July 29, 2021 edition of the Bay Area Reporter, America's highest circulation LGBTQ newspaper

7-8

PrEP news

Castro fair to return

ARTS

03

12

Sportertainment

Since 1971

The

www.ebar.com

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

Vol. 51 • No. 30 • July 29-August 4, 2021

Sloane Kantor

Tyson Check’in performed at the Dandy drag king show at Oasis in July.

Rick Gerharter

Health and Human Services Secretary Xavier Becerra

Many SF LGBTQ bars want patrons vaccinated

SF budget, federal agency fund local HIV programs

by John Ferrannini

R

by Matthew S. Bajko

S

an Francisco officials allocated $2.6 million for local HIV programs over the next two years in the fiscal budget adopted by the Board of Supervisors Tuesday that advocates had been seeking. The funding includes money to address the mental health and housing needs of long-term HIV survivors.

Also on July 27 the federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention announced $117 million in funding for states and local health departments as part of the second major round of investment in the federal Ending the HIV Epidemic in the U.S. (EHE) initiative. San Francisco will receive $3.09 million of the funds.

“That funding will certainly help to shore up the system of care for people living with, and at risk for, HIV,” said AIDS Legal Referral Panel Executive Director Bill Hirsh. “I think the federal government is proposing, at least the Democrats in Congress are proposing, some significant increases in funding to services for people with HIV. I am hopeful this is reflective of prioritizing the needs of these underserved communities.”

Under the EHE initiative San Francisco is receiving $2.29 million; it is also being allocated $800,000 under the CDC’s Scaling Up HIV Prevention Services in STD Clinics funds. It comes as health officials raise concerns about seeing sexually transmitted diseases rise due to COVID-19 restrictions being lifted and people stop self-isolating from others.

“We are committed to making the end of HIV in the U.S. a reality,” stated Health and Human Services Secretary Xavier Becerra, formerly California’s attorney general. “That is why this initiative, and responding to COVID-19’s impact on the HIV epidemic, is so critical to tackle for the Biden-Harris administration.”

In a statement to the Bay Area Reporter, the San Francisco Department of Public Health said it was “very grateful” to receive the funds from the EHE initiative, which aims to cut new HIV infections in the United States by at least 90% by 2030. The department said it would use the funds particularly for programs aimed at people of color; transgender women; people experiencing homelessness; people who use drugs; and people who have recent histories with or are currently incarcerated.

With the EHE funding, DPH said it “will augment targeted community-based services, See page 9 >>

Folsom Market draws a crowd

P

eople packed the streets around Dore Alley in San Francisco’s South of Market neighborhood July 25 for the Folsom Street Market event. The street fair, produced by Folsom Street Events, took the place

Gooch

of its usual Up Your Alley street fair and was intended to help local businesses, many of which were affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. The mostly maskless crowd seemed ready to celebrate at the outdoor festival.

evelers at Sunday’s Folsom Street Market fair who wanted a drink had to show something more than an ID to the doorman at many of the bars – proof of COVID-19 vaccination.

Scott Richard Peterson, the general manager of the Powerhouse in San Francisco’s South of Market neighborhood, said the leather bar instituted the policy last week in response to rising cases in the city and the rise of the Delta variant that is ripping through the nation.

“We practiced with it Wednesday [July 21] and by Thursday [July 22] we were just doing it,” Peterson told the Bay Area Reporter.“There were a few people who didn’t have access to it, and I expected that.”

See page 9 >>

Out men will help redraw San Francisco’s political map

by Matthew S. Bajko

T

wo out men will have a hand in reconfiguring San Francisco’s political map as members of the city’s decennial redistricting task force. Their work will redraw the boundaries for the city’s 11 supervisorial districts ahead of the fall races next year for the even-numbered seats.

Another member of the LGBTQ community could join the 2021-2022 Redistricting Task Force depending on whom Mayor London Breed appoints to three of its nine seats. She has until July 31 to announce her trio of picks to the panel, which is expected to begin meeting in August.

It has until April 15 to complete its work reshaping the boundaries for the supervisor districts. A separate state body will redraw the city’s two Assembly districts and one state Senate seat, as well as the two congressional districts that currently include parts of San Francisco.

The city’s Election Commission chose Chasel Lee, 31, a queer Chinese American native of the city, as one of its three appointments to the local redistricting body. And the Board of Supervisors at its July 20 meeting named Jeremy Lee, 32, a gay Chinese American third generation San Franciscan, as one of its three picks for the task force.

The two are of no relation.

Chasel Lee, who lives in the city’s Lakeshore neighborhood in District 7, is an attorney with

Courtesy Jeremy Lee and Chasel Lee

Jeremy Lee, left, and Chasel Lee were selected to be on the task force that will redraw the boundaries of San Francisco’s 11 supervisorial districts.

the California Public Utilities Commission. The son of Chinese immigrants and fluent in Cantonese, he was born in Chinatown and raised in Visitacion Valley. His neighborhood was routinely forgotten about at City Hall when it came to funding and services, Chasel Lee noted.

“I understand the power of redistricting on people’s lives,” Chasel Lee told the Bay Area Reporter in a phone interview. “What district you

fall in determines the amount of resources you get, the representative you have, how strongly the representative fights for your community, and if you are included or are excluded from the table.”

At the same time, Chasel Lee told the B.A.R. he is fully aware of the scrutiny the task force will be under by political interests in the city.

See page 2 >>

<< Community News

2 • Bay Area Reporter • July 29-August 4, 2021

SF LGBTQs targets of racist rant, burglary

by John Ferrannini

A

gay couple of which one of the men is Asian American and a same-sex female couple in San Francisco were recently the victims of a racist rant caught on video and a robbery, respectively, in two separate incidents.

On July 18, two cellphone videos were captured showing a racist tirade against a biracial gay couple downtown. One of the men, who have not been publicly identified, is Asian.

The incident happened in the area around Market and Seventh streets, according to KTVU-TV, around 3 p.m. that day.

“I don’t like you fucking Asian motherfucker in my country!” an unidentified man yelled at the couple. He later said, “Your mother was worthless because she didn’t abort your sorry ass.”

A bystander, Darren Mark Stallcup, captured one of the videos. The Asian man who was being accosted captured another once the couple had sought safety in a nearby hotel.

The couple called 911, KTVU reports, and police are investigating.

Stallcup and the SFPD have not responded to requests for comment by press time.

Michael Nguyen, the chair of the GLBTQ+ Asian Pacific Alliance,

<<

Political map

From page 1

“I am not naïve enough to think that partisan interests aren’t going to try to sway the process. But I do believe, at the end of the day, all members of the task force – be they lean moderate or progressive – will come together for the city and work in the interests of the people and diverse neighborhoods of the city,” he said.

Jeremy Lee lives near the Civic Cen-

Courtesy KTVU

In this scene from a viral video, a man pointed at a gay biracial couple as he reportedly went on a racist rant against the men.

stated to the B.A.R. that he is not surprised, considering the increasing amount of anti-Asian sentiment that California Attorney General Rob Bonta described as part of an “epidemic of hate.”

“While I am deeply disheartened and saddened by the tirade, I am not surprised by it,” Nguyen stated.

“Asian Americans have been made the perpetual foreigners for many centuries now, and these verbal assaults have always been happening.

We just have more video evidence of

ter in District 6 and is an asset management coordinator at the Chinatown Community Development Center. He told the B.A.R. he wanted to serve on the task force to ensure the city’s Asian Pacific Islander and LGBTQ communities had representation.

“For me, I am beholden to my community. I work and do everything in the best interest of my communities, whether the Chinese community, the Chinatown community and whether it is the LGBTQ community,” he said

them happening now with the advent of social media.

“I hope that the couple reaches out to the community for support and that we all take care of each other. We can only change hearts and minds one at a time through the hard work of organizing and cross-movement solidarity,” he continued.

Woman attacked in garage

Days earlier, a San Francisco woman was attacked in her garage during a July 14 burglary. She is rais-

in a phone interview. “I am beholden to those people. I will always fight for the most vulnerable and most marginalized people.”

While they have both worked on various local campaigns in the past, the two insisted to the B.A.R. that their past political affiliations will not cloud their decisions on the redistricting panel. Chasel Lee was involved with the campaign, for instance, of Assemblyman Phil Ting (D-San Francisco) and donated to District

t

ing money for a new garage door and control unit.

Remia Reyes, 71, told KGO-TV on July 22 that she is considering leaving the city. Subsequently, however, she has raised $1,395 out of a $3,000 goal on GoFundMe to buy a door for her Oceanview neighborhood home.

“Every time I see it I’m having [an] anxiety attack due to the attack that happens to me inside my garage,” the GoFundMe states. “Also our garage door control was taken and I’m afraid that one of [these] days it will just open up using the missing garage door control. Please help me raise enough money to replace my garage door.”

Reyes told KGO-TV that she was unloading groceries when one of two suspects put her in a chokehold and carried her through her garage.

Reyes said she offered money to the suspects, but only after telling them that her brother has a gun and calling for her domestic partner, Solita Magsalin, did the two leave.

Reyes and the San Francisco Police Department have not responded to requests for comment, however the SFPD’s daily crime log for the day shows that the incident, labeled a “hot prowl burglary,” occurred around 1:30 p.m. and that the two suspects (who were both estimated to be between 20-25 years old, and

who were driving a sedan) demanded money.

“Whoever did this to me, please don’t anymore,” Reyes said. “My God!” District 11 Supervisor Ahsha Safaí connected the incident to other crimes committed against the Asian community both nationwide and in the Bay Area.

“This is a horrifying crime that plays into neighbors’ concerns that people of Asian descent are being targeted for robberies and property crime,” he stated to the B.A.R. “We need to do everything we can to protect our seniors and most vulnerable.”

David Campos, a gay man who is chief of staff to District Attorney Chesa Boudin, wouldn’t answer what the DA’s office would do if the police find the perpetrators; though, he did want to assure the LGBTQ community that the top prosecutor is looking out for them.

“With respect to your inquiry, we cannot comment on specific cases,” Campos stated. “But we want the LGBTQ community [to know] that we are always monitoring any possible hate crime against the community. We take such crimes very seriously and are prepared to take the steps necessary to protect the community.”t

7 Supervisor Myrna Melgar’s campaign, Breed’s mayoral campaign and that of her 2019 appointee as district attorney Suzy Loftus.

“I have donated to a wide variety of candidates and causes over the years spanning the San Francisco political spectrum,” Chasel Lee said, adding that, “again, my ears are open to all voices from all sides of the San Francisco politi-

cal spectrum. But I will also give emphasis to people living in the communities.”

Jeremy Lee worked part-time on former District 6 supervisor Jane Kim’s mayoral bid. A member of the progressive Harvey Milk LGBTQ Democratic Club, he is also vice president of the Rose Pak Democratic Club. He noted See page 3 >>

1000s of Doors...In Stock

Courtesy B.A.R. Archive

50 years in 50 weeks, 1987: Pope comes to SF

30% off

Caldwells’ Signature Door Series

O

ne of the Bay Area Reporter’s most notable covers was published September 17, 1987, ahead of the pope’s visit to San Francisco. “The Bay Area Reporter presents this message to Pope John Paul II on the occasion of his visit,” the cover stated. “Carry

this message with you and use it to welcome the pope as he visits San Francisco this week.” Gay rights pioneer Frank Kameny took credit for the phrase “Gay is Good,” although others used it during the 1960s.

Below Market Rate (BMR) Rental Units Available

1177 Market Street, San Francisco, CA 94103 13 one bedroom units at rent $1,379 a month 61 two bedroom units at rent $1,533 a month

Applicants must not own a housing unit, meet the "Resident Selection Criteria" and be income eligible.

Households must earn no more than the maximum income levels outlined below at 55% area median income (AMI): HOUSEHOLD SIZE Max. Annual Income At 55% AMI

San Francisco’s Door Store

2225 McKinnon Avenue (Conveniently located 3 blocks from Lowes)

(415) 550-6777 • www.caldwells.com

1 Person

2 Persons

3 Persons

4 Persons

5 Persons

$51,300

$58,600

$65,950

$73,250

$79,100

Applications available from Tuesday July 27th, 2021 and due by 5PM Tuesday August 24th, 2021 Applications must be submitted online at housing.sfgov.org For more information contact Brian Minall (415) 647 7191 ext. 127. brian.minall@caritasmanagement.com Units available through the Mayor's Office of Housing and Community Development and are subject to monitoring and other restrictions.

Visit housing.sfgov.org for an application and further program information.

t

Community News>>

July 29-August 4, 2021 • Bay Area Reporter • 3

In-person Castro Street Fair set to return

by John Ferrannini

A

fter being mothballed last year due to the COVID-19 pandemic, a festival launched in the 1970s by the late gay supervisor Harvey Milk to celebrate San Francisco’s LGBTQ Castro district will return this fall.

Organizers of the Castro Street Fair are planning to host an in-person event Sunday, October 3, according to the president of the fair’s board of directors.

“We are pleased to announce that planning has begun for this year’s Castro Street Fair,” Jenn Meyer, a straight ally who is the board president, stated to the Bay Area Reporter and announced on social media. “Although it may look a little different pending potential guidance from [the San Francisco Department of Public Health], we look forward to seeing you all in person on October 3, 2021.”

Meyer, the owner of Local Take gift shop on 17th Street, told the B.A.R. that the decision to hold an in-person fair was made by the board of directors “in the last month or so.”

“We’ve started conversations with our community partners to determine the best way to present the fair this year,” she stated in an email.

Gay District 8 Supervisor Rafael Mandelman, who represents the Castro neighborhood at City Hall, called the return “exciting.”

“The vaccines have been a gamechanger, and I look forward to the resumption of one of San Francisco’s great community events,” Mandelman stated.

As the B.A.R. previously reported, last year’s fair was canceled due to the health crisis. In its place people were asked to participate in a Castro scavenger hunt, buy T-shirts emblazoned with “Hope will never be silent” (a quote widely attributed to Milk, though it is unclear when he first said it) and post past photos of the fair to social media with the #CastroStreet-

<<

Rick Gerharter

Crowds filled Castro Street during the 2018 fair.

Fair hashtag.

Milk founded the Castro Street Fair in 1974, three years before his historic election to the San Francisco Board of Supervisors, as a way for the LGBTQ people who had moved into the neighborhood that decade to become a closer community. It has undergone multiple changes over the decades in terms of its layout, vendors, and activities offered throughout the day.

The popularity of the event has

waned in recent years, with fair organizers five years ago shrinking its footprint due to the smaller crowds.

Concerns that it could be scrapped altogether brought renewed community attention to the fair in 2018, and the 2019 fair was the first since 2016 that included the block of Market Street between Castro and Noe streets in its footprint.

That 2019 expansion will “probably” continue this year, Meyer said,

though both this and whether or not there will be a booklet commemorating the event, like in previous years, “will be decided in the planning as we move forward.”

This year’s date means it will be the first time in many years that the Castro fair will not be competing with Gay Days at Disneyland in Anaheim, which will be occurring September 17-19.

The fair will take place exactly one week after Megahood 2021 (https://www.ebar.com/news/latest_news//305584) in the South of Market neighborhood, which Folsom Street Events will be producing in lieu of the Folsom Street Fair. The Castro fair typically takes place the first Sunday in October, a week after the annual leather and kink fest.

This year on the following Sunday, October 10, the organizers of San Francisco Pride will be holding their inaugural LGBTQ+ Freedom Festival in honor of National Coming Out Day, observed on October 11 each year. The exact location of where it will take place has yet to be disclosed, with Pride officials so far stating that it will be held “in one of San Francisco’s most vibrant neighborhoods” and feature exhibitors, entertainment, and

other activities. (That’s also the weekend of Fleet Week.)

After the initial publication of this story online, Castro Merchants President Masood Samereie gave a statement to the B.A.R. in which he welcomed the fair back.

“We are very pleased to see the return of the Castro Street Fair as it serves as a cornerstone event for our community, not just for residents and visitors, but for the merchants of the Castro as well,” Samereie stated. “This year in particular, foot traffic to the Castro is critically important as businesses build back following a devastating 2020. We hope everyone makes an extra effort to attend and further demonstrate our iconic neighborhood’s resiliency and vibrancy in effort to help our small businesses recover.

“Naturally, we urge all participants to observe proper COVID protocols during the event, and we hope this signals the return of larger gatherings, which have been the calling card for the Castro and for San Francisco for decades,” he added.

The Castro LGBTQ Cultural District told the B.A.R. it had no comment. t

It’s about Crime.

Across San Francisco, every neighborhood has been touched by crime. If you haven’t experienced a break-in, witnessed a pharmacy looting or even worse, you know someone who has. Holding perpetrators accountable starts at the top.

Political map

It’s time to sign.

From page 2

to the B.A.R. that he has volunteered on a number of campaigns from all parts of the political landscape.

“I just felt, given my experience in politics and given my activism and advocacy work within San Francisco’s API communities, I had the experience and the knowledge to make these decisions,” said Jeremy Lee.

RecallChesaBoudin.org San Francisco voters: the deadline is fast approaching. Get the official 2021 recall petition online. Print, sign and mail it with postmark by August 5th to have your signature counted towards demanding a recall election this year.

Keeping communities whole

The city and state redistricting bodies both will be working off the demographic data from the 2020 census, which should be released sometime in September. The state panel recently sought permission to delay its deadline to complete its work until late January, as the release of the data from the federal census bureau has been delayed due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The new lines it draws will be used for the June primary in 2022.

Maintaining intact communities of interest, such as the LGBTQ community, are to be taken into consideration by both the statewide and local redistricting bodies. Thus, the city’s Castro LGBTQ neighborhood, currently within the eighth supervisorial district, should not be split into two supervisor districts.

Nor should the transgender-identified Tenderloin neighborhood or the historic LGBTQ district South of Market be diced up into multiple supervisor districts. Both are now in District 6.

It is the areas on the boundaries of the districts that could potentially be changed. Previous redistricting efforts led to calls, for example, to maintain both the LGBT Community Center on upper Market Street and the near-

We must hold Chesa Boudin accountable, now.

We are a grass-roots, locally funded and non-politically-connected coalition of very concerned San Franciscans seeking to restore accountability, working towards making our city safe again. Visit RecallChesaBoudin.org for more information.

Paid for by Committee Supporting the Recall of DA Chesa Boudin. FPPC #1435510.

Financials available at sfethics.org

See page 10 >> Untitled-7 1

7/22/21 9:50 AM

<< Open Forum

4 • Bay Area Reporter • July 29-August 4, 2021

Volume 51, Number 30 July 29-August 4, 2021 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 & NIGHTLIFE EDITOR Jim Provenzano ASSISTANT EDITORS Matthew S. Bajko • John Ferrannini CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Tavo Amador • Roger Brigham Brian Bromberger • Victoria A. Brownworth Philip Campbell • Heather Cassell Michael Flanagan • Jim Gladstone Liz Highleyman • Lisa Keen Matthew Kennedy • David Lamble David-Elijah Nahmod • Paul Parish Tim Pfaff • Jim Piechota • Gregg Shapiro Gwendolyn Smith •Sari Staver • Charlie Wagner Ed Walsh • Cornelius Washington • Sura Wood

ART DIRECTION Max Leger PRODUCTION/DESIGN Ernesto Sopprani PHOTOGRAPHERS Jane Philomen Cleland • FBFE Rick Gerharter • Gareth Gooch Jose Guzman-Colon • Rudy K. Lawidjaja Georg Lester • Rich Stadtmiller • Fred Rowe Steven Underhill • Bill Wilson ILLUSTRATORS & CARTOONISTS Christine Smith

VICE PRESIDENT OF ADVERTISING Scott Wazlowski – 415.829.8937

NATIONAL ADVERTISING REPRESENTATIVE Rivendell Media – 212.242.6863

LEGAL COUNSEL Paul H. Melbostad, Esq.

Trans visibility matters

T

his week, Pew Research Center released a new survey that found a growing number of U.S. adults know a transgender person or someone who uses gender-neutral pronouns.

This is hopeful news for the trans and nonbinary communities, as visibility has increased in recent years not only among high-profile trans and nonbinary celebrities who have come out (Elliot Page, Demi Lovato), but also neighbors, co-workers, friends, and family members who have as well.

Overall, as we reported online (https://www. ebar.com/index.php?id=307311), Pew’s survey showed that about 4 in 10 Americans (42%) say they personally know someone who identifies as transgender. That’s up 5% since 2017. About a quarter (26%) say they know someone who prefers that others use gender-neutral pronouns when referring to them. That’s up from 18% in 2018, the last time the question was asked.

While those who identify as Democratic/ leans-Democratic are more likely to report knowing a trans person, even among Republicans/lean-Republican the percentage ticked up seven points. Not surprisingly, younger Americans (18-29) are far more likely to know a trans person (53%) and older people (62+) less so. The same is true for knowing someone who prefers gender-neutral pronouns. (The study was based on a survey of 10,606 adults between June 14-27. Participants were chosen “through national, random sampling of residential addresses” and were “weighted to be representative of the U.S. adult population by gender, race, ethnicity, partisan affiliation, education, and other categories,” according to Pew.) Unfortunately, the growing familiarity with transgender people does not seem to align with advances in the public policy arena – at least not yet. This year a record number of state-level bills across the country sought to limit definitions of gender to the sex people were assigned at birth.

In June, California added Florida and four other states to its “no-fly” list, which prohibits state employees and athletic teams from using taxpayer money to travel to states that discriminate against LGBTQ people. That list now has 17 states on it.

Pew’s new survey information should be a wake-up call to Republican lawmakers and

A division of BAR Media, Inc. © 2021 President: Michael M. Yamashita Director: Scott Wazlowski

News Editor • news@ebar.com Arts Editor • arts@ebar.com Out & About listings • jim@ebar.com Advertising • scott@ebar.com Letters • letters@ebar.com Published weekly. Bay Area Reporter reserves the right to edit or reject any advertisement which the publisher believes is in poor taste or which advertises illegal items which might result in legal action against Bay Area Reporter. Ads will not be rejected solely on the basis of politics, philosophy, religion, race, age, or sexual orientation.

Advertising rates available upon request.

Our list of subscribers and advertisers is confidential and is not sold. The sexual orientation of advertisers, photographers, and writers published herein is neither inferred nor implied. We are not responsible for unsolicited manuscripts or artwork.

governors, as they are the ones largely behind these hideous anti-LGBTQ laws, especially those banning trans girls from playing on girls’ sports teams in school. It’s somewhat reminiscent of polls conducted years ago regarding support for same-sex marriage and the initial backlash. Then, and as is the case now, younger people who are more liberal are more open to expanding definitions and, in time, will be the catalysts for a dramatic change in attitudes. Six years after same-sex marriage became legal nationwide, a Gallup poll in June found a record 70% support in the U.S. According to Gallup, that’s a 10-point increase from 2015, when the U.S. Supreme Court legalized same-sex marriage in Obergefell v. Hodges.

Trans and nonbinary people struggle against unique, different challenges. For one thing, there’s the endemic violence against trans women, particularly trans women of color. Transgender people face disproportionate discrimination in employment, housing, and medical access.

And hatred is perpetuated by a subset of slanderers wzzzzho seem to derive perverse glee in deliberately misgendering people, whether they be trans or nonbinary, or LGB. Nonbinary people are increasingly public in our society – and their visibility helps educate

Again, this was long before any internet was readily available to create ver the last several years, there some miraculous corruption. has been a belief in some cirI fought hard against these feelings cles that the increase of transgender for much of my youth and teen years. people over the last decade is some I recall trying to resolve to stop those sort of “social contagion” brought feelings entirely on New Year’s Eve on by the evil influence of the inter1978. Later, after my parents discovered net. It is as if being trans is a trend an illicit stash of clothing and such, I or in-group identity, versus being repressed ever further. a real thing that people experience.

Yet the feelings remained, no matter Further, the notion feels a bit what I did to fight them. It wasn’t a very like satanic panics from the 1980s, happy time in my life, frankly. or even the frenzy over supposed It would take until I was in my 20s teenager codes embedded in snap and in college that I finally was able to Christine Smith bracelets or texting acronyms. locate some resources – first in a local While, yes, there likely are more library, then through the back pages people identifying openly about being trans or of tawdry magazines – for nearby trans-related nonbinary today than ever before, it’s not bestores and support groups. cause it’s a fad or trend, let alone some sort of onI feel I should include another little aside here, line virus. It’s because information and support given the last sentence: being trans was never are easier to come by. something I have viewed as a sexual compulsion.

I have to tell you a bit about my own youth, by There is a largely-debunked theory that all way of illustration. I was a child in the days when transgender people are in one of two camps: eithe Bee Gees were topping the charts and “Star ther they are someone who is attracted to others Wars” was in theaters. There was no ready interof their birth gender who feel they need to trannet, and while I did discover at an early age that sition to feel right with their preferred transgender people existed – this was the era that partner, or they have a sexual fetish for Wendy Carlos and Renee Richards were making feminizing themselves. headlines as trans women – the ability to act on Of course, if they declare that neihow I felt was functionally impossible. ther category fits, they are lying.

What’s more, the very first time I heard of a Yet here I am. I identify as bisexual, trans person, I was in the same place as my parthough I am largely sexually attracted ents, and heard their opinions about the difficulto other women – and feminizing ties they would feel over having a trans child. It myself was never a sexual interseemed very clear to me as a kid that perhaps I est of mine. I did cross dress should keep my feelings buried deep inside. when I was younger, but not I knew something wasn’t right since I was with any sexual endgame in around age 3, when I could not understand why mind – and, no, I am not lying.

I could not have the same shoes as other girls. I It’s not a fetish. I simply am a woman. knew in elementary school that I was always in Unfortunately, at that time there were few the wrong line when they would split the boys places carrying any trans-related information. from the girls. I would pray every night to an inAside from the aforementioned library, your different God, begging to wake up the next day only option was to find a local sex store and look as a girl. between all the porn magazines for a lucky copy

O 44 Gough Street, Suite 204 San Francisco, CA 94103 415.861.5019 • www.ebar.com

More Americans say they know a transgender person, according to a Pew Research Center survey.

others. For example, on July 27 NBC Sports issued a statement and apology for the on-air misgendering of Team USA skateboarder Alana Smith. Smith had even displayed “they/them” in grip tape on their skateboard, yet the commentators misgendered them, according to GLAAD, which highlighted the issue in a news release.

“NBC Sports is committed to – and understands the importance of – using correct pronouns for everyone across our platforms,” the network stated. “While our commentators used the correct pronouns in our coverage, we streamed an international feed that was not produced by NBCUniversal which misgendered Olympian Alana Smith. We regret this error and apologize to Alana and our viewers.”

That’s a huge step forward for NBC, which has had its share of missed opportunities while covering out athletes at the Olympic Games over the years. At the 2010 Summer Olympics in Beijing, NBC declined to air a kiss between gay Australian gold medal diver Matthew Mitcham and his boyfriend after his dramatic victory in the platform dive. That changed in 2018, during the Winter Games in South Korea, when NBC aired a kiss between Olympian Gus Kenworthy and his boyfriend – it’s all about treating all athletes equally, whether LGBTQ, straight, or nonbinary.

If there’s one conclusion that everyone should take away from the Pew survey, it’s that the increasing visibility among trans and nonbinary people can pave the way for public acceptance. As more people know trans and nonbinary people in their lives, the likelier they are to understand and empathize with their concerns, issues, and how they are treated. Eventually, growing affirmation and support of trans and binary people should spur passage of laws to protect them. That’s if politicians decide to listen to their constituents, which is hardly predictable these days.

It will take a lot of work to change minds and attitudes, and members of the LGBTQ community are doing just that. Trans-led organizations must continue to speak out against the rampant violence impacting the community. All queer organizations need to center LGBTQ people of color. While Pew notes only a 5% increase in Americans knowing a trans person, by coming out and consistently confronting discrimination and stereotypes, in another four or five years that number should be higher. t

Resources abound for younger trans people

by Gwendolyn Ann Smith

Bay Area Reporter

iStock

t

of “Transgender Tapestry,” or look for support group listings in the back of singles newspapers sold from filthy news racks.

We came pre-sexualized, created to be ashamed, and presented as little more than a fetish for the patrons of such establishments.

So, in my time, it was a challenge to find information, resources, and community to help support my eventual transition. Those roadblocks made a lot of other transgender people continue to repress or, at worse, take their lives due to the stress and pain they were experiencing.

Today, this information is readily available.

As of this writing, a Google search of the word “Transgender” returns 5,560,000,000 results. I’m happy to note that the items on the first page are largely positive, from reliable sources. You’ll even find a video of the White House’s recent convening on transgender equality.

More than this, mass media is showing transgender people on a regular basis. Yes, it could do more, and there’s still a lot of issues with how things are presented, but it’s a lot better than it was when I was growing up and transgender stories were largely relegated to songs like “Lola” by the Kinks or “very special episodes” of “The Jeffersons” or “All in the Family.”

This is the cause of this “contagion.” It’s not that being transgender is the latest trend, like cottagecore (a fashion aesthetic promulgated by teenagers and young adults celebrating an idealized rural life) or such. It is merely the outgrowth of a greater level of both acceptance and resources. We’re only now starting to see just how large and diverse the trans community is and can be.

It’s not a fad, it’s a community of people finally being able to find their place in this world. Support them. t

Gwen Smith still doesn’t like that Kinks song. You’ll find her at www.gwensmith.com

t

Politics >>

July 29-August 4, 2021 • Bay Area Reporter • 5

Lawmakers hail Newsom’s signage of HIV-related bills

by Matthew S. Bajko

had paid their annual dues by this past Tuesday, July 27, can vote.

The club intends to post 10-minute recorded interviews with each candidate to its website by Friday, July 30, to help the eligible endorsement voters make up their minds.

T

he authors of two bills benefiting Californians living with HIV are praising Governor Gavin Newsom for signing their legislation into law. He did so without comment on July 23.

Senate Bill 283, authored by Senator Lena A. Gonzalez (D-Long Beach), strengthens the Equal Insurance HIV Act of 2020. It imposes a prohibition as of January 1, 2023 on a life or disability insurance insurer from considering an applicant’s occupation in determining whether to require an HIV test. It also clarifies that limiting benefits payable for a loss caused or contributed to by HIV is allowed if it was part of the original underwriting risk.

And the law also makes clear that the misdemeanor for willful, negligent, or malicious disclosure of HIV test results to a third party is now punishable by imprisonment for a period not to exceed 364 days.

“This prioritizes equity for Californians living with HIV,” tweeted Gonzalez, who also thanked gay state Insurance Commissioner Ricardo Lara and his staff for assisting with the bill.

Under SB 258 older people with HIV will be considered of “greatest social need” when it comes to programs and services administered by the California Department of Aging.

Gay state Senator John Laird (DSanta Cruz), a founder and former executive director of an AIDS agency in his coastal city, authored the legislation taking effect January 1.

“We must ensure that LGBTQ seniors have the affirming care and support so they can age in peace with dignity,” stated Laird. “It’s incumbent upon us to not force individuals back into the closet for them to access adequate care. Once again, I’d like to applaud the governor for his continued support of the LGBTQ community and to my colleagues for making this a priority bill.”

APLA Health Chief Executive Officer Craig E. Thompson thanked Laird for ensuring elderly people with HIV can thrive and age with dignity.

“Many older people with HIV are long term survivors of the AIDS epidemic. They have lost countless loved ones and entire networks of social support. They also continue to face discrimination and alarming levels of stigma,” Thompson noted.

Newsom also signed into law last Friday Laird’s SB 272 updating “archaic gender-specific pronouns” used in the state’s vehicle code to refer to California Highway Patrol Commissioner Amanda Ray, the first female to lead the agency, as well as throughout the state’s insurance code. It takes effect immediately.

“Language matters and it’s about

Pro-LGBTQ endorsement policy before Alameda Dems

Facebook

Governor Gavin Newsom signed two HIV-related bills July 23.

time we update our laws to reflect the diversity of our state, and its current and future leaders,” stated Lara. “Embracing gender-neutral language in our laws reflects the hard work that so many are doing for a better, more inclusive society.”

It parallels Assembly Bill 378 that Newsom also signed this month authored by Assemblywoman Rebecca Bauer-Kahan (D-Orinda).

It updates the state code references to governor, lieutenant governor, attorney general, secretary of state, state controller, treasurer, insurance commissioner, and board of equalization to be gender neutral.

Newsom has now signed into law five of 12 bills related to LGBTQ concerns in this legislative session. Earlier this month he had signed BauerKahan’s AB 439 allowing deceased Californians who are nonbinary to be identified as such on their death certificates.

LGBTQ Dem club to revote on Assembly race nod

Ahead of the June special election for the East Bay’s open 18th Assembly District seat, no candidate was able to secure an endorsement from the East Bay Stonewall Democratic Club. Now the LGBTQ political group will revote on backing one of the two women who advanced to the August 31 runoff race.

Queer social justice attorney Janani Ramachandran, who also identifies as lesbian, and Alameda Unified School Board president Mia Bonta are vying to succeed Bonta’s husband, Rob Bonta, who resigned earlier this year to become California’s attorney general. A number of LGBTQ groups are backing Ramachandran, while several out state legislators have personally endorsed Bonta.

The Stonewall club will hold a virtual endorsement meeting the evening of August 3 to see if either of the two candidates can now nab its nod in the race. Only those members who

Letters >> Supports replacing Castro flag

Speaking as a cis white male longtime member of the San Francisco LGBTQ+ community, I support replacing the rainbow flag in the Castro, Gilbert Baker’s second rainbow flag, with the Progress flag. We need to recognize all parts of our community.

Note that I said “second flag.” As some of you know, the six-stripe rainbow flag isn’t Baker’s original rainbow flag – that one had eight stripes [and he co-created it with two other people]. If Baker could drop two stripes for cost and manufacturing considerations, I have a hard time imagining him objecting to adding a new five-color chevron for social justice. Not that if Baker, were he alive, objected would it derail the rightness of this proposal.

Let the Progress flag welcome all to our Castro!

Chas Belov San Francisco

New “Below Market Rate” ownership home at 4343 3rd St #404 SF CA 94124

Leaders of the Democratic Party in Alameda County are expected to vote at their August 4 meeting on banning endorsements for anti-LGBTQIA+ candidates seeking elective office. It is believed the local party would be the first in the state to adopt such an endorsement ban.

The Alameda County Democratic Central Committee, which sets policy for the local party, passed a resolution in June supportive of not backing candidates with a history of opposing LGBTQIA+ rights or who won’t commitment to support LGBTQIA+ rights if elected. Since then committee members have been working to make it official policy by enacting a bylaws change.

According to a copy of the proposal shared with the Bay Area Reporter, candidates will be deemed anti-LGBTQIA+ for voting “against a show of solidarity with the LGBTQIA+ community” or for policies “harmful or exclusionary to the LGBTQIA+ community,” or if they’ve made public comments against LGBTQIA+ issues even if they didn’t act upon those views.

The endorsement ban would also cover candidates personally supporting an anti-LGBTQIA+ candidate or an elected official who adopted antiLGBTQIA+ policies. The new rules would also apply to local Democratic clubs, which would lose their chartering by the local party if they violate it.

Should the bylaws change pass, then any member of the central committee who endorses or votes to endorse an anti-LGBTQIA+ candidate could face removal from the oversight body. Proponents of the endorsement ban would like for it to be in place prior to when the central committee starts its endorsement process for the 2022 elections.

For details about the meeting next Wednesday, visit http://acdems.org/events/alameda-countydemocratic-central-committeemeeting-2021-08-04/t

Correction

Last week’s column incorrectly referred to former historic preservation commissioner Aaron Hyland. The online version has been corrected.

3 bedroom 2 bath priced at $497,576 condo with 1 car parking.

Applicants must be first-time homebuyers and cannot exceed the following income levels: 100% of 2021 Area Median Income 3 persons - $119,900; 4 persons - $133,200; 5 persons - $143,850; 6 persons - $154,500 etc. Applications must be received by 5pm on 9/03/2021.

Due to COVID-19 paper applications will not be accepted. Apply online through DAHLIA, the SF Housing Portal at https://housing.sfgov. org. Applicants must complete first-time home buyer education and obtain a loan pre-approval from an approved participating lender.

For assistance with your application, contact HomeownershipSF at (415) 202-5464 or info@homeownershipsf.org. For more information or questions about the building and unit, contact Rob Belli at (415) 317-8540 or rob.belli@compass.com. Unit available through the San Francisco Mayor’s Office of Housing and Community Development and are subject to monitoring and other restrictions. Visit www. sfmohcd.org for program information. *Fair Housing Opportunity*

Barry Schneider Attorney at Law

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

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

s w e n r a @eb

PlanningAhead Ahead isisSimple Planning Simple The benefits are immense.

Planning Ahead is Simple The benefits are immense.

The benefits are immense.

When you plan your life celebration and lasting remembrance in advance, you can design every detail of your own unique memorial and provide your loved ones with true peace of mind. Planning ahead When your celebration lasting protectsyou your plan loved ones fromlife unnecessary stress and and financial burden, you remembrance plan your celebration and lasting allowing themlife to focus what will matter at design that remembrance time—you. in on advance, youmost can every

When in advance, you can design every detail of your own unique memorial detail ofusyour owntheunique memorial andlegacy provide Contact today about beautiful ways to create a lasting atyour theloved San Francisco Columbarium. and provide loved ones with true peace mind.

Planning ahead your ones with true peace ofof mind.

Planning Flag fatigue protects your loved ones from unnecessary stress and financial ahead protectsProudly yourserving loved onesCommunity. from unnecessary burden, The frenzy of discussion about the flagpole at Harvey Milk the LGBT allowing them focus on whatburden, will matter most them at thattotime—you.

Plaza and what flag(s) can be raised, coming from organizastresstoand financial allowing tions on both coasts and various San Francisco groups, enfocus on what will matter most at that time—you. titled individuals, and foundations, has worn me out. Gilbert Contact us today about the beautiful ways to create a lasting legacy Baker made no claims to profit from ownership or protecat the San Contact FranciscousColumbarium. tion of his work and intellectual property during his lifetime today about the beautiful ways to create and gave the flag symbol to the world with love and without a lasting legacy at the San Francisco Columbarium. restriction. How dare anyone invoke his name and dictate what he would have wanted in the contemporary scene.

Imagine an equivalent Betsy Ross Foundation that advocates flying only her original 13-star design, the intervening events of a couple of hundred years be damned. A variety of flags have evolved in our expanding community to express hopes for equality by many sectors, and they should all be on display. Add more flagpoles, alternate what flags are flown based upon seasonal events, memorial commemorations, or whatever will increase visibility for everyone’s cherished symbols, and stop telling me what the hell Baker wants from the great beyond.

Michael E. Merrigan San Francisco

One Loraine Ct. | San Francisco | 415-771-0717 Proudly serving our Community.

SanFranciscoColumbarium.com Proudly serving the LGBT Community.

FD 1306 / COA 660

One Loraine Ct. | San Francisco | 415-771-0717

SanFranciscoColumbarium.com FD 1306 / COA 660

<< News Briefs

6 • Bay Area Reporter • July 29-August 4, 2021

t

Market Street posters feature Tenderloin district residents compiled by Cynthia Laird

A

new Market Street Poster Series features professional artists and formerly unhoused residents in San Francisco’s Tenderloin district to amplify neighborhood voices.

The San Francisco Arts Commission invited artists to reconsider, respond to, and reimagine the idea of a public monument. In this second installment of the series, Skywatchers, a program of ABD Productions, expanded “The Opulence Project,” using the highly visible posters to extend its mission of challenging the kinds of stories traditionally memorialized in monuments, a news release stated. For example, Wanda is the Goddess of Food, generously feeding her community. Dr. Dreame is SuperTrans, a superhero fighting transphobia on the streets. Joel is The Eternal Elegist, writing the grief of his community into dreams of resilience.

Each of the nine portraits in the series uplifts the participant’s desires, strengths, and joys. The release noted that portrait subjects worked closely with Skywatchers creative leads Gabriel Christian and Deirdre Visser, from conceptualization to the design of their image, crafting intricate stories alongside the portraits.

“The Skywatchers poster series is a powerful expression of a community that is often marginalized, grouped together as statistics, and denied their individuality,” stated Ralph Remington, the city’s director of cultural affairs.

“The portraits give voice to each individual’s dreams and vision of who they are by manifesting their heroic image and by having a hand in creating it, crafting the look and the story of who they are. It’s a reminder that every person deserves to be venerated and to have their story hold space.”

The project narrative notes that the coronavirus pandemic had laid bare the ways existing systems and stories have proved unable to protect people.

“The need for new narratives is urgent, as old monuments and methodologies fall and fail,” it states.

The posters are housed on 18 bus kiosks along Market Street, starting at Steuart Street near the Embarcadero and continuing west to Market and Hyde streets. The posters are on the north and south sides of Market Street.

Pink Triangle Park seeks donations

The Eureka Valley Foundation, which oversees Pink Triangle Park and Memorial, has issued a call for donations as it needs ongoing funds for the maintenance of the small tribute to LGBTQs killed by the Nazis in World War II. The roughly 3,000 square foot triangular park is situated at the

Courtesy SFAC

Dr. Dreame is SuperTrans in this poster that is part of Skywatchers’ “The Opulence Project” for the San Francisco Arts Commission’s Market Street Poster Series.

northwest corner of Market and Castro streets (bordered by 17th Street). It features a memorial consisting of 15 pylons created by artists Susan Abbott Martin and Robert Bruce.

According to an appeal from the foundation that was included in the recent Eureka Valley Neighborhood Association newsletter, funds are needed for the park’s monthly water bills, replenishing the rose quartz in the central triangle, vandalism abatement, dog damage, irrigation repair and maintenance, and new drought tolerant plants.

Jason Poindexter, steward of the park, also stated that there are a couple of deferred maintenance items: a lighting system that hasn’t worked in over two years and the granite pylons that are structurally failing.

As the Bay Area Reporter previously reported, Castro groups relinquished a $100,000 city grant in 2018 and decided to start anew. “Neighborhood volunteers and I will continue maintaining and improving the memorial as best we can,” Poindexter stated.

“However, we cannot do this without ongoing financial support from the community. We need your help.”

To make a monthly or a one-time donation directly to the park go to the PayPal page at https://bit.ly/3yeZIug.

Online Castro survey is up

The Castro LGBTQ Cultural District’s online survey is now live.

According to the district, “The goal of this survey is to learn about LGBTQ+ community members’ experiences in the Castro district and how they feel about community representation in the neighborhood. We also seek to explore current perspectives about the rainbow flag, a common symbol used to represent the LGBTQ+ community.”

See page 7 >>

Obituaries >> John Francis Kennedy May 20, 1943 – May 12, 2021

John passed on May 12, 2021 from ALS, known as Lou Gehrig’s disease. For many years he had stayed true to his theme song “I Will Survive,” often sung by his favorite diva, Diana Ross, and he will continue to survive in the hearts of all who knew him.

John received his doctorate at Ohio State, where he came out as a gay man and joined DignityUSA, a support organization for LGBTQ Catholics.

In 1978 John met Bill Baird at a

Catholic retreat center in Colorado Springs. They moved to San Francisco in 1984, and John became the vice president of student life and dean of students at Dominican College in San Rafael.

John had several families, including the residents of Fountaingrove Lodge (LGBTQ retirement community) in Santa Rosa. He enjoyed attending events with the Black Tie Men’s Club, and retreats with Body Electric.

John is survived by Baird, his husband of 42 years, and by the host of friends that John acquired over his lifetime.

Donations may be made to the ALS Foundation or to the John Kennedy Endowment Fund for Student Life at Dominican University of California.

t

National News>>

July 29-August 4, 2021 • Bay Area Reporter • 7

Federal government: Insurance must now cover PrEP costs

by John Ferrannini

The cost of PrEP has created barriers to getting it to the communities that need it most. Brand-name Truvada typically sells for around $1,600 to $1,800 per month. A longawaited generic version of Truvada went on the market in late 2019. But the wholesale cost of the new pill from Teva Pharmaceuticals was about $1,455 for a 30-day supply.

As the B.A.R. reported in 2019, California Insurance Commissioner Ricardo Lara, a gay man, warned insurance providers that under state guidelines they could not refuse coverage to PrEP users.

A report from the state’s insurance department found that several companies had denied or limited coverage,

restricted products available through accelerated underwriting, placed conditions on coverage, or charged higher rates to PrEP users, though the names of the particular companies were not disclosed by the state.

A law that went into effect in California last year, authored by gay state Senator Scott Wiener (D-San Francisco) and gay then-Assemblyman Todd Gloria (D-San Diego) allows Californians to obtain a two-month supply of PrEP from a local pharmacy without a prescription. The law also prohibits insurance companies from requiring patients to obtain prior authorization before using their insurance benefits to obtain PrEP or PEP from a pharmacy.

(PEP refers to post-exposure prophy-

laxis and is a different medication.)

Wiener, who uses PrEP himself, told the B.A.R. that the new guidance is “a big deal for HIV prevention.”

“PrEP has the potential to end new HIV infections but only if we dramatically increase access,” stated Wiener.

“Eliminating cost-sharing for PrEP will be a big help in that effort.”

Aaron Fox, the director of government relations for the Los Angeles LGBT Center, said that the guidance will help PrEP distribution become more equitable.

“We commend the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services for their guidance to ensure PrEP is more accessible and affordable for everyone who needs it,” Fox stated to the B.A.R. July 22.“By dismantling the existing regional and community disparities which prevent access to the life-saving daily medication, we will be another step further in ending the HIV epidemic.”

The HIV + Hepatitis Policy Institute, a nonprofit advocating for those living with or at risk for HIV and hepatitis, among other health conditions, issued a statement in support.

“We are pleased that the federal government has issued this longawaited guidance to insurers that will reduce barriers to PrEP and help prevent further HIV infections while advancing efforts to end HIV in the United States,” stated Carl Schmid, the executive director of the institute.

“It seems that insurers responded to our earlier analysis. However, now we must ensure all are fully complying

binding decision has reignited debate over the flag, which is maintained by the Castro Merchants Association.

The merchants group announced that it would support a second flagpole that could fly the Progress and other LGBTQ community flags.

The cultural district’s survey does not appear to ask any ques-

tions specifically about the flag.

Rather, it asks about how people feel when they are in the queer neighborhood and whether they find the area welcoming.

“This survey explores LGBTQ+ community members’ opinions to prepare for a community town hall discussion focusing on people’s

feelings about neighborhood representation and the future of the flag in the plaza,” the survey states. “The authority over the flag in Harvey Milk Plaza lies with the Castro Merchants Association and San Francisco Arts Commission. We would like to gather broad community opinion, and this data will be used

T

he Biden administration is directing insurance companies to offer PrEP without copays or deductibles.

PrEP, or pre-exposure prophylaxis, refers to two antiviral medications – under the brand names of Truvada, which was approved by the federal Food and Drug Administration in 2012, and Descovy, which was approved in 2019 – that are taken by HIV-negative people to prevent HIV infection.

According to guidance released July 19 jointly by the U.S. Departments of Labor, Health and Human Services, and the Treasury, the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act requires insurance companies to provide evidence-based services with an “A” or “B” rating from the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force without cost-sharing requirements in most situations.

As PrEP received an “A” grade from the task force in 2019 as “effective antiretroviral therapy to persons who are at high risk of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) acquisition,” according to the guidance, companies must now not charge copays or deductibles for the medicine itself, labs, and associated office visits.

The Bay Area Reporter reported at the time that this “A” grade would lead to an access mandate “expected to be fully implemented in 2021.”

Companies will have 60 days to enter into compliance, the guidelines state, and state governments are invited to help with enforcement.

<<

News Briefs

From page 6

In June, the cultural district’s board voted that the Gilbert Baker-designed rainbow Pride flag that currently flies above the intersection of Market and Castro streets should be replaced with the Progress Pride flag. That non-

The federal government has issued guidance that insurance companies must now cover PrEP without copays or deductibles.

OUR COMMITMENT TO YOU UCSF is deeply committed to providing care for LGBTQ+ people and their families that isn’t just equitable—as crucial as equity is.

We’re committed to giving you care that’s warm, welcoming, and knowledgeable, too.

That’s why we’re a longtime Equality Leader in HRC’s Healthcare Equality Index—and why we offer a uniquely wide range of support for our LGBTQ+ patients and employees.

We look forward to warmly welcoming you— and offering the great, supportive care that you and your family deserve. www.ucsfhealth.org

with their legal requirements, including those spelled out in the new guidance, and federal and state regulators enforce them.”

Schmid called on both insurance companies and regulators to “do more to ensure people with private insurance can obtain PrEP without cost-sharing.

“Additionally, transparency in how insurers display coverage of preventive medications such as PrEP needs further attention,” Schmid added. “We look forward to conducting additional plan reviews and holding all parties accountable for providing clear, transparent information to make it as easy as possible for people with insurance who need PrEP to access it.”

Reina Hernandez, the associate director of HIV and PrEP Navigation at the San Francisco AIDS Foundation, stated to the B.A.R. that “it’s about time that the federal government mandates that insurance companies abide by their legal obligation to fully cover PrEP in accordance with the Grade A recommendation set forth by the United States Preventive Services Task Force and the Affordable Care Act.” “Black, Latinx and other people of color, who are disproportionately impacted by HIV, have experienced the brunt of inaccessibility when it comes to PrEP,” Hernandez stated. “This legal mandate to insurance companies will hopefully alleviate some of the financial barriers that have contributed to low utilization rates by these communities that need it the most.”t

to inform neighborhood leadership and explore whether the community would like to see a shift in the ability to use that flagpole and how the flagpole is used.”

Interested people can take the survey at https://bit.ly/2Wr9fjL. See page 8 >>

<< National News

8 • Bay Area Reporter • July 29-August 4, 2021

t

Gilead to lower PrEP reimbursement to clinics

by John Ferrannini

H

IV advocates are concerned that upcoming changes to Gilead Sciences Inc.’s Advancing Access program mean that there will be less money available to local providers for related virus prevention.

Gilead produces PrEP, or preexposure prophylaxis, which refers to two antiviral medications – under the brand names of Truvada, which was approved by the federal Food and Drug Administration in 2012, and Descovy, which was approved in 2019 – that are taken by HIV-negative people to prevent HIV infection.

Through its Advancing Access program, Gilead can provide these medicines free of charge to uninsured individuals. Pharmacies provide a prescription then file claims for reimbursement from Gilead.

Last week, the Biden administration directed insurance companies to offer PrEP without copays or deductibles to those who have insurance. Insurers have two months to get into compliance.

(The changes described in this article won’t interrupt uninsured

<<

News Briefs

From page 7

LGBTQ health convening

The California LGBTQ Health and Human Services Network will hold a weeklong virtual convening August 9-13.

A pre-conference takes place the first day, along with the Rainbow Connection. The following days include workshops, panels, and community building.

The featured keynote speaker will be Shakina Nayfack, who starred in

Gilead Sciences Inc. has informed clinics that it will change the reimbursement it provided for PrEP medication.

people’s access to PrEP, but may affect clinics’ abilities to provide related services.)

However, in April, Gilead announced changes to how much it will reimburse clinics as part of the program. The reason is that clinics participate in a federal program called 340B, which requires drug wholesalers to charge clinics at a discounted rate from the retail price. And so what was happening, according to Health Affairs, was that Gilead was reimbursing clinics approximately $1,900 per bottle of Truvada or Descovy, while under 340B, clinics were paying wholesalers only hundreds of dollars per bottle and pocketing

the rest.

According to Anne Donnelly, the director of state health care policy for the San Francisco AIDS Foundation, many clinics used that money for PrEP-related services.

But beginning in January 2022, Gilead will only be reimbursing “for the amount paid for each bottle plus a dispensing fee and an administrative fee.”

“This new model ensures dispensing free medicine to eligible PAP/MAP participants will continue to result in no cost to the pharmacy and compensates pharmacies for dispensing the free Gilead medication,” Gilead stated in

NBC’s “Connecting...”. Nayfack is also the founding artistic director of Musical Theatre Factory, where she helped to develop hundreds of new musicals, including Michael R. Jackson’s Pulitzer Prize-winning “A Strange Loop,” and her own autobiographical glam rock odyssey, “Manifest Pussy.” She is also a longtime LGBTQ harm reduction and public health advocate, and holds an MFA and Ph.D. from UC Riverside and a BA in community studies from UC Santa Cruz, where she focused on using theater and film for

HIV and overdose prevention, sex worker wellness, and queer youth empowerment.

The event is free. To register, go to https://bit.ly/3rzb4qe

Butch Voices to hold virtual conference

Butch Voices, which connects butches and masculine-of-center folks and allies, will hold its first virtual conference August 19-22.

The conference theme is “Building Up Together,” and the event will feature workshops, performances,

an April 8 news release, referring to the longform name of Advancing Access, which is the Patient Assistance Program/Medication Assistance Program. “Any change to our access program has an impact on the organizations that participate, and we are notifying our partners in advance to provide an appropriate timeframe for planning and transition.”

(Gilead originally gave an October 2021 date for the change, before changing it to January 2022 in a subsequent news release.)

Gilead has not responded to a request for comment.

Donnelly told the Bay Area Reporter that it is too early to tell how this will impact clinics like the AIDS foundation’s Strut health center, but that the effect will be worse in states that, unlike California, did not implement the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act, or Obamacare, Medicaid expansion.

“We’ll see a big problem, particularly in the South,” Donnelly said. “In California this will definitely have an impact as well ... though we are continuing conversations with Gilead around this.

“It’s all the wraparound services

people will need as they engage with PrEP and engage with care,” Donnelly added. “It’s doctor visits, adherence support, navigation support. Those types of things could really be threatened by this.”

Navigation support refers to community outreach to help get people on PrEP. Donnelly clarified that “people who are uninsured will continue to get PrEP” but that the amount of related services will likely be cut.

The changes are “going to have a bigger effect on organizations that are primarily providers of sexual health, and the [AIDS] foundation is primarily a sexual health delivery group,” she said.

But the AIDS foundation is lucky in that it “has made an effort to see that its funding is diversified,” Donnelly added.

“For smaller agencies, and those who can’t diversify their funding, we will see some change and it’s probably a little too early to say what that’ll be,” Donnelly said.

For its part, last year Gilead sued medical clinics in a Florida court alleging a 340B fraud scheme. t

and networking opportunities.

“We are experiencing reduced ways of interacting with each other for safety reasons, as well as decreased capacities mentally, emotionally, and financially,” an online conference description states, referring to the COVID-19 pandemic.

“There is no lack of work ahead of us, and building up together is one way forward. The need for solidarity with queer and trans BIPOC folks in our communities continues to include various calls to action, along with the need for us to support one

another across communities, even more going forward.”

Keynote speakers are Tobi HillMeyer (August 20) and B. Cole (August 21). An email stated that both are longtime Butch Voices participants and mentors in the community.

Tickets range from $10 to $25, and scholarships are available for 30 queer and trans bois of color who are under 30. To apply, go to https:// bit.ly/3iStM8i.

For general conference registration, go to https://bit.ly/3i7Vzme t

THE BAY AREA REPORTER IS PROUD TO BE THE OFFICIAL LGBTQ MEDIA SPONSOR OF

t <<

Community News>>

HIV programs

From page 1

create new innovative services, use a harm reduction framework, and eliminate eligibility silos for prevention and care services to turn the curve on HIV/HCV/STIs.” As for the local funding included in San Francisco’s two-year budget for the fiscal years covering July 1, 2021 through July 1, 2023, programs aimed at addressing the mental health needs of long-term HIV survivors will receive $200,000 in both years. Housing subsidies totaling $750,000 per year will go toward people living with HIV, which average $10,000 a year per person.

Another $350,000 each year is designated toward covering the increase

<<

LGBTQ bars

From page 1

Peterson said that the number of people who expressed real distress was minimal. Individuals can either show their physical vaccination card, a picture of it, or their official state digital vaccine record, which is accessible at https://myvaccinerecord.cdph.ca.gov/.

“It was just a handful and mostly we were thanked again and again for starting to do it,” Peterson said. “When you see what’s going on around us, it’s important that we encourage people to get vaccinated for the safety of our customers and staff.”

COVID cases up as Delta variant surges

What’s “going on” is that there has been a rise in COVID-19 cases citywide and statewide since the end of most pandemic-related restrictions on June 15.

The Delta variant of the virus – which according to Scientific American is up to 150% more transmissible than the original strain from Wuhan, China, and is up to 60% more transmissible than the heretofore dominant Alpha variant – became the dominant strain in California this month.

July 29-August 4, 2021 • Bay Area Reporter • 9

in the cost of doing business faced by HIV service providers that receive city contracts funded by federal grants. It is to mirror the extra money built into the contracts funded by local dollars that agencies are awarded to cover their increased expenses, such as labor costs, that they must budget for each year.

“As costs rise there is a real net loss of services for folks, so we were able to secure a modest cost of doing business increase, a little more than 2%, for Ryan White contracts,” said Hirsh, referring to the federal Health Resources and Services Administration’s Ryan White HIV/AIDS Program.

Hirsh co-chairs the city’s HIV/ AIDS Provider Network, known as HAPN, which worked closely with city officials and gay District 8 Super-

visor Rafael Mandelman to secure the HIV funding in the city budget. He was especially pleased to see the mental health funds be included.

“I think it is important to remember San Francisco has sustained its commitment to the safety net of services for people living with HIV. It is a partnership between the nonprofit community and the city for many years now,” said Hirsh, noting that this year’s budget negotiations were particularly challenging. “We felt very good that the city was continuing its commitment to addressing the HIV/ AIDS epidemic and trying, in some modest way, to respond to the needs of the community, especially around mental health services for long-term survivors and housing subsidies be-

cause we know housing is health care for people living with HIV.” Mandelman told the B.A.R. it was particularly important to fund the mental health programs for long-term HIV survivors who have had to selfisolate at home due to the COVID pandemic and continue to restrict their social interactions due to the more contagious Delta variant now sweeping across California and the Bay Area.

The housing funds will also help to avert a crisis among people living with HIV as local and state eviction moratoriums come to an end later this year.

“This has been a really rough year for everyone, but I think particularly for long-term HIV survivors. I think additional investment in mental health and housing subsidies are really im-

In San Francisco there were 211 new COVID-19 cases reported July 22 compared to just nine on June 15. There have been fewer deaths so far this month (three) compared to last month (five). However, the total number of COVID-19 hospitalizations has risen to 52 as of July 23, with 19 in intensive care, compared to 14 on June 15, with two in intensive care.

In a July 22 joint statement with Contra Costa and Santa Clara County health officials, San Francisco officials stated, “Local and national data show that fully vaccinated people are far less likely to catch COVID-19 or require hospitalization than people who are unvaccinated.”

Contra Costa County publicly sorts data into vaccinated and unvaccinated categories, which shows that as of July 25 the case rate per 100,000 unvaccinated residents was 39.9, compared with 3.2 cases per 100,000 vaccinated residents. San Francisco has not released similar data.

Statewide there were 7,731 cases and five deaths reported July 26, compared with 628 cases and 10 deaths reported June 14 (the state did not report data on June 15).

The spread has prompted some jurisdictions, such as Los Angeles

County, to reinstate indoor mask mandates even for fully vaccinated people. San Francisco officials joined most other Bay Area health officers July 16 in recommending, though not mandating, indoor masking again.

(The exception is Solano County, which is not recommending or mandating face coverings.)

“We are asking our residents to collectively come together again in this effort to stem the rising cases until we can assess how our hospital capacity will be impacted,” San Francisco Health Officer Dr. Susan Philip stated at the time.

The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention updated its face covering guidance July 27 to state that fully vaccinated individuals should wear face masks in counties with “substantial” or “high” COVID-19 transmission rates.

“Substantial” is defined as more than 50 cases per 100,000 in seven days and “high” is defined as 100 cases or more per 100,000 people in seven days. San Francisco County has a “high” transmission rate by this indicator.

President Joe Biden framed the new guidance as “another step on our journey to defeating this virus.”

“Today’s announcement also makes clear that the most important

protection we have against the Delta variant is to get vaccinated,” Biden stated. “While we have seen an increase in vaccinations in recent days, we still need to do better.”

SF bars announce new policy

The fear of rising cases and further government action is prompting bars to come up with solutions themselves. On July 26, the San Francisco Bar Owner Alliance – which represents over 500 bars across the city – announced a policy requiring proof of COVID-19 vaccination or a negative test result within the past 72 hours, which will go into effect July 29.

D’Arcy Drollinger, a gay man who is an owner of Oasis, a bar and nightclub in the SOMA neighborhood, is part of the alliance, but decided to institute a proof of vaccination policy last month.

“We did it when we originally opened on June 26,” Drollinger said.

“But we saw most of the city – including most theaters and special event venues – were not requiring that, so we dropped it. When it became apparent the Delta variant was more problematic than anticipated, we reinstituted it on Thursday [July 22].”

portant right now,” said Mandelman.

“We don’t know exactly what is going to happen when the eviction moratorium comes to an end. The fear is increased homelessness and more people at risk of homelessness. We need to do everything we can to support longterm survivors and their health.”

Contract change postponed

Another victory in this year’s budget talks for HIV service providers was a commitment from the city’s DPH to postpone a change in how it allocates up to $3 million in contracts for HIV prevention services until next summer. The agency wants to shift the funds toward programs focused on See page 10 >> Drollinger said hopefully these requirements will help the city’s economy recover.

“We are a venue that houses lots of different events and groups of people, so it’s been important for me to make sure that people feel safe and are safe,” Drollinger said. “Vaccinated people are obviously getting this new strain but, you know, while it’s not quite as scary, it’s still a problem and I’d rather be proactive so the city can stay open.

Nobody wants to go back.”

Drollinger said that last weekend almost all people were “grateful” for the policy.

“We had a couple people get mad because they only had one [vaccine dose] so our security had to deal with a couple of angry people,” Drollinger said. “Some people had a hard time locating it, but there is a QR code you can get on your phone. Some people actually had their cards. Once you go through it a couple times, it’ll be like showing an ID.” Some 84% of San Francisco residents 12 and older have received at least one vaccine dose; 77% are fully vaccinated, according to city data as of July 26.

See page 10 >>

The senses reawaken.

Ready to restore your mind, body and spirit? Experience holistic self-care in harmony with nature in Sonoma County. From meditation deep in the redwood forest to yoga classes in the vineyards, you’ll discover unique wellness experiences as well as dozens of LGBTQ-friendly spas.

Explore LGBTQ+ getaways at sonomacounty.com/lgbtq

®

<< Community News

10 • Bay Area Reporter • July 29-August 4, 2021

<<

Political map

From page 3

by LGBTQ senior housing and offices of nonprofit Openhouse within District 8 and not be moved into the adjoining District 5.

When asked about keeping the three LGBTQ areas whole in the new district boundaries, the two Lees both told the B.A.R. they would be taking the concerns of the residents of those neighborhoods into consideration.

“I am going to look for things like voices on the ground and the people who live in those neighborhoods.

I am not going to prejudice myself one way or another, especially before the task force meets,” said Chasel Lee.

<<

LGBTQ bars

From page 9

The Hole in the Wall Saloon and Club OMG, in SOMA; the Cinch Saloon on Polk Street; and 440, Lookout, The Edge, Beaux, and Midnight Sun in the Castro, also now have proof-ofvaccination policies (or alternatively, require a recent negative test).

Patrons at 440 on July 27 were supportive of the new policy there.

“I’ve been vaccinated since the end of April and if I have to wear a mask or carry a card I have no problem,” Matthew Hensley said.

Hensley, who pointed out he is a long-term survivor of HIV, said that

<<

HIV programs

From page 9

marginalized communities disproportionately impacted by HIV that take a more holistic approach and also address STDs and hepatitis.

The change was to have been implemented in early 2020 but was postponed due to the COVID pandemic.

While HIV advocates agree in the new direction the department wants to

t

“But I understand those concerns.

Some people do want to keep those together.”

He pledged that the task force would seek out input from various communities throughout the city.

“I look forward to hearing those voices on keeping communities of interest together again,” said Chasel Lee. “We will definitely hear from those voices, and I welcome them.”

Asked about the possibility of seeing District 8 disassembled, with Noe Valley combined with parts of the Mission district for example, Jeremy Lee told the B.A.R. he is “very reluctant” to agree to a wholesale redrawing of how the supervisor districts historically have been drawn.

“I don’t really see myself being in favor of a complete reimagining of the district lines in our city. I do want to put value on precedent,” he said.

“People living here are used to having people represented with these other communities. They have built relationships with those folks.”

He acknowledged the work “is going to be tough” and how District 6 gets reshaped will impact the boundaries for all the other supervisor districts. Because it has seen the most new development over the last 10 years, bringing in an influx of new residents, it is likely to see the biggest changes as the task force works to draw up districts with an evenly divided number of residents.

“Everyone knows District 6 is where all the changes are going to happen, so how D6 will change will have ripple effects on the neighboring districts,” said Jeremy Lee. “So, for me, one of my core things when I think about D6 is preserving the voice of low-income folks in the Tenderloin and SOMA. Keeping those neighborhoods whole is one of my top priorities.”

The Elections Commission’s other two picks for the task force were Raynell Cooper, 26, a biracial Black man who lives in District 5 and is the residential parking policy manager with the San Francisco Municipal Transportation Agency’s Parking and Curb Management Team, and District 2 resident Ditka Reiner, who emigrated

from Hungary as a child and is now retired from the information technology consulting firm she founded.

The supervisors also seated SOMA resident Jose Maria “Chema” Hernandez, a bilingual (Spanish/English) Indigenous immigrant from Mexico who is a non U.S. citizen and union organizer with Service Employees International Union Local 1021. They also picked Bayview Hunters Point Community Advocates Executive Director Michelle Pierce, an African American, native San Franciscan.

A spokesman for Breed did not respond by press time to the B.A.R.’s questions on when she will announce her picks and if any would be from the LGBTQ community. t

he brings his mask everywhere he goes.

“If I can help someone else from getting something, I’m happy,” he said.

Matthew Hudson reflected on the differences between how COVID-19 and HIV/AIDS have been treated.

“With HIV, nobody would give a shit,” Hudson said. “There was no help. Now, everyone is begging you to get a shot to get you through the second pandemic.”

Jim Sullivan, who was sitting outside, also agreed with the policy.

“Just keep people safe,” he said.

“Minimize the risk.”

The Edge implemented its policy July 26, according to a Facebook

post, which adds that like the Bar Owner Alliance a negative test from the last 72 hours will suffice for those who are not vaccinated.

The policy was instituted “in the interest of protecting our customers, our staff and their families,” The Edge stated.

Lookout stated it will be implementing its policy July 29. “Your physical card, a pic in your phone or a QR code from the state” will suffice, according to the bar.

Lookout owner Chris Hastings attributed the new policy specifically to the Delta variant.

“The recent resurgence of cases in San Francisco due to the Delta variant

was a driver of the decision,” Hastings stated in an email. “As a venue I believe we have an obligation to provide a safe space in every meaning of that term, and simply put, this is an example of us doing that.

“Hopefully taking this proactive measure will not only diminish the likelihood of future government-imposed restrictions being placed on us,” Hastings added. “So far the response from our regulars has been overwhelmingly positive and supportive.”

Rakesh Modi, a queer man who owns Club OMG, had a similar sentiment.

“At OMG the health of our staff and patrons is of utmost impor-

tance,” Modi stated. “And in order to keep everyone safe from the rising number of COVID Delta variant cases, we have decided to only allow people who are vaccinated into the bar. Bars can not afford another shutdown either, so we have to do everything we can to curb the spread of this virus.”

Steamworks Baths in Berkeley and the Eros sex club on upper Market Street also require proof of vaccination, as the B.A.R. previously reported.

The Hole in the Wall Saloon, the Cinch Saloon, 440, The Edge, and Beaux did not return requests for comment for this story. t

take, they are also concerned it could result in the loss of existing services that providers have offered for nearly a decade depending on how the contracts are awarded.

“We could lose a ton if we are not funded, so much of it is unknown at this point,” said HAPN co-chair Lance Toma, CEO of the San Francisco Community Health Center. “We need to know what the awards are so we can make thoughtful and clear and

accurate assessments of what are the services that may be lost and where are the holes in the safety net.”

Advocates hope the postponement in awarding the new contracts will provide them more time to convince city health officials they should be increasing the budget for HIV services rather than simply reallocating the existing funds. Mandelman has been advocating for such an approach.

“I think DPH is a very large department with a lot of funding. I think it can come up with this new approach to build capacity and focus on new

ways to reach communities that continue to be disproportionately impacted by HIV,” he said. “I support that. But I don’t want to stop agencies doing the prevention work that has been so successful in getting us to under 200 new infections a year.”

He told the B.A.R. he remains hopeful a solution can be worked out, as “this gives us an additional year to figure out how to do that.” t

The health department told the B.A.R. it is “committed to completing the RFP results and we are working to finalize the timeline for the funding announcement as rapidly as possible given ongoing demand for COVID-19 services and staffing shortages due to COVID-19 deployment.”

Legals>> SUMMONS IN A CIVIL ACTION IN THE UNITED STATES DISTRICT COURT FOR THE NORTHERN DISTRICT OF CALIFORNIA CIVIL ACTION NO. 3:21-CV-02362-SK BRIAN WHITAKER, PLAINTIFF V. EVA C. JEONG, IN INDIVIDUAL AND REPRESENTATIVE CAPACITY AS TRUSTEE OF THE STEVE M. JONG AND EVA C. JEONG REVOCABLE TRUST DATED DECEMBER 26, 1995; JOHNNY LY, DEFENDANTS

To Eva C. Jeong, in individual and representative capacity as trustee of The Steve M. Jong And Eva C. Jeong Revocable Trust Dated December 26, 1995, 146 Wood St Apt 8, San Francisco, CA 94118-3465 and Johnny Ly, c/o Latte Express #5, 646 Kearny St, San Francisco, CA 94108, a lawsuit has been filed against you. Within 21 days after service of this summons on you (not counting the day you received it) – or 60 days if you are the United States or a United States agency, or an officer or employee of the United States described in Fed. R. Civ. P. 12(a)(2) or (3) – you must serve on the plaintiff an answer to the attached complaint or a motion under Rule 12 of the Federal Rules of Civil Procedure. The answer or motion must be served on the plaintiff or plaintiff’s attorney, whose name and address are Amanda Seabock, Esq., SBN 289900, 8033 Linda Vista Road, Suite 200, San Diego, CA 92111; Phone (858) 375-7385; (888) 422-5191 fax. If you fail to respond, judgment by default will be entered against you for the relief demanded in the complaint. You also must file your answer or motion with the court. Date: 4/2/2021. Clerk of the Court Susan Y. Soong; signed Sheila Rash, deputy clerk.

JULY 08, 15, 22, 29, 2021 ORDER TO SHOW CAUSE FOR CHANGE OF NAME IN SUPERIOR COURT OF CALIFORNIA, COUNTY OF SAN FRANCISCO FILE CNC-21556421 In the matter of the application of WENJIE ZHONG, 288 9TH ST, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94103, for change of name having been filed in Superior Court, and it appearing from said application that petitioner WENJIE ZHONG is requesting that the name WENJIE ZHONG be changed to WENNIE ZHONG. Now therefore, it is hereby ordered, that all persons interested in said matter do appear before this Court in Dept. 103N, Rm. 103N on the 9th of SEP 2021 at 9:00am of said day to show cause why the application for change of name should not be granted.

JULY 08, 15, 22, 29, 2021 ORDER TO SHOW CAUSE FOR CHANGE OF NAME IN SUPERIOR COURT OF CALIFORNIA, COUNTY OF SAN FRANCISCO FILE CNC-21556416 In the matter of the application of ROY MILTON BOSWELL, 1788 CLAY ST #207, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94109, for change of name having been filed in Superior Court, and it appearing from said application that petitioner ROY MILTON BOSWELL is requesting that the name ROY MILTON BOSWELL be changed to ROY MILTON BOSWELL-VIGGIANO. Now therefore, it is hereby ordered, that all persons interested in said matter do appear before this Court in Dept. 103 on the 10th of AUGUST 2021 at 9:00am of said day to show cause why the application for change of name should not be granted.

JULY 08, 15, 22, 29, 2021 ORDER TO SHOW CAUSE FOR CHANGE OF NAME IN SUPERIOR COURT OF CALIFORNIA, COUNTY OF SAN FRANCISCO FILE CNC-21556432 In the matter of the application of SUNJUNG KIM, 260 KING ST #417, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94107, for change of name having been filed in Superior Court, and it appearing from said application that petitioner SUNJUNG KIM is requesting that the name SUNJUNG KIM be changed to MICHAEL SUNJUNG KIM. Now therefore, it is hereby ordered, that all persons interested in said matter

do appear before this Court in Rm. 103 on the 17th of AUGUST 2021 at 9:00am of said day to show cause why the application for change of name should not be granted.

JULY 08, 15, 22, 29, 2021 ORDER TO SHOW CAUSE FOR CHANGE OF NAME IN SUPERIOR COURT OF CALIFORNIA, COUNTY OF SAN FRANCISCO FILE CNC-21556436

In the matter of the application of GENEVA CARTER, 32 MAXWELL CT, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94103, for change of name having been filed in Superior Court, and it appearing from said application that petitioner GENEVA CARTER is requesting that the name AIRAM VERRILL JACKSON be changed to KY’REAL KENYA DUVALL and the name GENEVA HELEN CARTER be changed to MALAYSIA GRACE DUVALL. Now therefore, it is hereby ordered, that all persons interested in said matter do appear before this Court in Dept. 103N, Rm. 103N on the 17th of AUGUST 2021 at 9:00am of said day to show cause why the application for change of name should not be granted.

JULY 08, 15, 22, 29, 2021 FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE A-039371800

The following person(s) is/are doing business as WELLNESS WARRIOR SF, 1050 NORTH POINT ST #402, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94109. This business is conducted by an individual, and is signed ELIZABETH CHANG WILSON. The registrant(s) commenced to transact business under the above listed fictitious business name or names on 03/03/21. The statement was filed with the City and County of San Francisco, CA on 06/17/21.

JULY 08, 15, 22, 29, 2021 FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE A-039384600

The following person(s) is/are doing business as EARTH ALLY, 743 11TH AVE, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94118. This business is conducted by an individual, and is signed CHARLOTTE CANNER. The registrant(s) commenced to transact business under the above listed fictitious business name or names on 01/02/20. The statement was filed with the City and County of San Francisco, CA on 06/30/21.

JULY 08, 15, 22, 29, 2021 FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE A-039387500

The following person(s) is/are doing business as SASSY LOCS HUMAN HAIR, 1101 PHELPS ST #A, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94124. This business is conducted by an individual, and is signed JANET PICKENS-STANFORD. The registrant(s) commenced to transact business under the above listed fictitious business name or names on N/A. The statement was filed with the City and County of San Francisco, CA on 07/02/21.

JULY 08, 15, 22, 29, 2021 FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE A-039386700

The following person(s) is/are doing business as MAESTRO APPLIANCE, 150 SAN MARCOS AVE, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94116. This business is conducted by an individual, and is signed ANDRE SAVKIN. The registrant(s) commenced to transact business under the above listed fictitious business name or names on N/A. The statement was filed with the City and County of San Francisco, CA on 07/02/21.

JULY 08, 15, 22, 29, 2021 FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE A-039364700

The following person(s) is/are doing business as MYPLIANCE, 136 FOERSTER, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94112.

This business is conducted by a general partnership, and is signed ROMAN STEPANYUK & OLEKSANDR STEPANYUK. The registrant(s) commenced to transact business under the above listed fictitious business name or names on N/A. The statement was filed with the City and County of San Francisco, CA on 06/11/21.

JULY 08, 15, 22, 29, 2021 FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE A-039386900

The following person(s) is/are doing business as PHO HUONG VIET, 5733 GEARY BLVD, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94121. This business is conducted by a corporation, and is signed PHO HUONG VIET INC (CA). The registrant(s) commenced to transact business under the above listed fictitious business name or names on 07/01/21. The statement was filed with the City and County of San Francisco, CA on 07/02/21.

JULY 08, 15, 22, 29, 2021 FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE A-039386400

The following person(s) is/are doing business as NAILS N BEAUTY, 2385 CHESTNUT ST, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94123.

This business is conducted by a corporation, and is signed NAILS N BEAUTY (CA). The registrant(s) commenced to transact business under the above listed fictitious business name or names on 07/01/21. The statement was filed with the City and County of San Francisco, CA on 07/02/21.

JULY 08, 15, 22, 29, 2021 FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE A-039385100

The following person(s) is/are doing business as EGGCELLENT WAFFLES, 891 BUSH ST, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94108. This business is conducted by a limited liability company, and is signed WAI YAM KWAN HK LLC (CA).

The registrant(s) commenced to transact business under the above listed fictitious business name or names on 07/01/21. The statement was filed with the City and County of San Francisco, CA on 07/01/21.

JULY 08, 15, 22, 29, 2021 FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE A-039386200

The following person(s) is/are doing business as LILIKOI, 3108 FILLMORE ST, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94123. This business is conducted by a limited liability company, and is signed KINGDEW ENTERPRISES LLC (CA). The registrant(s) commenced to transact business under the above listed fictitious business name or names on N/A. The statement was filed with the City and County of San Francisco, CA on 07/02/21.

JULY 08, 15, 22, 29, 2021 FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE A-039385600

The following person(s) is/are doing business as THE ANCHOVY BAR, 1740 O’FARRELL ST, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94115. This business is conducted by a limited liability company, and is signed THE PROGRESS PROVISIONS, LLC (CA). The registrant(s) commenced to transact business under the above listed fictitious business name or names on 01/01/20. The statement was filed with the City and County of San Francisco, CA on 07/02/21.

JULY 08, 15, 22, 29, 2021 FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE A-039387600

The following person(s) is/are doing business as RITUAL NAIL BAR, 340 DIVISADERO ST, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94117. This business is conducted by a limited liability company, and is signed HOANG & NEAL, LLC (CA). The registrant(s) commenced to transact business under the above listed fictitious business name or names on N/A. The statement was filed with the City and County of San Francisco, CA on 07/02/21.

JULY 08, 15, 22, 29, 2021 SUMMONS (FAMILY LAW) SUPERIOR COURT OF CALIFORNIA, COUNTY OF SAN FRANCISCO NOTICE TO RESPONDENT: KACI L. LIN, YOU ARE BEING SUED. PETITIONER’S NAME IS JAMES R. LIN

CASE NO. FDI-21-794891

You have 30 CALENDAR DAYS after this Summons and Petition are served on you to file a Response (form FL-120 or FL-123) at the court and have a copy served on the petitioner. A letter, phone call, or court appearance will not protect you. If you do not file your Response on time, the court may make orders affecting your marriage or domestic partnerships, your property, and custody of your children.

You may be ordered to pay support and attorney fees and costs. For legal advice, contact a lawyer immediately.

Get help finding a lawyer at the California Courts Online Self-Help Center (www.courtinfo.ca.gov/selfhelp), at the California Legal Services website (www.lawhelpcalifornia. org), or by contacting your local county bar association.

NOTICE RESTRAINING ORDERS: The restraining orders following are effective against both spouses or domestic partners until the petition is dismissed, a judgment entered, or the court makes further orders. They are enforceable anywhere in California by any law enforcement officer who has received or seen a copy of them.

FEE WAIVER: If you cannot pay the filing fee, ask the clerk for a fee waiver form. The court may order you to pay back all or part of the fees and costs that the court waived for you or the other party.

UNIFIED FAMILY COURT – SAN FRANCISCO SUPERIOR COURT, 400 McAllister St., San Francisco, CA 94102; PETITIONER’S ATTORNEY: Michael Strebe (SBN #280375), Lewellen Strebe PC, 50 Osgood Pl. #500, San Francisco, CA 94133; (415) 818-1106.

May 12, 2021, Clerk of the Court: Tim Kyu. STANDARD FAMILY LAW RESTRAINING ORDERS: Starting immediately, you and your spouse or domestic partner are restrained from: 1. Removing the minor children of the parties from the state or applying for a new or replacement passport for those minor children without the prior written consent of the other party or an order of the court; 2. Cashing, borrowing against, canceling, transferring, disposing of, or changing the beneficiaries of any insurance or other coverage, including life, health, automobile, and disability, held for the benefit of the parties and their minor children; 3. Transferring, encumbering, hypothecating, concealing, or in any way disposing of any property, real or personal, whether community, quasi-community, or separate, without the written consent of the other party or an order of the court, except in the usual course of business or for the necessities of life; and 4. Creating a nonprobate transfer or modifying a nonprobate transfer in the manner that affects the disposition of property subject to the transfer, without the written consent of the other party or an order of the court. Before revocation of a nonprobate transfer can take effect or a right of survivorship to property can be eliminated, notice of the change must be filed and served on the other party. You must notify each other of any proposed extraordinary expenditures at least five business days prior to incurring these extraordinary expenditures and account to the court for all extraordinary expenditures made after these restraining orders are effective. However, you may use community property, quasi-community property, or your own separate property to pay an attorney to help you or to pay court costs. NOTICE-ACCESS TO AFFORDABLE HEALTH INSURANCE: Do you or someone in your household need affordable health insurance? If so, you should apply for Covered California. Covered California can help reduce the cost you pay towards high quality affordable care. For more information, visit www.coveredca. com. Or call Covered California at 1-800-300-1506.

WARNING-IMPORTANT INFORMATION: California law provides that, for the purposes of division of property upon dissolution of a marriage or domestic partnership or upon legal separation, property acquired by the parties during marriage or domestic partnership in joint form is presumed to be community property. If either party to this action should die before the jointly held community property is divided, the language in the deed that characterizes how title is held (i.e., joint tenancy, tenants in common, or community property) will be controlling, and not the community property presumption. You should consult your attorney if you want the community property presumption to be written into the recorded title to the property.

JULY 15, 22, 29, AUG 05, 2021 ORDER TO SHOW CAUSE FOR CHANGE OF NAME IN SUPERIOR COURT OF CALIFORNIA, COUNTY OF SAN FRANCISCO FILE CNC-21556439 In the matter of the application of ERIC MICHAEL SCHUMACHER & ERIN LYNN SCHUMACHER, 118 BACHE ST, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94110, for change of name having been filed in Superior Court, and it appearing from said application that petitioner ERIC MICHAEL SCHUMACHER & ERIN LYNN SCHUMACHER is requesting that the name SADIE ROSE SCHUMACHER be changed to TOBY ROSE SCHUMACHER. Now therefore, it is hereby ordered, that all persons interested in said matter do appear before this Court in Dept. 103N, Rm. 103N on the 19th of AUGUST 2021 at 9:00am of said day to show cause why the application for change of name should not be granted.

JULY 15, 22, 29, AUG 05, 2021 ORDER TO SHOW CAUSE FOR CHANGE OF NAME IN SUPERIOR COURT OF CALIFORNIA, COUNTY OF SAN FRANCISCO FILE CNC-21556447 In the matter of the application of SEAN JEFFREY HENNESSEY, 5021 DIAMOND HEIGHTS BLVD, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94131, for change of name having been filed in Superior Court, and it appearing from said application that petitioner SEAN JEFFREY HENNESSEY is requesting that the name SEAN JEFFREY HENNESSEY be changed to SEAN JEFFREY LI HSIANG HENNESSEYHSIEH. Now therefore, it is hereby ordered, that all persons interested in said matter do appear before this Court in Dept. 103N, Rm. 103N on the 19th of AUGUST 2021 at 9:00am of said day to show cause why the application for change of name should not be granted.

JULY 15, 22, 29, AUG 05, 2021 ORDER TO SHOW CAUSE FOR CHANGE OF NAME IN SUPERIOR COURT OF CALIFORNIA, COUNTY OF SAN FRANCISCO FILE CNC-21556448

In the matter of the application of KUN YUAN HSIEH, 5021 DIAMOND HEIGHTS BLVD, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94131, for change of name having been filed in Superior Court, and it appearing from said application that petitioner KUN YUAN HSIEH is requesting that the name KUN YUAN HSIEH be changed to BRIAN KUN YUAN HENNESSEYHSIEH. Now therefore, it is hereby ordered, that all persons interested in said matter do appear before this Court in Dept. 103N, Rm. 103N on the 19th of AUGUST 2021 at 9:00am of said day to show cause why the application for change of name should not be granted.

JULY 15, 22, 29, AUG 05, 2021 ORDER TO SHOW CAUSE FOR CHANGE OF NAME IN SUPERIOR COURT OF CALIFORNIA, COUNTY OF SAN FRANCISCO FILE CNC-21556453

In the matter of the application of CASSANDRA LOUISE MILLER AKA CASSANDRA LOUISE ATKINS, 1427 LARKIN ST #1, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94109, for change of name having been filed in Superior Court, and it appearing from said application that petitioner CASSANDRA LOUISE MILLER AKA CASSANDRA LOUISE ATKINS is requesting that the name(s) CASSANDRA LOUISE MILLER AKA CASSANDRA LOUISE ATKINS be changed to CASSANDRA LOUISE ATKINS. Now therefore, it is hereby ordered, that all persons interested in said matter do appear before this Court in Rm. 103 on the 24th of AUGUST 2021 at 9:00am of said day to show cause why the application for change of name should not be granted.

JULY 15, 22, 29, AUG 05, 2021

t

Classifieds >>

ORDER TO SHOW CAUSE FOR CHANGE OF NAME IN SUPERIOR COURT OF CALIFORNIA, COUNTY OF SAN FRANCISCO FILE CNC-21556460

In the matter of the application of SAN LING, C/O JOHN F. LEE (SBN #154343), 15 BOARDMAN PL, 2ND FL, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94103, for change of name having been filed in Superior Court, and it appearing from said application that petitioner SAN LING is requesting that the name SAN LING be changed to KATHLEEN LING CHAU. Now therefore, it is hereby ordered, that all persons interested in said matter do appear before this Court in Rm. 103 on the 24th of AUGUST 2021 at 9:00am of said day to show cause why the application for change of name should not be granted.

JULY 15, 22, 29, AUG 05, 2021 ORDER TO SHOW CAUSE FOR CHANGE OF NAME IN SUPERIOR COURT OF CALIFORNIA, COUNTY OF SAN FRANCISCO FILE CNC-21-556461

In the matter of the application of SEEMA HAJI, 620 TERESITA BLVD, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94127, for change of name having been filed in Superior Court, and it appearing from said application that petitioner SEEMA HAJI is requesting that the name YUVAN JAMES BANERJEE be changed to YUVAN HAJI BANERJEE. Now therefore, it is hereby ordered, that all persons interested in said matter do appear before this Court in Dept. 103N, Rm. 103N on the 24th of AUGUST 2021 at 9:00am of said day to show cause why the application for change of name should not be granted.

JULY 15, 22, 29, AUG 05, 2021 ORDER TO SHOW CAUSE FOR CHANGE OF NAME IN SUPERIOR COURT OF CALIFORNIA, COUNTY OF SAN FRANCISCO FILE CNC-21-556462

In the matter of the application of SEEMA HUSSAIN HAJI AKA SEEMA KESWANI, 620 TERESITA BLVD, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94127, for change of name having been filed in Superior Court, and it appearing from said application that petitioner SEEMA HUSSAIN HAJI AKA SEEMA KESWANI is requesting that the name(s) SEEMA HUSSAIN HAJI AKA SEEMA KESWANI be changed to SEEMA HAJI LAWRENCE. Now therefore, it is hereby ordered, that all persons interested in said matter do appear before this Court in Dept. 103N, Rm. 103N on the 24th of AUGUST 2021 at 9:00am of said day to show cause why the application for change of name should not be granted.

JULY 15, 22, 29, AUG 05, 2021 ORDER TO SHOW CAUSE FOR CHANGE OF NAME IN SUPERIOR COURT OF CALIFORNIA, COUNTY OF SAN FRANCISCO FILE CNC-21-556463

In the matter of the application of KARISHMA HAJI, 2150 18TH AVE, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94116, for change of name having been filed in Superior Court, and it appearing from said application that petitioner KARISHMA HAJI is requesting that the name KARISHMA HUSSAIN HAJI AKA KARISHMA KESWANI be changed to KARISHMA HAJI; the name MEERA NAINA HEIKER be changed to MEERA HAJI HEIKER; and the name ZOYA AMAYA HEIKER be changed to ZOYA HAJI HEIKER. Now therefore, it is hereby ordered, that all persons interested in said matter do appear before this Court in Dept. 103N, Rm. 103N on the 24th of AUGUST 2021 at 9:00am of said day to show cause why the application for change of name should not be granted.

JULY 15, 22, 29, AUG 05, 2021 FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE A-039389800 The following person(s) is/are doing business as MEGA TRADING COMPANY, 2743 MISSION ST, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94110. This business is conducted by an individual, and is signed CHOONG LI FEN. The registrant(s) commenced to transact business under the above listed fictitious business name or names on 03/29/06. The statement was filed with the City and County of San Francisco, CA on 07/06/21.

JULY 15, 22, 29, AUG 05, 2021 FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE A-039393800

The following person(s) is/are doing business as CITY LIGHT PALACE, 706 SACRAMENTO ST, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94108. This business is conducted by an individual, and is signed ALLAN P. NUTALL. The registrant(s) commenced to transact business under the above listed fictitious business name or names on 07/08/21. The statement was filed with the City and County of San Francisco, CA on 07/08/21.

JULY 15, 22, 29, AUG 05, 2021 FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE A-039394600 The following person(s) is/are doing business as YOLANDA’S EZ REGISTRATION SERVICE, 1321 STEINER ST, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94115. This business is conducted by an individual, and is signed YOLANDA R. JONES. The registrant(s) commenced to transact business under the above listed fictitious business name or names on N/A. The statement was filed with the City and County of San Francisco, CA on 07/08/21.

July 29-August 4, 2021 • Bay Area Reporter • 11

by a corporation, and is signed BEIJING FOOD INC. (CA). The registrant(s) commenced to transact business under the above listed fictitious business name or names on 12/11/08. The statement was filed with the City and County of San Francisco, CA on 07/21/21.

JULY 15, 22, 29, AUG 05, 2021 FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE A-039374800 The following person(s) is/are doing business as GOLDEN GATE INTERIORS, 362 BAYSHORE BLVD, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94124. This business is conducted by a corporation, and is signed MGS CO (CA). The registrant(s) commenced to transact business under the above listed fictitious business name or names on 06/16/21. The statement was filed with the City and County of San Francisco, CA on 07/21/21.

JULY 15, 22, 29, AUG 05, 2021 FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE A-039392600 The following person(s) is/are doing business as CENSORED EXPLICIT VODKA; THE STRAITS GROUP; 849 AVENUE D, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94130. This business is conducted by a limited liability company, and is signed TREEHOUSE CRAFT DISTILLERY, LLC (CA). The registrant(s) commenced to transact business under the above listed fictitious business name or names on N/A. The statement was filed with the City and County of San Francisco, CA on 07/07/21.

JULY 15, 22, 29, AUG 05, 2021 FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE A-039394500

The following person(s) is/are doing business as EVENTS BY GS, 1222 25TH AVE #A, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94122. This business is conducted by a limited liability company, and is signed EVENTS BY GS LLC (CA). The registrant(s) commenced to transact business under the above listed fictitious business name or names on 02/22/21. The statement was filed with the City and County of San Francisco, CA on 07/08/21.

JULY 15, 22, 29, AUG 05, 2021 FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE A-039397600 The following person(s) is/are doing business as THE RED TAIL, 545 IRVING ST, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94122. This business is conducted by a limited liability company, and is signed FOG CITY BREWS LLC (CA). The registrant(s) commenced to transact business under the above listed fictitious business name or names on 07/08/21. The statement was filed with the City and County of San Francisco, CA on 07/09/21.

JULY 15, 22, 29, AUG 05, 2021 FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE A-039386300

The following person(s) is/are doing business as JADE ELLEN, 1910 29TH AVE, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94116.

This business is conducted by a limited liability company, and is signed JADE ELLEN, LLC (CA). The registrant(s) commenced to transact business under the above listed fictitious business name or names on 05/08/21. The statement was filed with the City and County of San Francisco, CA on 07/02/21.

JULY 15, 22, 29, AUG 05, 2021 FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE A-039384100

The following person(s) is/are doing business as HALCYON, 314 11TH ST, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94103.

This business is conducted by a limited liability company, and is signed 314 11TH STREET LLC (CA).

The registrant(s) commenced to transact business under the above listed fictitious business name or names on 06/01/21. The statement was filed with the City and County of San Francisco, CA on 06/30/21.

JULY 15, 22, 29, AUG 05, 2021 FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE A-039401300

The following person(s) is/are doing business as NUANCED COLLECTIVE, 800 INDIANA ST #347, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94107. This business is conducted by a limited liability company, and is signed FLOW STATE LLC (CA). The registrant(s) commenced to transact business under the above listed fictitious business name or names on 07/12/21. The statement was filed with the City and County of San Francisco, CA on 07/12/21.

JULY 15, 22, 29, AUG 05, 2021 ORDER TO SHOW CAUSE FOR CHANGE OF NAME IN SUPERIOR COURT OF CALIFORNIA, COUNTY OF SAN FRANCISCO FILE CNC-21-55643300

In the matter of the application of VANESSA MARIE LIU, 950 HARRISON #221, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94107, for change of name having been filed in Superior Court, and it appearing from said application that petitioner VANESSA MARIE LIU is requesting that the name VANESSA MARIE LIU be changed to VANESSA LOVE. Now therefore, it is hereby ordered, that all persons interested in said matter do appear before this Court in Dept. 103 on the 17th of AUGUST 2021 at 9:00am of said day to show cause why the application for change of name should not be granted.

JULY 15, 22, 29, AUG 05, 2021

JULY 22, 29, AUG 05, 12, 2021

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE A-039394300

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE A-039399200

The following person(s) is/are doing business as EMERALD SPA, 441 STOCKTON ST, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94108. This business is conducted by an individual, and is signed HANNA HOANG. The registrant(s) commenced to transact business under the above listed fictitious business name or names on 07/08/21. The statement was filed with the City and County of San Francisco, CA on 07/08/21.

The following person(s) is/are doing business as KING KONG MOVING, 1788 19TH AVE, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94122. This business is conducted by an individual, and is signed MICHAEL NIU. The registrant(s) commenced to transact business under the above listed fictitious business name or names on N/A. The statement was filed with the City and County of San Francisco, CA on 07/09/21.

JULY 15, 22, 29, AUG 05, 2021

JULY 22, 29, AUG 05, 12, 2021

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE A-039390100

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE A-039384700

The following person(s) is/are doing business as SIBERIAN SECRETS, 350 TOWNSEND ST #827, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94107. This business is conducted by an individual, and is signed VITALY DANEKIN. The registrant(s) commenced to transact business under the above listed fictitious business name or names on 09/27/16.

The statement was filed with the City and County of San Francisco, CA on 07/06/21.

JULY 15, 22, 29, AUG 05, 2021 FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE A-039386000

The following person(s) is/are doing business as LAUNDERWORLD, 2307 FOLSOM ST, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94110. This business is conducted by a corporation, and is signed AOIKUN INC (CA).

The registrant(s) commenced to transact business under the above listed fictitious business name or names on 02/01/16. The statement was filed with the City and County of San Francisco, CA on 07/02/21.

JULY 15, 22, 29, AUG 05, 2021 FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE A-039396900

The following person(s) is/are doing business as BAY AREA REPORTER, 44 GOUGH ST #204, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94103. This business is conducted by a corporation, and is signed BAR MEDIA INC (CA). The registrant(s) commenced to transact business under the above listed fictitious business name or names on 08/01/13. The statement was filed with the City and County of San Francisco, CA on 07/09/21.

JULY 15, 22, 29, AUG 05, 2021 FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE A-039374700 The following person(s) is/are doing business as BEIJING RESTAURANT, 1801 ALEMANY BLVD, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94112. This business is conducted

The following person(s) is/are doing business as YOUNG VIOLINS, 620 7TH AVE, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94118. This business is conducted by an individual, and is signed ZI YANG LIANG. The registrant(s) commenced to transact business under the above listed fictitious business name or names on 08/01/99.

The statement was filed with the City and County of San Francisco, CA on 06/30/21.

JULY 22, 29, AUG 05, 12, 2021 FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE A-039400900

The following person(s) is/are doing business as AMY DESIGN CO., 150 28TH ST #12, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94131. This business is conducted by an individual, and is signed AMY YOUNG. The registrant(s) commenced to transact business under the above listed fictitious business name or names on 09/23/20.

The statement was filed with the City and County of San Francisco, CA on 07/09/21.

JULY 22, 29, AUG 05, 12, 2021 FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE A-039415500

The following person(s) is/are doing business as INFINITY MINER, 566 YALE ST, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94134. This business is conducted by an individual, and is signed SHAWN MITCHELL. The registrant(s) commenced to transact business under the above listed fictitious business name or names on 07/19/21.

The statement was filed with the City and County of San Francisco, CA on 07/19/21.

JULY 22, 29, AUG 05, 12, 2021 FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE A-039416500

The following person(s) is/are doing business as VACATION RESORT TRAVEL SERVICES, 567 24TH AVE #203, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94121. This business is conducted by an individual, and is signed LILLIAN DO. The registrant(s) commenced to transact business

under the above listed fictitious business name or names on 01/28/21. The statement was filed with the City and County of San Francisco, CA on 07/20/21.

JULY 22, 29, AUG 05, 12, 2021 FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE A-039394400

The following person(s) is/are doing business as MACKENZIE WAREHOUSE, 3260 26TH ST, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94110. This business is conducted by a corporation, and is signed S.F. AUTOMOTIVE PARTS WAREHOUSE, INC (CA). The registrant(s) commenced to transact business under the above listed fictitious business name or names on 03/29/82.

The statement was filed with the City and County of San Francisco, CA on 07/08/21.

JULY 22, 29, AUG 05, 12, 2021 FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE A-039408300 The following person(s) is/are doing business as PUNJ LIQUOR, 2301 VAN NESS AVE, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94109. This business is conducted by a corporation, and is signed PUNJ ENTERPRISE INC (CA). The registrant(s) commenced to transact business under the above listed fictitious business name or names on 07/14/21. The statement was filed with the City and County of San Francisco, CA on 07/14/21.

JULY 22, 29, AUG 05, 12, 2021 FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE A-039413200

The following person(s) is/are doing business as MEDITERRANEAN AROMA, 900 16TH ST, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94107. This business is conducted by a corporation, and is signed PURELY MEDITERRANEAN INC. (CA). The registrant(s) commenced to transact business under the above listed fictitious business name or names on 07/16/21.

The statement was filed with the City and County of San Francisco, CA on 07/16/21.

JULY 22, 29, AUG 05, 12, 2021 FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE A-039408000

The following person(s) is/are doing business as GROCERY OUTLET VISITACION VALLEY, 2630 BAYSHORE BLVD, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94134. This business is conducted by a corporation, and is signed SUB EK INC. (CA). The registrant(s) commenced to transact business under the above listed fictitious business name or names on 04/13/21. The statement was filed with the City and County of San Francisco, CA on 07/14/21.

JULY 22, 29, AUG 05, 12, 2021 FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE A-039415700

The following person(s) is/are doing business as SPOT-ON; PINPOINT PERSUASION; 222 COLUMBUS AVE #210, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94133. This business is conducted by a corporation, and is signed STEELWILL INC. (CA). The registrant(s) commenced to transact business under the above listed fictitious business name or names on 12/15/09. The statement was filed with the City and County of San Francisco, CA on 07/19/21.

JULY 22, 29, AUG 05, 12, 2021 FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE A-039405900 The following person(s) is/are doing business as CHUNG | NAMONT, 4071 24TH ST, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94114. This business is conducted by a limited liability company, and is signed CHUNG NAMONT LLC (CA). The registrant(s) commenced to transact business under the above listed fictitious business name or names on N/A. The statement was filed with the City and County of San Francisco, CA on 07/13/21.

Court, and it appearing from said application that petitioner MARIA LUCIA MAZZEI is requesting that the name MARIA LUCIA MAZZEI AKA MARIA LUCIA BLEDNYH be changed to MARIA MAZZEI BLEDNYH. Now therefore, it is hereby ordered, that all persons interested in said matter do appear before this Court in Rm. 103N on the 2ND of SEPTEMBER 2021 at 9:00am of said day to show cause why the application for change of name should not be granted.

JULY 29, AUG 05, 12, 19, 2021 ORDER TO SHOW CAUSE FOR CHANGE OF NAME IN SUPERIOR COURT OF CALIFORNIA, COUNTY OF SAN FRANCISCO FILE CNC-21-556492

In the matter of the application of GINA S. LEE, 2309 NORIEGA ST #6, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94122, for change of name having been filed in Superior Court, and it appearing from said application that petitioner GINA S. LEE is requesting that the name GINA S. LEE be changed to GINA SOFIA LEE. Now therefore, it is hereby ordered, that all persons interested in said matter do appear before this Court in Rm. 103 on the 7th of SEPTEMBER 2021 at 9:00am of said day to show cause why the application for change of name should not be granted.

JULY 29, AUG 05, 12, 19, 2021 ORDER TO SHOW CAUSE FOR CHANGE OF NAME IN SUPERIOR COURT OF CALIFORNIA, COUNTY OF SAN FRANCISCO FILE CNC-21-556508

In the matter of the application of RAMON GAMALIEL CAZARES RAMIREZ, 787 CHENERY ST, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94131, for change of name having been filed in Superior Court, and it appearing from said application that petitioner RAMON GAMALIEL CAZARES RAMIREZ is requesting that the names RAMON GAMALIEL CAZARES RAMIREZ AKA RAMON GAMALIEL RAMIREZ AKA RAMON G. RAMIREZ AKA RAMON RAMIREZ be changed to RAMON GAMALIEL CAZARES RAMIREZ. Now therefore, it is hereby ordered, that all persons interested in said matter do appear before this Court in Dept. 103N, Rm. 103N on the 7th of SEPTEMBER 2021 at 9:00am of said day to show cause why the application for change of name should not be granted.

JULY 29, AUG 05, 12, 19, 2021 ORDER TO SHOW CAUSE FOR CHANGE OF NAME IN SUPERIOR COURT OF CALIFORNIA, COUNTY OF SAN FRANCISCO FILE CNC-21-556510

In the matter of the application of ALESSIA THALIA ALTA, 1265 INGALLS ST, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94124, for change of name having been filed in Superior Court, and it appearing from said application that petitioner ALESSIA THALIA ALTA is requesting that the name ALESSIA THALIA ALTA be changed to KIANY LESLYANN EVANS. Now therefore, it is hereby ordered, that all persons interested in said matter do appear before this Court in Dept. 103N, Rm. 103N on the 7th of SEPTEMBER 2021 at 9:00am of said day to show cause why the application for change of name should not be granted.

JULY 29, AUG 05, 12, 19, 2021 FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE A-039390800

The following person(s) is/are doing business as PEOPLES STORE, 2949 18TH ST #408, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94110. This business is conducted by an individual, and is signed BATHRAM ONUOMA. The registrant(s) commenced to transact business under the above listed fictitious business name or names on N/A. The statement was filed with the City and County of San Francisco, CA on 07/07/21.

JULY 22, 29, AUG 05, 12, 2021

JULY 29, AUG 05, 12, 19, 2021

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE A-039407500

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE A-039418100

The following person(s) is/are doing business as VICO CAVONE, 4248 18TH ST, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94114.

This business is conducted by a limited liability company, and is signed PARTENOPEA COMPANY LLC (CA). The registrant(s) commenced to transact business under the above listed fictitious business name or names on N/A. The statement was filed with the City and County of San Francisco, CA on 07/14/21.

JULY 22, 29, AUG 05, 12, 2021 FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE A-039412100

The following person(s) is/are doing business as VIC’S WINEHOUSE ON FILLMORE, 1870 FILLMORE ST, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94115. This business is conducted by a limited liability company, and is signed VICTORIA WASSERMAN ENTERPRISES LLC (CA). The registrant(s) commenced to transact business under the above listed fictitious business name or names on N/A. The statement was filed with the City and County of San Francisco, CA on 07/15/21.

JULY 22, 29, AUG 05, 12, 2021 FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE A-039416900

The following person(s) is/are doing business as FTA, 313 IVY ST, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94102. This business is conducted by a limited liability company, and is signed 415 NATIVE LLC (CA). The registrant(s) commenced to transact business under the above listed fictitious business name or names on 01/29/20.

The statement was filed with the City and County of San Francisco, CA on 07/20/21.

JULY 22, 29, AUG 05, 12, 2021 ORDER TO SHOW CAUSE FOR CHANGE OF NAME IN SUPERIOR COURT OF CALIFORNIA, COUNTY OF SAN FRANCISCO FILE CNC-21-556497

In the matter of the application of PHONETHIP JU & RICHARD JU, 343 25TH AVE, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94121, for change of name having been filed in Superior Court, and it appearing from said application that petitioners PHONETHIP JU & RICHARD JU are requesting that the names PHONETHIP JU be changed to CINDY PHONETHIP JU, VINCENT BEAR JU be changed to BEAR JU, and OLIVER LUCKY JU be changed to LUCKY JU. Now therefore, it is hereby ordered, that all persons interested in said matter do appear before this Court in Rm. 103 on the7th of SEPTEMBER 2021 at 9:00am of said day to show cause why the application for change of name should not be granted.

JULY 29, AUG 05, 12, 19, 2021 ORDER TO SHOW CAUSE FOR CHANGE OF NAME IN SUPERIOR COURT OF CALIFORNIA, COUNTY OF SAN FRANCISCO FILE CNC-21-556500

In the matter of the application of JIAN QUAN HUANG, 1927 TARAVAL ST #1, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94116, for change of name having been filed in Superior Court, and it appearing from said application that petitioner JIAN QUAN HUANG is requesting that the name JIAN QUAN HUANG AKA JIAN HUANG AKA JIAN Q. HUANG be changed to ADAIR HUANG. Now therefore, it is hereby ordered, that all persons interested in said matter do appear before this Court in Dept. 103N, Rm. 103N on the 2ND of SEPTEMBER 2021 at 9:00am of said day to show cause why the application for change of name should not be granted.

JULY 29, AUG 05, 12, 19, 2021 AMENDED ORDER TO SHOW CAUSE FOR CHANGE OF NAME IN SUPERIOR COURT OF CALIFORNIA, COUNTY OF SAN FRANCISCO FILE CNC-21-556252 In the matter of the application of MARIA LUCIA MAZZEI, C/O SCOTT T. OKAMOTO (SBN#233779), LAW OFFICE OF SCOTT T.OKAMOTO, 1832 BUCHANAN ST #202, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94115, for change of name having been filed in Superior

The following person(s) is/are doing business as UNION SQUARE FLOWERS, 100 STOCKTON ST, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94108. This business is conducted by an individual, and is signed PATRICIA E. LEE. The registrant(s) commenced to transact business under the above listed fictitious business name or names on 08/07/99. The statement was filed with the City and County of San Francisco, CA on 07/21/21.

JULY 29, AUG 05, 12, 19, 2021 FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE A-039422500

The following person(s) is/are doing business as MML ARCHITECT, 1990 34TH AVE, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94116. This business is conducted by an individual, and is signed MY MY LY. The registrant(s) commenced to transact business under the above listed fictitious business name or names on 07/01/21.

The statement was filed with the City and County of San Francisco, CA on 07/23/21.

JULY 29, AUG 05, 12, 19, 2021 FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE A-039414800 The following person(s) is/are doing business as KID ABELHA, 16 TOLAND ST, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94124. This business is conducted by an individual, and is signed KELLY CRISTINA CANDIDO DE JESUS OLIVERA. The registrant(s) commenced to transact business under the above listed fictitious business name or names on N/A. The statement was filed with the City and County of San Francisco, CA on 07/17/21.

JULY 29, AUG 05, 12, 19, 2021 FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE A-039389300

The following person(s) is/are doing business as AMERICANA FLOWER BROKERS, 640 BRANNAN ST, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94107. This business is conducted by an individual, and is signed JONATHAN MICHAEL GOMEZ. The registrant(s) commenced to transact business under the above listed fictitious business name or names on 08/01/00. The statement was filed with the City and County of San Francisco, CA on 07/06/21.

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE A-039415400 The following person(s) is/are doing business as KAYE THE LABEL, 2186 CALIFORNIA ST #23, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94115. This business is conducted by a general partnership, and is signed AYEYI ABOAGYE & KRYSTELLE MARIE SAGUIN. The registrant(s) commenced to transact business under the above listed fictitious business name or names on 07/01/21. The statement was filed with the City and County of San Francisco, CA on 07/19/21.

JULY 29, AUG 05, 12, 19, 2021 FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE A-039401500

The following person(s) is/are doing business as THE ENCHANTING PLACE, 311 4TH AVE, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94118. This business is conducted by a corporation, and is signed KAT & MEI SKINCARE INC (CA). The registrant(s) commenced to transact business under the above listed fictitious business name or names on 07/01/07. The statement was filed with the City and County of San Francisco, CA on 07/12/21.

JULY 29, AUG 05, 12, 19, 2021 FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE A-039416300 The following person(s) is/are doing business as FOOD FOR ALL, 594 JOY LANE, MILL SPRING, NC 28756. This business is conducted by a corporation and is signed SARAGRAHI (CA). The registrant(s) commenced to transact business under the above listed fictitious business name or names on N/A. The statement was filed with the City and County of San Francisco, CA on 07/20/21.

JULY 29, AUG 05, 12, 19, 2021 FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE A-039392400

The following person(s) is/are doing business as RTC DISCOUNT CARD, 461 SECOND ST #454T, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94107. This business is conducted by a corporation, and is signed CORDOBA CORPORATION (CA). The registrant(s) commenced to transact business under the above listed fictitious business name or names on 05/09/01. The statement was filed with the City and County of San Francisco, CA on 07/07/21.

JULY 29, AUG 05, 12, 19, 2021 FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE A-039420300 The following person(s) is/are doing business as AADHYA, 350 BAY ST #1, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94133. This business is conducted by a corporation, and is signed ABHISRI INC (CA). The registrant(s) commenced to transact business under the above listed fictitious business name or names on N/A. The statement was filed with the City and County of San Francisco, CA on 07/22/21.

JULY 29, AUG 05, 12, 19, 2021 FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE A-039392900

The following person(s) is/are doing business as BEN’S DRY ICE; BAY AREA DRY ICE; 232 RICHLAND AVE, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94110. This business is conducted by a corporation, and is signed BORDELON INC (CA). The registrant(s) commenced to transact business under the above listed fictitious business name or names on 04/23/13. The statement was filed with the City and County of San Francisco, CA on 07/07/21.

JULY 29, AUG 05, 12, 19, 2021 FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE A-039418700 The following person(s) is/are doing business as PIZZADERO SLICE HOUSE, 559 DIVISADERO ST, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94117. This business is conducted by a limited liability company, and is signed DABCO, LLC (CA). The registrant(s) commenced to transact business under the above listed fictitious business name or names on N/A. The statement was filed with the City and County of San Francisco, CA on 07/21/21.

JULY 29, AUG 05, 12, 19, 2021 FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE A-039429000 The following person(s) is/are doing business as CALIFORNIA STREET CANNABIS CO. AT CLEMENT, 235 CLEMENT ST, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94118. This business is conducted by a limited liability company, and is signed GNARLY NARWHAL LLC (CA). The registrant(s) commenced to transact business under the above listed fictitious business name or names on N/A. The statement was filed with the City and County of San Francisco, CA on 07/26/21.

JULY 29, AUG 05, 12, 19, 2021 STATEMENT OF ABANDONMENT OF USE OF FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME FILE A-038869400

The following persons have abandoned the use of the fictitious business name known as WE BE HONEY, 122 BAKER ST #3, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94117.

This business was conducted by an individual and signed by MICHELLE BIYAL. The fictitious name was filed with the City and County of San Francisco, CA on 11/18/19.

JULY 29, AUG 05, 12, 19, 2021 STATEMENT OF ABANDONMENT OF USE OF FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME FILE A-038813700

The following persons have abandoned the use of the fictitious business name known as K FIVE FIFTY, 550 KEARNY ST, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94108. This business was conducted by an individual and signed

by ALVOIN HONG QING LIANG. The fictitious name was filed with the City and County of San Francisco, CA on 10/02/19.

JULY 29, AUG 05, 12, 19, 2021

JULY 29, AUG 05, 12, 19, 2021

Classifieds Hauling>> HAULING 24/7

(415) 441-1054 Large Truck

Tech Support >>

Tech Support Ralph Doore 415-867-4657

Tech Support >> MACINTOSH HELP 30 YEARS EXPERIENCE SFMacMan.com

RICK

415.821.1792

Professional 30+ years exp Virus/Malware GONE! Device setup Mobile Support Network & wireless setup Discreet

 Yelp reviews

by Victoria A. Brownworth

D

espite a state of a COVID-19 emergency in Tokyo and with only a 21% vaccination rate in Japan, the Olympic games began on July 23 with Japan’s tennis phenom Naomi Osaka lighting the Olympic flame. Osaka will be competing at the games; her first competition since she withdrew from Wimbledon in June citing mental health challenges. Last week Osaka became the first Black female athlete to be the cover model for Sports Illustrated’s swimsuit issue.

The pandemic has hit the Olympics hard.

The Tokyo games were already postponed from 2020 due to the pandemic. And now, with a new surge, fans and even family of Olympic athletes are banned from the games amid COVID precautions. Local protesters have been outside the Olympic village every day, demanding that the games not be held.

What it will be like for athletes to perform without the support of family and the cheering of fans remains to be seen, but for once those of us watching from home will have the best –and safest– seats.

Good for gold

The good news is Team USA is bound for gold. Among the best performers at the Tokyo Olympics are gymnast Simone Biles, considered the greatest gymnast of all time; soccer star Megan Rapinoe; and basketball greats Sue Bird and Brittney Griner. These four women are already multiple gold winners and unquestionably will medal again.

Soccer star Megan Rapinoe and her wife basketball champ Sue Bird

Sportertainment The Lavender Tube on LGBT athletes & allies at the Tokyo Olympics Another exciting aspect of this year’s Olympics is how many LGBTQ participants there are. The summer games always have more queer players because the volume of lesbians is higher: soccer and basketball, track and field all have a significant number of out queer women.

The 2016 games in Rio had the most out players ever: 56. But Tokyo has far surpassed that with 168, including the first openly trans and first openly non-binary athletes. Out queer women outnumber queer men at these Olympics 10-1.

There are 27 countries represented by at least one publicly out athlete in 30 sports, with Team USA dominating with more than 30 out athletes on teams and as alternates.

There are even a few Olympian couples, like Sue Bird and Megan Rapinoe. In 2018, Bird and Rapinoe became the first same-sex couple on the cover of ESPN’s The Body Issue. Bird and Rapinoe got engaged in October 2020.

Rapinoe is famous for her activism and was the first white athlete to kneel during the national anthem. In June, Rapinoe became the spokesmodel for Victoria’s Secret lingerie.

This will be WNBA star Bird’s fifth Olympics.

She is a four-time gold medalist and has a 49game winning streak at the Olympics since 1992.

Among the other out queers in Tokyo is Hannah Roberts, 19, who will lead BMX freestyle, which debuts at these games. Roberts is the current world champion in the sport.

Another BMXer is Chelsea Wolfe, who is among the first out trans athletes to qualify for the games. She is an alternate for the BMX team.

Wolfe was responding to the Trump administration’s stance on trans girls in female athletics and had linked to a news story about that in her post. In June, Wolfe wrote on Intagram that she was able to “meet some amazing women who helped me accept that I am a woman just like any other and that I deserve a place to exist in the world just like everyone else.”

Swan Song Remembrance of things past

Udo Kier in Swan Song

by Gregg Shapiro

A

s in his acclaimed screenplay for David Moreton’s beloved queer 1996 flick Edge of Seventeen, Sandusky, Ohio figures prominently in Todd Stephens’ wonderful awardwinning new movie Swan Song.

“Inspired by a true icon,” Swan Song stars Udo Kier as Mr. Pat, the formerly famous hairdresser known for the magic he worked with a brush, a comb, and hairspray on the heads of the city’s socialites.

Retired for years, following a series of bad

breaks, including a stroke, Pat is reduced to residing in an assisted living facility, wearing sweatpants and gym shoes with Velcro straps, sneaking a few puffs on a More cigarette when he can. An obsessive who steals napkins from the dining hall and spends hours folding them just so, Pat has one ally in the place, the catatonic Gertie (Annie Kitral).

Pat’s fortunes could potentially change following a visit from lawyer Shanrock (Tom Bloom), who tells him that not only has his richest former client Rita (Linda Evans) died, but that she stipulated in her will that she wanted Pat to do her hair and make-up, for

which he will be paid $25,000.

Pat, who hasn’t “pulled hair in years,” initially declines because he had a falling out with Rita, when she ceased to be his client and went to the salon across the street run by his competitor (and former employee, Dee Dee, played by a restrained Jennifer Coolidge). Pat tells Shanrock, “Bury her with bad hair.”

After a restless and emotional night, Pat has a change of heart. He digs out his fanny pack, stuffs it and his pockets with some Mores, favorite rings, a check from the government, his scissors, and other accoutrements, and slips out of the home.

by Gregg Shapiro

F Todd Stephens’ ‘Swan Song’ of joy

ans of gay screenwriter and director Todd Stephens know how he handles drama, as in the case of his feature-length screenplay debut Edge of Seventeen (directed by David Moreton) with aplomb. His hometown of Sandusky, Ohio, always figures prominently in his work, as in his extraordinary new movie, Swan Song, which makes the most of his comedy and drama skills, as well as his affection for his home town.

Actor Udo Kier with directorscreenwriter Todd Stephens

Gregg Shapiro: Swan Song stars Udo Kier as the late Pat Pitsenbarger, the “true icon” who inspired the movie.

Uplifting

New Zealand weightlifter Laurel Hubbard will be the first trans athlete to compete in the Olympics’ 125-year history, even though the Olympics started allowing trans athletes in 2004.

Hubbard’s inclusion has caused some controversy, with criticism that her participation is unfair to cisgender competitors. Several cisgender women have been banned from their events due to naturally occurring high testosterone levels.

Also participating as a trans athlete this games is Canadian soccer star Quinn, who has dropped their first name since coming out as trans in September 2020. They won bronze for Canada on the women’s team in 2016 and will be playing with the women’s team in Tokyo.

In a Twitter post on September 12, 2020, Quinn said that they were continually referenced as female in the media after coming out.

“Nearly every publication, including LGBTQ See page 15 >> As Pat flies the coop, Swan Song becomes a road movie on foot. On his route to the funeral home, Pat pops into a convenience store, stops off at the cemetery where his lover David is buried, pays a visit to his former beauty supply store which is now a black hair salon (one of the best scenes in the movie) and jumps rope with some kids.

Pat’s former salon is empty with “for rent” signs in the window while Dee Dee’s shop, Kharma, is thriving. Making matters worse, Pat finds out from Shanrock that it’s a sixmonth wait until he gets the $25k for doing Rita up for the wake. Shanrock gives Pat some money to cover beauty supply expenses.

Pat and Dee Dee have a showdown, but Dee Dee relents and gives Pat the bottle of oncepopular shampoo for which he’s been hunting.

After this victory, Pat swings by a resale shop where he encounters clerk Sue, who recognizes him (“Who could forget the Liberace of Sandusky?”) and sends him on his way in a mint green leisure suit.

Stephens’ masterful screenplay proves that he hasn’t lost his gift for comedy and drama, something he first demonstrated. Swan Song is the kind of movie where you laugh out loud, have a good cry, and then laugh so hard you cry.

Kier gives a career-high performance and deserves to be remembered during awards season. Coolidge and the rest of the supporting cast are all exceptional, allowing Swan Song to take wing and soar. Rating: A-t www.magnoliapictures.com

Read the full review on www.ebar.com Todd Stephens: When I was a kid growing up in this small town, Sandusky, Ohio, I would see this amazingly flamboyant guy walking around downtown in the ’70s. He was different than everybody else. The town was pretty conservative, and Pat really stuck out. I always felt like I didn’t fit in and so I was really fascinated with this guy who was a bit mysterious. I didn’t know his story. But when I turned 17, I got up the nerve to go to our small-town gay bar, which was called The Universal Fruit and Nut Company, just like it is in the movie. It’s also the same bar from Edge of Seventeen. When I first went in there, I saw something sparkling on the dance floor. I looked and there was this guy that I had See page 15 >>

NOW OPEN They are the guardians of healthy oceans, inspiring generations of wonder and discovery. Develop a deeper love for sharks and the many roles they play at this new exhibit. See life-size models, rare fossils, and more.

Make your reservation at calacademy.org

31023-CAS-Sharks-Bay Area Reporter-9.75x16-06.03.21-FA.indd 1

6/4/21 10:57 AM

<< Theatre, Books & 50 in 50

14 • Bay Area Reporter • July 29-August 4, 2021

Yee’s Summer Breeze ‘The Song of Summer’ at SF Playhouse

by Jim Gladstone

W

hile the stages at the Berkeley Rep will remain in ghost-light until early October, and A.C.T. won’t open a show until early next year, the San Francisco Playhouse has already raised the curtain on not one, but two

Monday 8am

(last seating 9:45pm)

Tuesday 8am

(last seating 9:45pm)

post-pandemic productions.

Playhouse founder and Artistic Director Bill English was pleased to be the first major local company back on the boards with June’s stirring production of Hold These Truths, an important take on the United States’ internment of resi-

Open Daily!

New Adjusted Hours

dent Japanese and Japanese-Americans during WWII. “I felt like it was important to come back with something strong to say,” English told the Bay Area Reporter in an interview.

For the Playhouse’s second show out of the gate, English wanted to offer something that “would send audiences out of the theater feeling their spirits were lifted a bit. I feel like people are tired of politics and tired of arguing.”

His selection, which English himself is directing, is The Song of Summer, a light pop-music-infused romantic comedy by Lauren Yee, the widely produced native San Franciscan playwright, whose King of the Yees and The Great Leap tackled substantive issues of Asian-American identity.

“I’m a huge Lauren Yee fan,” says English, who is directing The Song of Summer. “Back in 2015, we did her play In A Word as part of our Sandbox series of new plays. We recognized that she was a major rising talent. Well, during that production, Lauren had been working on another script and she asked if she could hold a reading of it in our space on a dark night. That play turned out to be The Song of Summer and I completely and utterly fell in love with it.”

The brisk 90-minute play pri-

by Brian Bromberger

Thursday 8am

W

Open 24 Hours

Friday

Open 24 Hours

Saturday

Open 24 Hours

Sunday 7am

(last seating 9:45pm)

Proudly serving the community since 1977.

3991-A 17th Street, Market & Castro 415-864-9795

Jessica Palopoli

Joe (Reggie D. White, center) implores Robbie (Jeremy Kahn) and Tina (Monica Ho) to get Robbie back on tour in The Song of Summer at San Francisco Playhouse.

marily takes place over two summer days when Robbie Retton, who has become a white-hot, one-hit pop star almost by fluke, skips out on his tour caravan in North Carolina and beelines back to his blue-collar hometown of Pottsville, Pennsylvania. He’s a bit of a yokel. If the inability to cope with his sudden celebrity weren’t enough, Robbie is also facing public backlash about some misogynous lyrics and a copyright infringement suit from a Christian pop band.

A bit silly and a bit sentimental, The Song of Summer may be just the right gateway back to theatergoing for audiences still brain-fried from a year of sequestered overthinking.

For theater fans still uncomfortable gathering in public spaces, the San Francisco Playhouse is also making the play available online in a pay-per-view pre-recorded video.

“There’s a certain clever wellmade-play-ness to it. Neil Simon was great at this sort of thing,” says English. “All the pieces just snap together by the end.”t The Song of Summer at the San Francisco Playhouse, through August 14. $15-$100. 450 Post St. www.sfplayhouse.org

Read the full article on www.ebar.com

Irish wise

Wednesday 8am (last seating 9:45pm)

t

hen you hear the name Graham Norton, you picture his savvy, freewheeling British television talk show (on BBC America and YouTube) with star guests from England/U.S., featuring audience confessions, prank phone calls, and raunchy anecdotes. The celebrities feel they can be their true selves and have good bawdy fun. Norton himself comes across as campy, flamboyant, playful, and energetic.

So when readers turn to his new novel (he’s previously published two novels and a memoir), one might expect similar characteristics to appear in the plot and his characters, but they would be mistaken.

Home Stretch reveals a more quiet, restrained, literate persona, but you won’t be disappointed in Norton’s alter ego, as this is a stirring, gripping, compassionate tale that will have your fingers turning pages as fast as your eyes can read.

The novel’s central event is a 1987 car accident outside a small fictional Irish town called Mullinmore when a car carrying six people driving home from a day at the beach, hits a

Author Graham Norton

roundabout and crashes. Three passengers die, including a couple who were to be married the next day plus their bridesmaid.

Sexuality plays a major role in understanding that grisly tragedy and induced trauma, but Norton’s underlying motivation is to convey how Irish culture changed through the decades so that eventually it became the first country in the world to introduce marriage equality by popular vote. Home Stretch is as much about the journey of Ireland from intolerance toward queer acceptance as it is about the impact ho-

mophobia placed on Mullinmore.

Norton brilliantly interweaves shame, abandonment, and loss, as it shapes the search for identity within the confines of a tight-knit community. He exhibits an unobtrusive, down-to-earth honest writing style reflecting the mostly working-class characters he brings to life. But he never scrimps on the layers of intense emotion always hovering below the surface of what seem like commonplace events.t Home Stretch: a novel by Graham Norton. HarperVia, $26.99.

50 Years in 50 Weeks: 1987 was a page turner

T

hanks to a surplus of election endorsement ads, the October 29, 1987 issue of the B.A.R. expanded to 68 pages. Along with political news, the lengthier arts section focused on the boom in ‘gay and lesbian’ literary subjects and reviews, from lesbian theatre history to James Broughton and Christopher Bram.

Coincidentally on a nearby page is a write-up of a biography about gay film director James Whale, whose life would serve as ripe fodder for a later Bram novel, Father of Frankenstein.

Also of historical note is a fascinating feature on the work of Bill Walker, whose collections for the then-named San Francisco Bay Area Lesbian and Gay Historical Society (renamed later to include the Bs and Ts) led to the preservation of the very issue discussed here.

Yes, so much history remains on pages, print and digital. Browse the archives at https://archive.org/ details/bayareareporter For present-day amusements, visit www.ebar.com for weekly arts and nightlife events.t

t

TV>>

July 29-August 4, 2021 • Bay Area Reporter • 15

Tennis star Naomi Osaka

Tom Daley and Matty Lee hold thir gold medals in synchronized diving.

<<

LGBTQ Olympics

From page 12

news sources, has used my deadname while reporting my story.

The news matters and it’s crucial to write about trans people using their name & pronouns.

Please do your research, change your headlines, and grow.”

While lesbians dominate the Tokyo games –and the medaling– there are also some out gay men participating.

Among those is Julian Venonsky, 27, a crew/rowing coxswain (keep those puns to yourself!). Venonsky

<<

Todd Stephens

From page 12

seen as a kid wearing a matching sequined pantsuit and being fabulous.

It all connected. It was then I knew that I was home. That he was one of my tribe.

Udo Kier will surely be recognizable to viewers from his long history of films. What made him right for the role of Pat? Part of it was that I made the decision for this particular movie

leads the U.S. men’s eight team, which finished fourth at the 2016 Rio Olympics.

He was a steersman and rower at U.C. Berkeley. In a podcast about the Olympics, Venonsky said, “Halfway through my college career, my sophomore year, I started actually thinking about dating or what kind of my life I wanted to look like and I found my boyfriend on Tinder.”

This is Daley’s first gold medal and fourth Olympics.

Daley used his win to speak out for LGBTQ people. “I feel incredibly proud to say that I am a gay man and also an Olympic champion,” he said. “And I feel very empowered by

that because when I was younger, I thought I was never going to be anything, or achieve anything, because of who I was, and to be an Olympic champion now just shows that you can achieve anything.”

Daley said when he first came out in 2013 he had “always felt like the one that was alone and different and didn’t fit in. There was something about me that was always never going to be as good as what society wanted me to be.”

Daley added, “I hope that any young LGBT person out there can see that no matter how alone you feel right now, you are not alone. That you can achieve anything and that there is a whole lot of your chosen family out here, ready to support you.”

He delivered his comments standing between medalists from China and Russia, both countries known for their anti-LGBTQ stances.

Daley has been competing in the Olympics since 2008 and won bronze in 2012 and 2016. He came out in his YouTube vlog in 2013. He married American director, producer and screenwriter Dustin Lance Black in 2017 and the couple had their first child via surrogacy in 2018. Black won the Oscar for Milk in 2008.

The Olympics run through August 8. (The Paralympics run from August 24 through September 5. We will preview those games in an upcoming column.) You can watch the Olympics on NBC, NBC Olympics and Peacock.

So for the best of the best, you really must stay tuned.t www.nbcolympics.com

Read the full column on www.ebar.com

Golden gay

On July 26, British diver Tom Daley and his diving partner, Matty Lee, won the men’s synchronized 10-meter platform event.

that I wanted to cast all queer actors for the queer parts. I don’t really believe in a litmus test with that, in general, but I just felt with this particular role that I wanted someone who had lived the life that Pat had lived and had lost people to AIDS. They didn’t really have to act it, could just kind of be it. That was part of it.

Also, it was a hard role to cast with someone that could be so flamboyant but in a real way; wouldn’t be like a put-on. To be honest, I’m kind of sick of people

Left to Right: BMX cyclist Hannah Roberts, New Zealand weightlifter Laurel Hubbard, US rowing coxswain Julian Venonsky

acting gay [laughs]. Udo was one of the only people that had the charisma that could capture the real Mr. Pat. Even though the real Mr. Pat was not German, didn’t have a German accent or anything like that. He had similar blue giant blue eyes. I considered other actors, as well, but when my casting director mentioned Udo, as soon as she said it, I knew he was the one.

Swan Song is set in your native Sandusky, Ohio, as was Edge of Seventeen, and your directorial

Reach 120,000+ active, educated, and affluent arts-enthusiasts who read the Bay Area Reporter, as we herald and celebrate the the arrival of the highly-anticipated Fall Arts Season.

On September 2 we’ll present our annual Fall Arts Preview issue.

debut Gypsy 83. Would it be fair to say that Sandusky itself is a character as much as a setting?

Absolutely! I really wanted Sandusky to be a character in the film.

My hometown is in the Rust Belt.

It’s fallen on hard times in recent years but is currently having a real comeback and is coming back to life. That actually helped inspire the story of the lead character that kind of starts off lost and hopeless and is also coming back to life. The story is all about rebirth and embracing life, again, and rediscover-

ing your joy of life. As Udo comes back to life in the film, I wanted to show how my hometown was coming back to life.

Many people remembered the real Mr. Pat and adored him. It’s like everybody in town became part of the film and pitched in to help out. It was kind of a case study of this small town in Ohio, how things have changed in 20 years. It gave me a lot of hope.t

Read the full interview on www.ebar.com

Publishing September 2

From the museums and galleries, to local theatre, performances, television, film, along with dance, music, books -- our fall arts preview edition presents comprehensive coverage of the arts scene in the world-class city we’ve called home since 1971.

As the undisputed newspaper of record for the Bay Area’s LGBT community, the Bay Area Reporter reaches the single largest audience of LGBTQ consumers in the San Francisco Bay Area

ADVERTISE:

Call Scott W. Wazlowski at 415 829 8937 or email advertising@ebar.com

More Room to Play North of theBay

ROUND BARN FOUNTAINGROVE

Nestled in the hills of Fountaingrove, City Ventures’ new community Round Barn is just a short jaunt to the Russian River, Trione-Annadel State Park, and the Fountaingrove Club. Or taking a more relaxed outing is easy when your new home is in one of California’s top food and wine destinations, home to more than 425 wineries ranging from rustic to regal.

Don’t miss your opportunity to own your new home at Round Barn.

SOLAR TOWNHOMES IN FOUNTAINGROVE | 1,746-1,884 SQ. FT. | 3-4 BEDROOMS | 2.5-3.5 BATHS COMMUNITY AMENITIES INCLUDE: POOL, SPA, CABANAS, CLUBHOUSE, PARKS, PLAYGROUND, COMMUNITY GARDEN FROM THE LOW $600,000s

RussianRiverLiving.com | 707-657-3353 | 208 Semillon Lane, Santa Rosa, CA 95403 All renderings, floor plans, and maps are concepts and are not intended to be an actual depiction of the buildings, fencing, walkways, driveways or landscaping. Walls, windows, porches and decks vary per elevation and lot location. In a continuing effort to meet consumer expectations, City Ventures the right to modify prices, floor plans, specifications, options and amenities without notice or obligation. Square footages shown are approximate. *Broker/agent must accompany and register their client(s) with the onsite sales team on their first visit to the community in order to be eligible for any broker referral fee. Please see your Sales Manager for details. ©️2021 City Ventures. All rights reserved. DRE LIC # 01979736.