From April 22–May 11, 2023, the San Francisco Museum of Modern Art (SFMOMA) will present Sadie Barnette: The New Eagle Creek Saloon, an installation and performance series that reimagines San Francisco’s first Black-owned gay bar, opened by the artist’s father, Rodney Barnette, in 1990. Originally located at 1884 Market Street, The New Eagle Creek Saloon served as a safe gathering space for the multiracial queer community marginalized by the city’s queer nightlife scene at the time. San Francisco Bay Times lead photographer Rink recalls visiting the Saloon during its heyday. He shared that it was a regular gathering place for The National Association of Black and White Men Together, which was founded by Michael Smith, a white man whose former Black partners included Glenn Burke (1952–1995). Burke was the first Major League Baseball player to come out publicly, doing so after his retirement from the sport in 1982.
Rink shared: “The New Eagle Creek Saloon was their favorite bar, because the staff was welcoming, unlike many bars then ... They protested at the Badlands bar because of its triple carding of Black customers in the Castro.” Badlands opened in 1975 and permanently closed in July 2020. While The New Eagle Creek Saloon had an even shorter existence—it closed in 1993—its impact lingers. As the new SFMOMA installation reveals, the bar created opportunities for connection, supported activist groups, honored Black heroes, and participated in vigils for those lost to AIDS. Sadie Barnette’s installation acts as a site of celebration and resistance, embodied by the slogan, “A friendly place, with a funky bass, for every race.”
While on view, the installation will be brought to life with performances, storytelling, and open happy hours for dancing and enjoying a drink. Viewers are encouraged to interact with the immersive artwork, take a seat at the bar, and flip through archival materials that offer connections to reawakened histories. As the artist describes: “Glowing somewhere between a monument and an altar, the glittering bar structure is not only a place but is at once an invocation and an invitation ... to call the names of those lost and to see one another as we are in the glow of our own small moments of freedom.”
https://tinyurl.com/47pdktwt
Rodney Barnette made history in 1990 when he became the first Black individual to own a gay bar in San Francisco: The New Eagle Creek Saloon. As the founder of the Compton, CA, chapter of the Black Panther Party and as an out gay man, Barnette desired to create a safe space for the Bay Area’s multiracial queer community who were marginalized in other social spaces throughout the city.
A new exhibit at the San Francisco Museum of Modern Art (SFMOMA), Sadie Barnette’s The New Eagle Creek Saloon, on display from April 22–May 11, 2023, reimagines the groundbreaking establishment. Sadie, Barnette’s daughter, based in Oakland, not only reminds us of The New Eagle Creek Saloon’s historical and ongoing importance, but also evidences her own skills as an artist exploring Black life, personal histories, and sociopolitical issues.
The San Francisco Bay Times recently learned more about The New Eagle Creek Saloon and the related exhibit from Sadie, Tomoko Kanamitsu, Marin Sarvé-Tarr, and Jenny Gheith. Kanamitsu is the Barbara and Stephan Vermut Director of Public Engagement at SFMOMA. Sarvé-Tarr and Gheith are both assistant curators of painting and sculpture at the museum.
San Francisco Bay Times; It is remarkable to consider that The New Eagle Creek Saloon was the first Black-owned bar for the gay community in San Francisco. Did Rodney Barnette own any other establishments previously or at the time?
Sadie Barnette: He had never owned a bar before. He worked as a bartender for 6 months to learn the business before taking over as owner.
San Francisco Bay Times: We loved hearing, from those who were there, what opening night was like at The New Eagle Creek Saloon. Apparently, music from Prince and Grace Jones were on the playlist. Does the SFMOMA exhibit capture some of this authentic vibe, or is it more reflective of current music and times?
Tomoko Kanamitsu: The SFMOMA presentation both pays homage to and expands upon the original New Eagle Creek Saloon. The opening public program, “A Friendly Place: The History of The New Eagle Creek Saloon,” will feature Rodney Barnette and Sadie Barnette, as well as former patrons of the bar such as Stephen Dorsey. The DJ from the original bar, BLACK, will be the guest DJ for the evening and they will discuss the history and legacy of the bar itself.
As for the installation, while not much remains of the original bar, the mirrors installed on the back wall are from the original location and many elements of the bar are scattered throughout. A zine featuring ephemera from the bar and clippings from the Bay Area Reporter newspaper, and photographs of patrons past and of Rodney Barnette with family will be available for visitors to flip through. Further public programming and the bar itself will be activated with
dance parties, music, performances, and film, and, of course, drinks. [All will] create a space to create intergenerational connections, to mourn, and also celebrate with and for queer communities of color, past and present.
San Francisco Bay Times: The Bay Times, founded in the 1970s, also mentioned The New Eagle Creek Saloon in its pages back in the day. Some of our present team, including our lead photographer Rink, remember their visits to the Saloon. Even those who were not present can see that the SFMOMA installation created by Sadie Barnette is incredibly dynamic. Is there any other artistic work like it that you can think of, where visitors can experience some sense of an actual past venue but within a sort of fantasy framework created by the artist?
Tomoko Kanamitsu: [Two that come to mind are] Rirkrit Tiravanija, Apartment 21 (Tomorrow Can Shut Up and Go Away), 2002 ( https://tinyurl.com/2w6pj7py ) and Wu Tsang, WILDNESS , 2012, at SFMOMA.
San Francisco Bay Times: Please share your own thoughts about The New Eagle Creek Saloon installation. What do you think is most unique about it? What resonates the most with you?
Tomoko Kanamitsu: This installation is unique because it functions as an operating bar, requiring a liquor license and other logistical details. It’s also not only about the objects and ephemera but the public programs curated by Sadie Barnette in collaboration with the museum that activate the bar and bring it to life. It will also be a transformational experience for visitors, to walk into a
gallery in the middle of the day that is an artwork, bar and nightclub, where time has shifted, to dance, chat, meet friends and strangers, and reflect on the legacies and futures of queer multiracial spaces in the neon pink glow of Barnette’s installation. Also, there are five unique public programs and happy hours for enjoying a drink; we hope visitors will return more than once to experience this unique artwork.
Marin Sarvé-Tarr and Jenny Gheith: Like much of Barnette’s work, this installation and performance series mines the artist’s family history to reanimate the past. She brings photographs and moments from the past to the present by inserting her own visual language of images, text, and sparkly glitter. What is so special about hosting her New Eagle Creek Saloon
at SFMOMA is the ways it brings her father’s story and this important local San Francisco history to life in a new way each time the installation is activated.
San Francisco Bay Times: Sadie Barnette has said that all art is political, whether intentional or not. What do you think is the political meaning of the installation?
Tomoko Kanamitsu: While I can’t speak for Sadie, in the past fifteen years many iconic queer bars have closed in San Francisco including The Stud, Virgil’s Sea Room, Beatbox, Marlena’s, Kok, the Deco Lounge, the Gangway, the Old Crow, and the Lexington Club. The pandemic exacerbated the closures. While there are some glimmers of a resurgence—such as the recently opened Mother Bar at the former Esta Noche—the installation connects to the city’s legacy of community spaces for queer people of color and creates resonances between the AIDS and COVID-19 pandemics, which disproportionally affect people of color.
Marin Sarvé-Tarr and Jenny Gheith: Barnette’s work so often draws from moments where personal histories and everyday lived moments like birthday parties and family celebrations overlap with broader social
histories. By weaving together these narratives, her work celebrates little known shared acts of celebration and resistance that are drivers behind political moments.
San Francisco Bay Times: Is it known why The New Eagle Creek Saloon had to close after just three years?
Sadie Barnette: The overhead was very high, and when a financial recession hit, it was no longer feasible to keep it going.
San Francisco Bay Times: For us there is a bittersweet aspect to the exhibit, given that there aren’t many Black owned establishments for today’s LGBTQ+ community in San Francisco. Do you think that a place like The New Eagle Creek Saloon could succeed now, or was it such a phenomenon of its particular place and time?
Tomoko Kanamitsu: I think it’s important for there to be spaces like The New Eagle Creek Saloon today and into the future. The current economic environment for food and beverage businesses in the San Francisco Bay Area is incredibly challenging, of course. One of the installation’s main collaborators is the Oakland bottle shop, Alkali Rye, which prioritizes products made by BIPOC,
women, and queer people, and produced by sustainable methods. It is hosting all the museum’s happy hours and public programs. In the best possible scenario, people—especially, but not limited to, young people—visiting the installation will be inspired to become artists and entrepreneurs that can imagine more Black-owned spaces and businesses.
San Francisco Bay Times: We are curious what Rodney Burnette thinks of the exhibit.
Sadie Barnette: He is thrilled that I am telling the story of The New Eagle Creek Saloon and that he gets to be an active part of telling the tales and history. Many folks who used to frequent his bar have been able to participate in my project and they are all eager to talk about what the bar meant to them, and to make sure the name is not lost to history. He always wanted to have some kind of reunion but never imagined it would be an art exhibition that traveled the country.
As Sadie indicates, see the exhibit before it moves on! The related special interactive events—weaving libations with music, dance, and more—will likely have visitors coming again and again, just as they did in the early 1990s at The New Eagle Creek Saloon on Market Street.
https://tinyurl.com/47pdktwt
‘Let’s Continue to Have Our Joy’
Saturday, April 8, dawned clear and bright, as people started gathering across the street from San Francisco City Hall for DRAG UP! FIGHT BACK! They came in sequins and feathers, in gowns and jeans, in fantastical get-ups and in t-shirts, in full performance makeup or simply as themselves. Drag artists, transgender, non-binary, gender-nonconforming, cisgender allies, and people from every part of the spectrum showed up to stand together and be counted, to proudly proclaim their joy, and to show solidarity with their counterparts across the country who are under attack by lawmakers who are working overtime to harass, attack, and eradicate drag and trans folks from public life. As the crowd prepared to march, one of the organizers, activist Alex U. Inn, reminded the crowd not to let the haters stifle their true selves. “We are joyful! It is not about hatred. Let’s continue to have our joy.”
The march was a rousing success. Well over a thousand people joined in the march from City Hall to Union Square in a powerful but peaceful demonstration of community, solidarity, power, and love. At Union Square, a solid lineup of performers and speakers were united in their message that this community isn’t about to sit back and let the haters define them. They are going to continue to fight for their rights, and we all need to stay engaged and active in the fight against injustice, intolerance, ignorance, and hate. The organizers hope that this event will inspire similar events in cities across the country.
The crowd was also inspired by the memory of beloved drag queen and activist Heklina, whose sudden death in London just days before had stunned friends and fans throughout San Francisco and around the world. Heklina’s presence was felt everywhere throughout the day, as marchers carried signs with huge photos of her, and every speaker and performer paid tribute to her, saying that this march, this coming together of the community, was something Heklina would have absolutely loved.
Life can change in a moment: accidents, illness, death, disaster can change everything. When these major life changes happen to someone, too often their friends and family are left scrambling to find important information, documents, and contacts that are crucial to their care. The big lesson is: be prepared.
I’m not qualified to dispense legal advice, so I’ll leave the heavy lifting to the professionals. There are a number of online guides and classes that can walk you through the planning process, including important documents like living wills, durable power of attorney, power of attorney for healthcare, advanced health care directive, and funeral planning. Here is one specific to the concerns of LGBTQ+ people: https://tinyurl.com/36m9sy56
Even if you think you don’t have enough assets to make a will, it is well worth getting your ducks in order to make it easier for people to help you in case you become incapacitated, especially if you live alone. When an elderly friend recently had a major health crisis, we quickly learned what information might have been helpful, including:
• knowing how to reach their landlord, and making sure their landlord had a list of names and numbers to contact who would be authorized to enter their apartment; having an extra set of keys to their home;
• having a list of next of kin and how to reach them, and others who needed to be contacted;
• being provided with contact information for financial advisors, tax preparers, insurance brokers;
• possessing contact information for primary medical team members;
• and having log-ins and passwords for phone, bank, and other critical accounts.
Making sure there is at least one trusted person who has all this information, and who knows your wishes, can be essential, and save valuable time and frustration. You should also make sure there is legal proof of your permission to have them speak and act on your behalf. It’s something no one wants to think about—if you’re healthy now, it’s easy to think that death is far away, and you can get to all this next week/month/year. But all it takes is a fall, a stroke, a heart attack, a fire, an accident, to change your life from fully-functional to fully-dependent in an instant. Do yourself and your loved ones a favor by getting your plans in order now, and reviewing them once a year for updates.
A New Landmark:
Emperor Norton Place San Francisco has honored a number of artists, writers, and other historic figures by naming streets, parks, and other landmarks after them. Now the city has pledged to honor one of its most beloved denizens: the late great Emperor Norton.
Emperor Norton, but also in character. (Amster’s husband Rick Shelton also leads tours in the persona of colorful 19th century entertainer Lola Montez, and the two are frequently seen at events around the city in costume and in character.)
In February, Amster happened to run into Supervisor Aaron Peskin, and, knowing that Emperor Norton’s longtime residence on the 600 block of Commercial Street was in Peskin’s district, proposed honoring Norton by naming that block after him. Peskin loved the idea, and, in a miraculous feat of something getting through City Hall bureaucracy in record time, the Board of Supervisors approved the name change on April 12.
In his presentation to the Board of Supervisors, Amster explained why it was fitting that the city honor Norton’s memory: “Why Emperor Norton? Because his legacy encompasses the values that make San Francisco so great: inclusion, acceptance, justice for the downtrodden, and reinvention. These are values that are in our city’s DNA, especially reinvention. There is a good reason why the Phoenix is the symbol of our city, not just because we have risen from the ashes many times, but because this is a place where one can go to reinvent themselves and be accepted, even celebrated.”
Now for a bit of unrelated, but tangential history: Emperor Norton’s legacy has also been kept alive thanks to another beloved San Francisco institution. The legendary gay activist José Sarria, who proclaimed himself to be “the Widow Norton,” founded the Imperial Council of San Francisco. Each year, on the morning after crowning the new Empress and Emperor, members of the Council pay tribute to Sarria and Emperor Norton by trekking to Colma to visit their graves, which are in close proximity. And since 1972, when Gil Hernandez, aka Mr. Marcus, was crowned the first “Emperor After Norton,” each Emperor has been known by their title, followed by the initials “A.N.” —After Norton.
Bottom line: We all need to continue speaking out on behalf of the drag and transgender communities, who are under unprecedented attack from state and local lawmakers around the country. As of this writing the ACLU is tracking 452 anti-LGBTQ+ bills in the U.S.—and the number goes up almost every day. DRAG UP! FIGHT BACK! was a great start, but we have much more work to do. Be there for our drag and trans neighbors. Gift them love, respect, and support. And supporting the ACLU’s Drag Defense Fund is another good way to help:
https://tinyurl.com/ACLUdrag
While 19th century businessman Joshua Abraham Norton is best known today as an eccentric and colorful personality who dubbed himself “Norton I, Emperor of the United States and Protector of Mexico,” he endeared himself to San Franciscans of his time not just for his colorful personality, but also for championing equality, advocating for minorities and immigrants, and supporting voting rights for women. When he died, the streets of San Francisco overflowed with 10,000 people lined up to pay homage to him.
The idea of naming a San Francisco street after Norton was proposed by Joseph Amster, a longtime tour guide who has made promoting Norton’s legacy a personal mission for many years. He leads popular local walking tours not only dressed as
It may take a few weeks for the new street signs to be installed, but Amster has promised a public unveiling complete with a festive party to celebrate the life and legacy of Emperor Norton. This is sure to be a don’t-miss, very SF event, so stay tuned here for details.
On April 14, the San Francisco Department on the Status of Women, in partnership with the African American Art and Culture Complex,
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The big news this week is the Department of Education’s announcement of transgender sports policies for public schools, a 116-page document that I decided not to read. Happily, there is a summary, as well as much commentary for our analysis, because, um, 116 pages? Really?
I hate it when people on both sides condemn something and observers note that whatever it is must be a good compromise because it pleases no one. “We must be doing something right!” No, not necessarily. You may have either screwed up every aspect of whatever it was, or done a half-baked job on it, or just muddled around. This time, the reactions reflect the fact that transgender sports is a difficult issue, and one with some complexity.
Unlike a case of “simple” transgender discrimination in the workplace, which I assume readers agree is always wrong, there is a reason for barring transwomen who have yet to finish a transition from playing on women’s teams. That’s why the NCAA required a year of hormone therapy—maybe two, I forget—before letting transwomen compete against cisgender athletes. That has been bumped up by swimming authorities, but we should agree that an adult transwoman with operational male hormones can’t join the women’s college track team.
There is also a powerful case to be made that preteen trans and cis kids should be able to play together in early grades because school sports are for health, fun, camaraderie, and whatever life lessons are passed along on the kickball field. They are not designed to teach that some kids don’t
belong, or that it’s crucial to come in first at the sixth-grade relay race.
The good part of Biden’s policy is that it makes clear that Title IX’s ban on sex discrimination in public education includes transgender athletes.
The blanket bans on participation that are coming out of red state legislatures are illegal, period. Schools are allowed to create their own limitations on girl’s and women’s sports, provided they avoid trans bias, allor-nothing rules, and unreasonable restrictions on grade school kids.
And there’s the rub. If you have the view that anything goes, those loopholes are too large. Looking at the big picture, however, a policy that forbids these strict bans is to be cheered.
In the middle comes concern by all GLBT allies that there’s still too much room for discrimination and abuse. Further, the policy seems to allow for intrusive tests to determine gender, although I’m not clear on this element.
All in all, I think Melanie Willingham-Jaggers, the executive director of GLSEN, the Gay, Lesbian and Straight Education Network, put it as well as anyone: “We commend the U.S. Department of Education for making clear that categorical trans school sports bans—like those enacted in many states—violate Title IX,” she told The Advocate. “The proposed rule also suggests that any eligibility criteria that limits participation consistent with gender identity cannot be based on junk science or bigotry and must serve a legitimate purpose. This should mean that no transgender, nonbinary, or intersex student is denied the opportunity to play school sports—but amid intensifying anti-transgender political attacks, we cannot count on good
By Ann Rostowactors. We will continue to work with the Department to ensure that a final rule supports the full inclusion of trans, nonbinary, and intersex students in all aspects of education, including sports.”
The Department of Education will conduct a 30-day period of public comment before formalizing these guidelines.
Past the Tipping Point
I was reading an article in The New York Times about how the religious right and conservative politicians deliberately began to target the transgender community once they lost the fight against same-sex couples and gay rights. In doing so, the various trans issues have tumbled and combined into what’s now a full-scale assault on every aspect of gender identity, starting with bathrooms and moving to sports, health care, drag shows, and school curricula. When North Carolina’s attempt to ban transgender men and women’s use of public lavatories triggered a massive national protest including corporations, sports teams, and the NCAA, we witnessed even more draconian pieces of legislation signed into law without any sign of organized pushback from American institutions.
What struck me was not the article itself, but the comments, which were full of self-identified liberals and Democrats announcing that the left has gone too far. Stuff like: “I hate the Republicans and all they stand for, but I agree with them in this area,” to make up a typical quote. The other common complaint from the left was that “we” (I suppose our community and our allies) were distracting everyone from more important issues as if we ourselves had
deliberately arranged to put trans rights in the political crosshairs.
Beyond that, there were a lot of references to sportswomen by Times readers who seemed to make no distinction between a debate over athletics and a law against health care or a ban on drag shows.
Lastly, I have the feeling that our community itself is fractured, a little.
It’s not like the days when gay organizations and activists frowned on fighting for trans rights and adding the T to our acronym, but there are echoes. You may remember during our useless efforts to pass the nonsensical Employment Nondiscrimination Act that many objected to making that proposal trans-inclusive, as if it had even the most remote chance of passage in any form. What people failed to recognize then was that our core battle was, and is, a fight to redefine gender roles. Gender is at the heart of being gay or bisexual. We defy long-standing social norms and roles through our very being and the transgender community is intrinsically part of our larger collective. We cannot lose sight of that fact.
Society itself has shifted many of its views on gender over the last fifty years. Women work. Men care for children. Children are born out of wedlock. Couples live together without getting married. And, of course, in the last two decades gays and lesbians have become far more accepted, along with our differences in gender styles and attractions. Society has digested all of this, but I think part of what we’re seeing is a straightforward backlash, a wave of intolerance and “enough is enough” that is washing over far more people than you’d think and that is driving the lawmakers throughout red America.
Lastly, the fact that surveys show Gen Z is far more gender fluid than earlier cohorts has given this conflict an element of real fear. I don’t think anyone was ever really afraid of people marrying their pets, or whatever slippery slopes were suggested during our fight for marriage. But you can be sure people are afraid of scores of kids changing gender, or having surgery in their pre-teens, or ladies’ rooms filled with men, or transwomen outracing the ciswomen at the Olympic trials, or confused toddlers asking about gender identity after a day at preschool. All of this is indeed somewhat possible, but no one will stop to ask how many people are involved (far less than one percent of Americans) or how many people are harmed by transgender Americans trying to live their lives (none, not even the toddlers who have been asking awkward questions since time began).
The only real harm is to our sense that nothing will ever change and the world will always remain exactly as it is.
And There’s More
I could write a short book about transgender news this week, but let me summarize some additional developments. The High Court refused to allow West Virginia to discriminate against trans athletes while the state defends its anti-trans law in court, which is very good news. After West Virginia passed a sports ban in 2021, a 12-yearold trans girl sued and a lower court temporarily put a hold on the new law. Subsequently, that court released its hold, but the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fourth Circuit
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Spring cleaning isn’t just for your closets. Plus, with the gift of a tax deadline extension you have even more time to refresh other aspects of your financial wellness that may need some refreshing.
Like much of the know-it is-goodfor-us stuff we put off, this is important and if not done sooner will still be needed somewhere down the road.
(And yes, Dr. Evans (my dentist), I know that I’m overdue for a cleaning.) There won’t be the instant gratification of a tax refund, or even a sparkling smile, but consider how the money that you’ve worked so hard
for and stashed away is supposed to finance your dreams.
Investments that don’t align with your goals may not move you closer to them. Or they may slow your progress versus what you could achieve with the right portfolio mix. Isn’t getting what you really want in life worth an hour or so of your time to do a little portfolio tidying up?
If yes, then ask yourself these questions:
Am I on track?
Have your goals changed from the last time you reviewed your portfolio? Marriage, divorce, birth, and death—not to mention changing careers, moving, health issues, or any number of other factors—can have a profound impact on what you want or need your money to do.
Determine the purpose of each investment, be it retirement, vacations, household expenses, or a condo in the desert. Is what you own still relevant, still moving you toward your goals? Are you putting the right amounts in the right accounts?
Remember to also bear in mind your timeframe for achieving each dream. Look to see if your mix of assets is right for you today. Did you spend all of 2022 on pins and needles as the market vacillated? Confirm you have a diverse choice of investment vehicles, such as bonds that are positioned to perform well in bear markets and stocks that may soar when things turn bullish. You want to be prepared for when the market is up or down.
Is my investment strategy tax efficient?
Being tax smart can keep Uncle Sam from dipping deeper into your pocket. A combination of tax-advantaged investments (e.g., Roth and Traditional 401(k)s and IRAs), taxefficient investments (e.g., index mutual funds and ETFs), tax-exempt bonds (e.g., municipal and U.S. Savings bonds), and taxable accounts
The key is to ensure that the elderly individual’s wishes and preferences are taken into account, and that their care and support needs are met in a way that is compassionate, respectful, and dignified. By engaging in elder care planning, families can help to ensure that their loved ones receive the care and support they need to live out their later years with dignity and quality of life.
Why do I need to know about elder care, and what do I need to know about it?
Elder care planning refers to the process of preparing for the care and support needs of elderly individuals as they age, especially in their later years. The goal of elder care planning is to ensure that the individual receives appropriate care and support, which includes physical, emotional, and financial support.
Elder care planning typically involves discussions with family members, healthcare professionals, financial advisors, and legal professionals. It may include creating a care plan that addresses the individual’s healthcare needs, such as medical treatment and assistance with daily living activities. It may also involve planning for financial matters, such as long-term care insurance, estate planning, and managing retirement funds.
There are several reasons why it’s important to know about elder care, even if you’re not an elderly person yourself. The following are just some of the reasons.
• You may have elderly relatives, friends, or neighbors who need your support and care, and having knowledge about elder care, or knowing the resources available, can help you provide them with the assistance they need.
• You may need to plan for your own future care and support needs, and understanding elder care can help you prepare for this.
• As the population continues to age, elder care is becoming an increasingly important issue for society as a whole. Having knowledge about elder care can help you become a more informed citizen and advocate for policies and programs that support the elderly population, which will include yourself.
Some of the key things you may need to know about elder care include:
give you great flexibility in when you pay taxes and how much you pay. There are also strategies, such as taxloss harvesting that uses gains to offset losses, which can reduce your tax burden.
If you’re at that stage of life where you’re drawing down on your savings, set up a tax-savvy withdrawal strategy. This could mean depleting taxable accounts first, then tax-deferred accounts, and finally tax-free investments, such as Roth IRAs.
Do I have adequate protection?
No, this is not about condoms or PrEP. It’s about making sure unforeseen circumstances don’t ruin everything you’ve been working for.
If you still have many years left to work and couldn’t get by without your salary, disability insurance might be very important. Or maybe you’re financially independent and don’t need this coverage any more.
Has your family grown? You might need more (or some) life insurance, or if you’re older, you may not need any or as much coverage. That money may be better spent on a health or long-term care policy. Here again, it’s critical to consider your current goals and timeframes when reviewing your safeguards.
Tax and estate laws are always changing, as are your assets and the people you want to protect. Make sure your will, healthcare proxy, power of attorney, living trust, and other documents still reflect your wishes.
And by all means, update your beneficiaries for all official documents and investment accounts. I can’t tell you how many clients I’ve saved from leaving their retirement accounts, homes, and more to an ex they haven’t spoken to in years.
This spring, make a date with yourself to clean up your portfolio. Toss any investments that no longer suit your goals and find new ones that
are a better fit for who you are today and where you want to go tomorrow. If you find you have set aside enough from those closets and garages to donate charitably, well, that’s a bonus for all!
Or just hire a financial professional to do it all for you. Your future self will thank you.
Brio does not provide tax or legal advice, and nothing contained in these materials should be taken as such. The opinions expressed in this article are for general informational purposes only and are not intended to provide specific advice or recommendations for any individual or on any specific security. It is only intended to provide education about the financial industry. To determine which investments may be appropriate for you, consult your financial advisor prior to investing. Any past performance discussed during this program is no guarantee of future results. Any indices referenced for comparison are unmanaged and cannot be invested into directly. As always please remember investing involves risk and possible loss of principal capital; please seek advice from a licensed professional.
Brio Financial Group is a registered investment adviser. SEC Registration does not constitute an endorsement of Brio by the SEC nor does it indicate that Brio has attained a particular level of skill or ability. Advisory services are only offered to clients or prospective clients where Brio Financial Group and its representatives are properly licensed or exempt from licensure. No advice may be rendered by Brio Financial Group unless a client service agreement is in place.
Brandon Miller, CFP®, is a financial consultant at Brio Financial Group in San Francisco, specializing in helping LGBT individuals and families plan and achieve their financial goals.
• The different types of care available for the elderly, including inhome care, assisted living facilities, and nursing homes. We find that planning ahead provides clients with more options, protects more of their wealth, and offers more opportunities to stay home longer.
The costs associated with elder care, including healthcare costs, long-term care insurance, and other expenses. Planning ahead can significantly reduce the loss of assets, especially if you used asset protection trusts or well-thoughtout planning strategies.
• The legal and financial aspects, risks, and opportunities of elder care, such as estate planning, guardianship, and power of attorney.
How to communicate effectively with elderly individuals, including those with physical or cognitive impairments.
• How to recognize signs of abuse or neglect in elderly individuals and how to report such incidents.
Overall, understanding elder care can help you better support the elderly individuals in your life, plan for your own future, and advocate for policies and programs that benefit the elderly population.
What documents are needed for elder care?
The specific documents needed for elder care may vary depending on the individual’s situation, but here are some common documents that may be required:
medical records - These documents may include information about the individual’s medical history, medications, allergies, and any chronic health conditions. They may also include information about recent hospitalizations, surgeries, or treatments.
advance directives and power of attorney - These documents include a living will, a financial power of attorney, and a healthcare power of attorney, which allows the individual to express their wishes legally regarding medical treatment and appoint trusted individuals to make healthcare and financial decisions on their behalf if they are unable to do so.
financial documents - These may include documents related to income, assets, and debts, such as tax returns, bank statements, investment account statements, and credit card statements.
insurance policies - These may include health insurance policies, long-term care insurance policies, and life insurance policies.
estate planning legal documentsThese may include a last will and testament and a revocable or asset protection trust.
personal identification documentsThese may include a driver’s license, passport, or other government-issued identification.
care plans - These documents outline the specific care needs of the individual and any assistance they require with daily living activities.
It’s important to work with an experienced estate and elder law attorney and a financial advisor who specializes in elder care planning to ensure that all necessary documents and planning are in place and that they are legally valid and up-to-date.
What is the most important thing about elder care?
The most important thing about elder care is ensuring that elderly individuals receive the care and support they need to maintain their physical, emotional, and social well-being. Elder care should be centered around the individual’s unique needs, preferences, and goals, and it should be provided in a way that promotes dignity, respect, and autonomy.
This may involve addressing a wide range of issues, such as healthcare needs, socialization, financial planning, housing, and legal matters.
Effective elder care should involve a team of professionals, including healthcare providers, caregivers, social workers, financial advisors, and legal experts, working together to ensure that the individual’s needs are met in a coordinated and comprehensive way.
Ultimately, the goal of elder care should be to enhance the quality of life for elderly individuals and to support them in living as independently and as comfortably as possible. By focusing on the needs and wishes of elderly individuals, we can ensure that they are able to age with dignity,
The GGBA’s ongoing Make Contact series is one of the most successful Bay Area LGBTQ networking events, and is now well into its fourth decade. The events provide an opportunity to meet likeminded small business owners, build your supplier diversity pipeline, and to build community.
The events often highlight a particular industry. Past Make Contacts, for example, have spotlighted real estate, hospitality, construction, financial services, HR/ERG/ health services, business services, marketing, and more.
Added features may include member roundtables, observation of important local events, and new member orientations.
Now that the events are held in person again, following the end of COVID-19 pandemic restrictions, they take place in particular host company sites. On April 11, for example, The Body Gods in Potrero Hill hosted the Make Contact. This trusted platform for health & fitness pros provided a warm and welcoming space to gather.
Annually, the GGBA hosts a Mega Make Contact. This year’s event, on May 9 from
GGBA officers, board members, and honorees along with special guest San Francisco Attorney General Brooke Jenkins and officers of the Hispanic Chamber of Commerce of San Francisco who co-hosted the Make Contact event held on Tuesday, March 14, at Arepas Latin Cuisine with sponsorship from Redwood Credit Union
6 pm–8 pm, will coincide with Small Business Week. Additional information will soon be announced about this event, but in the meantime, be sure to save the date. Whether you are looking to promote your business, connect with likeminded other professionals, meet new allies and members of the LGBTQ community, or to achieve other goals, the Mega Make Contact and all of the Make Contact events are always worthwhile.
For a listing of upcoming GGBA events, including those in the Make Contact series, see the calendar on this page as well as https://tinyurl.com/jju4ztwm
Misha Safran is a trilingual ICF (International Coaching Federation)
Professional Certified Coach, international speaker, and award-winning leadership trainer with a combined professional experience of more than 35 years. She is the founder of The Center for Empathy and Emotional Intelligence, LLC (CEEQ).
GGBA: We are intrigued to learn about your nonprofit, CEEQ. Please tell us about its mission, goals, and values.
Misha Safran: CEEQ supports organizations to develop sustainable inclusivity, cohesion, and play in the workplace centering empathy and emotional intelligence by providing leadership and development trainings, individual and team coaching, and motivational speaking. CEEQ’s work is centered on the foundation of Compassionate Communication, Principles for Inclusion, Diversity, Equity, Accessibility, and Belonging (IDEAB), as well as Assuming Positive Intent. CEEQ’s mission is to improve open dialogue between team members, regardless of hierarchy, a sense of belonging as a valuable contributor for each individual, and a deeper understanding of how empathy and emotional intelligence play a role in creating positive and joyful spaces in which to live and work.
As founder of CEEQ, I absolutely love working with leaders who strive for culture change in their workplace. In order for staff to feel autonomous, productive, and supported, they need leaders who are willing to be part of the change. Being part of the change means taking an active role in the process. This means that leaders must model the change they want to see. And in doing this, leaders create a culture of empathy and belonging instead of one based on blame and shame. I empower my clients to build the necessary skills for culture change by—but not limited to—developing sustainable and healthy relationships, integrating play into the workday, and navigating compassionate communication, thus reducing staff attrition, increasing job satisfaction, and increasing productivity.
GGBA: Who are some of your role models, and especially those who helped to influence CEEQ?
Misha Safran: There have been a lot of influences and people who have inspired me to build my business. As I am a lifelong learner, I believe that everyone who
Tuesday, April 25
GGBA April Board of Directors Meeting
Virtual via Zoom 5:30 pm–7:30 pm
Once a month, these fearless volunteers, aka the Board of Directors, come together as one unit to continue GGBA’s mission to serve the LGBTQ+ Small Business Community of the San Francisco Bay Area.
https://tinyurl.com/376ekkex
Thursday, April 27 A Second Opinion Matters: Another Look at the Employee Retention Tax Credit Virtual via Zoom
5 pm
Take advantage of this free webinar, presented by GGBA member and partner, Sequoia Lending, sponsored in partnership with PG&E. It could mean money in the bank for your business!
Many business owners have probably heard that they don’t qualify for the Employee Retention Tax Credit. That is not necessarily true. Learn how getting a second opinion at qualifying for the Employee Retention Tax Credit could put money back into your pocket. https://tinyurl.com/y66u7xdp
Tuesday, May 9 GGBA Mega Make Contact 6 pm–8 pm
has come into my life is a teacher from whom I can learn—whether it be learning to do something or learning not to do something. I definitely want to highlight my colleagues Priya Jindal and Nkanta Hines for pointing out my strengths in the areas of empathy and emotional intelligence when we were facilitating IDEA workshops together for the National Institute for Health (NIH). They both inspired me to create CEEQ.
My relationship with my partner, Jodi Lewis, has also been one from which inspiration arises often. We are really good at centering empathy and emotional intelligence, assuming positive intent, and creating safe space for each of us to share uncomfortable feelings. This not only provides more opportunity for a fabulous relationship but also demonstrates that I walk what I talk and I am very proud of this.
It is also important for me to recognize the perseverance and strength of those marginalized and underserved. I have learned through dialogue and observation the importance of sitting in the uncomfortable; and that we must acknowledge that, for many, this is not a choice because they live in the uncomfortable most minutes of their day.
As a result of personal experiences with medical institutions, law enforcement, and academic institutions, I have felt and witnessed the impact when empathy and emotional intelligence are lacking. Thus, I feel guided to bring clarity, understanding, and support to these institutions’ leaders. They are CEEQ’s ideal clients.
GGBA: Why did you decide to join the GGBA, and how long have you been a member?
Misha Safran: As a member of the LGBTQIA+ community, I was seeking a business community that valued and honored me as a human. I happened to notice that a colleague of mine had an email signature with NGLCC (National LGBT Chamber of Commerce). I had never heard of NGLCC and was delighted to learn that it was a large and impactful LGBT chamber of commerce. To then also discover that there were local chapters was delicious! So, my decision to join GGBA was to have a local community that would be excited about me and for whom I could be excited about as well. So far, it
has met all of my expectations, including helping me to become LGBTBE certified.
I have been a member since December 2022.
GGBA: Although that is less than a year, has being a member of the GGBA already helped your business?
Misha Safran: So far, I have had the opportunity to meet friendly and supportive people. I have especially enjoyed my interactions with staff. The GGBA also helped me obtain my LGBTBE certification and I was delighted to be recommended for this spotlight.
GGBA: Have you been to one or more of the GGBA monthly Make Contact networking events? If so, have they benefited you and your business, and would you recommend them to others?
Misha Safran: At this point I have only been able to attend one networking event where I was able to enjoy meeting people in person. It is not always easy to be boldly visible so I have to push myself to get out there and say hello, say who I am, and learn about other people and what they do. I also recently had a pretty major shoulder surgery, so with that in mind, I give myself grace. I highly recommend attending these events. I hope that I will be able to attend more as I maneuver my shoulder surgery recovery. To date, CEEQ has not yet felt a fiscal impact of being a GGBA member, but I am still very new and know that a large part of networking is truly on the business owner not on GGBA, so I also need to be more proactive. It is important to know that building a business can feel slow, but I have no doubt that being a member will help heighten my visibility and success. Consistency is key! Showing up is vital.
GGBA: What advice would you give to someone who is thinking of starting their own business?
Misha Safran: This is a tough question with potential for a lot of different answers.
Save the date! Details to be announced soon. https://tinyurl.com/2p8ypwwd
Thursday, May 18; Thursday, August 24; Thursday, November 9
Chase for Business Presents: LGBTQ+ Business Certification & Readiness Series
Please join Chase for Business’ free series in partnership with the Golden Gate Business Association. Together, we will deliver curated business readiness courses quarterly to help LGBTQ+ businesses grow and scale. They will be presented at different locations around the Bay Area. Register for one or two or all of them!
They will be hybrid events. Register for the Remote option of the session(s) you want to attend. You will be emailed the remote access link before the day of the course.
May 18 (San Francisco) The Power of Capital
August 24 (Palo Alto) Navigating Your Cashflow
November 9 (Oakland) Cyber Security https://tinyurl.com/yp8f7ecj
My advice will not work for everyone; and so rather than give advice I would like to give encouragement: If you know that this is something you want to do, are willing to do the work, and call upon others to be with you on this journey, then find ways to enjoy the process instead of letting it get you down. I love what I do and I am glad that I am where I am. However, I will not sugarcoat things by telling you that it was and is super easy. It takes time, commitment, and a willingness to ask for help. If you are passionate about starting your business and are willing to ask for the support you need, then go for it! And don’t forget to play along the way. Create your freedom calendar so you know that you have time for work and play!! I guess I just gave you advice, didn’t I? Ha!
GGBA: Is there anything else that you would like to share?
Misha Safran: Yes, please! I think it’s important to mention that building my business has also allowed me time to engage my creative side. In addition to what I love creating for my clients, I am also a singer and songwriter and now, a published author! That’s right! I just published a book and I want everyone to know about it because I’m so proud of myself. There will be another one coming out soon focused on leaders. This one is called A Teacher’s Companion: How to Center Empathy & Emotional Well-Being for Yourself and Your
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Eduardo Morales, Ph.D.
A challenge among Spanishspeaking nations in Latin America is that the language references all things in a binary gender form: masculine or feminine, since everything is expressed with reference to a binary gender. The history of indigenous populations in Latin America, however, reveals that the notion of a third gender or two-spirit individuals was once widespread, predating Spanish colonialism.
People who identified as having two spirits were given a place within the communities of indigenous people— and still are. In Zapotec cultures of Oaxaca in southern Mexico, for example, muxe refers to an individual who is assigned male at birth but who dresses and behaves in ways that are often associated with women. A population of muxes is celebrated in the Oaxacan town of Istmo de Tehuantepec, where they are an important part of the community. There and at certain other places, muxes work to prepare traditional fiestas; make costumes for baptisms,
communions, quiceañeras (15th birthday parties), and weddings; and craft church decorations. They also often dedicate themselves to creating art and handicrafts to sell at markets.
According to Marinella Miano Borruso, in an article entitled “Entre lo local y lo global. Los Muxes en el siglo XXI “ (“Between Local and Global: Muxes in the 21st Century”): “An important difference with urban Western sexual culture is that for Zapotecs, only sexual relationships between a muxe and a heterosexual male have meaning. A large presence of muxe can be found in the Mexican state of Oaxaca. Even though some locals still discriminate against muxes, and the muxe community as a whole has less opportunity to study and gain employment, the traditional indigenous division of three genders as a natural and traditional way of being has inspired the LGBT scene around the world. Relations between muxes or between a muxe and a gay man don’t make sense, in fact they are even inconceivable. No muxe would sleep with a man who considers himself gay.”
Muxes nevertheless are often fully involved in the struggle for LGBT rights. According to Ola Synowiec, a muxe from Juchitán named Amaranta Gómez Regalado was a local candidate in the elections for the Mexican Congress. Even though she didn’t get enough votes, she became famously known as the first transsexual candidate of Mexico. As of 2018, she was involved in politics, especially in campaigns against homophobia and for HIV/AIDS prevention.
Synowiec shared: “For the Mexican and international gay community, Juchitán has become a queer paradise and a symbol of tolerance. Even though some locals still discriminate against muxes, and the muxe community as a whole has less opportunity to study and gain employment, the traditional indigenous division of three genders as a natural and traditional way of being has inspired the LGBT scene around the world—and muxes are becoming aware of it.”
Mexico City was the first Latin American capital to legalize samesex marriage, and according to Mexico’s laws, recognition of marriages in one city or county in the country must be recognized nationwide. Although Mexico has this impressive history as well as the presence of muxe culture, the country sadly has one of the highest rates of crimes globally against the LGBT community, with an estimated 202 people being murdered due to homophobia between January 2014 and December 2016 alone.
According to a report prepared for the Office of Refugee Resettlement of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services by Heartland Alliance (2012), between 3.8% and 4.6% of refugee and asylum seekers are LGBT. The San Francisco Asylum Office estimates that 5% to 10% of claims filed in that office are based on sexual orientation or gender identity. The lack of uniformity of tolerance and acceptance of LGBT people in the U.S. makes detailed estimates very difficult. Many LGBT refugees and those seeking asylum often feel vulnerable even in our own
systems where U.S. processing representatives may assume LGBTs can return to their country, provided they relocate within their country, become discreet, and avoid being targets of violence.
As they apply for proper documentation, there are challenges in accessing public assistance, healthcare, housing, employment, and social support systems for their well-being and survival. According to the Heartland Alliance report in 2012, more than 90% of the acts of violence are directed toward gay males. Little is known about lesbians experiencing violence.
The dialogue about transgender issues is quite complex. It appears we have much to learn from the indigenous cultures in Latin America. How they incorporate the concept of a third gender as a social gender of two spirits is a valuable framework for us to consider when we contemplate the variety of gender expressions.
Eduardo Morales, Ph.D. is a Professor Emeritus, retired Distinguished Professor, and current adjunct professor at Alliant International University. He is also a licensed psychologist and a founder and current Executive Director of AGUILAS, an awardwinning program for Latinx LGBTQ+. Of Puerto Rican decent, he has received numerous distinguished awards and citations, including being named a Fellow of 12 divisions of the American Psychological Association.
Thousands of drag personalities, drag supporters, transgender community leaders, and allies joined for a large march and rally on Saturday, April 8, 2023. Presented by the People’s March, Oasis, Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence, the SF Democratic Party, and the Harvey Milk LGBTQ Democratic Club, the march began at San Francisco City Hall and continued to Union Square, where the loud and lively rally took place.
The demonstration was held in response to the growing opposition to drag and trans rights. As the organizers shared: “Our stories are being banned from public libraries, our trans kids and their parents are being criminalized, and any acknowledgment of our existence is being outlawed in classrooms.”
Speakers and key supporters included Landa Lakes, Sister Roma, Alex U. Inn, Juanita MORE!, Honey Mahogany, D’Arcy Drollinger, Misty Blue, Queen Mother Nicole the Great, Kochina Rude, Mudd the Two-Spirit, Marcel Pardo Ariza, Reigning Men, Oliver Branch, Jota Mercury, Tina V. Aguirre, Santana Tapia, Olga Talamante, Momma s Boyz, Joseph C. Rocha, Carolyn Wysinger, Joan Jett Blakk, Lotus Boy, Florida Man, Sophia Andary, Shane Zal-Diva, Drag Story Hour, Katya Smirnoff-Skyy, and the Transgender District.
Elected officials participating included State Senator Scott Wiener, Supervisors Rafael Mandelman and Matt Dorsey, and other civic leaders. A series of drag performances were included in addition to speeches and rallying cries. Encouraging “love not hate” was a prevailing theme in comments and imagery.
Tributes to drag icon Heklina, whose recent death moved the community, were prominent in signs carried by marchers. Heklina’s friend and business partner, D’Arcy Drollinger, reflected the icon’s characteristic image in fashion, makeup, and hair. Drollinger said, in part, “This is a time to sparkle brighter. Be louder. Be more fabulous. If you live your life a little more fabulous, you inspire other people to be more fabulous just by your existence. And if everyone’s a little more fabulous, there’s that much less room in their heart, in their minds, for hate and prejudice. So don’t stop sparkling.”
Sister Roma added, “Drag is not a crime. Trans rights are human rights.”
Video of the march and rally from Paul Sterling: https://tinyurl.com/4sfca3xc
John Lewis
When most Americans hear the word “Kawasaki,” they likely think of the renowned motorcycle company, with its famous advertising slogan: “Let the Good Times Roll.” But every year on the first Sunday in April in the Japanese city of Kawasaki, tens of thousands of people from Japan and around the world give new meaning to the phrase when they come together to celebrate the Shinto festival Kanamara Matsuri, also known as the “Festival of the Steel Phallus”— or simply the Penis Festival!
I was lucky to be able to attend this unabashed and uninhibited celebration of sexuality (in particular the male sex organ) a couple of weeks ago. It was delightful. Absolutely everyone was welcome, and people of all ages and from all walks of life came. Indeed, an announcer at the beginning of the event explicitly proclaimed over the loudspeaker that all genders were welcome at the festival. Steeped in tradition, yet thoroughly modern; both solemn and irreverent; and powerfully primal, while uproariously funny—the festival is devoted to celebrating and protecting all that is good and sacred in sexuality and to promoting health, safety, and wellbeing, all in an atmosphere of pure joy, free of shame.
The festival has ancient roots, which purportedly lie in the legend of a demon spirit who possessed a woman, hid inside her vagina, and then bit off her husband’s penis when he attempted to have sex with her. A clever blacksmith created an iron phallus to trick the demon. When the demon chomped down on it, its teeth cracked to pieces and it quickly fled, never to be seen again.
The ancient Kanayama Shinto Shrine, where the festival is based, enshrines a large iron phallus and multiple smaller ones, and is dedicated to fertility, ease in childbirth, harmonious marital relationships, and protection from sexually transmitted diseases. Sex workers have traditionally sought support and protection at the shrine. Today, proceeds from the festival are reported to go to HIV/AIDS research.
The main attraction of the festival is the parade, which began this year, as always, when an old Shinto priest, dressed in beautiful and colorful traditional regalia, reverentially stepped out from the shrine gate, followed by a few selected honorees apparently dressed as the demon and other char-
acters from the legend. The crowd then roared with excitement when three large mikoshi, or portable shrines containing phalluses, emerged one after the other from the shrine, carried on the shoulders of numerous devotees, who then paraded them through the streets of the surrounding neighborhoods.
Two of the mikoshi are traditional: the first is an erect iron phallus attached to a long, heavy wood board, and the second is an iron phallus standing in front of a thick portion of a pine tree trunk, housed in a traditionally decorated miniature Shinto shrine. The third and most flashy is known as “Elizabeth Mikoshi” and sports an enormous pink phallus. It is carried throughout the parade by dynamic drag queens. The indefatigable parade marchers enthusiastically wound through the streets for hours. They often chanted exuberantly, sometimes did dances with the phallic shrines, and at other times played teeter-totter with them. On some occasions, certain members of a shrine contingent would push down hard on the wood frame supporting the phallus, while their comrades below were tasked with ensuring it didn’t touch the ground. The act appeared to harness energy from within them as they then continued along the parade route in ecstatic exuberance. Their exhilaration was infectious.
A well-attended penis festival took place on the shrine grounds after the parade, with colorful phallic candles, bright pink penis headdresses, and other phallic-shaped paraphernalia for sale. Many devotees obtained ritual stamps with original calligraphy and phallic artwork in their goshuincho or stamp/seal books in which they record their pilgrimages to various shrines and temples across the country. Other attendees hung traditional ema or small wood plaques on which they wrote their prayers and wishes for smooth childbirth and healthy babies. The Japanese feminist artist Vert created a colorfully expressionist painting of a climaxing phallus. One of her works is part of the permanent collection of the shrine.
A striking element of the festival was its liberating matter-of-factness. Parents posed for selfies with their small chil-
dren licking phallic lollipops in front of large phallic statutes. No one batted an eye. Nor were there any protests or controversy surrounding the festival in refreshing contrast to what is going on in the U.S. in states like Florida and Tennessee, among others. It was all good clean fun. I left feeling renewed, refreshed, and full of joy. Indeed, Kawasaki let the good times roll!
John Lewis and Stuart Gaffney, together for over three decades, were plaintiffs in the California case for equal marriage rights decided by the California Supreme Court in 2008. Their leadership in the grassroots organization Marriage Equality USA contributed in 2015 to making same-sex marriage legal nationwide.
What a thrill to attend Opening Game of the SF Giants at Oracle Park on April 7 as the guest of our friend Michelle Jester! Not only did we marvel at this beautiful ballpark, the gorgeous view, and the accomplished team we call our own, but we had a chance to catch up, probably for the first time since the COVID pandemic hit. All our lives have been changed by this unexpected interruption, requiring some serious reflection, reevaluation of priorities, and thoughtful appreciation for those we count as friends. There were very few topics we did not cover while munching on comfort foods, downing wine and beer, and cheering on our SF Giants, surrounded by thousands of sports fans, San Francisco supporters, and just plain folks. The team may not have won the game, but we left with winning smiles in appreciation of our friendship.
Of course, every recent event was clouded by the tragic news of the death of Heklina. We shared our personal thoughts in the last issue, along with several evocative photos, but her impact on our community, the city, and places farther away will be felt for years to come. And so it was appropriate that the Drag Up! Fight Back! March & Rally on Saturday, April 8, scheduled in response to the hateful legislation being passed across the nation in various states, also served as a tribute to the iconic Heklina. We joined hundreds of demonstrators at City Hall, including organizers Alex U. Inn, Sister Roma, D’Arcy Drollinger, Honey Mahogany, and Juanita MORE! and State Senator Scott Wiener, Supervisors Rafael Mandelman and Matt Dorsey, senior statesman Tom Ammiano, and so many other leaders within the LGBTQ+ Community, for an old-fashioned, grassroots political action.
Hundreds more joined us as the march took off down Market Street to Union Square, where speeches, drag entertainment, and overflowing emotion centered on the tremendous strides we have made as a community and how fiercely we are now being bombarded by opposition. Never have we heard Queen Mother Nicole Murray-Ramirez speak with such authority, historic relevance, and wit; no wonder she spoke at each of the Marches on Washington and today heads up the largest and oldest LGBTQ+ organization on the continent, the International Court System. As we have written elsewhere, the current attack on drag and transgender individuals is nothing more than a cheap blow against the most easily identifiable and most vulnerable among us. We can’t let this ploy split us apart!
The following day, we turned en masse into a horde of celebrants at Easter in the Park with the Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence in Dolores Park. It was time to turn our attention away from our detractors and towards our own beautifully diverse San Francisco family, as the sun shone bright, the costumes spilled onto the lawn, and smiles and laughter were everywhere. Entertainment on stage, the Sainting of local heroes, and the Hunky Jesus and Foxy Mary contests kept the throng engaged. Whether you arrived early and stayed late or simply visited for an hour or two, you left invigorated and reaffirmed as the resilient community we have always been.
The following weekend was a whirlwind of events, starting with Latrice Royale’s Life Goes On at Bimbo’s in North Beach. Suzan Revah joined us for a night of perfectly timed moments and amazing connections. As our car pulled up, we glimpsed the star of the show lingering at the Stage Door with her partner and our friend Mahlae Balenciaga who was opening the show. Latrice and her partner Christopher Hamblin couldn’t have been more gracious and welcoming.
Once inside, we were immediately swept back to a bygone era in this richly decorated club that goes back three generations with thickly carpeted aisles, cabaret-style seating, ballroom lighting, and a large raised stage. The usher directed us to our section with open seating, and within seconds, Suzan located a festive foursome with two vacant seats. The house lights dimmed and Mahlae displayed her gorgeous figure, boundless energy, and considerable talents.
Then, she was joined by instrumentalists on piano (the aforementioned Christopher), bass, and percussion, and Latrice made her grand entrance. Not being a fiercely loyal fan of RuPaul’s Drag Race, we really didn’t know what to expect, but we were completely won over by the heart, passion, and indomitable attitude of Miss Royale! The show traced her life with personal stories, video clips, and thematic songs, both sung and skillfully lip-synced, as a parade of fabulous gowns dazzled the audience. She readily addressed the current drag attacks with candid, thoughtful remarks and demonstrated a learned confidence, born of adversity and determination. What a show!
Saturday started with Mark Rhoades’ screening of The Girl From 7th Avenue: Pat Cleveland and the Runway Revolution at the Museum of the African Diaspora. The film’s directors, Antonio Contreras and Genho Aviance, were on hand and local fashion designer Kevan Hall led an interview and Q&A with legendary model Pat Cleveland. For anyone with even a middling interest in fashion and/or knowledge of the historic Battle of Versailles fashion show, this was pure gold! Pat’s richly told stories of that event and her relationships with the likes of Karl Lagerfeld, Andy Warhol, Halston,
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Saturday, April 22
Imperial Investiture: An Enchanted Evening
Welcome Reigning Emperor Michael Anthony Chua & Empress Cameron Stiehl-Munro
Entertainment, recognition, new beginnings DNA Lounge, 375 11th Street
4–8 pm $35 & up www.imperialcouncilsf.org
Saturday, April 22
Crescendo
SF Gay Men’s Chorus annual gala
Honoring Nancy Pelosi, London Breed, Brian Boitano, Greg Sarris
Cocktail hour, dinner, entertainment, awards Four Seasons Hotel, 757 Market Street 5 pm $450 & up www.sfgmc.org
Friday, April 28
Divas & Drinks @ The Academy: Celebrating Frameline47 San Francisco Bay Times-produced event benefiting Frameline Emcee Donna Sachet, DJ Page Hodel, Bacardí specialty drinks, and much more The Academy SF, 2166 Market Street 6–10 pm $15 https://tinyurl.com/4sk6m4rs
Saturday, April 29
Show of Hope
SF Community Health Center’s annual gala
Honoring Nancy Pelosi & Cecilia Chung Cocktails, dinner, program Emcee Reggie Aqui, Headline performer Martha Wash Hyatt Regency SF, 5 Embarcadero Center $350 & up www.sfcommunityhealth.org
“Drag is armor, darling. No matter how you look at it. A good lace-front wig and the right contouring are as strong a bulletproof vest as I’ve ever needed.”
—Jeffery Self
and so many others kept the audience enthralled. Thank you, Mark Rhoades, for bringing these people together for a unique San Francisco moment!
We then dashed to The Café for Krewe de Kinque’s 20th annual Bal Masque, a Mardi Gras decorated and 415-themed party and fundraiser for Ukrainian relief through the Rainbow World Fund. Celebrity Grand Marshal Tory Teasley sang a crowd-pleasing number and then joined the Second Line Parade, led by King Mark Hankins & Queen Tawdry Hepburnn. Entertainers then took us on a musical tour of San Francisco neighborhoods, starting with Connie Champagne as Judy Garland singing the classic “San Francisco” and followed by solo and group member numbers, including Carly Ozard’s vocals, Mark Paladini’s Village People tribute, Kippy Marks’ violin virtuosity, Leandro Gonzales’ amazing rope mastery, and Vivianne Vixen’s high energy finale. A silent auction, raffle prizes, Jell-O shots, and general revelry added to the party.
At the conclusion, the current King & Queen stepped down and Krewe de Kinque crowned their new King XX Robert Tucker and Queen XX Moxie Penn. New Orleans has nothing on San Francisco when Krewe de Kinque Founder Gary Virginia and these party people throw a fundraiser!
(continued from page 17)
Our weekend concluded with AsiaSF’s 25th Silver Anniversary.
It’s hard to believe that so many years have passed since the founding of this entertainment staple of the city opened for business, but this party marked the occasion with panache! Larry Hashbarger and his incredible team at AsiaSF welcomed elegantly dressed guests to the downstairs lounge for cocktails and hors d’oeuvres first and a little teaser of entertainment.
Then upstairs, they gave the packed house a show to remember, prefaced by remarks from State Senator Scott Wiener, Assemblymember Evan Low, Supervisor Rafael Mandelman, and our favorite political figure Mark Leno. Among the crowd were Sister Roma, Mike Youens, Lawrence Wong, Suzanne Ford, Nguyen Pham, Lynn Luckow, and so many others The ladies, emceed as always by the wonderful Tita Aida, were at their best with beautifully executed choreography, elaborate gowns, sexy show dresses, and magnetic stage presence, as the sparkling lights and rich sound system completed the picture. Make a date now to experience AsiaSF!
Donna Sachet is a celebrated performer, fundraiser, activist, and philanthropist who has dedicated over two decades to the LGBTQ Community in San Francisco. Contact her at empsachet@gmail.com
By Donna SachetWe may have witnessed an Easter miracle in Dolores Park with the Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence. While wandering through the crowd with our puppy Peanut by our side and burdened by bags of supplies for the day (a change of shoes, fan, water bottle, blanket, pet treats, etc.), we took a moment to rest on a stairway in the shade. We chatted with several friends and attendees, but eventually got up to do a brief interview with a nearby camera crew.
As the interview ended, a quick inventory of our possessions revealed that we were missing our silver rhinestone-covered handbag. We quickly retraced our steps, thinking that it was probably left on that stairway, but less than hopeful of retrieving it. Inside was money, identification, cell phone, everything!
Back at the stairway, we found a woman who we remembered was still sitting in that spot. She told us she had seen the bag, but that a gentleman (her description) had picked it up. She even lent us her phone to call ours, hoping it would ring and we could track it down. No answer.
With hopes fading, we checked with each of the tents near the stage, looking for a Lost & Found without success. At the last tent, a Sister of Perpetual Indulgence met us, handbag in hand. Thousands of people, a carelessly abandoned handbag reclaimed, complete with contents, an Easter miracle? Perhaps. But more likely, a well-managed, well-staffed event, a kind person hoping to prevent disaster for a careless attendee, and an eternally grateful drag queen!
Donna Sachet is a celebrated performer, fundraiser, activist, and philanthropist who has dedicated over two decades to the LGBTQ Community in San Francisco. Contact her at empsachet@gmail.com
Alvin H. Baum, Jr., (1930–2021) dedicated much of his life to LGBTQ+ inclusivity. His husband, Robert Holgate, helped with many of those efforts and now upholds Baum’s legacy, such as with the Alvin H. Baum, Jr., Memorial Lecture held annually. The series also honors Rabbi Camille Angel, who is the first LGBTQ+ rabbi-in-residence at a Catholic university in the United States: The University of San Francisco (USF). Rabbi Angel provided pastoral support to Baum and the late Cheryl Lazar. Holgate and Lazar’s widow, Pam David, are the principal organizers of the series. The series launched last year with a lecture by Openhouse founder, LGBTQ+ senior advocate, and San Francisco Bay Times columnist Dr. Marcy Adelman. This year’s lecture, presented on March 26, 2023, was by former California state senator, assemblymember, and San Francisco supervisor Mark Leno.
Leno told the Bay Times : “Rabbi Angel’s contribution to the Jewish Studies and Social Justice program at USF profoundly impacts its students’ understanding of the world. We are all indebted to her and Robert Holgate, for their vision in honoring Al Baum.”
Rabbi Angel, in turn, shared: “Thanks to Robert Holgate and Pam David, Mayor Art Agnos, and Mark Leno, we had an incredible student-packed community event honoring LGBTQIA+ Jewish Social Justice Activism. Among the reactions to the program included one student reflecting on how they’ve never been in one room with so many out and proud LGBTQ elders from the community, history makers and agents of change. Another student wrote, ‘Hearing from those whose lives in public service have made our lives so much better was an honor I will long cherish. I feel hope that things can change for the better and I feel determined to protect the rights that were fought so hard for us to have now.’”
Holgate and David, who this year renewed their leadership gifts totaling $135,000, view the lecture series as being “an important part of our goal to have Jewish and LGBTQ+ voices be provided a permanent place benefiting USF and our broader community.” They hope to embed the series “into USF’s DNA, such that the university increasingly provides core financial support.”
Donations for the series may be made at https://tinyurl.com/cwucmp2n
Be sure to put "Al Baum Lecture" in the comment section on that page.
The San Francisco City View Metreon was filled to capacity on the evening of Saturday, April 15, with supporters and friends of the San Francisco LGBT Community Center. The gala is the largest annual fundraising event for The Center and has a fundraising goal of $300,000 to support ongoing programs and services. The Center’s executive director, Rebecca Rolfe, welcomed guests to the gala that has been conducted annually for the past 21 years since The Center first opened in March 2002. In addition to the sold-out dinner, the evening also included a pre-event cocktail party and post-event after party. Live entertainment was coordinated by Juanita MORE!, and returning emcees were Sister Roma and Honey Mahogany. Michael Tate served as auctioneer.
Music for the evening included tunes spun by DJ LadyRyan, and songs by performers including Tory Teasley who launched her career in part through The Center’s “Queer Vibes” program that supports queer performers as they enter the music industry.
The San Francisco Bay Times extends special thanks to Danielle Siragusa, The Center’s director of development and communications.
https://www.sfcenter.org/
ing rent. Essentially, the government allowed people to use housing services without paying since March 2020. It would be state-sanctioned theft if this was permitted in any other industry.
Many housing providers (for-profit and non-profit) are extremely upset and frustrated. Cities like San Francisco, Oakland, and Berkeley want to introduce more restrictive housing laws with slow “ramp downs” of a three-year eviction moratorium that has damaged the housing market across the Bay Area.
Lawmakers and municipal leaders created a crisis by upholding threeyear health emergency mandates and eviction moratoriums. They introduced moral hazards and emboldened people to destroy property and to stop paying rent without adequately funded government programs in place. It has created an unpaid rent bubble and consumer debt estimated to be as high as $3B across the Bay Area’s nine counties. Municipalities have insufficient plans to help households pay what is owed and provide lifelines to rental property owners in financial distress or foreclosure.
During the pandemic, legislators essentially sanctioned the theft of service with blanket protections where many renters, without proven COVID-19 financial hardship and loss of income, decided to stop pay-
Housing is a human right. No rent on stolen land. Stop all evictions. No right to profit from renters. These are the messages and new rulesbased ideology that radical socialist progressives (SoProgs) push and institute housing policies authored by self-dealing lobbying attorneys.
Organizations like the Alliance of Californians for Community Empowerment (ACCE) aim to depress real estate values, and control socialized housing under nonprofit or public housing models. This is fundamental to their mission, no matter the cost and loss for smaller property owners.
Extreme renter entitlement and protections are so pervasive in Oakland and Berkeley and fueled by a plethora of nonprofit tenant litigation organizations. For many years, organizations like ACCE, with tentacles into local city governments, targeted large corporate rental owners/operators as the businesses taking advantage of renters. Today, there’s also a full-throated effort to demonize small rental owners. In these cities, smaller rental housing providers own/operate most older and affordable housing units. They are typically the most vulnerable and under-resourced rental businesses that struggled for three years during the Eviction Moratorium if they didn’t receive rental income.
In major cities like Oakland and San Francisco, increased homelessness, open-air drug use, and crime have become the norm. These conditions have also contributed to hous -
ing challenges and resident flight. Recently in San Francisco, I walked four blocks on Eddy Street (Market St. to Jones St.) and was appalled by what I saw happening in broad daylight—right in front of the Tenderloin SFPD. This is the ongoing reality that many residents, workers, and tourists face daily in our cities. It further erodes our cities’ value and esteem, as well as stifling business and housing investment.
New attitudes of political correctness and extreme liberalism by SoProgs can cloud good judgment and impede common sense. These views enable a type of cultural conditioning that we’ve not experienced before. The acceptance and enablement of lawlessness drive out businesses, residents, and tourism—desperately needed commerce and tax revenue to fund municipal investments.
These new attitudes are often rooted in misguided equity and justice initiatives that can backfire and create unintended consequences. For example, good intentions for renters can disenfranchise vulnerable and underresourced Black, Brown, immigrant, and elderly rental property owners through housing enforcement policies, rent increase caps, emergency mandates, and forced owner subsidies. Unvetted programs and polices often require no proof of renter financial hardship or qualification to reside in affordable rent-controlled units. These activities ultimately destabilize housing and real estate markets, reduce the availability of rental units, and force communities of color that own real estate and rental property out of the market.
Historically, communities of color have worked hard to own property
(continued on page 22)
JUSTER (continued from pg 6)
presented a day-long summit called SHIFT Happens. This inaugural summit was created in response to indications that, during the pandemic, the path toward gender equity had not only stalled, but also gone backward. Community leaders, activists, policymakers, legislators, and artists came together to exchange ideas on how to provide women, girls, and nonbinary people with the education, tools, and resources necessary to create opportunities, from health and safety to economic security, civic engagement, and political empowerment.
Members of the Commission on the Status of Women described how the Commission has been completely revamped to more immediately meet the needs of the community. There was an emphasis on elevating women to positions where they have the power to make policy about their own lives. Activist Sophia Andary, co-founder of Women’s March SF, led a panel called “Beyond the March,” in which panelists presented ways to get involved in the political process in order to create change, reminding attendees that “we must be intersectional in our activism.”
Another panel featured eight male panelists—legislators, tech and business leaders, city policymakers—with a female moderator who asked them to talk about what they were doing in their respective areas to promote gender equity and improve the lives of women, girls, and nonbinary people. Their work covered a wide range, including supporting immigrant and women-owned businesses during the pandemic, to the child welfare system, the plight of incarcerated women and transgender people, to the statewide housing shortage, and to pay equity.
It was an ambitious agenda for an inaugural one-day summit, but I came away with a much clearer idea of what the city of San Francisco and the state of California are doing to create positive change. More info: https://tinyurl.com/ShiftSummt
Welcome Castro
Three years of empty, boarded-up storefronts has cast a pall over many of our city’s neighborhoods, including the Castro. So, it is good news to hear of a new store not only opening on Castro Street, but also devoted to the Castro. Welcome Castro, by San Francisco Mercantile in collaboration with Castro Merchants, will hold its grand opening on Thursday, April 27, from 5–8 pm, at 525 Castro Street. Their announcement promises a good old-fashioned Castrostyle celebration: “Ribbon cutting! Wine and hors d’oeuvres! Music! Drag queens! Party! All are welcome!” They are also promising surprise guests and a special announcement.
Part neighborhood visitor center and part gift shop offering a “fabulously queer retail experience celebrating the LGBTQ history and culture of the Castro village,” Welcome Castro will carry many LGBTQ+ and Castro-themed products, with a focus on items made by local queer artists and designers. They will also feature maps and guides to the neighborhood’s shops, bars, restaurants, and historical sites. One very special feature is a window installation by Serge Gay Jr. paying tribute to four Black women leaders: Ms. Billie Cooper, Gwenn Craig, Honey Mahogany, and the late Pat Norman. The installation was created in collaboration with the Castro LGBTQ Cultural District.
Castro resident Robert Emmons spearheaded Welcome Castro after owning and operating two other stores on Haight Street. San Francisco Mercantile is a gift shop, and Welcome Haight & Ashbury is a visitor center. Welcome Castro is designed as a pop-up that brings both concepts together: providing visitor information as well as San Francisco and Castro-themed gift items from local LGBTQ+ designers and makers.
Welcome Castro is part of an effort to revitalize the Castro Street corridor. After so many stores closed during the pandemic, Castro Merchants received a $100,000 Vacant Storefront Activation grant from the Office of Economic and Workforce Development in 2022. Welcome Castro is funded partly by some of those funds, a $50,000 grant that Emmons hopes to repay by the end of the 10-month trial for the pop-up.
Volunteer Appreciation Month
April is Volunteer Appreciation Month, so please join me in thanking the legions of volunteers who make this city possible. Look around, and you will see them everywhere: ushering at theatres, running events, planting trees, picking up trash, feeding the hungry, coaching sports teams, reading to children, and so very much more. Take time to thank a volunteer, or, better yet—join them.
Joanie Juster is a long-time community volunteer, activist, and ally.
GGBA (continued from pg 9)
Students and it is for teachers who want to keep teaching and keep loving it each day!
I am super excited about the possibility for every teacher in the world to have my book because it focuses on being the best version of themselves every day. The purpose is not to tell teachers to change who they are or that they’re not good enough but to support them in truly embracing their passion and showing up centered and healthy for themselves and their students. So, if you didn’t know, Teacher Appreciation Week this year is May 5–9 (in the U.S.) and my book is now available on Amazon, just in time for you to be able to buy my book for all the teachers you love, and even those you wish you could love, so that they can begin to learn how to center empathy and their emotional well-being in and out of the classroom! It is an interactive book. I’m so happy to get the opportunity to share this with you all. Thank you!
To purchase A Teacher’s Companion: How to Center Empathy & Emotional Well-Being for Yourself and Your Students by Misha Safran, go to: https://a.co/d/2WZd31K
For more information about CEEQ: https://ceeq.org/
ROSTOW (continued from pg 7)
slapped it back in place. The conservatives on the other side then asked the justices to overturn the Fourth Circuit but seven justices refused. Our buddies Alito and Thomas voted for West Virginia.
Meanwhile, cases in two states that have undermined transgender health treatment will be combined before the full U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fourth Circuit, a court where Democratic appointees outnumber Republicans by nine to six. We’ll watch that one.
Speaking of Democratic versus Republican judicial nominees, here we have a panel of Seventh Circuit judges, all Republican appointees, who voted 2–1 against an anti-trans high school music teacher from Brownsburg, Indiana. The teacher, John Kluge, asked to be given a religious-based pass on a school rule that said teachers must use preferred names and pronouns. For a time, he was allowed to use the last names of his students, two of whom were trans. But Kluge kept forgetting to follow his own rule, and other students complained about his hostile attitude. One of his trans students dropped out of his class, and to make a long story short, the guy was canned.
Kluge sued under Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, which forbids religious discrimination in the workplace, among other things. According to Art Leonard of the New York School of Law, one of the judges thought the case should have had some fact-finding at trial, although he agreed with the majority that Kluge could not claim that his discharge was an act of retaliation. Leonard thinks it likely that Kruge’s lawyers at the Alliance Defending Freedom will appeal to the full circuit or the High Court.
Show Me the Madness
I’m not sure I have the stamina to tell you about the insanity out of Missouri, where the Attorney General has issued an “emergency rule” banning health care and transition services for all transgender adults in the state. I had no idea this was possible, and I think the federal courts will soon tell us it’s not. My wife’s side of the family, as I may have mentioned, come from Kansas and “hate” Missouri, to the point where my stepson used to drive over the border to buy things in Kansas and deny money to the Missouri sales tax collectors. Missouri, after all, attacked Kansas in the 1850s, setting fire
GREENE (continued from pg 8)
respect, and grace. Planning early is a key to maximizing your options and asset protection.
How much does elder care cost, and why is it expensive?
The cost of elder care can vary widely depending on a number of factors, including the level of care required, the location and type of care facility or service, and the individual’s health and functional status. In general, however, elder care can be quite expensive, with costs ranging from several thousand to tens of thousands of dollars per month, especially if a plan is not in place.
Some of the factors that contribute to the high cost of elder care include:
staffing and labor costs - Elder care typically requires a significant amount of staff, including healthcare professionals, caregivers, and support staff. The cost of hiring and training these individuals can be quite high.
equipment and supplies - Elder care often requires specialized equipment and supplies, such as medical equipment, mobility aids, and personal care items, which can be expensive.
facility costs - The cost of maintaining and operating care facilities, such as nursing homes and assisted living facilities, can be high due to factors such as rent, utilities, and maintenance.
healthcare costs - Elderly individuals often require significant healthcare services, such as medical treatments, medications, and therapy, which can be expensive.
geographic location - The cost of elder care can vary widely depending on the geographic location, with care in urban areas generally being more expensive than in rural areas.
Given the high cost of elder care, it’s important to plan ahead and explore all available options for financing care, such as long-term care insurance, Medicaid, and other government programs. It’s also important to work with experienced professionals, such as financial advisors and elder law attorneys, to help protect your assets and navigate the complex financial and legal issues associated with elder care.
How can an experienced attorney help with elder care?
An experienced attorney who specializes in elder law can provide a wide range of services and support related to elder care, including:
BARNES (continued from pg 21)
and homes, playing by rules stacked against them despite decades of injustice and racist housing policies. Rental owners of color largely provide most of the below-market rate housing to other people of color. Now, more radical SoProgs are on a mission to devalue their properties by installing new rules through unvetted policies, using scare tactics, and stealing opportunities to build equity and generational wealth in communities of color. It’s an insidious new form of blockbusting we’ve seen before, and the enablers must be stopped
to Lawrence in defense of slavery, and my family hasn’t forgotten it! I used to joke about this, but I’m starting to think the cause is a legitimate one.
Now, I see that, in fact, I will be devoting this entire column to transgender issues, because I haven’t even brought up the Bud Light story, nor have I touched on the Texas state representative, Bryan Slaton, who has championed a ban on drag shows that “sexualize children.”
Slaton is now charged with serving alcohol to a minor at his home, the minor being an underaged intern who also had sex with the married lawmaker on a weekday night, we hear. Check out a photo of Slaton, and you’ll see the stereotypical unattractive fat cat Republican honcho, who reportedly told the intern to keep quiet about the tryst. It is not even the hypocrisy that annoys me. It’s just gross. Honey, I don’t know anything about you, but you can do better than that.
And while I was reading about Slaton on The Daily Beast, I couldn’t help noticing a headline right under his story that read: “DeSantis Ally Died by Suicide After Being Accused of Sexual Misconduct with Minor.” Somehow, I never saw this news, which took place in December and involved a man, Kent Stermon, who was described as a man with “vast influence” over the Florida Republican Party. Who knew?
Okay, fine. You read about it at the time, did you? Bravo. For the benefit of the rest of us, Stermon was accused of trying to trade Taylor Swift tickets for photos of this teenaged girl’s breasts. He then offered her dad a tidy sum to keep the incident under wraps, but the dad declined and went to the police.
I have no time or space left for Bud Light, which earned a really bizarre reaction after trans Instagram influencer Dylan Mulvaney posted a little promo. Various conservative celebrities pledged to boycott the product, but since I have no time or space, I can’t elaborate. Also, I don’t care, I’ve never heard of the boycott people, and I’m no longer a big beer drinker, having graduated to dry white wine and gin drinks. That said, I will make it a point to order a Bud Light the next time I’m out, on principle.
arostow@aol.com
basic estate planning - An elder law attorney can help with creating a last will and testament or revocable trust and other estate planning documents to ensure that an individual’s assets are distributed according to their wishes.
Medi-Cal and asset protection planning - An elder law attorney can assist with navigating the complex rules and regulations associated with Medi-Cal eligibility and can help individuals and families plan for and reduce out-of-pocket long-term care costs while preserving assets and income.
healthcare planning - An elder law attorney can help with creating advance directives, such as a living will or healthcare power of attorney, which allow individuals to express their wishes regarding medical treatment and appoint a trusted individual to make healthcare decisions on their behalf if they are unable to do so, and avoid additional costs and delays associated with court processes.
financial planning - An elder law attorney can assist with managing finances and assets, including setting up trusts, managing investments, and creating a plan for long-term care costs.
long-term care planning - An elder law attorney can help with evaluating options for long-term care, such as in-home care, assisted living, or nursing home care, and can help with identifying sources of funding for these services.
Overall, an experienced elder law attorney can provide valuable support and guidance to individuals and families navigating the complex legal and financial issues associated with elder care. By working with an attorney, individuals can ensure that they are taking advantage of all available resources and options to support their loved ones’ well-being and quality of life.
Statements In Compliance with California Rules of Professional Conduct: The materials in this article have been prepared by Attorney Jay Greene for educational purposes only and are not legal advice. This information does not create an attorney-client relationship. Individuals should consult with an estate planning and elder law attorney for up-to-date information for their individual plans.
Jay Greene, Attorney, CPA, is the founder of Greene Estate, Probate, & Elder Law Firm based in San Francisco, and is focused on helping LGBT individuals, couples, and families plan for their future, protect their assets, and preserve their wealth. For more information and to schedule an assessment, visit: https://assetprotectionbayarea.com/
before the damage to the most vulnerable communities and housing market are irreparable.
Derek Barnes is the CEO of the East Bay Rental Housing Association ( www.EBRHA.com ). He currently serves on the boards of Horizons Foundation and Homebridge CA. Follow him on Twitter @DerekBarnesSF or on Instagram at DerekBarnes.SF
When a candidate campaigns to become a Grand Duke or Grand Duchess, there is always a representation of colors that allows voters to know whom they are voting for. In most cases, candidates will also have a “catchphrase” and a coronation theme for their step-down. Here is a look back at what those were from 2009–2011.
2009–2010
The 37th Royal House of All That Glitters Is Gold
Grand Duke XXXVI Patrick Noonan
Color: gold
Symbol: Grateful Dead bear
Grand Duchess XXXVII Pollo Del Mar
Color: gold
Symbol: mermaid
Favorite Saying: “All that glitters is
gold.”
Coronation Theme: “Russian Roulette”
The 37th reign brought another member of the House of Glitter into the front of the line. Grand Duchess XXXVII Pollo Del Mar has a very extensive résumé and is an icon within the gay LGBTQI+ communities. Pollo is a drag queen performer, journalist, activist, emcee, philanthropist, comic, singer, and professional wrestling personality. She has been alternatively known as the Notorious P.M.D or The Glamazon and holds the title of Empress 53 of the Imperial Court of San Francisco.
I spoke with Pollo for the San Francisco Bay Times about her experience as Grand Duchess. She told me, “There were so many special moments during our reign. For me, the Court system was an all-new world and a wonderful way of following the footsteps of my drag mother, Grand Duchess 36 Landa Lakes. What made the time particularly special, I think, was spending so much time with my chosen family, the House of Glitter. Patrick and I had a Court made mostly of my drag children, and we traveled to almost every court-related event together. Plus, the Grand Ducal Council has such a storied and rich history. I spent so many hours hearing all of the hilarious stories from the past, laughing with and really growing to love the people who kept the orga-
nization alive through some incredibly lean times.”
She added, “One of the most hilarious memories I have of being Grand Duchess happened before we were even crowned—literally moments before! My drag mother made me a special gown for Coronation, but I hadn’t tried it on until a few minutes before it was time to be crowned. Well, apparently I had packed on a bit of weight, the damn thing didn’t fit, and I became Grand Duchess of San Francisco in a dress I couldn’t get more than 3/4 on. It was quite a sight—but at least things got better from there ... mostly!”
I asked Grand Duke Patrick Noonan about some of his most memorable highlights. He shared, “We had an amazing reign guided by our Prime Minister Collette LeGrande-Ashton and our mama GD 36 Landa Lakes and papa GD 35 Carlos Medal.” He then recalled the following: “Everyone mispronouncing Pollo’s name at Coronations. Pollo trying to park the float truck. Having an amazing year of raising monies for our favorite charities and making many new friends. Watching our daughter Cookie Dough and son Jason Husted filling our shoes after our step-down.” Grand Duke Patrick currently holds the Chair of the 50th Gala celebration and has served in many BOD positions, and he continues to remain an active member within the Grand
Ducal Council of San Francisco.
2010–2011
The 38th Royal House of We’re Rock and Woof All Night
Grand Duke XXXVII Jason Husted
Colors: blue and red
Symbol: leather wolf
Always saying: “Woof”
Grand Duchess XXXVIII Cookie
Dough (deceased)
Color: Yellow
Symbol: Cookie Dough
Coronation Theme: “Cosmonauts in Outer Space”
As the children of Grand Duke Patrick Noonan and Grand Duchess Pollo Del Mar, the members of this Royal House continued to shine light on the illustrious Grand Ducal Council. Grand Duchess Cookie Dough was a leading drag performer.
Cookie Dough was featured in the Trannyshack documentary Blood, Sweat & Glitter. Cookie founded a weekly drag revue, The Monster Show, at the local bar The Edge. The revue continues at The Edge to date. Cookie also founded the drag Golden Girls alongside Heklina and her drag mom, Pollo Del Mar. This show has been running for over 20 years.
The community lost Cookie in 2015 when she passed away while on a trip to Mexico. This writer wonders what will become of the annual Golden Girls Christmas shows, now that the
community has lost two of the founders of the show, given Heklina’s recent death. Heklina was also away from home overseas; she was in London when she passed on April 3, 2023. A scholarship in Grand Duchess Cookie Dough’s name was created by the Queens of the Castro and a plaque in her honor is on display at The Edge.
Jason Husted is not only Grand Duke 37, but he is also co-founder of the Haus of Starfish. He is Chairman of the SF Leather Pride contingent and is a brilliantly talented artist. He holds a very special place in our beloved San Francisco heart and is continually providing support to many of our LGBTQI+, kink, fetish, and leather communities.
On September 22, 2023, the Grand Ducal Council of San Francisco will celebrate 50 years of Camp and Fundraising. The celebration will take place at the Academy of Sciences in San Francisco. Please consider becoming a sponsor.
Inquiries: 50thanniversary@sfducal.org
Tickets ($60) are on sale through August 25, 2023, with a hard stop on that final date. We hope to see you at this once-in-a-lifetime historic event! https://www.sfducal.org/
Kippy Marks is Grand Duke XL of The Grand Ducal Council of San Francisco. He is the first ever elected African-American Grand Duke.
present.
The Honda is mainstream and the Cadillac is upscale, as reflected by their badges, trim, and prices. Typical of luxury cars, the CT4 V-Series Blackwing offers a wide array of options, and this tester had almost $15,000 worth, including the highcontrast Sky Cool Gray interior ($4,900) with Torch Red seat belts ($400), all wrapped in a Radiant Red Tintcoat finish ($1,225).
New cars are boring, right? They can seem that way compared to the less bulky and driver-isolated models we’ve known. However, the two sport sedans we’re examining here—the Cadillac CT4 V-Series Blackwing ($76,760) and Honda Civic Type R ($44,385)—are about as exciting as any four-door you’ve tried, past or
The CT4 V-series Blackwing’s functional options are pretty neat: the power lumbar massage (part of the $600 Climate Package) is soothing on long drives, and the Performance Data and Video Recorder ($1,600) syncs with third-party Cosworth Toolbox data analysis tools to improve your technique.
Compare that to the Civic Type R’s one-and-done setup. You could spend $3,100 for lightweight forged alloy wheels, but I’d probably stick with the stock rims on San Francisco’s rutted
roads. The deeply bucketed front seats are swathed in red “suede-effect” fabric, which locks you in while your back sweats enough to dampen your shirt. Curiously, the two-person rear seat skips the red with black upholstery that fades into its surroundings, emphasizing the Civic Type R’s driver focus.
This is confirmed on the tarmac, where the Civic Type R’s 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine belts out 315 horses and 310 lb.-ft. of torque. You might suspect that the Type R’s front-wheel drive would be challenged by sending all that juice to ground in a straight line, but there’s no torque steer here; the biggest concern is not overpowering the available
traction, even with the softer summer tires on the tester.
Once underway, it’s important to strategically shift the six-speed manual transmission to keep the engine in its power band. Slow down in fourth gear, and you’ll find not much there when you hit the pedal again, and a quick skip to second instantly reignites the flame. Hopped-up Hondas have always been rev-happy performers, and the Civic Type R falls in line.
This CT4 V-Series Blackwing is different, with a 3.6-liter V6 engine with twin turbos and 472 horsepower and a stump-pulling 455 lb.-ft. of torque. Partially offsetting the Blackwing’s advantage is its 700 extra pounds over
the Type R, but that massive torque pushed through a 10-speed automatic makes the Blackwing more obliging in the city, with greater strength at lower speeds. The CT4 is a rear-drive car with available all-wheel drive, so traction is less of a worry than blasting your insurance rates with the tickets you’ll get using all that thrust.
As for which is better, it would depend on your mood that day. The Civic Type R is exuberant, and the CT4 V-series Blackwing is ruthless. Got room for both?
Philip Ruth is a Castro-based automotive photojournalist and consultant with an automotive staging service.
Little Richard: I Am Everything, in theaters and on VOD April 21, is a glorious documentary about the legendary Black, queer singer, musician, and songwriter who insisted, “I am the innovator. I am the originator. I am the emancipator ... I am the architect of rock and roll”—and he was not humble bragging.
As seen in fantastic archival clips and interview footage, Little Richard is his own best advocate, such as when he asserts, “I’m not conceited—I’m convinced.” Director Lisa Cortés’ exuberant film shows the pioneering Little Richard influenced everyone from James Brown, Otis Redding, and Jimi Hendrix, as well as the Beatles, the Rolling Stones, David Bowie, and more.
Cortés traces the performer, born Richard Wayne Penniman, from his childhood in Macon, GA, where he grew up poor with ten siblings and a minister father who did not love him—he put Richard out of the house because he was gay—and a mother who did. Little Richard was different, and not just because he was effeminate; there is a brief interview clip where he talks about having one arm and one leg shorter than the other.
Little Richard embraced his queerness and used it; first performing in drag as Princess Lavonne on the touring (chitlin’) circuit during the 1950s, and then after meeting gay singers Billy Wright and Esquerita, who influenced his sound as well as his style. (Interviewee John Waters says his own pencil thin mustache is a “twisted tribute” to Little Richard.)
Little Richard also faced difficulties because of his race, including working as a dishwasher in a bus station cafeteria where he could not eat or use the washroom. This apparently only drove him to strive harder. When he persisted with his music, he delivered his breakout success, “Tutti Frutti.”
The song, however, was about anal sex (the original lyrics: “Tutti Frutti/ good booty/If it don’t fit/don’t force it/You can grease it/make it easy”) and in this form was, of course, unsuitable for airplay at the time. After a rewrite that cleaned it up, the record became a hit, and was covered by white musicians from Elvis to Pat Boone, who sold more copies of the single than Little Richard did, much to the singer’s frustration.
Little Richard: I Am Everything shrewdly examines the forces that helped and harmed the performer, which makes the film so enthralling. Scholars in it discuss how he exaggerated his queerness to attract an audience because he was seen as “less threatening.”
He also inspired folks like his friend, the trans activist Sir Lady Java, to live authentically. In addition, Little Richard broke down walls of segregation because white audiences would come to the Blackonly night shows.
Little Richard’s musicianship was as distinctive as his voice. How can anyone resist his elasticity when he sings, “Lucille”? His appearance was equally flamboyant; he favored shirts with mirrors on them. A sequence of him modeling a series of imaginative costumes indicates that he
paved the way for queer performers such as Elton John, Freddie Mercury, David Bowie, and Boy George, among others, and the film makes those connections clear.
Cortés provides plenty of fabulous archival footage of Little Richard on stage and off and his talent and candor is as infectious as it is undeniable. Her film may be a testament to the fact that the world did not quite know what to do with—or make of—Little Richard throughout his career. Her film reminds everyone, as Little Richard does, with a sensational clip of him inducting Otis Redding into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame. Little Richard also justly bemoans that, while he was a presenter at the Grammys, he was never even nominated for a competitive Grammy.
For all his success in the music industry, Little Richard stopped performing after having a spiritual awakening while on tour. He broke off his career (losing royalties in the process), went to Oakwood College, renounced his homosexuality (much to the chagrin of the gay community), and focused on God. He studied religion, sold bibles (but couldn’t earn enough money), and preached. He even made gospel albums in a musical style far more restrained than his other recordings.
The contradictions Little Richard experienced are fascinating. Moreover, they add an element of sadness to his life. The film suggests that everything he did, from his music to his preaching, was an effort to be loved—because he was denied that, by his father and others because of his race and his sexuality.
When Little Richard was lured back into performing, he toured the U.K., connecting with the Beatles and the Stones, among others. He again experienced tremendous success. But he also got involved with drugs. When another tragedy made him hit rock bottom, he went back on God’s path. Cortés unpacks Little Richard’s strange and wondrous life and career thoughtfully, doing her subject plenty of justice. “Let it all hang out!” Little Richard urges, and this terrific documentary does just that, providing an admirable, appropriate, and affectionate showcase for its subject’s complex legacy.
© 2023 Gary M. Kramer Gary M. Kramer is the author of “Independent Queer Cinema: Reviews and Interviews,” and the co-editor of “Directory of World Cinema: Argentina.” Follow him on Twitter @garymkramer
Michele Karlsberg: Richard Mohr’s The Splendid Disarray of Beauty: The Boys, the Tiles, the Joy of Cathedral Oaks— A Study in Arts and Crafts Community revives from obscurity the story of California artists Frank Ingerson (1879–1968) and George Dennison (1873–1966).
In August 1910, they began fiftyfive years of love and life together by launching, as their honeymoon project, a freestanding summer art school. Tucked away in the eastern foothills of the Santa Cruz
Mountains, the Cathedral Oaks school was bohemian in lifestyle but rigorously followed the teachings of the dean of American Arts and Crafts design, Arthur Wesley Dow.
Please enjoy the following excerpt from The Splendid Disarray of Beauty: The Cathedral Oaks summers-only art school (1911–1914) was also the home and studio of its impresarios, George Dennison (1873–1966), its manager; and Frank Ingerson (1879–1968), its director and principal instructor.
Ingerson and Dennison are two of the most extraordinary people you have never heard of until now. Arguably, they were America’s first gay couple—pairing in the very moment when it first became cul-
turally possible for them and those who knew them to conceptualize their actions, feelings, and commitments as exemplifying what a couple is. In short, they had a common law marriage acknowledged as such by their social world, even if the law would have to play catch up. They lived together for fifty-five years, from 1910 to 1966, in a relationship indistinguishable from those celebrated in the twenty-first century by The New York Times’ “Vows” column. Their friends and the Northern California community in which they lived, regularly spoke of them in terms that framed them as paired members of a family.
This is a magazine style retrospective of Canadian Queercore pioneer G.B. Jones’ astounding work. Sassy, erotic, transgressive, and punk, it’s worth the price just for her lesbianized Tom of Finland drawings.
In Chokepoint Capitalism, scholar Rebecca Giblin and writer and activist Cory Doctorow argue we’re in a new era of exploitative businesses creating insurmountable barriers to competition that enable certain businesses to capture value that should rightfully go to others. From Amazon’s use of digital rights management and bundling to radically change the economics of book publising, to Google and Facebook’s siphoning away of ad revenues from news media, chokepoints are everywhere.
Burst ( fiction - paperback) by Mary Otis
Award-winning author Mary Otis delivers an arresting debut novel that explores the complexities between mothers and daugters, and the conflicting desires for connection and escape. Viva has always found ways to manage her mother Charlotte’s drinking because, for her entire life, it’s been Viva and Charlotte against the world. The pair spend years on the move, until landing at the home of Charlotte’s sister and brother-in-law whose generosity comes with the pressure of intrusion and resentment. Told from interwoven perspectives with writing as deft as a choreographed dance, this story delves into a mother-daughter relationship filled with immense heart in the face of heartbreak.
Always the Almost (fiction - hardbound) by Edward Underhill
A trans pianist makes a New Year’s resolution on a frozen Wisconsin night to win regionals and win back his ex, but a new boy complicates things in this heartfelt debut YA rom-dram. Sixteen-year-old trans boy Miles Jacobson has two New Year’s resolutions: 1) win back his ex-boyfriend Shane McIntyre, and 2) finally beat his arch-nemesis at the Midwest’s biggest classical piano competition. But that’s not going to be so easy. Then Miles meets the new boy in town, Eric Mendez, a proudly queer cartoonist from Seattle who asks his pronouns, cares about art as much as he does—and makes his stomach flutter
works both as a stroll down memory lane and as inspiration for remaining fabulous despite resurgent efforts to criminalize drag and gender transgression.
https://www.fabulosabooks.com/
Most commonly, their friends and community members affectionally called them “the Boys.” Their Academy Award-winning friends Olivia de Havilland and Joan Fontaine, in print, called the Boys, in addition, their uncles. A quarter of a century after the Boys’ deaths, their next-door neighbor from 1948 to 1968 was asked, at age ninety, about the Boys’ families; he pauses, reflects, and reports, “The family, well, it was
between the two of them.” The local newspaper presented the men to the public as being “as ordinary as a pair of old shoes.” A couple of sweeties. The Boys were the shock of the ordinary.
The art school was their honeymoon project. Its name, Cathedral Oaks, in part, alludes to the cathedral arches formed by boughs of live oaks that
Upcoming Events
Saturday, April 22 @ 3 pm (free- SF Ferry Building store) - SF Writers Grotto - A poetry reading & discussion in honor of National Poetry Month
In celebration of National Poetry Month, Book Passage proudly presents poets of the SF Writers Grotto. Come and enjoy a discussion of each poet’s work/book, and an open mic session afterwards. The presenters include Shikha Malaviya, Maw Shein Win, Tonya M. Foster, and Jenny Qi.
Monday, April 24 @ 7 pm (ticketed - Dominican University) Leila Mottley, author of Nightcrawling - In conversation with Darwin Bondgraham, author of The Riders Come Out at Night Nightcrawling is a dazzling novel about a young Black woman who walks the streets of Oakland and stumbles headlong into the failure of its justice system. The Riders Come Out at Night: Brutality, Corruption, and Cover-up in Oakland is the culmination of over 21 years of fearless reporting by investigative journalists Ali Winston and Darwin BondGraham. Together the authors shine a light on the jackbooted police culture, lack of political will, and misguided leadership that have conspired to stymie meaningful reform. This promises to be a timely and dynamic discussion between two of the best contemporary Bay Area writers.
Saturday, April 29 @ 3 pm (free - SF Ferry Building store) Rachel Sarah, author of Climate Champions: 15 Women Fighting for Your Future They are climate scientists, journalists, professors, academics, researchers, and policymakers from around the world who draft policies with realworld impact, run science labs to find new answers to old problems, and lead organizations at the forefront of change. These women do not shy away from showing how racial and social injustices lie at the root of so many climate-related issues. Their stories are accessible and energetic, with spotlights on the triumphs and struggles of women who are working to protect the planet. As young readers learn how these champions are rising up around the world, they will learn how to be part of the solution.
https://www.bookpassage.com/
cried out, “I’m mad as hell and I’m not going to take this anymore!”
Jan Wahl
“If I’d been a ranch, they would have named me The Bar None,” said Gilda, perfectly portrayed by Rita Hayworth in the 1946 movie of the same name. The film also included these lines in the song “Put the Blame on Mame”:
“When they had the earthquake in San Francisco
Back in nineteensix
They said that old Mother Nature was up to her old tricks
That’s the story that went around, here’s the real lowdown
Put the blame on Mame, boys
Put the blame on Mame
One night she started to shim and shake
That brought on the Frisco quake So you can put the blame on Mame, boys
Put the blame on Mame.”
Thinking again of San Francisco, how many of us moved here and said to ourselves, “Toto, I have a feeling we’re not in Kansas anymore,” recalling that line from The Wizard of Oz? Great movie dialogue and movie song lyrics often stay with us, remembered long after we first viewed the particular film. Another favorite: “You’re not too smart, are you? I like that in a man.” Matty Walker, played by Kathleen Turner, said that in the 1981 film Body Heat
Everyone knows the romantic allure of Casablanca and lines like, “Play it once, Sam, for old times’ sake,” before the bittersweet playing of the song “As Time Goes By” by Dooley Wilson (“Sam”). Humphrey Bogart, playing the lead Rick Blaine, also memorably said, “Here’s looking at you, kid,” at key romantic moments with Ingrid Bergman (“Ilsa”).
More adroit writing was evident for the 1976 movie Network, which in my opinion and that of many others is one of the best films of all time. See it again and notice how writer Paddy Cheyevsky foresaw how television news would be taken over by multinational corporations. Fired new director William Holden (as “Max”) warned the entertainment division:
2005’s Brokeback Mountain broke our hearts with, “I wish I could quit you.” Less sentimental but no less memorable was this from 1957’s The Sweet Smell of Success featuring Burt Lancaster (“J.J. Hunsecker”) and Tony Curtis (“Sidney Falco”): “I’d hate to take a bite of you. You’re a cookie full of arsenic.”
The screenplay of 1950’s Sunset Boulevard was skillfully crafted by Billy Wilder, Charles Brackett, and D.M. Marshman, Jr. Consider these lines:
William Holden as Joe Gillis: “You’re Norma Desmond. You used to be in silent pictures. You used to be big.”
Gloria Swanson as Norma: “I am big. It’s the pictures that got small.”
There are also many comedies that showcase fine dialogue. Think of watching Meg Ryan (“Sally”) loudly faking an orgasm in 1989’s When Harry Met Sally and then a woman at a nearby table tells the server, “I’ll have what she’s having.”
(The actress who played that woman was Estelle Reiner, the wife of Carl Reiner and the mother of Rob Reiner, who directed the film. Rob cleverly worked her in for just a minute, yet that brief moment was so memorable.)
In another comedic zinger, Joan Blondell (“Nan Prescott”) in 1933’s Footlight Parade told a scheming blonde: “As long as they’ve got sidewalks, you’ve got a job.”
1972’s The Godfather could merit its own column on great movie dialogue. Scholars have pondered, “Leave the gun, take the cannoli.” Even a line as seemingly simple as, “I’m gonna make him an offer he can’t refuse,” takes on layers of meaning in that epic classic that earned Academy Award honors for Best Picture, Best Actor (Marlon Brando), and Best Adapted Screenplay.
I could go on about additional incredible movie dialogue but, as Scarlett O’Hara told us in the 1939 film Gone with the Wind, “Tomorrow is another day!”
“War, murder, death are all the same to you as bottles of beer.” Frustrated anchorman Peter Finch (“Howard”), in Finch’s final film role, passionately
Jan Wahl is a Hollywood historian, film critic on various broadcast outlets, and has her own YouTube channel series, “Jan Wahl Showbiz.” She has two Emmys and many awards for her longtime work on behalf of film buffs and the LGBTQ community. Contact her at www.janwahl.com
The Bay Area’s celebrated annual Mardi Gras party Bal Masque took place on April 15, 2023, at The Café, when Krewe de Kinque (KDK) social/charitable club observed its 20th Anniversary in the heart of the Castro. Official partying began with a traditional New Orleans-style parade led by Grand Marshal Tory Teasley, whose colorful umbrella was the first of many moving in sequence throughout the venue.
KDK founder and King I Gary Virginia, who welcomed guests, first envisioned the popular annual event. This year’s Bal Masque was hosted by King & Queen XIX Mark Hankins, Jr., and Tawdry Hepburnn, who crowned KDK Queen & King XX, Moxie Penn and Robert Tucker, aka Pup Mez. Sister Dana Van Iquity of the San Francisco Bay Times was the official bearer of the Mardi Gras beads, which were wellearned on the dance floor as DJ Sergio Fedasz & hot Go Go dancers bumped up the party. Another Bay Times columnist, drag artist and fundraiser Donna Sachet, performed, as did Bay Area cabaret chanteuse Connie Champagne.
This year’s Bal Masque theme, “The 415,” inspired a spectacular San Franciscocentric costumed tableaux show, state-of-the-art lights and sound, and festive décor. Guests placed bids on enticing silent auction items, with many winning great raffle prizes. Revelers also enjoyed Jell-O shots as well as the $7 Hurricane drink specials and full bar service.
Proceeds from this year’s Bal Masque will benefit the LGBTQ+ Ukraine Emergency Fund managed by locally-based Rainbow World Fund (RWF). Three LGBTQ+ agencies, on the ground, are directly assisting LGBTQ+ Ukrainians in and out of the country. At the event, RWF Executive Director Jeff Cotter spoke about the Fund before introducing Andrii Ivashchenko, who recently fled from Ukraine to San Francisco.
KDK on Facebook: https://tinyurl.com/34jt6rud
Rainbow World Fund’s LGBTQ+ Ukraine Emergency Fund: https://tinyurl.com/y5zeh33h
mainly for pleasure rather than profit.” That mantra permeates everything that the husband-and-husband team of Joey Wolosz and Jeff Durham espouse at Gentleman Farmer Wines, a unique Napa winery where food is also paramount.
afternoon with them is like visiting life-of-the-party Aunt Marge—only with way better food and wine. The guys believe we should be “fed by thoughtful food, good wine, and engaged conversation.” Conviviality is key.
David Landis
We’re lucky to live so close to the wine country. If wine tasting isn’t enough, there are many more reasons to visit: the proximity (a little over an hour away to Napa and Yountville), the views, and, of course, the fine dining. During a recent rainstorm, The Gay Gourmet returned to bring a few new places to the fore.
Gentleman Farmer Wines
Merriam-Webster defines a “gentleman farmer” as: “a man who farms
This gay-owned establishment believes that “a life well led is a life well fed.” The Gay Gourmet couldn’t agree more. We had the pleasure of a lunchtime repast with the dynamic owners at their lovely Yountville home. But they’re also re-habbing a historic bungalow (and perhaps a guesthouse next door) to open in downtown Napa, hopefully this fall. Members of the winery’s club can partake in private “experiences” like the one I enjoyed. As we toured the new space, Joey and Jeff gave us a taste of their deliciously dry, Provence-style 2021 still rosé, which scored an impressive 90 points from Wine Enthusiast. At the soonto-open bungalow, there will be space for up to 50 indoors, as well as al fresco tastings to boot. With the new digs, stay tuned for singular wine samplings, special luncheons, soirées, music, and more.
A little backstory: Joey is from the Central Coast; Jeff is a native of Napa. Both attended the University of Southern California to study hotel and restaurant management. But it took meeting years later at The Bar on Castro to get this duo together. Both are vintners (and Joey is a talented recipe developer), but their real life’s work is storytelling. Spending an
This boutique winery produces only approximately 1,000 cases each year; as a result, the wines are of superior quality and are clean and tasty. Showcasing the wines with the excellent recipes that Joey has developed brings out the best in both.
So, what’s a luncheon with the guys like? When you arrive at their creekside Yountville home, you immediately are enveloped in a world of artistry: impressive design, a piano and an accordion in the corner, chickens in the backyard, and that kitchen— oh my! It dominates the entire back half of the house, but is open to the dining area to, of course, encourage conversation.
First off, everything is homemade. Everything. We began our afternoon with Joey’s chopped liver (sorry, Mom, even better than yours!) and homemade brioche that was so buttery it melted in your mouth. Two kinds of housemade pierogis followed: a potato cheese and a mushroom sauerkraut. It was definitely a toss-up as to which was our favorite; both were light as a feather but savory with complex overtones.
Joey also pickles his own veggies and makes his own mustard (who does that?!!) with chardonnay and sherry vinegar. Paired with our first course was the Gentleman Farmer 2020 Chardonnay. I will start off by saying that I rarely like California chardonnays—they’re just plain too oak-y. This one made me change my tune. It has a hint of oak, but the oak doesn’t dominate, so you can really taste the fruit.
For our next course, Joey and Jeff picked the Gentleman Farmer 2019 “Red Wine” (yup, that’s what it’s called— and it’s a merlot-dominant blend) to complement a delectable Italian spinach ricotta dumpling created in the Napa Valley called “malfatti” (which means “badly formed” in Italian). It tastes just like Italy.
Our next course was a Fatted Calf hangar steak with homemade spaetzle. The secret to cooking the steak? Joey marinates it with sherry, ginger, and mustard, cooks it sous vide, and finishes it in the saucepan with clarified butter. The steak paired expertly with the Gentleman Farmer 2018 Cabernet (with Merlot), a structured but elegant red wine with a hint of tannins.
Following the main course, we sampled Joey’s homemade blueberry and raspberry clafoutis with Grand Marnier and lavender buds—paired wisely with the winery’s 2021 Pinot Noir (earthy and not too fruity). And for the finale? Homemade marshmallows, dubbed “crème brûlée on a stick,” cooked tableside over an open flame. All in all, join the Gentleman Farmer club, enjoy their wines, snag an invite to one of their wine club luncheons, and wait with baited breath for the new bungalow to open in downtown Napa this fall.
Bits and Bites in Yountville and Napa
So, I’m always asked, “What’s new in Yountville and Napa?” Well, as it turns out, quite a lot. Here are my top picks:
Morimoto Asia Napa: This is the destination chef’s new outing in downtown Napa, right on the river and steps from the original Morimoto. The Asian offerings tend
more toward Chinese rather than Japanese at the traditional Morimoto. They include: some of the lightest crab meat Rangoon I’ve ever eaten, tasty steamed pork dumplings, his signature half Peking duck (well worth the splurge), and sliced okonomiyaki (a Japanese version of egg foo young) like you’ve never had it before. Fun cocktails and a diverse wine list make for a special evening, and they even have an outdoor patio (weather permitting).
Alpha Omega Collective: One of my favorite wineries in Yountville now has opened an elegant tasting room in downtown Napa and it’s phenomenal. The contemporary design is like stepping into an art gallery and the welcoming staff make you feel right at home. We sampled a variety of both white and red wines, from Alpha Omega in Napa as well as Tolosa in San Luis Obispo and Perinet in Spain. Food pairings (which we didn’t try) include truffle frites, seasonal crostini, and Spanish fried chicken (all locally sourced). Alpha Omega now also has tasting rooms in Healdsburg and Paso Robles.
Art Walk Yountville: Besides wine tasting and great dining, if you’re in the mood for something different, the town of Yountville has an eminently walkable outdoor sculpture gallery that extends the length of the
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town. Volunteer Noel Resnick was the perfect tour guide, showcasing the artwork while explaining that it’s all for sale! The tours have a free audio guide so you can walk at your own pace and learn about the artists at your leisure.
RH Wine Vault: For an elegant wine tasting repast at an historic garden smack dab in the middle of Yountville, you can’t do any better than RH Wine Vault. Part of the Restoration Hardware (RH) chain, this is the extension of the store’s opulent showroom and gallery, as well as its fabulous indoor/outdoor restaurant.
Think outdoor chandeliers, fountains, clubby seating areas, and more, all amidst a grove of 100-year-old olive trees. That, as well as an upscale selection of wines for tasting, make for a great way to pass the time.
R+D Kitchen: Part of the Hillstone chain, this indoor/outdoor eatery might just be my new favorite for lunch. Eminently dog-friendly, R+D has one of the best burgers in town, a yummy crispy chicken sandwich, sushi at the outdoor bar, a great wine list (of course!), superb cocktails, and a beautiful outdoor deck with great views of the vineyards and beyond. Plus, it won’t break the bank—and the service is firstclass!
Scala Osteria: I was glad to see that one of The Gay Gourmet’s favorites, Bistro Don Giovanni, has opened up a downtown Napa outpost called Scala Osteria. There are some of the same favorites that the Yountville flagship offers (like the Mandilli pasta, but here with gorgonzola instead of pesto), but the two-level space is more urban, buzzy, and hip, with great seafood selections (the branzino is a standout), fried anchovy-stuffed olives, and more. Plus, of course, there is a terrific Italian wine list.
Wine Girl Napa: Why is it that so many tasting rooms are oh-soboring? Do we really need yet another long, wood bar with the boring lecture about how the grapes were grown? Not so at Wine Girl Napa. This beautifully-designed (think pink) space screams fun, fun, fun—and why shouldn’t wine tasting be fun?
Another plus? Wine Girl Napa (part of a chain that includes a Scottsdale venue and soon to be more) offers different wines from various wineries, including (of course) a Veuve Clicquot rosé champagne, as well as a Barbie shot. Host Derek also promises a good time. It is perfect for bridal showers, parties, and fun family gatherings.
Yountville Pride Week: From June 5–11, Yountville will raise the Pride flag at Town Hall, and numerous restaurants and wineries will join the celebration, including: Napa Valley Bike Tours, Bouchon Bakery, Stewart Cellars, Clif Family Winery, Growth Vineyards & Winery, Hoopes Vineyard, Cornerstone Cellars, Jessup Cellars, Handwritten Wines, Lloyd Cellars, North Block Hotel, Chandon, and, of course, Gentleman Farmer Wines. There will even be a free, family-friendly Pride Music in the Park event on Sunday, June 11, with DJ Rotten Robbie and the Lucky Devils Band.
River Terrace Inn: For a welllocated home base when visiting Napa and Yountville, you can’t go wrong with the River Terrace Inn. Located on the Napa River, but within walking distance to Oxbow Market and downtown Napa, this dog-friendly property has modern, updated rooms (some with fireplaces), outdoor decks with river views, and a lovely outdoor patio where you can sip a refreshing cocktail with your pooch. A perfect perch!
Gentleman Farmer Wines: https://tinyurl.com/52wdjjcp
Morimoto Asia: https://tinyurl.com/mrxzwfc2
Alpha Omega Collective: https://tinyurl.com/ydtn3zem
Art Walk Yountville: https://tinyurl.com/4kjmh2yb
RH Wine Vault: https://tinyurl.com/4u89a6cy
R+D Kitchen: https://tinyurl.com/2x74md7t
Scala Osteria: https://tinyurl.com/2cth8xvc
Wine Girl Napa: https://tinyurl.com/2kbwmzax
Yountville Pride Week: https://tinyurl.com/y3hks7ay River Terrace Inn: https://tinyurl.com/nszwdmn4
David Landis, aka “The Gay Gourmet,” is a foodie, a freelance writer, and a retired PR maven. Follow him on Instagram @ GayGourmetSF or email him at: davidlandissf@gmail.com
Or visit him online at: www.gaygourmetsf.com
Leslie Sbrocco
Kuiper Belt “Atmospheric” Dry Gin by E-40 ($45)
www.earlstevensselections.com
With sunshine in the sky, it’s time for gin and tonic in the glass. I’ve become enamored with an out-of-
this-world dry gin dubbed Kuiper Belt. Made with eight unique botanicals, this juniper, floral, and citrus-scented spirit comes in a sleek, space-age shaped bottle. The label depicts icy asteroids of the galactic Kuiper Belt encouraging drinkers to pour this bold spirit over ice and sip. I enjoy it with tasty tonic or in a heavenly Negroni. Earl Stevens is a Bay Area legend. Otherwise known as rap icon and music mogul E-40, Earl was born in Vallejo and has made the Bay Area his home. In addition to his music, food projects, and myriad entrepreneurial ventures, he is making a name for himself with quaffable wines and smooth spirits under his Earl Stevens Selections brand.
Author, speaker, wine consultant, and television host Leslie Sbrocco is known for her entertaining approach to wine and food. She has won multiple Emmy Awards for her work on PBS, which includes hosting the series “Check, Please! Bay Area,” “Check, Please! You Gotta Try This!” and “100 Days, Drinks, Dishes & Destinations.”
www.LeslieSbrocco.com
Castro Farmers’ Market manager Mia Simmans (center), assisted by Supervisor Rafael Mandelman and Donna Sachet, cut the red ribbon, declaring the Market open for the new season. Reigning monarchs Empress Cameron Stiehl and Emperor Michael Chua were on hand representing the Imperial Council of San Francisco.
Although Maḥmūd of Ghazni had nine wives and some 56 children with as many as 32 women, he has been lauded across time for his loving relationship with only one person: Malik Ayāz, his male slave. Their devotion to each other and the affection and the loyalty they shared has been celebrated in Persian epic and lyric poetry, chronicles, and even satire as an example of true, perfect, and constant love for more than ten centuries.
The most famous and celebrated ruler of the powerful Ghaznavid dynasty, Maḥmūd (971–1030 CE) created a vast empire in central Asia that included all of Afghanistan—he was the first man to rule the entire country—as well as most of Iran, Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan, and Kyrgyzstan—and portions of Pakistan and northern India, which he invaded 17 times. His supremacy was so absolute that his subjects called him Sultan (authority). He was the first person in history to have that title.
During Maḥmūd’s lifetime and the years that have followed, however, the great poets and troubadours of Islam have agreed that Ayāz (?–1041 CE) was even more powerful than his master. As the story goes, one day the Sultan asked him if he knew of a mightier and more formidable sovereign anywhere. He replied that he did, explaining that “Maḥmūd is king, but he is ruled by his heart, and Ayāz is the king of his heart.” The strength of Maḥmūd’s love for Ayāz made him “a slave to his slave.”
Although words and meanings change over time, especially in translation, Nizamī-i Arūzī-i’s 12th century account of the couple in the Chahár Maqála (Four Discourses) makes clear that the Sultan was attracted to his
slave in every way. “The love borne by Maḥmūd to Ayāz is well-known and famous,” he wrote, because, among his other qualities, he was “mightily endowed with all the arts of pleasing, in which respect, indeed, he had few rivals in his time. Now all these are qualities which excite love and give permanence to friendship.”
Because “Maḥmūd was a pious and God-fearing man, he wrestled much with his love for Ayāz so that he should not diverge ... from the Path of the Law and the Way of Honor.” One night, however, “love began to stir within him” as “he looked at the curls of Ayāz and saw ... in every ringlet a thousand hearts and under every lock a hundred thousand souls. Thereupon love plucked the reins of self-restraint from the hands of his endurance, and lover-like he drew him to himself.”
Realizing what he was about to do, Maḥmūd decided the best way to calm his passion for his slave was to cut off Ayāz’s curls. “He feared lest the army of his self-control might be unable to withstand the hosts of his locks,” however, so he asked Ayāz to do it himself, which he did immediately. We probably will never know whether or not his actions ended the Sultan’s temptations for all time, but according to Nizamī-i Arūzī-i, “This ready obedience became a fresh cause of love.”
Stories about the deep love and great affection that the two men had for each other are legion. In one, when the Sultan released Ayāz from bondage, he told him, “I give you your freedom and also my empire to
rule as I retire from worldly duties.” Ayāz declined this high honor, however. “Giving me the throne,” he replied, “will make me separate from you. All I ever wished was to be with you. How can I be happy with your empire when it is detached from you?”
Were they intimate in every way? The poet Farīd ud-Dīn Aṭṭār, known as Aṭṭār of Nishapur, seemed to think so. Composed in the 12th century, his epic poem Maqāmāt-uṭ-Ṭuyūr (Conference of the Birds) included several tales of Maḥmūd and Ayāz that presented their great love for each other. In “Ayāz’s Sickness,” the Sultan dispatches a courier to his bedside, but arrives before he does:
You could not know
The hidden ways by which we lovers go;
I cannot bear my life without his face, And every minute I am in this place. The passing world outside is unaware Of mysteries Ayāz and Maḥmūd share;
In public I ask after him, although Behind the veil of secrecy I know Whatever news my messengers could give;
I hide my secret and in secret live.
Writing two centuries later, the poet and social critic Obayd- Zākāni all but confirmed the Sultan’s true sexuality. One day, he told us, Maḥmūd heard a sermon warning him that whoever makes love to another male, “on the day of judgment will have to carry him across the narrow bridge of Sirat, which leads to heaven.” When Maḥmūd, terrified, began to weep, his jester Talhak told him, “O Sultan, be happy that on that day you will not be left on foot either.”
The days when Maḥmūd could express his great passion for Ayāz openly in Afghanistan are long past. While our queer communities continue to debate which proper pronouns to use and which Pride contingents to include, the LGBT people there are hunted, beaten, jailed, and murdered for even thinking
(continued on page 36)
A crowd estimated at 10,000–15,000 filled Dolores Park on Sunday, April 9, for the Easter bonnet, Foxy Mary, and Hunky Jesus contests. As Sister Roma of the Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence said of the event, “It was truly magical!” The Sisters, celebrating their 44th Anniversary this year, annually host this outdoor spectacle that is now one of San Francisco’s most anticipated seasonal events.
This year’s Peep Show—the theme for 2023—was one of the most memorable Easter in the Park gatherings, at least in recent history, given the day’s ample sunshine, easing of former COVID-19 restrictions, incredible number of attendees, and more. Congratulations from the San Francisco Bay Times to Free Choice Mary and Haus of Jesus on being named this year’s Foxy Mary and Hunky Jesus.
Another memorable moment this year was the ceremonial “Sainting” of beloved activist Troy Brunet, who was recognized for his many years of leadership and volunteerism in the LGBTQ+ community.
A Children’s Easter was included prior to the more “adult contests.” It featured an egg hunt, story time, photo ops, and other activities for families. It too was well-attended this year.
The Bay Times’ own Sister Dana returned to co-host the main event on stage with Sister Roma, Honey Mahogany and a lineup of other personalities. Check out the YouTube video attributed to Sylvan & Milton: https://tinyurl.com/52trjsna
Sister Dana sez, “Happy EARTH DAY, everyone! Be kind to your Mother Earth!”
Earth Day is an annual event on April 22 to demonstrate support for environmental protection. First held on April 22, 1970, it now includes a wide range of events coordinated globally by the organization Earth Day including 1 billion people in more than 193 countries. The official theme for 2023 is “INVEST IN OUR PLANET.” But please don’t use bitcoin!
Sister Dana sez, “Remember that April 20 is a time to honor my favorite weed and time, 4:20!”
The Tennessee GOP-led House expelled two Black Democrats, Representatives Justin Jones and Justin Pearson, over a peaceful protest they made on the floor against gun violence, following the deadly shooting in Nashville. This was blatant racism and fascism. Tennessee does not see at all, when it comes to gun violence. According to the GUN VIOLENCE ARCHIVE, extremely alarming statistics nationwide so far show 4,686 deaths, 141 mass shootings, 65 children killed, 147 children injured, 383 teenagers killed, and 922 teenagers injured. But never mind all that, because drag queens are the real danger to kids!
Thankfully, days later the Tennessee council voted unanimously to reinstate Jones and Pearson.
Libraries are under attack by Republicans. That includes a Missouri bill that removes all state funding for libraries, and the superintendent of a Virginia school district moving to eliminate school libraries completely. This is the second stage of the assault on information that Republicans opened with a wave of bills making it easier to ban books both in school libraries and public libraries. Sister Dana sez, “Were their mothers perhaps frightened by particularly graphic novels?!”
We Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence celebrated EASTER IN DOLORES PARK, “Peep Show,” on Easter Sunday, April 9. Easter also marks the 44th anniversary of The Sisters. After the children enjoyed a visit from the Easter Bunny, the Easter egg hunt, and story-time, the day became more adult oriented. At noon, San Francisco trans activist, performer, and RuPaul’s Drag Race star Honey Mahogany graced the Main Stage to host a variety show full of fierce performers, surprise guests, and sister miracles. Senator Scott Wiener addressed the many challenges faced by trans people and LGB folx as well. This year’s lineup featured San Francisco favorites Connie Champagne, Kitten on the Keys, Polesexual, Baloney, The Cockettes featuring Steven Satyricon, Trixxie Carr, and a Drag Revue starring Linda Summers, Christina Ashton, Nikita Vega, and Theresa Giudcoochie Throughout the day, members of the audience got to show off their Easter spirit competing in contests. The colorful Easter Bonnet contest winner was Carmen Miranda. And of course, Easter in Dolores Park would not be complete without the world-famous Hunky Jesus and Foxy Mary contests. The contests (traditionally judged by Sister Roma, Honey Mahogany, and yours truly) were open to all. But the winner of Foxy Mary was Free Choice Mary (holding a baby and a sign stating: “I Had A Choice”) and the winner of Hunky Jesus was Haus of Jesus (the Savior with his group of scantily-clad “apostles”).
ART IGNITES SF is an ArtSavesLives project on April 23, 1 pm–9 pm, SFFD (San Francisco Fire Department) Union Hall, 325 Newhall Street. Enjoy an immersive afternoon of live entertainment, speakers, photography, and painting (over 20 artists!) in SFFD’s mini-museum! Stroll through historical remnants of the city’s past and future, enjoy live dance performances curated and choreographed by Jes DeVille, Openhaus Athletics. “I decided to invite the group of artists that draw regularly with me and the wonderful photographer Ben Illii to join in and make this a lasting documentation of SFFD,” said co-creator Thomasina DeMaio. “We are planning on creating a book of the work. It will be sold to help Tony Stefani’s SFFD Firefighters Cancer Fund and raise awareness of the extremely hard work these firefighters do for us the public,
and to the risks they take daily for us. We do this for them.”
We members of KREWE DE KINQUE (the social, charitable Mardi Gras-themed club) held our anniversary celebration, BAL MASQUE XX on April 15 at The Café in the Castro. Our masked ball theme was The 415, the beloved area code of our origin. And our traditional slogan was “Let the Good Times Roll!” Costumes, masks, and beads were everywhere. KDK King & Queen XIX, Mark Hankins, Jr. and Tawdry Hepburnn, hosted this year’s Masked Ball—with a spectacular San Francisco-themed, costumed tableaux show, state-of-the-art lights and sound, and festive décor. Celebrants earned some beads and showed off their stuff on the dance floor with DJ Sergio Fedasz and hot Go-Go dancers in the center ring. Founder of Krewe de Kinque and KdK King I Gary Virginia welcomed us. Proceeds benefited the LGBTQ+ Ukraine Emergency Fund managed by locally-based RAINBOW WORLD FUND assisting LGBTQ Ukrainians in and out of the country. RWF Executive Director Jeff Cotter spoke of the ongoing mission for Ukraine.
We were thrilled to have Bay Area cabaret chanteuse Connie Champagne singing the iconic song “San Francisco” as Judy Garland! Other fabulous performers included KdK members Queen Tawdry, Robert Parker, chanteuse Carly Ozard, King II Mark Paladini and his delightful Village People getting us all to do the famous hand gestures of “YMCA,” Donna Sachet belting out “I Left My Heart in San Francisco,” King X Kippy Marks giving us Sylvester “Mighty Real” realness on electric violin, adorable Candi Mint, Queen XVIII Christina Ashton giving us the inimitable Cher, Leandro Gonzales and his marvelous rope tricks, and Vivianne Vixen, with her song to succinctly sum up the fun, “We Like to Party.” The Celebrity Grand Marshal Tory Teasely (dynamic singer, songwriter, music teacher, and more) led us in a lively Second Line Parade. And for the climax of the night: the new King XX Mez and Queen XX Moxie were crowned and sashed. We know they will do amazing things for Krewe de Kinque and the entire queer and kink community!
‘LOVE YOUR UGLY’ will be an awesome artist talk with
(continued on page 36)
SISTER DANA (continued from pg 35)
Clint Frederic Wiater on April 27 at 2358MRKT gallery. Doors at 6 pm, talk at 7 pm, 2358 Market Street. The artist will talk about his work, queer identity & CPTSD. Along with a Q&A at the end. https://clintfredericwiater.com/
San Francisco Gay Men’s Chorus (SFGMC) Chief Executive Officer Chris Verdugo and Artistic Director Jacob Stensberg have announced CRESCENDO, SFGMC’s annual benefit honoring champions who support the LGBTQ community and advance LGBTQ equality through their commitment to change, their leadership, and their actions. Now in its 17th year, Crescendo will take place on Saturday, April 22, 5:30 pm at San Francisco’s Four Seasons Hotel, 757 Market Street. https://www.sfgmc.org
FRAMELINE47 is just a few months away! Ahead of this queer cinema extravaganza, join emcee Donna Sachet and many others to celebrate the longest-running, largest, and most widely recognized LGBTQ film exhibition event in the world. This month’s DIVAS & DRINKS will be on April 28, 6 pm at The Academy SF, 2166 Market Street. The event, benefiting Frameline, will feature Allegra Madsen and Nguyen Pham of Frameline as well as San Francisco Film Commission Executive
WORDS (continued from pg 27)
Director Manijeh Fata and Roxie Theater Executive Director Lex Sloan. This will be the birthday week of both Donna and Bay Times co-publisher and Betty s List founder Dr. Betty Sullivan Milestone birthdays, no less! https://www.academy-sf.com/
For this year’s SAN FRANCISCO EQUALITY AWARDS, EQUALITY CALIFORNIA
(EQCA) will honor two incredible pillars of community service: Stop AAPI Hate, formed to combat antiAsian violence and harassment, and one of the most important political figures of our time, San Francisco’s own Speaker Emerita Nancy Pelosi. The Awards ceremony will honor inspirational leaders and outstanding allied organizations working tirelessly to create a world that is healthy, just, and fully equal for all LGBTQ people. The mission statement says, “The annual Equality Awards are a time to celebrate the achievements taking place in our communities while renewing our collective commitment in the fight for full, lived equality—until the work is done.” Come celebrate on Saturday April 29, 6 pm at the InterContinental Mark Hopkins Hotel. www.eqca.org
STRUT will soon present their MAY ART OPENING celebrating
created a bower embracing and towering over their home, studio, and school, but more so to the sacred valuings of love and beauty that were nurtured there.
The book is in part a redemptive project—to bring the school back into art history. After the school closes, though its effects across the state persist, it itself drops into total obscurity. The school goes unmentioned in the numerous obituaries the men received in Bay Area newspapers.
Art schools aren’t sexy; glitz and glamour are. Many of their friends glittered, were stars, and it is this aspect of their lives that prompted much of the media attention they captured. In addition to their life-long friendships with de Havilland and Fontaine, they had equally abiding friendships with such art world luminaries as Lotte Lehmann, Loie Fuller, Ruth St. Denis, and Yehudi Menuhin.
But the men themselves always managed to hover just below international stardom, partly because they never promoted themselves—always others—partly due to bad
the work of Megan Levine. On Friday, May 5 (Cinco de Mayo, by the way) 8 pm at 470 Castro Street, they invite you to come learn all about “Tribadometry!” Get your advance free ticket at https://www.sfaf.org/ May first is known internationally as MAY DAY. May Day, also called “Workers’ Day” or “International Workers’ Day,” is the day that commemorates the struggles and gains made by workers and the labor movement. It is observed in many countries on May 1. But as a call for help by sailors lost at sea (such as S.O.S.), the distress call, “Mayday!” comes from the French phrase, M’aidez!, which means “Help me!”
But also on May Day, pagans and other fun folx celebrate by making flower crowns and baskets, planting flowers for the spring, decorating their homes in bright colors to embrace the change, going on nature walks, picnics, and enjoying the outdoors! And the seriously fun people erect a maypole, which is a tall wooden pole with long, colorful ribbons extended, around which a maypole dance often takes place. Très gay!
Sister Dana sez, “May I be the first to wish everyone a HAPPY MAY DAY! And however you wish to celebrate (but hopefully not distressed on a ship), have a good one!”
luck, and partly due to their shift after Cathedral Oaks to conservative and often overwrought styles. As a result, upon their deaths—Dennison at age 93 in 1966, Ingerson at 88 in 1968—they, like their school, fell into total oblivion.
Richard D. Mohr is an academically trained author with extensive journalistic experience and literary flair. He publishes books in three widely diverse fields: ancient Greek metaphysics, especially Plato’s; American ceramics, especially from the Arts & Crafts period; and gay studies along with queer theory, focusing on ethical, social, political, and legal issues. https://tinyurl.com/4dxjjtc2
Mohr will be at the New Museum Los Gatos on June 11 and 15. https://www.numulosgatos.org
Michele Karlsberg Marketing and Management specializes in publicity for the LGBTQ+ community. This year, Karlsberg celebrates 34 years of successful marketing campaigns. For more information: https://www.michelekarlsberg.com
of being themselves. “For homosexuals, there can only be two punishments,” a Taliban judge told the German newspaper Bild before the fall of Kabul, either stoning, or he must stand behind a wall that will fall down on him.”
The only options LGBT Afghans have are to forever deny who they are, go into hiding, or flee the country. To reach the freedom that Abraham Lincoln called “the last best hope of earth,” they must endure a very arduous, and extremely dangerous journey; not knowing whom to trust, they risk being arrested at every checkpoint out of their homeland. Women, forbidden from traveling without a male relative, have even greater difficulty: they can be arrested simply for trying to cross the border on their own.
Where can they go? Most of the countries that share borders with Afghanistan—Iran, Pakistan, Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan—also criminalize same-sex relations. With no realistic prospect of beginning new lives in any of them and with no way to travel somewhere else on their own, their journey to safety is impossible without help from our LGBT communities. We must help.
Lipsky, Ph.D., author of “Gay and Lesbian San Francisco” (2006), is a member of the Rainbow Honor Walk board of directors.
Bill
“My name is Moe! I am a 2-year-old, male, Doberman Pinscher looking for my forever family! I am an eager boy with a zest for life. Strong and bouncy, I cannot wait to go on walks and love to play fetch with everyone. Sometimes I even fetch two balls at once! I am working well with sits and settle cues. New places and things can make me a little nervous, but encouragement and treats help me out. If you think we might be a match, come to say hello!”
You can meet Moe virtually before choosing to adopt. For more information, please email adoptions@sfspca.org
Moe is presented to San Francisco Bay Times readers by Dr. Jennifer Scarlett, the SF SPCA’s CEO. Our thanks also go to Paradise Osorio for helping to get the word out about lovable pets like Moe.
To meet Moe in person, visit the SF SPCA Mission Campus @ 201 Alabama Street. It is open for appointments from 10 am–6 pm (Monday–Wednesday, Friday–Sunday) and 1 pm–6 pm on Thursdays. For more information: https://www.sfspca.org/adoptions/
Leira
“If you’re short on time at the gym, battle ropes are the way to go! It’s the fastest way to sharpen your muscles and burn calories at the same time.”
Tore Kelly, Director of Creative & Social Media for Fitness SF, provides monthly tips that he has learned from professional trainers. For more information: https://fitnesssf.com/
Photos Courtesy of Leticia Lopez and Juan R. Davila
On Saturday, April 8, Mayor London Breed, State Senator Scott Wiener, and Supervisor Rafael Mandelman welcomed participants to the Castro Merchants Association’s (CMA) annual Eggstravaganza. CMA president Terrance Allen and past president Masood Samarie also welcomed guests to the annual family-friendly block party celebrating Easter and other spring holidays.
The event included a petting zoo, drag queen story time, live music, and free photos with “The Bunny” played in character by San Francisco Bay Times volunteer coordinator Juan R. Davila.
Sunday, April 9, found The Bunny on stage with drag performer Vanessa Bousay at the annual Tenderloin Tessie Easter Dinner held at the First Unitarian Church. For more than 40 years, Tenderloin Tessie Holiday Dinners has hosted free dinners in a welcoming environment on Easter, Thanksgiving, and Christmas. More than a thousand people on average participate. Free photos, a fully served dinner, and haircuts by LoveCuts were included, along with a selection of free personal care items.
The Bunny made yet another appearance, this time on Easter Sunday at Union Square and Denny’s at 816 Mission Street. Special thanks to this busy Bunny and to Leticia Lopez for their highly valued assistance.
Photos by Rink
presented by
San Francisco Bay Times lead photographer Rink, along with many in our community, was moved by the recent unexpected passing of drag icon Heklina. Having photographed Heklina for decades, Rink has provided numerous images from his archive.
On Thursday, April 6, Rink photographed a tribute to Heklina assembled at Hibernia Beach located at 18th and Castro. The tribute previously was larger, but it was vandalized just a few days prior on April 4.
An event memorializing Heklina presented by Peaches Christ, Sister Roma, D’Arcy Drollinger, and Nancy French will be held at 8 pm at the Castro Theatre on May 23. Tickets to that free event quickly sold out, so the organizers are hoping to plan other ways to honor Heklina and her legacy. There will be a post-memorial tribute show at Oasis.
Per Heklina’s wishes, please consider donating to the:
• GLBT Historical Society: https://www.glbthistory.org/
• Palm Springs Animal Shelter: https://psanimalshelter.org/
• Give Me Shelter Cat Rescue: https://www.givemesheltersf.org/
http://sfbaytimes.com/
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