Feb. 5: After Dark: Nocturnal Enjoy live performances, provocative films, interesting music, cutting-edge technology, unexpected extravaganzas, and more, depending on each evening’s lineup (not specified yet, but it’s sure to be interesting). $10-$15. 6pm-10pm.

Academy of Fun

The California Academy of Sciences has been hosting fun parties since it opened a few years ago. Seasonal events have included live reindeer for Christmas, and wild costume parties at Halloween. NightLife events are scheduled

See page 28 >> BARtab

San Jose

Friday, Jan. 30: The Science of Cocktails Master mixologists offer luscious libations stirred oh so scientifically. No, really. Learn about the chemistry of cocktails while you enjoy a museum party with open bars, food, activities. 21+ only! $120-$185 (VIP with 8pm entry) 9pm-12am.

BARtab

510.343.1122

for each Thursday night, 6pm to 10pm. California Academy of Sciences, 55 Music Concourse Drive, Golden Gate Park. $12 per person ($10 for Academy members). www.calacademy.org/nightlife

Monty Suwannukul

Oakland

For other local numbers call:

Here are events at The Exploratorium for January. Additional events in February explore radioactivity, unusual cinema, and more. Pier 15 at Embarcadero. (415) EXP-LORE. www.exploratorium.edu

Thursday, Jan. 22: Lasers Ron Hipschman hosts a talk and display of “Full-Spectrum Science” all about the invention that has changed the way we live. 8pm. Also Jan 25 at 11am, 2pm and 3:30pm.

Left: Aquatic grooves at the California Academy of Sciences. Right: Delicious nibbly things at a recent California Academy of Sciences event.

t <<

Read more online at www.ebar.com

Kathy Najimy

From page 25

And of course, movie fans recall her roles in the Bay Area-set Sister Act with Whoopi Goldberg, and the Disney favorite Hocus Pocus (which costarred Bette Midler and Sarah Jessica Parker). Some fans might be surprised by her numerous voiceover roles in animated films and TV shows, in particular the role of Peggy Hill on King of the Hill. But first, we discussed Najimy’s upcoming show at Feinstein’s, which, she wanted to clarify, is not a cabaret show. “There is music, but I won’t be singing,” said Najimy. “I wouldn’t want the cabaret crowd to expect Audra McDonald. Feinstein’s was kind enough to let me bring my in-progress show to San Francisco, since they said they’re interested in works in progress. I don’t sing, so I’m a little nervous to mislead.” It’s difficult to imagine the successful actress being nervous, since she’s been up front about confronting homophobia, sexism and animal rights abuses for decades. Born and raised in San Diego, Najimy, 57, is married to comic rocker Dan Finnerty of the DanBand. The couple have a daughter, Samia. Proud of her Lebanese heritage, Najimy has visited her parents’ home country when her daughter was eight and her mother eighty. “Beirut was so beautiful, the people are so generous,” said Najimy. “We had the most wild fun Lebanese blast!” Parts of Najimy’s show explore her private life, including her early fascination with Bette Midler, who became a mentor, and eventually Najimy’s costar. Being a fan of Midler is only one of many connections Najimy shares with her gay fans. A longtime supporter of LGBT rights, Najimy has been a stalwart, volunteering, performing and speaking at many gay rights events and benefits. She’s even adding a monologue to her Feinstein’s show, a character excerpt as “Aunt Maddie” from The Kathy and Mo Show about marriage equality. Najimy performed earlier versions of the show at Icons nightclub on Fire Island in August, and earlier this year in Australia as part of the Adelaide Cabaret Festival. “The show is snippets of my twohour solo show,” said Najimy, who added that her activism is part of the

work, but she finds a balance that keeps it entertaining. “I would find it hard to write anything that isn’t colored by my activism,” she said. “There are a lot of thoughts and questions about my feminism and gay and lesbian rights. I also frequently do keynote speeches where I talk about things I care about. I can’t not talk about my life.” An honoree as Woman of the Year from Ms. Magazine, Najimy is working on projects related to her feminism, in particular co-producing an upcoming project about the early years of the Women’s Movement, and a Broadway show with Gloria Steinem. Among her causes are animal rights, which won’t feature in her Feinstein’s show, but are part of the full show. In one scene, said Najimy, “I share my relationship with a conservative man who hunts. We ended up riding in a car together, eating snow cones and connecting on a level I never expected.” Californians may be familiar with Najimy’s support for the PETA campaign (People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals) against caged animals and sea creatures, specifically the Orca whales who are forced to entertain audiences at Sea World. More than twenty whales have died at young ages at Sea World parks since 1986. “Dan Matthews [PETA’s Senior Vice President] and I have been working together for 20 years,” said Najimy, who posed for the sexy ad campaign, “I’d Rather Go Naked Than Wear Fur.” “Dan just called up about Sea World, and I agreed to be part of a campaign,” said Najimy. “As a kid, I always felt a little bit of unrest at zoos. Now, as an adult, I can look and see what should be prevented. Big two-ton whales should not be in a fishbowl.” The fact that the ad featuring Najimy was placed at the San Diego airport –then abruptly censored– got the attention of CNN. “It wasn’t because of my involvement,” said Najimy. “The San Diego Airport refused to put up the poster. It ended up getting much more attention than ever.” In March 2014, PETA and the ACLU sued the San Diego airport for refusing their ad. The airport relented and allowed it to be displayed for one month in May. Najimy is careful to point out that her perspective might not be as

Kathy Najimy speaking at A Night of New York Class

January 1-7, 2015 • BAY AREA REPORTER • 27

Kathy Najimy in a sexy ad for PETA’s “I’d rather go naked than wear fur” campaign.

extreme as some of her colleagues in animal rights activism. But she questions any use of animals as entertainment, from circus elephants to the camels used in the Radio City Music Hall Christmas shows. “Let’s find a way to be more compassionate,” said Najimy. “In no instance is any animal happy to be performing. You don’t need camels. You have Rockettes. They do not belong in a storage room backstage.” Even game shows have become useful for Najimy’s favorite causes. Her prize-winning participation goes back to 1981, when Najimy’s family competed on Family Feud. She also competed on the original $25,000 Pyramid, and more recently, appeared on Celebrity Cook-Off, making vegetarian recipes. Her bigger victories were on CBS’ Gameshow Marathon in 2006, where her $100,000 winnings went to Girls Best Friend, a young women’s empowerment organization. Najimy won $50,000 on The Weakest Link (proceeds went to the Feminist Majority Foundation), and her $100,000 winnings on Celebrity Poker Showdown aided V-Day, which works to prevent violence against women and children. Najimy shared a larger perspective of her activism, from animal rights to human rights, particularly in the current times of large-scale protests against police abuses taking place nationwide. “I think we’re all on a road, and we are offered challenges and enlightenment,” said Najimy. “There’s not a line in the road, as if half are wrong and right. It’s a constantly evolving path. Consciousness rises and falls. I love when compassionate movements rise. That’s something that I get excited about.” It may be a forced segue, but the

Kathy Najimy’s PETA ad in San Diego.

fact that Najimy smartly uses her fame to voice her opinions is a contrasted by her success as a voiceover actor. Her extensive on-screen acting includes hit TV shows (Veep, Veronica’s Closet, The Big C, Numb3rs, Ugly Betty, Desperate Housewives and many more), films (Sister Act I and II, Soapdish, and the upcoming Disney TV film Descendants). Najimy can also be heard as the voice of dozens of uniquely whimsical animated characters with names like Dipsy, Legba, and Bingette Bunny. Among her most prominent voice-over roles are Mary, the sympathetic human in WALL-E, and as Peggy Hill in the hit animated TV series King of the Hill.

Kathy Najimy doing voice work as the character Mary in Disney/ Pixar’s WALL-E.

“People rarely know that I was Peggy Hill,” said Najimy. “They say, ‘It doesn’t sound like you,’ and I say, ‘Good, then I did my job! Very few people know it’s me, and that’s great.” King of the Hill ran from 1997 to 2010, and Najimy praised the show as being one of her favorite roles. “It had a really great cast and scripts.” Najimy said the cast worked together and apart to record the episodes. “If I was doing a play in New York, we would record separately.” Najimy said of her role as Mary in the 1993 witchy Disney comedy Hocus Pocus, “Halloween is crazy with great Hocus fans. They keep asking me if there will be a sequel. I tell them to ask Disney.” Getting back to her current show, Najimy said, of visiting San Francisco, “It’s been a while. I have a lot of history, with Sister Act being filmed there, and we did The Kathy and Mo Show at the Eureka Theatre and Theatre on the Square. I have so many fond memories, and I love the activist/artist vibe. ‘Different’ has a different definition there. Some of the world is your tribe and some aren’t. Most people in San Francisco … are my tribe.” “I’ve never had a bad time with an audience there,” she added. “The things I talk about, San Franciscans are interested in. I’m excited to return for a million reasons, and to have a good time.”t Kathy Najimy performs Lift Up Your Skirt at Feinstein’s at the Nikko, January 9 (8pm) and 10 (7pm). $45-$60. Hotel Nikko, 222 Mason St. (866) 663-1063. www.kathynajimy.com www.ticketmaster.com

Serving the LGBT communities since 1971

28 • BAY AREA REPORTER • January 1-7, 2015

Lez than impressed by Krissy Eliot

hen I left rural Maryland last year to pursue my dreams as a sex writer, my goal was to dive headfirst into the San Francisco sex culture and write about it through the eyes of an innocent, small town girl. So I threw myself at the people of the San Francisco Bay Guardian — who welcomed me warmly into their folds. Soon after I started writing my column, Head First, evil forces in the world shut down my sweet, sweet SFBG, and the paper was no more. It was like I’d lost my home... and my adventures had barely begun. After a two month mourning period, the lovely Bay Area Reporter took in my orphaned column, for which I am ever so grateful. And here I am today, ready to share my sexplorations with BAR readers. So enough of this ado, let’s get this blow on the load. I’ll start with my first lesbian sex party. Sound good to you? Me too. Before moving to San Francisco, I’d only sexed women who lived in

the conservative Maryland area. Every chick I’d slept with connected with me in a spiritual and emotional way — whether we were “just fucking” or “making sweet love.” Most of my casual hetero sexperiences paled in comparison to lesbian sex. Unlike men, women could run their fingers over my body and read my desires like braille. I assumed that the females of the sexually progressive Bay Area would have intellectually explosive, passionate and hypnotic talents that would make me forget the East Coast ladies of yore. So you can imagine my surprise when I went to my first lesbian sex party in SF and it was the most non-connective encounter I’ve ever had. Since the party was taking place in a dungeon, I assumed it wouldn’t be all cuddles and stuffed animals — but I still expected some sexual intimacy since there were 70 women there. I’d also gone to the party with Goldie — a cute blonde I’d met soon after moving here. Our energy was electric, and I was sure the party

Our new columnist’s first lesbian sex party

would ignite sparks. After arriving, Goldie and I were handed a piece of paper that told us not to piss or shit on any of the furniture (it really set the mood), and then we made our way to the back of the dungeon where a fisting workshop was taking place. A dark-haired androgynous person in a corset and black briefs was running the workshop, and their assistant (who’d be playing the role of “fistee”) was a voluptuous brunette with a baby face. I’d never watched a live sexual demonstration and assumed everyone would be at rapt attention (because female orgasms are mesmerizing). I was wrong. For the first 45 minutes, no clothes came off. The instructor talked about gloves, lube, consent, the art of plastic wrap bondage, cleanliness, etc. Safety talk is cool, but my butt had pins and needles. The women watching the dem-

onstration couldn’t appear more disinterested — picking their nails, texting, whispering, and even sleeping. Eighty minutes later there was finally a fist in a cooch, and the instructor clinically narrated the whole thing. It wasn’t arousing. The workshop ended and Goldie dragged me through the dungeon full of people having (what appeared to be) surprisingly dull, free-for-all sex. A femme lesbian started whipping a submissive in the corner, then she paused to let out a sigh. A large woman was lying belly down on a mechanical bull contraption with a tired expression while her partner massaged her ass. And a small group of women talked casually about their jobs while some leather-clad lady fucked herself with a vibrator right next to them. Goldie led me across the dungeon to a seven-foot-tall, leather X that was sitting upright on a wood-

Michael Woodward

Our new Head First sex columnist, Krissy Eliot.

Museum amusements

From page 26

Thursday, Jan. 15: Habitat Earth NightLife Get ready for a night of mindbending, cutting-edge science visualization. Discover what it means to live in a connected world and be among the first to peep the Academy’s newest planetarium show Habitat Earth. Meet the visual masterminds behind this immersive, data-driven journey and hear from Morrison Planetarium director Ryan Wyatt during a special Universe Update at 6:30pm, followed by three showings of the new show. Catch a live talk with host Dr. M. Sanjayan. View microscopic wonders on a macro-awesome scale with KQED’s new YouTube series Deep

Look. From pygmy seahorses that camouflage on vibrant corals to the shimmering blue scales of a Morpho butterfly, it’s a dazzling array of creatures. And in the party space, groove to the hip-shaking sounds of DJ Midnight Artist. Thursday, Jan. 22: Gallery Crawl NightLife Unleash your creativity on a participatory mural wall with Paint Pens Collective. In the Piazza, mellow out to the entrancing, deep house sounds of Roche, followed by the techno-house stylings of Physical Therapy. Artbeats take over the African Hall with a curated selection of artists and galleries, including one of our favorties, Modern Eden Gallery. Also on view, the Academy’s rare collection of Andy Warhol ani-

Krissy Eliot (right) gets intimate with a friend.

en stand. I was supposed to tie her wrists and ankles to it, but I didn’t have rope, so Goldie just leaned against the X and pulled me close. Goldie’s clothes eventually came off and she was standing there in nothing but her boots. She demanded that I spank her with a paddle. I informed her that neither of us had brought such an apparatus and I had never used one before. She demanded I do something about it. I noticed a butch lesbian in all black standing alone to my right. I asked her if she could teach me how to beat someone. She said she would if she could, but there weren’t any extra paddles available. I cordially thanked her and walked back to a disappointed Goldie. To console her, I reached around and rubbed her clit with my left hand while spanking her with my right. She claimed I made her “come really hard,” but I didn’t believe her. Eventually we ended up alone on a bed in a corner. My clothes came off and Goldie poked at my crotch for awhile, but it was useless. How turned on can a person get while the speakers are blasting DJ Snake’s “Turn Down For What?” Just when I thought things might get hot between us, a group of five women walked up to the bed, stared, said nothing, and walked away. I couldn’t tell if they were disgusted or just unimpressed. The electric energy between Goldie and I had been shorted. We got dressed and left. Perhaps the party blew because I hyped it up to think it would be a fantastical experience involving doggie piles of passion. Or maybe I’m just not savvy to the Bay Area ways, and connective and wild sex for San Franciscans looks like excruciating boredom. Whatever the case, my first allfemale sex event didn’t possess any of my favorite things about sex with women. It was emotionally and intellectually apathetic and didn’t even feel that carnal. Can San Francisco’s casual sex culture cause a disconnect between the female mind and vagina? Or was it just my mind and vagina? I’ll have more gay sex to find out.t Readers can contact Krissy by email at thekrissyeliot@gmail.com and view her previous work at www.krissyeliot.com.

mal prints—from neon zebras to technicolor gorillas. Other animal artists show their work and draw on-site. Thursday, Jan. 29 Sketchfest NightLife Laugh your face off as SF Sketchfest takes over the Academy for a night of creatures, cocktails, and comedy, part of the annual SF Sketchfest Comedy Festival. “What’s So Funny About Love, Sex, and Science?” is the theme. Jewish mothers and relationship experts Ronna & Beverly host their popular talk show. Los Angeles improv collective the Groundlings present Personals, with improvised characters based on real profiles on internet dating sites. Competitive Erotic Science Fan Fiction returns for off-the-cuff debauched readings based on your favorite science fiction stories. Also on the bill, Sex Nerd Sandra, Peaches Christ, comedians Erin Foley, David Dineen-Porter, Jesse Elias, and more at pop-up stages. New Wave City DJs spin with ‘80s synth, rock, and pop. So, enjoy the selection of smarty parties, and find your muse, and amusement, at local museums.t Ronna & Beverly, a part of the line-up for Jan. 29 Sketchfest NightLife.

Read more online at www.ebar.com

January 1-7, 2015 • BAY AREA REPORTER • 29

Looking back by Donna Sachet

he first column of a new year… how exciting! But first, a brief look back at 2014! Without even glancing at a calendar, we remember a year scattered with weddings, most of them same-gender, as the legal reality of these arrangements became clearer and the march of history took us closer to national acceptance. We remember Neil Sims & Timothy Lucas’ wedding at The Flood Mansion, cleverly disguised as simply a birthday, but morphing into a fullfledged wedding as the evening progressed. We marveled at the top-notch wedding celebration orchestrated by John Brosnan & Chad McLaughlin at the Sir Francis Drake Hotel. And enjoyed the wedding of Tom Burtch & Neil Austin aboard the Empress yacht on the Bay with family, friends, and lots of fellow San Francisco Gay Men’s Chorus members along, Glenn Stover & Gerard Schulz married in a beautiful religious ceremony, but with a relaxed, ecumenical reception, and the smile-filled outdoor union of Coy & Sal Meza with a double decker bus and elaborate dinner afterwards. We remember a parade of talented performer friends, like Sharon McNight, Jason Brock, Veronika Klaus, Joshua Klipp, Brian Kent, BeBe Sweetbriar, Racquela, Gypsy Love, Kippy Marks, Joan Ryan, and Carol Channing sharing their talents at a multitude of fundraising events or at one of the dwindling number of live entertainment ven-

John Brosman and Chad McLaughlin were among the notable couples who wed this year.

Francis Drake Hotel, led by Michael Pagan, creator and producer of Sunday’s a Drag, now in its 9th year. Thank you to all who continue to attend and to spread the word! We take tremendous personal pride in another successful Pride Brunch, co-produced with Gary Virginia, ClearChannel live telecast of the Pride Parade, co-anchored with Michelle Meow, and Songs of the Season, in partnership with Richard Sablatura. We congratulate SF Pride on recordbreaking success this year and a new, refreshing cooperative spirit. We’re happy to have danced away many happy hours at venues all over town, but none as amazing as

limited to contests, street fairs, and the occasional romp through Powerhouse and the Eagle, we continue to champion this community with a justified reputation for taking care of its own and appreciate its always warm welcome to this columnist. It was a humbling year for us personally, receiving the Most Notable Drag Queen award at the Niteys in February, the first Peggy Richmond and Barbara Ermet Memorial Community Hero Award from the Richmond/Ermet AIDS Foundation in August, and the Leadership Award from the Horizons Foundation in September. And a year of sad reflection as we mourned the loss of friends like Bob Emerson, Stu Smith, and Danny Williams, but a year of smiles and appreciation as we celebrated the birthdays of too many to list, including a milestone of our own. Indeed, we’ve watched many of our friendships evolve and change, some to become more distant, some to grow more intense, and some to simply fade away; friendships, like any relationship, take work. Please take the time to look around at those in your life today; they may be going through things that you are missing, things that you could help them get through, or things with which sim-

Steven Underhill

Donna Sachet onstage at the Castro Theatre with the San Francisco Gay Men’s Chorus in this year’s annual Christmas Eve concert.

ply an open mind and a listening ear could make a difference. No annual report would be complete without mention of the many events of the Imperial Court of San Francisco, including Imperial Coronation, the Cemetery Trip, Mr. Cowboy/Miss Cowgirl, Mr./Miss Golden Gate, Mr./Miss Gay, and so many others. Few groups can claim such a busy schedule or an outreach to so many individuals, all while raising amazing amounts of money for charitable organizations all over town. This past year’s Imperial Coronation was one of the most successful in years, thanks to incredible Monarchs, Emperor Drew Cutler and Empress Patty McGroin, with packed schedules and unyielding commitments to their year’s duties. Our Reigning Emperor JP Soto and Empress Misty Blue are well on their way to another successful reign and the leadership of the Imperial Council works very hard, searching for new relevance while respecting its amazing history. So, this first column of 2015

Rich Stadtmiller

Empress Misty Blue and Emperor JP Soto at the Imperial Coronation, held in February.

ues in town. And we continued to dip our toe into the amazing high arts available at the SF Symphony, Ballet, Opera, and A.C.T. While relishing those annual events in which we always participate, like for Academy of Friends, Equality/California, GLAAD, PAWS, AIDS Emergency Fund, Positive Resource Center, Project Open Hand, AIDS Legal Referral Panel, Shanti, GLBT Historical Society, Open House, Cirque de l’Arc, and the LGBT Community Center, it was also lots of fun to break into new territory at events like the gala at Hayward City Hall for Lighthouse Community Center, the Red Dress Party at LookOut, Pride Party at Curry Senior Center, and the Positive Pedalers Send-Off to AIDS Life Cycle. And we continue to revel in the success of the SF Gay Men’s Chorus, in many ways our very birthplace and a wonderful source of music, pride, and history. Once in a lifetime events like the 40th Anniversary Celebration of Beach Blanket Babylon and the unveiling of the Harvey Milk US Postage Stamp, both at City Hall, and the Golden Gate Business Association’s 40th Anniversary at the Opera House loom large as we look back over the year just passed. Remarkably, we continue to enjoy our Sundays with an amazing cast and supportive team at the Sir

Beatbox, and to have spent many half-remembered hours at various bars throughout the City, but most memorably at The Edge, 440, LookOut, The Mix, Moby Dick’s, The Café, Twin Peaks, Q Bar, Badlands, Beaux, and the Midnight Sun, all providing good times and heavily involved in and supportive of our community. Although our direct involvement with the Leather community seems to have been reduced this past year,

Georg Lester

Stylish contestants in February’s Red Dress Contest at the Lookout.

Steven Underhill

The always entertaining Sharon McNight at a recent REAF Help is on the Way benefit concert.

seems to have been mainly a look back, but for the benefit of all who look here to plan ahead, here are some key upcoming events. This Tuesday, Jan. 6, the Castro Theatre hosts an invitation-only preview of the television show Looking, filmed in San Francisco and returning for a second season. We can’t wait! And on Sat., Jan. 10, the aforementioned Emperor and Empress host their final monthly Shenanigans at Beaux from 4-7PM. After that, expect a slew of Imperial events including new candidates for Emperor & Empress and Voting Day on Sat., Feb. 7, all leading up to the event of the century…, yes, the Century… the 50th Anniversary Gala of the Imperial Court at City Hall on Sun., Feb. 15! Can you imagine? Watch for complete details right here and thank you, from my heart, for your loyal readership.t

<< On the Tab

30 • BAY AREA REPORTER • January 1-7, 2015

Pussy Party @ Beaux

eON THE 1T–8AB f

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

★

Pollo Del Mar hosts a post-New Year's brunch and dance party, with DJs Shawn P starting at 11am, and Paul Goodyear from 3:30pm on. A Southern Style brunch menu from Mama Knows includes fried chicken, cornbread waffles and Jell-O injectors, plus cheap drinks. No cover. 3600 16th St. at Market. 431-0306. www.LookoutSF.com

January

Recovery @ Lookout

Rock Fag @ Hole in the Wall

Thu 1

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

DJ Paul Goodyear @ The Lookout’s Recovery

Tubesteak Connection @ Aunt Charlie's Lounge

Wed 7 The Drexler Sisters @ Feinstein’s

tart off 2015 with panache. No need to gulp champagne for a while, unless you like the bubbly. It has been said that your first entertainments of the new year may determine how your entire year plays out…or more likely, that’s a bunch of hooey. But it couldn’t hurt to try something new.

The Monster Show @ The Edge

Thu 1 After Dark @ Exploratorium The first nightlife party of 2015 at the fun museum is themed In With the New, with tasty savory sampels of new culinary treats. $10-$15. 6pm10pm. Pier 15. EXP-LORE. www.exploratorium.edu

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

Cookie Dough's weekly drag show with gogo guys and hilarious fun. Jan. 1: Best Songs of 2014.$5. 9pm-2am. 4149 18th St. at Collingwood. www.edgesf.com

My So-Called Night @ Beaux 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

Bulge @ Powerhouse Grace Towers hosts the weekly gogo-tastic 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

VIP @ Club 21, 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 2 Amy & Freddy @ Feinstein's at the Nikko The comic singing duo (vocalist Amy Armstrong, pianist-singer Freddy Allen), known for 14 years as a top-billed RSVP Cruise act, perform at the intimate nightclub. $25-$40. 8pm. Also Jan. 3, 7pm. Hotel Nikko, 222 Mason St. (866) 663-1063. www.amyfreddy.com www.ticketmaster.com

Here’s Looking at You!

Beach Blanket Babylon @ Club Fugazi The musical comedy revue celebrates its 40th year with an everchanging 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

EDGE will keep you informe world’s largest LGBT networ the sparkling news, entertai and photos you’ll need in 20

Friday Night @ de Young Museum

Club Yass @ City Nights

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

Frisco Robbie presents an 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

edgeonethene

Happy Friday @ Midnight Sun

Fri 2

Weekly event, with Latin Point Break Live @ DNA Lounge music, half-off locker fees and Latin men, at the South Bay private men's bath house. $8$39. Reg hours 24/7. 18+. 1010 The Nap's Karaoke Alameda. (408) 275-1215. @ Virgil's Sea Room www.thewatergarden.com Sing out loud at the weekly least

Funny Fun @ Club 21, Oakland 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

Mary Go Round @ Lookout Suppositori Spelling, Mercedez Munro and Holotta Tymes host the weekly night with DJ Philip Grasso, gogo guys, drink specials, and drag acts. 10pm2am. 3600 16th St. www.lookoutsf.com

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

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. 861-4186. 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

Some Thing @ The Stud

Steven Underhill

Fuego @ The Watergarden, San Jose

Disco guru DJ Bus Station John spins grooves at the intimate retro music night. $4. 10pm-2am. 133 Turk St. at Taylor. www.auntcharlieslounge.com

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

Sat 3 Beer Bust @ Hole in the Wall Saloon

Manimal @ Beaux

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

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

Beer Bust @ SF Eagle 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

Point Break Live @ DNA Lounge The dude-tastic live parody performance of the surfer-bank robber-skydiving movie, now monthly, features a chosen audience member in the lead. Enjoy messy, wacky, zany shirtless dude theatre, bro. $20-$50. 7:30pm and 11pm. First Fridays. 375 11th St. www.pointbreaksf.com www.dnalounge.com

Fri 2 Manimal go-go hottie @ Beaux

Bootie SF @ DNA Lounge Celebrate eleven years of the weekly mash-up dance night. No matter the theme, a mixed fun good time's assured. $8-$15. 9pm-3am. 21+. 375 11th St. at Harrison. www.BootieSF. com www.DNAlounge.com

January 1-7, 2015 • BAY AREA REPORTER • 31

La Bota Loca @ Club 21, Oakland 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

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

Drag Mondays @ The Cafe

Sergio Fedasz and Steve Fabus' groove-a-delic disco-themed dance night kicks off the new year with guest DJs Prince Eddie P and Prince Wolf. $10 (free before 10pm). 9pm3am. 399 9th St. www.studsf.com

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

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

Beer Bust @ SF Eagle

Sat 3 Go Bang! fans @ The Stud

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

Sun 4

Cabaret Showcase @ Hotel Rex

Club Rimshot @ Club BNB, Oakland

Go Bang @ The Stud

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

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

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

Tue 6 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 The weekly burlesque show of women dancers shaking their bonbons includes live music. $10. 9pm. 647 Valencia St. 552-7788. www.elbo.com

Funny Tuesdays @ Harvey's

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

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

Mahogany Mondays @ Midnight Sun

Gay Skate Night @ Church on 8 Wheels

Honey Mahogany's weekly drag and musical talent show starts around 10pm. 4067 18th St. 861-4186. www.midnightsunsf.com

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

Karaoke @ The Lookout

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

Ink & Metal @ Powerhouse Show off your tattoos and piercings at the weekly cruisy SoMa bar night. 10pm-2am. 1347 Folsom St. powerhousebar.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. 8:3011:30pm. 2369 Market St. www.cafesf.com

ed, as the rk, with all inment, 015!

Meow Mix @ The Stud courtesy Under the Golden Gate

On the Tab>>

Jock @ The Lookout

Liquid Brunch @ Beaux

No No Bingo @ Virgil's Sea Room

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

Sundance Saloon @ Space 550

Amy and Freddy @ Feinstein’s

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

Salsa Sundays @ El Rio

Fri 2

Ferosha Titties hosts Meow Mix @ The Stud

The weekly jock-ular fun continues, with special sports team fundraisers. 3pm-7pm. 3600 16th St. www.lookoutsf.com No cover, no food, just drinks (Mimosas, Bloody Marys, etc.) and music. 2pm-9pm. 2344 Market St. www.beauxsf.com

et.com

Tue 6

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

Mon 5 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

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

Piano Bar 101 @ Martuni's Sing-along night with talented locals, and charming accompanist Joe Wicht (aka Trauma Flintstone). 9pm. 4 Valencia St. at Market. www. dragatmartunis.com

Underwear Night @ 440

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

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

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

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

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

See page 32 >>

Tue 6 Underwear Night @ Club OMG

<< On the Tab

32 â&#x20AC;˘ BAY AREA REPORTER â&#x20AC;˘ January 1-7, 2015

On the Tab

From page 31

Underwear Night @ Club OMG

Wed 7 Booty Call @ QBar Juanita More!'s midweek fabulous party time in the Castro. Dancing and photobooth. $5. 9pm-2am. 456 Castro St. www.qbarsf.com

Bondage a GoGo @ Cat Club 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.bondage-a-go-go.com

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

Bromance @ Beaux 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

The Drexler Sisters @ Feinstein's at the Nikko Identical twin sisters Lily and Michelle perform A Very Drexler Cabaret, with comedic showtunes and autobiographical tales. $20. 7pm. Hotel Nikko, 222 Mason St. (866) 6631063. www.ticketmaster.com

Good Times @ Bench and Bar, Oakland 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

Miss Kitty's Trivia Night @ Wild Side West

Gareth Gooch

Weekly underwear night includes free clothes check, and drink specials; different hosts each week. $3. 10pm2am. Preceded by Open Mic Comedy, 7pm, no cover. 43 6th St. www.clubomgsf.com

Thu 1 & 8 The Monster Show @ The Edge

Trivia Night @ Harvey's

Funny Fun @ Club 21, Oakland

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

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

Way Back @ Midnight Sun

Gym Class @ Hi Tops

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

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

Wooden Nickel Wednesday @ 440

The Monster Show @ The Edge

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

Cookie Dough's weekly drag show with gogo guys. Jan. 8: TV Sketch fest vs. Viral Video, where popular YouTube videos and comedy sketches are performed live. $5. 9pm-2am. 4149 18th St. at Collingwood. www.edgesf.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

Thu 8 Bulge @ Powerhouse 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

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

Nightlife @ California Academy of Sciences Themed event nights at the fascinating nature museum, with DJed dancing, cocktails, fish, frogs, food and fun. Jan. 8: How-To Nightlife, with music by DJ Jamie Jams, metalworking with instructor/artists from The Crucible, plus lots more. $10-$12. 6pm-10pm, 55 Music Concourse Drive, Golden Gate Park. 379-8000. www.calacademy.org

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

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

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

Shit & Champagne @ Oasis D'Arcy Drollinger's hilarious nightclub hit, a whitesploitation comedy with action-packed models fighting a drug cartel, returns at the new SoMa nightclub; featuring Matthew Martin. $20-$25. Thu-Sat 7pm. Thru Feb. 14. 298 11th St. at Folsom. www.sfoasis.com

Rainbow Skate @ Redwood Roller Rink Weekly LGBT and friends skate night, with groovy disco music and themed events. $9. 8pm-10:30pm. 1303 Main Street, Redwood City. www. rainbowskate.net www. facebook.com/rainbowskating/

Red Hots Burlesque @ El Rio

Thump @ White Horse, Oakland

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

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

Rookies Night @ Nob Hill Theatre

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

Tubesteak Connection @ Aunt Charlie's Lounge

Thu 8

Enjoy retro disco tunes and a fun diverse crowd, each Thursday; now in its tenth year! $4. 10pm2am. 133 Turk St. at Taylor. www.auntcharlieslounge.com

Shit & Champagne @ Oasis Mathu Anderson

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

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

Read more online at www.ebar.com

January 1-7, 2015 • BAY AREA REPORTER • 33

LucasEntertainment

Ginger stud Brock Rustin – butch and cute, top and bottom.

BijouWorld

Big daddy with a big dong; new star Rocco Steele.

Anno Schtupri by John F. Karr

Jack Wrangler and Roger; str8 boys do it together.

Highlights of 2014’s porn

dynamite bottom, but on occasion, also a fierce top. Finally, there was Seth Fornea (note the past tense) who might have been king of them all. He was the finest of photographic models, but his film debut with Colt was inauspicious. That was last April, and he hasn’t followed it up. I’ve wondered if he realized that making porn simply didn’t suit his personality. Or will he be back to wow us in 2015? Meanwhile, he sizzles forever in photos. There were other stars I took note of last year. Silveryhaired and foxy Thor Larsson was a comet shooting through four Rough kink titles for TitanMen. Check him out gleefully receiving bazonker ass workouts from Mack Manus or Ethan Ayres. Sheesh! Brian Bonds has his work cut out for him if he wants to catch up to Thor. Sticking with the butch and the brazen, this year’s most impressive debut belonged to Rocco Steele, a daddy with the biggest, most solid dick in filmdom. Although he’s mostly made bareback flicks, last week I reviewed his MonsterBang flick Guard Patrol, and will soon have a lot to say about him in connection with Ray Dragon’s movie, Sex in Bed. Those were a couple of ginger and daddy stars I was glad to see. So, can I name the stars I don’t wanna see? Or, don’t wanna see much more of? How many times do you

have to see one guy make out before you get tired of him? My friends say the thrill is in seeing a guy I think is overly familiar in yet another pairing is that it’s with someone new. Well, the partner may be new, but unless the pro can bring some new intimacy to it, I’ve seen his moves. I’ve got ‘em memorized. Like, for example, how about the two TDs— Trenton Ducati and Tommy Defendi. I’m glad Trenton is evolving into backstage work, directing, and launching his own company. As for Tommy—well, maybe he’s hanging in there for a Lifetime Achievement award. And Paddy what’s-his-name? I was a slave to his penis for a long time. And then I forgot about it. A subject I wrestled with several times during the year was Gay for Pay (G4P). Or, as I think they’d prefer to be called, the Bi-Boys. But you know what? I finally realized the train has left the station, and long ago at that. Roger and Jack Wrangler were wrangling each other nearly 40 years ago! And maybe it was Jack himself who laid down a tradition when he co-starred in that seminal porn flick, Kansas City Trucking. I’ve rambled on too long, and haven’t even gotten around to naming some of last year’s flicks that flicked my switch. So, what do I want from porn in 2015? I’ve seen lots of porn. I’ve seen lots of fucking. Now I want to see porn that’s fucking human. Like, where the performers don’t so much “work” with each other as communicate with each other.t

veryone’s already done their Best and Worst lists for last year. I always procrastinate because I just don’t feel I see enough porn to make such final declarations. But looking back at 2014, there are other things to talk about. First, what about the year’s big news? Steven Scarborough’s sudden retirement sure was a surprise. He had quite an accomplished career. As we had a personal history that wasn’t too gracious, I have to admit his departure suited me. As I’m sure my retirement might suit him. While I’m still here, what’s become of Scarborough’s company? It’s been submerged within the cozy Raging Stallion/Falcon Studios duo, to form what’s been officially named, the Falcon Studios Group, and which I’ve nicknamed Raging Hot Stallion (aka, RHF). It’s quite a conglomerate, what with each studio’s multiple boutique brands. But it also poses quite a concern. With the same, limited core of directors rotating through all the brands, and stars who were once exclusive to a particular brand now loosened to toil at all of them, there’s the possibility of the movies all being pretty much the same the movie. And can you imagine the amount of movies the RHF stable of artisans and employees have to produce monthly, yearly? The number is Brobdingnagian. Still, you gotta hand it to RHF President Chris Ward, who started out as Scarborough’s protegé, and has become pornography’s kingpin. Last year was all about redheads. Ginger boys are all the rage; though once disdained by Falcon founder Chuck Holmes for being too hard to light, his Studio is now home to one of gingerdom’s biggest stars. I’m talking about Johnny V, that effervescent bundle of butch bottom. And don’t forget Seamus O’Reilly, who’s been raging and roiling all around Raging Stallion. Since I’ve got quite a crush on Brock Rustin, I wish he’d get more mainstream exposure. He’s cute, studly, mostly a Thor Larsson reacts big when meeting a fist or a dildo.

TitanMedia

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34 • BAY AREA REPORTER • January 1-7, 2015

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Shooting Stars

January 1-7, 2015 • BAY AREA REPORTER • 35

photos by Steven Underhill SF Gay Men’s Chorus

he annual holiday tradition of Christmas Eve concerts, held at the Castro Theatre, saw sold out audiences enjoying the sweet, silly and somber array of songs performed by the San Francisco Gay Men’s Chorus. Santa, reindeer, guest singers (and our On the Town columnist Donna Sachet) had fans laughing, singing along and bringing voice to the holiday season. For more info, visit www.sfgmc.org 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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For headshots, portraits or to arrange your wedding photos

call (415) 370-7152 or visit www.StevenUnderhill.com or email stevenunderhillphotos@gmail.com