2011 08 25

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August 25, 2011 | www.sfbaytimes.com

The LGBT Newspaper and Events Calendar for the San Francisco Bay Area | July 28 2011

SLDN Releases SF Pride Reports Successful Year, Predicts Post-DADT Freedom to Serve Guide and Demands Benefits

P HOTO BY RIN K

David McKean, Legal Director of SLDN.

By Dennis McMillan

The troubled SF Pride Organization is quickly sorting out its financial and organizational issues.

Servicemembers Legal Defense Network (SLDN) has unveiled a comprehensive new legal guide for LGBTQ service members, veterans, future recruits, and their families. This firstof-its-kind guide documents the laws and policies related to military service in the U.S. following the repeal of “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” (DADT), as well as practical information for advocates and friends of LGBTQ service members. The guide is entitled “Freedom to Serve: The Definitive Guide to LGBT Military Service” and is downloadable in PDF format at www.sldn.org.

By Dennis McMillan

“The information contained in this legal guide will help service members, prospective service members, their families, and friends make informed decisions about how to serve successfully as we move beyond ‘Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell,’” said SLDN Legal Director David McKean. “It will also assist them in understanding how to protect themselves when necessary and how to respond if they are targeted in any way for their actual or perceived sexual orientation or gender identity.”

In addition to outlining SLDN’s legal services, the new guide and website cover a myriad of issues including standards of conduct, benef its for spouses and families of service members, discharge upgrades, and veteran benefits. The new guidance becomes effective upon repeal of DADT on Tuesday, September 20, 2011. Until then, those seeking information or assistance should consult the SLDN Survival Guide, outlining issues related to serving under DADT. “The work of advancing military equality marches forward after repeal,” said SLDN Executive Director Aubrey Sarvis. “At SLDN, we will fight alongside those who may face harassment or discrimination as we oversee implementation; when necessary and timely, litigate in the courts to bring about full LGBT equality in America’s military; advocate for legally married service members to receive the same benef its as their straight counterparts; and assist veterans to correct or upgrade their discharge paperwork.”

Along those lines, Sarvis sent a letter to Secretary of Defense Leon Panetta (continued on page 5)

Progressive Mayoral Candidate Terry Joan Baum Fights the Good Fight

The board of directors of San Francisco Pride announced at their check distribution party on Aug. 16 that this year’s San Francisco Pride Celebration and Parade, held June 25 and 26, was one of the most successful yet in the event’s 41-year history. As a result, 100% distribution of grants to Pride’s Community Partners took place on schedule. Donna Sachet hosted the party at the LGBT Community Center.

This year’s Community Partner grants provided funds to over 70 nonprofit organizations in the Bay Area, including STOP AIDS Project, the Homeless Children’s Network, the

Gay-Straight Alliance Network, the Women’s Cancer Resource Center, and many more. The total amount distributed this year was $168,789.24.

Since the program’s inception in 1997, SF Pride has granted over $1.8 million dollars to its Community Partners.

“We’re very excited about the success of this year’s Pride Celebration and Parade,” said Board Chair Lisa Williams. “So many people from the community came forward to make this the best Pride event in the world, and we couldn’t have done it without the countless hours put in by the board, staff, community advisory board, our contractors, SF Pride members, and nearly 1,000 volunteers.” She added,

By Kirsten Kruse

“We also continue to enjoy the longterm support of the Dorian Fund and the City of San Francisco.”

Following a challenging year, an ongoing strategic review of each aspect of SF Pride’s operations allowed the board to steer the organization to a position of stability. “The board of directors set itself the objectives of stabilizing the organization and delivering an ‘on-budget’ Pride Event,” said SF Pride Treasurer Bill Hemenger. “I’m pleased to report to the community that both objectives were achieved.”

Adding to the longstanding support of its corporate sponsors, the majority of whom returned as supporters in 2011, the board also launched new revenue (continued on page 3)

Are They Laughing At Me or With Me?

The clown crew of the Ringling Brothers Circus are performing in the Bay Area in September.

Dustin Portillo (pictured) and Brandon Foster met at the circus and have been together for 5 years.

By Melissa Myers

daydream of what could have been as we get back to the grind. For both Dustin and Brandon, this wasn’t an option.

If Brandon Foster and Dustin Portillo were not part of the Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey®, Brandon would be a Medieval Knight and Dustin would be f lipping burgers.

With all due respect to knights and burger flippers, it is clear that Brandon and Dustin wouldn’t settle for anything less than their careers in the Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus.

In an economy where pickers can’t be choosers, we are lucky to find a job at all, let alone a job that you are madly passionate about. Many of us grew up with dreams of being a movie star, rock star, firefighter, or astronaut, but as we grew older, we let go of those dreams for a more ‘realistic’ career.

Sometimes we sit at our desks and

Dustin was only four years old when he decided his future was to be a clown in the Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus. At thirteen, Dustin saw an advertisement on a bulletin board to join a clown group which then led to studying to be a clown and performing in parades and festivals.

Working at Six Flags in New York was where it all started for Dustin.

From here, he was put in touch with talent scouts, which is how he eventually landed his job at Ringling Bros.

For Brandon, it was more of an uphill battle. Like Dustin, Brandon knew he wanted to be in the circus ever since he little. However, in order to gain

Terry Joan Baum is running for mayor.

the support from his parents and financial assistance for clown school he had to also agree to attend regular college. Brandon attended Texas A&M University. While studying there, Brandon found out that the clown school had shut down, which in turn shut down his opportunity to simultaneously attend college while pursuing his dream of being in the circus.

After graduating in 2005 with a degree in Marketing, Brandon worked as a manager at Kohl’s, but his mind kept wandering back to his real goal of performing in the circus. It was then that he became proactive about becoming a clown and was put in touch with Dustin at the Ringling Bros®, where he would begin his lifelong dream, and find an unexpected spark of romance…

As soon as Dustin and Brandon met, Dustin was smitten and repeatedly asked Brandon out on dates. Brandon was concerned about what his family would think, but with time Brandon grew more comfortable with the idea and they have now been together for five years.

Their relationship has seen little to no issues at the circus. In fact, both Brandon and Dustin agree that the Ringling Bros provides a positive work environment and embraces the (continued on page 6)

Terry Baum, a lesbian playwright, San Francisco homeowner, activist and idealist, is running for mayor of San Francisco on the utopian ticket.

“We could be the City on the Hill.

We could be the city that could consciously make the decision to have a loving community,” Baum said. She realizes her win is a long shot, but she runs to throw out ideas, and to “say things that are normally not mentioned.”

Baum chooses to pursue passionate dreams and ideas not often mentioned in politics – such as reliable, free public transportation, truly affordable housing for poor and middle class people, a moratorium on housing for rich people, and even a responsible squatters’ movement for artists. “Tax the Rich – Duh” is her campaign slogan. “We don’t need any more rich people [in San Francisco]. We need people who are poor, artists, working class people to be able to live in the city, because they are the soul of the city,” she said.

Baum recently made headlines and narrowly escaped being arrested when she crashed the Eureka Valley Neighborhood Association’s mayoral debate at the Castro Theater. Baum was not invited due to “no space on the stage,” a paper thin excuse since it’s common knowledge that this stage is huge and can easily accommodate more than 10 candidates. It was a slap in the face to her when Ed Lee decided the day before the debate to “change his mind” about not running for mayor and was immediately added to the list of participants. Baum decided to bring her own chair to the debate and was welcomed with open arms by the audience, but threatened with arrest by the organizers. Facing the enthusiastic support of the audience, the organizers finally allowed her to stay, but then only gave her a 2 minute final statement. Several candidates however, gave some of their own allotted time to her. Baum will certainly be at many future debates, including the League of Women Voters mayoral debate on 10/5, the Potrero Hill Democratic Club mayoral debate on 8/30, and the Planning Association of the Richmond’s Mayoral debate on 9/19. (continued on page 6)

Sweet Seekers Found Sugary Satisfaction at Open Hand Fundraiser

P HOTO BY ST E VE UN DE RH IL L

Scheiderer of 5a5 Steakhouse; Anthony Baker of Lounge; Craig Wong, Olive; Kiet Le, InterContinental; Lea Fernandez, Soluna Café; Shanti Deluca, One Market Restaurant; Steven Babb, Ottmista Enoteca-Café; and Timothy Davis, Perbacco.” For the second year in a row, Deluca of One Market restaurant won.

Cupcakes in many forms abound during the 11th annual “Dessert First” event

by Project Open Hand.

By Sweet Sister Dana Van Iquity Project Open Hand hosted their 11th annual “Dessert First” fundraiser at the beautiful InterContinental San Francisco hotel. Since 1985, Project Open Hand (POH) has been providing “meals with love” to people living with serious illnesses and to seniors in San Francisco and Alameda County.

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Arriving on the scene in 2000, “Dessert First” has attracted some of the Bay Area’s most talented pastry chefs and partygoers. This year a sweet group of 16 chefs assembled and shared their decadent dessert creations: Patti Dellamonica-Bauler of One Market Restaurant, Devin Alper of American Cupcake; Elizabeth Falkner, Citizen Cake and Orson; Sara Spearin, Dynamo Donuts & Coffee; Terri Wu, Farallon; Francis Ang, Fifth Floor; Robert Hac, FIVE restaurant and bar; Jessica Miller, Grand Café; Jake Godby, Humphry Slocombe Ice Cream; Daniel Corey, InterContinental San Francisco; Pascal Rigo, La Boulange; Janine Fong, Meritage at the Claremont; Ethan Howard, Murray Circle; Suzanne LaFleur, Perbacco; Michelle Polzine, Range; and Tim Nugent, Scala’s Bistro.

After sampling just about every dessert available, Sister Dana especially liked Patti Dellamonica-Bauler of One Market’s root beer granita float; Elizabeth Falkner of Citizen Cake’s buttery ice cream sundae; and my winner for the chocolate category was Terri Wu of Farralon’s bittersweet chocolate mousse with nuts. Cupcakes are the new donuts, and there were plenty of varieties available. Of course this chocoholic had to have a chocolate martini made with Vermeer Dutch Chocolate Cream.

100% of the proceeds from “Dessert First” benefited Project Open Hand.

Sponsors of the event included InterContinental San Francisco, W. & J. Graham’s, Dow’s, and Blandy’s port wines, Angove Family winemakers, Blue Angel vodka, Vermeer Dutch Chocolate liqueur, Dry Soda, Sun Tropics Premium Nectars, Vasquez Cof fee Company, San Francisco Magazine, and San Francisco Business Times.

The VIP reception featured a marvelous mixology contest among SF’s finest bars and mixologists. Tom Durein hosted the mixology contest and live auction with zest and humor. Participating in the contest were Adam

GAPA Runway 23 Crowns New Mr. And Miss GAPA

POH Executive Director Tom Nolan spoke of Open Hand’s founder Ruth Brinker passing peacefully the Monday before. He called her “the heart and soul” of the organization, who created it 26 years ago when she cooked in her kitchen for about a dozen friends with AIDS who otherwise would have succumbed to wasting syndrome. Brinker once said, “There’s no greater feeling in the world than to bring food to someone who really needs it.” Simple acts like peeling potatoes and bagging groceries all play a vital part in bringing food to those in need. Today POH serves 2,400 meals a day by 100 volunteers daily.

Board Chair Laura Smith thanked the guests, saying, “Your presence here helps us continue to provide meals for the homebound and carry on the mission that Ruth Brinker started many years ago,” and added, “We lost a great hero this week.” She then brought Nolan to the stage, announcing he would be leaving POH at the end of this year after serving 17 years, “and we’re not quite sure what we’re going to do about that.”

Nolan said, “Ruth Brinker knew she could do something about the people wasting from AIDS, because she had the two things you need: a big heart and a kitchen.” He emphasized Brinker said the most important ingredient was love.

- Write to Sweet Sister Dana at sisterdana@gmail.com.

The men competing for Mr. GAPA were Mike Nguyen, Jimaye Nguyen, Brandon Styles, Leeward, and Choon Chong. The “females” were Estee Longah, Chi-Chi Kago, Jezebel Patel, Keri Hanna, Lily Rose, Lychee Minnelli, and Princess Vi. Each changed into evening wear for the judges to see their poise on stage.

Each then changed clothes and presented his or her particular talent.

And each was interviewed by a judge, the names picked at random out of a bowl.

P HOTO BY R I NK

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Contestants must perform and answer questions to be crowned Mr. or Miss GAPA.

By Sister Dana Van Iquity

2 BAY TIMES AUGUST 25, 2011

Gay Asian Pacific Alliance (GAPA) presented “Runway 23: Donchavishuponastar: It’s All About the Happy Ending” at Herbst Theatre, hosted by the always hilarious Tita Aida and co-chaired by Benjamin Leong and Brian Yee. It was the stepping down ceremony for the audacious Miss GAPA 2010 Doncha Vishuwuzme and Mr. GAPA 2010 Ben.

officer for Horizons Foundation; Assemblywoman Fiona Ma; Holy McGrail, faux queen extraordinaire; and Masashi Niwano, festival and exhibition director for the Center for Asian American Media. Longtime GAPA supporter, Ken Hamai, provided a thematically fabulous fairyland cocktail and Asian cuisine VIP area between acts.

This year there were five candidates for Mr. GAPA and seven for Miss GAPA. The judges were Marilen Bernardo, Ms. Republic of the Philippines International 2007; Kevin Camia, stand-up comic; Peter Fever, porn star and creator of PeterFever. com; Devesh Khatu, development

The contestants appeared on stage in their fairytale costumes including a fairy princess, fairy godmother, Snow White, handsome princes, an evil queen, Pinocchio, Aladdin, the dancing teapot from Beauty and the Beast, a mermaid, and a genie in a lamp – to name just a few.

People’s choice awards were given by audience vote. Miss Congeniality was Chi-Chi Kago. Most Photogenic Mister was Jimaye Nguyen.

Most Photogenic Miss was Princess Vi. Boy Next Door was Jimaye. Girl Next Door was Jezebel Patel. Also Jezebel was Favorite Fantasy. Three male finalists and three female finalists were chosen, and had to answer questions submitted by other contestants, drawn at random from a bowl.

The retiring Miss GAPA Doncha’s message to her adoring fans was, “I (continued on page 6)

Errata In the August 11 issue, in the article entitled “Suspense Mounts about Historic First Lesbian Race for the U.S. Senate” we reported that Nancy Pelosi is a member of the Congressional Progressive Caucus. She is not.

When she was Speaker of the House, she was not permitted to be a member of any caucus.

National News

Their So-Called Earthquake

By Ann Rostow At first I was going to resist the urge to ridicule the TV coverage of our compatriots on the East Coast, who have gone bonkers over a 5.9 earthquake. After all, I gather that this is the worst earthquake to hit the midAtlantic in well over a century. And even in San Francisco, a 5.8 or 5.9 quake is significant. It could wake you up. Then again, you could also sleep through it.

But this is too much. Cable anchors have now spent over an hour covering the “news” despite the fact that no one was injured in any way and no damage has been reported. The coverage consists of interviewing random people and colleagues and discussing each other’s experiences. One person had to walk down three flights of stairs. Another was working when all of a sudden everything started to shake for several seconds. Someone else tells us that someone in Connecticut felt a tremor.

Who cares! I have the urge to put those two words in caps and add a few exclamation points, but I will resist as a matter of personal dignity.

There is a revolution coming to an end in Libya. Tripoli has fallen. The stock exchange is up nearly 300 points and there’s a big hurricane headed to the Bahamas. Are there no assignment editors or news producers on duty at these stations? I f lipped through MSNBC, Fox, CNN and even CNBC before turning off the TV. All four of them were covering the earthquake in hushed tones.

I suppose I could have watched the station that used to be called Headline News and used to have nonstop news stories delivered by droning talking heads. At some point however, that station shifted to stories of missing tourists, trials and baby killers, So even though Headline News wasn’t covering the stupid quake, I was only given the option of learning more about the tragic death of Amy Winehouse, hearing about a boy who got stuck in a chimney or seeing a father who encountered a shark with his son.

I had to say no, even though the chimney story intrigued me. How is it, by the way, that men and ugly women never vanish during their getaways in Aruba?

Lock Him Up Speaking of crime news, I think we’re approaching the final act of the Larry King murder trial in Southern California. King was the flamboyant Oxnard eighth-grader, gunned down by a deranged classmate, Brandon McInerney, in February, 2008.

For the last seven weeks, McInerney’s defense team has been trying to convince a jury that the defendant

snapped under pressure, lapsed into a dissociative state and shot King. A day before the murder, McInerney had told a friend he wanted to kill King, again I’m assuming here that he was in a dissociative state when that threat was made. On the day of the shooting, McInerney started off to school, but must have entered another dissociative state, because he returned home to get a loaded gun.

Now, a better study has looked at a larger group of bisexual men and discovered that there is indeed a cohort of males who truly are attracted to both men and women.

Hello scientists? Was that so hard?

Apparently sexuality boffins have yet to arrive at a definitive conclusion on the nature of female bisexuals, but I’m going out on a limb to suggest that they too are figments of reality

“Who cares! I have the urge to put those two words in caps and add a few exclamation points, but I will resist as a matter of personal dignity..”

The creepy killer, now 17, has an abusive meth addicted father and liked to draw swastikas. Needless to say, he was not amused by Larry, who enjoyed makeup and drag and paid for such fabulousness with his life.

According to the LA Times, McInerney was having second thoughts about shooting King, who sat in front of him in class. But when he heard King tell a friend that he was thinking of changing his name from Larry to Leticia, the violent maniac apparently reached his limit, pulled out his weapon, and shot King twice in the back of the head. Clearly, he must have again fallen into a dissociative state during this chain of events.

At any rate, the defense has rested and the prosecution is going to put on some additional evidence before sending the case to the jury. So we will soon see if Mr. McInerney is found guilty of murder, or whether his alleged trances qualify him for voluntary manslaughter.

Bi The Way… There’s some good news for bisexual men in this week’s New York Times science section. Guess what bi guys?

You exist! Previously, scientists believed that bisexual men were gay men who were scared to acknowledge their sexual orientation or maybe a little bit quirky. Not exactly a virile archetype.

rather than imagination. And I’m not just talking about all those girl-crazy college co-eds.

I had the article right beside me a second ago, but it has vanished, much the way our old bisexual stereotypes can disappear in a flash of post-modern clarity. I recall, however, that various learned professionals reminded Times readers that sexuality, whether bi or beginning with an h, is more than a simple matter of sexual attraction etc. etc. etc. You know how those science types go on.

There’s also a fun article about f lamingos in that section. Did you know that f lamingos keep extra pink dye in a little sac near their butt so they can refresh their feathers from time to time? And don’t tell me that’s not a gay subject.

Teaching Moments Do you think it’s wrong for a gay guy to get f ired from his public school teaching position after someone finds out that he ran a porn website business for several years?

I don’t.

Sorry. I think you have to make a few choices in life. Porn star entrepreneur or kindergarten teacher? Drug dealer or nun? Stripper or fighter pilot? Okay, now that I think about it, the career world is capable of a wide (continued on page 4)

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SF PRIDE continued from page 1) generating streams, including the Pride Pass program and ticket sales for the Official SF Pride VIP Party at City Hall. The board also hired Brendan Behan as interim executive director in April as part of its commitment to implement the recommendations put forward in the city controller’s audit. Behan previously served as deputy executive director of SF Pride from 2008-2009, and had been on

staff through five Pride events starting in 2006.

“I am so very pleased to have had the chance to work with this board of directors in helping move SF Pride back into profitability,” said Behan. “This Board has worked with incredible diligence and dedication to deliver on their commitment to put the organization on stronger financial footing in 2011.”

In addition to this year’s Community Partners receiving their grants on August 16, the 2010 Community Partners received final payments for their 2010 grants prior to this year’s Pride event.

“We’re moving in a very positive direction,” added Williams. “Pride is here to stay, and as the board enters its annual planning phase, we remain committed to both positioning the SF Pride organization for long-term

success, and to continue supporting our Community Partners, as we have done for the past fifteen years.”

The Parade awards were also announced, and with nine categories of four to six awardees in each, there is no room to list them. The exception is the winner of the Absolutely Fabulous Overall Award, AIDS LifeCycle, announced that night – selected by the community voters among four candidates: AIDS Emergency Fund/

Breast Cancer Emergency Fund with Beach Blanket Babylon; PFLAG (Parents, Families, and Friends of Lesbians and Gays); and SF Police Officer Alliance.

2012 will mark the 42nd anniversary of the San Francisco Pride Celebration and Parade. The Pride Celebration & Parade will be held over the weekend of June 23 and 24.

BAY T IM ES AUGUST 25, 2011 3

The Blue People Win! - Guest Editorial by Jewelle Gomez 2261 Market Street, No. 309 San Francisco CA 94114 Phone: 415-503-1386 Fax: 415-503-1389 www.sfbaytimes.com E-mail: editor@sfbaytimes.com STAFF Dr. Betty Sullivan Publisher

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Rink, Sister Dana Van Iquity, Ann Rostow, Melissa Myers, Linda Ayres-Frederick, Annette Lust, Joni Verstegen, Kirsten Kruse, Jim Freeman, Alison Bechdel, Pollo del Mar, Linda Kay Silva, Irene Munroe, Lily Janiak, Albert Goodwyn, Tom W. Kelly, Heidi Beeler, Lynn Ruth Miller, Jeanie Smith, K. Cole, Gary M. Kramer, Dennis McMillan, Tom Moon, Kelly Fondow, RoiAnn Phillips, Paul Pratt, Dayna Verstegen.

For most of the audience cheering on the heroic exploits of the characters in James Cameron’s amazing film, “Avatar,” the traditional mythology of the white male ‘savior’ among people of color is probably nowhere in their consciousness.

And those who mention the discomfort we feel at having a white hero once again ride in on a white horse (metaphorically speaking) to save colored people are dismissed as being ‘politically correct’ as if there is something wrong with being conscious of history.

I loved Avatar and have seen it several times; and I appreciate the strategic reasons why Sam Worthington plays the hero and not Benjamin Bratt or Ming Na or….any number of actors of color, male or female. That said most of us are usually unaware of the political statements made by almost every artist when their creations are on display. Paeans to heterosexuality, ethnic homogeneity, middle class acquisitiveness, female submission, male insensitivity are threaded through and unquestioned in most popular culture both media and literary.

That great populist, Shakespeare, was acutely aware of the political climate surrounding him and his work…that’s why it often helped to set his plays in far away places. Writers of speculative fiction often find that a touchy subject is more palatable when it takes place on Mars. Such was the case with television’s first interracial kiss—where else could it happen but on a “Star Trek” planet?

All art grows out of some political soil, even when the art isn’t consciously political. You don’t have to be painting “Guernica” or crafting the Radiant Baby to make a statement. But that unconscious art is what’s often the most insidious because its message is subliminal and pervasive: women can’t be heroes; Asian people don’t belong in advertising unless it’s about pearls or silk; men don’t know need to know how to do housework.

Having grown up in the 1960s when the Civil Rights Movement was in full blossom I under-

stood early that art and politics are always intertwined. No rally began without a song or poetry by folks like Sonia Sanchez, Amiri Baraka or Nikki Giovanni. They were the troubadours who filled our spirits with passion which would sustain us during a march or a sit-in. The Women’s Liberation Movement of the 1970s was much the same.

Poetry readings were not a visit to the Academy of American Poets…Margaret Randall, Cheryl Clarke, and Cherrie Moraga were opening the door to rambunctious discussions about immigration rights or sexual desire or machismo.

tingly having chosen to read several sections where Gilda takes blood from men on the street.

Exploring the social underpinnings of art doesn’t

I’m currently in rehearsal for my play about James Baldwin and the uncertain moments before he published his 1957 novel, “Giovanni’s Room.” Because its main characters where white male lovers in France many black activists warned Baldwin not to publish it; feeling it had nothing to do with blackness and would make the black movement look bad. I had a similar response from some black women when I was writing “The Gilda Stories.”

They all certainly understood the politics of art but in a narrow way that threatened their manhood or their blackness.

“Exploring the social underpinnings of art doesn’t limit the effect or focus but it does, I think, broaden and deepen the effect of the work.” limit the effect or focus but it does, I think, broaden and deepen the effect of the work. When I teach writing workshops I insist that participants think about the political message they’re conveying.

Much better to do it consciously (without being didactic) then send a message you don’t intend.

Once after doing a reading on a college campus from my lesbian vampire novel, “The Gilda Stories,’ one of the students asked why my vampire didn’t like men. He was responding to my unwit-

I explained that given the time period—1890s -1950s—the chances were less likely that a vampire would find a woman alone on the street; a fact which surprised all of the young people in the room. It was what they call a’ teachable moment’ but now I choose more carefully because I don’t want the audience to be distracted by perceived slights or inequities. Unlike some politicians I believe that thinking is a good thing.

Even though most people only read books by people who look just like themselves it is important for each of us to tell our stories, in books, poems or on screen. The more stories that circulate from outside the ‘mainstream’ the broader our consciousness as a culture will become. And the less intolerant society becomes. Since there’s a message coming through whether we plan it or not artists might as well draw on our social consciousness to make the art have more resonance.

The British television detective procedural, “Prime Suspect,” was even more effective because it was aware of telling the story of a middle aged woman in a traditionally male job. “Guard,” the new film with Brendan Gleeson and Don Cheadle finds its significance in understanding the prevailing stereotypes about the Irish and about African Americans, not in ignoring them. Jane Austen’s work has come to be regarded as easy Brit lit but

Photographers/ Illustrators

(continued on page 7)

Rink, Dennis McMillan, Steve Underhill, Phyllis Costa, Cathy Blackstone

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4 BAY TIMES AUGUST 25, 2011

ROSTOW (continued from page 3) embrace. But I still think the public schools can require a minimum level of prior decorum. Students should not be able to download action videos of their math teacher having a fisting party.

though he told a reporter that he was doing a web story on randy twins who love to touch and fondle each other.

Please no. At least not during dinner.

In other teacher news, here’s a 26year veteran of the chalkboard from Florida, who got suspended for writing mean things about us on his Facebook page:

You’ve read about Obama’s new deportation standards, I assume. Instead of tossing out illegal foreigners willy nilly, Homeland Security is going to focus their efforts on criminals and people without family ties in the U.S..

“I’m watching the news, eating dinner when the story about New York okaying same-sex unions came on and I almost threw up,” wrote Jerry Beull, the social studies teacher at Mount Dora High. “And now they showed two guys kissing after their announcement. If they want to call it a union, go ahead. But don’t insult a man and woman’s marriage by throwing it in the same cesspool of whatever. God will not be mocked.

When did this sin become acceptable?”

Beull’s district requires teachers to treat the social media as if it were the classroom. In other words, they are not to post anything that would not be acceptable on campus. Buell has over 700 Facebook friends as well, and cannot argue that his posting was private.

Lastly, Buell’s lawyer pointed out that Florida’s constitution bans same-sex marriage, insisting that the teacher’s opinion conforms to the state’s majority view and its fundamental law.

But Buell didn’t write that he opposed same-sex marriage. The man said gay unions made him sick and that gay couples turned the institution of marriage into a “cesspool!”

Hope he stays out of the classroom.

All in all, I’d prefer porn man, even

Immigration for Dummies

Apparently, we get to pick and choose who we deport these days. Who knew? Given my vast ignorance of the subject, I should probably do quite a bit of homework on the ins and outs of immigration policy before tackling the topic. But then again, who has time for such rigor? We have to cover everything from immigration to earthquakes and pornography. So let’s just move along, shall we?

First, I know that Obama’s administration has deported more illegal aliens than any president in history. Okay but why? Are there more around? Have we improved our capture techniques? Hired more guards?

Is due to the very existence of the Department of Homeland Security?

A good reporter would answer these threshold questions but we have no time for such frivolous sideshows.

Second, it seems as if now, we are setting some “priorities” because we can’t deport everyone and we want to deport criminals and bad guys first.

Well that sounds fine and dandy. But what have we been doing up until now? How exactly are we changing?

My impression is that we have a backlog of deportations and it may take one or two years, maybe more, to be

deported. My impression is that instead of just letting everyone slog towards their deportation date, we will now put all our energy into deporting criminals and we will let people with U.S. family members just stay. Even though they’re illegal.

So, will we just drop their cases? I don’t think so. I think the criminals will now be deported in three months instead of three years, and the nice people will be deported in six years instead of two years. Or maybe never.

Or something like that.

But hell. I don’t know, which is why this story should take some groundwork. I do know that the foreign spouses of bi-national married gay couples will be considered people with U.S. family members for these purposes. It’s not a law. It’s not a policy. It’s not an order. It just is. And it means that a lot of bi-national married couples can breath easier for a time.

Presumably, there will be no more gay spouses evicted from the States as long as this priority thingy, whatever it’s called, remains in effect. But the way Obama’s poll numbers are dropping, it’s possible that President Perry will wind up the deportation machine come February of 2013. No no no no no no no no no no no no no no. Won’t happen.

Yelp Bomb Explodes On ‘Phobic Bridal Shop Finally, I have to tell you about the bridal shop from Hell, “Here Comes the Bride” in Somers Point New Jersey, where the woman who runs it (Donna Saber) cancelled a dress order when she discovered one of her customers was a lesbian.

Donna told the client that she refused to participate in “illegal” activity, and she said other nasty things before… ooops!...the story hit the press and her store was f looded with hundreds of scathing comments on Yelp.

After over a thousand condemnations hit the website, Yelp began deleting the reactions, noting that it’s purpose is to rank businesses, not serve as a forum for political debate. Or whatever.

I assume that Yelp did not delete the review from Alix Genter, the client in question, who wrote the following: “Donna, the woman in charge at Here Comes the Bride, refused to sell me a dress because I am gay.

“After spending a day trying on dresses with my family and friends, she called me to say that she didn’t realize I was gay and would not work with me because that’s ‘wrong.’ She also said she was shocked because my family and I seemed so nice, and that my being gay is a ‘shame.’ Then, presumably to counter my accusation of discrimination, she said that what I am doing is illegal and she does not engage in illegal activity….

“Please do not support this bigot. She is a rude, judgmental, self-righteous homophobe, and from what I’ve read in other reviews, her bigotry does not stop at gay people. Her listing on Merchant Circle has complaints of racism, ageism, and other forms of degradation and harassment.”

You tell ‘em Alix.

- Write to Ann Rostow at arostow@aol. com.

By Dennis McMillan

Barajas said, “Marriage equality in New York is going to be a real game changer.” He hoped all these equality

P HOTO BY ST EVEN UN DERHIL L

GLA AD launched its f irst in San Francisco “Thank GLAAD It’s Friday!” (TGIF), one in the national networking event series for young LGBTQ professionals and straight allies on July 29 at Rebel. This is the f ifth annual “Thank GLA AD It’s Friday” national event series. Set in

couples could marry in New York.

GLA AD provided media training to many of the couples who married on July 24 - couples GLAAD then pitched to numerous local, national, and international media for coverage.

Elliott Elsner, Adam Sandel and Juan Barajas at TGIF at Rebel.

popular venues, TGIF events include hosted Absolut vodka cocktails, hot food, prize drawings, as well as the opportunity to meet and network with like-minded professionals and see what GLAAD is up to lately. The next TGIF will be Friday, Aug. 26, 7 to 9 pm at Slide, 430 Mason Street.

GLAAD SF Regional Director Juan Barajas told Bay Times about its work in New York and around the nation.

Barajas described GLAAD’s imprint on July 24 … the first day that gay

victories would help push the end of Proposition 8 that currently forbids California queers from marrying.

“We have to keep telling our stories,” said Elsner. “Americans need to see gay couples who love each other and are committed to each other.”

He added, “GLAAD is making sure those stories get heard.”

“Equality doesn’t just happen on itself,” Barajas said. “Politicians don’t just magically decide to do the right

thing. They do the right thing because the public tells them to. And that’s what GLAAD is doing – shaping public opinion by making sure our stories are being told in a fair and accurate way.” He said current polls show that people’s attitudes towards marriage equality are shifting in the right direction.

Barajas said that GLAAD is also involved in social media such as Facebook and Twitter, especially with its successful campaign against bullying in school and online via the Internet.

He said gay characters on TV shows “do not just pop up by accident.”

GLAAD has worked with scriptwriters and producers to make sure gays are not portrayed in comedies as objects of ridicule and stereotypes.

John Marez, National Leadership Council co-chair, said, “I want to give my sincere thanks to Bay Times as a media sponsor and giving constant, consistent coverage of GLAAD in the paper.” He said, “This is the f irst TGIF event in San Francisco, and it’s going to be the first of many.” He added, “We have to bring about more visibility of the work of GLAAD. The elections are gearing up, and the right wing people are sharpening their knives in order to cut us down; so GLAAD, as the media spokesperson for the Q community is right there on the forefront to make sure that they are portraying us and quoting us accurately, fairly, and inclusively.”

(SLDN continued from page 1) thanking him for his commitment to ending DADT and calling on him to adopt a policy of nondiscrimination based on sexual orientation and do more to bring about changes in benefits for gay and lesbian service members.

“Department officials, both civilian and military, have repeatedly said that gay and lesbian service members will be treated with respect and dignity and that nothing will stand in the way of advancing as far as their skills and talents will take them,” said Sarvis. “We applaud these sentiments, and we are calling on the Department of Defense to formalize this commitment by reflecting them in its policies and practices.”

In the letter, Sarvis urged the Pentagon to include “sexual orientation” in its Human Goals Charter and to bring enforcement of that commitment into the Military Equal

Opportunity (MEO) program, which provides an avenue of recourse outside the chain of command for service members who are experiencing harassment or discrimination.

“It should be a simple matter to include sexual orientation as a part of the armed forces’ longstanding commitment to equal opportunity for all service members regardless of race, color, religion, sex, and national origin,” Sarvis said.

SLDN has similarly called for President Barack Obama to issue an executive order prohibiting discrimination and harassment in the military.

In addition, Sarvis asked Panetta to do all in his authority to address the lingering inequities in the areas of family support, pay, and benefits that will exist for gay and lesbian service members following the repeal of DADT.

With the repeal of ‘Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell,’ there will be two classes of service members in the U.S. military – those who receive the full range of benefits and support, and those who do not. “At SLDN, we fully understand that the Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA) prevents the Department from extending the same support and benefits to all service members. However, Secretary Panetta has the ability, within the confines of the law, to make same-sex married couples and their families eligible to take part in some of the programs that are available to their straight married counterparts,” Sarvis said.

He stated that these include making same-sex married couples eligible for joint duty assignments, family center programs, and military family housing.

San Francisco Gay Men’s Chorus Invites Men to Audition

P H OTO B Y RIN K

Thank GLAAD it’s Friday!

The SF Gay Men’s Chorus invites men to audition on August 30 at Mission High School..

By Sister Dana Van Iquity San Francisco Gay Men’s Chorus invites men with a love of music and community to open rehearsals on August 29 to get to know them, and then audition on August 30. “Are you looking for a place to sing other than in the shower, in the car, or on Karaoke night?” asks SFGMC Artistic Director Tim Seelig. He continues, “Have we got a stage for you - and it’s not just about singing! The Chorus is a family and the most amazing opportunity for you to serve our community with your volunteer efforts.”

Seelig commences his first full season with the Chorus, its 34th, in September with a series of jaw-dropping concerts. “This is definitely the year to finally act on those urges you have to join,” he says. “The season is jampacked with music you will love from Broadway, the movies, and, yes, even Glee!”

The season ends in July 2012 with a tour to Colorado and Wyoming, where the Chorus will participate in the quadrennial GALA Choruses Festival in Denver, attended by about 6,000 other singers from around the world. This will be followed by concerts in Denver and Laramie benefiting the Matthew Shepard Foundation and the LGBTQ organizations of Wyoming.

The open rehearsal takes place at Mission High School, and auditions will take place at The Kanbar Center, 44 Page Street in San Francisco on Aug. 30, starting at 7 pm. This will be the only opportunity to audition for the season, as the Chorus will not be auditioning (as usual) in January.

New member orientation is on Monday, Sept. 12, 6 - 7 pm at Mission High School,

Sept. 12, 7 - 10 pm at Mission High School.

For more information, go to sfgmc. org and click on the tab marked, “Audition Info.”

Regular rehearsals are held weekly on Monday evenings from 7-10 pm at Mission High School. Each section holds rehearsals in addition to the Monday rehearsals. These are called sectional rehearsals and occur on other evenings or weekends. Although they are not mandatory, they are highly recommended and valuable, particularly if you do not read music or if you miss any regular rehearsals.

Each major subscription series concert has a rehearsal period consisting of approximately 10 rehearsals.

Members are allowed one absence per month and may make up absences by attending retreats and sectional rehearsals.

All chorus members pay dues of $28 per month and purchase their own wardrobe items (a one-time expense of approximately $350). There are other occasional costume and or prop expenses, but these tend to be very small. Financial assistance is available to Chorus members in the form of loans and volunteering. They have an organization within the Chorus called the FAN Club (Financial Assistance Network). The Club is run by volunteers in the Chorus to help raise money for members on limited or fixed incomes.

“In addition to singing beautiful music and changing lives, the Chorus provides a unique and affirming social opportunity, attracting and welcoming men of diverse backgrounds, ethnicities, and ages,” says Seelig.

“This is your time to shine, and we look forward to welcoming you!”

18th Street @ Dolores. Rehearsal with accepted new members is

The “We Don’t F#*@ Around” Person of the Week - Sensei Keiko Fukuda Keiko Fukuda is the highest-ranked female judo practitioner in history.

Based in San Francisco, she recently earned the rank of tenth dan. She is the first woman to ever hold this title and the only woman. The only three other living tenth dans are men that reside in Japan. In total, only 16 people have ever achieved this rank.

Did we mention that she is 98 years old? Sensei Fukuda cried upon learning that she had earned the tenth dan promotion and told the San Francisco Chronicle, “All my life this has been my dream.”

Born in 1913 in Japan, Fukuda relocated to the Bay Area in 1967 and began teaching at Mills College, where she stayed until 1978. In the Chronicle profile in July, Fukuda said, “All I did was Judo...this was my marriage.”

This is not a senior citizen that you want to mess with. The sensei may only be 4’ 11, but she became a judo instructor in 1937. Fukuda was the first woman to reach the rank of fifth dan in 1953 and sixth dan in 1972. According to experts, discriminatory policies kept Fukuda at the fifth dan level for many years longer than her less talented male peers.

The Sensei has been a mentor to students at all levels of judo practice. In 2004, at the age of 91, she published a book about judo techniques called JuNo-Kata: A Kodokan Textbook. She has been an adviser to the US Women’s Judo and USJI Kata Judges’ Certification sub-committee, and taught at the USJI National Teachers’ Institute.

In 1990 she was awarded the US JI Henry Stone Lifetime Contribution to American Judo. She also created

the Keiko Fukuda Judo Scholarship for women to continue their judo training and hosts the annual Fukuda Invitational Kata Championship.

And she is still teaching three days a week at the Soko Joshi women’s dojo in Noe Valley.

For doing what a woman has never done. For being a role model to women for more years than most of us have been alive. For not letting age stop you from reaching the pinnacle of your profession, we have chosen you Sensei Keiko Fukuda as our Person of the Week.

- Do you want to nominate someone for Person of the Week? Write to us at editor@ sfbaytimes.com..

BAY T IM ES AUGUST 25, 2011 5

The List

(TERRY JOAN BAUM from page 1 ) for between 7 and 19 years, by varying accounts.

Baum says according to “Homes Not Jails” approximately 30,000 empty residential units are not being rented out. Compare this to the city’s 4.2% vacancy rate which is on a downward trend, and its rising rents, as reported by the SF Chronicle on August eleventh of this year. These units are not counted in the vacancy rate. Then add to the picture at least 6,500 homeless people – the city’s last official count, which is by no means accurate, as reported by the SF Weekly’s blog.

A Better Life Linda Kay Silva

W he n I f i r s t s t a r t e d t e a c h i n g on l i ne a nd st udent s were requested to post a n i nt roduct ion about themselves, I was shocked that the parents went on and on about their children - even after I pointed out that this was not the information that their classmates needed. After all, they would not be in discussions with their child r en . Te l l u s ab out YOU, a nd what YOU l i ke to do, to eat, to play. It was a foreign concept to those with children. They would write f ive sentences about themselves and f ifty about their kids. I have been accused on several occasions of not liking children even though I have two of my own. It has nothing to do w ith lik ing or d isl i k ing k ids as much as it has to do with how we are socialized to putting them before ourselves.

My professorial angst had ever ything to do with wanting to get to k now my students and not t heir children. I do not teach their child ren. Share t hat you have k ids, but don’t use t hei r successes a s you r ow n. Tel l u s about YOU. A s I bega n d iv ing into t he L aw of Attraction, I realized that this is what is expected of us... We are ex pected to put our ch i ld ren at the top of our list. We are encouraged to make everybody else’s life better often at the expense of our own.

What I want to know is when did we agree with this? When did we de c ide t h at ou r h appi ne s s w a s wrapped up in making sure everybody else was happy f irst? When did it become self ish to put ourselves at the top of the list?

W hen Sunn ie star ted m idd le s c ho ol , a nd t he y wer e g et t i n g ready to do reports, she stood on a chair and said, “If anybody is going to do the topic on homosexuality, I have two moms, and I’m kind of an expert.” It would only be one year later that she would ask me to drop the word step from stepmother. She felt that it diminished what we really have... and what we really had back then was a family whose hierarchy enabled our ch i ld ren to ma ke ch i ld ren’s decisions and not adult ones. We wanted the girls’ childhood to be

as long as it could possibly be… and one way of doing that was not to give them power beyond their years.

The larger lesson in this is more about ask ing ourselves to whom have you g iven power over your life that you shouldn’t be giving?

Where do you place on your list?

Do you value yourself and happiness enough to be number 1? And can you do so guilt free? You see, by recognizing the importance of her own happiness over the happiness of her two daughters, Lori gave them one of the greatest gifts a parent can give their children: role modeling what a healthy and happy relationship looks like. Tod ay, ou r oldest i s i n Swa zi la nd working for the Peace Corps. Recent ly, we received a letter from her describing her Swazi family’s positive reaction to the fact that Kelley has two moms. In a culture that disdains homosexuality, her new fa m i ly ’s ma ma res ponded , “The most important thing is that your mother is happy.”

And this came from a woman livi ng i n a hut t housa nd s of m i les away, who u nder st a nd s t he i mpor t a nce of her ow n h appi nes s and being at the top of her list.

Where are you on your own list? I hope, after today, you are hovering somewhere near the top. You have the power. Use it.

- Wr ite to Linda Kay S ilva at iamstorm@ yahoo.com.

Baum sees one source of income to support her plans - a Downtown Transit Assessment District tax. She feels downtown merchants and businesses should pay for free transit, because they benefit the most from workers and customers being brought to them

The show that is currently touring (and coming to the Bay Area) is called Fully Charged, an edition of The Greatest Show on Earth®! Ringing Bros. The Ringling Bros. circus has been entertaining audiences for the past 140 years. In fact, this American tradition is older than two other American classics, baseball and Coca-Cola. The show offers a throwback to 140 years of performances,

So why vote for Baum – a candidate with great sincerity, ideas, dreams and passion, but a slim chance at winning the race? With San Francisco’s ranked choice voting, aka instant run-off elections, “there is no reason not to vote your conscience with your first choice,” Baum said. Also, as the only lesbian running, “on a symbolic level, voting for me can make a powerful statement.”

and transpor ts t he aud ience to themes transcendent from the 1930s.

But what the audience can expect beyond the brilliant costumes, talented performers, and variety of animals, is an escape from their everyday reality.

That upcoming deadline you’re worried about? The fight you had with your mom last week? The bills that keep piling up? According to Dustin and Brandon, all these stresses will go out the door as you enter a performance that will open your eyes and remind you to not take life so seriously. (continued on page 8)

(GAPA continued from page 2) hope that I’ve touched your hearts as much as you’ve touched the blackened stone that takes the place of mine. Underneath the broken vodka bottles there is love for you all.” She

Mike Nguyen and Lychee Minnelli were named Mr. and Miss GAPA 2011.

concluded, “There are only so many STDs, but there is only one Doncha!”

Retiring Mr. GAPA Ben said, “This year has been one of realized possibilities and opportunities in critical community leadership.” He added, 6 BAY TIMES AUGUST 25, 2011

Baum also advocates that pensions be invested in a local, municipal bank, so that the city benefits from it, rather than Bank of America. She proposes to change current property taxes to a “square-foot tax” which would tax properties by size, and to include a Vacant Parcel Tax, which would encourage building owners to rent out their units. In regards to income tax, Baum feels that “there is a greater income disparity in San Francisco than in any city in the state. We have more billionaires per square foot than any city in the country. Rich people should pay for the privilege of living in a city with all economic classes!”

See www.terr yjoanbaum.com for more information.

(ARE THEY LAUGHING continued from page 1) gay community. In fact neither sees it as a big deal or an elephant in the room, although you may literally see an elephant meandering around.

PH OTO BY RI N K

When Lori and I f irst got together, Sunnie and Kelley were eight and 10 years old. Lori had never been with a woman, and had just come out of a bad marriage. Both of us were amazed at how many people asked us what t he g irls t hought about us being together. I used to take a step back while Lori would answer, “Who gives a shit? I don’t

live my life for them. They don’t get a vote about my life.” Now, if you are recoiling at the apparent harshness of her words, you might wa nt to ask your sel f what adu lt would give that kind of power to a chi ld in regards to t he adult’s h appi nes s a nd t he a du lt ’s l i fe?

Somewhere along the road, we as a society have disempowered ourselves and given our children, our u nw ise, i nex per ienced ch i ld ren t he steer i ng wheel of ou r l ives.

I f t he y c a n’t d r i ve a c a r, why would we allow them to drive our world? Not so for me a nd L or i.

We understood that all children really want is for their mothers to be happy. We all know that line, “ W hen Mama a in’t happy, a in’t nobody happy.” K ids k now t hat when their mothers are happy, everything will be all right in their world. It is truly as simple as that.

Our girls did not get to vote about how we as adults lived our lives.

We were out and proud and they had to deal with it.

Baum, who lived in Amsterdam parttime during 1985 – 1994, says she would follow the Dutch example of squatting. There, a person could legally squat in a building if it hadn’t been used in 12 months and if the owner had no pressing need to use it.

She grants that a major shift in consciousness would be necessary in our society which is so strongly focused on property before such a movement could be accepted here. She also promotes supportive housing for homeless people in the form of studio apartments with social services, co-housing and intentional communities.

via the busses. In general, Baum feels taxes should be fair and progressive (fair meaning everybody pays something, and progressive meaning the rich pay more). She states that after all, progressive income taxes started in the Great Depression and turned it around.

“I have stayed faithful to my platform of developing youth leadership pipelines. Last September I was invited to be a youth keynote speaker at the opening plenary for the 2010 United States Conference on AIDS, where I challenged the thousands of HIV/AIDS service providers to grow youth scholars in their hometowns.”

In December, he was appointed to the City of San Francisco HIV Prevention Planning Council, engaging in important dialogue about HIV/AIDS policy decisions in the City.

After the final walks of Miss GAPA 2010 Doncha (a wacky comedy routine involving quantities of vodka) and Mr. GAPA 2010 Ben, and after the final questioning of the six finalists, the judges returned with the results. Second Prince was Jimaye. First Prince was Choon Chong. Mr. GAPA was Mike Nguyen. Second Princess was Princess Vi (well, she CHOSE her name, so it was in the stars that she be a princess, right?!). First Princess was Jezebel Patel. Miss GAPA was Lychee Minnelli. Mr. GAPA Mike and Miss GAPA Lychee then received their royal robes and scepters and worked the runway like true winners.

- Write to Sister Dana at sisterdana@ gmail.com

CA Men’s Gathering to Host Summer Gathering in Santa Rosa

By Dennis McMillan The California Men’s Gatherings (CMG) has announced that its Summer Gathering, “Connect @ CMG” – the 71st CMG Gathering -- will be held at beautiful Camp Newman in Santa Rosa over Labor Day weekend, September 2-5, just 60 miles north of San Francisco.

CMG (www.thecmg.org) was founded in 1978, and has grown to be a statewide men’s group of almost 4,000 gay, bi, trans, and straight men who gather for five weekend retreats and almost 200 local events every year. These events offer something for every man, including the unexpected, from the healing to the hilarious and the silly to the sacred. CMG is committed to creating safe, supportive spaces where men can find a new way to engage and connect in a drug and alcoholfree environment.

What is a CMG Gathering? Like many other retreats, a CMG Gathering is a rare chance to take a break from one’s daily life to ref lect; try something new; take a risk; meet new friends; and return refreshed and energized. “Unlike some other retreats, a CMG Gathering is what YOU make of it,” says Gregg Cassin, organizer.

“Choose from dozens of workshops, pool activities, a talent show, dances,

The CA Men’s Gatherings attracted hundreds of men to a no-chemical space.

heart circles, CMG puppy piles … or nothing at all … it’s your choice.”

It has been called “summer camp for men.” Some form lifelong relationships and have life changing experiences. And some just have fun.

The cost to attend this CMG Gathering is based on a sliding scale of income that ranges from $209-467 with a $50 “First Timer” discount plus limited financial aid available on request. This fee covers cabin lodging, all meals and snacks, and all events - with a few exceptions. For more info, call 877-984-3264 (Ext #1 for the Bay Area), or email question@ thecmg.org.

According to the mission statement: The California Men’s Gatherings creates and fosters a safe and supportive

community where we can take risks that not only educate, but also challenge, inspire, and revitalize our emotional, spiritual, social, and physical lives through local events, workshops, weekends, and CMG retreats called ‘Gatherings.’

The California Men’s Gatherings Inc. is incorporated as a tax-exempt 501(c) (3) not-for-profit educational organization. Donations to the California Men’s Gatherings Inc. are deductible to the fullest extent allowed by the IRS. Over 200 men of all cultural and ethnic backgrounds ranging in age from 18-80 and above will attend this annual Summer Gathering.

Register now at thecmg.org/V5/ pdfs/71stCMG.

Grace and the Art of Leaving Parenting Kelly Fondow My daughter is a POET. Through poetry she searches for herself: for her long-absent father – for the Latina deep within her – for the young woman falling into love for the first time. Through poetry she introduces me to myself, an unexpected result perhaps, but the truth just the same. Such a wonder it is, to see myself through her words.

She began this journey two years ago.

Not the tentative whisper one would expect from a girl so young, but an explosive voice from the start. Today she is a POET. And me? I have been her mother forever. Though I walked quite contentedly through life for my first twenty one years, I wasn’t myself until she joined me here on earth.

From the beginning she has been my compass, my conscience, my source of energy and joy. Now, on the eve of her eighteenth birthday, I begin to brace myself. In mere moments she will leave this house. I tell myself that I will be ready. Together we have worked our way through college applications, essays and visits. We have daydreamed about life on campus, about studying abroad and writing and majors and minors. I have worked the numbers inside and out in an attempt to imagine how on earth I’ll pay for it. What is all of this if not preparation for the inevitable? Of course, I know that it is time. She has been an adult her entire life, wise and strong and so full of insight. I have none of the worries that so many parents have. I need not fear for her ability to stand independently, or to make good decisions, whatever distance there may be between us.

These last few years have been, I know, a subtle form of preparation.

Kelly Fondow and RoiAnn Phillips are raising two daughters in Oak Park, Illinois.

We, thankfully, have been spared the indignity that so many mothers and daughters experience during the teenage years. There were seldom hints of that famous teenage resentment. Despite that, I know now that with great care and subtlety, she has been inching away from me. Little by little she has been focusing her energy inward. Our lives are no longer completely intertwined as they once were. Now I am grateful for the unexpected, unplanned-for moments.

Our connections still come, but they are increasingly seldom. She has been leaving me slowly – so slowly that I hardly noticed at first. Her thoughts, her dreams, her worries, once so clear to me are masked today, protected.

I am a strong woman. I have had the great fortune of falling in love.

Though for the first decade it was just my Grace and I, now we are a family of four. We are, as it happens, a deeply happy family. I will not be alone when she leaves for college. Far from it. And yet…

What am I without her?

I wrote these words three years ago.

This morning, while the house sleeps around me, I marvel at how far we’ve come. Grace is home for two days, a brief interlude before she dives head-first into her Junior year. The distance that she carefully constructed between us during her late teen years has been slowly melting away.

She is less guarded now, and much

more open with her trials and triumphs. She shares these things not only though her poetry these days, but through simple conversation.

The child in her is still visible to the trained eye, but more and more difficult to recognize.

Our household was wobbly in the months after she left. I was an emotional wreck. My partner RoiAnn and our little Eva tiptoed around me, doing their best to be patient with me while dealing with their own sense of loss. Eventually each of us shifted and settled, in an attempt to fill the gap that Grace’s absence left. Two years in, we’re old pros. We just did a whirlwind 24-hour trip to Madison to move Grace from one decrepit apartment to another, bringing her back with us for a couple days of home cooking and late nights in Chicago.

Eva is preparing for second grade. I’m selling houses. Roi is planning next year’s conference for her organization. Life marches on – and yet, in these early morning moments before the house wakes, although my lovely poet is asleep in her room here at home, I sit here missing her. As I still do, every minute of every day.

- Write to Kelly Fondow and RoiAnn Phillips at kellyandroiann@gmail.com.

See more Stories @sfbaytimes.com

SLDN continued from page 5) Baum has chosen to run as the Green Preat that you wouldn’t need a car.

“Busses every 10 minutes are not that radical when you think about it,” she says. She wants free Muni busses every 10 minutes from 6 am to midnight, and every 30 minutes in the late night hours. She wants safe, dedicated bike lanes with protective barriers from car traffic, and she wants taxis with one central dispatch. How great would it be to have a city without cars, which take up so much space, Baum

imagined, picturing every garage offering up space for apartments, artist spaces and wide open streets.

Baum also wants truly affordable housing and supports the nascent squatters group “Homes not Jails,” which occupied the Sierra Hotel on July 5 of this year. “I don’t believe in the property owner’s right to keep that building empty for 19 years,” Baum said. This SRO has approximately 40 units, but has been empty

(GUEST EDITORIAL - GOMEZ continued from page 4) at its core it skewered the banalities of her social circle.

Visiting the current exhibit on Gertrude Stein at the Contemporary Jewish Museum it’s obvious that Gertrude and Alice understood that they were living their politics from their hand painted wall paper (‘Pigeons on the grass, alas!”) to their collection of gay male artists friends to the iconoclastic circular linguistics Stein favored.

Simply saying who I am—a lesbian, feminist of color who writes—is making a political statement; the power comes in saying it out loud so others can hear and come to terms with it.

And one day, if the Na‘vi have to fight for their culture again, Zoe Saldana will be the lead hero; but I’m happy as long as the blue people win.

Jewelle Gomez is a writer and activist and the author of the double Lambda Awardwinning novel, THE GILDA STORIES from Firebrand Books.

BAY T IM ES AUGUST 25, 2011 7

Sunny Side Up Brass Tacks Heidi Beeler Clearly, Aug ust 11-14 for us was H a r o l d a n d M a u d e We e k e n d 2011. It was funerals all around.

No yel low umbrel la a la Maude for me - instead I toted my trumpet with me to the lot. A long with playing at my friend Lucifer’s life celebr at ion, I ja m med w it h t he Dixieland Dykes +3 at two other memor ia ls. I n su m ma r y, I blew my hor n at a gay bi ker’s ba r i n t he L eat her Distr ict, for a f lock of Franciscan monks at a Catholic church in the Tenderloin, and for suited-up gay veterans at the War Memorial Building.

Gay saxophonist biker buddy, gay Franciscan monk, gay World War I I vet . Even t hou gh D i x ie l a nd jazz is famous funeral music, the Dixieland Dykes+3 has only perfor med for t wo ot her memor ia ls in our 16 years. Seeing three lined up over a single weekend like carnie booths at a state fair gave me a n u nu sua l wh i rlw i nd per s pective on this whole life celebrating business. What stood out was how participants at all three tried for humor. I don’t mean the occasional ironic witticism that makes you smile through your tears. I mean fr iends, relat ives, the of f iciat ing pr iest , somet i mes t he decea sed himself, openly playing for laughs like the assembled mourners were a stud io aud ience and pr izes based on the laughter in decibels.

It felt like I was witnessing a style trend in memorial ceremonies.

To be fair, my science-minded life partner would point out that three a necdotes do not subst a nt iate a trend. She might say t hat based on this sample, you could incorrectly conclude that all memorials today are held only for gay men.

She might also note that I did not personally know two of the men, ind icat ing perhaps t hat my perception of the sorrow vs. hilarity quotient was a tad skewed. Then aga i n, she m ight tel l you t hat I t y pica l ly choose food s w it h too high a glycemic index and that I need to exercise more. For these r ea son s a nd mor e, s he h a s not been asked to comment.

For my money, the winner of the weekend’s funeral comedy smackdow n wa s R icha rd P u rcel l, t he Fr a nc i s c a n mon k (a nd fou nder of Marty’s Place and the Aurora Daw n Fou nd at ion). To be honest – he had an unfair advantage since a signif icant percentage of his mourners were costumed like Fr ia r Tuck . “ You’l l see a lot of brow n dresses,” tuba player and fo r m e r m o n k G a r y S p o n h o lt z told me. Tot a l u nder st atement .

Watch i ng 20 -30 ma rch i nto t he St. Boniface sanctuary, it was like S a nt aC on h a d b e en c onver t e d into FriarArchy. Wardrobe aside, the 73 year-old monk who’d died of A LS had a k iller sense of humor on him.

He wa s a n a r t i st a nd made h i s ow n casket – a g ia nt cardboard box decked out in day-glo stripes w it h d e a t h j o k e s p l a s t e r e d on t he sides l i ke travel placards on a stea mer t r u n k . “ P u sh i ng up pansies,” said one. “I love happy endings,” and my favorite, “I told you I was sick.” Mixed in with the Cat hol ic m a s s were jocu l a r re membrances about getting a word in edgewise with him and that his standard reply to “How are you?” was “Fine and dandy like cotton candy!” The music he picked included “That’s What Friends Are For” for communion, and for the closi ng, our rompi ng D i x iela nd

Gay Franciscan Monk Richard Purcell designed his own coffin. music leading the rainbow casket to the luncheon hall. It was a party thrown by a man who wanted his loved-ones to know he didn’t believe in the f inality of death.

L uc i fer’s l i fe celebr at ion at t he Hole in the Wall Saloon was f illed w it h laughter too. Fr iends m i ngled with pints and swapped stories and baked goods around the bar, in front of the collage of smiling, sax-wailing Luciferean stills.

The ma in event was watching a video of his Judge Judy episode on the bar’s TV. When he appeared, s hu f f l i n g r e c e ipt s a nd a n s wering her questions, it was startling to see him animated. The whole bar dropped silent, then cheered.

W he n Ju d g e Ju d y pr onou n c e d him the winner, we raised a toast.

To L uc i fe r ! G lor i a i n e x c e l s i s

Jud g e Jude o. T hen t r omb on i st Da n ny Wei n stei n a nd I pl ayed “ Wi ld Thing” as he’d requested as friends sang along. Here, sayi ng goo dbye to ou r f r iend , t he laughter felt more like denia l or def iance. I f we could share new stories and hear his voice and play his music, we could keep him with us a little longer.

Sunday’s hu morous f unera l was the most tradit ional. W W I I vetera n A rch Wi lson wa s a founding member and longtime leader of t he A lexander Hami lton Post (t he on ly L GBT chapter of t he American Legion). So they pulled out a l l the stops. Sett ing up, we Di x ieland D ykes bumped into a st r i ng qua r tet a nd sopra no a nd tenor soloist s. I n t he cour t ya rd below, a handler prepared a f lock

Why Won’t He Love Me?

Examined Life Tom Moon Q: My boyfriend dumped me two years ago.

It shocked me because until a week before he did it we’d been with each other almost every night and were talking about moving in together. I loved him more than anybody I’ve ever known. I still do. When I asked him what went wrong he gave me vague answers like “I’m not ready” and “It’s not your fault, I just didn’t fall in love with you.” If I knew why he didn’t fall in love with me when everybody thought we were so right for each other, I might be able to do something to improve myself, but his answers don’t give me anything to work with. Since he left it feels like my life stopped. I’ve been totally depressed and lonely. I can’t get over him.

I go over and over in my mind what I said and did trying to figure out what I could have done wrong. I keep asking myself “Why 8 BAY TIMES AUGUST 25, 2011

won’t he love me?” I used to hope he’d come back some day, but now he’s got a new boyfriend. When I see them together I’m always comparing myself and wondering what this new guy has that I don’t have. He’s taller than I am and seems more out-going and confident than me, but I’m just guessing at what it might be. I just can’t get over this.

I think this may have been my last chance to have real love in my life, and I wonder if maybe I’m just not the kind of guy that other guys love. If that’s true what can I do about it?

A: My impression is that you’re grappling with two different sets of issues.

The first is the sadness and grief which the loss of any important relationship causes. This is painful for anyone, but usually, with time and support from friends, most people are sufficiently resilient to weather the loss.

But the second kind of issue may be what’s making you feel immobilized.

This issue is unfortunately a common after-effect of being dumped, and is often more insidious and destructive than the pain of losing someone. I’m referring to the pessimistic cognitive distortions which a break-up often brings in its wake. The most common of these is the idea that if the person I love doesn’t feel the same about me, then I must be defective in some way.

The experience is taken as proof of

of doves wh i le I wa r med up for t aps. T he dove relea se wa s solem n. At t he recept ion, t hough, w it h Di x iela nd music ja m m i ng, fol k s cracked jokes, da nced a nd passed around shrimp and cockt a i l s . Ever yone s a id how much Arch’s 10 year-old grand-nephew looked like him. Here the lev it y was about looking forward, about mov ing on after g r ief. It’s a lesson you’d expect to learn from a roomful of war veterans.

So laughter a nd food; food a nd laughter. L i ke nood le hot d i sh, humor at memor ia ls seems here to st ay. L augh ing in t he face of death is the new black.

- Wr it e to He i di B eel e r at He i di Beeler@gmail.com.

(ARE THEY LAUGHING continued from page 6) such ideas as “I’m unlovable,” “I’m a loser,” “I’m a failure,” etc.

Painful losses bring these ideas to the surface, but the foundations for most cognitive distortions of this type are usually established in childhood, and are the result of what’s called “childhood omnipotence.” That term refers to the tendency of children to assume that they cause whatever goes on around them. So, for instance, if they have abusive or neglectful parents, they may think they’re being treated badly because they’re bad kids. Or if they aren’t loved, they may come to believe that it’s because they’re unlovable. Once these early beliefs are established, they’re highly resistant to change for a couple of reasons. First, the ideas become unconscious in the way that breathing is unconscious.

They become so much a part of us that we hardly notice they’re there, and never take the time to re-assess them with our adult minds. A second reason is that there is a kind of psychological law to the effect that we tend to give more weight to evidence which supports long-held beliefs than to evidence which contradicts them.

So, for instance, if you believe that you aren’t lovable, you will tend to notice when people reject you, but give much less significance to the people in your life who do love you.

This will sound strange, but there’s a sense in which you’re taking this loss too personally. What I mean is that what determines who floats your boat isn’t really in your hands; it’s the result of all your prior life experiences and conditioning. If you love Bill and not Joe, that’s information about you, not about Bill’s “lovability” or Joe’s lack of it. That’s why there’s no answer to questions like “Why won’t he love me?” Your ex can’t choose to love you any more than you can choose not to love him.

The pain of losing someone is an unavoidable experience for all of us, but you add insult to injury when you make it all your fault; and if you allow yourself to conclude that because one man didn’t love you, no one ever will, you set yourself up for wholly unnecessary despair and immobilization. Be alert to the self-denigrating thoughts and begin to question their validity. For an outside perspective it might be useful to spend some time with a therapist to help you examine these beliefs. In the meantime, remember to hold this thought constantly in your mind: “Don’t believe everything you think.”

Tom Moon is a psychotherapist in San Francisco. His website is tommoon.net.

“One of the best parts of my job is seeing a joke translate among three generations, “said Brandon. “There’s something great about getting a universal laugh, to see a daughter, mother and grandmother all laugh at the same thing.”

While speaking with Brandon and Dustin, it was refreshing to hear two people with such motivation and passion also speak about how we need eye openers in our lives to remind us to just have fun. Are you laughing with or at the performance? By the end of the performance, you may notice you are laughing less at the clowns and more at the direct relation it has to your own life. After all, we all trip and fall, but one of the best ways to carry on is to simply laugh.

If you’d like to see the show, you can get tickets at ringlingtickets.com.

Shows in California run from August 10- September 18. Enjoy!

More News, Stories, and Arts & Entertainment online

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Arts&Entertainment Theater Review

Linda Ayres-Frederick “If Music be the food of Love…play on"... Twelfth Night by Wm. Shakespeare It’s easier to get into San Quentin than it is to get out, even when you are just visiting for the rare opportunity to see thirteen inmates performing in Shakespeare’s romantic comedy Twelfth Night. With an audience comprised of 200 invited guests that included members of the press, friends of Marin Shakespeare plus fellow inmates, this updated 1960’s tie-dyed version of the Bard’s lovelorn tale of mistaken identities rocked with joy.

Getting to that effervescent experience took a few steps. Even before entering the prison compound, every outside audience member needed to attain security clearance, and once through the second set of gates, having signed your name twice and having your hand stamped with a special infrared ink, the faux castle architecture emitted a grievous sadness that grabbed you viscerally.

Walking through the open courtyard to the chapel lightened the emotional load somewhat and once inside, where banners proclaimed “They that sow in tears shalt reap in Joy”, the buzzing activity of videographers in prison garb and cast members greeting us with welcoming smiles set the stage and mood for what was to come.

When Romeo Valentine (A. Terrell Merritt), the songmaster serv-

ing Orsino (Erin O’Connor) and his back-up Singers Group--Angel Alvarez, Joey Barnes, Eric Lowery, and Perry “Spike” Simpson -- dropped to their knees and lip-synched “Lonely Teardrops”, this audience member laughed so hard she cried. The signature swish of their capes as they entered and exited throughout the show raised the audience’s spirit with a single unforgettable gesture.

In spite of the fact that some of the actors were on stage for the first time, the sense of ensemble that held them together was better than that of the best pro sports team of the past season. And of course there were standouts. Luke Padgett’s Malvolio made it obvious that here was a man whose artistry defied the limitations of his environment. Consistent throughout, borrowing elements from Rocky Horror Picture Show, family traits and his own process finding the character, Padgett delivered such an exquisite performance that one can’t imagine a more perfectly modulated Malvolio.

Standing tall, joy through devilment reigned!

John Owen Neblett as Antonio also stood out for his comic timing and daringly expressed lust for the tender hearted, oft bewildered Sebastian (Angel Alvarez). And Erin O’Connor had the stature and convincing conf idence demanded by his role as Orsino, the Duke of Illyria. Jonathan Wilson as Sir Andrew Aguecheek and Henry “Black Myth” Montgomery as Sri Yogi Maharishi provided additionally unique comic elements to this shenanigan-filled farce. MSC’s own Lesley Currier brought experi(continued on page 13)

PHOTO CREDIT - STARKiN SIDER

Twelfth Night with a Twist at San Quentin is a Stunner

San Quentin inmates put on a production of William Shakespeare's Twelfth Night..

Three Cheers for Billy Elliot Theater Review

Alexandra Bringer In the theater world, it is unique to hear the opinion of an up and coming teen actress. It gives readers a different viewpoint of award-winning shows from a fresh set of eyes. I’m Alexandra Bringer, a high school

sophomore in the Bay Area. I think of theater as an escape from the crazy world we live in; it gives us a chance to slow down for a few hours and let all of our problems disappear.

twinkling stars and full-bodied lions.

It was my first time to the Orpheum and I was blown away at the architecture for several minutes before the show started.

The San Francisco Orpheum’s production of Billy Elliot does just that.

Of course the 2,203 seat theater itself is magnificent. The Orpheum Theater built in 1926 showcases the 12th century Spanish style, complete with

When it comes to Billy Elliot, the theater’s style complements the plotline of the Tony award-winning musical set in 1984 during the British National Union of Mineworkers strike.

From the moment the performance started to the moment that it ended, I was mesmerized by the spectacular dance numbers revolving around the 15-year old star J.P. Viernes. Viernes plays Billy Elliot, an 11-year old boy who stumbles upon the art of ballet after being late for a boxing class. The first act ends right after Billy’s father learns the truth of his ballet and tells him that he can no longer continue, crushing his dreams of auditioning for The Royal Ballet School. This sends Billy into rage as he dances to get out his anger.

This first act was so exciting that it took the remainder of the 15-minute intermission for me to calm down.

While waiting for the show to start again, I had many people around me expressing their opinions on the first act. One man (who had seen the performance numerous times) went on and on how he had, “seen better.”

Another said how the performance didn’t measure up to, “the original London production”. Personally I

J.P. Viernes from Half Moon Bay impressed audiences with his portrayal of Billy Elliot at the Orpheum.

didn’t see why people were complaining; the production had stunned me all throughout the first act. The music was spectacular, the lighting added to the mood, the costumes brought out the characters, and the dancing was phenomenal.

As the curtain went up for the second act, I was expecting the usual tying up of plots and a few dance numbers that didn’t quite match up to the phenomenal first act. I am very happy to say…I was wrong. It was as moving as the first act. When Billy was not allowed to take ballet lessons, I cried for him. If my parents ever told me that I had to stop performing on stage, I would go through major withdrawals. Later, when Billy’s father lets him audition for The Royal Ballet School in London, it took everything in me not to get up from my seat and cheer.

Most of you know the rest: Billy auditions for the Ballet academy with his dad by his side. With a bundle of nerves he performs for his life, giving the judges everything he has to offer.

The musical closes with Billy receiving his acceptance into The Royal Ballet School. Yet again, I wanted to get up and cheer for the boy.

As the curtain closed, I couldn’t help but think that the performance seemed unf inished. There was no final musical number, no bows, not even a goodbye. Then, just as I was about to stand, the lights go back up (continued on page 13) BAY T IM ES AUGUST 25, 2011 9

A Riveting Revival of American Buffalo

The Actor's Theatre presents American Buffalo in San Francisco through September 3.

t he ropes on how to rob to h i s young gopher Bobby. But Teach enters to advise them not to mix f r iend sh ip w it h bu s i nes s. A f ter Bobby returns that evening with a n A mer ic a n Bu f fa lo n ic kel he c la i m s he bought f rom a not her col lector, he of fer s to sel l it to D on ny. T h i s i nt er r u pt s Te a c h and Donny’s scheme to steal their client’s coin collect ion that ver y night. But how did Bobby get the coin? Did he commit the robbery, possibly with Fletcher whom they a re awa it i ng to accompl i sh t he robber y w it h Teach? Suspicious of B obby, Te a c h b e at s h i m up and, angr y over Donny’s protect iveness of Bobby, t h rows Donny’s shop into sha mbles. Donny is mor t i f ied but he w i l l pick up the pieces when they return from

Theater Review Dr. Annette Lust Dav id M a met’s Am e r ican B uf falo premiered at the Goodman Theatre in 1975, appeared on Broadway two years later, and in a 1995 f ilm with Dustin Hof fman, is vividly revived at the San Francisco Actor’s Theatre. This salon tragicomedy, considered one of Mamet ’s b est w r it t en pl ay s , de pic t s three petty crook pals’ attempt to rob a client’s coin collection. Will t heir fr iendship be sacr if iced to their so-called business partnership involving the robbery?

I n h is Ch icago Resa le Jun k Shop, Don mentors and teaches

bringing Bobby to the hospital.

T he aud ience i s lef t to resolve whet her Bobby betrayed his bosses and exactly what the playw r ight i s at tempt i ng to convey about friendship and business.

Keith Phillips sensitively directs h i s brot her Ch r i s P h i l l ips who plays Teach, the most challenging of the three male roles. The latter interprets Teach as the tortured, tempestuous crook, impatient and with an iron will to succeed in his cr i m ina l schemes. R a ndy Hurst plays Donny, the mentor and fat her l y i m a g e for you n g B obby ( V l a d S ayen ko), who c r e at e s a docile kid. In this crowded Resale Ju n k Shop a l l t h ree cha r acter s ad m i rably ha nd le a h igh ly verbal text. A lthough they are often (continued on page 17)

Obama Break Dances in San Rafael Theater Review

Marin Shakes’ newest production is a spoof that inf licts irreverent mayhem upon the body of American history. Under the trees in San Rafael, The Complete History of America (abridged) recounts events since 1492 and tangentially earlier with only coincidental relationship to the facts.

The energy of the three players keeps the time line churning in the outdoor theater. They go through many costume quick-changes to become anyone from Ben Franklin to B. Obama.

Reed Martin of Sonoma, creator of the play and original cast member (along with Austin Tichenor and Adam Long) wrote it to be improvisational. “In all of our shows we include places to insert local and topical references,” he says. He updated this production to make sure Marin Shakes had the latest version. He took out Bill Clinton and added W. Bush and Obama. The use of anachronisms and non-sequiturs in this ten-year-old parody of our culture keeps it fresh and current.

On an opening night fraught with danger and annoyances ( July 30), the breathless cast of local actors found every one of Reed’s places to insert local and topical references. They took some right-wing digs at Berkeley. A persistent car alarm turned into fodder for laughs. Even a major technical glitch couldn’t stop them.

Darren Bridgett, Cassidy Brown and Mick Mize create an array of 10 BAY T IMES AUGUST 25, 2011

PHOTO BY ERI C CHAZ AN KIN

A lbert Goodw yn

Mike Mize as Lincoln’s usher at Ford’s Theater in The Complete History of America..

familiar characters against a colorful background. They work well together within the script while quickly and seamlessly slipping in another impromptu joke at any opportunity.

They are very good at focusing on non-scripted banter and some unexpected mockery of each other, making you believe that they planned it that way. One actor accidentally took a pratfall but carried on like a trouper, giving rise to jokes about splinters.

From an opening scene about the origin of the name of our country to a choice of modern finales, the misguided slapstick humor is incisive.

To begin the story, Cassidy plays Amerigo Vespucci with a ship’s helm, Mick plays wife Sophia Vespucci with a Chianti bottle and Darren plays a

ukulele.

Running through the years, the actors assume many different characters in quick succession and varying levels of inhabitation. Darren is somewhat mechanical in ensemble scenes, but he is more involved in his solo scenes, such as when he becomes didactic with his easel presentation. He takes mischievous joy in off-color jokes.

Cassidy remains stoically patient until the Dance of the Antelope Intestines. Thank you Cassidy for stopping Darren and Mike from singing. Mike Mize as Obama with a partial mask does some amusing break dancing.

In the end, they try to define our postwar sensibilities. Cassidy insists it is all Broadway show tunes and wants (continued on page 17)

HOT TICKETS L u s c iou s L ive ! - E a st B ay Live Music Dance Party from B . A . D. P r o duc t ion s . T her e t r u ly i s a "t here t here" hap pen i ng i n t he E a st Bay w it h t he debut of a new mont h ly dance event to be held at selected venues , feat u r i ng l ive music by favor ite per for mer s of the LGBTQ community and DJ Rockaway. Desig ned w it h w o me n w ho l o v e w o me n i n m i nd, L usc ious L ive! da nces are for you and yours. A ll are welcome! Sunday, August 28th 4 – 8pm and probably beyond!

Spinning Bench and Bar, 510 17th Street, Oakland. Online Pre-event Tickets: http://bettyslist.com. Door: $15 Urba n Wi ne Uncorked Move over, Napa and Sonoma!

W i ne produc i ng is ma k i ng a huge shift from rural wineries to u rba n producer s . For t he past f ive years, wine has been m a k i n g it s w a y d o w nt o w n , ditching Napa and taking root in the East Bay. Urban w inemakers in Oakland, San Francisco and beyond source their fr u it from t he best v ineyards in Ca lifor nia and around the globe, turning the grapes into world-class juice in their metropolitan facilities. Not being t ie d t o t he l a nd g ive s t he s e urban artisans the freedom to ex per i ment, produci ng sma l l batches of lov ingly cra fted w ines that are or ig ina l, loca l and af fordable. After the discussion, enjoy exqu isite t a stings prov ided by some of t he best urban wineries in the Bay A rea, i nclud i ng: Urba n L egend Cel lars, Brav ium Wines, E no W i nes , Temesc a l Creek Ur ba n V i nt ner s , Ro c k Wa l l W i ne C ompa ny, Sut ton C ellars, De Novo Wines, L edgewood Creek Winer y, Captain V i ney a r d s , V i ncen za R a nch Vineyard,Bullfrog Creek Vineyard and The Winery SF! 6pm check-i n | 6:30 pm pro g r a m | 7:3 0 pm w i ne t a st i ng recept ion | L a fayet te Veterans Memor ial Hall, 3780 Mt. Diablo Blvd., L a fayet te |$22 s t a nd a r d , $12 me m b e r s , $7 students (with valid ID). Must be 21+ to attend.

I de n t it y Fe s t i v a l - T he f i r st- ever tour i ng elect ron icON LY mu s ic fe st iv a l m a ke s it s debut t h i s s u m mer v i s iting major outdoor amph it heat res t hroughout Nor t h A merica and will be stopping in San Francisco at Shoreline A mph it heatre. There are ap prox i mately 20 shows on t ap for this exciting new traveling e x t r av a g a n z a , pr e s e nt e d b y Sk u l lc a ndy t h at w i l l feat u re top-tier artists performing on multiple stages starting in the afternoon and running into the night. The line-up for I DENTITY—which is set to further ga lva n i ze t he elect ron ic music ex plosion—is h igh l ighted b y t he hot t e s t c ut t i n g- e d g e ar t ists of the genre includ ing K a s k ade, Steve Aok i, P ret t y L ight s, Rusko, Book a Shade, The Crystal Method, DJ Shadow, Chuckie, Avicii, Jessie and t he Toy Boys, Nero, A frobet a a nd ma ny more. Sat urday Sept. 3 gates 1pm at Shoreline One A mph it heat re Pa rk way, Mount a in View C A . Ti x $74 GA, $200 VIP. Info: idfestival. com.

W i l l F r a n k e n's " S e c o n d Sandwiches" - Will Franken

(SF Weekly's "Best Comedian", "Patron Saint of Misrule" and SF Bay Guardian's "Best A lternative to Psychedelic Drugs").

Fresh from two completely new and successful theatrical shows l a st mont h, Fr a n ken ret u r n s t o h i s l i ve a c t ion b e s t w it h his latest opus "Second Sandw ic he s". T h i s lon g- for m s et w i l l i ncor porate some of t he best elements from the brandnew (and Wi l l Franken's f irst ever) love stor y: "D ieter und Sheila At International Youth Hostel". Yet t his t ime, ever ything is centered around a disastrous date between a cling y midd le-aged man and his gum-cracking ex-stripper New York g i rl f r iend who h app en upon a dow ntow n eater y by the name of "Taco's Sandwiches". As they soon discover, the apostrophe is no t y po. There are no tacos at "Taco's Sandw iches". The establishment is run by a man named Taco who sel ls mag ic sa ndw iches; each w it h a stor y of it s ow n. L i ke t he s a s s y bl a c k wom a n who calls the crime-stoppers line to complain about the obesity of a kid in a missing child poster; the solar panel salesman who talks a customer into not only i nst a l l i ng a sola r roof, but a brand-new sun (complete with a "solar ch i mney" to prevent his neighbors from getting any of h is free sun l ight); a nd t he 18 -year old stud who l ives to reg ret not wear ing a condom when h is 72-yea r old "fr iend w it h b ene f it s" m i r a c u lou s l y brea k s t he Gu i n ness Book of Wor ld ' s R e c or d s r e c or d for oldest mother! Take a bite out of Wi l l Franken's latest opus; "Second Sa ndw iches" (Sha ne Koon to open) September 10th, 8pm at T he P ur ple On ion Comedy Club 14 0 Columbus Avenue, SF $20 Info: willfrank e n .c o m . T i x : br ow n p a p e r tickets.com/event/192781.

David King’s Art Currently on Display at Visual Aid Gallery Art Review Sister Dana Van Iquity Col lages by Dav id K i ng, i n a n ex h ibit ent it led “A T h i n L i ne,” are now on display at the Visual A id gallery at 57 Post Street, 9th f loor. Gallery hours are Tuesday - Friday, 2 – 6pm, or by appointment. Visua l A id is a nonprof it organization that encourages artists with life-threatening illnesses to continue their creative work.

Dav id K i ng’s work ex plores h is profou nd i nterest i n t he met a physical - the underlying or funda ment a l interconnected ness of things. In his abstract work, it is dif f icult to determine if the forms are to be read as microcosmic or macrocosmic; are we looking at a cell cluster or a planetar y body?

His narrative pieces are created to be visually beautiful, intellectually stimulating, and sometimes humorous. A ll of his collages are con st r ucted i n t he t r a d it ion a l , cut-and-paste method, and have an obsessive attention to detail.

K i ng’s work has been show n i n Europe and across the U.S., includ i ng venues such a s A r t i st’s S pa ce i n New York , T he S oap Factory in Minneapolis, and Yerba Buena Center for the Arts, and The Lab - both in San Francisco.

He was recently an artist-in-residence at the San Francisco Dump, and he is also the recipient of an a r t ist’s g ra nt from t he Pol lockKrasner Foundation. More of his

collages and information can be found at davidkingcollage.com. “ I ' ve a lway s been i nterested i n collage,” King tells Bay Times. “I love how accessible and low-tech the medium is, and that anyone c a n pic k up s ome s c i s s or s a nd glue and do collage.”

H is i nspi rat ion, he ex pla i ns, is “as a kid, looking through a microscope at a sl ide of suburba n swamp water, I experienced surpr i se a nd awe at t he new, prev i ou s l y h i d d e n w or l d I fo u n d there.” He says, “As an adult, I’ve ex per ienced some of t he met aphysica l rea lms t hat we are not nor ma l ly conscious of - d i mensions of bei ng t hat I now k now are absolutely rea l. My col lages explore the overlap of those two experiences.”

In most of his work, he says his vision is to create pieces that, despite all that troubles the world, m i r ror t he pea cef u l nes s of t he metaphysical and benevolent energ y t hat is a lso par t of h is exper ience. T he nat ura l env i ronments ref lect a utopian ideal and a re mea nt to poi nt t he v iewer s towards their own, peaceful, selffulf illed existence.

His message to art viewers is that “ beneath it a l l, the universe reverberates with bejeweled light.”

The pieces are from a series entitled, “Elysium,” which in Greek mytholog y is a conception of the afterlife that, separate from Hade s , w a s i n it i a l l y r e s er ve d for mor ta ls related to t he gods and other heroes; later, expanding to

David King's work is now on exhibit at the Visual Aid Gallery on Post Street..

include those chosen by the gods, the righteous, and the heroic, to remain there after death, to live a blessed and happy life. “I'd like to t h i n k t hose people who d ied from A IDS live in such a place,” he muses.

W hat does he want people who v iew h is a r t to come away feeling? He answers in four succ i nc t wor d s , “Awe d . I n s pi r e d .

At peace.”

Check out what's happening @ bettyslist.com.

A Nig ht of L u s t : E x pl ic it Erotic Shorts by Erika Lust (Spain) - Sexy Cinema for Film Lovers by Feminist Porn Award Winning Director Turned of f by ma inst ream por n? Harsh l i ght i n g, fa ked or g a s m s a nd s u r r e a l b o d i e s not d o i n g it for you? G ood V ibr at ion s i s plea sed to present a luscious a lter nat ive w it h a col lect ion of ex pl icit shor t s by fem i n ist porn f ilmmaker Erika Lust on Sunday, September 19th at the Rox ie T heat re a s pa r t of it s 6t h annua l Ind ie Erot ic Fi lm Festival. If beautiful lighting, original music, erotic plots and authentic female pleasure turn you on, t hen Er i k a Lust may be your new favor ite por nographer. Leaving standard porn clichés in the dust, Erika Lust m a ke s s e x y mov ie s for f i l m lovers, with beautiful cinematog raphy, ex per t ed it i ng a nd sizzling chemistr y. This collection of shorts spans the last 5 years of her career and includes a range of shorts with a heterosexual ( but not vanilla) focus. The per fect date-night option, f ilm goers will discover that a high production values and hot sex are not mutua l ly e xc lu s i ve, t h at p or n c a n b e beaut iful and st ill deliver the goods. Sunday September 18th 7:30pm, $10 @ Roxie Theater, 3117 16th St. SF. - Compiled by C. Dumke

BAY T IM ES AUGUST 25, 2011 11

San Francisco’s Best Cafe Breakfast Lunch Dinner Cocktails

Full Service Bar Pastries Desserts

Reduction in Force: Marxist Characterization Meets the Financial Meltdown

POP ROX

By K. Cole

Barbra Streisand What Matters Most: Barbra Streisand Sings Lyrics of Alan & Marilyn Bergman What matters most about this new release is just that – it is a new release, not a rehash of old material. A lthough t hese a re cla ssic song s, St reisa nd is still at the top of mak ing ever y lyr ic count.

Best Cut: “Same Hello, the Same Goodbye” Location: Still got that turntable?

2298 Market Street • San Francisco, CA (415) 621-8579 • www.cafeflore.com

BLACK RHINO Design & Photography

Deborah Dennis deb@blackrhinodesign.com

510.501.5947 blackrhinodesign.com

Jan Zvaifler (r.) and John Patrick Moore* (l) in Central Works production, Reduction In Force, playing at the Berkeley City Club through August 28.

Theater Review Lily Janiak “My name is A nita, and I’m an executive assistant,” says the prot agon ist of Reduct ion i n Force, a new play at Central Works, at the show’s opening. You could be excused for t hin k ing, led astray

by Jan Zva if ler’s wel l-t imed deliver y, that this f irst line beg ins a self-parodying but sympathetic portrayal of the secretar ial pro fession, a f ield t hat a f f l ict s t he brain after prolonged exposure or at least merits a support group.

Many of the of f ice-related punch lines w it h which play w r ight Pat r icia M i lton st uf fs t he f irst act of her white-collar comedy-caper would seem to support that interpretation: Secretaries are undervalued and under paid, the jokes exhort (or bludgeon) - particularly at Icarus Wealth Management Gr ou p, w her e G a bb y ( K end r a L ee Oberhauser) i s t he t y pe of f inancier who invests in natural d isasters and who considers f iring her staunch assistant in favor of Mitch ( John Patrick Moore), a mentee, a.k.a. errand boy, whose chief virtue is his ass-kissing abilit y. ( He g ives himself f ive out of f ive stars.)

12 BAY T IMES AUGUST 25, 2011

But at some point before interm i s s ion , it b e c ome s c le a r t h at t h a t f i r s t l i n e - “ My n a me i s Anita, and I’m an executive assistant,” - is all we’re ever going to learn about Anita. Profession def ines character in Milton’s Marxist universe. Secretaries are hardworking and desperate not to get f ired, especially in this economy (if you ever forget that the show is supposed to be timely, Anita per iod ica l ly rem i nds you t hat she has an adjustable-rate mortgage to pay). Bosses are r ut h less and contemptuous, convinced that the underclass brought about its own ruin through prof ligacy and that on ly t hose who deser ve to succeed do. P ret t y young men l i ke Mitch need only have decent acting sk ills to succeed. His moralit y mark s an attempt at g ray in t h i s ot her w i se bl a c k-a nd -wh ite moral universe; he is impression-

able, su scept ible to t he et h ic a l wh i ms of whomever happens to be spea k i ng more loud ly at t he moment. W hen A nita decides to turn the tables on her v illainous boss, her worker rebel l ion pla n h i n g e s on t he pa r t ic ipat ion of this errand boy with a worthless M FA: To which woman w il l the inept but somehow crucial second banana lend the legitimacy of his masculinity?

Indeed, a deeper exploration of gender and age dynamics (Gabby is at least ten years Anita’s junior) might have saved this production.

A s it stands, much is still enjoyable because, as a “Central Works Method Play,” Milton wrote it in collaboration with the cast. That means that these lines were written specif ica l ly for these actors, and a l l t hree clearly savor their individually crafted zingers. Dir e c t or G a r y G r av e s k e e p s t he staging crisp when he can (that is, when t he scr ipt doesn’t descend into socioeconomic diatribes) and expertly uses Central Works’ very deep thrust stage to comment on t he characters’ sh ift ing ba lance of power.

No one is sur prised when, after s ome pr e p o st er ou s l y c ont r ive d confusion and much opening and closing of doors, virtue triumphs ov er v ic e a nd G a bb y g et s her comeuppance. But it is an uneasy v ictor y, a nd not ju st for scr ipt reasons: A nita’s success couldn’t happen (or make a dif ference) in the real f inancial world, and it’s not meant to look like it should.

But M i lton of fer s sc a nt a dv ice to r ea l of f ice worker s who a r e a l ien at e d f r om t he i r me a n s of production. In her vision, there’s not much real people can do - a thought that’s scarier than all the Gabbys of the world put together.

Reduc t ion i n For c e c ont i nues t h rough Aug u st 28 at B erkeley C it y C lub, 2315 D u r a nt Av e., Berkeley. Tickets ($14 - $25), call (510) 558 -1381 or at centralworks. org Check out Lily’s blog at http://lilyjaniak.blogspot.com/

Deep Blue Organ Trio Wonderful I must confess it was the name of the le s l ie - or g a n - i n f u s e d ja z z t r io t h a t c aught my eye, but a f ter a l i sten, I must say I was ready to put on my lime sateen cocktail dress and have a mart i n i. I f you’d l i ke some back g rou nd music for your Mad Men party, this is a must have for you. Les Brown would be proud.

Best Cut: “You Haven’t Done Nothin’” Location: Tonga Room

Ana Popovic Unconditional First look at this cover and your first response is “Really??”Popovic plays a mean blues guitar, acoustic, electric and slide. She could stand up to Ms. Raitt and hold her ground.

But the path she’s clearly chosen with this release shows either a glaring lack of self-confidence or a woman desperate to be heard.

Listen and weep, women.

Best Cut: “Business as Usual” Location: Bad soft porn set

The Nylons Skin Tight This men’s vocal group started wowing us back in 1978 and although the names have changed, t he har monies a nd sen se of hu mor have not – a nd that’s a good thing. If you love the Gay Men’s Chor us but wou ld l i ke some thing a little more let’s say, f lexible?

Best Cut: “Spider Man” Location: Palm Springs poolside

Up Your Alley Leather Fair was Cool but NOT

By Master Sister Dana Van Iquity

Hathaway and Sturgess Talk About One Day

This year’s Up Your A lley leather/ fet ish fa ir was not as hot as usual, perhaps because it was not a s hot weat her-w i se – mea n i ng t here wa s a much les s ex posed f lesh on a sometimes chilly, often windy Sunday afternoon, July 31.

But still it was a lot of fun. This fair is t y pical ly smal ler and less attended than its much bigger big brother, Folsom Fair on September 25.

T her e w a s a s er iou s de a r t h of d rag queens a nd w i ld cost u mes t h i s yea r. Veter a n d r a g queen, Mistress Didi Mau, was proud to have attended every Up Your A lley Fair since 1996. That day she was topless in red patent leather g-string with f ire engine red wig.

I spotted one g uy wearing nothi n g but a jo c k st r ap a nd h i gh , high heels. I ran into K rewe de K i nque Queens Dea na Daw n a nd D iva-D i n match i ng sa i lor g irl out f its. One man’s cost ume was his entire nude body – every inch (and I do mean those inches) covered in ink, like The Illustrated Man. Two g uys wore st r iped singlets, a lthough they were not memb er s of a w r e s t l i n g t e a m .

One brave but possibly crazy man wore an actual straight jacket. I hoped people were k ind enough to of fer assistance in feeding and beer i ng h i m. St i l l a not her g uy w a s w r apped i n a P VC r ubber suit from head to toe, includ ing a mask covering his face, except for t wo t iny eye slits and a funnel in his mouth (to receive beer or recycled beer perhaps?). There were ma ny dog s – bot h a n i ma l

Jim Sturgess plays Dexter Mayhew in the film One Day.

Film Gary M. Kramer A d a pt e d f r om Dav id N ic hol l s’ best-sel ler, One Day has Emma M or l e y ( A n n e H a t h aw ay) a n d D ex ter M ayhew ( J i m St u r g es s) meeting on July 15 (St. Swithin’s Day) and spending the night together.

P HOTO BY RIN K

Sister Dana spotted his f irst fully na ked ma n t here, sig na l i ng t he fa i r had t r u ly beg u n. A lt hough u s u a l l y t he nude g u y s a r e not porn models or anything remotely close to that standard, it was still pleasant to see people feeling free to be themselves outdoors in the a ltoget her. No cock sock s were spied t h is yea r by t h is i nt repid r e por ter, but t her e wer e a few exposed genitals here and there.

Sister Da na took h is vows ser iously, tak ing the opportunit y to “bless” any willing exposed dicks.

The fair was def initely crowded and packed in the streets – nuts to butts.

Sister Pat N Leather the number one redhead erotic film star in the world, James Jamesson, at the Up Your Alley Fair on July 31.

a nd huma n var iet y. One pound puppy person sat up and begged for treats, woof ing w ith delight.

Br uce B eaudet te, cost u mer ext r a or d i n a i r e, wor e a n a l l blue glitter y theme w ith a handmade wearable ar t piece, a blue Time magazine cover col lage of var ious gay persons of the year that appeared on those covers, as well as those who did NOT appear but they should have.

Tenderloin Health prov ided free H I V test i ng w it h resu lt s i n 20 minutes. Jorge Vieto of Stop A IDS Project (stopaids.com) shared info on their latest campaign, “Don’t Share a Bloody T h ing,” ra ising aw a renes s about not s pread i ng H I V, hepat it i s , M R SA , or a ny ST D by usi ng Cav icide sur face disinfectant on sex toys, available at Mr. S and kinkymedical.com.

The Bare Chest Calendar booth had hot, hunky calendar models sig n i ng t hei r pa r t icu la r mont h.

(SAN QUENTIN, continued from page 9) ence and charm to her Viola as did MSC interns Elizabeth Keller as her servant Maria and Brent BC Harvey as her boisterous, drunken uncle, Sir Toby Belch.

The script as adapted by Marin Shakespeare's Managing and Artistic Directors, Lesley and Robert Currier, was set with a variety of music from the Beatles, Rolling Stones and others including original music by Joey Mason--who also played a fine Feste, the guitar-strumming Clown serving Olivia. Mike Anthony, who played the bespectacled poker-faced Olivia in a blonde wig with Shirley Temple curls admitted that the hardest part of performing was having to dress up in gold brocade and heels in front of his peers.

Under the direction of Suraya Keating, the inmates and the three additional members of MSC have been studying the play, creating characters, learning lines, practicing songs and dance moves, and preparing for the performance for the past 10 months.

The work has definitely paid off.

The Marin Shakespeare Company, which performs at Dominican University's Forest Meadows Amphitheatre each summer, added the Shakespeare program at San Quentin to

This annual glossy calendar photo shoot benef its A IDS Emergenc y Fu nd a nd Posit ive Resou rce Center. You can go to barechest. org to order and get to know each man behind their photos.

T he Rea l Bad boot h adver t ised the upcoming of f icial Folsom Fair d a nce pa r t y, Rea l Bad X X I I I : “Be Bad; Do Good.” Loren Browen, host chair, said 10 0% of the proceeds from general admission tickets goes to the benef iciar ies.

Over the 23 years, Real Bad has r a i sed $1. 25 m i l l ion. For more i n fo, go to rea lbad.org. Spea king of of f icial Folsom Fair events, “Mag nitude” is the of f icial Saturday night dance fundraiser on Sept. 24. Julian Marshburn, Mr. Daddy’s Leather 2004, was selling advance tickets to the event, “which will be a feast for the eyes and the senses.” For more info, go to folsomstreetfair.org. (continued on page 17)

(BILLY ELLIOT, cont. from page 9) their array of education programs eight years ago during which Ms. Currier has been performing with them. The teachers who have worked with the inmates have found the men eager to learn.

In the talkback after the performance the men concurred that the program helped “keep their sanity” and to live “from their authentic selves.”

"Shakespeare gives inmates the opportunity to learn to communicate in new ways, to practice conflict resolution, to develop empathy, and teamwork skills. In addition, the men are expanding their vocabularies, learning about poetry, and enjoying classic literature," said Currier. "Shakespeare has been transformational for many of the men who participate, building confidence and communication skills.”

"Shakespeare actors are role models within the San Quentin community, demonstrating that even behind bars men can continue to set goals, learn new skills, and become better human beings.”

Given the standing ovation this Twelfth Night so richly deserved, there’s no doubt that this program is a stunning success!

one more time and the whole cast dances and bows. I immediately stood joining the rest of the audience in a standing ovation for the magnificent cast.

While exiting the theater, I felt a rush of energy from the last three hours of watching Billy tell his story. I wish I could say that you should buy your tickets now before it leaves, but it’s too late. Billy Elliot left the Orpheum Theater August 21, a month earlier than previously scheduled. All I can say is that the Orpheum will regret closing such a spectacular, moving, brilliant show early.

See more

Arts & Entertainment @ sfbaytimes. com.

D i r e c t or L one S c her f i g ’s f i l m chron icles t he ex per iences of Emma and Dexter over the next t wo decades as t hei r fr iend sh ip grows more intense. The f ilm thus asks: Can men and women benef it from friendship or do they always end up as friends with benef its?

In a recent inter v iew, Hathaway sa id, “ I t h i n k it’s possible for a straight woman to be friends with a straight guy and vice versa. And yes, sometimes tension can get in the way of friendship; usually that dissipates into what it’s meant to be—which is a friendship.”

But then she adds, “But I’m not t he person to a nswer t h is ques tion. I’ve been in a rock solid relationship for three years, and I’m a one-man woman. The majority of my fr iends are gay men, a nd I’ve never had any sexual tension with them - which I consider to be a personal failing. That said, [ I’m goi ng to be play i ng ] Judy Ga rland—so I’ve got to get on that.”

However, Sturgess is less sure of this concept and of fered this observation, “I think men and women c a n b e f r iend s , r e a l ly g o o d friends - but I have to question if they can be best friends like Dex and Emma. The[ir] connection is so strong, and t hey are so compatible. Maybe they can’t. I don’t know…”

Sturgess continues to think about t he f i l m a nd how t he stor y re f lects on issues of love and regret a s it r el ates to rom a nce, “ T he f ilm does make you think about ot her people you meet i n you r life. I’ve been a sort of long-term relat ionship, so I stuck w it h my best friend.”

Ne v e r t he le s s , S t u r g e s s c le a r l y underst a nds t he character he plays in One Day, and explained, “Dexter’s not had relat ionships, and certainly hasn’t had fr iendships before. He has an interesting relationship w ith his mother ( Patricia Clarkson), and a really non-existent relationship with his father (Ken Stott). But I don’t bel ieve he’s ever ex per ienced t hat level of i nten se f r iend s h ip a nd that backbone and streng th and fou ndat ion t hat t hat fr iend sh ip gives you, so he is a bit lost. His friends were just sort of drinking

buddies. He never really experienced love.”

Aud ienc es w i l l enjoy w at c h i n g Dexter - and Emma - come into their own over t ime. The yearly v ig net tes br ing t hem bot h clos er a nd f ur t her apa r t before t he f ilm’s poignant f inale.

Describing her character, Hathaway observed that Emma may be insecure, but she is someone who k now s who she i s. “ She’s not a girl who changes, she’s a girl who evolves. She’s not tr y ing on new per sona s, she’s t r y i ng to ref i ne the one she has.”

The actress revealed her surprising approach to the character. “I had these fun conversations with the costume designer —what was t he yea r t h at E m m a fou nd t he right bra?”

She let out an infectious, throaty laugh, and continued, “Every girl has many years where you do not wear the r ight bra, and one day you f ind it and it’s a life changing moment. For Emma, it was right around the teacher years.”

Sturgess, who has severa l sh ir tless a nd/or nude scenes i n One Day, also admitted that he found his character through his clothes.

T he actor developed a fond ness for the leather pants that Dexter wears. “They were pretty shocking weren’t they?” he asked, with a naught y smile. “I’ve never put on a pa i r of leat her t rouser s i n my life before that. I didn’t realize how comfortable they were. I a lways t hought leat her t rouser s would be dif f icult to wear.”

Sturgess wears the leather pants l i ke a rock st a r, maybe because c lot hes f r om t he Br it i s h mu s ic scene i n s pi re t he actor, who i s also a musician. Music plays a big role in One Day. The actors even bonded of f set by exchanging iPods.

“I gave him show tunes, and he g ave me awes ome i nd ie r o c k ,” confessed Hathaway. “He turned me onto Elbow. I turned him into Bony Bear.”

Sturgess remembered, “She was r e a l l y i nt o Pat t i S m it h at t he time, which I never got my head around. I was into British bands that she never heard of like, The Stone Roses—stuf f that came out of the 80s and early 90s.”

A nd perhaps what makes Emma and Dex - and the actors who portray them - so compelling. They share something specia l to each of them and it makes their relationship stronger.

- Write to Gary Kramer at garysf bt@ gmail.com.

BAY T IM ES AUGUST 25, 2011 13

COMMUNITY

CALENDAR

compiled by Christine Dumke

EDWARD RUIZ 2010

THE BAY AREA’S ARTS AND EVENTS CALENDAR FOR THE LGBTQ COMMUNITIES

Foreverland Michael Jackson Tribute Band plays Birthday Bash for the King of Pop Saturday the 27th.

25 Thursday

Radical Love & Relationship WorkshopBuilding on her feminist critique of love and relationships, Wendy presents the major concepts and challenges that we face trying to re-invent our relationships outside the dominant social paradigm. Radical love is the freedom to love whom you want, how you want, and as many as you want, so long a personal integrity, respect, honesty, and consent are at the core of any and all relationships. Radical love primarily focuses on love and intimacy, not sex and sexual conquest.

At the heart of this work are three components: feminism, social activism, and revolution. The workshop is followed by a discussion and intended to create a non-judgmental support group. Info: wendyomatik.com 7:30p Gilman Street Project 924 Gilman St. (@ 8th St.), Berkeley. $20-10, sliding scale, everyone welcome.

26 Friday

4th Anniversary Party @ Lookout- In 4 years, Lookout has raised over $250,000 for our community through various fundraisers.

As a thank you to all our amazing friends and patrons, Lookout invites you to join the celebration! Stop by during happy hour for a free buffet from 6-8pm with DJ’s Stefanie Phillips and Christopher B on the decks until 10pm.

Then Guy Ruben and Robbie Martin pull out all the stops for a night of great music, friends and fun! Featuring all day drink specials, the hottest crowd in the City will be in attendance! 3600 16TH at Market SF. NO COVER! 3:30p–2a. (415) 431-0306 – lookoutsf.com.

No Enlightened People Have Ever Come Out Of The Ghetto- is a solo show that brings alive a life of street fighting, poverty, and loss with a sense of humor, cleverness and sensitivity that is potent and haunting.

Andre uses his expansive and varied life story to show us how he learned the difference between right and wrong with real heart, spiritual insight and wisdom expressed in his sensual movement, sharp intelligence and deep tenderness. He shares bittersweet and humorous stories, with his alter ego Cleo, that lead you on a journey to the sacred city of Watts, with its army of black women in the beauty shop (who have the right to beat him and feed him), you meet five wayward boys plotting a donut robbery and experience the intense reaction to the tragic death of a first love. 7p at the Alcove Theatre, 414 Mason Street, Fifth Floor SF. Tix: $20 at brownpapertickets.com/event/188656.

Male Foot Fetish Parties-On the 4th Friday of every month 8pm-2am; location is sent via email (sign up for our mailing list at www. footpartysf.com) or call (877)299-2338. $20 admission, $10 students under 25 with ID, $5 men under 21) Mention the Bay Times for a $5 discount at the door. Cover includes beer, spirits, soda, chips, pizza, preview foot videos and full use of this great play space.

1 4 BAY TIMES AUGUST 2 5 , 2 0 1 1

27 Saturday

East Bay Singles Bruch & Mingle @ SIDEBAR - Celebrating Sistahs Steppin' in Pride- Beginning at Sidebar on Grand at the Lake M erritt location across the street from the march kickoff point: "The Pillars." Sidebar is a very popular spot with outstanding cuisine and a sophisticated vibe. You can choose to participate in the Sistahs march with us immediately following. There's interesting shopping next door too. Our monthly Singles Brunch and Mingle shifts to the East Bay for August in celebration of the 10th and Final Sistahs Steppin' in Pride, fondly referred to as the East Bay's Dyke March.

9:30a-11:30a Sidebar 542 Grand Avenue Oakland. $35 per person includes glass of wine from featured winery, brunch buffet plus participation in event activities, guided mingle, door prizes, etc. Info: 415-503-1375 Reservations: http://bettyslist.com/blpage. php?id=4259.

Foreverland Michael Jackson Birthday Bash- Expect a great show when Foreverland, the electrifying 14-piece tribute to Michael Jackson, celebrates Michael's birthday in high style. The King of Pop would be 53 this year, and for this occasion, Foreverland will perform Jackson's music spanning his whole career - from his childhood with the Jackson Five to the early 90's.

This now-annual event will draw one-gloved moonwalkers from far and wide; a time to celebrate Michael's life and accomplishments. So, "Let's dance, let's shout, shake our bodies down to the ground.” 8p- $25 at Uptown Theatre Napa 1350 Third St Napa.

Tix & Info: (707)-259-0123 or uptowntheatrenapa.com.

Go BANG! Atomic Dance Floor DISCO Action!-Birthday Celebration for Special Guest MARKE B, Senior Culture and Web Editor for the San Francisco Bay Guardian & Co-Author of Queer: The Ultimate LGBT Guide for Teens. At Deco Lounge- 510 Larkin & Turk St. 9p-Late! / $5 + Free Before 10.

Roughin’ It: Theater. Oysters. Campfire.

Booze- This one-night-only event happening features all-new, original material from local playwrights specifically penned for performance at the Tomales Bay Oyster Company in Point Reyes Station. Tickets include a round-trip shuttle ride (21+) from San Francisco to the serene water-side setting where audiences, who are encouraged to pack a picnic and to BYO-Libations, you will enjoy dollar oysters, cold beer and award winning theater around a roaring campfire.

Shuttles for PianoFight’s Roughin’ It depart San Francisco at 4p for the 6p show time.

Tickets are $40 with the shuttle-ride – $20 tickets are also available for those who prefer to drive themselves or are under 21-yearsold – and can be purchased at pianofight. com.

Treasure Island Flea" Where Treasures Are Found"- The open-air market hosts local exhibitors showcasing: hand made one-of-

kind items, indie designs, antiques and collectibles, home décor and French garden, plants and flowers, up-cycled and re-purposed designs. The TI Flea has also become known for some of the best food finds in the Bay Area. The show hosts their own set food vendors making everything from French galettes to Pork Belly BLT's as well as surprise visits from some of San Francisco sought after Food Trucks. Treasure Island Flea recently added local entertainment and award winning California Wines from The Winery SF. Experience the newest Bay Area attraction held the last Saturday & Sunday of each month from 9a-4p on historic Treasure Island SF Info: TreasureIslandFlea.com or 415.898.0245 Ten Dangerous Nutrition Myths- will be the topic of the next lecture by Janice Stanger, PhD, author The Perfect Formula Diet. Dr. Stranger will be discussing common diet myths. Why are so many adults and children overweight and sick if our Standard American Diet (SAD) is correct? Dr. Stanger will leave no myth untouched in her presentation. She

will explain the six whole foods you should eat and the processed foods you should never consume and explain how much key nutrients you need and what happens when you get too much. Discover the secrets to sustaining strong bones, unobstructed arteries, and youthful vigor – without dissecting your food into protein, carbs, and fats. *8p. at St. James Community Room, 4620 California Street, SF. *At 6p there will be a vegan potluck preceding the lecture $2 with vegan food/$10 with no food. Info: call 415-2735481 or sfvs.org.

World-known Shaman Performance Artist Frank Moore- will conduct improvised passions of musicians, actors, dancers, and audience members in a laboratory setting to create altered realities of fusion beyond taboos. Bring your passions and musical instruments and your senses of adventure and humor. ADMISSION IS FREE! (But donations will be accepted.) Temescal Art Center 511 48th Street Oakland.

Writing Group for Senior Women- All women are invited to join an ongoing writers

group presented by New Leaf Outreach to Elders for self-expression, creativity, supportive feedback and great company. Drop-ins welcome. The group meets every 2nd and 4th Saturday, 11am-1pm at the LGBT Center, 1800 Market St, Rm 305, SF. Info: newleafservices.org or ligaletto@earthlink.net SHOWGIRLS: The Peaches Christ Experience – Join your hostess Peaches Christ at The Castro Theatre on Aug. 27. If you missed last year’s sold-out screening, you’d be crazy to miss this outrageous event as Peaches and company kick off the night with the “Volcanic Goddess” pre-show. Feel the need to embrace your inner “showgirl” and “showboy?” Grab your Vegas couture, sparkle up the night, and compete in the “Versayce Face” costume contest for exclusive prizes. With every large popcorn purchase, you’ll be guaranteed a personalized lap dance by live “dude-girls.” Doors open 6:30 pm for $40 VIP ticket holders, 7 pm for $25 general admission; festivities begin 8 pm. Tix and info: http://store.peacheschrist.com/ products/96-showgirls.aspx. You never know WHAT Peaches Christ will be pulling out of her feathered headdress!!!

28 Sunday

Donna Sachet hosts the Starlight Cabaret benefit on Sunday August 28th.

Luscious Live! East Bay Live Music Dance Party from B.A.D. Productions- You do love to dance so join us for the second Luscious Live! Dance featuring live music by the best of the Bay Area's performers. The amazing Battlin' Bluebirds with lead singer Maria Stanford is our featured band - plus, a guest appearance by that hot favorite of yours - Stephanie Teel - and we're at the "top" LGBT venue in the East Bay - Bench and Bar - plus, get this, we have splendidly handsome DJ Rockaway too! $15 Door starts 4p at Bench and Bar 510 17th St Oakland. Preevent Tickets at bettyslist.com/blpage. php?id=2847 Sea Otter Watch by Kayak & Whales Hike at Elkhorn Slough & Moss Landing Based on the enthusiastic sellout group for our recent Elkhorn Slough outing, we've added another! Guide Kim Powell and her team are ready to go again, so bring a friend or several and come with us! $75. 9:30a 3:00p. Elkhorn Slough & Moss Landing, Moss Landing.

415-503-1375.

BettyEventInfo@aol.com or http://bettyslist. com/blpage.php?id=3496.

Starlight Magic Cabaret-The lovely, popular and talented Donna Sachet hosts this benefit performance to raise much-needed funds for AIDS Emergency Fund and Positive Resource Center. Be part of this elegant event where the 2012 Bare Chest Calendar Men and the highest bidders from the Dinner Date Auction Gala are the special VIPs at this one-night-only performance. 8p at the Franciscan Room of the Sir Francis Drake Hotel on Union Square, SF. General Admission Tickets are $30 and include a champagne and dessert reception following the performance at http://barechest2012.

eventbrite.com.

The Sway Machinery w local favs Brass Menazeri!- Known for their adventurous and hard hitting explorations of the soulful Jewish Cantorial Music tradition, The Sway Machinery pushed their musical horizons past new limits with their 2010 performance at the Festival of the Desert in Timbuktu, Mali and their subsequent recording project, which culminated in the 2011 release of their new album, The House of Friendly Ghosts, Volume 1. Also on the bill will be Brass Menažeri, San Francisco’s original and hottest Balkan Romani (“Gypsy”) Brass Band.

Hitting the stage at an exciting new venue in town, the BeatBox, the band is ready to burn high, bringing the weight and intensity of their world travels to the stage. 8 pm at the BeatBox 314 11th St, SF 10 adv/$12 night.

RuPaul’s Drag Race Star Yara Sofia Debuts at The Café- Yara shocked global viewing audiences with an emotional breakdown during the LOGO reality show’s “Lip Sync for Your Life.” Though it left the hilarious Puerto Rican in fourth place, she had already won hearts around the world. A renowned makeup artist and Lady Gaga impersonator at home, Yara makes her first Bay Area appearance at The GlamaZONE. “Whether for her edgy make-up or hysterical characters; Yara always stood out to me,” says The GlamaZONE’s Pollo Del Mar. 8:30 pm party; 9:30 pm show. The Café, 2369 Market SF $4 cover for this event. 21+ only. Valid picture ID required.

29 Monday

9th Annual SF Giants LGBTQ Night OutCome to the LGBTQ Pre-Game Party and then sit with us at AT&T Park. Joining us as our special guest will be the legendary Phyllis Lyon who is and has been for many years a Giants fan. You can meet Phyllis and cheer for her too! We've got tickets and you can come with us to the private pre-game LGBTQ celebration where we'll enjoy a pre-game party and get a special edition Giants hat not available anywhere else. Then, sit with our group. But seating is limited, so don't delay!

It's time for us to go to the game! Both couples and singles will be joining our group. Let us know if you'd like to sit with other Singles.

Bring your friends, family and neighbors. All are welcome! All ages, genders, interests.

You name it. All are welcome! We enjoy and encourage diversity. 5:15 pm-Pre-Game Party, 7:15 pm - Giants Game v Chicago Cubs. Ticket Info: - There are two different seating options for this special ticket package: - Lower Box: $45 - View Reserved: $31 SOLD OUT. Call Giants for general seating information at sfgiants.com.

Le Disko's Retro Blackout Theme Party!Bring out your retro close specially your bright florescent colors because Le Disko will be going dark! Get creative and come show your "glow" under the backlight. We will have great drink specials such as, $2 corona light, $4 vodka and tonics and great music from our "surprise Dj". Cost: $5 before 11 pm $10 after. Location: 528 7th Street, Santa Rosa, CA. 9 pm to 2 am. Info: (707) 694-3749 or eandfproductions.com

30 Tuesday

Red Hot Chili Peppers LIVE: I’m With Yousinger Anthony Kiedis, bassist Flea, drummer Chad Smith and guitarist Josh Klinghoffer are bringing their new album “I’m With You” to the global stage with a song-by-song live concert performance, via satellite to select movie theaters around the world, including more than 450 theaters in the U.S. The band will perform the entire album in sequence, followed by some of their greatest hits in a special high-definition cinematic in-theater event, it is the first – and only – time the new album will be performed in its entirety by the band. For info and a list of participating U.S. theater locations (theaters and participants are subject to change), please visit FathomEvents.com.

SmartyPants Tuesday Trivia with Miss Kitty Tapata-Free to play! Free fresh popcorn! Prizes! Drink specials! And trust us that with Kitty at the helm, this is not your "average" pub quiz - we turn trivia into a contact sport! 8:30 pm-10:30 pm at Stray Bar 309 Cortland Ave, SF.

31 Wednesday The Romane Event Comedy Show!- Join fast rising comedy star, Paco Romane and headliner Nato Green, who was recently named the SF Weekly‘s Best Comedian of 2010 because he keeps getting “smarter and faster” and puts on “legendary” shows that keep audiences “doubled over”. The Romane Event Comedy Show is one of the hottest comedy shows in the Country and after 6 Years is always a great night with fun audiences and exciting atmosphere. The Make Out Room 3225 22nd St., SF, $7 advance $10 door 21+ Tix: romaneeventcomedyshow.eventbrite.com Info: (415) 647-2888 or pacoromane.com.

Smart Women San Francisco- Social and business networking plus "Shout Out!" segment, door prizes, complimentary hors d'oeuvres with Featured guest Dayna Verstegen, editor of the Bay Times. Verstegen is a veteran broadcast journalist, she will discuss new highlights in the Bay Times and the future of the 30 year old LGBTQ newspa-

per.5:30 pm - 7:30 pm at Catch Restaurant, 2362 Market Street, SF. Free to members; $10 non-member; no one turned away.

1 Thursday

Go Deep: Let’s Wrestle- The moment you've all been waiting for, Red Hots Burlesque SF's Best Bump and Grind have been conspiring with your friends at El Rio to bring you a All Girl Monthly Lube Wrestling Party! No one can resist hot babes covered in glistening sex slick writhing and wriggling in attempts of pinning each other. You can come and watch or be a part of the action.

Make a reservation and get ring side seats!

Sign up at 8p or email redhotsburlesque@ gmail.com. Action starts at 9p at El Rio 3158 Mission St (@ Cesar Chavez), SF. (415) 2823325.

The East Bay Butch Group-Meets the 1st Thursday of every month in Berkeley, 7-9 pm, to discuss and explore butch identity, to honor and preserve butch culture, and to share our common experiences. There's a topic for each meeting that acts as a starting point or catalyst for our conversation. Meet at the Berkeley Fellowship of Unitarian Universalists (1924 Cedar Street (at Bonita), Berkeley, CA) at 7 pm. The entrance to meeting space is on Bonita - come in through the gate and go to the second floor. Unfortunately, there is no elevator.

2 Friday

Mexican Punk Night-Everybody’s Dying Here-A documentary that follows the feminist Mexican punk band, Las Ultrasonicas. Shot and edited by Ulltrasonica guitarist Ali Gardoki (aka Ali Gua Gua) the film provides a look at the treacherous underground Mexican punk scene and the daily grind of performing in one of Mexico’s few all-female punk bands.

After the film Ali Gardoki (via Skype) will be jouined in-house by KPFA’s Miguel Guerro for a lively Q&A discussion. 7 pm $10/Gen $8/Students. Mission Cultural Center 2868 Mission St SF. 415-643-2785.

Silk @ AsiaSF- A 1st Friday monthly dance event at one of SOMA's swankier spots. DJ Shawn P spins hip hop and dance music all night long. 10:30 pm-3 am, free b4 11 pm and $5 after at 201 9th St, SF. Info: asiasf.com The Circus Takes Over Union SquareThere will be no doubt the circus is back in town when performers from Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey® circus roll into Union Square for two hours of free lunchtime entertainment for children and adults alike with a rollicking lunchtime look at its newest circus production, Fully Charged! Performers will rotate through a rousing set of circus acts

and precision stunts, side-show gags, and, of course, frolics by clowns from the world famous Ringling Bros. Clown Alley. Children will be offered free face-painting artistry and balloon animals, free circus snacks (popcorn and cotton candy), and rubber clown noses.

Other prizes will be available as supplies last – plus a chance to win a family four-pack of tickets to the show! FREE to the Public at 11:30 am to 1:30 pm on Union Square San Francisco (Geary and Powell Streets).

The Audre and Langston Salon~Our Night, Our Place-On the 1st Friday of every month, Black LGBTQ people and their friends are invited to an evening of performance, visual arts, films, and lectures to promote health, community and cultural pride. Free, 7 pm at the Health and Wellness Network of the Black Coalition on AIDS, 2800 3rd St, SF. Info: bcoa.org, 615-9945

3 Saturday

Cowgirl Round-Up-A lesbian country western event. The fun starts at 7:30 pm beginning country western two-step lesson, 8:15 pm line dance lesson, 8:45-11:30 pm country western dance party! Every 1st Saturday of the month at the Metronome Ballroom, 1830 17th St, SF. Info: 252-9000 x151.

RAWDANCE PRESENTS THE CONCEPT SERIES: 9- On Sept. 3rd & 4th, RAWdance will present the ninth installation of the CONCEPT series, a diverse showcase of dance artists, at the 66 Sanchez Studio in San Francisco's Duboce Triangle. Providing an informal salon environment, the series focuses on intimacy and innovation—showing some of the top talent of Bay Area contemporary dance in a quaint and cozy space.

At the event, RAWdance will perform excerpts from Scripting Intimacies (2005), inspired by unsettling early texts in the field of sexology, in addition to a brand new brassy, beat-driven quartet. Joining RAWdance is

the unique and darkly humorous 13th Floor Dance Theater led by Jenny McAllister.

Times: Sat. Sept. 3, 8pm & Sun. Sept. 4, 3 pm & 8 pm at 66 Sanchez Street (bet. 14th & Duboce) SF. Pay-What-You-Can. Info: rawdance.org or 415.686.0728.

Family Builders-Is a non-profit, licensed foster care and adoption agency, serving children and youth in the foster care system.

Family Builders by Adoption is predicated on the belief that every child has the right to grow up in a permanent, nurturing family.

Orientation session 1st Saturday of the month 10 am-noon at 401 Grand Ave., 4th floor, Oakland. Info: 510-272-0204 or familybuilders.org. Please call to RSVP your attendance and complete a brief inquiry before attending.

T-Dance for the Ladies!-Join them to celebrate the Castro’s longest running T-dance for the Ladies!! The producers of Delicious have launched another Saturday ladies T-Dance. Club Mami hits The Café’s roster every 1ST Saturday of the month giving the ladies who love ladies an all Latin T-Dance.

Lady DJ'S Val G & Chili D rock the house!! 7 super hot lady go-go’s work the boxes with free shot giveaways. $5 b/4 5 pm, $8 after.

The Cafe, 2369 Market St. Info : Christopher Berini, 415-359-6061 or Christopher @ djchristopherb.com.

Walnut Creek FamilyFest-Dozens of family activities for kids, tweens and parents incl. face painting, balloon art, bounces and crawls, Kids Town America, BMX Bike Stunt Team, SpongeBob SquarePants, sand volleyball & sport games, 100 arts & crafts and exhibitor booths, food court, rides and more.

Labor Day Weekend, Sept. 3-4-5, 10 am-6 pm. Heather Farm Park,Walnut Creek. $5 per person with the donation of a canned good for the Food Bank of Contra Costa & Solano. $6 without a can donation. Babies and seniors 65+ are FREE. Benefits local

(continued on page 16

Peaches Christ hosts Showgirls at the Castro Theatre on August 27.

RAWdance presents Concept 9 September 3rd and 4th at Sanchez Studio in San Francisco. RJ Muna, 2007

COMMUNITY RESOURCES

PARENTS & KIDS Mamas & Papas: San Francisco Families: Expand your circle of LGBTQ parents, swap parenting tips, and explore concerns shared by all parents as well as those of special interest to our families. Help your kids build lasting friendships with other children growing up with LGBTQ families. RSVP to Julia at julia@ourfamily.org or 415-981-1960, and please indicate if you need free childcare. Ay The LGBTQ Center, 1800 Market at Octavia SF. Families with Child(ren) Ages 0-5 meets Saturdays, Sept. 13, 9:45 am Childcare and kids activities, 10:00am Adult discussion. Families with Child(ren) Ages 5-10 Sept. 6, Family dinner from 4:30-5 pm, Structured discussion and children's activities from 5-6:30 pm COLAGE: Children of Lesbians & Gays

Everywhere, Community and Activism by and for kids, youth, and adults with LGBTQ parents. 1550 Bryant Street, Suite 830, SF. Info: 861-KIDS. Info: colage.org Transracial Adoption Support Group Relevant and living resources tailored to LGBTQ parents at a highly-participatory monthly discussion group providing candid perspectives and opinions. At the SF LGBT Center, 1800 Market St., SF. Info: ourfamily.org Adoption SF/Family Builders By Adoption - Informational gatherings every second Wednesday of every other month about adopting a waiting child from the SF Foster Care system. Free pre/post adoption support. 6:30 pm at the LGBT Center, 1800 Market St., SF. Info: 970-9601

Transgender Parent Support Group - An opportunity to connect with your peers and get mutual support. This group meets every third Saturday of the month and is comprised of a time for socializing and a group discussion.

Drop-ins welcome but ongoing attendance is important to estaQblish group rapport. 10 am-12 pm at the LGBT Center, 1800 Market St., SF. Info/RSVP for childcare: 415-865-5553 TeenZone Gay Straight Alliance in Oakland This group of folks age 13-17 is a space for LGBTQQ youth and their straight allies to hang out, watch films, talk about books and plan fun activities. Every second Wednesday of the month, 5-6 pm at the Oakland Main Library Rm 219, 125 14th St., Oakland. Info: oaklandlibrary.org

(continued on page 17)

Check Out the Bay Times CALENDAR and RESOURCE GUIDE ON-LINE at sfbaytimes.com

Hillbarn Theatre open's their 71st season with Cy Coleman's Tony Award wining musical City of Angels starting September 1st..

BAY T IM ES AUGUS T 25, 2011 15

non-profits. Info: WCFamilyFest.com.

WTF? WTF is open to all women & transfolks, Genderqueer folk, femmes, and other people who've had gender bias, homophobia, or transphobia keep them away from the wrenches! The Bike Kitchen is a do-it-yourself bicycle resource run by volunteers where you can get help to fix your bike, use tools, find used parts, or build up a bike from

See more

Calendar @ sfbaytimes.com.

scratch! 6-9 pm at the Bike Kitchen’s new home at 650H Florida St, SF on the 1st and 3rd Fridays of the month. Info: bikekitchen.org

4 Sunday

SF LGBT Center Benefit Beer Bust- The beer bust will be held at the Lexington Club on 3464 19th street in SF from 4-7 pm $10 will buy unlimited PBR and be a great way to celebrate Labor Day by raising money for a worthy cause!

Oakland Pride - Stop by the “Betty's List” / Bay Times Booth at Oakland Pride- “Betty's List” celebrates Oakland Pride's theme, “We are Family,” with Betty's daughter, Liz and granddaughter Callie. Callie appears on Betty's Facebook page in “The Callie Fashion Show” series of photographs. She's just turned six months old and has two lesbian grandmothers. This will be the first Pride event for Callie,

EVERY WEEK Thursdays

Café Poz Lunch - Ready for a new routine? Make a date with other HIV positive men at Café Positive, a social support event open to everyone. Gab with the guys and have a feast compliments of Café Poz and STOPAIDS Project, usually on Thursdays. 12-1:30 pm at the Castro Country Club, 4058 18th St.., SF. Info: stopaids.org Transgender / Gender-Variant Social and Discussion Group Every Thursday from 5-6:30 pm at Spectrum LGBTQ Center A safe and friendly space to meet new people, share ideas, and have fun!

1000 Sir Francis Drake Blvd. #10, San Anselmo, CA 94960 No cost; call 4571115 x 203 for more details www.spectrumLGBTcenter.org Clair’s Drop-in - Free, one-on-one counseling to help transgender community members on their personal evolution, including an overview of TEEI services. It is recommended that you call ahead to verify your walk-in time beforehand. Contact Clair Farley at clairf@ sfcenter.org or call 415-865-5632. Visit the Tr a n s g e n d e r Economic Empowerment Initiative (TEEI) website teeisf.org - Matching dynamic people with sustainable jobs in safe workplaces - for more info. 1-4 pm at the SF LGBTQ Center, 1800 Market at Octavia St., SF. Out In The Bay and This Way Out Weekly program of LGBTQ issues, includes a weekly AIDS update. Every Thursday, 7:30 pm on KALW, 91.7.

Followed by This Way Out, the international lesbian and gay newsmagazine.

Info: www.kalw.org Blur - Transgender & Gender-Variant Support Group Every Thursday 6:307:30 pm Free food! Come and chat with other trans & gv people, facilitated by trans counselors. For 18-25 y.o. youth. At Dimensions Clinic, 3850 17th St.. SF. www.dimensionsclinic.org You are invited to a night of SNAP Talk!, a free group every Thursday where young gay and bi men who are new to San Francisco can talk about sex, jobs, boyfriends, roommates, STDs, and anything else about getting settled in S.F. SNAP Talk! is a drop-in group specifically for gay and bi men in their 20's and 30's who are new to San Francisco.

Come to get support, some to talk, come to just meet people. The group is facilitated by David Gonzalez of SNAP!, and Ryan Horvath, a counselor from the REACH Program of the UCSF AIDS Health Project. Show up at The LGBTQ Center (1800 Market at Octavia, SF) and look for the sign for the SNAP Talk! group, or, call 415-865-5614 to learn more.

L.O.C. (lesbians of color) is a peersupport group for women 21 years of age and older. L.O.C meets every Thursday at Pacific Center 7-8:30 pm Join them to carry on the tradition of providing a positive space for women of color to engage in pertinent lively discussions, exchange support and information, and to have fun and celebrate each other! Info: contact Randy Page, L.O.C. primary facilitator, at rap1on1@sbcglobal.net, or leave a message for her at (510) 595-8294. Out of respect for people with environmental illnesses, please do not wear fragrance or scented products of any kind at L.O.C. See you there!

Men’s Coming Out Support Group every Thursday 7- 8:30 pm, for men who are questioning or coming to terms with their sexuality. This is a welcoming and supportive atmosphere to talk about what can be an uncomfortable subject matter. This is also a multi-cultural support group, where all ethnicities are welcomed. Drop in group, no intake necessary. Suggested donation $10, no one turned away. At New Leaf Services For Our Community, 103 Hayes Street (near Market St..), SF. Info: 415-626-7000, ext.

452 One Struggle, One Fight General Meeting - One Struggle, One Fight is an anti-oppression direct action group with two missions: Organize peaceful escalation of the LGBTQ movement by participating in and supporting direct action and civil disobedience. And to raise awareness of where our struggles inter-

sect within the LGBTQ community and other oppressed groups. http://onestruggleonefight.com. Every week at the Unitarian Church at 1187 Franklin at Geary, SF. 7-9 pm Sundance Saloon Thursdays - The fun is on THURSDAYS! Line-dancing and twosteppin twice a week, every Sunday and Thursday for the queer communities!

Every Thursday 6:30-10:30 pm $5 at 550 Barneveld Ave, SF.

Fridays

LGBTQ Self Protection classes Self Protection training specifically for the LGBTQ community! Gain survival skills, security, confidence and peace of mind in a supportive learning environment for people of all sexual orientations, genders, ethnicities, and nationalities. Ju Trap Boxing is an effective blend of Small Circle Jujitsu, boxing, Contemporary Jeet Kune Do, and Filipino martial arts. Rapid Assault Tactics is a no nonsense approach to street survival. Every 4th Friday from 6:30 pm - 7:30 pm UMAA Defensive Tactics Training Academy 4348 Third St., SF, (415) 671-2055, umaacademy.info/content/lgbt-self-protection.

Trans Yoga & Meditation at TRANS: THRIVE Every Friday alternate between Yoga and Meditation. Wear comfortable clothes, THRIVE provides mats and cushions. All trans-identified and gender nonconforming folks of all abilities and experience are welcome. Wheelchair accessible. 10:30 am - noon, 815 Hyde St.., 2nd floor, btw Sutter/ Bush. Info: www.transthrive.org, or 415-409-4101.

Transgender Support Group For anyone who is transgendered, transsexual, or has gender issues. Beginners welcome. Fridays from 8-9:30 pm Pacific Center, Berkeley. Info: 510-548-8283.

Shake: America’s LGBTQ Talk Show - a live weekly call in show about the LGBTQ community. 9-11 pm on Green 960 AM (The Quake) This used to be known as Queer Channel Radio. Info and podcasts at www.queerchannelradio.com Free Your Mind: Queer Youth Arts and Crafts Fridays from 4 pm-7 pm The Center’s Youth Program fosters a weekly arts and crafts night for LGBTQ youth ages 24 and under. Come and get involved in planning our “Free Your Mind” art exhibit that aims to deconstruct stigmas around homeless and transient LGBTQ youth. Oil painting, wood burning, origami, stenciling and spray painting, jewelry making, stitch ‘n’ bitch, screen printing and fashion fun! Free pizza and snacks provided. Earn $150 stipend for your time (space is limited). If you are interested please feel free to drop in and should you have any questions, contact Beck at 415.865.5560 or beck@ sfcenter.org. The Center, 1800 Market at Octavia, SF.

Saturdays

Faerie Coffee East Bay - Check in with the faerie fam every Saturday! Cum whistle with these witches. 12- 2 pm(ish) at Celtic Coffee Company, 142 McAllister between Leavenworth & Hyde.

Faerie Coffee - Radical Faeries get together for a nice brunch and delightful conversation. Around noon every Saturday and Sunday at the Celtic Coffee Company, 142 McAllister btw Leavenworth and Hyde. Info: http://www. radfae.org Cockfight at Underground SF – First and third Sat. DJs Earworm, MyKill, and DCNSTRCT. $7,9 pm-2 am Underground SF, 424 Haight Street, SF, (415) 8647386 Gay Shame is a Virus in the System.

They are committed to a queer extravaganza that brings direct action to astounding levels of theatricality. They are not satisfied with a commercialized gay identity that denies the intrinsic links between queer struggle and challenging power. They seek nothing less than a new queer activism that foregrounds race class gender and sexuality to counter the self-serving “values” of gay consumerism and the increasingly hypocritical left. Gay Shame meets every Saturday in the Tede

her mom Liz and dad John too. All are welcome! oaklandpride.org.

Kentucky Fried Woman's Oakland Pride Party Featuring DJ Luna-When the street party is over, come on down to the Bench & Bar for an evening of dancing your ass off to the hot beats of DJ Luna and feasting your eyes on one incredible line-up of performers! And don't forget, the next day is Labor Day so many of you will not have to work on the Monday after Oakland Pride! Bench and Bar, 510 17th St, Oakland, $10 ($5 off with wristband from any other Oakland Pride Afterparty! Doors at 7p.

Performances at 8, 9 & 10pm with Dancing In Between & All Night Long!

FRESH Dance-Z Productions presents socials for the LGBT community & friends featuring DJ Lori Z. plus special guest Mr. Element spinning PoP40/Electro The FRESH party for September is called "Work It!" as it falls on Labor day weekend. White collar, blue collar, self-employed, unemployed, it's that

Mathews Reading Room of Modern Times Bookstore @ 2919 24th St.,SF. 5:30 pm Info: http://www.gayshamesf.org Shootin’ with Care slide show hosted by Terry and the Peer Educators of the Speed Project. Get the skinny on circulation basics, what happens when a vein collapses, avoiding abscesses, tracks, bacterial infections; the pro’s and con’s of different spots; tips to avoid sharing hepatitis and HIV when partying in groups; alternatives to injecting for folks who want to take a break. Come share what you know; the only real expert in the room is you! All welcome to this free slideshow.

Come high, come low, come as you are!

Drop by any time between 7-10 pm at 117 6th Street (the 6th street exchange btw Mission/Howard), SF. www.tspsf.com Events Line: 415 788-5433 Same-Sex Ballroom Dance Program!

4:30-5:30 mixed level Salsa. 5:30-6:30 beginning American Rumba. At Cheryl Burke Dance, 1830 17th St. @ De Haro, SF. $15 per person drop-in, cheaper when you buy in bulk! Instructor: Emily Coles, www.emilycolesdance.com. These classes are geared toward the LGBTQ community. No partner or experience needed!

A variety of ongoing classes. 415-3058242 balboabattle.com 3rd Saturday Swing and Salsa Dance Meet new people and learn dance for FREE with no partner or experience! 7-11 pm Magnet at 4122 18th at Castro. http:// www.queerjitterbugs.com Hayes Valley Follies - Marlena’s hosts a weekly revue of the most titillating Bay Area talent featuring drag, singers, syncers, dancers, impersonators and more. 10 pm at 488 Hayes St., SF. Info: marlenasbarsf.com or 864- 6672 Wilde Chats – A loosely structured community-driven group get together every Saturday morning to discuss specific issues affecting us as gay men and our gay community. The group is lead following a “Socratic” model; rather than talk about solutions and answers to problems, the idea is to expand on the days topic by analyzing it and breaking it up into other questions. The discussions typically focus on the hidden/unspoken assumptions, generalities and concepts that we as gay men make, and the differences that our various points of reference imply. 1st, 3rd, 5th Sat, 11:30 Am - 1 Pm. Thai House Restaurant at 2200 Market Street @ Sanchez. Info www.isparksf.com.

Sundays

Bad Movie Night - Every Sunday, come on out to The Dark Room in the Mission to see a crummy movie, scarf down popcorn, and listen to the hilarious ravings of special rotating hosts chosen from the brilliant comedic flock of freaks circling our fair city. $5, 8 pm at The Dark Room Theatre, 2263 Mission St., SF. Info: darkroomsf.com Jock Sundays @ Lookout is a weekly Sunday afternoon/ early evening, high-energy jump fueled by a rotating cast of superstar DJs, including: Stefanie Phillips, Luke Fry, Pornstar, Joseph Lee and Pam Hubbuck.

Packed every Sunday with hot, sweaty, jocular boys - and girls - JOCK is ALL-STAR! Every week proceeds benefit an LGBTQ sports group. 3 pm, $2 door. At Lookout, 3600 16th St. at Market, SF. Info: 415-4310306 or lookoutsf.com DECO’s Amateur Strip Night - The audience at the Deco Lounge every Sunday will vote to award one lucky amateur stripper a CASH PRIZE. Join emcee Nick Parker, DJ Lambchop, hot strippers and good tippers(hopefully) At The Deco Lounge, 510 Larkin St., SF. Every Sunday, sign ups at 9 pm and showtime at 10 pm. No cover. Info: decosf.com Sunday’s A Drag - Harry Denton’s Starlight Room hosts a weekly brunch featuring San Francisco’s finest drag performers and hosts Donna Sachet and Harry Denton. Two shows every Sunday, 12 pm and 2:30 pm. $30 for brunch and show at Sir Francis Drake Hotel, 450 Powell St., SF. Info/res: 395-8595

Mondays

Bay Area Young Positives drop-in group.

Drop-in support group for young HIV positive people. 701 Oak St., SF, 7 pm – 9 pm. Info baypositives.org, (415) 487-1616 Duplicate Bridge - QuickTricks Bridge Club,

time of year when we acknowledge the economic and social achievements of all workers, paid or unpaid. In the immortal words of Missy Elliot, "Is it worth it, let me work it, I put my thing down, flip it and reverse it....."Since most of you will have monday off, FRESH will begin to "Work It!" starting at 9pm. This Labor Day fun will include food and drink specials all night . Come out and show us what your working with! At Aubergine After Dark 755 Petaluma Ave. Sebastopol, CA 707.861.9190 or aubergineafterdark.com 9 pm-1 am $10.

5 Monday

CowGirl Palooza!!!- A Day of Americana, Country and Rock with 77 El Deora, The Legend of Kitty Rose, Kit and the Branded Men, The Judea Eden Band & Patsy Chords.

FREE Tasty BBQ 4 pm till we run out on the patio for your viewing Pleasure! $10 at El Rio 3158 Mission St (@ Cesar Chavez), SF.(415)

7 pm, ACBL duplicate open and 299’er events. Meets in Ellard Hall of Most Holy Redeemer Church, thru gate on Diamond St. at 18th Street. Lesson series too. Info: www. quicktricks.org.

Monday Night Knit - Knit-Knit-Purl-Purl!

Knit-Knit-Purl- Purl! If you haven’t gotten your fixin’ of stitchin’, knittin’ and purlin’, come on down to the LGBT Center tonight where knitters and crocheters will be bonding over coffee. Every Monday, 6:30 pm at 1800 Market St., SF. Info: 235-4821 Gay Mondays at the Etiquette Lounge - A weekly social to benefit the SF LGBT Center with DJs Jeff Stallings and Luke Fry. 7 pm-12 am at 1108 Market St., SF. Info: etiquettelounge. Co. Shooting with Care Slide Show - If you or a friend injects, you are cordially invited to join a conversation about safer injection, vein care and harm reduction hosted by the Speed Project. The Ivy street needle exchange is open 7 pm-9 pm and is a great exchange for those concerned with privacy.

Drop by anytime between 7 pm-9 pm at Tom Waddell Garage, 50 Lech Walesa/Ivy Street near Polk and Grove, SF. Free! Come high, Come low! www.tspsf.com Ten Percent - LGBT-TV for Northern California Mondays - Thursdays, 11:30 am & 8 pm on Comcast Hometown Network Channel 104 in Northern California.

Tuesdays

New FTM/transmasculine group @ TRANS: THRIVE. Groups are open to female-to-male (FTM) people, transguys, butches, studs, genderqueers, two-spirited, third-gendered, questioning folks, trannyfags, trannyboys, boydykes, transmen, papis, transmasculine folks and whatever else you call yourself. About once a month we have a special event. Every Tuesday from 6-7:30 pm Check online calendar for details.

TRANS: THRIVE, 815 Hyde St., 2nd Floor/ Info http://www.transthrive.org Youth Meal Night, Tuesdays from 5 pm-8:30 pm at The Center (1800 Market at Octavia, SF) - this weekly program provides homeless, marginally housed and foster care youth up to 24 years with a nourishing meal, welcoming environment, film screenings, art projects, discussions and a wide array of different community building activities. For more info please contact Beck at 415-8655560 or beck@sfcenter.org Renowned Buddhist Teacher, Tessa Logan, teaches drop-in meditation classes on Tuesday evenings, 7-8:45 pm at the Kadampa Buddhist Temple, 3324 17th St.., SF. Everyone is welcome. $10 donation.

NOTAFLOF. www.meditationinnortherncalifornia.org or 415-503-1187.

Gay Men’s Sketch - a weekly male figure drawing group. Professional, yet intimate and relaxed. Classical nude modeling by a gay male model. Five 2 minute gestures, one 15 min pose & four 20 min. poses. 6:30 pm - 9:30 pm. Intimate South of Market home studio, open drawing session, no instruction.

A nice group of gay guys - friendly, supportive and non-competitive - who loves drawing the male nude in gay male company. The group is open to men and women of all persuasions . To reserve space, call day of the group that you want to attend: Mark - 415- 621-6294 Weight Watchers LGBTQ Meeting - registration and weigh in starts at 6 pm, discussion at 6:30 pm. At the Finnish Brotherhood Hall, 1970 Chestnut St., Berkeley. Questions? jeanne.obrien@weightwatchers.com Newly diagnosed? Just coming to terms with your diagnosis? This group is for you to help you deal with your HIV diagnosis. Positive Force hosts a weekly drop-in group for you.

It’s a great place to get emotional support and information. For more info about contact Ramon Martinez at 415-575-0150 ext 219 or rmartinez@stopaids.org. Drop in every Tuesday 7- 7:30 pm at STOP AIDS Main Office , 2128 15th St.., btw Sanchez and Noe, SF. St. James Infirmary for Sex Workers offers free, confidential, non-judgmental medical care, massage, acupuncture, peer and substance use counseling, legal and social service referrals and a food/clothing bank. You can check your email, get chair massage, or face acupuncture while you wait and talk to other sex workers. If you get a treatment, its not just a clinic, you can hang out with all your friends who you never knew were hookers, too! Tuesday 12-3 pm, Wednesday night from 6-9 pm, Thursday 6-9 pm Transgender

282-3325 .

Qcomedy Showcase-This month the show features the hilarity of Natasha Muse,Lilibeth Helson, Dana Cory, Larry Bob, your Femcee Sandra O. Noshi-Di'n't and special guests.

Stay for the legendary Martuni's piano bar with Joe Wicht at no additional charge at San Francisco's favorite spot for queer and queer friendly comedy, now at the fabulous Martunis.

8 pm 4 Valencia St @ Market, SF $5-15 Sliding Scale, NOTAFLOF. Qcomedy.com

6 Tuesday

SmartyPants Tuesday Trivia with Miss Kitty Tapata-Free to play! Free fresh popcorn!

Prizes! Drink specials! And trust us that with Kitty at the helm, this is not your "average" pub quiz - we turn trivia into a contact sport!

8:30 pm-10:30 pm at Stray Bar 309 Cortland Ave, SF. THE GREAT CRASH 1929 -SF Book (continued on page 17)

Health Clinic. Current and former sex workers as well as their partners and families are welcome to drop in. Donations of food, money and clothing welcome. Info: 554-8494 “Harvey’s Funny Tuesdays” Ronn Vigh and Nick Leonard present the best in Gay and Gay friendly comedy in the heart of the Castro. 9 pm sharp at Harvey’s, 500 Castro Street (at 18th), SF. FREE Admission, one drink minimum. Every week new funny acts!

Wednesdays

Fruity Wednesdays Queer Youth space at Larkin Street Drop-In Larkin Street Youth Services offers a safe space to Queer Youth every Wednesday. Each week, youth are served a meal, offered showers, peer counseling and a structured program meant to keep the focus on community building. The First Wednesday of the month kicks off with an Open Mic event for youth to perform and get tested for HIV. The second and third Wednesdays are for cultivating the creative process, with the help of Larkin’s Art Department. The last Wednesday youth are offered workshops on relevant and important issues peers in their community currently face. Drop-In. Larkin Street Youth Services, 1142 Sutter St., SF, 6-8 pm Flyers http:// w w w. f a c e b o o k . c o m / p a g e s / F r u i t y Wednesdays Job Seekers Internet Workgroup 10 amNoon. Participants must be at The LGBTQ Center’s main door lobby at 9:45 am to gain access into the building (1800 Market @ Octavia, SF). Get ongoing help with your job search at the Center! The Center’s workforce Development Program is pleased to announce a free, job seekers Internet workgroup. Participants will have access to the Internet, interact with peers to share and receive ongoing advice from a career coach to help manage a productive job search. A one-on-one drop-in session with David Bach, of the Workforce Development team, is recommended prior to joining the workgroup.

For more information, please contact David Bach at 415.865.5534 or davidb@sfcenter. org.

Transgender Support Group meets at the Tenderloin AIDS Resource Center, Mon-Fri, 3-5 pm. Mon. is open to significant others and questioning; Tues-Fri transgender people only. Wed: Alexis Miranda facilitates. 183 Golden Gate Ave. in SF. Info: 415-255-8272.

Farmers’ Market Comes to the Castro!

The market will showcase Northern California’s freshest fruits and vegetables at reasonable prices as an outlet for local farmers - juicy peaches, flowering orchids, flavorful onions and zucchini, sweet strawberries, Asian greens, fresh seafood, crisp green beans, vitamin-packed tomatoes or any other summer produce items. The Castro Farmers’ Market will be here every Wednesday, from 4 pm to 8 pm, on Noe St.. between Market and Beaver St., through Oct. 28.

Speed Project Harm Reduction Drop In Group welcomes gay/bi and heteroflexible guys to talk about what’s up with you & your world. Enjoy donuts & coffee. Needle exchange always available after the group.

Come high, come low, come as you are. 2 pm at 117 6th Street btw. Mission/Howard Info: www.tspsf.com (415) 487-8043 Low-Cost Legal Advice Program - Annie Thorkelson, Attorney at Law, offers $1/minute legal advice and referrals. This service provides a creative, personal and non litigation forum for getting informal answers and creative solutions to most kinds of legal questions, problems and conflicts that arise every day for ordinary San Franciscans. Info: www.legalgroundssf.com/about.html or call Annie at 415-816-6181. Every Wednesdays 4:30 - 6:30 pm at SF Women’s Building, 3543 18th St. btw Valencia/Guerrero, SF.

Redwood City’s Rainbow Skate - Every Wednesday strap ‘em on and slide on down to the Redwood Roller Rink for the 15-year-old skating party for the LGBTQ community. Skate in your skivvies on the Underwear Night (the last Wednesday of every month) and go 70's on the first Wednesday for “Retro Disco Night”. $7, 8-10:30 pm 1303 Main St., Redwood City.

Info: rainbowskate.com.

Lions, Tigers & Queers - DJ’s Lisa De Lux and Becky Knox playing electro, tech, house, and dubstep. $3. Every 3rd Wed, 10 pm-2 am. Underground SF (424 Haight St..),

There’s waaaay more...

Lesbian Vegetarians, San Francisco Boys of Leather, Gay Men’s Basketball, Queer Armenians, Women Poets, Sex Addicts, Dykes on Hikes East Bay, Questioning Youth, Au Cercle des Amis Franco phones, Creative Philosopher’s Club, Let It All Hang Out, MAX (Men’s Associated Exchange), Barbary Coast Boating Club, LGBTQ Alcoholics Anonymous, Bodybuilding Group, Freewheelers Car Club, Nudes In Art, QuickTricks EasyBridge! Gay Architects & Designers, Lesbian Entrepreneur Club, Rainbow Toastmasters, All Girls Roller Derby Training, Heart of San Francisco Aikido, Crystal Meth Anonymous, Caring Kinksters Munch, and much, much more!

sfbaytimes.com - click on Resource Guide

1 6 BAY TIMES AUGUST 2 5 , 2 0 1 1

(PARENTS & KIDS continued from page 16)

UP YOUR ALLEY (continued from page 13)

Adopt or Foster a California Kid - AASK invites you to an informational session addressing topics related to the foster care system and adoption processes and legalities.

Every first Tuesday of the month except for July 11, 7-9 pm at 7700 Edgewater Dr, Ste 320 Bldg B, Oakland. Info/reg: Andrea at 510 5531748 x12 Support Group for Pregnant Lesbians - An on-going group for pregnant queers, lesbians, dykes, bisexuals, genderqueer people and their partners led by Laura Goldberger, MFT. This group costs $45 per session(sliding scale may be available), and is held every Thursday night, 6:45-8:15 pm in Berkeley. Info: 510-5245565 or lauragoldberger@sbcglobal.net Lesbian Dads and Butch Moms: Genderqueer Parenthood - Explore the dynamic hybrid of motherhood/fatherhood, the internal experience of gender, and the interplay of inward and outward gender expression. Dates to be announced, $75 per person. Contact Maia Midwifery for more info: 925-253-0685 or maiamidwifery.com Support Group for Parents of Gender Variant and Transgender Children - Are you raising a child who does not fit in with the expected gender norms? A child who identifies with the “opposite gender”? So are we! Meet other parents and share your experiences, read up on the subject and address your own struggles in order to try and make the world safer for your children. FREE. Meets the third Wednesday of every month in Oakland.

Contact Stephanie Brill for more details: 925253-0685 Straight Spouse Network - Support group meeting in Oakland for the heterosexual spouses or former spouses of LGBTQ partners meets 4th Tuesday of every month, 7:3010 pm, Info: 510-301-0630 Childcare for Radical Change - The Bay Area Childcare Collective provides trained, competent, and politicized childcare providers

to grassroots organizations and movements composed of and led by immigrant women, low-income women, and women of color with a long-term goal of building a multi-generational movement with parents, women and children at its center. Info: 541-5039 or childcarecollective@lycos.com Maia Midwifery & Preconception Services: Childbirth education classes specifically for lesbian and bisexual women. Classes help to foster long term bonds between families having babies at the same time. Support groups also. Sliding scale, scholarships available.

Also holds groups on pregnancy, insemination, advanced insemination and just for non-biological moms and moms-to-be. For more information please call: 925-253-0685 or www. maiamidwifery.com Mamas and Papas - Supportive and informal drop-in Saturday discussion groups where LGBTQ parents and guest speakers explore issues faced by parents and those specific to our community. Free childcare provided.

Childcare opens at 9:30am, parents meet from 10-11:30 am at the LGBT Community Center, 1800 Market St., SF. Info: mamaspapas. blogspot.com Future Gay Dads: Are you gay, single and know you want to have kids? Looking for a way to meet other guys who want the same thing you do? A dating/social network is forming for guys who want to meet other guys for whom eventually creating a famliy is important. Call 841-1922.

The SF LGBTQ Center has free childcare available for those visiting the building. Arts & Crafts, dramatic play, storytime, toys, and tons of fun! All ages welcome w/ RSVP. 1800 Market. Info: 865-5553.

Family Builders By Adoption / SF Child: Adopt a waiting child. No fees. Pre/post support.

Once a month LGBTQ Drop-In support group with films, videos, speakers. SF LGBTQ Community Center, 1800 Market. Info: 510-

272-0204.

Drop-In Playgroup Meet with other parents while your children play with other children.

Jewish Family and Children’s Services, 1710 Scott. Tues & Wed, 1-2:30 pm. Info: 359-2455.

Saturdays Are Special: The Randall Museum has drop-in, hands-on art and science workshops for kids from 1-4 pm. Also, meet and feed the animals from 11-1 pm. 199 Museum Way, SF (above Castro). Info: 554-9600.

Parents Place offers groups and workshops.

Drop-in Wed & Thurs, 1-2:30 pm. 1710 Scott, SF. Info: 359-2454 Adopt a Special Kid launches a 21st Century family recruitment campaign to find permanent and loving homes for the most vulnerable children. 7700 Edgewater, Suite #125, Oak. Info: 510-553-1748, ext. 12 or 888-680-7349 or www.adoptaspecialkid.org.

Our Family Coalition: The Bay Area’s primary LGBTQ family organization provides referrals, advocacy, networking, social events, educational workshops and Domestic Partner Registration. Info: 981-1960 Maybe Baby hosts a discussion & support grp for lesbians and gay men seeking a co-parenting or known donor situation. Info: 648-4639.

Parental Stress Service provides a family hotline (24/7), parent support groups, positive parenting classes, counseling and a 72-hr emergency respite childcare service for parents in need. Hotline: (800) 829-3777 or (510) 893-5444. Office: (510) 893-9230. Volunteers & donations are welcome Gay/Lesbian Foster Parents needed to care for children of all ages. Singles and couples are encouraged to apply. Expenses and medical are covered. Homes needed all over the Bay Area for short and long term (permanent) care. Call A Better Way Foster Family Program at 510-601-0203x201.

CALENDAR (continued from page 16)

@ The Bellevue Club, 525 Bellevue @ Lake Merritt, Oakland. 5:30 pm - 7:30 pm. Come and meet Luan and hear her thoughts on keeping a small business going in a challenging economy. Free to members / $10 nonmembers. No one turned away.

Wynton Marsalis and Eric Clapton Play the Blues-Grammy Award® winning artists Wynton Marsalis and Eric Clapton will offer fans a spellbinding evening of blues and jazz in a one-night in-theater concert event broadcast to nearly 550 movie theaters nationwide on 7:30 pm local time. This intimate performance from Jazz at Lincoln Center’s Rose Theater at Frederick P. Rose Hall in New York City brings together an unrivaled crossgenerational, cross-cultural collaboration as

the pair of musical virtuosos brought to life a repertoire of songs selected by Clapton and arranged by Marsalis. The concert also includes a special appearance by blues musician Taj Mahal, who joins the duo for two songs, as well as exclusive behind-thescenes rehearsal footage. Tix are available at participating theater box offices and online at FathomEvents.com. For a complete list of theater locations and prices, visit the NCM Fathom website (theaters and participants are subject to change).

Discussion-This book discussion will focus on John Kenneth Gilbraith’s The Great Crash 1929, a classic history of the most memorable year in American finance that has not been out of print since its publication in 1955.

Noted economist and U.S. diplomat Gilbraith wrote a new introduction in 1997, drawing parallels between the Great Crash and the great bull market of the 1990s. 5:30 p.m. program | SF Club Office: 595 Market Street, 2nd Floor | FREE

7 Wednesday

Smart Women / East Bay- with featured guest Laurel Bookstore's owner Luan Stauss

SENIORS Mission/Noe LGBTQ Issues Forum, Every 2nd Thursday of the month, 10 am at 30th Street Senior Center located at 225- 30th Street (at Dolores), 3rd Floor conference room. Bernal Heights LGBTQ Discussion Group, Every 4th Thursday of the month, 1 pm at Bernal Heights Neighborhood Center located at 515 Cortland Avenue (across from the library). *NEW* South of Market LGBTQ Discussion Group, Every 2nd Friday of the month, 10 am at Canon Kip Senior Center located at 705 Natoma Street (@ 8th St.. across from Harvest Market). Hope to see you there!

CALL FOR VOLUNTEERS! Do you care about low-income housing welcoming to LGBTQ seniors and people with disabilities? OpenHouse, a nonprofit organization dedicated to helping LGBTQ older adults connect with housing, services and community, needs your help! They are seeking dedicated volunteers available for 10 hours per month project, call 415-296-8995 and ask for Michelle Alcedo at ext. 5, Old Lesbians Organizing for Change - A network of lesbians over age 60 organizing against ageism and for social change.

For more information call 415 388-5001.

San Francisco Prime Timers - Local chapter of Prime Timers Worldwide, an international organization of older gay and bi men and younger men who admire them.

Usually there is a featured speaker and refreshments following the meeting.

Meets 2-4 pm on the first and third Sundays of each month at First Unitarian Church, 1187 Franklin @ Geary, SF. Info:552-6641 50+ Support Group for Men - A discussion

and support group for gay men on life’s aging issues. Meets on the 2nd Thurs of every month, 4 pm-5:30 pm, at the DeFrank Center, 938 The Alameda, San Jose. Info: 408-293-2429 or defrank.org

Project Open Hand Senior Lunch - Come out to lunch at the Castro Senior Center Mon-Fri at 11:45 am! 100 Diamond St. @ 18th St., SF. $1.50 suggested donation.

Info: 863-3507

Acting & Storytelling Classes for Seniors

offered by Stage. All classes held at First Congregational Church, 2501 Harrison at 27th, Oak. Info: 510-444-4755.

Lavender Seniors Monthly Potluck Bring

food to share with other LGBTQ folks over 55. This only happens once a month, people!! And eating with friends is fierce. These events happen in or around the East Bay.Call Peggy at 510-6679655.

Lesbian & Gay Aging Issues Network of the American Society Group raises

awareness about the needs of older lesbians and gay men and encourages multidisciplinary dialogue among service providers, policymakers, researchers and other professionals. 974-9600.

Senior’s Support Group Every 2nd and 4th Tuesday. Discuss issues around

senior relationships, feelings of isolation and feelings of aloneness. The group is facilitated by two seniors and is specially structured to provide emotional support for your peers in your journey through the LGBTQ community. A good place to make new friendships and participate in affirming emotional support. All seniors welcome. The Lighthouse Community Center, 1217 A Street, Hayward. 510881-8167.

Senior Men’s Group - A support and conversation group for gay men. 2nd & 4th Thurs, 1:30-3:30 pm. Pacific Center, 2712 Telegraph Ave., Berkeley. Info: 510548-8283 or pcseniormen@sbcglobal.

Net Senior Men’s HIV Support Group - For

gay/bi men 55+. Process all-encompassing issues with HIV and being older. Fri, 11 am-12:30 pm. 103 Hayes St., SF. Info: 626-7000 x415.

Check Out the Bay Times

CALENDAR and RESOURCE GUIDE

ON-LINE at sfbaytimes.com

GALLERIES

“Home After Dark” Recent Works By Emerging Latino Artists-The exhibition features work in all media: drawing, video, animation, photography, and installation by a group of promising artists who are showing their work at the Galería for the first time.

Many of the works explore the relationships between private and public space, personal experience and current events, and utilize delicate, domestic or artisanal practices, like sowing, cutting, and embroidery. After visiting the gallery, we will walk to San Francisco’s famous mural-lined “Balmy Alley.” People come from all over the world to see these places. Come take advantage of our own “backyard” by visiting the Mission’s art with Openhouse! This event is free and requires some mobility, but is non-strenuous. Join Openhouse at Galeria de La Raza at 3pThursday, August 25th: 2857 24th Street, near Bryant. Buses 27, 14, and 48 all take you close by.

“Emergent Behaviors”-Vessel Gallery introduces sculpture by Pamela Merory Dernham, new works by Walter James Mansfield, and jewelry by Hannah Keefe.

“Emergent Behaviors” examines the nature of human and animal behaviors of collectively working, gathering or flocking together.

Be it economies or markets, beehives, animal markings, team building, mass hysteria, geese, road networks, traffic jams, bacterial infection, or the web ... each are examples of emergent phenomena, where a collection of energy is emitted without control, producing results which are not explicitly "programmed".

August 30 – September 24, 2011 Opening Reception Friday, September 2, 6-9 pm Artist Talk and Tour: Saturday September 10, 2-4 pm. Meet the artists and hear them speak abut their art-making process. Vessel Gallery 471 25th Street Oakland, 510 893 8800

There were games and S/M play booths galore. Steamworks 24/7 bat h house of fered na ked Tw ister for pr izes. I wondered, would “ R ight Ha nd-Red” be a f ist i ng position?!

While out and about, I discovered all kinds of famous folk. Mayoral cand idate Bevan Duft y was lusc ious i n leat her. He joked , “O f cou r se it cou ld h ave been su n nier today, but at least we k now i f t he r e w a s a n y bu r n , it w a s hone s t l y e a r ne d ,” s p e a k i n g of the many volunteers getting butt burns from spank ings and whippings. On a serious note, he said, “I am so proud of Folsom Street Events and how much money they

give to the community.” He coyly bragged he was t he on ly ca nd idate present, that he knew of.

After the fair closed down, fairgoers w it h any energ y left went to t he of f icia l “F l ir t. Frol ic. Play ” S u nd ay T- d a nc e c lo s i n g pa r t y w it h music by N YC’s legendar y Susan Morabito.

Next fair I want to see more f lesh!

Ok ay, Mot her Nat u r e, you a r e hereby put on notice: the upcoming Folsom Fair better be hot, hot, HOT!!!

- Write to Master Sister Dana at sisterdana@gmail.com.

OBAMA (continued from page 10) to sing and dance. Darren argues that it is “film noir mystery” and becomes Sam Spade. Mike does a stunning star turn as Lucille Ball.

After all the cynicism they give you an encore of a “happy ending.” They run it all backwards. It is a stirringly visual moment when they describe the Twin Towers rising heroically out

of the ground.

The Complete History of America (abridged) by Marin Shakespeare Company plays through September 25 at the Forest Meadows Amphitheatre, 1475 Grand Avenue, San Rafael.

Tickets ($20 to $35) are available online at marinshakespeare.org or by phone at 415.499.4488.

AMERICAN BUFFALO (continued from page 10) f i xed i n place, t hei r ex pressive at the basis of the relationship bebody movement s est abl ish t heir tween these three pett y robbers. characterizations.

In t his worship of money, stemm i ng from t he need to sur v ive, Teach’s i r ate su s pic iou s n at u re i s t he pl ay w r i ght p or t r ay i n g a ha s h i m con st a nt ly bobbi ng up possible breakdown of the human and gesturing with each word as value of friendship? Yes, but only he s it s on st a ge r ight , t he sub text of his angry words manifest- moment a r i ly b ec au s e a f ter t he ing through his abrupt, bellicose dramatic climax of Bobby’s beatmovements. Donny, the more giv- ing and the wrecking of the Junk ing character, remains calm and Shop, the three characters’ shift relaxed in his chair center stage their concerns to Bobby’s well bea nd B obby sit s s l ight ly upst age ing and the reestablishing of the left, timid, tense and rigid in his Junk Shop. ef forts to comprehend his bosses’ In this v igorous and meaning ful schemes. revival of the A merican Buf falo, S et s by Ja mes Ba ldock a nd Jen due to the gripping tour de force Welch of fer a cluttered junk shop acting and directing by the Philw it h a n upp er ent r a nc e/ e x it . lips brothers and their accompaT he pi led up props i n t he ju n k ny ing cast members, the Actors’ shop t a ke on a dramat ic role of Theatre of fers a forceful tr ibute their own when they are violentto the Mamet masterpiece. ly t hrow n about by Teach. Costumes by Carole Robinson, lights A mer ican Buf falo plays through

by R achel K lyce, a nd sound by Sept. 3 at the Actors Theatre in James Baldock add to the believSan Francisco. For info call 415ability of the action.

3 45 -1287 or v i s it w w w. A c t or s’ The idolatry of money symbolized Theatre of San Francisco for upby the American Buf falo nickel is coming productions.

ON STAGE

City of Angels by Cy Coleman-The Tony winning Best Musical makes a rare appearance at the opening of Hillbarn Theatre’s 71st Season. Set in the glamorous, seductive Hollywood of the 1940s the world of film studios and filmy negligees, the show is two stories occurring simultaneously: a Hollywood comedy and a detective drama.

The “real-life” scenes are in color and the “reel-life” scenes in black and white. City of Angels chronicles the misadventures of Hollywood author Stine and we meet Stone, Stine's alter-ego detective who sidles through a Hollywood netherworld of vicious thugs and femmes fatales. Playing Sept 1st - 25th. At Friday, at Hillbarn Theatre 1285 East Hillsdale Blvd. Foster City. The September 2nd performance, opening night, will feature a Gala champagne reception provided by Chef Bill Chow after the show. Info & Tix: call 650.349.6411 or HillbarnTheatre.org.

3 Guys in Drag Selling Their Stuff by Edward Crosby Wells-Diva, Lillian, and Tink have their work cut out for them as they try to raise money at a yard sale to make enough money to place the cremains Diva’s husband’s in a Faberge egg. Expect a little bit of slapstick, a bit of bawdy humor, a bit of an acid tongue, and it’s all in a day’s work. Oh, and a little part about the human condition.

Voted Best Play 2000 – 2001 Spotlight On Productions for Excellence in Off-Off Broadway Theatre. The play is surrounded by cabaret artists, female impersonators, and a special guest performer. Sept 9-17 @ 8 pm Fri-Sat at The Garage 975 Howard St. SF, $20 brownpapertickets.com.

BAY T IM ES AUGUS T 25, 2011 17

CLASSIFIEDS FOR SALE Co n n o i sseur G reen s by M a i l

Discretely, Securely, and Reliably to Your Door. All 50 states!

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BUSINESS OPPORTUNITY

www.getcoastal.com/suiteholiday.htm Web-Sites Development, Marketing, Management, and Hosting for small businesses. Affordable.

E-Commerce, database, and more. Will work with existing sites. Call 415-885-2978 or www.digitalcloud9.com.

TAX PREPARER SERVICES

The Lesbian Tax Mom 510-653-4323 taxmomsusan@yahoo.com

LEGAL SERVICES B. Scott Levine 510-763-2300 bslevine@pacbell.net

information about me, visit http://sites.google. com/site/mike949h/

Gay Man Looking to be a Known Donor for a Lesbian/Couple. 5’10’’, excellent health, HIV neg., with high fertility numbers, educated (Masters), athletic, attractive, and descend from two loving and long-lived Spanish families. www.gayfamilyoptions. com/item/221 Known Donor / Co-parent of Color Wanted.

Single bi vegan Jewish woman, 37, healthy, seeks grounded African-American, Latin or Arab man or gay couple. Reply via e-mail to coparentwanted@ yahoo.com.

Maia Midwifery and Preconception Services: Innovative methods of fertility awareness, connections between sexulality and fertility, exploring donor options, increasing insemination effectiveness, and step-by-step guidance. Conception support groups also offered. Call 925-253-0685.

Rainbow Flag Sperm Bank: Identity released when child is 3 months old. (510) 763-7737.

ENTERTAINMENT Terry Photo Real Hot Musclemen Backstage Pump & Oil. DVDs at “The Magazine,” 920 Larkin, SF. Tues/Sat 12-7pm. Order online www.terryphoto. com Free Erotic Photos: Seeking models to participate in erotic photography. You get CD-Rom at hi-res b&w photos. See narrative.com/epp for examples.

INSURANCE

Visit www.TravelingwithLeo.com

T

North Shore, Haleiwa, Hawaii. Big surf, beautiful sunsets, big waves. 1 bed/2 bath condo, quiet. $1,225USD per week includes deposit, tax and cleaning. Info@staynorthshore.com.

"Green" Mountain Cabin $85/nite 4 BR Slp 5. No. Mendo Cnty www.blackhawkweyr.com Exceptional Guerneville 2br home on wooded hillside. Spa, woodstove, WiFi, dog-friendly. $185/ night. 415-648-9333 or www.pachamamahome.info Sante Fe, NM- house swap. Retired gay attorney looking for house swap with someone in San Francisco who wants at leasts one month each year in Santa Fe. jdfree3@netzero.com www.chalet-loulou.com

SURF DOG large dog boarding at Ocean Beach.

Queer Owned. sfsurfdogs.com. (415) 637-7717

VOLUNTEERS

Didgeridog Doggie Daycare & Overnights. Where small dogs play while you're away! www.didgeridog. com

Puerta Vallarta Villa, in Puerta Vallarta, Mexico, 2 bedrooms, 2 full baths, open to the Pacific Ocean, pool, private spa, walk to beach, close to Old Town.

Jim 707-225-4158.

W.O.M.A.N. Inc. needs volunteers for 24 hour crisis line; bi-lingual/cultural. L/Bi/TG women encouraged to get involved! 415-864-4777, Ext. 308.

PARENTING

You want children, so do I. Let's talk. For more

Gay Softball Team- Powerhouse hustlers need experienced pitcher and players for 2006 season. Please call (415) 826-6858 or email coachmark10@yahoo. com

Cozy Sea Ranch home for 2 welcomes you. Short walk to ocean/recreation center/golf. Hot tub. Call Kennedy Rentals: 707-884-9601. Ask for The Double-H.

MASSAGE El Cerrito Hills-I80-Men: Info: www.rickoz2.com

Gay Men’s Basketball: Every Sunday, 5-9pm, Friend’s Gym, 6th St. between Howard St. and Folsom St.. www.gaybasketball.com

REAL ESTATE FINANCING

TRAVEL

Is a Reverse Mortgage for You? Are you at least 62 years of age and own your home? Get paid a monthly amount, line of credit or a lump sum payment. You always retain full ownership. Call Lauren

Discover the secret spots of Bahia/Brazil with Leo.

Next Deadline for Classifieds: September 1 INSTRUCTIONS: Type or neatly print your ad exactly as you wish it to appear. Regular type is 75 cents per word, bold type is $1.50 per word. Add up the total cost of our ad. If you wish your ad to appear in more than one issue, multiply the number of times you wish your ad to run times the cost of the ad. If you run the same ad copy for 6 consecutive issue, you can deduct a 10 percent discount from the total; 16 times deduct 15 percent; 26 times, de-duct 20 percent. $10 minimum on all ads.

BT/SF CLASSIFIED REPLY BOX MAIL PICK-UP OR FORWARDING: If you do not have a PO Box and do not wish to use your name, address or phone number in your Classified ad, you may rent a BTSF Classified Reply Box for $15. Mail forwarded daily. Boxes remain active for two months.

AD COPY DEADLINE is Monday afternoon at 5pm the week of publication. All ad copy must reach us by that date. No exceptions. Ads cannot be taken over the phone. All ads must be prepaid. No refunds. Changes in ongoing ad copy cost $5 each in addition to any cost for extra words.

MAIL COUPON TO: Bay Times San Francisco PO Box 410386 San Francisco CA 94141-0386

Ad Copy

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Guaranteed

(510) 465-3148

dewitt_hoard@hotmail.com Dunlap, Nova Mortgage. (510) 540-7911 / (415) 753-2272.

REAL ESTATE Stop Paying Rent! For many people their rent is a mortgage. Do yourself a favor! Email realestatehunter@yahoo.com.

THERAPISTS Pietro “Peter” Carnini, MFT. (MFC42943). Direct, interactive, authentic counseling for individuals and couples. 415-846-7691.

NOTE: Web addresses and phone numbers count for 2 words each ___ Check here if you wish to order a Bay Times Classified Reply Box ___ number of words bold type at $1.50 per word...................................=_________ ___ number words regular type at 75 cents per word...............................=_________ COST OF ONE INSERTION....................................................................=_________ ___ Number of insertions: Multiply by cost of one insertion for total cost of ad.........................=_________ DISCOUNTS for 6 or more insertions: subtract 10% of total cost of ad.......=_________ For 16 or more insertions: subtract 15% of total cost of ad.........=_________ For 26 or more insertions: subtract 20% of total cost of ad.........=_________ TOTAL COST OF AD INCLUDING ANY DISCOUNT.........................=_________ ___ Enclose $15 for Classified Reply Box (includes mail forwarding)......=_________ TOTAL ENCLOSED........=_________ METHOD OF PAYMENT: ___ Check ___ VISA ___ MasterCard ___ AmEx Card #_______________-_______________-________________-______________ Card Security Code:_______________

Card Name (print)_____________________________________________________ Auth. Signature_______________________________________________________ CardAddress_________________________________________________________ City________________________________________ State/Zip________________

Or E-mail information to: classifieds@sfbaytimes.com

Phone________________________________________________________________

COACHING

ST U CK ? shift happens

Certified career & life coaching by phone (anywhere) www.awayoutofnoway.info

(415) 678-9597

Addicted to sex or porn? Visit: therapists.psychologytoday.com/36740.

Compassionate and interactive psychotherapy for the LGBTQ community. Experienced, caring lesbian therapist. Sliding scale. Offices in Berkeley and Sebastopol. Heidi Harrison, MFT (MFC33484).

(707) 888-8186.

Robert Holum, LMFT, www.robertholum.com, (415) 398-2467. Individuals, couples, families, children; experienced in HIV/ AIDS mental health.

Sliding scale, credit card payment available. Lic. No. MFC 40503.

Rochelle Wald, PhD, LCSW (LCS13786) Psychotherapy, Enneagram counseling, Sexological support; 415-826-8215.

Afraid of wearing out your friends? Want a therapist to give helpful feedack and one that doesn’t just say “uh-huh” and “how do you feel about that?” I am warm, compassionate and interactive. 20 years experience. First Session Free. MFT, 23666. (510) 525-2341. www.womenspsychotherapy.com Affordable psychotherapist. 17yrs. experience, interactive, gay-friendly. Individuals, couples, families.

Noe. Carla Durkin, MFT. (415)255-6394.

Low fee psychotherapy UC Professor. Dr. Gene Hightower. 510-548-4206.

gaytherapist.com

Or Fax to 415-626-0987

1 8 BAY TIMES AUGUST 2 5 , 2 0 1 1

Easy

PhD(c), LCSW, CHT

Meridian Psychotherapy Center provides empathic Feminist Therapy Referral Project has been providing careful, confidential therapy referrals to East Bay women therapists since 1971. Sliding scale, insurance. (510) 841-1261. Paid for by participating providers.

Suggested Category

Card Exp. Date:_____________

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Clinical Hypnotherapist

Now accepting rental reservations. Spacious 3 BR, 3.5BA vacation home on edge of Tahoe National Forest. www.VRBO.com listimg 296841.

PETS

The AIDS/HIV/Hep C Nightline needs sensitive, caring, non-judgemental listeners to support those living the daily challenge of HIV and Hep C. 415984-1902.

Safe

DeWitt A. Hoard

VACATION RENTAL

COVER YOUR ASSETS: Insurance for YOUR community. Life, Disability, Final Expense. Aaron Van Arsdale 415-717-4984. aaron.insure@gmail. com. Life Agent Lic # 0G10774

SPORTS

USING HYPNOSIS AND NEURO LINGUISTICS

GayDaysTampaBay.com

Mt. Shasta private vacation suite. $50.00 per night per person. 530-926-0432.

The UCSF-AIDS Health Project is looking for volunteer HIV test counselors and phlebotomists.

Phlebotomists must have current California Phlebotomy License. Contact Francis at 415-4766443 or fsalmer@itsa.ucsf.edu.

STOP SMOKING

TRAVEL WITH US. Our members, gay men over 40, have been staying in each others’ homes, having good times, making new friends and saving $$$ as they travel for over 10 years. Travel Lambda Connections Club. www.TLCclub.net

Having difficulty coping? Supportive, empathic insight-oriented therapy can help you sort things out and effect change. Experienced, accepting, interactive therapist offers sliding scale rates for individuals and couples. Insurance accepted. Specialties include overcoming anxiety/panic, the coming out process, dealing with HIV/AIDS, help with self-defeating behavior patterns, relationship issues and sexuality (compulsive sex, dysfunctions/inhibitions). Michael Wallin, MFT (lic. MFC34339) (415) 626-1300.

Caring Walnut Creek Therapist. Sensitive to loss, life changes. Opportunity to feel better while letting go of baggage. Larry Krieger, LCSW (LCS 12716) 925-324-2276.

Judith Tucker, MFT (MFC33792) offers empathic, interactive therapy in Walnut Creek for your concerns about relationships, identity and transitions.

Couples and individuals. (925) 296-0245.

Non-judgmental psychotherapy for people exploring gender or sexuality, considering transitioning, identifying as trans/genderqueer/intersex/butch/ femme/etc. I'm a compassionate, honest therapist, aware of diverse cultures, genders, and types of sexual expression. Couples welcome. SF. Laura Goldberger, MFT (license #MFC36388), 415-4405332.

Psychotherapy and Counseling. Bring your daily life into alignment with your desired destiny! Doris Bersing, Ph.D. (PSB 28487) Clinical Psychologist with 25 years International experience. Fluent in English, Spanish and French. Coming out issues, sexuality, self-esteem, depression, relationships, PTSD. Available in San Francisco and Marin.

Supervised for CA lic. by PSY 10506. Contact 415331-4521 or bersingdoris@aol.com for free initial phone consultation.

Patrick Neer, Psy.D.: (PSY17183) offers dynamic, compassionate, depth psychotherapy for individuals and couples. Berkeley. 510-734-1390.

Supportive, Caring, Experienced. Individual and couples therapy for sexual minorities. Patrick Calilfia, MFT 37972. 415-652-4624.

THERAPY GROUPS Female Partners of FTMs. Lesbian, Bisexual,

Tom Moon,

MFT

Lic. No. MFC 12297

Psychotherapy and Consultation EMDR 415.626.1346 tommoon.net Over 30 years in service to the community

HOUSE SITTING Lesbian + 2 cats Ready to house sit for you Anywhere in Bay Area 408-891-3680

PROFESSIONAL CONCIERGE At Chore Service415-336-5168 manny@atchoreservicesf

SELF DEFENSE TRAINING Soko Joshi Judo & Self Defense Club for Women 415-821-0303 phdshelley@sbcglobal.net

JOB WANTED Seeking Buyer or Expediter Position 408-891-3680

ROOM RENTALS Seeking Room for Rent Prefer LGBT household Unfurnished up to $600 SF or other Bay Area location plcosta@comcast.net

Advertize in the

Bay Times Classifieds

Thanks To Our Advertisers & Supporters CASTRO

ruits f m o r “F s” to nut FARMERS’

MARKET

SEPTEMBER EVENTS Sept 7: Guess the weight of the tomatoes for a chance to win a bag of produce!

Art of Remembering Custom Memorial Markers in Bronze

Sigrid Herr 510.708.9635 sigrid@artofremembering.com

Sept 14: Look for the secret word on the Castro Farmers’ Market facebook page for free produce items!

WEDNESDAYS

4PM - 8PM

OPEN THRU DEC. 21 NOE ST. BETWEEN

MARKET ST. & BEAVER ST. 1.800.949.FARM

pcfma.com/castro

Catherine Pinkas Financial Advisor

877.296.2819 t 877.944.5675 f 525 Bellevue Avenue Suite 310 Oakland, CA 94610 www.sagefinancialnetwork.com *Please see other side for important information

N101892.01F CatharinePinkas BC.pdf Dec 7 2010 10:28:50

BAY T IM ES AUGUS T 25, 2011 19

LGBT Retirement Community

The community you’ve imagined...at last.

Model Now Open!

To schedule a tour of the model and site call 707-576-1101 Reserve your new home on our gorgeous ten acre campus with golf course, oak grove and mountain views in the heart of Sonoma County. From gourmet dining and concierge services to spa treatments and housekeeping, Fountaingrove Lodge offers more than just a home.

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Gourmet Dining Cocktail Lounge Private Dining Room Lanai Dining Wine Cave and Cellar Bistro Great Hall for special events and dancing

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Library Computer and Business Center Art Studio Private Movie Theatre Salon and Day Spa Bank Card Room Wellness Center

Entrance Fees ranging from $295,500 - $925,500 Monthly Fees starting at $2,545 RCFE Pending

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Fitness Center Swimming Pool Orchard Bocce Court Pet Park Resident Gardens Adjacent to golf, tennis, hiking trails and park

4210 Thomas Lake Harris Dr. Santa Rosa, CA 95403 707-576-1101 fountaingrovelodge.com