Tribute to José Julio Sarria pages 10 and 11
September 5-18, 2013 | www.sfbaytimes.com
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The Bay Times joins with many this week who are pausing to remember José Julio Sarria, Absolute Empress I, The Widow Norton, storied founder of the international Imperial Court System who died on August 19. His life was joyous and his accomplishments were many. In Sarria’s memory, our front page presents Absolute Empress XXV Marlena and Absolute Empress XXX & Heir Apparent Donna Sachet as they appeared at the Empresses’ High Tea honoring Sarria and held in the Castro earlier this year. Please see the featured centerfold on the Imperial Court System, Pages 10-11, presenting a remembrance of Sarria, special to the Bay Times, by Empress Donna Sachet.
PHOTO BY RINK
Where We Are Spending Our Time and Money A few months ago, we invited you to participate in the 2013 LGBT Community Survey report created by Community Market & Insights (CMI). Thanks to all Bay Times readers who participated. Our group was among 30,000 individuals worldwide, representing more than 100 countries. The results of the survey are in. Here are some of the findings:
• 75% of LGBTs are actively boycotting Chick-fil-A.
• In the annual write-in brand recall section, Starbucks moved to the number one position of brands perceived as most supportive of the LGBT community. JCPenney, Target, Apple and Amazon round out the top five.
• The LGBT community demonstrates strong support of the performing arts, with over 60% having purchased tickets in the past 12 months.
• The term “LGBT” has strengthened its lead as the preferred term to describe our community. “GLBT” is continuing to lose favor, even among gay men. Bisexual men and women and the transgender community strongly prefer the term LGBT.
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Helping Tenants During Challenging Times Editor’s Note: Last month, LGBT leaders in San Francisco told the Bay Times that housing was at the top of the list of concerns for our community here in the Bay Area. Many readers have also expressed this directly to us. You spoke, and we listened! Today we launch a new column authored by noted tenant rights attorney Nancy M. Conway. She and her partner Mischelle Mandel head up a legal firm based in San Francisco, where housing problems can be particularly challenging.
Tenant Law Nancy M. Conway, Attorney at Law
The San Francisco Bay Area real estate market is hot, with housing in high demand and short supply. Property prices rose over 25% since last year and rents are off the charts. This volatile combination pressurizes landlord-tenant relations. As market rents rise, my practice gets busier. As a former SF Rent Board Hearing Officer and an experienced tenant rights attorney, I have observed (continued on page 18)