Dr. Betty Sullivan’s Gift Guide for Valentines Pages 10 and 11
Bay Times photographers take us ‘round About in Photos Page 12
New! Astrology & Advice Columns Page 17
The LGBTQ Newspaper and Events Calendar for the San Francisco Bay Area | July 28 2011 www.sfbaytimes.com
/SanFranciscoBayTimes
Prop 8 Unconstitutional
Celebration in Castro After Proposition 8 Goes Down
PHOTO BY RIN K
Bayard Rustin Coalition co-chair Andrea Shorter spoke at the Prop 8 Decision Victory Party at the LGBT Center on Feb. 7.
By Dennis McMillan
Stuart Gaffney and John Lewis along with Teresa Howe and Christin Orbin (center) stood with a throng of celebrants outside the Federal Courthouse when the Prop 8 decision was announced Tuesday, February 7.
The federal Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit ruled 2-1 on Tuesday that Proposition 8, the California constitutional amendment approved by voters in 2008 that stripped the freedom to marry from same-sex couples, violates the Equal Protection Clause of the United States Constitution. It is the first time in the nation’s history that a federal appeals court has struck down a statewide ban on marriage for same-sex couples. In 2010, US District Judge Vaughn Walker invalidated the measure, con-
cluding that it violates the Constitution’s guarantee of equal protection. Proponents of Prop 8 appealed the decision in the Ninth Circuit, which resulted in this week’s decision. The panel additionally rejected a motion that Judge Walker should have excused himself from the case because he is gay. “Proposition 8 serves no purpose, and has no effect, other than to lessen the status and human dignity of gays and lesbians in California, and to of-
ficially reclassify their relationships and families as inferior to those of opposite-sex couples,” wrote US Circuit Judge Stephen Reinhardt. “The Constitution simply does not allow for laws of this sort.” Back in 2008, the controversial proposition was approved by 52 percent of the state’s voters and amended California’s Constitution to limit marriage to a man and a woman. Reinhardt this week wrote, “By using their initiative power to target a
minority group and withdraw a right that it possessed, without a legitimate reason for doing so, the people of California violated the Equal Protection Clause” of the federal Constitution. “We hold Proposition 8 to be unconstitutional on this ground.” He based the ruling on Romer v. Evans, a 1996 Supreme Court decision that invalidated an amendment to the Colorado Constitution that prohibited any tier of government from enacting anti-discrimination measures protecting LGBTQ individuals. (continued on page 17
Sweet Inspiration: Mom and Pop, Castro Style
PHOTOS BY S TE VEN UNDE RHIL L
/SFBayTimes
PHOTO BY RIN K
February 9-22, 2012 | www.sfbaytimes.com
Celebrants took to the streets after this week’s monumental Ninth U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals ruling that Proposition 8 is unconstitutional. In San Francisco, a victory party was held at the San Francisco LGBT Commun it y Center at 5pm on Tuesday. “We are thrilled that the US Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals has struck down Proposition 8, aff irming retired Chief US District Judge Vaughn Walker’s decision that Proposition 8 is unconstitutional,” said Community Center Executive Director Rebecca Rolfe. “This is not just the right decision based on law, but it is the right decision to bring fairness and equality to thousands of same-sex couples throughout the State of California.” The stage was set with many placards stating: “Liberty, Justice, and Equal Marriage;” “We All Deserve the Freedom to Marry;” and “Strike Down Prop 8.” The Rainbow f lag waved triumphantly. The Lesbian/Gay Freedom Band played Journey’s “Don’t Stop Believin’” as if to musically urge: “Don’t stop believin’” in marriage equality and “Hold on to the feelin’” that one day we queers will no longer be second class citizens.
Sister Dana with friends Karen Lee Jaffe aka Kitty Tapata, Sister Hellen Wheels, and Lori
Performing artist Liz Primo surrounded by her dancers at the End Up
With its inviting, old fashioned glass case full of delectable desserts, it’s no wonder that many happy couples have lingered, and fallen in love, at Sweet Inspiration on 2239 Market Street in the heart of the Castro. One such story concerns the Bay Times’ own Juan Torres.
While such romantic cake chemistry remains a mystery, it’s clear that Sweet Inspiration is a treasured mom and pop establishment, Castro style. Business partners Michael Colter and Wendy Mogg both have out, queer children and Mogg is openly bisexual.
On his first date with his now partner, Chris Shaffer, Torres had dinner, but then stopped by Sweet Inspiration for dessert. The warm atmosphere proved to be just the right romantic
elixir, with the two men staying for hours, talking, laughing and enjoying the good vibes. They have been together ever since. Could there be some secret love potion in such heavenly desserts as their chocolate cake with a chocolate mousse filling, raspberry sauce, vanilla cream frosting and fresh raspberries? Or maybe the combination of fresh oranges, vanilla and cream cheese in their Orange Cake somehow spins magic?
“Establishing ourselves as business people in the LGBTQ community invites deepening relationships, reaffirms our children’s paths and reminds us each day how fortunate we are to live in such a progressive city
with such a well-established LGBTQ presence,” Colter told the Bay Times. He and Mogg took over Sweet Inspiration last year, and have since been working to turn it into a vibrant, thriving spot. “Our plan was not to come in and remodel or change what the community had come to know and love,” Colter explains. “It was to repair, revitalize and reinvigorate in a way that the regulars would appreciate while opening our doors to other communities to come and join us.” (continued on page 17)
Dozens upon dozens of people took the microphone to have their say, proclaim victory, and warn that the fight for equality is far from over. Kelly Rivera Hart acted as emcee, bringing people to the stage. Notably, Andrea Shorter of the Bayard Rustin Coalition pointed out that the day of that victorious decision was approaching Black History Month. Sister Merry Peter of The Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence, Inc. noted that Canada (her original homeland) had become the fourth country in the world and the first country in the Americas to legalize same-sex marriage. (continued on page 17)
Addressing the Housing Needs of LGBTQ Seniors
visibility, community engagement and senior leadership.
Super Baby Seeks Super Uncles We are a lesbian couple looking for a partnered gay man for a known donor relationship.
P HOTO BY RIN K
People who feel empowered and connected to each other are less likely to retreat into the closet.
Marcy Adelman with Openhouse Executive Director Seth Kilboum, April 17, 2011.
superbabyseekssuperuncles@gmail.com
Editor’s Note: Openhouse founder Marcy Adelman, PhD, shares with the Bay Times her testimony from the recent public hearing held Thursday, January 26th.
What are the challenges? Solutions? 1. Discrimination: San Francisco senior providers and senior facilities are receptive to LGBTQ issues, but do not provide enough services that are inclusive and welcoming to LGBTQ older adults.
Comments of Marcy Adelman, PhD: “Hello, Dr. Adelman, this is Mary Kelly. I am Sarah Brown’s partner. Sarah died a few years ago. I moved. Now I am stuck in this place. There are no out lesbians here. Please help me. I am so lonely.”
Solution:LGBTQ senior cultural competency training to make existing senior housing and services more LGBTQ friendly. It is more cost effective to integrate services rather than duplicate them. Openhouse has been conducting LGBTQ senior cultural competency trainings since 2004. As effective as this program is, it is too small to meet the demand.
This haunting message was left on my office voicemail just two weeks ago. San Francisco has made much progress in the last decade to create more welcoming, LGBTQ friendly senior housing, ser vices and programs, but there is still so very much to do. Approximately one in 6 seniors in San Francisco is LGBTQ. It is projected that by 2030, with the aging of the baby boomers, the San Francisco gay and lesbian senior population will double.
2. Fear of Discrimination: A major barrier to accessing needed services is fear of discrimination. Because of fear of discrimination, LGBTQ seniors often go back into the closet to access needed services or, at risk to their health and well being, do not access appropriate services at all.
Our community’s seniors and older adults are adaptive and resilient, but we face unique obstacles to aging well.
Solutions continue to support and expand existing programs that increase LGBTQ senior outreach and
3. Caretaking Concerns: Spouses, adult children and siblings are t y pica l ly t he pr i ma r y ca ret a kers of frail seniors. But LGBTQ seniors are more likely than heterosexual seniors to live alone and to be without help. The lack of informal support systems puts LGBTQ seniors at risk for isolation, poor health and higher risk for placement in assisted living or nursing home facilities. Solution: Continue to fund and support a range of housing and service options such as Openhouse’s 55 Laguna project for low income seniors, Openhouse’s housing program that assists seniors to locate LGBTQ friendly housing, San Francisco Village’s membership model that helps people to age in their own homes by facilitating access to in-home services, co-housing developments that help seniors age in community and home modification programs that help seniors age in place. 4. Health Risks: Research has shown that senior members of our community report higher rates of chronic illness (diabetes, asthma, HIV) and mental distress (depression, anxiety and isolation) than their heterosexual peers. Living alone and minority stress (living with the chronic stress of stigma) are known to increase a person’s physical and mental health risks. Solution: Continue to fund LGBTQ senior health and wellness programs. To reach Dr. Marcy Adelman, e-mail her at DrMAdelman@aol.com.
Permanent Plaque Honors Jane Warner SPEND YOUR HOLIDAY IN THE CARIBBEAN!
7-Night Western Caribbean
7-Night Western Caribbean
New Orleans, Louisiana • Cozumel, Mexico George Town, Grand Cayman • Falmouth, Jamaica New Orleans, Louisiana Starting from: $399†*
Galveston, Texas • Roatán, Honduras Belize City, Belize • Galveston, Texas Starting from: $449†*
Oasis of the Seas®
7-Night Western Caribbean
Fort Lauderdale, Florida • Labadee®, Haiti Falmouth, Jamaica • Cozumel, Mexico • Fort Lauderdale, Florida Starting from: $1,325†*
BOOK NOW AND RECEIVE A PASSPORT TO SAVINGS COUPON BOOKLET, UP TO $200 VALUE!
American Express Travel Walnut Creek 1645 Mt. Diablo Blvd. Walnut Creek, CA 94596 (925) 938-0800 (800) 964-6593 walnutcreekctn@aexp.com
San Francisco 455 Market St. San Francisco, CA. 94105 (415) 536-2600 (800) 551-0210 embarcaderoctn@aexp.com
†ROYAL CARIBBEAN INTERNATIONAL® RESERVES THE RIGHT TO IMPOSE A FUEL SUPPLEMENT OF UP TO $10 PER GUEST PER DAY ON ALL GUESTS IF THE PRICE OF WEST TEXAS INTERMEDIATE FUEL EXCEEDS $65.00 PER BARREL. *Prices are per person, cruise only, double occupancy, and in U.S. Dollars. All itineraries and prices are subject to change without notice. Certain restrictions apply. Government taxes and fees are additional. ©2012 Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd. Ships registry: The Bahamas. American Express Travel Related Services Company, Inc. acts solely as sales agent for travel suppliers and is not responsible for the actions or inactions of such suppliers. We want you to be aware that certain suppliers pay us commissions and other incentives, and may also provide incentives to our travel counselors. CST#1022318-10. 11026196 • 01/05/2012
2 BAY TIMES FEBRUA RY 9, 2012
P HOTO BY RI N K
Now – April 2012 Voyager of the Seas® Mariner of the Seas®
Viewing the plaque in honor of Officer Jane Warner with her partner Jane Robinson Warner, Supervisor Scott Wiener and former Supervisor Bevan Dufty.
By Dennis McMillan Pat r ol S p e c i a l Pol ic e O f f ic er s joined with City leaders and residents on Saturday, Feb. 4 to unvei l a lon g-aw a it ed p er m a nent pl a que at t he 17 t h a nd C a st r o St reet s pedest r ia n pla za honoring Of f icer Jane Warner. Of f icer A lan Byard, Patrol Special Police Of f icer Association president, ack nowledged the generous f inancial contributions of many private i nd i v id u a l s a nd or g a n i z a t ion s t h at ent i rely f u nded a nd m ade possible the memorial plaque. Of f icer Warner, known to all as “ O f f ic er Ja ne,” w a s a b e love d and well k nown 18 -year veteran neighborhood police of f icer in the Castro, Noe Valley, and Mission
neighborhood s , a nd pa st pres ident of the Patrol Special Police Of f icers Association. She passed on May 8 , 2010, a fter suf fer ing w it h ov a r i a n c a nc er. T her e a ft e r, fo r m e r S u p e r v i s o r B e v a n Dufty sponsored a unanimouslyapproved Boa rd of Super v isor’s resolution authorizing the honor. O f f ic er By a r d s a id he r emem b er ed t h at “ Ja ne st r ived to do her best for everyone and to treat all people fairly and with dignity a nd respect. She was genu i nely concerned about this district and helped to elevate its problems and f i nd s olut ion s t o t hem , a lw ay s ready with a helping hand and to of fer assistance to everyone.”
HIV/AIDS News A Lonely Heart Can Make You Sick
Newly divorced middle aged women are more vulnerable to contract HIV and other sexually transmitted diseases because they tend to let their guard down with new sexual partners and avoid using protection since they are unafraid of getting pregnant, according to Christopher Coleman, an associate professor at the University of Pennsylvania School of Nursing,. Additionally, as aging occurs, physiological changes due to menopause such as the thinning of vaginal walls make it more susceptible for a woman to contract a virus. Medications that would be used to treat an STD or HIV become hard for a woman to tolerate because an aging body metabolizes medications differently. “There is a knowledge gap with women knowing what the physiological changes associated with menopause are,” said Coleman. “There is very little research on this subject and society and the government don’t talk about it, but these high risk sexual behaviors need to be addressed because the rate of HIV positive middle aged women is increasing.” Source: University of Pennsylvania School of Nursing Study Counters HIV Theory A study of more than 300 children and adolescents with human immunodef iciency virus (HIV) revealed no association between specific antiretroviral therapy and the severity of psychiatric disorders. Principal Investigator Sharon Nachman, M.D., of Stony Brook School of Medicine, and
colleagues detail this finding and others in the Online First edition of Archives of Pediatrics & Adult Medicine.
percentage, viral load, or a past Centers for Disease Control AIDS defining illness.
Children living with HI V often develop psychiatr ic and behavioral disorders. A major concern for health professionals is if the severity of HIV illness or use of specific ant iretrov ira l therapy reg imens put these children at an increased risk for mental health problems.
Nachman says some key findings include: Low CD4 percentage or high viral load prior to the study did not link directly to any psychiatric illness; current CD4 percentage or viral load did not predict psychiatric illness or social and academic functioning; specific antiretroviral therapy was not associated with any social or academic function problems; pre-study high viral load and low CD4 percentage did help predict which children had poorer social and academic functioning.
“Our study indicates that specif ic antiretroviral therapy and severity of HI V infection in children and adolescents are not necessarily associated with the level of mental health problems experienced by these patients, which counters the conventional thinking about the relationship between HIV and the development of psychiatric disorders,” says Nachman, Associate Dean for Research, and Professor of Pediatrics at Stony Brook School of Medicine. Nachman and colleagues completed a cross-sectional analysis of entry data from a two-year study of 319 participants between 6 and 17 years of age who were HIV infected around the time of their birth. All were enrolled in the International Maternal Pediatrics Adolescent AIDS Clinical Trials Group (IMPAACT) study number 1055. One-third of the participants met the criteria for at least one of seven targeted psychiatric disorders, such as depression and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder. The researchers looked at each individual’s HIV severity markers prior to and during the study, antiretroviral regimens, and severity of psychiatric symptoms. They defined HIV illness by CD4 (cells that fight off infection)
The researchers point out that in their analysis of HIV disease variables and psychiatric symptoms, it is important to “emphasize that f ind ing s were var iable, m i xed, and at t imes counter int uit ive.” For example, they note that a lower entry CD4 percentage was associated with less severe depression, but a higher entry viral load was associated with more severe depression. “Overall, our f indings are an indication that clearly other factors are at play that are associated with or contributing to patients’ psychiatric and behavioral problems, which appear independent from their HI V status or antiretroviral regimens,” explains Nachman. She believes that future studies should examine other factors that may be associated with severity of psychiatric symptoms in children and adolescents with HIV, such as family environment. Source: Stony Brook University Medical Center
Valentine’s Soiree
“Let's Laugh About Sex . . . and Love Too!” Dinner & Comedy with Karen Williams
Sister Dana Sez
The heart of Sister Dana Van Iquity is empty, because there’s no candy in his box Because of the dearth of valentines sent his way, Sister Dana mourned the loss and instead celebrated a Happy Lunar New Year in the Year of the Dragon at Immune Enhancement Project’s open house on Feb. 2nd, where there was delicious food, drink, Kippy Marks on electric violin with healing trance-inducing music, and a lively Qi Gong demonstration by Michael Goodwin. IEP’s quality services are really affordable with their integrative approach to healing - encompassing traditional Chinese medicine, acupuncture, massage therapy, reiki, herbal therapy, and nutrition counseling at 3450 16th Street in the Castro, iepclinic.com, (415) 252-8711. The Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence, Inc. held a fabulous fundraiser, “Wine Tasting for a Cause: Supporting Our Habits,” at D&H Sustainable Jewelers, beautifully organized by Novice Sister Violet Sin Bloom. “It’s truly wonderful to be able to bring the community together to enjoy the jewelry, most of which was designed by artists right here in the Castro,” said Sr. Violet. “I can look at each person in the community here as a facet that has come together to create one glowing jewel!” Over 150 Sisters and guests attended, munching on nibbley bits and tasting delicious wine pourings generously donated from A Cellar Full of Noise.
Peaches Christ and SF Sketchfest put on the most incredible Rocky Horror Picture Show ever at the Castro Theatre, with several troupes doing live musical interpretations on stage, including the Midnight Mass Players: Dr. Frank-N-Furter played by Peaches Christ; Riff Raff...Peggy L’eggs; Magenta...Lady Bear; Columbia... Cousin Wonderlette; Rocky...Pristine Condition; Brad...PJ Soulless; and Janet...Tangyna; star Luke Perry, who played Brad on Broadway, made an appearance; and the climax of all was star Barry “Brad Majors” Bostwick (asshole!) in bustier, boa, fish nets, and stiletto heels being interviewed by Peaches! Fierce! Hey men, are you stumped on what to give your guy for Valentine’s Day? Or if you don’t have a lover, why not love yourself with these sexy toys?! May I suggest a trip to your local Good Vibrations store? Or go online at goodvibes.com. I will note a few of my favorite jack-off toys. Pump up the volume with a Penis Pump for pleasure. An extra-long, extra wide chamber accommodates any size, and a PVC ring forms a tight seal when pressed against your body, providing cushioning between the cylinder base and the skin. Designed for single-handed operation, it utilizes a quick-release valve for immediate depressurization when needed. Tenga Egg Masturbation Sleeve proves eggs aren’t just for breakfast anymore. Peel it like you would a hardboiled egg; then crack open the shell to reveal a stretchy slippery sleeve. A choice of seven different textures inside gives different strokes for different yolks! Although intended for a single session, I found - if handled and cleaned carefully - you can use over and over. And NO, I do NOT rinse out my used condoms!
Two toys are fun sci-f i fantasies. With the Fleshlight Alien Masturbator, experience extraterrestrial ecstasy with a pearlescent blue sleeve and other-worldly entry hole into an out of this world internal canal for intergalactic orgasms. The silicone sleeve cleans up easily, and the hard outer case keeps it safely stored between visits. Fang Banger Waterproof Vibrating Cock Ring provides bloody good vampire fantasies on your privates. This fanged cock ring can offer a True Blood experience with soft silicone “teeth” and other stimulating nubs, plus two push-button minivibrators, one for the dick and one for the balls. And bat-teries are included. Tenga 3-D Masturbation Sleeve is really soft, white elastomer outside with various geometric notches inside as you turn it around, giving varieties of sensations. Lube it up, and the closed end creates mild suction, increasing the pleasure. Reusable and easy to clean, it comes with a stand and tubular plastic case. Includes a mini-vibrator for extra pleasure.
Featuring Comedy Diva Karen Williams Couples and Singles Welcome | Hosted by the "Betty's List" Team The Bellevue Club @ Lake Merritt | Oakland Cost Per Person: $99 - Reserve for two (Singles or Couple) and save $10 at $188 www.bettyslist.com | 415-503-1375 | BettyEvenetInfo@aol.com Includes three course dinner and glass of wine or non-alcoholic beverage choice plus comedy program and post-event mingle and free parking!
Hand Solo Silicone Stroker has an innovative open-face design to take self-pleasuring to new heights with a blue flexible sleeve that closes to mold itself to accommodate a variety of organ shapes and sizes. Raised nubs and ridges provide an exceptional textural element to your sessions of self-love. Comfortable and easy to hold, this soft silicone grip houses a bullet vibe for intense vibration sensation. A great double date is Marc Huestis’ Love Story at the Castro Theatre with live interview of star Ali MacGraw on Valentine’s Day, Feb. 14, 8pm. Tix at ticketfly.com or call (415) 863-0611. In the meantime, I’ll be wearing my heart on my sleeve. BAY T IM ES F EBRUARY 9, 2012 3
4 BAY TIMES FEBRUA RY 9, 2012
BAY T IM ES F EBRUARY 9, 2012 5
6 BAY TIMES FEBRUA RY 9, 2012
BAY T IM ES F EBRUARY 9, 2012 7
Love Can Bite enriching its communities through the universal lang uage of music. A s an organization that has aimed to create positive social change and push the musical envelope, the chorus’s motto “Everybody Matters!” encompasses members and audiences alike. LGCSF repertoire is diverse and ref lects the membership of the ensemble, which includes lesbian, gay, bisexua l, t ra nssexua l, pa nsexua l, a nd straight (oh yes!) members, and for over three dec a des t he chor u s h a s pro duced sever a l world premiere pieces, fully staged musical works, classical music concerts, the “Christmas Crap-Array,” and for the past nine years the irreverent “Love Bites.”
Kim Corsaro Publisher 1981-2011
2261 Market Street, No. 309 San Francisco CA 94114 Phone: 415-503-1386 Fax: 415-503-1389 E-mail: editor@sfbaytimes.com www.sfbaytimes.com STAFF Dr. Betty L. Sullivan Editor & Publisher
Ayana Baltrip Balagas
Guest Editorial
Design Direction, Art & Production
Abby Zimberg + Melissa Walker Design
William “Billy” Sauerland
Karen Williams Special Ambassador & Advertising Executive Karen@sfbaytimes.com
In Februar y 2003, the Lesbian/Gay Chorus of San Francisco (LGCSF ) premiered a show called “Love Bites” to give audiences an alternative from the gooey, sappy, lovey-dovey schmaltz of the overly commercialized Saint Va lent i ne’s Day. T he concer t wa s k now n as the anti-Valentine’s Day cabaret. “Love Bites” wa s a success for L G C SF, t hen under the direction of Stephanie Lynne Smith, and a warmly welcomed addition to the concer t ca lenda r. Ta k i ng on love forlor n, t he show feat u red acr i mon ious a nd hu morous repertoire. LGCSF is bringing this alternative concert to San Francisco yet again, and this season “Loves Bites, and So Did the 80s” focuses on the classic hits of Michael Jackson, Cyndi Lauper, Jon Bon Jovi, Madonna, and many other pop music icons.
Liz Bell Advertising Executive Liz@sfbaytimes.com Juan Torres Advertising Executive Juan@sfbaytimes.com
Robert Fuggiti Operations & Circulation Manny Apolonio Assistant to the Publisher Barbara Brust / Lucille Design Webmaster & Technology Director
Kate Laws Business Manager Juan Ordonez Distribution
ADVISORY BOARD Tracy Gary Nanette Lee Miller, CPA James C. Freeman Judy Young, MPH Gary Virginia
Founded by Jon Reed Sims in 1980, LGCSF was the f irst mixed choral organization in the world to use both “lesbian” and “gay” in its name. (As a matter of note, Sims also founded the San Francisco Lesbian/Gay Freedom Band and the San Francisco Gay Men’s Chorus.) LGCSF debuted under the direction of Robin Kay, and is dedicated to building and
CONTRIBUTORS Writers
Rink, Sister Dana Van Iquity, Ann Rostow, Melissa Myers, Linda Ayres-Frederick, Annette Lust, Kirsten Kruse, Natalia Cornett, Teddy Witherington, Kim Corsaro, Lori Major, Christine Dumke, Alexandra Bringer, David Grabstald, Kate Kendell, Pollo del Mar, Linda Kay Silva, 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 E. Pratt, Terry Baum Dayna Verstegen, Liz Bell.
When “Love Bites” premiered, the show was held at the Hormel Center, and Smith (who stepped down from the chorus in 2010) had no idea t he show wou ld become a n a n nua l event. T he intent of t he show was (and continues to be) a fun, sophisticated, cynical take on a Hallmark holiday for anyone in a “Down With Love” mood, which most of us have ex per ienced at one poi nt or a not her. Over these several years the show has focused on dif ferent genres of music, from countr ywestern (“Love Bites, My Dog Bites, and My Pickup Tr uck Won’t Start”) and pop music (“Love Bites Pop Rocks: LGCSF Sings Top40 Hits of Bitterness and Betrayal”) to Broadway show tunes (“Love Bites Of f-Broadway”) a nd ja zz st a nda rd s (“ L ove Bites: A l l T hat Jazz”). The chorus tries with every incarnation of this cabaret to both wallow in unrequited love and laugh at it in the same beat. A lthough some audiences may think it is stupid to poke fun at Cupid, a l l people ex per ience t he emot ions of love and hear tache. Even the masticating title expresses the universality of this concert—ever yone can bite a nd be bit ten. R a rely c a n s i m i l a r it ies be drawn between the Roman Catholic Church
and LGCSF, but in 1969 the Second Vatican Council removed Saint Valentine’s feast day on Februar y 14 th from the General Roman Calendar, so even the Catholic Church is anti-Valentine’s Day! It is a show for all adults— young and old—who are single, partnered, marr ied, polygamous, or polyamorous, and for people who “ just wanna have fun!” If you’re unable to catch “L ove Bites” t his year, the 32 nd season of LGCSF also includes a cabaret-fundraiser called “Rainbows and Leprechauns: A St. Patty’s Day Cabaret” at Martuni’s piano bar on March 19 th and 20 th at 7:30pm, and the 34 th Annual Pride Concert on June 22 nd at the San Francisco Conservatory of Music. LGCSF is excited to premiere a co-commissioned work at the Pride Concert by longtime chorus friend and composer Jack Curtis Dubowksy called “Harvey M i l k: A Ca nt at a.” T he piece feat ures f ive movements based on texts and speeches of Harvey Milk and will be performed with the choruses of Lick-Wilmerding High School. “Love Bites, and So Did the 80s” takes place at t he M ission Cultura l Center, 2868 M ission Street (at 25 th Street), on February 10th and 11th , 2012, at 8:00pm. Wear you favorite 1980s apparel, and be prepared to transport back to the days of acid-wash denim, neon a n k le sock s, shou lder pad s, a nd Aqua Net hairspray. You may cringe from the fashion, and you may cry from the heartache, but you will most undoubtedly chuckle at the hilarity that will ensue!
Photographers/ Illustrators
Rink, Dennis McMillan, Steve Underhill, Phyllis Costa, Biron.
Thank you to our leading advertisers. ADVERTISING Display Advertising Rate cards are available by calling 415-503-1386 #3 or e-mail ads@sfbaytimes.com. Classified Advertising: Refer to the order form in The Classifieds section, which you may mail or fax in, or e-mail us at classifieds@sfbaytimes.com. Deadline is 3 p.m. the Thursday preceding publication. For display classified information, please call Display Advertising at 415-503-1386 #3.
PHOTO BY ROBERT F UGGITI
BACK PAGE CLUB Catch Restaurant Fountaingrove Lodge Jordan, Miller & Associates Pelican Art Gallery NAPA Cellars Wines Olivia Travel
Everybody is asking about the Market & Noe hole in the ground, site of the 1981 Trinity Methodist Church fire. Remembered by neighbors as a bustling spot for Delancy Street Christmas tree sales, the spot has come alive with crews and equipment on a multilevel building project that combines residential and ground floor retail units. Check the building permits for 2299 Market Street to monitor progress.
Persons of the Week: David Boies and Theodore Olson
National Advertising: Contact Bay Times / San Francisco. Also represented by Rivendell Media., Mountainside, NJ 908-232-2021.
The legal firepower duo David Boies and Theodore Olson have earned our “Persons of the Week” acknowledgment. Through their efforts, the legislative momentum is now lopsided heavily in favor of marriage equality, although the battle is far from over.
CALENDAR
LETTERS TO THE EDITOR If you would like to write a letter to the editor with comment on an article or suggestions for the Bay Times, email us at editor@sfbaytimes.com. © 2012 Bay Times Media Co, Inc. Co-owned by Betty L. Sullivan & Jennifer L. Viegas Reprints by permission only.
SO UR C E : AMER I C AN F O R E QUAL RI G H TS
Calendar performers, clubs, individuals or groups who want to list events should mail, e-mail or fax notices so that they reach us by 5 p.m. the Thursday prior to publication. Please e-mail items to be considered for the Calendar to calendar@sfbaytimes.com. We cannot take listings by phone.
8 BAY TIMES FEBRUA RY 9, 2012
When Olson and Boies f irst took on the case, many noteworthy LGBTQ advocacy groups questioned the team’s timing, and are still fearful that an unfavorable US Supreme Court ruling could prove to be the movement’s undoing. But now that the process is underway, opponents of Proposition 8 are joining forces to ensure that equality for all becomes a greater reality in this country. Boies has held many positions of distinction, including serving as Chief
Counsel and Staff Director of the US Senate Antitrust Subcommittee in 1978. In 1986, representing the Democratic National Committee, he won a permanent injunction against the Republican National Committee targeting minority districts with efforts to challenge voter qualifications. He also recovered $1.2 billion from companies that sold junk bonds to failed savings and loan associations. Boies first crossed swords with conservative Olson in connection with litigation relating to the 2000 election Florida vote count. Boies represented former Vice President Al Gore, while Olson represented George W. Bush. Although Boies and Olson were both born in Illinois, the similarities between the two seemed to stop there, making their 2009 partnership in
the fight against Proposition 8 all the more surprising. The distinguished team, however, has proven to be a winner. Olson, former US Solicitor General, has argued numerous cases before the Supreme Court and has earned many honors. Life hasn’t always been easy, however, as his third wife, Barbara Olson, was a passenger on the hijacked American Airlines Flight 77 that crashed into the Pentagon on September 11, 2001, Olson’s birthday. Relentlessly strong throughout this and other difficulties, Olson, as well as Boies, have been confident from the start that they could move the fight against Proposition 8 to the Supreme Court and win it. They now appear poised for the coveted victory.
National News Briefs Seattle, WA- Same-Sex Marriage Bill Advances in Washington State - 2.6
New York, NY- Wall Street Exec Speaks Out for Same Sex Marriage- 2.5
As expected, the House Judiciary committee in Washington state approved a measure to legalize same-sex marriage. The f inal public hearing resulted in a 7-5 vote this week.
The chief of Goldman Sachs, Lloyd Blankenfein, recently agreed to become the f irst national corporate spokesman for same sex marriage. Blankenfein w i l l be par t ner ing w it h t he Human R ights Campa ig n in t he ef for t. Fred Sainz, an executive with the HRC, told the New York Times that the organization sought Blankfein, in part, because he is “an unexpected messenger.”
Representative Laur ie Jink ins, D -Tacoma, test if ied in support of the bill, joined by her partner of 23 years, Laura Wulf, and their 11-year-old son, Wulf. Jinkins told T he Seattle Times, “We all understand that marriage is not just about contracts and rights and responsibilities. It’s about love and commitment.” On the opposing side, Maureen Richardson, the state director for Concerned Women for America, argued that the measure would negatively af fect families. “Marriage is just too important to the culture to be redef ined,” she said. Opponents can still challenge the measure at the ballot with a referendum. Nevertheless, Washing ton could join New York, Connect icut, Iowa, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Vermont and the District of Columbia as states where same-sex marriage is legal. Source: T he Seattle Times
Salt Lake City, UT- Ef fort to Ban LGBTQ Discrimination Scrapped - 2.3 Ef forts to ban discrimination against gays and transgenders in Utah have hit a roadblock, even though the related bill received strong support in public polls, as well as endorsements from prominent business leaders. Bill SB51 was shelved this month by a 4 -2 Senate vote dur ing a 9 0 -minute publ ic hear ing w it h a standing-room only crowd. Sen. Ben McAdams, the bill’s sponsor and a Salt Lake City Democrat, told T he Salt Lake City Tribune that he was disappointed the bill failed, but called the hearing a “valuable discussion” and a “huge milestone.” This is the f ifth year that Democrats have run such a bill but the f irst year to get a Senate hearing. T he mea su re had received endor sement f rom t he Salt Lake Chamber, executives from A ncestr y.com, 1- 800 -Contacts and eBay. A ll said that it would enhance Utah’s reputation as a welcoming place to do business. Nearly three-fourths of people in Utah support such a law, accord ing to a recent pol l by Dan Jones & Associates. Source: T he Salt Lake City Tribune
Sainz continued, “Lloyd Blankfein is not someone average Americans would think is going to support marriage equality. The green visor crowd is not typically associated with socially progressive policies, and this is further proof that a diversity of Americans are coming to the same conclusion.” The Wall Street titan has run Goldman since 2006, and is one of the nation’s longest-tenured execut ives. He r isk s a l ienat ing conser vat ives doing business with the f irm, but he still stepped on the politically charged stage. He is already appearing in a 32-second Internet spot where he proclaims, “I’m Lloyd Blankenfein, chairman and C.E.O. of Goldman Sachs, and I support marriage equality.” Source: New York Times
Des Moines, I A- Fight Over Birth Certif icates Listing Same Sex Parents Continues - 2.6 Iowa governor Terr y Branstad’s administrat ion t his week announced t hat it is appea ling a Polk County District Court ruling that ordered state health of f icials to issue a birth certif icate listing both members of a same-sex marriage as the legal parents of a 2-year-old girl. The Iowa Department of Public Health appeal primarily addresses a situation in which a ch i ld is bor n to mar r ied lesbian mot hers who conceive t hrough t he use of a n a nony mou s s p er m d onor. He a lt h D e pa r t ment spokeswoma n Pol ly Ca r ver-K i m m told t he D es Moines R eg i st e r t hat t he st ate agenc y is seek i ng g u id a nce f rom t he Iowa Supreme Court “regarding apply ing the presumption of pater n it y la ng uage cur rent ly i n code to same-sex marriages.” In January, District Judge Eliza Ovrom ruled that state health of f icials must issue the birth certif icate to Melissa Gartner, 41, and Heather Gartner, 40, of Des Moines, who have a daughter, MacKenzie, born through anonymous donor insem inat ion. St ate Sen. Mat t McCoy, D-Des Moines, has introduced a bill to list the names of same-sex parents on birth records, but polit ica l ana lysts say t he measure is g iven a l most no cha nce of w i n n i ng approval this session.
Washington, D.C.- Report A nalyzes Impact of Executive Order Concerning Discrimination - 2.6 The Williams Institute released a new report this week authored by the institute’s research director, University of MassachusettsA mherst economics professor Lee Badgett. In the document he a na ly zes t he i mpact of t he proposed execut ive order wherei n President Obama could take action to prohibit federal contractors from discriminating against employees on the basis of sexual orientation or gender. The report concludes that, should such a prohibition be implemented, “11 million additional employees would gain protection against sexual orientation discrimination and 16 million employees would be protected against gender identity discrimination.” It remains unclear how the possible order could af fect partnership benef its and af f irmative action. In a Januar y memo sent to Rep. Barney Frank ( D-Mass.) by the institute and the Center for American Progress, the authors mention, “It is well within the president’s legal authority to issue either an amended or a new executive order to require that federal contractors not discriminate based on sexual orientation and gender identity. Further, courts are generally reluctant to overturn executive orders.” The memo, though, notes that there is no Supreme Court case establishing unequivocally the constitutionalit y of such nondiscrimination orders, meaning that a contractor w ishing to challenge it could do so. Source- MetroWeekly
Source: Des Moines Register
Local News Briefs Largest SF Showing of A IDS Memorial Quilt in 25 Years - 2.5
President Barack Obama Fundraising Event Announced - 1.27
Cour tesy of Under One Roof, the NA MES Project Foundation, the AIDS Emergency Fund, and San Francisco businessman Petyr Kane, sections of the renowned AIDS Memorial Quilt will be shown at various locations in San Francisco’s Castro neighborhood the week of February 12 – 20.
A reception and dinner w ith President Barack Obama w ill be held on Thursday, Febr uar y 16 t h , in San Francisco. The recept ion pr ices are $100 (general seating), $1000 VIP (includes preferred seating) and $7500 (includes individual photo with the President and preferred seating within the reception. Guests wishing to include additional individuals in their photo will pay an extra cost of $2500 per added person.
Timed in concert with Valentine’s Day when many ref lect on those they’ve loved, the exhibition is the largest San Francisco showing of the Quilt since its original home on Market Street closed in 1999. Sections of the Quilt will be shown at five locations throughout the week: the primary exhibition will take place at the former Tower Records store at 2278 Market Street. Other locations include the Under One Roof gift shop at 518A Castro Street, Catch restaurant at 2362 Market Street (where the Quilt and Under One Roof were initially housed), Bank of America at 501 Castro Street and BODY clothing store at 450 Castro Street.
The general reception will feature a performance by Grammy award-winning performer Chris Cornell of Soundgarden and Audioslave fame. The location for the reception is still being determined, although it is certain that it will be located within San Francisco.
The main Market Street exhibit will be open to the public free of charge from 12:00 noon – 8:00pm from Sunday, February 12th, through Monday, February 20th. At 12:00 noon on the 12th, a traditional unfolding ceremony will be held, during which a traditional “reading of the names” of those memorialized will take place.
In addition to the above event, there will also be an intimate 60-person dinner at the home of Nicola Miner and Robert Mailer Anderson in San Francisco. The dinner is $35,800/person and will include remarks and a question/answer experience with the President. Michael Tusk, chef and owner of Quince ( M ichelin-starred) and Cotogna (recent ly recognized by Esquire magazine as one of the best new restaurants in the United States) will be preparing food for this event. There will also be a musical performance at the dinner.
Source: The NA MES Project Foundation
Source: National Finance Committee, Obama for America
BAY T IM ES F EBRUARY 9, 2012 9
Betty’s Gift Guide: Gift Suggestions From Among Her Favorite Things... Valentines 2012
A moeba Records - Be sure to give her or him your favorite love song and we are betting you can f ind it in Amoeba Records at 1855 Haight Street, SF and 2455 Telegraph, Berkeley. My number one is “I Will A lways Love You” written and performed by Dolly Parton and also covered by Whitney Houston. Whatever your favorites, they will be at Amoeba. Be sure to use the coupon below too.
“I’m always searching for an excellent gift that’s sure to make a special one happy. No doubt you are too, so here’s my list and let’s go shopping right now! — Betty David & Ronnie Jewelry Design - The guys have out done themselves with a gorgeous heart-shaped ring in sterling silver with eighteen 14K gold spheres and sixteen garnets. Too pretty for words! Never heard of David and Ronnie? We have collected their creations for some 15 years! Look around their website (www.davidandronnie.com) and then call and tell ‘em Betty sent you. Call 707-2-597-5003 or e-mail info@davidandronnie. com. You are going to love them!
Give their gifts to loved ones or as business or corporate gifts. 4077 24th Street; 415-970 -0579. Good Vibrations - Have you met the JimmyJane products? This may be your day and our local favorite Good Vibrations is the source. The new GV store in Oakland joins the three in SF and one in Berkeley. Lots of choices to tickle your fancy. Contact www.goodvibes.com and do tell ‘em Betty sent you.
harvardsweetboutique.com) and tell her word is out on the left coast about her magnif icent products and customer service. Visit harvardsweetboutique.com
Wolfe Video - Valentines isn’t complete without a good video, so we sought recommendations from Kathy Wolfe who has two she says are “perfect.” The Big Gay Love Collector’s Set and the Big Lesbian Love Collector’s Set each features four selections and they are on sale now at $29.95. Easy to order on the website: www.wolfevideo.com. Many, many more to choose from too!
or call 888 -579-3387.
A ño Nuevo Elephant Seals Visit - Those seals may seem strange, but they are lovable and fun to look at and learn about. This annual “Betty’s List” outing at Ano Nuevo State Park will be on Saturday, April 14th so give it to your Valentine and friends. Led by naturalist Kim Powell, this year the trip is for women and men too! Bring the guys! Info: 415-503-1375.
Flowers of the Valley - There are rave reviews galore for this speciality shop on 24th Street next door to the famous Noe Valley Bakery. Go by and meet Yuliya and her mom Tataniya who are incredibly friendly, ready with smiles and chock full of expertise on orchids and bouquets of many sorts. Plus, they are not over-priced, so the value is strong. Check out the heartshaped wreaths made of wood products, dyed red and set to be hung for a decorative f lourish . . .
Harvard Sweet Boutique This online source for delicacies is a new f ind for us and it just may become an obsession. Some sweethearts love cookies and handmade delicacies that are prepared with TLC and wrapped in elegant style. Give this a try for loved ones or business and corporate gifts. Send a message to founder Susan George (info@
Your SupreMe Source For MuSic & MovieS!
5
off
$
Your purchaSe oF $25 or More at AMoebA MuSic!
Buy - sell - trade • new & used • rare & collectiBle dVDs • Blu-rays • Games • cDs • poSters lPs • 45s • 78s • turntaBles & more! *Coupon is valid for $5 off your purchase of $25 or more. Cannot be combined with any other discount offers or coupons. One coupon per person, per transaction, per day. Not valid on Amoeba.com. Expires 4/30/12.
san FrANcisco
1855 Haight st • (415) 831-1200
AMOEBA.COM
Gypsy Love - We fell in love with Gypsy Love’s talents when Gary Virginia introduced us. Give a belly dance by classically trained Gypsy to your love for Valentines or book her to liven up an event, private or public. Don’t miss this beautiful dynamo. She sings too. Contact GypsyLoveProductions@yahoo. com or www.g ypsytime.com.
berkeleY
2455 telegrapH ave • (510) 549-1125
Free Shipping on MuSic & MovieS- no MinimuM!
10 BAY TIMES FEBRUARY 9, 2012
Lisa Hair Design - Lisa’s shop, two doors from the Castro Theatre, provides affordable, comfortable and skilled hair design services. Very popular stop for Castro denizens wanting to look their best for Valentines or any time. Walk-ins welcome at 421 Castro, but reservations recommended. Contact: 415-626-6268. Lovejoys Tea Room Wonderful place for a cozy conversation, Lovejoy’s has been a Noe Valley favorite for two decades. You’ll enjoy their dedication to the ritual of tea and it’s happening in a quirky, eclectic and unpretentious setting. Find Lovejoy’s at 1351 Church Street. Reservations are strongly recommended: 415-648 -6845. Enjoy!
Dr. Dee's Music Dee Spencer
415-269-4699 415-480-1671 (efax) DeeJazz@aol.com www.deespencer.com
Fun steel drum music for background, dance, and interactive events mary@steeljam.com www.steeljam.com
Valentines 2012
one can count. They’ve won Best of the Bay over and over, and once you see them in action at your event, you’ll never forget how much fun was had. Visit www.twilightvixen.com, e-mail vixen@twilightvixen.com or call 510 -712-7739.
Michael Bruno Luggage & Gifts - We visited Lou Briasco recently and he sold us on the Zuca Sport Bag. Comes in many colors and variations for business travel. There are pet carriers too. Plus, you can sit on it. Great gift for her or him! Stop by 2267 Market Street or call Lou at 415522-3970. Monday Hearts for Madalene - Page Hodel’s book and calendar bring loving images into your world to be savored everyday as well as Mondays. Find out about the love story, the loss and the remembrance in these collections of creative expression by one of the most popular DJs in the history of LGBTQ clubs in the Bay Area. Check the website www.mondayheartsformadalene.com.
NA PA Cellars Wines - Give her or him a pair and set the tone for your own festivities. We love the Sauvignon Blanc and Pinor Noir. We love winemaker Joe Shirley and his sweet love Mo who may one day sing for us! Big thanks go to Vivien Gay for turning us on to NA PA Cellars and the entire Trinchero Wine family.
P HOTO: T WIL IGHT VIXEN REVIEW
Valentine’s Soiree Tickets Gals who love gals will love “Let’s Talk About Sex . . . and Love Too!” Dinner & Comedy with the very funny Karen Williams, singer / song writer Laura Zucker and the “Betty’s List” Team. Tickets: 415-5031375 or www.bettyslist.com.
Make a reservation for their tasting room, 7481 St. Helena Highway, Oakville and shop online too: http://napacellars. com. Contact: 800 -535-6400 or info@napacellars.com.
Steven Underhill Photography - Steve says give a portrait to your Valentine and he’ll make sure you are looking good. Very talented and wellknown photog in our neighborhood, Steve shoots guys and gals for portraits, events, models or you name it. Check out his portfolio and smile. Contact 415370 -7152, sunderhill@aol.com or www.stevenhunderhill.com.
Sweet Inspiration - Give your Sweet some sweet inspiration from this Castro favorite shop where cakes and pastries are fresh daily. So many delicious delicacies on this menu and so many f lavors to try. Really, order her or him a specialty for Valentines, birthday or any occasion. You will be a hit, Baby! New LGBT family owners are opening the doors with gusto! Visit 2239 Market Street. Contact: 415-621-8664 or www. sweetinspirationbakery.com.
Wild Card - You do need cards and other goodies, so go by Wild Card, our local shop, 3989 17th @ Castro. A lways great service and surprising selection, including hundreds of cards, rainbow items and a price range to meet any budget. Contact: 415-626 4449.
Happy Valentine’s Day! Betty and Jen
More News,
Stories, and Arts & Entertainment online
@sfbaytimes.com
Twilight Vixen Revue - Some things are to be experienced. That’s what we think about this troupe of queer burlesque performers who have teased audiences for us more times than
Happy Valentine’s Day From
Sweet Inspiration Bakery Cafe Have Your Date and Eat it too!!!
Save 15% on any whole cake Feb 12th , 13th and 14th
2239 Market Street WWW.sweetinspirationbakery.com Phone:415.621.8664 coltercakes@gmail.com
BAY T IM ES F EBRUARY 9, 2012 11
’round About in Photos
Special guest Kandi Burruss, Grammy-winning songwriter and Real Housewife of Atlanta, is surrounded by Good Vibrations staff and friends at the GV Grand Opening Party for the new Good Vibes Oakland store, Saturday, January 28th
Good Vibes Grand Opening Party goers lined up to spin the Good Vibes Wheel of Pleasure for prizes at the GV Oakland Grand Opening Party. Good Vibes’ Grand Opening Party in Oakland was standing room only! Lots of sexy women and men too in the house. Photo by Good Vibrations
Photo by Good Vibrations
Young activists at the Feb. 4 protest at the Castro’s HRC store. Photo by Rink
Activist Ashley Swan at the Feb. 4 protest at the Castro’s HRC store because of HRC’s connection with Goldman Sachs. Photo by Rink
An array of costumed audience characters gathered before the show’s start at The Rocky Horror Picture’s return to the Castro Theatre on Feb 4th. Photo by Steven Underhill
12 BAY TIMES FEBRUARY 9, 2012
On stage before The Rocky Horror Picture Show screening were local favorite Peaches Christ and special guest Brad Bostwick (Brad in the original cast).Photo by Steven Underhill
Photo by Good Vibrations
The 10th Annual SF Sketchfest comedy festival at the Castro Theater included an appearance by Best In Show stars Fred Willard and Michael Hitchcock. Photo by Steven Underhill
More movie goers gathered at the Castro Theatre during SF Sketchfest. Photo by Steven Underhill
Arts&Entertainment Animated and Live Action Short Oscar Contenders Film
Gary M. Kramer Once ag a i n, t he A n i mated a nd Live Action shorts are being made available theatrically to give Osc a r p o ol hop ef u l s a c h a nc e at ma k i ng educated g uesses about what might take home the award this year. Here’s a rundown of the candidates: A n i m a t e d S h o r t s T he h i g h l i ght of t hes e f ive nom i nee s i s easi ly t he P i xar ent r y, L a L una , a mag ical, mostly wordless fable about two men and a young boy a nd a t r ip to t he moon . To say what happen s once t hey a r r ive wou ld s p oi l t he c h a r m of t h i s qua i nt shor t . A nd wh i le O sc a r pr o g no s t ic a t or s a r e g i v i n g L a Luna the statue (it’s the odds-on favorite), another contender, T he Fantastic Flying Books of Mr. Morr i s L ess more , rea l ly deser ves t he pr ize. This tremendously inventive and wordless tale of a young man who lives in a world of books is enchanting and much more acc ompl i s he d . Mor r i s a mu s i n g l y coughs letters after being swept away by a tor nado. He lands in a bl a c k a nd wh it e wor ld u nt i l he red iscover s a n i mated book s. “ Hu mpt y D u mpt y ”— whose expressions change by a f lip of his book’s pa ges —helps h i m acc l imate to sleepi ng on book s, eating alphabet letters, and dressing the books in their (dust) jackets.
It’s a poig nant litt le f i lm ful l of wonder. The other decent entry, A Morning Stroll, is a clever triptych about a man in 1959, 20 09 and 2059 encounter ing a chicken on the street one morning. The styles change dramatically in each time period, and there are some fantastic details—like a throbbing zombie bra i n—but t h is shor t is too slight to be of any consequence. L ess i nterest i ng a re t wo Ca nad i a n ent r ies . D i a m a n ch e/S u n d ay chron icles a day in t he l ife of a young boy who puts coins on the railroad tracks outside his home. The animals in this short— birds on a w ire, a mounted bear head or a f ish in a sink—are all more i nter est i n g a nd a n i m ated t h a n t he people. L i kew ise, W ild L ife, about a British man who moves to Canada in 1909, is hardly exciting, but there are some beautiful, painterly visuals. A las, this western about a comet never catches f ire. Live Action There are three long shorts and t wo c ute, but s l ight , ent r ies i n this prog ram. The longer shorts are the best, with Raju a morally complex t a le of a G er ma n couple adopting a 4 -year-old Indian boy most deserving of the Oscar. When the child goes missing, his new father makes some shocking discoveries that have far reaching consequences. Pentecost from Ireland is, odd ly, t he odds ma ker’s selection. This one-joke f ilm concerns an altar boy who is given a
chance to redeem himself after a horrible accident with the incense dur ing Sunday mass. Of course, t he A rchbishop is v isit i ng, a nd suf f ice it to say, there’s an unforgettable payof f. But it’s not Oscar
worthy. If there is likely to be an upset, it will come from Tuba Atlant ic, a qu irk y Nor weg ia n f i l m about Oskar, an irascible old man w it h si x days to l ive. Oskar has many darkly funny ways of killing
the gulls that are the bane of his existence, and he shocks a young woman, Inger, who arrives as his “A n g e l of D e at h” t o he lp h i m go not so gent ly into night. The (continued on page 19)
“The Right to Love: An American Family” Merits Gay, Straight Viewing Film Review
Sister Dana Van Iquity The world premiere of the documentary f ilm, T he Right to Love: An American Family, was screened on Feb. 6 at the Castro Theatre, the night before the big Proposit ion 8 cour t decision announcement. The director, producers, all four of the L ef few Family, and many others involved in the f ilm were in attendance on st age. Jay and Br yan have been a couple for 14 yea r s i n Sa nt a Rosa . T hey ad -
opted young Da n iel a nd Selena shortly after their union.
opinions that pervade society attempt to strip it from them.
T he Right to Love: An American Family chronicles one story of courage born out of the highly mediatized a nd cont rover s i a l P rop 8 20 0 8 elect ion resu lts in Ca l ifor nia. A C a l i for n i a m a r r ied g ay c ouple a nd t hei r t wo adopted ch i ld ren f i ght ba c k a g a i n st d i s c r i m i n a tion, ignorance, and hate through home v ideos posted on t heir YouTu b e c h a n n e l , “ G ay Fa m ily Values.” As they pursue their A mer ica n Drea m, t he opposi ng p ol it ic a l , s o c i a l , a nd r e l i g iou s
The f ilm is beautifully produced and will make people cr y, laugh, cheer, and hiss at the villains who fer vent ly s n at c hed aw ay s a me sex marriage rights. We hear the homophobes lie and witness their “Ch r ist ia n love” i n a l l it s ugly, hateful, bigoted glory. The only dif ference between most A mer ica n fa m i l ies a nd t h is one is all four Lef fews frequent ly attend ra l l ies for mar r iage equa lit y. That, and the fact that they helped ma ke a document a r y on t he subject , a long w it h post i ng YouTube presentat ions gett ing a zillion hits. Aside from those activities, the family prays together, at tend s chu rch toget her, sit s at the dinner table together, makes c o ok ie s , a nt ic ipat e s t he To ot h Fair y, v isits Santa at Christmas, a nd pla nt s a g a rden – just l i ke m a ny t r a d it ion a l het er o s e x u a l households. T here are inter v iews of Br yan’s confused g rand mot her not rea lly cer t a in of what she voted for or against in Prop 8, and a ver y
opin ionated fat her regard ing rights. For him, marriage isn’t a right. It’s just something you do. And you don’t have to f ight for it. A lthough both love Bryan and his husband, t hey don’t underst a nd the need for gays to marry. T he subject of adopt ion by g ay pa rent s is d iscussed beaut i f u l ly in the two daddies’ search for an understand ing adopt ion agency, eventually resulting in two happy children f inding a loving home. Gay penguins will pop up, as the chi ldren’s stor y book, And Tango Makes T hree, by Peter Parnell and Ju s t i n R ic h a r d s on , i l lu s t r a t e d by Henr y Cole, is based on fact about two gay penguins who raise a baby penguin, which is the hotly contested argument both for and against grade school teachings on gay and lesbian lifestyles.
T he leader of I nc lusive Or t ho d ox y, R e v. Ju s t i n R . C a n non , who wrote T he Bible, Christianity, & Ho m ose x u a l i t y (20 0 5, r e v i s ed 2 0 0 8 ) , s p e a k s a b out I n c lu s i v e O r t hodox y bel iev i ng i n a mes sage of love, a procla mat ion of
hope for t he oppressed, a nd a n inv itation towards all regard less of r a ce, et h n ic it y, sex , g ender, gender identit y, or sexual or ient at ion. T hey a re ca l l i ng for t he Church to extend its inclusiv it y upon the foundation of Christian or t hodox y, a nd to embr ace t he rad ica l impl icat ions of t he Gospel message, not despite scripture and t rad it ion, but in l ight of it. Rev. C a n non br ief ly a dd r es ses so-called anti-gay passages in the Bible to show how the translation in t he 194 0s completely d istor ted the truth about homosexuals, wh ic h i s not ment ione d i n t he original Bible version. This is a movie that everybody – queer or not – should see. Director Cassie Jaye, along with her sister and mother, worked intensely on this project for the past three yea r s. Cassie sa id t h is f i l m was to be a conversation starter to get people ser iously t h i n k i ng about same-sex marriage rights. Email sisterdana@pacbell.net.
BAY T IM ES F EBRUARY 9, 2012 13
POP ROX
San Francisco Ballet LGBT Nite Out
By K. Cole
P HOTO BY P HY L L IS C OSTA
DANCE
Bay Times’ Kirsten Kruse and Elenie Opffer attended LGBT Night Out at the Ballet.
Dance Review Kirsten Kruse
San Francisco’s Best Cafe Breakfast Lunch Dinner Cocktails
Full Service Bar Pastries Desserts
2298 Market Street • San Francisco, CA (415) 621-8579 • www.cafeflore.com
T he f irst LGBT Nite Out at t he SF Ba l let t h i s yea r w a s h e l d J a n u a r y 2 7t h w i t h a breat hta k ing per for mance of Onegin, a sumptuous Russian ballet about love, honor, and betrayal. The SF Ballet invites the LGBT community to three Nite Out events per season, providing a ful l evening’s enter tainment. Nite Out includes “Meet The A rt ist Inter v iews” before the per for ma nce w it h a n opportunity to meet the choreographers, dancers or visiting artists in salon-st yle inter v iews. After the performance, guests can dance and mingle at a reception on the f ifth f loor with hors d’oeuvres, cocktails, and w i ne. Two more N ite O ut s will take place Friday, February 17 and Friday, March 23, with mixed bill performances. Februar y w ill feature awardw i n n i ng contempora r y work such as Chroma, Beau x a nd Nu mb er N i ne i n Febr u a r y, a nd M a r c h w i l l of fer R aymonda – Act I I I, a classica l Russian ballet, R AkU, a ballet choreog raphed and set to an original score by San Francisco artists, and world premiere of the Scottish Ballet. “I love night out. Instead of just sitting as an anonymous member of an audience and going home a lone, I’m con nect i ng w it h fel low a r t s a f ic ionados in the GLBT community. The conversations are inspired and I’m forg ing new connections. I’m really looking for ward to mor e n i ght s out . I ’m muc h more interested in attend ing performances when I know I’m not the lone lesbian in a horde of straight people,” said Elenie O pf fer, one of t he even i ng’s g uests. Dorot hea Jack son agreed. “Sometimes when I’m in a crowd of straight people, I just don’t feel like I belong.
14 BAY T IMES FEBRUARY 9, 2012
Tonight was dif ferent. I knew I was among GLBT people as well as the straight communities. I was looking forward to the Night Out reception during the whole performance. It made coming here a more welcoming experience.” Going to a ba l let by oneself can be a solitar y exper ience, but t he recept ion after the performance makes it feel like one is with family. “It’s a nice way to be with my people that’s different from the bars,” said Will Rubin. “I’m glad so many different people are here from all walks of life - doctors, teacher s, pol ic y ma ker s, not just artists. We are celebrating t he a r t ist ic endeavors of t he SF Ba l let a nd t he SF GL BT community” said Huan Dong, a guest. And Carl Sahrie added, “ We rea l ly enjoy coming here a f ter t he per for ma nce. We hope it continues. The men in t ights were hot, the ballerina was incredible. So f luid, I was mesmerized!” O neg i n i s a t h ree -a ct stor y ballet, choreographed by John Cr a n ko to a power f u l score of Tchaikovsk y t hat narrates t he stor y of Eugene Oneg in, written by Alexander Pushkin. This classical ballet premiered 47 years ago in Germany, and fe a t u r e s c o s t u me s a n d s et s evoc at ive of aut u m n a l Rus sia w ith mult i-layered muted colors in the dresses, ghost ly birch trees reminiscent of wide open Russian landscapes and d ra mat ica l ly fa l l ing snowf la kes. It is st aged by Reid A nder son a nd Ja ne B ou r ne, and Scenic and Costume Desig n is ma ster f u l ly prov ided by Santo Loquasto. The show el icited st a nd i ng ovat ions a nd “ Bravos! ” at t he end of each act. K irsten Kr use is an architectural des ig ne r who can be reach ed at: kirsten _kruse_sf @ yahoo.com.
MADONNA “Give Me All Your Luvin’” Madge made one of the few touchdowns of the Super Bowl with this sparse and retromixed pop single. The queen of pop media has spent every dime on this launch of her 12th studio album “MDNA,” creating a stir with M.I.A.’s visual malfunction during the half time, several bootleg remixes already on the presses, and a plethora of album covers to build the hype. Do you really think this isn’t all staged? If only politicians could harness her paparazzi savvy. Best Cut: “Give Me All Your Luvin” Location: Locker room, St. Mary’s of the Sea
PAUL MCARTNEY “Kisses on the Bottom” Ah, ah, didn’t Rod Stewart do this transformation from rocker to crooner already? After trying to figure out why McCartney even conceived of this collection, including classics such as “It’s Only a Paper Moon” and “The Glory of Love,” I’ve gotten a Valentine’s Day sugartooth headache. Paul, it’s not your voice, it’s the songs man, the songs. These are kisses anyone could do without. Best Cut: “Bye Bye Blackbird?” Location: Noe Valley kids crib between the Wiggles CDs.
BC JEAN “Anyone” (Single) So she sang “IF I Were a Boy” before Beyonce’ got hold of it, and this San Diego bombshell is traveling to Palm Springs for the Dinah this year too. A few singles were then released showing off some unique pipes and sultry eyes. We need a full album to get a full hit of what this pop songstress is dreaming of. Best Cut: “Anyone” Location: Midnight at the Convention Center, in the flesh
SIR ARI GOLD “Between the Spirit and the Flesh” The long awaited fourth studio album from Ari Gold is finally out, and LOGO puts it at #1 and it is definitely deserved. George Michael comparisons aside, this is a personal view of the electro dance artist we have all hoped he would become. It’s sexy, it’s soul, it’s boogie, it’s orgasmically good stuff. Best Cut: “Make My Body Rock” Location: Back of the L-Train between Civic Center and Mission Street.
Astrology: Attract What You Desire This Valentine's Day ARIES (March 21 – April 19) Your mojo is ultra-potent now, magnetizing exciting spontaneous energy toward you. Reinvent ways to feed your desires through serving others. Work smarter - not harder. TAURUS (April 20 – May 20) Your heart is detaching from values and beliefs that must evolve. Slow down and revisit your motivation to create. “Go dark” to understand what really lights you up inside.
Astrology Gypsy Love
The language of the cosmos helps us experience and attract what we authentically desire. My intention is - as always - to inspire love, so it’s fitting that we commence in this heartfelt Valentine’s issue. Current astro-rhythms are urging us to depart from convention and explore inner yearnings. What turns you on? Pleasure is an important nutrient. Are you getting enough Vitamin P?
GEMINI (May 21 – June 20) You’re hot for a beautiful, innovative “mover and shaker” in your community. Just remember to repair cracks in your current living situation before chasing thrills. Seek and speak truth. Are we clear? CANCER ( June 21 – July 22) Un e x p e c t e d c h a n g e s i n y ou r c e nt r a l relationship(s) could spark new opportunities in your career, and vice-versa. Re-think how you communicate to partners. Are you playing nicely in the sandbox?
VIRGO (August 23 – September 22 Re-evaluate how you assert yourself. Appreciate chaos as an opportunity to more fully realize your desires as you enjoy unusual partnerships, rebellious lovers, and wonderfully, wickedly, wild creativity. LIBRA (September 23 – October 22 A spiritual “regrouping” is in order, sweet Libra. Chill out, tune in, and reconnect with your roots. Intimately immerse yourself in whatever fuels your fire, and blaze up. SCORPIO (October 23 – November 21) Aim that shiny stinger toward areas in your community, work, and health that beg for change. You know the ones I’m referring to. Dare to transform - it’s your birthright! SAGITTARIUS (November 22 – December 21) Reassess and re-prioritize your goals. You may be tempted to satisfy impulsive cravings with your wallet. Beware of buyer’s remorse. Rather, try creating new ways of knowing love and beauty.
LEO ( July 23 – August 22) Rev isit unchecked items on t hat dust y to-do list – especially where finances are concerned. Get things in order, Leo. Exotic changes are about to excite your body and spirit.
See more
Real Romance for Valentine's Day 1) Skip the Dinner - For Valentine’s Day most people go out for a fancy dinner. If you never get to go out and this is your big treat then by all means go for it. But do t h is on t he weekend. On act ua l Valentine’s Day, I f ind the fastest ticket to opening up and creating intimacy with your lover doesn’t always start with a heav y meal.
Love, Life, Sex Shar Rednour Real Romance for V-Day 2012 Want to know the real secret for gett ing romant ic on Va lent ine’s Day? It’s not spending money on diamonds or a seven-course dinner. It’s focusing on you two!
2) P l a n W h e r e Yo u C a n B e I nt i m ate - Do you l ive a lone? Will you have the house to yourself ? I f not, instead of spend ing money on jewelry spring for a hotel. On the Internet you can get all kinds of bargains in any price range. Get a hotel even if you can on ly go t here t wo hour s. Most importantly, get one with a bathtub. 3 ) P l a n S e x y Fo o d A n A f t e r Sex Food - Obviously it’s freezi ng i n most places so t h is is up to where you live. Get your and you r love’s favor ite appet i zer s:
CAPRICORN (December 22 – January 19) Are your actions consistent with your beliefs? It’s possible that your personality is undergoing a bit of re-construction, Capricorn. Regenerate your methods of self expression. Perhaps a new drag persona? AQUARIUS ( January 20 – February 18) Reassess your desires. While you may not always get what you “want”, you’ll eventually get what you need, which is really the basis of what you want anyway. Right???
PISCES (February 19 – March 20) Clarify your relationship criteria – including the one between you and the Universe. Dissolve fears and trust your desires. Unseen forces are at hard at work to support your fantasies. www.AstrologyByGypsyLove.com
Features @sfbaytimes.com and follow
us on
Twitter, and Facebook.
t houghts in a card. P icture how you are going to express yourself.
ates a special bond between you and your love. 8) After Sex And Vulnerability - Lay back and watch a movie, pick out a funny one. Do not catch up on The Walking Dead! Take a bat h. Eat com for t food a nd get t ur ned on aga in. T h is t ime you might just k iss since your bellies will be full. You might be re-energized for round 2.
5 ) P r e p Fo r T h e Po s t - L o v e Pa r t y - C om f y c lot he s , f u z z y socks, favorite bath salts, lotion.
7 ) Ma ke T he Con nec t ion St a r t Wit h You r Ta st y Bites - I meant the hors d’oeuvres! Yes, nibble on your babe or of fer your body for the nibbling. Don’t process t he bad t imes. I f you are a new couple --please don’t process about your Ex! Talk about what you like about your lover, about yourselves as a couple. Start your s e x y mov ie t hen s t a r t k i s s i n g. Don’t wa it for t he ot her per son to start. Go for it. Get in there. If you have time, do a strip tease or demand one. Screw your bra ins out. I mean it. Especially if you are parents or caretakers or for whatever reason have not had sex in awhile. Fill up your sex gas tank!!
6) Deep t houg ht s by... YOU. T h i n k a head of what is spec ia l about you r love a nd about you t wo toget her. Wr ite dow n you r
Hav ing sex creates vulnerabilit y a nd set s of f excel lent hor mones and body responses that make us feel good. Being v ulnerable cre-
Anyone can stick her nose up at a created holiday and sit at home eating microwave popcorn, or you can decide it is a good time in the cold winter to have some laughs, share your affections with your friends, and get heated up from the inside out. Umm and regarding the inside out--yes you can probably give yourself the best pleasure anyway, so treat yourself to a new sextoy or pull out the old favorite and go for it. Take care of the best Sweetie Pie--You!
strawberries dipped in chocolate, shrimp cocktail, you pick. Wine, champag ne, water and whatever d r in k s or smokes you want. For after-sex-food, pick up something f illing and yummy — your favorite comfort food. Couple of burritos or pizza? Keep it warm and hide it. 4) Prep the Love Tools - If you are at home, get it all ready. If going out then pack it. Remember the lube, candlelight, s e x- t o y s , mu s i c , f av or it e s e x y movie, etc. If you can, set up your love den ahead of t ime, w it hout your partner there.
And for singles…
As Heard on the Street . . .
A L L P H OTO S B Y RI NK
What do you think about Valentine’s Day?
Deana Dawn
Melinda Adams
Daniel Bao
Shane Converye
Greg Carey
“I am looking forward to Valentines Day because I have a date.”
“Of course I love it because it is about chocolate.”
“I do not have plans that day but I am promoting the LGBT Historical Society's Cupid's Back Party on Feb. 9. ”
“I only care about that holiday and Martin Luther King Day.”
“I have been with my lover for 35 years but we do not make a big deal out of it. ”
BAY T IM ES F EBRUARY 9, 2012 15
Professional Services
Alcoholics Can Learn to Control Drinking? if that’s what you mean, then the answer to your question is “Yes.”
Examined Life Tom Moon Q: When I was in my twenties, everyone in my circle thought our fr iend Lyle was a serous alcoholic. We were happy for him when he went into treatment , got sober, a nd t u r ned h i s l i fe a rou nd. I lost touch with him for more than twenty years, but in December I ran into him at a holiday party and he had a drink in his hand. He sa id t hat he beg a n d r i n k i ng moderately years ago and that a lcohol wa sn’t a problem i n his life anymore. My question to you is, are there alcoholics who can learn to control their drinking? A: The answer to that quest ion depends on how you def ine the term “alcoholic.” You seem to be using the word, as do m a ny, to refer to people who have permanently lost the ability to control their drinki ng, a nd for whom t he on ly solution is lifelong abstinence. If that’s what the word means, then the answer to your question is “No” by def inition. But many people use the terms “alcoholic” or “addict” in a more general sense to describe anyone who gets into trouble with mind-altering substances; and
C ont r a r y to w ides pread be l ief, curbing a nd cont rol l ing problematic substance use is a common experience. In 1992, the Nat iona l Inst itute on A lcohol Abuse a nd A lcohol ism conducted one of t he largest surveys of substance use ever, sending Census Bureau worker s t o i nt er v ie w mor e t h a n 42,000 Americans about their lifetime drug and alcohol use. The results showed that many people i n t hei r late teens or e a rly t went ie s d r i n k or u s e drugs heavily, often despite serious adverse consequences. At that point in their lives, most people who know them would probably think of them as addicts or alcoholics. If we look at these same people ten or t went y years later, t he major it y are d r in k ing in a moderate, non-problemat ic way. As young people take on mor e a du lt r e s p on s ibi l it ie s , t he y of t en “ m at u r e out ” of self-destructive substance use, and most of them do it without going into rehab, or therapy, or attending 12-step meetings. In other words, learning moderation is the rule rather than the exception. Mature people k now how muc h ef for t a nd st r uggle is i nvolved i n emo tional growth. But the process of outgrowing substance abuse i s so com mon t hat probably a nyone read i ng t h i s colu m n either knows someone who has done it, or is someone who has done it. During the 1980s, when I was work i n g i n a dd ic t ion t r e atment faci l it ies, t he idea t hat some problem dr inkers could
ach ieve moderat ion was heresy. But in that same decade a sea change in our understanding of substance began as the new “ harm reduction” movement started to challenge our dog matic assumptions. Harm r educ t ion proponent s r ejec t t he pr esu mpt ion t h at abst i nence is the only possible goal for a l l pr oblem d r i n ker s or drug users, and focus instead on helping patients reduce the harm that substances cause in their lives. Cur rent ly, about t went y percent of my patients are dealing w it h subst a nce abuse issues. Some are in recovery in Alcoholics A nony mous, Narcot ics Anonymous, or non-12 step abstinence-based programs such as L ifeR ing – and k now that tota l abst inence is what t hey need, having learned through pa in fu l ex per ience t hat t hey c a n m a ke no ba r g a i n s w it h a lcohol or dr ugs. Ot hers are f i nd i ng succes s i n h a r m re duction programs such as the Stonew a l l P r ojec t , a nd st i l l others are f inding ways to control their drinking through the n i ne-step behav iora l cha nge program of Moderation Management. I don’t know your fr iend and can’t know whether he’s fooling himself and is headed for t rouble, or whet her he’s successfully moved from self-dest r uct ive d r in k ing to moderate drinking, but I can say that it’s ent irely w ithin the rea lm of possibility that what he told you is accurate. Tom Moon is a psychotherapist in San Francisco. His website is tommoon.net.
Komen Reverses Stance on Planned Parenthood of community services, Mollie Williams, resigned in protest, a nd sever a l of t he ch a r it y ’s own aff iliate off ices, including San Francisco, broke with its central leadership and publically objected. When 26 U.S. senator s sent a let ter a sk i ng Komen to reconsider, its board took the cotton from its ears and backed down… at least for the current grant cycle.
Brass Tacks Heidi Beeler What a dif ference three days make. Last Tuesday, Nancy Brinker, C E O a nd fou nder of Su s a n G. Komen for t he Cure, a nnounced the breast cancer fundraising behemoth was droppi ng it s f u nd i ng of P l a n ned Parenthood. By Friday morning, less than 72 hours later, Br in ker issued an of f icia l apolog y and announced current funding would not be cancelled.
Read more @www.sfbaytimes.com and check us out on Twitter and Facebook. 16 BAY T IMES FEBRUARY 9, 2012
You c ou ld c a l l t he r ever s a l our Pink Spring. In the three days between Brinker’s statement s, publ ic response g rew into a blogcophany. Facebook pages spread out raged commentar ies. Compla ints l it up phones at Komen local off ices l i ke donat ions on a telet hon tote board. Komen’s director
The episode has been a wakeup call to the rising inf luence of anti-abortion advocates withi n t he l a rgest brea st c a ncer charity in the world. Though Brinker repeatedly denied the decision was pol it ica l, insiders have pointed to Komen’s new senior V P of public polic y, K aren Handel. I n 2010, Handel promised to end fundi ng for P la n ned Pa rent hood i n Georg ia dur i ng a r un for gover nor. A year later, w ith Handel on staff at Komen, its board approved a policy to defund any organizat ion under Cong ressiona l i nvest igat ion. Funny, the only organization af fected was Planned Parenthood. W hy i s t he 10 0 -yea rold, pioneer ing reproduct ive ser v ices inst itut ion under investigation? Because a conserv at ive cong res sma n i s lead ing an inquir y described as a w itch hu nt i nto it s abor t ion funding, not quality of service i s s ue s . S me l l s l i ke ne o - c on spirit, and it looks like no one’s been fooled.
Caught between Komen’s new “standards” and t heir target are the poor and low income women the grant was originally intended to ser ve. At stake for Pla nned Parent hood was nea rly $70 0 ,0 0 0 ea r m a rked for breast screenings for poor a nd low i ncome women. It s partnership with Komen over the past f ive years has provided 170,000 women with access to t h is potent ia l ly l i fesav ing ser v ice. W h i le Br i n ker ha s underscored that Komen will cont i nue to f u nd screen i ng s reg a rd less, PP is t he la rgest provider of health care to poor and low income people in this country. That makes them the best-positioned group to prov ide t he educat ion and early detection Komen promotes to the people who need it most. You’d think that’d be a partnership Komen would want to crow about. The good news here has been the outpouring of support for P l a n ned Pa rent hood . A long w it h verba l protest s, donor s g av e $ 3 m i l l ion l a s t w e e k , mor e t h a n qu a d r upl i n g t he funds at r isk. A fter years of watch i ng t hese people work u nder l iter a l a nd emot iona l f ire, it’s heartening to watch a l a r g e c om mu n it y r i s e u p to defend t hem. It g ives me hope that obser vers can keep Komen true to its mission. (continued on page 17)
Photo of The Week
Are you a member of the LGBT community who has been diagnosed with cancer? If so, please participate in a brief, anonymous survey about your experience and be entered in a drawing for 1 of 10 $50 gift cards. Visit cancer-network.org to take the survey and tell the world what it’s like to be LGBT with cancer.
Who knew? If ever an innocent photo of rocks were to be labeled sex positive, it would be this image – well, really it’s a mash-up of two. We discovered this while researching an upcomi ng webca st ( Rebel Sha ma ns: Women Confront Empire, Sunday, January 29 th) from the
Suppressed H istor ies A rch ives (suppressedhistories.net). Known as the Grandfather and Grandmother Stones, Hin Ta Hin Yai, these roc k s a re on t he bea ch nea r Ko Sa mu i i n Southern Thailand.
(PROPOSITION 8 continued from page 1) “Today, the Court of Appeals for Despite this week’s good news, samethe Ninth Circuit affirmed what we sex marriages in California are not know to be true—that Proposition 8 likely to resume until the appeals seriously infringes on the guarantee process is completed. Proposition 8 of equal protection and serves no le- proponents have a few different opgitimate state interest,” said David tions now. They may ask the full U.S. Codell, who provides pro bono rep- Court of Appeals for the 9th Circuit resentation of Equality California on to review the decision, or they could take the matter directly to the Sumarriage-related issues. preme Court. The latter is expected. “For too long, thousands of California couples and their families have If the decision does indeed go to the suffered harm by being denied a US Supreme Court, political analysts chance to make the same commit- predict the justices will not likely conment in marriage that other lov- sider it in their present term, which ing couples treasure,” said Equality concludes in June. If they do accept California Board President Clarissa the case, oral arguments could be Filgioun. “Today’s ruling has moved scheduled for the fall. us one step closer to righting this wrong and restoring the freedom to In the meantime, this week’s striking marry in California, providing same- down of Proposition 8 has reenersex couples and their families with gized and given hope to activists who the dignity and security that is the have long been fighting for LGBTQ fundamental birthright of ever y rights. Kate Kendell, executive director of the National Center for Lesbian American.”
Rights, expressed the views of many when she said, “It is a unique and honored position to be an eyewitness to history. The Ninth Circuit’s ruling finding that Proposition 8 violates the Constitution of this nation marks the first time a federal appellate court has held that a law excluding same-sex couples from the right to marry runs counter to our highest ideals of equality and fairness.” “With today’s ruling we are a giant step closer to the day when the promise of our Constitution squares with the lived reality of LGBT people.”
(KOMEN continued from page 16)
Now i f on ly someone wou ld organize a glitzy annual fundraising machine for Planned Parenthood – let’s call it “Race for the Care.”
Survey conducted by Dr. Marilyn Stoner, California State University San Bernardino, 909-537-5448, mstoner@csusb.edu.
(CASTRO CELEBRATION continued from page 1) She led everyone in a chant: “All Joy! partner, Ming Sheu. They married Only joy!” one week ahead of voters approving the ballot initiative in 2008. He Berkeley’s Judy Appel, who married told the Merc that he was “happy her partner two years ago, told the and relieved. I’ve been living with San Jose Mercury News, “I feel like I’m this, what, three years now?” He, living in an important part of history like many others, is still feeling worand I’m lucky to be part of it.” Ap- ried, however, since this week’s good pel directs Our Family Coalition, news is just one step in the process. an LGBTQ non-prof it. Her reac- The overall outcome remains an tion was more personal than politi- unknown. As Harms said, “There’s cal, though. In reference to her two a little anxiety, too, because it’s still teenagers she said, “I want them to unclear.” grow up knowing and understanding that we live in a society where there The supporters of Prop 8 now have is full equality, that the love between 15 days to ask the Ninth Circuit panel me and my partner of 20 years is just to reconsider its decision or to ask for as equal as the love between hetero- reconsideration by a larger panel of sexual couples.” judges on that court. Alternatively, they have 90 days to request that the Over in San Jose, high school teach- Supreme Court of the United States er Leon Harms celebrated with his review the case.
Follow us on Twitter, and find us on
Facebook.
(SWEET INSPIRATION continued from page 1) As a result, Sweet Inspiration is a was ready for a career change when charming mix of old and new. Mogg her good friend reached out, and the says that “while we don’t have an ac- two jumped at the opportunity to retual pickle barrel, it does have some invigorate Sweet Inspiration. of that small town community keeping each other posted on what’s going With Valentine’s Day around the on in the world and in each other’s corner, the dessert café is bustling lives…that irreplaceable person to with requests for special cakes and person connection.” On the modern pies. They are offering a special disside, the business also offers free wi-fi, counted “Have Your Date and Eat It, full service catering with both sweet Too!” coupon. “We’re expecting the and savory options, rotating visual art café to be full of lovers, seekers of love and those content to spend the evedisplays, music events and more. ning with themselves and a fat slice of The eclectic of ferings, including chocolate cake!” Mogg says. breakfast and lunch service, ref lect the backgrounds of the owners. Col- As for Sweet Inspiration’s romantic ter spent 5 years as the director of ca- reputation, Mogg believes that it’s the tering for the Moscone Convention perfect spot for a first date. “It’s quiet, Center and has also worked for multi- well lighted, there are sweets and cofple catering companies. Over the past fees and good music, and requires a 10 years, he was the general manager smaller investment of time and cash of the Bill Graham Civic Auditorium, to find out if you are interested in the where he handled productions for next date than going out to dinner right off the bat,” she explains. “We over 300 concerts and special events. get a lot of new parents out on a date Mogg owned a mobile catering com- night, folks looking for a romantic pany in Tucson and worked her way alternative to going out for a drink through college waiting tables, but and families or friends looking for a took a detour into Deaf Services be- special treat together.” fore making her way back to food. She BAY T IM ES F EBRUARY 9, 2012 17
CALENDAR
compiled by Robert Fuggiti
AIDS Memorial Quilt panels, shown above on the National Mall, Washington, DC in 1992, will be on display February 12-20 at Castro locations. (See listing Sunday, Feb 12th)
9 Thursday
GGBA’s Member Success Workshop – New York Life Insurance Company. Join the GGBA for an evening of networking and business development and learn about the different programs and resources available to members. Led by Charles Sterck and Geoffrey Kulik of Sterck Kulik O’Neill Accounting Group, Inc. FREE to members. 5:30-8PM. 425 Market St. #1600. www. ggba.com SFIAAFF30 Launch Party – 111 Minna Gallery. The San Francisco International Asian American Film Festival (SFIAAFF) may be a mouthful, but it’s also one of the premier festivals of its kind. Join filmmak-
ers, film lovers, and indie-minded glitterati to celebrate the 3oth edition of the SFIAAFF. $10. 9-2AM. 111 Minna St. www.111minnagallery.com Tale of Us – Public Works. Tale of Us are Berlin-based DJ and production partnership Karm and Matteo, who are currently re-writing the rulebook for deeply moving, emotional electronic music. Together they share a sonic vision that pulls together elements of house and techno with influences from pop, nu-disco and even rock music. $10. 9:302:30PM. 161 Erie St. www.publicsf.com
10 Friday
Skater 26: BAD Girls Benefit Show - Roxie Theatre. Bay Area
Derby Girls are proud to present the premiere of “Skater 26,” a short documentary film produced by 13th Generation Films. Reception afterwards with complimentary food and beverages. Proceeds benefit SF IndieFest. $25. 7:15 -11PM. 3117 16th St. www.sfindie.virb.com Valentine’s Weekend with The Manhattan Transfer – Yoshi’s Oakland. Manhattan Transfer has captured the magic [of Chick Corea’s music], singing with a captivating balance of charm and verve ... Manhattan Transfer is back, and in top-notch form with a marvelous blend of melody and song. $35-45. 8-9:30PM, 10-11:30PM Feb. 10-12. 510 Embarcadero West, Oakland. www.yoshis.com
GlenGary Glen Ross - Actors Theatre of San Francisco. David Mamet’s scalding comedy, about small-time, cutthroat real estate salesmen trying to grind out a living by pushing plots of land on reluctant buyers in a never-ending scramble for their fair share of the American dream. Feb. 10-Mar. 31. $38. 855 Bush St. www.actorstheatresf.org “Love Bites, and so did the 80s!” – Mission Cultural Center. Capturing the true spirit of Pride and bringing together singers of all ages, this work pays tribute to the life and legacy of gay civilrights leader and pioneer, Harvey Milk, through music set to his legendary and historic words. Presented by the Lesbian/Gay Chorus of San Francisco. $1530. 8PM Feb. 10-11. 2868 Mission St. www.lgcsf.com
11 Saturday
Mother Country - Roxie Theatre. Mother Country comes to San Francisco! We’re way-excited to be part of this year’s SF Indiefest. 12:30PM. 3117 16th St. www. sfindie.festivalgenius.com
12 Sunday
Glengarry Glen Ross, David Mamet’s Pulitzer Prize winning comedy, is at Actors Theater now through March 31. 1 8 BAY TIMES F EBRUARY 9 , 2 0 1 2
AIDS Memorial Quilt – Castro Locations will display sections of the renowned AIDS Memorial Quilt, February 12-20. Unfolding ceremony and ‘reading of the names’ on February 12th, 12:00 noon. More information on sites of sponsors: Under One Roof (underoneroof.org), NAMES Project Foundation (aidsquilt.org)
and AIDS Emergency Fund (aefsf.org). Former Tower Records store at 2278 Market Street; Under One Roof at 518A Castro Street; Catch restaurant at 2362 Market Street, Bank of America at 501 Castro Street and Body clothing store at 450 Castro Street. The Chinese New Year Parade – Chinatown. The annual Chinatown spectacle celebrates the newly-minted Year of the Dragon with a dazzling melange of traditional Chinese lion dancers, Miss Chinatown USA and her royal retinue, decked-out floats, the 250-foot-long Golden Dragon—and thousands of SF revelers mangling “gung hay fat choi.” FREE. 5:30PM. Kearny & Sutter St. www.chineseparade. com 2012 Gay Bachelor Auction – The Café. Active 20-30 San Francisco #4 presents the 2012 Gay Bachelor Auction. Bid on eligible bachelors to help support local LGBTQ youth charities in San Francisco. All profits benefiting charities with a focus on LGBT youth. 2367 Market St. 7-10PM. www.dailyhookup.com Salsa Sunday – El Rio. Come one, come all, back to the best and longest-running allinclusive Salsa Sunday in the Bay Area! That’s right, it’s back so get your dancing shoes on. $10. 3-8PM. 3158 Mission St. www.elriosf.com
Bijou - Martuni’s. : Trauma Flintstone’s Monthly cabaret. The Whoa Nellies in concert. Free. 7PM. 4 Valencia St. www.martunis.ypguides.net
CLASSIFIEDS Business Opportunities Graphic & Web Designer www.imagineit-design.com lori.au3@gmail.com
13 Monday
Marriage in the 21st Century – Commonwealth Club. Law professor Banks will answer questions about the ideas discussed in his book and other issues currently affecting the institution of marriage. $20. 595 Market St.
Catering Gloria Swanson- Personal Chef, Cooking Demonstrations. Call 415.552.3232 to discuss your next menu! www.chefforhiresf.com, glofriasws@aol.com
Financing
14 Tuesday
Sugar’s Coming Out Party – Verdi Club. Come out to meet Sugar live and in person as he/ she reveals his/her secret identity! Sugar will be live conversation with Rumpus Editor Stephen Elliott, as well as folks whose letters he/she has answered. Music by Pocket Full of Rye and The Yellow Dress. And comedy by the amazing Janine Brito! $10. 7PM. 2424 Mariposa St. www.therumpus.com The “I Hate Valentine’s Day” Show – The Dark Room. The Crackpot Crones proudly present this sketch comedy & improv as a Public Service for the romantically challenged. $20. 8-10PM. 2263 Mission St. www.crackpotcrones. com
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 Dunlap, Nova Mortgage. (510) 540-7911 / (415) 753-2272.
Insurance 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
“Cupid’s Back,” the 6th Annual Valentine’s Party benefitting the GLBT Historical Society is today, 8:00 PM – 12 midnight at Supperclub, 657 Harrison Street. Tix $35 at the door.
group and network with other lgbtq families. Free play for children followed by story time or circle time. FREE. 10AM-Noon. 1800 Market St. www.sfcenter.org Smack Dab Open – Magnet. Hosted by Larry-bob Roberts and Kirk Read. Alvin Orloff, author of the new book Why Aren’t You Smiling joins us as featured performer. FREE. 8-9:30PM. 4122 18TH ST. www.magnetsf.com
18 Saturday
ALI MACGRAW Live – The Castro Theatre. Join for an evening of romance & good fun as we salute one of the grandest love stories ever to hit the silver screen and pay homage to its iconic beauty. The ultimate Valentine’s day gala! $25. 8-11PM. 429 Castro St. www.castrotheatre.com
15 Wednesday
Tax Matters for Small Business Owners & Self-Employed – TransAmerica Pyramid. If you own your business or are selfemployed, join noted tax attorney, CPA, and law professor, Russell Stanaland for an informational event discussing current tax issues, hiring employees versus independent contractors, and best practices for books and records maintenance. FREE. 6:30-8PM. 600 Montgomery St. RSVP: 415-623-2450
Shot at Love 3rd Annual Date Auction – Beatbox. The Divas of San Francisco Gay Men’s Chorus will be auctioning off Five of the Chorus’ most handsome men will be auctioned off to raise money for the SFGMC Scholarship Fund. FREE. 2-5PM. 314 11th St. www.sfgmc.org
19 Sunday
PLAY T-Dance – Mezzanine. President’s day weekend dance party with DJ Steve Sheerwood. $25 presale/$30 door. 5PM-12AM. 444 Jesse St. www. mezzaninesf.com FRESH 10 Year Anniversary – Ruby Skye. FRESH is held monthly at San Francisco’s world-renowed dance music club Ruby Skye. Celebrating 10 years with extended hours. DJs Jamie J. Sanchez, Wayne G., and Mark Tarbox. $20 presale or $15 at the door before 7PM/$25 after. 6PM-2AM. 420 Mason St. www. freshsf.com
16 Thursday
Queer Jitterbug Night – Live Art Gallery. Come dance the night away! Everyone welcome. FREE. 7-9PM. www.queerjitterbugs.com Meat Rack – YBCA. One of the highlights of YBCA’s summer “Smut Capital of America” series returns, this time with the director in person presenting his own uncut, pristine Kodachrome print. $8. 7:30PM. 701 Mission St. www.ybca.org
Young Love: A Porchlight Storytelling Series – Verdi Club. From the doomed to the epic, join for a night live storytelling event: no paper, no reading, just real first-person stories of being young and in love. $15. 8PM. 2424 Mariposa. www.thecjm.org
21 Tuesday
LGBT Meditation, Mindfulness and More – LGBT Center. For the LGBT Community, these Meditation and Mindfulness classes are intended for people who are living and working in today’s active and chaotic world. FREE. 7PM. 1800 Market St. www.lgbtmeditation.com Good Night Moon – Radar LAB. Celebrate the last new moon of the lunar year with an enchanting evening of food, wine, tarot and your special Witch of Honor, Justin Vivian Bond, all to benefit the 4th Annual Radar LAB artists’ retreat! $50-100. 7-10PM. (address disclosed after ticket confirmation), San Francisco. www.radarproductions.org
22 Wednesday
Pets SURF DOG large dog boarding at Ocean Beach. Queer Owned. sfsurfdogs.com. (415) 637-7717 DOG TRAINING in Your Home Cindy Gehring, Dog Trainer 408-238-1540, DogHelpNow@gmail.com, www.cindygehring.com
Self Defense Soko Joshi Judo & Self Defense Club for Women. 415-821-0303 phdshelley@sbcglobal.net
Tax Preparation The Lesbian Tax Mom 510-653-4323 taxmomsusan@yahoo.com
Legal Services
Therapy
B. Scott Levine 510-763-2300 bscottlevine@gmail.com
Experienced Psychologist - LGBTQ Issues Castro - Sliding Scale - Diana Gray, PhD (PSY10607) 415-309-4729
Massage
Barbara A. Adler, LMFT. PsychotherapyConsultation- Education- Training. barbaraadlerLMFT.com, 415-990-9137.
El Cerrito Hills-I80-Men: Info: www.rickoz2.com
Parenting You want children, so do I. Let’s talk. For more information about me, visit http://sites.google. com/site/mike949h/
(OSCAR CONTENDERS continued from page 16) short has some poignant moments as the odd couple bond, kill gulls, and use the sound machine of the title to communicate with Oskar’s long lost brot her in New Jersey. A not her a f fable shor t feat ur i ng a machine—this time a time machine—is Time Freak . Stillman is a guy who travels back to yesterday to f ight with his dr y cleaner a nd chat w it h a g i rl. T h is New York-set shor t is a amusing, but inconsequential, despite some nifty special ef fects and a few clever jokes. Rounding out the program i s a not her ent r y f r om I r e l a nd , T he Shore, starring Ciaran Hinds as a man returning to his home-
town after 25 years. He tells his daughter, who accompanies him, about his estranged relat ionship w it h h is best fr iend Paddy, who married his ex-girlfriend, and the f i l m do c u ment s t he i r r eu n ion . T he Shore is great in its dramatic moments, but less impressive during a sequence involving a comic misunderstanding by Paddy. T he S h o re i s c e r t a i n l y c o m p et e nt l y made, and well acted, but it lacks the impact Raju and even Tuba Atlant ic prov ide. T hen aga in, voters may just go for t he amusing Pentecost.
See more Calendar and A&E @www.sfbaytimes.com
Brotherhood First – Rainbow Community Center. Brotherhood Focus is a peer support/discussion group for the young Gay, Bi, Trans and Questioning Men in our Community. FREE. 6:30-8PM 3024 Willow Pass Road, Concord. Body Breakthroughs Participatory Somatic Movement Healing Lab Dunaya Dance Studio. Theatre of Praxis is hosing Body Breakthroughs Participatory Somatic Movement Healing Lab for restoring the body and stirring the soul. $18. 6-8PM. www.theatreofpraxis.com
Lots more Calendar items await you online @ sfbaytimes.com
17 Friday
LGBT Playgroup for Children – LGBT Center. On going LGBTQ playgroup for families at the LGBT Community center. Come join this comfortable and lively
20 Monday
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
Gay Bachelor Auction on Feb. 12th. BAY T IM ES F EBRUARY 9, 2012 19
We accept Medi-Cal, Medicare, and Commercial Health Insurance Plans and we continue to provide quality service regardless of a person’s ability to pay!
Building on over thirty years of service to our communities, we offer heartfelt primary care to women and transgender individuals. Mental Health Services Available!
Call today to make your first appointment:
415-565-7667
Visit our website today to learn more:
www.lyon-martin.org