2012 11 29

December 1st

November 29-December 5, 2012 | www.sfbaytimes.com

World AIDS Day

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/SFBayTimes

BUFF & BARE FOR A CAUSE

T h e Ba re Ch est C ale n da r h as ra ise d ove r $1. 5 m i l l i o n fo r l o c a l A I DS o r g a ni z a t i o ns . Re a d m o r e abou t it on pages 9 - 1 2 .

PH OTO B Y: M I C H AE L SM I T H

AIDS Beyond the Numbers

2012 Gay Marriage Timeline

By Gary Virginia

In the future, 2012 will be remembered

by LGBT historians for its landmark gains in the fight for marriage equality.

As of this writing, here are just a few US victories, with the biggest yet to come.

Wedding bells are set to ring again for our community here in California. Marriage equality is forged out of love and tolerance, while Proposition 8 is rooted in fear and intolerance. Love will prevail!

I doubt there’s a teenager or adult worldwide who has not heard of HIV/AIDS (human immunodeficiency virus infection/acquired immunodef iciency syndrome). Every day over 7,000 people are newly infected with HIV and about 5,000 die from AIDS. AIDS is far from over.

Since 1981, more than 60 million people have been infected with HIV and approximately 30 million people have died of AIDS.

As a person with AIDS since 1995 who has lost more than 400 friends to the disease, I can tell you that one cannot reduce this disease to just symptoms and prescriptions. While AIDS may be considered a “manageable” disease in the developed world, it is complicated, expensive, and takes a toll on emotional, physical, and psychological levels. For many of us long-term survivors, it can feel like living in a constant state of alert and in limbo about your health, income, emotional stability and future.

As of 2011, the World Health Organization estimated there were 34.2 million people living with HIV, of which 3.4 million are under age 15. Deaths last year alone numbered 1.7 million lives. In spite of decades of education and prevention efforts, 2.5 million people were newly infected in 2011.

What the numbers don’t reflect is the exorbitant amount of human suffering this disease has brought. Young people in the Western world who did not witness the harsh symptoms of wasting syndrome, Kaposi sarcoma, blindness, pneumocystis (continued on page 2)

January 1: Civil Unions become legal in Delaware and Hawaii.

February 7: A three-judge panel of the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals rules 2–1 that the ban on same-sex marriage in California is unconstitutional.

Fe b r u a r y 1 3 : G o v e r n o r C h r i s Gregoire from Washing ton sig ns a same-sex marriage bill into law.

M ay 9 : B a r a c k O b a m a b e c ome s the first sitting president to publicly announce support for same-sex marriage.

Oc tobe r 18: I n W in d sor v. Unit e d S t a t e s, t he US 2nd C i rc u it C ou r t

of Appea ls st r i kes dow n Sect ion 3 o f t he D e fe n s e o f M a r r i a g e A c t ( DOM A) as unconstitutional, holding sexual orientation to be a quasisuspect classif ication, and determining that laws that classify people on such basis should be subject to intermediate scrutiny.

N o v e m b e r 6 : Vo t e r s i n M a i n e , Mar yland and Washington approve ba l lot mea su res to leg a l i ze sa me sex m a r r i a g e, becom i ng t he f i r st states to legalize same-sex marriage through popular referendum. Voters in Minnesota reject a state constitutional amendment that would have banned same-sex marriage.

November 30: Supreme Court just ices w i l l consider whet her or not to hear an appea l of t he Febr uar y Circuit Court of Appeals decision to strike down Prop 8. If the Supreme Cour t decl i nes to t a ke up t he ap peal, gay marriages could resume in California. The Justices will also address several challenges to DOM A.

Alice Democrats Celebrate

A San Francisco Kind of Democrat Rafael Mandelman The Alice B. Toklas LGBT Democratic Club had much to celebrate at its annual Fall Awards Ceremony on November 14th at The Lookout.

Just over a week following President Obama’s re-election, attendees were still basking in the afterglow of that happy event, made all the happier by the history-making victories for same-sex marriage in Maine, Maryland, Minnesota and Washington and the election of Tammy Baldwin to the United States Senate as part of a growing Democratic majority.

Alice, in particular, had much to celebrate, as it looked like Mark Leno, long an Alice favorite, would be helping lead a 2/3 Democratic majority in the State Legislature, and, with the election of London Breed in District 5, Supervisor Scott Wiener looks to have a shot at the presidency of the Board of Supervisors. Alice members had worked hard for Breed’s election, as part of a citywide program as robust and formidable as any Democratic Club operation I have seen. I benefitted greatly from Alice’s efforts in my own campaign for the City College Board and am extraordinarily grateful for the Club’s efforts on my behalf.

A Time for Some Progressive Soul-Searching London Breed’s victory is all the more impressive as it violated two bits of conventional wisdom: 1) Incumbents cannot be beaten; and 2) District 5 will elect a progressive. In fact, Breed defeated the more-progressive incumbent Christina Olague, and in doing so, she also defeated several other candidates who had staked out positions to the left of both Olague and Breed. Of course, Olague, a queer Latina with a long history of activism on senior, housing and land use issues, had been attacked from the Left almost from the moment of her appointment by Mayor Ed Lee.

PHOTO BY RIN K

London Breed is a rising star with a bright political future ahead. She will be an able and effective supervisor.

I suspect, however, it will not be too long before progressive activists miss having Olague on the Board.

The progressive circular firing squad that was the 2012 District 5 Supervisor’s race reminds me of the old Will Rogers line: “I’m not a member of any organized political party . . . I’m a Democrat!” Seriously though, it’s time to get organized folks.

2 BAY TIM ES NOVEM B E R 2 9 , 2 0 1 2

HIV/AIDS News The Texas Biomedical Research Institute in San Antonio has applied for a patent for a genetically-engineered vaccine strategy to prevent HIV infection that targets the outer layers of body structures that are the first sites of contact with the virus.

London Breed

San Franciscans Love City College San Franciscans of all political stripes stood up strongly for City College on Election Day. The passage of Proposition 30, with nearly 80% support in San Francisco, means that the College will avoid more than 11 million dollars in new cuts. The passage of Proposition A, supported by nearly 73% of San Francisco voters, will help the school begin to climb out of the fiscal ditch in which the last several years of state funding cuts have left it.

Now, however, it appears City College is facing a new financial challenge: declining enrollment. Understandably, following the nearly unending stream of bad news over the last year, fewer San Franciscans are signing up for classes at the College. The trouble is that declining enrollment costs the College money. Happily, San Franciscans can help City College and help themselves at the same time: Sign up for one of the College’s incredibly inexpensive credit classes or one of its free non-credit classes, and you will be helping to ensure the school continues to receive enrollment-based funding from the State. Enroll today at www.ccsf.edu.

Designed to be a single dose and last a lifetime, the vaccine will lead to the continual production of disease-fighting cells without being eliminated by the immune system. Another feature of the vaccine system is that it could be adapted for use against other infections.

More than 90 percent of new HIV infections worldwide are transmitted by sexual intercourse through outer layers of cells called epithelial cells, which line the surfaces of structures throughout the body. The new vaccine is directed to what are known as the mucosal layers of the epithelium in the genital and rectal areas where the virus enters the body.

“The development of an effective AIDS vaccine that restricts viral replication at the mucosal level of entry may be our best hope for controlling the HIV pandemic,” said Marie(AIDS continued from page 1) pneumonia and more were spared the horrors of watching loved ones die of AIDS. To look into the eyes of a lover, relative, roommate or colleague hooked up to oxygen and intravenous lines, and sense their helplessness and despair - knowing there was little you could do - was too much to bear.

Heroes arose locally, from individuals like Rita Rockett, Patrick James and Daddy Alan Selby, to f ledging organizations like the AIDS Emergency Fund and A IDS Benef its

Claire Gauduin of Texas Biomed’s Department of Virology and Immunology, who is a co-inventor on the patent with Philippe Blancou.

“Only life-long stimulation of the immune system by the vaccine will be suff icient to achieve long-term protection.”

One of the main reasons for the failure of HIV vaccines thus far is their inability to deliver antibody-producing cells for prolonged periods of time, thus only achieving weak and transient protection at best.

The primary target for viral transmission through different mucosal sites varies depending on the tissue.

However, soon after crossing the mucosal layer, HIV rapidly spreads to lymph nodes and other organs where it replicates.

The vaccine will have a molecule and stem cell gene tagged to target epithelial cells that combined, will promote the production of antibody-producing cells. Thus, the epithelial layer will continuously release new antibodyproducing cells and not be eliminated by the body’s immune response.

Counselors (ABC, now Positive Resource Center). Rita and Alan were on the front line at SF General Hospital’s AIDS ward, hosting brunches for the stricken and providing emotional support when even family and best friends were too frightened to “catch the disease” from human contact (now debunked). Patrick founded ABC and later passed of AIDS, but left a legacy of one of the best HIV/ AIDS non-profits in America provid(continued on page 18)

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IS THE PREZISTA ®

EXPERIENCE RIGHT FOR YOU?

There is no other person in the world who is exactly like you. And no HIV treatments are exactly alike, either. That’s why you should ask your healthcare professional about PREZISTA® (darunavir).

Once-Daily PREZISTA® taken with ritonavir and in combination with other HIV medications can help lower your viral load and keep your HIV under control over the long term.

In a clinical study* of almost 4 years (192 weeks), 7 out of 10 adults who had never taken HIV medications before maintained undetectable† viral loads with PREZISTA® plus ritonavir and Truvada.® Please read the Important Safety Information and Patient Information below and on adjacent pages.

Find out if the PREZISTA® EXPERIENCE is right for you. Ask your healthcare professional and learn more at ExplorePREZISTA.com *A randomized open label Phase 3 trial comparing PREZISTA®/ritonavir 800/100 mg once daily (n=343) vs. Kaletra®/ritonavir 800/200 mg/ day (n=346). †Undetectable was defined as a viral load of less than 50 copies per mL. Registered trademarks are the property of their respective owners.

Janssen Therapeutics, Division of Janssen Products, LP © Janssen Therapeutics, Division of Janssen Products, LP 2012 06/12 28PRZ12036B

ABOUT PREZISTA

®

PREZISTA® is always taken with and at the same time as ritonavir (Norvir ®), in combination with other HIV medicines for the treatment of HIV infection in adults. PREZISTA® should also be taken with food.

• It is important that you remain under the care of your healthcare professional during treatment with PREZISTA® PREZISTA® does not cure HIV infection or AIDS and you may continue to experience illnesses associated with HIV-1 infection, including opportunistic infections. You should remain under the care of a doctor when using PREZISTA.® Please read Important Safety Information below, and talk to your healthcare professional to learn if PREZISTA® is right for you.

IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION What is the most important information I should know about PREZISTA®?

• PREZISTA® can interact with other medicines and cause serious side effects.

See “Who should not take PREZISTA®?”

• PREZISTA® may cause liver problems. Some people taking PREZISTA,® together with Norvir ® (ritonavir), have developed liver problems which may be life-threatening.

Your healthcare professional should do blood tests before and during your combination treatment with PREZISTA.® If you have chronic hepatitis B or C infection, your healthcare professional should check your blood tests more often because you have an increased chance of developing liver problems • Tell your healthcare professional if you have any of these signs and symptoms of liver problems: dark (tea-colored) urine, yellowing of your skin or whites of your eyes, pale-colored stools (bowel movements), nausea, vomiting, pain or tenderness on your right side below your ribs, or loss of appetite • PREZISTA® may cause a severe or life-threatening skin reaction or rash.

Sometimes these skin reactions and skin rashes can become severe and require treatment in a hospital. You should call your healthcare professional immediately if you develop a rash. However, stop taking PREZISTA® and ritonavir combination treatment and call your healthcare professional immediately if you develop any skin changes with these symptoms: fever, tiredness, muscle or joint pain, blisters or skin lesions, mouth sores or ulcers, red or inflamed eyes, like “pink eye.” Rash occurred more often in patients taking PREZISTA® and raltegravir together than with either drug separately, but was generally mild Who should not take PREZISTA ? ®

• Do not take PREZISTA® if you are taking the following medicines: alfuzosin (Uroxatral ®), dihydroergotamine (D.H.E.45,® Embolex,® Migranal®), ergonovine, ergotamine (Cafergot,® Ergomar ®), methylergonovine, cisapride (Propulsid®), pimozide (Orap®), oral midazolam, triazolam (Halcion®), the herbal supplement St. John’s wort (Hypericum perforatum), lovastatin (Mevacor,® Altoprev,® Advicor®), simvastatin (Zocor,® Simcor,® Vytorin®), rifampin (Rifadin,® Rifater,® Rifamate,® Rimactane®), sildenafil (Revatio®) when used to treat pulmonary arterial hypertension, indinavir (Crixivan®), lopinavir/ritonavir (Kaletra®), saquinavir (Invirase®), boceprevir (Victrelis™), or telaprevir (Incivek™) • Before taking PREZISTA,® tell your healthcare professional if you are taking sildenafil (Viagra,® Revatio®), vardenafil (Levitra,® Staxyn®), tadalafil (Cialis,® Adcirca®),

This is not a complete list of medicines. Be sure to tell your healthcare professional about all the medicines you are taking or plan to take, including prescription and nonprescription medicines, vitamins, and herbal supplements.

T:16 in

• The use of other medicines active against HIV in combination with PREZISTA®/ritonavir (Norvir ®) may increase your ability to fight HIV. Your healthcare professional will work with you to find the right combination of HIV medicines

atorvastatin (Lipitor ®), rosuvastatin (Crestor ®), pravastatin (Pravachol®), or colchicine (Colcrys,® Col-Probenecid®). Tell your healthcare professional if you are taking estrogen-based contraceptives (birth control). PREZISTA® might reduce the effectiveness of estrogen-based contraceptives. You must take additional precautions for birth control, such as condoms

What should I tell my doctor before I take PREZISTA®?

• Before taking PREZISTA,® tell your healthcare professional if you have any medical conditions, including liver problems (including hepatitis B or C), allergy to sulfa medicines, diabetes, or hemophilia • Tell your healthcare professional if you are pregnant or planning to become pregnant, or are breastfeeding — The effects of PREZISTA® on pregnant women or their unborn babies are not known. You and your healthcare professional will need to decide if taking PREZISTA® is right for you — Do not breastfeed. It is not known if PREZISTA® can be passed to your baby in your breast milk and whether it could harm your baby. Also, mothers with HIV should not breastfeed because HIV can be passed to your baby in the breast milk What are the possible side effects of PREZISTA®?

• High blood sugar, diabetes or worsening of diabetes, and increased bleeding in people with hemophilia have been reported in patients taking protease inhibitor medicines, including PREZISTA® • Changes in body fat have been seen in some patients taking HIV medicines, including PREZISTA.® The cause and long-term health effects of these conditions are not known at this time • Changes in your immune system can happen when you start taking HIV medicines.

Your immune system may get stronger and begin to fight infections that have been hidden • The most common side effects related to taking PREZISTA® include diarrhea, nausea, rash, headache, stomach pain, and vomiting. This is not a complete list of all possible side effects. If you experience these or other side effects, talk to your healthcare professional. Do not stop taking PREZISTA® or any other medicines without first talking to your healthcare professional You are encouraged to report negative side effects of prescription drugs to the FDA. Visit www.fda.gov/medwatch, or call 1-800-FDA-1088.

Please refer to the ritonavir (Norvir ®) Product Information (PI and PPI) for additional information on precautionary measures.

Please read accompanying Patient Information for PREZISTA® and discuss any questions you have with your doctor.

28PRZDTC0288R8

PREZISTA® (darunavir) is a prescription medicine. It is one treatment option in the class of HIV (human immunodeficiency virus) medicines known as protease inhibitors.

Snap a quick pic of our logo to show your doctor and get the conversation started.

BAY T IM ES NOVEM BER 29, 2012 3

4 BAY TIM ES NOVEM B E R 2 9 , 2 0 1 2

National News Briefs compiled by Dennis McMillan

Seattle, WA - Boeing Will Deny Equal Pension Benefits to Married Gay Couples - 11.21

Bangor, ME - Judge Finds in Favor of Schools over Transgender Girl’s Use of Bathroom - 11.21

The Boeing Company told union negotiators that it intends to deny pension survivor benefits to same-sex married couples, even though Washington State voters decisively approved a marriage equality law earlier this month.

Representing 23,000 Boeing engineers and technical workers, Ray Goforth is executive director of the Society of Professional Engineering Employees in Aerospace, IFPTE Local 2001. At the negotiation table - as part of ongoing talks over retirement benefits - he said the company’s position “says to employees that they can be discriminated against based on who they are.”

A Superior Court judge ruled in favor of the Orono schools and against the parents of a transgender child who in 2007 was forced to stop using the girls bathroom and told to use a staff bathroom after the grandfather of a male student complained. Justice William Anderson granted summary judgment to Riverside RSU 26, formerly the Orono School District.

“The court is not unsympathetic to [the girl’s] plight, or that of her parents,” Anderson wrote in his 26-page opinion. “It is no doubt a difficult thing to grow up transgender in today’s society. This is a sad truth, which cannot be completely prevented by the law alone.

The law casts a broad stroke where one more delicate and refined is needed. Although others mistreated [the girl] because she is transgender, our Maine Human Rights Act only holds a school accountable for deliberate indifference to known, severe and pervasive student-on-student harassment. It does no more.”

Goforth said his union has long sought equal pension benefits for samesex domestic partners - to no avail. But since voters approved same-sex marriage - establishing parity with married straight couples - Goforth re-framed the proposal to apply to his union’s gay Boeing employees who wed. “Their answer was that they had no intention of granting pension survivor benefits to legally married same-sex couples because they didn’t have to,” Goforth explained. Boeing representatives told him that pensions are governed by federal law, which doesn’t recognize same-sex marriage, thereby trumping the state law on the matter. “We were profoundly disappointed to see that they would use a loophole to engage in institutionalized discrimination,” Goforth said.

Anderson said the school acted within the bounds of its authority in prohibiting her from using the girls restroom. “It did not itself harass [the girl] by its actions, and it was not deliberately indifferent to the harassment that [she] experienced from others,” the judge concluded. “The court finds that there is no evidence of deliberate indifference with respect to plaintiff’s claims of education discrimination, and it finds that defendants acted within the law under the public accommodation discrimination claim.”

Her family will appeal, and we wish them success in their endeavor for civil rights.

Doug Alder, a spokesman for the aerospace giant, said that “any assertion that Boeing discriminates is blatantly false and, quite frankly, offensive.”

Source: BangorDailyNews.com

But speaking for the union, Goforth said Boeing was unequivocal. “They were clear in negotiations that they weren’t required to honor Washington State law on this matter.” Boeing going, going, gone on equality!

Source: SLOG.TheStranger.com

Los Angeles, CA - Super PAC to Spend $4 million to Elect Gay Man L.A. Mayor - 11.17 The good news is the candidate is openly gay. The not good news is he is Republican. Kevin James, a gay Republican former prosecutor who is running for mayor of Los Angeles, may get some help from a wealthy GOP donor.

Looking to dramatically tip the scales in the race for Los Angeles’ next mayor, a nationally prominent Republican media strategist has formed a “super PAC” that aims to spend millions of dollars to elect dark-horse mayoral candidate James.

Fred Davis, a GOP advertising man who has worked on campaigns for Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger, US Senate hopeful Carly Fiorina and former President George W. Bush (none being this journalist’s cup of tea), said the Better Way LA committee has raised nearly $500,000 on behalf of James and plans to collect at least $3.5 million more. The PAC is the first outside committee to form on behalf of a mayoral candidate in the March 5 election. Davis, who lives in Hollywood, said a victory for James could ignite a “rebirth” of the GOP in California, where Democrats hold two-thirds of the seats in the Legislature, and Republican voter registration has fallen below 30%.

Whether Davis’ role in the mayor’s race will trigger a Republican rebirth is unclear. Just 16.3% of voters in Los Angeles are registered with the GOP, less than one-third the number who identify themselves as Democrats, according to figures provided by the registrar-recorder/county clerk. So, is it too much to ask James to convert to Democrat?!

Source: LATimes.com

Stockton, CA - Openly Gay Galgiani Triumphs in 5th District Senate Race - 11.22

Galloway, NJ – R icha rd Stockton College Student Senate Wants Chick-fil-A to Leave Campus - 11.24

Cathleen Galgiani, the Democratic state senator who came out of the closet to fight anti-gay bullying, is sure of a reelection victory. After trailing since Election Day, Galgiani overtook Bill Berryhill in dramatic fashion in one of California’s hottest Senate races. The battle of two Assembly colleagues saw Galgiani begin behind by about 1,500 votes, but she closed the gap and more – leading by 2,111 votes at day’s end. Galgiani’s prospects soared with the counting of thousands of provisional ballots in San Joaquin and Stanislaus counties, key portions of the 5th Senate District, which also includes a tiny slice of Sacramento County.

President Herman J. Saatkamp is returning to his office from Thanksgiving vacation to face an issue involving chicken. The Student Senate voted 14-10, with two abstentions, to send a letter of resolution. Saatkamp will have to decide if he wants to consider trying to break a 10-year contract with the chicken franchise, which has been dealing with controversy since comments were made by its Chief Operating Officer Dan Cathy last summer opposing same-sex marriage.

Senate President Pro Tem Darrell Steinberg said the contest was the “most difficult and challenging” of five fiercely contested Senate races. Berryhill’s campaign consultant, Duane Dichiara, stopped short of conceding defeat but admitted the outlook was grim. “We’d like to count the rest of the votes, but it’s a tough row to hoe,” he said. “It’s awfully tough when there aren’t many votes left.

Both Democrats and Republicans targeted the newly drawn Senate district and spent massive sums courting voters, whose registration tilts Democratic by about five percentage points.

Galgiani’s win will add to the Democrats’ supermajority in the Senate, giving Democrats 29 of 40 Senate seats when the new session begins Dec. 3.

Galgiani’s victory also assures Democrats of a supermajority even when special elections are held to replace Democratic Senators Juan Vargas of San Diego and Gloria Negrete McLeod of Chino, who won congressional seats Nov. 6 and must resign from the Legislature soon. Out of the closet and into victory!

Chick-fil-A’s charitable organization, the WinShape Foundation, donates to the Family Research Council, which has allegedly lobbied against a resolution that would denounce Uganda’s “Kill the Gays” bill. The bill calls for the death penalty for anyone who commits an act of homosexuality, which has been deemed a crime in Uganda.

A recent survey of Stockton students found 66 percent support keeping the restaurant on campus. Senate President A.J. Vervoort said a division was taking place at the school, where the Senate wants all to feel welcomed and supported. Members of the Stockton Pride Alliance, representing the LGBTQ community, have attended the Senate’s last two meetings to express concerns about being discriminated against and saying the perceived discrimination was encouraged by Chick-fil-A’s presence. Vervoort said the group’s concern is that the college follows its policies. Whether students buy from Chick-fil-A or not, a portion of their meal fees go to the company. Senators were divided on whether it was a freedom of speech or human rights issue. Don’t be chicken-shiznit: oust the foul fowl franchise!

Source: ShoreNewsToday.com

Source: SacBee.com

Local News Briefs Supervisor Farrell Introduces Legislation to Counter Federal Marriage Discrimination District 2 Supervisor Mark Farrell introduced legislation to counter discriminatory federal policy and provide a higher level of equality for same-sex spouses and same-sex domestic partners who work for the City and County of San Francisco. Currently, if City employees with same-sex spouses/domestic partners elect to add their spouse or domestic partner to their health plan, an additional federal tax is taken out of their paycheck, because the federal government views health insurance coverage provided by a same-sex spouse/domestic partner’s employer to be taxable income. Therefore, City employees with a same-sex spouse/domestic partner are taxed more than other City employees simply because their spouse is of the same gender.

“San Francisco has always been a leader in supporting our LGBT community, and this discrimination in our federal tax code has cost same-sex spouses/domestic partners thousands and thousands of dollars each year,” stated Supervisor Farrell. “By correcting this injustice, San Francisco will be following the example of other municipalities, such as Cambridge, Massachusetts, and private employers such as Google, who have already shown leadership on this issue and stood with our LGBT community.”

The additional tax is one of the many results of the Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA).

Married LGBTQ couples are already denied federal protections offered to other married couples, such as immigration rights, Social Security survivor’s benefits and the ability to file joint tax returns. But this additional tax on married same-sex spouses/domestic partners adds another sting to the injustice of the Defense of Marriage Act. Story by Dennis McMillan

SF Pride Board Appoints New CEO The board of directors of San Francisco Pride on Tuesday announced the appointment of Earl Plante as its new Chief Executive Officer. Mr. Plante is recognized as a long time advocate and executive leader of major non-profit organizations that work to empower the LGBT community.

Mr. Plante joins SF Pride from the Latino Commission on AIDS in New York City, where he served as Director of Development. The Commission is a nonprofit membership organization dedicated to fighting the spread of HIV/AIDS in the Latino community by spearheading health advocacy, promoting HIV education, developing model prevention programs for high-risk communities, and by building capacity in community organizations.

“We are extremely pleased that Earl has accepted the position of Chief Executive Officer of San Francisco Pride and will be joining our team,” said Lisa Williams, President of the board of directors of SF Pride. “Earl’s diverse organizational leadership experience make him an excellent leader for our work to move SF Pride forward as not only one of the world’s largest Pride Celebration and Parade events, but as a key fundraiser for critical community based organizations and services we are proud to support. The SF Pride Board and staff are eager to have the benefit of Earl’s accomplishments and vision in providing leadership as our new CEO.” Mr Plante will begin transitioning to the San Francisco Bay Area in mid-December.

Source: San Francisco Pride

BAY T IM ES NOVEM BER 29, 2012 5

Why World AIDS Day Matters AIDS epidemic” is not the end of AIDS. It is the beginning of the end of the epidemic. To medical researchers and epidemiologists, that means slowing the rate of new infections enough that the virus no longer reaches a critical reproductive mass that defines an epidemic.

Kim Corsaro Publisher 1981-2011

2261 Market Street, No. 309 San Francisco CA 94114 Phone: 415-503-1375 525 Bellevue Avenue Oakland CA 94610 Phone: 510-846-8158 E-mail: editor@sfbaytimes.com www.sfbaytimes.com STAFF Dr. Betty L. Sullivan Jennifer L. Viegas

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ADVISORY BOARD Tracy Gary Nanette Lee Miller, CPA James C. Freeman Jim Rosenau Judy Young, MPH Gary Virginia Dixie Horning CONTRIBUTORS

We can do this if nearly all people living with HIV/AIDS were able to reduce their viral load to undetectable levels by maintaining their drug regimen. This, combined with a daily drug regimen for people most at risk of HIV/AIDS, does mean the number of new infections would plummet — which would be a very good thing!

Mike Smith World AIDS Day is December 1, 2012. It is an annual opportunity to ref lect on the state of the epidemic, remember those we have lost, marshal resources to continue the battle and recommit to helping those affected by HIV/AIDS. Through Saturday’s events like Paint the Castro Red and the National AIDS Memorial Grove’s noontime ceremony, we call attention to the need for action.

2012 has been a banner year for AIDS prevention.

Hope ran through the halls of the International AIDS Conference in Washington, D.C., this summer, as promising signs emerged that prevention is within our reach. Phrases like “an AIDS-free generation” and “the beginning of the end of the AIDS epidemic” resonated around the globe, and for good reason. There have been a number of medical breakthroughs recently, and there is also very exciting news about medically based prevention strategies.

But does this really mean an end to AIDS? Unfortunately, no. “The beginning of the end of the

But it does not mean we have a cure. People who

have battled HIV/AIDS for a decade or more — those who have experienced the permanent and debilitating side effects of the illness or its treatments — will not suddenly fully recover and

re-enter the work force. Thousands disabled by HIV/AIDS will still need f inancial assistance from A I DS Emergency Fund, mea ls from Project Open Hand, and specialized (and expensive) medical care.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimate that 1.2 million people in the United States are living with HIV. By the end of 2010, there were 15,861 people living with HIV/AIDS in San Francisco alone. These people are already marginalized. The 2,300 clients served each year by the AIDS Emergency Fund are nearly invisible on the streets of San Francisco or in the life of the community.

We may be on the verge of breaking the cycle of new infections, but if the average citizen understands that news to mean “the end of AIDS,” it will push people living with HIV/ AIDS farther off the radar of compassion and generosity. Those living with HIV and AIDS need our continued support, and because they are living longer on new medications, new types of services are needed to keep pace with the side effects.

On this World AIDS Day, AIDS Emergency Fund marks its 30th year of service with a Gala in Golden Gate Park. We are proud to operate in a city known for its pioneering efforts in support of people living with HIV/AIDS. We are honored to have the financial support of companies like Wells Fargo and Levis Strauss & Co. that share our vision. We are committed to the longer-term fight for the end of AIDS, not just for an end to new infections.

Mike Smith is the executive director of AIDS Emergency Fund.

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Profiles of Passion: Tom Nolan

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With the winter holidays upon us, I’m reminded of so many men and women who work hard to help folks in need.

One person, Tom Nolan, always comes to mind when I think of the traditional food feasts and all those who need help getting that special meal or even groceries.

I met Tom about 17 years ago when I was a client and volunteer at Project Open Hand, but I’d heard of him beforehand when he was elected the first gay Supervisor in San Mateo County.

I’ve known him since that day years ago, and consider him a leader among leaders and someone who consistently gives much more than he takes.

Tom came to the Bay Area in 1979 with his life partner, Larry Friesen,

6 BAY TIM ES NOVEM B E R 2 9 , 2 0 1 2

and was relatively quickly County Supervisor and a leader in LGBT rights and HIV/AIDS advocacy. He served and authored or championed (usually both) legislation seeking domestic partner benefits and non-discrimination. He sponsored the Faces of AIDS exhibit and was state co-chair of the campaign that defeated the Dannemeyer AIDS Initiative, Prop 102. He also actively participated in the National Association of Gay and Lesbian Elected and Appointed Officials.

This was a time of enormous change and growth for LGBT people in San Francisco and all over the nation, and he was leading the way.

In 1994, Project Open Hand needed a hands-on leader. Tom became Executive Director and led what Ruth Brinker created in a church basement to national acclaim for serving so many groceries and meals. On his watch, that agency bought the building they rented, expanded their facilities and mission to seniors in need as well as those living and dying of HIV and cancers in Alameda County and San Francisco.

There was work to be done and more work, so he accepted appointment to the board of The MTA and has served there since 1996 and as chair since 2009. The MTA has experienced almost as much change and growth as the LGBT movement, and Tom has been there guiding the agency through different Mayors, Su-

pervisors and MTA CEO’s, taking on ideas and projects that boggle the mind.

The taxi industry is now under the MTA, as is the Department of Parking and Traffic. San Francisco has long been the superstar transit agency globally in serving the disabled and senior communities. Under Tom’s strong but gentle hand, the MTA board has a seat for disabled San Franciscans. But that barely scratches the surface of all Tom does. If transportation is mentioned, his name will crop up because he’s deeply committed to every form of transportation and works to make peaceful progress between so many divergent stakeholder groups.

Every February, I go to Honolulu for a conference. One of the highlights a couple years ago was when I was walking down Kalakaua in Waikiki and saw the smiling faces of Tom and his partner Larry. We paused and chatted for a few minutes and, as always, Tom was concerned about me rather than himself. True, genuine humility is among his qualities, as is an eagerness to serve those in need as he’s done as a County Supervisor and Executive Director of Project Open Hand, MTA Board Chair and as a supporter/advocate of more causes than I can put down on paper here.

When I think about the many challenges Tom faces head on, I shudder

at the complexity and diversity of interests involved in each stakeholder group’s agenda: the bicycle coalition, the taxi industry, supporters and foes of the Central Subway, free muni for low income kids, the needs of the senior and disabled communities and more. I’m impressed with his commitment and his grasp of the intricacies of so many issues.

Tom is a former member of the Metropolitan Transportation Commission, the SamTrans Board and the Caltrain Joint Powers Board. He has long been recognized as a champion of public transit and is a regular Muni rider himself. But, more than anything, Tom represents in human flesh the true spirit of giving.

The Week in Review Christian Lady Lawyers Behaving Badly

By Ann Rostow I realize that the High Court is about to confer on ten gay rights petitions, including several challenges to the Defense of Marriage Act. I know that we are poised to fight for marriage rights in a number of new states. I heard about some allegedly bad behavior by Elmo. I could tell you about delays in the French marriage law and controversy over whether marriage clerks should be bound by new equality policies.

But let’s set this all aside for now, shall we?

For one thing, I’m in a “holiday” mood; a timeless sensation that sets in from late November through the BCS championship game. My consuming interest in legal and political developments is suspended.

Right now, as I begin this week’s column for example, I am focused, not on the decision by Boeing to ignore Washington State’s new marriage law, but with the ridiculous article in the New York Times food section about how to bury a pot of beans in your back yard with a bunch of heated rocks. What next, Grey Lady? A “how to” on sun-dried mammoth jerky? More on this later, I promise.

But my main reason for leading us off on the road less travelled is the news that a 40-something female Christian conservative New Hampshire lawyer has been nabbed by the feds for running off with an underage teen girl and convincing her to have heterosexual sex with some guy on videotape. Lisa Biron is also suspected of using an array of drugs, keeping an illegal handgun and loading her computer with child pornography.

Our Lisa has helped on at least one religious case with the Alliance Defending Freedom, nee the Alliance Defense Fund, a legal group renowned for its antigay litigation work. She also served on the board of the Mount Zion Christian Schools in Manchester for a couple of years. She is now charged with seven counts of child exploitation, including transporting a child for illegal sexual conduct, as well as manufacturing and using child pornography. Witnesses testified that they saw her in possession of cocaine, ecstasy and marijuana, and law enforcement types found a ton of ammunition in her house.

Woah, Nelly!

Don’t you love stories about Conservative Christians dropping off the straight and narrow? Me too, and particularly when there’s a twist in the tale. Usually, our bad girl stories involve lesbians, while our miscreants on the Christian right are generally male. Thank you Lisa for turning the tables on our stereotypes. Or did you?

Is there something else in your metaphorical closet besides girls and guns?

— Where’s The Editor?

Getting back to the bean pot story, I’m actually serious about this. The New York Times is our country’s paper of record. Wednesday is food section day for most major papers. And this is a time of year when many readers are hungry for new ideas for the seasonal table.

So we turn to the Times and what do we find? A lengthy cover piece on the mechanics of digging a pit, messing around with beans on the stove, lighting a fire, tossing in a bunch of rocks and burning the fire to embers, taking the pot off the stove and sticking it in the pit for eight hours, for what?

For some beans that could have sat in a low oven overnight. What’s the point? Is it simply an opportunity to

show off your (self-satisfied) culinary imagination to your guests? I can think of no other excuse for this pretentious “recipe.”

Nor is this the only source of recent outrage triggered by my daily newspaper reading. There’s something else that I have circled on my “news” list with an exclamation point under the ambiguous title: “Austin American Statesman story!” I’m hoping to remember the content of this provocative line item before I finish this column.

But before we delve into actual GLBT news, did any of you catch the latest episode of The Good Wife?

It’s a great law firm series, but last week’s show presented an off-the-wall scenario involving the Defense of Marriage Act. When a gay man on trial was denied the right to spousal privilege, a famed appellate attorney stepped in to undermine the man’s defense in order to set up a high level test case which would eventually lead the Supreme Court to overturn DOMA. Who came up with this absurd idea?

No famous appellate attorney would imagine that a single DOMA-related incident would be a good test case.

No famous appellate attorney would intervene at the trial stage in any event, let alone to damage an individual defendant. And no famous appellate attorney would be totally unaware of the many existing challenges to DOMA. The scriptwriters included references to the government’s decision last year to stop defending the law. But they ignored all the ongoing DOMA cases. When the gay man wins his trial, the appellate lawyer tells everyone that they’ve just assured that DOMA “will continue for another decade.” Say what?

Here’s my point. If you’re going to write plots based on today’s news, you can’t botch the context to this extent.

For heaven’s sake! This show aired just ten days before the High Court is going to review no less than eight DOMA petitions!

Plus, the lawyer was played by the same guy who stars as a cop on Rizzoli and Isles. I always find it jarring when TV characters pop up as unexpected guest stars on other shows.

It’s hard for me, for example, to accept that the hero in Revolution is the serial killer from The Closer. And readers: who is that guy who plays the newly elected mayor on Vegas? I’ve seen him before! Maybe on Ally McBeal? Perchance I watch too much of this stuff.

— Here We Go! Okay Okay. I know we have rehashed the big Supreme Court story for week after week, and yet this time it’s really happening! So let’s do it one more time for the record.

Professional Services The most interesting DOMA case is that of New York widow Edith Windsor (two petitions) who sued the government after being forced to pay estate taxes on her own property after the death of her wife. A few weeks ago, a 2-1 panel of the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit ruled in her favor. Significantly, the panel ruled that sexual orientation discrimination should be evaluated with heightened scrutiny, adding a large and welcome weight to our side of the judicial scale. The Justice Department has asked the High Court to dump the other DOMA cases and focus only on Windsor, a move that would let Kagan stay on the case and would also oblige the justices to take a stand on the key issue of heightened scrutiny for gay plaintiffs.

Leaders in providing LGBT accounting and tax specific services.

Two other petitions involve the Pedersen case, a Connecticut case that has yet to be reviewed by an appellate court. Since Connecticut is governed by the Second Circuit, however, the Windsor decision presumably dictates Pedersen as well.

The eighth DOMA petition is another case that has not been reviewed by an appellate court, namely the Golinski case out of Northern California. As with Pedersen, the trial court ruled against DOMA. And as with Pedersen, the case was petitioned to the High Court in order to expand the Court’s DOMA menu, if you will.

So basically, we have Massachusetts, Windsor, Pedersen and Golinski. The Court could take all of them or some combination. I’ve spent too much time in print fumbling around with inept Court speculation so I think I’ll just wait and see what happens here.

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Meanwhile, there are two other petitions that address gay couples, but do not challenge DOMA. Here we have no idea whether the Court will accept the cases, reject the cases, or maybe put them on ice until the justices can articulate new gay rights jurisprudence via the DOMA litigation.

Of course one of these cases is the Prop 8 case, decided narrowly in our favor by the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit. Many of us hope the justices will reject review, legalizing marriage in California in short order. If they accept review, danger lurks.

Lastly, the Court will think about another Ninth Circuit gay rights victory, a ruling that stopped Arizona lawmakers from cutting out same-sex partner benefits for state staff for budget savings. Saving money is a fine government interest. But you can’t cut spending by, let’s say, eliminating benef its for African American employees.

So there you go. It’s possible that the Court could announce something on Friday afternoon. But it’s more likely that Monday morning will be the moment we’ve all been waiting for.

—

On Friday, the justices will decide whether or not to accept one or more challenges to the main section of the 1996 Defense of Marriage Act. Since this federal law has been struck down by not one, but two federal appellate courts, it’s a certainty that the Court will resolve the national status of the law this session.

Fight For Marriage Crosses New State Borders

There are technically eight DOMA petitions before the Court, but three of them involve related DOMA litigation in Massachusetts, where the U.S. Court of Appeals for the First Circuit convened the first appellate panel to strike the law. Significantly, Justice Kagan may be obliged to recuse herself from this early litigation because she served as Solicitor General while the Massachusetts cases were rising through the courts.

You may remember that New Jersey lawmakers passed a marriage equality bill last year, at which point Chris Christie took out his red pen and scratched our hearts out. Nonetheless, we still have a few months to override his veto if we can pull out a few more votes. Plus, we have a lawsuit working its way through the Garden State courts, and I suppose we can pass marriage in the next legisla(continued on page 14)

Ladies and Gentlemen, we are not going to bask in our Election Day marriage victories. Instead, we’re going on offense. Or so I read and hope.

What states are on our new target list? Quite a few it seems.

Read more @www.sfbaytimes.com and check us out on Twitter and Facebook.

BAY T IM ES NOVEM BER 29, 2012 7

Professional Services

Sister Dana Sez m ission of foster i ng a hea lt h ier, h a p p i e r, a n d m o r e s u c c e s s f u l queer community. Donate online at queerlifespace.org.

By Sister Dana Van Iquity Sister Dana sez, “I hope everyone had a good Thanksgiving; although I prefer to call it ‘ThanksGAYing,’ because I am thankful for my queerness. TGIG: Thank God I’m Gay!” Now it’s time to think about World AIDS Day, Saturday, December 1st.

PA INT THE CASTRO RED is happening then on Upper Market & Castro Streets, when you will see red everywhere! Castro Street will be adorned with red lights, ribbons, and red balloons, and will feature free HIV testing. A free film screening is offered with the award-winning How to Survive a Plague documentary, telling the story of the emergence of the activist group ACT UP in New York City, largely made up of HIVpositive participants who refused to die without a fight. It’s a handbook for any activist wanting to make a change. RSVP to get a free ticket at sfaf.org/World A IDSDay. Cast ro T heat re, 429 Ca st ro St reet , doors 5:30, show 6:00pm. Candlelight vigil follows. Please notice us Sisters in the afternoon collecting donations in front of Clif f ’s Hardware next door, a nd feel free to drop some bucks into our buckets for ten loca l A I DS ser v ice organ i zat ions. Add it iona l ly, shop t i l you d rop, because sponsor s a nd vendor pa r t ner s i n t he ‘st ro a re generously donating 10 to 15% of their day’s sales.

The next day, Sunday December 2nd, is PROJECT NUNWAY IV: SIST E R S FA SH ION F L OR A .

Join us queer nuns in a weatherproof heated tent for a chic charity fashion show where designers are paired with Sisters to create a high fashion look from recycled materials with a “f loral” theme. Featuring celebrity judges Kari Byron of MythBusters, artists Nayland Blake and Gabby Lala, and HI V/A IDS act iv ist Tit a A ida, co -hosted by Sister Roma and Jane Wiedlin of the Go-Gos. There will even be a half-time circus produced by Danyol L eon a nd SQU R R R L . P ro ceeds benef it the National A I DS Memor ial and the Sisters’ char ities. 4:20pm (!) general admission, w it h 3pm V I P snea k pea k . National A IDS Memorial Grove, B ow l i n g G r e e n D r i v e , G o l d e n Gate Park. Tix: TheSisters.org.

Advance: $20.12, general; $51.50, V I P ( i nc lude s 2 d r i n k t ic ket s).

Door: $26.66, general; $66, VIP. QU E E R L I F E S PAC E he ld a pre-T han k sg iv ing celebrat ion to fa m i l ia r i ze t he publ ic w it h t h is relatively new organization, having sprung from the now defunct Ne w L e a f S e r v i c e s. He ld i n t he home of board member Br ian James, he and other members spoke of this organization bringing quality, low-cost, sustainable, and culturally competent mental hea lt h a nd subst a nce abuse services to the LGBTQ communities of the Bay Area. At the heart are fou r de d ic at e d st a f f w it h mor e t han 35 years of ser v ice in nonpr o f it me nt a l he a lt h , t a l e nt e d clinical interns, and a ded icated and passionate board. Your support is vital to Queer Life Space’s

Read more @ www.sfbaytimes.com 8 BAY TIM ES NOVEM B E R 2 9 , 2 0 1 2

T h e A l i c e B . To k l a s L G B T Democratic Club hosted its annual FA LL AWA RDS program in The Lookout honoring those who stood up for the law, for women, and for those in need who often do not have a voice. District Attorney George Gascón was commended for his dedication to swift justice and the law in protecting women and the larger community against dome st ic v iolenc e. C om mu n it y Public Service Awards went to La Casa de las Madres, the Domestic Violence Consortium, and the San Francisco Commission on the Stat us of Women who each deser ve g reat pr a i se for t hei r yea r-long dedication to speaking out against violence against women and children, and never equivocating under great political and media scrutiny. Leadership Award was given to former Co-Chair Bentrish Satarzadeh. Volunteers of the Year i nc luded Trea su rer Jua n C erd a and the co-chairs of the Political Action Committee, Kelton Finney a nd Ron F ly n n. A l ice E mer it us B oa rd Member s A n na Da m ia n i a nd Jer r y Fu l ler wer e honor e d w it h specia l com mendat ions for their dedication to the Club. The Robert Barnes Lifetime Achievement Award went to former PUC D i r e c t or E d H a r r i n g t on a s he retires after decades of service to San Francisco and its PUC operat ions. It was a lso t he 10t h anniversar y of t he passing of for mer A lice board member and mentor Rober t Ba r nes, a nd t he Awa rd s Ceremony made a special recognition to his life and legacy.

U N DE R ON E ROOF hosted a fest ive hol iday par t y - t heir last at 518A Cast ro locat ion, but by no means their last in the Castro, when pop -up shops w i l l appea r.

UOR kicked of f the holiday season right, with an entrancing evening of s pa rk l i ng hol id ay décor, de lightful gifts, local Castro celebrities, delicious food, and refreshing drinks. Senator Mark Leno sent a Certif icate of Appreciation cong r at u l at i ng UOR for “ br i ng i ng toget her fr iends, neighbors, and community organizations to share a moment of good cheer while we shop for those unique gifts for that special someone.” He commended t heir years of ded icat ion to sup porting local organizations ser ving those liv ing w ith HI V/A I DS and other life-threatening illnesses, saying, “Your commitment to raising funds needed for sur vival of m a n y i nd i v idu a l s a nd t he i r loved ones makes a lasting dif ference i n t hei r l ives.” Shop t here and give the gift that gives twice (to one of 30 dif ferent nonprof its).

Donate at UnderOneRoof.org.

C O M F O R T & J OY, a B u r n i ng M a n-i s h soc i a l g roup, held TOUCH in the Mission, where the d ress wa s ever y t h i ng f rom f u l lface drag queen to faerie klubkid w ith fet ish/costume encouraged.

It was clothing optional - w ith a ful l clothes check ser v ice, dance f loor, BYOB bar, multiple rooms, and garden deck. Entertainment w a s prov ided by Nor m a n Va ne and DQs A manda L ove, Sha key Gibson, and Empress Jupiter. We celebrated K itten Calfee’s birthday in style. “How to F#*k like a Por nst a r ” was a for um by a faci l it ator who is bot h an A I DS pr event ion profes s ion a l a nd a n active, popular working adult actor. “Planning for *Queerpoc a l y p se*: Not !” w a s a g r oup circle pla nn ing t he upcom ing C &J W i nt er S ol st ic e We e kend .

With the whole hoo-ha about the end of t he world com i ng, let us queers be the new beginning! Said faci l it ator Bl it z y, « L et us renew our t wo -spir it nature embracing a nd celebr at i ng bot h ou r fem in i n it y A N D mascu l i n it y. L et us heal our wounds of oppression inf licted upon us and that we inf lict onto ourselves.» Find out more at playajoy.org.

COOK IE DOUGH MON ST ER S H O W i s D Q C o o k i e ’s e v e r y Thursday night drag show at The E dge ba r w it h d i f ferent t hemes each time. I couldn’t possibly pass up “Toddlers and Tiaras: the Little Miss Monster Contest” (since I owned a tiara myself and needed to br ing it out). It was a pageant with grownup drag queen toddlers competing to win the title and the go-go juice with their clever nu mber s. Sue Ca sa stepped dow n. Pea rl Teese d id B eyonce a n d N ic k i M i n aj. W i n ne r w a s Sugah Betes, with 1st runner-up Cara Couture and 2nd runner-up Dakota Pendant. A lso competing were A na Mae Cox, BE A Ronce, Cescilee Petacucci, Grace Towers, and Chic Filet. We all got high on pageant crack (PixyStix for reals).

Check out CookieVision.com.

GREAT STUFF COMING UP! A I DS E M E RGE NCY F U N D’s celebrat ion of their 30th year of service, Under the Big Top, is a magical night of dining and dancing in a giant clear heated tent in t he hea r t of t he Nat iona l A I DS Memorial Grove. Take a trip down memory lane to 1982 with a tribute to Sylvester and performances by dance diva Martha Wash, who began her rise to stardom as one of Sylvester’s backup singers. Saturday, December 1st, 7-11pm; tix/ info: A EF- SF.org.

L IGHT IN THE GROV E is the A I DS Memor ia l Grove icon ic fundraiser of fer ing a metaphor ic a l , n ight t i me jou r ney t h rough darkness and light, loss and hope.

Fr iday, November 30 t h. A I DS Memorial.org.

R A I N BOW WOR L D F U N D presents 7th Annual World Tree of Hope Of f icia l Tree L ighti n g C e l eb r a t io n w it h Gr a m my-w inn ing San Francisco Boys C hor u s , s i ng er Veron ic a K l au s with Tammy Hall, emcee Donna Sachet . T he C on su l G ener a l of Japan w ill present a peace crane to the City. SF Poet Laureate A lejandro Murguía. Free wine, cocktails, hors d’oeuvres, sweets. City Ha l l Rotunda, Tuesday, December 4th, 5:30 - to 8pm. RainbowFund.org.

S F G AY M E N ’ S C HO RU S i s br ing ing t heir hol iday t rad it ion t o Dav ie s Sy mphony H a l l w it h S a n t a C o n c e r t , a n overt he - t o p p er for m a nc e fe at u r i n g over 250 sa nt a s on st a ge, 8pm, December 6th. sfg mc.org.

GOLDEN GIR LS CHRISTMAS EPISODES run December 6th to 30th, Thursday, Friday, Saturday nights, 8pm; Sunday, 7pm. Drag per formers star as Golden Girls: He k l i n a , C o o k i e D ou g h , M a tthew Martin, and Pollo Del Mar, with Laurie Bushman and Manuel Ca ner i. V ictor ia T heater, 29 61 16th Street at Mission. $30 - info: trannyshack.com. “You’ve got a friend.”

Sister Dana sez, “For the love of gawd, please STOP talking about the 2016 election already!”

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P H O TO B Y MI C H A E L S MI TH

Celebrating 30 Years of the Bare Chest Calendar T he Bare Chest Ca lendar, launched in 1984 just 3 years after the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recognized A IDS, has raised over a mill ion dol la rs. T he money has gone to suppor t t he A IDS Emergency Fund and Positive Resource Center, organizations that help to save lives. The 2014 calendar will be the 30 th , with plans for it already underway.

In this issue of the Bay Times, we honor the ef forts of the photographers, event organizers, volunteers and more who have made the Bare Chest Calendar

such a success. We particularly honor the handsome calendar men themselves, some of whom sadly are no longer with us due to A IDS. Now that the holiday season is upon us, and 2012 is coming to a close, we encourage you to buy the calendar —as a gift for a friend, a family member or perhaps for yourself. Ultimately, it becomes a gift to our entire community, supporting the present needs of those af f licted with A IDS and serving as a beautiful visual symbol of hope for future gains against this deadly disease.

Looking Good at 30

By Brad Harbin Sometimes the most dif f icult part of turning 30 is being 29. Looking back over our lives and hoping we have done enough, been enough, learned enough. Then you have to f ig ure out how to commemorate a nd set new goa l s for what l ies ahead. Some of you reading this may remember when you turned 30 (the f irst time) and some may be looking ahead at this marker.

The Bare Chest Calendar is about to t u r n t h i s cor ner a nd we a re excited, moved, amazed and encouraged.

3 0 ye a r s a g o a s m a l l g r oup of fol k s i n Sa n Fra ncisco’s leat her com mun it y saw t he devast at ion that an unknown disease was taki n g on t he c om mu n it y her e at home and across the country and knew that if something was going to be done – it was goi ng to be up to the communit y to make it

happen. O ver $1. 5 m i l l ion dolla r s, cou nt less compet itor s a nd f u nd r a i s er s/volu nt e er s a nd a l most 400 hot calendar men later, the Bare Chest Calendar is facing 30 years of ser v ice and we look GOOD! ( I’m ready for my close up Mr. DeMille…).

over these 30 years and we have worked h a rd to do ou r pa r t to keep up and w il l cont inue to do so. A s long as our Brot hers and Sisters living with HIV/A IDS are in need we will be there to meet those needs.

Have we done enough? Have we b e en enou g h ? H ave we g r ow n e n o u g h ? T h e a n s w e r -Ye s a n d n e v e r. O u r w or k i s not d o n e .

This f ight has taken many turns

What an honor to be part of such a l o n g h i s t or y o f s e r v i c e . We a re doi ng it . Donor s, Ca lend a r Men, Staf f and Volunteers—We a re st i l l here a nd st i l l work i ng

have me, and I’m just really grateful to have had the experience in my l i fe. I’m a bet ter person because of it.

good people. I wou ld recommend being on the calendar if you just want to feel good about do ing something really good in the world.

a nd you k now what…. We look GOOD at 30!

Happy 30t h A EF— and t han k you.

A nd Happy 30 t h Ed it ion to t he upcoming 2014 Bare Chest Ca lendar!

Brad Harbin is the current Den Daddy for the Bare Chest Calendar.

Calendar Men Q&A Here, some of our favor ite Bare Chest Ca lenda r men spea k out , proving that brains and thoughtfulness can go with brawn.

A ll of their ef forts have helped to make the calendar such a memorable, fundraising success in the f ight against A IDS. John August 1991 Q: What piece of wisdom can you of fer a potential calendar man?

A: Absolutely go for it because it can be one of the most wonder ful ex per iences of your life. You’ll have fun. It w i l l be a n ex per ience you w i l l a l w ay s t a ke with you. You become part of a brotherhood.

It’s t r u ly a ma zi ng. It’s 21 yea r s l ater a nd I st i l l go to c a lend a r events and I still get greeted like I ’m someone s pec i a l by a l l t he guys. It’s always been a wonderful group of people, so just do it.

Allen July 2006 Q: What is your best memor y of being a calendar man?

A: I would have to say the thing I enjoyed t he most was the r ide down Market St reet i n t he pa r ade.

T her e’s not h i n g l i k e it . It w a s one of t he best yea r s of my l i fe.

S er iously, I’ve st ayed fr iend s w it h t he g uy s on the calendar. Wonder f u l men. I’ve seen them at their best and t heir wor st, as t hey

Q: W hy wou ld you recom mend c om p et i n g for t he B a r e C he s t Calendar?

A : I wou ld recom mend competi ng to become a c a lend a r m a n if you want be something bigger than you are now. Just about everyone I was on the calendar with g rew i n some way and we a l l g ot t o b e really close. I would recommend being on the cale n d a r i f y ou want to make some life long fr iends w it h some really

Mark June 2006 Q: W hat is your best memor y of being a calendar man?

A: Def initely the camaraderie and brotherhood t h at I d e v e l oped with the men on my team, and the impact we had and t he money that we raised. I would just encourage anyone who is seriously con-

sidering competing for the contest to do it whether you make it on the calendar or not. Even the contest process will help raise money that is very much needed by A EF and PRC, and you’ll have an amazing experience as a contestant.

Q: W hy wou ld you recom mend c om p et i n g for t he B a r e C he s t Calendar?

A: Because the A IDs epidemic is not over and because the face of the clients we serve has changed.

T he u nder ser ved popu l at ion i s ver y poor and they just don’t get the care that they need.

Joe September 2008 Q: W h at mot iv ated you to b e come a calendar man? (continued on page 12)

BAY T IM ES NOVEM BER 29, 2012 9

WORLD AIDS DAY

Photo credits: ‘87 Robert Pruzan, ‘88 Victori Arimondi, ‘89 Scott Martin, ‘90 Joe Altman, ‘91 & ‘98 Jim Wigler, ‘92 & ‘93 Steve Sutton, ‘95 Ram Studios ‘97 Mister Marcus, ‘99 Bill Weaver, ‘06 Steven Underhill, ‘08 & ‘09 Dennis Tyler ‘10, ‘11 & ‘12 Joe Mazza, ‘13 Michael Smith

10 BAY TIM ES NOVEMB E R 2 9 , 2 0 1 2

30 Years of Calendar Men

BAY T IM ES NOVEM BER 29, 2012 11

Use the News Education Program (continued from page 9) A: It was a dare. Then, the more I found out about t he organization and where the mone y w e nt , I gained a respect for the inst itution and what t he y ’ve b e e n doing for so long. By t he end, I was excited to hand a check for over 100k to A EF and it felt good

to know the money went into the right hands, for people who needed it.

lifetime. It was def initely the best year of my life.

Q: What piece of wisdom can you of fer?

Ross

Andy May 2012

A: The calendar isn’t exactly the way the public perceives it. I know I h a d t wo ye a r s i n wh ic h t he y asked me to participate. The f irst year I f lat ly tur ned t hem dow n, because I d idn’t think I was the type of person to be in it. The second year t hey f ina l ly conv inced me, saying would you please go to an orientation and just listen. So I went and I rea l ly l i ked what I heard. I liked the fundraising and the way they handled things. So I went for it and its been one of the best experiences I’ve ever had.

June 2010 Q: W hy wou ld you recommend c o m p e t i n g for the calendar?

A: You w ill get s o muc h mor e t h a n y ou g i v e and you’ll make fr iends for a

Q: W h at mot iv ated you to b e come a calendar man?

A: I f irst decided to become a calendar man because I was looking for a way to volunteer and I got the recruitment f lyer and thought well… why not volunteer without my shirt. But not long after I started this I fou nd out one of my fellow ca lendar men had used A EF as a client a nd h is motivation was to g ive back to t he agency that g ave h i m s o much, and that inspired me. So it changed from just volunteering to actually doing something and really feeling it.

April 2012 Q: What was your motivation?

A: I have to say now that I have a new 12-member family. They talk about the calendar being a brotherhood. I really didn’t think much about it until I got in the calenda r a nd I rea l i zed t hat’s rea l ly t he t r ut h. It’s much more t ha n a brotherhood; it’s a family, and not only with your fellow calendar men whom you’re on the calendar w it h, but w it h people who have been on it before. When you meet them they give you a hug and they really mean it. They welcome you as one of their ow n and that’s a pretty awesome feeling.

A: My motivation was born out of the fact that I’d just moved to SF and was looking to build communit y. A nd I’d met some calendar men. I learned what the calendar w a s ab out a nd ab out A E F a nd P RC . I felt it would be a really good oppor tunit y to be able to g ive back in a w ay t h at I h aven’t done in my commu n it y i n a long time.

I’m newly out. I’ve only been out for about 7 years, so as I’ve been meet i ng men i n my peer g roup who were involved and impacted more d irect ly by t he A I DS epidemic, I realized how fortunate I am to be a gay man in a city like this, sort of standing on the shoulders of so many people and this was a way to give back.

Bob

Paul

Q: What did you personally gain?

November 2012 ( Ed itor’s note: Robert Weinhold passed away as t h is issue of t he Bay T imes was in product ion.

Please keep his family and friends in your thoughts and prayers.)

Q: W hat motivated you to become a calendar man?

A : T he f i r s t motivation naturally was to do fundraising. The second one was vicarious. I really needed to get out of the house and start doing more. I wasn’t getting out and socializing enough, so this seemed like a g reat oppor tunit y for me.

T he t h i rd w a s a rou nd 19 93, a friend and I went to the Bare Chest Calendar event and he wanted to enter. It was the very last contest that year and so he decided ‘94 he would come back. Unfortunately, my friend got sick and died shortly after the ‘94 season started, so this sort of completes a litt le bit of a circle in my life.

Q: W hy wou ld you recom mend c om p et i n g for t he B a r e C he s t Calendar?

A : I recom mend it bec au se it’s been my best year that I’ve ever had. I’ve made a lot of fr iend s.

We formed a great bond. We work well together. We help each other out. It’s been more fun than work, even though we did a lot of hard work this year.

12 BAY TIM ES NOVEMB E R 2 9 , 2 0 1 2

Brad

March 2012

Q: What piece of wisdom can you of fer?

A: I t hink t his has been a g reat experience for me. It’s one that I will carry with me for the rest of my life. If you want a way to contribute to the community, I think this was an awesome exper ience and one you should consider.

Will October 2012 Q: What did you personally gain?

A: In many ways, what I got out of it for mysel f w a s t he r e a l i zat ion t hat a small group of people rea l ly can make a big cha nge i n ot her people’s lives.

Q: W hat w isdom ca n you share about the experience?

A: It’s not nearly as hard as you t hink. There’s a lways somebody there to help you along. Every one of us, I t h i n k , du r i ng t h i s yea r had one event that seemed like we couldn’t do it. Sure enough, you show up and you have a great support network. It ends up being a lot of f un a nd at t he end of t he day, you get everything done.

Q: W h at d id you personally gain?

Bare Chest Calendar FAQ’s

A: I was really scared about ha nging out in ba r s a nd a c t ua l ly wa l king up to people, and I rea l ly feel a lot more self-conf ident. I feel like I could actually walk up to somebody and ask them for money and f lirt with them, sit on their lap and sign a ca lendar for t hem. T he t hought of me doing that a few years ago would of been horrendous. I now feel better about myself because I’ve helped fundraise for all these great charities. It’s just been a really good experience.

T he B a r e C he s t C a le nd a r c a n be pu rch a sed at w w w. barechest.org and at Under One Roof in the Castro.

Special thanks from the Bay Times to Will Victoria, Mike Sm it h a nd C h r i s Tyler for t heir help in prepar ing t h is section.

Upcoming BCC Events: Saturday December 8 Black Sat urday a nd Bare Chest Ca lendar Hol iday Party at Powerhouse 9:00pm - 1:00am

Philippe

M iller Specials, Jello Shots, naught y go go Elves, raf f les and more...

December 2012

Sunday December 9

Q: What did you gain?

A: It was a great oppor t un it y to c on ne c t w it h a lot of d ifferent k inds of people.

My ca lendar brot hers for one, a nd a lso all the people we met a long the way. We don’t do it alone. Every dollar of all the money we raise we meet all these people. They give $1 $5 $10 $20…

By t he end of it, ever ybody is a stakeholder in this organization.

We’re all in it together.

Me et n Gr e et , Under O ne Roof 2:0 0 pm- 4:0 0 pm - la st chance to get your calendar signed Sunday December 16 Santa Sunday at the Pilsner 3: 3 0 p m - 6 : 3 0 p m M a m a’s Fa m i ly Toy Dr ive a nd Beer Bust benef iting the 2013 Bare Chest Calendar January 24 2014 30th Edition Calendar C ont e s t b e g i n s 8 : 0 0 pm a t Powerhouse, ema i l recr u iti ng @ba rechest .org for i n fo on how to compete!

Arts&Entertainment “In the Family” and “North Texas Sea” Wang never really indicates why Eileen is so inflexible regarding Chip’s custody. One can assume she is homophobic and/or racist, but there is no tangible evidence of this. The characters are not particularly complex. Perhaps the filmmaker is being deliberately cagey, asking viewers to fill in the blanks.

Film

Gary M. Kramer Two queer films open in the Bay Area December 7. Both have strengths and drawbacks.

In the Family is a sensitive, earnest drama about a gay Asian man in Tennessee embroiled in a child custody battle. Written, produced, directed by, and starring the openly gay Patrick Wang, this modest f ilm addresses many important legal issues the LGBT community faces—from hospital visitation rights for same-sex couples to the custody case that plays out over the course of the drama.

Wang presents these topics with a sometimes heavy hand, but his sincerity makes them resonate.

The film opens with scenes of domestic tranquility featuring Joey (Wang), his partner Cody (Trevor St. John), and their son Chip (Sebastian Brodziak). However, before the end of the first reel, Cody dies in an off-screen car accident. Bereft, Joey continues to care for Cody’s son, until Cody’s sister, Eileen (Kelly McAndrew), takes Chip away. Her brother’s will made Eileen the child’s legal guardian.

When Joey tries to pick Chip up after an overnight Thanksgiving visit, the police are called, and Joey is slapped with a restraining order.

Curiously, the word “gay” is never used in the film. All of the characters tiptoe around the relationship between the two men, as if not to offend by discussing. In the Family also features only a few chaste kisses between the gay couple, and exactly two bad words. It is almost as if Wang made the film for television. From the look of it, that may be the case. Many of the scenes use a fixed camera, and characters walk in and out of the frame. This can actually be quite effective, as when Joey sits at his kitchen table after Cody’s funeral staring off into space, while Chip pours himself a cola. Joey’s quiet despair in this wordless sequence is quite palpable.

Mostly, however, it’s distracting.

Jel l e F l o ri zo o n e a n d M a t h ias Verg els

Wang does prove he knows how to move a camera. One of the film’s best scenes has one of Joey’s friends eavesdropping on Chip listening to Joey’s recorded voice. The way the camera closes in during this extended scene is actually rather powerful.

Cody puts on some Chip Taylor music and first kisses Joey. (Fun Fact: the “Wild Thing” singer has a cameo in the film as Cody’s father). This is a very nice scene, although it only makes viewers want to see more of the couple, and less of the legal battle that is the film’s central focus.

With a running time of nearly three hours, In the Family has many lengthy scenes. The extreme length gives viewers a chance to get to observe and understand the characters. Some of the best scenes are flashbacks triggered by Joey’s memories of Cody. Interspersed throughout the film, these moments depict how Joey and Cody met and began their relationship.

Wang films many of these sequences with a handheld camera, which provides a feeling of intimacy—as when

The custody case takes over the last third of In the Family. Joey (eventually) finds legal representation and agrees to attend a deposition to bring the matter of Chip’s custody to a close.

There is the expected grilling from Eileen’s attorney, and Joey’s long, moving monologue that should sway the verdict in his favor. Wang provides very little dramatic suspense, but that is not a drawback. When Joey mentions love being “like a reflex,” it is hard not to feel a swell of emotion.

And herein lies the strength of Wang’s film. It is from his heart. (The writer/ director even dedicated this drama about parenting to his late father). As an actor, Wang’s performance may be a bit stiff at times, but he still manages to be likable.

Despite the need for some serious editing, some cinematic style, some better actors—as Chip, Brodziak is often diff icult to understand—and some emotional complexity, In the Family is consistently absorbing. And for viewers who can overlook the film’s obvious flaws, there are some decent messages about the power of love.

The other film opening December 7 is North Sea Texas. When this Belgian movie begins, the lonely young Pim dresses up in his mother’s tiara and

lipstick. At 15, Pim ( Jelle Floorizoone) is attracted to his handsome older neighbor, Gino (Mathias Vergels). A scene of them having a sleepover in a tent is highly erotic. This stylized film, set in a coastal town in Flanders, chronicles Pim’s heartache and jealousy as he comes of age. Pim is shattered when Gino finds a girlfriend.

And when he develops a crush on Zoltan (Thomas Coumans), his mother’s border, other romantic complications ensue. Director Bavo Defurne’s film captures the awkward blush of first love and stirrings of same-sex desire, but the film’s lyrical approach keeps audiences at a distance, except for the most emotional moments. © 2012 Gary M. Kramer

Local X Factor Star Jason Brock

Music Shelley MacKay After singing his heart out and clearly putting his competitor Cece to shame, our local cabaret star, Jason Brock, was voted off the X Factor on November 8th.

He made it into the top twelve finalists. And while Jason said “it did hurt” that Simon Cowell criticized him two weeks in a row, “lots of new doors are opening after this” and he is more excited than ever about the opportunities being a contestant on the show have created for him.

On the X Factor, Jason brought fun, laughter and truth. He is not afraid to be who he is and to share himself with the world. He entered the competition as an out gay man, wearing edgy, colorful outfits with a personality to match. While I found Jason’s fearlessness impressive, he wonders if it might have hurt his votes on the show in the long run. However, regardless of the homophobia in the world, he would not have done it differently if he had the chance. That’s one of the reasons we love Jason Brock; his unapologetic ability to be fully himself. Well, that and his incredibly soulful, authentic voice.

Before being cast on X Factor, Jason worked for several years at a day job in tech support to supplement his income as a cabaret artist and entertainer in San Francisco. During that time he put on shows at Martuni’s, Bubble Lounge and Rassela’s. When the X Factor came to San Francisco for auditions this year, Jason attended the major cattle call, waiting amongst thousands of hopefuls at the Cow Palace for his shot at a chance on the nationally televised singing competition. He was one of the few cast on the show, and was pushed

out of his job when he requested time off to pursue the X Factor. Luckily, he will not need his job back. Nor will he be taking any day job for that matter.

As he said, “I’m just not gonna do it.”

While watching Jason’s final results show, my wife pointed out that the host, Khloe Kardashian, was especially affectionate with him, holding hands and whispering lovingly in his ear. When I asked Jason about their relationship, he said, “She is such a sweetheart. A gay man’s dream come true. Our personalities instantly clicked.” Apparently she whispered in his ear, “It’s gonna be okay, honey,” before they pulled the plug on him a few seconds later. Backstage she was also a lot of fun, recalled Brock. “She would call me ‘sugar tits’ and we’d laugh,” he said. Brock hopes to remain friends and stay in touch with Khloe. Who knows? Maybe we’ll see them shopping together on Keeping Up With The Kardashian’s next season.

I also took a few questions from Jason’s fans on Facebook. My 17-yearold nephew, Andrew Masterson from Broomall, Pennsylvania, asked,“What inspires you to wake up in the morn-

ing and pursue music the way you do?”

Jason said, “I want to get the love of the audience. That’s a real motivator for me. And also I LOVE it.” A drummer both Jason and I have worked with, Roberta Drake from San Mateo, asked, “Why do you think the judge was so negative about your cabaret performance? To me, this is difficult work and I’m appalled by the lack of respect for it.” Jason said, “That’s true.

It is sad that cabaret is a bad word on that show. To them, cabaret is not marketable, though they think it’s great as an art form. I see what they mean, but the world can feel music, regardless of genre. In fact, Demi Lovato even told me she really likes musical theater when we were alone backstage.”

where between R&B and pop so that it can have both soul and Top 40 appeal.

Brock said, “I’d like it to be similar in style to Jennifer Hudson’s first album with a nod to Bette Middler.” In addition, he would like to have his own TV show at some point or do more reality TV. “I know I can bring a lot of fun and laughter to the world.”

Stay connected with Jason Brock on Twitter @JasonBroccoli and like him on Facebook under Jason Brock (Musician/Band).

Jason already has plans for moving his musical career forward. The first step is a special concert back in San Francisco for his native fan base on December 1st at 7pm at Martuni’s Piano Lounge. He is grateful for his friends and fans in the Bay Area who gave him so much love and support during this process and he is excited to put on this intimate show to say thank you. The second step is an album that finds its footing someBAY T IM ES NOVEM BER 29, 2012 13

distances to visit people we don’t want to see; buying gifts we can’t afford for people we hardly know; getting too little sleep and exercise; partying too much, drinking too much, and eating too much. If, in the vital area of sexuality, we’re able to swim against the current of the larger culture and claim for ourselves the sexuality that’s natural to us, then surely we can do the same with the holidays.

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Tom Moon, MFT I often wonder what it says about the spiritual condition of our culture that what most people regard as our most important holiday—celebrating love, joy, peace, and hope— is such an exhausting and depressing season for so many. Sometimes it’s especially challenging for LGBT people because the images of family warmth conflict with the reality of family estrangement in many of our lives. But I’m convinced that this season can be a happy time for us if we respond to it with authenticity and integrity. We don’t have to comply mechanically with old conditioning by doing the same things every year: traveling long

For some people, for instance, the best cure for the holiday blues is just to slow down. But in our compulsively upbeat society, in which depressed moods are all but illegal, some feel pressured to run the other way and become frantic and busy. If you find the celebration treadmill more exhausting than enjoyable, you could set a deliberate intention to spend time alone with yourself to reflect on your life, be in nature, have some quiet walks…whatever soothes and quiets you.

For most people in this country, “the holidays” means Christmas. While I’m not a Christian, I personally regard Jesus as a great and inspiring being, and I’m happy to celebrate his birth as long as the celebration has something to do with practicing the values for which he lived and died.

The fact that Christmas has become a

festival of excessive consumption gets a lot of people down. Whatever your religious beliefs (including no beliefs), if you want a holiday that expresses your spirituality, you could resolve to take specific actions which reflect your deepest values this season. You could, for instance: Write a gratitude letter to someone who is important to you, expressing all the ways in which you appreciate him or her, especially including those things you’ve never said.

Initiate one act of peacemaking within the circle of people you love.

To at least one person, give a gift that doesn’t involve spending any money.

If you can afford to, give a gift to someone you love of something that they really need, but make sure they never know you are the gift-giver.

The issue is really, “Who’s in charge?”

All we need to make the holidays a rewarding time is the imagination and courage to define for ourselves what they are and what they mean.

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

Have a Gail Ol’ Time!

Brass Tacks Heidi Beeler Gail Wilson, the original singer of City Swing who fronted the Castro’s signature big band for 21 years, is returning to San Francisco to take up the mike one more time, one night

GA IL WILS ON | P HOTO C R EDIT: S FLGFB

PHOTO BY JAN E PHILOM EN -CL EL AN D

Learn to live again

Who’s in Charge?

only. City Swing with Gail Wilson sets the Oscar Night mood for the Red Carpet Premiere Gala performance of 2012 Dance-Along Nutcracker® Goes Hollywood!, 7 pm, Saturday, December 8.

Speakeasy regal is the phrase that comes to mind, thinking of Gail’s performance style. She’s crooned in ballrooms with crystal chandeliers, in courtyards behind leather bars and from the back of an elephant in a circus parade. Whether she’s wearing a sequined gown or standing ankledeep in sawdust, she belts out numbers with equal ease. Before joining City Swing in 1985, Gail performed cabaret professionally in NYC, LA and San Francisco. She has a darkhoney voice that hits every note out of the ballpark, whether she’s singing a ballad or scatting a jazz solo. But it’s

her ease, her personable stage presence, which are especially remarkable and make you want to hear more. I’ve seen Gail casually chat with an audience of 500 like she’s dishing with her best friend. At her farewell concert, she confided to a packed house her favorite illness to use when calling in sick… before remembering her boss was sitting in the audience and acknowledging him with applause.

We can thank Guest Conductor Bradley Connlain for this extra chance to hear Gail. Connlain is artistic director of City Swing. When the San Francisco Lesbian/Gay Freedom Band signed him on to put together its Dance-Along Nutcracker this year, he contacted Gail in Asheville, NC, where she’s relocated with her hubby - barbecue diva Bob Kantor. Already (continued on page 18)

(ROWSTOW continued from page 7) tive session and hope Christie thinks twice about the subject.

We won control of state legislatures in Colorado and Minnesota, where new seeds for marriage laws now blossom.

Rhode Island, Hawaii and Delaware are also considered fertile ground.

Oregon activists are considering a ballot measure in 2014, and progress looks possible in Illinois. I also read about something maybe happening in Nevada, but look. You get the picture.

A lovely landscape overflowing with pleasant imagery. Something out of the Hudson River School perhaps.

More at sfbaytimes.com 14 BAY TIM ES NOVEMB E R 2 9 , 2 0 1 2

Indeed, the very idea of more marriage equality states fills me with such good feelings that I am loathe to write about the antigay law in Uganda, or the Alabama lesbian who was beaten to a pulp over Thanksgiving by her girlfriend’s brother.

For one thing, we’ve been talking about this damned Uganda law for years and it still hasn’t passed. As for the lesbian, she looks like she’s been to Hell and back. But it also sounds as if the brother might simply be a violent maniac rather than a homophobe.

harmless and an important part of Nature’s plan.

If the Shoe Fits

That said, would I let a tarantula climb up my arm? No. Would I support civil rights for tarantulas? No. And why is that? Because of atavistic and unreasoned fear! An instinctive revulsion that cedes nothing to logic, science or reality itself.

Speaking of homophobes, the style mavens at the Associated Press are questioning whether the term “homophobia” is appropriate, given that dislike of gay people is more a prejudice than a fear. But I agree with those who point out that the term applies to those who hate out of ignorance, and yes, out of mindless fear.

So when we talk about true homophobes, we use the word accurately.

We’re not talking about Chris Christie, much as we reject his political posturing. We’re talking about Tony Perkins, Ugandan lawmakers, Pat Robertson, the A lliance Defense Fund, Peter LaBarbera, and others of this ilk. The obsessed ones.

Look. I’m an arachnophobe even though I’m intellectually aware that, let’s say, tarantulas are perfectly

—

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arostow@aol.com

Embody the Essence of Coast Redwoods ARIES (March 21 – April 19) As you currently fixate on an important goal, your passionate determination teeters on the edge of obsession. Remember, Aries, aspiration is an expansive force. Beware of self-limiting behavior.

LEO (July 23 – August 22) New developments in your core beliefs have been bubbling for months, Leo. “Aha moments” could manifest physically. Does your body feel off-kilter?

Odds are, your spirit craves some TLC.

better.

TAURUS (April 20 – May 20) Liberate from subconscious patterns that obstruct your soulful growth, Taurus. Start by diving into activities that deflect attention away from the ego and expose you to new octaves of higher learning.

Astrology Gypsy Love “Coast redwoods” are the word’s tallest known trees. With heights transcending 350 feet (greater than the Statue of Liberty), and lifespans surpassing 2,000 years, many forests of these majestic giants actually grow on slopes – not in the center of valleys where water is most abundant. Current astral climates call us to embody the essence of coast redwoods. Precious nutrients exist even amidst a downslope. Appreciate. Cultivate.

Cooperate. Thrive.

GEMINI (May 21 – June 20) Your priorities are evolving, Gemini. As you steer your focus toward a more satisfying course of direction, surrender the need to please those who don’t fully understand your divine purpose.

CANCER (June 21 – July 22) You’re strained by power struggles involving intimate companions and professional partners now.

Heal internal resentments by releasing external superficialities. Remove the masks and honor your authentic needs, Cancer. Be true.

www.AstrologyByGypsyLove.com

VIRGO (August 23 – September 22) Your mission, if you choose to accept it, Virgo: deliberately limit your thoughts and actions to energies that uplift you. Construct an atmosphere of pure joy. Revel in the results.

LIBRA (September 23 – October 22) LIBRA (September 23 – October 22) Take meaningful inventory of your root system, Libra. How is your past affecting your present?

Where do family matters feed personal identity?

Recharge relationships to reflect who you really are.

SCORPIO (October 23 – November 21) Your mental motors are maneuvering masterfully now, Scorpio. Narrow in on a problem that’s burdened your daily routine, concentrate on a resolution, and be amazed at how swiftly it materializes.

SAGITTARIUS (November 22 – December 21) Your resourcefulness is operating at an all time high now, Sagittarius. Don’t fall prey to society’s fabricated definitions of “wealth.” Rather, create novel ways to optimize your limitless value.

CAPRICORN (December 22 – January 19) You’re anxious to propel personal ambitions now, Capricorn. Overcome the urge to act with haste.

You’re more likely to appease restlessness by turning inward. Align lifestyle choices with emotional instincts.

AQUARIUS (January 20 – February 18) Take five, Aquarius. You’re completing older projects and initiating new ones. Outside influences are enlightening, but may also be disruptive if you don’t allow private time to process new ideas.

PISCES (February 19 – March 20) “Teamwork” is priceless, Pisces. While you’re highly motivated to conquer new feats now, it’s important to recognize the magnificent power of collaboration. Benefits are greatest when we all win.

Gypsy Love’s astrology readings have helped 1000’s of people attract what they authentically desire.

As Heard on the Street . . .

compiled by Rink

AL L PHOTOS BY RIN K

What’s your favorite song for the holiday season and why?

Paloma Volare

Vince Johnson

Scott Peterson

Debra Benedict

Brett Thomas

“Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer, because it makes me happy and feeling young again, with remembrances of youth.”

“‘You’re a Mean One, Mr. Grinch,’ from the 1966 ‘Grinch’ film, because it was a lot of fun.”

“White Christmas, by Bing Crosby, because it was from a wonderful era.”

“My Boyfriend Was a Turkey But I Got the Leg, because it is cool.”

“Home for the Holidays, by Karen Carpenter, since it’s as sick as the holiday.”

BAY T IM ES NOVEM BER 29, 2012 15

compiled by Robert Fuggiti

See many more Calendar items @ www.sfbaytimes.com

Season at this classic Castro location. Hosted by “Betty’s List.”

Drag Queens on Ice – Union Square. $10. 8 pm to 9:30 pm.

(Safeway Holiday Ice Rink) www. unionsquareicerink.com. The 2012 festivities will include the lovely Donna Sachet as Mistress of Ceremonies, and a contest to crown the first ever “San Francisco Drag Queens & Kings on Ice.”

Women Art Exhibition – Chinese Culture Center. Free. 10 am to 4 pm. (750 Kearny St.) www.c-c-c.org. Thirteen contemporary artists from China and the US explore themes of gender & sexual identity. Thru November 30.

GGBA Holiday Celebration – Hotel Kabuki. $50. 6 pm to 10 pm. (1625 Post St.) www.ggba.com.

Enjoy an evening of great celebration. Food, beverages, games, entertainment, and great prizes to be awarded. Includes silent and live auctions too, just in time for the holidays.

The Marvelous Wonderettes – New Conservatory Theatre Center. $27. 8 pm. (25 Van Ness Ave.) www.nctcsf.org. This Broadway hit musical transports audience members into the 1958 Springfield High School prom and introduces the Wonderettes, four girls with hopes and dreams as big as their crinoline skirts. Through January 13.

The Golden Girls: The Christmas Episodes – The Victoria Theatre. $30. 8 pm. (2961 16th St.) www.trannyshack.com.

Four world-class drag queens perform two episodes from “The Golden Girls” TV show live and on stage for Xmas.

Jack London Square Holiday Lighting – Jack London Square.

Free. 5 pm to 7 pm. (Broadway and Embarcadero) www.jacklondonsquare.com. Celebrate the beginning of the holiday season at Jack London Square’s tree lighting ceremony with musical entertainment and live reindeer.

Boy Bar – The Café. $5. 9 pm to 2 am. (2369 Market St.) www.guspresents.com. The Castro’s hottest weekly party with go-go dancers and early drink specials.

Virgie Tovar Book Reading – Modern Times Book Store. Free. 7 pm. (2919 24th St.) www.facebook. com/hotandheavy.Virgie Tovar reads selections from her book, “Hot & Heavy,” a joyous collection of stories about unapologetically

“The White Snake” will be at the Berkeley Repertory Theatre through December 23.

(Photo: Allesandro Mello) and unconditionally loving the body 34th Annual Celebration of Honorable Mayor Ed Lee, First Craftswomen – Fort Mason you’re given.

Lady Anita Lee and Rainbow World Center. $9. 10 am to 5 pm. (Fort Fund invite you to the 7th Annual Mason Herbst Pavillion) www.fortWorld Tree of Hope Official Tree mason.org. Enjoy the country’s Lighting Celebration. largest juried women’s crafts fair AIDS Emergency Fund The News – SomArts. $5. 7:30 and longest running art and craft Anniversary Gala – National pm to 9 pm. (934 Brannan St.) show in the country. Also AIDS Memorial Grove. $300. 7 pm www.somarts.org. A monthly spotDecember 2. to 11 pm. (Golden Gate Park) www. light on queer performances and aef-sf.org. Help support this wonartists. derful organization and commemoTuck & Patti – Yoshi’s. $20. 8 pm. rate 30 years of charitable work.

(1330 Fillmore St.) www.yoshis.com.

Toys for Tots – St. Regis Singles Brunch – Betty’s List.

Tuck and Patti, a unique vocal and Ballroom. Toy Donation. 4 pm to 7 $35. 11 am to 1 pm. (Noe Valley guitar duo, perform some of their pm. (125 3rd St.) toysfortots.sf@ Location) www.bettyslist.com. best hits. Also December 5. gmail.com. Help brighten the spirits Enjoy great food, wine and compaof a child in need this holiday seany during this popular series of son by attending this fabulous fundevents for women. Hosted by raising event.

“Betty’s List” in Noe Valley.

Smart Women East Bay – Martuni’s Holiday CD Party The Bellevue Club. Free for mem– Martuni’s. Free. 7 pm to 9 pm. (4 bers/$15 non-members. 5:30 pm to Valencia St.) 415-241-0205. The 7:30 pm. (525 Bellevue Ave., first ever holiday CD party! Bring Oakland) www.bettyslist.com. This in your favorite music and sing month’s featured guest will be Jody along with friends and patrons.

Cole of Rainbow African Safaris.

Slugs and Kicks – Thick House.

Humpday Happy Hour: Toys $10-$30. 8 pm. (1695 18th St.) for Boys – Good Vibrations. Free. www.therhino.org. A backstage 6:30 pm to 7:30 pm. (3219 comedy about a young gay actor Lakeshore Ave., Oakland) www. whose best friends are a lovely goodvibes.com. Whatever your actress, a vicious queen, and a persuasion, this workshop will hopeless romantic. guide you through the fun and accessible world of toys for boys.

Cock and Bull Mondays – Hole in the Wall Saloon. Free. 8 pm to 2 am. (1369 Folsom St.) www. holeinthewallsaloon.com. Enjoy an easy-going crowd and drink specials all night.

Monday Musicals: Superstar Edition – The Edge SF. Free. 7 pm to 2 am. (4149 18th St.) www.edgesf.com. Watch clips from your favorite movie musicals and Broadway shows.

Karaoke Mondays – Lookout.

Free. 8 pm to 1 am. (2600 16th St.) www.lookoutsf.com. KJ Paul hosts a weekly karaoke night.

World Tree of Hope Holiday Lighting – City Hall.

Free. 5:30 pm to 8 pm. (One Polk St.) www.rainbowfund.org. The 16 BAY TIM ES NOVEMB E R 2 9 , 2 0 1 2

Holiday Happy Hour – 03 Bistro Lounge. Free. 5:30 pm to 8 pm. (524 Van Ness Ave.) www. shanti.org. Enjoy delicious appetizers and drink specials with 10% of the bar proceeds to Shanti.

SFGMC Presents Santa ConCert – Davies Symphony Hall. $15-$75. 8 pm. (201 Van Ness Ave.) www.sfsymphony.org. Taking a cue from the popular and festively irreverent international phenomenon of “SantaCon,” San Francisco Gay Men’s Chorus Music Director Dr.Timothy Seelig presents a hip holiday program entitled “SantaConCert.” Also December 24.

OUT Ladies Night – Café Flore. Free. 5 pm. (2298 Market St.) www.cafeflore.com. Featuring speed dating with Dr. Frankie Bashan, songstress Dina Rao, and DJ Flirty G. Toasting the Holiday

Friday Nights at the De Young – De Young Museum. $11.

6 pm to 8:45 pm. (50 Hagiwara Tea Garden Dr.) www.deyoung.famsf. org. Enjoy the museum in a fun, festive and dynamic atmosphere with live music and cocktails.

Fever – Endup. $20. 10 pm to 10 am. (401 6th St.) www.theendup. com. An all night dance party with DJ Adrian, Joey Jinks and Glittery Ricky.

San Francisco Boys Chorus Winter Concert – St. Dominic’s Church. $19. 8 pm. (2390 Bush St.) www.sfbc.org. Celebrate the season with the nationally acclaimed San Francisco Boys Chorus as they perform two wonderful concerts of holiday music. Also December 15.

Santa’s Fantastic Holiday Revue – The Retro Dome. $36. 11 am and 2 pm. (1694 Saratoga Ave., San Jose) www.theretrodome.com.

A 45-minute live stage show featuring singing and dancing elves and toy soldiers, with an appearance by Santa plus post-show cookie decorating, holiday card making and photos with Santa.

Sweet Honey in the Rock – The Paramount Theater. $25-$100.

8 pm. (2025 Broadway, Oakland) www.ciis.edu. Enjoy internationally renowned acapella ensemble “Sweet Honey In The Rock,” which presents a one-of-a-kind seasonal concert, celebrating music from many faiths around the globe.

2012 Dance-Along Nutcracker Goes Hollywood – Yerba Buena Center for the Arts. $26-$50. 1 pm. (701 Mission St.) www.dancealongnutcracker.org.

This fun holiday show follows Fritz and Clara to Tinsel Town as they haul out to Hollywood for the holidays! Also December 8 at 2:30 pm & 7 pm.

Songs and Stories from an Actor’s Life – Venetian Room of the Fairmount San Francisco. $47. 7 pm. (950 Mason St.) www.bayareacabaret.org. Tony nominated actor/ singer Peter Gallagher returns to the Venetian Room, bringing his critically acclaimed show “Songs and Stories from an Actor’s Life.”

Beach Blanket Babylon Holiday Show – Club Fugazi. $25-$59. 2 pm and 5 pm. (678 Green St.) www.beachblanketbabylon.com. Packed with hilarious spoofs of pop culture and political characters, this holiday show features a chorus line of tap dancing Christmas trees and parodies of traditional Christmas carols.

Funny Mondays – Deco Lounge. Free. 7 pm. (510 Larkin St.) www.decosf.com. A weekly comedy open mic night hosted by Victor Torres.

Monday Night Tights Ballot Series – Mills College Art Musuem. Free. 7 pm. (500 MacArthur Blvd., Oakland) www. mcam.mills.edu. A free performance happening every Monday night.

Gay Bowling – Mission Bowling Club. $15. 5 pm to 8 pm. (3176 17th St.) www.missionbowlingclub. com. Mix, mingle and meet new friends at this weekly bowling social. Full bar and restaurant inside club.

The White Snake – Berkeley Repertory Theatre. $35-$69. 8 pm.

(2025 Addison St., Berkeley) www. berkeleyrep.org. Directed by Tony Award-winner, Mary Zimmerman, “White Snake” is a heartwarming story from Chinese legend in which love conquers all. Through December 23.

Funny Tuesdays – Harvey’s.

Free. 9 pm. (500 Castro St.) www. harveyssf.com. An LGBT comedy night hosted by Ronn Vigh.

Easy – The Edge SF. Free. 7 pm to 2 am. (4149 18th St.) www.edgesf. com. Enjoy $1 well drink specials and a fun-loving crowd.

Free Quit Smoking Class for LGBT – SF LGBT Community Center. Free. 7 pm to 9 pm. (1800 Market St.) www.lastdrag.org. The final meeting of a seven-session class designed to help LGBT smokers quit smoking. Also December 5.

Candlelight Flow Community Yoga – LGBT Center. Free. 7 pm to 8 pm. (1800 Market St.) www.sfcenter.org.

Replenish your energy level with this weekly “Candlelight Flow” class.

The New California – Traveling Jewish Theater. $20. 8 pm. (470 Florida St.) www.pianofight.com.

PianoFight’s female-driven sketch comedy group ForePlays is back in action with the debut of their allnew sketch comedy variety show, “The New California.” Also December 19.

BAY T IM ES NOVEM BER 29, 2012 17

(AIDS continued from page 2 ) ing free and confidential HIV/AIDS disability benefits counseling.

The prejudice that many Americans with AIDS experienced is still a reality for people with HIV around the world. In the early 1980’s, San Francisco nurse Omar Kubian witnessed colleagues refusing to treat patients with HIV, fearful of contagion issues. As an openly gay man, he was often the last person to provide compassionate care for men he recognized from the Castro bar scene. At the height of the epidemic, he would see men in the Castro looking healthy, and two to four weeks later see them be admitted to the emergency room and die soon after.

Though I am not a parent, I would imagine the hardest loss in life would be to watch your child perish. HIV can be transmitted from an HIV-positive woman to her child either during pregnancy, during labor and delivery, or by breast feeding. However, the risks of mother-to-child transmission of HIV can be reduced to below 1% by the appropriate use of HIV treatment during pregnancy and labor; by having a caesarean delivery if you have a high detectable viral load; and (when safe alternatives are available) by not breast feeding. These strategies and treatments are more available in developed countries but are desperately needed in North, Western and Central Africa; the Middle East; and East, South and South-East Asia.

The Global Health Sector Strategy on HIV/AIDS cites that simpler and more affordable treatment and prevention are urgently needed. Delivery of HIV prevention, testing, treatment and care services must be better linked and integrated with other health services, such as those for maternal and child health, tuberculosis and hepatitis, among others.

The Sector Strategy outlines four strategic directions for 2011-2015: to optimize HIV prevention, diagnosis, treatment and care outcomes; to leverage broader health outcomes through HIV responses; to build strong and sustainable health systems; to address inequalities and advance human rights.

As we commemorate World AIDS Day on December 1, we can look back on 31 years of research, treatment, education and advocacy. But we can’t deny the human suffering of 30 million children, women and men who died of AIDS. The number of people living with HIV rose from around 8 million in 1990 to more than 34 million by the end of 2011. And these numbers don’t include those who have not been tested, but carry the virus.

An excerpt from Wikipedia is blunt and to the point: “Prevention of HIV infection, primarily through safe sex and needle-exchange programs, is a key strategy to control the spread of the disease. There is no cure or vaccine.”

That said, let’s all recommit ourselves to personal responsibility to get tested (w w w.h iv test .cdc.gov/ ), st ay H I V-, or r em a i n he a lt hy w it h H I V. To help t he lea st a mon g us. And, on a consciousness level, f u r t her t he g loba l les s en s t h at H I V/A I D S i g n it e d r e g a r d i n g compassion, tolerance and acceptance, and t he power of love to conquer fear.

Together we can close this challenging chapter of human history in our lifetime.

POP ROX

By K. Cole

JOHN GILLIN “Changes” This is a young man from England and, frankly, I don’t know much about him other than some live photos and free website links from FB. But once the music started, I sat back and said, “Well now this IS sweet.” A clear, sweet tenor with heartfelt lyrics and a dépêche dance sensibility goes a long way, even when the budget is bargain basement. I say load this up on Facebook and play it so you can say I knew him when he was just a young pup!

Best Cut: “Life’s a Beach” Location: Enjenious shoe section

WILL I. AM (BRITNEY SPEARS) “Scream and Shout” (Single from The Hardest Ever) Oh this is smart, smart, smart! The signature sound of Will I. Am featuring our Goddess of the Mess— can’t miss it! Can you stand the ever-trashy flashy Britney edged by brilliant production in its very simplicity in what is certain to be our favorite winter dance anthem?

Get out the tight little gold dress and those shocking heels, sister!

Best Cut: “Scream and Shout” Location: Harlot Saturday night

(GAIL continued from page 14)

P HOTO BY R IC K S TA DTMILLER

planning to f ly back to see Connlain’s Dance-Along, she said she‘d be thrilled to sing.

The Dance-Along has been running for 27 years, and Gail’s history with this show stretches back to its beginning. She and City Swing debuted at the first Dance-Along Nutcracker in 1985 at the Gift Center Pavilion.

They performed the third act that night at a formal LGBT event emceed by Jose Sarria as the Sugar Plum Fairy. In 1988, Gail’s red hair and brassy personality got her the part of Lucy Ricardo opposite Marga Gomez’s Ricky for an I Love Lucy-themed Dance-Along. By 1999, Gail and City Swing were back as the celebrity entertainment for the gala performance at Yerba Buena Center for the Arts, and Gail performed a solo rendition of Santa Baby in a Santa-red teddy that brought the house down. In 2006, she was back to star in the title role of Dance-Along Nutcracker: CLARAfied! In 2008, when a downpour kept City Swing’s new singer stuck on the Bay Bridge, Gail leapt up from the audience to get the show started.

The Dance-Along Nutcracker is the Freedom Band’s holiday DIY ballet, inspired by the “Sing-It-Yourself Messiah.” Part variety show, part American Idol contest, this event is the choreographical equivalent of a barnraising, with the audience offering 18 BAY TIM ES NOVEMB E R 2 9 , 2 0 1 2

its dance moves to the show. Think Tchaikovsky mosh-pit, and you’ve pretty much got the picture. Dancers strap on tutus and tiaras from the Tutu Rental Boutique and storm the dance floor while the Band performs Fantasia faves like “Russian Trepak” and “Waltz of the Flowers.”

Only the fairyland dances of Tchaikovsky’s ballet have been arranged for wind ensemble. That’s about 45-minutes of music - half a show.

So each year, the conductor f ills out the program with complementary music on a theme and takes a new spin on the Nutcracker story to tie it all together. This year, Connlain wanted to tell Fritz’s story, and he’s tak ing the Dance-A long to old-school Hollywood to do it, with glamorous starlets under contract to cigar-smoking producers. Connlain tapped William “Billy” Sauerland to play Fritz. Sauerland is a professional counter-tenor, most recently featured at the Handel Festival in London, so he gives Fritz legitimate pipes and a boyish face. Joining him as Clara is Rachyl Underwood. Flynn DeMarco from Thrillpeddlers is back this year as Drosselmeyer, and Mark Eichorn plays Cecil B. DeRat for all shows.

But to see Gail, there’s only the GailLa Saturday night! You’ll have a Gail Ol’ Time! (w w w.DanceA longNutcracker.org)

ICONA POP “I Love It” Swedish electronic dance duo here doing the bare minimum with the beat box like only Euro-pop stars can. Don’t know if this will really translate here to the US where we like some lyrics, a melody and perhaps a little more than sophomoric anthem and girls in cute haircuts and high fashion bouncing around the room. Maybe later, I have to detox now.

Best Cut: “I Love It (Hot Mouth Remix)” Location: Bouncing dance floor packed with tunnel crowd

FACTOTEM “Tangent” Hailing out of Cork, Ireland, this scrappy little band is still working on it all, slagging through the clubs and roughing out demos like this one. 90’s Nirvana-esque distorted guitars on one cut then straight up punk ala Pansy Division. I’m afraid there’s more bar gigs and underground clubs to come for this band of rock warriors.

Best Cut: “It’s Not You” Location: Turk Street Studios – K Cole has been reviewing music for major publications since it came via snail mail on cassettes. Submissions to Pop Rox by local LGBT artists encouraged. Join on Facebook.com/PopRox-Bay-Times-San Francisco or send it in to: K Cole, Katharinecole@yahoo.com.

Round About in Photos — Photos by Rink

Under One Roof ’s former executive director Beth Feingold with Barefoot Wine’s Randy Arnold at the Under One Roof Holiday Party.

Host Sister Pat N Leather, Sandra “Mama” Reinhardt and Sister Evevolution at Mama’s Toy Drive at the Edge Bar. Honorees Emily Murase and Andrea Shorter from the Commission on the Status of Women, Alice Club co-chairs Martha Knutzen and Reese Isbell, honoree Beverly Upton from the SF Domestic Violence Consortium and honoree Kathy Black from La Casa de las Madres at the Alice B. Toklas LGBT Democratic Club Awards at The Lookout.

Hayes Valley Leather Contest winner Desmond Perrotta, contest sponsor Marlena, and winners Michael Zane and JB Kern at Marlena’s birthday bash.

Bears of San Francisco, at their Volunteer Appreciation Lunch, included board members Larry Rivera and Jim Gatteau; Tim Butler, president; Desmond Miller, vice president; and Secretary Jeff Stiarwalt.

Volunteers celebrated helping at streets fairs and other community activities throughout the past year.

Bay Area Bisexual Network’s 25th Anniversary Kick Off at the GLBT History Museum.

David, an ally holding the transgender flag, with transgender activists Felicia Elizondo and Cecilia Chung at the Trans Rally held at City Hall.

Beth Hillman, Bob Dockendorff, executive director Allyson Robinson, of Joshua Lim, Eddie Lee, William Nguyen and the newly merged Out-Serve and SLDN, and Keith Kerr – all retired Chris Young enjoying the Gay Asian Pacific LGBT military officers.

Alliance Happy Hour at The Lookout.

BAY T IM ES NOVEM BER 29, 2012 19