Marin LGBTQ center welcomes new ED

by John Ferrannini

The Spahr Center – Marin County’s LGBTQ community center and HIV care and prevention hub – has a new executive director who started at the beginning of this month.

Joe Tuohy, a 57-year-old gay man, of San Francisco, comes to the role from the San Francisco LGBT Community Center, where he worked as senior director of operations. His longest stint recently was at PRC for about seven years, where he was both chief strategy officer and chief operating officer.

“I was at the SF LGBT center for six months, where I received a solid grounding in services to the LGBTQ+ community and the operations of an LGBTQ+ community center, in addition to my more than seven years of experience working with HIV community service provider PRC,” Tuohy stated to the Bay Area Reporter May 11. “The Spahr Center’s amazing programs serve youth, families, adults and seniors … the entire spectrum of the community.

“Also, in this political moment, the opportunity to take a leadership role in fighting hate, especially against the trans community,” he added, referring to the numerous anti-LGBTQ and anti-trans bills and laws being debated and passed in many states.

Tuohy stated he plans “to advocate on behalf of the Spahr Center

Obituaries >>

Lee Terry Chandler

October 9, 1956 – April 16, 2023

Our friend, Lee, passed away on April 16 after an extended illness. A native of Kentucky, Lee captivated all who came into his orbit with his southern charm and wit. After a stint with Indiana Bell, Lee transferred to San Francisco in 1980 and quickly established a wild menagerie of friends, lovers, and others. He loved TCM, Patsy Cline, fried pickles, and his longtime canine companion, Mooney Loretta. During his illness, his partner, Matt, was a constant by his side. So here’s to you, Lee. Let’s hope we can all blow bubbles together someday.

Memorial set for David Hurles

A celebration of life for gay pornographer David Hurles will be held Saturday, June 3, at the Bob Mizer Foundation’s headquarters in downtown San Francisco.

As the Bay Area Reporter previously reported, for trans-affirming legislation and policy, more trans-focused funding sources, and to continue providing and creating programs that give the transgender community of Marin the support they need to thrive.”

Mr. Hurles died April 12 at a nursing home in Los Angeles. He was 78.

Mr. Hurles was best known for using drifters, hustlers, criminals, and addicts as models, creating still unique photos, videos, and audio tapes, the Mizer foundation stated in a news release. He founded his Old Reliable media company in the 1970s in San Francisco.

The memorial will include remarks by Dian Hanson, a writer-editor and longtime friend of Mr. Hurles. Hanson will read excerpts from her profile of Mr. Hurles for the Mizer foundation’s upcoming volume of “Physique Pictorial.” Drummer magazine founder Jack Fritscher and sex-positive feminist Susie Bright will also attend and share their memories of Mr. Hurles.

The memorial, which will take place within the foundation gallery’s first Bob Mizer show, will start at 6 p.m. at 920 Larkin Street. Attendees are asked to RSVP at info@bobmizer.org to be added to the list.

He also wants to “make space for the transgender community to be leaders.”

“This means allowing transgender people to shine in the spotlight while I support them however they need me,” he continued. He will be

“actively seeking opportunities to learn, such as professional development, workshops, transgender-led panels and forums, and literature written by transgender people, as well as being mindful in my everyday life about how my words and actions affect the greater community,” he said.

When asked why he was only at the San Francisco LGBT center for six months, Tuohy responded that “the opportunity with the Spahr Center presented itself and it was something I couldn’t pass up.”

Dani Siragusa, the director of development and communications at San Francisco LGBT center, thanked Tuohy in a statement to the B.A.R.

“We sincerely thank Joe for all his contributions to the SF LGBT center during his tenure and wish him all the best in his new endeavor,” Siragusa stated.

Started in arts fields

Born and raised in the Bay Area, Tuohy began his career with the San Francisco Ballet, where he was director of the Bay Area Dance Series. He spent a decade in New York, working with the School of Visual Arts and Second Stage Theatre.

From 2005 to 2009, he was trea- surer of the board of directors of Visual AIDS, a New York City-based arts organization that “utilizes art to fight AIDS by provoking dialogue, supporting HIV+ artists, and preserving a legacy,” according to its website.

From January 2015 to December 2017, Tuohy was development chair of the Castro County Club’s board of directors.

Billy Lemon, the executive director of the Castro Country Club, a sober space in the LGBTQ neighborhood, told the B.A.R., “I wish Joe all the best in his new role. He was helpful to the development of the Castro Country Club.”

When asked how Tuohy was supportive, Lemon stated, “Joe was helpful in developing strategies for reaching new kinds of funding and support that are still being utilized by the CCC today.”

Chuan Teng, CEO of PRC, congratulated Tuohy and thanked him for his service in a statement to the B.A.R.

“Congratulations to Joe Tuohy for becoming the new executive director for the Spahr Center. He has dedicated many years of service to the health and human services sector, impacting the lives of many people who have benefited from behavioral and mental health services. I wish him the best!”

PRC experienced its own fiscal issues last year, when longtime CEO Brett Andrews resigned. That followed 11th hour requests to the San Francisco Board of Supervisors for emergency funding; the board approved $1.25 million though the agency had asked for $3.2 million, as the B.A.R. reported.

Tuohy left the organization in June 2021, before Andrews resigned during the shakeup.

Amy Schroeder, the president of the Spahr Center’s board of directors, stated to the B.A.R. that the center, which is in Corte Madera, 15 miles north of San Francisco, is happy to have Tuohy.

“We are excited to welcome Joe into our organization and our community,” Schroeder stated. “We know that Joe’s experience, passion, and vision will ensure that the Spahr Center reaches the goals outlined in our Strategic Plan: securing a comprehensive safety net for all LGBTQ+ and HIV-affected individuals, increasing community connection, and showing up for racial justice within Marin County.”

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