June 27, 2024 Edition of the Bay Area Reporter

by John Ferrannini

The San Francisco LGBTQ Pride parade will start making its way up Market Street from Beale Street at 10:30 a.m. Sunday, June 30. The parade is the highlight of a full weekend of festivities celebrating the 55th anniversary of the Stonewall riots, the beginning of the modern movement for LGBTQ rights in the United States.

This year’s theme is “Beacon of Love.”

The parade will go from Beale Street to Eighth Street, where it intersects with a second day of a celebration at the Civic Center Plaza from noon to 6 p.m. The

first day of the Civic Center Plaza celebration will be Saturday, June 29, from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.

“In the spirit of love, and as we prepare for the world’s most iconic Pride Parade and Celebration, we affirm the principle of radical inclusion,” the San Francisco LGBT Pride Celebration Committee Inc.’s website states, explaining the theme.

Suzanne Ford, a transgender woman who is the executive director of the SF Pride organization, stated that the theme was chosen because it “encapsulates the spirit of San Francisco Pride.”

“As we prepare to welcome millions of

participants from around the world, we invite everyone to join us in celebrating love, diversity, and the ongoing fight for justice,” Ford stated. “Together, we will light the way toward a more inclusive and equitable future.”

Nguyen Pham, a gay man who is president of the Pride board of directors, stated, “We are proud to unveil ‘Beacon of Love’ as the theme for this year’s Pride celebration.”

“In the face of adversity, San Francisco continues to shine as a beacon of hope and progress for the LGBTQ+ community and a place that authentically champions radical inclusion,” he continued.

“This theme reflects our commitment to love, acceptance, and the ongoing fight for equality.” The organization that puts on the parade and celebration will also be hosting a party inside San Francisco City Hall Sunday afternoon, from 1 to 5 p.m., featuring grand marshal and the celebration’s main stage headliner Billy Porter. The gay actor who is HIVpositive starred as Pray Tell on the FX series “Pose.”  Porter, a Grammy, Emmy, and twotime Tony Award winner, is also known to many for his Broadway performance in “Kinky Boots.” Porter did not return

requests for comment for this report through his representatives.

Admission to the parade and celebration is free; tickets to the City Hall event start at $150 and can be bought on Eventbrite.

There will be several stages of entertainment and programming at the celebration on the plaza, including a trans futures community stage, a youth community stage, a Soul of Pride community stage, an Asian and Pacific Islander community stage, and the Latin stage.

Collage by Max Leger, made from images generated by Midjourney

Queer financial planner reaches out to LGBTQs << Pride 2024

by JL Odom

At the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, many people took to doing or learning something new to fill their shelter-in-place days, keep boredom at bay, and move forward, in some way, during an otherwise standstill time.

Entrepreneur Kerrie Carden decided to take the bull by the horns and change things up a bit.

“During the pandemic, people were learning how to make bread and I was like, ‘I think I’m going to get a CFP,” she said in a Zoom call with the Bay Area Reporter, referring to a certificate in financial planning.

Carden, 39, did just that, and then founded Equip Advisory, a financial planning, career coaching, and business advising firm based in Baltimore that uniquely supports Black, Indigenous, and people of color and LGBTQ individuals. It provides services throughout the country.

For Carden, who is Black, queer, and uses she/they pronouns and prefers they be interchanged, Equip Advisory’s centering on these underserved communities is purposeful – and personal.

“I wanted to specifically serve BIPOC, queer, and trans professionals because I felt like they were deeply underserved by the financial services, business- and career-advising professions. And I want those communities to feel chosen, because they’re my communities and I love them,” she said.

Carden admits they hadn’t planned on being a financial adviser. After graduating from Stanford with a bachelor’s degree in human biology, they embarked on a business-oriented career trajectory, working in client management and operations at companies like Yahoo, headquartered in Sunnyvale, California; ClearCompany, a software company based in Boston; and MD Energy Advisors, an energy management company in Baltimore. She also held stints at Johns Hopkins University

as a student entrepreneurship director and at INVANTI, a small city-focused startup based in South Bend, Indiana, as a chief revenue officer.

“I always wanted to be an entrepreneur, and I spent a good chunk of my previous career working with entrepreneurs and supporting them. But financial planning I sort of fell into. I had an interest in personal finance,” she explained.

That interest led to their enrollment in Howard University’s financial planning program in 2020, earning their CFP through the Washington, D.C.based school in 2021. During that same year, they established Equip Advisory, which serves anywhere from 75 to 100 clients annually.

For Carden, the career shift was not only fitting but also made sense based on her interest in sharing her financerelated knowledge with others.

“I was always that person who started talking to my friends, like, ‘Hey, did you know you can do this with your credit card?’ and then just started helping people because it was knowledge I felt I had, and I feel like I have a little bit of that sort of educator mentality. If I know something, I want everybody else around me to know it too so they can use it,” she said.

Eye-opening

For the now-certified financial planner, career coach, business adviser, and intergenerational wealth architect, the switch to financial advising was also eyeopening. “I was in the [CFP] program learning about financial services and just seeing the ways in which the system operated and specifically disadvantaged [the] communities that I knew and loved and cared about,” she said.

Carden’s awareness of the way that

system operates, coupled with their education and personal identities, informed their decision to direct Equip Advisory’s services toward the BIPOC and LGBTQ communities. It was also a personal callto-action in response to certain ongoing social injustices and inequities, such as police brutality toward the BIPOC community – George Floyd, Breonna Taylor and others – in recent years. (Floyd was killed by a Minneapolis police officer in May 2020; Taylor was killed earlier that year by officers in Louisville, Kentucky during a botched raid.)

“I was really, really frustrated by the ways in which the things that were happening had happened for so long, were still happening, and just the way that it takes such a toll on our entire society. I think as a country we have yet to fully reckon with the things we’ve chosen to do, the ways that we’ve built the system,” Carden commented.

“I get into conversations a lot with folks about the ways things work, and they’re like, ‘The system is broken.’ And I’m like, ‘The system is actually operating exactly the way it was designed.’ And that’s to me what’s most disheartening,” they added.

People who are underserved typically have limited or no access to resources and are often disenfranchised, disproportionately encountering discrimination, poverty, and other challenges.

According to the “2024 LGBTQ+ Financial Wellness Report,” published by the Human Rights Campaign in March 2024, “LGBTQ+ adults are twice as likely to say that they are doing financially unwell compared to the general United States population,” with transgender and nonbinary adults three times as likely to view their financial circumstance as “unwell.” It also notes that “[d]ue to the realities of systemic oppression, BIPOC LGBTQ+ people, particularly Black, Latine, and Native American LGBTQ+ people, face uniquely higher rates of poverty and earning disparities compared to their white and non-LGBTQ+ peers.”

Encountering discrimination (e.g., financial services-related) and being “left out of the financial health conversation” have factored into LGBTQ+ adults’ financial challenges, the report indicates.

As Equip Advisory’s CEO, Carden seeks to rectify that.

“Not everybody is in a position to be able to shell out thousands of dollars for someone to help make their finances better. But that doesn’t mean that you don’t deserve that same level of care and attention and access to that knowledge. So I really try to make sure that there’s a spectrum,” she shared.

Carden takes clients’ limited financial resources into consideration, providing free consultations and services at price points accessible to those living paycheck to paycheck, with significant debt, making under $200,000 per year, or are “unique in their families for their earning and wealth potential.”

“It was really important for me to have sliding scale pricing to try to meet people where they’re at. I think the tendency is to feel as though financial planning isn’t for you unless you’re already wealthy, and I think that has been true in practice. But everyone deserves this level of both knowledge and literacy but also care. It is, in a way, a caring profession,” they said.

Equip Advisory’s lower-cost services include group workshops and on-demand courses that offer practical guidance, best practices and tools for clients seeking to learn more about financial planning and barriers and to make positive changes. Fees are agreed to between Carden and their clients, they said. Carden also declined to disclose their salary and the company’s revenue.

“I do that specifically with the hope that I can help folks build up to where they’re financially in a place to make decisions both for themselves and for their communities ... that helps to make sure that more access is guaranteed across the board,” Carden said.

Kerrie Carden is the founder of Equip Advisory, a financial planning company.

The Booth for Business

Central Valley LGBTQ+ organization relaunches with new name, expanded focus << Pride 2024

by Marijke Rowland

It turns out that there can be a lot in a name.

For a Central Valley LGBTQ+ community, a new name means a unified front and expanded horizon.

The Central California LGBTQ+ Collaborative is now CalPride, after celebrating the rebranding with a ribbon cutting in early June to kick off Pride Month. The change both unites the nonprofit organization’s community resource centers and signals its intentions to reach out to other parts of the state.

The collaborative previously ran three resource centers for the lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer community in the region, which now all carry the CalPride name. The Rainbow Resource Center in Modesto is now CalPride Stanislaus, the LGBTQ Rural Resource Center in Sonora is CalPride Sierras and Somos Familia Valle Central in Merced is CalPride Valle Central.

The organization, which opened its first center in 2019, offers free public services across seven neighboring counties: Stanislaus, Merced, Madera, Tuolumne, Calaveras, Mariposa, and Amador. (CalPride is not associated with MoPride, a separate grassroots LGBTQ+ outreach and advocacy group that recently celebrated 10 years of operating in Modesto.)

For CalPride CEO John Aguirre, who helped found the original collaborative with former fellow Stanislaus County Behavioral Health & Recovery Services staff in 2015, the name change is another way to welcome people.

“Growing up in the Valley as a farm worker’s kid,” Aguirre said, “I

always felt alone. I felt like I was the only queer in in the area. ... A lot of folks still feel that way today. I don’t want them to feel alone. I want them to see we are everywhere.”

New name, same services offered at local LGBTQ+ centers

The CalPride banner is also a way to showcase a roster of services the collaborative offers across the region, said CalPride Valle Central Executive Director Katalina Zambrano, a trans woman. Each of the three locations offers peer support, STD/STI testing, gender-affirming care, and harm reduction programs.

“As our (locations) developed, we realized there was a disconnect between our three centers,” Zambrano said. “As wonderful as it is for us to have our own flavors, having our own names sometimes confused people. Now it’s clear we’re all one entity, just different regions. When individuals reach out to us, it’ll be easier to find us.”

In addition to running a variety of support groups, the centers offer everything from free Narcan and fentanyl testing strips to needle exchange, and housing and work programs.

Each center will continue to cater some of its on-site services to its specific regions. For example, the Merced center offers immigration services for its large Latino population, and the Modesto center provides an on-site shower, washer, and dryer for its unhoused visitors.

In addition to highlighting its existing services, the new CalPride name is a sign the organization is open to expanding support services to other parts of the state.

Stanislaus Executive Director Roman Scanlon, a gay man, said that in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic the collective saw the need for its services in other regions as well. Since COVID relief funding has run out, some smaller LGBTQ+ organizations have struggled with funding, and others have folded.

Those groups, and others, wanting to start LGBTQ+ centers in their communities are welcome to reach out, Scanlon said, and the group is happy to provide whatever help needed. That could range from sharing funding strategies and resources

to becoming official members of the CalPride network.

“We hope to partner and expand across the entire state,” Scanlon said. “We would love to share resources and our information to help (organizations) either create their own or we’d love for them to carry on the CalPride name.”

Pride Month events and festivities held CalPride has about 20 employees and a budget of a little over $1 million a year, mostly from state and federal grants.

Across the three centers CalPride serves about 3,500 people annually.

The demand across the seven counties CalPride covers has been apparent since it started, said CalPride Sierras Executive Director Morgan Rain who identifies as nonbinary and bisexual.

The Sonora center opened with Rain as its only employee in 2022, and has since added two more staff and several paid interns.

“It was just immediately clear how much need for LGBTQ+ services there was throughout our whole region,” Rain said. “We’ve grown so quickly, I’m excited to see what the future brings.”

As part of this year’s rebranding, CalPride is also hosting a series of events in several Valley towns that have not held Pride events before. Festivities started with Sonora Pride in early June and continued this month with Ceres Pride at Whitmore Park, Waterford Pride at Beard Park, and Turlock Pride at Donnelly Park and Coulterville Pride in Coulterville Park.

“I know a lot of people might be thinking, why do they need Pride Month, or why are these events necessary?” Scanlon said. “It’s necessary because there’s kids like myself (who were suicidal) at one point who thought that they were alone who had no one else to talk to to understand what was happening with them. ... We’re here for them. They’re not alone.”

Scanlon said it’s more important than ever for LGBTQ+ community members and supporters to be visible. Last year some 510 anti-LGBTQ bills (https://www.cnn.com/ politics/anti-lgbtq-plus-state-billrights-dg/index.html) were introduced in state legislatures across the country, part of an ongoing backlash against the civil rights advances made in recent years. Less than half way through this year, the American Civil Liberties Union is already tracking 515 anti-LGBTQ bills. (https://www.aclu.org/legislativeattacks-on-lgbtq-rights-2024)

“One of the things that we’re really trying to do is be visible,” Scanlon said. “The idea is to showcase that we are here and we’re not going anywhere. This is CalPride. We’re growing daily.”  t

Marijke Rowland (marijke@ cvlocaljournalism.org) is the senior health equity reporter for the Central Valley Journalism Collaborative, a nonprofit newsroom that publishes The Merced FOCUS, where this article first appeared, in collaboration with the California Health Care Foundation (CHCF).

CalPride

CalPride staff and supporters attended the grand reopening of the LGBTQ+ center in Modesto, California.

Marijke Rowland/CVJC

CalPride CEO John Aguirre, holding scissors, and CalPride Stanislaus Executive Director Roman Scanlon, wearing hat, cut the ceremonial ribbon to relaunch the LGBTQ+ center in Modesto, California.

Marijke Rowland/CVJC

Unique LGBTQ survey piloted in Oregon

by Matthew S. Bajko

With the ongoing lack of comprehensive demographic data on the LGBTQ community, Oregon leaders are piloting a unique effort to rectify the issue in the Beaver State. They have launched what is believed to be the first community-led LGBTQ statewide survey.

Known as the Queer Data Project, it received $1.25 million in state funding this year, allowing for development of the questions that will be included in the survey of Oregon’s LGBTQ residents. Project leaders are working to finalize the forms by early 2025 and plan to begin collecting the data next spring when Pride events start taking place in cities around the state.

“We really want the questions we ask to be questions actually meaningful to us as a community,” said Portland resident Julia Przedworski, Ph.D., 40, who is nonbinary, gender fluid, and queer.

Przedworski, a native of Poland who has lived in Oregon for six years, is working as a research implementation lead for the data project. As the self-described “nerd on deck” who has worked in the public health sector for two decades, they are assisting

LGBTQ community leaders involved in designing the survey to figure out such issues as its length and the topics it should cover.

“This is not some external agency or academic institution coming in and saying this is what we want to know about your community. We don’t want to just be the objects of research,” said Przedworski.

The goal is to have at least 5,000 queer and trans Oregonians of all ages fill out the survey, expected to be conducted online. Within that target number, the data project aims to have meaningful numbers of respondents from the state’s homeless; Black, Indigenous, and people of color; immigrant; and rural LGBTQ communities; as well as LGBTQ members of its Native Nations.

“We are trying to make this geographically really diverse as well as diverse across intersecting identities of queer folks,” said Bend, Oregon resident LeeAnn O’Neill, 44, who is queer and gender expansive.

O’Neill is part of the data project’s design team, comprised of residents from across the state who have a fiduciary duty over it. It serves as a board of directors that meets every other month and will be hiring an imple-

mentation team to oversee the day-today operations for the survey.

“The design team is really driving the values and decision making for this project. We want this to be led by and for the community,” explained O’Neill during an interview this spring with the Bay Area Reporter.

O’Neill was born in Korea and “forcefully removed through adoption” from the Asian country by a white family, according to her bio on the website of Allyship in Action, a collaborative she jointly formed for consultants in the state. She has taught medical staff about how to collect LGBTQ demographic data.

She is particularly focused on ensuring that LGBTQ people of color and those who live in the more rural eastern areas of Oregon take part in the data project’s survey. Too often, said O’Neill, what LGBTQ data collection is done in the state is focused on the more urban centers like Portland that skew toward more white residents.

“A huge part of the state never sees themselves in this data,” O’Neill said of previous LGBTQ-based surveys.

Based on what demographic data has been released, it is estimated that approximately 253,300 Oregon residents (7.8% of the state’s population) are LGBTQ. According to an overview created for the Queer Data Project, Oregon has the largest per capita population of LGBTQ people in the country.

Due to the enactment of anti-LGBTQ legislation in other states in the region, such as Idaho and Montana, there has been an influx in recent years of LGBTQ residents from those states to Oregon’s rural cities, said O’Neill. Thus, it is important to know what their needs are and experiences have been, she added.

“They are coming to Oregon because LGBTQ protections are somewhat robust. But they want a rural lifestyle and go to Bend or Burns to get statewide protections while still having the rural values they hold,” said O’Neill, noting that Bend has hosted a Pride event for years.

Missing demographics

As the B.A.R. has been reporting on for decades, the exact size of the LGBTQ population in the U.S. and in the individual states is unknown since the decennial census form does not ask about people’s sexual orientation or gender identity, known as SOGI for short. Such population sizes have been estimated using various surveys conducted by polling outfits, health agencies, and special interest groups, but the figures do not capture a truly accurate count.

The U.S. Census Bureau is eyeing an August start date for testing SOGI questions on its American Community Survey, which LGBTQ advocates hope will be another step toward seeing them included on a census form, perhaps as soon as 2030. But as the B.A.R. noted in May, the federal questionnaire sent monthly to

Data Project as one of its two inaugural legislative priorities. Leading the effort were gay state Representative Ben Bowman (D), the majority leader in the Oregon House, and Senators Kate Lieber (D), a lesbian who is her chamber’s majority leader, and Elizabeth Steiner (D), an ally who chaired the Joint Ways and Means Committee and is running to be the state’s treasurer. Lesbian Governor Tina Kotek (D) also supported the funding request, which was included in the budget she signed into law.

295,000 households in the U.S. and Puerto Rico would only be asking the SOGI questions of people 15 years of age and older.

The issues around SOGI data collection became apparent at the start of the COVID pandemic in 2020.

Unlike with every other marginalized community, health officials and government agencies had no idea about how many LGBTQ people were becoming infected or dying from the novel coronavirus, information still unknown to this day.

Even in California, where state lawmakers had mandated the state’s departments of health care services, public health, social services, and aging begin gathering SOGI data in 2016, no reliable data was collected about COVID’s impacts within the Golden State’s LGBTQ community. Health officials have pointed to myriad issues, from concerns about patient privacy and no federal mandates regarding SOGI data collection to difficulties in updating medical record-keeping systems, for why there have been problems in being able to collect the LGBTQ health information.

Even after another round of legislation was enacted to force the collection of LGBTQ COVID data, problems continued to exist. A scathing state audit released last year detailed numerous ongoing issues with the California Department of Public Health’s SOGI data efforts.

The state agency has been working to address the audit findings and enact its recommendations. As the B.A.R. noted in December, it is aiming to have all local health agencies reporting LGBTQ health information to it by March 31, 2026.

A law working its way through the Legislature this year, authored by gay state Senator Scott Wiener (D-San Francisco), would require the state health department to implement all of the audit’s recommendations regarding its SOGI data collection. He has said his Senate Bill 957 is a “critical first step to eliminating health disparities” that LGBTQ Californians are facing.

Meanwhile, the California Department of Aging is set to begin releasing this summer the results of its first survey of the state’s older LGBTQ residents. It conducted it online this past winter and asked respondents about myriad concerns, from their health issues and insurance coverage to living arrangements, social activities, and relationships.

The state of Oregon had conducted a similar survey of its LGBTQ senior population and published the findings in 2021. It noted that “LGBTQ+ older adults remain a largely invisible population, with little knowledge of their unique challenges, needs and resources.”

Oregon project funded

During the special legislative session that ended in March, the Oregon Legislature’s LGBTQ Caucus had championed funding for the Queer

The data project grew out of $65,000 in seed funding the city of Portland had budgeted in 2022 toward the development of an LGBTQ survey. Lex Jakusovszky, the city’s first senior LGBTQIA2S+ policy analyst within the Office of Equity and Human Rights, had reached out to Emily Evans, a lesbian married mom who co-owns The Evans Practice with her wife, Mayra Arreola, 44, who is bisexual.

Evans, 41, who grew up in Ashland, Oregon, had worked on a report about the lives of women and girls in the state back in 2016 when she was executive director of the Women’s Foundation of Oregon. Jakusovszky, at the time a chief of staff for a state legislator, had seen that report and the impact it had.

With another $15,000 from the Oregon Community Foundation to award stipends to the data project’s design team members, Evans and the other LGBTQ community leaders spent a year on a feasibility study and determining what structure they wanted for the data project before seeking the state funding.

“It is sort of opposite of how this often goes, in that we usually see a researcher apply for grants and move forward with the research in that way,” noted Evans, “or a government entity puts out an RFP, which is what is really driving the project’s timeline and budget.”

The data project’s total budget is set at $2.5 million, with more than $800,000 raised from private foundational donors. Evans told the B.A.R. she is hopeful of securing the full amount.

“We have more than enough to launch the project and get things going,” she said during an interview in the spring.

Options for SOGI questions

The project’s data committee has been tasked with looking at what options for one’s sexual orientation and gender identity should be included on the survey. Oftentimes the choices are limited, drawing criticism from LGBTQ advocates who want to see a broader list of terms used by demographers and researchers.

“How many times do we get to selfidentify the data that gets collected on us?” asked O’Neill.

A key question the data project is attempting to address, added Przedworski, is “How can we tell our own stories?”

With their survey, the data project leaders plan to take a “strength approach,” noted Przedworski, meaning it is not only focused on what is ailing or troubling LGBTQ Oregonians. The data project also wants to mine what successes queer and trans citizens of the state have achieved in their lives.

“What questions can we ask not only to show what the needs and inequities and injustices we face in our communities are but also to highlight queer strength and joy and how we are thriving and are resilient?” asked Przedworski, adding, “We just want to be seen as complete, whole people, not just a collection of problems defined generally by straight and cis people.”

As such, surveying is underway of LGBTQ community members on what they would like to be asked about by the data project next year. Project

Oregon’s Queer Data Project received state funding for its survey.

Oregon State Capitol FB page

University effort tracks giving to LGBTQ nonprofits

by Matthew S. Bajko

Anumber of years ago the Indiana University Lilly Family School of Philanthropy’s Equitable Giving Lab launched an index to track how much money was being donated to nonprofits focused on women and girls. Based on the success of that database, the lab created a similar index looking at the state of LGBTQ charitable giving.

It also built a searchable database with information on hundreds of LGBTQ

areas being hard hit with anti-LGBT legislation proposed or enacted.”

CenterLink annually awards $1.4 million to its center members, with the amount given ranging from as little as $500 up to $55,000. The bulk of the money is unrestricted, so the centers can spend it as they see fit. It barely scratches the fiscal needs of the agencies, said Spivak, who wishes she could give each of them $250,000 in yearly awards.

“Even if we could give each $50,000 a year would be life changing. Some of

Katie Hultquist is the director of leadership giving at Outright International.

Courtesy Outright International

Denise Spivak is CEO of CenterLink, an organization for LGBTQ community centers.

Courtesy CenterLink

Jacqueline Ackerman oversees the Equitable Giving Lab at Indiana University.

Courtesy Indiana University

Oakland center sees growth with hiring of COO

by Cynthia Laird

It’s been seven years since the Oakland LGBTQ Community Center was founded and held its grand opening at its offices near Lake Merritt. Over the years the center has endured challenges as it’s grown, and that includes the need for additional staff.

Earlier this year, the center’s board of directors determined that the nonprofit needed a chief operating officer to assume day-to-day duties. It did not have to look far to find a qualified person. Dawn Edwards, a Black lesbian who is a founding board member of the center and served as vice president, was appointed to the position. She resigned from the board and started in her new role in March.

“It’s exciting to step out of that role and step in in this way,” Edwards, 50, said of her recent switch. “I can utilize more of my management experience.”

Edwards had long known the center’s co-founders, Joe Hawkins and Jeff Myers, both gay Black men. After the center’s opening, Hawkins became chief executive officer while Myers became board president. In an interview with the Bay Area Reporter she recalled the center’s beginnings.

“In 2017, I walked in for volunteer orientation. I came here in this room and met Jeff and Joe. It was an amazing turnout – almost a wonderment,” she said, sitting in the center’s second floor conference room. “We created some 30 focus groups back then, from elders to youth.”

Edwards said that in taking over the day-to-day management, Hawkins’ time is freed up to focus on development and other work. And Edwards brings much experience. She earned a bachelor’s degree in political science from Cal State East Bay; a master’s of public administration from the University of Phoenix; completed three years of law school at New College of Law; and earned a master’s of educational leadership with an emphasis in early childhood education from Mills College in Oakland.

Edwards said that she has over 19 years of nonprofit work experience. Her professional focus has been centered on nonprofit management, policy advocacy, early childhood education, restorative justice practices, legal research, project/program management, curriculum development, and direct services and facilitation of a variety of workshops to the community.

Edwards said that the vision for a COO first came about during the COVID pandemic in 2020.

“Once COVID hit, and the clinic opened during the pandemic, we saw an influx of community members,” she said, referring to the Glenn Burke Clinic, named in honor of the gay former major league baseball star who played for the Oakland A’s, among other teams.

Burke was the first Major League Baseball player to publicly come out as gay after he retired from the game, though over his playing career rumors swirled around his sexual orientation, as has been recounted. Burke and Dusty Baker, his former teammate on the Los Angeles Dodgers, are widely credited with inventing the high five.

Burke died of AIDS-related complications in 1995. The center’s clinic provides HIV/AIDS services such as PrEP, as well as mpox vaccinations, genderaffirming care, and more.

Edwards said that the pandemic

University

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Hultquist. Globally, she added, such financial support is contributing to anti-LGBTQ laws like Uganda’s AntiHomosexuality Act.

“We can’t meet those challenges and those threats without more investment. That is just the bottom line,” said Hultquist.

Spivak hopes the Lilly school’s expending resources to, and highlighting

showed the center’s board that executive leadership needed to be expanded.

“Joe was stretched pretty thin,” she said, recalling the board told Hawkins that he needed some help.

“The COO takes on some of that and allows Joe to do outward-facing things,” Edwards said. “I feel that we came up with a good structure.”

Hawkins did not respond to a message seeking comment. In a phone interview, Myers praised Edwards’ experience and said she was a great fit for the COO position.

“Dawn is super. She has a great spirit and was a great vice president for the last seven years,” he said. “She knows how to connect on a personal level and she knows how to manage.”

The center took over Lavender Seniors of the East Bay and provides services to LGBTQ older adults. These include a weekly therapeutic support group, a lunch bunch gathering at the North Oakland Senior Center, and a monthly social drop-in. Those 55 years of age and older can also avail themselves of the various health services at the clinic, the center’s website noted.

Youth are served through the center’s Town Youth Club, which is off-site and located near the center’s main office. It serves two age groups, those aged 13-17 and those aged 18-25. It offers programming and support services, the website stated.

Cultural district

Last November, the center helped launch Oakland’s first queer cultural district. The Lakeshore LGBTQ Cultural District is anchored by the community center on Lakeshore Avenue, and encompasses parts of the Lakeshore and Grand neighborhoods. The Oakland City Council approved creation of the district, and several councilmembers and other officials attended a news conference announcing it, as the B.A.R. reported.

Edwards and Myers said the cultural district works with the Lakeshore Business Improvement District and the Grand Avenue Business Association.

Representatives from those entities expressed support for the cultural district and the center.

The Grand Avenue Business Association represents 200 businesses along the corridor between MacArthur Boulevard and the city of Piedmont border, Anthony Bennett, the current GABA president, wrote in an email. “Most of the stores on Grand are independently owned and owner-operated, so shoppers can be assured of top-quality ser-

research on, LGBTQ nonprofit giving will bring more attention to the needs of such organizations within mainstream philanthropy circles.

“They have a reputation and respect, so I think it gives a mainstream focus that may not have been there in the past,” said Spivak, 57, who resides in Vero Beach, Florida.

Many funders aren’t looking to spend a lot of time finding and conducting research on hundreds of nonprofits, noted Spivak. Thus, the giving lab is providing “a one-stop shop” that makes it easy for phi-

vice as well as excellent merchandise,” he added.

Bennett stated that today, Grand Avenue is a microcosm of Oakland, with a diverse mix of residents and an exciting array of stores and services that cater to nearly every interest. GABA’s mission statement now includes the LGBTQ center, its youth center, and the cultural district.

“We support these centers and district because we want to promote and provide a safe place where people feel accepted, non-judgmental and a welcomed addition to our community,” Bennett stated. “We include these centers and district in everything we do.”

Bennett added that he has enjoyed collaborating with Myers.

“GABA supported these efforts by walking the entire business corridor, between MacArthur Boulevard to the Piedmont city border, by introducing the [LGBTQ] district,” he stated. “We handed out decals, which not only did businesses learn about them but were happy to show their pride as well.

“We look forward to working handin-hand on obtaining an ambassador program, which benefits everyone, and upcoming events in 2025,” Bennett stated.

Racheal Scott is co-director of the Lakeshore Avenue BID. She also offered support for the LGBTQ cultural district and the community center.

“The LGBTQ center plays a vital role in the Lakeshore Avenue neighborhood, serving as a cornerstone of support and empowerment for the LGBTQ community,” Scott wrote in an email. “Its presence has fostered a deep connection with the local community, reflecting a mutual commitment to inclusivity and growth.

“The center’s passionate team works tirelessly to provide resources, advocacy, and a safe space for individuals to express their authentic selves,” she added. “This collaborative relationship has not only enriched the lives of many but also strengthened the fabric of the neighborhood, making it a more vibrant and accepting place for all.”

Bringing community together

The center is about more than offering services, however. Earlier this month, it held an inaugural Rainbow Fair at Splash Pad Park, near the center. The June 9 event sought to highlight the cultural district as well as bring a dash of LGBTQ Pride to Oakland ahead of the city’s own parade and festival September 8.

The center also holds a special Thanksgiving event where people can gather. Heaven Walker, who is Edwards’ wife, recalled that she attended one.

“It was really wonderful,” said Walker, 43. “The center has a lot of different interest groups, and I’m really glad that they’re there.”

Edwards and Walker have been mar ried almost a year and have been togeth er for five years. They have a blended family of five children, ranging in age from 5 to 26. Walker is soon starting online classes at the United Theological Seminary of the Twin Cities in Minne sota. Already a chaplain, she wants to pursue a career as a college chaplain, she said in a phone interview.

She said that Edwards is a great fit as the LGBTQ center’s COO.

“This is her heart’s work, and she’s really good at it,” Walker said. “She’s a founding member and now she gets to help direct it in a whole new way on the ground.”

lanthropists to find LGBTQ nonprofits they may want to support, she said.

“To give them an easy place to find a way to meet their needs that can be quick, efficient and trusted, I think, makes it so much – I don’t want to say easier – I just think effective and impactful for somebody who has the money and they want to give and to do it in a way that is sort of vetted, if you will, by somebody you can trust,” said Spivak.

Walker added that Edwards “is like an HR genius.”

“She has the soft skills you can’t teach people and can deal with people on a personal level,” Walker said.

Challenges ahead

Like most LGBTQ nonprofits, the Oakland center’s biggest challenge is funding, both Edwards and Myers said.

“It is so important that we survive,” Myers said, adding that Hawkins is an expert at grant-writing and will have more time to do that now that Edwards is in place as COO.

Edwards said that the center needs to grow its development department and diversify its funding streams. The center’s budget is currently $4.5 million, said Myers. Edwards declined to share her salary, other than to say she feels “fairly compensated.”

“I’m really excited to be here,” Edwards said. “It’s literally a dream to work here, and I’ve already been honored to serve on the board.”

For more information on the Oakland LGBTQ Community Center, go to oaklandlgbtqcenter.org t

Dawn Edwards is the new chief operating officer of the Oakland LGBTQ Community Center.

Cynthia Laird

Gay Sacto leader Mangers reflects on service

by John Ferrannini

Dennis Mangers said he isn’t the “gay godfather of Sacramento,” as a local media outlet dubbed him 16 years ago. But the 83-year-old, who came out after serving in the state Legislature, helped kick-start political and AIDS service groups in the state capital, as well as its gay men’s chorus.

“I certainly am just as active as I’ve always been,” Mangers recently told the Bay Area Reporter.

That spirit of public service began when he and his late former wife Linda met in the early 1960s and were inspired by then-President John F. Kennedy.

“While it may sound corny, we really took seriously, ‘Ask not what your country can do for you, ask what you can do for your country,’” Mangers said, quoting the late president. “Until our first child came along, we seriously contemplated going into the Peace Corps. But when our first child came along, we didn’t feel at liberty to do that.”

Mangers and his wife had two children. As a first grade teacher and later a school principal in Southern California, Mangers saw the plight of children in poverty and of the families of migrant farmworkers. He worked at an underprivileged school in Long Beach, he said.

“Linda and I had to actually buy school supplies, food – graham crackers in the morning – because teaching to hungry kids was just awful,” he said. “The upper middle class schools where I student-taught seemed to have everything. I got to this school [in Long Beach] and a lot of very well-intentioned people got to a school that was under-resourced and understaffed.”

This experience propelled Mangers into politics.

“I can’t just complain about these things,” he said he recalled thinking. “I have to do something about them.”

After stints on the Huntington Beach Parks and Recreation Commission and the board of the Huntington Beach Union High School District, Mangers, a Democrat, ran in 1974 for an Orange County seat in the state Assembly against Republican Robert Burke. He lost but ran again in 1976 and won then successfully ran for reelection two years later.

At that time, Orange County was reliably Republican. Mangers said that “as you can imagine, it was a challenge.”

“I tried in 1974; I ran against a Republican incumbent who’d run five times,” Mangers said, referring to Burke. “He was very conservative. He beat me narrowly, but we did so well in the northwest corner of Orange County that the then-speaker [Leo McCarthy] told me if we started over again, then he’d support me if I met certain benchmarks.”

Those benchmarks included registering Democratic voters and meeting volunteer quotas. Mangers said that though it was a conservative area, his message stressing education and environmental protection resonated with voters in a year Democrats did well nationwide, coming in the aftermath of the resignation of President Richard Nixon due to the Watergate scandal.

At the time, Mangers hadn’t begun his coming out process. It wasn’t until he got to Sacramento that he began to come to terms with his sexual orientation.

“Of course, now it’s widely known it’s while I was in the Legislature that I came to realize I was gay,” he said.

Mangers lost reelection in 1980. He and others who narrowly were defeated that year blamed then-President Jimmy Carter, also a Democrat, for tanking the ticket by conceding his race to Republican Ronald Reagan, a former California governor, before polls had closed in the Golden State.

“It was secretly a relief to me at first, because I was pretty convinced I was not going to be emotionally, psychologically capable of remaining in the closet,” Mangers said. “I would have to tell my wife, kids, and everyone else I’m gay.”

Coming out

Rather than going back into education, Mangers became a lobbyist for the California Cable & Telecommunications Association. It was in the early 1980s that he was “very cruelly outed” to his daughter Kirsten, he said.

Mangers had first been outed to his boss by a former colleague who felt he should be the lobbyist for the telecom association.

“He went to my boss and told him, ‘Dennis Mangers has turned out to be gay and has become an activist, and this will embarrass the industry,’” Mangers recalled. “The president called me into his office and said, ‘I know this can’t be true because you’re married with two kids.’ It was pretty terrifying. … So I told him, ‘This is awkward. I know it’s hard to understand, but I am gay … but I promise you I won’t embarrass the industry.’ He said, ‘Your orientation is not an issue for us.’”

Mangers worked for the association for 28 years and eventually became its president. The outing to his family stemmed from his going to the Los Angeles Pride parade shortly thereafter.

One of his daughter’s friends recognized him and tapped him on the shoulder to say hello. Afterward, the young man called Kirsten Mangers and told her about running into her father.

“He told my daughter he’d seen me – shirtless and dancing – at a gay event,” Mangers recalled. “Talk about terrifying.”

Kirsten Mangers, a straight ally who still lives in Orange County, told the B.A.R. that she remembers to this day that phone call she received from her friend. Although stunned by their conversation, she didn’t confront her father about it.

“I was very involved in ballet, so many of my male friends in the studio were gay,” she said. “So it’s not like I didn’t have any experience. … One young man took it upon himself to tell me he saw my father at the parade and called me directly on a pay phone. That was a relatively large shock, as I had not expected him to be there, but as I thought about it, there were signs of his unrest and, frankly, not living his true self. I didn’t confront him – he came out to me.”

While she was very protective of her mother, who learned at the same time as her daughter that her husband was gay, Kirsten Mangers said of her relationship with her father that “overall, we’ve just been kindred spirits.”

“We had spats, but that’s nothing due to him being a gay man,” Kirsten Mangers said. “It’s father-daughter spats –‘Back off, buddy. You’re being too strict.’”

During that “very traumatic period there in the early 1980s,” Mangers and his wife separated.

AIDS rears its ugly head

Mangers, by then, was living in Sacramento. Soon, the AIDS epidemic would overwhelm the LGBTQ community there and across the nation.

“There was a gay community in Sacramento, of course, like most cities, but it was a disunified group of LGBTQ people that at that point they lived in an area with no protective ordinances or laws,” he said. “You could lose an apartment or be fired without cause. It was considered a dangerous environment. … I first met people with AIDS, then and realized we can’t be secretive anymore. There’s a calamity coming down, and we had to develop a political and service support system.”

The social stigma of homosexuality led to inadequate services for people with AIDS. The late Susan Strong had been named the executive director of CARES, which stood for the Center for AIDS Research, Education, and Service, and was a collaboration of four local medical service providers that ran a small clinic for people with AIDS on Capitol Avenue. She asked Mangers if he would serve as the first gay community representative on the group’s board.

“We developed a program that ultimately became a comprehensive AIDS service organization – one of the best in the country and one of three that provided a complete array of services,” he said. “We put medical services in the basement of the building and social services – housing, transportation, doctors – on the main floor. To find a dentist anywhere who would provide dentistry for our boys was hard, so we had an arrangement with UC Davis on putting something for research on the top floor [in exchange for dentistry services].”

Mangers brought Paul Curtis, another gay Sacramentan, onto the CARES board.

“Denny, during all of that time, served as a mentor when there were issues or problems, I could call and talk to him confidentially at any time, and he gave me great advice about how to look at it, whatever the case may be,” Curtis said. “He was continuing during that time his effort to work with all the organizations to encourage everyone to work together – that this should be a collaborative effort to serve the best interest of Sacramento and the HIV/AIDS community.”

Mangers said that CARES “is still operating” as ONE Community Health at 21st and O streets.

“A full range of services is still offered to clients living with HIV/AIDS but in the broader context of health services to the community at large,” according to Mangers.

Sparking joy

Despite the darkness of the moment due to AIDS, Mangers and others started the Sacramento Gay Men’s Chorus in 1984.

“Some people say, ‘That wasn’t political – why’d you do that,’” Mangers said. “And I say, ‘When AIDS hit and we were discriminated against at all levels of government, we needed joy in our lives.’”

The chorus started out with 34 people. Now there’s 110 members, according to its website.

“Most of us had sung in church or other choruses,” he recalled. “In the early days no boas, no gay songs – just standard choral music standing in tuxedos and even rows.  Rehearsals were raucous, but performances were sedate.”

Today, Mangers is no longer in the chorus but continues to support it as an audience member and mentor.

“I no longer sing with the chorus but am writing an early history of the group, attend every concert, and speak to the new members annually about the importance of representing the LGBT community,” he stated.

Steve Winlock, now executive director of the Sacramento County Office of Education and a gay man, was another of those early members of the chorus.

“He has a great singing voice,” Winlock said of Mangers. “The chorus was, at the time, really a great haven for our gay men in Sacramento in the community, and so when we came together, it was because of music. But it was also an opportunity for us to build a community and be involved.

“One of the things about Dennis is he is a very valued community member in our community, in the gay community in Sacramento, and that was the beginning of how he was bringing together people, having us all have contact with everyone, having us share our lives,” added Winlock. “It was just great, a great opportunity for us to build community.”

Supporting pro-LGBTQ politicos Mangers also helped establish CAPPAC, a political action committee that endorsed and gave money to proLGBTQ candidates at a time when out

candidates were a rarity. It later closed down, and many of its functions were taken over by the Sacramento Stonewall Democrats. David Felderstein, a gay man, told the B.A.R. that at first, there were enough local Republicans willing to vote for and support non-discrimination protections to justify a nonpartisan group, but that this number dwindled over time.

“We made a questionnaire. We interviewed all the candidates running for local office and, sometimes, we endorsed both of the candidates because they were both supportive of gay rights,” Felderstein said. “The apex of what we did was in 1996. We bought the bottom half of page two in the [Sacramento] Bee and listed openly all our endorsements and mission statement. It cost several thousand dollars but it was page two so that everyone reading [popular thencolumnist] Dan Walters would see it, and it had quite an impact in that election. We wanted everyone to see who our endorsements were.”

CAP-PAC’s fundraising dinner brought in thousands of dollars to promote equal rights.

The Sacramento Stonewall Democrats did not return a request for comment for this report.

Personal happiness

Mangers married his longtime partner Michael Sestak in June 2008, the first day after the California Supreme Court legalized same-sex marriage with its decision in In re Marriage Cases, and before voters passed the anti-same-sex Proposition 8 that November. After much litigation, the U.S. Supreme Court upheld lower court rulings that Prop

Then-Assemblymember Dennis Mangers, left, with then-Governor Jerry Brown in 1977

Courtesy Dennis Mangers

Michael Sestak, left, and his husband, Dennis Mangers, posed for a marriage equality group on June 30, 2013, shortly after same-sex marriage was again legal in California.

Courtesy Dennis Mangers

Dennis Mangers served as a member of the state Assembly in the 1970s, before he came out of the closet.

Courtesy Dennis Mangers

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Queer young adults say coming out deepened their faith

by John Ferrannini

For many LGBTQ people, any solace provided by religion came intertwined with condemnation and deep shame.

The tension between the human need for faith on one hand, and the opprobrium toward their love lives or identities by some religious communities on the other hand, tore queer bodies and souls apart for generations.

But a new generation is challenging not only some traditional Abrahamic religious beliefs about what it means to be LGBTQ – but also traditional stereotypes of what it means to be queer and religious, by trying to live out a positive view of both parts of their identities.

The Bay Area Reporter spoke with four religious LGBTQ young adults, who said not only could they be unapologetically Christian, Jewish, and Muslim and also be proudly transgender, pansexual, bisexual, and nonbinary, but that coming out deepened their faith.

All four are connected with Beloved Arise, a Seattle-based nonprofit that seeks to empower religious LGBTQ youth from all faiths and denominations. Beloved Arise is holding its Queer Youth of Faith Day on June 30 – the last day of Pride Month and the day of San Francisco’s – and several other large cities’ – LGBTQ Pride parades, which this year mark the 55th anniversary of the

1969 Stonewall riots, which is credited with birthing the modern LGBTQ civil rights movement in the United States.

Sabrina Hodak: ‘You have to seek validation from yourself’

The B.A.R. last year first spoke with Sabrina Hodak, a 21-year-old bisexual woman from Hollywood, Florida who is Modern Orthodox Jewish, when she was among the first two people named as a coleader of the Beloved Arise Youth Alliance.

Modern Orthodox Judaism is a strain within Orthodox Judaism that seeks to find greater synthesis between observance of the Torah’s laws and participation in modern society than other types within the tradition.

“It’s slightly more lenient than Orthodox, if that makes sense,” Hodak said. “There’s a whole spectrum and variety in the Modern Orthodox denomination. I grew up going to synagogue, I’d gone to Jewish day school, but I grew up wearing pants and stuff.”

Hodak started realizing she was bisexual around middle school, “but repressed it and left it for later, as one does, naturally,” she said.

“Around 15-16 years old, I started coming to terms with it and realizing it,” she said. “I had friends in high school who were queer, and I felt comfortable coming out to them and all the rest of my friends.”

But the environment of her Jewish youth group was “a different dynamic,” she said. She asked through her mentors, who had been supportive of her religious identity and helped her grow spiritually, how she could address her “queerness and its relationship with Judaism and how it can be expressed,” she said.

“My mentors, who I looked up to a lot, said they are mutually exclusive. ‘You can’t be a religiously observant Jew and be in the LGBT community. They are simply opposite.’ It was, honestly, a real struggle,” Hodak said. “It felt isolating and disappointing to hear from people I looked up to that two parts of myself were opposites. It was disappointing, that’s what they believed about me.”

During the COVID pandemic, Hodak went online in search of the answers she’d been seeking, she said.

“I was able to dig more into research, and I don’t remember how I found out about it, but I happened upon a website about Orthodox Jewish gay people,” she said. “I thought ‘Wow. That’s incredible. That’s cool.’”

But as she continued talking with her religious mentors, Hodak said things came to a head during “a heated discussion that made me incredibly frustrated.”

“I decided I was going to show them, out of spite, that I can live this way,” Hodak said. “My identities are part of me –how can God create two parts of me that are opposite? I decided I had the choice of what in my faith was important to me, and what I wanted to pursue. I couldn’t choose who I love, my sexual orientation, but I could choose what path I wanted to take.”

Hodak found out about Beloved Arise from the website of Jewish Queer Youth, and she became a youth ambassador in addition to being co-leader of the Youth Alliance.

Since the B.A.R.’s online report last year, Hodak said she’s had the chance to “come more to terms with my sexuality and Judaism.”

“I realized every time I was asking

rabbis, ‘How does this work in Judaism?’ … I realized I kept asking those questions because I wanted them to give me a response that made me happy,” she said, “and all the responses they gave weren’t what I wanted. So I decided, ultimately, it’s my choice to make, whether I want to perform certain mitzvahs [a mitzvah is a deed to fulfill a commandment of the law] and, honestly, certain mitzvahs shouldn’t be put on pedestals as a way to gauge whether I’m Jewish enough or not.”

That theme – that LGBTQ people are not doing enough to be good members of their religious traditions – spans denominations and religions.

“A lot of times we’re told that if we don’t do certain things, we are not a part of a certain religious group, we aren’t religious enough, and it is really difficult, but ultimately, you have to seek validation from yourself,” Hodak said. “You might as well pursue something meaningful and that brings you the ultimate

officially Muslim,” they said. “It was an amazing time. I had my best friend with me and it was like, ‘OK, here we go.’”

But it was hard for Miller to find openly queer representation.

“The Muslim community in Texas is more conservative than some other Muslim communities, so it can get kind of hard sometimes when you always have a narrative weighing you down,” they said. “It can get hard to tune out the voices, so that’s been difficult for me.”

Miller said that they then “stumbled upon Beloved Arise.”

“It was so different from the other organizations I was looking for, because it included a section on Islam, and so they offered some books to reaffirm my identity, and it was mind-blowing for me,” Miller said.

Through Beloved Arise’s mentorship program, Miller said they “could connect to another person who was Muslim and nonbinary.”

“That was also mind-blowing – being able to talk to another person who was affirming of my identity,” Miller said.

The result was that they developed “a deeper sense of my faith.”

“It was so incredible; I was able to have a viewpoint and get stronger in my faith despite people saying, ‘You can’t be Muslim and queer,’ which is not true at all, and I’m just so thankful I came across Beloved Arise, and I say that as a youth ambassador,” Miller said.

Faith group seeking mentors

The organization has three youth ambassadors – young people who are “speaking up and showing the world why faith matters to queer youth,” according to Beloved Arise’s website

In addition to Hodak and Miller is Sid High, a 20-year-old trans man from Cedar Rapids, Iowa.

The organization gives the raison d’être for its existence as the statistic that 21% of LGBTQ young people say their faith is important to them, according to a 2022 Trevor Project survey.

Data for the report was gathered from 33,993 LGBTQ youth recruited via targeted ads on social media, according to The Trevor Project.

The false dichotomy that people have to choose between a religious identity and a gender identity, or sexual orientation, has significant mental health consequences.

While numerous surveys show religiosity decreases suicidality and provides hope for most people, the American Journal of Preventive Medicine found in a 2018 survey that “lesbian/gay students who viewed religion as very important had greater odds for recent suicidal ideation and lifetime suicide attempt compared with heterosexual individuals.” A 2015 study of LGBTQ young adults 1824 cited by The Trevor Project “found that parents’ religious beliefs about homosexuality were associated with double the risk of attempting suicide in the past year.”

Drew Young is a membership program manager at Beloved Arise.

Courtesy Beloved Arise Beloved Arise founder Jun Love Young

Courtesy Beloved Arise

Sabrina Hodak, who is Modern Orthodox Jewish, is a youth ambassador for Beloved Arise.

Courtesy Beloved Arise

But successful integration of these identities could have some benefit – the 2022 Trevor Project survey found that “LGBTQ youth who reported that their religion or spirituality is important or very important to them reported significantly lower rates of symptoms of depression (55%), compared to their peers for whom religion and spirituality were not at all or only a little important (58%).”

“Overall, past research has been limited in the inclusion of transgender individuals and has focused primarily on adults,” The Trevor Project stated.

In the early heady days of gay liberation, the Metropolitan Community Churches was formed by a gay man, the Reverend Troy Perry, back in 1968 specifically to provide safe worship space for LGBTQ congregants.

In the years since, the United Church of Christ, the Evangelical Lutheran Church of America, the Protestant Episcopal Church in the United States of America, and the Presbyterian Church (USA) have allowed same-sex marriages and openly LGBTQ clergy. Reform Judaism synagogues also ordain LGBTQ rabbis.

Beloved Arise’s mentorship program is a new addition, according to Drew Young, a membership program manager who is queer and has been involved since the nonprofit was started in 2020 by his husband, Jun Love Young, who is a member of the organization’s board. (Drew Young started working there himself in 2023.) The program “is to connect queer youth of faith to queer mentors of faith to provide guidance and support throughout the year.”

The organization’s annual budget is “between $100,000 - $150,000,” according to a spokesperson. According to its 2022 IRS Form 990, Beloved Arise took in $185,203 and spent $154,540 between January 1 and December 31 of that year. Jun Young, listed as executive director, worked 20 hours a week but did not receive reportable compensation, it states.

The mentors and the youth meet twice a month virtually through MentorHub, which allows the organization “to monitor their interactions for the safety of everyone,” Young said. The two-month inaugural, or pilot, mentorship program included five mentors and five mentees and wrapped up at the end of April.

“Right now, we’re recruiting for the next cohort,” Young said. Anyone 25 years old or older who is a queer person of faith can be a mentor, and anyone 16-24 can be a mentee.

“We have a background check” on the mentors, Young said. There is also a six-year age gap between mentors and mentees, and the organization tries to match people who have the same religion and sexual orientation or gender identity.

“Beloved’s mission is to celebrate and empower queer youth of faith,” Young said.

“We’ve done a good job of celebrating them – our social media has blown up, and a big part of what we do is sharing the stories of queer youth, letting them know they are out there, so the mentorship is part of the other arm of empowering them. We want them to build a sense of community, develop skills and coping mechanisms, and feel more empowered in their identities.”

As part of Queer Youth of Faith Day, Beloved Arise will be “hosting a live event online where our youth ambassadors are going to be leading it,” Young said, as well as making friendship bracelets and announcing the winners of an essay contest.

“Right now what we’re hoping for is for more people to apply for the mentorship program,” Young said. “Our hope is to begin rolling enrollments and bring new people in every month. We want to serve every youth out there who wants to be connected with a mentor who knows what they’re going through.”

Sid High: ‘God calls us to love one another’

High, alongside Hodak, was also named a co-leader of the alliance. High told the B.A.R. last year he started a book club and worked with a local library to start the first-ever Pride event in Marion, Iowa.

A nondenominational Christian, High said that “my family has always been the type where it wasn’t pushed on me.”

“I ended up getting more curious [about Christianity] around 13-15 [years old], at the same time I was realizing I was queer and I was trans,” High said. “Basically, my mom was super supportive, and that was helpful, but, unfortunately, I went to a church that was not supportive.”

At the time, though High is a nondenominational Christian, he went to a Bible study at a United Methodist church. As the B.A.R. recently reported, the United Methodist Church has debated homosexuality for many years and this year ended the bans on ordain-

ing “self-avowed practicing homosexuals” and allowing its ordained ministers to officiate same-sex weddings. Since 2019, 7,600 congregations have left the United Methodist Church largely over LGBTQ inclusion.

“I was in a Bible study where they were talking about gay marriage, and the Methodist Church was splitting on whether to accept it or not, and they were asking what we thought about it,” High said. “I was the only one who was out, and I said, ‘God accepts everyone,’ and this guy gave me a list of verses.”

The so-called clobber passages refer to the verses of the Bible used by conservatives to condemn homosexuality.

“It really got me into research, and I got into the context of those, and it helped me read the Bible more,” High said. “I never felt any judgment from him [God]. The judgment people are casting toward my community is not from him.”

High said studying the history of scripture led him to understand the verses as coming with historical context.

As the B.A.R. previously reported, “the things going on in the New Testament and the Old Testament had to do with power and position. If you had powerful status you could penetrate any other person – women, children, enslaved people — as long as they have lesser value,” according to filmmaker Sharon “Rocky” Roggio, a lesbian who made a film purporting that in the first Epistle of St. Paul the Apostle to the Corinthians, chapter six was mistranslated to condemn “homosexuals,” as a class of people, to damnation.

As the B.A.R. also reported, Luis Menéndez-Antuña, a gay man who’s an assistant professor of New Testament at the Boston University School of Theology, argued that St. Paul did have a “rather contemptuous stance on pleasure,” and that the New Testament’s views of sexuality, some of which buttress identity and some of which deconstruct identity, should be read on their own terms.

High said, “I think it’s important as a Christian to have that knowledge and to have questions. That’s what makes faith

Mia Miller, who is Muslim, is a youth ambassador for Beloved Arise.

Courtesy Tiny House

Lanes Miller has found spiritual friendships since joining Beloved Arise.

Courtesy Beloved Arise

Sid High, who is Christian, is a youth ambassador for Beloved Arise.

Courtesy Beloved Arise

SF designer creates plush bunnies to support rabbit rescue group

by Matthew S. Bajko

Tria Connell shares her apartment bordering San Francisco’s Western Addition and Hayes Valley neighborhoods with two adopted rabbits. Each was rescued and has unique personalities.

Her black bunny with a white nose she named Oscar the Bunny Grouch.

“He is grouchy,” noted Connell, 53, a lesbian who is a fashion designer and teaches a beginning sewing course at the Academy of Art University.

Her white bunny with black spots she calls Naira Hare, who comes from a breed that has genetic bald spots. Thus, their ears or the bottoms of their feet are furless.

“It is due to breeding. I am extremely anti-breeding,” Connell told the Bay Area Reporter.

She has also been fostering three female lionhead bunnies, named after the wool mane encircling their head, since September. One with white fur is named Nilla, while the two brown-furred ones are called Wafer and Crinkle; they are all ready to be adopted.

They had been rescued from a hoarding situation in Petaluma, where 30 rabbits had been left in cages when a breeder was evicted from the property.

“For rabbits, unfortunately, they are extremely easy to breed. You can get a ton,” noted Connell, a Midwest transplant who has called San Francisco home since 1995 and was crowned the winner of the 1997 Faux Queen drag pageant. “The average litter is four to six and can go up to eight bunnies. As soon as a bunny gives birth, she can get pregnant within 24 hours. The gestation period of a rabbit is about one month.”

All of the rabbits under her care came from Mill Valley-based rabbit rescue SaveABunny. To help raise funds for the nonprofit, Connell has been putting to work her sewing skills and design sensibilities, having over the years created outfits for various local drag performers.

Last year, she began stitching together plush bunnies featuring different fabric patterns. Ones standing 15 inches tall cost $75, while bunnies a little taller than 9 inches are priced at $25.

Connell makes a $15 donation for the bigger bunnies and $5 for the smaller ones to SaveABunny in the name of the person who orders them. To date, she has sold more than 30.

“I hope it to be a long-term thing. I love making them,” said Connell, who usually can produce the huggable hares within two weeks of receiving an order.

Spunk Salon, located at 4147 19th Street in the city’s LGBTQ Castro district, has for purchase several of Connell’s Pride-themed lagomorphic creations displayed in its windows. There is also a panel with the Venmo code for people to scan and order a handmade bunny if they want one in a certain fabric design.

People can also visit Connell’s page on the site Depop at https://www.depop. com/tria_connell/ to purchase one of the plush bunnies posted for sale or contact her to order one.

Fabric sitting around

Most she makes out of upcycled or fabric scraps she has saved over the years.

“I have so much fabric just sitting around from 20 years of drag and just other random commissions,” she said, “and vintage fabrics I have collected over the years.”

The plush bunny fundraiser has been a unique way to draw people’s focus to the plight of those rabbits taken in by shelters or that end up with a rescue group like SaveABunny.

“There isn’t a lot of attention on rabbits because rabbits still don’t have the same protections as those of cats and dogs,” said Marcy Berman, the nonprofit’s executive director and founder.

She told the B.A.R. Connell “is amazing,” “creative,” and “just a perfect representative for a rabbit lover.”

Berman said she loves how “very organic” and unfancy her plush bunny fundraiser concept is.

“It is creating a little piece of artwork, basically,” said Berman, who has yet to order her own plush bunny. “That’s what I think of with bunnies. They are really so amazing, so beautiful, little works of nature that are in your home.”

Berman’s nonprofit is where Jeannette Farrell, 49, who owns the Mill Valley hair salon Ealain Gruiage, which means “hair art” in Irish, adopted her four rabbits –Fred Noobun, Amelia Earbun, Elvis Bunsley, and Yeardley Bunny – years ago after a client told her about SaveABunny.

“I just think, with any animals, adopt don’t shop,” said Farrell, who lives in American Canyon.

She follows Connell on social media and saw her post about the plush bunnies. A straight ally, Farrell ordered one in the colors of the transgender Pride flag in honor of a niece who is trans.

“At some point I will gift it to my niece. I want to get a plush bunny for all four of my nieces and nephews,” said Farrell.

Along with her rabbits, Farrell and her boyfriend care for two parrots, a turtle, and three chickens. The four rabbits are litter box trained, though the one named Elvis is blind and has a hard time finding it, and each has its own big personality, she said.

“I just love them. They are all funny,” said Farrell.

Nonetheless, they aren’t for everybody, noted Farrell, leading some rabbit adopters to change their minds and release them into nature, incorrectly thinking they will thrive outdoors.

“People will put them out in the wild thinking they will do OK. But they will end up either dead or in rescues,” said Farrell. “The lucky ones end up in rescues. They don’t do well in the world.”

Rescuing rabbits for 20-plus years

In 1999, Berman launched SaveABunny as part of another group and turned it into its own nonprofit in 2005, though she didn’t begin drawing a salary until 2016. According to its most recent tax filings in 2022, the agency brought in revenues of $479,146, with Berman’s total compensation being $52,000.

“We really need to double what we are raising,” said Berman, 63, who would like to have a vet tech on staff and bring on a new executive director so she can transition to being more of a board member and fundraiser. “I would also like to travel. I have been doing this since I was in my 40s. This is the longest ever I have worked at a job.”

Larger animal adoption nonprofits often don’t take in rabbits, noted Berman, leaving it to government-run animal shelters to care for them and adopt them out. As of June 21, San Francisco Animal Care and Control had 11 rabbits listed for adoption on its website, (https://www.sfanimalcare.org/adoptable-animals/smalls/) while Oakland Animal Services had nearly 20, with several bonded pairs or throuples, listed on its website. (https://www.oaklandanimalservices.org/adopt/rabbits/)

“They end up at city or municipal shelters because they are mandated to take in rabbits and anything else,” said Berman.

SaveABunny works with roughly 40 shelters around Northern California that house rabbits and, to date, the nonprofit has rescued more than 5,000 rabbits. A main focus for SaveABunny is caring for those rabbits suffering from trauma, abuse, or neglect, said Berman.

“We do have our share of cute, adoptable rabbits. It is not like all are injured or anything,” she said. “We do prefer to help the ones people might initially walk by and not want to take.”

What most people don’t realize is even rabbits who have suffered can make great pets, stressed Berman.

“They have such an amazing resiliency and amazing grace about them,” she said. “The ones who have had the hardest luck and hardest time often are the most sweetest and most grateful. It is pretty amazing to see.”

Via its website and social media presence, SaveABunny has attracted followers from across the globe. Berman, who had a career in corporate advertising and marketing in New York before moving to the Golden State, posts videos, photos, and updates about her furry herd.

“I never expected these rabbits to be connecting people all over the world. It is what I really enjoy the most,” she said. “Rabbits are very sentient, conscious beings but really misunderstood.”

Many people have written to say the rabbits have helped them deal with their own trauma or depression, said Berman.

“Seeing this little tiny being in such a fullness of life, they enjoy their lives so much,” she said. “They overcome what seems to be impossible. That really helps people feel hopeful, especially during dark times.”

Rabbits are curious creatures who are at once loving and mischievous, noted Berman. When spayed or neutered, they calm down somewhat like cats and dogs, she added, but can still be naughty at times and provide a ton of laughs.

“I think they bring out a part of people that is very innocent and very young, back before all of us lost our childlike wonder,” said Berman, who usually has 10 rabbits she personally cares for at home.

Berman operates the nonprofit near Mill Valley, where she lives in an unincorporated part of Marin County. She bought her 2,500 square foot home in 2003 and set aside 1,500 square feet for the rabbits SaveABunny cares for and puts up for adoption.

“If anyone wants to buy us a building, we would be thrilled,” said Berman.

When the B.A.R. spoke with Berman in May, she had 50 rabbits in the care of the nonprofit and its team of people who foster the animals until they can be placed in forever homes. More volunteers were being recruited, as she was trying to take upward of 15 rabbits from a Bay Area shelter that was in need of adopting out a total of 91 in its facility.

“They won’t call it the euthanasia list. They will say they have to make tough decisions soon,” explained Berman when asked if the rabbits would be put down if they couldn’t be rescued.

A June 13 post on its Facebook page (https://www.facebook.com/SaveABunny) announced the arrival of nine new rabbits and included a plea for help from individuals who could foster them this summer with the link to fill out an application.

“SaveABunny is rescuing as many bunnies as possible from completely full county shelters and we’re bursting at the seams. We could really use help from people willing to foster a bunny for a couple weeks this summer, all supplies provided,” noted the nonprofit.

They make for the best city companions, contended Berman.

“They don’t need to be outside, and they shouldn’t be,” she told the B.A.R. “You don’t have to walk them in the middle of the night. They are quiet, clean, and funny. They are really good urban pets.” t

For more information about SaveABunny and the rabbits it has for adoption, visit its website at https://saveabunny.org/.

Tria Connell sits with her lionhead rabbits, Wafer, Nilla, and Krinkle, all available for adoption, and the stuffed rabbits she makes as a fundraiser for SaveABunny.

Rick Gerharter

A plush bunny made by Tria Connell to benefit SaveABunny.

Courtesy Tria Connell

A colorful plush bunny that Tria Connell made to benefit SaveABunny.

Courtesy Tria Connell

Palm Springs is a draw for summer tourists

by Ed Walsh

P

alm Springs is growing in popularity as a summer destination. But the desert city still offers deals on hotel stays, and you probably won’t have to wait at your favorite restaurant.

The Greater Palm Springs area has 12 gay resorts, more than any other place on the planet, and the demand, even over the summer, has never been stronger.

“We are busier than ever,” said Michael Green, who along with his husband, Stephen Boyd, owns the Triangle Inn, a gay clothing-optional Mid-century modern gem that attracts a very loyal following.

“We could use more hotels,” Green added. “The demand for gay hotels is bigger than the supply.”

All the gay resorts are geared to gay men and are clothing optional. The resorts also use misters that make sunbathing tolerable in 100plus degree heat. All the gay hotels also keep their pools open 24 hours, so you can swim at night when it is still warm and don’t have to worry about getting sunburned.

Newest resorts

The newest gay resorts in Palm Springs are Twin Palms and Descanso. Both are known for luxury amenities, including complimentary breakfast and lunch, and a canteen with free soft drinks, coffee, and snacks that is open 24 hours. Those resorts offer complimentary afternoon wine served poolside.

The resorts have the same owners as Santiago, which also is known for

its high level of service. Twin Palms and Descanso are offering summer specials of $195 per night. By the way, Twin Palms, Descanso, and Santiago charge a daily resort fee of $16. Several other resorts, including Triangle Inn, do not charge any extra fees. But starting July 1, when the anti-junk fee law Senate Bill 478 goes into effect, all hotels in California have to include the resort fee in their advertised prices. Hotels participating in the Greater Palm Springs’ “Summer Splash” discounts can be found at www.authenticpalmsprings.com and, in a few days, that advertised price must include extra fees.

Attractions

Palm Springs has two sunsets. The first sunset is when the sun goes below the mountains to the west, shading the city. That happens about an hour before the actual sunset. The extended twilight makes an early evening summer stroll tolerable.

The Palm Springs Village Fest street festival runs from 7 to 10 p.m. every Thursday on the city’s main drag, Palm Canyon Drive. You can combine that with a trip first to the Palm Springs Art Museum, which is free on Thursdays from 5 to 8 p.m.

The museum includes an exhibit room on the first floor entitled “To Move Toward the Lim its of Living.” The museum says the exhibit takes its title from novelist Larry Mitchell, who wrote about LGBTQ+ communities

living “between revolutions” in the 1970s. Featured artists include San Francisco porn icon Peter Berlin, Ruth Bernhard, Jim Isermann, Bob Mizer, Catherine Opie, John Sonsini, and Andy Warhol.

Palm Springs’ newest museum is well worth seeing and is a good way to spend a hot afternoon after you get tired of the pool. The Agua Caliente Cultural Museum opened in November. Admission is just $10 or $5 for those 65 and older.

Before you enter the main museum, you will be ushered into a 360-degree view theater where the story of the Native Americans who first called the Greater Palm Springs Area home is shown. Exhibits in the main museum show the struggles and victories of the Native Americans before and after their home was first discovered by Spanish explorers in the early 1700s.

The Spa at Séc-he is next door and opened in April 2023. It has already earned a reputation for one of the best spas in the country. The modern facility is best known for its private mineral baths. The spa boasts that the mineral bath waters are being brought aboveground for the first time in 12,000 years. The spa and museum are owned by the Agua Caliente Band of Cahuilla Indians.

One outdoor attraction that gets even more popular in the summer is the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway. It is a mustdo attraction. The temperature at the Mt. San Jacinto summit is about 40

degrees cooler than the city. You can enjoy a 70-degree weather hike at the top of the mountain while the city may be 110 degrees. Tickets for the 10-minute ride to the top are $30.95 round trip. After 4 p.m., and for an extra $10, you can also dine at the Pines Cafe restaurant at the summit.

Palm Springs Surf Club is the city’s newest mega-attraction. It used to be Wet and Wild, but the new owners expanded and refurbished the property to include a wave pool. Since that pool’s opening January 1, the mechanism that makes the waves has worked only intermittently and, as of this writing, it was waveless. But the waterslides and lazy river are running as usual. The property also has a spacious restaurant, Amala, where you can enjoy a meal or a drink with a view of the fun.

Nightlife

Most of the LGBTQ nightlife in Palm Springs is clustered in the Arenas District on E. Arenas Road in downtown Palm Springs, two blocks east of Palm Canyon Drive. That is where you will find the video bar Quadz, Chill Bar, Dick’s on Arenas, BlackBook, Streetbar, The Evening Citizen, Hunters, and Tryst, which is around the corner on Indian Canyon Drive.

The Arenas District regularly hosts a number of community events and block parties. Most recently it held the Big Gay BBQ, a fundraiser June 7-8 to help keep Pride events free. Palm Springs Pride this year is October 31-November 3.

There are no full time lesbian bars in Palm Springs, but Hunters has lesbian night once a month on a Thursday and the establishment is always women-friendly. On the north end of town, Toucans Tiki Lounge is known for its drag shows and is also popular with women.

The other Palm Springs mainstay is the Tool Shed, south of downtown on Sunny Dunes Road, next to the gay shops Q-Trading Co. and Gear.

Tool Shed now has a permanent large backyard patio after it decided to make its temporary COVID patio permanent. One of its most popular events is underwear night on Thursdays. The sex club 541 is around the corner from Tool Shed on 541 Industrial and is open Thursdays through Sundays.

The gay nightlife scene used to be centered in Cathedral City, the city next to Palm Springs, but, in the 1990s, more and more gay bars opened in Palm Springs while bars closed in Cathedral City. There are three popular gay bars in Cathedral City that tend to draw a higher ratio of locals to tourists than the Palm Springs bars.

The Levi and Leather themed Barracks is similar to the Tool Shed and equally as popular. Its underwear night is on Wednesdays. It’s on Palm Canyon Drive but, even with GPS, it is hard to find because it is kind of hidden behind the Arco station. Farther down Palm Canyon Drive, you will find One Eleven Bar, a popular piano and drag-show club. Runway is a popular restaurant and bar that is part of the CCBC gay resort. But you can check out the restaurant and bar without having to buy a day pass to the resort. By the way, CCBC and the Canyon Club Hotel in Palm Springs are the gay resorts that offer day passes. Sadly, Amp sports bar closed last summer, but the bar Roost, just around the corner, is going strong.

Eating out

One of the newest restaurants in Palm Springs is also one of the best. Alice B. Restaurant is named for Alice B. Toklas, who was Gertrude Stein’s partner and an author in her own right. She wrote a cookbook that includes personal anecdotes along with recipes. The restaurant is a creation of James Beard and Julia Child award-winning chefs Susan Feniger and Mary Sue Milliken. Feniger is a lesbian and, after she realized she preferred women, in 1984 introduced Milliken to her ex-husband, Josh Schweitzer. They hit it off immediately, married, and have been together for 40 years. Alice B. is part of Living Out, a luxury resort-style apartment complex for active LGBTQ adults 55 and older that opened late last year, as the Bay Area Reporter previously reported.

Another new restaurant, Canopy Wine Lounge, opened in downtown Palm Springs in December. It includes a wide selection of wines from all over the world. It is a perfect stop to enjoy a bite and vino while checking out downtown.

Like most places with a large LGBTQ population, Palm Springs is very dog-friendly, and one restaurant takes its canine appreciation to a new level. Boozehounds is on the north end of town, across from Toucans Tiki Lounge. Dog owners can treat their pets on the back patio, selecting from the restaurant’s canine menu, while inside, people without pooches can enjoy delicious food with a mountain view. t

For more information, check out the Greater Palm Springs official website at VisitGreaterPalmSprings.com. (https://www. visitgreaterpalmsprings.com/) It includes an LGBTQ section that has links to all 12 gay resorts.

Jacquelyn James, left, and Melissa Lieperman volunteered at the Big Gay BBQ benefit for Palm Springs Pride June 7.

Ed Walsh

The pool at Santiago Resort is a welcome amenity for guests.

Ed Walsh

The Agua Caliente Cultural Museum opened last December and has exhibits on the struggles and the victories of Native Americans before and after their home was first discovered by Spanish explorers in the early 1700s.

Ed Walsh

Equity. Respect. Pride.

San Francisco Police Officers in solidarity with our LGBTQ community.

Congratulations on the 2024 San Francisco LGBTQ Pride celebration and the Bay Area Reporter’s annual Pride edition.

SAN FRANCISCO POLICE OFFICERS ASSOCIATION

North Bay Latine nonprofit embraces diversity

by Lois Pearlman

W

hen Lisa Carreno attended her first meeting of the organization that was to become Los Cien, she knew that, as a Cuban American in an organization devoted to empowering Latines, she belonged.

“When I went to my first meeting, it felt like I was walking into a space where I was very much at home for the first time in a long time,” she recalled.

Born and raised in the Ybor City neighborhood of Tampa, Florida, Carreno, 60, is not only Latina but also a lesbian, and has never felt the need to hide her identity at Los Cien, which in English means The Hundred.

Ramon Meraz, born in Chihuahua, Mexico, has been attending Los Cien events since he moved to Sonoma County, and two years ago joined the board of directors. He said that as a gay man, he has always felt welcome there. But in those early years he kept urging Los Cien to advocate for other LGBTQ+ Latinos, because they “had no voice.”

“I used to be the trouble maker,” Meraz, 54, said with a measure of pride. “I was angry that they wouldn’t recognize that we are part of the Latino community.”

Now, in the 16 years since Guerneville Realtor Herman J. Hernandez first called together a group of Latine friends to request inclusion in a Santa Rosa charter review, Los Cien is not only encouraging participation by Latine LGBTQ+ people but is also building bridges with all marginalized communities.

Of the four special events Los Cien organized this year – in addition to its monthly convenings –three were devoted to farmworkers, youth, and environmental justice, and the fourth to LGBTQIA+ trailblazers.

Held May 10, shortly before Sonoma County began to celebrate Pride Month, the LGBTQ+ forum included Angélica Garcia, president of Santa Rosa Junior College; Christopher Mahurin, the first openly gay Santa Rosa Police officer promoted to lieutenant; Sonoma County Superior Court Judge Kinna Patel Crocker; Sonoma County Office of Education Superintendent Amie Carter, Ph.D.; Sonoma County Pride Vice President Grace Villafuerte; and Rohnert Park Pride founder Rowan Gomez.

Garcia, who identifies as pansexual, is the first woman, first Latina, and first LGBTQ person to head up the junior college. She previously served as president of Berkeley City College, which is part of the Peralta Community College District in the East Bay, as the Bay Area Reporter previously reported. Carter, a gay married mother, is the first LGBTQ person and first woman in 100 years to run the county’s school system, and was unopposed when she was elected, as the B.A.R.

Pride From page 1

The Latin stage is being produced by gay Oakland LGBTQ club owner Valentino Carrillo and Club Papi Parties.

“Valentino Presents and Club Papi are excited to invite you out to the Don Julio Latin Stage at The Steamworks Pavilion at San Francisco Pride this year with special guest Mariana Seoane,” Carrillo told the B.A.R.

Seoane is a Mexican actress, model and singer.

“The tradition continues at Pride’s hottest stage, keeping you dancing all day long,” Carrillo touted. “We have an amazing weekend lineup of parties for you to check out.”

noted. (https://www.ebar.com/story. php?ch=news&id=318291) Crocker, a lesbian of East Indian ancestry, was appointed to the bench last year, as the B.A.R. reported, (https://www. ebar.com/story.and won election to her judicial seat in the March primary.

In addition to the forum, Los Cien sponsored “Pride Fiesta Al Cien,” a dance party and fundraiser that was held May 31, the evening before the Santa Rosa Pride Parade.

Eighty percent of the proceeds went to the LGBTQIA+ therapy fund for non-English-speaking immigrants who are facing sexual orientation or gender identity issues.

“We raised even more money than last year,” said Meraz, who suggested the first Pride Fiesta last year as a way to connect the two communities, and have fun doing it.

New era

It is definitely a new era for Los Cien, or more correctly, a big growth spurt, and much of the credit belongs to the organization’s young, new director, Herman G. Hernandez, 38. He attributes some of this sensitivity to growing up in Guerneville. He is Herman J. Hernandez’s son and identifies as a straight ally.

Los Cien’s budget for this year is set at $500,000 to $800,000. And $125,000 of that pays for Herman G. Hernandez’s salary.

“Living in a hate-free community like Guerneville inspires openmindedness and a recognition of the interconnectedness of individuals and communities,” the younger Hernandez said, also admitting that it was difficult to grow up as a Latino in what was at that time a mostly white town.

While Guerneville has declared itself a hate-free community, there have been anti-LGBTQ incidents in the past. The B.A.R. covered the theft of a Pride flag from the Guerneville Plaza flagpole several years ago. In that 2018 case, Vincent Joseph O’Sullivan was sentenced

Community grand marshals

The parade features several other grand marshals. For community grand marshals, musician and vocalist Tory Teasley was the public choice.

Teasley told the B.A.R. that “to become a beacon of love, one must be willing to be visible, inspiring others to be their authentic selves.”

“As a Black trans woman, embracing joy and practicing radical love is my form of protest – my riot,” Teasley continued. “This intrinsic part of me is untouchable and indestructible. And as a singer, my voice will not be silenced. I will speak out for my community and stand against patriarchal conditioning and colonial oppression. I will always do this with love.”

The organizational grand marshal is

to 36 months probation and 100 hours of community service. Stuart Wilkinson works at the Guerneville Library.

“I feel very grateful to be working for this library. Guerneville is one of the most accepting communities in the world,” said Wilkinson, who’s in his 20s.

Wilkinson came moved from New Jersey and lives in Rio Nido.

When the younger Hernandez applied for the executive director position at Los Cien, he told the interview committee that he “wanted to use the platform to uplift other marginalized communities,” and they apparently thought that was a good idea.

Los Cien began, like many grassroots efforts, as a forum for empowering its own people, the growing Latine community that constitutes about one third of Sonoma County’s population. After the elder Hernandez, known affectionately as Herman J., convened a group of Latine leaders and businesspeople to meet with Santa Rosa officials, they decided to continue getting together. When Carreno joined the group in 2008, it was still meeting in the backroom of the former Mary’s Pizza Shack in downtown Santa Rosa.

The following year it became apparent that the organization needed to incorporate in order to further its work, which led Carreno to thinking about the organization 100 Black Men, and also the name of the Tampa Neighborhood where her mother grew up, Los Cien. In Tampa, Los Cien refers to the 100 homes built for Cuban cigar makers some 140 years ago. But for Carreno, it fostered the idea that if 100 people donated $100 each then the fledgling organization could pay for its incorporation.

As the new nonprofit evolved, it continued its mission of uplifting the Latine community by inviting influential county leaders, including non-Latinos, to attend events and become members, which now num-

the nonprofit Children’s After School Arts, or CASA.

Leslie Einhorn, founder and executive director of CASA, told the B.A.R., “I started CASA over 25 years ago after being fired from a teaching job for being gay. Since then, CASA has served as a safe space for LGBTQ+ educators and artists and a nurturing environment where San Francisco kids can express themselves through art and creativity.”

“CASA is thrilled, delighted, and bursting with pride to be serving as a community grand marshal! We are deeply honored to be joining the ranks of 30+ years of past marshals who are the artists, activists and policymakers who have made this city so fabulously queer,”

ber over 350. As a result, Los Cien has become a force in the county, now employing three staff members and believing it has the capacity to expand its advocacy to other groups, including Asian Pacific Islanders and the LGBTQ+ community.

It is both this larger vision, and the strong foundation, that has attracted several non-Latinx new board members, four of them LGBTQ+. With Meraz and Carreno, they now comprise one-third of the Los Cien board.

“Having attended a lot of their events over the years, I was impressed with their success and strategies, and their evolving nature, with their ability to get people to the table,” said Angie Dillon-Shore, who, at 60, is the oldest of the new LGBTQ+ board recruits and identifies as lesbian and queer.

Dillon-Shore lives in Guerneville with her wife and their three French bulldogs, and is the executive director of First 5, an organization that provides services for children from birth to kindergarten age.

As for her involvement with Los Cien, Dillon-Shore said, “What I want to see happen is not only to build bridges with community leaders, but to hold them accountable.”

This sentiment was generally echoed by the three other new out board members, Chase Overholt, 25, who is the development director for Positive Images, a nonprofit that supports LGBTQ+ youth; Lindsey Rose Burcina, the youngest at 24; and Bay Jones, 54, a longtime teacher and university professor.

Overholt, who identifies as queer and nonbinary, was both hopeful and concerned about the possible growing pains Los Cien faces as it moves forward.

“I worry about getting caught in pleasing everyone and not ruffling any feathers,” Overholt said.

“I believe we are looking at a time of change and I hope Los Cien will be part of that change. Let’s take the next step.”

And Overholt added, “I am already seeing change in Los Cien, just based on the makeup of the board.”

Burcina, who identifies as a lesbian, said she began attending Los Cien events with her mentor, John Mutz, who ran unsuccessfully for Sonoma County Sheriff in 2018 as a police reformer. When Mutz realized how much Burcina was aligned with Los Cien’s goals, he encouraged her to apply for a board opening.

“It was similar to the work I was doing at school, bridging the gap between Elsie Allen High School and the community,” said Burcina, who is of mixed Japanese and Croatian descent. She remarked that Elsie Allen was seen as a ghetto school because of its mostly Latine population.

Jones, who is the lone Black member of the board, said Los Cien asked her to apply for the diversity she brings, but, “They did not do me a favor by asking me to take a seat. They need me at the table.” She identifies as a Black cisgender woman, gay parent, and spouse.

She and her Latina wife have two sons who they are raising to be bilingual and bicultural.

“I believe Los Cien has done a very good job of bringing awareness about the Latinx community,” Jones concluded. “And there is potential to do deeper work about the oppressive conditions experienced by other communities, and take a stand.”

Dillon-Shore noted, “This is going to require us to be courageous and bold, to have the difficult conversations.”

To which Meraz responded, “It’s up to the members where it goes. Los Cien is a membership-driven organization. It is up to the new generation to take us to a new level. And I hope somebody seeing this article will want to join us.” t

For more information about Los Cien, visit loscien.org.

Lisa Carreno has long been involved with Los Cien in Sonoma County.

Courtesy Lisa Carreno Ramon Meraz now serves on the board of Los Cien.

Courtesy Ramon Meraz

Staff from Alaska Airlines marched in last year’s San Francisco Pride parade.

Rick Gerharter

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“I think anyone, regardless of their financial circumstances, should have access to dedicated financial support. Money impacts all of us. It is incredibly powerful in terms of deciding where we get to live, what we have access to, how we get to influence the systems that impact us directly,” she added.

Through their firm, Carden also seeks to connect with organizations that have a comparable vested interest in equity and social justice and that serve the specific populations that Carden’s passionate about. They’ve partnered with Robinhood, a financial services company headquartered in Menlo Park, leading retirement workshops throughout the country for members of U.S. Black Chambers Inc., an organization that supports Black businesses.

“It’s been a great opportunity to work with an organization that’s putting an in-

vestment into supporting communities that overlap very heavily with populations that I want to serve,” they said.

Robinhood and USBC did not respond to requests for comments.

According to Carden, for underserved communities to build wealth and affect change, it starts at the individual level – a person making the conscious decision to reach out for financial assistance.

“For folks who are thinking about, ‘Is a financial planner for me?’ I would encourage them to please reach out to someone like myself or someone else to see what kinds of resources you can get access to. … And when choosing someone to work with, work with someone who explains things to you in a way you understand and who makes you feel seen and heard,” they said.

“If you end up with someone who doesn’t do those things, please feel free to move on because there are lots of people out there who are ready and willing to serve you in a way that you deserve to be served,” she added.

Femily (aka Emily Meghan Morrow Howe), a gender/equity adviser in Silicon Valley, was more than impressed with Carden’s services.

She had hired Carden to conduct a beginner-level tax and business workshop as part of her “Future Thought Leader” program for LGBTQIA+ and feminist entrepreneurs.

“Her expertise and joy shone through and my clients were thrilled to finally get tax/money insights in super-accessible language. Kerrie is a wiz at tailoring her expertise for marginalized entrepreneurs who have been frequently excluded from critical money and business conversations,” wrote Femily, a queer femme, in an email to B.A.R.

Other clients of Carden, such as Faylís Chan, the senior project manager of brand design at Salesforce, hold her in high regard.

“Kerrie leads each session with empathy and actively listens to each client, asking detailed questions to fully grasp what our unique needs are. Some career

t << Pride 2024

coaches are cold, rushed and demanding, but Kerrie provides the space and encouragement necessary to get to the root of what her clients need. Together, goals, growth areas, and next steps are outlined and shared along with resources Kerrie provides to help us reach our targets,” wrote Chan, an LGBTQ ally, in a LinkedIn message to B.A.R.

Elizabeth Gulino, a freelance writer based in New York who had a few sessions with Carden, also conveyed positive sentiments about Carden’s clientconsiderate approach.

“She’s incredibly kind and thoughtful, and I could also tell that she knows what she’s talking about. She’s able to convey a lot of valuable information in a short session, and it was easy to understand – I never felt judged or nervous asking questions because I felt safe sharing information with her,” Gulino, and LGBTQ ally, wrote in an email. “I’d definitely reach out to her again if I needed her services or just wanted to interview an expert for a future finance story.”

Carden’s investment in community extends beyond her firm: she’s a member of the Clipper City CrossFit gym in Baltimore, completing WODs, i.e. workouts of the day, with fellow Clipper City CrossFitters. (Carden’s also a certified CrossFit coach, to boot.) This month, they participated in Baltimore’s Pride parade, using a harness and sheer physical strength to steer a vehicle along the parade route. It’s a feat they pull (off) every year.

“That is one of my hands-down favorite traditions,” she said, adding that people who attended the June 15 Baltimore Pride parade saw Carden and members of her gym “pulling that car.”  t For more information about Equip Advisory, go to equipadvisory.com. This story is part of the Digital Equity Local Voices Fellowship lab through News is Out. The lab initiative is made possible with support from Comcast NBCUniversal.

8 was unconstitutional, and same-sex marriage became legal in the Golden State in June 2013, two years before the high court’s Obergefell v. Hodges ruling that legalized same-sex marriage nationwide.

<< Young adults

From page 13

really meaningful and special as we learn about it more. … It really hit me because I was a kid, I was a teenager, and it made me realize it’s OK to question things in the Bible and look for context and dive into it to better understand it.”

High came out as trans publicly at age 18, and found out about Beloved Arise from TikTok. He writes letters to people who request them and who want to seek affirmation in their religious and LGBTQ identities. People interested in receiving one can fill out a Google Form at https://tinyurl.com/hudakc2s.

High said he’s written over 100 letters.

“People don’t recognize the harm they’re doing,” High said. “The last thing Christ would want would be to push someone away from God.”

When asked if he had anything he

Einhorn continued. “We are delighted to parade in honor of our queer San Francisco ancestors and San Francisco families – here in the city where Harvey Milk helped to defeat the Briggs initiative. We will be marching in honor of queer liberation and liberation for all children and families.”

(The Briggs initiative would have banned gays and lesbians from teaching in public schools. It was defeated by California voters in 1978.)

The members of SF Pride selected Nicole Adler, a developmental disabilities and LGBTQ communities advocate, as a grand marshal, and the committee’s board of directors rounded out the community grand marshals with the selections of Rebecca Rolfe, a lesbian who’s the longtime executive director of the San Francisco LGBT Community Center; nonbinary queer activist Xander Briere; and Xavier Davenport, a trans masculine community leader.

Rolfe told the B.A.R., “I am incredibly grateful for this recognition and proud to be a part of San Francisco Pride’s vibrant legacy. In these extraordinary times, seeking, creating, and celebrating joy remains a powerful act of solidarity.”

“With the ongoing barrage of attacks against LGBTQ+ rights nationwide, it is also crucial for places like San Francisco, which is seen as a beacon for LGBTQ+ folks, to strengthen its support for our communities further through initiatives like becoming a sanctuary city for

“I think it’s pretty obvious I’m supportive of the idea,” Mangers said, referring to the November ballot measure. “I think it’s totally appropriate we expire that law and make it abundantly clear, in this state, you can love who you love.”

Sestak, 62, said he’s known Mangers for 38 years.

“He’s been at the right place at the

This November, California voters will decide on a ballot measure to remove the “zombie” Prop 8 language from the state constitution

wanted to add, High said that he wanted to include a verse from the First Epistle of St. John 4:7: “Dear friends, let us love one another, for love comes from God. Everyone who loves has been born of God and knows God.”

“No matter who you love, God calls us to love one another,” High added. “And they are welcome into God’s kingdom.”

Lanes Miller: ‘If he made me in his image, I’m perfectly me’

Lanes Miller, a 21-year-old nonbinary, queer, pansexual person is originally from Orange County but now lives in Manhattan, where they are wrapping up their last year of school at Marymount Manhattan College.

Miller, no relation to Mia, told the B.A.R. that they found out about Beloved Arise from one of the youth pastors at their family’s California megachurch. Miller was also in the pilot

transgender, nonbinary, gender-nonconforming, and Two-Spirit people,” Rolfe continued. “We have witnessed the impact of this firsthand at the Center, as we continue to see violence in all its forms affect community members who walk in through our doors and with the increased demand for our services due to the influx of LGBTQ+ individuals migrating to San Francisco and fleeing hate-fueled violence all over the country.”

Adler told the B.A.R. that looking at prior grand marshals made her feel overwhelmed that she, too, will soon be among their ranks.

“When I see who went before me, I can’t believe it,” Adler stated. “It’s a true honor. I feel like I am getting the opportunity to make a difference. It allows me to have a global platform to spread my mission of creating a love revolution by promoting peace, equality and acceptance for all, which is perfectly aligned with the ‘Beacon of Love’ theme for this year’s Pride event. It’s a reminder that we can ALL be Beacons of Love, including LGBTQIA+ allies.

“I am taking real action to end the hate and ignite a human rights movement to put people first, always! It’s all about gaining global acceptance to allow ALL people the unequivocal right to love who they choose to love without judgment or discrimination,” Adler stated.

Briere and Davenport did not return requests for comment.

Other events

The Pride parade is not the only event marking the weekend. The San Francis-

right time to be pretty influential on the issues of the day,” Sestak said. “He’s been a convener, collaborator, and innovator, bringing people together to work on the societal issues of the day. He’d say ‘let’s solve this,’ rather than just push it down the road. His tenacity for truth and empowering people is pretty strong ... I’m pretty lucky to have been his life partner.”

The “gay godfather” moniker given him by the Sacramento News and Re-

mentorship program earlier this year.

“I love it,” Miller said. “I spoke with them [their mentor] a lot. We had regular check-ins about how it was going. I thought it was really grounding to have someone to meet with once a week. I really benefited from it because my mentor and I had very similar faith stories and faith journeys. I had the best time.”

Miller grew up in “a very conventional Christian megachurch in Southern California,” where they were working “for a number of years” and where they were “very heavily involved.”

“I distinctly remember thinking ‘I like girls,’ and everything we were taught, obviously, was ‘that’s not the way it works,’” Miller recalled. “So I was like ‘OK. I like girls, I like boys. If I just never think about it or do anything, I’ll be OK.’ Which of course is never how it works.”

When signing papers to be employed at the church, Miller had to sign a paper that

view in 2008 has stuck, though Mangers said, “I certainly don’t consider myself a godfather in any realm of my activity, but that’s how media handles things.”

Referring to the scene in the 1972 box office hit “The Godfather,” he joked, “I quickly went around assuring my friends they were unlikely to find a horse’s head in their bed, or any fatalities attributed to me.”

He has advice for the next generation

stated, “You cannot support or be part of the LGBTQ community in any way.”

“I had a friend at the time who had quit because she came out as a lesbian,” Miller recalled. “I was like ‘Shoot. I’m this far along. I’ve grown up with all these people I respect and admire and I signed the forms and thought ‘I guess nobody will find out that I’m gay.’”

But somehow, the church did find out.

“I got a call,” they said. “I was so scared and then I thought ‘I can’t do this anymore.’”

Miller quit the job and, after a couple of years, officially came out via social media.

“I posted it and didn’t look at my phone for five days,” they said. “Later, I started combing through things, and there were a lot of hurtful moments –people I’d been mentored by who no longer wanted anything to do with me.

But there was a whole secondary wave of encouragement and affirmation. I

co Trans March will make its way from Mission Dolores Park to the intersection of Turk and Taylor streets at 6 p.m. Friday, June 28, according to Niko Storment, a trans man who is the production manager of the march.

That intersection was where an August 1966 riot at Gene Compton’s Cafeteria, a diner frequented by LGBTQ people, was one of the first uprisings against police harassment by queer people, three years before Stonewall. (The exact date is lost to history.)

“In San Francisco, the transgender community stood up and fought police repression and brutality,” Storment said. “Though the world tells us we don’t matter a lot of the time, our voices are at the front of making these changes and catalyzing the next era.”

Storment said that from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. there’ll be an intergenerational luncheon at the Women’s Building, 3543 18th Street No. 8. Then from 2 to 6 p.m. there’ll be a resource fair at Dolores Park,

where trans people can get connected with HIV resources and gender-affirming care information. At 7:30, once the march has reached Turk and Taylor streets, there’ll be a rally with “some speakers who will empower us to go into the rest of Pride,” Storment said.

Finally, from 9 p.m. to 2 a.m., there’ll be an afterparty at the El Rio bar at 3158 Mission Street and the adjacent bar Mothership at 3152 Mission Street.

The San Francisco Dyke March also usually launches from Dolores Park on the Saturday afternoon before the Pride parade. But Dyke March representatives didn’t return a request for comment for this report, and the website’s information has not been updated since 2023.

Juanita MORE! will be hosting her annual Pride party, celebrating its 20th anniversary, June 30 at 620 Jones Street, from noon to 7 p.m.

“Each year, I have taken great pleasure in seeking out some of our community’s most impactful organizations as benefi-

of LGBTQ people as public acceptance backslides, with anti-LGBTQ laws such as prohibiting gender-affirming care for trans youth and book bans go forward in other parts of the country.

“It’s been 50-plus years since I’ve been a school board member, and we’re starting the same battles again,” he said. “It feels OK, it feels safe to be gay in the Sacramento area. I’m afraid it won’t always be the case. t

thought ‘Wait, no – I can do this.’”

Miller said the whole experience helped them to become closer to their faith and, they put it, “firmer in my beliefs.”

“I’m Christian and, biblically, ‘God knit you together in your mother’s womb,’” they said, quoting the 139th Psalm. “If he made me in his image, I’m perfectly me, and I think that helps me feel a lot better.”

Miller returns to the church when they are visiting home; they haven’t found a faith home in Manhattan though they “checked out a couple places.”

“I love Beloved Arise,” Miller said. “I cannot say enough kind things about them. I think they have really given me a place to call home, and I love that they get to do that for so many people.” t

For more information about Beloved Arise, go to belovedarise.org.

ciaries. The community has helped raise over $1 million for local charities by supporting events I have organized over the past three decades. I cannot thank everyone enough for all your contributions over those years,” MORE! stated.

“This year, I have chosen the LYRIC Center of LGBTQQ Youth (Lavender Youth Recreation and Information Center) in the San Francisco Bay Area as my annual Pride Party beneficiary. … I want to keep building our future by supporting our queer youth in their quest to carry on the legacy of our queer elders.”

LYRIC Executive Director Gael I. Lala-Chávez, who is nonbinary, told the B.A.R., “This opportunity couldn’t have come at a more crucial time for us at LYRIC. It’s almost as if Juanita MORE! heard our concerns in her dreams, as we were facing the possibility of substantial funding cuts due to the city budget deficit.”

As the B.A.R. previously reported, LYRIC was among several nonprofits serving LGBTQ youth facing budget cuts from the city.

“The funds raised from the Juanita MORE! Pride event will go straight to youth stipends, helping to sustain their livelihoods and ensuring they have the resources they need to thrive,” Lala-Chávez stated. “The support from the Juanita MORE! Pride event will be nothing short of a lifeline for LYRIC, ensuring that we can continue providing critical services to our community.”

“I cannot thank Juanita MORE! enough for selecting LYRIC as this year’s beneficiary,” Lala-Chavez concluded.

Tickets will be available at the door of the event for $75. t

Pride

From page 18

The team from Gilead Sciences marched with rainbow balloons in last year’s San Francisco Pride parade.

Rick Gerharter

Bonta defends decision in Banko Brown case

by Cynthia Laird

California Attorney General Rob Bonta on June 20 defended his office’s decision that found San Francisco District Attorney Brooke Jenkins did not abuse her discretion in deciding not to prosecute a former Walgreens security guard in the shooting of an unarmed trans man last year.

Bonta said that state Department of Justice investigators did “review all information available” in the case. That included the store video that showed Michael Earl-Wayne Anthony fatally shoot Banko Brown April 27, 2023, at the Walgreens located at 825 Market Street in downtown San Francisco.

Brown, 24, was killed after allegedly attempting to shoplift $15 worth of candy. Anthony, the security guard, was contracted by Walgreens through Kingdom Group. The Bay Area Reporter asked Bonta about his office’s decision regarding the case during a June 20 Zoom call with other LGBTQ journalists ahead of the release of his office’s second annual “State of Pride Report.”

Anthony had been arrested on suspicion of homicide but Jenkins declined to file charges because she claimed Anthony acted in self-defense. Her decision set off an uproar in the LGBTQ community and among local officials. The San Francisco Board of Supervisors asked federal and state officials to investigate. The U.S. Department of Justice deferred to the state attorney general’s office.

Earlier this month, the supervisors received a letter from Bonta’s office stating its investigation found Jenkins did not abuse her prosecutorial discretion, as the B.A.R. previously reported.

“A broad range of discretion rests in a DA,” Bonta said in response to the B.A.R.’s question. “Our standard is to look at that and [we] found no abuse of discretion.

“It’s important we have that role of oversight and review,” Bonta added.

Jenkins had issued a statement earlier this month in response to the letter, defending her decision not to charge in the case.

“Banko Brown’s death deeply impacted me and our city,” she stated. “While I wish this tragedy would have never happened in the first place, my office and I carefully reviewed all of the facts and evidence available and followed the law in making our decision to not charge the suspect in this case. We take our prosecutorial responsibilities seriously and recognize how important it is that we make decisions on facts, law and our col-

See page 38 >>

SFPD, Pride reassure celebration will be safe

by John Ferrannini

The potential for violence is a reality for Pride events across the world. As San Francisco prepares to welcome hundreds of thousands of visitors for the mammoth Pride parade Sunday, June 30, local law enforcement and SF Pride officials reassure that events will be safe.

Americans planning to attend Pride Month events this June are being asked to remain vigilant against possible terrorism, though no specific threats have been reported. The FBI and the U.S. Department of Homeland Security issued a warning about the celebrations May 10, as the Bay Area Reporter previously reported.

A week later the State Department released a travel advisory May 17, saying Americans abroad should stay alert in places that are popular with the LGBTQ community.

In recent years anti-LGBTQ organizations have attempted to disrupt Pride-related events, including in 2022 at the San Lorenzo Library in the East Bay that was presenting a drag story hour for children.

San Francisco Pride has experienced safety-related incidents the past two years. In 2022, people fled the Sunday celebration at Civic Center Plaza in terror, falsely believing a mass-casualty shooting had taken place and causing a stampede. Separately, there were physical fights, and someone sprayed pepper spray into the crowd.

The next year, as the B.A.R. reported, a man was arrested by the San Francisco Police Department for allegedly carrying a loaded, concealed firearm into the Pride celebration area.

The San Francisco LGBT Pride Celebration

Committee and the San Francisco Police Department both told the B.A.R. they have prepared for issues that may arise this weekend. They also are encouraging Pridegoers to stay safe.

SF Pride responded June 12 with a lengthy statement to the B.A.R.’s inquiries about the safety measures it was taking this year.

“To ensure a safe celebration throughout Pride weekend, we are working with local production agency, Silverback, along with Shaw Management Group to implement an extensive security plan developed in conjunction with numerous private

security firms and SFPD,” a spokesperson stated.  “In addition to the presence of law enforcement, we have partnered with a private security team that specializes in event security,” the spokesperson stated. “These professionals have undergone extensive training and are experienced in handling large-scale events like SF Pride. They will be stationed throughout the event area to provide a visible security presence and address any security concerns that may arise.”

See page 24 >>

LGBTQ bar reopening in SF’s beleaguered Financial District

by John Ferrannini

Ginger’s, the San Francisco Financial District’s only LGBTQ bar, is planning a grand reopening Pride weekend.

The space, at 86 Hardie Place, had been shuttered since the COVID pandemic in March 2020, according to Dana Marinelli, a lesbian who’d previously been general manager at the Oasis nightclub in the city’s South of Market neighborhood from 2021 till earlier this year, when she started at Future Bars.

The company owns a number of Financial District watering holes, including Nightingale (239 Kearny Street), Rickhouse (246 Kearny Street), and Pagan Idol (375 Bush Street). Marinelli said when she found out that Ginger’s was in Future Bars’ portfolio, “I made a passionate presentation to the board and they greenlit me to reopen it.”

Marinelli described it as “a huge passion project, and I couldn’t be happier.”

“I made my pitch, but it was a timing thing, really,” she said. “I didn’t want to let Pride go by.”

But the Pride weekend extravaganza doesn’t mean the bar will be open for regular hours come Monday, July 1, she said. The goal is to open on a regular basis “the third or fourth week of July,” with weekdays coming in August, Marinelli added. It was on weekday happy hours that the

bar drew office workers from the surrounding Financial District, home of San Francisco’s largest concentration of corporate headquarters and financial institutions.

“It’s the only queer-identified bar in the Financial District – so everyone feels a really special kind of way about Ginger’s, and it’s been a safe haven for the LGBTQ community within the FiDi,” Marinelli said.

Colorful history

There have been various incarnations of Ginger’s over the years – Ginger’s, Ginger’s Too, and Ginger’s Trois. The bar closed in 2008 at the Hardie Place location. It later reopened in the basement of the Rickhouse in 2017, as the Bay Area Reporter previously reported, and was also operated at the time by Future Bars.

Spectators along Market Street watched last year’s Pride parade.

Rick Gerharter

California Attorney General Rob Bonta unveiled his office’s second annual “State of Pride Report” Thursday and took questions from LGBTQ reporters on a Zoom call. AP file

The bar at Ginger’s will once again be serving cocktails starting Friday, June 28.

Courtesy Future Bars

People’s March struts down Polk St. with resistance << Pride 2024

by Max Guerrera

“Queer power!” was chanted by hundreds of marchers during this year’s fifth annual People’s March, Sunday, June 23. Organized by drag queen Juanita MORE! and drag king

Alex U. Inn, the event is an act of resistance that empowers the LGBTQ community to honor the roots of Pride.

Started in 2020 during the COVID pandemic, when the San Francisco Pride festivities were held virtually, this year’s People’s March took place a week earlier than in the past, as the Bay Area Reporter noted.

“We felt the need to bring Pride back to its origin in activism and protest,” said MORE!, who led from the front end of the march. “I want everyone to see what a beautiful community this is that I share. Walking down here, I loved when I saw someone run and join in the back of the parade. That was beautiful.”

The march began at Polk and Washington streets, where participants marched down to Polk and Sutter. Intersections were gated off by Dykes on Bikes Women’s Motorcycle Contingent, which guided traffic and eliminated the need for police participation at the event.

“This is a safe space, especially be-

<<

Celebration

From page 23

The spokesperson continued, “To further enhance safety, we have implemented a comprehensive bag check and screening process at the entry points of the event. This measure is designed to prevent the entry of any prohibited items and ensure the safety of all attendees. We encourage participants to review the bag policy and list of prohibited items ahead of time to facilitate a smooth entry process.”

The list of prohibited items on the committee’s website states, “We strongly discourage bringing BAGS of any kind into the Celebration!” but that bags will be allowed if they are “Totally clear plastic vinyl or PV and do not exceed 12” x 6” x 12.” (search for “clear stadium approved bags” but double check the measurements!)”

Small clutch bags and fanny packs will also be allowed, the website states.

The B.A.R. asked if everyone will be required to go through metal detectors and if all bags will be thoroughly

As B.A.R. columnist Michael Flanagan wrote in 2015, “Ginger’s Trois opened in December 1991. It was a favorite of the late B.A.R. columnist Sweet Lips [aka Richard Walters],  who would often call it ‘an inexpensive bar for people with money’ – which became the motto of the bar.”

Boosting downtown

The city has been seeking to boost the beleaguered downtown neighborhood. In recent decades, the city’s Pacific Stock Exchange – the so-called Wall Street of the West – closed in 2002, and tech firms preferred to set up shop in the newly developed South of Market.

But things really took a downturn in 2020 during the COVID pandemic. The streets, bereft of office workers then working from home, highlighted openair drug use and sales in the eyes of the public and the media. Combined with issues concerning car break-ins, and organized retail theft, businesses began an exodus. According to a report from the Institute of Governmental Studies released last year, downtown San Francisco ranked last among 62 North American cities in recovering from the pandemic.

The downtown downturn was blamed for the closure in June of another LGBTQ bar, Club OMG, at 43 Sixth Street, just south of Market Street, as the

cause we focus on Black, Brown, and Indigenous people,” Inn said. “That’s why there’s no police presence. We did this march all by ourselves, you saw no police, we took no capitalist money, you didn’t see any [corporate] banners flying around.”

The People’s March is directly funded through donations from individuals and a drag show fundraiser that took place at Music City on Bush Street after the march, organizers said. Inn estimated that between 400-500 people attended the march and its related activities.

Contingents brought attention to Palestinians in Gaza and the call for a permanent ceasefire in the HamasIsrael war. Israel’s war in the Gaza Strip started after Hamas, which governs the territory, killed 1,200 people last October 7 in the worst massacre of Jews since the Holocaust. Hamas since then has been holding Israelis hostage in Gaza.

Israel responded with an extensive bombing campaign in Gaza, and a ground invasion, which has led to the deaths of over 37,000 Palestinians, according to health authorities, Reuters reports .

The U.S. provides billions of dollars in military aid to Israel annually. The Biden administration has faced

searched, but did not hear back. The statement went on to discuss education and medical services.

“Similar to previous years, we’ve provided extensive training to our volunteers and staff members on safety protocols, emergency response procedures, and conflict de-escalation techniques. By empowering our team with the necessary knowledge and skills, we aim to ensure a swift and effective response to any unforeseen circumstances,” the statement continued.

“Medical services will be readily available throughout the event area, with trained medical personnel on standby to provide immediate assistance if needed,” the statement added.

“We have also coordinated with local hospitals and emergency services to ensure a swift and efficient response in case of any medical emergencies.”

SFPD gave the B.A.R. its own statement June 12.

“With large crowds expected, including guests from around the world, providing safety with respect for all is our number one priority. SFPD has

pressure from some Democrats and protesters to cut off that aid, or make it conditional on a ceasefire.

The ongoing war has roiled LGBTQ communities across the country and been the focus of contingents and protests at Pride events. Strong feelings

been working with our local, state, and federal law enforcement partners to ensure safety for all of our residents and guests. We are prepared to respond to emergencies and anything that will risk the safety to the public,” Officer Robert Rueca stated to the B.A.R.

“Our department will be staffed to handle all calls for service citywide and to provide adequate public safety staffing at Pride events throughout Pride Month,” Rueca added. “Our officers will be vigilant for unlawful or unsafe activity and will respond as appropriate. As with any large event, there are always safety concerns. Safety is everyone’s responsibility, including participants, organizers, security staff, and law enforcement.

“We ask for anyone who sees something suspicious to say something specific as it takes the entire community to participate in making these events safe,” Rueca stated.

Safety group offers tips Greg Carey, a gay man who is chair

B.A.R. previously reported.

City government has been trying to boost downtown, particularly the Financial District, by cutting red tape to allow for more housing and nightlife opportunities there. For example, voters passed Proposition C in March, which was billed by Mayor London Breed as an incentive for downtown developers to convert empty commercial space into residential use.

Last month, the Downtown SF Partnership, a community benefit district that stretches across the Financial District and the Jackson Square Historic District, announced the second Drag Me Downtown, a series of rotating drag pop-up shows at different venues each Thursday of Pride

Month, from 5 to 7 p.m., to help boost downtown businesses.

The final event takes place June 27 at One Market Restaurant at 1 Market Street.

“Initiatives like Drag Me Downtown are exactly the type of unique and collaborative efforts that will help us to make downtown a 24/7 destination,” Breed stated in a news release. “I want to thank the Downtown SF Partnership for bringing together some of the best that San Francisco has to offer: our fabulous drag artists and incredible small businesses coming together to support our city and our diverse communities.”

People interested in attending can pre-register for $10 at https://tinyurl. com/y8zsff46, though pre-registration

through the Polk Gulch neighborhood in the 1970s, as it was then a thriving LGBTQ district. Beginning in the 2000s, LGBTQ bars and businesses began shuttering their doors along Polk Street, though several nonprofits serving the LGBTQ community remain rooted there along with legacy gay establishments like the Cinch Saloon.

Although the People’s March thrives today due to its historical roots, it continues to create a new space for community every year.

“For me, this year Pride really is [important] because I’m still coming into myself and into my own identity. It’s been really nice to be in a crowd of people all embracing it,” said first time marcher, Scarlet B, who identifies as nonbinary and declined to give their last name.

The march ended at Fern Alley, where a music festival afterparty took place with food, drink, artists, and vendors.

on both sides of the Israel-Hamas war have landed the San Francisco LGBT Pride Celebration Committee in the middle, seemingly not pleasing anyone, as the B.A.R. reported in its June 20 issue. The city’s main Pride parade, set to take place Sunday, once marched

of Castro Community on Patrol, a volunteer safety group, recently discussed safety tips people can take when he presented two flyers for Castro merchants to hang in their windows.

The first – “B Safe 4 Pride” – contains “common sense things to make sure you’re not a victim of some opportunist who comes along,” Carey said.

Advice on the flyer includes not to “get wasted,” “go with friends,” “don’t leave anything unattended,” and, if “hooking up,” “snap a picture of them and send it to a trusted friend.”

The second flyer – which designates a business as a safe space to report hate crimes – states, “This location is a safe place for victims of hate crimes and harassment to call 911 and wait for police to arrive.” Businesses would have to agree to actually have employees do that if they want to hang the sign up.

“Every place with one of these is a place of safety,” Carey said. “People who see these in the windows can see that the community really cares about safety.”

isn’t required. People who pre-register will get Pride-themed swag.

Pride weekend fun

The weekend festivities at Ginger’s will begin Friday, June 28, at 6 p.m. with a blessing and ribbon cutting by the drag nun group the Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence. Afterward will be a party hosted by Miss Shugana and MaddDogg 20/20 of Shug-Dogg Productions, with special guests Kylie Minono, MGM Grande, Laundra Tyme, and Helixir Jynder Byntwell.  Miss Shugana and Madd-Dogg 20/20, the co-owners of Shug-Dogg Productions, gave a joint statement to

“One of my goals was that we got all these people together today, and now we’re going to celebrate,” said MORE!, proudly soaking in the love and liveliness on the streets in the aftermath of the event. “We’re going to continue to do the march; I hope that more people join us in celebrating this big family.”t

Protests possible at Pride

There’s also the potential for protests during the parade. As the B.A.R. previously reported, a number of proPalestinian groups are boycotting SF Pride this year, alleging the committee is complicit in the Israeli invasion of the Gaza Strip. For its part, the Pride committee has called for a ceasefire in the conflict and the release of the hostages being held by Hamas in Gaza.

In 2019, the parade was blocked by protesters for about an hour demonstrating against police and corporate participation. Misdemeanor charges against two protesters were dropped by then-district attorney Chesa Boudin the following year, as the B.A.R. reported.

SF Pride was not specific in plans the organization has to keep the parade moving in the event of street protests along the route.

“Although we cannot disclose specific details, there are plans in place to ensure the Parade proceeds regardless of disruptions,” the Pride spokesperson stated. t

the B.A.R.

“We can’t tell you how excited we were to hear that Ginger’s is reopening,” they stated. “We always loved that bar and the staff, so getting to host the opening party is a true honor.”

The following night will have a party hosted by Teresa Giudcoochie and Tony OMFG of Iconique featuring drag icons Raya Light, Suppositori Spelling, Bionka Simone, and Jota Mercury.

Finally, on Sunday, June 30, the day of the city’s LGBTQ Pride parade, Elsa Touche and Kiki Krunch will host a party at 2 p.m.

“I am so excited to perform on Pride Day itself on the grand reopening of one of San Francisco’s iconic gay bars,” Krunch, Miss GAPA 2023, stated to the B.A.R. “I am honored to be the first API transwoman gracing the stage of Ginger’s in its historical reopening.

“As reigning Miss GAPA, representing my community and helping uplift my culture is very important. I want ‘FiDi’ to witness API drag excellence,” Krunch added.

Marinelli said, “People are so excited” the bar is coming back.

“Because it’s FiDi, it’s an after-work spot, but because it’s an LGBTQ space, it’s really a respite for the queer people who work 9-5 in the FiDi,” she said.

People interested in applying to work at Gingers should email dana. marinelli@futurebars.com. t

An interior shot of Ginger’s, a historic LGBTQ bar reopening in San Francisco’s Financial District

Courtesy Future Bars

Dana Marinelli of Future Bars got the OK to reopen Ginger’s.

Courtesy Dana Marinelli

The People’s March took place June 23 and sought to bring Pride back to its roots of protest.

Max Guerrera

Volume 54, Number 26

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Dip in states’ equality is dangerous

Anew report from Out Leadership shows how conservatives’ ability to craft – and pass –anti-LGBTQ legislation has decreased equality in the U.S. The “2024 State LGBTQ+ Business Climate Index” measures each state’s record and laws on LGBTQ equality. As Todd G. Sears, founder and CEO of Out Leadership, wrote in the report’s introduction, for the second year in a row the average score has declined, as we noted in a recent article. For the third year running more states have become less friendly to LGBTQ Americans. Sears calls this “an incredibly dangerous trend.”

We agree.

“The United State economy thrives in a predictable business environment,” Sears explained. “But with each anti-LGBTQ+ policy, state leaders sacrifice concrete financial benefits for cheap political points. These laws arbitrarily involve policymakers in the affairs of private enterprises, preventing managers from placing the best employees in the right roles and undermining both consumer and investor confidence.”

More importantly, Sears noted that laws targeting LGBTQ youth, such as bans on gender-affirming care for transgender minors, impact whole families, forcing some to flee states – and leave behind their jobs – just to keep their children safe. This is appalling, as we know, and it turns out that it’s more than just LGBTQ people who are affected. Companies are impacted too.

gering. In doing so, they give license to MAGA enthusiasts to bully, threaten, and harass members of our community.

As polarization across the U.S. deepens, the report noted in its executive summary, those states that demonstrate hostility to LGBTQ rights “continue to jeopardize the LGBTQ+ community’s ability to live and work.”

And in a statement that should resonate with Republicans, which used to be the party of free enterprise but has transitioned to wanting to control people’s bodies (women, pregnant people, trans youth, drag artists, etc.), Sears noted that in enacting these discriminatory laws, state leaders are choosing risk over stability – an “attack on our freedom to raise families and build businesses without the fear of unnecessary government intrusion in our lives and work.”

It’s shameful that the GOP, especially its presumptive presidential nominee this November, former President Donald Trump, and his many sycophants have stooped to this level of fearmon-

The report measured five categories: legal and non-discrimination protections, youth and family support, political and religious attitudes, health access and safety, and work environment and employment. Unsurprisingly, low ranking states – Arkansas took the dubious prize with a score of 27 out of a possible 100 points – are terrible across all of these groupings.

The report’s scoring gave positive marks to pro-LGBTQ policies that provided protections or equal treatment. It gave negative scores for homophobic and transphobic laws or policies, and to instances where protections excluded the LGBTQ community.

Of particular concern to us is the fact that California, a state with some of the strongest LGBTQ protections in the country, failed to make the top 10, coming in at No. 11. (New York state was the highest, with 93.67 points.) California’s score of 86.67 points suggests that there is more work to do.

While Out Leadership’s report shows the Gold-

en State’s scores under the legal and non-discrimination category, as well as under youth and family support, increased slightly from 2023, we believe the overall score could also reflect conservative attitudes in parts of the state that have seen school boards adopt forced outing policies targeting trans and gender-nonconforming youth. A state court blocked one district from enforcing such a policy, while all such policies would be banned if a new state law by gay Assemblymember Chris Ward (DSan Diego) should his bill pass the Legislature and be signed by Governor Gavin Newsom. It’s clear that these policies have had a negative effect on LGBTQ people and their families.

“California’s comprehensive non-discrimination law protects LGBTQ+ people, so the state is already experiencing the positive economic impacts of such policies,” the report stated, adding that 5.3% of Californians self-identify as LGBTQ. “One estimate suggests that the state’s economy may have grown 3%, or $83.9 billion, thanks to its inclusive approach. That said, there’s still a gap between policy and culture, and organizations in California have a business imperative to ensure that LGBTQ+ people feel welcome in their workplaces.”

That gap is also reflected in the ongoing fight over Pride flags in the Golden State. Some cities and other jurisdictions (i.e., school districts) have banned flying them in this latest culture war skirmish. (Next week, in fact, voters in the small East Bay community of Sunol will decide on recalling two school board members who voted to adopt a policy that prohibits flying the Pride flag.)

Equality California, the statewide LGBTQ rights group, commented to us that the score shows there are “opportunities to improve.” We concur. To start, the Legislature needs to pass the pro-LGBTQ bills it is considering. Meanwhile, companies also need to step up, not down, like Target did with its diminished in-store Pride displays this year.

It is only when California business, political, and community leaders embrace the LGBTQ community – and all other communities – that the Golden State will thrive.t

Local Prides are building strength and resilience

by Eve Keller and Ron deHarte

Junewill soon be in the rear-view mirror, but what a time it’s been with the joy and celebration that accompanies Pride Month. In many cities and towns across the country, Pride season has been undertaken in earnest. This year’s Pride events – as they have been for many decades –will be another opportunity for local communities to unite, advocate, and create safe and affirming spaces in a world of new challenges and increasing hostility. This year will also provide opportunities for individual community members to get involved and give back.

The United States Association of Prides, or USA Prides, is a national network of organizations that produce LGBTQ+ Pride festivals, parades, rallies, marches, concerts, theater and arts programs, picnics, and more. Through our members and the opportunities we provide for networking, collaboration, and resource-sharing, we have witnessed the bravery and resilience of local Pride organizers all across the country.

The surge of anti-LGBTQ legislation sweeping across the U.S. over these past few years has instilled a new sense of urgency for communities large and small. Laws targeting LGBTQ+ youth, trans youth health care, affirming school environments, drag performers, and Pride organizations and their events have galvanized our community – and our community’s opponents – in ways not seen since the fight for marriage equality.

Local organizers have answered the call. Last year, some Pride organizers found themselves fighting censorship efforts and event permit denials in both conservative-leaning states like Tennessee and in more seemingly progressive states like Massachusetts. In other instances, organizers got creative, changing their event plans to comply with restrictive local rules or new legislation. In bigger cities unaffected by the wave of hostile legislation, Pride organizers pulled through with messages of strength and solidarity, reminding their local communities that the fight for equality, safety, and affirmation remains a nationwide priority.

Pride events are an essential haven of belonging and safety. They are community-wide celebrations in which some people may, for the

Ron deHarte, left, and Eve Keller are co-presidents of USA Prides.

very first time in their lives, find themselves surrounded with joy, love, and acceptance. We all remember our first Pride – the first time we, too, experienced that overwhelming freedom to live into our authentic and genuine selves. It is where many of us first found widespread connection and camaraderie, along with opportunities to give back and to serve. Pride events often serve as the common ground and single-largest op portunity each year through which local LGBTQ+ communities build their own networks of volunteers, supporters, and donors. USA Prides’ member organizations collectively attract more than 28 million event attendees annually. Pride organizations and the events they produce are a powerful engine of social change and community capacity building.

several years. Virtual gatherings could never provide the kinds of networking, education, and collaboration we witnessed this past January, when we held our second, in-person national gathering. There, USA Prides hosted more than 120 member organizations across 35 U.S. states and territories and offered opportunities for continued education and skills-building for fundraising and development, volunteer recruitment and engagement, and community-making.

In this critical time for our LGBTQ+ community, we challenge you to help spread this message of love, joy, and change in your own community and professional settings. Volunteer your time, talents, and resources to help grow Pride. If you need help, reach out! USA Prides and our network of organizers across the country stand ready to help you with networking, skills-sharing, and resources. If you’re in the position to do so, generously contribute to USA Prides and your local Pride organization so we can continue creating safe and affirming spaces for our community.

The power of Pride events – nearly all offered to the public with free admission – do not come without cost. From the largest in the country to the smallest in the most isolated rural areas, Pride events are always a significant financial and logistical undertaking. Pandemic-related economic challenges, including the cancellation of most Prides for a year or more, drastically impacted all Pride organizers. When many organizers were finally able to mount events again in 2022 or 2023, they faced wildly different financial circumstances, as costs rose for labor and supply-chain challenges meant increased costs for goods.

USA Prides closely followed the post-COVID experiences of local organizers. We, too, were affected by the pandemic, which forced us to push back plans for our first national conference by

At USA Prides, we believe that Pride events are more than just parades or parties. They are powerful forces for positive social change, safe places for belonging and affirmation, and opportunities that inspire advocacy and community action.

As we close out June, we ask you to be mindful of the many ways you can play a positive role in shaping our continued LGBTQ+ liberation movement. The moment that sparked a revolution in June 1969, commemorated in Pride events all across the country and the world, is still alive with us today. It is asking each of you to rise to the challenge, just as local Pride organizations and USA Prides members are doing each and every day. t

Eve Keller (she/her) and Ron deHarte (he/ him) are co-presidents of USA Prides, a national network of LGBTQ+ Pride organizations across the United States and its territories committed to collaboration, networking, resource-sharing, and education. DeHarte is also an elected member of the Palm Springs City Council. Learn more at usaprides.org.

Courtesy the subjects

The Pride flag flew under the U.S. and state flags at the Capitol in Sacramento.

Courtesy Governor’s office

Out East Bay leaders announce city council bids Dignity / San Francisco

by Matthew S. Bajko

Atrio of out East Bay leaders used Pride Month to announce their bids for city council seats in El Cerrito, Berkeley, and Concord.

Last fall, lesbian BART director Rebecca Saltzman announced she would not seek a fourth term this year. At the time, she said she had no plans to run for another office.

Then El Cerrito City Councilmember Paul Fadelli, a retired BART employee, informed her this spring that he would not run for reelection on the November 5 ballot. It meant one of the three City Council seats up this year would be open, as Councilmembers Lisa Motoyama and Tessa Rudnick currently serving as mayor, are running for reelection.

“I was not going to run against him,” Saltzman, a married mom, told the Bay Area Reporter in a brief phone interview June 20 after officially launching her council campaign that morning.

The Contra Costa County city elects its five council members citywide and not by district due to its small size. It has a population of roughly 26,000 and includes two BART stations that are part of Saltzman’s District 3 board seat for the regional public transit agency.

“That was originally the plan, not to run for anything this year when I decided not to run for BART board.

Almost immediately people asked if I would run for City Council,” said Saltzman, who is the development director for Bike East Bay.

One factor in her decision to mount a council bid is the city’s ongoing fiscal woes. The council is dealing with a budget deficit this year and in past years paid down its reserves to balance budgets, said Saltzman.

“The current council has been doing a really great job navigating that but still is not out of it,” said Saltzman, noting she has experience dealing with budget deficits on the BART board. “It is important there be a person with a lot of experience in how to deal with budget crises and deal with government, and that is something I bring to the table.”

A member of the Berkeley Police Accountability Board, Blackaby moved to North Berkeley in 2005 with his partner, Larry Huynh. They have two children enrolled in their local public elementary school.

“Our campaign is already off to a strong start. Over the past weeks, I’ve already personally knocked on 1200+ doors across the district, hosted meet & greets, and talked to hundreds of voters,” wrote Blackaby in a June 11 email to supporters. “We’ve raised more than $40,000 to fuel our outreach efforts. And we’re just getting started.”

It came as bisexual East Bay Municipal Utility District board member Andy Katz announced his own campaign for the council seat. Katz, who lost a state Assembly bid in 2013, has served on the EBMUD board since first winning election to it in 2006 and was not opposed when he sought his third and fourth terms.

Should she be elected, Saltzman would join the council’s two other out members, Gabe Quinto and Carolyn Wysinger, whose terms are not up until 2026 and have both endorsed Saltzman’s candidacy. It is believed the trio would comprise the first LGBTQ majority on a city council in the Bay Area.

Most certainly in the East Bay, noted Saltzman. In Southern California, West Hollywood and Palm Springs have seen queer majorities on their city councils.

Locally, “I think El Cerrito would be the first,” Saltzman told the B.A.R. Berkeley

In nearby Berkeley, the university town could also see three out councilmembers following this year’s general election. Along with the mayor, there are eight council people elected by district in the Alameda County city.

Recently elected District 7 City Councilmember Cecilia Lunaparra, the first queer woman of color on the council, isn’t up for reelection until 2026. Gay District 2 City Councilmember Terry Taplin is seeking a second four-year term in November.

Two out men are vying for the council’s open District 6 seat, as City Councilmember Susan Wengraf announced last summer she wouldn’t stand for another term. Married dad Brent Blackaby was the first candidate to launch a campaign account for the seat.

His Ward 4 seat covers the cities of Albany, Berkeley, and Emeryville, plus a portion of Oakland, in Alameda County, and the cities of El Cerrito and Kensington in Contra Costa County. Katz’s current term isn’t up until 2026.

“I don’t take this decision lightly, but now more than ever, with so many Councilmembers and senior staff leaving, Berkeley needs the experience I bring to the City Council,” wrote Katz, an environmental and workers’ rights attorney, in a June 13 email announcing his candidacy.

Taplin and Berkeley City Councilmember Ben Bartlett have endorsed both Katz and Blackaby.

Among Blackaby’s other endorsers are former U.S. senator Barbara Boxer (D), former state controller Betty Yee (D), state Treasurer Fiona Ma (D), and termed out Assemblymember Phil Ting (D-San Francisco). In 2026, Yee is running for governor and Ma is seeking the lieutenant governor’s office.

“With all the critical challenges facing our city, we need new leadership, fresh perspectives, and renewed enthusiasm to tackle our biggest

problems,” wrote Blackaby. “Especially at this time of transition for Berkeley – with a new mayor and 4 new councilmembers taking office this year – it’s more important than ever to bring stability, trust, and accountability to local government.”

Katz enters the race with endorsements also from outgoing Berkeley Mayor Jesse Arreguin, Berkeley City Councilmember Sophie Hahn, and Councilmember-elect Igor Tregub. Like Lunaparra, Tregub recently won a special election to fill the vacant District 4 seat.

“My priorities are District 6 priorities: better resilience for fire prevention, more affordable housing, smart approaches to public safety, bold climate leadership, repairing our aging infrastructure, and saving our hospital services,” noted Katz, who has served on a number of city commissions over the years.

Concord

Lastly, in Concord, Pablo Benavente is running for the District 4 seat on his city’s council and officially kicked off his campaign with a public event June 22. He previously came up short when he first ran for a council seat in the Contra Costa County city in 2016.

Since then, Benavente has served as a member of the Concord Parks and Open Space Commission. He also chaired the city’s Measure V Committee that now brings in about $30 million annually for road repairs in Concord.

And he married his husband, Simon Woods, with whom he has a newborn daughter and a puppy named Melvin. He went official with his 2024 council bid June 6.

“Having lived here for many years, I have seen firsthand the challenges and opportunities our city faces,” wrote Benavente, a government relations professional in the tech industry, in a Facebook post that Thursday. “I believe that with strong leadership, transparent governance, and active community involvement, we can create a future where every resident feels heard, valued, and empowered. I am eager to hear your thoughts, concerns, and ideas. Together, we can make Concord an even better place to live, work, and raise a family.” t

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Rebecca Saltzman, left, is running for El Cerrito City Council, while Pablo Benavente is seeking a seat on the Concord City Council.

Courtesy the candidates

Brent Blackaby, left, and Andy Katz are both running for the District 6 seat on the Berkeley City Council.

Courtesy the candidates

Dora Richter lived

by Gwendolyn Ann Smith

M y mantra for Pride 2024 is a simple one: Dora Richter lived.

I’m sure that many of my readers may not know who Richter is so let me give you a quick rundown of who she was and, more importantly, why she matters.

Richter was a German transgender woman born in Bohemia on April 16, 1892 – and she is the first known trans woman to have had gender reconstructive surgery at the very dawn of such procedures. Think of her when you hear people try to say that being trans is some very new thing.

Even as a young child, she had a tendency to present femininely, and even tried to remove her penis with a tourniquet when she was 6 years old.

In her 20s, she was working as a waiter or cook in Berlin, Germany, and presenting as male, but found herself arrested for the crime of cross-dressing outside of her work life. She was jailed, but a sympathetic judge got her released into the care of Dr. Magnus Hirschfeld at the Institut für Sexualwissenschaft (Institute of Sex Research).

It was through the institute that she was able to rebuild her life. Hirschfeld hired her as a cook. Even in Weimar Germany, finding work as a convicted trans person was difficult, so the institute became her place of employment.

In 1922, she had her first transrelated surgery, an orchidectomy. Nine years later, she would have a penectomy, followed by a vaginoplasty. With this – to the best of anyone’s knowledge – Richter became the first person to have gender reconstructive surgery in a modern sense.

You see, records from the institute are hard to come by. It was a target of an up-and-coming political movement in Germany in the 1920s and

1930s known as the National Socialist German Workers’ Party – or Nazis for short.

On May 6, 1933, the Deutsche Studentenschaft (German Student Union) and Nazi Sturmabteilung (Storm Troopers) raided the institute, looting and destroying much of its contents. Thousands of books, journals, and other materials were burned in the street outside of the facility.

It was believed that Richter also perished in those raids, either during them, or, perhaps, in custody after the ransacking. With the advent of World

War II, knowledge of Richter’s life was all but lost and forgotten.

But Richter lived.

In 2023, a researcher named Clara Hartmann was collecting information about forgotten trans figures and was following a lead on Richter. It appeared that Richter’s baptismal certificate in Czechoslovakia had been changed, with her birth name crossed out – and Dora Rudolfine Richter written in its place.

The key thing wasn’t the name change, as Richter had wanted to do this for many years – but the date was noteworthy. The certificate was up-

dated on January 28, 1946, less than a year after World War II ended.

At that time, what would have been Czechoslovakia – which had been claimed early in the war by Germany as the Sudetenland – was to be a new Soviet bloc country, and Germans would be expelled. Richter would, apparently, be one of these.

By May 1946, Richter would reside in Nuremberg, Germany. She would live there for an additional 20 years, finally passing away on April 26, 1966 in Allersberg, Germany. She was 74 years old.

In 2024, we can clearly see the shadow of fascism on the rise, just as Richter and many others saw a century ago in Germany. According to the anti-trans bill tracker at translegislation.com, (https://translegislation.com/) 602 anti-trans bills have been introduced in 43 U.S. states, and – to date – 42 of these have become law. Transgender people are treated as an “ideology,” and our rights are under continued attack.

All of these bills, of course, are building to the November election, and both the Republican Party and its presumed candidate, former President Donald J. Trump, have made anti-transgender animus a major focus of this year’s campaigns. Given that an authoritarian convicted felon who attempted to overthrow the peaceful transfer of power just a few short years ago has a 50-50 chance of retaking the White House, it’s unclear what will happen to trans rights in the coming months.

once-friendly companies and some politicians this year hasn’t helped with that feeling. There is a palpable pall this year, as if everyone is holding their breath, awaiting the worst of news.

This is why Richter matters, and why her having lived means something.

Richter saw the worst. She saw her friends killed or lost, and the place that not only gave her employment –but her gender-affirming care – looted and destroyed. She saw the doctor who treated her forced to live out his last days in exile. Her home in Berlin was destroyed in air raids during the war. Later, she survived the expulsion of Germans from what was then Czechoslovakia. Heck, she also survived the Spanish flu, World War I, and who knows what else. Richter should be remembered not only as the first transgender person to undergo modern gender reconstruction surgery but also should be seen as a symbol of our resistance. Against seemingly insurmountable odds, she survived. Even after everything she experienced.

There are people alive today who, according to Hartmann, remember Richter as an old woman in Allersberg who would care for a bird she would carry in her purse. She was, they say, often in a good mood. If Richter could live, then so can we. t

As a result, we are all on edge. Honestly, there are those who worry that the 2024 Pride season is our last. Certainly, the muted reaction of

Gwen Smith reminds everyone that transgender people have always existed and always will. You’ll find her at www.gwensmith.com

Transgender pioneer Dora Richter

Illustration: Christine Smith

Trans people show Pride from within Pride 2024>>

by Max Guerrera

As intuitive as gender expression can be, it’s often met with resistance from others.

Pride demonstrates liberation, empowering trans community members to own their most unapologetic selves. This celebration recognizes gender expression that must be fought for, trans people interviewed for this article pointed out. Not only to gain acceptance from the world, but from within.

“Self-love and self-acceptance for anybody is a process,” said Kelly Hansen, a trans nonbinary individual who’s the director at the San Francisco Department of Public Health’s Gender Health unit.

“I’d have a lot of experiences of just feeling like I was floating in a corner of the ceiling. There’s an odd feeling, kind of like an out of body experience,” said Hansen, 42, in an interview. “Some might call that dissociation, which I think is really common for trans people to feel dissociative.”

Hansen recalls knowing who they were from a very young age, but has faced obstacles when it comes to free expression. “The gender that I feel inside has always been that 5-year-old. I think a harder part for me is imposter syndrome,” they said.

Imposter syndrome is a behavioral health phenomenon that causes people to doubt their skills, accomplishments, or intelligence, even if they have the education, experience, or success to support them.

The trans community provides spaces for individuals to come together over their shared experiences, but as a nonbinary identifying person, it can be difficult to feel at home in these places, Hansen noted.

“It’s affected me by not feeling trans enough at times,” said Hansen. “Sometimes, I think it would be so much easier if I could just take T [testosterone]. I have this feeling of being like, I just want to pass sometimes. I want to pass in one space or the other.”

“Passing” is thought of as how one is identified by others. In a world where trans people often feel unwelcomed, the ability for one to express themself can be a privilege, Hansen observed.

“Being trans has changed the way I move through the physical world and where I feel like I could go,” said Hansen. “Can you ever really feel a sense of safety when, especially nowadays, there is so much fear mongering?”

Trans people are often hyper aware of how they’re perceived in the world, but the most important feelings of validation can come from within, noted the trans people interviewed for this article.

“Self-respect takes work,” said Samantha Hutz, a trans woman and UC Law San Francisco graduate student. “A big part of it for me came from embracing my own extraversion. In my formative years, gender dysphoria made me think that an introvert was who I was.” By allowing the woman inside of her to come out, Hutz’s comfort zone expanded, and her social life began to flourish.

In an interview, Hutz, 24, has also explored self-expression in the form of her art through photography. “I think of my own art as a photographer as literally being able to see the world through my eyes. I can relive my own life through my art, and people can understand where I’ve been and, in a way, who I am through my art,” Hutz said.

Self-love is an ongoing journey for many regardless of their gender identity, Hutz noted, and love received

from others often enables individuals to embrace themselves fully.

“Being in a long committed relationship with my partner, who is another trans woman - we’ve been together for about a year and a half now - has really helped me feel understood in my relationships,” said Hutz. “In my past relationships, I’ve been with mostly other trans women or cis men, and the difference between these kinds of relationships is just astounding. Having a long-term

partner, who is like me, is going a long way toward having a harmonious kind of home life and feeling understood.”

Hansen has also experienced love, both platonic and romantic, which uplifts them in their experience as a trans person.

“When we think about people or relational things, we’re looking for a mirror. Like, does somebody see me? You want to see yourself and see them see you,” said Hansen. “When

I think about love and how that’s affected me, we need relationships, and I need loving, caring relationships that aren’t confrontational.”

As strong and resilient as the trans community is, love is needed to break down barriers and live authentically without feeling the need to justify one’s own existence.

“I don’t want to fight. I just want to move to peace,” said Hansen t

compiled by Cynthia Laird

San Francisco Lesbian/Gay Freedom Band, the city’s official band, is now San Francisco Pride Band.

The change became official earlier this month, as the Bay Area Reporter noted in a photo caption accompanying the pink triangle ceremony that took place atop Twin Peaks June 8.

In a recent news release, band officials said the organization wanted to emphasize that it includes “all members of the LGBTQ+ community and its allies across the spectrum of sexual orientation and gender identity.”

“Now more than ever, as politicians across the U.S. push transphobic agendas, the band wants to emphasize that it welcomes and embraces trans musicians,” the release noted.

Board members stated that they were pleased with the change.

“I’m so proud of our organization for taking this step to expand our name to be more inclusive,” stated Chris Hewes, board president. “We’re extra proud to be spreading our message of music this Pride season and beyond.”

Hewes added that the band will now work on updating its logo and vi sual identity.

The name change is just one step in the band’s efforts to promote inclusivity. In 2020, the band es tablished a commission pro gram for Black, Indigenous, and people of color compos ers and has since commis sioned and premiered two pieces from two talented composers, Roger Zare and Mattea Williams. The B.A.R. wrote about Williams, a Black bi woman, last year.

that are part of the Global Pride Bands Alliance, many of whom have undergone similar name changes in the last several years.

In December 2018, Mayor London Breed signed into law the ordinance designating the band as the city’s official band for perpetuity.

For more information, go to sfprideband.org.

Alice Pride breakfast

Gay Pennsylvania state Representative Malcolm Kenyatta (D) will deliver the keynote address at this year’s Alice B. Toklas LGBTQ Democratic Club Pride Breakfast. The event takes place Sunday, June 30, at 8 a.m. at the Hyatt Embarcadero Ballroom, 5 Embarcadero Center.

Established in 1978, San Francisco Pride Band is the first openly gay musical group in the world, the release noted. The late Jon Sims founded the band as the San Francisco Gay Freedom Day Marching Band and Twirling Corps, to reflect the name of the Pride parade at the time. In the 1990s, the band adopted the moniker of San Francisco Lesbian/Gay Freedom Band to more explicitly include the lesbians in the band’s membership.

“When I joined the band in 1998 as a teenager, the band had just changed its name to San Francisco Lesbian/Gay Freedom Band, which at the time was so important for visibility, as those who identified as lesbian were made invisible in what had then been known as the ‘gay community,’” stated Mike Wong, artistic director of marching and pep. “Twentyseven years later, the band has again moved forward, making clear that we welcome and represent everyone in the community: lesbian, gay, bisexual, trans, nonbinary, queer, questioning, intersex, asexual, allies, and anyone who falls under the LGBTQ+ umbrella.”

After members started a discussion about making the name more inclusive, the band spent several months conducting research and surveys to decide on a new name that captured the spirit of inclusivity at the heart of the organization, the release noted. The band also looked to the other LGBTQ+ musical groups

Mawuli Tugbenyoh, Alice co-chair, stated that other speakers will include Bishop Yvette Flunder, who identifies as same-gender loving and leads City of Refuge United Church of Christ in Oakland; Honey Mahogany, a trans person who is the new executive director of the San Francisco Office of Transgender Initiatives; gay District 8 Supervisor Rafael Mandelman; and gay state Senator Scott Wiener (D-San Francisco), who will give a state legislative update. Individual tickets start at $150 and sponsorships are available. Tickets for students and seniors are $75. For more information and to purchase tickets, go to alicebtoklas.org/pridebreakfast-2024.

Choral groups set to meet in Minneapolis

GALA Choruses Festival, the largest LGBTQ choral event in the world, will gather about 7,000 singers from 122 choruses July 10-14 in Minneapolis. The festival will include choirs performing at world-class venues in downtown Minneapolis, including Orchestra Hall, the Minneapolis Convention Center, and Central Lutheran Church, a news release stated.

Ten choral groups from the Bay Area will be attending. They are: GAPA Men’s Chorus; San Francisco Gay Men’s Chorus; Queer Chorus of San Francisco; Golden Gate Men’s Chorus; Oakland Gay Men’s Chorus; Sacramento Women’s Chorus; Sacramento Gay Men’s Chorus; Silicon Valley Gay Men’s Chorus; Rainbow Women’s Chorus; and The Choral Project.

The last festival was held in 2016 in Denver. The next festival, scheduled for 2020, was canceled due to the COVID pandemic.

Festival 2024 in Minneapolis will mark a historic eight-year gap between events, while also being the largest in the history of the LGBTQ choral movement, the release stated. In addition to North American LGBTQ choirs, the festival will also showcase groups from China, Estonia, Finland, Ukraine, and Taiwan.

“I believe that GALA Choruses has evolved with the changing

The city’s LGBTQ band is now named San Francisco Pride Band.

Courtesy SF Pride Band

PrEP trials show promise for women Health News>>

by Liz Highleyman

Lenacapavir, a twice-yearly injectable antiretroviral, demonstrated 100% effectiveness for preventing HIV acquisition in a large study of young cisgender women in Africa, Gilead Sciences announced June 20.

The PURPOSE 1 trial showed that lenacapavir PrEP administered every six months reduced HIV incidence compared with the background infection rate and daily Truvada PrEP pills. There were zero new infections among women randomly assigned to receive lenacapavir. The trial’s independent data monitoring committee recommended that this part of the study should be stopped early and all participants should be offered lenacapavir.

Another trial, PURPOSE 2, is testing lenacapavir PrEP for gay and bisexual men, transgender men, and women and nonbinary people. Results are expected in late 2024 or early 2025, Dr. Jared Baeten, Gilead’s vice president of HIV clinical development, told the Bay Area Reporter. Data from both trials will be used to support an application for U.S. Food and Drug Administration approval.

Clinicians and advocates lauded the news about a potential new prevention option.

“While we know traditional HIV prevention options are highly effective when taken as prescribed, twice-yearly lenacapavir for PrEP could help address the stigma and discrimination some people may face when taking or storing oral PrEP pills, as well as potentially help increase PrEP adherence and persistence given its twice-yearly dosing schedule,” said Dr. Linda-Gail Bekker of the Desmond Tutu HIV Center at the University of Cape Town in South Africa.

Multiple options needed

While oral PrEP is very effective, additional options are still needed. Some people have trouble remembering to take a pill every day, some do not want to constantly be reminded about HIV, and some are hesitant to have pill bottles that could be lost or stolen or reveal they are at risk for HIV.

“Adding additional HIV prevention options means more people may find an option that is right for them,” AVAC Executive Director Mitchell Warren said in a statement. “Beyond expanded choice, a twice-yearly injection has the potential to transform the way we deliver HIV prevention to people who need and want it most – from an easier to follow regimen for individuals to a decreased burden on healthcare systems that are stretched to the limit.”

Truvada (tenofovir disoproxil fumarate/emtricitabine), also from Gilead, was approved for HIV prevention in 2012, but it has still not reached its full potential. While urban white gay and bisexual men have eagerly adopted PrEP, uptake has been slower among cisgender women and Black and Latino men who have sex with men. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimates that only about a third of the 1.2 million people in the United States who could benefit from PrEP are using it.

The FDA approved a second oral PrEP option, Gilead’s Descovy (tenofovir alafenamide/emtricitabine), for certain populations in 2019. ViiV Healthcare’s Apretude (cabotegravir), an injection administered by a health care provider every other month, is currently the longest-acting PrEP option. ViiV is working on an ultra-long-acting formulation that could be administered once every four months.

Lenacapavir, the first HIV capsid inhibitor, extends the PrEP dosing interval to once every six months. In 2022, the FDA approved lenacapavir (sold as Sunlenca) as part of a combination treatment regimen for people with multidrug-resistant HIV. Like other antiretrovirals, lenacapavir prevents HIV replication. Despite its long dosing interval, it is not a vaccine that trains the immune systems to fight HIV. After four decades of effort and many failures, there are still no effective HIV vaccines.

No new infections

When the FDA approved Descovy for PrEP, the indication did not include people who are at risk for acquiring HIV from vaginal sex, due to a lack of clinical trial data for cisgender women, trans men, and nonbinary people. But Gilead did not make the same mistake again, including all relevant populations in its lenacapavir PrEP studies.

PURPOSE 1 enrolled more than 5,300 cisgender women ages 16 to 25 in South Africa and Uganda. PURPOSE 2 has enrolled more than 3,000 cisgender and transgender men, trans men and women, and nonbinary people who have sex with

men in the United States and six other countries. The two trials are running in parallel, but PURPOSE 1 had an earlier data read-out because it enrolled faster, according to Baeten. Two smaller studies, PURPOSE 3 and PURPOSE 4, are evaluating lenacapavir and Truvada PrEP for cisgender women and people who inject drugs in the United States.

PURPOSE 1 is actually two studies in one, evaluating both lenacapavir and Descovy. Thus, it helps fill the data gap that has held up approval of Descovy PrEP for cisgender women. Participants were randomly assigned to receive lenacapavir, Descovy, or Truvada.

Lenacapavir and Descovy were separately compared against the background HIV incidence rate among people in the same population who do not use PrEP and against Truvada. Now that oral and injectable PrEP have proved effective and are widely available, it would be unethical to compare new prevention methods against a placebo.

There were zero new infections among the 2,134 women who received lenacapavir, 16 new infections among the 1,068 participants assigned to Truvada and 39 new infections among the 2,136 women who used Descovy. The corresponding HIV incidence rates were 0.00, 1.69 and 2.02 per 100 person-years, respectively, while the background incidence rate was 2.41 per 100 person-years. The study therefore demonstrated the statistical superiority of lenacapavir over the background incidence rate and over Truvada.

“More than 2,000 women were randomized to receive lenacapavir, and none of them acquired HIV,” Baeten told the B.A.R. “That has never been seen before in a phase 3 trial of any HIV prevention intervention.”

Descovy, on the other hand, did not provide superior protection compared with the background HIV incidence rate or Truvada. Previous studies of oral PrEP for cisgender women have found challenges with adherence to daily pills, and this may be the problem here as

well. Adherence analyses, including measurement of drug levels in blood to see how often women took the pills, are currently underway.

All three PrEP methods were generally well tolerated, and no new safety concerns were identified. The most common side effects of lenacapavir are nausea and injection site reactions such as pain, swelling, or nodules. Some experts have expressed concern that lenacapavir could potentially interact with other drugs including fentanyl, oxycodone, steroids, and Viagra.

But the biggest concern is that lenacapavir PrEP might not be accessible to the people who need it most in the United States and worldwide. This is already the case for Apretude, which is more effective than daily oral PrEP for both gay men and cisgender women but is not yet widely used. Lenacapavir for HIV treatment is priced at around $3,000 per month, while generic versions of Truvada can cost as little as $30 per month. The full range of PrEP products “must be made feasible choices for all people who need and want HIV prevention options,” Warren stated. “Since oral PrEP was first shown to be safe and effective 14 years ago, the global health community has failed in delivering PrEP at scale and with equity, and we have, therefore, not seen the impact that we need. ... There can be no excuses and no delays.” t

Digital firm helps boost LGBTQ helplines

by Laura Moreno

Aglobal leader in digital operations

management has announced an investment in crisis line and crisis response organizations, including those that work with the LGBTQ community.

PagerDuty.org, the foundation arm of PagerDuty.com, stated in a news release that it’s investing $600,000 in three crisis response organizations: The Trevor Project, which is based in West Hollywood and works with LGBTQ youth; the National Alliance on Mental Illness, the country’s largest grassroots mental health advocacy organization; and SameSame Collective, a nonprofit organization based in South Africa and the U.S.

The money will provide pro bono technology assessment, product, support, and volunteer hours to help increase each organization’s effectiveness in response time, the release stated.

Furthermore, the company leverages technology to activate real-time response and strengthen organizational resilience to advance justice and health, the release explained. The tech company provides cost-effectiveness for small and medium-sized teams, a user-friendly interface, out-of-the-box functionality, and adaptable workflows.

Nisha Kadaba, global social impact leader at PagerDuty, explained to the Bay Area Reporter a bit about the partnership.

“All three of these organizations are part of PagerDuty.org’s third Impact Accelerator Cohort to advance equitable health outcomes through crisis text and chat lines, and response services,” she stated in an email. “[They] receive holistic support from PagerDuty, which include general operating funding, product credits, technical pro bono support from our employees and impact storytelling.”

PagerDuty was founded in 2009 in Toronto, Canada by Alex Solomon,

Andrew Miklas, and Baskar Puvanathasan. It has over 1,100 employees worldwide and offices in San Francisco, Atlanta, Lisbon, London, Santiago, Sydney, Tokyo, and Toronto.

“Over the next 12 months, each organization will leverage the PagerDuty operations cloud to transform incident management, automate manual tasks, and triage and prioritize urgent issues to ensure that their critical services are available 24/7 and their organizational resources are focused on their community impact,” noted Kadaba.

The Trevor Project

The Trevor Project is a leading suicide prevention and crisis intervention organization for youth struggling with their sexual orientation or gender identity. It provides free 24/7 crisis intervention services for “hundreds of thousands of LGBTQ+ youth contacts each year,” noted Kadaba.

The company’s support, she explained, will assist The Trevor Project in providing real-time problemsolving to its staff and volunteers if they encounter technical issues that prevent them from connecting with contacts when using PagerDuty’s crisis services platforms.

“It is critical that we have best-inclass resources to get our crisis counselors back online as quickly as possible to ensure that our services remain available 24/7 for LGBTQ+ young people to reach us,” wrote Kadaba.

Jeremy Wilson-Herrmann, vice president of IT and security at The Trevor Project, stated that working with the company has “decreased response time and improved situational awareness.”

“By ensuring that not just a resource, but the right resource is engaged while providing visibility to all stakeholders, PagerDuty helps our team get the support they need in real time and keep our crisis services plat-

forms up and running to support our community,” Wilson-Hermann added in an email. “PagerDuty has become a central part of the fabric that allows us to innovate and integrate new ways of working and supporting our staff and volunteers at the core of our lifesaving platforms.”

In addition, Wilson-Herrmann stated, “As many nonprofits continue to face increasing headwinds in fundraising, it is more important than ever that we find new and innovative ways to do more with less. Our 24/7 crisis services must be available whenever an LGBTQ+ young person reaches out, and with PagerDuty’s partnership, we are better able to make sure that a supportive voice is always there when the call comes in.”

The funding should help The Trevor Project, which experienced layoffs earlier this year, according to a Washington Blade article.

NAMI

NAMI’s programs reach people across the United States through its network of more than 600 local af-

filiates and 49 state organizations. It has received national attention this year via Season 9 of “RuPaul’s Drag Race All Stars,” on which the drag queens are competing to raise money for different charities, and contestant Jorgeous choose NAMI as her nonprofit. (Fellow contestant Nia West is competing on behalf of The Trevor Project.)

Jessica Edwards, chief development officer at NAMI, stated in an email to the B.A.R. that PagerDuty’s platform “will help NAMI with real-time alerts for crucial technical systems, enabling them to quickly identify issues as they begin, and reduce the time to resolution. With the support from PagerDuty, NAMI aims to strengthen its technology infrastructure to improve its program efficiency and effectiveness and increase its organizational capacity.”

SameSame Collective SameSame Collective supports the mental health and wellbeing of more than 100,000 LGBTQ youth. Kadaba noted that “SameSame works with cognitive behavioral therapy experts to create evidence-backed activities that

<< Oregon data

From page 6

leaders and staff have been tabling at various LGBTQ events this year to gather the input before they begin to hash out in the fall what the survey will include.

“We are making sure everyone in the community is shaping this process from the get-go and that it is not just an extractive process,” explained Przedworski. “We don’t assume we know better than others do.”

An outgrowth of the LGBTQ survey is a database of 100-plus nonprofits and agencies providing services to the LGBTQ community in Oregon. It can be accessed online at https://tinyurl.com/583rvxy9.

Another aspect of the data project’s work will be collecting oral interviews via statewide listening sessions and focus groups. The project leaders want to include LGBTQ Oregonians talking about their own lives using their own words and will do so confidentially if those being interviewed are concerned about protecting their privacy.

People will also be able to send in their own short videotaped or audio recorded clips. They will also be able to submit photos of themselves that capture what it means for them to be an LGBTQ resident of the state.

“We know surveys can miss that nuance,” explained Przedworski. “We can’t be reduced to a bunch of graphs and charts. That feels so one dimensional and narrow.”

O’Neill told the B.A.R. she doesn’t want the data project to only be telling “a sob story” about life for LGBTQ Oregonians. It should begin reporting out its findings in early 2026.

“We want there to be storytelling and a different approach to the data that is a little less clinical than what we are seeing with the health care data,”

help users set goals, fight depression and anxiety, deal with stress, and overcome both internal and external homophobia and transphobia so that the youth can achieve their full potential.

“With SameSame, support from PagerDuty will be instrumental in enhancing and scaling the impact of SameSame’s WhatsApp chatbot service, providing a virtual lifeline to LGBTQI+ youth in South Africa, Zimbabwe, and Nigeria over the next year and making sure they get timely, tailored support,” Kadaba added.

Jonathan “Jono” McKay, co-founder and executive director at SameSame Collective, stated, by integrating the company’s tools, “we enhance operational efficiency and optimize our backend processes, making sure that users who need urgent support are connected to the right services, while allowing staff to focus more time on core activities such as program development and direct user engagement at this critical time of growth for the organization.”

McKay added, “SameSame’s team is still tiny and that’s partly by design. We need to stay lean to make sure we’re delivering cost-effective scalable services. The only way we can do this is by relying on tools that help us automate a lot of our processes and that help draw our attention to the most important and urgent issues – exactly the kind of tools PagerDuty provides us with.”

Kadaba also explained that the company takes security seriously and has designed effective security controls, she said.

The foundation arm of the company has also collaborated with the Global Vaccine Alliance and the World Health Organization Foundation, Kadaba noted, to provide two billion doses of COVID-19 vaccines to 92 countries.

If you are experiencing a crisis, call 988, the national suicide and crisis line. The Trevor Project can be reached at 866-488-7386.t

said O’Neill.

The Pride Foundation, an LGBTQ philanthropic group focused on the Pacific Northwest, is acting as the fiscal sponsor for the Oregon Data Project. It granted it $250,000 and has waived the fees it would normally charge for playing such a role, noted Katie Carter, its CEO who is queer and based in Seattle.

Speaking to the B.A.R. earlier this year, Carter noted that there is “very little data” collected on the queer community, thus it is “so critical” what Oregon LGBTQ leaders are trying to achieve with their effort. She hopes to see it be taken up in other states, as having such data can impact everything from policies lawmakers enact to funding provided by the government and other sources, noted Carter.

“It is such an incredible model that could be replicated and should be replicated. We just think it is amazing and are doing whatever we can to make it happen,” said Carter.

Evans told the B.A.R. the Oregon data project team would like it to be an ongoing survey. It is building out the infrastructure so it can be conducted again, if not annually then on a certain rotational timeline.

“We definitely hope it is not one and done,” she said.

Having a comprehensive picture of not only the hurdles they face but also the successes LGBTQ Oregonians have achieved will be particularly important information to highlight for younger members of the community, Przedworski pointed out to the B.A.R.

“Another important aspect to this is with queer and trans youth, if the only messaging they are getting is queer and trans people are suffering, and don’t also get to hear about queer

Nisha Kadaba is global social impact leader at PagerDuty.

Courtesy PagerDuty

US Supreme Court to hear trans health care case

by Cynthia Laird

The U.S. Supreme Court has agreed to decide whether Tennessee’s ban on gender-affirming care violates the Constitution. When the justices take up the case in the court’s next term, it will mark the first time they have heard a matter involving medical care for transgender youth.

The Biden administration asked the court to take the case, United States v. Skrmetti, ) and decide whether Tennessee Senate Bill 1, which prohibits all medical treatments intended to allow “a minor to identify with, or live as, a purported identity inconsistent with the minor’s sex” or to treat “purported discomfort or distress from a discordance between the minor’s sex and asserted identity,” violates the equal protection clause of the 14th Amendment.

In the filing, U.S. Solicitor General Elizabeth Prelogar wrote that the Tennessee law is discriminatory.

“And the law frames that prohibition in explicitly sex-based terms: The covered treatments are banned if they are prescribed ‘for the purpose’ of ‘[e] nabling a minor to identify with, or live as, a purported identity inconsistent with the minor’s sex’ or ‘[t]reating purported discomfort or distress from a discordance between the minor’s sex and asserted identity,’” the filing stated.

“Thus, for example, a teenager whose sex assigned at birth is male can

<< Oregon data From page 32

and trans joy and resilience, and the euphoria that can come from

we are fully,” they said, “what

of message does that send

Too often what SOGI surveys are conducted only focus on people’s op-

be prescribed testosterone to conform to a male gender identity, but a teenager assigned female at birth cannot,” the filing stated. The move comes as a number of states have sought to ban genderaffirming care for transgender youth. Recently, the justices agreed to allow Idaho authorities to enforce a ban on gender-affirming care for trans youth.

That law, passed by the Republicancontrolled Legislature, makes it a felony for a doctor to provide medical care, including hormones, to minors.

The American Civil Liberties

pression, which can be “really triggering” for some people, noted O’Neill. She said she doesn’t want the data project to just define LGBTQ Oregonians based on their trauma.

“That is what data has often historically been focused on,” she said. “It defines you as a group by your traumas and, in the process, retraumatizes you.”

“The future of countless transgender youth in this and future generations rests on this court adhering to the facts, the Constitution, and its own modern precedent,” stated Chase Strangio, a transgender man who is deputy director for transgender justice at the ACLU’s LGBTQ & HIV Project. “These bans represent a dangerous and discriminatory affront to the wellbeing of transgender youth across the country and their constitutional right to equal protection under the law.”

He added that Tennessee’s law and others like it “are the result of an openly political effort to wage war on a marginalized group and our most fundamental freedoms.”

Union and Lambda Legal Defense and Education Fund issued statements June 24 on the court’s decision to hear the Tennessee case.

The ACLU, the ACLU of Tennessee, Lambda Legal, and Atkin Gump Strauss Hauer & Feld LLP asked the court to review the September 2023 decision by the 6th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals that allowed Tennessee’s ban to stay in effect, the release stated. The United States intervened in the plaintiffs’ case at the district court and also asked the Supreme Court to review the 6th Circuit’s decision.

Such an approach ends up not holding those responsible for the trauma to account, argued O’Neill. With the data project, she is interested in exploring how to support people in their healing process.

“I believe queer joy, in and of itself, should be a part of this. I want that captured too,” said O’Neill, “so it is not just about the trauma but about these

ucsfhealth.org/lgbtq-care

Strangio noted, “We want transgender people and their families across the country to know we will spare nothing in our defense of you, your loved ones, and your right to decide whether to get this medical care.”

Tara Borelli, senior counsel at Lambda Legal, noted the high court has historically rejected efforts to uphold discriminatory laws.

“And without similar action here, these punitive, categorical bans on the provision of gender-affirming care will continue to wreak havoc on the lives of transgender youth and their families,” Borelli stated. “We are grateful that transgender youth and their families will have their day in court, and we will not stop fighting to ensure access to this live-saving, medically

are the things that are going to support me finding these moments of joy.”

Both the negative and positive aspects of life as a queer or trans person are important to be talking about, argued Przedworski, as they exist in symbiosis. Neither is the sole defining characteristic for LGBTQ individuals.

“If only one story gets told then that

necessary care.”

Shannon Minter, a trans man and the longtime legal director for San Francisco-based National Center for Lesbian Rights, stated that the high court’s review of the Tennessee law “gives hope to families across the country.”

“We are grateful the Supreme Court has agreed to consider this important issue and to ensure that state legislatures cannot selectively deny medically needed care to transgender youth,” he stated.

The Human Rights Campaign, the country’s largest national LGBTQ rights organization, called on the seven justices to strike down Tennessee’s ban.

“It’s simple – everyone deserves access to medical care that they need, and transgender and nonbinary young people are no exception,” stated HRC President Kelley Robinson, who is queer. “No politician should be able to interfere in decisions that are best made between families and doctors, particularly when that care is necessary and best practice.”

Robinson added that bans on gender-affirming care like Tennessee’s “have forced families to make heartbreaking decisions to support their children,” including moving out of states that have such bans.

“The Supreme Court should restore access to care and block this ban,” Robinson stated.t

is what defines us, and it is not always correct,” they said. “We are spending up to a year talking to people across our communities about how do you want to tell your stories.”t

To learn more about the Queer Data Project, visit its website at https://sites.google.com/view/qdppublic/home

The U.S. Supreme Court will hear a case about a Tennessee law that bans gender-affirming care for transgender youth.

Fred Schilling, Collection of the Supreme Court of the United States

November 15, 1954 - June 3, 2024

Billy grew up in Winthrop, Massachusetts, and lived in the Greater Boston area until moving to San Francisco in 1993. He worked as a unit assistant at Boston Children’s Hospital and California Pacific Medical Center until health issues forced him onto disability.

Billy had lots of health issues over the years. After his last hospitalization, he had a brand-new outlook on life. Billy would live life without fear and on his terms. With a new lease on life, Billy decided to embrace the feeling he had in his heart and those feelings she felt in her new stronger, slimmer, body. Billy decided to live the rest of his life as her true self. She was now living as a woman. She shaved the beard, fixed her hair, put on some makeup, and acquired a whole new wardrobe. The transition was fulfilling for her. She felt good, beautiful, and was the happiest she had ever been.

Billy was a bit eccentric and had a great knowledge of history and trivia. She will be remembered for her quick and often sarcastic wit and her generosity to elephants and to those in need. The great loves of her life were her first love, Eddie; her dog, Heidi; and Miss Peggy Lee.

She was preceded in death by her brother, Mathew Lockyer. She is survived by brothers Daniel and Mark Lockyer, and sisters Liz and Katy Lockyer.

Billy will be missed by her family, her weekly group that gave her much support, and longtime friends, Marc Melocchi and Paul Candler.

A celebration of life gathering will be held at the home of Paul Candler on Sunday, July 14, from 2 to 4 p.m. For the address, email Candler at paulcandler@gmail.com

John Fitzgerald Casey, 1963-2024

John was born in Jersey City, New Jersey, on December 28, 1963, to Francis (Frank) and Joan Cavanagh (Joanie) Casey, and was preceded in death by both of his parents. John has five siblings: Franky, Vinny, Kenny, Kristy and Bobby, all of whom survive him.

John’s life also included joyful years residing in San Francisco, California (from 1994-2003), before returning to New Jersey to help his beloved Mother with her illness and passing.

John met Paul Sibbersen in Hoboken, New Jersey, in 2005 and they instantly bonded. They held an informal commitment ceremony one year later on July 8, 2006, and have been inseparable since that date. John and Paul have most recently resided in Bayonne, New Jersey.

John was a masterful cook, self-trained, his mother providing his initial training at the age of 8; his elaborate and delicious Thanksgiving dinners will long be remembered by his friends. His amazing holiday decorating and particular love for Christmas made that cold season of year warm. John was also an avid reader, always hungry for knowledge, starting his reading at a young age at the local Jersey City Public Library branch.

He was a captivating storyteller, always quick with a joke, and masterful at making everyone feel at ease.

There will be a memorial service for John in Jersey City in July. If you are interested in information on that service or if you have any other questions, please contact Paul Sibbersen via Facebook or at psjc1228@optimum.net.

Thailand legalizes same-sex marriage << International

by Heather Cassell

Thai lawmakers and LGBTQ people waved rainbow flags and raised their fists in solidarity in the National Assembly in Bangkok following a landmark vote making Thailand the third country in Asia to legalize same-sex marriage.

“We are very proud to make history,” Plaifah Kyoka Shodladd, a member of a parliamentary committee on same-sex marriage, told Al Jazeera after the June 18 vote. “Today, love triumphed over prejudice ... after fighting for more than 20 years. Today, we can say that this country has marriage equality.”

The law, which neutralized gender terms and defined marriage as a partnership between two individuals, grants same-sex couples the same legal rights as straight couples.

Thailand’s 152-member Senate voted overwhelmingly 132-4, with 18 lawmakers abstaining, as the country’s Marriage Equality Act passed. In March, the country’s lower house approved the bill by a lopsided vote of 415-10.

The law will now go through formalities. First, it will go to King Maha Vajiralongkorn for assent, which is expected to be granted, reported Al Jazeera.

It will then be published in the royal gazette. After its publication, it will come into force in 120 days.

After a 20-year battle for marriage equality – filled with opposition, stalled legislation, failed court challenges, a military coup, parliament dissolving several times, and the formation of a new government – Thai same-sex couples will be able to marry sometime this fall.

The bill’s passage also comes as Thailand makes its third bid for a seat on the United Nations Human Rights Council in October, reported Asia Nikkei.

Opposing the bill, Thai Senator Worapong Sa-nganet, a retired army general, called changing gender terms in the legislation “a destruction of the family establishment in the most violent way,” reported the Washington Post.

Thai Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin disagreed. In a celebratory message on X, he wrote, “I am proud of the collective effort of all stakeholders which reiterates the power of ‘unity in diversity’ of the Thai society. We will continue our fight for social rights for all people regardless of their status.”

Thavisin, of the Pheu Thai Party, wasn’t able to attend the celebrations due to recently testing positive for COVID-19, as Gay City News reported.

Thavisin, a vocal supporter of the country’s LGBTQ community and marriage equality, plans to open his official residence to same-sex marriage supporters to celebrate the historic win of marriage equality, reported Al Jazeera.

Outlier

Thailand’s new status makes it an outlier in Southeast Asia, where homosexuality remains criminalized in neighboring countries, such as Brunei and Myanmar (formerly Burma).

Homosexuality isn’t illegal in Indonesia, except in the Aceh province. However, LGBTQ people in the country face extreme prejudice and discrimination by both police and community members.

LGBTQ people in Malaysia face up to 20 years in prison and fines if caught.

Singapore repealed its colonial-era law that criminalized homosexuality – a hangover common in many former British colonies in Asia and Africa – in 2022. However, the gov-

ernment has repeatedly spoken out against same-sex marriage and threatened to strengthen laws against marriage equality.

In other Asian countries, some, like China, are actively cracking down on the LGBTQ community, while activists continue to challenge the governments.

Japan remains the only G7 member that hasn’t legalized same-sex marriage. However, the East Asian country is making progress toward legally recognizing same-sex couples’ relationships. The Bay Area Reporter noted in March that a Japanese high court ruled the country’s denial of same-sex couples to marry was unconstitutional. Some Japanese municipalities and prefectures have issued same-sex partnership certificates in recent years. The certificates provide some benefits, but they do not offer same-sex couples equal legal recognition.

Last year, India punted same-sex marriage back to the country’s congress members to legislate, reported the B.A.R. at the time.

Taiwan legalized same-sex marriage in 2019. Nepal passed marriage equality in 2023. Regionally, Thailand is the first in Southeast Asia to have same-sex marriage. Worldwide, Thailand is now the 39th country to legalize same-sex marriage.

Neela Ghoshal, senior director of law, policy, and research at Outright International (https://outrightinternational.org), called the law’s passage in Thailand a “milestone for the region.”

“It’s great to see a country in the region going in the opposite direction,” Ghoshal told the Post, referring to other countries, such as Malaysia and Indonesia. “It bucks the stereotype that equality is a Western agenda or imposition.”

Leow Yangfa, executive director of Singaporean LGBTQ group Oogachaga (https://oogachaga.com/), told Asia Nikkei the legalization of same-sex marriage in Thailand and Taiwan shows the momentum behind the movement is universal, and not a product of “Western values.”

“This is all happening in Asia, at our doorstep,” Leow said. “It’s not about values and ideology, it’s about doing what’s right for the people.”

Maki Muraki, a Japanese LGBTQ rights activist and representative director of the Osaka-based NPO Nijiiro Diversity, praised Thailand’s lawmakers.

“I think what Thailand has done is fantastic,” Muraki told Asia Nikkei. “It’s given us hope and should put pressure on Japan’s government to follow suit.”

A change in heart and mind Times have changed in Thailand. The progressive Move Forward Party, which came into power last year and holds most of the seats in parliament,

and other major political parties mostly supported same-sex marriage, reported CNN.

A 2023 Pew Research Center survey (https://www.pewresearch.org/ short-reads/2023/11/27/how-peoplearound-the-world-view-same-sexmarriage/) found 60% of Thai adults supported legalizing same-sex marriage, reported the Post.

The legalization of same-sex marriage signals to the world that Thailand’s laws are catching up with its global image as a welcoming and progressive country for LGBTQ people.

“The bill represents a monumental step forward for LGBTQ rights in Thailand,” Panyaphon Phiphatkhunarnon, founder of Love Foundation (https://lovefoundation.or.th/en/), told CNN.

The Love Foundation is a non-governmental organization working for LGBTQ equality in Thailand.

“The potential impact of this bill is immense. It would not only change the lives of countless couples but also contribute to a more just and equitable society for all,” he continued, talking about the powerful message of acceptance, inclusion, and progressive culture that will attract businesses, talent, and visitors to Thailand.

Seizing the moment

Thailand’s LGBTQ and business communities are positioned to seize the opportunity.

The country is aiming to host WorldPride in 2030.

Last week, Borderless.lgbt a Thai diversity, inclusion, and equity platform, supported by Thailand Privilege, hosted its first-ever “Pink Plus” economy summit.

The platform’s goal is to capitalize on Thailand’s pro-LGBTQ image and laws, and develop inclusive industries focused on medical tourism, retirement living, family planning, pink tech incubation, and pink film virtual production in the country, according to a June 9 news release from the platform.

“Thailand is positioned to support more than 200 million LGBTQIA individuals within its proximity to wed, live, play, innovate, plan a family, and retire in the country,” according to the release.

According to LGBT Capital, a private company that models economic data pertaining to the community around the world, there were an estimated 3.7 million LGBTQ people in Thailand in 2022, reported ABC Australia.

“Thailand could be leading on this,” Wei Siang Yu, founder and chairman of health care technology company Borderless Healthcare Group, told the outlet. The company is expanding to provide sexual health, family planning, and retirement care services to LGBTQ patients in Thailand.

LGBTQ and ally Thai activists and politicians celebrated in front of the National Assembly after lawmakers overwhelmingly passed the Marriage Equality Act in Bangkok, Thailand on June 18, 2024.

Courtesy pattayamail.com

Billy Lockyer

Biden issues pardon process for some LGBTQ vets National

by Cynthia Laird

President Joe Biden on Wednesday announced he was using his clemency powers to allow eligible LGBTQ veterans convicted by the military over a 60-year period under a law that banned gay sex to apply for a pardon.

The move, occurring during Pride Month, seeks to “right a historic wrong,” as Biden noted in a June 26 statement.

During a call with reporters Tuesday, June 25, senior administration officials said that the process would involve a person first applying for proof that they fall under the criteria and then seeking a certificate of pardon from their military branch. There will also be a process available to seek discharge upgrades for those requesting a certificate of pardon, the officials said.

The clemency action applies only to those who were convicted under the military’s now-repealed Article 125 of the Uniform Code of Military Justice, which was in effect from 1951 to December 2013. Article 125 prohibited sodomy. It was repealed as part of the National Defense Authorization Act 2013. The repeal was especially significant for gay and lesbian servicemembers.

According to an article posted on CNN June 25, before the call with administration officials, about 2,000 people would be affected by the new pardon process. On the call, officials did not provide a number of how many people might be eligible.

The officials were asked on the call about outreach to former military members who might be eligible, and reporters pointed out that some may be unhoused and not aware of the new policy. Administration officials said outreach would be done in connection with the Veterans Administration.

In his statement Wednesday, Biden

said that many of the impacted former servicemembers have long been affected by the old military law.

“Despite their courage and great sacrifice, thousands of LGBTQ+ servicemembers were forced out of the military because of their sexual orientation or gender identity,” Biden stated.

“Some of those patriotic Americans were subject to court-martial, and have carried the burden of this great injustice for decades.

“This is about dignity, decency, and ensuring the culture of our armed forces reflect the values that make us an exceptional nation,” the president added. “We have a sacred obligation to all of our servicemembers – including our brave LGBTQI+ servicemembers: to properly prepare and equip them when they are sent into harm’s way, and to care for them and their families when they return home. Today, we are making progress in that pursuit.”

LGBTQ veterans group responds

The Modern Military Association of America, an LGBTQ veterans group that was formed after the closure of Servicemembers Legal Defense Network, praised the president’s action.

“Today marks a historic step toward justice and equality as President Biden uses his clemency authority to pardon many former service members wrongly convicted under the former Uniform Code of Military Justice Article 125,” the group stated in a news release.

The group also called on the federal government to act quickly.

“To ensure that justice is served swiftly and effectively, we call upon the individual departments of the armed services to exercise their capacity to approve these pardons and subsequently approve their discharge upgrades en masse,” MMAA stated. “We call upon individual departments to file requests for a group of individuals

similarly harmed by a group injustice, thus streamlining the process and providing much-needed relief to affected veterans.”

For those former servicemembers who may have been convicted under Article 125 and another law, Article 133 of the UCMJ, they would be able to seek a pardon under Article 125 only. A separate process would need to be followed for convictions under other military laws, the Biden administration officials said. Article 133 is conduct unbecoming an officer.

It is not known how long the review of applicants would take. The officials on the media call declined to provide a specific timeline, other than to say, “the review process will be as efficient as possible.”

The administration officials suggested that pro bono attorneys may want to help former servicemembers, though they would not be government lawyers. One official suggested that private attorneys who want to help LGBTQs could provide that service.

Administration officials said the pardon process “provides a pathway” for the VA to provide benefits. One official said that the VA is committed to ensuring pardon recipients receive “pay and benefits they deserve.”

Political climate

The officials were asked about the current political climate and the effort by conservatives to decrease or eliminate diversity, equity, and inclusion, or DEI, programs. An official said that the Defense Department “should not and cannot prevent careers” of LGBTQ people, and that it works to create a climate of diversity, inclusion, and respect.

One official pointed out that soon after Biden took office in January 2021, he lifted the ban on open service by trans servicemembers that had been implemented by former President Donald Trump. The Defense Department has inclusionary policies for LGBTQ servicemembers and civilians, the official said.

Last December, Biden pardoned thousands of people who had been convicted of use and simple possession of marijuana on federal lands and in the District of Columbia, as the Associated Press reported. On the press call about the new policy, officials were asked about the president’s pardon philosophy.

An official said the two policies “advance the president’s interest in criminal justice reform.”

As for the Pride Month timing of the LGBTQ servicemember pardon policy, officials repeatedly said it’s a way for the president to “right a historic wrong, and he felt the time was now.”

The new policy also applies to deceased servicemembers. In those cases, there’s a process for the late servicemember’s family to get in touch, officials said.

The time during the 1950s, when Article 125 took effect, was known as the “Lavender Scare.” LGBTQ federal workers could lose their jobs if their sexual orientation or gender identity were to become known. President Dwight D. Eisenhower signed an executive order banning LGBTQ

employees from serving in the federal government.

On April 26, 2023, on the 70th anniversary of the Lavender Scare, Biden issued a proclamation in which he called on government officials and the American people to “honor the contributions of LGBTQI+ public servants, recognize the lives impacted by the Lavender Scare, and to celebrate the great diversity of the American people.”

Last year, on the 12th anniversary of the repeal of “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell,” the military’s policy that prohibited gay and lesbian service members from serving openly, the Defense Department released a statement indicating it was working more proactively to review military records of veterans discharged because of their sexual orientation.

MMAA pointed out the long history of discrimination of LGBTQ people by the federal government.

“The consequences of anti-LGBTQ+ discrimination have been far-reaching, causing moral injury, undue harm, and hardship to countless service members who served with honor and integrity,” the organization stated. “Many were discharged, court-martialed, or faced other punitive actions simply because of their sexual orientation. This policy deprived our military of talented and dedicated individuals, instilled institutional betrayal, deprived veterans of military benefits, and inflicted lasting trauma on those affected.”

According to MMAA, it was estimated that 114,000-plus LGBTQ service members were kicked out under DADT and only 1,375 have since been upgraded to honorable discharges as of March 2023. The Defense Department upgrade process is arduous and can take years, which is why many veterans opt for the Department of Veterans Affairs upgrade reviews. It is faster and boasts a 70% approval rate, the association noted on its website.t

lective prosecutorial judgment, without being swayed by politics.”

School districts

During the Zoom call Bonta also discussed forced outing policies that several school boards across the state have adopted and his office’s work in ensuring that LGBTQ+ students are safe. Bonta and his office are currently focused on the Chino Valley Unified School District, where the AG’s office has taken legal action.

The state won a temporary restraining order and a preliminary injunction against two parts of the district’s policy, as the B.A.R. reported.

“It’s still hot as an issue,” Bonta said, referring to school district policies that force staff to out transgender students to their parents without their consent.

And while Bonta said Chino Valley changed its policy due to the legal action, officials there “remain proud of their policy and they continue to make anti-trans statements.”

Andi Johnston, a spokesperson for the Chino Valley school district, replied to a request for comment noting the board had voted March 7 to delete

Hultquist agreed that having a database as the LGBTQ+ Index is an invaluable resource for both institutional funders and individual donors.

“I can’t tell you how important it is to have a recognized leader in the sector putting in that kind of energy and resources to really tracking what is happening in our communities and that allows funders an easy way to connect to those groups,” she said. “I don’t know anything else like it.”

Additional indexes

The Equitable Giving Lab also plans to launch indexes focused on philanthropic support for the BIPOC and military veterans sectors,

News Briefs

times,” stated former GALA Choruses board president Michael Tate.

“While the core mission of supporting new and existing LGBTQ+ and allied choruses has not changed, we have continued to expand and recognize the many colors of our amazing rainbow community. In particular, providing better visibility for and with trans and nonbinary individuals has been an exciting and deliberate expansion of our work.”

Folks at home can join the event remotely by purchasing a digital ticket for $35. For more information about the streaming pass, go to https://tinyurl.com/kjrw6dsz.

For more information about the festival, including a full schedule of events and ticketing details, visit galachoruses.org/festival-2024.

GALA Choruses is a nonprofit or-

Wedding bells soon to ring

Same-sex couples are already lining up to be among the first to wed as soon as the law goes into effect later this year.

Photos of Anticha Sangchai and Worawan’s wedding at Bangkok’s first Pride festival two years ago went viral. (Worawan was only identified by her first name.) The couple is looking forward to turning their “faux” wedding into a real ceremony and celebration soon.

“This will change my life and change many Thai people’s lives, especially in

the parent notification policy that Bonta had filed the lawsuit over.

“It would be helpful for AG Bonta to cite specific examples of recent ‘anti-trans statements’ that he is alleging CVUSD board members have made,” Johnston wrote.

Bonta said his office is awaiting a final court decision “that could be helpful statewide.”

“We’ve shared with the court other policies. We need an order statewide that enjoins such policies from being implemented,” he said.

“I think it was a targeted agenda that came with it,” Bonta said of the election of conservative anti-LGBTQ school board members. “We’re seeing communities responding with recalls.”

Bonta said that his office “can’t control what happens on the political side” in school board elections and noted that the makeup of school boards will change. Recently, Joseph Komrosky, the president of the Temecula Valley Unified School District board in Southern California, was recalled by voters. That district also adopted a forced outing policy.

On July 2 residents in the East Bay town of Sunol will vote on recalling two school board members over the adoption of a policy that prohibits the Pride flag from being flown.

said Ackerman, who expects to be overseeing it in an interim capacity through at least the end of the year.

As for its LGBTQ+ Index, it is up to 4,238 organizations in its database with the information for each culled from their 990s filed with the IRS.

“Folks are always welcome to reach out,” said Ackerman of leaders from LGBTQ nonprofits not yet included. “If they just were created in 2023, or just received nonprofit status and haven’t filed a 990 yet, they are not going to show up in our data for a little bit.”

Since going live in 2023 reaction has been overwhelmingly positive to the index, said Ackerman. They are now focused on raising public awareness about it, she said.

“Overall, the general impression is this is needed and an important

ganization that serves an association of LGBTQ choruses in North America. It cultivates the artistic development of 15,000 singers from nearly 200 choruses in the United States, Mexico, and Canada.

CA vs Hate to have presence at Pride

As part of an ongoing statewide outreach campaign, California vs Hate has participated in several Pride festivals and will be in San Francisco for Pride weekend, June 29-30. The campaign seeks to inform Californians that there is support available whey they report hate.

“In California, we don’t just tolerate our differences, we celebrate them,” Kevin Kish, director of the California Civil Rights Department, stated in a news release. “During Pride Month, we’re excited to march with and support communities up and down our state in the fight against hate.” Officially launched a year ago by

the LGBT community,” Sangchai told ABC Australia about the couple’s special Pride wedding where they were both decked out in floor-length white gowns.

“We just want to live together and take care of each other,” she added.

Others are also lining up to “put a ring on it” and for the business opportunities.

Local real estate agent Ploy Rahong and her fiancee, Ayy, will say, “I do,” before their friend and local celebrant Dujruedee Thaithumnus in October, reported Asia Nikkei. (Ayy was only identified by her first name in the news outlet.)

Rahong sees an opportunity to build retirement communities for LG-

“I will steadfastly and aggressively defend the dignity and humanity of the LGBTQ+ community,” Bonta said.

He pointed out that a lot of the antiLGBTQ issues are happening in conservative areas of the state.

“A lot of this is happening in red counties,” he said. “And there are LGBTQ+ students and community members in those red counties that need protecting.”

AG’s report

The state Department of Justice’s second “State of Pride Report” noted that there are 2.8 million LGBTQ+ people living in California, according to figures from the Public Policy Institute of California.

“As this report makes clear, homophobia and transphobia can alltoo-easily morph into something even more dangerous,” Bonta writes in his message introducing the report. “For the second year in a row, hate crimes against California’s LGBTQ+ community have increased. Between 2022 and 2023, there were 405 reported hate crimes events motivated by sexual orientation bias, an increase of 4.1% from the previous year; 76 hate crimes motivated by anti-transgender or anti-gender-nonconforming bias, an increase of 7% from the previous year; and 151 hate crime events motivated

resource,” said Ackerman. “I think our goal is just to make sure more people know about it. If the database just sits on a website and isn’t used by researchers, donors, and nonprofit professionals then we are not really doing our job.”

The hope is it will result in an increase in LGBTQ charitable giving. One study the lab did showed that 8% of high-net-worth donors said they were giving to women and girls because they had heard that less than 2% of charitable giving goes to women and girls.

“I am really excited to see what will result,” said Ackerman, in having similar stats about LGBTQ giving published each year. “If we can impact giving to other areas of equity, I think that is really our goal here.”

by anti-LGBTQ+ bias, an increase of 86.4% from the previous year. This rise of hate is unacceptable, and we will not stand for it.”

The report includes information on hate crimes and hate incidents.

“A hate crime is a crime against a person, group, or property motivated by the victim’s real or perceived protected social group,” the report states. “You may be the victim of a hate crime if you have been targeted because of your actual or perceived: (1) disability, (2) gender, (3) nationality, (4) race or ethnicity, (5) religion, (6) sexual orientation, and/or (7) association with a person or group with one or more of these actual or perceived characteristics. Hate crimes are serious crimes that may result in imprisonment or jail time.

“A hate incident is an action or behavior motivated by hate but which, for one or more reasons, is not a crime,” the report states. “Examples of hate incidents include: name-calling, insults, displaying hate material on one’s own property, posting hate material that does not result in property damage, or distribution of materials with hate messages in public places.”

If someone has been a victim of a hate crime, they should contact local law enforcement, the report advises.

As for when donations to LGBTQ causes will be more than $1 out of every $500 donated, Spivak couldn’t say.

“I wish I had that crystal ball,” she told the B.A.R., adding of the LGBTQ+ Index findings, “I do hope funders really take what’s in the report to heart.”

Moving the needle

For donors wanting to move the needle for a certain cause with their giving, the LGBTQ sector is one area where the reverberations from their investment can be life changing, contended Hultquist.

“If you are looking for a place to make an impact with your charitable giving, this is an incredible place to see an outsize impact, quite frankly,” she said. “If you look globally, there

Governor Gavin Newsom, CA vs Hate is the state’s first-ever non-emergency multilingual hotline and online portal that provides a safe, anonymous reporting option for victims and witnesses of hate acts. The hotline, which is administered by the state civil rights

BTQ couples on Ko Samui, an island off the east coast of Thailand.

“We believe the LGBT community here will grow more and more, so we want to build villas for them as their holiday home or retirement home,” Rahong told Asia Nikkei.

Soldiering on

The Thai LGBTQ community’s march toward equality is not over.

Celebrations of same-sex marriage passage were barely underway when activists turned toward the lack of transgender rights in the country. Additionally, discrimination, prejudice, and violence against the LGBTQ community remain high.

Outright International noted in

But people can also utilize information on the attorney general’s website at oag.ca.gov/hatecrimes.

Additionally, the state has implemented its Stop the Hate program that offers resources for victims or witnesses. Information is available at cavshate.org. Bonta, who is reportedly eying a gubernatorial bid in 2026, said that he will continue to fight for the LGBTQ+ community.

“We will work to combat the terrifying rise in hate crimes using the full force of our office,” he said, “and ensuring members of the LGBTQ+ community know their rights.”

To read the attorney general’s report, go to file:///Users/cynthial/Downloads/ Pride%20Report%202024.pdf. t

The State of California offers help for victims or witnesses to a hate crime or hate incident. This resource is supported in whole or in part by funding provided by the State of California, administered by the California State Library in partnership with the California Department of Social Services and the California Commission on Asian and Pacific Islander American Affairs as part of the Stop the Hate program. To report a hate incident or hate crime and get support, go to cavshate.org.

are so many places that present an opportunity to really make changes, significant change impacting millions of people.”

Not just more allied donors are needed, said Hultquist, but more LGBTQ individuals need to be supporting those nonprofits working within the LGBTQ community.

“The Equitable Giving Lab’s data can encourage this,” she said, adding that, “if you care about helping people in crisis, well guess what, LGBTQ people are impacted by every crisis that is happening around the world and are disproportionately impacted. And we have the data to show that.”t

For more information about the Equitable Giving Lab’s LGBTQ+ Index, visit www.equitablegivinglab.org/LGBTQIndex.

partment of Justice, reported hate crimes targeting people based on their sexual orientation increased 29% from 2021 to 2022, with anti-transgender hate crimes rising from 38 reported events to 59 over the same period, according to the release. Equality California, the statewide LGBTQ rights organization, stated that it’s important for the state to have the hate crimes hotline as a resource.

department, is in direct response to an alarming increase in reported hate crimes, which, in recent years, have risen to their highest levels since the aftermath of 9/11 in 2001, the release stated.

According to the California De-

the organization’s June 18 release that Thailand doesn’t have any legal or policy protections for transgender, gender-nonconforming, and intersex people. The LGBTQ global group called upon Thailand to take steps to enact self-determined legal gender recognition and to protect intersex children from non-consensual, unnecessary surgeries and other harmful practices. Thailand has long been a destination for foreigners to undergo genderaffirming surgery, but transgender Thais are still not allowed to change their gender on official identity documents.

Thai cabaret performer Jena told ABC Australia she was excited about

“Devastatingly, the LGBTQ+ community continues to see an increase in hate taking place across the state,” noted Tony Hoang, a gay man who’s executive director of EQCA. “We are thankful for Governor Newsom’s leadership in ensuring that all acts of hate can be reported through CA vs Hate, regardless of whether it is a crime.”

To access the non-emergency multilingual hate crime reporting hotline, call (833) 866-4283 Monday-Friday, from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. People can also visit the website at cavshate.org. t

Thailand legally catching up with its image, but she wanted the government to move forward on gender recognition laws.

“It is an act to show human equality and it is really important because, without it, we’re still a minority without rights equal to men or women,” said Jena, who was only identified by her first name.

“There is still gender discrimination but, if we have this law, everyone is human,” she added. t

Got international LGBTQ news tips? Call or send them to Heather Cassell at WhatsApp/Signal: 415-517-7239, or oitwnews@ gmail.com.

Choral members take part in a GALA Choruses Festival.

Courtesy GALA Choruses Festival

https://www.cavshate.org/.

cele b r at E p r i d E.

cele b r at E lov E.

The Apothecarium team would like to wish you a Happy PRIDE!

Visit our Castro, SoMa, and Marina Dispensaries.

Tby Jim Provenzano

he finale of Pride events is of course SF Pride’s parade and Civic Center celebration. But we’ve got plenty of other LGBTQ events that don’t need sunscreen. Of course every bar and nightclub will unfurl their rainbow colors, at least until Monday. Check out all the events in Going Out. For the full listings, including art galleries and museums, visit www.ebar.com

DANCE / OPERA / THEATER

Being Alive: A Sondheim Celebration @ Mountain View Center for the Performing Arts

TheatreWorks Silicon Valley’s original revue of Stephen Sondheim’s most beloved musical songs. $27$100; thru June 30, 500 Castro St. theatreworks.org

Circus Bella

The talented local circus company returns with its 15th annual Circus in the Parks season, with free

Pride-tastic arts & nightlife events

performances around the Bay Area thru July 21. www.circusbella.org

Company @ Orpheum Theatre

The touring company of the hit Broadway revival of Stephen Sondheim and George Furth’s 1971 musical about a single woman and her friends. $55-$148; thru June 29, 1192 Market St. www.broadwaysf.com

Dear San Francisco @ Club Fugazi

The ‘high-flying love story’ weaves local history with acrobatic theatrics and live music by The 7 Fingers company, now with new cast members,

and a full food and beverage menu, including a new Chef’s Series thru October; extended run. $35-$99. 678 Green St. www.clubfugazisf.com

Evita @ San Francisco Playhouse

The company performs Andrew Lloyd Webber and Tin Rice’s Tony-winning musical about the lives of Argentinian dictator Juan Peron and his wife, the charismatic Eva Peron. $30-$125, June 27-Sept. 7, 450 Post St. www.sfplayhouse.org

See page 60 >>

by Brian Bromberger

As Frameline48 concludes on June 29, we are struck that with all the problems facing Hollywood and streaming platforms, the importance of queer film festivals has only grown.

In the past decade, the most innovative and groundbreaking LGBTQ films are international ones, not from America. U.S. documentaries retain their dominance as top of the line, but not narrative features, many of which still remain stuck in coming-of-age, road, or relationship dilemma genres.

Sadly, few films at Frameline48 will find distributors or appear on streaming platforms, so the only opportunity to view them is through festivals. Enjoy the talent and inventive creativity offered here and remember to vote for audience awards which means recognition and potential career advancement for indie filmmakers.

From the picture in the film guide and its description, you would think this movie is about a happy family, but you wouldn’t be further from the truth in the heartbreaking Hong Kong drama with the ironic title, “All Shall Be Well.”

Successful lesbian couple Angie (Patra Au Ga Man) and Pat (Maggie Li Lin Lin) have been together for 30 years, previously factory workermates, they later ran a thriving textile factory and bought a spacious apartment. After a mid-Autumn dinner celebration, Pat dies unexpectedly in her sleep. Angie finds herself at the mercy of Pat’s family.

See page 46 >>

SF Pride mainstage

‘All Shall Be Well’

Fred Schneider

by Gregg Shapiro

I’ll bet you never thought you’d hear the words The B-52s and “Las Vegas residency” in the same sentence, but here we are. And more dates, for November 2024, have been recently announced.

Seriously, is there anything The B52s can’t do? From the band’s longevity (together nearly 50 years) to its 1995 kids’ book “Wig,” to performing as The BC-52s in “The Flintstones” movie, to recording some of the most beloved songs of the New Wave era (and beyond), there is no one else like them.

Which, of course, begs the question, why aren’t they in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame? While you contemplate that, take a few minutes and read this new interview with gay band member Fred Schneider, in which he talks about the B-52s’ upcoming performance at the Mosswood Meltdown (July 6 & 7) in Oakland and much more.

Gregg Shapiro: In early July, The B-52s are headlining the annual Mosswood Meltdown music festival in Oakland, hosted by John Waters. What are you most looking forward to about that show?

I’ve known John since “Cry-Baby” when he invited me to the opening in Baltimore. To work with him is really exciting. I’m a big fan of this band Hunx & His Punx. I know (front person) Seth (Bogart). I’m looking forward to it!

As always, the Mosswood Meltdown line-up is thrilling and includes Big Freedia, Bush Tetras, Hunx & His Punx, Pansy Division, and Red Kross, to name a few. Are there any bands you’re excited about seeing?

I’m not that familiar with them, to be honest. But my friends are really excited [laughs], so it should be great.

In addition to the Mosswood Meltdown, The B-52s are continuing the post-farewell tour residency at The Venetian in Las Vegas with new dates added for November 2024. What has The Venetian experience been like for you?

It’s great, because people from all over the world want to go to Vegas. So, it’s ideal. That way many more people can come see us, rather than us slogging around the country on a bus playing small venues or cities. It’s more costeffective for us, and it makes it easy on us. We don’t have to go anywhere.

Everybody comes to you. That’s the best, right?

Yes, that’s what I wanted. Because we’ve gone to them for 40 years. Now, it’s like, okay, come to us.

In recent years, artists such as Sufjan Stevens, David Byrne, Green Day, Alicia Keys, and Duncan Sheik, have written Broadway musicals. Is there any possibility that there is a B-52s or Fred Schneider Broadway musical in the works?

We are in the process of working with different writers to come up with something. We have ideas for a B-52s musical, but I can’t say what because nothing is set in stone yet. But it’ll be wild.

That’s fantastic! Music documentaries are becoming increasingly popular. This year alone, there are new docs about the Indigo Girls, Cyndi Lauper, Luther Vandross, and Allee Willis, to mention a few. What is the status of the doc about The B-52s?

It’s still a work in progress. We’re still alive so…

Ahead of your bandmates, in 1984 you released your first solo album – “Fred Schneider & The Shake Society,” which I am happy to say I have a copy of on vinyl. It was later reissued on CD with a different title and artwork, followed by “Just Fred,” your second solo album, in 1996. Do you recall why the first album was rereleased with the changes?

It had never been on CD. We just enhanced some of the songs and remastered it because it was analog.

One of the things that I remember about that album is that great duet with you and Patti LaBelle.

[Laugh] My ex-manager at the time said, “Why do you want to sing with her? She hasn’t had a hit in years.” And then what happens? In the next week or two she comes out with “If Only You Knew,” which was a huge hit. I was friends with her through her publicist at the time, who was a great guy. And, hello? Sing with Patti LaBelle? Okay!

putting out songs. My Christmas album, “Destination Christmas,” with The Superions did well, so we’re reissuing that this year on vinyl and CD. I have things in the works. I’m working with (Brian) Hardgroove from Public Enemy. I have a song out now on a tribute (album) to (keyboard player and producer) Bernie Worrell, which they only pressed 2,000 copies. I’m also writing for other people. We’re going to release a single of “Planet Claire” that I’ve done with Jimmy Plank on which we make it sound different. I don’t want to give people a rehash of the same thing.

I’m glad you mentioned the vinyl reissue of The Superions album. The first few B-52s albums were released on vinyl and then came the CD revolution. Now vinyl has made a comeback. What do you think about the return of vinyl?

We’re selling vinyl like hotcakes at our shows. They’re re-releasing just about everything on colored vinyl. I don’t even have all the different colors!

But the important question is, do you have a turntable?

Oh, yeah! Of course.

In the meantime, Kate released her official solo album in 2015, and then Cindy released her first in 2017 and second in 2023. This is a long way of asking if you, Fred, have a new solo album in the works.

I’m working with other people and

A couple of days before this interview is taking place (in early May 2024), musician and record producer Steve Albini, with whom you worked on “Just Fred,” passed away. Is there anything you’d like to say about your experience of working with him?

It was fantastic! Steve was great. I was a little nervous at first. His reputation was way different from what I did. It turned out he was a big fan of the B-52s and I think a bit bemused that I was interested in having him record me.

My ex, and best friend at the time, was the one who urged me to do it. Through him (Albini), I got to meet so many great bands. I got to stay in Chicago for a while. I made great friends with him and his wife. I wound up doing Second City. I studied improv under Gary Austin who formed The Groundlings. It was so great to work with him (Steve). It was a great experience, and it’s such a loss. People don’t realize how great and honest he was.

Speaking of being honest, do you think you might have a memoir in you?

No! No, because if you tell the truth everyone hates you in the band [laughs]. I’d rather be loved by the band. I’m sure they have things to say about me, of course. Why dig up old dirt? I know where it’s caused friction for years for some bands with their members. It’s not worth it. And you don’t sell that many! Forget it! I’m not going to sell a thousand copies to ruin what I have going, which is so satisfying and fun.t

Mosswood Meltdown, $99-$399, July 6 & 7, Mosswood Park, 3612 Webster St., Oakland. www.theb52s.com www.mosswoodmeltdown.com

The B-52s’ Cindy Wilson, Fred Schneider and Kate Pierson

Fred Schneider Wikipedia

Post-Tony predictions

by Jim Gladstone

The 77th annual Tony Awards, presented earlier this month in a televised New York ceremony, spread the winnings across a large range of productions: Out of the 20 shows that received nominations, 12 won at least one Tony.

For many Bay Area theatergoers, the biggest question on Broadway’s biggest night isn’t which shows will win, but which shows will we get to see on national tours or in local productions over the next couple of years?

Below are one critic’s assessments of some of this year’s winners and nominees; not of their quality, but of the likelihood they’ll be headed our way, with chances influenced by their cost of production, breadth of box office appeal, and likely appeal to Bay Area artistic directors.

Sure things (Plays)

First out of the gate is “Jaja’s African Hair Braiding,” which won the Tony for best costume design in a play and was also nominated for best play, best sound design in a play and best scenic design in a play.

The comedy by Jocelyn Bioh is already scheduled to have its West Coast premiere at the Berkeley Rep, from November 8 through December 15 of this year. Bioh’s earlier scripts, “School Girls; Or, The African Mean Girls Play” and the musical “Goddess,” have also played at the Rep in recent seasons. And her “Nollywood Dreams” received an uproarious production at the San Francisco Playhouse.

Luckily for Bay Area audiences, the “Jaja” that will play at Berkeley is the same production seen on Broadway, so we’ll get to experience its winning and nominated design work firsthand.

“Mother Play,” another Best Play nominee, went home empty-handed, but its queer content; popular, awardwinning playwright Paula Vogel (“How I Learned to Drive,” “Indecent,” “The Baltimore Waltz”; a small cast of just three, and minimal setting make it

a natural for the San Francisco market.

The show, which follows a struggling single mother and her two queer children over the course of four decades, could well find its way to NCTC because of its LGBTQ+ characters, but would be welcome at any local theater.

Alas, we’ll have to settle for someone in the title role other than Jessica Lange, who made the Broadway production an indelible coup de theatre

Sure things (Musicals)

One of two musical shoo-ins to play San Francisco is “The Outsiders,” which won the Tonys for best new musical and best director of a musical (Dayna Taymor, niece of “Lion King” director Julie Taymor) is a shoo-in for San Francisco. A national tour has already been announced; it’ll kick off in Fall 2025 in Tulsa, Oklahoma, where the gangs ‘n’ angst teenage drama is set, so expect Ponyboy and company to “Stay Gold” by the Golden Gate in 2026.

(The show’s mellow, folk-influenced cast album is available now).

“Hell’s Kitchen,” nominated for best

musical and a winner of Tonys for both best actress and supporting actress hasn’t yet announced a tour, but it’s inevitable given positive critics’ reviews, strong box office performance, and already popular songs by Alicia Keys. I’d bet on an Orpheum run in 2026.

And despite not taking home any Tonys, triple nominee “The Notebook” (Best Book of a Musical, Best Actor in a Leading Role, Best Actress in A Leading Role) is sure to tour, fueled by brand recognition. The Nicholas Sparks book and movie adaptation that preceded this theater iteration are beloved by millions, many of who are old enough to be habitual theatre subscribers.

Strong odds

Although non-musicals rarely tour, Branden Jacobs-Jenkins’ “Appropriate,” which won the Tony for Best Revival of a Play has a solid shot at getting on the production calendar of one of our regional theaters over the next couple years.

It’s a rich, dark comedy full of thorny questions about social justice, white privilege and family dysfunction: All stuff that Bay Area audiences and production companies love. With a cast of eight, it’s a rather large production, and demands some fairly elaborate design work, making A.CT. or Berkeley Rep seems like its most likely landing place, although a Shotgun Players production also seems a possibility.

In a similar situation is Best Play winner “Stereophonic” by David Adjmi, a music biz how-the-sausage-ismade drama full of tempestuous rock stars portrayed by actors who play instruments on stage. Its over three hours long, but so was “The Lehmann Trilogy.” The show also took home a Tony for Best Scenic Design, which went to the prolific David Zinn, who designed the sets for last year’s A.C.T. production of “The Wizard of Oz.”

Risky bets

This year’s Best Revival of a Musical Award deservedly went to director Maria Friedman’s sparkling resurrection of Sondheim’s “Merrily We Roll Along.” But the production’s success, both artistically and at the box office, had at least as much to do with its Tony-winning central actors, Jonathan Groff and Daniel Radcliffe, whose huge, open-hearted performances and mutual chemistry felt irreplaceable.

Given mediocre sales for the touring version of the Tony-winning 2022 Broadway revival of Sondheim’s “Company” (without its New York stars, Katrina Lenk and Patti Lupone), currently at the Golden Gate Theatre minus its Broadway stars, I wouldn’t count on “Merrily” going ’round. And locally, 42nd Street Moon mounted an admirable version of the show just last year.

A dark horse is “Water for Elephants,” the circus-themed Best Musical nominee. Its score is not particularly memorable and, though based on a bestselling book and its movie adaptation, H2O for heffalumps just

isn’t a sticky brand. That said, co-choreographer and circus designer Shana Carroll has deep local ties (She’s one of the creative forces behind “Dear San Francisco”) and the Bay Area has an outsized affinity for circus arts. But don’t keep your fingers crossed.

Neigh

“Illinoise,” the dance musical built around Sufjan Stevens’ brilliant 2005 album is, alas, ill-conceived. Likely nominated in part for its novelty (no

dialogue, eclectic score and orchestration), the show is catnip for hipsters and audiences already enamored of Stevens’ work. But it’s not narratively coherent enough to gain traction on a national tour and requires such a high level of dance talent that it would be hard to replicate in a short-run local production.

That said, both the original Stevens recording and the gorgeously sung Broadway cast album are well worth your time.t

Left: Nana Mensah, Dominique Thorne and Somi Kakoma in ‘Jaja’s African Hair Braiding’ Right: Jessica Lange, Jim Parsons and Celia Keenan-Bolger in ‘Mother Play’

Matthew Murphy

Above: The cast of ‘The Outsiders’ Middle: ‘Appropriate’

Below: Daniel Radcliffe, Jonathan Groff and Lindsay Mendez in ‘Merrily We Roll Along’

Above: Matthew Murphy Middle: Craig Schwartz Below: Matthew Murphy

Brooke DiDonato

Peter Gregus Gay

by Jim Gladstone

After living in New York for the first 60 years of his life, Bronxborn actor Peter Gregus moved to the Bay Area last fall. He’s making his local stage debut as Juan Peron in the new production of “Evita” now playing at the San Francisco Playhouse.

It’s an unusual move for a working Broadway veteran, but Gregus’ partner, who previously ran a non-profit helping underserved communities gain access to PrEP, recently began a grad school program at Stanford and Gregus was up for a change.

“I think there’s enough union theater work for me to stay here,” said Gregus in a recent interview with the Bay Area Reporter. “And at this stage of my life, I’m appreciating the slower pace. I was back in New York for five days, just before we began ‘Evita’ rehearsals, and it was a little jarring. I was like ‘Whoa! It seems kind of hectic and crazy here.’ California has already started to work its magic on me.

“‘Evita’ is really my introduction to the local theater community. Hopefully I’ll get good reviews and invite people to see it and say, ‘Hey, I’m here now. Look what I can do!”

Among other the things Gregus would like to do in Bay Area theater is play more openly queer characters.

“I would love that,” he said. “Bring it on! The last thing I did in New York was a one-night benefit of Yasmina Reza’s ‘Art’ in which we played the three male characters all as gay. The dialogue was already so catty, so it worked really well.”

Negotiating gayness

The Broadway role that provided Gregus his greatest success, along with a level of financial security unusual for a journeyman New York actor and dancer, was a gay character: Bob Crewe, the genius songwriter/producer in “Jersey Boys,” who Gregus played from the show’s development production at the La Jolla Playhouse and through its entire 11-year Broadway run.

But therein lies a twisted tale.

“When we were first rehearsing for the show,” said Gregus, “The director, Des McAnuff, didn’t want us to meet with the people we were playing. He felt that the writers had done the research and that we should just play the characters as they were written on the page.

“McAnuff, who is a straight man, directed me to play Crewe very flamboyantly, almost as a kind of comic relief. Sassy and outrageous. Then, between the La Jolla and New York runs, I had the chance to visit with Crewe at his four-story all glass house in LA. There was modern art and gold records hanging all over the place. It was insane.

“He was a very witty, charismatic guy, but not especially flamboyant. And it turned out that he didn’t like the way I’d played him at all. I remember him saying that he didn’t like effeminate men; that if you wanted to be with a man, you should be with a man

actor makes his local debut in ‘Evita’ at SF Playhouse

“When we went in for the first readthrough before opening on Broadway, I noticed that some of my more lines were calmed down or changed or taken out, basically made less gay.

“Before the next day’s rehearsal, Des McAnuff had met with the writers and told them he was unhappy; he wanted the character to be like he’d been in La Jolla. He wanted a very flouncy, Paul Lynde type of thing.

“I tried not to go there, not to bring back everything from La Jolla, but Des McAnuff was my boss and that’s what he insisted on. I was trying to find a balance between that and the actual Bob Crewe.”

Caught in the middle

Gregus was the rope in a tug of war between two points of view that could both be viewed as homophobic.

“Of course,” said Gregus, “what was on the page had nothing to do with Crewe’s sexuality at all. It was about him dealing with these four idiots from New Jersey who were very talented but had no clue about how to produce a record. But the writers put some of the outrageousness back into the script like Des wanted.

“Then, one day at rehearsal, Des gets on the phone. It’s Bob calling from LA. And I hear Des screaming at him, ‘Well then I’m going to just cut out your fucking part!’ Bob was like, I don’t want to be portrayed as a flaming homosexual, and Des’ response was that he’d just cut him out of the story altogether if he didn’t like it.

“I was just shaking in my boots. This was my first big role on Broadway, and it sounded like the part was about to get cut. There ended up being a lot of negotiation and somehow, Rick Elice, one of the book writers, somehow massaged Bob into allowing the role to be played how Des McAnuff wanted.

Later, when multiple productions of “Jersey Boys” began touring the world, Des pushed the actors to play Bob even more flamboyantly than I was doing in New York. And sometimes Des would check in on New York and I’d get a message from the stage man-

2017 Media Kit 0 a

he asked me what I thought about the character. That’s a rarity for an actor on

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“One of the things we’re bringing out in this ‘Evita’ that’s different than other productions is the impact of the big age difference between Peron and Evita: The urgency of her youth, the

tinian dramaturg who is providing tive energy around Evita. Yes, there was corruption in the government. borers and blue-collar people who genuinely appreciated some of the things she did, making sure people ened the edges of what’s often a colder, darker show. When I’m in a room like that, where anyone is free to talk and share ideas that spark your brain, it’s

Peter Gregus

Peter Gregus as Bob Crewe in ‘Jersey Boys’

Joan Marcus

Left: Peter Gregus as Juan Perón and Sophia Alawi as Eva Perón in San Francisco Playhouse’s ‘Evita’ Right: Juan Perón (Peter Gregus) is charmed by a young Eva (Sophia Alawi) in San Francisco Playhouse’s ‘Evita.’

Both photos: Jessica Palopoli

Along with his previous “Front Cover,” “Cut Sleeve Boys,” and “Twilight’s Kiss,” this film cements Ray Yeung as one of the world’s foremost LGBTQ writer/directors.

It’s a journey of atonement in the Georgian film “Crossing,” directed by Levan Akin, a follow-up to his exciting debut “And Then We Danced,” about two gay dancers in an ensemble troupe. Here, retired history teacher Lia (Mzia Arabuli) in the coastal Georgian town of Batumi, is looking for her trans niece Tekla, after promising her dead sister she would find her because her husband kicked Tekla out of the house when she came out as trans.

Lia meets a former student who lives nearby where Tekla once lived, but his stepbrother Achi (Lucas Kankava) claims she left for Istanbul, leaving an

address, and knows where she’s staying. He convinces Lia to take him along, but he really wants to escape from his unhappy life and start anew in Turkey.

“Crossing” is essentially a road movie as their search for the elusive Tekla comes up empty, following many dead ends, almost as if the woman doesn’t want to be found. The key relation-ship is between Lia and Achi. They eventually meet trans activist lawyer Evrim (Deniz Dumanil), a former sex worker volunteering with an NGO fighting for trans rights, who will try to help them find Tekla. The film is as much an analysis of Lia as it is an essay on the hardships of being trans in Turkey.

You would think the idea of a throuple would be exciting and titillating, but that’s not the case in the new low-budget drama “Throuple.” Michael (screenwriter Michael Doshier) seems lost both in his job and his gay dating life. He works as a business ad-

ministrative aide, but longs to support himself as a singer/songwriter.

He lives with his best friend Tristan (Dakota Jones) who sings with a rock band, and her DJ girlfriend Abby (Jess Gabor), who asks Tristan to marry her. While selling merch for Tristan’s band, Michael meets a married couple Connor (Tommy Heleringer) and Georgie (Stanton Plummer-Cambridge) who have decided to open their relationship. Initially there is an attraction and they’re all game for it, but then there is a hesitancy on how things should go forward.

The main problem with this film is that no one knows what they want, with Tristan ambivalent about marrying Abby, Georgie and Connor trying to salvage their relationship, and especially Michael, who seems incapable of expressing his feelings and going after his goals, whatever they might be. The finale cries out for some excitement needed to give it plausibility; well-intentioned, but a disappointment.

There’s the old joke that for LGBTQ people, 40 is senior citizen, which is the exact attitude the French documentary “If I Die, It’ll Be of Joy” tries to combat. The film profiles three older queer people who refuse to be sidelined, all connected with Greypride, an activist organization in Paris supporting elderly individuals and fighting prejudices.

Micheline (81) is a horny lesbian burning with desire, trying to get her partner more stimulated. Francis (70) is a lesbian challenging old age taboos. Yves (68) is looking for love and shooting a film about being old, gay, and sexual, including filming naked queer seniors. They are all combatting the idea that older bodies are undesirable, stripping them of their sexuality or that it’s inappropriate or disgust ing for old people to be sexual.

As Francis observes, “You can’t change old age, but you can change the way people treat it.” The film has heart, but is quite talky and strangely punctuated with lots of beautiful nature scenes. This doc would be a great conversation starter at a queer senior club.

Rarely has the creative process of an artist been portrayed so raw and honestly in the outstanding documenLinda Perry: Let It Die Here,” about the singer/songwriter Linda Perry, best known for her number one hit, “What’s Up” in 1993 with her band 4 Non Blondes.

Since disbanding the group in 1994, she is a much sought after producer, creating hit songs for such stars as Dolly Parton, Adele, Christina Aguilera, Celine Dion, Ariana Grande, among others. Given extraordinary access to Perry, director Don Hardy captures Perry at her most vulnerable and intimate moments, such as her dancing to Supertramp’s “Take the Long Way Home,” and suffering an emotional breakdown in front of the camera.

This heartbreaking film allows us to glimpse a genius at age 59 still trying to find herself, as with searing candor she bares her soul in an intense conversation with the audience; stellar and unmissable.

“Everywhere I look I see stories,” says a year-round citizen of Fire Island Pines, the subject of the documentary, A House Is Not a Disco.” Shot over two seasons, the film interviews residents and visitors of this small town on a sand strip 49 miles from Manhattan that in the years following Stonewall became a sanctuary and fun safe haven for primarily gay men.

The island became a sexual hedonistic paradise (“You could have sex three or four times a day) in the 1970s, but the older residents mourn all their friends lost to AIDS in the 1980s and ’90s (when one third of the homes were put on the market after their owners died).

The place still functions like a gay summer camp, but not everyone feels welcome, especially people of color, trans folk, and older men, who no longer look like Greek gods. Although a bit repetitive, the film celebrates the delight of unabashedly being yourself

without one’s sexuality ever being a deal breaker.

Heartbroken and adrift, Brazilian immigrant Lourenco (Marco Pigossi) finds himself in the gay mecca Provincetown in the tender, melancholic, lovely narrative feature “High Tide.” Having met Joe visiting Brazil and eager to leave his small town and fundamentalist Christian mother (lying that he got into Harvard), he travels to Provincetown, but soon after he’s dumped by Joe.

He’s staying in a cottage owned by kindly Scott (a poignant Bill Irwin), a widower friend of Joe’s, eager for Lourenco’s company. Leaving voicemails for Joe in the hopes he’ll return, Lourenco supports himself as a cleaner of BNBs and painting rich people’s houses. He wants to stay, but his tourist visa is about to expire.

Left: ‘Crossing’ Right: ‘A House Is Not a Disco’

(Jake Holley). His father, who’s also the coach, was a football legend, his career waylaid by a shoulder injury.

The last third of the movie becomes melodramatic, but it’s the star-making performance of Pigossi, real-life lover of director/writer Marco Calvani, projecting empathy and vulnerability, that is the highlight of “High Tide,” a subtle, under the radar romance, not to be overlooked.

Another lost 23-year-old not knowing what to do or where to go, perceiving life as a continual obstacle, is the setting for “Fallen Fruit.” Alex (Ramiro Batista) gave up on his B.A., went to New York where his boyfriend got a job, but after a catastrophic breakup, has returned to his parent’s home in Miami.

Not much happens in this film. I would use the word inert. I suspect writer/director Chris Molina wanted the film to mirror the languid lifestyle of Miami.

In the second half, a hurricane (an obvious metaphor alluding to Alex’s inner storms) is heading for Miami forcing Alex’s family to evacuate but even here that crisis seems low-key. At one point, Chris characterizes the city as “chewing you up, spitting you out, and fucking you up five ways,” which one suspects the Miami Tourist Bureau will not be adopting as its new slogan.

Unfortunately, by the end of the film Alex doesn’t seem any wiser, repeating the same mistakes he did at the beginning. Queer millennials probably will appreciate Alex’s plight and be more empathetic about the messiness of becoming an adult.

While yet another coming-out drama in “Riley,” but there’s a difference here, as this one concerns a closeted teen football player, Dakota “Riley”

Superstar athlete Riley has the potential to be the greatest high school receiver in his state’s history, which brings a huge amount of pressure. His best friend and workout partner Jaeden (Colin McCalla) is staying with him after a fight with his mother. Riley has a straight crush on him and you can feel the sexual tension between them. Riley pursues secret Grindr hookups with an older man.

Writer/director/producer Benjamin Howard based the film on his own experience as a secretly gay high school football player. All the actors are very good, but the film is marred a bit by the fact all the teen actors are clearly in their mid-20s. It’s the old conflict between being who one is expected to be vs. who one really is. Howard makes a strong case about how difficult it is for athletes to decloset and Riley isn’t quite there at the end of the film. But viewers will be rooting for Riley to live authentically and find peace within himself.

The costs of fame are detailed in the Canadian drama, “We Forgot to Break Up.” A Canadian teen indie punk band, The New Normals, led by a trans man, Evan (Lane Webber) from a small town in Ontario in the late 1990s through the early aughts, follow their dreams of success to Canada’s music capital, Toronto.

But it also centers around two couples Evan and Isis (June Laporte), Angus (Jordan Dawson) and Coco (Hallea Jones), complicated by the addition of Angus’s gay brother Lugh (Daniel Gravelle) as the new guitarist.

The film falters when it focuses on the romantic entanglements and we’re

never quite sure how they impinge on the band’s success. The film is on firmer ground when it explores selling out as Evan entertains the possibility of going solo. The audience will have to decide whether Evan is a success or not in this mediocre but occasionally enthralling paen to the Toronto music scene at the turn of this century.

Another ambivalent adventure on dating apps is featured in Brazilian writer/director Daniel Ribeiro’s “Perfect Endings.” It’s been a decade since Ribeiro’s debut feature film “The Way He Looks,” one of 2014’s best LGBTQ features. In his new film, Ribeiro is attempting to invigorate another queer staple, a couple’s breakup, only it’s not as winning as his previous effort.

Joao (Artur Volpi) is a 32-year-old filmmaker living in San Paulo, who after ending his 10-year relationship with Hugo (they didn’t live together and they’re still texting friends), turns to dating apps in search of another boyfriend.

His screenplay is delayed by his production company. Tired of editing boring institutional and educational films, he finds success as a cameraman filming private couples having sex in amateur arty porn films, some of whom invite him into the action which he declines.

It has a bright, breezy feel to it, but “Perfect Endings,” lacks the emotional depth its original title promised us. It’s certainly watchable, but a letdown in light of the superb “Way He Looks.”

If you haven’t heard of her, director Deborah Craig, is intent on making sure you will be well informed about local teacher, writer, lesbian/feminist, and political activist Sally Gearhart, in the superb documentary, “Sally!” making its debut at Frameline.

Gearhart (1931-2021) should be best known for her role along with Harvey Milk in helping defeat the Briggs Initiative (aka Prop 6), a 1978 state bill which would’ve banned gays and lesbians from teaching in public schools. Both she and Milk debated

State Senator Briggs on television exposing the lies he was telling about gay men as child molesters.

She became the first out lesbian to be granted tenure at San Francisco State University in the Speech and Communications department, as well as cofounding one of the first Women Studies Department. She wrote a lesbian cult classic fantasy novel, “The Wanderground: Stories of the Hill Women,” an ecofeminist utopia about a women-only society in nature, where they have psychic powers so they can communicate with each oth-

er and animals, as well as keep violent men off their land.

Craig embraces all Gearhart’s contradictions, recounted by former lovers (she did not believe in monogamy) and friends, but still beloved. Graphic animated scenes from Wanderground add little to the film, a vain attempt to paint the serious Gearhart as whimsical, but still this is a stirring tribute to a lesbian pioneer who deserves to be remembered and celebrated.t

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Above: ‘Fallen Fruit’ Below: ‘Riley’

‘We Forgot to Break Up’

Above: ‘Perfect Endings’ Below: ‘Sally!’

<< Frameline48 From page 46

‘Gay USA’ Arthur

by Brian Bromberger

In the year following 1969’s Stonewall Riot, organizations such as the Gay Liberation Front, Gay Activists Alliance, and the Radicalesbians sprung up. They wanted to recall the courageous actions of those bar participants, who stood up against injustice and police harassment, which resulted in a mass political movement. This activism demanded not just societal acceptance and equality, but liberation. with a willingness to tackle oppressive institutions.

To celebrate, encourage, and reinforce this new revolutionary ethos, they commemorated the first anniversary of Stonewall with parades, which celebrated who they were unashamedly, but also to initiate a new kind of social protest that had both cultural and political advocacy implications.

The landmark documentary “Gay USA” by the gay director Arthur Bressan, Jr. (“Buddies”), captures the 1977 Gay Freedom Day march in San Francisco, but also parades in New York, Los Angeles, Chicago, San Diego, and Philadelphia.

That parade sought to fight the conservative backlash occurring after singer Anita Bryant’s successful 1977 crusade to rescind Miami’s gay rights law in Dade County, Florida through her “Save Our Children” campaign.

Cinematic treasures

However, the real treasure is the inclusion, as bonus features, of the fol-

‘The

Bressan, Jr.’s films of 1970s Pride parades

lowing historic documentary short films: Lilli Vincenz’s 1970 “Gay and Proud,” which documented the first Christopher Street Liberation Day Parade held in New York City on June 28, 1970; “Gay Power,” (1971) a lesbiancentric silent film from legendary artists/activists Sharon Hayes and Kate Millet, produced by the Women’s Liberation Cinema, on that first parade.

AIDS Show’

by Brian Bromberger

W

hen it premiered 40 years ago in September 1984, few realized “The AIDS Show: Artists Involved with Death and Survival,” how groundbreaking this theatrical production, produced by Theatre Rhinoceros (the world’s longest-running professional queer theatre company, founded in 1977), would be. It was the first creative artistic endeavor to deal with AIDS, a year before the first film, Arthur Bressan Jr.’s “Buddies,” on the subject and two feature-length plays, “As If” by William Hoffman and “The Normal Heart” by Larry Kramer.

The revue addressed the fears of the disease and how it was affecting the entire LGBTQ community, as well as the lovers and families of PWAs. “The AIDS Show” gave voice to the emotional turmoil caused by the epidemic.

The HIV virus had only been identified a year before, reinforcing the theory the disease was sexually transmitted. It was an era of great uncertainty, like playing Russian roulette with one’s own life. This theater piece was only supposed to play nine performances, but stuck such a chord with audiences, it ran for months. Designed to be portable, it traveled to street fairs, jails, and hospitals. It was used by the Shanti Project to help train volunteer supporters of PWAs.

Inspiration

Doug Holsclaw, the co-director, writer, and actor of the production, is one of the few surviving cast members and spoke with the Bay Area Reporter in an email interview. Holsclaw discussed the inspiration for the play.

“Allen Estes was the founding Artistic Director at Theatre Rhinoceros,” said Holsclaw. “He got a small grant from SF Grants for the Arts to develop and perform street theater pieces to perform outside the 1984 Democratic Convention at the Moscone Center. Allen died in the spring, but the Rhino needed to do a project to fulfill the grant.”

“Leland Moss acted on Broadway in ‘Yentl’ and directed at the Q Public Theater,” Holsclaw continued. “Disil-

“Parade,” (1972) from artistic allrounder Ronald Chase, gives us insight into San Francisco’s first official gay pride parade; and “Freedom Day Parade” (1974), by iconic filmmaker and choreographer Wakefield Poole, was shot at the San Francisco Gay Freedom Day. These films are considered so momentous they’ve been restored by the Library of Congress.

While the early parades had a strong political element, such as advocating for laws prohibiting discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation (and one spectator was upset that New York City’s Mayor John Lindsey wasn’t there), there was also a push for cultural/societal reform by changing social institutions that made life difficult for LGBTQ folk.

Documentary about historic play

lusioned, he joined a Buddhist colony in Marin. After three years of painting gold leaf, he sent his impressive resume to Theatre Rhinoceros. Interviewed, he was given this project, with no guidelines, to direct it.

“I had lived in New York, took classes, did Off-Off-Broadway shows, summer stock; your basic struggling actor. I ended up in San Francisco where I tried out doing standup at a gay club. That’s why they called me.

Leland and I hit it off. I would be codirector for the second season.

“We put up flyers in the Castro, ads in newspapers, looking for writers and actors. Anyone who showed up was in the show. We met on Saturday mornings, sharing ideas and our writings.

Leland’s concept was to have scenes, songs, monologues that could be performed individually or in groups at schools, churches, etc. Our directive was to educate, empower, and inspire.

“Each week we would bring new work and started getting it on its feet.

Associate artistic director Chuck Solomon had the final say on scene selection. We opened our showcase

Thus, there was a joyous, unashamed public declaration of gay and lesbian identity, to promote visibility and validate the existence of queer folk. A popular slogan was, “2,4,6,8! Gay is just as good as straight!”

A spirit of joy and fun pervades these first parades with lots of festive

of scenes and were blown away at the response. When SF Chronicle writer Markel Morris came, we got a powerful review. Audiences and critics were surprised at the humor.”

Holsclaw said that “We focused on sex…safe sex, relationships, family problems, with songs thrown in like “Rimming at the Baths,’ not for the mainstream, but our purpose was to affect people emotionally and hopefully save lives.”

Party talk

The show featured skits such as Holsclaw’s “It’s My Party,” with four guys playing Trivial Pursuit at a slumber party while talking about the death of a friend and safe sex, a nurse wondering in rage and grief how certain homosexuals can still be sexually promiscuous, a mother who learns about her son’s homosexuality when he appears on a public-television show, a 75-year-old gay man named Peaches almost proud he has AIDS since it means he’s still attractive, and a gymnastic instructor in denial about the disease.

Moss related that a man had called the theater saying his friend had been accosted on the bus, because he had visible purple lesions (KS), with riders threatening his life and throwing him off the bus. He was asking if the theater could teach him how to use makeup, so he could hide his friend’s lesions.

Another scene featured a man talking to his dead lover at the cemetery a year later, while Moss described the death of an AIDS client, waiting five minutes to make sure he was actually dead, so nurses and doctors wouldn’t resuscitate him.

Moss later commented that blunt sexual imagery was deliberately used in the show, which bothered some people, “as if AIDS wasn’t a sexually transmitted disease and not talking about how it is sexually transmitted… clinical terms like body fluids were later used, so many Americans thought you could get AIDS from tears, rather than semen and blood.”

Insisting the community would survive this disaster, the show ended with the cast singing, “Not A Day Goes By,” by Stephen Sondheim.

Updating

In 1985 the play was updated since more information was known about the disease, including a test for the virus. The name of the revue was changed to “Unfinished Business,” to reflect that the community was learning to cope, realizing “there were resources of support and comfort.” New skits, songs, and monologues were written.

Holsclaw noted that many gay men believed the disease was a conspiracy by the government to kill them. Telling gay men sex was going to kill them was a tough sell. He said, “Some cities produced the script themselves and we performed in Boston, New York, Minneapolis, Berkeley, Phoenix, Denver, some were shortened versions, but others performed the whole show.”

A cast member saw Oscar-winning documentary filmmaker Rob Epstein (“The Times of Harvey Milk”) walking by a laundromat. She ran out and invited him to the show. Epstein and his working partner Peter Adair (“Word

Scene from ‘Gay USA’ See

Douglas Holsclaw (lower left) with the cast of ‘The AIDS Show’

A rich tradition of LGBTQ philanthropy

Bob Ross (1934–2003), the founding publisher of the Bay Area Reporter, America’s longest continuously- published LGBT newspaper, was also a gay community leader and philanthropist.

Holidays are here.

Show you care by always wearing a mask.

Support from the Bob Ross Foundation has allowed the GLBT Historical Society to create digital copies of decades of Bay Area Reporter coverage, and has allowed thousands of people to access their history through monthly free days at the Society’s museum.

In addition to the support provided to the GLBT Historical Society, the foundation, established in 1995, continues to support a diverse range of local arts, HIV-related, LGBT, and other nonprofit organizations in the Bay Area.

Thirteen years after the death of Bob Ross, the Bay Area Reporter publisher and founder, the foundation that bears his name, established in 1995, continues to support a diverse range of local arts, HIV-related, LGBT, and other nonprofit organizations. During this time, these organizations need our support, and yours, more than ever.

If you are able, please consider supporting these vital institutions.

Chanticleer

GLBT Historical Society

Horizons Foundation

KDFC Classical Music

Larkin Street Youth

Meals on Wheels

During this time, these organizations need our support, and yours, more than ever before.

New Conservatory Theatre Center

Openhouse

Chanticleer

GLBT Historical Society

Larkin Street Youth

Meals on Wheels

New Conservatory Theatre Center

Openhouse

Pets Are Wonderful Support (PAWS)

SF Giants Community Fund

SF Pride (Pink Triangle)

Shanti

Tenderloin Tessie Holiday Dinner

Theatre Rhinoceros

Transgender Awareness Month

UCSF AIDS Health Project

Pets Are Wonderful Support

San Francisco Ballet

San Francisco Dance Film Festival

San Francisco Giants Community

San Francisco Pride (Pink Triangle)

Shanti

Tenderloin Tessie Holiday Dinner Rhinoceros

RbTHE BOB ROSS FOUNDATION

Summer Sizzle

by Victoria A. Brownworth

As much of the country swelters under a “heat dome,” TV controversies are heating up. Debate over Eddie Redmayne’s fabulously decadent Tony Awards performance continues. We are Team Redmayne. (Fight us!) In a night of stellar performances, his was camp perfection. Christopher Isherwood would have loved it.

The Tonys were such a Pride event for us, we had to write a personal piece about the ceremony and our life-long love affair with theater.

But as Redmayne recedes into the very online, a new controversy, this one over the Disney+ “Star Wars” series “The Acolyte,” has arisen.

What happens when viewers think a show is queer AF and the creator doesn’t? On June 20, Leslye Headland, showrunner of the Jedi drama starring Amandla Stenberg, told The Hollywood Reporter that she “is proud to inspire LGBTQ fans,” but says the story is being read, well, wrong.

Maybe, but that’s how art goes. We the People get to decide which prism we view through. And we view “The Acolyte” through a queer, queerer, queerest lens. And the right hates it, calling it “woke” and giving it bad reviews.

Headland is an out lesbian and the first out queer person to create and direct a “Star Wars” series. Headland co-created the Netflix series “Russian Doll,” along with Natasha Lyonne and Amy Poehler and is married to “Russian Doll” actress Rebecca Henderson, who plays Jedi Master Vernestra Rwoh in “The Acolyte.”

The Lavender Tube on ‘Star Wars,’ Sandra and more

mind for “The Acolyte’s” dual lead role of identical twins Osha and Mae Aniseya. Sternberg identifies as nonbinary and gay. Also in the cast is “Russian Doll” co-star Charlie Barnett, who has said he came out as gay at age 13!

And then there are the twins’ mothers, Mother Aniseya (Jodie TurnerSmith) and Mother Koril (Margarita Levieva), who read as a lesbian couple. Plus Aniseya used her powers to impregnate Koril, so there’s that.

Headland stated that her show is not “Queer with a capital Q,” and she is “unsure what ‘gay’ would even mean in that context.”

“I was surprised by the question. Amandla [Sternberg, the show’s star] and I just burst out laughing because that’s our knee-jerk reaction to being asked that, but to be honest, I don’t know what the term ‘gay’ means in that sense. I don’t believe that I’ve created queer, with a capital Q, content.”

We think the lady doth protest too much. Headland says she always had “The Hate U Give” star Stenberg in

James

by Gary L. Day

In 2022, a young gay actor living in London got some very good news. He learned that he had been cast in one of the most popular shows currently on television.

When James Phoon was told he would be joining the cast of “Bridgerton” for its third season, he could not have been more delighted.

“I love that show so much,” he enthused in an interview with the Bay Area Reporter. “It’s so well-written and well-produced. It’s a joy to be a part of.”

Phoon plays Harry Dankworth, a sweet Regency-era English gentleman who marries into the Featherington family via his wife Prudence (Bessie Carter). The popular Netflix costume drama recently wrapped up its third season, and Phoon is using his off-time to go back to the theatre, opening in a new play called “Underdog: The Other Other Brontë,” which had a successful run in London and has just moved north for a limited run in Newcastle.

Since joining the “Bridgerton” cast, Phoon has been understandably subjected to a significantly elevated level of attention, no doubt partly because he’s openly gay. When asked how he feels about the increased press attention being given to him, often called “the next hot thing,” Phoon laughed, and then emphasizes that the spotlight

Headland has an explanation for the parthenogenetic lesbian conception. She told THR: “They’re in a matriarchal society. As a gay woman, I knew it would read that their sexuality is queer, but there also aren’t any men in their community,” she explained. “So, a closeness between the two of them would be natural. It seemed plotdriven. I would say it’s really reductive to call them lesbians. I think it means you’re not really paying attention to this story.”

Or maybe we’re just reading it the way we feel it.

Queer inspiration

Headland doesn’t want anyone to think she’s disavowing queer actors or interpretations and she is deeply in love with her creation. She told THR, “I’m proud of being a gay woman who’s accomplished this feat, and certainly, if my content is called queer, I don’t want to disown whatever queerness is in the show. I would be proud to create something that inspired queer people.”

But the online attacks on her baby have left Headland a little bruised. She said, “It makes me feel sad that a bunch of people on the internet would somehow dismantle what I consider to be the most important piece of art that I’ve ever made.”

On June 22, Fox News weighed in, noting, “‘Star Wars: The Acolyte’ has proven to be one of the most divisive entries in the ‘Star Wars’ franchise since its debut on Disney’s streaming platform earlier this month. Despite being a hit with critics – it currently features an 85% Rotten Tomatoes rating among professional movie reviewers – it has a 14% audience score, the lowest rating in that category among all ‘Star Wars’ content.”

Fox added, “The Disney-owned film franchise has been criticized by fans in recent years who claim the company has embraced ‘woke’ storylines and characters, with fans slamming ‘The Acolyte’ as the most progressive one yet.”

Even Fox News host Laura Ingraham, long rumored to be gay herself, had a comment, on a recent episode, between talking about President Biden’s “decline” and Vice President Harris’s laugh that the GOP is fixated on. So you know you gotta watch “The Acolyte.”

Sandra v Morgan

Remember when Sandra Bernhard and Morgan Fairchild were a couple on the “Roseanne” show? Bernhard told Andy Cohen on the June 21 episode of “Watch What Happens Live,” that she had a “snotty little attitude” on the “Roseanne” set.

provides a way to promote LGBTQ issues close to his heart.

“There is so much work to do,” he said, referring to today’s perilous political climate for LGBTQ people.

“Things can regress so quickly. I welcome any platform that can be used to prevent that.”

Fortunately out Phoon was born in Brighton, of Chinese and English descent. He’s been a Londoner since his graduation from the Guildford School of Acting

“It’s one of my biggest regrets,” the actress said of how she treated her costar, Fairchild, who is known as one of the nicest people on Twitter. Bernhard said she wanted to apologize and did.

“I was a little, you know, dismissive of Morgan,” Bernhard, 69, said on the Bravo talk show.

Turning to face the camera directly, she said, “I would like to say to Morgan, you are incredible to work with, you went there. We were the first gay couple on TV – unlike everybody thinks everybody else was, we were! – and you’re fabulous, and you are on the right side politically. I owe you an apology, I adore you, and thank you for putting up with my snotty little attitude.”

Fairchild spoke about her experience playing Marla on the “Behind the Velvet Rope” podcast just last year, say-

ing her agent was “on the fence” about whether she should take the part.

Fairchild said, “Because a lipstick lesbian had never been done [on TV]. I am just this weird person that I like doing iconoclastic things. I don’t like doing the safe thing. I like doing things that are gonna shock people or make them think about something or make them look at you a different way. So, I said yes.”

She added, “I thought it was a chance to create a discussion in society, because it was a very hot show and I knew it would be water-cooler talk.”

Cohen forwarded the apology to Fairchild via Twitter/X and Fairchild said, “I’m very touched by Sandra Bernhard’s words. Very nice of her. Yes, it was a difficult set for me, but that’s show biz. I already follow her on X, but she doesn’t follow me. She can DM me any time & I’d say “Let’s grab coffee.” Love to you all.”

Bernhard replied and they’re getting together.

There may be no classier or more gracious person than Fairchild, who sets the bar high for the rest of us.

Bridge it

As Pride winds down, here are some queer things to watch to make you feel Prideful.

“Bridgerton” is aggressively heteronormative, but Season 3, Part 2 features queer romance. Benedict’s (Luke Thompson) involvement in a steamy throuple with Lady Tilley Arnold (Hannah New) and her friend Paul Suarez (Lucas Aurelio) is quelle surprise. Plus, showrunner Jess Brownell tells TVLine that the super-hot, second-born Bridgerton is pansexual.

The 2023 National Geographic documentary, “Pride From Above,” with exclusive access to some of the world’s biggest celebrations of LGBTQ+ culture, delivers a new perspective on Pride, from the air.

National Geographic says the documentary “reveals the historic activism, fearless creativity and logistical ingenuity required to pull off these technicolored festivals of hope, showcasing a community that not only celebrates their identity, but continuously fights for progress globally.”

Stream “Pride From Above” on Disney+. So, for the dry heat, not the humidity, you really must stay tuned.t

with a B.A. in acting. Phoon has been out his entire professional life.

“I came out when I was about 13 or 14,” he said. “It’s always been an important part of who I am.”

Phoon is fortunate in that being uncloseted from the beginning hasn’t negatively impacted his career trajectory.

“At least not directly, as far as I can tell,” he surmised “I know a lot of actors are urged not to be openly gay, but I haven’t experienced any such pressure.”

“Bridgerton,” while always popular with the LGBTQ audience, gained

additional buzz when the show runner teased early on that the show would directly address same-sex relationships for Benedict Bridgerton. While the main series had not delved into same-sex love before now, a prequel spinoff series focusing on Queen Charlotte did include a subplot in which the Queen’s personal attendant was in a gay romance with the attendant of King George III. Phoon was excited when he learned that “Bridgerton” would feature a gay storyline, even though it

wouldn’t involve his character Harry Dankworh.

“I completely understand; it would have been out of character for Harry.” He also doesn’t believe that it should always be important that gay actors be cast in gay roles. “That’s why it’s called acting. You’re playing something other than yourself.”

Nonetheless, as an out gay actor with British and East-Asian heritage, Phoon understands the importance of representation.

“Just because we haven’t heard about them before, and because the story and the spotlight hasn’t been on them, it doesn’t mean they didn’t exist,” he said. “It just means we didn’t know about them, and I think it’s really important to show that.”

When the “Bridgerton” gig wraps up, Phoon would love to find more work in the fantasy genre; one of his early stage roles was Craig Bowker Jr. in “Harry Potter and the Cursed Child.”

“I love all the fantasy-ish superhero magic stuff,” he said. “I know that’s not a cool thing to say, but I love them.

The X-Men films, “Harry Potter,” the “Twilight” movies, all of those fantasy world escapism-type things I loved.”

So, if Marvel’s Kevin Feige or DC’s James Gunn called him up, he would definitely take the call.t

Phoon

‘Bridgerton’ actor on how representation matters

Left: Amandla Stenberg in ‘The Acolyte’ Middle: Charlie Barnett and Amandla Stenberg in ‘The Acolyte’ Right: ‘The Acolyte’ series creator Leslye Headland

Disney+/Lucasfilm LTD

Sandra Bernhard and Morgan Fairchild in ‘Roseanne’

Disney+/Lucasfilm LTD

Left: James Phoon Right: Bessie Carter and James Phoon in ‘Bridgerton’ Netflix Instagram

Help me find the Best of the Bay!

Thank you for taking the time to complete this reader survey by the Bay Area Reporter. Your opinions are important to us. For this twelfth annual readers’ poll we’re including nominees for each category, along with a write-in designation. This year’s nominees are a mix of previous winners, runners-up from last year, and new entries. The survey should only take 10-15 minutes. Your identity and answers are completely confidential and will be used to contact the winner of a random drawing for $500. You must complete at least 75 percent of the survey to qualify for the prize drawing. Entrants will be added to our newsletter recipients. One survey per person, per device, per day is allowed and must be submitted by midnight (Pacific Time) June 30. The results of our annual poll be announced in our August 1, 2024 edition, BESTIES 2024: The LGBTQ Best of the Bay. If you have any questions about the survey, please contact our office at (415) 861-5019.

Arts & Culture

Best Art Museum

 Asian Art Museum

 Berkeley Art Museum/Pacific Film Archive

 Cartoon Art Museum

 Contemporary Jewish Museum

 de Young Museum

 GLBT History Museum

 Legion of Honor

 Mission Cultural Center for Latino Arts

 Museum of Craft and Design

 Museum of the African Diaspora

 Oakland Museum of California

 San Jose Museum of Art

 SF MOMA

 Walt Disney Family Museum

 Yerba Buena Center for the Arts

✎

Best Nature or Science Museum

 California Academy of Sciences

 Exploratorium

 SF Botanical Gardens

 SF Conservatory of Flowers

✎

Best Small Art Gallery

 2358 MRKT

 Bob Mizer Foundation

 Catharine Clark Gallery

 Harvey Milk Photo Center

 Lost Art Salon

 Manna Gallery, Oakland

 Queer Arts Featured

 Rosebud Gallery

 Schlomer Haus Gallery

 Tenderloin Museum

✎

Best Ballet Company

 Alonzo King Lines Ballet

 Ballet22

 Ballet San Jose

 Diablo Ballet

 Oakland Ballet

 Post:ballet

 San Francisco Ballet

 Smuin Contemporary Ballet

✎

Best Modern Dance Company

 AXIS Dance Company

 David Herrera Performance Company

 Epiphany Dance Theatre

 Joe Goode Performance Group

 ODC Dance

 PUSH Dance Company

 RAWdance

 Robert Moses’ Kin

 Sean Dorsey Dance

 Zaccho Dance Theatre

✎

Best Ethnic/International Dance Company

 Abhinaya Dance Company

 Barangay Dance Company

 Chitresh Das Dance Company

 Likha-Pilipino Folk Ensemble

 Nā Lei Hulu I Ka Wēkiu

 Ong Dance Company

 Theatre Flamenco of San Francisco

Best Classical Venue

 Davies Symphony Hall  Herbst Theatre

 Old First Church

 SF Conservatory of Music

 War Memorial Opera House  Zellerbach Hall, Berkeley

Best Live Music Venue

 The Chapel  The Fillmore

 Fox Theatre, Oakland  Great American Music Hall

 Greek Theatre, Berkeley

 The Masonic

 Paramount Theatre, Oakland

 Regency Center

 SF Jazz

 The Warfield ✎

Best Small Music Venue

 Café du Nord

 The Ivy Room, Albany

 The Lost Church

 The New Parish

 Thee Parkside

 Rickshaw Stop

 El Rio ✎

Best Theatre Company

 American Conservatory Theater

 Aurora Theatre

 Bay Area Theatre Company

 Berkeley Repertory Theatre

 Left Coast Theatre Company

 New Conservatory Theatre Center

 Ray of Light Theatre

 Shotgun Players

 Theatre Rhinoceros

✎

Best Choral Group

 Chanticleer

 Oakland Gay Men's Chorus

 Lesbian/Gay Chorus of SF

 Rainbow Women’s Chorus (San Jose)

 SF Gay Men’s Chorus

✎

Community

Best LGBTQ Event

 Folsom Street Fair

 Imperial Court of SF Coronation

 Juanita MORE!’s Pride Party

 SF Pride Parade and Celebration

 SF Drag King Contest

 Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence Easter Celebration

Best LGBTQ Cultural District

 Castro LGBTQ Cultural District

 San Francisco Leather & LGBTQ Cultural District

 Transgender District

 Lakeshore LGBTQ Cultural District (Oakland)

Best LGBTQ Fundraiser

 AIDS Life/Cycle

 GAPA Banquet

 Horizons Foundation gala

 National Center for Lesbian Rights gala

 Reunion (GLBT Historical Society) ✎

Best LGBTQ Nonprofit

 AIDS Legal Referral Panel

 LYRIC  Parivar Bay Area  Shanti  Transgender Law Center

Best LGBTQ Community Center

 Billy DeFrank LGBTQ Center (San Jose)

 Coast Pride (Half Moon Bay)

 Oakland LGBTQ Community Center

 Pacific Center for Human Growth (Berkeley)

 Rainbow Community Center (Concord)

 SF LGBT Community Center

 San Mateo County Pride Center

 Solano Pride Center

Best LGBTQ Sports League

 SF Fog Rugby Club



FrontRunners

Basketball Association

Gay Softball League

Best Pro Sports Team

Golden State Warriors

Oakland Roots (soccer)

San Francisco 49ers

 San Francisco Giants  San Jose Earthquakes

 San Jose Sharks

Nightlife

Best Comic

 Wonder Dave

 Lisa Geduldig

 Marga Gomez  Jesus U Betta Work

Justin Lucas

 Sampson McCormick  Natasha Muse

Ronn Vigh

Best DJ  Carrie on Disco

Siobhan Aluvalot  Don Baird

Blackstone

Brown Amy

Bus Station John

Hawthorne

 Steve Fabus

 Sergio Fedasz

 Paul Goodyear

 David Harness

 Page Hodel

 Mohammad

 Olga T

 Russ Rich

 Lady Ryan

 Brian Urmanita

Best Drag Queen

 Au Jus

 Ava LaShay

 Bebe Sweetbriar

 Black Betty Towers

 Carnie Asada

 D’Arcy Drollinger

 Donna Sachet

 Elsa Touche

 Evian

 Glamamore

 God’s Lil Princess

 Grace Towers

 Holotta Tymes

 Intensive Claire

 Joie de Vivre

 Juanita MORE!

 Jubilee

 Landa Lakes

 LOL McFiercen

 Mama Celeste

 Mercedez Munro

 Mutha Chucka

 Nicki Jizz

 Peaches Christ

 Rahni NothingMore

 Raya Light

 Rock M. Sakura

 Rosie Petals

 Sister Roma

 Sue Casa

 Sugah Betes

 Suppositori Spelling

 Trangela Lansbury

 U-Phoria

✎

Best Drag King

 Alex U. Inn

 Arty Fishal

 C hester V anderbo x

 Chico Suave

 Dicky Love

 Fudgie Frottage

 K egel K ater

 K it Tapata

 Leigh Crow

 M add D ogg 20 /20

 Mason Dixon Jars

 Mickey Finn

 P epe P an  Vegas Jake

Best Faux Queen

 Alotta Boutté

 Black Benatar

 Bruja Palmiero

 Crème Fatale

 Fauxnique

 Miss Shugana

 Trixxie Carr

 Snaxx

Best Bartender

 Andy Anderson, 440 Castro

 Michael Breshears, Lookout

 Robbie Cheah, Oasis

 Miguel Chavez, Hole in the Wall

 Steve Dalton, SF Eagle

 David Delgado, The Cinch

 Heather Dunham, Wild Side West

 Lauren Eggen, Beaux

 Charlie Evans, Lone Star Saloon

 Captain Ficcardi, White Horse

 Gage Fisher, SF Eagle

 Bernadette Fons, The Stud

 Jeffrey Green, Twin Peaks Tavern

 Kurtis Janitch, Beaux

 Erick Lopez, The Edge

 Johnnie Wartella, Pilsner Inn

✎

Best Live Nightlife/Cabaret Performer

 Jeovani Abenoja

 Connie Champagne

 Spencer Day

 Russell Deason

 Max Embers

 Marshall Forte

 Sony Holland

 Barry Lloyd

 Kippy Marks

 Kim Nalley

 Suzanne “Kitten on the Keys” Ramsey

 Katya Smirnoff-Skyy  Paula West

Best Live Band

 Commando

 Gravy Train

 Homobiles

 The Klipptones

 Lipstick Conspiracy

 Lolly Gaggers

 Lonely Parrots

 Middle-Aged Queers

 Planet Booty

 Secret Emchy Society

 Velvetta

Best Gogo Dancer

 Jaden Cedillo

 Lucy Dorado

 Jella Gogo

 Jonez Garcia

 Connor Hochleutner

 James Kindle

 Miguel Landaeta

 Chloe Rainwater

 Emerson Silva

 Colin Stack-Troost

 Chad Stewart

 Koji Tare

 Paul William

✎

Best Nightlife Photographer

 Marques Daniels

 Gooch

 Kid With a Camera

 Darryl Pelletier

 Fred Rowe

 Darryl Pelletier

 Tom Schmidt/Dot

 Shot in the City

 Steven Underhill ✎

Nightlife Venues & Events

Best Cabaret Venue

 Bay Area Cabaret at the Venetian Room

 Feinstein’s at the Nikko

 Hotel Rex

 Martuni’s

 Oasis

Best Drag Show

 Big Top Sundays at Beaux

 Mascara at Eureka Valley Rec. center

 Monster Show at The Edge

 Princess at Oasis

 Reparations at Oasis

 Oaklash in Oakland

Best Nightlife Event

 Bearracuda at Public Works

 Beatpig at The Powerhouse

 Cubcake at Lone Star

 Disco Daddy at SF Eagle

 Daytime Realness at El Rio

 Frolic at Folsom Foundry

 Mango at El Rio

 Polyglamorous at Public Works

 Powerblouse at The Powerhouse

 ShangriLa at The EndUp

 Sundance Saloon at Space 550

 Uhaul at Jolene’s

Best New Venue

 Dacha

 Feelmore Social, Oakland

 Fluid510, Oakland

 Mother

 Town Bar & Lounge, Oakland

 The Stud

 Zhuzh

Best Castro Bar

440 Castro

The Café

The Edge

Lookout

Midnight Sun

Moby Dick

Pilsner Inn

Toad Hall

Twin Peaks

Best SoMa Bar

Driftwood

Hole in the Wall

Lone Star Saloon

Oasis

The Powerhouse

SF Eagle

Best Dance Club

Beaux

DNA Lounge

Folsom Foundry

Great Northern

Midway

Oasis

Public Works

Space 550

Best East Bay Bar

Club 1220

Feelmore Social

Fireside Lounge

Fluid510

Que Rico

Summer Bar & Lounge

Town Bar & Lounge

The Turf Club

The White Horse

Best Cocktails

Blackbird

Ginger’s (Reopening in June)

Martuni’s

Town Bar & Lounge, Oakland

Best Beer Selection

440 Castro

Moby Dick

Pilsner Inn

SF Eagle

Toronado

Best Wine Bar

Blush

Decant SF

Pause

Swirl

Best Leather Event  Folsom Street Fair  International Ms. Leather and International Ms. Bootblack Weekend, San Jose

Up Your Alley Street Fair

Mr SF Leather

Ms SF Leather

Dining

Best Castro Restaurant

Anchor Oyster Bar

Blind Butcher

Dumpling Kitchen

Fisch & Flore

L’Ardoise

Mama Ji’s

Poesia

Best Late Night Restaurant  La Frontera

Grubstake

Ler Ros

Nopa

Orphan Andy’s

Toyose

Best Brunch  Café Mystique

Cassava

Devil’s Teeth Bakery

Jones

Kantine

Starbelly

Wooden Spoon

Best Upscale Restaurant

7 Adams

Mister Jiu’s

Mourad

Rich Table

Routier

Spruce

Third Cousin

Best East Asian Restaurant

Basil

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Kothai Republic

Palette Tea House

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Best South Asian Restaurant

1601 Bar & Kitchen

Aslam’s Rasoi

Besharam

Dhamansara

Mandalay

Rooh

Best Italian Restaurant

Il Casaro

La Ciccia

Cotogna

Flour & Water

Lupa

A Mano

Ragazza

SPQR

Best Mexican Restaurant

Bonita

Elena’s

Matador

Nopalito

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Puerto Alegre

Best Middle Eastern Restaurant

Beit Reima

Dalida

La Mediteranee

Noosh  Old Jerusalem

Best Soul Food Restaurant  Brenda’s, Oakland

Burdell

Everett & Jones BBQ

Hard Knox Cafe

Minnie Bell’s Soul Movement

Best Bar Menu

Fluid510

Lookout

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Jolene’s

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Willows

Best Bakery

 Arizmendi

B. Patisserie

Bob’s Donuts

 Devil’s Teeth Baking Company

 Jane the Baker  Stella Pastry

 Tartine  Thorough Bread

Best Dessert  Bi-Rite  Castro Fountain

Mitchell’s

Humphry Slocombe  Milkbomb Ice Cream

Salt & Straw

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 Café de Casa

Dento Piano Café

Flywheel

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Manny’s

Spike’s  Verve

Services & Shopping

Best Bank/Credit Union

 BMO Bank

Chase

 Redwood Credit Union  SF Federal Credit Union  Tri-Counties Bank

Best Barber Shop

 Castro Barber Lounge

Glama-Rama

 Healing Cuts  Joe’s Barbershop  Louie’s Barber Shop

Best Bicycle Shop

 Market Street Cycles

Mike’s Bikes

Valencia Cyclery

Best Bookstore

 Books Inc. Opera Plaza  Dog Eared Books  Fabulosa Books

Green Apple

Best Place to Buy Furniture

IKEA

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Room & Board

Stag & Manor

Best Grocery Store (chain or independent)

 Gus’s Market

Mollie Stone’s Markets  Rainbow Grocery

Safeway

Trader Joe’s

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Kaiser Permanente  Stanford Healthcare

Sutter Health

UCSF

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 24-Hour Fitness

Fitness-SF Castro

LiveFit Gym

MX3 Fitness

Soul Cycle

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Apothecarium

Eureka Sky

Flore Dispensary

Moe Greens

SPARC

Vapor Room

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Community Thrift  Goodwill

Out of the Closet (AIDS Healthcare Foundation)

Best Variety Shop

Cliff’s Variety

Just for Fun

Local Take

Best Vintage Clothing/ Consignment Shop

Buffalo Exchange

Crossroads Trading Co.

Sui Generis

Wasteland

Matthew Martin is Judy Garland

by David-Elijah Nahmod

Matthew Martin is well known, even beloved, for his portrayals of Hollywood’s legendary leading ladies. Especially acclaimed for his interpretations of Bette Davis and Joan Crawford (his staging of Crawford’s legendary swan song “Trog” was a smash at Oasis), Martin has in fact brought his unique take on numerous other Hollywood superstars to the Oasis stage. On July 4, 5, and 6, Martin will return to Oasis, appearing as queer icon Judy Garland.

In an interview with the Bay Area Reporter, Martin explained why Garland made such an indelible impression on the gay male community, and why, more than 50 years after her passing, she continues to resonate with gay men.

“I believe it was survivor syndrome,” he said. “Judy made many comebacks after falls from grace throughout her career. There’s a great song ‘I’ll Show Them All’ that Steve Allen had written and that Judy performed, and that captures the struggle. Gay men have had similar strife historically, and Judy embodied the will to not only succeed but triumph.”

Martin stands out among female impersonators as he never created a “drag name.” He has always performed as himself, as he always wants the audience to know that it’s him performing. It was years later that he came to understand why so many performers have created drag personas.

“It was an anonymous protection from any repercussions for performing in drag,” he said. “Interesting how history is repeating itself recently, ironically, with the criminalization of drag in some parts of the country.”

Good Eve-ning Martin’s fascination with the legendary ladies of Hollywood goes back

to his childhood. He recalled being ten years old, holding up a tape recorder to the television when the classic film “All About Eve” was on to record the delicious dialogue so he could commit it to memory. At that age he didn’t quite

‘Sylvester

by Cornelius Washington

Sylvester is immortal, all over the world, still very much revered as the shining example of a Black gay man who recognized his purpose as an artist and representative of LGBTQ culture. A new collection of recordings shares rare tracks from his. Early career.

Born and raised in Los Angeles, CA, to a large family headed by his mother, he received his formal musical training in the gospel church his family attended. As everyone marveled at his extremely high and powerful falsetto voice, he learned to play piano at the home of his grandmother, Julia, while listening to records of jazz and blues singers such as Billie Holiday, Sarah Vaughan and Bessie Smith. He and his mother, Letha, would swing dance to vintage jazz records, much to his family’s delight.

Unfortunately, after coming out, he lived a very rough life on the streets of Los Angeles before he met Reggie Dunnigan, a Black member of the avant-garde performance group, The Cockettes. At the age of 22, Sylvester relocated to San Francisco, where he met pianist Peter Mintun. They performed with the troupe but were given their own space within its shows.

The two men became an artistic entity, and Sylvester created a persona known as Rubi Blue. The musical genres of blues, cabaret and Broadway show tunes made the pair irresistible, leading to a one-man show entitled “Sylvester Sings.” Even Rolling Stone magazine praised him as a “beautiful black androgyne, who has a gospel sound with the heat and shimmer of Aretha Franklin.”

Dark Entries Records has captured that moment in San Francisco queer music culture in an album, “Sylvester Sings,” a shimmering series of inti-

Sings’

understand the sophisticated screenplay, only that he needed to memorize and perform it. He also made a collage of images of Davis, Crawford, Garland and other Golden Age superstars.

“Little did I know that I was creating

Local drag star returns to Oasis

a vision board of my future as I later portrayed many of the stars included in the collage,” Martin said. “I knew before I knew. I was always fascinated by the legendary luminaries on screen in classic films as they spoke to me from an early age. The glamour, the drama, the dialogue, the storylines; everything mesmerized me.”

He listened to “Warner Brothers: 50 Years of Film,” an album that featured excerpts from various classic movies.

“This was my schoolroom, being introduced to many stars and the movies that they were in,” he said. “I was obsessed with all of them from the very beginning.”

These days Garland is remembered as a tragic figure whose life was filled with unhappy relationships as she battled drug addiction. Her death at age 47 of an accidental overdose is considered to be one of the saddest tales ever to come out of Hollywood. But people who knew Garland often tell a different story, as Martin explained.

Career turns

“Those who knew Judy personally say that she was the funniest person they knew,” he said. “She had a wicked sense of humor and a great self-deprecating awareness of herself. I include a monologue in my show that are her words verbatim which demonstrate that humor about herself. She did not take herself seriously and was able to take the ups and downs of her life and career and laugh about them. Yes, she had tragic turns, certainly, but I think there was more joy than sorrow.”

When he takes to the stage at Oasis, Martin will be performing a concert not unlike Garland’s 1960s television show. He will be joined by his friend Tom Shaw on the piano.

“It will be intimate and insightful,” he said. “I hope to bring her essence as a person to the stage, not only as a performer.”

He’ll be performing some of her classic songs, including the nearly fifteenminute “Born in a Trunk” medley that she did in “A Star is Born.” He’ll also be doing some of Garland’s more obscure songs, such as “Cottage for Sale.”

“Her rendition of that song shows what an incredible actress Judy was,” Martin said. “She lived the lyrics of the songs she sang. ‘Me and My Shadow’ is another ballad of hers that I’ll be doing. Some songs that are lesser known, perhaps, but no less great.”

As with all the parts he plays, Martin leaves himself backstage and becomes the character as much as possible.

“I feel that Judy is a dear friend of many years and reflect who she is,” he said. “Without being too method about the performance, don’t play the part, be the part you are playing. Believe it, so the audience will as well.”t

‘Matthew Martin is Judy Garland,’ $40-$50, July 4, 5, & 6, 7pm, Oasis, 298 11th St. www.sfoasis.com

Dark Entries Records releases private tracks of the disco icon

mate recordings and rehearsals with Sylvester and Peter exercising their stellar talents.

Almost perfect playlist

The first song is the Billie Holiday classic, “God Bless the Child.” Sylvester’s voice is clear, assured, soft, and indistinguishable from that of a woman, and it is no wonder that it is one of his favorite songs, and it shows.

“A Foggy Day (in London Town),” with its piano intro by Peter, provides Cole Porter realness, and I longed for champagne, while Sylvester effortlessly treats the song with grace and timeless beauty.

“Big City Blues” showcases both the highs and lows of Sylvester’s considerable vocal range, while avoiding the “gutbucket blues” treatment, a clever decision.

Surprisingly, the Ethel Waters classic, “Stormy Weather,” begins rather weakly, but gains strength as it continues.

“Happy Days Are Here Again” is extremely moving, knowing Sylvester’s history at the time; the slightly scared young black queer arriving in San Francisco, with his entire life ahead of him. His performance is bright and

hopeful, imbued with a vulnerability that is profoundly moving.

The album’s weakest song, “Carioca,” is basically a run-through of the camp classic. “Viper’s Drag” features sly vocalizing, effortlessly enjoying the moments of musicality and fun.

“Indian Love Call” is a duet between Peter and Sly, serving stratospheric camp. The final song, “When My Dreamboat Comes Home,” is a beautiful bonding moment between the two artists and friends.

The bonus features include the accompanying picture booklet, fea-

turing images taken with a medium format camera by Mintun, utilizing his vintage automobile and Sylvester’s amazing fashion sense, including custom-made shoes.

By day, he presents as the epitome of the sassy, cosmopolitan woman in San Francisco. Nightly, he is the dark, moody chanteuse, swathed in pearls and laces. Particularly compelling image-wise is the back cover, featuring a quality worthy of Hollywood photography great George Hurrell and jazz photography legend Herman Leonard.

“Sylvester Sings” is not only the perfect wind-down album, as one erases the work week’s hardships and sips on one’s favorite libation, with eyes half closed. It’s also a document about San Francisco history. Before the nostalgia craze in art and entertainment, it’s wonderful to take a step back in order to leap forward, as Sylvester and Peter give the Gay Pride rainbow a beautiful shade on indigo blue.t

‘Sylvester Sings’ Dark Entries Records, $18.

www.darkentriesrecords.com

Matthew Martin as Judy Garland

Matthew Martin

Darwin Bell

A potrait of Sylvester in the ‘Sylvester Sings’ booklet

Peter Mintun

‘A Last Supper of Queer Apostles’

by Laura Moreno

Known for his scathing critiques of authoritarianism as well as humorous depictions of Chilean pop culture, Pedro Lemebel (1952-2015) said of his own writing that it is “mariconaje guerrero” (“warrior faggotry”).

The Chilean writer, performative activist and Marxist is a queer icon of the resistance. Now for the first time in English, “A Last Supper of Queer Apostles” has been recently released. It is a collection of Pedro Lemebel’s innovative essays known as “crónicas.”

Pedro Lemebel is not very well known outside of the Spanishspeaking world. The subversive genius is known for the playful use of Chilean expressions and gay slang, none of which are easily translated.

But Gwendolyn Harper has done an admirable job translating “Last Supper of Queer Apostles” and also wrote the Introduction to the book.

Utilizing a blend of realism, surrealism, absurdism, camp and whimsy, Lemebel’s essays combine reportage, memoir, fiction, history, and poetry to give voice to the underprivileged and the downtrodden, Chile’s “locas,” a reclaimed slur for trans women and feminine gay men.

The title is from a line in “Night of Furs (Or, Popular Unity’s Last Supper)” about a fabulous New Year’s Eve Party, 1973. The hostess prepared 20 turkeys, salad, crates of Champaign, ice cream of every flavor and invited everyone she could think of, including streetwalkers and broke locas of every description. Many arrived wearing furs “like Taylor or Dietrich.”

The essay is filled with surprising tidbits, like the trouble of having to

walk past a police station to get to the party. All that is left of that night is a photograph.

“It’s a bad photo, the shot hastily taken because the locas couldn’t stop fidgeting, almost all of them blurred by too many poses and their wild desire to leap into the future,” Lemebel writes. “Practically a last supper of queer apostles…”

Fearless performer

A literary activist, Lemebel was born into the extremely poverty of Zanjón de la Aguada on the margins of society in what is essentially an illegal settlement on the swampy bank of an irrigation ditch. In “Zanjón Upon the Water,” he writes with beautiful clarity about what it’s like to grow up in a quagmire with no running water, nonetheless the shared goal was to be “poor, but clean,” despite intermittent harassment from the authorities.

But activism was not his chosen profession. Lemebel started out studying carpentry and metal works. He then attended art school. We may never have heard of him had he not been fired from his position as an art teacher for being openly gay.

After that, Lemebel should have had a natural home with the political Left, but they steered clear of him too for the same reason.

Under Pinochet’s dictatorship, Lemebel and his friend Francisco Casas formed the fearless performative activist group “Las Yeguas del Apocalipsis” (“The Mares of the Apocalypse”). Their purpose was to challenge notions of masculinity and heteronormativity.

Performing in public spaces around the country, the two men donned wigs, skirts and make up to bring Frida Kalho’s painting “The Two Fridas” to life. And on Columbus Day 1989, they performed “Cueca Sola” (the Cueca is the traditional Chilean dance) at the Chilean Human Rights Commission. They each danced the role of the lady without a partner in memory of the “desaparecidos” (disappeared dissidents) on a map of South America littered with broken Coca-Cola bottles until their feet bled.

Renegade

Lemebel wrote about things that made people uncomfortable, like AIDS, sex workers, poverty, and the inevitable hypocrisy of conservative cultures.

Ever the renegade, Lemebel also has a sense of style all his own. It is both

macro and micro in perspective, angry and lighthearted, but always eyeopening. “Last Supper” includes this quote by author James McCourt:

“The summary effect of reading Pedro Lemebel’s shattering indictment of the American-backed Pinochet regime, of being faced with the caustic rage embedded in it, corresponds to standing transfixed in front of Picasso’s ‘Guernica,’ the light bulb eyeball glaring down at the carnage below, the ocular shriek a fitting match for the illuminating text of ‘A Last Supper of Queer Apostles,’ with its story of death and resurrection.”

And like Picasso, he started using the unusual last name of his mother, Lemebel, rather than his father’s last name.

“His writing is everything except boring; courageous, beautiful, vile, glorious, provocative, comforting, angry, loving, exquisite, and full of delicious venom,” wrote Rabih Alameddine in his praise.

“Reading a great writer makes life better. Reading Lemebel makes me want to live better.” Late in his life, Pedro Lemebel received the José Donoso Award and a Guggenheim Fellowship. How he went from being an outcast born into the underclass, to becoming a revered author whose work is now taught in high school in Chile is the subject of the 2019 film “Lemebel” directed by Joanna Reposi Garibaldi.t

‘Last Supper of Queer Apostles’ by Pedro Lemebel, $18. Penguin Classics penguinrandomhouse.com

Richard Hunt, the gay Muppeteer

by Jim Provenzano

While speculation continues about the relationship between Ernie and Bert, a former resident of Sesame Street was definitely gay and played Ernie’s right-hand man, literally.

In “Funny Boy: The Richard Hunt Biography,” Jessica Max Stein intimately covers the professional career and private life of the affable, talented, and friendly man who was quick to make friends in his puppeteer career.

From an early age in suburban, Closter, New Jersey, Richard Hunt was already entertaining neighborhood kids with his own puppet shows. His high school experience involved theater and an early education in the performing arts. He had the desire to travel across the George Washington Bridge to New York City, where he hoped his career would take off.

In its early years, Hunt had seen “Sesame Street,” and perhaps Henson’s earlier creations on TV back when even Kermit the Frog didn’t have a name.

“I had grown up watching the Muppets,” Hunt is quoted as saying in an interview. “I’d drop anything to watch them. I thought they were weird.”

Just weird enough for Hunt to one day cold-call the Henson workshop from a payphone to snag a job interview at 18.

One of his first duties was operating the right hand of Ernie (performed by Henson), the joke-playing roommate of Bert (performed by Frank Oz). Due in part of their close proximity – one operating the head and body, the other an arm – their relationship quickly grew to earnest friendships with Henson and his fellow creators.

Let’s get things started

As the Henson creative outlets expanded, Hunt joined the creators and cast of what was going to be a new show. After a disastrous variety show that was featured a bit too much vio-

lence, Henson was hesitant, but was convinced to bring the show to London, where they would begin taping of “The Muppet Show.” Why London?

British investor Lew Grade had the only deal offered at the time.

Kermit led his wacky crew through a variety show that each week included a special guest. Hunt created and performed the characters of Scooter, the stage manager; Janice, the groovy bass player; Gladys the Cow; Beaker, the scientist’s often exploding lab partner; one half of balcony hecklers Statler (Hunt) & Wells; Miss Piggy (for one season) and Sweetums, one of the full-bodied monsters who always seemed to turn out to be nicer than you’d think.

As “The Muppet Show” became a hit in multiple countries, Hunt began to enjoy his life and his healthy paycheck, traversing countries while supporting his family after his father’s death. He even bought his mother’s home so she wouldn’t have to pay the mortgage. On a return to New York City, Hunt bought a big black taxi cab, perhaps as a souvenir of his previous London days, and would take great joy in tooling his friends around town to restaurants and parties.

Of Hunt’s lavish showings of affection to friends, including always insisting on paying restaurant bills, one surviving friend wondered if Hunt’s intense desire to be funny, and to be liked, masked a childhood where his alcoholic father continually failed to gain employment. Hunt’s need to support and show it others spread widely, anyway.

And while he kept his relationships and occasional hookups private, he gradually began to introduce guys he dated as “a friend.” That was until his relationship with Nelson Bird, a painter, became more serious. By that time pretty much everyone in the cast and crew knew that Hunt was gay. They just didn’t address it, or care, or judge.

Being green

Jim Henson’s empire expanded globally from merchandise to multiple

language versions of “Sesame Street” and “The Muppet Show.” But Henson, always itching to find something other projects, spearheaded “The Muppet Movie,” the first in a series of successful family flicks with the same sense of humor for the adults to enjoy as well. Others, like “Labyrinth” and “The Dark Crystal,” may have been critical pans at the time, but became cult favorites.

After becoming HIV-positive, Hunt began to struggle with his own occasional illnesses, but continued working on a new project, “Fraggle Rock” from 1983 to 1987. In the show, Hunt played multiple characters and even directed an episode.

The multi-species series emphasized harmony between cultures with a witty edge. From the beginning, the show was developed for an international audience, as opposed to merely dubbed later as with previous productions.

Of course, it should come as no surprise that the work environment of such a creative staff would envelop Hunt in empathy. This, of course, is the group that gave us the rainbow connection. By Chapter 10, it’s 1982 and that infamous New York Times article about a disease affecting gay men may have been brushed aside, but it only took a few more months for Hunt’s acquaintances, then friends, then even more to succumb to the disease that became known as AIDS. Hunt endured the death of a longtime boyfriend and his own opportunistic infections that took his life in 1992.

But four years before that, Hunt played a major role in creating what is now a pretty much forgotten show, “The Ghost of Faffner Hall” in 1988/9. Similar to “The Muppet Show,” the program took on a revue structure set in a London theater doomed for demolition. It only lasted 13 episodes but remains favored among devoted Muppet fans. Another show, “Puppetman,” never made it past a pilot.

Biographer Stein writes that throughout the up-and-down of productions and creativity, Hunt was open with friends and staff about his HIV status, which was hard to ignore as more and more friends began to die.

In addition to the predictably heartbreaking later chapters, what remains is the biographer’s years of research, interviews with friends, family, and coworkers, and a thorough index. Kudos to Stein’s tremendous skill in sharing the vibrant life of the artist that was Richard Hunt, and the joy that he created.t

‘Funny Boy: The Richard Hunt Biography,’ by Jessica Max Stein, Rutgers University Press. $34.95 rutgersuniversitypress.org

Author Pedro Lemebel

Biographer Jessica Max Stein

Richard Hunt performing Scooter on ‘The Muppet Show’

Pedro Lemebel wears a headpiece of prop hypodermic needles in the film ‘Lemebel’

features such as colorful pennants (no gay or rainbow flags yet), Gay Pride signs, flamboyant costumes, still embedded in the hippie/flower power era. There was a kind of naivete and innocence, a youthful idealism that attitudes would change.

Liberating

Marchers wanted a world in which they could live openly gay/lesbian lives, so there were public displays of affection, where liberated sexuality (pleasure in all its diversity) and

gender nonconformity is celebrated, not disparaged. As Sharon Hayes in “Gay Power,” confessed, “The expression of queer and trans sexuality was a tool of resistance. Fucking was not ancillary to politics, not a libidinal excess to the liberation work, it was integral to it.”

There were signs encouraging people to come out to their families and work colleagues, despite the heavy risks at that time, with chants of “Out of the closet, into the street.” Still, as one marcher noted, “Having to lie, I feel, is the saddest and ugliest part of being homosexual.”

As one commentator noted, it was

still illegal to be openly gay, risking arrest and imprisonment. So as another pundit on “Gay Power,” remarked, “It took courage to march, as we had no idea what they might do to us. Your parents might spot you on the news and all hell could break loose. We look very brave, but maybe we aren’t.”

The fear of being attacked was real and if so, one didn’t know if the police would or could protect marchers from violence. A flyer cautioned marchers, “Do not wear anything which can be misread as a weapon… Dress as simple as possible, without encumbrances… This is a day when the police department will be very vigilant, perhaps

tenderness, and outrageous sense of humor helped deflate the crisis’s horror, “hitting him like a ton of bricks emotionally.”

is Out”) wanted to do a documentary and began raising money, mostly from the gay community at cocktail parties and social-service organizations.

They had wanted to make a film on the effects of AIDS on gay men in San Francisco, documenting its social impact rather than the medical aspects. The documentary is the only record available of the original show. It was produced by KQED public television, where it later screened.

Excerpts of the play were combined with interviews of the creators and performers of the show, a kind of hybrid documentary. Epstein told the Los Angeles Times, “As gay men, AIDS was becoming more and more prominent in our minds and in our lives, as more and more people we knew were dying of the disease. We haven’t yet seemed to be able to control the virus, except to try to prevent its spread, but we can take some control emotionally.”

Outrageous humor

In an interview with Edward Guthman of The San Francisco Examiner, Epstein said how the irreverence,

Adair said, “One of the things the play didn’t do was to take a passive attitude toward the epidemic. The actors in the play had stopped running,

even hostile and trigger-happy, so take care of yourself by being meticulously cooperative, even docile at a pinch.”

But as it became clear that the march was peaceful and the police helpful, onlookers from the street joined the parade, so by the time it ended at Sheep’s Meadow in Central Park, the size of the parade had doubled.

At these early parades there were no corporate sponsors, no commercialism, little music outside of chanting slogans. Yet what becomes evident watching them, was there’s still a defiant visibility that says queer people refuse to be silent, to hide their sexuality, or to change to accommodate a culture still

uncomfortable with queerness. At a time of backlash and a huge increase in anti-queer/trans bills in numerous states, parades, as they did in 1970, are still needed to send out positive messages about people and to promote communal bonding. Together LGBTQ folk can figure out creative ways to combat hetero-normative bigotry, to keep a sense of purpose amidst the fun and revelry, and celebrate with pride who they are, that they’re very content being queer and it’s the culture that needs to change.t www.alteredinnocence.com

stood their ground, looked at the disease, and said, ‘Wait a minute.’”

Epstein was impressed that KQED didn’t want them to cut back on the campy humor and sexual references.

Holsclaw at first didn’t like the first version, because he thought it heavyhanded and depressing, but after 23 different edits, he felt they finally gotten the right mood of the play.

In the documentary, Holsclaw quotes actress Shirley McClaine, “How we behave now, is what we will remember about this disease long after there’s a cure. It’s a litmus test.”

Epstein and Adair said audiences would look at the gay community and see the strength they found in each other’s caring and love, that what seemed an unimaginable threat, enabled them to discover hidden resources of support, endurance, and courage.

Holsclaw views “The AIDS Show” as a period piece, though even with the recent COVID pandemic, believes, “scenes would still play well in the right context, like Ellen Brook Davis in ‘The Nurse,’ about a woman afraid to bring something home to her children, was repeated thousands of times during COVID.”

The opening skit in which cast members are celebrating the (future) discovery of a vaccine for AIDS is sadly still true and relevant 40 years later.

For Holsclaw, the skits were a source of information and validation to the public.

“I just found a heartbreaking letter today from 1987 from a man with AIDS who had seen many of our shows, thanking me for the comfort he received,” he said. “We set out to do scenes that could educate, enlighten, and empower and that we did. This was

emotional triage, not just for the audiences, but for ourselves. It was a theater company responding to a catastrophe in our community, people coming together in a time of need to comfort ourselves and our audience, fulfilling our mission as artists. That is its legacy.”t

‘The AIDS Show: Artists Involved with Death and Survival,’ produced and directed by Peter Adair and Rob Epstein, is available on DVD, $15.96, distributed by Kino Lorber. www.kinolorber.com

“Hope will never be silent.”

<< Gay USA From page 48

Scenes from ‘Gay USA’

<< The AIDS Show From page 48

Douglas Holsclaw in 2003

Left: A scene from ‘The AIDS Show’ Right: The cast of ‘The AIDS Show’ in a Nov. 15, 1984 B.A.R. review

Four-handed harmonies

by Tim Pfaff

You don’t have to go back to Glenn Gould to consider that things that are possible in the recording studio don’t, and often can’t, make the same impression on the recital stage. Two new superblyrecorded discs by pianists renowned for their concert work show what’s possible when the meters are running.

Pavel Kolesnikov and Samson Tsoy, Londonbased partners in life as well as at the keyboard, have added compelling playing as a duo, especially in music for piano four-hands (although two pianos will also do), to their work as in-demand soloists. The rewards are revealed in their new recording of music by Franz Schubert and Leonid Desyatnikov (Harmonia Mundi).

Bertrand Chamayou, whose relish for ensemble work has made him the collaborator of choice for a huge range of musicians, amplifies two other recent recording projects with “Cage2” (Erato), devoted to composer John Cage’s music for prepared piano.

Unexplored territories

Kolesnikov and Samson build their program on Schubert’s well-known and much-loved F-Minor Fantasie, which they offered to the public in an already famous performance at London’s Wigmore Hall. (A YouTube video of the performance shows their hand-over-hand playing at its most eye-catching.) But they neither lead with it nor center it, instead playing it last in a program that mines it for its ideas as well as its beauties.

The Fantasie is hardly unexplored territory. There is a rich tradition of recordings with some surprising pianist pairings, notably Benjamin Britten and Sviatoslav Richter, gay musicians who understandably softpedaled issues of sexuality. Kolesnikov and Samson plumb the score’s depths while also communicating, almost magically, its roots as “house music,” composed for intimate, athome meetings of musical minds.

The opening, one of those haunting Schubert melodies that both startle you and yet sound as if you have heard them all your life, enters as usual, if with an uncommon delicacy bordering on fragility. The tune’s motive yearning intensifies at its every return, but where the duo makes its mark is their accentuating of the more martial passages that repeatedly interrupt the dreamy calm. The interstitial clamor at first banishes the plaintive melody, then proposes new ways of dealing with the duality, such that the listener misses each one as the other, however briefly, takes over. It’s sorcery of the most elevated kind.

The stage is set for that fundamental duality by the album’s first selection, the late, very rarely heard, three-movement Divertissement a la hongroise. Its wisp of a theme is enticing from the start but becomes ever more mysterious over what is essen-

tially a long series of variations. From another composer the material might be dismissed as slight, but Schubert makes the filagree an act of its own. What at first seem like mere frills morph into ever more engaging gestures until the musical cell is not exhausted but, rather, amplified. It’s light on its feet, and even as it melts away, you wonder where this entrancing music has been all your life.

Fooled eye

The demonstrably new piece, which takes center stage, is Leonid Desyatnikov’s “Trompe- l’oeil,” composed for these musicians and, by their accounts, further refined in the studio with the resources to be found there. The pianists allow that the piece’s vanishing, then reappearing aspects were not fully revealed to them until they heard their own work in playback (rightly occasioning more takes).

“Trompe-l’oeil” takes its name from the technique in painting by which a flat surface is made to appear threedimensional. Its debt to Schubert’s Fantasie is clear; it quotes it, sometimes slyly, other times baldly. Noisier passages interspersed among the more evanescent ones elaborate the original’s uneasy balance of melody and march.

Strains of the Fantasie approach only to recede, a kind of sonic illusion comparable to the visual illusion of trompe l’oeil. There are passing dissonances, but a hallmark of this piece is its address of the listener in music that never sounds abrasive. It’s all there on the surface, except when it isn’t. There’s a critical cliche about how certain kinds of music reward repeated hearing. “Trompe-l’oeil” virtually demands it, but the payoffs are as great as the music is intermittently challenging.

Cagey business

Tucked away in French pianist Bertrand Chamayou’s previous solo album, “Letter(s) to Erik Satie” (Warner Classics/Erato) were comparable miniatures by John Cage, linked so convincingly that a listener absorbed in the dream world of Satie might not immediately register that a companion piece was by Cage.

In both cases, the music’s draw is not any superficial prestidigitation. Instead, it hypnotically alters and often even suspends time, with as much attention paid to the silences as to the notes. What at first sounds simple slowly reveals itself as a more

vast soundscape. Playing it asks fierce, unbroken concentration.

Chamyou packaged and framed the Satie pieces among seven piano pieces by John Cage, the lifelong creative as well as domestic partner of dancer and choreographer Merce Cunningham. Individually and together, the two artistic mavericks changed the face and often direction of experimentation in the performing arts, however ironically, themselves making art that has lasted. No one would confuse Cage’s music with Satie’s, of course, but Chamayou played both with an accent on both the similarities and the differences.

Chamayou is renowned for the reliable beauty of tone in his playing, so it initially came as a shock to learn that Chamayou had extended his investigation of Cage’s music to investigate the ones for prepared piano, an altogether difference instrument –make that box of wood and wire– in which the tone is skewed or, rather, literally screwed.

A piano is “prepared” by placing, carefully but deliberately, screws, bolts, blocks of wood, other kinds of common hardware onto, under, and/ or between the piano’s strings. The preparation is random only in the sense that Cage lauded in all his work, and preparing both the piano and the music is painstaking work that then must sound like play.

In the sphere of audible silences, nothing rivals Cage’s famous (or infamous) “4’33”,” a complete yet somehow ensnaring silence of that duration “played” by a real-life, onstage pianist. But in Cage’s Sonatas and Interludes for Prepared Piano, from which Chamayou has drawn his program, the sonorities are, to say the least, various. Having carefully prepared his own Steinway D according to Cage’s highly specific instructions (and moved it to Brad Pitt’s Miraval Studios in Provence), Chamayou revels in all of them.

Cage would love that his soundscapes have no verbal equivalents, at least precise ones. Beauty is redefined but somehow never abandoned. For all of their charged rhythms and preminimalist repetitions, the pieces taken together have a meditative quality.

The title of the first track, “Mysterious Adventure,” could stand for the works in total. The piano’s percussive qualities overtake its melodic capacity, and overtones count as much as “tones.” The piece called “Primitive” earns its name with propulsive rhythms Stravinsky would have admired.

Listening to this singular music is like falling into welcoming syrup, sometimes sweet, sometimes medicinal, but always enveloping. I find that it’s music that, if you give yourself to it, can make you deeply, ridiculously happy.t

‘Franz Schubert, Leonid Desyatnikov, Music for Piano Four-hands,’ Pavel Kolesnikov and Samson Tsoy, pianists, Harmonia Mundi CD and streaming. www.harmoniamundi.com

‘Cage2, Prepared-piano music of John Cage,’ Bertrand Chamayou, piano, Erato CD and streaming. www. warnerclassics.com

Pavel Kolesnikov and Samson Tsoy

Bertrand Chamayou

Kinky Boots @ 6th Street

Playhouse, Santa Rosa

Four Play

@ Theatre Rhinoceros

U.S. premiere of Jake Brunger’s acclaimed play about a gay couple exploring an open relationship. $25-$50, thru July 7, 4229 18th St. www.therhino.org

Frameline International

LGBTQ Film Festival

The 48th annual LGBTQ film festival includes multiple films and events, thru June 29 at The Palace of Fine Arts Theatre, Vogue Theatre, Roxie Theater, and The New Parkway Theater, Oakland. $17.50 and up. www.frameline.org

Head Over Heels @ Julia Morgan Theater, Berkeley Berkeley Playhouse performs the 18thcentury-set musical comedy with songs by The Go-Go’s. $27-$52, thru June 30. 2640 College Ave. berkeleyplayhouse.org

Personals

North Bay production of the hit musical about a drag queen who saves an ailing shoe factory. $29-$51; thru July 7, 52 W. 6th St. 6thstreetplayhouse.com

Mother Road

@ Berkeley Repertory Theatre

Octavio Soliz’ epic story of the Mexican American experience, inspired by John Steinbeck’s “Grapes of Wrath.’ $22.50 and up, thru July 21, Peet’s Theatre, 2025 Addison Ave. www.berkeleyrep.org

Mrs. Doubtfire

@ Orpheum Theatre

The musical adaptation of the comedy film, staring Rob McClure. $55-$140, July 2-28, 1192 Market St. www.broadwaysf.com

National Queer Arts Festival

27th annual festival of LGBTQ performance and art at multiple venues, thru June 30. queerculturalcenter.org

San Francisco Opera

@ War Memorial Opera House

The company performs new and classic operas, with online livestreams. Mozart’s ‘The Magic Flute,’ thru June 30. Handel’s ‘Partenope,’ thru June 28. Pride Night at the Opera June 30. Each $37-$431. 401 Van Ness Ave. www.sfopera.com

SF Mime Troupe

The company performs ‘American Dreams,’ a new musical, at outdoor venues around the Bay Area, July 4-Sept. 8. www.sfmt.org

Solo Shows @ The Marsh

New and return engagements with acclaimed local storytellers and performers at 1062 Valencia St. SF: Terry Baum and Pat Bond’s ‘Hick: A Love Story,’ about journalist Lorena Hickok, lover of Eleanor Roosevelt, thru July 7. Other shows at The Marsh Berkeley, 2120 Allston Way, include Don Reed’s ‘The DMV,’ Fridays 7:30pm thru July 19. Steve Budd’s ‘Seeing Stars,’ thru July 13, Saturdays, 5pm. $20-$100. www.themarsh.org

Trans March

20 anniversary rally and march starts in Dolores Park with a community resource fair, June 28, 3pm-6pm. March at 6pm. After-party at El Rio. www.transmarch.org

MUSIC

Feinstein’s at the Nikko

The upscale nightclub presents cabaret concerts. ‘I’m Every Woman,’ a cabaret show with the trans ladies of AsiaSF, June 28, 6pm & 9pm, $49-$79. Hotel Nikko, 222 Mason St. www.feinsteinssf.com

Fox Theatre, Oakland

Elegant large theater hosts a variety of music and comedy acts. Totally Tubular Festival with Thomas Dolby, Modern English, Wang Chung, Bow Wow Wow, Men Without Hats, The Tubes and more. $69-$99, June 30, 5pm. 1807 Telegraph Ave. www.thefoxoakland.com

The elegant nightclub-restaurant features jazz and R&B musicians. Melba’s Kitchen, the all-women big band, performs ‘a prelude to Pride’ concert, June 26, $25. 510 Embarcadero West, Oakland. yoshis.com

NIGHTLIFE

440 Castro

Friendly neighborhood bar has ample outdoor seating, indoor Monday underwear parties, and two bars. 440 Castro St. www.the440.com

Abrazo Queer Tango @ Finnish Hall, Berkeley Beginning and intermediate tango lessons and parties. 1970 Chestnut St. abrazoqueertango.wordpress.com

The Academy LGBTQ social club offers membership, plus public events, art exhibits, music, community talks, wine-tastings and more. 2166 Market St. www.academy-sf.com

The Ivy Room, Albany East Bay nightclub hosts diverse music acts. Ivy Riot! Pride concerts thru June. 860 San Pablo Ave. www.ivyroom.com

Joe Jackson @ Curran Theater

The pop musician performs his own music, and in a special second set, songs by 1880s music hall songwriter

Max Champion with a 12-piece orchestra. $60-$90, June 28, 8pm, 445 Geary St. www.broadwaysf.com

Merola Opera Program

@ Dianne and Ted Taube

Atrium Theater

Vocalists perform with piano accompanists, $10-$35, June 27, 7:30pm, with more concerts thru Aug. 17. 401 Van Ness Ave. www.merola.org

Old First Concerts

Enjoy in-person, live-streamed and archived music concerts of classic and contemporary music. Lee Alan Nolan June 30, 4pm. Soprano Jill Morgan Brenner July 5, 8pm. 1751 Sacramento St. www.oldfirstconcerts.org

Queermericana Pride Fest @ Verdi Club

A concert with Proud Mary, Secret Emchy Society, Country Risque and Ashley Flynn & The Riveters, $15, June 28, 2424 Mariposa St. eventbrite.com

Stern Grove Festival

Summer series of popular free outdoor concerts; June 30 Chicano Batman and Lido Pimienta; Sundays thru Aug 25. sterngrovefestival.org

After Dark @ Exploratorium Evening cocktail parties at the interactive science museum, with different themes; Thursdays 6pm-10pm. Pride night June 27 with Pride Grand Marshall Tory Teasley performing with her band, $20. Pier 15 (Embarcadero at Green St.) www.exploratorium.edu

Afterglow @ Space 550 Comfort & Joy’s annual Pride dance party with DJs David Harness, Denise, Homero Espinosa and more; wear groovy glowy garb. $40-$175, June 29, 10pm-4am, 550 Barneveld Ave. www.playajoy.org

Alaska @ Palace of Fine Arts

The drag star performs with Princess, $39-$59, June 28, 8pm, 3301 Lyon St. www.palaceoffinearts.org

Aunt Charlie’s Lounge

The intimate bar serves strong drinks and hosts frequent drag shows. DJ Bus Station John’s Tubesteak Connection, $5-$10, June 27, 9pm-2am. 133 Turk St. Badlands

The historic bar has reopened; nightly dancing, and Sunday Tea Dance. 4121 18th St. www.sfbadlands.com

Bearracuda @ Public Works

David Harness, Mateo Secade and Philip Grasso DJ the popular bear dance night. $30-$60, June 28, 9pm-3am, 161 Erie St. www.bearracuda.com

Beaux

Popular Castro club with drag entertainers, gogo studs, drinks and food, celebrates its 12th year. 2344 Market St. www.beauxsf.com

Blackbird

Classy Duboce area bar known for its artisanal cocktails. 2124 Market St. www.blackbirdbar.com

Blush Wine Bar

Popular wine bar also has a tasty food menu, live music events, too. 476 Castro St. blushwinebar.com

Bong-O Bingo @ HottBoxx

New cannabis shop celebrates its opening with Laganja Estranga, DJ Dank and the Puff drag party, $10, June 29, 3pm & June 30, 11am Grove St. at Polk. www.eventhi.io

Yoshi’s

Melba’s Kitchen @ Yoshi’s

Tory Teasley at After Dark @ Exploratorium

The Edge

Bottom of the Hill

The queer-friendly nightclub hosts concerts by local and touring rock, punk and other-genre indie bands. 1233 17th St. www.bottomofthehill.com

Brut @ The Great Northern Cruisy leather-themed dance night with DJs Tdon, Karsten Sollors and Brian Kent. $40-$60, June 28, 10pm-4am, 119 Utah St. www.brutparty.com

The Cafe

Popular Castro nightclub with a dance floor and lounge areas, two bars, drag shows and gogo dancers on select nights; Picante Latin night on Thursdays. 2369 Market St. cafesf.com

Castro Country Club

Sober space with meetings, events, art exhibits and a cafe; also host nonprofit of the monthly Mascara drag show. 4058 18th St. www.castrocountryclub.org

The Castro Stroll

New monthly community event with special events of music, art, vendors and dining options. 11am-5pm. Next: June 16. castromerchants.com

The Cat Club

SoMa nightclub hosts a variety of events. 1190 Folsom St. www.sfcatclub.com

The Cinch

Historic bar in the Polk district. 1723 Polk St. www.cinchsf.com Club 1220

Walnut Creek’s gay bar, with drag shows, karaoke and dance nights. 1220 Pine St., Walnut Creek. club1220.com

Decant SF

New lesbian-owned wine bar and shop with tasting and culinary events, local delivery and shipping. 1168 Folsom St. decantsf.com

Detour

Castro bar and restaurant with pinball and arcade games; drag bingo Wed. nights. 2200 Market St. www.detoursf.com

DNA Lounge

SoMa nightclub hosts many queerfriendly events. 475 11th St. www.dnalounge.com

Drag Me Downtown

Four downtown Pride drag shows at various venues each Thursday 5pm7pm in June. downtownsf.org

Drennon Davis

@ Punchline Comedy Club

The popular social media guy known for his wacky talking cats videos performs songs, with puppets, animation and more. $32-$45, July 3-6, various times, 444 Battery St. www.punchlinecomedyclub.com

Driftwood

Mixed cocktail bar hosts occasional queer-specific events. 1225 Folsom St. www.driftwoodbarsf.com

Musical Mondays, the weekly Monster Show, Beards & Booze and more at the popular bar. 4149 18th St. edgesf.com

El Rio

The popular bar with a spacious outdoor patio hosts multiple LGBTQ events, including Hard French, Daytime Realness, Mango, live bands, comedy and more. 3158 Mission St. www.elriosf.com

The EndUp

Historic SoMa nightclub hosts straight, gay and whatever late-night dance events. 401 6th St. theendupsf.com

Eros

SF’s queer sex club in a new location

(site of the historic Bulldog Baths), open daily at 2pm to 10pm-12am; memberships available. 18+ only. $10-$30. 132 Turk St. www.erossf.com

Feelmore Social, Oakland

New LGBTQ cocktail bar with a cool ambiance. 1542 Broadway. feelmoresocial.com

Fireside Lounge, Alameda

Woman-owned LGBT-friendly bar with live shows, outdoor lounge, cool cocktails. 1453 Webster St. www.thefiresidelounge.com

Fluid510, Oakland

Nightclub blends LGBTQ, straight and fluid patronage. Weekly Jush Sundays drag cabaret with host Jasmine Masters and guest performers, 9pm. Sunday brunch 10am-2pm. 1544 Broadway. www.facebook.com/Fluid510/

Ginger’s

Reopening of the historic downtown cocktail bar, June 28, 6pm, with drag shows and more thru June 30. 86 Hardie Place. www.gingers.bar

Golden Bull, Oakland

LGBTQ-friendly bar presents diverse live music acts and DJed events. 412 14th St. goldenbullbar.com

Hi Tops

Popular sports bar with multiple TV screens, events, and an irresistible snack menu. 2247 Market St. www.hitopsbar.com

Hole in the Wall Saloon

Local rock DJs like Don Baird play at the SoMa ‘friendly neighborhood gay biker bar.’ 1369 Folsom St.

Jolene’s

SoMa queer and woman/trans-owned nightclub and restaurant. 2700 16th St. jolenessf.com

Juanita MORE! Pride Party @ 620 Jones

The drag legend, DJ and activist’s 20th anniversary Pride party is always a hit; proceeds benefit LYRIC. $75, 12pm7pm, 620 Jones St. juanitamore.com

Lady Camden @ Palace of Fine Arts Theater

Local drag star performs ‘Lady Land,’ a wacky live show with comedy, music, the Baloney boys and more. $39-$49, June 27, 8pm, 3301 Lyon St. www.palaceoffinearts.org

Last Call

Small neighborhood bar with a fireplace and an old-school jukebox. 3988 18th St. www.thelastcallbar.com

Lookout

Castro bar and restaurant with a panoramic view, drag shows and frequent themed fundraisers. 3600 16th St. www.lookoutsf.com

Lone Star Saloon

DJed events at the historic bear bar, special events like Cubcake, plus regular nights of rock music and patio hangouts. 1354 Harrison St. www.lonestarsf.com

Martuni’s The intimate martini bar hosts music and cabaret acts. 4 Valencia St. at Market.

Midnight Sun

The popular bar celebrates 51 years. Timeline Tuesdays, Honeypot Fridays with gogo studs; Nitrix Oxide’s Killer Queen, 3rd Sundays, 9pm; Galaxy Saturday nights with DJ Lu; K-Pop and drag shows like Munro’s at Midnight, 10pm

Juanita MORE! Pride Party @ 620 Jones

Afterglow @ Space 550

Bearracuda @ Public Works

Dusti Cunningham

Brut @ Great Northern

Pilsner Inn

The Mix

Castro bar with pool table, jukebox, popular patio. 4086 18th St.

Moby Dick

Popular neighborhood bar known for its colorful aquarium and tasty drinks celebrates 40 years. 4049 18th St. www.facebook.com/MobyDickBar

Mother Bar

New women’s bar at the former Esta Noche is a welcome addition in the Mission. 3079 16th St. www.instagram.com/motherbarsf

Oasis

The multiple award-winning nightclub’s shows include: Hex & Wily Minxes burlesque show June 27, 7pm. Amber Martin performs ‘Reba’s Redneck Riviera,’ $30-$60, June 29, 7pm. Wet & Wild rooftop party with a wet t-shirt contest, June 30, 1pm-8pm. Pride Sunday with Amanda Tori Meating & Hershii LiqcourJeté, June 30, 8pm. Disco Sleaze, Baloney’s underwear dance party, July 3, 10pm. Matthew Martin is Judy Garland, $40-$50, July 4-6, 7pm. Faith, a George Michael drag & burlesque show, July 5, 10pm. Ongoing: Princess, the weekly Saturday night drag show, 10pm-2am (June 29 with Adore Delano). Reparations, the Fridays all-Black drag show, 10pm-2am. 398 11th St. sfoasis.com

Historic neighborhood bar (since 1980) with an easy vibe, pool table, an excellent beer selection, and a spacious back patio. 225 Church St. www.pilsnerinn.com

Polyglamorous Pink Block @ The Great Northern Annual big indoor-outdoor dance party with several stages, DJs Holographic, Juanita MORE! David Harness, Redevil and many more, drag acts. $35-$110, June 29, 12pm-June 30, 3am. 119 Utah St. www.greatnorthern.com

Powerhouse Bar

Popular cruisy SoMa bar hosts many events. 1347 Folsom St. www.powerhousebar.com

Prism @ Bergerac

Brian Maier, 1 To 1, Yuvraj K and Jerry Chiu DJ a deep house grooves night at the swanky nightclub; proceeds benefit

The LGBT Asylum Project. $10, June 28, 9pm-2am, 316 11th St. eventbrite.com

Que Rico, Oakland LGBT Latinx nightclub features fun drag shows, DJed grooves, and gogo studs. 381 15th St., Oakland. www.quericonightclub.com

Queerly Beloved @ 1015 Folsom

Queer Pride party with pop band Pixel Grip, drag, pole dancers, kink demos and more. $40-$100, June 30, 9pm. 1015 Folsom St. www.seetickets.us

R3 Hotel, Guerneville

The hotel hosts parties at its poolside and bar. 16390 4th St. ther3hotel.com

Rainbow Cattle Company, Guerneville

The Russian River’s LGBTQ bar serves up local fun since 1979. 16220 Main St. www.queersteer.com

Rize SF @ Origin

LGBTQ dance party with K-Pop and other styles, DJ DNZA, drag performer

Miss Shu Mai; first and third Saturdays. 1538 Fillmore St. www.simpletix.com

San Francisco Pride

Multiple big events include Saturday Pride for Breakfast with coffee, breakfast service and yoga and voguing classes, $40-$60, 7:30am-11am, Civic Center Plaza. Saturday mainstage acts include Adore Delano, Princess drag performers, Cheer SF and more, hosted by D’Arcy Drollinger and Black Benatar, with food and community booths in Civic Center Plaza. Sunday, June 30, the annual parade kicks off at 11am from Embarcadero up Market Street into Civic Center. Main stage entertainment includes headliner Billy Porter, Nina Sky, Reve, Amber Martin, Sexitude and more; free/donations. City Hall party with food, drinks and entertainment with Billy Porter, Raya Light and more, DJed music and host Jason Brock, $100$150, June 30, 1pm-5pm. Full Pride Pass $200-$300. sfpride.org

SF Eagle

The famed leather bar has numerous events. Pride on the Plaza outdoor party, 12pm-7pm. Disco Daddy June 30, 7pm-2am. 398 12th St. thesfeagle. com/|thesfeagle.com/

Shea Coulee

@ Palace of Fine Arts Theater

Local drag star performs the Reparations crew, $39-$49, June 29, 8pm, 3301 Lyon St. www.palaceoffinearts.org

Sizzle Dinner & Drag Revue @ One Market

Fine dining and fab drag acts, hosted by Bobby Friday, June 27, 7:30pm. 1 Market St. onemarket.com

Sober Pride Party @ Yotel SF

The Castro Country Club’s Pride event includes DJed grooves, drag acts, snacks and mocktails. Free, June 30 11am-5pm, 1095 Market St. www.eventbrite.com

Steamworks Berkeley

The award-winning bathhouse hosts special events, DJed nights, and a cruisy vibe. $5-$200 (6-month membership). 18+ only. Open 24/7 every day. 2107 4th St., Berkeley. www.steamworksbaths.com

The Stud

The historic bar has finally reopened at a new location. Forever Queer Pride night, $20, June 28, 9pm-2am. 1123 Folsom St. www.studsf.com

Suavecito @ Space 550 Valentino Presents and Club Papi present a weekly Saturday Latin dance night with DJs, drag acts, gogo guys, three dance rooms, outdoor lounge; $15-$25. 9:30pm-3am. 550 Barneveld Ave. www.suavecitosf.com

Summer Bar & Lounge, Oakland New East Bay nightclub with drag shows, gogo dancers, karaoke and open mic nights. 526 8th St. www.thebarsummer.com

Sundance Saloon Pride Hoedown @ Bayview Opera House

The (mostly) Country music line-dancing, two-stepping event’s Pride edition includes dancing, lessons, beer and wine bar. $15-$25, June 28, 7:30pm-11pm, 4705 3rd St. sundancesaloon.org

Thee Parkside

Nightclub hosts concerts by rock, punk, folk bands and more. 1600 17th St. www.theeparkside.com

Toad Hall

Spacious Castro bar with a small dance floor and back patio. 4146 18th St.

Town Bar & Lounge, Oakland New intimate Art Deco LGBTQ bar serves up signature cocktails, dance nights, too. 2001 Broadway. www.goingtotownoakland.com

Trax

Historic Haight gay bar serves up cheap and strong drinks. 1437 Haight St. traxbarsf.com

Turf Club, Hayward

‘World famous’ East Bay nightclub hosts live bands, dancing, outdoor patio, and Gag, the fun drag show, last Sundays. 22519 Main St. worldfamousturfclub.com

Twin Peaks

Enjoy a great view and strong drinks at the historic tavern, now in its 52th year. 401 Castro St. twinpeakstavern.com Underground SF

Reopened and renovated intimate Lower Haight nightclub hosts varied DJed events, including LGBTQ nights like Hella Tight; also a cafe by day. 424 Haight St. undergroundsf.com

White Horse Bar

Enjoy indoor and outdoor drinks at the famous Oakland bar, now in its 90th year, under new ownership, with music nights, new dance parties and more. 6551 Telegraph Ave., Oakland. whitehorsebar.com

Wild Side West

Historic lesbian and friends bar in Bernal Heights with an airy backyard garden (stairs). 424 Cortland Ave. www.wildsidewest.com

Zeitgeist

The queer-friendly bar with a spacious outdoor patio hosts a Pride party with DJed music, drag king Mudd and mechanical bull rides. $8, June 27, 6pm10pm, 199 Valencia St. eventbrite.com

Zhuzh

New queer bar with a stylish retro vibe. 1548 California St. www.zhuzh.bart

<< Pride Events

From page 61

Amber Martin @ Oasis

Polyglamorous Pink Block @ The Great Northern

Brian Maier at Prism @ Bergerac

Shea Coulee @ Palace of Fine Arts

Sundance Saloon Pride Hoedown @ Bayview Opera House

Explore the curious connections of California. From towering redwood forests to vast deserts, breathtaking coasts to bustling cities, discover the surprising relationships among species, people, and places in our majestic state.

SAN FRANCISCO BALLET CELEBRATES PRIDE

NUTCRACKER

MANON CHROMA

WITHIN THE GOLDEN HOUR

DUST

RAYMONDA FRANKENSTEIN

SOLO

5 TANGO'S

GROSSE FUGE

VARIATIONS FOR TWO COUPLES

BROKEN WINGS

MARGUERITE AND ARMAND