March 13, 2014 Edition of the Bay Area Reporter by Bay Area Reporter

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Vol. 44 • No. 11 • March 13-19, 2014

Confab Castro health center progresses reveals prevention T gains by Seth Hemmelgarn

by Liz Highleyman

ntiretroviral treatment as prevention, long-acting HIV drugs, HIV cure research, and new treatments for hepatitis C were among the highlights discussed last week in Boston Liz Highleyman at the 21st Conference Researcher on Retroviruses and Opportunistic Infections, Jens Lundgren the largest annual HIV/ AIDS medical meeting in the U.S.

Prevention highlights

On the HIV prevention front, researchers reported that no one in a large study of samesex and heterosexual couples was infected by a partner who was on effective antiretroviral treatment. An analysis from the multinational PARTNER study included 767 serodiscordant or mixed-status couples – about 60 percent heterosexual and 40 percent gay men – in which the HIV-positive partner was on antiretroviral therapy with very low viral load (under 200 copies). Collectively, they reported more than 44,000 acts of vaginal or anal sex without condoms. Over two years of follow-up, there were no cases of linked transmission in which the negative partner became infected with the same genetic strain of HIV as their primary partner. Without treatment, 50 to 100 new infections would have been expected. However, there were some new infections with different HIV strains, indicating that transmission happened outside the main relationship from sex partners who may not have been on treatment. While these findings show that HIV treatment-as-prevention is highly effective, lead researcher Jens Lundgren from the University of Copenhagen emphasized that they do not mean transmission from a treated partner cannot occur. Statistical models suggest the odds of transmission may be as high as one in 10 for anal sex or one in 25 for vaginal sex over a 10-year period. Whether this level of risk is acceptable “is not for us to say, but for people to decide,” Lundgren said. But he stressed that there is “no reasonable legal action you can take against people for not using condoms” if they are on effective HIV treatment.

he San Francisco AIDS Foundation’s CEO said recently he’s hopeful the nonprofit will be able to open its health center for gay and bi men in the Castro district in December, but he still won’t talk about money for the project. “We hope to be moved in and open by the end of this year,” Neil Giuliano said in an interview last week. “It will be December.” With people likely busy with the holidays, that timeframe “will give us a chance to ease into it a little bit,” he added. The city’s largest HIV/AIDS-related nonprofit announced in October 2012 that it would expand services and move Magnet, the gay men’s health center which provides HIV testing and other assistance; Stonewall, which focuses on substance use among gay and bisexual men; and the Stop AIDS Project into a building at 474 Castro Street. The organization last week announced that it’s hired a doctor known for his work on pre-exposure prophylaxis, or PrEP, to be its first-ever chief medical officer. SFAF, which is hoping the new center will help end HIV transmission in the city, is working to raise $10 million to cover the costs of renovation and expanding services. Initially, the foundation had pegged the cost at roughly $7.9 million. Despite the opening date getting closer,

Rick Gerharter

Walkers passed by the Castro Street construction site of the San Francisco AIDS Foundation’s new health center for gay and bi men.

Giuliano won’t say how much money his organization has raised, or how much it still needs to raise, and he doesn’t know when the public fundraising campaign will begin. “Entering into the public phase depends on how the whole campaign moves through the quiet phase,” which started last September, said Giuliano. However, he added, “We’re very pleased and feel really good about how it’s all going.”

LGBT aging panel seeks tech support by Matthew S. Bajko

nowing some of its recommendations come with high price tags, a San Francisco panel focused on LGBT aging issues is seeking financial support from the city’s growing tech sector.

Members of the LGBT Aging Policy Task Force voted this week to add language to its report that calls on technology firms to consider funding some of its proposals. The panel is set to vote on its report March 25 and the gay members of the Board of Supervisors are expected to introduce legislation to implement

New HIV drugs

Development of new HIV drugs has taken a back seat to biomedical prevention and hepatitis C treatment in recent years. See page 14 >>

A “quiet phase” in fundraising efforts typically refers to the period when organizations work behind the scenes to approach potential big donors. Giuliano wouldn’t discuss whether any large donors have come forward with donations for the center, which doesn’t yet have a name. He indicated it’s common for organizations involved in similar efforts not to disclose details. See page 14 >>

Rick Gerharter

LGBT Aging Policy Task Force member Larry Saxxon, center, discusses the need for financial literacy training that targets LGBT older adults with fellow task force member Michelle Alcedo during Tuesday’s meeting as member Scott Haitsuka listens.

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its ideas in early April. As the Bay Area Reporter noted in a story last week, one of the main issues tackled in the report is housing for LGBT seniors and ensuring they can remain in San Francisco as they age. To meet that objective, the panel is strongly urging the city to build more affordable housing for LGBT seniors. Two of the proposals to accomplish that goal are to have the SF Land Trust create an LGBT senior housing co-op and for the city to build 200 very low-income units in the Castro area for LGBT seniors with incomes less than 30 percent of the area median income. Both ideas, however, will require substantial amounts of money. Thus, the panel members are asking leaders of technology firms to consider footing the bill. “Tech companies should help fund these recommendations,” said task force member Jorge Rodriquez, a retired case manager for HIV Clinica Esperanza. Added task force member L. Michael Costa, a health policy professional, “the people who write checks in the tech community may be interested in certain areas to support.” Other task force members said the recommendation should not be limited to the city’s technology sector and pushed to broaden it to include foundations and the business community in general. See page 16 >>

<< Community News

2 • BAY AREA REPORTER • March 13-19, 2014

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New captain joins Mission Station by Seth Hemmelgarn

new captain has taken over at the San Francisco Police Department’s Mission Station, which oversees the gay Castro area, the Mission, and other neighborhoods. Captain Dan Perea, 49, who referred to his new role as a “privilege,” started March 1. “I’m going to do what I can with the 115 officers I have here” at the station, said Perea, who’s been with the SFPD for 23 years. “I can’t promise I’ll resolve everything,” but he said he and his officers would do everything they could to reach out to others and solve problems. Perea is taking over from former captain Robert Moser, who was promoted February 28 to commander of the department’s investigations unit. Perea was previously the commanding officer of the forensic services division, where he was in charge of the crime lab, among other operations. Although this is Perea’s first time as a station captain, it’s not his first time in the Mission. He was previously stationed in the district from 1991 to 1993, and he attended middle school in the Castro. “The Mission is a vibrant, busy district,” noted Perea. “I’m a captain, but I’m still a cop,” he said in discussing what he’d focus on. “... I believe in crime prevention and catching people who commit crimes, whether it’s somebody in a violent crime or property crime.” One of his concerns is traffic safety for pedestrians, drivers, and bike riders. Problems in the Castro include car break-ins, assaults, robberies, and rowdy bar patrons. Moser had dedicated more officers to the area and increased the number of foot patrols in the neighborhood. Perea said he’s working on boosting coverage by beat officers even more. “It says a lot to the community when you have effective beat officers who are out there,” said Perea, who encourages people to get in touch

Rick Gerharter

Mission Station Captain Dan Perea

with the officers when there are issues. People in the transgender community have expressed concerns about their safety, including the areas around Mission and 16th streets. Not only have transgender people been the victims of robberies and assaults, but some have said harassment by police and a lack of trust in the department has also been a problem. Perea said that this week, he planned to visit 16th and Mission and places taking part in the LGBT safe zones campaign, where police fliers are designed to assure people in the community that they’ll be taken seriously and treated with compassion. He said he wants to see how the program’s working out. Perea said he’d also be responsive to people’s concerns. “We always have to evaluate our performance and change it if necessary,” he said. One of the biggest events facing Perea is Pink Saturday, the annual event where the streets of the Castro are shut down the night before the city’s LGBT Pride parade and thousands of people flock to the neighborhood. This year’s event is expected to take place June 28. Perea said he met Thursday, March 6 with District 8 Supervisor Scott Wiener, who represents the

Castro, and a member of the Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence, the group that organizes the street party, to discuss “the nuts and bolts” of putting on the event, from arranging street closures to the size of the festival. “The good news is that we have a lot of partners in this, from our perspective, in trying to manage the safety inside and outside the event,” said Perea. “... It’s going to be one of the biggest events for the year, especially for a new captain, so I’m doing my homework.” Perea, who’s straight and whose salary is about $199,000, said people would see him at community groups’ and merchants’ meetings, among other places. During last week’s Castro Merchants meeting, Moser thanked business owners in the city’s gay district for their support. His leaving Mission Station for his new assignment “is bittersweet,” he added. Perea said, “The name and person has changed but the philosophy is the same. It is about community policing.” In a recent interview, Officer Ted Lattig, Mission Station’s gay liaison to the LGBT community, said, “I haven’t spoken to [Perea] to know enough about him to hear what his ideas are yet,” but he’s “looking forward to continuing the programs Captain Moser started. I’m also looking forward to working with the new captain and any fresh ideas he might have.” Castro Merchants President Terry Asten Bennett said, “Mission Station is an enormous territory with a lot of different personalities,” and the job is “an enormous learning curve for anyone,” but Perea is “coming into the station with a good reputation, from what I hear.” “My sources tell me he’s a very nice guy,” she said. Perea may be reached at Daniel. Perea@sfgov.org or (415) 558-5400.t Matthew S. Bajko contributed to this report.

Tessie’s benefits for Easter dinner compiled by Cynthia Laird

aster is late this year, but the folks at Tenderloin Tessie are preparing now for their annual dinner for those in need and could use some help from volunteers. Michael Gagne, board president for the long-running nonprofit, said that he needs a few workers to do an inventory of Tenderloin Tessie’s storage unit. He needs volunteers who can lift more than 25 pounds and some who can sort the artificial flowers. Those who can help should meet at SF Mini Storage, 1000 7th Street, Saturday, March 15 from noon to 3 p.m. Gagne also needs assistance Wednesday, March 19 from 7 to 10 p.m. to stuff plastic Easter eggs with candy for Tessie’s upcoming Easter egg pull fundraisers. The egg-stuffing will take place at Gagne’s house and food will be provided. To help out, contact Gagne at tenderlointessie@yahoo.com or (415) 584-3252. He will provide his home address upon confirmation. If you can’t help at one of those get-togethers, there’s a St. Patrick’s day-themed benefit, “You Can Kiss My Big Fat Blarney Stone,” Sunday, March 16 from 4 to 7 p.m. at Aunt Charlie’s Lounge, 133 Turk Street in San Francisco. Food will be served at 4, followed by the show at 5 and there will be raffle drawings. People

are asked to make a donation that will go toward the Easter dinner. For more information, visit www.tenderlointessie.com or see Tenderloin Tessie Holiday Dinners on Facebook. The Easter dinner itself will be held Sunday, April 20 from 1 to 4 p.m. at First Unitarian Church, 1187 Franklin Street (at Geary). Volunteers are needed for that, too and interested people can contact Gagne.

Legion post holds St. Patrick’s Day benefit

The Alexander Hamilton Post 448 of the American Legion will hold a fundraiser and St. Patrick’s Day celebration, Monday, March 17, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at 440 Castro bar, located at 440 Castro Street. Post Commander Mario Benfield said that the lunch would feature all-you-can-eat deep dish biscuits, sausage patties, and links with gravy for $5. There will be raffle prizes and go-go dancers. The preceding day, Sunday, March 16, the post will hold its regular monthly meeting at 2 p.m. in the Community Room above the Bank of America building, 501 Castro Street, second floor.

Docent-led wildflower walks

Throughout the Bay Area, Edgewood Park and Natural Preserve, located near I-280 and

Edgewood Road in Redwood City, is famous for its spectacular spring wildflower displays. Starting this weekend (March 15-16), Friends of Edgewood docents will begin offering free walks every Saturday and Sunday through June 8 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Every year is different at the preserve, sometimes the weather favors some plants one year and a different set is abundant the next. People can discover what is new this year given the very dry conditions that have affected the area. The walks last approximately three hours through grasslands, chaparral, coastal scrub, and foothill woodlands, offering a surprising amount of biodiversity. People are likely to see 50-100 plants in flower on the moderately paced, three-mile journey. Edgewood supports over 500 distinct plant species, four of which are federally listed as endangered or threatened. Additionally, the fragile Bay checkerspot butterfly, one of the threatened species, has made its home in the unique habitat afforded by the serpentine grasslands. The various plant communities also provide habitat for frogs, lizards, foxes, coyote, bobcat, raccoon, deer, and over 70 resident and migratory birds. There is also an education center featuring interactive exhibits that explain Edgewood’s connection to the surrounding landscape and its history. For more information, visit www. friendsofedgewood.org or call (866) 463-3439.t

Community News>>

March 13-19, 2014 • BAY AREA REPORTER • 3

Dad advocates for gender non-conforming kids by Khaled Sayed

ith more people, especially those who are younger, ditching traditional gender identities, advocates are working to change the language and hope that in the process, more understanding will result. Generally speaking, when a person is born, they are assigned a gender, male or female, based on their anatomy. While the majority of people accept the gender that was assigned to them at birth, some opt to change their gender identity. Others don’t feel they can identify themselves with either gender, and are known broadly as gender non-conforming. Phil Crawford, 52, identifies as cis (a person whose experience of their own gender matches the sex they were assigned at birth). He is the father of Lux, a gender non-con-

forming person. Crawford was in San Francisco last week to put the gender issue in the spotlight, making it a subject for people to discuss, and advocating for the possibility of changing the language around gender. Crawford is a straight married man who often finds it hard to get used to calling his own kid by the right pronouns, but he is making an effort to speak correctly and he advocates for others to do the same. In a meeting room at the Women’s Building in San Francisco on a sunny Saturday afternoon, Bay Area Humanists welcomed Crawford to talk about his experience as the father of a gender non-conforming person. Among the small audience of about 10 there were gay, lesbian, and straight identified people who listened carefully as Crawford spoke about his own kid. Lux was not in attendance.

“The most challenging thing about raising Lux is actually the language and using the right pronoun.” –Phil Crawford

Khaled Sayed

Phil Crawford talked about his gender non-conforming child at a recent meeting of Bay Area Humanists.

While many in the audience were understanding, there were people who raised questions about today’s language and society. They pointed out that making new rules would require making a new social contract that would involve understanding the gender-neutral identity issue. One man who said he was 59 years old said that he did not know how to drop “he” and “she” from his vocabulary and worried about upsetting someone by using the wrong pronoun.

Crawford acknowledged that pronoun use is one of the trickier issues with gender non-conforming people. “The most challenging thing about raising Lux is actually the language and using the right pronoun,” he said. “It seems like I constantly screwed that up. Sometimes they blew it off, and sometimes it really hurt them. So I really tried to be careful about that.” Crawford uses “they” and “them” to refer to his gender non-conform-

ing child. Crawford’s kid came out in stages. First Lux came out as gay, and then as trans. “When they came out as gay they were very young and my wife and I had a lot of questions.” Crawford said. “We joined Parents, Friends and Families of Lesbians and Gays ... not only did we get many of our questions answered, but we had a community of people who had similar experiences and also a support system.” Crawford admitted that he is terrified for Lux’s safety. “I’m glad that Lux’s appearance does not bring a lot of attention to themselves,” he said. In November 2013, 18-year-old Sasha Fleischman, who identifies as gender non-conforming, was on an AC Transit bus in Oakland when Richard Thomas, 16, allegedly set Fleischman’s skirt on fire. Other people on the bus helped put the fire out. However, Fleischman spent several weeks in the hospital recovering from severe burns. Thomas, who is being charged as an adult, has pleaded not guilty to several counts, including hate crime enhancements, and could face life in prison. Crawford’s advice for anyone who encounters somebody like Lux is, “to give them space, take them seriously, and if you screw up just apologize and move on.” t

Trans actress set to speak in San Francisco

Laverne Cox

by Elliot Owen

averne Cox, an actress who has made a name for herself in the LGBTQ community and beyond in recent months, will be speaking in San Francisco next week, where she’ll draw from her own story as an African American transwoman from a working class background to discuss how the intersections of race, class, and gender shape the life experiences of trans women of color. Cox will be appearing at the Nourse Theater in an event sponsored by the California Institute of Integral Studies Wednesday, March 19. Her talk is entitled, “Ain’t I A Woman? My Journey to Womanhood with Laverne Cox.” An Alabama native who was raised by a single mother, Cox is best known for her compelling role in the successful Netflix series Orange is the New Black, set to return for a second season this summer. Cox plays Sophia Burset, a transwoman incarcerated for credit card fraud and the prison’s hairdresser, a character Cox herself calls “beautifully complicated.” Recognizing the opportunity to leverage her media visibility, Cox is in the midst of a college lecture tour that positions her own story as a backdrop to larger issues faced by the transgender community. “I am telling my story through an intersectional lens,” Cox told the Bay Area Reporter in an email. “It’s

essential that those who are most marginalized within the trans community have a voice to tell their stories. Working class, poor, and trans people of color are largely silenced; those are the folks we need to hear from the most because they experience multiple intersections of oppression.” Cox moved to New York City to attend college and pursue an acting career, and in 2008, she became the first African American transwoman to appear on a reality television show: VH1’s I Want to Work for Diddy, which won the 2009 GLAAD media award for outstanding reality program, an honor that Cox accepted at the GLAAD ceremony on behalf of the show. The following year, she became the first African American transwoman to produce and star in her own television program: VH1’s TRANSForm Me, a show documenting three transwomen as they give makeovers to female contestants. Cox has also made appearances on other TV shows and feature films including Musical Chairs, Bored to Death, and Law and Order: SVU. Aside from being an actress, writer, and producer, Cox is also a transgender advocate and emerging pillar of the LGBTQ community. Earlier this year, she delivered a lauded inspirational speech to open the National Gay and Lesbian Task Force’s Creating Change conference in Houston, the largest annual gathering of people committed to LGBTQ equality. During the half-hour speech, she referenced her own experiences of being bullied and harassed, and feeling the shame and depression brought on by living in a transphobic culture. She paralleled those experiences to the status-quo reality of the broader transgender community, and called for justice and change. She concluded her speech emphasizing the importance of having conversations within the LGBTQ community “across differences” and “with love,” an ending met with a standing ovation. Hoping to have a similar impact on her San Francisco audience, Cox

will continue to share her story. “I hope to be of service,” Cox told the B.A.R., “to get folks to maybe honk about some things they hadn’t before, and inspire them to take affirming actions in their lives and the lives of others. I also want to continue to love and support my trans

siblings. I really believe loving trans people is a revolutionary act. It’s my hope that telling our stories more completely will liberate our souls and inspire us to challenge the systems that oppress us so we may gain access to life affirming resources – so we can truly thrive.”t

Laverne Cox’s talk takes place from 7 to 9 p.m. at the Nourse Theater, 275 Hayes Street. Tickets for the event range from $25 to $75 and can be purchased at www.ciis.edu/Public_Programs/ Public_Programs_Events/Cox_ SP14.html.

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<< Open Forum

4 • BAY AREA REPORTER • March 13-19, 2014

Volume 44, Number 11 March 13-19, 2014 www.ebar.com PUBLISHER Michael M. Yamashita Thomas E. Horn, Publisher Emeritus (2013) Publisher (2003 – 2013) Bob Ross, Founder (1971 – 2003) NEWS EDITOR Cynthia Laird ARTS EDITOR Roberto Friedman ASSISTANT EDITORS Matthew S. Bajko Seth Hemmelgarn Jim Provenzano CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Dan Aiello • Tavo Amador Erin Blackwell • Roger Brigham Victoria A. Brownworth • Philip Campbell Heather Cassell • Chuck Colbert Richard Dodds • David Guarino Peter Hernandez • Liz Highleyman Brandon Judell • John F. Karr • Lisa Keen Matthew Kennedy • David Lamble Michael McAllister • Michael McDonagh David-Elijah Nahmod • Elliot Owen Paul Parish • James Patterson • Lois Pearlman Tim Pfaff • Jim Piechota • Bob Roehr Philip Ruth • Donna Sachet • Adam Sandel Jason Serinus • Gregg Shapiro Gwendolyn Smith • Jim Stewart Ed Walsh • Sura Wood ART DIRECTION T. Scott King PRODUCTION/DESIGN Jay Cribas PHOTOGRAPHERS Jane Philomen Cleland Rick Gerharter • Lydia Gonzales Rudy K. Lawidjaja • Steven Underhill Bill Wilson ILLUSTRATORS & CARTOONISTS Paul Berge Christine Smith ADVERTISING/ADMINISTRATION Colleen Small ADVERTISING DIRECTOR Scott Wazlowski – 415.359.2612 NATIONAL ADVERTISING REPRESENTATIVE Rivendell Media – 212.242.6863

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Time to court businesses on ENDA

everal states are debating so-called licenseto-discriminate bills that, while on the surface seem to be about religious freedom, actually permit business owners to deny service to anyone they believe is gay (and therefore, go against the “religious beliefs” of the merchant). These bills are reacting to incidents in recent years whereby same-sex couples are denied wedding-related services and in many cases have sued the businesses successfully. Last month’s veto of such a law in Arizona could have been a turning point; after all, the governor, Jan Brewer, is a Republican and has never been very gay-friendly. But don’t expect to see this trend of discriminatory legislation end anytime soon. Last week an anti-gay Republican Assemblywoman introduced her version of a religious freedom bill in the California Legislature. But with both houses in solid Democratic control and a gay-friendly Democratic governor who’s up for re-election this year, her effort will have a quick death in committee. However, these proposals and how to respond to them raise more important questions that deserve some answers, especially from the LGBT community’s national leaders and the business community. First, groups like the Human Rights Campaign seem to want to have it both ways. In a news release about a similar Religious Freedom Restoration Act bill being debated in Mississippi, HRC is advocating further amendments to the bill. It should be flat-out opposed, period. Public accommodations laws prohibit discrimination, while freedom of religion is a constitutionally protected right under the First Amendment. So, one does not have the right to deny services to anyone just because it conflicts with one’s religious beliefs. On the other hand, if a gay or lesbian cou-

ple seeks out a wedding photographer that they later learn is anti-gay, the easiest solution would be to patronize another business. In our opinion, there is no amendment that would satisfactorily address the fundamental basis of the bill – which is to deny access to services to a group of people. Second, during the week of intense outcry against the Arizona bill, SB 1062, many corporations and businesses with offices in the state quickly came out against it. According to CNN, national corporations that opposed SB 1062 included American Airlines, AT&T, Delta Airlines, Intel, Marriott, PetSmart, Starwood, and Yelp. There were many, many more, including Apple and the National Football League, which threatened to move next year’s Super Bowl out of Glendale. There were press releases every day that included companies opposed to the bill, because they knew that a discriminatory law would likely lead to a loss of income, either from a tourist boycott or people choosing to spend their money in another state. And what has happened in the weeks since Brewer vetoed the bill? Nothing. Why did all those companies stand with the LGBT com-

munity in Arizona only to go back to their offices once the bill was vetoed? And why hasn’t HRC, which has been pushing ENDA for decades, asked those companies to continue fighting for inclusivity on Capitol Hill? These companies could have turned their attention – and significant lobbying budgets – to Washington, D.C., where the Employment Non-Discrimination Act has been stalled in the House of Representatives since last year. During the Arizona debate, many politicians, including Republicans (notably the state’s two GOP senators, Jeff Flake and John McCain), said the bill went too far and supported its veto. If politicians need more evidence that an inclusive ENDA is needed, they need only look to the failed effort in Arizona, where the state came dangerously close to legalizing LGBT discrimination. Clearly whatever strategy HRC has for passing ENDA has run its course in the GOPcontrolled House, so new tactics are needed. The organization should leverage the hundreds of companies that it surveys every year in its Corporate Equality Index (many are the same ones who stood with the community in Arizona) and encourage these businesses to lobby lawmakers with regard to ENDA. The only reason right-wing reactionaries are pursuing these license-to-discriminate laws is because they have lost the fight on marriage equality. That issue was largely won last year with the U.S. Supreme Court’s decision in United States v. Windsor, which threw out a key provision of the Defense of Marriage Act. Instead of accepting that decision and moving forward, some Republican lawmakers at the state and national level want to go to extreme lengths to continue denying equality to LGBT people. It’s time for business leaders to stand up and say, “No, we treat our employees and customers equally.” And it’s time for HRC to harness this energy from corporate America to persuade the House to call for a vote on ENDA.t

Interdependence by Belo Cipriani

eing independent is all about feeling confident and I was feeling pretty confident one chilly San Francisco afternoon when I ran into my childhood friends in the Castro district. In the Slider’s parking lot, my friendly greeting was met by icy stares and they began to beat me. As a result of the injuries I sustained that night, I became blind. The world of darkness that followed the assault was obviously frightening, but also surprisingly frustrating. One of the most annoying aspects of being newly disabled had to do with getting assistance from friends and family to do simple tasks around the house like cooking or taking out the trash. Even more maddening was the idea that my independence had been taken away and that I would never get it back. Through therapy and training at different centers for the blind, I soon realized that independence comes in various forms. Being reliant on talking devices is not much different than being dependent on GPS and smartphones, and I soon discovered that there is a blind way to do just about everything. I completed my rehabilitation training and found myself enjoying the Internet, cooking for others, and traveling alone with a white cane. However, mobility was the one aspect of my life as a blind person that felt incomplete. I was in my late 20s, doing back flips in my Capoeira class, and running three miles every day at the gym. Except, when it came to walking in public, I moved terribly slowly through crowds and often found myself running into dirty trash bins and low hanging branches. Even though I had never owned a dog before and the thought of caring for a guide dog felt colossal, my desire for speed prompted me to apply for one. A year after losing my sight, I received my mobility independence by working with Guide

Dogs for the Blind, the largest guide dog school in the country. They partnered me with Madge, a petite 45-pound yellow Labrador, who taught me how to fly without sight on the busiest of streets and loneliest of blocks. Madge not only helped me walk faster, she also served as a social magnet; I quickly noted that people engaged me at cafes and restaurants – something that never happened when I carried my white cane. Madge got all the attention and it felt marvelous to be addressed with gusto and not with fear or concern. Madge and I were a great team for many years until her retirement. Now, I am not only enjoying my second guide dog from Guide Dogs for the Blind, I am also a spokesman for the organization. My new set of eyes is Oslo, a 75-pound black Labrador, who has taught me that it’s possible to love and trust a second time around. Oslo and I are featured in a documentary about Guide Dogs for the Blind that was just released. The short five-minute film talks about the many services the organization provides that go beyond matching a blind person with a great guide dog – it provides mobility and independence. Guide Dogs for the Blind provides a lifetime of support despite the fact that it doesn’t receive any government funding and relies only on the generosity of donors. I accepted the offer to be featured in the short film because it was a great way to build awareness for the organization as well as give the public at large information about the guide dog lifestyle. While having a guide dog enables me to travel and live very independently, this independence is threatened when businesses deny me service because I am accompanied by my guide dog. In San Francisco, I have been denied access at restaurants and shops – particularly in Chinatown and in the Mission district. It both saddens and angers me when my rights are being taken away; these business owners are unaware they are actually breaking the law. Another issue threatening my independence is the growing number of people who

Courtesy Belo Cipriani

Belo Cipriani and his guide dog, Oslo.

have their pets pose as service dogs. They attain fraudulent papers from websites and buy fake vests for their pets. Because some of these animals are very poorly behaved, it creates misperceptions among business owners and leads them to view all service dogs as a hazard. As a spokesman for Guide Dogs for the Blind, I want to shine some light on access issues in San Francisco and around the country. I believe that there is no better way to understand someone’s viewpoint than by walking in their shoes – in this case two shoes and four paws. The documentary is available in both English and Spanish and accessible via YouTube (http:// youtu.be/T8-zkA8Tz6g) and at the end of this column. I invite everyone to check out the video and also share it with friends and family. It is only through learning about the wonderful guide dog lifestyle that one can truly understand what these magical creatures can do to enhance the lives of the visually impaired.t Belo Cipriani is the writer-in-residence at Holy Names University and a spokesman for Guide Dogs for the Blind. His first book, Blind: A Memoir, is a multiple award-winner and has made various high school and college reading lists. Learn more at www. belocipriani.com and www.guidedogs.com.

Politics>>

March 13-19, 2014 • BAY AREA REPORTER • 5

Bi candidate drops out of state Assembly race by Matthew S. Bajko

day after being endorsed by Equality California, the state’s leading LGBT rights group, a bisexual candidate for state Assembly opted to drop out of the race. Andy Katz announced his decision on his campaign Facebook page last Friday, March 7, the deadline for candidates to file their paperwork with elections officials. He had been running for the 15th Assembly District seat covering portions of Alameda and Contra Costa counties. The current officeholder, Assemblywoman Nancy Skinner (D-Berkeley), is termed out this year. “The decision I ultimately made was not an easy one, but I know it’s the right one,” wrote Katz, an elected member to the board that oversees the East Bay Municipal Utility District. Despite support from EQCA, the Sierra Club and others, Katz acknowledged that he was still lacking in fiscal donations and endorsements, which made his candidacy a challenge going forward. “There are several very strong candidates in this race. Ultimately, in order to be the winning candidate in November, there are certain endorsement and fundraising milestones that one needs to meet,” wrote Katz in his message to supporters. “Despite our best efforts this past year, and generous support and hard work from people like you, we have fallen just a bit short of reaching those milestones.” He is the second out candidate to leave the race, as lesbian political consultant Peggy Moore bowed out last fall. The East Bay Stonewall Democratic Club, which initially had endorsed Moore and then came a vote short in giving Katz its sole endorsement, has scheduled a forum with the remaining candidates later this month to determine whom to back in the race. Katz’s decision to end his bid for the East Bay seat leaves four known gay non-incumbent legislative candidates on this year’s ballot. It is the smallest number of out newcomers to seek state office in nearly a decade. Two out Democrats are seeking Bay Area seats. Gay Campbell City Councilman Evan Low is considered the favorite to win the race for the 28th Assembly District seat now held by his boss Paul Fong (D-Cupertino), who will be termed out of office in December. Fellow Democrat Barry Chang, a Cupertino city councilman, and Republican Silicon Valley engineer Michael Hunsweck are also seeking the seat. In San Francisco gay District 9 Supervisor David Campos is running against his Democratic colleague, board President David Chiu, for the 17th Assembly District seat held by gay Assemblyman Tom Ammiano (D-San Francisco), who is termed out this year. Republican David Salaverry pulled papers to run, but it is largely expected Campos and Chiu will both survive the June primary, where the top two vote-getters regardless of party affiliation advance to the November election. Down in Los Angeles County gay

On the web Online content this week includes the Bay Area Reporter’s online columns Political Notes and Wedding Bells Ring; and an article on responses to a recent Vatican survey for Catholics. www.ebar.com.

Courtesy Katz for Assembly campaign

Courtesy Low for Assembly campaign

Andy Katz decided to end his campaign for an East Bay Assembly seat.

Evan Low received the backing of the Democratic Party in his Assembly race.

Republican lawyer Brad Torgan entered the 50th Assembly District race against incumbent officeholder Richard Bloom (D-Santa Monica). Bloom, who garnered international press last week for introducing a bill to end SeaWorld San Diego’s killer whale shows, is considered a shoo-in for re-election. And gay Democrat Dr. Vito Imbasciani, the state surgeon of the California Army National Guard, is among the crowded field of candidates seeking the open 26th Senate District seat in Los Angeles County that covers a number of coastal communities from Santa Monica south to Redondo Beach. The married father of two is a practicing surgeon at Southern California Permanente Medical Group. Other Democrats seeking the seat include former Assemblywoman Betsy Butler, a straight ally who served on EQCA’s board, and Sandra Fluke, a women’s rights activist who received national attention after being verbally attacked by conservative radio host Rush Limbaugh. Four of the current eight members of the California Legislative LGBT Caucus are also on the ballot this year. Out Assembly members Toni Atkins (D-San Diego), Rich Gordon (D-Menlo Park), and Susan Talamantes Eggman (D-Stockton) are all seeking re-election to two-year terms. Termed out of office this year, gay Assembly Speaker John A. Perez (D-Los Angeles) is running to become the state’s next controller. His main opponents in the race are fellow Democrat Betty Yee, an elected member of the state Board of Equalization and a straight ally, and Republican Fresno Mayor Ashley Swearengin. On Monday this week, Perez picked up the coveted endorsement of Senator Dianne Feinstein (D-California). In a statement issued by Perez’s campaign, Feinstein called Perez “truly a steady-handed fiscal leader” and “a tireless champion for California families at every turn as he helped lead the recovery of our state’s economy.” Feinstein added, “I have no doubt John’s extensive background combined with his ability to make the hard decisions and dedication to service will make him a terrific candidate for our next state controller.”

Two other transgender leaders were also named women of the year. West Hollywood resident Desiree Jade Sol, who serves on her city’s public safety commission, was honored by Bloom, and Assemblyman Mark Stone (D-Monterey Bay) honored Navy veteran Dayna Sinopoli, who is active with the speakers bureau at Santa Cruz’s Diversity Center. Currently a senior adviser for the Transgender Law Center, Chung serves on the San Francisco Health Commission and is a member of the Presidential Advisory Council on HIV/AIDS. She was the first transgender woman and first Asian to be elected to lead the Board of Directors of San Francisco’s LGBT Pride Celebration and the first person living openly with HIV to chair the San Francisco Human Rights Commission. “Cecilia has an inspiring record of breaking down barriers,” stated Ting. “Her bravery and brains have made our community a more compassionate and welcoming place. As we strive for even greater equality, we can simply look to her for a roadmap forward. Cecilia’s passion and commitment to equality know no bounds.” Chung grew up in Hong Kong and her family moved to Los Angeles in the early 1980s. Shortly thereafter, she moved to San Francisco to attend City College. She graduated from Golden Gate University with a degree in international management in 1987. She was unable to attend the ceremony as she was under the weather Monday. “I am truly honored for the recognition as our district is filled with incredible women,” Chung told the Bay Area Reporter. The first time a transgender woman was named a woman of the year was in 2003 when Theresa Sparks, currently executive director of San Francisco’s Human Rights Commission, was honored by state Senator Mark Leno (D-San Francisco) when he served in the Assembly. “I believe I may be the second transwoman in San Francisco to receive such recognition since my mentor, Theresa Sparks, and I look forward to seeing many more transwomen being celebrated for their contributions,” said Chung.t

Trans leaders named women of the year

As part of the state Assembly’s annual Woman of the Year ceremony on March 10, Assemblyman Phil Ting (D-San Francisco) honored transgender leader Cecilia Chung for her work on civil rights, HIV/ AIDS advocacy, and LGBT rights.

Web Extra: For more queer political news, be sure to check http:// www.ebar.com Monday mornings at noon for Political Notes, the notebook’s online companion. This week’s column reported on ideas to make SF homeless shelters more LGBT friendly. Keep abreast of the latest LGBT political news by following the Political Notebook on Twitter @ http://twitter.com/politicalnotes. Got a tip on LGBT politics? Call Matthew S. Bajko at (415) 8615019 or e-mail m.bajko@ebar.com.

<< Business News

6 • BAY AREA REPORTER • March 13-19, 2014

Lease signed for Oakland LGBT bar by Cynthia Laird

wo gay Oakland men are moving ahead with their plans to open an LGBT bar in the city’s hot Uptown neighborhood and have signed a lease on the building next to the Paramount Theatre. Sean Sullivan and his partner, Richard Fuentes, announced the lease sign-

ing last week for what will be called the Port bar, at 2021 Broadway, in the former Ragsmatazz shoe store, which has been vacant for over a decade. The lease was signed with Alameda Bayfarm LLC, which acquired the building about a year ago. Ramsey Wright of Colliers and Cynthia Lee of Cassidy Turley partnered on the deal. “The Paramount has 130 shows a year, which even if their

shows break even, means they have 1,100 people there,” Fuentes said in a statement. “We would be at capacity if 10 percent came in for a before or after drink.” Fuentes added that they have informally surveyed the crowds and found a substantial LGBT customer base. Sullivan said the location is one of a few that is not already under development or under contract to be under development. “It really limited our options but we had great brokers and in the end we secured what may be the very best location in all of Oakland, next to the Paramount Theatre,” Sullivan said. The men credited a crowdfunding campaign they held late last year, which raised the funds to secure the lease. The campaign had a goal of $25,000 and Sullivan said that over 80 people joined in the effort. “It was a slog but on the morning of the last day, Oakland developer Phil Tagami stepped in with a $5,000 contribution and that really rallied a lot more folks in the final 12 hours,” Sullivan said. Lee said that the LGBT community in Oakland has been waiting for a bar like the Port. “The existent spaces for this

Courtesy Sean Sullivan

The old Ragsmatazz shoe store in Oakland’s Uptown neighborhood will soon be the site of the Port bar.

community are large form nightclubs and only open three nights a week,” she said in a statement. “This venue will be heterofriendly and is right above BART, which is perfect for commuters that drive the happy hour market.” The next step is approvals from the county health department and the Oakland Planning Commission, which Sullivan and Fuentes hope to

secure by mid-Spring. Sullivan and Fuentes are no strangers to Oakland’s LGBT community; both men ran for public office in 2012 but came up short in their bids for city council and school board, respectively. The Port bar is still looking for community support and the campaign can now be found at www. portbaroakland.com.t

SF LGBTs ready to mobilize to protect queers in other countries by Heather Cassell

GBTs in the San Francisco Bay Area, alarmed by recent laws that criminalize gays living in countries like India, Nigeria, Uganda, and Russia, are working to see if they can help their fellow LGBTs in those countries. What has disturbed people has

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been the ongoing news of violent attacks and deaths of LGBTs who seemingly have no way to leave. Recently, the Bay Area Reporter received requests from concerned activists about how to help LGBT people who are forced into migration due to their sexual orientation and gender identity. Heads of international LGBT organizations have also received requests from concerned people, they said. “We’ve received a lot of inquiries from people saying, ‘What can we do?’ ‘How can we help?’” said Neil Grungras, founder and executive director of the Organization for Refuge, Asylum, and Migration. “People are alarmed by what is going on and they are looking for practical solutions.” In India, the country’s high court recently reinstated a colonial-era sodomy law. Nigeria and Uganda have both passed laws that criminalize homosexuality, with harsh prison sentences for those who are convicted. Media outlets in Uganda have gone so far as to out gays in their publications. Russia has a new law on the books that prohibits gay “propaganda,” which has resulted in a severe curbing of personal expression and incidents of violence. The problem is that there are very few LGBT organizations that actu-

ally work with potential refugees on the ground seeking to escape their home countries. Many of the groups that are organizing to help gays get out of a country to refugee camps in neighboring countries work as clandestine operations in an unseen grassroots network unknown to most people due to the danger of the work being done. “There are self-help groups growing around the world to help those people leave these countries, like underground railroads,” said Grungras, whose organization has published an updated version of its guide, “The Migration and Travel Information for Russian LGBTI Individuals and Their Families.” When LGBTs make it to refugee camps, if they are lucky enough to get to one, they still aren’t safe. Homophobia is rampant in the camps, often keeping scared LGBT refugees in the closet, making it difficult for workers to identify them, advocates said. Furthermore, the lack of education about LGBT people on the part of refugee camp workers and decision makers ends up locking a vast majority of LGBT people out of the system, according to Grungras. That is why ORAM launched six years ago. This year it is moving See page 16 >>

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Courtesy ORAM

An unnamed Ugandan lesbian refugee is seen in an ORAM film preview about the struggles of LGBT refugees from Africa and Latin America.

Community News>>

March 13-19, 2014 • BAY AREA REPORTER • 7

Gay surrogacy conference comes to SF by Heather Cassell

ay couples and individuals seeking to be parents will be able to learn about the international surrogacy market and speak with more than 30 experts at a daylong conference this weekend in San Francisco. The March 15 conference, which is expected to bring out 100 potential gay and lesbian parents, will cover selecting the right surrogacy clinic and egg donors, financial options and decisions, pitfalls of surrogacy, legal issues, international surrogacy, new surrogacy options in Mexico and Thailand, and more. San Francisco is the second conference hosted by Families Through Surrogacy, an Australian-based organization that is less than a year old. Launched nine months ago by Sam Everingham, global director of events and content of Families Through Surrogacy, the organization hosted its first conference in Windsor, United Kingdom earlier this month. It will return to Australia for its third conference in May before heading to Washington, D.C. in September. “We had seen such a huge need from families in Australia for support in their journeys during surrogacy either at home or overseas,” said Everingham, 46, who is director of Stethoscope Market Research, a marketing health care research company, and is an advocate for surrogate families. About four years ago he founded Surrogacy Australia. The organization attracted upward of 200 people interested in building their families through reproductive technologies, particularly surrogacy, at the conferences it hosted. Everingham, who is gay, went to India with his partner of 11 years, Philip Copeland, 42, to have their two daughters, who are now 2 years old. He noticed that the surrogacy community operates mostly online and through social media, he said. There wasn’t much face-toface with prospective parents and experts in the field to discuss issues and successes. There also wasn’t a way for people to advocate and lobby for accountability and tougher regulations at home or abroad. It only made sense to him to take the organization international to the U.S. and U.K., he said. “We realized that everyone engaging in surrogacy around the world were just accessing information online and they were often getting burnt by unethical operators,” said Everingham. “We had seen a lot of grief from families who had honestly gone through some hard times getting there to have a kid,” said Everingham. “We realized that lots of people needed some sort of objective advice and support from families who had done this already.” Saturday’s conference is estimated to have cost nearly $40,000 to produce, according to Everingham. This is the second conference locally focused on creating LGBT families. In 2008, more than 100 potential LGBT parents crowded the Golden Gate Club in the Presidio at the American Fertility Association’s Family Matters conference’s gay track. Six years later, not much has changed in the reproductive tech-

Surrogacy resources More information about surrogacy is available at the following sites: American Fertility Association http://www.theafa.org/family-building/ lgbt-family-building/ Families Through Surrogacy www.familiesthrusurrogacy.com Men Having Babies www.menhavingbabies.org

Courtesy Families Through Surrogacy

Sam Everingham, global director of Families Through Surrogacy, right, with his partner, Philip Copeland, and daughters, Zoe and Ruby.

nology world, particularly when it comes to surrogacy. After that groundbreaking conference, pockets of intended LGBT parents, particularly coupled and single gay men, have come together informally to share their stories and help each other navigate the often complex and expensive landscape of creating a family using reproductive technologies, such as surrogacy. In the U.S. and in many Western countries surrogacy can easily cost anywhere from an estimated $80,000 to $125,000 compared to an estimated $40,000 or slightly more in India, Mexico, Nepal, Thailand, and Ukraine, according to experts. Unlike the issue of high cost in the U.S., the issue in Australia and the U.K. is the lack of surrogates, said Everingham.

Wild new world

Experts call the reproductive technology industry, which includes surrogacy, the “wild west” where rules and regulations aren’t standardized, making it a risky proposition. Even in the U.S. – particularly in California and Oregon – where there are more laws and procedures in place to hold clinics and individuals accountable if anything does go wrong, it is still far from perfect. The quest to become a parent becomes even more perilous for gay male couples. Not all countries have embraced same-sex families. Some countries, like Russia and most recently India, are closing their doors to the lucrative gay surrogacy market. In India alone, surrogacy in general is projected to become a $2.3 billion industry, according to experts. Yet, once a very popular destination for gay couples seeking surrogates, India began to prevent single and gay couples from becoming parents with the introduction in 2010 of the Assisted Reproductive Technologies Regulation Bill, which restricted surrogacy to heterosexual couples. The bill was sent to the law ministry in 2011 where it has remained. Then in January, the Indian Home Ministry dealt a second blow to the LGBT community when it issued a new rule that effectively banned foreign gay couples and individuals of any sexual orientation or gender identity from surrogacy. The new rule limited foreign surrogacy to only opposite sex married couples for a minimum of two years. The ministry’s rule came a month after India’s Supreme Court reinstated the country’s colonial-era anti-sodomy law. That decision was upheld by a second panel of Supreme Court judges in January. Adding to shifting country laws toward international adoption and surrogacy is the problem of clinics closing down. Planet Hospital, for instance, suddenly dissolved its surrogacy practice and is facing an involuntary bankruptcy petition, leaving many intending parents – including gays – in various stages of

planning their families in a bind. Two of Planet Hospital’s former surrogacy division employees have now launched new surrogacy businesses. Catherine A. Moscarello cofounded IP Conceptions LLC with her husband and business part-

ner, Joseph Adams. Geoff Moss cofounded Surrogacy Beyond Borders with Lilly Frost. The risks involved by going abroad is why John Chally, 64, cofounder of Northwest Surrogacy Center, which opened its San Francisco office March 1 and will be presenting at the San Francisco conference, isn’t interested in entering the international surrogacy market. “I have some strong feelings about Mexico. I’ve lived in India and those are not places where I would want to have my child born,” said Chally, a Bay Area native who has operated his surrogacy practice in Portland, Oregon for 20 years. He advocates for domestic surrogacy and the reliability and the protections that provides for all parties involved.

What it takes to have a family Because of the complicated surrogacy landscape, Everingham decided to take on the challenge of creating a network of consumers

and professionals to develop best practices and ways for surrogacy consumers to advocate for better regulation in the international surrogacy market. “We find a lot of families, couples in the U.S., are very keen to have children. If they can’t afford it in California or elsewhere they will travel,” said Everingham. “It’s amazing the risks people will take to have a family. “We went through hell to have our kids. It was worth it in the end,” he added.t The Families Through Surrogacy conference takes place from 8:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. at the Fort Mason Conference Center, 2 Marina Boulevard. Tickets are $55-$85. Register at https://www. eventbrite.co.uk/e/familiesthrough-surrogacy-san-franciscoconference-tickets-9138153463. For more information, visit http:// www.familiesthrusurrogacy.com/ global-conferences/us-conference.

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<< Sports

12 • BAY AREA REPORTER • March 13-19, 2014

Fighting transphobia in sports by Roger Brigham

he past couple of years have seen considerable attention paid to eliminating barriers of homophobia in sports. That same attention may now turn to eliminating transphobia in sports, thanks to a school policy being discussed in Virginia and a lawsuit being fought in California. The Richmond Times-Dispatch reported in February that the Virginia High School League, which oversees more than 300 public high schools in the state, unanimously approved in a vote by its executive committee a policy that would require transgender student-athletes, in order to play on a gender-restricted team other than the gender by which they were identified at birth, must first complete sexual reassignment surgery. Although the VHSL applauded its own decision as a progressive step toward more inclusive school sports, trans rights advocates swiftly denounced the approved policy. VHSL could not immediately be reached for comment. “It’s very difficult for transgender people in this country to access medical treatment and especially, surgery,” Ilona Turner, legal director of the Transgender Law Center, told the Bay Area Reporter. “It’s even more difficult for minors to access those procedures. Any attempt to tie gender identity or access to having a particular kind of medical treatment is oppressive.” Others noted not all trans people opt for surgical procedures. “What folks unfamiliar with transgender issues may not realize is that sex reassignment surgery is not

the endgame for many trans-identified people,” self-identified genderqueer Virginia blogger Mo Karnage wrote online. “And the requirements VHSL are asking for are extensive: They ask for surgical removal of the external sex organs and the ovaries or testes. Many, many adult trans people will never be able to or want to have that sort of surgery. High school age people are very unlikely to have had the emotional, medical, and financial support necessary to have a sex reassignment surgery. They are unlikely to be legally allowed to do so before the age of 18. They also may not want surgery even if that option exists for them. Trans identity is not limited to people who desire or identify as one of two gender options. There are trans people who reject the male/female options, and genderqueer people as well. For these folks, surgery might not be the answer to their gender identity.” According to the TLC website, Virginia is one of 34 states that have no state laws explicitly prohibiting discrimination based on sexual identity or gender expression. Other states have a variety of approaches to the issue for student-athletes. Shawn Becker, a tennis coach at Philadelphia University, said he began researching transgender policies in sports for a course he was taking in sports law. “I wanted to look at Title IV from the perspective of a transgender athlete,” Becker said. “What is the inclusion for them? What protection does it provide? Things just kind of evolved from there.” I asked him what he thought about the proposed Virginia policy requiring surgery.

Chloie Jonsson’s Facebook page

Personal trainer Chloie Jonsson

“The conversation is good; the policy isn’t,” Becker said. “I like that they’re talking about it, but in practicality it’s a dangerous precedent to set, especially for someone at 14, 15, 16 years old. That’s scary. Let them and their parents work through it, but forcing them just to play a sport? You only have four years to play (in high school). Surgery is going to take you out for at least a year, so you’re taking a year of high school away. They should focus on making the most of their high school experience instead of taking an aspect of it away. There are many alternative ways to show open arms and open minds.”

Becker said there were numerous other state models Virginia could consider that are more inclusive. “Washington was the first one to do it,” he said. “They’ve had a healthy dialogue with it.” In California, for example, schools are supposed to respect their students’ self-identities. “The parents need to acknowledge their child identifies as the opposite gender, but it’s not forcing (students) into a (surgical) decision,” Becker said. “The acknowledgment is there that there is a gender identity issue with the student, and nurture that student. I really feel that enough model policies are out there for inclusion of transgender athletes that they don’t have to go to the extent of requiring surgical reassignments.” Even in California, however, it would seem not everyone is willing to embrace the spirit and the letter of the law. Personal trainer Chloie Jonsson filed a $2.5 million lawsuit March 6 in Santa Cruz County Superior Court against CrossFit, saying the fitness program refused to allow her to compete in the women’s fitness competition. Jonsson underwent sex reassignment surgery eight years ago ac-

cording to her attorney, Waukeen McCoy. McCoy also said Jonsson is legally identified as female under California law and is taking hormone therapy, which would erase any perceived competitive advantage. In California, businesses open to the public are barred from discriminating based on “sex, race, color, religion, ancestry, national origin, disability, medical condition, marital status, or sexual orientation,” and courts have interpreted that to include gender identity. The Associated Press reported that Dale Saran, CrossFit’s general counsel, responded on the group’s discussion page, writing, “Our decision has nothing to do with ‘ignorance’ or being bigots – it has to do with a very real understanding of the human genome, of fundamental biology, that you are either intentionally ignoring or missed in high school. The fundamental, ineluctable fact is that a male competitor who has a sex reassignment procedure still has a genetic makeup that confers a physical and physiological advantage over women.” Ineluctable? Well, let’s see: the International Olympic Committee and its member organizations allow transgender athletes to compete and the world has not disintegrated. The Women’s Sports Foundation says “medical experts increasingly agree that the effects of taking female hormones negate any strength and muscular advantage that testosterone may have provided and places a male-to-female transgender athlete who has completed her transition in the same general range of strength and performance exhibited by non-transgender females who are competing.” Eluctate on that for awhile. Look, the IOC has kicked this around for years, subjecting women to incredibly invasive genetic testing and physical examinations in the hopes of preserving an illusory gender binary. But after discarding sensationalist ignorance and examining the scientific evidence, not to mention the sheer humanity of the entire issue, the Olympics decided to let individuals compete under the gender provided on their government-issued documents. Jonsson is a woman. End of story. “Transgender women are women,” Turner said. “It is incredibly hurtful and stigmatizing as well as unlawful to refuse to recognize them as such.”t

Obituaries >> Clifford McDaniel 1939 – 2014 Cliff McDaniel, a resident of San Francisco, succumbed to cancer February 23, 2014. Born in Los Angeles, Cliff came to the Bay Area in the early 1970s and soon had many friends in San Francisco and the East Bay. He had a quick wit and always had everyone around him laughing. He particularly enjoyed the ambiance of the bars in the Castro. After moving to the Bay Area he went to work for Amtrak, holding a variety of positions in San Francisco and Oakland. As an Amtrak supervisor of on-board services, he tried to instill a sense of service to customers such as he had experienced as a young man riding the streamliners of that era – in particular the service on the Union Pacific Railroad. After retirement, Cliff continued to work on the rails aboard private cars and special trains. In his last days he was comforted and assisted by his good friends Chris Pagni, Edgar Benhard, Bill Kluver, and Bob Andrade.

Memorial set for Ed Huser/Sister Barbi

The Russian River House of the Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence have announced that a memorial and tribute for Edward Huser, a gay man known to many in the community as Sister Barbi Mitzvah, will

be held Saturday, March 22 from 3 to 5 p.m. at the Odd Fellow’s Hall, 16219 1st Street in Guerneville. Mr. Huser died February 23 in Portland, Oregon of an apparent heart attack. He was 51. Sister Barbi was one of the founders of the Russian River chapter of the group of drag nuns. Sister Nova Nilla said that the upcoming memorial will honor and celebrate Mr. Huser’s life. For more information, visit the Facebook page of the Russian River Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence.

Memorial set for Stu Smith

A celebration of Stu Smith’s life will be held Sunday, March 23, from 2 to 4 p.m. in the Julia Morgan Ballroom of the Merchant’s Exchange Building, 465 California Street in San Francisco. Mr. Smith, a gay man and longtime volunteer for numerous HIV/AIDS organizations, died February 3 of cancer. He was 73. Mr. Smith was also well known in the recovery community, where he served as a sponsor, mentor, and friend to those in Alcoholics Anonymous. One of Mr. Smith’s last projects was as a member of the San Francisco LGBT Aging Policy Task Force. The panel is set to release its final report this month and dedicated it to Mr. Smith and Jazzie Collins, another task force member who passed away last year.

Community News>>

March 13-19, 2014 • BAY AREA REPORTER • 13

LGBT suicide rates draw renewed attention by Matthew S. Bajko

conference set to be held in San Francisco later this month will shed renewed attention on suicide within the LGBT community. The regional gathering comes as suicide prevention groups and health officials from across the country prepare to meet in New York for two days this spring to discuss how best to track LGBT suicide rates at the national, state, and local level. Various studies over the years have shown that suicide is more prevalent within the LGBT community than society in general. But there are no hard figures on how many LGBT people commit suicide each year as that information is not collected. “Currently, and not just in the U.S. but in all countries across the world, sexual orientation and gender identity is not identified at time of death. So for gay and trans people, we really have no data,” said Ann P. Haas, Ph.D., a senior consultant to the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention. “It is not just in regard to suicide but in every manner of cause of mortality. This is an enormous impediment to our understanding of who in our communities are most affected.” The American Foundation for Suicide Prevention is hosting a meeting, sponsored by the Johnson Family Foundation, this May to specifically focus on the issue of postmortem collection of sexual orientation and gender identify data, particularly when it comes to suicides. “We need to really make sure our state and county jurisdictions really begin collecting information at the time of death,” said Haas. “We collect it on age, ethnicity, race, and sex, but the only classification on the death certificate is male or female. There is no discussion at all about sexual orientation.”

The foundation has invited medical examiners, coroners, death investigators, officials with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s vital statistics office, and vital statistic registrars at the state level to participate in its meeting. “If we can’t get numbers statewide, regionally or nationally, it really puts us in a very difficult position,” said Haas, adding that the data would help provide “benchmarks” for federal action. “Without that knowledge we don’t know what to do about it.” Haas, an out lesbian who has worked for the foundation since 1999, said her organization began to look closely at suicide within the LGBT community in 2007. It then took part in a successful advocacy campaign to have the 2012 edition of the National Strategy for Suicide Prevention include for the first time a section devoted specifically to LGBT populations. The report, issued by the U.S. Surgeon General and the National Action Alliance for Suicide Prevention, found that LGBT individuals “may have an elevated risk for suicide ideation and attempts.” But because neither U.S. death certificates nor the National Violent Death Reporting System identify decedents’ sexual orientation or gender identity, “it is not known whether LGBT people die by suicide at higher rates than comparable heterosexual people,” concluded the report. Across studies, 12 to 19 percent of LGB adults report making a suicide attempt, compared with less than 5 percent of all U.S. adults; noted the report, and at least 30 percent of LGB adolescents report attempts, compared with 8 to 10 percent of all adolescents. Comparable data for transgender people is not available, noted

Rick Gerharter

Michelle Thomas, left, and Joe Palacios from San Francisco Suicide Prevention recently conducted a suicide prevention workshop for the LGBTQ community.

the report, though it did cite that 41 percent of adult respondents to the 2009 National Transgender Discrimination Survey reported lifetime suicide attempts.

Local LGBT suicide data

A survey released last summer of 616 LGBT San Francisco residents aged 60 to 92 years old found that 15 percent had “seriously considered” committing suicide within the last 12 months. The finding startled the researchers who conducted the survey on behalf of the city’s LGBT Aging Policy Task Force. It came as no surprise to officials with San Francisco Suicide Prevention, which received state funding to develop best practices for suicide prevention among LGBT seniors, as the Bay Area Reporter noted at the time. Earlier this year the local agency held a workshop for community members interested in learning more about suicide within the LGBT community and how to address it. Presenter Michelle Thomas, T:9.75” who manages San Francisco Suicide

Prevention’s LGBTQ program department, said the agency over the last two years had seen evidence of a “slight uptick” of suicides within the local LGBT community. Overall suicide rates have declined by 50 percent over the last 50 years in San Francisco. On average there are 100 per year, with the highest group being people over the age of 65, who annually account for 35 or more. People under the age of 18 have the fewest, typically averaging three to four per year though some years there are zero. “Nationally, more women than men self identify being depressed or have a mental health issue. In San Francisco, gay men are more likely to self disclose than gay women,” said Thomas. “So anyone can be at risk for suicide. It’s not about sexual orientation per se but what is happening with the person.” On average the U.S. records 38,000 deaths by suicide per year, though the figure compiled from medical examiner reports is believed to be under-reported. It is

also estimated there are anywhere from 1 to 2 million suicide attempts per year in the U.S. “It is a really sobering statistic,” said Thomas, who identifies as gay. “A lot of people are getting help, even though they are attempting suicide.” Some tools people can use with friends or loved ones who disclose they are contemplating suicide include allowing them space to talk about wanting to die and asking if they have a plan to take their own life. “Don’t leave them alone if they have a plan that day,” said Thomas. Call a suicide hotline, locally it is (415) 781-0500, for the person “to show them how easy it is,” added Thomas. The American Foundation for Suicide Prevention has been hosting regional conferences to educate local community leaders and health professionals about the prevalence of suicide within the LGBT community and share best practices on suicide prevention and mental health services for LGBT people. “We still are far from the kinds of recognition these kinds of problems need to be given,” said Haas. “As we accumulate information and the quality of research in this field gets better, we really want to share that with people in a position to really use that info.” The daylong workshops have already been conducted in Boston, Chicago, and New York City. The one in San Francisco is set to take place from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. Saturday, March 22 at San Francisco State University. There is a $60 registration fee that includes a light breakfast, lunch, and closing reception. To register, visit http:// afsp.donordr ive.com/event/ SFBAYLGBT/.t

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March13-19, 13-19,2014 2014 14 ••BBAY AYA AREA REAR REPORTER EPORTER • March

Castro health center

From page 1

“This is just how you do things,” he said. In an interview in early February, Giuliano got annoyed when asked whether his refusal to disclose information should be interpreted as there being bad news he didn’t want to share. “That might be your interpretation of it. It wouldn’t be my interpretation of it,” he said. “I’ve already told you things are going well. ... You should let people know exactly what I said, which is we’re pleased with how it’s going in the quiet phase, because we are.” Giuliano was more forthcoming on construction progress on the building, which had housed a video store and medical offices. He said the interior has been gutted and he estimated “actual construction,” including putting in walls and plumbing, would begin in late March. The prevention programs housed in the Stop AIDS building, at 15th and Sanchez streets, will close April 7 and will move to SFAF’s main offices at 1035 Market Street, he said.

Chief medical officer hired

As the Bay Area Reporter noted in a Thursday, March 6 blog, the AIDS foundation has appointed Dr. Robert Grant, 54, as its first-ever chief medical officer. Grant, who in 2012 was named one of Time magazine’s 100 most influential people

Confab

From page 1

“At this stage of the epidemic, we’re focused on getting treatment to people who need it,” Judith Currier from UCLA said at an opening press conference March 3. But some researchers did present some promising new HIV treatment data. Jay Lalezari from Quest Clinical Research in San Francisco reported on a novel HIV attachment inhibitor, Bristol-Myers Squibb’s BMS-663068, which blocks the first step of viral entry into cells. This multinational study included 253 treatment-experienced people with HIV, many of whom had drug-resistant virus. After 24 weeks of treatment with BMS-663068 plus raltegravir (Isentress) and tenofovir (Viread), up to 80 percent had undetectable viral load, compared with 75 percent of people who took a triple regimen containing boosted atazanavir (Reyataz). BMS-663068 was well tolerated and there were no signs of safety problems. “Speaking as an activist, I want to thank the company for bringing forth a new drug with a new mechanism of action,” Lalezari said, adding that the drug could be especially beneficial for people with long-term HIV infection who need more treatment options. Another study looked at a nextgeneration non-nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitor named doravirine (formerly MK-1439). After 24 weeks on treatment, 76 percent of people taking doravirine plus tenofovir/emtricitabine (the drugs in Truvada) had undetectable HIV, compared with 64 percent of those taking efavirenz (Sustiva) triple therapy. Doravirine had better tolerability overall, with fewer people reporting the kinds of central nervous system side effects often seen with efavirenz. Finally, David Margolis from GlaxoSmithKline reported good safety and effectiveness in the LATTE study, which tested a twodrug regimen containing the new integrase inhibitor GSK744 plus rilpivirine (Edurant) used as maintenance therapy after people achieve full viral suppression using a standard three-drug regimen. While this study tested daily pills, it sets the stage for future trials of longacting formulations of both drugs that could potentially be administered

Courtesy SFAF

Dr. Robert Grant

in the world for his HIV prevention work, will be a part-time staffer. Time recognized Grant, a straight ally, for his clinical trial “that was the first to demonstrate the efficacy” of PrEP for HIV prevention, according to the AIDS foundation. Grant said his first day hasn’t been finalized but the nonprofit has proposed April 1. Among other tasks, he said SFAF “would like my assistance making sure [the new center] stays state of the art and is responsive to the successes and failures that we and others experience in trying to control the HIV epidemic.” That state-of-the-art focus includes PrEP, “novel and inventive strategies for HIV testing and counseling” and “engaging people who might not already be engaged in HIV testing and treatment,” and “finding once-monthly or even quarterly. The long-acting injectable formulation of GSK744 may also be a future option for pre-exposure prophylaxis, or PrEP, as monthly injections may be more convenient and encourage better adherence than daily tenofovir pills. Chasity Andrews and Gerardo Garcia-Lerma reported that the longlasting shot protected monkeys from vaginal or rectal exposure to an HIVlike virus. A human trial of GSK744 injections for PrEP (HPTN 077) is now under way and will include a study site in San Francisco.

Search for a cure

Cure-related research at CROI garnered some of the biggest headlines, but the new findings offer incremental clues about how HIV persists in the body rather than breakthroughs. At last year’s CROI, Deborah Persaud from Johns Hopkins University reported on an infant in Mississippi born to an HIV-positive mother who did not take antiretrovirals to prevent mother-to-child transmission. Given the high-risk situation, the baby was started on combination antiretroviral therapy within 30 hours after birth. After 18 months the girl’s guardians removed her from care and she stopped treatment. But when she returned to care several months later, she still had undetectable viral load despite still being off antiretrovirals. This year Persaud provided an update on the Mississippi case. The girl – now 3 years old and off treatment for two years – still has undetectable blood viral load and extensive testing has not found HIV in her peripheral blood cells or other reservoirs. “We can conclude that this child remains in remission,” Persaud said, suggesting that very early treatment for infants may restrict the establishment and spread of HIV in the body. Persaud also described a second baby in Los Angeles County who also started treatment very early and appears not to have detectable HIV using the most sensitive tests. This child, however, has not been taken off antiretroviral treatment and does not yet represent another possible cure. Also on the cure front, Timothy Henrich from Brigham and Women’s Hospital reported that detectable HIV has returned in two Boston bone marrow transplant recipients who for a time appeared to be controlling the virus without antiretroviral therapy.

opportunities for curing HIV infection and getting people linked into care protocol,” said Grant. He also spoke of the possibility of the AIDS foundation collaborating “with medical organizations when needed.” “I think this does represent a new model for working in HIV,” said Grant. “... In the past, there’s been a notion that health care facilities do medical care, and communitybased organizations do counseling, and sometimes testing and education programs. I think there’s a growing appreciation that the community-based organizations also have a role in providing medical services and health care services.” People in the medical field “need to be fully informed about community issues,” and staff at organizations like the AIDS foundation “need to know what’s going on in the medical world,” he said. He pointed to Magnet as an example of a place where “state of the art medical care” is being provided by a community-based organization. “Their protocols for management of sexually-transmitted infections are as good as or better than any in the U.S.,” he said. Giuliano said in the news release announcing Grant’s hiring that “Some of the most significant scientific advances in HIV prevention in recent years can be directly attributed to his work. His new role at the foundation will greatly advance our

work in the Castro and mid-Market neighborhoods, and help establish a new model for HIV prevention and care to be studied and applied in similar hard-hit communities.” Grant will continue his work with the Gladstone Institutes, a nonprofit research facility that is affiliated with UCSF and which Ryan McKeel, an AIDS foundation spokesman, described as “one of the foremost HIV centers in the world.” Grant estimated he’d be working for SFAF 16 hours a week. He said, “I think I can be extremely effective” despite the limited amount of time. The nonprofit has asked for his input in “developing new programs,” he said, along with “ways of monitoring them and ways of adjusting their programs based on what they’re learning and what others are learning. I can do the job with that level of effort. There’s lots of really good people in the organization already, and I’m just there to help out.” Despite Grant’s leadership position, the AIDS foundation, which last year had a budget of about $24 million, refused to release his salary because he is working part-time. Grant also declined to share the figure, citing the nonprofit’s policy. However, he said, “My salary is a very, very, very small part of their budget, and I do aspire to earn every penny that I’m given.”t

The men received donated bone marrow, which contains stem cells that give rise to all blood cells, as treatment for lymphoma. The Boston patients received normal stem cells. That differs from the case of Timothy Brown, also known as the Berlin patient, who apparently remains HIVfree seven years after stem cell transplants from a donor with a double mutation (CCR5-delta-32) that makes cells resistant to viral entry. In the Boston cases, after HIV could not be detected for 2.6 and 4.3 years, researchers agreed to try an experimental treatment interruption to see if the virus would return. As Henrich first reported last December, this did occur, after 12 weeks and eight months off treatment. These cases suggest that curing HIV will be difficult if even a tiny amount of residual virus remains in the body. “We believe [viral] rebound from only one or a few cells is enough to cause detectable virus,” Henrich said, suggesting that a functional cure will likely require a combination of approaches.

most of whom had harder-to-treat HCV genotype 1a. Results from the National Institutes of Health’s SYNERGY study showed that treatment might be shortened even further – to just six weeks – for some patients. This study enrolled mostly lowincome African American patients in Washington, D.C., many of whom had HCV genotype 1a and advanced liver fibrosis or cirrhosis. “We believe this population is really reflective of the hepatitis C population in the U.S., which historically has been a difficult-to-treat population,” said lead researcher Anita Kohli. Participants were treated with a coformulation of sofosbuvir and ledipasvir for 12 weeks, or with triple combinations adding another experimental Gilead drug (GS-9669 or GS-9451) for six weeks. Cure rates were 95 to 100 percent and treatment was well tolerated. “This short duration simple therapy for HCV may prove relevant for the global elimination of hepatitis C, where uncomplicated, well-tolerated therapy is required to ensure adherence and minimize health care expenditures,” the researchers concluded. Several other studies showed that cure rates and side effects were the same in HIV/HCV coinfected patients as in people with hepatitis C alone – good news because HIVpositive people with hepatitis C typically have more rapid liver disease progression and do not respond as well to interferon. While these results are impressive, there are still barriers to successful hepatitis C treatment in the real world, including inadequate HCV screening, a shortage of knowledgeable providers, and the high cost of new drugs. Hepatitis C treatment is currently a “dribble” rather than a cascade, said Tracy Swan of the Treatment Action Group at an annual treatment activism lecture named after Project Inform founder Martin Delaney. While hepatitis C has the benefit of a cure, it is lacking the political will, global collaborations, government-funded research networks, funding for care and treatment, and community identity that have turned around the HIV epidemic. “One thing HIV has taught us,” Swan emphasized, “is that the community response is absolutely essential to transforming an epidemic.”t

Hep C revolution

Hepatitis C treatment is now a major theme of CROI, at a time when next-generation direct-acting antivirals are entering clinical use and interferon-free treatment is becoming a reality, curing more people in a shorter time without the difficult side effects of interferon. The first of these drugs – Gilead Sciences’ sofosbuvir (Sovaldi) and Janssen’s simeprevir (Olysio) – were approved late last year. Douglas Dieterich from Mt. Sinai said that sofosbuvir has been “flying off the shelves” at a rate of about 2,000 prescriptions per week. Researchers presented data from several studies showing high rates of sustained virological response – considered a cure – for both people with hepatitis C alone and those with HIV and hepatitis C virus (HCV) coinfection. For example, a 12-week combination of three direct-acting antivirals being developed by AbbVie (formerly Abbott) cured 99 percent of previously untreated people with HCV genotype 1b. This regimen could be approved by the end of the year. Another 12-week, three-drug oral regimen containing BristolMyers Squibb’s daclatasvir cured 92 percent of treatment-naive patients,

For updates on the Castro health center, go to http:// www.474castro.org.

Legal Notices>> FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE A-035648300 The following person(s) is/are doing business as: TOP MARK TOURS, 435 BROADWAY ST, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94133. This business is conducted by an individual, and is signed MARK GITTUS. The registrant(s) commenced to transact business under the above listed fictitious business name or names on 02/11/14. The statement was filed with the City and County of San Francisco, CA on 02/11/14.

FEB 20, 27, MAR 06, 13, 2014 FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE A-035595200 The following person(s) is/are doing business as: S&J SUPPLY, 572 VALENCIA ST, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94110. This business is conducted by a general partnership, and is signed SAMUEL GENTHNER & JAMES FERNANDEZ. The registrant(s) commenced to transact business under the above listed fictitious business name or names on 01/17/14. The statement was filed with the City and County of San Francisco, CA on 01/17/14.

FEB 20, 27, MAR 06, 13, 2014 FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE A-035661000 The following person(s) is/are doing business as: II-CHA, 1222 NORIEGA ST, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94122. This business is conducted by a corporation, and is signed IST, INC (CA). The registrant(s) commenced to transact business under the above listed fictitious business name or names on 02/14/14. The statement was filed with the City and County of San Francisco, CA on 02/14/14.

FEB 20, 27, MAR 06, 13, 2014 FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE A-035664400 The following person(s) is/are doing business as: PIZZERIA DE BRUNO, 1330 9TH AVE, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94122. This business is conducted by a corporation, and is signed BM HOLDINGS, INC (CA). The registrant(s) commenced to transact business under the above listed fictitious business name or names on NA. The statement was filed with the City and County of San Francisco, CA on 02/18/14.

FEB 20, 27, MAR 06, 13, 2014 FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE A-035652800 The following person(s) is/are doing business as: KROYER CYCLES LLC, 3210 B 22ND ST, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94110. This business is conducted by a limited liability company, and is signed KROYER CYCLES LLC (CA). The registrant(s) commenced to transact business under the above listed fictitious business name or names on NA. The statement was filed with the City and County of San Francisco, CA on 02/12/14.

FEB 20, 27, MAR 06, 13, 2014 FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE A-035654000 The following person(s) is/are doing business as: THE CASTANET GROUP, LLC, 475 CONNECTICUT ST, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94107. This business is conducted by a limited liability company, and is signed THE CASTANET GROUP, LLC (CA). The registrant(s) commenced to transact business under the above listed fictitious business name or names on 01/27/14. The statement was filed with the City and County of San Francisco, CA on 02/12/14.

FEB 20, 27, MAR 06, 13, 2014 FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE A-035656400 The following person(s) is/are doing business as: BENEDICT ARNOLDS, 930 UNION ST, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94133. This business is conducted by a limited liability company, and is signed FOOD REVOLUTION LLC, (CA). The registrant(s) commenced to transact business under the above listed fictitious business name or names on NA. The statement was filed with the City and County of San Francisco, CA on 02/13/14.

FEB 20, 27, MAR 06, 13, 2014 FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE A-035601100 The following person(s) is/are doing business as: ANNA’S COTTAGE COLLECTIONS, 245 WEST PORTAL, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94127. This business is conducted by a married couple, and is signed ANNEMARIE HIGGINS & KENNETH L. HIGGINS. The registrant(s) commenced to transact business under the above listed fictitious business name or names on 01/22/14. The statement was filed with the City and County of San Francisco, CA on 01/22/14.

FEB 20, 27, MAR 06, 13, 2014 FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE A-035636600 The following person(s) is/are doing business as: I/O LEGAL GROUP, 2261 MARKET ST #140, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94114. This business is conducted by an individual, and is signed MOIRA LUZ DAWSON. The registrant(s) commenced to transact business under the above listed fictitious business name or names on NA. The statement was filed with the City and County of San Francisco, CA on 02/05/14.

FEB 27, MAR 06, 13, 20, 2014 FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE A-035648900 The following person(s) is/are doing business as: GUYS FLOWERS, 2198 15TH ST, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94114. This business is conducted by an individual, and is signed GUY CLARK. The registrant(s) commenced to transact business under the above listed fictitious business name or names on 02/11/14. The statement was filed with the City and County of San Francisco, CA on 02/11/14.

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FEB 27, MAR 06, 13, 20, 2014 FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE A-035664900 The following person(s) is/are doing business as: SILVANA SAN FRANCISCO, 2559 38TH AVE, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94110. This business is conducted by a general partnership, and is signed JOSEPH SONG RIN PARK & CHARLES MCHAEL SCHWENKE. The registrant(s) commenced to transact business under the above listed fictitious business name or names on 02/05/14. The statement was filed with the City and County of San Francisco, CA on 02/05/14.

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FEB 27, MAR 06, 13, 20, 2014 FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE A-035672600 The following person(s) is/are doing business as: CABLE CAR WINE & SPIRIT GROCERY, 841 CLEMENT ST, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94118. This business is conducted by a limited liability company, and is signed CABLE CAR WINE AND SPIRITS, LLC (CA). The registrant(s) commenced to transact business under the above listed fictitious business name or names on 02/21/14. The statement was filed with the City and County of San Francisco, CA on 02/21/14.

FEB 27, MAR 06, 13, 20, 2014 STATEMENT OF ABANDONMENT OF USE OF FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME FILE A-033558100 The following persons have abandoned the use of the fictitious business name known as: CABLE CAR WINE & SPIRIT GROCERY, 841 CLEMENT ST, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94118. This business was conducted by an individual and signed by KENNY TSANG. The fictitious name was filed with the City and County of San Francisco, CA on 05/12/11.

FEB 27, MAR 06, 13, 20, 2014 FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE A-035670700 The following person(s) is/are doing business as: MADISON DREW PHOTOGRAPHY, 1209 37TH AVE, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94116. This business is conducted by an individual, and is signed ANDREW Y. LEE. The registrant(s) commenced to transact business under the above listed fictitious business name or names on 02/20/14. The statement was filed with the City and County of San Francisco, CA on 02/20/14.

MAR 06, 13, 20, 27, 2014 FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE A-035687900 The following person(s) is/are doing business as: FLUIDITY, 143-A PIERCE ST, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94117. This business is conducted by an individual, and is signed JEFFREY ARNOLD TAYLER. The registrant(s) commenced to transact business under the above listed fictitious business name or names on 02/28/14. The statement was filed with the City and County of San Francisco, CA on 02/28/14.

MAR 06, 13, 20, 27, 2014 FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE A-035676500 The following person(s) is/are doing business as: SEW; WALKERSHAW CLOTHING; 29-1/2 WEST PORTAL AVE, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94127. This business is conducted by a married couple, and is signed CONNIE WALKER & IRA SHAW. The registrant(s) commenced to transact business under the above listed fictitious business name or names on NA. The statement was filed with the City and County of San Francisco, CA on 02/24/14.

MAR 06, 13, 20, 27, 2014 FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE A-035689600 The following person(s) is/are doing business as: LOUIS, 914 LARKIN ST, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94109. This business is conducted by a limited liability company, and is signed LOUIS GOUDEAU, LLC (CA). The registrant(s) commenced to transact business under the above listed fictitious business name or names on NA. The statement was filed with the City and County of San Francisco, CA on 02/28/14.

MAR 06, 13, 20, 27, 2014 FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE A-035688800 The following person(s) is/are doing business as: FISHERMAN’S WHARF APPRENTICE, PIER 28, THE EMBARCADERO, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94105. This business is conducted by an individual, and is signed JOHN H. MELLOR. The registrant(s) commenced to transact business under the above listed fictitious business name or names on 02/28/14. The statement was filed with the City and County of San Francisco, CA on 02/28/14.

MAR 13, 20, 27, APR 03, 2014

ORDER TO SHOW CAUSE FOR CHANGE OF NAME IN SUPERIOR COURT OF CALIFORNIA, COUNTY OF SAN FRANCISCO FILE CNC-14-550160 In the matter of the application of: NASER ABBAS SALMAN, for change of name having been filed in Superior Court, and it appearing from said application that petitioner NASER ABBAS SALMAN, is requesting that the name NASER ABBAS SALMAN, be changed to SALMA SALMAN. Now therefore, it is hereby ordered, that all persons interested in said matter do appear before this Court in Dept. 514 on the 6th of May 2014 at 9:00am of said day to show cause why the application for change of name should not be granted.

MAR 13, 20, 27, APR 03, 2014 ORDER TO SHOW CAUSE FOR CHANGE OF NAME IN SUPERIOR COURT OF CALIFORNIA, COUNTY OF SAN FRANCISCO FILE CNC-14-550171 In the matter of the application of: JOHN LANCE WHITEFORD, for change of name having been filed in Superior Court, and it appearing from said application that petitioner JOHN LANCE WHITEFORD, is requesting that the name JOHN LANCE WHITEFORD, be changed to JACK SORIANO WHITEFORD. Now therefore, it is hereby ordered, that all persons interested in said matter do appear before this Court in Dept. 514, Rm. 514 on the 13th of May 2014 at 9:00am of said day to show cause why the application for change of name should not be granted.

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<< Community News

16 • BAY AREA REPORTER • March 13-19, 2014

Aging panel

From page 1

“Corporations don’t place senior funding in their bailiwick,” said task force member Ashley McCumber, a gay man who is executive director of Meals on Wheels of San Francisco Inc. “This needs to change in general. We as a society need to invest in senior services.” Task force member Larry Saxxon, a member of the state AARP executive council and the San Francisco Human Rights Commission’s LGBT advisory committee, noted that investment in the panel’s proposals would not only benefit LGBT seniors but all seniors living in the city. “Anything you do for the LGBTQ

Out in the World

From page 6

its operations from San Francisco to Washington, D.C. and Geneva, Switzerland to be closer to the decision makers, said Grungras. ORAM plans to increase its work with the U.S. State Department and the United Nations High Commission of Refugees to open up its systems so LGBTs don’t fall through the cracks, he said. “People’s lives are now on the cutting board. Hopefully, the more we are in Washington and the more we are in Geneva the more consistent our voice our community will have,” said Grungras.

community is going to benefit the aging community at large,” said Saxxon. “It’s a problem with America in how America perceives getting old. It is seen as a negative. There is something wrong with how America sees aging.” The panel’s recommendations make “the whole city a more livable city,” added task force member Marcy Adelman, Ph.D., who helped found the LGBT senior services agency Openhouse. The task force’s ask of business and philanthropic leaders to increase giving toward the city’s aging population comes as the tech sector, in particular, is under attack by housing rights activists who blame it for causing housing prices and

rents to soar in San Francisco. Protests blocking buses for companies such as Google, Facebook, and Apple have garnered international media attention as a symbol of the tensions between expanding the local economy while not pushing out longtime residents who find they can no longer afford to live in San Francisco or the wider Bay Area region. In response to the growing debate, tech leaders in recent weeks have announced plans to increase their giving to various causes. Google has pledged $6.8 million over the next two years toward paying for free Muni rides for youth from working-class families. Last week Salesforce chief executive Marc Benioff announced a new

initiative, called SF Gives, aimed at raising $10 million within two months from tech firms for Bay Area antipoverty programs through a joint effort with the nonprofit the Tipping Point. And Ron Conway, a venture capitalist who founded the nonprofit San Francisco Citizens Initiative for Technology and Innovation, or sf.citi for short, made headlines in February for a speech during a tech awards show in which he said his “message tonight is that we – that means all of us – must be leaders in tackling the challenges of housing, transportation, and education.” At the Crunchies event housing rights activist Tommi Avicolli Mecca, who chaired the LGBT ag-

ing panel’s housing work group, approached Conway to suggest he help raise $1 million for the SF Land Trust to buy several multi-unit rental buildings in order to “make them affordable forever.” To his surprise, Mecca said Conway responded positively about the SF Land Trust model. “These people are hearing the proposals we have been saying,” Mecca told his fellow task force members during their meeting Tuesday, March 11. “The more times you folks take on this, we may be surprised at the outcome.” The LGBT aging panel’s full draft report can be downloaded at http:// sf-hrc.org/lgbt-aging-policy-taskforce-lgbtaptf.t

Global rainbow movement

to the countries that have attracted much of the media attention. “It’s all over the place,” said Grungras, listing off countries where LGBT people are targeted and trying to escape. “We have been watching the crisis escalating for a long time. “What we are looking at now is not a new phenomenon; unfortunately, it’s an old phenomenon that is getting attention,” he added. “It’s about time.” The fear is that the situation is going to get worse before it gets better. “It’s not going to go away. It’s just going to get worse,” said Jones. “It’s a very serious challenge and we have to step up to the plate.” Grungras said that in order to tackle the crisis hitting the global LGBT community it’s going to take fundraising and education. The LGBT community needs to be educated on how the international and asylum and refugee systems work. “This is a different kind of challenge. This is going to be a very long-term problem and so far we haven’t been able to figure out how to do it,” said Jones. Jones, like others, is starting to consider the refugee and asylum pro-

cess and what it will take to lobby the U.S. government and support organizations to get people out of their countries, while at the same time balance accountability with protecting individuals’ privacy and security. Grungras said those issues are very important particularly since the community historically hasn’t had a place at the global table and is learning how to navigate this new position. “We can intervene on a very practical level when it involves helping people finding safety on the ground, let’s say finding safe homes, eating, moving to a place that is safer,” said Grungras, which “means working with a partner who is reliable and answerable to give that aid and help the people find safety.” Donating abroad is a risky business. Grungras advises that people do their homework, asking questions about organizational relationships and how the money is used. The safest donations are to American organizations, like ORAM or the Rainbow World Fund, which are reputable groups known to work with networks of international relief organizations on the ground to help get LGBT peo-

ple out of dangerous countries if necessary. The Rainbow World Fund has assisted LGBT individuals financially to support their moves from danger zones to safe havens to begin the asylum process, Jeff Cotter, executive director of the fund, said in an email interview while traveling. “Donors can earmark donations for specific refugee population or giving an unrestricted ‘refugee’ donation (this enhances our ability to respond quickly to emergencies) to the fund,” wrote Cotter, stating that the fund’s staff gets the funds to its partner network where it provides “maximum impact.”t

The other challenge is that this is new territory for LGBT advocates and goes beyond street activism and can sometimes be detrimental for the very people they are advocating for. “We haven’t really figured out yet how we as a community in this country can be useful to our brothers and sisters in other places,” said gay activist Cleve Jones, pointing out that LGBT people are good at “short-term activism,” but this is a long-term problem. Grungras agreed, adding that what is happening in the world right now in terms of the struggles of LGBT people isn’t new or isolated

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Broadway baby

Cyndi's journey

Out &About

Full of wonder

O&A

The

Rputs on

Vol. 44 • No. 11 • March 13-19, 2014

www.ebar.com/arts

R ita Moreno the

Legendary performer Rita Moreno is coming to the Castro Theatre.

Ritz

by David-Elijah Nahmod

ocal show biz legend Marc Huestis will celebrate the life and legacy of Hollywood legend Rita Moreno at the Castro Theatre on Saturday, March 15. The event will benefit Let’s Kick ASS (AIDS Survivor Syndrome), a support and networking organization for long-term HIV survivors. It will be a day of legends at the beautiful, historic cinema palace. At 1 p.m., comedy legend Marga Gomez will host the sing-along West Side Story. Moreno, who won an Oscar for her sizzling performance as Anita, will introduce the film. See page 27 >>

Cultures clash in film festival

Jazz (right) and his new German boyfriend in director Baby Ruth Villarama’s Jazz in Love.

by David Lamble

he 2014 edition of the Center for Asian American Media Film Festival (March 13-23) kicks off at our beloved Castro Theatre movie palace with the Vietnam-based fashion comedy How to Fight in Six Inch Heels, followed by the San Francisco film festival circuit’s most fabulous annual party, at the Asian Art Museum. The balance of the 11-day fest, with films from 20 different countries, unfolds at the Sundance Kabuki Cinemas, the New People Cinema, Berkeley’s Pacific Film Archive, and for the first time, Oakland’s New Parkway Theatre. See page 26 >>

{ SECOND OF TWO SECTIONS }

Courtesy CAAMFest

On April 3, 2014 America’s oldest, highest-circulation LGBT newspaper celebrates our 44th Anniversary with our biggest edition of the season. Call 415-359-2612 or email scott@ebar.com to reserve your space or for more information.

<< Out There

18 • BAY AREA REPORTER • March 13-19, 2014

Cash with a gay twist

by Roberto Friedman

rom the land of Down Under came word of a bank promotion that embraced gay culture during the recent Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras. ANZ bank transformed several ATMs in central Sydney, Australia into dazzling “GAYTMs” inspired by lesbian and gay culture. That meant cash-dispensing machines given a makeover in handbejeweled rhinestones, sequins, studs, leather, denim and fur. Motifs included unicorns, drag queens, rainbows, tattoos, anchors aweigh, and big, open mouths (for deposits?). Screens were programmed to greet customers with gay come-ons like, “Hello, Gorgeous!” Receipts carried cheeky messages like, “Cash out and proud!” Why can’t we have GAYTMs here in the “Gay Mecca?”

Courtesy SF Symphony

Soprano Natalie Dessay is coming to Davies Symphony Hall.

Debut recital

Soprano Natalie Dessay will make her Davies Symphony Hall debut in a solo recital of French and German art-songs this coming Saturday night, March 15, at 8 p.m. She will be accompanied by her longtime collaborator, pianist Philippe Cassard. Not yet one year ago (June 2013), the famed coloratura soprano announced she would leave the opera-house stage, but it appears she’s far from calling it quits. Reshaping her career, Dessay’s focus is now on the more intimate repertoire of a recitalist, and she’s taken a foray into the pop world as well. Her CD released last October Entre elle et lui - Natalie Dessay sings Michel Legrand was awarded a gold disc by the Erato label and Warner Music France. She is featured as Violetta in Verdi’s La Traviata in the two-hour documentary Becoming Traviata (2013) by French filmmaker Philippe Beziat. And she has expressed interest in returning to her dramatic acting roots. San Francisco Opera audiences first knew Dessay cast as Lucia in Donizetti’s Lucia di Lammermoor in 2008, and last year she appeared as Antonia in SFO’s production of Offenbach’s Tales of Hoffmann. The Davies Hall solo recital is set to include works by Schumann – Clara, that is – Brahms, Duparc, Strauss,

An ANZ bank “GAYTM” in Sydney, Australia Courtesy ANZ

Fauré, Poulenc and Debussy. Tickets are available at sfsymphony.org, (415) 864-6000, or at the Symphony Hall box office.

OT playlist

We’ve been listening to Morning Phase (Capitol), the new album by Beck. Like his 2002 Sea Change, it’s slow and stately, with a string section and slowstrummed guitar. The strings were arranged by Beck’s father David Campbell, who did similar duty for recording artists in the 1970s. This is mostly quiet, introspective, contemplative music, just our cuppa tea. In a song like “Wave,” Beck sings a lament above the strings exploring a minor key. If OT has one reservation about the album, it’s the message in many of its lyrics that solitude equals punishment. “I’m so tired of being alone,” Beck sings in “Blue Moon.” “These penitent walls are all I’ve known./Oooh blue moon, don’t leave me on my own./ Oooh blue moon, left me standing all alone.” As a corrective to all the whining, we offer this lyric from Sam Phillips’ recent album Push Any Button: “When I’m alone now, when I’m all alone,/I’m not lonely, no I’m not lonely.” Spoken, or rather

sung, like a contented introvert. The first album by Mehliana – aka keyboardist Brad Mehldau and drummer Mark Guiliana – is out from Nonesuch, and it’s called Taming the Dragon. Mehldau has long been at the top of our list of jazz pianists – he’s bringing his trio (with Larry Grenadier on bass, and Jeff Ballard on drums) to SFJazz on April 5 – but his range has always been wide. He plays his own compositions as well as his variations on standards, and has even written the suite “Love Songs,” settings of poems by e.e. cummings and Sarah Teasdale, accompanying mezzo Anne Sofie Von Otter in performance. Taming the Dragon is another animal entirely. Mehldau plays vintage synthesizers, with Guiliana on drums and effects, and the duo have a loose, improvisatory feel. Plus they swing. On the title tune, Mehldau offers a spoken-word anecdote that links creative energy with the Id. From there it’s a magical mystical tour into well-wrought funk. Last week brought the sad news that avant-garde American composer Robert Ashley had died. Ashley’s biographer Kyle Gann said in a statement, “Bob was one of the most amazing composers of the 20th century, and the greatest genius of 20thcentury opera. I don’t know how long it’s going to take the world to recog-

nize that. And it hardly matters. He knew it. That the world was too stupid to keep up was not his problem.” Discovering Ashley’s 1983 “TV opera” Perfect Lives was one of those art moments that changed our life. Before MTV even existed, Ashley was exploring the possibilities of “music video” uncompromised and committed to his vision. “These are songs about the Corn Belt, and some of the people in it, or on it.” His other great works include Atalanta (Acts of God), Improvement (Don Leaves Linda), Celestial Excursions, and Dust. He finished his last opera, Crash, three months

before his death; it’s having its premiere at the 2014 Whitney Museum Biennial. He was one of the greats in contemporary art-music.t

Drag racing by Jim Piechota

Queens of the Apocalypse by Rob Rosen; Wilde City Press, $6.99 kindle e-book hen a novel about zombie-fighting drag queens at the end of the world boasts both a knockout, badass cover and an introduction by well-known San Francisco Sister of Perpetual Indulgence Sister Roma, it’s a good sign that you’re in for a wild ride. Roma’s intro to Queens of the Apocalypse is succinct, humorous, and affords readers a sneak peek into her life as “The Most Photographed Nun in the World.” She offers a laundry list of things everyone should know about drag life and drag queens. Roma is a witty writer with a lot on her mind. Could a memoir be in the works from her? Only the eye shadow knows. In the meantime, we have Rob Rosen, a prolific local writer unafraid to get himself out there to promote his novels and short stories. He knows his audience well, and has produced an over-the-top campy and slickly written glitterbomb of a novel. The three fierce divas at the helm of this wigged whirlwind are Destiny St. James, Miss Kit Kat, and Blondella Bombshell. When the story opens, they are found backstage at a club “just outside the Castro” sniping at each other about a missing can of hairspray. The dressing room they are in happens to be a former meat locker that protects them when a cataclysmic explosion rocks the area. Their nerves all atwitter and their weaves slightly askew, the girls venture outside to discover the Castro (and the country) has been incinerated by radiation caused by a massive solar flare. Believing the worst, St. James is the first queen to extend her presson nail toward cadavers, only to discover the Castro is awash in dead bodies regenerating themselves into char-broiled, zombified, flesheating machines. What’s a girl in Lucite heels to do? Chased by the undead, the queens hop onto abandoned motorcycles and zoom their

way on a high-camp journey to New York City, hometown of Johnny, Blondella’s “supposed boyfriend” who supports himself in the shipwreck salvage business. Kit finds solace in chocolate bars and candy that, once the sugar begins coursing through her bloodstream, transform her from a catty bitch into a female force to be reckoned with. Helping them out is Max, a slim, sexy, hirsute man who arrives on the scene armed with a brute masculinity the girls mistake for heterosexuality. Also along for the ride is a drag queen named Creature Comfort, who has radiation poisoning. But doses of iodine revive her into a moderately helpful tag-along until she really starts sinking her teeth into things. Rosen sends his heroines (two of them in Bob Mackie gowns) on a kaleidoscopic journey to remember, replete with all the zany antics one would expect from a group of drag queens battling rising sea levels, the Mojave Desert, the US Army, and a universe crawling with the living dead. Though the plot is as wild as Destiny’s wig, there is a message underneath all that foundation: drag queens are some of the toughest members of our gay community, and respect is due to them for their strength and perseverance.t

Theatre>>

March 13-19, 2014 • BAY AREA REPORTER • 19

Wonderful world of Wonder Woman by Richard Dodds

vision. Marston, played with a geewhiz madness by Nicholas Rose, wasn’t interested in creating a female knockoff of the reigning male superheroes, but wanted to imbue her with his idiosyncratic views of feminism and subtly suggest the social benefits of bondage role-play. Flash-forwards to contemporary times do provide Kreitzer with opportunities to suggest how the Carter-ized Wonder Woman influenced young female viewers, with an adult woman (the sturdy Lauren English) telling the audience of the empowerment she felt watching the TV series. Her obsession with finding a copy of the very first Wonder Woman comic book leads her into an amusingly awkward romance between her and a comic-book collector nicely played as a doofus hipster by John Riedlinger. The relatively traditional aspects of their relationship provide a sustaining counterpoint to the world of Marston, his wife (a starchy Jessa Brie Moreno), and the young woman (a spritely, steely Liz Sklar) they invite into their lives as a

t’s a title that pulls together the seemingly incongruent elements of the play more efficiently than playwright Carson Kreitzer can manage in this world premiere at Marin Theatre Company. In the words Lasso of Truth, you can infer plotlines that will involve the developer of the polygraph, ropebondage fetishism, and one of the enchanted weapons in Wonder Woman’s arsenal. True, the title doesn’t manage to reference polygamy, but three out of four isn’t bad. If we were only talking about comic-book history, William Moulton Marston may be one of the most influential comic-book creators you’ve never heard of. While Bob Kane (Batman), Jerry Siegel and Joe Shuster (Superman), and Stan Lee (Spider-Man) were alive and feted when their creations began their evolution into mega-buck franchises, Marston died in 1947, only six years after Wonder Woman made her debut, and long before Lynda Carter embodied her on tele-

Kevin Berne

A Wonder Woman fan played by Lauren English is thrilled when a comic-book dealer (John Riedlinger) shows her an original issue in Lasso of Truth at Marin Theater Company.

third spouse. They variously like to tie each other up, more about subtle supplication than hardcore bondage, but a little bit of systematic binding accompanied by mild odes to power-play turns out to go a long way on stage. Marston’s early

experiments at creating a lie detector also have to be considered in the proceedings, and Kreitzer provides a feverish scene with Marston’s two women entrapped in chairs by polygraph straps. That we sometimes shift into a

its organization by recounting the histories of Broadway houses, chronologically, show by show, as told by the folks who lived them. This first volume (oh, joy, there’s more to come!) covers eight theatres, including the legendary Winter Garden. Tepper talked to the writers, composers, producers, choreographers, designers, actors, and gypsies, lots of gypsies, whose stories of their work on countless shows always go untold (outside of A Chorus Line). In many ways even

more fascinating than these people are the doormen, the ushers, and technicians, especially the technicians. Fly men and riggers and console punchers and scene changers and dressers tell the sort of backstage stories you just don’t find in standard bios and interviews. Their insight is treasurable, and what wonderful tales they have of how shows, perhaps your favorite show, was run, and how it was guided

comic-book world is represented with elaborately imaginative projected graphics and videos (by Jacob Stoltz and Kwame Braun) that somehow even get Gloria Steinem in on the act. In cartoonized live-action videos, with the theme from The Mary Tyler Moore Show setting the time and tone, Steinem is determined to put Wonder Woman on one of the first covers of Ms. magazine if only the comic’s current guardians get their heroine out of her hip professional attire and back into the outfit we know so well. The bondage, well, she’s says, let’s not dwell on that. The life and work of William Moulton Marston are such an unlikely confluence of ingredients that Kreitzer really has pulled off a minor miracle in finding a dramatic form that can contain it all. There are several points in the second act where the play can satisfactorily come to an end, but Kreitzer seems reluctant to let go of the lasso and set us free.t Lasso of Truth will run at Marin Theatre Company through March 16. Tickets are $37-$58. Call 3885208 or go to marintheatre.org.

Telling tales by John F. Karr

her infectious enthusiasm and theatrical savvy quickly landed her an array of jobs in every aspect of theatre life. Tepper, currently 28 and the director of programming at Manhattan’s hot show club 54 Below, has been kind of a backstage and creative team gypsy. She thought she’d write a book about her experiences. “But after working on theater projects with so many different people,” she told an interviewer, “it came to me that this was the perfect idea for a book.” Untold Stories of Broadway finds

f you found the television show Smash insufferably unreal, here’s the antidote. In The Untold Stories of Broadway Volume 1 (Dress Circle Publishing, $19.99), showbiz insider Jennifer Ashley Tepper has collected first-hand narratives from scores of Broadway professionals who tell us how it really happens. You can see it in Tepper’s smile, she’s a go-to Broadway Baby. She hit New York fresh out of college, and

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Let the tales be told! Interviewer Jennifer Ashley Tepper.

See page 20 >>

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<< Music

20 • BAY AREA REPORTER • March 13-19, 2014

Invisible city of Kitezh with edge by Tim Pfaff

’m hardly the only journalist reporting from a besieged city, but it’s a good bet I’m the only one who’s writing about a largely forgotten, proto-mystical Russian opera from the early 20th century. I mean, this is not the Ukraine, but when my review copy of Rimsky-Korsakov’s The Legend of the Invisible City of Kitezh (Opus Arte) arrived here in Bangkok, my first response was the excitement at being able to see a cherished work again. But barely was the first disc spinning than I recognized that this Russian Old Believer legend-based opera was going to talk to me where I live. Though it’s not Damascus, Aleppo, Cairo or Kiev, Bangkok has for months now been living up to one of its less-used nicknames, “Bangers,” as rival factions under two political umbrellas duke it out for the soul of the land with wee-hours gunfire and the collateral death of children. The opposition’s attempts to “shut down” the government (who could tell?) have produced semi-permanent street fairs where grenades are served after Midnight. The rumors of yet another coup have died down only because the mongers have cried wolf too often. And the faction that nearly succeeded in its mission to burn the city down in 2010 is seeing, in its vilely visionary way, red. So it was not wholly what the psychiatrists call “ideas of reference” that made Rimsky-Korsakov’s sublime opera, and director/designer

Untold Stories

From page 19

through its paces every night by an unseen army of skilled show folk. In her enthusiasm, Tepper gushes a little, and there’s perhaps a bit too

Dmitri Tcherniakov’s updating (to the recent present, minus CNN imbeds) of it for the Netherlands Opera (February 2012), get my full attention in a visceral way. The opera’s main event, the pillaging of the (imaginary) City of Kitezh by the not-at-all-imaginary Tatars (the “Mongol hordes,” in less politically correct readings), looked disconcertingly and you could say revoltingly like the local evening news. In opera, it’s generally a good idea to beware the director who gets the first word, and in a sign of things to come, Tcherniakov (whose international career began with his staging of Kitezh at the Mariinsky for the production preserved only in Valery Gergiev’s superb audio recording, and who most recently directed the Met’s new production of Borodin’s Prince Igor, a similarly problematic, often opaque Russian opera coming soon to an HD cinema near you) slaps a gratuitous, almost trendy dystopian motto – “After what happened on earth, life can never go on as before. Everybody lives waiting for an unavoidable end” – on the production before the music starts. The expected excesses of an enfantterrible wannabe follow, but by the second act, which desperately needs a strong directorial hand, I was eating out of Tcherniakov’s. I have no knowledge of whether he’s gay, but it’s hard to miss the fact that male cast members’ shirts come off at the slightest suggestion, and in one of the many large choral scenes (the men of Kitezh prepar-

ing to meet the Tatars), the imposing cock of one of the choristers, the camera traipsing after it, all but becomes a character of its own. As usual with opera productions, the fastest way to prove that the artistic intent is not pornographic is to have soloists and choristers strip. The middle three-fifths of this theatrically demanding opera are large choral scenes, and Tcherniakov stages them masterfully. A crushing claustrophobia prevails, no matter the scene, as the director – also the designer of this production – fills the stage to overflowing with props (tables, beds) as well as churning, seldom-still (unless they’re stock still for minutes on end) singers. The inexorable entrance of the Tatars into “Little Kitezh” (Rimsky’s opera does have a suburb as well as a radiant “Great” city) knocks you back with its force and tumbling chaos. The gang of Santa Clauses among them is no distancing joke, but rather a disturbing bit of visual menace. I saw, live and on camera, the Thai redshirts pour over the streets of Bangkok in their melange of spooky costumes and uncontained rage, and Tcherniakov has captured that terrifying blood-thirst perfectly. In a world with more breathing room than ours, it might be gratifying to see a no-expenses-spared

production of Kitezh that went for the literal, “fairy tale” representation of the legend. But given all that fouls our opera stages today, I’ll take Tcherniakov’s heavily inflected nightmare over the vapid dream of a director – I name no names – who would be only too happy to supply the image of a grand, shiny Russian city “invisible” except for its reflection in an onstage lake. Still, this edgy production could have disintegrated into so much poster art if the musical business had been any less potent. But the singing is glorious throughout, down to the last committed chorister, and the principals are astounding. The “maiden” Fevroniya, from

a second legend overlaid on that of Kitezh, is onstage almost the entire opera and singing a great deal of that time, sometimes in 20-minute solo stretches. Svetlana Ignatovich gives an overwhelming dramatic and vocal performance of a character who could easily seem a New-Age Pollyanna, singing radiantly and with finely wrought gradations of her all-important character. Her countryman Maxim Askenov, as her beloved Prince Vsevolod (who keeps dying and returning, but you, like Fevroniya, are always glad to see him back), matches her with a warm, liquid tenor that has a convincing heroic extension when needed. And they’re a beautiful couple to look at. The only character who could possibly steal their show is the mad drunk Grishka Kutema, and John Daszak (a Brit of Ukrainian heritage) elevates the role so far above the Russian stock character it’s dizzying. Tireless in his treachery, he rises to a character whose very lack of character makes him spellbinding if not fully sympathetic. Marc Albrecht, who is putting De Nederlandse Opera on the international opera map, pulls all the threads together in a musical performance that is gripping momentto-moment and overwhelming in toto. This Legend is as stirring as opera needs to get.t

much of her own history, as well as a lenience allowed to coverage of shows she worked on. There’s some cliché (the moment an unknown was discovered, and “engaged on the spot”) and hyperbole: “As [he] sang the title tune for the last time, tears

flung off his face and hit the edge of the stage. I reached out and touched them.” But who could blame her in the thrill of it all, when her passion ferrets out testament about shows that is as fun for us to read as it will be important to future historians.

She doesn’t intrude on her subjects’ narratives, and she considerately provides footnotes for terms of art that will most likely be unfamiliar. Without them, would you know what it is to “run the piano boards?” It’s notable that a portion of the

proceeds from the book will benefit Broadway Impact, an organization of theater artists and fans mobilized in support of marriage equality. Finally, I’m serious, no hyperbole at all, when I say I just can’t wait for the next volume.t

Music>>

March 13-19, 2014 • BAY AREA REPORTER • 21

She’s so delightful! by Gregg Shapiro

and Tom Kelly wrote it, but when they brought me the song, I just wanted to sing it for my friend who had been told most of his life he was no good just because he was gay. He was thrown out of his home for being gay. I just wanted to let him know that he was perfect the way he was.

yndi Lauper is on a roll. Her revelatory autobiography Cyndi Lauper: A Memoir was a New York Times bestseller. In June 2013, she won a Tony Award for Kinky Boots, her musical adaptation (with Harvey Fierstein) of the movie of the same name. Lauper returned to the dance charts with her rendition of “Sex Is in the Heel” from Kinky Boots. At the end of 2013, Lauper hosted and performed at the third annual Cyndi Lauper & Friends: Home for the Holidays, a benefit for the Forty to None Project (raising awareness about homelessness in the LGBT youth community) in New York, featuring performances by P!nk, Josh Groban, Susan Sarandon, Nelly Furtado, the Indigo Girls, Rosie O’Donnell, Ingrid Michaelson, Matt & Kim, Carson Kressley and others. Never one to rest on her laurels, Lauper is currently on tour celebrating the 30th anniversary of the release of her groundbreaking 1983 album She’s So Unusual. Reissued in a deluxe double-disc edition, She’s So Unusual (Portrait/Epic/Legacy) includes three bonus dance remixes on the first disc, while the second disc consists of eye-opening demos, rehearsals and other rarities. Beginning in April and running through July, Cyndi will reunite with Cher for several concert dates. Madonna may talk the talk, but Cyndi Lauper, with no plans to take a break from her boundless activist and charity work, has always walked the walk. Gregg Shapiro: Six years after you launched the first True Colors tour, the True Colors Fund is still going strong. Cyndi Lauper: When we started the True Colors Fund five years ago to continue the work of the True Colors tour, I never imagined we would get this far in such a short period of time. Major milestones were the launch of the Give a Damn Campaign in 2010 and the Forty to None Project last year. The Give a Damn Campaign has provided a unique voice to inspire everyone, especially straight people, involved in moving equality forward for all. The Forty to None Project is the first national organization solely dedicated to ending gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgender youth homelessness. This is a fixable problem, we can bring the number of homeless

You’re the Tony Award-winning composer for the musical Kinky Boots. What does it mean to you to be the first woman to win a Tony for Best Score (solo)? I am proud and humbled. To find such acceptance by the Broadway community is an honor. Cyndi Lauper: “It has been an amazing 30-year journey.”

youth who are gay or transgender from 40% to none, we just need to work together. The Matthew Shepard Foundation was an early beneficiary of the True Colors Fund. Have you remained in contact with Judy and Dennis Shepard? I continue to be in awe of what Judy and Dennis have accomplished over the past 15 years. The choice they made to start the Matthew Shepard Foundation and to share Matthew’s and their story has helped transform the world in such a positive way. Sharing one’s story, especially in the face of hatred and bigotry, is one of the most courageous things a person can do in life. The True Colors tours have always had a fascinating array of performers, both LGBT and straight. What is involved in your process for selecting musical guests? Pretty simple really. We approach artists that have always been supportive of human rights issues. We also go after artists that we know will put on an amazing show, and this year is going to be great! We have P!nk, who I love, a strong supporter of LGBT rights. We also have Josh Grobin, Matt & Kim, Rosie O’Donnell, Carson Kressley, The Hives, Ingrid Michaelson, and Indigo Girls, who have always been a favorite of mine. I have known Susan Sarandon for a long time. She has always been an outspoken supporter of the gay community. You recorded the song “True Colors” almost 30 years ago, and

Abstract photography by Murray Paskin

he 13 photographs that make up the exhibition See in Black & White: The Art and Beauty of Black & White Photography are some of the most imaginative black-and-white photos you’ll see. In fact, they very much resemble exceptionally fine abstract paintings. The exhibit is currently on show on the third floor of the main branch of the San Francisco Public Library, through April 10. That said, the exhibition’s title has very little to tell of what it’s really about. “Camera-less photography” comes closest to its essence. Although working without a camera is not a rarity, everything about the work here is experimental. Starting with lightsensitive paper placed in a developing tray of pure water, the photographer Yiye Teng continues with a process that leads, eventually, to the finished photograph. The images will vary, depending on Teng’s technique and the liquid he uses (water, oil, ink).

Courtesy the artist and SFPL

“Waterscape 2” by Yiye Teng.

Though all of the images vary and most are totally abstract, one stands apart because of its resemblance to a skull. Another appears to be sections of cut grass in shades from black to gray to white. The viewer is drawn to the white because of an intensity the others don’t share.t

it’s taken on a life of its own. When I recorded that song, I had a friend named Gregory dying from AIDS. When he got really sick, he said, “Hey, write a song for me so I am not forgotten.” Then this song was brought to me. Billy Steinberger

You also became a best-selling author with the publication of your 2012 memoir. What was the experience of writing your memoir like? It was very therapeutic, to be honest. I tried to be as honest as possible, because if you are going to share your story, you owe it to your fans that buy the book.

You are on tour commemorating the 30th anniversary of your solo debut album She’s So Unusual. It has been an amazing 30-year journey. The fact that this album is still loved by my fans after all this time means a lot to me. I never would have imagined back then that 30 years later we would be celebrating its release. Wow! The first disc closes with previously unreleased remixes of “Girls Just Want To Have Fun” and “Time After Time,” which made me think of your connection to dance music and your re-emergence on the charts with your cover of “Disco Inferno” in 1999. Would it be fair to say that dance music was another way for you to stay in touch with your gay fans? I just always loved dance music, it was never gay or straight to me. Last but not least, do you have a new studio disc in the works? Of course. Stay tuned!t

<< Out&About

22 • BAY AREA REPORTER • March 13-19, 2014

O&A Out &About

Wed 19 Laverne Cox

Knockouts

Bitch and Tell @ The Garage Christian Cagigal’s comic variety show of magic, music, danceand more, produced by Footloose Presents, features Paco Romane, Tracy Shapiro, David Facer, Pearl Marill, and clown duo Genie Cartier and Audrey Spinazola. $8-$10. Fri & Sat 8pm. Sun 7pm. 715 Bryant St. (800) 838-3006. www.ftloose.org

Cheyenne Jackson @ Feinstein’s at the Nikko The Broadway, film and TV star returns with his sold-out cabaret show, which includes music from his new CD, I’m Blue, Skies, songs from his Broadway shows, and some classic favorites. $60-$75. $20 food/ beverage minimum. 8pm. Also March 15, 8pm and Mar. 16 at 7pm. Hotel Nikko lobby, 222 Mason St. www.hotelnikkosf.com/ feinsteins.aspx

by Jim Provenzano

Cypress String Quartet @ Marines Memorial Theatre

pring has sprung, or will have by March 20. Celebrate your own creative vernal equinox by attending some of the fabulous festivities that’ll knock the winter blues out of you. For St. Patrick’s Day festivities, read our BARtab nightlife section for more lucky charms.

The acclaimed local string ensemble performs the world premiere of George Tsontakis’ String Quartet No. 6, inspired by Schubert’s String Quartet No.15 in G Major, and Webern’s Langsamersatz and Five Movements for String Quartet. $15$40. 8pm. 609 Sutter St. 392-4400. www.cypressquartet.com

Thu 13 Bread and Circuses @ La Val’s Subterranean, Berkeley Impact Theatre’s spicy mix of new and action-packed (i.e. violent) short plays by Roberto Aguirre-Sacasa, Prince Gomolvilas, Declan Greene, Lauren Gunderson, Dave Holstein, J.C. Lee, Ross Maxwell, Lauren Yee, and Steve Yockey. $10-$25. Thu-Sat 8pm. Sun 7pm. Thru April 6. 1834 Euclid Ave., Berkeley. www.impacttheatre.com

Companhia Urbana de Dança @ YBCA Forum The dynamic Brazilian dance troupe performs two signature works Id: Entidades and Na Pista. $25-$30. Mar. 13-15 8pm. 401 Mission St. 978-2787. www.ybca.org

Crystal Springs @ Eureka Theatre Kathy Rucker’s drama about a mother who gets caught up in her daughter’s online world. $20-$65. Thu-Sat 8pm. Sun 2pm. Thru March 23. 215 Jackson St. (800) 838-3006. www.CrystalSpringsThePlay.com

Gender Schmear @ Minna Gallery The LGBT Jewish (and friends) Purim party includes food, drinks, dancing, raffles, a costume contest (free drink if in costume!), and performances by Jill Felta-Fish, Arty Fishal and Starr 69; DJ Wam Bam Ashleyanne, and MC Ms. Shechina Weena. $10-$25. 7pm-11pm. 111 Minna St. www.keshetonline.org

Healthier Living @ LGBT Center Openhouse presents weekly workshops for LGBT adults ages 55+ that share information and motivation. Thru March 13. 10am12:30pm. Community Room 306, 1800 Market St. www.openhouse-sf.org

Jason Friedman @ Books Inc The local author reads from and discusses his story collection Fire Year, about gay and Jewish men living in Georgia and the Deep South. 7:30pm. 2275 Market St. 864-6777. www.booksinc.net

Lasso of Truth @ Marin Theatre Carson Kreitzer’s lighthearted play about William Moulton Marston (creator of Wonder Woman and inventor of the first working lie detector) and the women in his life. $20-$53. Thru Mar. 16. 397 Miller Ave., Mill Valley. 388-5208. www.marintheatre.org

Momentum @ Bently Reserve

Josh Klipp and The Klipptones @ Palace Hotel

Out & Equal’s annual leadership celebration and gala, with drinks and a four-course meal, live and silent auctions, performances by Paula West, MC Kate Clinton, and honors tributes to marriage equality/Prop 8 litigants Kris Perry and Sandy Stier. $175 and up. 6pm-9:30pm. 301 Battery St. www.outandequal.org

The local jazz crooner and his band perform weekly shows at the hotel’s lounge, which draws a growing swing-dance audience. Thru March 21. 7pm-11pm. 2 New Montgomery. www.joshklipp.com

New and Classic Films @ Castro Theatre

Children are Forever (All Sales are Final!), the solo performer’s comic show about motherhood. $15. Fri & Sat 8pm. Thru Mar. 22. 446 Valencia St. www.stagewerx.org

Mar. 13, CAAMfest opening night, How To Fight in Six Inch Heels. Mar. 14, The Worlds’ End and This is The End. Mar. 16, CAAMfest continues. Mar. 17, Gravit y in 3D and Silent Running. Mar. 18, Free to Play. Mar. 19, Doubt and Love, Liza. Mar. 20, Disposable Film Fest. $11. 429 Castro St. 621-6120. www.castrotheatre.com

The Black Woman is God @ SF Public Library

Sat 15 Accidental Death of an Anarchist @ Berkeley Repertory Comic actor Steven Epp stars in Dario Fo’s political farce about bureaucratic duplicity and political corruption. $29$57. Tue-Sat 8pm. Sun 2pm & 7pm. Roda Stage, 2015 Addison St., Berkeley. (510) 647-2949. www.berkeleyrep.org

After the War Blues @ Zellerbach Playhouse, Berkeley UC Berkeley’s Theatre department performs Philip Kan Gotanda’s compelling drama about a post-WWII Japanese-American jazz trumpeter who returns to San Francisco’s Tenderloin after being interred in a POW camp. $10-$15. Fri & Sat 8pm. Sun 2pm. Thru March 16. UC Berkeley campus. www.tdps.berkeley.edu

Karen Seneferu curated this exhibit focusing on the art of Tarika Lewis, Karen Seneferu, Malik Seneferu, Sydney “Sage” Cain and Ajuan Mance, whose work explores the divinity of Blackness. Thru May 15. African American Center, 100 Larkin St. www.sfpl.org

Feisty Old Jew @ The Marsh Charlie Veron’s new solo show about a fictional elder man who hitches a ride with surfer-hipsters, and rants about what he hates about the 21st century. $25-$100. Sat 8pm, Sun 7pm. Thru May 4. 1062 Valencia St. 282-3055. www.themarsh.org

Hidden Cities @ SOMArts Cultural Center Experiments and Explorations, a group exhibition of interactive and site-specific art that rethinks urban space. Tue-Fri 12pm-7pm. Sat 12pm-5pm. Thru March 22. 934 Brannan St. www.somarts.org

Julia Jackson @ Stage Werx Theatre

The Scion @ The Marsh Solo performer Brian Copeland’s new show focuses on privilege, murder and sausage in his retelling of the triple murder crime at the Santos Linguisa Factory. $15-$60. Thu & Fri 8pm. Sat 5pm. Extended thru April 18. 1062 Valencia St. 282-3055. www.themarsh.org

Unusual Shorts @ Oddball Films Enjoy wacky offbeat vintage short films. Mar. 13, Strange Music films. Mar. 14, bizarre and campy puppet educational short flicks. Thu & Fri, each $10, 8pm. 275 Capp St. 558-8117. www.oddballfilms.blogspot.com

Fri 14 Beach Blanket Babylon @ Club Fugazi The musical comedy revue celebrates its 40th year with an ever-changing lineup of political and pop culture icons, all in gigantic wigs. $25-$160. Beer/wine served; cash only; 21+, except where noted. 678 Beach Blanket Babylon Blvd (Green St.). 421-4222. www.beachblanketbabylon.com

Big Dyke Comedy Show @ Legionaire Saloon, Oakland Enjoy a night of saphhic silliness with host Irene Tu and comics Carrie Avritt, Jen Dronsky, Loren Kraut, Kimberly Rose Wendt and Dolores Trevino. DJ Lady Ryan spins tunes for a social mixer afterwards. No cover. 8pm. 21+. 2272 Telegraph Ave., Oakland. (510) 891-8660. www.legionnairesaloon.com

Fri 14 Christian Cagigal’s Bitch and Tell

Kevin Fisher-Paulson @ Koham Press & Bookstore The gay author of the memoir A Song For Lost Angels: How Daddy and Papa Fought to Save Their Family, about adoptive parents who endured administrative prejudice, reads from and discusses his book at the new East Bay independent bookstore and press, in conversation with Dr. G of Gathering of the Tribes radio show. 7pm. 628 Marin St., Vallejo, (510) 472-4732. www.kohampress.com

Mommy Queerest @ Exit Studio Kat Evasco’s stirring and darkly comic solo show (cowritten with John Caldon) explores her family life as a lesbian Philiino whose mother is also a lesbian. $15-$25. Fri & Sat 8pm. Thru March 29. 156 Eddy St. www.divafest.info

New Experimental Plays Festival @ Exit on Taylor Cutting Ball Theater’s 15th annual new experimental theatre series includes staged readings and productions of five new plays. $20-$50 (5-play pass). Fri & Sat thru March 29. 277 Taylor St. 525-1205. www.cuttingball.com

Public Intimacy @ YBCA SF MOMA on the Go exhibit Public Intimacy: Art and Other Ordinary Acts in South Africa, a collection of photography, with artists Kemang Wa Lehulere, Athi-Patra Ruga, Sello Pesa, and Vaughn Sadie, among others. Thru June 29. Yerba Buena Center for the Arts, 701 Mission St. 321-1307. www.sfmoma.org www.ybca.org

Sun 16 Portland Cello Project

Yellow @ New Conservatory Theatre Center Bay Area premiere of Del Shores’ new drama about a Southern family, and how a fmaily catastrophe forces them to unite. $25-$45. Wed-Sat 8pm. Sun 2pm. Thru March 23. 25 Van Ness Ave., lower level. 861-8972. www.nctcsf.org

Celebrating 30 Years March 18–23 Grand Patron

Diane B. Wilsey

Corporate Leader

Arthur Szyk and the Art of the Haggadah @ Contemporary Jewish Museum New exhibit of 48 fascinating and richly detailed illustrations of Hebrew stories by the early 20th-century artist (thru June 29). Also; Jason Lazarus: Live Archive, an exhibit of unusual work by the Chicago artist who explores collective public archives, personal memory, and the role of photography and collecting in contemporary art and identity (thru March 23). Also, To Build & Be Built: Kibbutz History (thru July 1). 2pm-5pm. Free (members)-$12. Thu-Tue 11am-5pm (Thu 1pm-8pm) 736 Mission St. 655-7800. www.thecjm.org

Henry Schreiber/ The Grotesque @ Modern Eden Gallery Hollerbound, the artist’s strangely cute kitsch paintings of anthropomorphic groundhogs, visualize his comic edge. Also, The Grotesque, a group exhibition of delightfully disturbing paintings and multimeda. Both thru Mar. 22, Tue-Sat 10am-6pm. 403 Francisco St. at Powell. www.moderneden.com

William Joseph McCloskey, Oranges in Tissue Paper, ca. 189 Oil on canvas. Fine Arts Museums of San Francisco, gift of Mr. and Mrs. John D. Rockefeller 3rd. Floral design by Friend of Filoli. Photograph © Greg A. Lato / latoga photography

Deniece Williams @ Yoshi’s Grammy Award-winning funk soul and gospel singer-songwriter performs with her band. $32-$77 (with dinner). 8pm & 10pm. 1330 Fillmore St. (510) 848-0237. www.yoshis.com

The House That Will Not Stand @ Berkeley Repertory World premiere of local playwright Marcus Gardley’s historical drama about Creole Women in 1830s New Orleans who had common-law marriages with wealthy white men. $29-$59. Tue, Thu-Sat 8pm. Wed & Sun 7pm. Also Sat & Sun 2pm.Thru March 23. Thrust Stage, 2025 Addison St., Berkeley. (510) 647-2918. www.berkeleyrep.org

Linedrives and Lipstick @ SF Public Library The Untold Story of Women’s Baseball, an exhibit of images, and ephemera that, with text, tells the story of the world of women’s baseball since the 1870s. Thru March 16. Also, Chicks with Shticks: The Kinsey Sicks and 20 Years of Dragapella Activism, a new exhibit about the musical ensemble Thru July 10. Also, Pretty in Ink: North American Women Cartoonists 1896-2013, 4th floor. Thru June 5. 100 Larkin St. www.sfpl.org

Out&About>>

March 13-19, 2014 • BAY AREA REPORTER • 23

Marga Gomez @ The Marsh

Noe Valley Word Week @ Various Venues

Lovebirds, the lesbian comic’s new solo show, portrays an array of wacky characters, from different eras, each searching for love. $15-$50. Thu & Fri 8pm. Sat. 8:30pm. Extended thru April 12. 1062 Valencia St. 282-3055. www.themarsh.org

The annual literary mini-fest include panels, readings, crafts and kid-friendly events, plus gay authors (see March 19 & 20). Authors festival includes dozens of local writers selling their books; Alvarado School, 625 Dougless St, 2pm-5pm. Thru March 23. www.friendsofnoevalley.com

Medea @ Buriel Clay Theatre African-American Shakespeare Company’s production of Euripedes’ classic tragedy about Jason’s vengeful wife. $12-50-$50. Sat 8pm. Sun 3pm. Thru Mar. 30. 762 Fulton St. african-americanshakes.org

SF Hiking Club @ Coyote Hills Regional Park Join GLBT hikers for an 8-mile leisurely walk in the park with great views of the SF Bay coastline. Bring water, lunch, hat, sunscreen, layers, comfortable walking shoes. Carpool meets 9:00 at Safeway sign, Market & Dolores. (650)615-0151. www.sfhiking.com

Tue 18 Steven Saylor

Sing-Along Grease @ Kanbar Hall Participatory screening of the 35th anniversary film adaptation of the 1950s-set Broadway musical. $18. 2pm & 7:30pm. Jewish Community Center, 3200 California St. at Presidio. 292-1233. www.jccsf.org/arts

Mon 17 10 Percent @ Comcast David Perry’s interviews with notable LGBT people; Mon-Fri 11:30am, Sat & Sun 10:30pm. Channel 104.

Colm O’Riain, Lucia Comnes @ Great American Music Hall Enjoy a night of contemporary and traditional Irish music from the two Bay Area musicians (O’Riain a violinist, and Comnes a stellar vocalist-fiddler). $20-$45 (with dinner). 8pm. 859 O’Farrell St. at Polk. 885-0750. www.gamh.com

Wed 19 Laverne Cox @ Nourse Theater The actress-writer-producer and costar of Musical Chairs and Orange is the New Black shares Ain’t I a Woman: My Journey to Womanhood, her solo talk/show about transitioning, race, gender and fame. $25$75 (includes VIP reception with Ms. Cox). 7pm. 275 Hayes St. 575-6100. www.ciis.edu

LGBT Books Panel @ Cliché Noe Gifts Mark Abramson, Tyler Cohen, Bud Gundy and Dorian Katz read from and discuss their memoirs, fiction and nonfiction books. Part of Noe Valley Word Week. Free. 7:30pm. 4175 24th St. www.clichenoe.com www.friendsofnoevalley.com

Tue 18 Elton John: The Million Dollar Piano @ Various Cinemas The concert film of the iconic gay singer-songwriter is simulcast at theatres nationwide. $15. 7pm. Also Mar. 26. Century 9, 835 Market St. www.fathomevents.com

Meditation Group @ LGBT Center New weekly non-sectarian meditation group is led by Daishin Sunseri; part of the Let’s Kick ASS AIDS Survivor Syndrome support group. Tuesdays, 5pm, 1800 Market St. www.LetsKickASS.org www.sfcenter.org

Pete Escovedo & OSA Jazz

Enjoy this annual exhibition featuring unique art and floral mash-ups where floral designers create arrangements that pay tribute to and draw inspiration from works in the de Young’s permanent collections. This celebrated event will also feature floral design demonstrations, gourmet luncheons, hands-on art activities, and a benefit raffle of luxury prizes.

The salsa-jazz percusionist and his band perform in a benefit for Oakland School for the Arts. $10 and up. 8pm. 510 Embarcadero West, Jack London Square. (510) 238-9200. www.yoshis.com

Steven Saylor @ Books Inc The bestselling Bay Area gay author of historical Roman novels and mysteries reads from and discusses his latest, Raiders of the Nile, set in 88 B.C. Alexandria. 7:30pm. 2275 Market St. 864-6777. www.stevensaylor.com www.booksinc.net

The veteran comic actor returns with his solo show, Geezer, a nostalgic meditation on his lengthy career and life. $25-$50. Thu 8pm. Sat. 5pm. Extended thru April 26. 2120 Allston Way, Berkeley. 282-3055. www.themarsh.org

Jason Graae @ Feinstein’s at the Nikko The accomplished cabaret star perform his new witty music show, “49 1/2 Shades of Graae.” $25-$35. ($20 drink/beverage minimum). 8pm. Hotel Nikko lobby, 222 Mason St. www.hotelnikkosf.com/ feinsteins.aspx

Jewish Music Festival @ Various Venues This diverse array of concerts includes soloists, bands, singers, instrumentalists, traditional and modern Afro-Semetic jazz. Various venues (Yoshi’s, Freight & Slavage, JCC East Bay) and admission ($22-$30). Thru April 1. www.jewishmusicfestival.org

New Noe Novels @ Folio Books

Our Vast Queer Past @ GLBT History Museum See the exhibit The San Francisco Gay Men’s Chorus: Celebrating 35 Years of Activism Through Song, includes archival materials from the historic chorus, lead-curated by Tom Burtch, with a touch-screen display by multimedia producer John Raines. And, Premarital Bonds: Creating Family Before Marriage Equality. Other permanent exhibits as well. Reg. hours Mon-Sat 11am7pm (closed Tue.) Sun 12pm-5pm. 4127 18th St. 621-1107. www.glbthistory.org

Geoff Hoyle @ The Marsh, Berkeley

Thu 20 Jason Graae

Sister Spit @ Elbo Room The rollicking women’s literaryperformance gorup hosted by Michelle Tea includes Chinaka Hodge, Rhianna Argo, Virgue Tovar, Dia Felix, Beth Lisick, Jerry Lee Abram, Lisa Brown and Kirk read. $10. 8pm. 647 Valencia St. www.sisterspit.com www.elbo.com

Smack Dab @ Magnet Larry-bob Roberts and Dana Hopkins cohost the monthly queer-friendly reading and performance open mic (5 minutes, sign up by 7:30); this month the featured artist is Mali (Ernest Andrews) a veteran of dance and theatre ensembles nationwide. 8pm. 4122 Market St. www.magnetsf.org

Yoga: The Art of Transformation @ Asian Art Museum New exhibit of visual art representing the 2,500-year-old health practice. Other ongoing exhibits as well. Free (members)-$12. Tue-Sun 10am-5pm. 200 Larkin St. 581-3500. www.asianart.org

Thu 20 David Sokosh: American Tintypes @ Robert Tat Gallery The fine art photography gallery presents an exhibit of Sokosh’s contemporary faux-vintage imagery, created with a 19th-century Wet-Plate Collodion process. (artist talk April 5). Tue-Sat 11am-5:30pm. Thru May 31. 49 Geary St., #410. 781-1122. www.roberttat.com

Rob Rosen, Michael Castleman, Kirtin Chen and Bill Yenne read from and discuss their new books. Part of Noe Valley Word Week. 7:30pm. 3957 24th St. foliosf.com www.friendsofnoevalley.com

ODC/Dance Downtown @ YBCA The innovative local dance company’s 43rd season includes the world premiere of builder and bones, 2013’s Triangulating Euclid, Two if by Sea, and Unintended Consequences: A Meditation. Mar. 20, 8pm gala opening. $20-$75. Wed 7:30, Thu-Sat 8pm, Sun 4pm. Thru Mar. 30. 701 Mission St. 978-2787. www.odcdance.org www.ybca.org

Pearls Over Shanghai @ The Hypnodrome Thrillpeddlers’ hilarious Cockettes revival returns, with many of the ebullient cast members. $30-$35. Thu-Sat 8pm. Thru May 31. 575 10th St. (800) 838-3006. www.thrillpeddlers.com

Porchlight Storytelling @ Contemporary Jewish Museum Moon Unit Zappa is only one of many stellar readers – Michael Bunin, Suzanne Kleid and Brian McMullen – at the popular storytelling series, this time themed Too Hard To Keep. $20. 7pm-8:30pm. 736 Mission St. at 3rd. 655-7800. www.thecjm.org

To submit event listings, email jim@ebar.com. Deadline is each Thursday, a week before publication. For bar and nightlife events, read the BARtab section in print, go to www.bartabsf.com, or our new merged section, www.ebar.com/bartab

Thu 20

90.

ODC/Dance Downtown

Queer Dharma @ SF Zen Center Monthly Zen Buddhist meditation and discussion group offered by and for members of the LGBTIQ community, with speaker Ko Shin Stephen Tierney. Everyone is welcome. 1-3pm. 300 Page St. www.sfzc.org

Rita Moreno @ Castro Theatre The award-winning star of musicals, films, TV shows and a recent acclaimed autobiographical musical show appears for screening of The Ritz (8pm, $25-$60) with a benefit, onstage interview and career cliops; also a matinee sing-along West Side Story (1pm, $12.50-$20) hosted by Marga Gomez. 429 Castro St. 863-0611. www.castrotheatre.com

The Speakeasy @ Boxcar Theatre Nick A. Olivero’s immersive up-close experiental theatrical spectacle, where audience members enjoy a three-hour retro-drama while gambling and drinking at a “speakeasy” dive bar. $60-$90. Thu, Fri & Sat, admission times 7:40-8pm. Thru March 15. (hush! Address provided for guests only!) www.boxcartheatre.org

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

Tipped & Tipsy @ The Marsh A “Best of Fringe” show, Jill Vice’s solo work portrays an array of characters from the bartending world. $15-$50. Sat 5pm, Sun 7pm. Thru April 6. 1062 Valencia St. 282-3055. www.themarsh.org

Sun 16 New Exhibits @ Museum of Craft and Design Dogpatch warehouse is now a museum store, gallery and program space. Exhibits include Stoney Lamar sculptures (thru Mar. 23). Mon-Fri 9:30am-5:30pm. 2569 Third St. 773-0303. www.sfmcd.org

Portland Cello Project @ Yoshi’s The indie orchestra performs classical music with a twist. $22-$60 (with dinner). 8pm. 1330 Fillmore St. (510) 848-0237. www.yoshis.com

RJ Muna

<< TV

24 • BAY AREA REPORTER • March 13-19, 2014

TV news you’re not seeing by Victoria A. Brownworth

h, March Madness. It seems to be everywhere, not just the basketball courts. LGBT people may be getting more visible on the tube in drama series and especially sitcoms, but they are not getting more visible on the news. At all. We haven’t seen a recent GLAAD report on this (meaning we looked, and there isn’t one), but what percent of TV news is devoted to LGBT issues? We’re pretty sure it’s hovering near zero. Yes, we know we got a lot of attention to marriage equality last year. So much, apparently, that Mediaite’s TV writer Joe Concha had to complain that he was seeing way too much about the gays on his TV news. But in reality, as opposed to straight white dudes getting their tidy whities in a homophobic bunch, do we ever come up on TV news if there isn’t a Supreme Court decision? Not really. Yes, the Arizona bill that would have allowed businesses to discriminate against us got attention. But have you heard anything about the other anti-gay bill in the Arizona legislature? No, you have not. In the next week or two, the Arizona House is expected to vote on HB 2481, which would allow judges and justices of the peace to refuse to officiate at same-sex weddings. Arizona does not yet have marriage equality, but the bill would act as an end-run around same-sex marriages when the issue comes up for review, which is expected to happen in the next year. That’s a news item. Given the attention to the Arizona business bill, wouldn’t it make sense for the national news to continue to run with the Arizona storyline? If it were a soap opera it would. Speaking of what gets covered and what doesn’t, it’s been all Ukraine, all the time for the past couple of weeks on network news. What hasn’t been part of the reportage is that the little coup we’ve supported over there was promul-

gated in large part by nationalists. Remember those from history? They were, you know, Nazis. Ukraine is not some pro-gay democracy, folks. All the things we were protesting last month in Sochi? The anti-gay policies in Russia? They go double for Ukraine. Here’s a sound bite from last year’s TV news for you: As Al-Jazeera broadcast, Archbishop Sviatslav Shevchuk called homosexuality the same as murder. Shevchuk’s the head of the Kiev Ukrainian Orthodox Church. So, like the Pope Francis of Kiev. Except vile. Al-Jazeera also reported that Ukrainian gays feared coming out of the closet due to repercussions. We’re pretty sure with nationalists in control of the fledgling post-coup government, that’s not going to get better. Speaking of news about LGBT people you’re not seeing, where are the stories on the horrifying violence against gay men and lesbians in Nigeria and Uganda? That violence has revved up since Uganda President Yoweri Museveni signed the world’s most dangerous anti-gay law on Feb. 24. Gay men and lesbians are being pulled out of their houses and beaten. In January, a gay man was burned alive. At the United Nations Human Rights Council conference being held last week, Ugandan Ambassador Christopher Onyanga Aparr said that sexual orientation was “not a fundamental human right” as defined in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. The new Uganda law makes being openly gay or lesbian a crime punishable by life in prison. It also makes harboring known lesbians or gay men a crime. Ugandans are urged to turn lesbians and gay men in to the police. You know, like Jews in Nazi Germany. Yet Aparr told the UN Council, “It is important to underscore the fact that the law is not intended to discriminate, persecute or punish homosexuals by the sheer fact of their sexual orientation. Rather, the

Uganda President Yoweri Museveni signed the nation’s anti-gay law.

law is aimed at protecting and defending Ugandan society from social disorientation.” The law absolutely discriminates, since it sends gay men and lesbians to prison for life. Aparr also used the Putin defense that was so decried last month prior to the Olympics. He said, “It seeks to protect our children from those engaged in acts of recruiting them into homosexuality and lesbianism.” He also said, “The law also aims at discouraging homosexuals from publicly exhibiting their sexuality and sexual acts or practices.” These outrageous homophobic sound bites would have translated perfectly to TV newscasts. So why didn’t they make the news? If ABC, CBS, Fox, NBC, PBS and Univision had no room for it on their telecasts (please), what’s the excuse for CNN and MSNBC? Those are 24-hour news networks. That’s all they do: news. Two countries are treating gay men and lesbians the way the Nazis treated the Jews. We handled the Holocaust pretty badly. Are we going to do the same thing with gay men and lesbians in Africa? Because state-sanctioned murder is a global concern. More news you’re not seeing is this: the U.S. is still giving millions in foreign aid to both Nigeria and Uganda. Hundreds of millions. You might want to ask your local and national news networks why they aren’t reporting that. And while you’re headed for social media blitzing, check this out: Stop the Outing of Gay & Lesbian Ugandans [www.allout.org//en/actions/uganda-corps]. That’s to end the ad campaigns in newspapers and on TV urging outing of gay men and lesbians, which is, as we said, a death sentence. And now back to our regular programming.

New normal

Ryan Murphy’s The Normal Heart with the gorgeous Matt Bomer doesn’t air on HBO until May, but the buzz is beginning. And we wanted to segue from that horrifying news about lesbians and gays to something sublime. Like Matt Bomer. Or Jim Parsons. As Neil Patrick Harris exists stage left as CBS’ How I Met Your Mother moves toward the series finale, Parsons is primed to take over the slot of best-lovedout-gay-sitcom star. Parsons (Big Bang Theory) is a regular on the late-night talk-show circuit and is

always a delight. But when Parsons hosted SNL March 1, OMG. Hilarity ensued. It’s easy to conflate sitcom actors with their characters. Parsons did a fabulous job of making it clear he is not Sheldon Cooper. Parsons’ portrayal of gay Olympic skater Johnny Weir was fantastic. Weir is known for his high-camp outfits, and Parsons didn’t disappoint. As he was interviewed by Ellen (played by lesbian cast member Kate MacKinnon), he wore skintight leather pants, pink jacket, foufy necklace, rainbow fur jacket and a 1920s-style headdress. Weir apparently took it in stride, tweeting, “I need Jim Parsons’ necklace from his Johnny Weir parody on @nbcsnl.” Speaking of laughs, Glee is back, which makes us happy, just because it’s still there and so very gay. Oh, and we caught this tidbit: Lea Michelle (Rachel) says she would so play a lesbian on Looking. We’re more than ready. She has always been a fave of ours. CBS has a caustic new sitcom that debuts March 31. We highly recommend it, having seen the preview. #FWBL (Friends with Better Lives) is sharp and funny. It stars James Van Der Beek, proving as he did on the regrettably short-lived and funny (and trés gay) ABC sitcom Don’t Trust the B- in Apt. 23 that he is a comedic genius. Put this on the DVR now. You are also going to want to catch NBC’s new series American Dream Builders. Why? Because it’s the new vehicle for gay interior designer Nate Berkus. The show debuts March 23 in the early slot on Sundays, so it won’t interfere with the Sunday lineup. Berkus is always worth watching, and any time a gay man gets his own show on network TV, we send up a big cheer. There’s still more new shows debuting, thanks to the new and improved expansion of the TV seasons, and more of the old faves are headed back for spring: Game of Thrones (is Peter Dinklage the sexiest little person who ever lived?), and Mad Men returns for its seventh and final season next month. New this month are two dramas on NBC (who knew NBC really could turn things around?): Crisis, starring perennial lesbian heartthrob Gillian Anderson (Scully from The X Files) and Believe. Crisis is the latest in a series of thrillers about terrorism, government, and how

things really can go horribly wrong in a nanosecond. Also in the cast are Dermot Mulroney, Rachael Taylor, Lance Gross and Michael Beach. Fast-paced and somewhat edgy, it debuts March 16 opposite gay-fave heavyweights like ABC’s returning Revenge and Downton Abbey. Also debuting March 16 on NBC is Believe, a sci-fi/fantasy about telekinesis and other intriguing things. This series is created by Oscarwinning director Alfonso Cuaron, so all eyes are on this one. Expect to see some of the same dazzling visuals that won him the Oscar for Gravity. Starring the always entertaining Kyle MacLachlan. This one plays against The Good Wife, which returns from hiatus the same night with a three-episode arc featuring everyone’s favorite bisexual-lesbianwhat-is-she character, Kalinda (Archie Panjabi). And we’re not done yet: ABC’s new thriller/horror series Resurrection debuted March 9 in the slot before Revenge. This is one superb series and was developed by Brad Pitt, who is beginning to look like a major player in Hollywood after 12 Years a Slave. Starring dramatic heavyweights Omar Epps, Matt Craven, Frances Fisher, Kurtwood Smith, among others. The plot: What happens in a small Missouri town when the loved ones of the town’s residents return. From the dead. Yeah, exactly. We’re gonna need a second DVR just for Sundays! Speaking of DVRing shows, we have never been a devotee of ABC’s Dancing with the Stars, but it is the perfect show to DVR and then just watch the dancing and judging and cut out all the warming up if it doesn’t interest you (it doesn’t interest us). The new season was just announced, and among the contestants are lesbian world-champion swimmer Diana Nyad and the U.S. Olympic ice-dancing Gold Medalists Meryl Davis and Charlie White. We’re not sure how Nyad is out of water, but we’re certain Davis and White will be spectacular. DWTS has announced a series of changes in the show’s formatting this season, so it might even be worth watching straight through. We’re loving Arrow on the CW, especially the character Sin played by lesbian heartthrob Bex TaylorKlaus. Now we have even more reason to love the adorable Bex, who has collaborated on an anti-bullying video. Check it out on YouTube. This young woman is bound to be making headlines as one of our new spokespersons. Law & Order: Special Victims Unit has always trumpeted the “stories ripped from the headlines,” and the March 5 episode was a stunner. Now in its 15th year, it’s the longestrunning drama on TV, and this is one of its finest, most complex seasons ever. We expected an episode about hazing of college football recruits, and that is what we got. But with a total gay angle. Small-town Georgia African-American football player comes to the Big Apple to be feted by a college looking for another star. But when it turns out the player, Cedric, has already signed with another school, the coach decides on some hazing. Cedric is taken to the gym, blindfolded and serviced by some sexy cheerleaders. Or maybe not. As the story unfolds, Cedric is arrested for gay-bashing a man outside a gay club. But his gay-panic defense is revealed to be much more. Cedric was actually serviced by Ty, a slight, flaming Asian student at the college who is beholden to the football team. Cedric is then dropped off at the “sports bar,” only to be hit on by several men. The story gets more and more See page 25 >>

DVD>>

March 13-19, 2014 • BAY AREA REPORTER • 25

Co-dependent lives by David Lamble

eep the Lights On begins in a shabby East Village walkup as Eric (Danish-born Thure Lindhardt), a ruggedly handsome blonde top with scraggy facial hair, struggles to connect with a suitable bottom on a phone sex chat-line. After several no sales, Eric arranges a hookup with a literary lawyer just coming out, Paul (Zachary Booth), in the latter’s Chelsea flat. The physical connection is immediate and electric, despite Paul’s protestations that he has a girlfriend: “Don’t get your hopes up.” Before they realize it, Eric and Paul are a couple bound together by a ferocious bedroom chemistry but hobbled by career and personal differences, Eric’s resolve to survive as an openly queer documentary-maker whose financial horizons are that of a perpetual student, and Paul’s abject surrender to a crack cocaine habit. In a detailed, torn-from-life tale spanning a decade (1998-2007), director Ira Sachs (with co-writer Mauricio Zacharias) provides a rigorously honest account of how two emotionally incompatible men struggle to preserve a relationship that, while lacking the legal sanction of marriage, is witnessed by a

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From page 24

complex, and we won’t divulge the rest so you can watch for yourselves if you missed it. This episode addressed a myriad of issues related to gays and sports, pulling in elements of recent scandals and also the problems the NFL has with gay players. The rape-culture aspect is there: this is a tale of rape being used as a tool to subjugate. But the complicated layering of rape, forced masculinity, homophobia, gay-bashing and the perils of the closet is heartbreakingly real. The repeated cries throughout this episode of “I’m not gay!” resonate for all the wrong reasons. And the horrifying consequences of both forced masculinity and closeting are brutally clear. SVU addresses what those of us living gay and lesbian in the real world know is a sad reality: 45 years after Stonewall, Ellen may be hosting the Oscars and turning up in bed with her wife Portia De Rossi in Jimmy Kimmel’s Oscar after-party show, but the closet is where the majority of lesbians and gays still are. Because of all the reasons outlined in this episode of SVU. There is still no real room for men to be both masculine and gay for straight America. And there’s little room even in the LGBT community for men who are the flamers of old. Finally, it was only a matter of time before someone gave Lindsay Lohan her own reality show. Our favorite bisexual bad girl is trying to clean up her act, and how better to do that than on TV, right? Lindsay debuted March 9 on OWN, and Oprah has been accused of exploiting the young star who has been in and out of jail and rehab for what seems like longer than she’s had a career. According to Lohan on Extra! however, “I did it because it’s not a reality show, it’s pretty raw. Obviously it’s TV, so things will be edited in certain ways to get ratings, which I can’t control, but I do know that my intentions going into it were really pure and honest. I appreciate all that’s happened and all that Oprah has done for me.” Let’s hope this show is the turning point for the talented Lohan, and that the closet becomes less inviting as the series progresses. So for all these fabulous shows, and to see if LGBT people ever make the news, you know you really must stay tuned.t

complicated extended family – at a surprise birthday party, a drug intervention, a holiday dinner reconciliation – only to finally collapse in a third-act burst of mutual candor. Ironically, as Eric embarks on a hopelessly romantic project – detailing the life of the failed filmmaker but significant queer underground pioneer Avery Willard – he leans on his relationship with Paul for emotional ballast and at least the appearance of grownup financial responsibility in a profession that doesn’t even pay for itself, let alone allow its practitioners the luxury of picking up the check at dinner. So while the gypsy filmmaker starts acting like an adult – even contemplating having a child with a female friend – lawyer Paul, with the big corporate job, starts to spiral down into a vortex of rent-boy trysts and crack-pipe binges. Sachs creates his career masterwork by seamlessly balancing Eric and Paul’s emotional dust-ups with reality checks from their disparate careers. There’s a hilarious moment when an underground survivor candidly opines on what a terrible filmmaker Willard was, and Sachs provides some revealing glimpses at the private support networks that keep high-functioning fuck-ups like Paul afloat in the corporate world.

The movie benefits from a beautiful lighting scheme from director of photography Thimios Bakatakis: even the actors’ skin tones reflect on their characters. A scintillating element is the revelatory folk-disco soundtrack drawn from the late queer musician/ composer Arthur Russell, which provides a feathery tone to the proceedings, warding off any tendency towards soap opera or melodrama. Thure Lindhardt and Zachary Booth dazzle as two halves of a complicated co-dependent relationship, demonstrating how the sexual sizzle that binds Eric and Paul may itself be an obstacle to the ultimate success of their union. Since he is a surrogate for Sachs, Lindhardt benefits from it being his story, while the moody Booth makes a powerful impression with less screentime. Sachs shows that even at a time when gay men’s lives are becoming more open and even quasi-respect-

able, there remain further closets with untold additional secrets. As his best friend lashes out at him for withholding vital details about the perilous state of his relationship with Paul, Eric calmly replies, “I’ve been hiding crucial events in my life since I was 13.” Sachs explained to me how his

emerging queer-boy persona was shaped by riding through nighttime Memphis with his “hippie bachelor man-abouttown” Dad. Appearing for the film’s 2012 LGBTQ festival debut at the Castro, Sachs riffed on the origins of the story. “This film is really about shame in general in the gay community. We all know that drugs are everywhere, and some of us have been very affected by that drug use, and we’re scared to talk about it because we’ve been complicit and involved. Many of those who survived the AIDS epidemic gave up our protection and decided we wanted our pleasures back, and drugs were right there waiting for us. I think there are communities in which drugs are the commonality; they equalize age differences, money differences, they make it possible for men to stay potent.” Bonuses: Ira Sachs’ commentary, deleted scenes, actor auditions and the short film In Search of Avery Willard.t

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<< Film

26 • BAY AREA REPORTER • March 13-19, 2014

Morally compromised lives by David Lamble

eneration War, an ambitious German WWII epic (opening Friday at Landmark Theatres, running 279 minutes in two parts), begins modestly as two brothers, Wilhelm and Friedhelm, each headed for the rigors of Hitler’s 1941 invasion of the Soviet Union, get a formal sendoff from their stiff-necked Papa. Dad clearly loves Wilhelm (Volker Bruch) best, while regarding his younger brother Friedhelm (Tom Schilling) as a gutless misfit. “This is the future of Germany. Wilhelm, you’ve already proved yourself. Friedhelm, stay close to your brother, and maybe you’ll become a real man after all.” Friedhelm raids the family bookshelves, packing some major German philosophers into a small travel bag as intellectual solace for a journey that will test the humanity of both siblings beyond the breaking point. The brothers head for a Berlin pub, where they let their hair down with

CAAMfest

From page 17

Jazz in Love (Philippines) Hands-down winner of the festival’s coolest director handle, Baby Ruth Villarama presents a laid-back Filipino comedy-romance. A sweet, unassuming lad, “Jazz,” the queer boy with perhaps the slickest hairdo in the islands, sets out to meet, greet, and possibly even marry a German traveler he’s discovered online. Sound a bit half-baked? Yes, well it is, but it’s also a lovely slice of a kind of one-off reality-TV show about an ultimate culture clash. Baby Ruth informs us at the top of the film that Filipino “war brides” seeking a German visa are required to learn the language in a two-month crash course. There’s scarce evidence that Jazz is up to speed on his German, yet when the beloved Theo finally arrives, it’s perfectly clear he’s a duck

Music Box Films

Scene from Generation War, a riveting, violent take on WWII.

Charlotte (Miriam Stein), a nursing student who will be brutally tested in a military mobile hospital close to the Russian front; Greta (Katharina Schuttler), a barmaid/would-be caba-

seriously out of water. There’s a little padding in this 75-minute romp – we get perhaps one too many shots of Jazz’s hard-drinking grumpy Dad – but ultimately Jazz in Love turns into a remarkably acute warning to take the new boyfriend on a test spin in front of the relatives before making a commitment you’ll long regret. The director is expected at the SF screening. (Kabuki, 3/15; PFA, 3/21) Out/Here queer shorts program Topping the annual queer shorts program is Madeleine Lim’s astute portrait The Worlds of Bernice Bing, in which the late painter’s female coterie neatly, comically but compassionately sums up a singularly productive life that ended way too soon. The program also features short subjects like Kyle Chu’s Leave a Light and Christine Liang’s Straight Jacket. (Castro, 3/16, Noon) Brahmin Bulls (USA) Mahesh

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ret singer whose aspirations will lure her into a Faustian bargain with a vicious Nazi handler; and Viktor (Ludwig Trepte), a young Jewish tailor who will be the film’s main surrogate for

the millions on the Fuhrer’s hit-list. GW is a riveting, violent rendition of perhaps the most atrocity-laden chapter in modern Western history. The project (directed by Philipp Kadelbach, written by Stefan Kolditz) originated as an attempt by today’s German generation to dramatize the stories of their grandparents. For non-Germans it is a mea culpa about a criminal meltdown for which there can be no excuses. GW is a full-submission baptism into the physical/ psychic horrors of modern warfare. With production values comparable to American combat films like Saving Private Ryan, this is as close as you’ll get to experiencing what it was like for non-Nazi Germans to have their world hijacked by a brutal band of thugs. The after-hours party thrown by the five friends, at which Wilhelm predicts that Hitler’s invasion of Russia will climax gloriously in a Moscow Christmas, becomes the last moment when their lives make sense. The story’s three survivors

Courtesy CAAMFest

Pailoor’s sharply observed narrative kicks off as Sid, a lanky young architect of Indian descent, lets his cat off on the side of the road. Sid is in the process of a severe downsizing in every department of his life. Gone are the cat, his estranged wife of three years, and perhaps most depressing of all, the project he had hoped to finish for his firm: a big mall officecomplex. Sid isn’t lonely for long as his hectoring old Dad shows up unexpectedly from Boston, using an academic conference as an excuse. Actually, Asbok is negotiating a reunion with a long-ago mistress (the radiant Oscar winner Mary Steenburgen). This acerbic comedy plants us inside the stormy ups and downs of a son/father relationship that is badly frayed. For a while we worry whether Sid will be out of a job and totally out of luck, but as soon as his cat returns and bonds with Dad, things take a mysterious but definite turn for the better. One of the strengths of this film is the filmmaker’s willingness to show the protagonist in a cheesy light – clumsily

hitting on women at work – without leaving us with the feeling that he’s beyond saving or caring about. This non-explicit but truly adult comedy deserves a life at your local multiplex. (New People, 3/15; Kabuki, 3/19; New Parkway, 3/22) Bringing Tibet Home (Tibet) Tenzin Tsetan Choklay’s doc involves an elaborate ruse to fool the Mainland Chinese government into allowing the crew to enter Chineseoccupied Tibet to steal bags of Tibetan top soil so that a gathering of exiled Tibetans can run their feet through it on neutral territory. Both an engaging buddy film and the most softly executed international protest ever staged against an authoritarian “Blue Meanie”-style government. (New People, 3/14; PFA, 3/19) Stateless (Philippines/Vietnam) Duc Nguyen’s doc takes a hard look at the fallout from the American war in Vietnam: the plight of the numerous refugees of Vietnamese descent who are still officially “stateless” and living on the fringes of Filipino so-

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Courtesy CAAMFest

The title subject of director Madeleine Lim’s The Worlds of Bernice Bing. 659 MER CHA N T ST. 41 5 -78 1 -705 8 | A L F RE DSSTE A K H O U S E .CO M

will eventually return there to lift a toast to their dead friends and to any hope for a civilized life in their shattered, blood-drenched nation. The bravura performances begin with Schilling’s deft explication of a bookworm’s ruination. As one of the soldiers in his unit notes, “We began as heroes, we will end up as assholes.” Schilling’s sensitive countenance navigates a heartbreaking transformation from being his unit’s conscience to being its fallen angel. The equally sublime Trepte, as the hunted Jew Viktor, manages a non-self-righteous evaluation of the cauldron of hatreds that all of Europe becomes. Viktor notes that the anti-German partisans whose company he falls into are as viciously anti-Semitic as the worst of Hitler’s legions. The ability of Viktor, at film’s end, to lift a toast with his German officer friend is a neat summation of the film’s ambition to trace the beginnings of Germany’s long road back to a fragile comprehension of its hideous legacy.t

A scene from director Kyle Chu’s Leave a Light.

•COCKTAIL RECEPTIONS

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ciety, awaiting the miracle of visas to allow them into the US, Canada or Australia. (Kabuki, 3/14, 19) A Picture of You (USA) J.P. Chan’s rambunctious family drama finds a long-alienated brother/sister duo duking it out over how to clean out their recently deceased Mom’s country house. You won’t always like these siblings – their grief-fueled behavior borders on lunacy – but ultimately they get a grip and find a way to preserve their own sanity and the integrity of their late Mom’s most intimate secrets. A large male organ makes a distinctly odd guest appearance. (Kabuki, 3/15, 19) Karaoke Girl (Thailand) Visra Vichit Vadakan presents a disturbing if sadly truthful portrait of a Thai woman leading an edgy life on the fringes of Bangkok’s red-light culture. (New People, 3/14; PFA, 3/19) The Road to Fame (China) Hao Wu shines a light on the emerging mainland Chinese middle class in this talent-show doc that has visiting American theatre experts assist two sets of bright Beijing drama students in staging a homegrown version of the classic American showbiz fable. (New People, 3/15, 21) Eat Drink Man Woman (Taiwan/USA, 1994) The food is the star, virtually the only thing to recommend about famed Taiwan-born director Ang Lee’s follow-up to his first US hit, the queer-themed The Wedding Banquet. An attempt to explore the agonizing deterioration between a famous island chef and his fiercely independent adult daughters, the two-hour film wanders from the path in every way except for Dad’s dynamite concoctions. (New People, 3/17)t www.caamedia.org

Film>>

March 13-19, 2014 • BAY AREA REPORTER • 27

Talent, versatility & tenacity by Tavo Amador

udiences at the Castro Theatre are in for a memorable evening on March 15 when impresario Marc Huestis presents the multi-talented, multi-award-winning Rita Moreno. The program includes a showing of the hilarious The Ritz (1976), in which Moreno is unforgettable as Googie Gomez, a send-up of Latina “spitfires,” the least talented entertainer in history but a diva at a gay bathhouse in Manhattan. Born (1933) Rosita Dolores Alveiro in Puerto Rico, Moreno was the heir to a rich if uneven tradition in Hollywood. Latinos were among the biggest Tinseltown stars during the silent era, and many thrived after talkies changed the movies. Mexico’s gay Ramon Novarro was second only to Rudolph Valentino in popularity among Latin Lovers during the 1920s. Spain’s Antonio Moreno was cited by Elinor Glyn as having “it,” and co-starred with Greta Garbo and Gloria Swanson, among others. So potent was the Hispanic cache that New York’s Jacob Krantz changed his name to Ricardo Cortez and, among other roles, was the first film Sam Spade. Novarro’s beautiful second cousin Dolores del Rio was the first important Latina star, but after making the transition from silents to talkies, she grew tired of typecasting, moved back to Mexico, and became one of the Spanish language world’s biggest names. She periodically returned to Hollywood for a choice role. Columbia Studios changed Margarita Cansino into Rita Hayworth, christened her the Love Goddess, and she became a genuine superstar. Handsome, gay CubanAmerican Cesar Romero had a long

Putting on the Ritz

From page 17

That’s only the beginning. That same evening at 8 p.m., drag legend D’arcy Drollinger will host an extravaganza which includes an onstage Q&A with Moreno, an autograph signing, career clips, a tappy tribute by Matthew Martin, plus a screening of the rarely screened 1976 comedy classic The Ritz. That film offered Moreno one of her most famous roles: Googie Gomez, a lessthan-talented singer who performs at a gay bathhouse. Moreno was reprising her Tony Award-winning Broadway role when she filmed the daring (at the time) screwball comedy. Moreno is, in fact, one of the most honored actresses in history, having also won an Emmy, a Grammy, and a Golden Globe. In 2009, President Barack Obama bestowed the National Medal of Arts on her. In January this year, she was given a Lifetime Achievement Award by the Screen Actor’s Guild. “It was really exciting, really different from winning an acting award,” Moreno said of the SAG honor, speaking from her Bay Area

Versatile performer Rita Moreno today, heir to a rich if uneven Hollywood tradition.

career starting in the 1930s, as did sexy, virile Gilbert Roland. In the 1950s, Puerto Rican Jose Ferrer and Mexican Anthony Quinn were the first to win Oscars. Argentina’s Fernando Lamas and Mexico’s Ricardo Montalban became a new generation’s Latin Lovers. In 1954, Mexico’s Katy Jurado became the first Hispanic actress to earn an Academy Award nomination. In that same decade, Cuban Desi Arnaz became a household name because of TV’s I Love Lucy. It’s against this legacy that Moreno’s remarkable career needs to be assessed. She was five when her mother brought her to Manhattan. The culture shock was staggering, yet Rosita showed a gift for dancing, eventually studying with an uncle of

Hayworth’s, and performed in many venues. She made her screen debut in So Young So Bad (1950), billed as Rosita Moreno, playing a teenager in a reformatory. It resulted in an MGM contract. Studio mogul Louis B. Mayer gave her a new first name, borrowed from Hayworth, in hopes that equal stardom would ensue. It didn’t, but she got steady if often uninspiring parts. Like del Rio before her, she alternated “exotic” ethnics with Latinas, occasionally playing an Anglo, notably in the glorious Singin’ in the Rain (1952). More typical were Pagan Love Song (1950), as a Tahitian; The Fabulous Senorita (1952); an Arab in El Alemein (1953); a Native American named Honey Bear in The Yellow Tomahawk (1954); and the exquisite

home. “With the SAG award, you know about it in advance. But it’s still thrilling. People I admired, like Oprah, were coming over to me. I was told that I had one minute to give my acceptance speech, but I’m Puerto Rican, I can’t say hello in one minute!” During the SAG speech, she famously dropped the F-bomb. “I’m sorry about that word,” she said at the time. “No, I’m not!” The audience roared with laughter and approval. “It was not planned,” she told the B.A.R. “When you do those things, they come from within, you’re so wired!” Moreno has a lot of affection for Googie Gomez. “Googie thinks she’s God’s gift to show biz,” she said. “I invented her.” She recalled being told by The Ritz playwright Terrence McNally that he was planning to write a show centered on the zany Puerto Rican bombshell she would play off the cuff at parties and in her kitchen. She recalls the early days of the show’s Broadway run. “It was very bold at the time,” she said. “The show struggled for quite some time, because it was about a gay Turkish bathhouse.” At a time

when LGBTs were largely invisible in popular culture, gay audiences embraced The Ritz. “On closing night during the final curtain call, there was a huge line of gay guys lined up with roses, laying them at my feet.” It was indeed a different world then. “There was a gay actor cast,” she recalled. “He couldn’t cut it, so they had to fire him. He was replaced by F. Murray Abraham. My theory is that he’d been in the closet for so long he didn’t know how to play a gay role.” The actress is delighted by the changes in society since then. She’s a big supporter of marriage equality. Of her many roles, her favorite is Anita in West Side Story. “It’s my legacy, I’m so proud to have been a part of it. I saw it in New York recently at a screening. Did a Q&A. It holds up very well. Some of the dialogue is dated, but if it were ever done with real language it would be another movie. It’s unique. The ‘America’ number is filled with so much verve and joy.” Moreno, who made her film debut in 1950, is now 82. Still beautiful, she shows no signs of slowing down. Her IMDB page lists an impressive 144 credits; she’s recently had recurring roles on HBO’s Oz and TV Land’s just-cancelled Happily Divorced. She’s about to begin work on Old Soul, a TV production written by Amy Poehler. There will no doubt be more to come from this extraordinary performer.t

Rita Moreno, dancing as Anita in West Side Story.

Putting on the Ritz, with Rita Moreno live in person: 1 p.m., Sing Along West Side Story, introduced by Moreno. 8 p.m., Gala hosted by D’arcy Drollinger, with a performance by Matthew Martin, onstage Q&A with Moreno, and an autograph signing at 6:30 p.m. Screening of the film The Ritz. Castro Theatre, 429 Castro St., SF. Ticket info: http://www.ticketfly. com/purchase/event/483763

Burmese princess in The King and I (1956). She also worked steadily on television. Then, in 1961, she landed Anita in the film version of West Side Story, playing the part originated on stage by fellow Latina Chita Rivera. Her performance earned Moreno the Best Supporting Oscar, a first for an Hispanic actress. That same year, she was Rosa Zacharias in Tennessee Williams’ Summer and Smoke. Despite the Academy Award,

her film career failed to take off, although she was memorable as a hooker in Mike Nichols’ Carnal Knowledge (1971). Television offered better opportunities and steady work. Eventually, she received more recognition: a 1972 Grammy for The Electric Company album, a Tony for the original Broadway production of Terrence McNally’s The Ritz (1975), and Emmys in 1977 for The Rockford Files and The Muppets, one of a handful of performers with all four coveted honors. On stage, she played the tempestuous Serafina Della Rosa in a Chicago revival of The Rose Tattoo, Williams’ bawdy comic melodrama about Italians on the Gulf Coast; and in Berkeley (where she has lived for many years), she essayed Amanda in his classic The Glass Menagerie. Among her television credits are The Cosby Show, The Golden Girls, Miami Vice, The Nanny, Murphy Brown, Oz, Law and Order, and Ugly Betty. She will appear in shows now in production. Last year, she published her memoirs, detailing her painful, lengthy affair with Marlon Brando, as well as her career struggles and triumphs. She recently developed a cabaret act that has struck a chord with audiences. Her success has been hardwon, making it all the more satisfying. She paved the way for Raquel Welch, Selma Hayak, and Penelope Cruz. They and we owe her a heartfelt “Muchisimas gracias!”t

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The art of transformation ASIAN ART MUSEUM FEB 21–MAY 25 www.asianart.org/yoga Yoga: The Art of Transformation is the world’s first major art exhibition about yoga. It explores yoga’s fascinating history and its transformation into a global phenomenon with millions of practitioners. Highlights include stunning masterpieces of Indian sculpture and painting; pages from the first illustrated book of yoga postures (asanas); and a Thomas Edison film, Hindoo Fakir (1902), the first American movie ever produced about India.

ASIAN ART MUSEUM Chong-Moon Lee Center for Asian Art & Culture 200 Larkin Street San Francisco, CA 94102 415.581.3500 www.asianart.org

Yoga: The Art of Transformation was organized by the Arthur M. Sackler Gallery, Smithsonian Institution with support from the Friends of the Freer and Sackler Galleries, the Art Mentor Foundation Lucerne and the Ebrahimi Family Foundation. Presentation at the Asian Art Museum is made possible with the generous support of Helen and Rajnikant Desai, The Bernard Osher Foundation, E. Rhodes and Leona B. Carpenter Foundation, Kumar and Vijaya Malavalli, Society for Asian Art, and Walter & Elise Haas Fund. Image: Three aspects of the Absolute (detail), page 1 from a manuscript of the Nath Charit, 1823, by Bulaki (Indian, active early 1800s). India; Rajasthan state, former kingdom of Marwar, Jodhpur. Opaque watercolor, gold, and tin alloy on paper. Courtesy of the Mehrangarh Museum Trust, RJS 2399.

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PERSONALS Vol. 44 • No. 11 • March 13-19, 2014

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addy Parties

St. Patrick’s Day beer bust at the Eagle.

or how to pretend to be Irish (and where to drink enough to believe it) by Michael Flanagan

et’s be clear from the start, St. Patrick’s Day as it is celebrated in the United States bears little resemblance to anything truly Irish, as until 1970 pubs weren’t even open on the day in Ireland, where it resembled nothing more than a quiet religious holiday. But we’re in America, so accept the fact that somewhere in the past someone decided the holiday was a good reason to suspend the rules of Lent for a day and go wild. It probably has as much to do with this being near the end of winter as anything else and as the vernal equinox is March 20 this year. But whether you’re celebrating Irish heritage or the moving from darkness into light and the green that spring will bring, there are a number of places to celebrate Celtic Pride in the Bay Area this year. See page 2 >>

Rich Stadtmiller

Here’s to the La die s who Laug h Women comics pull no punch lines

by Jim Provenzano

ith a wise and worldy perspective, several local women comics are standing up to sexism, homophobia and other cultural malaises by helping us to laugh at such ignorance. Insightful truths are often the funniest, and these women –lesbian, queer and straight– have performances through the month. We caught up with some of the best talents, whose work is about more than just getting an easy laugh. With touchy subjects like sexual abuse, closeted parents and religion, Kat Evasco has plenty of material to make people uncomfortable. But her comic style, in both theatre-performance and standup work, makes such topics approachable. “It’s very much about my family,” said Evasco of her show, Mommy Queerest, which is now playing at the Exit Theatre Studio. “A lot of the material in my show is inspired by my standup material; talking about my mom being gay. I started writing more jokes about it. People think that it’s ridiculous, my mom being in a lesbian relationship,” said the performer. But often real life inspires good comedy. Evasco’s balancing nights performing her show

and short stand-up gigs, including the upcoming Comedy Returns at El Rio on Thursday, March 20. Said Evasco, “Theatre is my first love, but standup is my mistress.” In explaining the difference between her styles, Evasco said, “Even in my stand-up, I try to tell a story, but I don’t always have to. I can talk about my gay mom or jump into body issues. As far as the theatre stuff, it’s very structured into a plot. But a lot of the comedy gets integrated into it. With stand-up it’s fun, I can bounce around. Some of my favorite comics are also great improvisors.” But some issues are difficult, even taboo. Should a comic ‘go there?’ With issues of homophobia, Asian cultural traditions and even incest, Evasco explained, “I just go there. What I’m talking about has value, and is important to discuss. Sometimes I play for an audience who is totally turned off by it.” Evasco described a gig for a comedy competition at the Montbleu Casino in Lake Tahoe. “It was such a white audience. All the gay comics just bombed. I was so happy there was one Philipino family in the audience. I totally played to them. But it’s important to expose my perspective around sexuality to new audiences. I don’t expect to please See page 2 >>

Kat Evasco

Serving the LGBT communities since 1971

2 • BAY AREA REPORTER • March 13-19, 2014

Paddy Parties

From page 1

If you want to get an early start on the weekend, you can celebrate at the Latin Explosion Customer Appreciation Party on March 14 at Club 21 Oakland (2111 Franklin St.) where there is no cover before 11pm if you wear green and green drink specials. While there you can celebrate the San Patricio brigade, the Irish who crossed lines to fight on the Mexican side in the MexicanAmerican war in 1846. Before Patrick, the first-century Greek historian Diodorus Siculus described the Celts by saying they, “roll around with male bed-mates on both sides. Heedless of their own dignity, they abandon without qualm the bloom of their bodies to others. And the most incredible thing is that they don’t think this is shameful. But when they proposition someone, they consider it dishonorable if he doesn’t accept the offer!” The perfect place to carry on this tradition would be The Stud’s Porno party on March 15 from 9pm-2am (399 9th St). The event’s shamrock-festooned poster promises ‘Porn stars, Ginger boys, Beer Pong and Free Porn.’

EDITOR Jim Provenzano DESIGNERS Jay Cribas, Scott King ADVERTISING SALES Scott Wazlowski 415-359-2612 CONTRIBUTORS Ray Aguilera, Race Bannon, Matt Baume, Heather Cassell, Coy Ellison, Michael Flanagan, Dr. Jack Fritscher, Peter Hernandez, John F. Karr, T. Scott King, Sal Meza, David Elijah-Nahmod, Adam Sandel, Donna Sachet, Jim Stewart, Ronn Vigh PHOTOGRAPHY Biron, Wayne Bund, Marques Daniels, Don Eckert, Lydia Gonzales, Rick Gerharter, Jose Guzman-Colon, Georg Lester, Dan Lloyd, Jim Provenzano, Rich Stadtmiller, Monty Suwannukul, Steven Underhill BARtab is published by BAR Media, Inc. PUBLISHER/PRESIDENT Michael M. Yamashita CHAIRMAN Thomas E. Horn VP AND CFO Patrick G. Brown SECRETARY Todd A. Vogt BAR Media, Inc. 225 Bush Street, Suite 1700 San Francisco, CA 94104 (415) 861-5019 www.BARtabSF.com NATIONAL ADVERTISING REPRESENTATIVE Rivendell Media 212.242.6863 LEGAL COUNSEL Paul H. Melbostad Member National Gay Newspaper Guild Copyright © 2014, Bay Area Reporter, a division of BAR Media, Inc. All Rights Reserved.

Rich Stadtmiller

St. Patrick’s Day festivities at The Edge.

Talented singer-fiddler Lucia Comnes

Also on March 15, Bootie is celebrating a St. Paddy’s Party in mashup style at the DNA lounge (375 Eleventh St.). The promoters suggest you wear green and says there will be 100 free Bootie mashup CDs to the first 100 patrons (the party starts at 9pm). The event also features a mashup of Miley Cyrus and Justin Bieber, so consider yourself forewarned. And what would St. Patrick’s Day be without a charity event? On Sunday March 16, Grand Duke 36 Patrick Noonan, in conjunction

a mirthful St. Paddy’s Eve theme, no doubt a few lecherous leprechauns will be in attendance. On the day itself, March 17, live music and dancing options should bring out your Celtic pride. Fiddler-led bands Colm O’Riain and Lucia Comnes share a bill at Great American Music Hall ($20, $45 with dinner, 8pm, 459 O’Farrel St.) The local musicians blend contemporary and traditional Irish music in what will surely be a rousing concert. To get your Irish spring going, pop over to Berkeley for Irish Dance Night at Starry Plough ($5, 7pm, 3101 Shattuck Ave.) for their weekly dance lessons, open dancing, fine pub grub and live music. Also March 17, the Lookout (3600 16th St.) is featuring a St. Patrick’s Day celebration hosted by Suppositori Spelling. DJ Colby B will spin from 5pm to 8pm, and there will be $3 Jameson whiskey shots as well as a special selection of Irish beers. Of course on St. Patrick’s Day there will also be the traditional celebrations throughout the city. Harrington’s Bar and Grill (245 Front St.) normally blocks off the street and there is an outdoor party. To listen to Irish music in the bar, however, you’ll need to get an advance ticket ($5.00) online. And at my particular favorite, the Irish Bank (10 Mark Lane), there are St. Patrick’s Day block parties on both Saturday March 15 and Monday March 17. Live music begins on both days at noon and

with The Court of Champagne, Chocolate and Real Berries presents You Can Kiss My Big Fat Blarney Stone!, a St. Patrick’s Day Benefit for Tenderloin Tessie Holiday Dinner Program at Aunt Charlie’s Lounge (133 Turk St.) from 4pm to 8pm, with food at 4pm and the show at 5pm. There will be raffles as well as entertainment. These late afternoon/early evening events at Aunt Charlie’s are more fun than a troop of leprechauns! You also have two opportunities to see The Pogues cover band The Bogues on St. Patrick’s Day weekend: the first at Starry Plough (3101 Shattuck, Berkeley – doors at 8pm, music at 9pm) on March 15 and on Sunday March 16 at the Make Out Room (3225 22 St., San Francisco, an early show at 7pm). So if you’re a fan of “Rum, Sodomy and the Lash,” this would be the event for you (but if the lead singer looks like Shane MacGowan, avoid kissing him, even if he is Irish). If neither Aunt Charlie’s or the Make Out Room sound like your dish of corned beef and cabbage, for Sunday March 16, keep in mind that the San Francisco Eagle Beer Bust has their Rich Stadtmiller usual popular shindig in the Eagle staffers show Celtic pride on St. afternoon, and Disco Daddy Patrick’s Day. with DJ Bus Station John from 7pm to midnight. With

Ladies who Laugh

From page 1

everyone.” Not that even a ‘politically correct’ local audience can’t also be problematic. “I’ve always been really mindful of what’s important to me as an Asian queer women of color,” said Evasco. “My material’s centered around that. I really like pushing the envelope.” That sometimes includes telling jokes that offend even liberal sensitivities. “I enjoy making my audience feel uncomfortable, and then winning them back,” said Evasco. “Comedy allows us to talk about the dark moments in our lives. People don’t want to go to a comedy show and feel awful. But when we use comedy to highlight some dark stories, it allows it to be accessible.” Although she’s only been doing stand-up for a few years, Carrie Avritt has made her mark with insightful witticisms about lesbians, body issues and, well… dick. “I’ve done pride events where there are children and have been asked to tone down my act,” said Avritt. “But when I do the Hella Gay shows, we don’t tone it down at all,” Avritt said. “I actually amp up, frankly.” Avritt is referring to the raucous queer-centric comedy shows where local and visiting performers try out new material, share favorites, all in a gay-friendly environment where

a heaping dose of cultural selfcritique gets barrels of laughter. The next event, The Big Dyke Comedy Show, where Avirtt will perform, is Friday, March 14 at Oakland’s Legionnaire Saloon (see listings). “At the Hella Gay comedy shows, realistically, the audiences really want us to go there,” Avritt. And the host Charlie Ballard is the first to say, “You can go that far.” “I’m not work-friendly, shall we say,” Avritt added, which is a tad ironic, since the 49-year-old is a Human Resources manager for a local firm. Avritt’s material isn’t crass, however, but it does veer off-course from a PG-rating. “I recently did a bit talking about being a foodie, and how absurd it

sometimes is; the word ‘mouthfeel’ is absolutely pretentious. So I thought, ‘What if we use this word in other parts of our life, like when I’m eating pussy? I like the texture; it’s creamy and has a nice ‘mouth feel.’” And Avritt doesn’t leave the men out, either. “I’m a lesbian, but I’m gonna talk about dick, because dicks are funny.” She’s also keen on keeping her material fresh. “I don’t put anything on YouTube,” she said of potential joke rip-offs and viewer fatigue. “It’s intellectual property, and it’s mine.” So whether the humor’s about sex or the lack of, Avritt follows at least one good rule of thumb. “Here’s the basis: you can say whatever you want around the truth, as long as it’s funny. Some of those [sexual] terms

Valerie Branch

Irene Tu

Rich Stadtmiller

A dapper fellow at the 2013 St. Patrick’s Day beer bust at the Eagle.

from 6pm-Midnight there is a DJ. Should you go to either of these later events, which are predominatly “straight,” you would do well to keep in mind an old joke told by a friend of mine from Dublin (no, not the one in the East Bay): “What’s the difference between a gay bar and an Irish bar? A gay bar is a bar where the homosexuals get drunk – and an Irish bar is a bar where the drunks get homosexual.” As with so many things, your actual mileage may vary regarding this, but whether you are offering to buy a drink or accepting drinks bought, make sure to have a wonderful time – and happy St. Patrick’s Day! t can be universally funny. Just tell the truth that people haven’t thought of. Or, as Avritt proves, make people think in a different way. “I’m a larger woman, and I’m going to approach that topic,” she said. “You can’t hurt me with the word ‘fat.’ We’re doing a bodypositive show. I am fat and fabulous, so I set a tone of, ‘We’re gonna have fun with this.’” When discussing certain ‘insult comics,’ Avritt offered her own perspective on turning around staid traditions in stand-up. “I will make jokes about being fat, but they will never make a joke about it to me and have fun,” she said. “You have to be able to reclaim a language. If you’re uncomfortable, the joke will not work.” And yet, comedy is most often someone else’s tragedy, even if it’s a slip on a banana peel. “Comedy by nature is going to offend somebody,” said Avritt. “It’s almost a badge of honor if you do insult people. Just take a simple act and turn it on its head. But sometimes a good dick joke is just funny.” Also relatively new to the comedy scene, Irene Tu started doing standup less than three years ago. “I’m hoping to make a career out of it, but I’m still in school,” said Tu, who’s a student at UC Berkeley aiming toward a degree in Asian American Studies. “I talk about race and gender a lot in my comedy,” said Tu. “I’m really focused on gender equality and See page 3 >>

March 13-19, 2014 • BAY AREA REPORTER • 3

Ladies who Laugh

From page 2

LGBT themes.” But how difficult is it to make injustice funny? “It’s the thing that make you mad that inspires,” said Tu. “I like to think my comedy helps an audience digest it in a way that they won’t get mad at me. I take the things that make me the most mad and compare them to thing that make sense.” Tu has performed for varying audiences, from totally queer to not-so gay, to, well, the uninformed. “I do a lot of shows with a mostly straight white male audience,” Tu said. “They really like comedy, so it’s a majority of the audience, which is fine. I’ll still talk about being gay and Asian. But I do feel some hesitancy from the audience. That just makes me want to push further. I have gotten to some points where people have said, ‘I’m offended by that.’ But jokes aren’t meant to be taken personally, unless they’re literally directed at you.” Tu said she is constantly writing and changing little parts of jokes in a different order, even on the night of a gig. “My set is almost never exactly the same,” she said. “I’ve done acting, where you have to memorize all the words and deliver them. I like being able to change quickly. I go to open mics and talk through the jokes.” Originally from Chicago, Tu is accustomed to a rowdy crowd. “I love Chicago, and whenever they tell jokes, they enjoy them. If you tell jokes in San Francisco, you might get hassled because a joke is not ‘liberal’ enough, so you have to be super politically correct.” As both a producer and performer, Valerie Branch has been a part of the comedy scene as a straight ally who also likes a bit of faux-queen style. She’s performed regularly at the legendary Purple Onion. In addition to performing, Valerie coproduced the Jokers and Queens Comedy and Drag Showcase, and her LOL Comedy show at the midMarket Club OMG is into its second year. “It started slow, because of the neighborhood,” said Branch. “But it picked up among comics and the open mic scene. We’re getting more walk-ins, so that’s excellent.”

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Carrie Avritt

With a wizened eye on comic stylings, Branch dicussed the idea of fresh topics. “If it’s trending at midnight,” (Sochi Olympics, Sarah Palin’s latest absurd blathering) “it’s gonna have a a short life. Jokes are literally being written and delivered in real time. The shelf life is more short than ever.” Yet Branch is not panning social media, adding that such a rush of tech, “Engenders more fresh comedy more than the more classic comedy. George Carlin would never trend or tweet; he would focus on more universal themes.” “What I’m seeing as successful for working comics are the topics that they find themselves, whether it’s a feminist or racial take or a gay take.” Branch said she’s seen new takes on familiar topics at various venues. “An open mic is as much about structure and timing as it is ‘What is going to be my schtick?’ That’s what’s fun to watch. I really love being able to give that to comics.” Branch noted her dual perspective in queer comedy, being a straight woman producer who often slips into her faux queen stage persona, Pia Messing. “She gets away with everything,” chuckled Branch. “It’s opened up more doors for me.” Yet Branch sees the other side as a self-described “straight girl from Vallejo.” Take, for example, the recent controversy over Oscars host Ellen DeGeneres jokingly mistaking

the real Liza Minelli for a female impersonator. While millions of gays may have laughed, due to our extensive knowledge of musical theatre, gay music iconography, Liza’s career (and marriages!), to a straight person in the Midwest, the joke fell flat. “Culturally, in comedy, we love somebody of our community,” said Branch. “But if I’m from a different culture or perspective, the perspective was, ‘What are you doing beating up on Judy Garland’s daughter?’ The reason for the critique is right, but the reference and information are not fully informed and a kneejerk reaction comes from compassion.” Branch will perform on March 17 at the LOL event, where attendees can decide for themselves what’s funny. “You’re always walking a tightrope between what is tasteless and what is hilarious,” said Branch. “If you’re not laughing, you’ve got to change it for yourself. You have to know your audience, enough to know who’s in on the joke. But usually, no matter who it is, they hoot over my dirtiest most tasteless jokes.” t

Comedy Marches In:

Mon. 17 LOL Mondays @ Club OMG The monthly comedy show includes stand-up with host Valerie Branch, Imran G, Barry Fischer and Samantha Gill. 7pm.-8:30pm. Dancing afterwards. 43 6th St. www.clubOMGsf.com

Thu. 20 Comedy Returns @ El Rio

Poppy Champlin headlines “A Gay Old Time”

Fri. 14 Big Dyke Comedy Show @ Legionnaire Saloon, Oakland Enjoy a night of sapphic silliness with host Irene Tu and comics Carrie Avritt, Jen Dronsky, Loren Kraut, Kimberly Rose Wendt and Dolores Trevino. DJ Lady Ryan spins tunes for a social mixer afterwards. No cover. 8pm. 21+. 2272 Telegraph Ave., Oakland. (510) 8918660. www.legionnairesaloon.com

Steve Lee, Bob McIntyre, Johan Miranda, Kat Evasco, and host Lisa Geduldig offer their comic talents. $7-$20. 8pm. 3158 Mission St. (800) 838-3006. elriosf.com

Sat. 22 A Gay Old Time @ St. Aiden’s Episcopal Church Poppy Champlin headlines a fundraiser comedy show, with guests Valerie Branch and hostess Kitty Tapata. Beer & wine available for purchase; proceeds benefit the church’s ministries. $25-$35. 7:15pm. 101 Gold Mine Drive. brownpapertickets.com/event/559578

Sun. 30 Body Positive Comedy @ Club OMG Queenie TT, Steve Lee, Carrie Avritt, Nina G, Steve Danner and Kelli Lynch perform stand-up at this fundraiser for SF State’s Disabled Students Association. $5. Jell-O shots, raffles, and more. 43 6th St. ClubOMGsf.com

Tickets are available at LiveNation.com and select Walmart locations. To charge by phone (800) 745-3000. Limit 8 tickets per person. All dates, acts and ticket prices are subject to change without notice. All tickets are subject to applicable service charges.

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4 • BAY AREA REPORTER • March 13-19, 2014

Award-winning Events

by Donna Sachet

Jasmine Boloorian

Drew Cutler with Donna Sachet, bracketed by living Oscar statues, at the Academy of Friends gala.

San Francisco’s 18+ Sex Club!

he Academy of Friends hosted its dazzling 34th Oscar Gala at Terra Gallery last Sunday and the buzz was incredible! Following the lead of the Academy itself, they used the Wizard of Oz theme to great effect with several guests dressing the part as well. Emerald green was the color to wear, if not head-to-toe gold, as on the handsome models! This year’s worthy beneficiaries were Clinica Esperanza, LGBTQ Connection, Maitri, PAWS, Project Open Hand, and Shanti. After a few years of reformulation, this group is obviously back on firm ground, providing a wonderful party atmosphere while keeping costs in line so that those beneficiaries will truly benefit. On the sturdy arm of Emperor Drew Cutler, we were immediately greeted by Brett Andrews, John Brosnan, Beth Feingold, Howard Edelman, Matthew Denckla, Gary Virginia, Patty McGroin, Jezebel Patel, Khmera Rouge, and Daft-Nee Gesuntheit. We found ourselves often in front of the Ketel One or Smirnoff vodka bar and the Barefoot bubbly booth, while others enjoyed delicious snacks from various local restaurants. This year’s event used the entire Terra space with a roomier VIP area, spacious silent auction, and wide upstairs social room, where we later caught up with Dan Bernal, Ron Patton & Gabriel Feliciano, Neil Giuliano, Adrian Roberts, Kevin Winge, Kenshi Westover, Brent Marek, Kevin Shanahan & Michael Montoya, and Wayne Friday with visiting Sharon McNight. As always, the actual broadcast from Los Angeles was available on several monitors, but most eyes were on the glamorously attired guests, their favorite silent auction items, and/or the fashion show following the awards ceremony. Most agreed that Ellen Degeneres held her own in LA, but would receive much more

Steven Underhill

The Emerald City theme was glamorous green at the Academy of Friends gala.

appreciation in the crowd present in San Francisco. (Hint, hint!) The Farmers’ Market is once again open for business every Wednesday at Noe and Market Streets, right here in the Castro. You’ll run into local friends and neighbors, enjoy a coffee or cocktail nearby, and bask in our early spring weather, all while boosting your dietary intake of healthy fruits, vegetables, and other locally produced edibles. See you there! The neighborhood seems to be all abuzz with chatter about the soon to commence widening of Castro Street. Exhaustive local outreach was completed and work will begin soon; so don’t grouse, but welcome this major expenditure on this richly historic thoroughfare. Yes, we’ll be dealing with inconvenience for several months, but the results will be extraordinary. And don’t forget to vote on your choice of pedestrian markings at key intersections. Don’t miss Rita Moreno Day in the Castro, this Saturday, thanks to impresario Mark Huestis. At

Open daily at 12pm

2051 Market St. at Church St. Info: 415-864-EROS (3767)

Steven Underhill

The stylish fashion show at the Academy of Friends gala.

Donna, Gary Virginia and Drew Cutler at the Castro Farmers’ Market.

1PM, join in a Sing-Along screening of West Side Story at the Castro Theatre, followed by the main event that night at 8PM, saluting the career of this living legend and the rarely screened The Ritz, Terence McNally’s 1976 comedic triumph. Also included in the night are career clips, Matthew Martin’s drag tribute, and an on-stage interview with the actress behind the character Googie Gomez and winner of an Emmy, Tony, Grammy, Oscar, and most recently Lifetime Achievement SAG Award. What a wonderful way to honor Rita Moreno! Plan now to attend the San Francisco Gay Men’s Chorus under the artistic direction of Dr. Tim Seelig in Luster: An American Songbook, Tues. or Wed., March 25 or 26, 8PM at Davies Symphony Hall. With music by Harold Arlen, Irving Berlin, Duke Ellington, George Gershwin, and Cole Porter and guest star Ann Hampton Callaway, this sounds like a crowdpleasing evening, bound to sell out.t

Steven Underhill

Gentlemen in traditional suits and tuxedos (with a touch of glam) at the AOF gala.

Read more online at www.ebar.com

March 13-19, 2014 • BAY AREA REPORTER • 5

BARchive: Cheap Hotel 544 Natoma’s radical art & sex scene by Jim Stewart

another scotch in front of me. “Peter Hartman opened it about a n a cold day in February 1982, I year ago,” Lou said. “I’m the artist in sat nursing a scotch in Fe-Be’s at residence. I showed Peter some photos 11th and Folsom. A familiar looking you did of me and he’s interested in guy straddled the stool next to me. mounting a show of your work.” “Jim Stewart,” he said. “I heard you “Great!” I said. were back from the Russian River.” The 544 Natoma Performance “Lou Rudolph!” The name came Gallery was the City’s first openly back in the nick of time. “It’s been gay performance space. It was great ages.” I’d shot a promo photo sesfor edgy art, theater, music, and sion of Lou, a performance painter, dance. Town and Country, my show a few years earlier. of black and white photos, depicted “Any photo shows lately?” Lou said. the grit and spit of urban drugs and “No,” I said. I drained the last of my bondage juxtaposed against the drink. Lou nodded to the bartender. sweat and stink of Russian River “Ever hear of the 544 Natoma cowboys. My signature photo was Performance Gallery?” Lou said. a bare-breasted leather lady pulling “No,” I said. The bartender set a chain-bound man from a black plastic garbage bag. Trash! My opening night reception, March 3, 1982, was packed. Lou opened by spray painting “Cheap Hotel” backwards from behind a sheet strung across the stage; no small feat. Drag queen performances followed as did Japanese Noh/ Kabuki musical drama, where masked men played both male and female parts. All was recorded by Lou on canvas in real time. Enthusiastic applause greeted both the drama and performance paintings. The space at 544 Natoma helped launch Lou Rudolph as an artist noted for his performance paintings. He captured on canvas New York/ San Francisco underground performance artist Camille O’Grady and went on to capture the artistic energy of numerous underground punk Jim Stewart rock and leather bar scenes coast to coast. Invitation to 544 Natoma opening The San Francisco Jacks reception for Town and Country. held their first party at 544

Natoma on March 28, 1983. Peter Hartman provided the space for some 75 to 100 men but laid down four rules: don’t cum on the walls, sign an accident waiver, wear shoes, and beer must be in cans. Lou Rudolph painted the party in real time. (See “Jacks Are Wild” B.A.R. March 21, 2013.) During the short existence of 544 Natoma Performance Gallery, Hartman produced a vast array of seminal art, musical events, theater, and performance pieces. He had a vast background as composer, poet, and playwright who had studied in New York and Europe. Hartman was influenced by various artists including writer and music critic Amiri Baraka (LeRoi Jones) and poet and art critic Frank O’Hara. Peter Hartman composed for both voice and keyboard and worked with Gerard Malanga, a close associate of Andy Warhol, and composed the score for Malanga’s film Souvenir. A number of performers passed through 544 Natoma before they were well known, including drag performer and influential playwright/actor in experimental theater Ethyl Eichelberger, and actor/ comedian/political activist Whoopi Goldberg. The 544 Natoma Performance Gallery closed in 1984. Today the space is a mixed use building that houses the San Francisco Soundworks, a privately owned venue that provides studio facilities and residences for major recording companies from Los Angeles and New York.t © 2014 writerJimStewart@hotmail. com For further true gay adventures check out the award-winning Folsom Street Blues: A Memoir of 1970s SoMa and Leatherfolk in Gay San Francisco by Jim Stewart.

Performance painter Lou Rudolph.

Jim Stewart

544 Natoma owner Peter Hartman, Miss X, and Lou Rudolph.

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6 • BAY AREA REPORTER • March 13-19, 2014

Bf eON THE13–T2A 0 March

★

Cheyenne Jackson @ Feinstein's at the Nikko

Deniece Williams @ Yoshi's Grammy Award-winning funk soul and gospel singer-songwriter performs with her band. $32-$77 (with dinner). 8pm & 10pm. 1330 Fillmore St. (510) 848-0237. www.yoshis.com

The Broadway, film and TV star returns with his sold-out cabaret show, which includes music from his new CD, I'm Blue, Skies, songs from his Broadway shows, and some classic favorites. $60-$75. $20 food/beverage minimum. 8pm. Also March 15, 8pm and Mar. 16 at 7pm. Hotel Nikko lobby, 222 Mason St. www.hotelnikkosf. com/feinsteins.aspx

Doll House @ Beaux Patty McGroin hosts a benefit for The ARC of San Francisco, with a $10 beer bust, raffle and Jell-O shots. (first Saturdays). 4pm. 2344 Market St. www.beauxsf.com

Fedorable @ El Rio Free weekly queer dance party, with gogos, prizes, old groovy tunes, cheap cocktails. 9pm-2am. 3158 Mission St. 2823325. www.elriosf.com

Go-Beaux @ Beaux Gogo-tastic weekly night at the new Castro club. Bring your dollahs, 'cause they'll make you holla. 9pm-2am. 2344 Market St. www.beauxsf.com

Happy Friday @ Midnight Sun The popular video bar ends each week with gogo guys (starting at 9pm) and drink specials. Check out the new expanded front lounge, with a window view. 4067 18th St. 861-4186. www.midnightsunsf.com

Fri 14

ou don’t have to be Irish to enjoy a few drinks this weekend, but whether you’re a teetotaler or a total tramp, keep it down if someone’s singing or speaking; not that some performers don’t like a rowdy crowd, and plenty of wild times are available.

Thu 13 Dirty Talk @ Truck The regular porn guys' chat this time includes Leo Forte, Blue Bailey and Jake Steel. 9:30-11:30pm. 1900 Folsom St. www.trucksf.com

La Femme @ Beaux New ladies' happy hour at the new Castro nightclub, with drink specials, no cover, and women gogos. 4pm-9pm. 2344 Market St. www.beauxsf.com

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

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

Jukebox @ Beatbox

The Monster Show @ The Edge Cookie Dough's weekly drag show with gogo guys and hilarious fun. $5. 9pm-2am. 4149 18th St. at Collingwood. www.edgesf.com

Nap's Karaoke @ Virgil's Sea Room Sing out loud at the weekly least judgmental karaoke in town, hosted by the former owner of the bar. No cover. 9pm. 3152 Mission St. 829-2233. www.virgilssf.com

Nightlife @ California Academy of Sciences Themed event nights at the fascinating nature museum, with DJed dancing, cocktails, fish, frogs, food and fun. Mar. 13 event goes March Madness, with sportsscience pop-up exhibits, DJs Loco and Mawkus. $10-$12. 6pm-10pm, 55 Music Concourse Drive, Golden Gate Park. 3798000. www.calacademy.org

Pan Dulce @ The Cafe

Bearracuda @ Beatbox The ursine dance night's underwear party includes clothes check, DJs John LePage and Medic. $10. 9pm-3am. 314 11th st. www.bearracuda.com www.beatboxsf.com

The pianist-singer host of many local cabaret nights performs at the Russian River resort. 8pm-closing. Also March 15. 16390 4th St., Guenreville. (707) 869-8399.

Josh Klipp and The Klipptones @ Palace Hotel The local jazz crooner and his band perform weekly shows at the hotel's lounge, which draws a growing swingdance audience. 7pm-11pm. 2 New Montgomery. www.joshklipp.com

Latin Explosion @ Club 21, Oakland Mar. 14 Customer Appreciation Party, with no cover before 11pm for those who wear green, and drag performer Violeta. Enjoy eight bars, more dance floors, and a smoking lounge at the largest gay Latin dance night in the Bay Area. Happy hour 4pm-8:30pm. Dancing 9pm-4am. 2111 Franklin St. (510) 268-9425. www.club21oakland.com

Roller Disco @ Women's Building

Prince Night @ Cat Club

Shit & Champagne @ Rebel

It’s Purple Rain-ing at the weekly retro dance night, with DJs Dan and Ryan. $6. 9pm-2am. 1190 Folsom St. www.sfcatclub.com

D'Arcy Drollinger's "whitesploitation" drag satire musical play kicks up the laughs; also starring Matthew Martin. $20-$25. Fri & Sat, 8pm. Now thru March. 1772 Market St. at Octavia. www.shitandchampagne. eventbrite.com

Thursday Night Live @ SF Eagle

Momentum @ Bently Reserve

Retro disco tunes and a fun diverse crowd, each Thursday. $4. 10pm-2am. 133 Turk St. at Taylor. www.auntcharlieslounge.com

Joe Wicht at R3

Deniece Williams at Yoshi’s

Joe Wicht @ R3 Hotel, Guerneville

SF Indiefest's festive roller-skating party offers disco music, beer, skate rentals, and no responsibility for gravity's effect on the combination! $10. 8pm-12am. 3542 18th st. at Valencia. www.sfindie.com

The weekly live rock shows have returned. 9pm-ish. 398 12th St. at Harrison. www.sf-eagle.com

Fri 14

Sat 14

BeBe Sweetbriar and Turk Mason's porny dance night, celebrates St. Patrick's Day with green beer pong, gogos in green thongs, ginger boys, free porn DVds and more debauchery. $5-$10. 9pm-2am. 399 9th St. www.SweetTurkie.com

The lanky porn stud performs live onstage. $25. 8pm solo, 10pm sex show. Also March 15. 729 Bush St. at Powell. 397-6758. www.thenobhilltheatre.com

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

Veteran DJ Page Hodel (The Box, Q and many other events) presents a new weekly dance event, with soul, funk, hip-hop and house mixes. $10. 21+. 9pm-2am. 314 11th St. at Folsom. www.BeatboxSF.com Out & Equal's annual leadership celebration and gala, with drinks and a four-course meal, live and silent auctions, performances by Paula West, MC Kate Clinton, and honors tributes to marriage equality/Prop 8 litigants Kris Perry and Sandy Stier. $175 and up. 6pm-9:30pm. 301 Battery St. www.outandequal.org

Porno @ The Stud

Jake Steel @ Nob Hill Theatre

Cheyenne Jackson at Feinstein’s

Tubesteak Connection @ Aunt Charlie's Lounge

Underwear Party @ Powerhouse Strip down to your skivvies at the weekly cruisy SoMa bar night. 10pm-2am. 1347 Folsom St. www.powerhouse-sf.com

Fri 14 Big Dyke Comedy Show @ Legionaire Saloon, Oakland Enjoy a night of saphhic silliness with host Irene Tu and comics Carrie Avritt, Jen Dronsky, Loren Kraut, Kimberly Rose Wendt and Dolores Trevino. DJ Lady Ryan spins tunes for a social mixer afterwards. No cover. 8pm. 21+. 2272 Telegraph Ave., Oakland. (510) 891-8660. www.legionnairesaloon.com

Some Thing Mica Sigourney and pals' weekly offbeat drag performance night. 10pm-2am. 399 9th St. www.studsf.com

Taste of Yountville @ Downtown Yountville Napa township hosts a weekend of art shows, wine-tastings, food booths, crafts fair and live etnertainment. Thru Mar. 16. Free-$10. Fri 5:30-7:30pm. Mar 15, 12pm-5pm. Mar. 16 11am-4pm. Yountville Community Center, 6516 Washington St., and downtown Yountville, at Washington St. (707) 944-0904. www.yountville.com

Themed Nights @ The Brig If you're looking for a new sexual adventure, check out this new space. Weekend events take place Fridays through Mondays, and the intimate venue with a jail theme offers slings, tables and various spaces for erotic play. Sat-Mon, above PopSex960 at 962 Folsom St. at 6th St. www.BrigSF.com

Sat 15 Beach Blanket Babylon @ Club Fugazi The musical comedy revue celebrates its 40th year with an ever-changing lineup of political and pop culture icons, all in gigantic wigs. $25-$160. 678 Beach Blanket Babylon Blvd (Green St.). 4214222. www.beachblanketbabylon.com

Beer Bust @ Hole in the Wall Saloon Beer only $8 until you bust. 4pm-8pm. 1369 Folsom St. 431-4695. www.hitws.com

Bootie SF @ DNA Lounge Special St. Patricks' edition, with live bands Smash-Up Derby and others, of the weekly mash-up dance night, with resident DJs Adrian & Mysterious D. No matter the theme, a mixed fun good time's assured. $8-$15. 9pm-3am. 21+. 375 11th St. at Harrison. www.BootieSF.com www.DNAlounge.com

La Bota Loca @ Club 21, Oakland DJed tunes, gogo hotties, drag shows, drink specials, all at Oakland's premiere Latin nightclub and weekly cowboy night. $10-$15. Dancing 9pm-4am. 2111 Franklin St. (510) 268-9425. www.club21oakland.com

Sat 15 Doll House at Beaux

On the Tab>>

Sun 16 Beer Bust @ SF Eagle The classic leather bar's most popular Sunday daytime event in town draws the menfolk. 3pm-6pm, with an '80s-themed dance party 7pm-1am. $5. Also now open daily 11am2am. 398 12th St. at Harrison. sf-eagle.com

BJ's @ Powerhouse Michael Brandon hosts Balls, Jocks & Socks, a monthly 3rd Sunday sports gear, freeballing event at the cruisy SoMa bar night, with DJ Gehno Aviance. $5. 8pm11pm. Twerky perky booty contest at 9pm. 1347 Folsom St. www.powerhouse-sf.com

Disco Daddy @ the Eagle The eleventh edition of DJ Bus Station John’s post-beer bust dance music night returns (with an extra edition March 30). 7pm-12am. 398 12th St. at Harrison. www.sf-eagle.com

March 13-19, 2014 • BAY AREA REPORTER • 7

Daytime Realness @ El Rio

Wed 19

Join Heklina, Stanley Frank, and guest DJ Rapidfire in celebrating DJ Carnita's birthday; with drga acts by Mahlae Balenciaga, Rusty Hips, Anna Conda and Vivvyanne Forevermore. $8. 3pm-8pm. 3158 Mission St. www.elriosf.com

Michelle Tea and Sister Spit at the Elbo Room

BeBe Sweetbriar hosts a weekly night of trivia quizzes and fun and prizes; no cover. 8pm-1pm. 500 Castro St. 431-4278. www.harveyssf.com

Weekly night with hostess Grace Towers, different local and visiting DJs, and pop-up drag performances. No cover. 9pm-2am. 2344 Market St. www.beauxsf.com

Underwear Night @ SF Eagle

GlamaZone @ The Cafe

Strip down to your skivvies at the popular leather bar. 9pm-2am. 398 12th St. at Harrison. www.sf-eagle.com

Pollo del Mar's weekly drag shows takes on different themes with a comic edge. 8:3011:30pm. 2369 Market St. www.cafesf.com

Way Back @ Midnight Sun

Jock @ The Lookout

Cocktailgate @ Truck

Liquid Brunch @ Beaux

Suppositori Spelling's wild weekly drag show night. $3. 10pm-2am. 1900 Folsom St. www.trucksf.com

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

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

Mon 17 Cock and Bull Mondays @ Hole in the Wall Saloon Specials on drinks made with Cock and Bull ginger ale (Jack and Cock, Russian Mule, and more). 8pm-closing. 1369 Folsom St. 431-4695. www.hitws.com

Colm O'Riain, Lucia Comnes @ Great American Music Hall Enjoy a night of contemporary and traditional Irish music from the two Bay Area musicians (O'Riain a violinist, and Comnes a stellar vocalist-fiddler). $20-$45 (with dinner). 8pm. 859 O'Farrell St. at Polk. 885-0750. www.gamh.com

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

LOL Mondays @ Club OMG The monthly comedy show includes stand-up with host Valerie Branch, Imran G, Barry Fischer and Samantha Gill. 7pm.8:30pm. Dancing afterwards. 43 6th St. www.clubOMGsf.com

Mahogany Mondays @ Midnight Sun Honey Mahogany's weekly drag and musical talent show starts around 10pm, with a RuPaul's Drag Race viewing as well. 4067 18th St. 861-4186. www.midnightsunsf.com

Monday Musicals @ The Edge The casts of local and visiting musicals often pop in to perform at the popular Castro bar's musical theatre night. 7pm2am. 2 for 1 cocktail, 5pm-closing. 18th St. at Collingwood. www.edgesf.com

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

Shanté, You Stay @ Toad Hall

Portland Cello Project @ Yoshi's

BeBe Sweetbriar hosts a weekly viewing party of RuPaul's Drag Race Season 6, with a live drag show challenge. 8:30-11:30pm. 4146 18th st. at Castro. www.toadhallbar.com

The indie orchestra performs classical music with a twist. $22-$60 (with dinner). 8pm. 1330 Fillmore St. (510) 848-0237. www.yoshis.com

Tue 18

St. Patrick's Day Party @ Aunt Charlie's Lounge

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

Grand Duke 36 Patrick Noonan in conjunction with The Court of Champagne, Chocolate and Real Berries presents "You Can Kiss My Big Fat Blarney Stone!," a St. Patrick's Day benefit for Tenderloin Tessie Holiday Dinner Program, with Grand Duchess 30 Diva LaFever Faberge-Romanoff and Knight to the Golden Bear of Erin Mark Paladini. Donations. Food at 4pm. Show 5pm. 133 Turk St. auntcharlieslounge.com

Sundance Saloon @ Space 550 The popular country western LGBT dance night; enjoy fun foot-stomping twostepping and line-dancing. $5. 5pm10:30pm with lessons from 5:30-7:15 pm. Also Thursdays. 550 Barneveld Ave., and Tuesdays at Beatbox, $6. 6:30-11pm. 314 11th St. www.sundancesaloon.org

The weekly dancing competition for gogo wannabes. 9pm. cash prizes, $2 well drinks (2 for 1 happy hour til 9pm). Show at 9pm. 4146 18th St. www.toadhallbar.com

Trivia Night @ Harvey's

Full of Grace @ Beaux

The weekly jock-ular fun continues, with special sports team fundraisers. This week, SF Fog Rugby Club! 3pm-7pm. 3600 16th St. www.lookoutsf.com

So You Think You Can Gogo? @ Toad Hall

13 Licks @ Q Bar

Ink & Metal @ Powerhouse Show off your tattoos and piercings at the weekly cruisy SoMa bar night. 10pm-2am. 1347 Folsom St. www.powerhouse-sf.com

Naked Night @ Nob Hill Theatre Strip down at the strip joint. $20 includes refreshments. 8pm. 729 Bush St. at Powell. 397-6758. www.thenobhilltheatre.com

Pete Escovedo & OSA Jazz Theslas-jazz percusionist and his band perform in a benefit for Oakland School for the arts. $10 and up. 8pm. 510 Embarcadero West, Jack London Square. (510) 238-9200. www.yoshis.com

Showdown @ Folsom Foundry Weekly game night for board and electronic gamers at the warehouse multipurpose nightclub. 21+. 6pm-12am. 1425 Folsom St. www.showdownesports.com

Wed 19 Bottoms Up Bingo @ Hi Tops Play board games and win offbeat prizes at the popular new sports bar. 9pm. 2247 Market St. 551-2500. www.HiTopsSF.com

Broadway Bingo @ Feinstein's at the Nikko Joe Wicht and Katya Smirnoff-Skyy cohost the weekly fun musical theatre trivia singalong night. Pull up a comfy chair or sofa, enjoy a cocktail or three, and test your Broadway knowledge. Kanpai Lounge, Hotel Nikko, 222 Mason St. No cover. 7pm10pm. 394-1111. www.hotelnikkosf.com/ feinsteins.aspx

Miss Kitty's Trivia Night @ Wild Side West The weekly fun night at the Bernal Heights bar includes prizes, hosted by Kitty Tapata. No cover. 7pm-10pm. 424 Cortland St. 6473099. www.wildsidewest.com

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

Rookie's Night @ Nob Hill Theatre Watch competitors shake it for a $200 first prize in stripping, or sign up yourself by 8pm. The audience picks the winner. $20 includes refreshments. 8pm. 729 Bush St. at Powell. 397-6758. www.thenobhilltheatre.com

Sister Spit @ Elbo Room The rollicking women's literaryperformance gorup hosted by Michelle Tea includes Chinaka Hodge, Rhianna Argo, Virgue Tovar, Dia Felix, Beth Lisick, Jerry Lee Abram, Lisa Brown and Kirk read. $10. 8pm. 647 Valencia St. www.sisterspit.com www.elbo.com

Weekly screenings of vintage music videos and retro drink prices. Check out the new expanded front window lounge. 9pm-2am. 4067 18th St. 861-4186. www.midnightsunsf.com

Thu 20 Bitch Slap @ El Rio The Latin club's last comedy night include this show with Eloisa Bravo, Kimberly Rose Wendt, Carrie Avritt, Irene Tu, Naomi Fearn and hostess Pia Messing (Valerie Branch's faux queen persona). No cover. 8pm. 3079 16th St.

Circle Jerk @ Nob Hill Theatre Porn performer Max Cameron leads a sexy downstairs event in the strip club's playroom. $10. 9pm. 729 Bush St. at Powell. 397-6758. thenobhilltheatre.com

Comedy Returns @ El Rio Steve Lee, Bob McIntyre, Johan Miranda, Kat Evasco, and host Lisa Geduldig offer their comic talents. $7-$20. 8pm. 3158 Mission St. (800) 838-3006. elriosf.com

Dudu Tassa @ Yoshi's Israeli-Iraqi rock band with traditional Arabic roots performs with his band, The Kuwatis. $30-$32. 8pm. 1330 Fillmore St. (510) 848-0237. www.yoshis.com

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

Jason Graae @ Feinstein's at the Nikko The accomplished cabaret star perform his new witty music show, "49 1/2 Shades of Graae." $25-$35. ($20 drink/beverage minimum). 8pm. Hotel Nikko lobby, 222 Mason St. www.hotelnikkosf.com/ feinsteins.aspx

Nightlife @ California Academy of Sciences Themed event nights at the fascinating nature museum, with DJed dancing, cocktails, fish, frogs, food and fun. March 20, Under the Sea Nightlife includes dive shows, pop-up info booths, seafood snacks, Life Aquatic costumes encouraged. $10-$12. 6pm-10pm, 55 Music Concourse Drive, Golden Gate Park. 379-8000. www.calacademy.org

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

Underwear Party @ Powerhouse Strip down to your skivvies at the weekly cruisy SoMa bar night. 10pm-2am. 1347 Folsom St. www.powerhouse-sf.com

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

Block Party @ Midnight Sun Weekly screenings of music videos, concert footage, interviews and more, of popular pop stars. 9pm-2am. 4067 18th St. 8614186. www.midnightsunsf.com

Bombshell Betty & Her Burlesqueteers @ Elbo Room The weekly burlesque show of women dancers shaking their bonbons includes live music. $10. 9pm. 647 Valencia St. 5527788. www.elbo.com

Funny Tuesdays @ Harvey's Ronn Vigh hosts the weekly LGBT and gay-friendly comedy night. One-drink or menu item minimum. 9pm. 500 Castro St. at 18th. 431-HARV. www.harveyssf.com

Thu 20 Dudu Tassa at Yoshi’s

Serving the LGBT communities since 1971

8 • BAY AREA REPORTER • March 13-19, 2014

The Amazing Race

Race Cooper wants to pump you up by Cornelius Washington

f you’re thinking when you go to the gym, “If I could just get that perfect combination of exercise, in the correct sequence, at the optimum pace, with the structured advice, I know that I’ll get the results that will make me look and feel the way I’ve always wanted.” We’ll give you the inside tip. The man you need to see is at the Axis Gym. Take a deep breath. Exhale. Relax. Consult your doctor. Then, call Mr. Race Cooper. The star of numerous gay porn videos for five years (Militia, Hot Wired, In Deep, Stud Finder, to name a few) now shares fitness tips as a trainer. Cornelius Washington: What inspired you to launch your personal fitness company? Race Cooper: I’ve always been a disciplined athlete, and loved challenging myself physically for a long time. That athleticism has helped me gain notoriety as a physique model and porn star. I just wasn’t sure if I’d be a good trainer, until my close friends started to convince me I could be. It was by showing them exercises and explaining my philosophies on muscular development, nutrition and athletic performance, that I grew confident to try something new. Of course, when I get focused on something I need to go full throttle, so why stop at trainer? I had to create a fitness company. What is unique about your company? I think what’s unique is the perspective that I’ve put on fitness for a long time; to make fitness fun and effective! I don’t take myself too seriously, and love to make jokes while training. I think laughing is the best way to activate those six pack abs. However, that doesn’t mean I don’t take training seriously. I very much do. But there’s no reason that information on how to make your body better and improving your health can’t be served with a little tongue and cheek, with a side of keeping it real. What do you wish prospective clients asked or did when looking for a new personal trainer? I’d wish they would have a more measured goal, and realistic expectations on the time it takes to get there. As well, consider what is possible for their body type. It’s great to want to look like your favorite celebrity, but when I get prospective clients wanting to look like that in three months, and only train once a week.... It feels like they are only setting themselves up for failure. It’s my job as a trainer and coach to help them make realistic goals, but also to help them look at their bodies objectively. See what they’ve accomplished and what is possible, instead of focusing on what they don’t like about themselves.

Cornelius Washington

Race Cooper.

Who inspired your initial fitness goals? Who inspires you, currently? My initial fitness goals were inspired at 13 years old, when a girl made fun of me for being really skinny. I never felt like I needed to prove myself physically until that happened. I was more of a library geek as a kid. But kids are mean... and that image of me being skinny stuck with me for a very long time. It made me very committed to change. I bought a set of weights with money from my paper route job, looked at mens physiques in Men’s Fitness, Muscle & Fitness (and stolen Playgirl) magazines.... and set off on my journey. When it comes to who inspires me now, it’s not so much celebrities or images online, as it is some of the other trainers at Alex Fitness where I train. Every type of athletic body is represented, as well as philosophies and perspectives on how to train. It’s a great environment for daily inspiration. What are the current fitness trends? Which are effective? Which are pure junk? There’s lots of trends in fitness, from kickboxing, TRX resistant bands, bodyweight strength, to Plyometrics, Zumba and Crossfit. It’s hard to say that any are junk, when applied with a knowledgeable and focused trainer. When it comes right down to it, regular exercise when approved by a physician is always good! But safety always has to be key. This is why having a trainer who knows how to challenge you, yet is still focused on your safety, will always produce positive and effective results.

Race Cooper shows workout tips in his videos.

What are the pros and cons of the current pop culture obsession with celebrity fitness? The pros are ways to inspire a dialogue on health, and feeling good about one’s physique. The cons are the unhealthy ways that people can feel self-loathing when faced with images that are Photoshopped and therefore unattainable.

Do you see the public’s desire for a “hot body” as a healthy expression of sensuality, insecurity camouflaging as body armor, or neither... or both? It is both. It always depends on the person. Finding the balance between expressing one’s confidence through their body, and hiding insecurity is a very fine line. All trainers know this, and even if others might express that you have a “hot body,” it may be a very hard thing for you to accept about yourself on the inside. We are always our own worse critic. What is the gay/straight ratio of your client base, and how do their approaches to fitness differ, if at all? My ratio for clients presently is 90% gay and 10% straight. But that doesn’t mean I don’t have love for my straight peeps. After all, they create more gay people. It’s never actually crossed my mind in how their approaches to fitness differ based on sexuality. I look more at the individual, and everyone is different in their approach. What is your favorite body part on a man and woman? My favorite body part on a man, is legs... On a woman, a tight waist. Yum to both! What is your favorite body parton you? I think my favorite body part on myself is my chest. It was the body part that I was teased the most about when I was a kid, due to kids making fun of seeing my ribcage when I was shirtless. I worked the hardest on it. What do you see as essential elements to everyone’s nutrition regimen? Protein, fiber, carbohydrates, fat. All are necessary in moderation. What is your favorite junk food? Maple Bacon Kettle Chips... Hate to say it, but I gotta be honest. Nom Nom Nom! t Find out more about Race’s training programs at (415) 413-3686 or visit www.getsfsquared.com

March 13-19, 2014 • BAY AREA REPORTER • 9

Dreamweavers by John F. Karr

Nob Hill Theatre

ntroducing himself at the top of his scene, the porn star locks his sexy blue eyes on ours and declares, “Of course I can fuck. I’m Christian Wilde.” That’s the attitude that permeates the Naked Sword feature directed by the fine mr. Pam, Dream Time, a movie that delivers pungent action within a cushioned ride. Don’t let the title give you the idea that the movie’s a bower of romance. Some top flight stars are all dressed up in runway couture (credit the fine taste of Wardrobe Stylist Kenshi). If you like Topher Dimaggio’s sleek, slick look, you’ll eat up how it’s been applied to the rest of the cast—each and every one, impeccably groomed, glamorously lit, fabulously dressed. And, for the fashion-phobic, quickly undressed. After each performer gives a two-sentence hello, it’s all sex. Although the scenes take place in a local Victorian apartment, the action’s set apart from the real world by a warm, white wash of lighting. We’re wrapped in dreamy luminescence, somewhere lightweight and out of this world, in which some distinctly wide awake action is played out. Scenes start out intimate and smoochy, and bloom into fuck overdrive. Colby Keller, now in his tenth year of porndom, and streaming steamily along, gives a wow of a performance. He’s paired in a flip fuck with Tommy Defendi, who has come a long way in his five-year career, from playing str8 top man to homo-happy bottom. It’s telling to me that Defendi, when asked about his sexiest feature, refers several times to his cock, while Keller names, “The combination of a smile and a dirty mind.” Defendi almost keeps up with the blazing Keller in a tit-for-tat engagement. If I’m slightly dazed by Keller’s stunning physique as he’s stretched

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Don’t worry—in Dream Time, Tate Ryder and Topher Dimaggio quickly shed their glam couture for glam sex.

out, riding Defendi’s cock, or, especially, by the penetrating gaze he yearns toward Defendi while he’s fucking the dude, well, that’s why he’s got mystique, while Tommy’s only got a big dick. But in an admission that the onetime piece of trade wouldn’t have ever made, Defendi’s told us at the top of the scene, “I like to cum with a dick in my ass.” He fucks Keller good, but Keller fucks back even better. And if happiness can be measured by the amount and the velocity of cum that the dick in his ass makes him squirt, then he’s a happy man, indeed. It’s a pity Defendi (and by extension, me) doesn’t get to gulp Keller’s cum. Right after world peace, that’s the only thing I want. Next up is Topher Dimaggio, topping the now retired Tate Ryder. I love the security of Topher’s selflove, when he tells us, “I would definitely fuck myself. I prefer to be in front of a mirror when I jack off.” He showcases his beauty, first by rubbing the big bulge in his briefs all over the corresponding bulge in Tate’s, and then by pouring a beautiful fuck all over him. Just

NakedSword

Duncan Black smiles during Dream Time because Christian Wilde’s slidin’ it in.

Angel Rock rocks it in hot pants, alongside Conner Habib, in this behind the scenes screengrab from The Mix.

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In Dream Time, Colby Keller and Tommy Defendi get steamy while wrapped in luminescence.

watch Tate riding Topher’s cock, with Dimaggio pumping heatedly from below while reaching around to furiously jack Tate. Then we get Christian Wilde and Duncan Black, a young man whose fresh enthusiasm and enjoyment are so infectious. Says Duncan, “I’m Duncan Black, and I love to get fucked.” And says Christian, ‘What I like about Duncan is that every time you stick your dick in his ass, a huge smile comes on his face.” The kid’s got a lot to smile about in this scene. Wilde’s slow insertion will have you pushing back in your seat. And the scene’s capped not by the three little words most people long to hear, “I love you,” but by the more transcendent six, “Open your pretty mouth for me.” That’s right, Duncan gets the goo, and Wilde gets yet another smile. Foreskin frolics highlight the final scene, which pairs red-haired Connor Maguire (who claims, “I’m the only uncut ginger in porn today”), with similarly uncut, and dark-haired Tyler Alexander. I want to write about another movie by mr. Pam, The Mix, if only to justify running show a photo of Angel Rock in dynamite hot pants. The summer movie, filmed in Guerneville, has pleasant scenes in a hot tub, in the woods, on the porch of an old cabin. But despite a handful of stars (and the questionable presence of Blue Bailey, most noted for his appearance in bareback movies), the sex didn’t strike me as anything out of the usual. And Pam has freighted the movie with an excess of script. She wanted to celebrate the advent of gay marriage—an entirely commendable idea for a sexo, ripe with potential— but she’s surrounded the clean-living lovers with the unsound plotting of ostensible friends who secretly drug each other, in two dialogue sequences that are each nine friggin’ minutes long. I’m sitting there, dick in hand, while some dubious activities masquerade at unending length as domestic comedy. Noel Coward’s Hay Fever, it ain’t.t www.NakedSword.com

Photo Credit: Bobby DeCanio

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10 • BAY AREA REPORTER • March 13-19, 2014

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March 13-19, 2014 • BAY AREA REPORTER • 11

Shooting Stars photos by Steven Underhill D

’Arcy Drollinger’s “whitesploitation” drag satire musical Shit & Champagne continues to kick up the laughs. With rollicking music and dance numbers, low-brow yet LOL comedy schtick, and a fun pre- and post-show atmosphere, the evening is topped off by Matthew Martin as a dastardly camp villain, and a deft supporting cast. It’s the shit! $20$25. Fri & Sat, 8pm. Now thru March. 1772 Market St. at Octavia. shitandchampagne.eventbrite.com See more event photo albums on BARtab’s Facebook page, www.facebook.com/lgbtsf.nightlife and on www.StevenUnderhill.com

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THE SCATHING NEW BOOK UNAUTHORIZED FAKE AUTOBIOGRAPHY GETS FAKE  PRAISE FROM HEAVEN, EARTH AND HELL

-Legendary Blonde Bombshell Marilyn Text-Coos: “LMFAO but silly Miss Crawford is ever so wrong: Mr. President preferred ME NOT her.” -Dead Popes Wail: “Crawford is Lucifer! Vatican City does NOT worship Hollywood’s Holy Trinity of Lying, Sex and Money.”* *Exclusions may apply; see legal disclaimer.

-A Hollywood Twit Tweets: “WRONG. Reality celebs are just as good as movie stars and tribal tattoos are NOT sorry substitutes for real muscle!” -Gangsta Rapper Beats: “Damn, girl, Joan on time! Movie Queen raps and ho can rhyme!” -New York Times Park Avenue Socialite Snipes: “A backless evening gown is appropriate in one’s 60s I don’t care what SHE says about it.”

Cover Design: Dan Santiago

ON TV See the author on Ten Percent Comcast March 17 - 23

Hollywood Royalty Joan Crawford rants from Movie Star Heaven and a Florida trailer park in this pop culture parody, launching her perfect opinion across the realms of her inﬁnite genius on diverse topics including reality celebrity, social media, gay marriage, Vatican-Sex Law and rap music. Joan ﬁnally gets the last word on everything.

-Famous Psychiatrist from Europe:

Photographer: Shawn K. Welch

Author JS Hamilton updates the classic boring smug-pensive author photo to the equally vacant (and more-Tweetable) book-spokesmodel swimsuit pose.

“...big movie star expertly deconstructs American celebrity but her ‘scientiﬁc’ justiﬁcations for her own bad behavior are bullsh*t.”

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