San Francisco Bay Times - September 8, 2022

September 8–21, 2022 http://sfbaytimes.com OPENHOUSEOFCOURTESYIMAGE LGBTQ Seniors Celebrate Openhouse Expansion Founder and Executive Director share their vision for the nonprofit; see pages 2–3 ZIMBERGABBYBYPHOTOS

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Openhouse is now a seasoned and wellrespected nonprofit that has developed one of the largest affordable LGBTQ senior housing complex in the country. Openhouse currently serves over 3000 LGBT older adults with a range of services such as art classes, social groups, language classes (Spanish and Yiddish), home-delivery program, friendly home visitor program, cooking classes, walking group, lunch program, Long Term Survivors HIV/AIDS Support Group, Housing Workshop, Transgender and Gender Non-Conforming Aging

A new chapter is about to be written. Dr. Marcy Adelman, a psychologist and LGBTQ+ longevity advocate and policy adviser, oversees th e Aging in Community column. She serves on the California Commission on Aging, the Board of the Alzheimer’s Association of Northern California, the California Master Plan on Aging Equity Advisory Committee, and the San Francisco Dignity Fund Oversight and Advisory Committee. She is the Co-Founder of Openhouse, the only San Francisco nonprofit exclusively focused on the health and well-being of LGBTQ+ older adults.

Dr.services.Kathleen Sullivan, Openhouse’s Executive Director, arrived during COVID. She is the first Openhouse ED experienced in LGBTQ senior housing and LGBTQ senior service. She has a Ph.D. in Urban Studies, with a focus on housing for LGBTQ midlife and older adults. She was the Director of Senior Services at the Los Angeles LGBT Center. The LA LGBT Center provides services for more LGBTQ people and LGBTQ seniors than any other organization nationwide.

Welcome desk at 75 Laguna, with mural backdrop

2 SAN FRANCISCO BAY TIMES SEPTEMBER 8, 2022

Our community needed so much; we decided on a vision that would care for as many people as possible. Our vision was to build a mixed income, multicultural senior hous ing and service village that would provide LGBTQ welcoming housing and services for Openhouse residents, the neighborhood in which the village was located, and LGBTQ seniors throughout the city. We further understood from the start that we could not, on our own, build enough hous ing or provide enough senior services to meet the needs of our aging community. So, since 2004, Openhouse has been providing LGBTQ older adult cultural competency training for Bay Area senior serving providers and organizaIntions.2008, Openhouse finally secured a site to build on. In April of 2008, the Board of Supervisors voted unanimously to give final approval to a Hayes Valley residential complex with affordable housing welcoming to LGBTQ older adults. Construction was expected to begin in the fall of that year and com pletion was scheduled for 2011. But the recession delayed construction and the project wasn’t completed until just before DespiteCOVID.thedelays that were outside of Openhouse’s control and last-minute changes from a mixed income project to an affordable housing project, Openhouse, in partnership with the city and Mercy Housing, successfully established its flagship site of senior housing and services on Laguna Street in Hayes Valley.TheOpenhouse village consists of two buildings: 55 Laguna, a repurposed and beautifully renovated historic building that includes affordable housing apartments and Openhouse’s Service Center; and a newly constructed five-story building that includes the 75 Laguna Openhouse Community Activity Center and the affordable housing at 95 Laguna. There are a total of 121 affordable senior apartments in the village. The buildings share a large courtyard and outdoor space nestled in the back of the Openhouse’sbuildings.LGBTQ senior cultural competency training for senior service providers and senior serving organizations also has been successful and has had an impact on making local services and both market rate and affordable senior housing more LGBTQ inclusive. Much has been accomplished. But there is still much more work to be done.

Morton B. Blatt and Peter G. Holmstrom were together for more than 60 years. They met in Chicago, where Peter was working as a highly successful investor at a well-known brokerage firm, and Morton was following an equally successful career as a commercial artist. They came to Northern California in the late 1980s and remained here for the rest of their lives. Avid travelers, they also deeply enjoyed the Bay Area’s arts and culture and contributed generously to numerous arts organizations. Their Greenbrae home was filled with Morton’s remarkable art, their collection of Chinese blue and white porcelain, and other items from their travels.

A 2022 study by the San Francisco LGBTQ Aging Research Partnership reported on the physical and emotional health of San Francisco’s LGBTQ older adults during COVID and which services they were able to receive and which they were unable to access. In many cases, most older LGBTQ adults were able to access the services they needed. Mental health counseling, however, was reported as the highest unmet need by almost 17% of the 500 respondents. Mental health issues, such as depression and PTSD, spiked, and feelings of loneliness and isolation increased. More than one in four people of color, HIV+ respondents, and people with disabilities reported being unable to access mental health service. Even with the new and innovative telehealth counselling program com ing online at Curry Senior Center, the LGBTQ senior community will still need greater access to culturally appropriate, senior cen tered, affordable mental health

Dr. Kathleen Sullivan and Dr. Marcy Adelman

Twenty-four years ago, I co-founded Openhouse with my late partner, Jeanette Gurevitch, to build senior housing with services for San Francisco’s LGBTQ commu nity. It was a time much different than the one we now live in. LGBTQ older adults were invisible in all areas of mainstream senior services. LGBTQ seniors were not welcome in either market rate or affordable senior housing or at any point along the continuum of senior care in San Francisco. LGBTQ older adults would go back into the closet to access senior housing or services, or at great risk to their health, choose not to access needed services at all. Low-income seniors were being forced out of San Francisco by evictions and rising rents by an inflated housing market. T he situation for LGBTQ seniors was more dire; they were being forced to leave their home and the community they built, where they felt safe to live an out life. With few safe options, they faced an uncertain future. We invited senior community members, Jan Falkner, Matile Rothschild, Arthur Hurwith, and Warren Van Eck, to join us. They accepted our invitation and together we comprised the founding board. We spoke about aging at small gatherings in people’s homes and to numerous LGBTQ organizations.

By Dr. Kathleen M. Sullivan

When they passed, they left a bequest to Horizons Foundation both to create a permanent endowed fund for the LGBTQ community and to identify a capital project in the LGBTQ community.

The resulting capital gift made possible by Peter and Morton’s generous legacy helped to create, support, and maintain The Morton B. Blatt and Peter G. Holmstrom LGBTQ+ Senior Community Center. A plaque honors their major contribution on the interior as well as exterior of the 75 Laguna Street building.

Dr. Marcy Adelman

Past,Openhouse.Present, Future

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There is much to celebrate and be proud of. It has taken decades and countless people who helped along the way—the senior LGBTQ community first and foremost, community and civic leaders, the amazing Openhouse staff and board members, donors, foundations, and so many others. St ill, despite all the progress made, the LGBTQ senior community continues to be underserved in mainstream senior services. According to the 2018 San Francisco Department of Disability and Aging Services Needs Assessment, LGBTQ seniors are two and a half times less likely to utilize mainstream senior services and more likely to access services housed within LGBTQ identified agencies. Similar results were reported in the more recent 2022 needs assessment. Going forward, Openhouse can continue to play an important role in meeting the community’s unmet needs.

Kathleen is the perfect person to take Openhouse to the next level and grow Openhouse’s footprint of LGBTQ senior housing and services in San Francisco, and she is well positioned to assist and advise other Northern California com munities in how they can best serve their aging LGBTQ communities using the Openhouse model of senior housing with services.

How did people want to age and with whom? We asked people not just what they thought was possible but what they would like to see happen as they got older. I knew I wanted to live in an intergenerational community that embraced aging and centered the voices, experiences, and ongoing contributions of LGBTQ older adults. Whether I lived in senior housing or not, that was the kind of greater community I wanted to be a part of. We were a grassroots effort imbued with the spirit of community building. T his spirit continues at

Dr. Marcy Adelman with portrait of her and Jeanette Gurevitch (1948–2003) by artist Elaine Badgley Arnoux

Alegre Home Care is proud to support Dr. Marcy Adelman’s Aging in Community column in the San Francisco Bay Times

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Key takeaways from the Openhouse study were that (1) the incomes of LG older adults mirrored that of their heterosexual peers and (2) that LG older adults differed from their heterosexual peers as they are more likely to be single, live alone, not have children, and to have higher disability rates. These results shattered the myth of gay wealth and of the gay community not being in need of, or deserving of, affordable housing; and second, that LG older adults, having fewer traditional supports and higher disability rates, would greatly benefit from support.

Dr. Kathleen M. Sullivan is the Executive Director of Openhouse: https://www.openhousesf.org/ Aging Communityin

Peter and Morton also cared deeply about the LGBTQ community, contributing to many LGBTQ causes over the years. As they put it, they simply “wanted to help as many LGBTQ people as possible.”

Services Program, Rainbow Lunch, and Community Day Services, to name just a few.

We searched for a housing developer partner. We met with both for profit and nonprofit develop ers. Some questioned the financial feasibility of our project; others said they were too busy building housing for their own community. A fter all, we had little to offer to enter into a partnership. We had no money and no land to build on. We explored the possibility of a partnership with two different developers but they didn’t work out. We also made several serious attempts at securing a site to build on. All of which were in or near Hayes HayesValley.Valley seemed like the most likely place for our village. It was and is a gay friendly neighborhood close to the Castro. It also was a neighborhood with large parcels of open land. The Central Freeway had come down during the earthquake and the neighborhood was determined not to rebuild it. They wanted to replace the freeway with a green, walkable neighborhood with fewer cars, more housing, and more sunlight. The Hayes Valley Neighborhood Association (HVNA) was home to some remarkable advocates. Jeanette and I sat in on some of their meetings and then presented our vision of what we wanted to build in the neighborhood. We found we had much in common. We became members and supporters. We didn’t know it then, but our long relationship with HVNA would play an important role in securing a developer and eventually the site on Laguna Street. We also met with city and community leaders and city personnel. To address the concerns we encountered when meeting with city personnel, we decided to conduct a survey designed to col lect demographic, psychosocial, and senior/retirement housing information from LGBT people of all ages. A total of 1301 LGBT adults returned the survey. There were too few bisexual and trans gender elder respondents to include in the analysis of the study. However, peo ple of color made up more than 25% of the sample. The survey was the largest and most racially inclusive sample of gay men and lesbians over the age of 50 that had been conducted up to that time.

By Dr. Kathleen M. Sullivan

The inspiration came from Openhouse founders Marcy Adelman and Jeanette Gurevitch, who envisioned a place where older LGBTQ San Franciscans could live their authentic lives safely and in community with one another. Openhouse has been a beacon of hope and what is possible for these past twenty-four years, and as we grow, we continue to add more programs, services, and physical spaces for LGBTQ older adults in San OneFrancisco.suchspace is our 75 Laguna building, which has over 7,000 square feet of community program space and is named in honor of Morton B. Blatt and Peter G. Holmstrom, who made a $1,750,000 gift to Openhouse through the Horizons Foundation. Part of that gift, $250,000, is held by the Foundation and is meant to fund maintenance on the space—a welcome investment. A center point of the building is the living memorial to long-term survivors of HIV/AIDS, a mural by David Faulk and a robust community advisory committee that reaffirms a diagnosis does not mean life Thestops.Morton B. Blatt and Peter G. Holmstrom LGBTQ Senior Community Center at 75 Laguna was made possible through the contributions of many individuals in our community, local partner organizations, and companies like Coterie and Oryx Partners. In addition, we are grateful to On Lok for partnering with us on creating a beautiful community space that houses our joint community day service program.

Artist David Faulk in front of the mural he created, entitled The Scenic Route, for the lobby staircase at 75 Laguna

Our Community Engagement team, led by Director Sylvia Vargas and Managers J Jha and Ariel Mellinger, developed hybrid programming for the past several months using a technology called the Owl, allowing community members to be onsite or at home for classes. We also started hosting our wonderful Rainbow Lunch in person again as well as our new Latinx/a/o/e group, a Juneteenth celebration for our African American Community Members that included a day of pam pering, and a celebration for Asian Heritage Month. We are looking forward to expanding in-person programs as the pandemic wanes, like our TGNC Sunday dinners and onsite art classes.

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Sulique Waca is the Manager of the program for On Lok; her team includes wonderfully caring CNAs Jhon Htay and Activity Therapist Jeffrey Basile. From gardening, to cooking classes, a visit from the San Francisco Symphony and field trips, this program offers transportation, socialization, meals, and support for our community members who need a little more assistance. Additionally, it offers respite for caregivers, a great need in our community. We are proud to officially open the new campus and we hope that, over time, more and more of our community will have the chance to explore and use the community space, and to meet new friends there. As we open this new site, we are again partnering with Mercy Housing on a new affordable development. The new location will be around the corner from our Laguna campus, 1939 Market Street. Stay tuned for information about that project.

The Openhouse campus now includes the Openhouse Community at 55 Laguna, the Marcy Adelman and Jeanette Gurevitch Community at 95 Laguna, The Bob Ross LGBT Senior Community Center at 65 Laguna, and the new Morton B. Blatt and Peter Holmstrom LGBTQ Senior Community Center at 75 Laguna. The buildings are connected via a back courtyard accessible to all residents of 55 and 95 Laguna and community members who are participating in programming at Openhouse. The courtyard has doubled as a place of celebration—from a drag show to celebrate Pride in 2020 to our recent Pride celebration that simulcast the parade with a wonderful DJ and great food. The expansion proj ect included 110 units of housing and community space, both of which are possible through the partnerships between Mercy Housing and Openhouse. Originally slated to open to the community in March 2020, this long delayed opening is finally here and comes after some of the space has been open to the community, albeit on a limited basis. Community Support Services, for instance, has had drop-in hours for community members who need help securing housing in San Francisco. In the last year, our housing navigation team lead by Director Carrie Schell and Housing Supervisor Aisling Peterson held 24 housing workshops and helped over 230 LGBTQ seniors connect to housing resources.

Dr. Kathleen M. Sullivan is the Executive Director of https://www.openhousesf.org/Openhouse:

A New Community Space at Openhouse

SAN FRANCISCO BAY TIMES LGBTQ News & Calendar for the Bay Area CELEBRATING FOUR DECADES (1978–2022)75 LAGUNA Volunteers from Harness helped prepare Pride items for Openhouse members AROCENA.THERESABYPHOTO WELDONPENNBYPHOTO An art class at the Oryx Partners Art Studio at 75 Laguna Staff members in the Coterie Cathedral Hill Reception desk at 75 Laguna

All in all, the space is tremendous, uplifting, and most importantly, meeting the needs of LGBTQ adults age 50 and older. Our courtyard in the back provides outdoor space and community gardens that allow residents of both the 55 Laguna and 95 Laguna space to grow vegetables and flowers. The promise of bringing community together to enhance social networks, learning, and fun is realized at the new center and it will continue to grow as we are able to open up more and more.

Perhaps the crown jewel of the space is the community day program, a partnership between On Lok and Openhouse. Openhouse Director of Strategic Partnerships and Training, Ephraim Getahun, and his team identify community members for the joint program and shepherd them through the process of getting enrolled. The program is affectionately called “Club 75” by community members and is home to a variety of innovative programs that can be tailored to the different functional and capacity levels of attendees.

Openhouse will soon turn 25 years old. Since the time of our founding in 1998, we have services,innovativecreatedsocialaworld class cultural competency training curriculum, programming proven to reduce isolation and improve mental health outcomes, and, of course, housing.

Special thanks to photography curators Theresa Arocena, Sylvia Vargas, and Abby Zimberg

Taiga Ishikawa, an out member of the Japanese House of Councilors, with San Francisco Bay Times columnists John Lewis (left) and Stuart Gaffney at the GLBT History Museum’s event in his honor on Tuesday, August 30. Lewis will be in Japan as a visiting scholar during the 2022 fall semester.

Gay Japanese Lawmaker Making History in the Footsteps of Harvey Milk and José Sarria

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When Taiga Ishikawa, the first openly gay man to serve in the Diet (Japanese Parliament), visited the exquisite GLBT Historical Society Museum in the Castro last week, queer history came alive for him as it has done for countless other museum Ishikawa,visitors.currently the only openly LGBTIQ Diet member, is leading the charge for advancement of LGBTIQ rights in Japan’s national legislature. Harvey Milk has long been a hero to Ishikawa. When Ishikawa viewed the solemn display of the suit that Milk was wearing when he was assassinated, the Japanese leader reflected through a “Yearstranslator:ago I saw the Harvey Milk movie and it really inspired me. I wanted to be like him. And so, I’ve been working hard since then. And he was killed when he was 48 years old. I am 48 this year—so it really gives me a lot to think about. 6/26 and Beyond Stuart Gaffney and John Lewis

John Lewis and Stuart Gaffney, together for over three decades, were plaintiffs in the California case for equal marriage rights decided by the California Supreme Court in 2008. Their leadership in the grassroots organization Marriage Equality USA contrib uted in 2015 to making same-sex m a rriage legal nationwide.

Ishikawa responded: “I really want to bring back that empowered way of thinking to Japan when I go home ... . I really feel that, in this museum, there are a lot of things that give that message of hope, and I really appreciate that ... I really received energy and power from Ishikawayou.” is now back in Japan making new history along with many other inspiring Japanese LGBTIQ activists. Indeed, we all continue to walk in each other’s footsteps.

Just like Milk and Sarria before him in San Francisco, Ishikawa spoke boldly about the political change needed in Japan today to achieve marriage equality and other critical legal protections against LGBTIQ Sincediscrimination.thetragic July 8 assassination of former Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, Japan has been engulfed in political upheaval with revelations of close ties between the conservative South Korean based Unification Church, founded by the controversial Reverend Sun Myung Moon, and conservative leaders in the ruling Liberal Democratic Party (LDP), including Abe. Abe and his political allies for years stymied progress on marriage equality and other anti-discrimination laws in the Ishikawa,Diet.a member of the opposition Constitutional Democratic Party (CDP), explained: “We have known actually for quite a long time that the Unification Church is behind blocking gay marriage, and that they have been influencing the ruling Liberal Democratic Party. The general public did not know that. It was also taboo to talk about that in political circles. But now that is Thechanging.”Unification Church is known for its exploitative fundraising tactics. Ishikawa described it as “more of a cult than a religion,” explaining how they have “tricked and brainwashed a lot of (Japanese) people into giving them a lot of money.” According to an August Kyodo News survey, at least 82 LDP Diet members had some connection with the Ishikawachurch. emphasized: “I think it’s extremely important right now to expose those crimes so that the politicians will sever their ties with the Unification Church. I really want to spread the word to people that the fact this whenriageulacethanJapanesethat,Ishikawaproblem.”governmenttiesorganizationcriminalhadstrongtotheJapanesewasabigexplainedaccordingtopolling,“more70%ofthepop-supportsmar-equality”andthathetalksdirectlywith LDP leaders, “there are actually many people who are very supportive of marriage equality.” He believes that, if the LDP severs its ties with the Unification Church, “it’s going to mean a huge change to attitudes in regard to marriage equality” in the Diet, and “it might be surprisingly easy to establish gay marriage.” He added that he hoped his own CDP party comes to power to do that as well as to enact many other laws supporting LGBTIQ people and other disadvantaged minorities in Japan. After giving Ishikawa an intimate and in-depth tour of the multi-faceted museum, Director of Development & Communications Andrew Shaffer, who hosted Ishikawa along with the Historical Society’s Mark Sawchuk and Leigh Pfeffer, explained, “We don’t like history to just live on a shelf and be a lesson from the past. We want it to be something people can learn from and actively use in their daily life.”

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Everything he left behind. His legacy. Everything that you are treasuring here. I really want to walk in those footsteps in Japan. Carry on that Ishikawa,legacy.”clearly a student of LGBTIQ history, already knew about another San Francisco legend, José Sarria, who is also featured prominently in the museum. Sarria was a San Francisco drag community pioneer and dynamic local performer, who was the first known openly gay person to run for elective office back in 1961. Ishikawa seemed clearly inspired to see the museum’s display of Sarria’s military photo, coupled with the lavish costume kimono Sarria wore on stage in Madama Butterfly, along with Sarria’s political campaign Ishikawaposter. explained he believed that Sarria was politically “very empowering” because, even though he didn’t win, “he got a lot of votes,” thereby making “the community stronger.” Ishikawa drew a parallel to the emerging visibility of LGBTIQ Japanese politicians today, where in the latest Diet election four openly LGBTIQ candidates ran. Although all unfortunately lost, including Otsuji Kanako, the first elected openly LGBTIQ Diet member, Ishikawa emphasized “just the fact that they were running for office in itself is very important.”

And then, for bonus points, she also defeated Sarah Palin. As someone who has spent a lot of time in Alaska for almost 30 years, I can vouch for the fact that Alaskan politics can be wild, weird, fascinat ing, and often unpredictable. Folks in what Alaskans call the Lower 48 often forget that Alaska began as a Democratic state. And to many Alaskans, being a good neighbor— someone you can rely on—is more important than political ideology. Alaskans across the political spectrum have simply never forgiven Palin for quitting her job halfway through her term as governor. That came back to haunt her in this election. Mary Peltola’s victory in this special election certainly gives Democrats some momentum, but she still has to face opponents again in the midterm elections. This is going to be one fascinating and important race to watch.

Political activism and the AIDS crisis found Leslie taking on more leadership roles at the NAMES Project AIDS Memorial Quilt, AIDS Emergency Fund, Under One Roof, Lyon-Martin Health Services, and a ten-year stint as Executive Director of the Pacific Center in Oakland. She officially retired from full-time work before the pandemic, but has never stopped giving back to the community, currently serving on the board of the National AIDS Memorial. And in the midst of all that service, she drew cartoons that captured the tumultuous times through which she lived, as well musings about life in Rockridgegeneral.

The walk-in vaccination clinic located at ZSFG at 1001 Potrero, Building 30, is open for first and second doses of the MPX vaccine through Friday, September 9, 8 am to 4 pm or until the vaccine supply is exhausted. No appointment is needed and hopefully the clinic will be extended through additional weeks. The following locations have supplies of the Jynneos vaccine by appointment only:

LeatherWalk 2022, which benefits the LEATHER & LGBTQ Cultural District’s mission of keeping South of Market queer and kinky, is the official kick-off for San Francisco’s Leather Week, which culminates one week later at the 2022 Folsom Street Fair on September 25. For more info, and to support your favorite https://sfleatherdistrict.org/LeatherWalker: Remembering Jim DeLange

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For additional information and to see if you are up to date with your COVID-19 vaccinations, go to: https://tinyurl.com/fm7dmr3u

COVID-19 Updated Boosters

• SF City Clinic: call 628-217-6600

Joanie Juster is a long-time community volunteer, activist, and ally. You Missed It Joanie

Updated COVID-19 boosters, with protection against the Omicron variant, are now available and recommended for individuals 12+ who’ve completed their primary series or received their last booster dose at least 2 months prior. Updated Pfizer boosters are available for individuals 12+ and updated Moderna boosters are available for individuals 18+.

• Kaiser Permanente patients and non-patients: call 415-833-9999

Leslie’s record of activism and leadership is legendary in the Bay Area and beyond. Trained as an artist and designer at Occidental College and UCLA, she pursued a career in merchandising for over 20 years, but never stopped documenting her life and times through her cartoons.

• SF Health Network patients: call your provider or health center d irectly • UC SF patients and non-patients: call 415-502-3566. https://tinyurl.com/v8fynszy

And You Lose Some Every day news comes in of the latest legislative attacks on LGBTQ+ people. Some are so bizarre that the mind reels. Example: for the first time in 15 years, Sarasota schools are turning down hundreds of free dictionaries from the local Rotary Club. The Rotary Club. What could possibly be provocative about dictionaries from the Rotary Club? Well, under the new rules, the district cannot buy or accept any new books until it hires someone to make sure they comply with Florida’s insane censorship regulations. So, the district is in danger of violating a radical new law that is part of Governor Ron DeSantis’s war on inclusive curricula. The idea of banning dictionaries is so absurd that it almost seems like a joke, but instead of being funny, the implications are chilling, and far-reaching.

• Adult Immunization and Travel Clinic (AITC); please make an on line appointment at www.TravelClinicSF.org

The leather community will be celebrating this month. Here are some of the highlights: On Sunday, September 18, LeatherWalk will return as the traditional launch to San Francisco’s Leather Week. Produced by the LEATHER & LGBTQ Cultural District, the walk will commence at the Polk Street steps of City Hall at 11:30 am, then stop at several historic locations and watering holes along the route to its culmination at Leather Pride Fest at Eagle Plaza, sponsored by the SF Eagle. The Leather Pride Fest will include the raising of the historic Leather Pride Flag, and a beer/soda bust from 3 to 6 pm.

When the news came out that Reverend Jim DeLange had passed away on August 20, my mind was flooded with mem ories of the early days of the AIDS crisis, DeLangebecausewas everywhere: at vigils and marches and AIDS Walks, minister ing to the sick and dying, comforting the mourners, and making sure that those who had been spurned by other churches found a welcome home in his. A straight ally, he devoted much of his life to caring for both the physical and spiritual needs of the LGBTQ+ community, and fighting on behalf of their rights in the church, and in society. His leadership at St. Francis Lutheran Church, the Interfaith Council of San Francisco, and more made profound changes in countless lives. He was a true hero, and will be missed.

Groundbreaking elections, a grow ing trend toward banning books and diminishing young minds, and some truly great news about a cartoon show by a local legend are all front and center. Win, lose, or draw, there is plenty going on this week. You Win Some First Kansas, then ... Alaska?? In August, the state of Kansas sent shockwaves through the political universe by voting very decisively to protect a woman’s right to choose. Kansas was the first state to vote on abortion rights since the U.S. Supreme Court handed down its ruling in D obbs v. Jackson’s Women’s Health Organization. The state’s 59–41% vote gave hope to women everywhere: if a state with a voting record as red as Kansas could produce such a lopsided win for women’s rights, there could be hope for other states. Activists and voters throughout the country were re-energized. And now another state traditionally written off by the pundits has given more hope for the midterms ahead. On August 31, staunchly pro-choice Democrat Mary Peltola was declared the winner of Alaska’s special election to fill the congressional seat left vacant after the death of longtime congressman Don Young last March. Peltola’s victory is historic for several reasons. First, Peltola, a Yup’ik woman, will become the first Native Alaskan in Congress. Second, she will be the first woman to represent Alaska in the House of firstThird,Representatives.shewillbetheDemocrattowin

Vaccine Sites

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Florida is far from alone. More and more state and local legislatures and school districts are passing laws to make it easier to ban books, prohibit teachers from talking about anything that touches on racism, sexism, or gender issues, and prohibit librarians from stocking or distributing books that don’t fit their extremely narrow definition of what is “acceptable.” Forty-two states have now enacted limits on what teachers can say about racism or sexism in theLetclassroom.thatsink in a minute. Forty-two states. It’s an all-out, coordinated, well-funded attack on the freedom to learn, with the attackers becoming bolder and more threatening every day. What to do? Fight back. Support candidates for your local school board and other legislative seats who actually believe students have a right to learn about the world they live in. Attend school board meetings and speak out for the freedom to learn. And provide students with books. One positive effort has been in the news: The Brooklyn Public Library has started a program called Books UnBanned. For a limited time, they are offering individuals all over the country, ages 13–21, the opportunity to apply for a free Brooklyn Public Library card, providing access to their full eBook collection as well as learning databases. Read more about how BPL is supporting teens https://tinyurl.com/BPLlinkhere: And Then There’s the Drawing Heads up, car toon fans: here comes a show you won’t want to miss. For over four inghasistleadercommunitydecades,andactiv-LeslieEwingbeendraw-cartoonsthat cover topics both political and personal, but always through her unique lens that ranges from trenchant to quirky to hilarious. Read more about Leslie and her artwork elsewhere in our next edition of the San Francisco Bay Times, but in the meantime, be sure to stop by the Rockridge Café to see her work from September 15 through October 26 (8:30 am to 2 pm daily).

a U.S. House election in Alaska since 1972— the year that Roe v. Wade made abor tion legal through out the land.

In Case

Winning,JusterLosing, and Drawing

• St rut patients: call 628-212-8038

Café (5492 College Avenue, Oakland) is a small, cozy café that is famous for breakfast and lunch classics. While there won’t be an opening reception for Leslie’s show, you can meet the artist each Saturday at 1 pm, so pop in, enjoy the show, and say hi.

Final Words Don’t forget that both COVID-19 and monkeypox are still with us. Please take sensible precautions, and stay safe.

Celebrating Leather

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Money

Brio does not provide tax or legal advice, and nothing contained in these materials should be taken as such. The opinions expressed in this article are for general informational purposes only and are not intended to provide specific advice or recommendations for any indi vidual or on any specific security. It i s only intended to provide education about the financial industry. To det e rmine which investments may be appropriate for you, consult your financial advisor prior to investing. Any past performance discussed during this program is no guarantee of future results. Any indices refer enced for comparison are unmanaged and cannot be invested into di rectly. As always please remember investing involves risk and possible loss of principal capital; please seek advice from a licensed profesBsional.rioFinancial Group is a registered investment adviser. SEC R egistration does not constitute an endorsement of Brio by the SEC More Money with Less Effort? Matters

there may be people who enter or leave your life. Often times, someone will pass away who held a vital position in your estate planning documents. Other cases of exit could be a divorce or the ending of a relationship. In a more positive light, there could be a new birth in the family, or perhaps you have met a new significant other whom you would like to include in your planning.

An estate plan should make you feel that your assets and loved ones have a secure strategy for the future. However, having an estate plan doesn’t mean that everything ends there. As with most things, an estate plan needs to be reviewed and updated throughout your lifetime. An outdated estate plan can actually do more harm than good for you in the long run. What Needs Updating? An estate plan typically includes a variety of documents used to plan for your financial, legal, and health situation. These documents are created around your known goals and concerns, and also for any unforeseen circumstances that may occur.

In Compliance with California Rules of Professional Conduct : The materials in this article have been prepared by Jay Greene for educational purposes only and are not legal advice. This information does not create an attorney-client relationship. Individuals

Our firm’s comprehensive estate planning packages always include a Trust, Power of Attorney, Health Care Directive, and Last Will. Each of these documents will have a major impact during your life or after you pass away. As you encounter life changes, you would want your essential documents to reflect these changes as well.

Money managers - This is like the group tour in that you get guidance from a human, but it’s short of the comprehensive, customized level offered by financial advisors. Also known as portfolio managers or investment managers, these professionals help you develop an appropriate investment strategy, then buy and sell securities to meet your goals. They manage your investment portfolio and risk, based on your goals and timeframe.

6 SAN FRANCISCO BAY TIMES SEPTEMBER 8, 2022

“I’ll be wearing a scarf,” our private tour guide to the Louvre told me when I asked how we would find her in the crowd. Despite our skepticism, our group quickly spotted the elegant Frenchwoman who expertly guided us through the massive museum. She not only optimized our time and ensured we saw all the iconic masterpieces, but she also pointed out things such as Braque’s The Birds ceil ing and doors to secret passageways that we likely wouldn’t have discovered on our own.

Unforeseen Changes

Why Updating Your Estate Plan Matters

Updating your estate plan is a must, and it is easier than you think! The first step is to gather your current estate planning documents and to notate all major changes that have occurred since the documents were created. Next, you would want an experienced estate planning attor ney to review your documents. Our firm frequently reviews estate planning documents from other attorneys to ensure our clients’ estate plans are up-to-date. As needed, our firm will create new documents inclusive of current legal provisions and client update requests to ensure their wishes are met. If you or someone you know has an estate plan that needs to be updated, please reach out to our office and schedule a free initial assessment to get Statementsstarted.

Or you can hire a guide—a financial service or professional—to help you make better use of your time and money. Some options include: Robo-advisors - These digital financial advisors are like getting the museum’s audio tour in that there’s not much human intervention. They deliver generalized advice based on information and parameters you input. They’re generally inexpensive and easy to use, so they can be a smart step for young investors who want to establish good habits.

There are infinite possibilities for what can change throughout your life, but there are three common types of changes we want you to conFirst,sider.

Steps to Update

Financial planning is a bit like the Louvre in that there are lots of different ways to experience it. You could go it alone by referencing an array of financial books and podcasts and online sources. But that takes a lot of time and energy on your part to do the research. And you may not have access to all the financial tools that the professionals have.

Financial advisors - For the most customized advice, you need someone who will get to know everything about you, including your goals, family, fears, and idiosyncrasies. Going beyond just your investments, a financial planner or advisor looks at your entire financial picture— including things like taxes, estate planning, and insurance—to help you develop an individualized plan for getting to your goals.

Just like a private museum tour, a financial advisor may cost more than your other options. But they can also give you advantages that make those fees money well spent. Here are my top reasons for believing that you’ll come out better with the help of a financial planner: 1. You could make more money Let’s start off with the biggie. In 2019, Vanguard quantified the value of professional financial advice, find ing that it can add about 3% to your net returns. If you pay 1% for that advice, you still come out 2% ahead. As an example, let’s say you invest $500 a month for 20 years. With an earnings rate of 7%, you’d end up with $260,000. Give that rate a 2% bump from professional planning, and your same investment amount yields $334,000—a nice $74,000 extra. And you didn’t have to do all the research to get that return. More money for less work seems like the perfect reason to hire a financial advisor.

For example, a charitable remainder trust could lower your tax bill, provide an income stream for a number of years, and benefit your favorite charity at the same time.

2. You get third-party input Money evokes a wide range of emotions, so it can help to have a barrier between it and your fears or impulses. Too many investors lack self-control, unknowingly act against their own interests, or make decisions based on feelings instead of facts. A good advisor knows you well enough to steer you away from bad choices or prod you toward good ones. Kind of like a psychologist and coach all in one. 3. You could learn about hidden gems. An advisor looks at your financial situation holistically and understands all your goals, not just the financial ones. This knowledge can help them suggest creative strategies or lesser-known investments.

Yes, I’m schilling for my profession, but I truly believe in what we do. Over and over, I’ve seen how people de-stress and benefit from having a professional in their corner when it comes to money. So, for anyone with $100k or more of assets, I highly suggest engaging a financial planner.

Just look for the scarf.

Want to Make

Second, you will accumulate different assets throughout your life. This could include the purchase of a new house, or sale of an old house. You might start a business and require asset protection planning to ensure your assets are secure. Other assets could include a recent inheritance, new vehicles, and bank accounts.

Third, there are frequent changes to estate planning law. This type of change is completely out of your control, and it may impact you negatively. Estate plans interact with so many legal and financial elements that there is bound to be some level of impact to you. These elements include but are not limited to taxation, property assessments, and qualification for government benefits.

Brandon Miller Trust Essentials

Jay

Greene, Esq., CPA (continued on page 18) (continued on page 18)

Rebecca Friedberg: This gets a little nerdy. I did my B.A. in psychology and was most fascinated by neuropsych, the biology of the brain and nervous system. A synapse is the place two neurons meet, a space filled with electrochemical activity, where information is passed between cells. I imagine this as a metaphor for the design process— the interaction of creative minds sharing ideas, generating visions for the physical spaces where we live, work, and play.

Rebecca Friedberg: It’s all about relationships and integrity. Most of us aren’t doing something completely new in the world, so it’s the way we do it that matters. It’s critical to act with integrity, hold onto your vision and values, and GGBA CALENDAR

for the professional and personal camaraderie and also, hopefully, to do business together.

GGBA: Who are some of your role models, and especially those who helped to influence your busiRebeccaness?

page 18)

Rebecca Friedberg: I joined the GGBA because part of my mission is to serve the communities I care about, one of which is my local LGBTQ+ community. I love working with clients who share my values and world view—it’s just more fun. The design, permitting, and construction world is daunting to navigate, and I see it as my responsibility to make the process smoother and more enjoyable for my clients. I hope to meet more LGBTQ+ business owners, both

Message from Leadership Over the last four years, I have had the honor and privilege of serving as the Treasurer of the Board of Directors for the Golden Gate Business Association (GGBA), the nation’s first LGBTQ+ Chamber of Commerce, founded in San Francisco in 1974. My journey, like most others, has been a roller coaster and one that I have learned from our beloved chamber members. I am beyond excited for my next role within the organization—the GGBA President! As I transition from the Treasurer to the President role, I choose to reflect. I am amazed and thrilled to be surrounded by such a committed group of all-volunteer Board of Directors. This group of people spans the entire inclusion rainbow of talent, knowledge, savvy, charisma, passion, and primarily pure drive for the mission of the GGBA.

Have you had a moment to check your pulse for your passion and drive to help further the LGBTQ+ and Allied business community, both locally and nationally? We are always looking for volunteer board members, committee members, and volunteers for events. Please reach out to me if we share this passion so we can get you Theinvolved.GGBA is once again at an inspiring time with its programming. Not only do we have the date set for Power Connect 2023, but we also have the date set for Power Connect 2024, which will dually celebrate our organization’s 50th anniversary. Our Golden Anniversary (50th) will be unlike anything we’ve ever done in our long inclusive rainbow of history. We hosted Power Connect 2022 at a unique creative space, SOMArts, and we heard nothing but rave reviews from our beloved chamber members. As the Board of Directors, we always put the needs of our members first by taking the time to listen to the survey feedback in order to gain insight into ways to improve the next Speakingevent. of our “members first” approach, we need your help! As with any membership-driven organization, we positively have strength in numbers. We are looking to host some membership drives, both online and in-person. We can only grow our chamber if we have the support of our members. Please be on the lookout for our announcements of details on these Overevents.the last twelve months, we have achieved a net growth of 55% in our chamber membership count. We take this as a massive win for us, given we are coming out of a global pandemic. If we can achieve this kind of growth during such a trying time, can you imagine if we could achieve triple-digit growth and what that could do for our organization? How much further could we move the LGBTQ+ and Allied business community envelope? The possibilities are endless. This is why I call upon our beloved chamber members and readers at large to please join us in our membership drive so we can work together to grow our historical and brightly inclusively colored rainbow orgaWenization.aretaking the next two years to indeed provide sufficient planning of our resources to deliver a substantial, robust, and meaningful Golden Anniversary for you. I would highly recommend always being on the lookout for any updates we may release, as we plan on integrating our events between now to set a path that leads up to our Golden Anniversary. We are also looking for volunteers who want to serve on the Golden Anniversary ICommittee.lookforward to seeing you at our next event, our Annual Meeting, on September 13, 2022; for more https://tinyurl.com/4wsnzsabinformation:

Friedberg: When I started my business, I thought a lot about my matriarchal grandmother. She was a little bit of a rebel and kind of a bad-ass for her time. She worked in a factory during WWII, experienced a heartbreaking amount of loss, and several true loves. She had a lot of courage and grit, and I think she would’ve supported my striking out on my own in a male-dominated industry. Architect role models? Superstarchitect Zaha Hadid, of course. And also, all the other women-architects I’ve met in the six years since starting my business.

From the bustling Woodhouse Blending & Brewing microbrewery in Santa Cruz to the Cat Town Cafe in Oakland that is comfy for both felines and humans, Synapse Design Studio meets all sorts of architectural needs for businesses big and small. At the heart of this successful, visionary firm is Californialicensed architect and educator Rebecca Friedberg, whom we recently caught up with to learn more about her business, projects, and connection to the GGBA.

Rebecca Friedberg (continued on

Tony Archuleta-Perkins is the incoming President of the Board of Directors for the Golden Gate Business Association, as well as the Founder/Broker of Ide8 Real Estate. Tony, a second-generation California Real Estate Broker, is the founder and owner of Ide8 Real Estate. Tony has worked in finance for 23 years, eight specifically as a fractional

I worked in public health and education before becoming an architect, and I believe that good design is critical to our wellbeing as individuals, communities, and as a planet. How places are designed affects who feels welcome and who feels kept out— and I think that’s something we need to pay close attention to.

GGBA: Why did you choose to call your firm the Synapse Design Studio? What does that mean?

GGBA: What other advice would you give to someone who is thinking of starting their own business?

GGBA: Please tell us about Synapse Design Studio and its Rebeccamission.Friedberg: Synapse Design Studio is an architecture and design practice with projects throughout Northern California. Our mission is to create public-facing spaces that bring people together and cultivate community. Our motto is: “Build What You Believe In.” We specialize in small to midsized commercial work, mostly public-facing: retail, restaurants, bars, spa/beauty/wellness, cannabis, office, and small multi-family. We love working with other small business owners to develop and distill the vision for their space. We design the space, create the drawings, and advocate for owners throughout the permitting process so they can relax, knowing we’re working hard to get their project approved.

Rebecca Friedberg of Synapse Design Studio

https://tinyurl.com/2t79byr4

GGBA Annual Membership Meeting & Make Contact 6–9 pm In person and on Zoom Wells Fargo (Connections Space) 333 Market Street, SF There will be food and drink, updates on GGBA accomplishments of the last year and plans for the next, installment of new board members and officers, and plenty of opportunities to mix with fellow GGBA members and community leaders.

What’s Next for the GGBA, Now That This LGBTQ+ Chamber of Commerce Is 48?

GGBA: Why did you decide to join the GGBA, and how long have you been a member?

Tuesday, September 13

By Tony Archuleta-Perkins

Rebecca Friedberg: I’ve only had the chance to attend one Make Contact event so far, but already feel like I met some wonderful people whom I look forward to getting to know better—and hopefully to do business with! I feel excited and also a kind of relief to be part of the LGBTQ+ business community. Our shared life experiences on multiple levels means we have great capacity to support one another in growing successful businesses while having fun doing it.

GGBA: What led you to go into architecture and to create your business? Rebecca Friedberg: I started Synapse Design Studio because I wanted to work on projects most aligned with my core values, serving communities I care about. Plus, I love wearing the many hats of a small business owner! Some days I’m drawing and designing beautiful spaces; other days I’m on a job site discussing construction details with a builder; still other times I get to connect and build relationships with potential clients or other bosses in the small-business community. Every day is different, and I appreciate that I never get bored.

GGBA Member Spotlight

CFO. Tony has two Master’s Degrees: an MBA and a Master’s of Science in Real Estate. Additionally, Tony is certified as a Real Negotiation Expert (RENE) and holds a Certified Real Estate Brokerage Manager (CRB) designation. Ide8 Real Estate has been proudly LGBTBE Certified by the National Gay Lesbian Chamber of https://www.ide8realestate.comCommerce.

Pre-registration is required. Bring a friend! If you are not able to make it in-person, please register anyway and the GGBA will send you a Zoom link to join virtually for the board presentation. Online elections for a new slate of board members are being held in advance of the event.

The built environment directly impacts our physical and mental well-being, and that knowledge guides every design decision I make.

GGBA: How has being a member of GGBA helped your business so far?

SAN FRANCISCO BAY TIMES SEPTEMBER 8, 2022 7

A shout-out to the Jaguar for its compelling color choice, a non-glossy green called “SVO Ultra Metallic Paint in Satin Finish.” It got tons of looks, which it should for its $7,410 option cost.

The X3 M40i and F-Pace SVR are flattering extensions of their brands. Silky and propulsive is the Jaguar, while the BMW is sharp and enthusiastic. You wouldn’t mind having both in your garage. Getting the negatives out of the way: I dislike the F-Pace’s narrow windows leading to tighter visibility. Meanwhile, the X3 could use more steering feel to better express the M40i’s impressive athleticism. Otherwise, go ahead and dig into the automotive feast these two lay out. What the BMW’s steering lacks in communication is met with directness and firmness. The Jaguar is also very direct, and it adds some smoothness, particularly in transitional behavior, such as steering off-center to tackle a curve. The BMW charges forth, while the Jaguar acts like it had the idea all along.

a Auto Philip Ruth Two Luxury Crossovers for Fun Jaguar F-PaceBMWSVRX3 (continued on page 18) Lorraine Bannister 1800 46th Avenue #302, SF, modern built 1991, 2bd, 1.5ba, 1 car parking, skylights, fplc, W/D, storage, 950 sq ft, shared outdoor space, MUNI stop outside. 2$899,999bedrooms, 1.5 CorcoranDREListedhttp://www.LorraineBRealEstate.combathsbyLorraineBannister#01119087GlobalLiving

Meanwhile, the X3 M40i was a pip in town, as it scooted around with athletic ease, though with a relatively stiff ride, which was keenly felt over San Francisco’s rutted roads.

Well, isn’t this grand. After two long years of COVID-19, here comes Jumonkeypox.staslockdown

For even more eyeballs, Jaguar offers the $110,000 F-Pace SVR Edition 1988; it’s Midnight Amethyst (purple) with Champagne Gold wheels.

In

The two we’re looking at this week would be fun tools for the job, all while they give very different experiences. Here we’re comparing luxury compact SUVs: the BMW X3, that in this case is in a sporty M40i trim and with a $62,400 price, versus the Jaguar F-Pace SVR at about $37,000 more. You’d spend more for the faster X3 M that would be more comparable to the F-Pace SVR, though the most-loaded X3 M is still more than $10,000 cheaper than the tested $99,089 F-Pace SVR.

fatigue starts to lift, we’re back to the stark advisories of socializing within our existing bubbles, and to avoid physical connection with others until the vaccine has stuck more arms. This is all while COVID-19 is more potent and transmissible than ever. The cruelest part for me was skipping the Dore Alley street fair for the third year in a row; same with Lazy Bear in Guerneville. They’re where I’d catch up with friends I hadn’t seen in a while—in this case, a long while. A s we cope with another impactful virus, I’m back to my primary pandemic activity, i.e., going for long drives.

The Jaguar was a stormer, with its sub-four-second 0-60 time and the feeling of a cannonball under the hood, igniting you forward.

10 SAN FRANCISCO BAY TIMES SEPTEMBER 8, 2022 Property Listings Laura Martell REAL ESTATE Do you have a property listing for this page? Email us: publisher@sfbaytimes.com 766 Guerrero St, Mission Dolores Park, chef’s kitchen, hdwd fls, sunlight, private bkyd, in/out living, lg deck, WinklerDREDanielleWinklerDRELauraListedhttp://www.766Guerrero.comgardenbyMartell#01401840RealEstateGroupClements#01910218RealEstateGroup

I’ve been staring at its images online ( https://tinyurl.com/4j63xkkv ) and still can’t decide if it’s too much or just enough. our current state of low inventories, I checked Bay Area dealers to see if these models are actually available for purchase. I found

Eduardo Morales, PhD, is one of the founders of AGUILAS, where he serves as Executive Director. He is also a Professor Emeritus and retired Distinguished Professor of Psychology at Alliant International University and is the current Past President of the National Latinx Psychological Association.

A Season to Reconnect and Express Appreciation

As we move toward the end of summer, take time to reflect on those whom you value and appreciate in your life before you get preoccupied with the events of the fall and winter seasons. Try to reconnect with those whom you miss and have not kept in close contact with for some time. The var ious seasonal holidays often permit opportunities for reconnecting with friends and loved ones, but those gatherings may not allow for sufficient, more personal quality time. Take inventory of those who have been important in your life. If you cannot be with them in person, just simply write them a note or call to express that you have been thinking about them and wish to catch up on their news. Given the multiple pandemics we are experiencing, it would be unfortunate not to take the time now to express appreciations of friendship and to plan to visit with others soon. Once friends and family members have gone or departed, we are frequently left with desires, recollections, and regrets.

Nuestra Voz Eduardo Morales, Ph.D.

Thefilled.COVID-19

pandemic, multiple monkeypox (MPX) cases, and even an outbreak of Legionnaires’ disease in Northern California have affected our typical lifestyles and ways to socialize. The new vaccine for the different variants of COVID19 is available as well as the annual flu vaccine. Consider these forms of protection so you can move along with your life and minimize the fear of becoming infected. I continue to be cautious by wearing a KN95 mask when I am among crowds and doing chores. I feel it is a small price to pay in lieu of running a higher risk of being sick and being unable to socialize. Consider receiving the MPX vaccine, which is now more plentiful and available than in past months. At some agencies like AGUILAS, the staff can make an appointment for you to receive the MPX vaccine through the San Francisco Department of Public Health so you can avoid the long wait lines. For more howwhomlatewithtimeprotected.thefeelliverestricttionthetionsfewofappointment.vaccinesKaiserhttps://www.sfaguilas.org/information:isalsoadministeringMPXandusuallyrequiresanThesevaccinesarefreecharge!Althoughthereareveryfatalitiescausedbythecomplica-ofMPXinfectionsthroughoutworld,Iunderstandthatinfec-ofMPXisverypainfulandwillyourabilitytosocializeandyourlife.Ilookforwardtotheupcominggatherings,streetfairs,andfestivitieshereintheBayArea.ImaintainmyprecautionswhilesocializingandcomfortedthatIhaveutilizedvariousvaccinestokeepmyselfMeanwhile,nowistheformetoreconnectandengagemyfriends,so,IplantousethesummerandfalltobewiththoseIvalueandtoletthemknowmuchIappreciatethem.

SAN FRANCISCO BAY TIMES SEPTEMBER 8, 2022 11

Lately I have taken the time to get my affairs in order so that I can spend time with those whom I value and appreciate. Wishing them well by writing a card, calling them, and getting together to catch up are some of my goals for the remainder of this year. I feel better when I reach out to reconnect with my friends, family members, and colleagues. Now I have the time before the busy season of holidays complicates social Theschedules.fallseason can take on a new meaning and adventure by recognizing that it is a season to reconnect. Through this process I hope to feel more complete, resolved, and ful-

What about those who have already paid off their student loans? This is a rhetorical question, but when did we become so selfish and shortsighted? If you were fortunate enough to pay off your student loans or privileged enough not to have any in the first place, congratulations. Many aren’t as fortunate or privileged. This is a welcomed relief for those saddled with student loan debt and lowerpaying Countlessjobs.government programs have helped Americans find ways out of poverty and promote invest-

Putting more money in the pockets of people paying for housing by reducing college debt increases housing options and affordability. It also makes homeownership possible for many. Solving our education crisis with programs like student loan forgiveness can help us solve our housing crisis too.

People who currently carry student loans may receive up to $20,000

San Francisco Bay Times Honored as Best Newspaper for Media Excellence & Community Service

Derek Barnes is the CEO of the East Bay Rental Housing Association ( www.EBRHA.com ). He currently serves on the boards of Horizons Foundation and Homebridge CA. Follow him on Twitter @ DerekBarnesSF or on Instagram at DerekBarnes.SF

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I Got My Education Social Philanthropreneur Derek Barnes in debt relief. Forty-five million Americans have student loans totaling nearly 1.75 trillion dollars. Graduating student debt has tripled since the early 1990s, and tuition costs five times more today than in the 1970s. The hourly wage in the early 1980s was about $9.40 per hour and today it is about $25.92 per hour. Clearly, U.S. wage growth has not kept up with the rising cost of education, housing, and other comDiggingmodities.into the data more, we learn that the bulk of the debt is disproportionately held by Black and Brown people—specifically women, who earn less than their male counterparts. Fortunately, the relief is targeted to help these communities and has income caps as guardrails. Both sides of the aisle are crying foul. Some liberals say it doesn’t go far enough and is a broken campaign promise. Many on both sides cite the unfairness of the relief program itself. Their justification is that “no one bailed me out or paid my debt.”

dr. Betty l. SullivaN JeNNiFer l viegaS co-PuBliSherS & co editorS Beth greeNe, Michael delgado, JohN SigNer, aBBy ZiMBerg deSigN & ProductioN kate lawS BuSiNeSS MaNager Blake dilloN caleNdar editor kit keNNedy Poet iN reSideNce J.h herreN techNology director carla raMoS weB coordiNator Mario ordoNeZ diStriButioN JuaN r davila voluNteer coordiNator taBitha PareNt SPecial aSSigNMeNt 2022 CONTRIBUTORS WRITeRS Rink, Sister Dana Van Iquity, Ann Rostow, Patrick Carney, Carolyn Wysinger, Leslie Sbrocco, Heather Freyer, Kate Kendell, Heidi Beeler, Gary M. Kramer, Joanie Juster, Julie Peri, Jennifer Kroot, Robert Holgate, Eduardo Morales, Dennis McMillan, Tim Seelig, John Chen, Rafael Mandelman, Tabitha Parent, Jewelle Gomez, Phil Ting, Rebecca Kaplan, Leslie Katz, Philip Ruth, Bill Lipsky, Elisa Quinzi, Liam Mayclem, Karen Williams, Donna Sachet, Gary Virginia, Zoe Dunning, Derek Barnes, Marcy Adelman, Jan Wahl, Stuart Gaffney & John Lewis Brandon Miller, Jamie Leno Zimron, Michele Karlsberg, Randy Coleman, Debra Walker, Howard Steiermann, Andrea Shorter, Lou Fischer, Brett Andrews, David Landis PhOTOgRaPheRS Rink, Phyllis Costa, Jane Higgins Paul Margolis, Chloe Jackman, Bill Wilson, Jo-Lynn Otto, Sandy Morris, Abby Zimberg, Joanie Juster, Darryl Pelletier, Vincent Marcel aDVeRTISINg Display StandardAdvertisingRateCards http://sfbaytimes.com/ or 415-503-1375 Custom ad sizes are available. Ads are reviewed by the publishers.

The Bay Times is proud to be the first and only LGBTQ newspaper in San Francisco to be named a Legacy Business, recognizing that it is a longstanding, community-serving business that is a valuable cultural asset to the city.

ments in our people and communities—often providing advantages to some groups over others. Why is student loan forgiveness different? It will deliver relief to many low-moderate income earners, mitigate the impact of ill-advised predatory loans, stimulate the economy with more spending, stabilize housing for renting families, and ultimately increase home ownership.

The Bay Times was the first newspaper in California, and among the first in the world, to be jointly and equally produced by lesbians and gay men. We honor our history and the paper’s ability to build and strengthen unity in our community.

12 SAN FRANCISCO BAY TIMES SEPTEMBER 8, 2022

We issued PPP loans to millionaires and billion-dollar businesses. We pass trillions in tax cuts to the wealthiest among us, while 55 of the largest companies in America pay no federal taxes at all. We send billions of dollars in aid to other countries, but we can’t help our own people. The federal government delivered $50 billion to help households pay rent as part of COVID-19 relief packages. Where’s the same outrage over these programs? While other advanced countries have paid college for their citizens, we’ve cut social programs and educational funding over decades that historically gave Americans a path to the middle class and a competitive edge in the world. We wonder why we sit at the bottom of global rankings as an “advanced industrialized nation.” Options for housing, long-term, and earning potential are linked to education. We’re also in a housing crisis in many U.S. metro areas. To solve today’s housing problems, we must think differently. In Dr. Jenny Schuetz’s recent book F ixer-Upper: How to Repair America’s Broken Housing Systems, she challenges the prevailing wisdom and outdated paradigms that have contributed to our current housing crisis. It is a catastrophe primarily installed by uninformed leadership, bad policy development, low inventory, low production, and stagnant wage growth. She suggests ways to mitigate the crisis, like providing more income and subsidies for renters. Canceling student debt reduces monthly payments and can make affording a home easier. There’s another side to the housing equation. Dr. Schuetz understands the plight of small rental property owners too. If they are burdened with too many costs, including student loan debt, or cannot charge monthly rents that cover rising operating expenses, they sell the property or let units sit vacant. She also asserts that we must convince legislators that rent control is a failed 1970s idea that has done nothing to address the core issues driving the lack of affordability and inventory.

Education is inextricably linked to crime, poverty, and housing. Most agree that legislators must find ways to make quality education at all levels accessible and affordable for many more people. We expect our government to work and find ways to strengthen our economy, improve the quality of life, and increase public services for everyone.

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Recently, President Biden signed, via Executive Authority through the Heroes Act, a program for student loan forgiveness—approxi mately $300B in relief. It was also a move to reverse President Trump and Betsy Devos’ efforts to dismantle protections for those carrying student debt. Doing this through Executive Authority makes it more difficult to overturn by future administrations. It’s an extraordinarily well-conceived program that will undoubtedly impact the economy positively and also help ease our housing crisis.

“Serena has played seven years more than I did,” she continued. “ People forget that I took two years out. I first retired ... when I was 25, thinking I would never return to tennis. I got married, had a baby, but then had one of my best years, winning 24 out of 25 tournaments.” Serena, Court (continued on page in By Ann Rostow

Judging Trump Judges In the last hour, I have avoided actually working on my column by reading the newspaper, doing puzzles, and watching several videos, including one starring a small parrot who knocks cans and boxes off the kitchen table and another featuring a dog who was reunited with his mother for the first time since puppyhood.

SAN FRANCISCO BAY TIMES SEPTEMBER 8, 2022 13

“We didn’t have psychologists or coaches with us. It’s a whole different world. That’s what disappoints me— that players today don’t honor the past of the game.” What does that even mean? What do coaches and psychologists have to do with “honoring the past of the game”? Should everyone go back to wooden rackets?

Loyal readers know I’m a big golf and tennis fan. (Don’t get me started on LIV golf, please.) At any rate, eighty-something Australian Margaret Court, who annoyingly holds the record for all time grand slam victories at 24, is a world class bigot, who in the past has praised apartheid, trashed lesbians, and ridiculed transgender people. She is also a Pentecostal minister of some sort, I’m pretty sure. The only reason that she won so many grand slams is that 11 of these were won at the Australian Open at a time when no one made the trip to what was then an insignificant tournament.

YeRight?tagain, reason is thrown under the bus by a Trump judge, which reminds me of a complicated case that I was hoping to avoid. On August 29, a split panel from the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit handed out a preliminary injunction in favor of a far-right student group called the Fellowship of Christian Athletes. The group wanted to be recognized as an official student club at Pioneer High School (part of the San Jose district), but was rejected due to their discriminatory policies.

You should also know that a Christian health care group has just sued the state of Michigan in federal court to protest the state supreme court’s recent gay rights opinion. I won’t go into this weird lawsuit here, but basically, the group suggests that its religious freedom has pre emptively been threatened now that the court has said sexual orientation and gender are protected categories under state civil rights law. Court Side Now what? I really need more animal videos in order to continue our discussions with a carefree and happy disposition. But I don’t have time. Instead, let’s indulge in a little Margaret Court bashing, because that always lifts my spirits.

Because the state gave money to secular private schools under its tuition Iprogram.couldgo on, but there’s a reason religious actors are treated differently under the Constitution, or at least there used to be. The Constitution does not allow the government to take a religious stand. Religion, let alone a specific faith, cannot be forced down the throat of a secular nation. Nor may the state hinder the practice of religion. But in expanding the rights of religious actors, we are now putting their rights above and beyond the civil rights of many others, particularly ours. More of the Same Now I’m in a bad mood. And plus, I just checked a list of GLBT headlines, only to find one that read: “Trump federal judge rules for Christian photographer.” Do we really need further examples of these insidious jurists and their sanctimonious beliefs? In this case, Trump appointee U.S. District Court Judge Benjamin Beaton of Louisville, Kentucky, gave an injunction to photographer Chelsey Nelson, who wanted the green light to ignore t he city’s civil rights ordinance. Hey, Chelsey! No problem. Maybe you’d prefer not to photograph Black people either? Is it part of your “faith?” We’re good with that!

Review

As for the newspaper, I can tell you that Liz Truss looks like a pill and the judge who allowed Trump to fiddle around with executive privilege is, um, very strange. It’s remotely possible that the feds at Mar-a-Lago may have scooped up some non-government records that include communications with a lawyer on a personal matter, but nothing short of that should be set aside under their search warrant, which included materials found alongside government records. Most of us aren’t lawyers, but few of us can understand why “executive privilege” would apply to any of the presidential papers themselves, all of which belong to the national archives.

protecting minorities. What’s the limiting principle between different types of civil rights laws facing protestations of faith? If I insist that my version of Christianity or any other religion does not allow transactions with women or interracial marriages, who’s to say I’m wrong? Under the law, I’m the one who defines my own belief system.

Serena Williams, as many of you know, has just retired after three rounds at the U.S. Open with 23 grand slam titles. The cheers and tributes to a woman whom most consider the greatest woman player of all time have been tremendous. And no, no one thinks Margaret Court is in contention for GOAT status, although a few consider Steffi Graf a possibility or maybe Martina. Now, Court has piped up in an interview with The Daily Telegraph to complain that her own achievements are being “Ishortchanged.wouldloveto have played in this era,” she said, as if she’d last five minutes on the court against the power hitters of today. “I think it’s so much easier. How I would love to have taken family or friends along with me. But I couldn’t. I had to go on my own or with the national team. People don’t see all that.”

Actually, religious freedom does not allow you to ignore race-based civil rights laws, because, well, that’s not really cool, I guess. But as for gay or trans protections, we all understand why a Godly businessperson would prefer to avoid that sort of customer. I’m still waiting for a religious business to refuse to serve women, for example, or maybe even test the laws

Their statement of faith, to give you an idea, includes the following: “God instituted marriage between one man and one woman as the foundation of the family and the basic structure of human society. For this reason, we believe that marriage is exclusively the union of one man and one woman.” I guess students had to affirm their allegiance to this and similar sentiments, which violated rules against GLBT bias in campus Theclubs.two judges who ruled in favor of the club were appointed by Trump. The dissenting judge was appointed by “UObama.nderthe First Amendment,” the majority wrote, “our government must be scrupulously neutral when it comes to religion: It cannot treat religious groups worse than comparable secular ones.” But this has not been true until the last few years, thanks to the Roberts Court, or rather the Alito Court. Th is is the nonsensical theory that led the Court to strike attempts to limit church services during Covid. Why? Because if a store can remain open, a church must as well, even though a person spends minutes inside a store and hours inside a church. This is the theory that led the Court to force Philadelphia to do business with a Catholic foster agency that was in violation of anti-bias laws. Why? Because the city allows the commissioner of the Department of Human Services to make individual exceptions in rare case, ergo the city must make an exception for Catholic Social Services. This is the theory that led the Court to order the state of Maine to distribute taxpayer money to highly religious schools. Why?

18) GLBT Fortnight

One of the most vocal international supporters of LGBTQ rights, Queen Máxima of the Netherlands, visited the Castro in San Francisco on September 6, 2022. After her morning flight arrival, she was welcomed at City Hall by Mayor London Breed and observed a ceremonial flag raising. Onlookers cheered her on at the City Hall front Shortlysteps.after 9 am, she was escorted to the Castro by Supervisor Rafael Mandelman and other local LGBTQ community leaders. She visited the GLBT Historical Society Museum and stopped by the Castro Theatre to, in her words, “learn more about the history of the LGBTI+ community in San Francisco and exchange experiences on supporting LGBTI+ rights on a local and international level.” Those in attendance included Dr. Tyler TerMeer, CEO of the San Francisco AIDS Foundation; Donna Sachet of the Imperial Court and the San Francisco Bay Times; Rebecca Rolfe, Executive Director of the SF LGBT Center; Imani Rupert-Gordon, Executive Director of the National Center for Lesbian Rights; and numerous Queenothers.

Máxima then stopped at Jane Warner Plaza to greet the members of the public who followed her tour through the Castro. (She desired that the streets and visit sites remain open to allow for such interaction.) Despite the sweltering temperature during the Western region’s long heat wave, she looked cool and relaxed in an elegant bright pink dress and heels. At times she laughed and applauded in response to some of the community interactions. She was then escorted to Twin Peaks Tavern, where she sat in a front window, with Mayor Breed to her right, and gave brief remarks. A circle of other leaders sat at adjacent tables, while attendees stood behind them and members of the press and the public peered in through the Tavern’s large windows. Those accompanying the Queen included Dutch Minister for Foreign Trade and Development Cooperation Liesje Shreinemacher and members of the Dutch mon archy’s House of Orange-Nassau. King Willem-Alexander of the Netherlands was also scheduled to visit San Francisco, but he was ordered by doctors not to travel due to a recent bout of pneumonia from which he is recovering. Queen Máxima and the other officials are visiting California and Texas to support the already strong economic ties forged between the Netherlands and the two states. In terms of LGBTQ rights, the Netherlands has been a global leader. For example, in 2001, it was the first county in the world to legalize same-sex marriage. The U.S. did not do so until 2015. For more information about Queen https://tinyurl.com/9shm7pwfMáxima: by Bill Wilson Queen Máxima Queen Máxima and Donna Sachet Mayor London Breed welcomes Queen Máxima

SAN FRANCISCO BAY TIMES LGBTQ News & Calendar for the Bay Area CELEBRATING FOUR DECADES (1978–2022) Photos

Mayor Breed and Queen Máxima arrived in the Castro at the GLBT History Museum. Dutch drag queens welcomed Queen Máxima

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Visits the Castro A Royal Visit To The Castro

Queen Máxima of the Netherlands

Golden Gate Gaymes Imperial Court title contest & outdoor activities National AIDS Memorial Grove, Golden Gate Park 11 https://www.sfimperialcouncil.org/FreeamSunday,September11

“I don’t trust anyone who doesn’t laugh.” Maya Angelou of the evening was a mini-concert sung by Renée accompanied by Dee Spencer on keyboard. It was truly magical as twilight approached, the white lights in the patio twinkled, the audience grew hushed, and Renée sang two familiar songs, giving them new life with her rich interpretations. Truly magical! After the birthday song and cake and a short break, we reassembled for a brisk game of Name That Tune between return ing champions Team SF Federal Credit Union and Team SF Golden State Warriors. This game grows in popularity and the competition is intense. Dancing and general frivolity continued into the night, as new friendships were formed and old friends reunited. Join us this month for the latest Divas & Drinks at The Academy to see what we mean.

I

PHOTO BY SHAWN NORTHCUTT

Last month’s Divas & Drinks celebrated the birthday of the longest performing star of the longest lasting musical review in the country, Beach Blanket Babylon, none other than Renée Lubin. Many of her fellow alumni from that show, as well as friends and family, including her husband and son, packed the patio of The Academy with new faces. Special messages were delivered in her honor by Ralph Remington, Director of Cultural Affairs for the San Francisco Art Commission, representing the Mayor’s Office, Alysha Lofton of the Golden State Warriors, and special guest and fellow Beach Blanket Babylon star Curt Branom. The SF Lesbian/Gay Freedom Band under the direction of Mike Wong was on hand, as were DJ Rockaway, Carol Gancia of Kokak Chocolates, and Betty Sullivan and Jennifer Viegas of the San Francisco Bay Times, all bearing birthday gifts and well-wishes. But the highlight Donna Sachet assisted with serving guests at the Chili Cook Out benefit for the San Francisco Night Ministry held at Cinch Saloon on August 21. The cornbread proved to be equally as popular as the chili samples available in more than a dozen varieties. See additional photos on page 35 from the Chili Cook Out.

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Golden Gate Competition Finale Crowning of new Golden Gate titleholders SF Eagle, 398 12th Street 7 https://www.sfimperialcouncil.org/FreepmFriday,September30

The former Lesbian/Gay Chorus of San Francisco, a creation of the legendary Jon Reed Sims, has evolved into the Queer Chorus of San Francisco (QCSF), under the direction of Sven Edward Olbash. They caught our attention with the announcement of a Sing-Along screening of Xanadu at the New Parkway Theater in Oakland and, needless to say, we wouldn’t miss it. Still grieving the recent death of Olivia New ton-John and long a fan of this oddly enjoyable film, we found this event the perfect way to process some emotions. Xanadu has received its share of criticism, much of it valid, but in many ways it is a snapshot of the disco era, featuring music by Electric Light Orchestra (ELO), dizzying costumes, and ridiculously staged production numbers. Even the story line of Greed goddesses coming to life in Venice Beach causes more than a few eye-rolls. But to see Olivia Newton-John, beautifully filmed, singing songs that went on to top the charts, to see the incredible Gene Kelly in his final film role, and to surrender disbelief long enough to enjoy the dream of opening a fantastic dance club makes Xanadu worth Thewatching.NewParkway Theater is an eclectic spot, offering a full menu of food in addition to the typical popcorn and soda selections and providing laidback casual seating on well-worn sofas and chairs arranged on multi-tiered platforms. This created the perfect atmosphere for a sing-along event with the chorus often providing 4-part harmony to back up ELO. This was a welcome departure from so many other serious events and we appreciate QCSF organizing it. Watch this column for upcoming performances by this newly renamed chorus in the coming months.

By Donna Sachet

t was hastily arranged with limited publicity, but the recent fundraiser at Berber restaurant for Kippy Marks, frequent performer there who is facing daunting medical bills, gave us a chance to experience this space firsthand. Located on Broadway in a neighborhood we don’t frequent, Berber describes itself as a Moroccan restaurant with dinner shows. Both the food and the show exceeded our expectations. We were greeted by an engaging maitre’d in the spacious front room that seats dinner-only patrons, but the smaller, square back room hosts the shows, featuring aerialists, contortionists, musicians, dancers, and distinctly Moroccan entertainment. On the night we attended, a beautiful hostess started by singing a classic song and then introducing each solo performer, all dressed theatrically and displaying individual talents. Four courses of Moroccan-inspired cuisine, including duck, lamb, and beef, were served between performances, minimally, but effectively lit. For a very different night out, we recommend you give Berber a try!

Friday, September 9 Opening Night of the SF Opera The event of the SF social calendar City Hall reception, SF Opera House 6 https://www.sfopera.com/PricespmvarySaturday,September10

Divas & Drinks San Francisco Bay Times monthly party at The Academy Jeopardy! champion Amy Schneider, CHEER SF, Transgender Law Center Emcee Donna Sachet, DJ Rockaway, Bacard í drink specials, Name That Tune 7 https://www.academy-sf.com/$10pm

SF Pride Annual General Membership Meeting SF LGBT Community Center, 1800 Market Street 1 pm Free with Sunday,https://sfpride.org/membershipSeptember11

Donna Sachet is a celebrated performer, fundraiser, activist, and philanthropist who has dedicated over two decades to the LGBTQ Community in Sa n Francisco. Contact her at e mpsachet@gmail.com

the champion Team SF Federal Credit Union, led by Captain Warren Alderson, who took on Team Golden State Warriors led by Captain Lofton. The champions prevailed, but agreed to a rematch with Team Warriors at the next Divas & Drinks event. All attending enjoyed served hors d’oeuvres from La Méditerranée and refreshments from Extreme Pizza. Barcardí created a special cock tail menu that included the Renée-arita (Tequila Cazadores, St. Germain, lime) and the King Louis (Grey Goose, ginger-orange syrup, lemon, Specialgingerbeer).thanks to Rink and Tabitha Parent for their photography and to volunteers Juan R. Davila, Warren Alderson, and Steve Scheitlin. Join us for the next Divas & Drinks on Friday September 30, 6–10 pm, featuring special guests: Jeopardy! Champion Amy Schneider, CHEER SF, and The Transgender Law Center! https://tinyurl.com/mtnakss6

16 SAN FRANCISCO BAY TIMES SEPTEMBER 8, 2022

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Friday, August 26th

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DIVAS & DRINKS @ T he Academy

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Renée Lubin Birthday Extravaganza!

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During the birthday week of Beach Blanket Babylon star Renée Lubin, the legend ary performer was celebrated as part of the San Francisco Bay Times co-produced event series Divas & Drinks @ The Academy on Friday, August 26. Many other former stars of the iconic, longrunning San Francisco musi cal review attended, such as Curt Branom, who led a toast to Lubin, and Lauren Howard Brintz. After a welcome from emcee Donna Sachet, the San Fran cisco Lesbian/Gay Freedom Band (SFLGFB) led by drum major Mike Wong began the fes tivities by playing for Lubin and guests. Representing Mayor Lon don Breed, Ralph Remington, who is the Director of Cultural Affairs for the San Francisco Arts Commission, along with the Commission’s Director of Com munications, Coma Te, presented a proclamation from the Mayor. Gifts were presented to Lubin by Alysha Lofton from the Golden State Warriors, Carol Gancia of Kokak Chocolates, and the San Francisco Bay Times team. Included were a multi-stem magenta orchid, one of Lubin’s favorite flowers; a Veuve Clic quot (her fave bubbly) gift basket; and a custom-made birthday cake.

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A highlight of the evening was Lubin, exquisitely accompanied by Dr. Dee Spen cer on keyboard, singing a flawless and soulful version of the Aretha Franklin hit “(You Make Me Feel Like a) Natural Woman” followed by the George Gershwin classic “Summertime,” which was updated with a unique swing twist for the eve ning. Read more about their performance and view a video of it here: Thehttps://tinyurl.com/45p6u6t2SFLGFB,alongwithBand member Dr. Spencer, played “Happy Birthday” as guests sang to Lubin. Attendees included jazz and cabaret singer Paula West, actress Diane Amos, former ABC7 News reporter Carolyn Tyler, PR maven Per nella Sommerville, and many other local luminaries. They were joined by other friends as well as family members of Lubin, including her husband and son. Branom’s toast recalled Lubin’s friendship, professionalism, talent, and philan thropic service. Lubin actively supports many nonprofits and other charitable groups, such as Jack & Jill SF, The Links, the SF Gay Men’s Chorus, the SFL GFB, and other LGBT organizations as well as those focusing on helping women of color and children in need. Also honored during the evening was San Francisco Bay Times intern Tabitha Par ent, who will be leaving soon to attend Northwestern University’s Medill School of Journalism. Her column for the Bay Times will resume in October. Following the initial primary program for the event, emcee Donna Sachet and DJ Rockaway presented by Olivia led Name That Tune featuring the return of

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SAN FRANCISCO BAY TIMES SEPTEMBER 8, 2022 17 PARENTTABITHABYPHOTO SAN FRANCISCO BAY TIMES LGBTQ News & Calendar for the Bay Area CELEBRATING FOUR DECADES (1978–2022)DIVAS & DRINKS @ T he Academy RINKBYPHOTO RINKBYPHOTO RINKBYPHOTO RINKBYPHOTO RINKBYPHOTO RINKBYPHOTO RINKBYPHOTO RINKBYPHOTO PARENTTABITHABYPHOTO PARENTTABITHABYPHOTO PARENTTABITHABYPHOTOPARENTTABITHABYPHOTOPHOTOBYRINK

The marriage bill, which would legalize same-sex marriage nationwide, is geared to protect marriage against a rogue High Court ruling, an unlikely prospect. The bill, which has passed the House and will likely draw at least ten Republican votes in the Senate, is also designed to put GOP lawmakers on the spot, considering that a vote against same-sex marriage would not be defensible outside of the reddest district. Hey, it’s not necessary in my view, but it doesn’t hurt. I say that with the assumption that the effort will not harm the prospects for the more important Equality Act. I would hate to see Republicans argue that they voted for marriage, so they don’t have to vote for the Equality Bill, which would enshrine GLBT civil rights into federal law.

Brandon Miller, CFP®, is a financial consultant at Brio Financial Group in San Francisco, specializing in helping LGBT individuals and families plan and achieve their financial goals. should consult with an estate planning and elder law attorney for up-to-date information for their individual plans.

Castro Art Mart Returns

to The Art, the petition, which has gathered 26,000 names, says that a statue of Catherine the Great in Odessa “signals that Odesa [sic] is in the zone of Russian cultural influence” while a statue of Billy Herrington would send a “clear signal that Ukraine supports the LGBTQ community.” President Zelensky has said (The Art reports) that any decision about replacing the statue must be taken by the Odessa City Council, which had installed the original statue. Herrington is apparently a famous porn star who died in a car crash at the age of 48 in Rancho Mirage. Fi nally, I am sad to say that another bunch of antigay religious freedom cases have oozed onto my news list at a time when it’s far too late to be included in this column. Further, how many of these can we stomach in one issue? There’s an Indiana Supreme Court case allowing a Catholic school to fire a gay teacher. And there’s also a Christian middle school teacher in Kansas who won $95,000 in damages after refusing to use preferred pronouns for a transgender student. Or how about Yeshiva University, which sent an emergency motion to Justice Sotomayor the other day, asking the High Court to shelve a court order forcing the university to recognize a student pride alliance. Justice Sotomayor asked the pride alliance to reply by September 2, so I assume she will decide shortly. I am now going to find some sweet animal videos. Maybe I’ll rewatch the otters who live in a habitat where they can put their forelegs through little holes in the window and let visitors pet their paws.

Emma Brennan AVCID Ceramics

ROSTOW (continued from page 13)

The Castro Art Mart, held on Noe Street between Market and Beaver Streets, returned to the Castro on Sunday, September 4. The popular event is held each month on the first Sunday, noon–5 pm, and is sponsored by the art community network ArtyhoodSF and The Castro Merchants Association. It features vendors, live music, DJs, performances by drag queens, and other entertainers. Dulce De Leche served as emcee and DJ Per Sia spun tunes. Entertainers Loma Prieta, Lindsey Slow Hands, and Yunoha Berry performed. District 8 Supervisor Rafael Mandelman also was there bringing greetings to attendees and event coordinators. Vendors included local artists, photographers, and makers of various wares. In addition to strolling and viewing the booths of vendors, participants enjoyed watching the event from the Lookout’s https://artyhoodsf.com/balcony.

18 SAN FRANCISCO BAY TIMES SEPTEMBER 8, 2022

MC Dulce Con Leche and DJ Per Sia Yonoha Berry with RafaelCongressmanMandelman GeminiBotanicalsMoon Entertainer Loma Prieta with artist Oscar Gallegos CJ Haven Sarah Jane Hassler with Lizzi Dierken BonugliCabure

GGBA (continued from pg 7) nor does it indicate that Brio has attained a particular level of skill or ability. Advisory services are only offered to clients or prospective clients wh ere Brio Financial Group and its representatives are properly licensed or exempt from licensure. No a dvice may be rendered by Brio Financial Group unless a client service agreement is in place.

And just as I was about to look up the details of a stabbing at a pride parade in Germany, I encountered the following headline from The Art newspaper (whatever that is): “Petition to replace Catherine the Great statue in Ukraine with one of gay porn star gains tracAccordingtion.”

Photos by Rink

Rebecca Friedberg: Synapse Design Studio is still young, and I hope to one day evolve into a business that also offers sliding scale/low bono services for under-funded clients and nonprofits who have great gifts to offer the world. I know it’s important to keep envisioning how our businesses will grow over time, and not just get buried in all the day-to-day work and deadlines. I remind myself often to keep the founding vision and mission in mind: Build What You Believe https://www.synapsedesignstudio.com/In!

MILLER (continued from pg 6) GREENE (continued from pg 6) few F-Pace SVRs but no X3 M40is. Here’s hoping this situation continues to improve. Philip Ruth is a Castro-based automotive photojournalist and consultant with an automotive staging service.

What else is new? Well, two lesbian activists have been sentenced to death in Iran for “corruption on Earth.” The Jerusalem Post reports that Hengaw, an organization that documents human rights violations in Kurdistan, says Zahra Sediqi Hamedani, known as “Sareh,” 31, from Naqadeh, and Elham Chubdar, 24, from Urmia, were given the sentences by the Revolutionary Court of Urmia. In addition to “promoting homosexuality,” Hengaw said, the two were also convicted of “ promoting Christianity” and “communicating with the media opposing the Islamic Republic.” It’s hard to follow that one with political news, but you should know that Senate Democrats are considering dropping the gay marriage bill into the budget, which should be brought to a vote this month. I’m not sure why, since I thought it was likely to pass as a stand-alone bill, but maybe I’m optimistic.

arostow@aol.com

Grist for Our Mill

RUTH (continued from pg 10) churlishly reminded the interviewer, never won a grand slam after giving birth to her daughter. Court also complained that the grand slam tournaments had not given her honors and that Serena does not seem to acknowledge her greatness. “I was at Wimbledon this year and nobody even spoke to me. So, I thought, ‘Ah, that’s interesting.’ It’s very sad, because a lot of the press and television today, particularly in tennis, don’t want to mention my name.” Of course, the irony is that if Court had been a decent human being instead of a prejudiced monster, she would have been hailed as one of the greats and feted at every tennis gala as an icon of the game. Very sad. Not.

DJ Per Sia with friends

GGBA: Is there anything else that you would like to share?

nurture professional relationships that can grow and last—not just to grow our businesses, but also to build community, feel supported, and not burn out.

Jay Greene, Esq., CPA, is the founder of Greene Estate, Probate & Elder Law Firm based in San Francisco, and is focused on helping LGBT individuals, couples, and families plan for their future, protect their assets, and p reserve their wealth. To learn more and to schedule an appointment, visit https://assetprotectionbayarea.com/

Also, it’s a hustle and there’s a lot of uncertainty starting out! Be ready to hustle, be flexible, and take a lot of deep breaths.

Felicia (then Felipe) Elizondo at 6 years old in San Angelo, Texas

Felicia Elizondo: Vietnam Veteran, Screaming Queen, Transgender Rights Activist

Bill Lipsky, Ph.D., author of “Gay and Lesbian San Francisco” (2006), is a member of the Rainbow Honor Walk board of directors.

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For many, putting together the pieces of the puzzle that is us can be relatively easy. Self-awareness, support from family and friends, easily available information, and experimentation help us to become who we are. Not so for Felicia Elizondo. Despite all the prejudice, inaccuracy, and obstacles put in her way, however, she came not only to realize her true self, but also to find the strength and the courage to live an authentic life. Growing up, Elizondo struggled to understand who she was. Born in San Angelo, Texas, on July 23, 1946, she was identified on her birth certificate as male and baptized as Felipe. At an early age, she knew she was different from the children around her, but she did not yet understand what exactly that meant for her. They called her a “sissy” and she believed them. She later said, “There’s no other way that I could feel just what I was feeling.” Being a “sissy” then had only one explanation: “I thought I was gay, but I wasn’t.” Information about sexuality, especially for young people, was difficult to find and often untenable in the homophobic 1950s, so she learned that “being gay was against the law, and it was sick, and mental.” She never considered that she might be transgender “because I didn’t know the meaning of transgender or transsexual at the time.” Hardly anyone did.

Felicia Elizondo at Compton’s Cafeteria Riot 50th anniversary Felicia Elizondo was featured on the cover of the San Francisco Bay Times issue published on August, 10, 2017.

When she was 14, her family moved to San Jose, California. Being seen as different, she was teased mercilessly by students at her high school. “They used to say horrible things to me—it was just embarrassing—and I hated to go to school,” she told the San Jose Trans Oral History Project in 2019. Around the same time, however, she discovered that St. James Park, site of a notorious lynching in 1933, was a popular gay cruising spot. “I started going there,” she said. “I met a whole bunch of kids ... . There was my best friend Bernie, Tommy, there was a whole list of them.” There also was another attraction. “We used to, uh, prostitute. You know, the older men used to come and give us money for whatever they wanted us to do. That’s how we got to be in a group.” The men considered Elizondo to be “a really good-looking boy at one time and I used to get a lot of Aroundmoney.”the age of 15 or 16, she began seeing an older man who one day took her to San Francisco, where they visited the Tenderloin. “I noticed that there was a lot of people like me,” she later told Zachary Drucker of Vice News. “My God, it was the Mecca of gayness.” Soon, she and Bernie would “play hooky from school and come into the Tenderloin on a Greyhound from San Jose,” where Compton’s Cafeteria became “the center of the universe for us.” By the time she graduated high school, Elizondo had decided she did not want to be gay any longer. She and her friends “were lost souls trying to understand what future was in store for us.” What she wanted instead was “to be normal,” she told Anita Whites of the Veterans History Project in 2007, not yet understanding what normal was for her. “I didn’t even know that I was transgender at the time because I didn’t know the meaning of transgender or transsexual at the time.” She tried to enlist in the Army, but the Army declined to accept her because, standing 5’2”, she did not meet their height requirements. She joined the Navy instead. “If the Navy didn’t make me a man, nothing would,” she decided. After completing basic training, Elizondo was stationed at the naval base in Coronado, California. “Then I decided that I wanted to volunteer for Vietnam because maybe I would get killed and maybe all this hurt and pain would go away.” She was in Vietnam about six months before the pressure of “passing for straight” became too much for her. “Being in Vietnam, being in Da Nang and stuff like that, and seeing all those men! My god!” A charge that she was AWOL (with a French teacher) led her finally to tell the Navy she was gay. She returned to the Bay Area with a dishonorable discharge, although later she successfully petitioned to have it changed to Thehonorable.pieces of the puzzle of who she was came together while she was living in Chicago. “What changed my life was when I went to see the movie The Christine Jorgensen Story,” the so-called biography of the most famous transgender woman of her time, made by the gay director Irving Rapper, who also directed Bette Davis in five films. “I finally realized that this is who I am. I didn’t know how I was going to get there, but where there is a will, there is a way.”

Elizondo found a way. Moving back to San Jose, she eventually got a job with Pacific Bell as the first male longdistance operator in California history. In 1972, she began living fulltime as a woman. Two years later, when she completed her surgery, she finally was her true self. She was still working for the telephone company in 1987 when she was diagnosed with AfterHIV. retiring, she moved to San Francisco “because the best possibility of surviving AIDS was the mecca of the medical center of everything.” She became deeply involved with organizations helping people living with HIV and AIDS, including the Shanti Project, Project Open Hand, and PAWS. She estimated that she also made some 80 panels for the AIDS Memorial Quilt.

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Elizondo additionally became an advocate for the transgender community, especially other transgender women of color, who often were confronted with both racism and transphobia. She worked to keep alive the history of the Tenderloin as a haven, however tenuous it was, for trans people 50 years before. “Please don’t forget all who came before you,” she wrote in 2018, three years before she died. “You have to know where you have been to know where you are going.”

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Faces from Our LGBT Past Dr. Bill Lipsky

Felicia (then Felipe) Elizondo on the Coronado Naval Base,1965

Felicia Elonzino at Transform California launch. May 27, 2016

Throughout the days of Flower Piano programming, many well-known musicians will perform. They will include LGBTQ community favorites such as SullivanDannyofthe San Francisco Ballet—he composes and has accompanied dance classes at the Ballet’s School since 2012— and renowned jazz musician Tammy Hall. Flower Piano, howev er, is both a musical event and attraction that provides open access to music and pianos within the beautiful, admission.ingeveryonebenefits,SNAPforallGarden.FranciscoenvironmentoutdoorofSanBotanicalItisfreeforSanFranciscans,familiesreceivingorCalFreshandforelsefollow-$3–$25general

According to Amazon,

For ticket links and to view the complete Flower Piano 2022 program, https://www.sfbg.org/flowerpianovisit:

Flower Piano in the Moon Viewing Garden

SUMMER READS

LATE

Above: For Flower Piano 2022, Tammy Hall, an LGBTQ+ community favorite, will return to perform with Leberta Lorál a set entitled “In Gratitude and Acknowledgment of Nature’s Power” at the Zellerbach Perennials Garden on Sunday, September 18, at 11 am. http://www.sfbg.org/flowerpiano Left:https://tinyurl.com/spjkumfu

Flower Piano in the New Zealand Garden Photos courtesy of San Francisco Botanical Gardens

QUEER POP QUIZ

the following LGBTQ-themed book is such a late summer 2022 best seller that it also for this time recently made the company’s Top 10 list of the most sold and read books of all genres: A) The Sweetness of Water B) Where Love Leads C) This Is How It Always Is: A Novel D) The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo ONANSWERPAGE 32

Flower Piano 2022 to Fill SF Botanical Garden with Stellar Musicians, Including LGBTQ Community Favorites

WATKINSJIMBYPHOTO WATKINSJIMBYPHOTO WATKINSJIMBYPHOTO LANGETREVORBYPHOTO Danny Sullivan will perform “Mad Scene Medley Explosion!” at SF Botanical Garden’s Flower Piano, presented September 16-20, 2022.

“Music in Golden Gate Park is a storied San Francisco tradition and Flower Piano has carved out its place as one of the most beautiful, creative, and beloved events,” said Phil Ginsburg, General Manager, San Francisco Recration and Park Department. “The combination of music, nature, and human connection is truly special, and I am so grateful we can provide it for our community.”

In the final days of summer and for the seventh time since 2015, Flower Piano will once again transform the San Francisco Botanical Garden into the city’s own alfresco concert hall where everyone is invited to play and listen. It will take place from 10 am–6 pm beginning on Friday, September 16, and will conclude on Tuesday, September 20. “Flower Piano is located at that magical intersection of music and nature,” said Dean Mermell, co-founder, together with Mauro ffortissimo, of event partner Sunset Piano. “It’s a uniquely safe outdoor space where we can be our best as humans, enjoying the Bay Area’s finest musicians in the city’s most beautiful Participantssetting.” are invited to explore the Garden’s global living plant collections as they seek out the 12 pianos spread out across the 55-acre living museum. At each of the pianos, there will be scheduled professional performances, open play time for participants, and community partner performances—reflecting a range of genres, ages, and cultures. The experience brings joy, hope, awe, and a deep sense of community. Participants are inspired to become Garden members and enjoy other Garden programs throughout the year. “We are excited to work with our partners at the Recreation and Park Department, Sunset Piano, and all the musicians and community organizations that bring Flower Piano to life, and I am grateful to our sponsors and staff that make this special event happen,” said Stephanie Linder, CEO of the Gardens of Golden Gate Park.

New this year is a very special opening event, Fall and Fly, on Wednesday, September 14, from 5–6:30 pm, where a groundbreaking commissioned work created for 12 grand pianos will be performed on the Garden’s Great Meadow. San Francisco-based composer Benjamin Gribble has written Fall and Fly, experimentalanwork in three a-kindconductwilldirectorStanfordofexploringmovements,thetexturesa12-pianochoirSymphonyPaulPhillipspersonallythisone-of-performance.

Special guest speakers, writers, and poets will contextualize the evening with themes of renewal and regrowth.

SAN FRANCISCO BAY TIMES SEPTEMBER 8 , 2022 21 SAN FRANCISCO BAY TIMES LGBTQ News & Calendar for the Bay Area CELEBRATING FOUR DECADES (1978–2022)

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Oscar Cervarich performing in the Garden of Fragrance

LANGETRAVISBYPHOTO PHOTOGARDENSBOTANICALFRANCISCOSAN

Two ArtistsMultidisciplinaryOriginated

Tammy Hall and Leberta Lorál perform at Zellerbach Garden Piano in the Rhododendron Garden

San Francisco in 2017 became the first and only city in the nation where all residents have access to a park within a 10-minute walk, a direct result of the San Francisco Recreation and Park Department’s commitment to increasing and improving parkland in the city. The Department currently manages more than 220 parks, playgrounds, and open spaces throughout San Francisco, including two outside city limits: Sharp Park in Pacifica and Camp Mather in the High TheSierras.system includes full-complex recreation centers, swimming pools, golf courses, sports fields, and numerous small-to-medium- sized clubhouses that offer a variety of sports and arts-related recreation programs for people of all ages. Included in the Department’s responsibilities are Golden Gate Park, Coit Tower, the Marina Yacht Harbor, the San Francisco Zoo, Lake Merced, and the home of Flower Piano: the San Francisco Botanical Garden. A living museum within Golden Gate Park, the Garden offers 55 acres of beautiful gardens displaying 8,000 different kinds of plants from around the world, including many that are rare and endangered. Established in 1940, the Garden at Strybing Arboretum is one of the three Gardens of Golden Gate Park along with the Conservatory of Flowers and Japanese Tea Garden that are collectively jointly operated by a public/private partnership between the San Francisco Recreation and Park Department and the San Francisco Botanical Garden

Flower Piano, a collaboration with the San Francisco Botanical Garden, is Sunset Piano’s largest and most ambitious undertaking. Mermell’s documentary about Sunset Piano is entitled Twelve Pianos For more information about both the documentary and Sunset Piano, go to: https://sunsetpiano.com/

Mauro ffortissimo and Dean Mermell together launched Sunset Piano in 2013 when ffortissimo covertly rolled an old grand piano onto the bluffs over Half Moon Bay. As word spread through social media, the crowds grew way beyond the occasional dog walker. Thousands came to hear the music before the county ordered the piano removed. Since then, Sunset Piano has expanded this impromptu musical and social experiment, temporarily placing pianos in a wide variety of unexpected natural and urban settings around the Bay Area every year, from the top of Montara Mountain to Market Street.

SAN FRANCISCO BAY TIMES LGBTQ News & Calendar for the Bay Area CELEBRATING FOUR DECADES (1978–2022)

22 SAN FRANCISCO BAY TIMES SEPTEMBER 8 , 2022

Sanhttps://sfrecpark.org/Society.Francisco’s Claim to Fame Concerning Parks

Flower Piano

I Kissed Shara Wheeler (YA fiction - hardbound) by Casey ChloeMcQuistonGreen is so close to winning. After her moms moved her from SoCal to Alabama for high school, she’s spent the past four years dodging typical teen issues with classmates.

This ultra-vivid com ing-of-age story follows the exploits of a young Black man in AIDSravaged 1980s New York. Replete w ith cameos from historical figures, humor, heartbreak, and lots of action, this novel has it all. its

Saturday, September 17 @ 11:30 am (free in storeFerry Building) June Jo Lee author of Sandor Katz and the Tiny Wild , and Chef Roy Choi and The Street Food Remix Wr itten by award-winning authors Jacqueline Briggs Martin and June Jo Lee, S andor Katz and the Tiny Wild folds timely themes of ecology, community-building, and resilience into a lively biography that closes with a hands-on recipe. Lee also presents Chef Roy Choi and the Street Food Remix, an award-winning picture book biography of the chef who kickstarted the food truck movement.

The thing that’s kept her going: winning valedictorian. Her only rival: prom queen Shara Wheeler. But a month before graduation, Shara kisses Chloe and vanishes. From The New York Times bestselling author of R ed, White & Royal Blue comes a fierce, funny, and frank young adult novel about breaking the rules, getting messy, and finding love in unexpected places.

https://www.bookpassage.com/ FROM BOOK PASSAGE MeansGovernmenttoKillMe by Rasheed Newson

Lit Snax SAN FRANCISCO BAY TIMES LGBTQ News & Calendar for the Bay Area CELEBRATING FOUR DECADES (1978–2022) Invitation to the Fabulosa Birthday Celebration Thursday, September 15, is Fabulosa’s F irst Birthday! We�ll be giving away free bubbly and there may even be https://www.fabulosabooks.com/balloons! X: A Novel by Davey Davis Set in a tyrannical and apocalyptic near-future, this story wends

way through copies!what?violence.geonsbathrooms,warehouses,anddunfullofsexandAndguessWehavesigned YOU TOO CAN BE A WINNER! Subscribe to the San Francisco Bay Times e-mail list: Subscribershttps://bit.ly/2XDNnh7entertheREPLY TO WIN! online competition for a chance to win event tickets, services, and products we announce. Lou Fischer and Amy Myers at the War Memorial Opera House attending the Opera Pride Night 2022. Frank Woo and Sheldon Sloan at REAF’s Help Is on the Way XXVI: Broadway & Beyond at the Marines’ MemorialTheater

Upcoming Events

Sunday, September 11 @ 4 pm (free in store - Corte Madera) - Javier Zamora author of Solito - in conversation with Rebecca Froust Solito provides a n immediate and intimate account not only of a t reacherous and near-impossible journey, but also of t he miraculous kindness and love delivered at the most unexpected moments. S olito is Javier Zamora’s story, but it’s also the story of millions of others who had no choice but to leave home. Javier Zamora was born in El Salvador in 1990. His father fled the country when he was one, and his mother when he was about to turn five. Both parents’ migrations were caused by the U.S.-funded Salvadoran Civil War.

The Measure (fiction - hardbound) by Nikki Erlick As society divides itself, the truth has the power to unravel long-held beliefs and relationships all while forging new alliances and philosophies about our time on this earth and our place in the community. B oth heartbreaking and profoundly uplifting, T he Measure is a sweeping, ambitious meditation on life, family, and society that challenges us to consider the best way to live life to the fullest.

The Prophets (fiction - paperback) by Robert Jones, Jr. Now in paperback, The Prophets is a singular and stunning debut novel about the forbidden union between two enslaved young men on a Deep South plantation, the refuge they find in each other, and a betrayal that threatens their existence. This was shortlisted for the 2021 National Book Award, and once you experience it, you will understand why it is one of the most gripping and unique stories of enslaved people.

Top of your stack RECOMMENDATIONS

My

24 SAN FRANCISCO BAY TIMES SEPTEMBER 8, 2022

Sunday, September 18 @ 2 pm (free in store - Ferry Building) Tania Romanov, author of San Francisco Pilgrimage Like her parents and their parents before them, Tania Romanov Amochaev was an exile; her childhood in a refugee camp ending only when her family eventually made their way to San Francisco’s Russian community. Inspired by Phil Cousineau’s classic T he Art of Pilgrimage a nd in the tradition of Gary Kamiya’s C ool Gray City of Love, Tania sets out on a pilgrimage in her own city. Past and present meld as she seeks not only a deeper understanding of both, but also finding her way into a future she struggles to envision.

Dennis McMillan (aka Sister Dana) and friends Fayette Hauser and Scrumbly Koldewyn shared a hug on August 11 at the closing party for The Cockettes exhibit at the Hormel Center of the San Francisco Public Library.

SAN FRANCISCO AIDS FOUNDATION will hold its annual CELEBRATIONTRIBUTE on Saturday, September 10, 6–10 pm at The Palace Hotel, 2 Montgomery. Join them in honoring the remarkable achievements of community members and leaders who have acted in bold and brave ways to help move us all closer to ending the AIDS https://tinyurl.com/3wsyk8c3epidemic. Sister Dana sez, “If I have to witness one more newscast helicopter aerial shot of the ostentatious Mar–a–Lago resort, I think I will get LOCKDOWNairsick!” COMEDY has been running monthly

Produced by the LEATHER & LGBTQ CULTURAL DISTRICT, on Sunday, September 18, folx will proudly walk together starting at City Hall, pausing at favorite neighborhood spots and watering holes, and culminating with the Leather Pride Fest, sponsored by the SF Eagle at Eagle Plaza. LeatherWalk 2022 benefits the LEATHER & LGBTQ Cultural District, a unique San Francisco institution dedicated to keeping our South of Market neighborhood queer and kinky. LeatherWalk is the official kickoff for San Francisco’s Leather Week, which culminates one week later at the 2022 FOLSOM STREET FAIR . Gather at 11 am on the Goodlett Steps of City Hall (Polk Street side). Drop off any last donations, and be sure to get your collectible LeatherWalk 2022 pin! It departs from City Hall at 11:30 am and stops include Oasis, Powerhouse, Hole in the Wall, Azúcar Lounge, Leather Etc., Wicked Grounds, Cat Club, Mr. S Leather, the Ringold Leather History Alley, the Lone Star Saloon , and Eagle Plaza. At 2:30 pm, everyone joins the ongoing LEATHER PRIDE FEST 2022, organized by the SF Eagle, which will include the raising of the historic LEATHER PRIDE FLAG and a beer/soda bust from 3–6 pm. Organizations are invited to bring their banners and insignia. Participants are welcome to proudly display their leather, gear, and/or skin. https://tinyurl.com/4aue65pt Sister Dana sez, “Having finally seen the ‘coveted’ affidavit of Trump’s FBI search and seizure order, all the heavy redactions look more like a toddler got hold of a black marker pen and went wild! Much ado about nothing! I’ll wait for the unedited version.” However, the DOJ has now shown us clear evidence of obstruction in actual photos at Mar-a- Loco that the FBI took of stolen TOP SECRET classified documents boldly and obviously labeled as such. Not to mention 48 empty folders! All that should be enough to put The Donald behind bars! On Friday, September 9, STRUT, 470 Castro Street, is inviting us to help celebrate the works of Jonathan Fong The Art Opening, SHAPING OF CIRCUMSTANCE , starts at 8 pm till 10 pm. Jonathan says his interest in identity is represented in his paintings where he focuses on telling the stories of his personal experiences. His painting process involves self-reflection as he explores his experiences. He says the materials he uses are thoroughly thought through and add to the depth of the representation of a person’s identity: “There are layers to a person and only a few are shown at once.” These pieces are a glimpse of Jonathan’s move and exploration of San Francisco. The paintings are a depiction of the external effects that shape a person’s identity—be it family, friends, partners, coworkers, and even strangers. There are moments of confidence, joy, love, sadness, depression, and defeat. But they are all parts of the identity of a gay Asian that is finding his way in life and society, dealing with things that will shape his future self. The art will be on display all month long and Barre,Inhttps://jonathanjfong.com/longer.hisstunningspeechinWilkes-Pennsylvania,onAugust30, President Joe Biden noted that when he was Vice President back in 1994, he got an assault weapons ban passed, and for ten consecutive years, the number of mass shootings was low. But in 2004, Republicans let that ban expire and mass shootings tripled. Sister Dana sez, “What Joe Biden says, ‘It’s time to ban these weapons! We did it before. We can do it again!’” It is of interest to note that while many Republican Congress people gripe about Biden’s mere $10,000 student loans—at least three of these are hypocrites: Marjorie Taylor Greene, who had $183,504 in PPP loans forgiven; Matt Gaetz, who had $482,321 in PPP loans forgiven; and Markwayne Mullin, who had over $1.4 million in PPP loans forgiven!

RINKBYPHOTO

SAN FRANCISCO BAY TIMES SEPTEMBER 8, 2022 25

Sister Dana sez, butYaFRANCISCO’StraditionalreturnsLEATHERWALK“HAPPY2022,whichthisyearasthelaunchtoSANLEATHERWEEK!don’tHAVEtowearleather;don’tyaWANNA?!”

Sister Dana Sez: Words of Wisdumb from a Fun Nun

By Sister Dana Van Iquity

(continued on page 32)

Loving Highsmith does explore some of the attitudes about homosexuality in the 1950s, and how folks had to be subversive to survive. One of Highsmith’s many lovers, Marijane Meaker, delightfully recounts going to a lesbian bar in New York City and being banned because she indiscreetly took a taxi rather than walked from a remote subway stop so as not to be identified. Meaker also provides some interesting anecdotes about living with Highsmith. They may have looked like roommates sharing expenses, but when neighborhood boys spied them kissing, the gossip about the true nature of their relationship quickly spread across—and scandalized— the Highsmith,town. however, was never really hiding her identity. She was butch from a young age, as a photo of her as a child with a cigar indicates. (The film does feature some great archival images.) She preferred jeans to dresses, and spent several years of her childhood in Texas, in a rancher and rodeo family. But she was, by all accounts, “not a typical Texan.” She eventually moved to New York to be with her mother. The film’s most interesting section addresses Highsmith’s fraught relationship with her unlikeable mother, a woman who divorced her husband less than two weeks before Patricia was born. According to one report, which may or may not be true, Highsmith’s mother tried unsuccessfully to induce an abortion with turpentine. That Highsmith still loved her mother—who didn’t return Patricia’s affection—is certainly telling and may explain why she wrote about such amoral characters like Ripley, or Bruno in Strangers on a Train.

Likewise, another pointless episode has one of Highsmith’s lovers, Tabea Blumenschein, who inspired Highsmith to write a Ripley novel, commenting on the peacock displaying its feathers. The tenuous connection is that the book was set on Peacock Island, and a passage from the novel is read aloud. When their affair ends sadly, Monique Buffet, another friend and lover of Highsmith’s, notes that she suffered from writer’s block as a result, which is more edifying.

But Vitija mostly lets viewers connect those dots, preferring, inexplicably, to showcase scenes of cattle roping or, late in the film, a musical performance. These episodes seem to have little or nothing to do with Highsmith’s life or the topics being discussed. Likewise, various scenes of the author typing serve very little purpose except to serve as wallpaper during a voiceover. (The film has Gwendoline Christie voicing Highsmith’s writing.) Also disappointing are a handful of scenes with some of Patricia’s living Texas relatives. In one sequence, they are shocked by the idea that Patricia had a romantic relationship with a woman named Millie, who worked for American Airlines. But too little is explained about who these folks are, and if or how Millie is related to them, for the revelation to have any real impact for the viewer.

Lesbian novelist Patricia Highsmith is probably as well known for her books as she is for the film adaptations of her books—Strangers on a Train, The American Friend, The Talented Mr. Ripley, and The Price of Salt aka Carol, among others The wan documentary, Loving Highsmith, opening September 9 in the Bay Area, is a portrait of the writer, but it is about as deep as a Wikipedia entry.

Patricia Highsmith

Loving Highsmith Is a Wan Doc About the Fascinating Lesbian Author Film Gary M. Kramer

Director Eva Vitija certainly has affection for her subject, a woman who dressed and acted like a man, and wrote mainly about men—because it was a path to success; both women and men, the film explains, would read stories with male Highsmithprotagonists.wassavvywhen it came to her career. When she wrote Carol, a story about a young woman who has a love affair with a married lady, Highsmith penned it under a pseudonym so as not to be identified as lesbian. More importantly, she gave the novel, published in 1952, a happy ending, which was unheard of at the time. (Nearly 40 years later, she republished Carol under her own name.)

Loving Highsmith may be best appreciated by those who are unfamiliar with the author’s personal life and only really know her work from her books or films. Vitija briefly touches on Highsmith’s alcoholism, her racism and antisemitism, and tax issues that were prominent late in her Butlife. then there is a nugget, from her dairies, “Resentment was my second emotion, one I knew well before I knew its name.” It may be the most revealing moment in this largely superficial portrait.

© 2022 Gary M. Kramer Gary M. Kramer is the author of “Independent Queer Cinema: Reviews and Interviews,” and the co-editor of “Directory of World Cinema: Argentina.” Follow him on Twitter @garymkramer

Loving Highsmith does feature clips from the films of the novels and some of the contexts are illuminating. It was pretty significant that Alfred Hitchcock chose to adapt Highsmith’s debut novel, Strangers on a Train, about an exchange of murders, for one of his films. And Carol was based in part on Highsmith’s experiences working in a department store like its main character, Therese Belivet (Rooney Mara in the film), does. There is also an emphasis on Ripley’s effeminacy and homosexuality—as illustrated by a few scenes from the 1999 film The Talented Mr. Ripley, starring Matt Damon in the title role. That Highsmith identified with Ripley to an extent is both interesting and not unsurprising for those unfamiliar with the author’s background.

SAN FRANCISCO BAY TIMES LGBTQ News & Calendar for the Bay Area CELEBRATING FOUR DECADES (1978–2022)

26 SAN FRANCISCO BAY TIMES SEPTEMBER 8 , 2022

SAN FRANCISCO BAY TIMES LGBTQ News & Calendar for the Bay Area CELEBRATING FOUR DECADES (1978–2022)

I’ve been a hat girl from childhood to womanhood. It all started with Bette Davis walking down the gangplank after her transition from ugly duckling to swan in Now, Voyager to three strippers in Gypsy telling Natalie Wood that if she wants to make it as a stripper, “You gotta have a gimmick.” I always thought hats were not only stylish but also took courage to wear—if you did it right. Which all brings us to a guy who wears many hats: producer, reporter, and writer Stephen Talbot. He was also a child actor on the iconic Leave It to Beaver sitcom. He played Gilbert, the Beave’s blonde best friend. He told me for the San Francisco Bay Times, thinking back on those days: “I was raised with actors in the family. My dad, Lyle Talbot, made a huge number of films and then became a regular on Ozzie and Harriet. From 9 to 14, I was in all the shows filming at that time (such as Perry Mason—not aware that Raymond Burr was gay; Wanted Dead or Alive—star Steve McQueen seemed so detached and Hecool.)”added, “I did fifty plus episodes of Beaver and became good friends with Jerry Mathers, the Beave. Tony Dow was so handsome; he had gay and straight fans everywhere, and was a great swimmer. His mother was a stuntwoman in early Hollywood, including working with Clara Bow. I know your favorite, Jan, Off the Wahl Jan Wahl is Ken Osmond as Eddie Haskell. He was always mean to me in the scripts so I thought of him as a bully. But (in real life) he was a really nice guy and became a cop. There was a huge urban myth that he was actually a porn star. He was way too square for that.” “It was a fun time to be working in Weldued.StephenHollywood,”contin-“TuesdayhadthisRebel Without a Cause attitude when I rode with her to the set of Because They’re Young. She had her hair in a towel and my jaw was on the floor. Barbara Stanwyck was the only actor who actually intimidated me, but she was so kind when I went up on my lines. I think my father may have known her off screen ... he was a ladies’ man. When Stanwyck met my mother, she gave Mom kind of the up and down. You know, like, “So, that’s what Lyle married.’” Lyle was in his eighties when he moved to San Francisco. I was so fortunate to spend some time with this sophisticated older actor. The Castro Theatre showed Three on a Match, the great 1932 film noir starring Bette Davis and Lyle. Try to find that one on the internet; it is beyond great and gritty. Anyway, Lyle’s loving family took him to the Castro to see it. His name was on the marquee and, of course, he received a wonderful reception from the crowd. He fell in love with our city then and there, living here until his passing at 94. By that time, Stephen had long left acting. His career has since flourished as a broadcast journalist for KQED/PBS, including as a Frontline contributor with more than 40 documentaries and too many awards to list. He said, “Right now, I ‘m working on The Movement and the Madman I know it sounds like Trump, but it is a deep dive into Nixon and the anti-war movement. Nixon had a madman strategy: escalate the war in Vietnam (by) threatening with bombs, floods, and even nuclear weapons. Meanwhile, the anti-war movement was having huge demonstrations, including the Moratorium. That one was everywhere, a quarter of a million (demonstrators were) here in Golden Gate Park. David Mixner was one of our four national leaders. He’s very instrumental in the LBGTQ community. (The story) is told by people who were there, using newscasts, interviews, and archival footage. Look for it in Stephen2023.”

Stephen Talbot

SAN FRANCISCO BAY TIMES SEPTEMBER 8 , 2022 27

Talented Stephen Talbot Wears Many Hats, From Leave It to Beaver to Producing Award-Winning Documentaries

As a child star, Stephen Talbot appeared in 56 episodes of the TV sitcom Leave It To Beaver in the role of Gilbert, Beaver Cleaver’s friend.

knows I am a fan of the documentary Current Affairs: The Case of Dashiell Hammett that he did in 1982, starting at KQED and ending up very popular nationally on PBS. The documentary explains this remarkable writer to us, the creator of The Maltese Falcon and The Thin Man. Steve also did a documentary on aviator Beryl Markham, from her days as a bush pilot for Ernest Hemingway to her famed African memoirs. Moscone: A Legacy of Change is a portrayal not only of our brave and liberal Mayor Moscone, but also of his colleague and friend Harvey Milk. Moscone appointed Milk as a city commissioner and they were longtime political allies until the tragic last chapter. All of these documentaries are available by digging in the internet, and are examples of Stephen’s passion and Theretalent. are two other excellent writers in Stephen’s family. His brother David Talbot wrote the best-selling Season of the Witch: Enchantment, Terror and Deliverance in the City of Love. Sister Margaret Talbot gave us the richly detailed The Entertainer: Movies, Magic, and My Father’s Twentieth Century. Whoa! All that talent in one family. Write on! Jan Wahl is a Hollywood historian, film critic on various broadcast outlets, and has her own YouTube channel series, “Jan Wahl Showbiz.” She has two Emmys and many awards for her longtime work on behalf of film buffs and the LGBTQ community. Contact her at www.janwahl.com

didn’t realize that kebab doesn’t necessarily mean “on a skewer” and this variation was a standout. Then we were delighted with the foraged Himalayan morel mushrooms, stuffed with reduced milk solid, nuts, ricotta and Kashmiri sauce, topped with a summer black truffle. It sounds like a mouthful, and it was, but the flavors complemented one another beautifully. For our large plate, we had the traditional butter chicken, a favorite Indian restaurants in the Bay Area can be, quite frankly, a dime a dozen. Typical curries, ordinary naan bread, and mediocre tandoori dominate in a region known for its culinary chops. But there have been a couple of standouts: the now-closed August 1 Five on Van Ness; and Michelinstarred Campton Place, when chef Srijith Gopinathan was at the helm (be sure to watch for his new restaurant in the old Dosa space on Fillmore, scheduled to open late this Thenyear). there’s possibly my current favorite: ROOH, which means “spirit” or “soul.” ROOH San Francisco shines as a star of progressive Cal-Indian cuisine: marrying the spirit of traditional recipes with a modern flair. Co-Founders Anu and Vikram Bhambri have teamed up with Executive Chef Sujan Sarkar and Chef de Cuisine Pujan Sarkar to create a space that is magical, sophisticated, and design-forward. From the moment you step into this chic restaurant, you feel transported, bombarded with color, light, and contemporary, cosmopolitan Thedecor.restaurant (which also has outposts in Palo Alto, Chicago, Columbus, and New Delhi) has been open in San Francisco since 2017, but I hadn’t been back since the pandemic. The good news? It’s better than ever.

Indian Cooking Bay Times Dines SAN FRANCISCO BAY TIMES LGBTQ News & Calendar for the Bay Area CELEBRATING FOUR DECADES (1978–2022)

ROOHLandisSan The Soul of Modern

Edamame Fava Kebab Interior at ROOH Interior at ROOH Compressed Melon Salad Chef Pujan Sarkar

28 SAN FRANCISCO BAY TIMES SEPTEMBER 8, 2022 dishes, we chose the tasting menu. But buyer beware: there are many courses and the portions are ample. Our starting amuse bouche, inspired from Indian street chat, was a yogurt puff with mango and raspberry chat masala: light, airy, and eminently yummy. Next, we sampled a classic south Indian pepper fry with asparagus, lentil, cilantro, curry leaves, and a Brik pastry tart, where the freshness of the vegetable still dominated. Our next offering, the Jidori liquid

scrambled egg Bhurji, which, according to my husband, was “a salty and savory Indian version of zabaglione.” Taking advantage of summer produce, the next course featured a stuffed homemade naan with fresh green peas, goat cheese, truffle, and Indian spices (almost like a variation on matar paneer, inside an Ourempanada).smallplates started with the freshest Massachusetts oysters with a local Sacramento sturgeon caviar, served with solkadi, a coastal Indian sauce made with kokum and coconut. The fruit accent provided a nice balance to the creamy oysters. Next up? A compressed melon salad. The compression intensified the fruit flavors and heirloom tomato rasam (a classic south Indian cold soup), serrano peppers, and ramps oil accompanied the fruit. From there, the chef sent an edamame fava kebab with huckleberry jam, sugar pea broth, and pea shoots. I

ROOH is renowned for its innovative craft cocktail program, inspired by the “Ayurvedic rasas of taste” (those being sweet, sour, salty, pungent, butter, and astringent). Headed by head mixologist Marco Hernandez, the selections are described on a menu pinwheel that can help guide the diner to their taste profiles of choice. My husband chose the “Berry Cool,” consisting of green brier whiskey, macerated strawberry, fig shrub, and salt—a nice ying and yang of savory and sweet. I selected the “Lychee Fizz,” with Reyka vodka, lychee, butterfly pea, and egg white foam—a delicate, light, and tasty way to begin the meal. Besides the cocktails, the wine list is lengthy, and offers many varietals to balance the spices of the creative Indian cuisine. At ROOH, you can either select a la carte or a tasting menu. Since we wanted to sample many of the The Gay Gourmet David

Putting safety first, we opted to dine on the gorgeous outdoor patio with our dogs. The parklet is itself a marvel of design, with crystal chandeliers, green hanging plants, and, best of all, comfortable chairs that provide bold accents of red.

Francisco:

David Landis, aka “The Gay Gourmet,” is a foodie, a freelance writer and a retired PR maven. Follow him on Instagram @GayGourmetSF or email him at: davidlandissf@ gmail.com Or visit him online at: www.gaygourmetsf.com

Indian offering of mine. This one is made from dark meat marinated overnight, cooked in the clay oven with a smoked (but not too smoky) tomato and bell pepper sauce with butter powder. One can judge the quality of an Indian restaurant by evaluating the preparation of this dish. Moist and flavorful, this classic might just have been our favorite of the Ournight.stomachs were saying “enough” at this point, but isn’t there always room for dessert? So, we had a spoonful of the cashew praline cake with rice kheer mousse and a black rice wafer that melted in our mouths; the second sweet was a coconut and lychee payasam (usually, rice boiled in coconut milk with cardamom and nuts), with the addition of fresh coconut granita and gelato, sprinkled with raspberry Servicedust. is always paramount at a restaurant of this caliber. At ROOH, it’s professional, attentive, responsive, and welcoming. Server Anselmo and manager Yury were on point all evening. Another added Besidesplus. “spirit” and “soul,” I’d say ROOH means innovative, creative, unusually tasty, and simply divine. Bits and Bites

Two new wines of note: Vina Robles Sauvignon Blanc from the Jardine Vineyard is a dry, clean, citrusy white wine that is grassy but not overpowering. A perfect, light complement to the takeout Chinese dinner we ordered from AlsoDragonwell.ofnote is one of my favorite vineyards in Paso Robles, Justin. Its still rosé is in the Provence style: dry, light, but packing a punch at 13.5%.

Exterior at ROOH Green Peas Goat Cheese Kulcha Solaire Terrasse at the Ritz-Carlton San Francisco

At its beautiful outdoor courtyard, the Ritz-Carlton San Francisco just launched its new Solaire Terrasse champagne and seafood bar, partnering with Veuve Clicquot. The space is a gem (I can’t believe it hasn’t been open to the public before), offering urban cityscape views in a protected setting with the property’s herb garden as well. Guests can reserve Thursdays–Sundays from 1–6 pm in the summer and fall, weather permitting. There’s even a gelato cart, to boot!

SAN FRANCISCO BAY TIMES SEPTEMBER 8, 2022 29 Bay Times Dines SAN FRANCISCO BAY TIMES LGBTQ News & Calendar for the Bay Area CELEBRATING FOUR DECADES (1978–2022)

The Paso property also includes The Restaurant at Justin; the Justin Downtown wine bar; and the elegant JUST Inn adjacent to the vineLookingyards. to pack a healthy lunch now that kids are back in school? I just tried Wild Planet’s albacore wild tuna and it’s a winner. It’s ready-toeat in a can, but sustainably pole and line caught with no added water or oil (just tuna and salt). It’s a little less flaky than its counterparts, but that makes for a more flavorful choice. My husband and I made a tuna salad with Wild Planet tuna, mayonnaise, fresh Armenian cucumbers, and heirloom cherry tomatoes from a friend’s Sonoma farm, onion, hard-boiled egg, and pickle relish, all served on a bed of fresh greens. If you top it off with the robust PRMRY Olive Oil, it gilds the lily. Really delicious. 5 stars! (They also can Skipjack tuna and mackerel for some tasty alternaAnd,tives.)finally,

celebrity chef Joey Altman has just opened Hazie’s, a new “contemporary handcrafted California cooking” eatery in Hayes Valley in the former space occupied by ROOHStacks.San Hazie’s:https://wildplanetfoods.com/Wildhttps://www.justinwine.com/Justin:https://www.vinarobles.com/Vinahttps://tinyurl.com/5n94ssuvSanSolairehttps://tinyurl.com/yeyse6mmFrancisco:TerrasseattheRitz-CarltonFrancisco:RoblesSauvignonBlanc:Planet:https://www.haziessf.com/

The aroma of apple pie on a September day, the smooth flavor of homemade apple butter on toast, or a tempting square of apple cake can signal fall is on its way. Your farmers’ market has a seemingly endless selection of heirloom apples, most of which are relatively uncommon. Each apple brings its own history and interesting name. After almost disappearing, older apple varieties, popular 50 to 100 years ago, have been making a learnedmarketDiscerningcomeback.farmers’customershavetodifferentiate between a delightfully sweet or tart heirloom apple and the waxed, shiny, almost tasteless, varieties that are available in the supermarkets. Each heirloom has a distinctive flavor profile, gorgeous skin color, and crisp bite that are sure to become favorites.

sparkling you know, widen your wine horizons and explore Trentodoc (pronounced Trento-Dock), which is one of the country’s top-quality sparkling wine styles. It hails from northern Italy’s Trentino region located around the city of Trento, and the surrounding majestic Dolomite mountains provide the ideal climate for growing vines. The grapes used to produce these worldclass sparkling wines include Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, and Pinot Meunier—the same as France’s Champagne region. The wines are also made in a similar traditional method as Champagne, creating fizz of finesse and elegance.

Sips

Bay Times Online www.sfbaytimes.com

third generation of the Lunelli family. This stylishly dry yet succulent sparkling is made from Chardonnay. It’s lush yet crisp and perfect to sip alone or alongside lighter fare from sushi to salmon. For the price, you won’t find a better bubbly deal.

By Debra Morris Visit the

This Month at the Castro Farmers’ Market Heirloom Apples: A Taste of History

Ifhttps://tinyurl.com/4pcjusj2ProseccoistheonlyItalian

Many of the commercial apple varieties we see in grocery stores are hybrids, combining the favorite attributes of various heirlooms— namely, predictable traits of size, color, transportability, and storage life. Heirlooms, on the other hand, are open pollinated and have been preserved and passed along for generations in their “pure” form. These heirlooms are particularly important for genetic diversity. Maintaining rich genetic diversity is essential for increased disease resistance, temperature hardiness, and for preserving the species. Today many apple growers have returned to growing heirlooms.

Author, speaker, wine consultant, and television host Leslie Sbrocco is known for her entertaining approach to wine and food. She has won multiple Emmy Awards for her work on PBS, which includes hosting the series “Check, Please! Bay Area” and “100 Days, Drinks, Dishes & Destinations.”

apples, because they hold their shape, tend to be good for baking whole. Try Fuji, Pink Lady, or Gala. You might find the early harvest Gravenstein apple, one of the true heirloom varieties still grown. They’re good for apple sauce, cider, and just plain good eating. Tart apples are best for baking because their flavor holds up. Try Pippin, Granny Smith, Empire, or ThereRome.are some wonderful varieties of heirloom apples offered at your Castro farmers’ market. Guzman Farm out of Denair offers Fuji and Pink Lady apples. Ken’s Top Notch from Fresno also has tasty apples. This fall, visit your local certified farmers’ market where you’ll find a wide range of this tasty fall fruit, and where the farmers who grew and harvested them bring them to you. Debra Morris is a spokesperson for the Pacific Coast Farmers’ Market Association (PCFMA). Check out the PCFMA website for recipes, information about farmers’ markets throughout the region and for much more: https://www.pcfma.org/ Sbrocco Leslie Sbrocco

Ferrari Brut Sparkling, Trentodoc, Italy $28

Bay Times Dines SAN FRANCISCO BAY TIMES LGBTQ News & Calendar for the Bay Area CELEBRATING FOUR DECADES (1978–2022)

Gravenstein apples, a variety named by the Danes, meaning “gray stone,” was introduced to Northern California in the 19th century by Russian fur traders. It is one of most common heirloom apples and grows mostly in the Sebastopol area. The heritage Fuji and Pink Lady apples also have a long history. These apples, among others, were brought back from near extinction by local farmers who desired to save these older breeds. These farmers and local farmers’ markets have been first in line to offer these special apples to customers. Direct to market sales have increased their visibility and Thick-skinneddesirability.

30 SAN FRANCISCO BAY TIMES SEPTEMBER 8, 2022

Ferrari is the founder of this nowfamous style dating back to 1902 when pioneer Giulio Ferrari began his winery. It is currently run by the

www.LeslieSbrocco.com

Jennifer Kroot and Robert Holgate curate the “Out of Left Field” column for the San Francisco Bay Times. Kroot is a filmmaker, known for her award-winning LGBTQ themed documentaries, including The Untold Tales of Armistead Maupin and To Be Takei. She studied filmmaking at the San Francisco Art Institute, where she has also taught. She is a member of The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences. Holgate, a humanitarian as well as a designer, is dedicated to critical social issues. With his hands-on approach to philanthropy and social justice, he supports the advancement of local and national social causes. For more information: https://www.rhdsf.com/ (continued on page 32)

Note: In this piece, renowned yoga instructor Roy Gan writes about his journey with yoga and how, even at the age of 49, the practice has given him a new lease on “Andlife.)Now Yoga” One of the most important documents on life starts with half a sen“Whattence. is this cra-cra chanting Thisstuff?”was my initial reaction when introduced to yoga some 15 years Thisago. gibberish was an affront to an inflated legal mind that was intimidated by something it couldn’t underNowstand.looking back. All that I considered to be this stuff triggered a sore spot with a repressed wounded Pentecostal past. I obviously feel differently today, being a teacher and student of this stuff. Irony! W hat I found to be beneath me became the very thing that would help turn my life of chronic pain, depression, and selfmedicating around. And Now Yoga (Union). For many years, I struggled to make sense of this. Having hit rock bottom several times, each time thinking I couldn’t sink any further, I finally succumbed to bent knees and prayed for a better way. With the pain of not knowing came a spark of willingness, a lastditch effort to try something new; and if that didn’t work, I was going to Theredie. had to be an alternative to being sick, alone, fearful all the time, and feeling like I was a victim of my situation and powerless to change it. I was confronted with two choices: Either the claims of Yoga are entirely true, or I have been wrong my entire life! I was ready to investigate. Years later, with a lot of work, a little bit of luck and a whole lot of grace, I am still here. And edging 50, it seems like my life is only just starting. We all carry woundedness. I remembered growing up, my belief was that other people were more talented, had connections that I was not born with, and were just luckier. I also believed that happiness was elusive and that those who were happy were just in denial of a hostile universe that had favorites. I felt that if I were to achieve any measure of success, I had to fight tooth and nail and compete mercilessly. It was no wonder that by my early forties, I was all hustled-out, in poor health, angry, and had no medical insurance. It was not a pretty picture, and unbeknownst to me at that time, totally self-induced.

Roy Gan

Out of Left Field

“Do I need to stay angry for another 20, 30 years and what is the payWavesoff?” of fear and pain would surface every time I would hit an internal roadblock of denial, but without resistance they also diffused. To move from nihilism to optimism was a monumental shift. The world took on friendlier shades of green. Colors became more vivid, and the world would, in many instances, turn into a fun and whimsical playground.

I remembered reading An Autobiography of a Yogi and my eyes glistened with hope. I became an avid seeker of this stuff, spending countless hours a day, reading, meditating, contemplating, and journaling. It was no longer entertainment but an intense inquiry into: “What is life all about?” With willingness came an increase in my energy levels and a diminishing of chronic pain. “Is my mind really that powerful?”

ZANGWILLBYPHOTO

SAN FRANCISCO BAY TIMES SEPTEMBER 8, 2022 31 (Editor’s

The Stuff of Yoga

By Roy Gan

FABULOSA BOOKS, which happens to turn ONE YEAR OLD!!! on September 15. “It’s been a wild ride, but we’ve loved every second, and we FULLY intend to stick around for a long, long, long, long, long time,” promises Alvin the openly queer, proud proprietor. Adding to his customary complimentary wine infused guest author reading circles, on Fabulosa’s ANNIVERSARY DAY, he will be popping champagne corks in celebration all day long on September 15! Cheers, https://tinyurl.com/2ffcnnnxqueers!

32 SAN FRANCISCO BAY TIMES SEPTEMBER 8, 2022 SISTER DANA (continued from pg 25) ANSWER (Question on pg 21)

GAN (continued from pg 31)

The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo, by Taylor Jenkins Reid, was first published in 2017, but remains a current best-seller. As Amazon shares, “From The New York Times bestselling author of Daisy Jones & the Six—an entrancing and ‘wildly addictive journey of a reclusive Hollywood starlet’ (PopSugar) as she reflects on her relentless rise to the top and the risks she took, the loves she lost, and the long-held secrets the public could never imagine.” With seven husbands under her belt, Evelyn Hugo would seem to be very straight, but like the actual multi-married stars of Hollywood’s Golden Age who helped to inspire the story, she was far from it.

Positive self-talk, habits, and gratitude unexpectedly started to form, and they came incrementally with being more peaceful and alive. “My experience was being generated from within” This gave me the confidence to think bigger than my present circumstances. With the surrender of judgment, problems resolved quickly, and situations would turn around in a way better than I could figure out in my logical mind. I could finally have nice things.

Castro Farmers’ Market

QUEER POP QUIZ on Zoom since July 2020, having celebrated its 2nd anniversary show this July. Since the monthly shows still cater to audiences of some 50–100 people monthly throughout the U.S., and since the pandemic is not yet over, the show will continue on Zoom for the foreseeable future. Please note: The show is now Closed Captioned enabled. On Thursday, September 15, enjoy Betsy Salkind (LA), Sandra Valls (LA), Jeff Kreisler (NY), and “The Geduldig Sisters” – show producer and comic Lisa Geduldig and her 91-years young mother, Arline Geduldig https://www.koshercomedy.com/(Florida)! Sister Dana sez, “It warms my political heart to hear President Biden finally get fired up and call out the ‘MAGA Republicans’ as the ‘semi-fascists’ that are a ‘threat to democracy!’ Although I would go a whole lot farther and call them full-tilt FASCISTS!” Senator Scott Wiener stated the following regarding the announcement that the Legislature and Governor have agreed on an emergency budget appropriation of $41 million for public health response to monkeypox: “We’ve been fighting like hell to ensure California effectively responds to the monkeypox outbreak, and this emergency appropriation will be a huge help at both the state and local level. Monkeypox is a painful and isolating disease, and it’s having a major impact on the LGBTQ community. I’m deeply appreciative to Governor Newsom, Pro Tem Atkins, Speaker Rendon, and Budget Chairs Nancy Skinner and Phil Ting for their support of this critical budget allocation. We’ll continue to fight to ensure our community doesn’t get left behind and that we have the support we need to expand vaccination, testing, treatment, and outreach.”

by Rink

CITY ART Gallery at 828 Valencia held its OPENING RECEPTION on September 2 with walls and walls of art ranging from oils to photos to sculpture and butterfly wings. I especially enjoyed the nod to Castro landmarks. Amazing pieces on display through September hasbutrockingStreetEaredaMaybehttps://www.cityartgallery.org/25.ifyouhavebeenlivingunderrock,youdidn’trealizethatDogCastrobookstoreat489Castrohasclosed(ormaybebeenliv-underanevenbiggerandheavierthatADifferentLighthasclosed);fearnot,becauseinitsplacebeen

I used to have time for everything else, to wallow in misery and spin endlessly in my head but no time to take care of myself. “My life is my doing” As this sunk in deeper and more absolutely, it helped me to change my attitude; a nd with this inner shift, outer situations began to transform. I stopped being the martyr and became 100% responsible.

D) The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo

I saw the futility of the hedonic treadmill of seek and do not find. This stuff gave me the courage to hack the self-deprecating pattern and move beyond it. “This stuff really works” My passion was rekindled with the physical postures and breathing. This helped me to relax and quell a mind that was conditioned to create and exaggerate problems.

Photos Berrylicious

No matter where we may be on the spectrum of life, we all want to be happy. The pursuit of money and fame can bring convenience to our lives, but they do not really transform us. And it was only when I was at my rope’s end that I became willing for this stuff And now Yoga. We may not start there, but this stuff sure saves a lot of time. Singapore native Roy Gan is a San Francisco-based yoga instructor and digital media and programs manager at Yoga Garden/Moxie. He is a law graduate, former ballet dancer, and presently a life coach and meditation https://roygan.com/https://www.yogagardensf.com/teacher.

MR. SF EAGLE LEATHER 2023 CONTEST is Saturday, September 17, 5 pm at the Eagle, 398 12th Street. This will be kicking off LEATHER PRIDE FEST WEEKEND ! Do you have what it takes to be the next titleholder? Applications are available for pick-up at the SF Eagle now and are available on their website. Come by Friday for the contestant Meet & Greet (7–9 pm). Saturday the fun starts at 5 pm with the actual contest with MC’s Daddy Ray Tilton and Tammy Lg Hatter. Judges: Reika Minxie, Jeffrey Wayne, Brent Heinze, Caity Lynch, and Howie Ramirez Followed by the Young Hearts at 9 pm. Deadline to turn in applications is Thursday, September 15! https://sf-eagle.com/ President Joe Biden gave a primetime, simply stirring speech on September 1 in Philadelphia regarding our “BATTLE FOR THE SOUL OF THIS NATION” in urging Americans to strike a balance just two months before elections that will determine control of Congress, seeking to offer a sense of optimism about the future, and urging true citizens to fight back against extremism. Of course, Republicans slandered Biden’s speech and called him undemocratic. Sister Dana sez, “Well, we tried ‘going high when they go low;’ so maybe from now on—when they go low, we should go just a little less high?!” Yoga offered me a transcendental view of life, a glimpse into the possibility of a wholly benevolent universe, a concept I couldn’t grasp in the prior pits of despair.

The Buds BandHappy Boy Farms

Terrance Alan “Shelter Cove. It’s a beautiful place to relax and fish. And it’s in the middle of Humboldt County’s marijuana cultivation.”

If you could live anywhere, other than the Bay Area, where would it be? compiled by Rink

As Heard on the Street . . .

Krewe de Kinque founder and former SF Pride President Gary Virginia described this photo as one “for my gardening & flower friends: the tree rose I rescued from a garbage bin, repotted & trimmed, is coming to life!” Thanks to him for rescuing the discarded plant and adding some greenery to the Castro in the process.

A still from the Castro Street Cam’s most popular window presents a view of the recently installed strings of lights now illuminating Castro Street on the 400 and 500 blocks between 19th and Market Streets on both sides. View all four windows on the Castro Street Cam streaming live 24/7: https://tinyurl.com/y82tz8sv

Photographer Abby Zimberg captured an image of “Wommanequin”the sitting on the sand that was part of a display set up by a surfboards and wetsuits salesman at Ocean Beach on werecrowdSeptemberSunday,4.Alargeofbeachgoersthere,hopingto catch the cool breeze off the water on one of the recent days in the long and recordbreaking heat wave affecting California and other Western states.

If you wish to meet Mindy, you can do so virtually before choosing to adopt. For more information, please email Mindyadoptions@sfspca.orgispresentedto San Francisco Bay Times readers by Dr. Jennifer Scarlett, the SF SP CA’s CEO. Our thanks also go to Paradise Osorio for helping to get the word out about lovable pets like Mindy. To meet other adoptable pets in person, visit the SF SPCA Mission Campus @ 201 Alabama Street. It is open for appointments from 10 am–6 pm (Monday–Wednesday, Friday–Sunday) and 1 pm–6 pm on Thursdays. For more information: https://www.sfspca.org/adoptions/ Take Me Home with You!

“The best exercises in the gym are: squat, chin up, overhead press, deadlift, hip thrust, and bench press.” Fitness SF Trainer Tip of the Month

Send

us your snapshots to Publisher@sfbaytimes.com

Tore Kelly, Director of Creative & Social Me dia for Fitness SF, provides monthly tips that he has learned from professional trainers. For more information: https://fitnesssf.com/

Tim Mullaney “I would love to live in Tiburon. Take the ferry. Enjoy the day.”

SNAPSHOTS

Cristina Chavez “Mexico City, where I have been vacationing for 3 weeks.”

Alysha Lofton

SAN FRANCISCO BAY TIMES SEPTEMBER 8, 2022 33

Steven Luibrand at Fitness SF Mid-Market

VIRGINIAGARYBYPHOTO ZIMBERGABBYBYPHOTO TIMESBAYFRANCISCOSAN PHOTO

Dr. Jennifer Scarlett and Pup Mindy

“My name is Mindy! I’m a 16-year-old who weighs about eight pounds and am thought to be a Domestic Shorthair mix— which, in this case, means I’m lushly furred and cute as can be! I may come off as shy and reserved at first, but I’m ready to be your loyal, loving pal and you will get to know my wonderful personality. I am currently in a foster home. My foster parent Cori says, ‘Mindy is the sweetest cat and she really opened up, shortly after coming home. She may be a senior, but she’s still spry!’”

William Goghill “Portugal, which does not have many of the problems we have in San Francisco.”

“Philadelphia, where I am from”

The acclaimed Poesia restaurant at 4076 18th Street in the Castro has recently expanded with the opening of a café on the site’s lower level. In addition to coffee, tea, and other beverages, a selection of unique menu items is on offer by pastry chef Giovanni Liguoro, including orange and pistachio cookies, freshly baked focaccia, pizzas, and more.

34 SAN FRANCISCO BAY TIMES SEPTEMBER 8, 2022 SAN FRANCISCO BAY TIMES LGBTQ News & Calendar for the Bay Area CELEBRATING FOUR DECADES (1978–2022)

Festa Coloniale, an annual cultural festival produced by the San Francisco Italian Athletic Club, was held in 2022 at Washington Square in North Beach neighborhood on August 27. Attendees enjoyed Italian food, drink, live music performances, and family activities. Spectators particularly enjoyed the pizza tossing demo by World Champion and restauranteur Tony Gemignani of Tony’s Pizza Napoletana of North FestaBeach.Coloniale

Italiana

Poesia Café

Photos by Rink

Photos by Rink

SAN FRANCISCO BAY TIMES LGBTQ News & Calendar for the Bay Area CELEBRATING FOUR DECADES (1978–2022)

Le DutchCreusetOven: Introducing a newly released color from Le Creuset, Sea Salt, in several new items like this 5.5 quart Dutch Oven. $419.99

Actress Anne Heche (1969–2022) died last month following a sequence of three motor collisions; the final one inflicted critical injuries to Heche and destroyed a house in the Mar Vista neighborhood of Los Angeles. Over two decades prior, San Francisco Bay Times photographer Rink met and photographed Heche at an HRC benefit on September 28, 1998, at the Castro Theatre when the film and television performer was in a widely publicized relationship with Ellen DeGeneres. Heche appeared with DeGeneres at the HRC event, along with Melissa Etheridge, and DeGeneres’ mother, Betty.

Rink Remembers

Le Creuset Pumpkin-shaped Baker New this year is Le Creuset’s autumn line. This pumpkinshaped baker comes in three different colors: Sea Salt, Persimmon, and Meringue. $124.99

SAN FRANCISCO BAY TIMES SEPTEMBER 8, 2022 35 CASTRO presented http://sfbaytimes.com/by STREET CAM Chili Cook Out Photos by Rink

Items of the week

Photos by Rink

On a visit to Hibernia Beach on August 30, Rink photographed memorials placed in remembrance of Andrew (Andy) Tonken, a beloved member of the LGBTQ community who passed after a tragic hit and run accident in Oakland. Andy was a member of the Fog City Pack whom friends called “Baby Bear.” Originally from Washington, D.C., Tonken was a dedicated supporter of small businesses and was recognized for his expertise in sales, marketing, and event production. He helped small businesses, such as Orange County-based The Tiny Umbrella, to get a strong start. As Fog City Pack members wrote, thinking of Tonken’s generosity and kindness, “Andy was the definition of a Queer Family Man ... . He was close friends with us all, a fixture at all of our events, a generous source of wisdom & love when it came to anything & everything any of us ever needed.” In this historic photo, Rink remembers entertainer Gerry Kirby (second from left), who appeared on stage during his long career in performances with Bette Midler, Sylvester, Donna Summer, Pearl Bailey, and more. Kirby was interviewed by author Bob Ostertag earlier this year: https://tinyurl.com/54cpxrb6

(Left to Right) Hank Wilson, Gerry Kirby, Gil Block (Sister Sadie), José Sarria, Jeff Getty, and Tom Ammiano

The Cinch Saloon on Polk Street hosted a benefit on August 21 supporting the San Francisco Night Ministry. Participants included Mr. Golden Gate John Brett, Ms Golden Gate Bobbie Trans Mormon, Empress Ehra Amaya, Emperor Brent Munro, Mr. Cowboy Brandon West, Miss Cowgirl Jubilee, Armin, Jim Oerther, and John Weber. As reported by Rink, attendees enjoyed a selection of chilis and vast amounts of cornbread.