Jim Aiken • Skip Aiken • Jeff Alons • Paul Alsbach • Terry Al thoff • Miles Scott Amen • Steve Amos • Paul S A N F R A N C I S C O Anelli • John Atteridg • Edwin Barlow • Crawford Barton • Craig Beachler • Robert Beale • Glenn Beardsley • Jerry Berg • Marion Besco • Sam Bittner • Kristen Bjoernfeld • Bill Blake • Allan Blasdale • John Andre LGBTQ News & Calendar for the Bay Area Bonnemaison • Jeff Bortin • Edward Brener • Peter Brockhoff •( John Brown • John Brown • John Bryant CELEBRATING FOUR DECADES 1978–2018) • Jay Burwick • John Cailleau • Chris Campbell • Jack Campbell • Scott Campbell • Duncan Campbell Jr. 29–December •5,Mark 2018 | Chapa sfbaytimes.com • Terry Carlson • John CashmanNovember • Bud Castleman • Bruce Chelini • Al Cherry • Alexsis Gregory Chew • Bob Chinen • C. Brian Christianson • Andrew Chrystall • Michael Clarke • Kevin Conduff • Richard Connelly • Bob Connett • Gregory Cooper • Jimmy Corbett • Jeff Cothran • Clayton Cowan • John Crimen • Mark Crissey • Tim Curbo • Mark D’Angelo • Alan Da Cunzo • Bobby Darnell • David Davenport • Robert del Valle • Wal t Dennis • Douglas Dickinson • Bob Dinsmore • Scott Dowdee • Tom Doyle • Brian Duckworth • Andy Einkauf • Alan Ellis • Patrick Elvander • Bob Emery • Robert Erickson • Stephen Eschenbach • Robert Espindola • Gary Falardeau • Jim Farmer • Michael Farrell • Keith Fenton • Bruce Fetherolf • Clif Fields • Steven Filice • Justin Fingado • Brian Finnegan • Wyrant F lonory • Fredrick The First Permanent Installation Honoring Singers, F loyd • Ted Foster • Mark Fotopoulos • David Dancers Fox • David Smith Fox •Lost Jon Franck • Jim Franks • John French Musicians, and Artists to HIV/AIDS • Robert Frey • Evan Friedman • Stephen Frugoli • Scott Galuteria • Larry Garrigan • Gary Garrison • Perry George • Don Giberson • David Gooding • Keith Gockel • Bill Graham • P hilip Graham • Larry Griffin • Gordon Grover • Tom Gschwind • Gene Guenther • Dean Halsey • Andy Hammond • Dr. Mark L. Hamner • Dennis Haney • Jerry Haney • Robert Hawk • Greg Hay • Frank Hecker • David Held • Mark Hermes • Paul Hernandez • Charles Herrington • Robert Hichborn • Tom Hickey • Mark Hirano • Rexford Hitchcock • Greg Hol brook • Richard Hollenbaugh • Jerry Horsting • Roger Hostetler • Clyde Howell • Douglas Jackson • Frank Jackson • Keith Jacobsen • David James • Scott Johnson • Al bert Jones • Paul Jones • Keith Kamrath • Robin Kay • Carl Kimball • Lester King • Rick Kirkham • Diane Kohne Schuster • John Kovach • Tony Kramedes • Dick Kramer • John Krause • Thom Kumorek • Greg Lawrance • Joe Leary • Kevin Lenzen • Jeff Lettow • Don Levine • Bill Lewandowski • Ed Lichtenstein • Gerry Lo Presti • Frank Lobraico • Wayne Love • Joseph Loza • Ed Lucas • John Lusk • Roger Luttrell • Michael MacDonald • Darren MacGavin • John MacKintosh • Mike Maguire • Terence Maguire • Jim Mahony • Renny Marinaccio • Gerry Marquis • Gerald Martin • Mickey Martin • Steve Martin • Tom Martin • Leonard Matlovich • Roy McConahay • Steve McDowell • John McFarland • Mike McGavren • Michael McIntyre • John McLeod • P ipo Micheli • Allen Midkiff • Glen Miller • Kevan Miller • Mark Mousseau • Jim Murnan • Craig Neeley • Gary Newcomb • Al Nichols • Gregg Nicholson • Dennis Niswander • Ken Noble • David Norton • Ryan Nunez • F loyd Ohler • James Onion • Garry Osborne • Tom Pallerino • Nick Papadopoulos • P hil Pearce • Gerald Pearson • Chuck Pedersen • Roger Pelletier • Norman Perry • Terry Peterson • Shane Petree • Rodger Pettyjohn • Donald P hillips • Harrison P ierce • George P iper • Brian Powdrill • Bill Powell • Terry Presley • Ted Printz • Steven Prokasky • Bill Pugh • Michael Pugh • Paul Pukas • Guy Rana • Bill Randles • Douglas Randolph • Melvin Rebhahn • Robert Rekart • Bruce Reynolds • John Reynolds • John Riccardi • Cameron Robb • Jay Roberts • Jim Robison • David Keleikini Roddell • Marty Roddell • Bob Rogers • Steven Rohrer • Jon Rollins • Dave Romero • Regis Rosetta • Steven Rozell • Lane Ruoff • Jim Russell • Charlie Salumbides • Paul Sanchez • Patrick Santiago • Bill Schade • Steve Schmorr • Dan Schreiber • Bob Scott • Roger Scroggs • Neil Seymour • Michael Shamburger • Ray Shanks • Dennis Shaw • David Shortridge • Lee Sierecki • George Silkworth • John Simo • Jon Sims • Tom Sims • Barry Singer • Fred Skau • Hal Slate • Rick Slavsky • Ted Smith • Scott Smitherum • Vince Sofia • Dale Sorensen • Scott Squires • Jay Stinson • Jerry Stokes • Steve Sutherland • Burleigh Sutton • Timothy Tafoya • John Tallerino • Mike Tallmadge • Gregg Tallman • Joseph Taro • Lance Taylor • Chuck Thayer • Curtis Thomas • David Thomas • Lavoy Thompson • David Thormann • Robert Thrower • Eric Tiffany • Bill
BAY TIMES
artists portal at the
PHOTO BY JP LOR PHOTOGRAPHY/SPECIAL TO THE SAN FRANCISCO BAY TIMES; INSET PHOTO BY TOM JENSEN
National AIDS Memorial
Jim Aiken • Skip Aiken • Jeff Alons • Paul Alsbach • Terry Al thoff • Miles Scott Amen • Steve Amos • Paul Anelli • John National Atteridg • Edwin Barlow • Crawford Barton • Craig Beachler AIDS • Robert Memorial Beale • Glenn Beardsley • Jerry Berg • Marion Besco • Sam Bittner • Kristen Bjoernfeld • Bill Blake • Allan Blasdale • John Andre Bonnemaison • Jeff Bortin • Edward Brener •
artists portal at the
Artists Portal Added to the National AIDS Memorial By John Cunningham and Tom Jensen
In choosing the long-ignored and neglected 10acre de Laveaga Dell in Golden Gate Park, the founders, along with hundreds of volunteers, turned a forgotten and sidelined tract into an intimate, expansive memorial with national and international recognition. It was a deeply heartfelt desire to respond, to take action, to bring light to dark days. Another story has now taken root. Dr. Tim Seelig Envisions Artists Portal In 2011, Dr. Tim Seelig, the then new artistic director of the San Francisco Gay Men’s Chorus, reached out to me and together we walked the National AIDS Memorial. Anyone who knows Tim knows that he is a visionary and is deeply passionate about his work and his community. During that walk, Tim spoke of the immeasurable loss that impacted the vast arts communities across the nation in the early days and ensuing years of the epidemic. It is a loss that remains in individual and collective grief and memory. He talked about the San Francisco Gay Men’s Chorus, who lost so many men that they christened a “Fifth Section,” in memoriam to the now over three-hundred voices who were silenced by AIDS. Tim talked of the chorus’ desire to honor and remember these artists, and all artists, in a more solid and tangible way. As we walked between the light and shadows of the memorial it became very clear that this vision was so necessary for not only San Francisco, but also for our nation. Artists give joy, inspiration and hope, and impart truth, ideas and societal change. Over the last seven years, a group of dedicated individuals continued to meet to discuss and hone the vision to create such a space. What was lost on Broadway, in Hollywood, in the fashion world, and within the galleries, halls, cafes and stages of every community will never be wholly known, but the lives of some of the most creative and vibrant souls must never be forgotten. In 2017, the Nation-
al AIDS Memorial completed a memorial circle to honor the national Hemophilia community, who lost half of its population tragically as a result of the contaminated blood supply. The team found inspiration in this to realize the dream that Tim had shared on that walk in 2011. Transforming the Dream into Reality
Terrence Chan
Visitors to the new Artists Portal, located at the western end of the memorial, perched on the crest of a hill and tucked under towering native oak trees, will enjoy a beautiful view of the California Academy of Sciences and the de Young Memorial Museum. The National AIDS Memorial and the San Francisco Gay Men’s Chorus have worked together closely over the last year in the design, location, funding and labor to ensure this new feature honoring the national artists community became a reality. One of Tim’s early ideas was to include an aural component in this space. An 8½-foot-tall Emperor Chime graces the space, a quiet sentinel until visitors ring the chime and speak a name or names of loved ones. I think visitors will find the resonance and harmony restorative and intuitive, just as the memorial cradles memory through the other senses. On December 1, prior to performing at the 25th annual World AIDS Day National Observance— open to the public, all are welcome—the San Francisco Gay Men’s Chorus will gather at the Artists Portal to formally dedicate the newest addition to the National AIDS Memorial. This project of love was inspired by the spirit of some of the most creative souls to walk beside us. The memorial has long stood as a space dedicated to heroes, for remembering those we loved, for honoring those who fought and survived, for reminding us of the force and resilience of community. The National AIDS Memorial is deeply appreciative to all who have supported this project, which will live on in perpetuity to honor all those lost and will tell the story of not only loss but also of incredible strength and compassion. The National AIDS Memorial would like to thank a few individuals for making this project a reality: Tim Seelig, Chris Verdugo, Don Ruthroff and K.C. Farrell. John Cunningham is the Executive Director of the National AIDS Memorial Grove. Tom Jensen, a digital consultant for Wells Fargo Virtual Channels Digital group, is a member of the organization’s Board of Directors.
San Francisco Lesbian/Gay Freedom Band
Donors Supporting the Artist Portal at the National AIDS Memorial Grove
SFGMC Legacy Thrives in Golden Gate Park
The San Francisco Gay Men’s Chorus (SFGMC) has long dreamt of creating a lasting tribute to those we have lost to the AIDS pandemic. Now, thanks to the following generous donors, such a tribute is possible at the National AIDS Memorial Grove.
Only three years into the life of the San Francisco Gay Men’s Chorus, AIDS burst onto the scene, changing all of our lives forever. Since then, the Chorus has lost over 300 singers to the ravages of HIV/AIDS and continues its tireless efforts in spreading awareness and fighting the disease and its stigma.
SFGMC wishes to extend a special thank you to all those who have donated time and expertise in making the new Artists Portal possible. Financial contributions from the following individuals, LGBTQ choruses and allied organizations were instrumental in giving life to the memorial. Thank you! On World AIDS Day, December 1, the Artists Portal will be dedicated in memory of those singers who no longer stand on stage but whose voices still resound in our hearts. LGBTQ Choruses ANNA Crusis Women’s Choir Asheville Gay Men’s Chorus Atlanta Gay Men’s Chorus Boston Gay Men’s Chorus Buffalo Gay Men’s Chorus Chicago Gay Men’s Chorus City of Festivals Men’s Chorus Coro Allegro Denver Gay Men’s Chorus Denver Women’s Chorus Gay Men’s Chorus of Washington DC Gay Men’s Chorus of Los Angeles Golden Gate Men’s Chorus Heartland Men’s Chorus International Voices Houston Kansas City Women’s Chorus Knoxville Gay Men’s Chorus LanSINGout Gay Men’s Chorus Lesbian and Gay Chorus of SF Maine Gay Men’s Chorus
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On Saturday, October 27, friends, supporters and members of the San Francisco Gay Men’s Chorus and San Francisco Lesbian/Gay Freedom Band joined with staff and volunteers of the National AIDS Memorial Grove for a visit to the site of the new Artists Portal. Held in conjunction with a weekend of activities celebrating the 40th Birthday of the Chorus, the event included music by the band, singing, remarks and a City of San Francisco Board of Supervisors proclamation presented by Supervisor Rafael Mandelman. Supporter Terrence Chang spoke and used the mallet to present an inaugural ringing of the Portal’s Emperor Chime as his partner Edward Sell and all who gathered observed.
PHOTO BY GARETH GOOCH
The National AIDS Memorial was conceived by a small group of San Franciscans, moved by the devastating AIDS crisis, as a living memorial to all people touched by AIDS. As our nation’s only federally-designated memorial to AIDS, the memorial holds the responsibility to tell the stories of the epidemic, the stories of prejudice, stigma and discrimination; the stories of love, compassion and the eloquence of a community’s response.
Photos by Bill Wilson
Artists Portal Preview
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Melbourne Gay and Lesbian Chorus Men’s Chorus of the Ozarks Mid America Freedom Band Modern Men Coachella Valley Men’s Chorus New York City Gay Men’s Chorus North Coast Men’s Chorus Oakland Gay Men’s Chorus One Voice Mixed LGBT Chorus MN Orlando Gay Chorus OurSong Atlanta Palm Springs Gay Men’s Chorus Philadelphia Gay Men’s Chorus Reveille Men’s Chorus River City Mixed Chorus Sacramento Gay Men’s Chorus San Francisco Lesbian/Gay Freedom Band Seattle Men’s Chorus Seattle Women’s Chorus Silicon Valley Gay Men’s Chorus
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The Stonewall Chorale Turtle Creek Chorale Twin Cities Gay Men’s Chorus VOICES of Kentuckiana West Coast Singers Windy City Performing Arts The Women’s Chorus of Dallas Allied Organizations ACFEA Tour Consultants American Choral Directors Association Chorus America First Baptist Church Greenville SC GALA Choruses Cornerstone ($25,000+) Terrence Chan + Edward Sell Hero ($5,000+) Joseph Bondi
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The Chorus has long dreamed of creating a lasting tribute to those we have lost to the AIDS pandemic. Soon there will be the Artists Portal, a permanent memorial within the National AIDS Memorial Grove.
Dr. Tim Seelig and Chris Verdugo
On December 1, World AIDS Day, the Artists Portal and monument to San Francisco Gay Men’s Chorus brothers in song at the Memorial will be dedicated and open to the public. The Artists Portal will honor musicians and artists we have lost from every discipline. It will also include the names of regional, national and international LGBTQ and arts organizations that have additionally lost members. The first of those to be represented are members of the Gay and Lesbian Association of Choruses.
National AIDS Memorial Grove History and Endowment The National AIDS Memorial Grove, located in San Francisco’s Golden Gate Park, is a dedicated space in the national landscape where millions of Americans touched directly or indirectly by AIDS can gather to heal, hope and remember. Its mission is to provide, in perpetuity, a place of remembrance so that the lives of people who died from AIDS are not forgotten and the story is known by future generations. For all the promising prospects on the horizon, AIDS continues to invade our lives, violate our past and rob us of our comfortable assumptions about the future. The sacred ground of this 10-acre living memorial honors all who have confronted this tragic pandemic; those who have died, and those who have shared their struggle, kept the vigils and supported each other during the final hours. Conception The idea for the National AIDS Memorial was first conceived in 1988 by a small group of San Francisco residents representing a community devastated by the AIDS epidemic, but with no positive way to express their collective grief. They envisioned a serene place where people would come alone or in groups to hold memorial services, to remember among the rhododendrons and redwoods. It was to be a place dedicated to all lives touched by AIDS. As news of the AIDS Memorial Grove initiative grew, so did support and interest. The group selected as the site for the Grove the de Laveaga Dell, near the park’s tennis courts, in world-renowned Golden Gate Park. Due to park budget cuts and lack of funding, the Dell had fallen into a state of disrepair. It was overgrown and unusable by the public. A team of prominent architects, landscape architects and designers volunteered countless hours to create a landscape plan that would be fitting as a timeless living memorial. Site renovation began in September 1991, and continues as needed. The Grove is an
award-winning example of civic beautification, combining both public and private sectors in urban-park restoration and promoting AIDS awareness. In 1999, it was bestowed the Rudy Bruner Silver Medal Award for excellence in the urban environment. The Grove’s board of directors obtained a 99-year renewable lease with the City of San Francisco to create and maintain the Grove. Public officials praise the project as the perfect example of a public-private partnership, a model project for like-minded groups throughout the world. National Status In October 1996, through the passage of legislation spearheaded by Representative Nancy Pelosi and signed by then President Bill Clinton, the AIDS Memorial Grove Act of 1996 designated the Grove as this nation’s AIDS Memorial. This official designation as the National AIDS Memorial Grove, a status comparable to that of the Vietnam Veterans Memorial, the 9/11 Memorial & Museum and the USS Arizona at Pearl Harbor, proclaims to the world that there is a dedicated space in the national public landscape where anyone who has been touched by AIDS can grieve openly without being stigmatized, can find comfort among others whose lives have been affected by AIDS and can experience the feelings of renewal and hope inherent in nature. As the AIDS pandemic continues to invade humanity, in unprecedented numbers, the establishment of the Grove as the national gathering place for healing, hope and remembrance also serves as an important marker in the history of this dreadful disease. Site Revitalization Community response is the heart of the Grove. During its first decade, the Grove was transformed into a lush and tranquil site visited by thousands of people annually. Since 1991, thousands of volunteers have donated more than 200,000 hours participating
in monthly Community Volunteer Workdays. Workday attendance averages 200 volunteers, ranging from the very young to the elderly. Workday volunteers come from all segments of the community and represent a diverse range of racial, economic, cultural, religious and other social groups. Under professional supervision, they have made the restoration of the Grove a shining reality, clearing massive overgrowth and reintroducing
native species by planting thousands of new trees, plants and shrubs. Other restoration efforts have included the construction of site improvements for public use. These features include six f lagstone gathering areas, the placement of numerous Sierra granite boulders and eighteen freestanding benches. A paved, ADA-compliant mobility path leads to the Circle of Friends, and a gravel access skirts the (continued on page 4)
The Fifth Section of the San Francisco Gay Men’s Chorus Whenever the San Francisco Gay Men’s Chorus performs, they sing for their brothers who are no longer with us. Over 300 members of the Chorus—known as the Fifth Section—have been lost to us over the years, many as a result of HIV/AIDS. Their names are memorialized in the Chorus’ concert playbills, and we do so here now as well in the San Francisco Bay Times, where many of these talented individuals were featured over the years. Their spirit lives on with us and we honor their memory. Jim Aiken • Skip Aiken • Jeff Alons • Paul Alsbach • Terry Althoff • Miles Scott Amen • Steve Amos • Paul Anelli • John Atteridg • Edwin Barlow • Crawford Barton • Craig Beachler • Robert Beale • Glenn Beardsley • Jerry Berg • Marion Besco • Sam Bittner • Kristen Bjoernfeld • Bill Blake • Allan Blasdale • John Andre Bonnemaison • Jeff Bortin • Edward Brener • Peter Brockhoff • John Brown • John Brown • John Bryant • Jay Burwick • John Cailleau • Chris Campbell • Jack Campbell • Scott Campbell • Duncan Campbell Jr. • Terry Carlson • John Cashman • Bud Castleman • Mark Chapa • Bruce Chelini • Al Cherry • Alexsis Gregory Chew • Bob Chinen • C. Brian Christianson • Andrew Chrystall • Michael Clarke • Kevin Conduff • Richard Connelly • Bob Connett • Gregory Cooper • Jimmy Corbett • Jeff Cothran • Clayton Cowan • John Crimen • Mark Crissey • Tim Curbo • Mark D’Angelo • Alan Da Cunzo • Bobby Darnell • David Davenport • Robert del Valle • Walt Dennis • Douglas Dickinson • Bob Dinsmore • Scott Dowdee • Tom Doyle • Brian Duckworth • Andy Einkauf • Alan Ellis • Patrick Elvander • Bob Emery • Robert Erickson • Stephen Eschenbach • Robert Espindola • Gary Falardeau • Jim Farmer • Michael Farrell • Keith Fenton • Bruce Fetherolf • Clif Fields • Steven Filice • Justin Fingado • Brian Finnegan • Wyrant Flonory • Fredrick Floyd • Ted Foster • Mark Fotopoulos • David Fox • David Smith Fox • Jon Franck • Jim Franks • John French • Robert Frey • Evan Friedman • Stephen Frugoli • Scott Galuteria • Larry Garrigan • Gary Garrison • Perry George • Don Giberson • David Gooding • Keith Gockel • Bill Graham • Philip Graham • Larry Griffin • Gordon Grover • Tom Gschwind • Gene Guenther • Dean Halsey • Andy Hammond • Dr. Mark L. Hamner • Dennis Haney • Jerry Haney • Robert Hawk • Greg Hay • Frank Hecker • David Held • Mark Hermes • Paul Hernandez • Charles Herrington • Robert Hichborn • Tom Hickey • Mark Hirano • Rexford Hitchcock • Greg Holbrook • Richard Hollenbaugh • Jerry Horsting • Roger Hostetler • Clyde Howell • Douglas Jackson • Frank Jackson • Keith Jacobsen • David James • Scott Johnson • Albert Jones • Paul Jones • Keith Kamrath • Robin Kay • Carl Kimball • Lester King • Rick Kirkham • Diane Kohne Schuster • John Kovach • Tony Kramedes • Dick Kramer • John Krause • Thom Kumorek • Greg Lawrance • Joe Leary • Kevin Lenzen • Jeff Lettow • Don Levine • Bill Lewandowski • Ed Lichtenstein • Gerry Lo Presti • Frank Lobraico • Wayne Love • Joseph Loza • Ed Lucas • John Lusk • Roger Luttrell • Michael MacDonald • Darren MacGavin • John MacKintosh • Mike Maguire • Terence Maguire • Jim Mahony • Renny Marinaccio • Gerry Marquis • Gerald Martin • Mickey Martin • Steve Martin • Tom Martin • Leonard Matlovich • Roy McConahay • Steve McDowell • John McFarland • Mike McGavren • Michael McIntyre • John McLeod • Pipo Micheli • Allen Midkiff • Glen Miller • Kevan Miller • Mark Mousseau • Jim Murnan • Craig Neeley • Gary Newcomb • Al Nichols • Gregg Nicholson • Dennis Niswander • Ken Noble • David Norton • Ryan Nunez • Floyd Ohler • James Onion • Garry Osborne • Tom Pallerino • Nick Papadopoulos • Phil Pearce • Gerald Pearson • Chuck Pedersen • Roger Pelletier • Norman Perry • Terry Peterson • Shane Petree • Rodger Pettyjohn • Donald Phillips • Harrison Pierce • George Piper • Brian Powdrill • Bill Powell • Terry Presley • Ted Printz • Steven Prokasky • Bill Pugh • Michael Pugh • Paul Pukas • Guy Rana • Bill Randles • Douglas Randolph • Melvin Rebhahn • Robert Rekart • Bruce Reynolds • John Reynolds • John Riccardi • Cameron Robb • Jay Roberts • Jim Robison • David Keleikini Roddell • Marty Roddell • Bob Rogers • Steven Rohrer • Jon Rollins • Dave Romero • Regis Rosetta • Steven Rozell • Lane Ruoff • Jim Russell • Charlie Salumbides • Paul Sanchez • Patrick Santiago • Bill Schade • Steve Schmorr • Dan Schreiber • Bob Scott • Roger Scroggs • Neil Seymour • Michael Shamburger • Ray Shanks • Dennis Shaw • David Shortridge • Lee Sierecki • George Silkworth • John Simo • Jon Sims • Tom Sims • Barry Singer • Fred Skau • Hal Slate • Rick Slavsky • Ted Smith • Scott Smitherum • Vince Sofia • Dale Sorensen • Scott Squires • Jay Stinson • Jerry Stokes • Steve Sutherland • Burleigh Sutton • Timothy Tafoya • John Tallerino • Mike Tallmadge • Gregg Tallman • Joseph Taro • Lance Taylor • Chuck Thayer • Curtis Thomas • David Thomas • Lavoy Thompson • David Thormann • Robert Thrower • Eric Tiffany • Bill Toner • Jack Torres • John Trojanski • Bill Tucker • Richard Vincent • Daryl Wagner • Karl Walker • David Warrior • Samuel Weaver • Robert Weinand • Leroy Westbrook • Mark Whiting • Larry Whitlock • Gary Wilson • Ric Wilson • Aaron Wimmer • Gary Wintermeyer • Jim Wolfe • Michael Wolford • Eric Worden • Douglas Wright • Jim Wright • Claude Zetty • Jim Zielinski S AN F R ANC IS C O BAY T IM ES
NOVEM BER 29, 2018
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Will We Be Celebrating Next June with Michelle and Malia?
6/26 and Beyond Stuart Gaffney and John Lewis We could not help but smile when we learned a few weeks ago that Michelle Obama and her daughter Malia snuck into the crowd of thousands of Americans cheering at the gates of the White House on the day the U.S. Supreme Court issued its nationwide marriage equality decision three years ago. As the former First Lady told Ellen DeGeneres while promoting her new memoir Becoming, she became aware from inside the presidential residence that “thousands of people were gathering in front of the White House at that time to celebrate, and my staff was calling me, everybody was celebrating, and people were crying, and I thought, ‘I want to be in that.’” Obama recounts in her book how she made it happen: “Malia and I just busted past the agents on duty, neither one of us making eye contact ... . We made our way down a marble staircase and over red carpets, around the busts of George Washington and Benjamin Franklin and past the kitchen until suddenly we were outdoors.” As she told Ellen: “We stood along with all the cheering crowd—off to the side, mind you, so no one would see us” and “we just took it in. I held [Malia] tight, and my feeling was— we are moving forward. Change is happening.” A few days after Michelle Obama made her revelation, U.S. Supreme Court Chief Justice John Roberts issued an unusual pronouncement of his own concerning the current occupant of the White House. Recently, President Trump publicly derided Northern California District Judge
The following day, Roberts fired back: “We do not have Obama judges or Trump judges, Bush judges or Clinton judges. What we have is an extraordinary group of dedicated judges doing their level best to do equal right to those appearing before them. That independent judiciary is something we should all be thankful for.” We join in Roberts’ rebuke of Trump’s inf lammator y rhetoric. More importantly, Roberts, Kavanaugh (the Court’s newest member), and the rest of the Republican-appointed Court majority must demonstrate that Roberts’ words are not merely empty rhetoric themselves. The Court majority must prove through actual legal rulings that we do, in fact, have an “independent judiciary” that provides “equal right to those appearing before them.” Earlier this fall at a speech at the University of Minnesota, Roberts described the role of the Supreme Court: “We do not speak for the people, but we speak for the Constitution. Our role is very clear: We are to interpret the Constitution and laws of the United States and ensure that the political branches act within them. That job obviously requires independence from the political branches.” Roberts proclaimed: “Without independence, there is no Brown v. Board of Education,” the 1954 decision, declaring racially segregated public schools unconstitutional. “Without independence, there is no West Virginia v. Barnette, where the court held that the government could not compel school children to salute the flag.” But Roberts omitted the fact that “without judicial independence,” there would be no Obergefell v. Hodges, the landmark marriage equality decision that Michelle and Malia Obama had rushed outside the White House to celebrate three years ago. Indeed, the Obamas were celebrating the Supreme Court’s acting independently to enforce the freedom and equality guarantees of the Constitution over the discriminatory actions of elected legislatures and voter-enacted initiatives.
WHITE HOUSE PHOTO
John Tigar as “an Obama judge” as part of his criticism of Judge Tigar’s temporary stay of a new Trump policy restricting access to asylum for immigrants, including some f leeing anti-LGBTIQ discrimination.
Roberts voted against same-sex couples’ constitutional right to marry in Obergefell. If Roberts had had his way, the Court would not have acted independently, would have ignored the Constitution’s Bill of Rights and deferred to the political branches. Millions of LGBTIQ people would have been deprived of full marriage equality for years. Furthermore, Trump and the Republican Senate have been rushing to stack the federal judiciary with conservative ideologues. They have jettisoned the longstanding practice of negotiating with home state senators of the other party to agree on nominees. And Trump would never even have had the opportunity to appoint conservative Neil Gorsuch to the Supreme Court if Senate Republicans had not brazenly denied Obama his right to name Scalia’s replacement back in 2016. On November 30, the Supreme Court is scheduled to confer on whether to decide key cases pertaining to workplace discrimination against LGBTIQ people. If they do, Roberts and his colleagues will be put to the test, and we will see if the Chief Justice means what he recently said. If there truly is “Equal Justice Under Law,” as the words engraved atop the Supreme Court read, we will have cause to celebrate with Michelle, Malia and millions of other Americans again next June. 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 contributed in 2015 to making same-sex marriage legal nationwide.
National AIDS Memorial Grove History and Endowment (continued from page 3)
Ensuring Remembrance
of Friends, located at the Dogwood Crescent in the eastern end of the Grove, is the major component in the endowment campaign. To date, nearly $4,000,000 has been received, and thousands of individuals have been honored.
This permanent endowment is maintained by the Grove, and funds the salary of a gardener committed solely to the upkeep of the Grove and its annual maintenance, and provides a nominal contingency fund—for repairs and other needed work—in perpetuity. The Grove’s endowment preserves for all time a living memorial for remembrance and ref lection, for inspiration and action. The Circle
Most memorials are built after the struggle is over. This battle rages on and we cannot wait, lest any one of our loved ones lost to AIDS be forgotten. The Grove exists in large measure because of the generous contributions from individuals, philanthropic organizations and corporations. As with most Grove donations to date, funds for the completion of the Grove’s endowment will be raised
meadow on its way to the Crossroads Circle. There are seventeen defined areas being planted and maintained by volunteers and the Grove’s fulltime city gardener.
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almost entirely from nongovernmental sources. The National AIDS Memorial Grove is governed by a dedicated board of directors who have signed a 99-year renewable agreement with the City of San Francisco through the San Francisco Recreation and Park Department to maintain the Grove in perpetuity. It is a project of the Tides Center, a nonprofit corporation dedicated to social service and stewardship of the natural environment. National AIDS Memorial Grove: https://aidsmemorial.org/ Tides: https://www.tides.org/
Affordable Housing Wins Big in the Election
Assemblymember Phil Ting With the average rent for a twobedroom in San Francisco topping $4,400 a month, the city has become increasingly unaffordable for working families and young adults. The National Low Income Housing Coalition estimates a minimum-wage employee would need to work 218 hours a week to afford that apartment. This is astronomical and contributes to San Francisco’s high homeless population of 7,500, with hundreds more living on the edge. It is not acceptable to have so many people literally just one unexpected expense away from living on the streets. Simply put, we need more housing to address the current shortage. As long as the supply can’t meet the demand, rents will continue to be inflated. Fortunately, California voters are just as concerned about housing prices and approved Propositions 1 and 2 earlier this month. Both measures were placed on the ballot by the Legislature to kick-start more affordable housing construction for people priced out of today’s market. Prop 1 authorizes the state to borrow $4 billion to build about 50,000 affordable housing units statewide for veterans, working families, seniors, people with disabilities and those ex-
The largest share of bond funds will be spent on the Multifamily Housing Program for the rehabilitation or construction of rental units for California households earning up to 60% of the area’s medium income, which in San Francisco is about $71,000. Some of the money is also earmarked for high density housing near transit stations. In addition, Prop 1 funds will help to boost homeownership. The state will be able to offer more loans to veterans through the CalVet Home Loan Program and will help low to moderateincome buyers with down payments through the Home Purchase Assistance Program. Homeownership is good for communities, because it provides stability and leads to more engaged residents working together to solve shared problems. The other measure, Prop 2, is even more targeted, and as Chair of the Assembly Budget Committee, I was proud to author legislation that put the question before voters. Since 2005, the state has taxed millionaires an extra 1% to fund mental health treatment services. But it’s not enough. An audit of the San Francisco Department of Public Health Behavioral Health Services found that only 5% of patients accounted for more than half of the city’s urgent and emergency services visits. Most of these patients had behavioral health diagnoses and many were homeless, thereby in need of more access to medicallyintensive supportive housing and case management services to get better.
Tessie’s Generous Spirit Lives On in San Francisco For over 40 years, the all-volunteer organization Tenderloin Tessie has served free holiday meals to those in need. Each meal—whether on Easter, Thanksgiving or Christmas—ser ves an average of a thousand people. All are welcome to enjoy the bountiful feasts. “Tessie” was the drag name of Perry Spink, a local performer/bartender who was very familiar with the people and character of the Tenderloin District in San Francisco during the 60s and 70s. Legend has it that on Thanksgiving in 1974, he received several turkeys and was inspired to cook and serve them to the local Tenderloin residents (with the help of lessthan-sober bar buddies). It was a gesture that showed the San Francisco community that no matter who you
were, there was someone who cared. The dinners continued on a monthly basis for a while. These meals, served on the last Thursdays of the month, garnered Tessie many honors and she earned the title of Empress 15 from the Imperial Court in 1980. Along with the dinners, Tessie started the tradition of giving gift bags along with the meals, a tradition that lives on today. These bags contain donated items such as toiletries, socks, gloves and an assortment of non-perishable food. Sadly, Tessie died in 1984, but the meals continued on an uneven basis. Three years later, the name Tenderloin Tessie Holiday Dinners was created and the meals became a holiday tradition. They were served at a church on the corner of Eddy and Gough and began focusing on the needs of the growing number of homeless throughout the city and those suffering from HIV/AIDS. The meals were a very satisfying way to help the community, but were becoming very large and were a great deal of work and stress for the few volunteers who loosely made up the board at the time. The program suffered a severe blow when the church burned to the ground in 1995. With
the board in limbo and no place to stage t he mea l s , m a ny members felt it was time to move on. Thankfully, a new board came together and t he mea ls were moved to the present location, the First Unitarian Universalist church on Franklin and Geary. Since that time, the organization has become a nonprof it and is stronger than ever and remains always mindful of the original mission of David (right) and Michelle were volunteer servers at this year’s Tenderloin Tenderloin Tessie to Tessie Thanksgiving Dinner. help anyone in need. Volunteers are needed for this year’s On Fr iday, November 30, t he Tenderloin Tessie Christmas Dinner, Tenderloin Tessie Christmas Cabaret December 25, 1 pm–4 pm at the First Benefit will take place. Performers Unitarian Universalist Church, 1187 include organizer Vanessa Bousay and Franklin Street. Call 415-584-3252 or many more well-known personalities. e-mail tenderlointessie@yahoo.com The benefit will begin at 7 pm at the First Congregational Church of San For more information about Tenderloin Tessie: Francisco, 1300 Polk Street. https://www.tenderlointessie.com/ https://bit.ly/2Pm8Nil
A team of volunteers staffed the kitchen at the First Unitarian Universalist Church on Thanksgiving Day. 6
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PHOTO KCET
periencing homelessness. The benefits to the LGBTQ community will be considerable, given the growing number of aging community members and the unfortunate fact that 30% of San Francisco’s homeless population identifies as LGBTQ. Supportive housing, which combines affordable housing with social and health services, is one of the most effective ways to help the chronically homeless. With the approval of Prop 2, voters empowered the state to direct $2 billion of the existing “millionaire’s tax” revenue to the No Place Like Home Program that offers permanent supportive housing for those who suffer from mental illness. That gives those in need shelter and care and frees up other state funds for more general affordable housing demands. Approving the combined $6 billion for affordable housing is the right call by voters. Just look at what recently happened with our newest belowmarket units at Natalie Gubb Commons in SOMA. The project received 6,58 0 applications for 120 spots. Clearly, there’s a demand for more. State investment in affordable housing helps to ensure that San Francisco and other communities throughout California will continue to be inclusive and made up of residents from all income levels, and not just high earners. I will continue to fight for more affordable housing funding during my next term in the Legislature. Phil Ting represents the 19th Assembly District, which includes the Westside of San Francisco along with the communities of Broadmoor, Colma and Daly City.
Photos by Paul Margolis
GGBA Member Spotlight
David Perry & Associates, Inc.
For this issue of the San Francisco Bay Times, GGBA profiles David Perry & Associates, Inc. You likely are familiar with the company’s well-known namesake, who created the TV show 10 Percent for Comcast and has been in front of, and behind, the camera for decades on behalf of his team and clients. He is additionally an occasional contributor to this publication. GGBA: Please tell us about your firm. David Perry: I first came to San Francisco in 1986 and immediately knew the city was for me. I moved in 1987 and started working as the Advertising Manager for San Francisco Opera. After that, I was the first Communications Director for Yerba Buena Center for the Arts, and then Marketing Manager for the San Francisco Partnership, working with the San Francisco Chamber and Mayor Willie Brown’s office. In 1997, I opened David Perry & Associates, Inc., and we were incorporated in 2004. We specialize in government affairs and large-project media and crisis communications and community affairs, and also do videography (aerial and ground) and graphic/web design. Favorite projects: Running of the Olympic Torch (2008), George Lucas’ Skywalker Properties, Super Bowl 50 (2016) and the recently completed Rugby World Cup Sevens. And, of course, guiding the Rainbow Honor Walk into reality has been, and continues to be, a great honor for me. GGBA: To what do you attribute your business success? David Perry: As a note I found in my mother’s desk shortly after she died read: “Success is a journey, not a destination.” I’ve never forgotten that. She loved her work (having worked for AT&T for 42
Membership Has Its Benefits! The Golden Gate Business Association (GGBA) is the world’s first LGBTQ Chamber of Commerce, and is now one of 65 around the globe advocating for positive economic, social and political change for LGBTQ businesses to prosper, create jobs and to have economic equality. Our mission is to champion opportunity, development and advocacy for our LGBTQ & Allied business community. We empower our small business entrepreneurs and professionals by creating opportunities for marketing, networking, procurement and referral-based business growth. We also collaborate with other nonprofits and engage with business and civic leaders to support policies that foster a more inclusive and welcoming business community, thus creating greater opportunities for our member businesses. If you are an LGBTQ or Allied business person looking for a place to make sincere connections that can lead to greater success and a sense of community, the GGBA is the place for you. We encourage you to visit our next event to see for yourself. For more details: https://ggba.com/
years) and taught me that was the most important thing: love your work. Also, I’m a great believer in the adage “hire/ work with people smarter than you: they make you look good.” GGBA: As a successful business owner, what has been one of the greatest obstacles you’ve faced and how did you overcome it? David Perry: The great thing about having your own business is that you can’t fire yourself. The bad thing about having your own business is that you can’t fire yourself. You’re always working: pitching, selling, working. Sometimes, it’s a lot to track. I’m a “to do” list person: Since I was 16 years old, I have kept a several-times-daily-updated list of everything that crosses my mind or needs to be done. Getting every tactic, strategy or idea “out of my head and onto paper (a digital word document)” is second nature to me. The key is to use and constantly update that “to do” list. I’m always tickled by people who write things down, and then never look at the list again. Also, when I opened my PR practice, I had no “guide book.” Making it up from scratch, in retrospect, was stressful. At the time, it was just what needed to be done. GGBA: Name an entrepreneur who has been an inspiration to you.
Dav id Perr y: I’d have to say my fel low Sa n Franciscan, Chip Con ley. I f irst met Chip when he was on the inaugural board of directors for Yerba Buena Center for the Arts. Wa t c h i n g t h e way in which he created, managed and marketed Joie de Vivre Hotels was an inspiration. He was the first professional I met who truly walked-thewalk and talked-the-talk of fair workplace practices and living a balanced live/work life. GGBA: Is there someone in the LGBTQ community who has been a profound inf luence on you and your business? David Perry: Yes: two people. My husband and business partner, Alfredo Casuso. He can tell me things that others might not. I married up; he is the smartest and most talented person I’ve ever known. And, secondly, my longtime mentor, the late Rev. Anthony Turney, the openly gay archdeacon at Grace Cathedral and former Executive Director of the NAMES Project AIDS Memorial Quilt. He was the most brutally frank person I’ve ever met. His advice was sometimes difficult to take, but I always knew that it was delivered with love. I miss him every day. GGBA: How do you navigate that ever important Life-Work Balance? David Perry: Two things spring to mind. One: I keep regular hours, Monday through Friday. With rare exceptions, I do not communicate with staff, clients or media before 8 am or after 5 pm, and never (unless there’s a weekend client event) bother clients or colleagues on the weekend. My clients and staff deserve a weekend and time at home with loved ones, and so do I. It’s not “Hippy Dippy”; it’s practical. Without “down time,” our brains don’t—my brain certainly doesn’t—work well. Also, since we travel a good deal for work, I
communicate with colleagues “where and when they are.” So, if I’m working from Europe (as we did this past summer), I don’t email our office at 9 am my time. I communicate in Pacific Time. It’s thoughtful and more efficient. It takes organization, but is totally doable. Finally, I take a yearly “digital detox”: no personal social media—reading or posting—for two months. It’s cathartic. I’m in the midst of my third one now. GGBA: How has GGBA impacted your business? David Perry: GGBA is and has been vital to my business. Having colleagues that share the same community perspective and involvement is key. Also, the annual “GGBA Power Lunch” is, simply, the best business networking event to which I go every year. It’s just the right mix of business development and community support. GGBA: What advice do you have for young LGBTQ entrepreneurs just starting their business in the Bay Area? David Perry: Have a year’s worth of money in the bank before you do anything. Also, get a good accountant, tax person and get out and meet people. In this high-tech world, it’s the “high touch” approach that breeds the most success. GGBA: If you could have dinner with a famous person from history, who would it be and why? Dav id Perr y: Wow—that question really stumped me. I had to really think; there are so many choices. Some, like da Vinci, seem obvious, but I’d be so awed that I wouldn’t be able to get through my salad. I’d love to be able to tell P.D. James how much I loved her writing. But, if forced to choose, I’d have to say Benjamin Franklin—always my favorite patriot. Brilliant, internationally traveled and funny. I think dinner with Olde Ben would be a hoot. I’d hope he’d be something like the episode of Bewitched when he comes back from the past, or the way he was portrayed by Howard Da Silva in the musical 1776.
GGBA CALENDAR GGBA Holiday Make Contact GGBA’s annual Holiday Make Contact this year honors the national insurance companies’ championing the inclusion of LGBT Business Enterprises as part of the California Insurance Commissioner’s Diversity Initiative. December 11, 6 pm–8 pm The Historic Philippine Consulate Building 447 Sutter St, San Francisco GGBA members: complimentary; non-members: $25 https://bit.ly/2TNaDrh GGBA January Make Contact January 15, 6 pm–8 pm GGBA members: complimentary; non-members: $25 https://ggba.com/ GGBA’s 5th Annual Power Lunch Power Lunch V: Bridges will celebrate the GGBA’s commitment to building bridges across economic, geographic, cultural and inter-community boundaries throughout the last 44 years. As the world’s first LGBTQ Chamber of Commerce, GGBA, through Power Lunch V: Bridges, will showcase several extraordinary people who personify our community’s ability to expand opportunities, build collaborations, strengthen existing relationships and forge new and forward-thinking initiatives that lead to sustainable economic growth for our community and our businesses. See website for sponsorship and
registration details. Feb 1, 11 am–2 pm https://bit.ly/2TNaJ27 GGBA February Make Contact February 12, 6–8 pm GGBA members: complimentary; non-members: $25 https://ggba.com/ GGBA March Make Contact March 12, 6–8 pm GGBA members: complimentary; nonmembers: $25 https://ggba.com/ Western Business Alliance Annual LGBT Economic Summit & Conference 2019’s conference will focus attention on issues facing our business community and the LGBT community at large, including creating influence, working with the LGBT community, LGBT homelessness and housing, social and corporate responsibility, marketing to millennials, transgender entrepreneurship and freelance opportunities, and access to capital for LGBT businesses. See website for registration details. March 14–16, Los Angeles – Hosted by the LAGLCC https://www.wbasummit2019.com/ Stand Up Speak Out Series GGBA is proud to present “Stand
Up. Speak Out,” a workshop series designed to teach entrepreneurs, business professionals and community leaders to become more confident speakers and more effective communicators. This workshop is free to all GGBA members, partners and their staff. Non-GGBA members can attend 2 meetings for free as a guest of the GGBA. December 2018: Stand Up and Speak Out – Honing Your Unique Value Proposition December 5, 7:30 am–8:45 am and December 19, 3:15 pm–4:45 pm January: Stand Up and Speak Out – The Importance of Storytelling in Business January 20, 3:15 pm–4:45 pm February: Stand Up and Speak Out – Managing Up vs. Managing Down February 6, 7:30 am–8:45 am and February 20, 3:15 pm–4:45 pm March: Stand Up and Speak Out – Dos & Dont’s of the Media Interview March 6, 7:30 am–8:45 am and March 20, 3:15 pm–4:45 pm https://ggba.com/
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Now Is Not the Time for a Speaker of the House in Training
Cross Currents Andrea Shorter The clouds have parted, the rains have come and the air has been cleansed, both literally and f iguratively. Literally, after nearly two weeks of unhealthy smoke blanketed Bay Area skies from the nearby historic Butte County fires. Rains during the week of Thanksgiving thankfully helped to cleanse the air to safer breathability. Figuratively, three weeks after the midter m elect ions, we can a lso breathe a little easier after the Democratic Blue Wave that took back the House of Representatives. Then again, this welcome development is poised to have as literal of an impact as bluer, cleaner and less choky air. Unless, of course, a handful of the newly forming House majority manages to royally wreck and muck up this moment, snatching defeat from the jaws of victory. In what should be clear blue skies from here to D.C., there remains a smoky haze hovering about the atmosphere. Quite plainly, the little band of newly minted and re-minted Representatives vowing not to vote for Nancy Pelosi for Speaker of the House needs to sit down somewhere. Do we need a Move On-inspired campaign ( https://front.moveon.org/ ) to address this situation?
Yes, maybe for those that ran as lonesome blue dots in predominantly red states who felt the need to denounce or distance themselves from the former Speaker—the right’s manufactured villain and boogie woman— pledging not to support or be defined by Pelosi’s “extreme left” leadership.
ership assignments. It perhaps took some gumption for Fudge to stand out as the lone contender. It didn’t, however, take much for Pelosi to remove her as a contender by her plan to appoint her as the Chair of the soon to be revived House Administration subcommittee on elections.
Okay, but hold up, partner. Unless you are or have someone seriously ready to step up or have an equally ready, willing and able contender to take up the full scope of responsibilities of this high post, then let us please move on.
As other such deals are made to elevate new leadership within the congressional and party ranks to arrive at the Democratic majority votes needed to secure Pelosi’s much-needed ascension to Speaker—and as importantly, if need be, second in line of succession to the Presidency after the Vice President—it protects the long game of standing up against, keeping in check and possibly removing a President leading us daily into despair, division and danger.
Like many Democrats, I too am very pleased and proud that we have voted in the most diverse class of representatives to the Congress. We’ve proudly and urgently voted in the most women, more LGBT people, people of color, veterans, immigrants and many other Americans ever to reflect the real and changing demographics and needs of our nation. And, yes, I also agree that there should be more leadership opportunities for additional Representatives to effect needed policy and social change, as well as to hone leadership capacities and skills to effectively lead the party’s direction. I’m totally down for all of that. But read the room. Now is not the time for a Speaker in training. As an African American lesbian who hails from the Midwest, I admit that I was glad to see Rep. Marcia Fudge of Ohio considering throwing her hat into the ring for the Speakership. I’ve appreciated her stalwart and diligent advocacy and leadership from the African American Caucus for elections reform. The fight against voter suppression demands serious chops, and Fudge brings those chops to the fight. While I was glad to see her at least being considered for the Speaker’s post, I, however reckon that the true angle of Fudge’s and several of the other vote blockers is to leverage and hold out for desired committee and lead-
Pelosi’s re-capture of the Speaker’s gavel should not, and cannot, be done with a single vote of the now Republican minority. This would not be an act of bi-partisanship. That would be an act of conceding precious power to this disaster of a President and a feckless GOP. An unnecessary assist from across the aisle to put Pelosi over the top would be “Exhibit A” of Democrats snatching defeat from the jaws of victory. So, tough it out and move on, Dems. This is our time. This is Speaker Pelosi’s time—again. Andrea Shorter is a Commissioner and the former President of the historic San Francisco Commission on the Status of Women. She is a longtime advocate for criminal and juvenile justice reform, voter rights, and marriage equality. A Co-founder of the Bayard Rustin LGBT Coalition, she was a 2009 David Bohnett LGBT Leadership Fellow at the Harvard Kennedy School of Government.
21st Annual Interfaith Thanksgiving Prayer Breakfast Photos by Bill Wilson Now in its 30th year, Interfaith Winter Shelter (IWS) provides added shelter services to homeless San Franciscans during the coldest months. It is a collaboration between the city, Episcopal Community Services of San Francisco and the San Francisco Interfaith Council. The program’s three-decade anniversary was observed at the 21st Annual Interfaith Prayer Breakfast, attended and supported by Congresswoman Nancy Pelosi, attorney and politician Angela Alioto, former San Francisco Mayor Art Agnos and numerous others. The breakfast was followed by a Service at the Fifth Church of Christ, Scientist, at 450 O’Farrell Street. Agnos and Interfaith Council founding member Rita Semel are featured in a video ( https://bit.ly/2PqGS0I ) to mark the IWS anniversary. As mentioned in the video, IWS has served as a role model for other navigation programs “to make an impact in people’s lives.” On Friday, December 21, The Vigil: Annual Interfaith Homeless Persons Memorial will take place at 5:30 pm in the city’s U.N. Plaza. As the Interfaith Council mentions, participants can “ join people of all faiths, or no faith, (we’re all in this together) to remember those who have died this year while living on San Francisco streets. In silence, in prayer, in song we’ll remember them, honor them, mourn our loss, reach out to each other for comfort and hope, and show our solidarity in working for change.” For more information: The Vigil: Annual Interfaith Homeless Persons Memorial https://bit.ly/2P4ZUET San Francisco Interfaith Council http://www.sfinterfaithcouncil.org/ 8
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Application Dates Announced for LGBTQWelcoming Affordable Senior Housing Construction of Openhouse’s new LGBTQ-welcoming affordable senior housing is on schedule, such that residents will be able to move in starting April 2019! If you would like to be considered, applications will be open from December 7–14, with the lottery taking place in January and February of next year. Openhouse will be hosting drop-in question & answer sessions on the following days: • Saturday, December 1, 1:30 pm–5 pm • Wednesday, December 5, 3 pm–5 pm • Thursday, December 6, 10 am–12 pm • Saturday, December 8, 1:30 pm–5 pm Applications and information are available at the DAHLIA San Francisco Housing Portal: http://housing.sfgov.org Here are some basic FAQs, with answers provided by Openhouse: I’m interested in the housing. What should I be doing right now? We encourage you and your friends to sign up for the interest list! Go online ( https://www.surveymonkey. com/r/join95 ) to place yourself on the interest list. You can also join by completing an Openhouse Consumer Registration form and checking YES next to the question, “Are you currently looking for housing?” Everyone on the interest list will be the first to know when and where applications are available and the deadline for turning them in. Where can I learn more about 95 Laguna and affordable housing options? Come to an Openhouse Housing Workshop. We offer them twice a month, and once in Spanish. RSVP is required to attend and you can RSVP over the phone. (See the number listed at the end of this article.) How can Openhouse support me? Openhouse is here to support your housing search by offering assistance with completing housing applications; monthly communications containing updated housing list information in the San Francisco Bay Area; Spanish translation of application forms; housing workshops (including one
in Spanish), and one-to-one housing counseling.
family, etc.—they will consider your application.
Can only LGBT people apply?
How can I apply to the units for people who are living with HIV?
95 Laguna must follow fair housing laws. All applicants who meet the eligibility criteria, regardless of sexual orientation or gender identity, can apply for 95 Laguna. The more LGBT people who apply to 95 Laguna, the more LGBT people will get in. LGBT residents will form the core and could be the majority of the residents if applications from the community are large enough. This was the case at 55 Laguna where 68% of the residents identify as LGBT! What are the age and income requirements to live at 95 Laguna? • At least one household member on the lease must be 62 years of age or older. • Maximum income levels are gross before taxes and deductions are based on 50% of Area Median Income for San Francisco as published by the Mayor’s Office of Housing and Community Development. • These rents and income guidelines are subject to change. If I’m age 61 at the time of the application period, will I qualify for 95 Laguna? No, you must be 62 at the time of application. What is the maximum allowable income for the building? 1 person: $41,080–$41,450; 2 people: $46,920–$47,350; 3 people: $52,800–$53,300; 4 people: $58,640–$59,200; 5 people: $63,360–$63,950. Are there minimum income requirements to qualify for 95 Laguna? Mercy Housing California, our developer partner managing the building, requires that your income equal twice the rent. However, if you have an established history of paying more than half your income to rent through financial support from other sources—such as subsidies, support from
The San Francisco Human Services Agency will refer applicants to these units. There are 15 units in 95 Laguna reserved for seniors who are chronically homeless. 6 units are designated for seniors living with HIV. Residents of these units will pay 30% of their income in rent. These units are referral-based, meaning the general public cannot apply to them. Chronically homeless people and elders living with HIV should reach out to their case managers and social service providers to be added to this list (the Continuum of Care Coordinated Entry list), if not already on it. If I have a Section 8 voucher, can I use it at 95 Laguna? Yes, vouchers and subsidies will be accepted, including Section 8. What if there is a criminal and/or eviction incident(s) in my history? Mercy will consider qualified applications with an arrest or conviction record in accordance with the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance. In terms of eviction history, mitigating circumstances will be considered. Can I have a pet? There is a $100 pet deposit per pet. Two pets max are allowed. Service and emotional support animals are allowed too, of course! If you need to ask a question not listed above, please call Openhouse’s housing hotline: 415-230-0634 Special thanks to San Francisco Bay Times columnist Dr. Marcy Adelman for her decades of work benef iting LGBT seniors and others. The new housing will be named in her honor, as well as that of her late partner. It will be called The Marcy Adelman & Jeanette Gurevitch Openhouse Community at 95 Laguna Street.
Dr. Marcy Adelman oversees the Aging in Community column. For her summary of current LGBT senior challenges and opportunities, please go to: http://sf baytimes.com/challenges-and-opportunties/
AIDS Memorial Grove Donors (continued from page 4) Paul Saccone + Ryan Knight Justin Taylor Guardian ($2,500+) Jaime Caban + Rob Mitchell Stephen P. Hanten Steve Gallagher + Chris Thorne Gary Richards + Cecil Johnson Defender ($1,000+) Anonymous Tiffany, Dan + Sadie Apczynski Sal Baglieri + Peter Cirincione Mike Bankert + John Tease Fred Baumer + Phillip Browning Dale Becherer + Cole P. Kinney Derek Blechinger + Andrew Conrad Jim Bohanon + Larry Fleck Them Bui + Jim Hill Tom Burch + Neil Austin Bruce Carpenter Joe Castrovinci Lloyd + Janet Cluff Rick Crane + Warwick Bentley Joe Czuberki Jay Davidson + Kevin O’Neill Bud Dillon Sean Dowdall + David Landis Jared + Peter Drake
Dan England + Dr. Tim Seelig Adrian Fischer + Soo Choi John Foertsch Robbie Frederick + Andrew Marsh Steve Gallagher + Chris Thorne Jim Gibson Jason + Stephen Harpster Andersen Steven Huffines + Daniel McCurdy Cynthia + Jerry Johnston Louis Kelly Randy Laroche + David Laudon Dr. Jay Lalezari Stephen Luppino Cam McLoed + Jeff Damon Gary + David Mendelson Varela Keith Pepper + Ken Raith Curtis Ponzi Jamie Rawson Eddie Reynolds, Jr. + Herman Correa Gary Richards Bob Rufo Donald Ruthroff + Jonathan Kronn Mark Short Michael Tate + Simon O’Mahony Christopher Verdugo Gary Welch
Partner ($500+) Andrew Lippa + Tom Regouski James McCrea + Gregory Jurin Marilyn Stewart Tracy Tuenge Friend ($1+) Richard Brabham Gerald Deighton Roseanne de Vries Susan Feder Paul Frantz Peter Franzi Jonathan Funk + John Arnold Barbara Hodgen William Hughes Dan Joraanstad + Robert Hermann Lynn Kormondy Jessica McMillan Mauricio Montano Scott Nelson Mike Oliver + Rodney Wade Michael Ring Pam Sammons Allan Treuter Terry + Lisa Viall Mike Volis Michael Wright + Brian Roby Kasi + Craig Zieminski S AN F R ANC IS C O BAY T IM ES
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Thoughts After Seeing Boy Erased also enraged, aggrieved and steeped in victimology. It’s no wonder. The conditions of life in the society depicted in the film are so oppressive, so hostile to life and so joyless, that they can’t help but produce people who are such bottomless pits of unhappiness and rage.
Roland Schembari and Bill Hartman, Co-Founders Randy Alfred, Founding News Editor 1978 Kim Corsaro Publisher 1981-2011
2261 Market Street, No. 309 San Francisco CA 94114 Phone: 415-601-2113 525 Bellevue Avenue Oakland CA 94610
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. The Bay Times is proud to be the only newspaper for the LGBT community in San Francisco that is 100% owned and operated by LGBT individuals. Dr. Betty L. Sullivan Jennifer L. Viegas Co-Publishers & Co-Editors
Beth Greene Michael Delgado 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 Juan Ordonez Distribution
Examined Life Tom Moon, MFT Boy Erased is a moving film about a gay teenager in Arkansas whose Baptist minister father pressures him into submitting to “conversion” therapy. One of the things I appreciated about the film is that it illuminates the background culture, which produces this bizarre form of emotional abuse. But since that same culture also produces millions of Trump supporters, it had the added bonus of also shedding light on the social conditions that sustain that cult as well. One thing that stands out in videos of Trump rallies is that you just don’t see people who seem contented and at peace with themselves. It’s impossible not to notice how miserably unhappy so many of them are. They’re
Central to this culture is religion: specifically, evangelical and fundamentalist Christian sects that disagree among themselves on theology, but which all seem to share a unanimous aversion to joy and celebration. These versions of Christianity aren’t exactly about dancing or festivals: on your day off you go with your family to church, where you sit upright in uncomfortable pews and sing songs about how grateful you are to be saved, after which the pastor lectures you on godliness and moral purity. Critical or independent thinking isn’t just discouraged; it’s essentially equat-
Photographers Rink, Phyllis Costa, Jane Higgins Paul Margolis, Chloe Jackman, Bill Wilson, Jo-Lynn Otto, Sandy Morris, Abby Zimberg, Morgan Shidler, JP Lor ADVERTISING Display Advertising Standard Rate Cards http://sfbaytimes.com/ or 415-503-1375 Custom ad sizes are available. Ads are reviewed by the publishers. National Advertising: Contact Bay Times / San Francisco. Represented by Rivendell Media: 908-232-2021 Circulation is verified by an independent agency Reprints by permission only. CALENDAR Submit events for consideration by e-mail to: calendar@sfbaytimes.com © 2018 Bay Times Media Company Co-owned by Betty L. Sullivan & Jennifer L. Viegas
All of us at the San Francisco Bay Times were saddened to learn of the passing this month of Samuel Thoron, who with his wife Julia led PFLAG SF (Parents, Families and Friends of Lesbians and Gays) for 25 years. Sam and Julia also led PFLAG National and were board members of Marriage Equality USA. He was a deeply compassionate individual who helped countless others throughout his life. Born in Washington, D.C., he was the third child of Violet Spencer Thoron and Benjamin Warder Thoron. He was educated at St. Albans School in Washington, D.C., Pomfret School in Connecticut, and Harvard College, with a break during his college years to serve in the U.S. Army in an artillery unit stationed in Germany. According to their engagement announcement published in The News York Times, while a student at Harvard, Sam met Julia Harding Miller, and they were married in December 1962 at Grace Cathedral in San Francisco. Sam’s lasting source of meaning and personal satisfaction were found in his 35 years of sobriety and connection to other recovering alcoholics in AA, in his many years of leadership in service and advocacy organizations working on behalf of the LGBTQ community and their allies and in the fight for marriage equality, and in his deep connections to his family, both immediate and extended.
LGBTQ issues became important to Sam after his daughter Liz came out. As leaders of PFLAG SA N FRANCISCO BAY T I ME S
That being the case, it would seem that the most intelligent thing for us to do would be to celebrate this riot of wiggliness. We’re never going to stop wiggling, so maybe the spiritual practice most appropriate to our lives on Earth would be to make our wiggles into dance and set them to music. Tom Moon is a psychotherapist in San Francisco. For more information, please visit his website http://tommoon.net/
As far as I can tell, this is a universal truth. That means that sexual orien-
SF, Sam and Julia were passionate about helping other parents learn to accept, support and advocate for their gay, lesbian and transgender children. Sam served on the PFLAG Nat iona l Board for ten years and as P F L AG Nat ional President from 2002 to 2006.
Sam stopped drinking in 1983. For 35 years, he regularly attended AA meetings and remained sober until the end. He found his own recovery strengthened when he helped those facing similar struggles, and he prized his relationships with all his friends in the recovery community. Sam freely admitted that if he’d kept drinking, he would have lost both his family and his life a long time ago, and he was continually grateful for his hardwon second chance.
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Fortunately, there are other ways of understanding the spiritual dimension of life. I remember, as a young man, reading this from Zen hippie Alan Watts: “The universe, including ourselves, is thoroughly wiggly. Its features are wiggly in both shape and conduct. Clouds, mountains, plants, rivers, animals, coastlines—all wiggle.”
The Creator—if there is one—surely made the world on the principle that variety is the spice of life. There’s at least one of every conceivable form of life; most of the time, there are millions. I suspect that one of the reasons queer people are such a problem for fundamentalists and evangelicals is because we are living reminders that limitless wigglines is the way things really are.
In Memoriam: Samuel Thoron (1939–2018)
CONTRIBUTORS Writers Rink, Sister Dana Van Iquity, Ann Rostow, Patrick Carney, Kate Kendell, Alex Randolph, Heidi Beeler, Gary M. Kramer, Dennis McMillan, Tom Moon, Tim Seelig, Cinder Ernst, John Chen Rafael Mandelman, Jewelle Gomez, Phil Ting, Rebecca Kaplan, Kin Folkz, Leslie Katz, Philip Ruth, Peter Gallotta, Bill Lipsky, Karen Williams, Donna Sachet, Gary Virginia, Zoe Dunning, Marcy Adelman, Stuart Gaffney & John Lewis Brandon Miller, Jamie Leno Zimron Michele Karlsberg Lyndsey Schlax, Randy Coleman, Debra Walker, Howard Steiermann, Andrea Shorter, Scott Tsui, Tom Temprano, Lou Fischer, Frankie Bashan, Karin Jaffie, Brett Andrews, Karen E. Bardsley
One passage from the gospel of Luke exemplifies for me the attitude toward life of this kind of religion: “Every valley will be filled, and every mountain and hill will be made low; the crooked will become straight, the rough ways smooth.” Great! Then we’ll cover the land with asphalt and build strip malls. Imagine what a bleak place the world would be if it were ever really straightened out like that.
tation wiggles; and gender—so long assumed to be absolutely either/or, pick one, and never-the-twain shall meet—is actually as wiggly as everything else. We humans have a bad habit of imagining that there are sharp boundaries between things, but in reality, everything shades into everything else.
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Sam and Julia were enthusiastic and vocal supporters of the 2008 “No on 8” campaign in California. They were featured in an influential campaign advertisement and signed the California Voter Information Guide argument against Proposition 8, stating simply that they wanted their lesbian daughter to have all of the same rights and opportunities as their two straight sons. Sam continued his service as a board member of Freedom to Marry and Marriage Equality USA, and as a supporter of the Horizons Foundation and other organizations. In 2015, Sam and Julia were honored by the San Francisco LGBT Pride Celebration Committee as recipients of the José Julio Sarria History Maker Award, in recognition of their extraordinary contributions to the way society views the LGBTQ community. Sam was dedicated to his family, starting with his wife, Julia, of 55 years, whom he always introduced as “my lovely bride.” He parented with both joy and seriousness, forging connections with his children and grandchildren t hrough bedt ime stories, stuffed animals, sailing and motor-boating adventures, and earnest, wide-ranging conversations over dinner. He cared deeply for his extended family, and was a link that kept various branches of the family together.
males Bay enjoying both of these beloved activities. He cherished the family property on Martha’s Vineyard where he had spent summers as a child, and was deeply committed to the stewardship of Seven Gates Farm, where he served as President, as his father had. He will be remembered by those who knew him for his wisdom and insightful commentary. He was humble, pragmatic and gentle with his advice to all. He died in his sleep at the age of 79, shortly after being diagnosed with esophageal cancer. He is survived by his wife, his children, Benjamin, Joseph and Elizabeth and their spouses, Patricia Saraniero, Lisl Thomsen, and Lisa Mitchell, seven grandchildren, his sister, Ann A. Hale of Bedford, Massachusetts, the extended Thoron family, and the beloved Miller family of Marin County; predeceased by his brother, Christopher Thoron, and parents Benjamin W. and Violet S. Thoron. The family encourages Sam’s friends to consider a donation in his memory to one of the organizations that was important to him: PFLAG Thoron State Advocacy fund www.pflag.org/thoron-state-advocacy-fund Point Blue Conservation Science https://www.pointblue.org Horizons Foundation www.horizonsfoundation.org/s/give/ Services: A memorial service is planned for Saturday, January 5, at 10:30 a.m. at the First Unitarian Universalist Society of San Francisco.
He wa s a n av id bird watcher, loved “s i mply mes s i ng about in boat s,” and could often be found on the choppy waters of To- Sam and Julia Thoron for many years led the PFLAG contingent in the San Francisco Pride Parade.
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E-mail: editor@sfbaytimes.com www.sfbaytimes.com
The culture in which the protagonist struggles to find himself is thoroughly authoritarian. You do what daddy tells you, and you don’t talk back. Order and control are what matter; not personal freedom. There is a onesize-fits-all formula for who you are supposed to be and how you are supposed to live, and if you can’t conform, then you aren’t one of “us”; you are the dangerous Other who must either be converted or cast out.
ed with sin. It’s no wonder that people who grow up in such environments are so uncritically accepting of everything that Donald Trump and right-wing media tell them. A popular bumper sticker slogan in the Bible belt reads, “Jesus said it. I believe it. That settles it.” As we all know, millions of devout Christians have widened this circle of infallibility so that it now includes Trump, which I find jaw-dropping, but apparently it really is true that when you have faith, all things are possible.
GLBT Fortnight in Review By Ann Rostow This Can’t Happen It’s hard to know what to make of Trump and company’s decision to ask the Supreme Court to intervene in the pending lawsuits challenging Trump’s impromptu decision to oust transgender men and women from the military. Let’s be clear. These lawsuits have not yet been addressed by the lower courts. We don’t need law degrees to understand that litigation goes up through the appellate courts before reaching the highest court in the land. The Supreme Court does not take an ongoing case unless there is some major legal imperative or crisis that demands immediate review, so this petition is bizarre, to put it mildly. Nor does the government even try to justify what is basically a request for emergency action. After all, transgender troops have been serving for years, and most recently have been serving under pro-trans policies instituted by the Obama administration after a lengthy review by the RAND Corporation. Those policies have been left in place by two appellate courts while the underlying lawsuits play out; both the Ninth and the D.C. Circuits issuing injunctions against the Trump craziness. Those injunctions, in turn, are based in part on the appellate courts’ view that the transgender troops will eventually prevail. It would be an astonishing decision to accept this petition, and yet we live in astonishing times. It takes four justices to agree to hear a case, and for the purposes of argument, let’s assume Chief Justice Roberts would not be in favor of looking like a complete idiot in the legal history books. But what about the other four amigos? I think we know that none of them are fans of transgender troops, but are they so far gone that they’d agree to grab these cases out of the appellate dockets based on an urgent need to immediately remove several thousand patriotic transgender men and women now serving their country? I’ll believe it when I see it, which I hope is never. For the record, Trump ordered his own “review” of transgender troops and determined that they could serve as long as they remained true to their gender at birth. That’s a nice compromise! Why not make Black troops color their faces white, or gay troops promise to be straight? Jimmy Stewart, Actually I can’t even think about Trump today. Sometimes I just have to block it all out. Right now, I’m adrift without my trusty laptop, which is taking a break from normal operation and sleeping, leaving me to write to you on Mel’s iPad. That means nonsensical autocorrect phrases keep appearing at random, and since I don’t notice them at first, I have to rewrite copy after I’ve forgotten the clever prose that was originally intended, cheating my readers of my delightful off-the-cuff constructions. Oh, what the hell. It’s the holidays! Speaking of which, I have noticed among the millennials in my family that one of Hugh Grant’s sappy movies, Love Actually, is considered a holiday tradition to be watched annually. Look, I know I’m older, but my holiday tradition is (naturally) It’s a Wonderful Life, a classic that spans generations and delivers a heartwarming salute to human goodness. In a pinch, I’ll take Miracle on 34th Street, but spare me Grant and the one-note puppy dog characters he inhabits. As Dorothy Parker once wrongly said about Katherine Hepburn, he runs the gamut of human emotion from A to B. Most importantly, I don’t believe that a ten or even fifteen-year-old movie can
be considered a holiday tradition. Give it half a century, please. Finally, you date yourself if you remember Amahl and the Night Visitors, a 1951 opera that was televised around Christmas in the 1960s. Personally, I’ve never heard of it. Pot Pourri My news list this week is a hodgepodge of GLBT this and that, including the marriage of retired football star Jeff Rohrer to his partner, Joshua Ross. Jeff played for the Cowboys back in the day, while Joshua was the aesthetician for The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills. I’m not quite sure what that means, but I’m happy for them both. I was checking on this story when Google asked me if I was looking for “NFL star marries stalker,” and I must admit that this sounded even more interesting than our gay athlete. Apparently, Stacey Bernice Saunders had an affair with former San Diego Charger Chris Chambers, and when his wife found out, he broke it off. Not to be deterred, Saunders continued to pursue her man, racking up 11 misdemeanor counts of stalking the Chambers family. She’s due in court in January, but in a plot twist worthy of Love Actually, Chambers has since gotten a divorce and married the persistent mistress. In other random news, there was much ado about a lesbian kiss that aired on TV during the Thanksgiving Day Parade. I don’t remember anything like that happening during the Miracle on 34th Street, but maybe that’s why traditional holiday movie selections evolve over time. Then we had the demise of White Magazine, an Australian bridal publication that refused to cover same-sex marriages. The 12-year-old magazine said it declined to pick a side in a culture war, although most of us would consider a blackball on gay weddings to indeed be picking a side—the wrong side, as it happens, since a ton of advertisers hit the road. And I don’t know if you remember Cross Coburn, the gay teenaged councilman from Groves, Texas, who was voted out in a recall last Election Day. Coburn sent naughty pix to the guys on Grindr, not that there’s anything wrong with that in theory. But not surprisingly, they became public, and the citizens of Groves signaled their displeasure. Some presented the story as an example of discrimination, but in my humble opinion, you should keep your privates off the internet while holding elected office. That goes for you straight guys as well. Coburn was 19 when he won an uncontested seat last year. “I do not believe that me having consensual conversations with another adult has any merit to how I can perform my duties,” he said. But “conversations” were not at issue here. Whoever publicized the nude shots was not a particularly nice person, but as they say, politics ain’t beanbag and if you’re in politics, don’t put your beanbag online. Fools Rush In Did any of you see The New York Times article about the gay Hillary supporters from Manhattan who switched over to become staunch Trumpites after the 2016 election? Bill White and Bryan Eure are wealthy, middle-aged white Democrats, or they were until they got depressed at Clinton’s election night party and decided to zip over to the fun crowd celebrating Trump’s victory. Speaking to the Times, Eure said he doesn’t believe in “identity politics,” while White explained that Trump “has an authenticity.” (continued on page 28) S AN F R ANC IS C O BAY T IM ES
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Castro Tree Lighting Ceremony 2018 Photos by Rink, Paul Margolis and JP Lor
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A large gathering of neighbors. friends, merchants and civic leaders were on hand Monday evening, November 27, near the intersection of Castro and 18th Streets, for the annual Castro Tree Lighting Ceremony. Warmed up by music provided by the San Francisco Gay Men’s Chorus and the San Francisco Lesbian/Gay Freedom Band, the crowd applauded a welcome by emcee Donna Sachet and blessings by Sister Dana and Sister Kitty.
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The arrival of Santa Fred and Elf Seth drew cheers of approval from the youngsters, their adults and happy dogs on hand. The ceremony, officially launching the Holiday Season, is organized by the Castro Merchants Association with support from the Castro Upper Market Community Business District.
Donna’s Chronicles
By Donna Sachet
By the time you read this column, Donna Sachet’s Songs of the Season hosted by Brian Kent will be a memory, but we hope many of you were able to share in this cherished annual event reinvigorated by this partnership with a very talented and generous friend. We owe such gratitude to the many who kept this tradition alive for 25 years and now to those who participated in this new version benefiting PRC. From performers and promoters to sponsors and audience members, you stepped up enthusiastically and made our dream come true once more. We join Brian in thanking all who made it possible. As most of you know, for me the holiday season has never been about overtly religious ideas. Stories of winged angels, virgin births and wandering wise men are for others to tell. We like to share the miracles of generous angels among us, the origins of incredible organizations doing vital work every day, and creative men and women who take care of each other and keep our community flourishing. If the twinkling lights, bustling stores and age-old songs of the holiday season can pull on our heartstrings enough to stimulate a wave of generosity, kindness and altruism, then let’s welcome this season with open arms! In this column you’ll read of events and people who amaze us all, but don’t just be amazed ... be inspired! Be inspired to find your own way to contribute, to participate, to lead a fractured world to a better place. Every one of us can find an hour here or there to volunteer in some capacity to help ensure that existing organizations have the power they need to continue providing vital services. Every one of us can write a check of some size or donate a dollar or two and to think for a moment beyond our own particular needs. And every one of us can pick an event or two, many of them free or inexpensive, to attend and thereby support the efforts of creative people, keeping entertainment and variety alive and well. Few can do all of those things, but all of us can do something. Don’t get so wrapped up in your own individual situation that you are blinded to the needs of others and to how easy it is to make a difference in a life, in an organization and in a community. And along the way, you just might make new friends, find new talents and perhaps witness your very own holiday miracle! Tenderloin Tessie’s Holiday Dinners were envisioned by an Empress of the Imperial Court years ago and continue on Thanksgiving, Christmas and Easter every year. Supported totally by volunteers and merchant contributions, these dinners serve those often overlooked or below the radar living in the Tenderloin neighborhood. Although it seems every new administration takes aim at improving the living conditions in this swath of the City, very little appears to change, leaving a population with limited means fending for themselves in a hostile environment. This Empress came from that neighborhood and created these dinners to make a small difference, not only providing free food for the hungry, but also a little bit of holiday cheer along the way. We heard of friends in the Imperial Court and far beyond helping out on Thanksgiving by cooking, serving, greeting and generally making people feel special. And one of the primary annual fundraisers for the Tenderloin Tessie’s Holiday Dinners is coming up on Friday, November 30, 7 pm, at First Congregational Church,1300 Polk Street. This Christmas Cabaret Spectacular, hosted by songstress Vanessa Bousay and president of Tenderloin Tessie Dinners Michael Gagne, brings together a bevy of entertainers in a spirited show for the whole family. Then, on Monday, December 3, the Tree of Hope, a community project of the Rainbow World Fund for thirteen years, moves from City Hall to Grace Cathedral. This spectacular tree sparkles with white lights and is covered with folded origami cranes, each inscribed with a wish for the world from an individual. In the past, we’ve received cranes from everyday citizens, local children, national performers, international leaders and elected officials. We’ll be emceeing a full program that night starting at 6:30 pm with music from the Lesbian/Gay Chorus of San Francisco, pianist Tammy Hall, Lauren Meyer of 42nd Street Moon’s Dames at Sea, and more. Special guests Heklina, the Deputy Consul General of Japan, origami artist Linda Mihara, Rainbow World Fund Founder Jeff Cotter, the Very Reverend Dean of Grace Cathedral Malcom C. Young and the Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence will all be on hand. Did we mention that this event is free? Bask for an evening in the beauty of Grace Cathedral at this annual event that embraces the rich diversity of our community. On Thursday, December 6, 8 pm, Drag Queens on Ice returns to the Safeway Holiday Ice Rink in Union Square, sponsored by Alaska Airlines. After nine years, we have built quite a following with special guests like Sister Roma and Juanita MORE! attending, as well as throngs of tourists on site and viewing from Macy’s and other windows facing Union Square. This truly only-in-San Francisco event will feature performances by Dusty Porn, Muthachucka, Kylie Minono, Kylie Pop, BeBe Sweetbriar, Tara Lipsyncki, Paju Munro and Mahlae Balenciaga. Once again, we’ll be the drag queen on the mic, not on the ice! The Richmond/Ermet Aid Foundation has been hosting Help is on the Way cabaret productions for over twenty years, bringing top notch entertainment to San Francisco while raising money for a variety of charitable causes. In addition to their annual event, they enlist the support of touring Broadway shows for special one-night-only performances with the traveling casts, often featuring music not from that particular show. All of their events offer an after-party with the cast where you can get up close and personal with a variety of Broadway, television and other popular performers. Another favorite event of REAF is Help is on the Way for the Holidays, this year on Monday, December 10, 7:30 pm, at Marines’ Memorial Theatre, 609 Sutter Street. Performers include Constantine Maroulis, Maureen McGovern, Darius Anthony Harper, Camilla Backman, Jai Rodriquez, Mikalah Gordon, Shawn Ryan, Paula West, Debby Holiday, Sharon McNight, Rodney Earl Jackson, Jr., and Jessica Coker. With a line-up like that, how could you go wrong? PHOTO BY SHAWN NORTHCUTT
“I stopped believing in Santa Claus when I was six. Mother took me to see him in a department store, and he asked for my autograph!” -Shirley Temple
Calendar a/la Sachet Every Sunday Sunday’s a Drag 10:30 am Brunch, 11:30 am Show The Starlight Room Sir Francis Drake Hotel $75 inclusive https://bit.ly/2OB4Gur Friday, November 30 Tenderloin Tessie Christmas Cabaret Spectacular 7 pm First Congregational Church of SF 1300 Polk Street $25 https://bit.ly/2Pm8Nil Saturday, December 1 Fauxgirls Final Show! 8 pm Encore Karaoke Lounge 1550 California Street Free https://bit.ly/2DgvFsq Monday, December 3 World Tree of Hope Tree Lighting 6:30–8:30 pm Grace Cathedral, 1100 California Street Free https://bit.ly/2PSJHab Thursday, December 6 Drag Queens on Ice 8–9 pm Safeway Holiday Ice Rink in Union Square Free https://bit.ly/2ra3yng Monday, December 10 Help is on the Way for the Holidays XVII 7:30 pm Marines’ Memorial Theatre 609 Sutter Street $60 & up https://bit.ly/2QBocaZ
In the midst of the holiday season, we hope you’ll attend live entertainment events; the arts have always been a cornerstone of San Francisco and the LGBT Community has much to offer, including the SF Gay Men’s Chorus, Lesbian & Gay Freedom Band, Lesbian/Gay Chorus, New Conservatory Theatre and so many more. Don’t get trapped in the virtual world of the internet, television or other isolating illusions. Get out of the house and into the thriving LGBT community’s bars, restaurants and special events! You won’t regret it! Donna Sachet is a celebrated performer, fundraiser, activist and philanthropist who has dedicated over two decades to the LGBTQ Community in San Francisco. Contact her at empsachet@gmail.com
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Transgender Day of Remembrance 2018 Photos by Rink
A coalition of nonprofit organizations and agencies organized and conducted the #EnoughIsEnough march and program for the Transgender Day of Remembrance on Tuesday, November 20. This annual observance memorializes those who have been murdered as a result of transphobia and draws attention to the continued violence endured by the transgender community. From the starting point on the steps of San Francisco City Hall, the observance in the city began with a march by activists and allies across the Civic Center to the U.C. Hastings College of the Law. The program there, held in the College’s Louis B. Mayer Auditorium, was emceed by Honey Mahogany and opened with an invocation by Holy Old Man Bull. Speakers included high school student and activist Sam Martinez, City Commissioner Cecilia Chung and Saint James Infirmary Clinic Executive Director Toni Newman. The New Voices Bay Area TIGQ Chorus, a 35-voice mixed choral ensemble, performed.
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Kids and Christmas and the Castro
In the ever-changing landscape of our gayborhood, we see things one might not have imagined 10 or 20 years ago. Most of it is good. On any given day, you might see groups of exuberant, young school children walking in a group through the neighborhood. And they are marching with homemade signs promoting peace and love and equality. Where did they come from? What could they possibly be doing in the gayest zip code in America? And where are their teachers? They are doing what we wish every single elementary school student might be doing—learning what it means to exercise free speech! Who are they? Students at the Harvey Milk Civil Rights Academy (HMCRA) ... just a couple of blocks from 18th and Castro. And their teachers are leading the charge! Harvey Milk Civil Rights Academy is a K–5 public school. It is the school we wished had existed when we were growing up. HMCRA includes the following on its website: “Our mission is to empower student learning by teaching awareness, acceptance and non-violence, celebrating our diversity, achieving academic excellence, and fostering strong family-schoolcommunity connections.” You’ll also see that one of the major funding events sponsored by the Parent Faculty Club is their annual Drag Show and Auction! We are not in Kansas anymore—or any other state, for that matter. In 2015, I was attending the November Castro Merchants meeting when a nice young woman stood up and rather shyly asked the business owners to help in a fundraising campaign being spearheaded by the parents at HMCRA. It was to raise funds for many of the things no longer being funded by the San Francisco Unified School District—like art, music and fresh fruit! I approached her and asked if the San Francisco Gay Men’s Chorus (SFGMC) might help somehow. We
Ryan Swick in his classroom.
Together, we raised just over $30,000. It worked so well that Tim walking with Clara Skye and Eden Mae at HMCRA. the school was able to fund several projects, among which was to help keep their beloved Kindergarten teacher, Ryan Swick, employed! This past fall, with his job at HMCRA secure, he finally found the time to join the chorus that helped those three years ago. He’ll be singing at all of the concerts with SFGMC this holiday. In Ryan’s words, “The last time we did this, the donation from the SFGMC allowed me to continue to thrive in a communit y at HMCRA where I felt a true sense of love and belonging. Now, I have the opportunity to sing with the same organization that saved my job! That same sense of love and belonging that Harvey Milk showed me has also been shown to me through Tim and the rest of the SFGMC, and for that I am truly grateful.” Outreach to Bay Area schools has become a passion for SFGMC. This past year, we launched RHYTHM: Reaching Youth Through Music. While intended for Bay Area middle and high schools, this very week, we will bring our music to the second elementary school! My, how those kids’ lives are touched and changed. On a personal note. Clara Skye [Tim Seelig’s granddaughter] and her parents put Harvey Milk Civil Rights Academy as one of their three choices for kindergarten and beyond. Thanks to the efficiency of San Francisco’s public school lot ter y system, she d id not get any of her three choices. I was particularly sad, since she would have been in school literally two blocks from the SFGMC off ices! She
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Dr. Tim Seelig
came up with holiday buckets. No, not the red ones with the faux-army bell ringer raising money to assist with our salvation. Nope. We’re talking the big homo depot buckets, held by parents and kids, at our holiday concerts.
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TLC: Tears, Laughs and Conversation
did get to go to camp there one summer and just loved being surrounded by the beautiful colors of the rainbow—in every way. So, here we are 3 years later, and we are doing it again. Jeff Fassnacht, parent of a 5th grader at Harvey Milk Civil Rights Academy, said, “We had been told it was a one-time engagement, and yet here we are invited to benefit again from the SFGMC community’s generosity. To me, this is an investment in our neighborhood school’s mission of social justice, equity in education, and a living example of what it means to support your community.” This initiative will help fund some of the following: • $25 helps with classroom supplies; • $50 buys new library books; • $100 provides fresh fruit for one classroom for two months; • $250 suppor ts technology and science education; • $500 contributes to professional development for our teachers; • $1,000 rents a bus for a field trip; • $2,500 helps keep art and music classes. HMCRA Principal, Ronnie Machado, reports, “I am very excited to have the opportunity to team with SFGMC again this year! The funds raised will have a direct positive impact on our students while strengthening relationships within our Castro community, all of us coming together to give our children more of what they need and deserve. We are very fortunate to have people like Tim Seelig and the members of the SFGMC in our local community!” (continued on page 28) S AN F R ANC IS C O BAY T IM ES
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A display of Thanksgiving merchandise in the window at Cliff’s Variety on Castro Street
Thanksgiving window signs and foods a Company on Castro Street
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hen music, stage and film legend Bette Midler appeared with the San Francisco Lesbian/Gay Freedom Band at the now closed Crocker Galleria Waldenbooks in the city, San Francisco Bay Times photographer Rink was there to preserve the October 1983 moment. Rink reports, “The band members formed an arch over the sidewalk entrance to the bookstore, and they performed welcoming music.” That included our city’s namesake tune, “San Francisco,” at the request of Midler herself, along with “If My Friends Could See Me Now” and “The Stripper.”
Thanksgiving home decor items at One Half shop on Polk Street Donna Sachet and Peanut on November 18 at Hibernia Beach, 18th and Castro, getting ready for Thanksgiving
A popular exhibit at the 61st Annual Inte original Mustang used in the film Bullitt McQueen in the famous chase scene fi
The Band’s Flag Corps also performed, with a baton twirler working the massive crowd that had assembled hours before Midler’s Noon arrival. After stepping out of a limo, she “mugged and toyed with a baton,” Rink recalled, before she settled down for a book signing. Standing right behind Midler in the photo is Freedom Band founder and conductor Jon Reed Sims. In hindsight, the image is bittersweet. Less than a year later, he and many others present at the festive event had died of HIV/AIDS. In Sims’ case, he was diagnosed in January 1984, just a few months after Rink took this image.
Guests joined a spokesperson in check Genesis G90 sedan on display at the 6
Thanksgiving gifts on display at One Half shop on Polk Street
Project Open Hand’s Diana Contreras (second from left) with volunteers on November 22 at the organization’s location on Polk Street
Framed memorabil from the fil Bullitt was on display next to the original Mustang used in the film’s famo chase scene.
Midler’s early career was intertwined with LGBT history. She first developed a major following while performing at the Continental Baths, a gay bathhouse in the Ansonia Hotel, New York City. Pianist Barry Manilow accompanied her, often wearing what the bathhouse patrons did: just a white towel. In the late 1990s, thinking back on those years, Midler said: “Despite the way things turned out [with the AIDS crisis], I’m still proud of those days. I feel like I was at the forefront of the gay liberation movement, and I hope I did my part to help it move forward. So, I kind of wear the label of ‘Bathhouse Betty’ with pride.” She has fundraised for HIV/AIDS causes ever since, such that she has been recognized numerous times for her efforts. In 1991, for example, Midler was a recipient of an AIDS Project Los Angeles’ “Commitment to Life” award. On December 1, she will be celebrating her 72nd birthday. We hope that she will visit San Francisco again soon. Happy Birthday, Bette! 16
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Carlos Molina and Diana Contreras were among the volunteers and staff helping to prepare and serve Thanksgiving meals at Project Open Hand on November 22.
Host Baby Shaques Munro and Emperor Leandro Gonzalez at the benefit held at Beaux on November 17.
DJ Primo and Spark Arts Gallery owner Aviva Kanoff enjoyed the music at the turntables during the Castro Art Walk on November 1.
BeBe Sweetbriar and a friend were on hand at Beaux on November 17 for the SF Suicide Prevention benefit “You Are Not Alone.”
Artist Tawny Reynolds displayed he glass art jewelry at th Local Take store during the Castro A Walk on November 1
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A bouquet of red roses was placed as a memorial to Harvey Milk at the historic displays area at Harvey Milk Plaza.
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king out facts on a website about the 61st Annual International Auto Show. Pedestrians wore masks on Market Street due to the hazardous air that drifted into the Bay Area during the Camp Fire.
A Hanukkah display in a store window at Cliff’s Variety on Castro Street Masks were also easily spotted on Polk Street near Magic Johnson’s Out of the Closet Store on November 16.
ernational Auto Show featured the that was driven by actor Steve filmed in San Francisco.
Visit to Mudpuppy’s
The Love Is Love cup, sold at the Williams Sonoma store, benefits the Human Rights Campaign with 50% of sales donated to the organization.
items of the week Ugly Sweater Patch Accessorize you favorite sweater for the holidays with these classic LED ugly sweater patches from dci.
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Customers Barbara Edler and Judith Polloch with their dog Molly at Mudpuppy’s
Customer Natalie Baryla and her dogs at Mudpuppy’s
Co-owners Todd Ahlberg and Daniel Bergerac with staff members Christopher Ramos, Andrew Kazala and Jackie Silva
Santakini The ultimate white elephant gift!
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he stockings are hung in the center aisle with care, in hopes you will buy them and some Santakini underwear. Our Elves have gone loopy, but customer service is their game, so be kind to our Reindeer and we’ll do the same.
Mudpuppy’s Tub & Scrub co-owners Daniel Bergerac and Todd Ahlberg, along with Todd’s French bulldog Maya, welcome customers to the shop located at 536 Castro Street.
As Heard on the Street . . . What is your dog’s favorite toy?
compiled by Rink
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“Wilson’s favorite is a green stuffed alligator.”
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Larry-Bob Roberts & Tommy Netzband “We are Judy’s favorite toy. She loves to jump all over us.”
Miss Shaguna
Jason Brock
Bruce Beaudette
“Frani likes to play with our roommate’s socks.”
“Sammy’s favorite toy is a mini tennis ball that squeaks when you squeeze it.”
“Yoko O-Yes’ favorite is a pink flamingo squeaker toy.”
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Angelina Weld Grimké and ‘No Rights But Human Rights’ Archibald met Sarah Stanley while he was practicing law in Boston. Although her family strongly objected—he was black, she was white— they wed anyway. The marriage did not last very long. Soon after Angelina was born in 1880, Sarah returned to her family with the infant. When the child was seven, however, Sarah sent Angelina back to Massachusetts to live with her father. Angelina never saw her mother again.
Faces from Our LGBT Past Dr. Bill Lipsky Being young, gifted, black, female and lesbian was not necessarily the recipe for success in early 20th century America, no matter how distinguished and renowned your family lineage. Angelina Weld Grimké was an exception. Born into a prominent family that championed freedom and equality for both minorities and women, she became a teacher, playwright, poet, essayist and compelling advocate for civil liberty and the unalienable rights of all people. Angelina was the greatgranddaughter of John Grimké, a wealthy and influential South Carolina planter and Mayor of Charleston who owned hundreds of slaves. Two of his daughters and Angelina’s great-aunts were Sarah and Angelina Emily Grimké (her namesake), who in 1835, then living in Philadelphia, became the first daughters of the South to advocate that the “peculiar institution” be abolished, even though public speaking at the time was considered unseemly for females.
After graduating in 1902 with a degree in physical education from the Boston Normal School of Gymnastics, now part of Wellesley College, Angelina was first a gym instructor and then an English teacher in Washington, D.C. In 1915, the then seven-year-old National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP) asked her to write a play to counteract the defamations against African Americans shown in D. W. Griffith’s epic film The Birth of a Nation. Originally titled Blessed Are the Barren, Grimké’s work, now named Rachel, was first performed in 1916 in Washington, D.C., and a year later in New York City. In Plays of Negro Life (1927), the gay educator and author Alain Locke, the first African-American Rhodes Scholar, wrote that Rachel was “apparently the first successful drama written by a Negro and interpreted by Negro actors.” He may not have known that it was also the first play produced in the U.S. to be created by a lesbian African American.
Angelina had a very early awareness of her authentic self. Answering a letter from Mamie Burrill when she was 16, she responded to the g irl’s inquir y, “A ngie, do you love me as you used to?” by writing her, “Oh Mamie Back in South Caroif you only knew how John Grimké, her greatlina, younger brother grandfather (top), my heart beats when I Henry W. Grimké and Sarah Grimké (middle) and think of you ... . I know Angelina Emily Grimké Nancy Weston, a famyou are too young now (bottom), famed abolitionists ily slave, lived togethto become my wife, but and her great-aunts I hope, darling, that in er in a common-law relationship. Angela’s future grand- a few years you will come to me and be parents, they had three sons, whom my love, my wife!” Henry fully recognized. After he died, Grimké also expressed her feelings for Sarah and Angelina Emily learned women in her poetry. Although she of the children, still enslaved, and wrote on many themes, a large numbrought them to the North, support- ber of her poems express her desire to ed them and helped them to get an ed- love and to be loved by another womucation. Archibald Grimké, the eldest, an. Often her beloved is idealized: became the second African Ameri The idol that I placed can to graduate from Harvard Law Within this modest shrine School. He went on to a distinguished Was but a maiden small career as an attorney, diplomat and But yet divinely pure, human rights activist. And there I humbly knelt Nancy Weston Grimké, her grandmother
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Angela Weld Grimké in Middle Eastern costume
Angela Weld Grimké as a young woman
Before those calm, grave eyes, Full oft throughout the night, And oft at moments sweet Purloined throughout the day ... . Sometimes she is unapproachable: Thou art to me a lone, white, star, That I may gaze on from afar; But I may never, never, press My lips on thine in mute caress, E’en touch the hem of thy pure dress,— Thou art so far, so far. Only occasionally is she sensual, not ennobled, although intimacy is still just imagined: Little lady coyly shy With deep shadows in each eye Cast by lashes soft and long, Tender lips just bowed for song, And I oft have dreamed the bliss Of the nectar in one kiss. Grimké published very little of her poetry during her lifetime. She retired from teaching and moved to New York City in 1926, where she died on June 10, 1958. Rachel was her only book published during her lifetime, but her fiction, reviews and biographical sketches appeared in important journals. Her poems were included in numerous collections, including anthologies edited by the gay poet and playwright Countee Cullen (1927) and the gay poet and social activist Langston Hughes (1949), among others. Now considered an important forerunner of the Harlem Renaissance, a collection of her poems f inally appeared in 1991. The first African American woman whose poetry shares her feelings as a lesbian and her love of other women, she also continued the work of her forebears in the ongoing campaign for liberty and equality for all people. “I know nothing of men’s rights and women’s rights,” she wrote. “I recognize no rights but human rights.” Bill Lipsky, Ph.D., author of “Gay and Lesbian San Francisco” (2006), is a member of the Rainbow Honor Walk board of directors.
Couples Who Can Play Together Stay Together: Love Spikes
Take Me Home with You!
Ernie
Sports John Chen Brandon Styles and Kevin Masek were married, along with 32 other gay and straight interracial couples, in a ceremony officiated by Queen Latifah at the 56th Grammys in 2014. The Awards dedicated that special night of music celebration to marriage equality with the theme “Same Love” performed live by Macklemore and Ryan Lewis. The couple’s story began seven years ago, when Kevin was doing residency at Stanford. He browsed a popular dating website https://www.match.com/ and came across Brandon’s profile. He immediately went into a swoon, affected by Brandon’s good looks and propensity for volleyball. This sport was one that Kevin enjoyed playing socially throughout college and medical school, especially “beer sand volleyball.” With great anticipation and excitement, Kevin sent a simple message asking Brandon if he liked to play
“My name is Ernie! I’m just a pup and am getting excited to celebrate my first birthday soon! I love all of the normal puppy things—romping around with my friends, learning new tricks and getting lots of affection. I can’t wait to find my forever home! If you need some puppy love in your life, come adopt me!”
volleyball. He did this while thinking, “Either we will be together forever, or [Brandon] will break my heart.” Brandon, in turn, had broken up with his high school sweetheart a few years earlier. When he received Kevin’s message, he was unsure of the writer’s intentions, but found Kevin’s profile musings humorous. After a couple of days, Brandon finally responded to the message, because playing competitive volleyball had been a big part of his life since his early teens and during his college years at Cal Poly San Luis Obispo. Although there was an instant connection, Brandon and Kevin did not play volleyball until the third date. That is when Brandon planned a beach kayak trip to Santa Cruz and they [censored] on the open water because it was romantic and they were all alone! On the beach, they met lots of people playing volleyball, and the date took an interesting turn. A former collegiate club volleyball player, Brandon was skilled and catlike with his bumps, sets and spikes. A former social beer volleyball league organizer, Kevin possessed skills and an understanding of volleyball that were, let’s just say, on the far other side of the continuum. There might have been an eye-roll or two from Brandon, but Kevin thought that he did not play too badly. Over the years, Brandon and Kevin’s love grew along with Kevin’s volleyball skills. Kevin took it upon himself, along with Brandon’s help and support, to become a better volleyball player. It was always their hope to play competitive tournaments together, on the same team. Brandon would set the ball and Kevin would spike it down for a kill; a perfect match and a perfect fit.
Six years later, Kevin achieved the same level rating as Brandon via the North American Gay Volleyball Association (NAGVA). The transition from playing on separate teams and levels to playing on the same team was fairly, but not completely, dramafree for this dynamic duo. They went on to win tournaments in San Jose and Austin, and achieved a number two team national ranking. Their oncourt chemistry mirrored their personal relationship, where consistency, positive support and communication were key to their championship run as well as to their marriage.
Ernie is presented to San Francisco Bay Times readers by Dr. Jennifer Scarlett, the SF SPCA’s Co-President. Our thanks also go to Krista Maloney for helping to get the word out about lovable pets like Ernie. To meet Ernie and other pets seeking their forever homes, please visit: San Francisco SPCA Mission Campus 250 Florida Street San Francisco, CA 94103 415-522-3500 Aside from major holidays, the adoption center is open Mon–Fri: 1–6 pm and Sat– Sun: 10 am–5 pm. Free parking is available for those wishing to adopt! For more info, please visit https://www.sfspca.org/adoptions
Dr. Jennifer Scarlett and Pup
“When Kevin got uprated, it was validation for his hard work and improvement on the court,” Brandon told me for the San Francisco Bay Times. “There was never a doubt that we would play together. It’s something I would absolutely love. Kevin has come a long way since that f irst volleyball date where he made me run and dive all over the place.” From Kevin’s perspective, he always wanted to play alongside Brandon, but previously felt that he was never good enough. He shared with me: “The night before our first tournament together in San Jose, I couldn’t sleep. I was upset. I felt insecure and pressure because people around us whispered that I wasn’t good enough or questioned my uprating. After winning the tournament, Brandon told me that I was just as good as anyone else because no one on our team was a weakness. His words meant the world to me.” (continued on page 28)
Move to Soothe been following his beginner series for about thirty days. In the last column, I also mentioned that I’m headed for a hip replacement mid-December, so moving at all sometimes feels miraculous!
Easy Fitness Cinder Ernst I have recently found an online workout that is serving me really well. Considering that I’ve been a personal trainer for almost thirty years, I love that I’m always looking for, and finding, new ways to engage my body. Updating workouts can benefit all of us. In my last column, I mentioned the workout—Intu-Flow—but unfortunately, I misspelled the guy’s name. Sorry about that, Scott Sonnon ( http://www.intu-f low.com/ )! His approach is very precise and scientific, and makes good sense to me. I have
One of my super-powers as a trainer/ coach is that I can simplify an exercise prescription and make it accessible one step at a time. I know that even if you cannot do “the whole thing,” it is helpful just to get started. I’m going to give you some of the standouts from Scott Sonnon’s work. If you have the time or the inclination, I strongly suggest you check out his free beginner’s series. Coach Sonnon offers complete programs for all levels. The Intu-Flow program presents ten sensible parameters. I think of it as a “head to toe grease it up.” Sonnon’s movements are meant to be done in an order: head to toe and from inside to outside. This makes good sense to me, and reminds me of when I used to teach a low-impact aerobic dance class. We would always warm up with simple rhythmic movements going from head to toe. Such movements are meant to move your joints in a pain-free range of motion so that your body will respond by lubricating your joints with synovial fluid. I call this “motion is lotion.”
You keep the move small enough so that you do not kick up any stretching response or discomfort; just plain no pain. You might hear some minor crackling or popping noise, but that is okay. If you go to an uncomfortable spot, back off on the move. In Coach Sonnon’s words: “Shave it off.” I love that. Sonnon points out that when your face is scrunching up during a motion, you have gone too far, so shave it off. I have been doing Intu-Flow as a complete series to the best of my ability. I cannot weight bear on my left hip right now, so I have to modify or skip some of the lower body moves. IntuFlow begins with head movements to warm up the neck vertebrae, then shoulders, elbows, wrists, fingers, thoracic spine (ribcage), pelvic region, lower back, hips, knees and ankles. I kept the videos in front of me for the first couple of weeks until I got a feel for the way Coach Sonnon teaches the movements. I found this workout because my hip pain was so severe that I was in constant pain. I could barely walk, even on crutches. Sleeping, working and taking care of my house and dogs was brutal. I think my cortisone shot wore off. Intu-Flow soothed my joints and helped me to find relief and to regain
my ability to stay strong until my surgery. Follow Sonnon’s guidelines and move to soothe so that you too can have a better day. If you need a simpler place to start, move from top to bottom with head turns, shoulder rolls, arm punches, wrist circles and finger circles. Then ribcage lift and collapse, and perform slow hip circles and small waist bends forward and back with hands on your hips. Remember, just plain no pain! Cinder Ernst, Medical Exercise Specialist and Life Coach Extraordinaire, helps reluctant exercisers get moving with safe, effective and fun programs. Her book, “Easy Fitness for the Reluctant Exerciser” ( http://cinderernst. com/easy-fitness-book/ ), is available in paperback and E-book. She specializes in fitness and rehab for plus-size clients, but her stress-free approach is suitable for all. Find out more at http://cinderernst.com S AN F R ANC IS C O BAY T IM ES
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LGBTQ News & Calendar for the Bay Area CELEBRATING FOUR DECADES (1978–2018)
From the Coming Up Events Calendar See page 29
Saturday, December 1 - City Swing Big Band Holiday Show @ Sausalito Seahorse, 305 Harbor Drive, Sausalito. Songstress Joyce Grant and the Big Band will play classics and new arrangements of holiday music. 5pm. Also at the Empress Theater, Vallejo on December 9. http://www.cityswingsf.org
Thursday, December 6 - Charles Lloyd & The Marvels with Lucinda Williams @ Zellerbach Hall, 101 Zellerbach Hall, #4800, Berkeley. Cal Performances presents folkrock pioneer Lucinda Williams with NEA Jazz Master Charles Lloyd. 8pm. http://calperformances.org
Music Legend Holly Near Continues to Inspire and Reveal the Power of Social Change Activism “I do not separate my music from my heart nor do I separate my ideas from my daily life. I open myself up to learning as much as I can about humanity and this mysterious life experience ... . Moment by moment, I integrate what I learn into my personal life, personalizing my politics. It is from this personal place that I write my songs.” –Holly Near
Legendary singer-songwriter, actress, teacher and activist Holly Near continues to inspire, and at age 69, is as powerful and poignant as ever. She has deeper roots in the LGBT community than you might realize. In a pioneering 1976 interview, Holly, who identified as a lesbian in the 1970s, publicly came out via People magazine. The historic moment swung open the closet door for numerous others who soon followed, including Elton John. (He then identified as bisexual and also publicly came out in People in 1976.) The interview took place 5 years after her memorable anti-war tour with Donald Sutherland and Jane Fonda. It seems that whenever we need the comfort and wisdom provided by Holly’s art, she is there for us, like a loyal friend at the ready with an understanding, warm hug. Always refreshingly kind and down to earth, Holly makes everyone feel at home at her performances. We were therefore happy to learn that she has four shows scheduled in Northern California, November 29–December 2. There is nothing like seeing her in person, so we hope that you can catch one, or even more, of these performances. It was also recently announced that, in a career first for her, she will be live-streaming her show from the Freight & Salvage in Berkeley on Saturday, December 1, at 8 pm. Sharing the stage with her will be Jan Martinelli, Tammy Hall, Nina Gerber and Marcelle Davies Lashley. If you cannot go in person, tune in at “Holly Near Fan” at Facebook: https://tinyurl.com/yaphfudd We have yet another milestone to report. The Emmy-winning PBS series American Masters will be profiling Holly in a documentary scheduled
to air on March 1. The documentary, produced by Donna Korones and Heather Smith, recently premiered at the Mill Valley Film Festival, where it won the Audience Favorite Award for Best Music Documentary. As if all of the aforementioned were not keeping Holly busy enough, she also recently released a new compilation, 2018. We have been playing it in our San Francisco Bay Times offices and really love this collection of new songs from an artist clearly in her prime. The work covers a wide range of subjects and musical styles, delving into both serious and more lighthearted topics. Always evident with Holly is her rare ability to bring tenderness to the human condition. https://bit.ly/2AweTSU We were delighted to catch up with her recently, ahead of her four-show run of Northern California performances. San Francisco Bay Times: We love your new CD, 2018. Many of the songs mention or allude to home, either secure (“Front Porch,” “Soon It’s Gonna Rain”) or threatened (“Casua lt y,” “A re You K idd i ng Me?”). How important for you is “home,” and what does that idea mean to you now? Holly Near: As a writer I see that home is very important. As I travel it is easy to see how people need a home, whether it is geographical, cultural, spiritual or attached to birth family. Most animals are tribal in some way or another and I’m sure we are no exception. That said, I have not become attached much to a geographical home, since I have traveled for my work since I was 18. Hard for me to keep a partner, a plant or an animal because they need to be fed and watered. San Francisco Bay Times: How does Nature inform your life and work? Holly Near: Now Nature I am very attached to. I was born and raised in the country, and although cities are vibrant with diversity and culture, I
am not as comfortable in cities as I am in the country. I like watching the sky, which is harder to do in the cities. Although I have never had pets, I have always loved animals in the wild. San Francisco Bay Times: The song “Someone Was Brave Before Me” refers to prior path-makers, whether they be of a more personal or public standing. Who were some of your own inf luences, both past and present? Holly Near: Well, certainly the singers. I learned to sing from listening to singers on recordings—all kinds of singers, all styles. I think that is why my singing is not set in one particular musical style. There are elements of cabaret, country, jazz and musical theater. Then there are the activists. I was 21 when I started traveling and learning from people like Tom Hayden, Jane Fonda, Dan Ellsberg, Dolores Huerta and Julian Bond. I also learned from soldiers and servicewomen about the military industrial complex. After that, I learned from feminists and lesbian feminists like Meg Christian, Krissy Keefer and Pat Parker. My understanding of Central and Latin America grew when I worked with music ensembles like Inti Illimani, Grupo Raiz and traveled with Joan Jara (widow of Victor Jara). San Francisco Bay Times: We’re always struck by your ability to listen and learn from others. This is such a rare quality in general, but especially in a person of your public stature. Even your performances allow at times for quiet contemplation and audience contributions. Why do you think that listening is so important, and how might we all become better at this skill that seems to be tied to empathy and understanding? Holly Near: I used to talk a lot. So, listening was something I learned over time. I found that when I listened, I went away with more than when I did all the talking. And when one gets something out of a conversation, then it is there in one’s tool box to use when teaching. Stories are a great way to teach. For me, it is so much more ef-
KIT’N KITTY’S
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QUADRUPLE THREAT Writer, director and star of Hedwig and the Angry Inch movie, he is also known for his club DJ skills. ANSWER ON PAGE 28
Holly Near performed her original song Singing for Our Lives on March 29 as a featured guest with the San Francisco Gay Men’s Chorus at Davies Symphony Hall. She wrote the song on the day George Moscone and Harvey Milk were killed at San Francisco City Hall.
fective than if I tell people what I think they should do. In stories, we each can come to our own conclusions and move forward from where we are, rather than from where someone else thinks we are. Stories help me to avoid assumptions. My songs and the introductions to them are all based on story. Paying attention helps me to find good stories, vibrant images. San Francisco Bay Times: After your pioneering 1976 interview with People magazine about lesbianism, your mother— another remarkable listener and woman— went to a town hub to hear others’ reactions. Please share some words about your mother and her inf luence on you. Holly Near: My mother had great compassion. Many of my friends say they were helped in finding a sense of direction after talking with my mom. Mothers do many things in a child’s life. In mine, her support of my music was extraordinary: taking me to music lessons, sewing costumes, listening to me practice, enjoying my sense of humor. I didn’t always get some of the other mother things a child needs. But I definitely got her support and
A) Neil Patrick Harris B) John Cameron Mitchell C) Federico Garcia Lorca D) Billy Bob Thornton
encouragement as a young performing artist. San Francisco Bay Times: We’re great admirers of Susan Lacy and her work on American Masters. (Lacy created the series.) As she says, she and her team work to match the quality of noted artists like you—among the best in the world. How involved (continued on page 26)
Karin Jaffie, aka Kit/Kitty Tapata, won the title of Mr. Gay San Francisco in 2011 and has earned many other honors since. Connect with Jaffie via Facebook at: https://www.facebook.com/pg/ktapata
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The Favourite Is Decadent Fun
Film Gary M. Kramer The Favourite offers a deliciously saucy taste of court intrigue set in 18th century England. The film, directed by Yorgos Lanthimos (The Lobster), and written by Deborah Davis and Tony McNamara, opens November 30 in the Bay Area. Queen Anne (Olivia Coleman) is the often-ill ruler of England. She can’t eat sugar and suffers from a bad case of gout. She is child-like, both in neediness and, some might say, in her intelligence. She has Lady Sarah (Rachel Weisz) handling her affairs of state, which include making unpopular decisions about taxing landowners to raise money to fight a war in France. When Sarah’s cousin, Abigail (Emma Stone), a Lady who has lost her station in life, arrives one day seeking employment, she gets a job in the scullery. Abigail meets Queen Anne when she craftily gets past a guard and applies a salve to the Queen’s bad legs. The Queen is impressed and gives Abigail more responsibility. Abigail, pleased with her new role, remains loyal to Sarah—especially when Harley (Nicholas Hoult), the leader of the opposition party, tries to get Abigail to help him in court affairs. The Favourite is like Lanthimos’ other films, about power and its abuses. The story pivots on the rivalry and jealousy that arise when a love triangle of sorts develops after Abigail unexpectedly spies the physically intimate relationship between Queen Anne and Lady Sarah. Suddenly, Abigail, whom Sarah describes as “too kind for her own good,” is scheming to get what she wants. She makes it her mission to find opportunities to provide companionship and physical comfort to the Queen in order to curry her favor. Of course, as this happens, Sarah is taken aback, most notably when Anne insists to Sarah about Abigail, “I like her tongue inside me.” Part of the joy of the film is the salty language, some of it anachronistic. But it is also amusing to see these bewigged Brits behaving badly. A throwaway gag has a bunch of men pelting a naked man with fruit to almost everyone’s amusement. As Sarah and Abigail bond on the shooting range, there are some humorous incidents that result involving gunplay. Moreover, each of the three female leads gets a scene where they vomit, albeit comically. The Favourite is not concerned with being proper. The games of love and revenge that take place—including blackmail—are actually quite cruel, but also dark ly funny. (A clever running gag has Abigail being literally pushed around by Harley). Lady Sarah insists that she loves Queen Anne because she can tell her highness when her makeup makes her look like a badger. “I will not lie to you. That is love,” she explains. 22
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They also bond while taking a mud bath together. However, Lady Sarah is also trying to get Queen Anne to remove Abigail from the household in order to maintain her own favored position. Likewise, Abigail contrives marriage to Masham ( Joe Alwyn), in order to secure a title and remain in the household. Whether her sexual desires are more for Queen Anne or for Masham (or both or neither) is left for viewers to puzzle out. Lanthimos does give audiences equal parts of sumptuousness and debauchery. The film may not work as an allegory, in the way that some of the director’s other films do, but never mind. The costumes are fabulous, and the film features stunning art direction and set design. Some scenes are shot entirely in candlelight, while others employ a wide-angle lens to distort the image. The cinematography is exquisite as characters are followed down long hallways, or into huge rooms. Every shot is like a painting come to life. The period music is also wonderful. But it is the plot and the performances that make The Favourite so enjoyable.
The dialogue is often arch and witty, with some terrific put-downs and wry innuendos. Lady Sarah is especially tart-tongued, and Weisz is marvelously feisty in the role. The actress is also hilarious in her physical moments, too. A dance sequence that features moves both funnier and far removed from the typical 18th century ball is the film’s comic highlight. Likewise, Emma Stone is delightful as the conniving Abigail. Stone is a master of withering looks, most notably in an outrageous sequence involving her in bed with Masham one night. In support, Olivia Coleman is terrific as Queen Anne, a royal who is incredibly insecure. Coleman has a skill for making her character honorable and horrible, often at the same time. The Favourite is decadent fun. © 2018 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
Keith Haring Art and Activism Will Soon Be Featured at the SF LGBT Center A lt hou gh Keit h H a r i n g was just 31 when he died of AIDS-related complications in 1990, his iconic graff iti-inspired pop art and LGBTQ activism remain vibrant in everything from clothing lines to international exhibitions. On Saturday, December 8, his work will be celebrated in the Rainbow Room at the SF LGBT Center, with his sister Kay signing her best-selling book Keith Haring: The Boy Who Just Kept Drawing (Dial Books, 2017). Kay explains that she wrote the book to answer a question that she is frequently asked: “What was Keith like as a kid?” She answers, “He was always drawing.” “What I most want people to remember about Keith is his deep commitment to community and his unending generosity,” she adds. “He also worked hard. He had a vision that everyone could be connected through art. He believed in what he was doing and just kept drawing!”
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In addition to the book signing, Kay will do a Q&A. A portion of the book sale proceeds will be donated to the SF LGBT Center at 1800 Market Street. The book will be read by renowned drag queen and storyteller Honey Mahogany of RuPaul’s Drag Race fame. The event will also feature a kid’s fashion show by Emily Payne from Project Runway. She is the designer of acclaimed kid’s clothing line Devon Rose. Legendary local DJs Boomzilla and Pete Avila will be DJing throughout the day. An art sale of donated works inspired by Keith Haring will benefit the Center. Participating artists will include Angelina and Izabella Anguino-Ja-
cobs, Rene Capone, Cody Furguson, Elaine Leon, Blue Logan, Jason Mecier, Karl Marks, Wayne Moraghan, Paix Robinson, Stephen Strange, Evan Venegas, Tyler Wallach and Jim Williams. There will be Keith Haringinspired art activities, with the opportunity to make arty buttons. Dog Eared Books in the Castro will be in attendance as well, selling art books and licensed items from the Pop Shop. The organizers extend special thanks to Kay, the SF LGBT Center Community Programs team, Micha Oliver, Jim Williams, Honey Mahogany, Emily Payne, Pete Avila, Boomzilla, Clubcard Printing, Blick Art Materials, Dog Eared Books and JW Marriott. Although the Noon–4 pm event will be free, advance registration is strongly encouraged. To do so, please visit: https://bit.ly/2Qpok0C For more information: Keith Haring: http://www.haring.com/ Kay Haring: http://kayharing.com/
Randy Coleman hails from New York, but has lived in San Francisco since 1975. Coleman shares that before moving to the Bay Area, he studied Art History and Architecture at Boston University while working as a resident artist for architectural rendering at a Massachusetts historical society. “All of my life I’ve been an artist,” Coleman says. “To know me is to know that I have a passion for art and architecture. I love this project for the San Francisco Bay Times, and hope that you enjoy my sketches.”
SF Sketch Randy Coleman
© Randy Coleman, 2018
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Sister Dana Sez: Words of Wisdumb from a Fun Nun
Sister Dana sez, “Thanks to all the ‘illegal aliens,’ people who voted more than once by changing shirts and hats, and the millions upon millions who stuffed the ballot box! Without you, we could never have achieved the Blue Wave. As if!” PROJECT INFORM presented their annual EVENING OF HOPE: Building a Future within Reach on November 15 at Fort Mason, Gallery 308. After listening to the lovely, stylish tunes (both current and golden oldies) of Synchronicity Strings, Project Inform Board of Directors members Glen Lubbert & Nic Marcheso welcomed everyone and acknowledged the work of partners and friends who’ve made a difference this year. PI Interim Executive Director David Evans spoke of PI›s mission: fighting for a world where people living with or at risk for HIV and HCV can live and thrive. He said that “the future we are building and one we believe is within reach.” PI’s efforts go to guarantee the fundamental human right to effective prevention and health care. Receiving the Martin Delaney Visionary Award (named after PI’s founder 35 years ago) was Morey Riordan, who has been involved in HIV activism and work for over 25 years, and he has served as the executive director of four nonprofit organizations. He is currently the Founding Director of the TRANSGENDER STRATEGY CENTER (TSC), a strategic, intersectional effort informed by the lived experiences of trans people. Special entertainment was provided by the rich tenor/falsetto voice of Matt Bloyd, Los Angeles-based singer/ songwriter, who performed, among others, “Signed, Sealed, and Delivered,” Whitney Houston’s “How Will I Know” and “Can’t Help Falling in Love with You.” According to The Hill, on Saturday, November 17, at least seven LGBT couples traveling with the Central American migrant caravan held a symbolic wedding near the U.S. border with Mexico. One of the officiants described the wedding as an “act of justice.” Congratulations!
For over 40 years, TENDERLOIN TESSIE HOLIDAY DINNERS, an all-volunteer organization, has fed the community of San Francisco on Easter, Thanksgiving and Christmas. They work hard to prepare a bountiful meal, a smile and a gift to all the patrons in a welcoming environment. These dinners average a thousand people each holiday and take place at the First Unitarian Church at the corner of Franklin Street and Geary Boulevard. Sister Dana sez, “While anticipating the new House majority’s cannon of 85 subpoenas, here’s cool stuff to do meanwhile.”
Hank Wilson’s legacy was celebrated at THANKS TO HANK: KICKOFF FOR THE KICKSTARTER at the Tenderloin Museum on November 20. This included a sneak peek of the new documentary, Thanks to Hank, alongside art by local drag queen Mrs. Vera, a drag performance by Grace Towers, and a blessing ritual by the Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence. Music was by DJ Danny Snodgrass (Electroluxx). There were many moving remarks from filmmaker Bob Ostertag and others who knew and worked closely with Wilson. Hank Wilson’s work in San Francisco’s Tenderloin spanned 30 years, and included co-founding and spearheading organizations such as the TENDERLOIN AIDS RESOURCE CENTER, THE INTERNATIONAL AIDS CANDLELIGHT MEMORIAL, and THE HARVEY MILK LGBT DEMOCRATIC CLUB. People can donate directly to the kickstarter at https://kck.st/2DDyIeY
42ND STREET MOON is mounting DAMES AT SEA now through December 16 at San Francisco’s Gateway Theatre (formerly the Eureka Theatre), 215 Jackson Street. It’s 42nd Street meets Anything Goes meets Busby Berkeley in Hollywood in this gem of a show which opened Off-Broadway in 1968 and helped launch the career of Bernadette Peters. Sweet, innocent Ruby arrives in New York with big dreams and lands in the chorus of a new show—but the theatre is about to be torn down! Can sailor-turnedsongwriter Dick find a new venue for the show while juggling temperamental diva Mona, frazzled producer Hennesy and starry-eyed ingénue Ruby? http://42ndstmoon.org/ Completely unique and always a sellout, LIGHT IN THE GROVE is attended by over 600 guests every year and was voted best LGBT gala in the Bay Area. Held on the eve of WORLD AIDS DAY, November 30, 6 pm, guests experience a moving candlelight reflection at the Circle of Friends, the heart of the Memorial, then walk through the spectacularly-illuminated Redwood Grove to a warmly-lit banquet tent. Inside, they enjoy cocktails, hors d’oeuvres, and a buffet dinner with special musical and choreographed artistic performances. This year’s Lifetime of Commitment Honoree is longtime AIDS activist and outgoing Board Chair, Michael Shriver. Monies raised help to maintain this breathtaking memorial and ensure that the story and lessons of AIDS will be available for the benefit of future generations, and the countless lives lost never be forgotten. https://bit.ly/2EZdUjU
We got our Stoli and Bolli on for ABSOLUTELY FABULOUS LIVE! D’Arcy Drollinger presented this hysterical drag parody of the beloved TV cult classic, starring some of San Francisco›s premiere drag performers: Michael Phillis, doing a stunning representation of the boozy, sexy Patsy; Terry McLaughlin as the fussy, silly Edina; Dene Larson as stuffy introvert Saffy; Peggy L’Eggs as Mother; Raya Light as dimwitted Bubble the secretary, and so many more. The hit British comedy series Absolutely Fabulous began in 1992 and remains one of the BBC’s highest rated and most popular shows. There are two classic episodes, “Sex” and “Jealous.” One episode allows us to witness the downfall of Edina at a P.R. awards show and a hidden love affair with Saffy and a University professor. Another is a peep show of Edina’s first anonymous orgy hookup and a mix-up of a college genetics study video tape with a porno. You will absolutely die! Hurry to see this fabulous show, sweetie-darlings, because it’s squish squish goodbye on December first. https://sfoasis.com/
BAY AREA MUSICALS’ production of CRAZY FOR YOU runs now through December 16 at San Francisco’s Alcazar Theatre, 650 Geary Street. It features the thrilling soprano voice of Danielle AlSister Dana sez, “Congratulatizio as “Polly Baker” and the amaz- tions to Kyrsten Sinema, who ing tap-dancing skills of Conor made history and will become DeVoe as “Bobby Child” and an inthe first bisexual U.S. Senator credible cast of singers, dancers and from any state in the union, and actors playing cowboys and chorus is just the second LGBTQ person gals with remarkable energy. The ever elected to the U.S. Senate!” choreography is astonishing and the use of props is extremely creative. Throw in the number of classic Gershwin tunes, and you have a hit musical that is as professional as the high-priced Broadway shows (tickets run from $35 to $65, and there isn’t a bad seat in the intimate theater). Bay Sister Dana with Toni Newman and James Martinez from the St. Area Musicals (BAM!) James Infirmary at the Transgender Law Center’s Spark Party held is a professional, nonat Bently Reserve
PHOTO BY RINK
By Sister Dana Van Iquity
profit theatre organization dedicated to presenting the highest-caliber of musical theatre in San Francisco. The story: a young New York banker is sent to Deadrock, Nevada, to foreclose on a rundown theatre. In Deadrock, he falls for the spunky daughter of the failing theater owner. It’s city slicker versus country maiden versus long-term fiancée, and the town’s last gasp effort to put on a show. A standout moment brings to mind the hilarious vaudevillian mirror act of Harpo Marx—when a drunken Bobby mimics a big Broadway producer and his every move in identical synchronicity. Hysterical! https://www.bamsf.org/
This year’s WORLD TREE OF HOPE presented by RAINBOW WORLD FUND will be displayed at Grace Cathedral. The World Tree of Hope is the largest origami holiday tree in the world, standing 23 feet tall and decorated with over 17,000 origami cranes and stars, each containing written wishes of hope and peace from children and individuals from around the world. Since 2006, RWF has presented the Tree as a symbol of global unity and hope, to promote peace, love and humanitarian action. The public is invited for the 13th Annual RWF World Tree of Hope TREE LIGHTING CELEBRATION on Monday, December 3 from 6:30–8:30 pm at Grace Cathedral, 1100 California Street. Emcee Donna Sachet will introduce Deputy Consul General of Japan, Heklina, Rev. Malcom Clemens Young, Dean of Grace Cathedral, Lauren Meyer from 42nd St Moon›s production of Dames at Sea, pianist Tammy Hall, Lesbian Gay Chorus of San Francisco, origami artist Linda Mihara, RWF Founder Jeff Cotter, and The Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence, who will bless the tree. Admission is free. http://www.rainbowfund.org/ (continued on page 28) S AN F R ANC IS C O BAY T IM ES
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ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT (continued from page 21) were you in the production and were you able to approve the final version? Holly Near: I was involved in the film at the beginning because I was providing most of the archival material. I did a long all-day interview with Jim Brown, the filmmaker, laying the ground work and explaining what I did and who I worked with, what were the highlights, the downfalls. Then I got out of the way, stepped back and it was up to Jim to make a movie. It is in that way his movie. My life, his movie. I think that is the only way it can really work. I can’t always see myself the way the public sees me. So, I think it was right for me not to be involved in the telling of the story. I was very happy when I saw the final version. I believe he did an amazing job. The producers, Donna Korones and Heather Smith, are also amazing women with great integrity. San Francisco Bay Times: Artists sometimes refrain from revealing their process and more personal details, but as Lacy has said, having this information can improve the experience for audiences, allowing them to better connect with artists. Thinking of the second-wave feminist slogan, has the personal always been the political for you? Holly Near: Yes. I have not been very good at keeping my life a secret, even if I wanted to. Going to places where there is martial law, dictators, war zones ... is very personal to me. Listening to the stories of people having been tortured. Listening to peoples’ coming out stories. Seeing the consequences of a failed nuclear power plant. Watching women insulted and degraded in public by the one who supposedly loves them, or students shot on a campus while protesting a war. These things are personal because, as my song says, it could have been me. Now I could have made other choices. I could have decided to stay in Hollywood or New York City and been an actor, a musical theater performer. Those are exciting choices as well. And they were almost my choices. But I was seduced by the power of social change activism. San Francisco Bay Times: Delving just a bit into the past, you founded the groundbreaking Redwood Records in 1972. What were some of your goals with Redwood, and were you able to achieve them? We’ve always wondered: Did Redwood Records either directly or indirectly inf luence Olivia Records, which emerged just a year later? We’re thinking that you might have helped to advise the founders of Olivia? Holly Near: I started Redwood Records because I wanted to record some songs I wrote after going on the Free The Army Tour and the lyrics were too political for any of the mainstream record companies. There were words like “genocide” in one song and “GI Movement” in another. So, not your usual top 40 material. I decided to record the songs myself, and in order to sell the record, I needed a business license and a label to put in the middle of the record. Jeff Langley, my pianist and co-writer at the time, helped me to make the record, as did my parents, who agreed to pack and ship the records out of their living room when I got orders. I had no greater plans than that. But once I knew how to do it and saw that I could have success with it and maintain control of my music, I made a second and then a third recording. By the fourth, I realized I wanted to record some other artists who were doing outstanding work outside of the mainstream. It was my good fortune to have met Bernice Johnson Reagon, who had recently founded Sweet Honey in the Rock. They were interested in recording a new album, and so they agreed to have it recorded on Redwood Records. As for the second part of your question, no. I don’t think the Olivia Collective decision to make records had anything to do with me. I think they got that idea from [singer, songwriter] Cris Williamson. San Francisco Bay Times: American Masters documentaries often capture the life’s work of an artist toward the end of their career, or even after they have passed. You, on the other hand, are clearly in your prime and are hitting impressive new strides. How are you feeling about this stage of your life? 26
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Holly Near: Thank you for that. Still, I am no spring chicken. I will be 70 in June. It is just that I have been fortunate to have a voice that is still getting better. I am a better performer than I used to be, a better teacher. So, for as long as I keep getting better, then I will keep at it. I am comfortable with my age and, of course, my audience is growing older with me. Elders can play an important role if they are willing. In one of my songs it suggests that we can step between young people and harm’s way. We can also give young activists frequent flyer miles so they can go to a conference, or gift them with gas and food cards. We want them out there, and my goodness, they are out there. Some of the young activists from Black Lives Matter and the students from Parkland and women from the Me Too Movement and those who just got elected to Congress. Well, it is extraordinary. San Francisco Bay Times: Your new set of shows comes on the heels of great optimism about the newly Blue House and the need to, as you say, “keep moving forward.” You have already achieved so much over the years. What are some of your personal and professional goals that you would still like to reach? Holly Near: We toured all fall, and each concert was like a spiritual rally. It was amazing. People fired up and ready to work hard right up to election day and beyond. I think the results of the election have a momentum that is like a brightly colored bandwagon inviting us all to get on board. This is a powerful window of opportunity. As for personal and professional goals, I don’t have a big list. Sometimes I think it would be fun to write a piece of musical theater using my songs. Some of them are so perfectly theatrical. But I am content with the work I have done. I am trying to figure out how to get off the road and work in another way because of the environmental footprint. If we take seriously the climate change crisis, then how does that work? I’m trying to figure that out for myself. Last year, I was evacuated for ten days because my neighborhood was surrounded by fire. This year, the state is still burning, a whole town lost. San Francisco Bay Times: Please mention anything else that you would like for our readers to know. Holly Near: Sometimes people ask me what “causes” I’m working on. I learned a long time ago that thinking of this work as causes made me tired. It was too much. So instead of going to all the causes, I integrate as much consciousness into my work as I can. I met a woman who worked in a shelter, and she was frustrated because she didn’t have time to work on the anti-apartheid movement. This was back when South Africa was in the midst of a liberation struggle. I suggested to her that if she worked to not have racism at the shelter, then she was doing anti-apartheid work. So, no matter what job we have, we can find ways to confront racism, sexism, climate change. We can initiate care for children—all within each of our jobs. Some people think that I sing songs that have 40 verses about fuel rods. I don’t. The concerts are musical events with intelligent and heartfelt lyrics, the stories are funny— turns out I have become funny in my old age—and the audiences are great. We wash off the toxicity of our current administration with song. We look around and remember who we are, as individuals and as community. Thanks to music, we can do that. Holly Near’s Upcoming Shows: Thursday, November 29, 7 pm Sebastopol Community Cultural Center Friday, November 30, 7 pm St. Marks United Methodist Church Sacramento Saturday, December 1, 8 pm Freight & Salvage Berkeley Sunday, December 2, 6 pm and 8 pm Kuumbwa Jazz Center Santa Cruz For more information and to purchase tickets: https://www.hollynear.com/#tour
Weddings, Occasions & Relationships Congratulations, Joseph and Maurice!
Photos Courtesy of Juan Davila and Joseph Fernicola
Castro residents Joseph Fernicola and Maurice Chang celebrated their marriage at San Francisco City Hall on Wednesday, November 21. They were joined, on Friday evening, November 23, at Hamburger Mary’s for a reception with cocktails and great food in addition to much toasting and dancing. All of us at the San Francisco Bay Times extend congratulations to the newlyweds! Among the fond memories shared with us by the couple was the occasion when they met four years ago while participating in a guided walking tour of local San Francisco points of interest.
Marriage Ceremony at San Francisco City Hall
Reception at Hamburger Mary’s on Castro Street
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ROSTOW (continued from page 11) At this point, they now have Don Junior’s cell number on speed dial, and are planning a $5 million fundraiser this winter. Are you frigging kidding me? I usually hate it when reporters discover gay community anomalies, like “here’s a gay couple who oppose marriage equality!” or “this lesbian thinks gay couples shouldn’t have children!” The fact that one or two nutcases reject the gay civil rights movement’s signature goals is not newsworthy if 98 percent of us are unified. But this story is different. This is like a three-headed cat or a piece of toast that spells “toast” in burn marks. It’s also a sign that the needs of upper class gay white men have officially been met by our movement. (Did I mention that these guys are legally married?) Those in this demographic who continue to fight for equality do so out of principle, not self-interest. That’s progress in a way, but it does leave us with people like Bill and Bryan, who have been ostracized by their old friends. Oh, and the men dismiss the notion that Trump and company encourage racist attitudes by insisting that Trump has lowered the Black unemployment rate. Really, guys? I’m not in a position to judge their hearts and minds, but what the heck! I’m judging. Read the article. Time to Tie One on in Taiwan The big international news this week is the unfortunate result of several referendums on gay rights in Taiwan. They lost big time in a setback to the island nation’s liberal government, which has done next to nothing to force the issue of marriage equality. A public vote on policy, so familiar to Californians, is a new development in Taiwan. We could have
SEELIG (continued from page 15) warned them that referendums can be inf luenced by whichever group has the most money and organization, in this case, conservative Christians, but it’s too late now. One government official told The New York Times that the important thing was “to give the people an opportunity to express their opinions.” Tell that to the gay couples who saw their fight for marriage or civil partnerships both voted down. Last year, the nation’s high court ruled in favor of gay couples’ recognition, ordering the government to find a way to offer marriage or marriage rights within two years. Instead of pressing the issue in the legislature, where the Democratic Progressive Party held sway, the government held back, letting the chips fall where they may. The chips fell nowhere, and this vote now suggests the legislature will wind up meeting the court deadline with some halfbaked compromise. Sometimes nuanced political machinations are just the ticket, and sometimes you have to act decisively. I have found this to be true in many of life’s challenges. You have to cut a large sandwich in half with a fast, committed strike of the knife. You have to whack the top off a softboiled egg sharply, not tap at it like it’s made of glass. Do these sound like inconsequential examples? Perhaps, but the premise extends to a myriad of situations. Breaking up when you know it’s over. Quitting your hated job. Telling your parents that you are spending Christmas at the beach. Telling the legislature that you control to pass marriage equality when it’s easily within reach. Of course, the reverse is true. Be careful when you cut a tomato. Don’t quit your job or your lover out
of pique. Whip the votes strategically when necessary. Just figure out when dithering helps and when it hurts. Sapphic Switcharoo Speaking of things going on in the Far East, I loved the story of The Bachelor: Vietnam, where two of the contestants vying for the love of a handsome man fell in love with each other and ran away together. The show’s producer, Anh Tran, told the press: “We’ve delivered on our promise that two people would find love.” He just hadn’t expected that the happy couple would bypass the bachelor. I haven’t seen it, but there’s a viral video of Minh Thu, who was not given a rose, professing her love to fellow contestant Truc Nhu. Although Nhu returned to the show, she eventually left to be with Thu, and the two are now a couple. Okay, I just watched! I guess Truc Nhu had been given the rose, and went up and gave it back to the bachelor before walking off the set with Minh Thu. Quel drame! Now, with a hundred words left to me, I am preparing to rejoin my wife at the television machine in the back room where I keep hearing disturbing snippets about Manafort, Khashoggi, tear gas, racism, climate change, the Camp Fire, car manufacturing, martial law in the Ukraine, and the list goes on. Worse, every now and then comes the braying voice of you know who, a sound that increasingly I cannot tolerate even for an instant. I have become one of those people who stays in a news bubble. And yet my reaction is visceral. I Can Not Stand This President. arostow@aol.com
Please come hear us sing at one of our six San Francisco holiday shows at the Nourse Theater on December 7 and 8, or the Castro Theatre on Christmas Eve. You’ll be greeted by a host of kids and parents! You’ll see eyes and faces light up when you drop a dollar (or a hundred) in the buckets! Ticket information is here: https://www.sfgmc.org/ If you are not able to make it to one of our concerts, you can still make a donation to these wonderful neighborhood friends: https://harveymilksf.com/
What could be better at the holidays than music, children and giving? With your help, we can make 2019 a very happy new year for these beautiful children in our neighborhood. Look for a bucket near you! Happy Holidays, Tim Dr. Tim Seelig is the Artistic Director of the San Francisco Gay Men’s Chorus.
CHEN (continued from page 19) Playing together, Brandon and Kevin pushed each other to be better, but not every outing now is drama free and results in a win. Brandon was very candid in telling me that, because Kevin is his husband, his “words mean more and expectations are higher to execute plays. Since I am the setter, similar to the quarterback, I am more vocal and direct on the court, especially when errors are made.” Playing sports together and being on the same team, he added, “bring in a whole new layer of complexity in our relationship. Because things are said in the heat of the moment, we have to reconcile what happened on the court quickly if we want to be successful.” Brandon stressed that they cannot, and will not, let problematic issues linger, which can spell disaster. So many couples cannot play together because they fight without resolution to the detriment of the relationship they built. In order to hurdle such obstacles, Brandon and Kevin are constantly working on what they call communicating consistency and effort. Communicating consistency
means to consistently say supportive things, even when all is not going well. Communicating effort, on the other hand, means to always make an effort to recognize feelings of anger and frustration, and to say something positive. Brandon admits that communicating consistency and effort “is often a struggle,” but having both he and Kevin commit to these actions makes the relationship even more worthwhile. The Match website (take that, eHarmony!) brought Brandon and Kevin together, but ultimately it is their success on the volleyball court that continues to strengthen their love and dedication to one another. So, what relationship lessons have we learned today? 1) Learn to play volleyball. 2) Get on a dating site and look for another volleyball enthusiast. 3) Find four other players and form a team. 4) Work on communicating consistency and effort. John Chen, a UCLA alumnus and an avid sports fan, has competed as well as coached tennis, volleyball, softball and football teams.
SISTER DANA (continued from page 25) NOW WE’RE HERE is a celebration of the music of QUEEN and the novel, Now I’m Here, by author Jim Provenzano who hosts a salon-style acoustic concert of more than a dozen Queen classic songs at the beautiful historic F’Inn, the Alamo Square Victorian guest house and performance space, 814 Grove Street, Thursday December 6, 8 pm, with musicians Peter Fogel, Suzanne Ramsey, Diogo Zavadski, Coleton Schmitto, Adam Dragland and special guests Leigh Crow, Ruby Vixen and Jason Brock. https://bit.ly/2P6vTo6 SAN FRANCISCO GAY MEN’S CHORUS is offering BRASSY AND SASSY on December 7 and 8 at Nourse Theater, 275 Hayes Street. SFGMC will present the full spectrum of holiday
KIT’N KITTY’S
QUEER POP QUIZ ANSWER (Question on pg 21) B) John Cameron Mitchell
Along with Shortbus stars PJ DeBoy and Paul Dawson, and performance artists Amber Martin and Angela Di Carlo, John Cameron Mitchell is a co-founder of the long-running New York City monthly party, “Mattachine.” A nightlife aficionado, Mitchell also actively participates in the “Mattachine DJ” collective. For more info: http://mattachineparty.com/1mattachine
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revelry. They welcome guest star coloratura soprano Marnie Breckenridge (San Francisco Opera, English National Opera, Los Angeles Opera), who will bring her own sass and class to the stage. Along with a brilliant brass quintet, they will dash from glorious classical fare to swing to big band sounds— with a few new twists on holiday classics. Sing along with your favorites and delight in the breathtaking sound of men’s voices performing everything from “Silver Bells” to “Sleigh Ride” and a striking rendition of “Silent Night.” https://bit.ly/2FX7xOz Sister Dana sez, “Trump has announced support for prison sentencing reforms. Good for him! And I mean LITERALLY good for him—as we all know he worries about going to jail.”
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LGBTQ News & Calendar for the Bay Area
CELEBRATING FOUR DECADES (1978–2018)
COMING UP
Wednesday, December 5, 6pm - Light Up the Night In The Castro - Menorah Lighting at Jane Warner Memorial Plaza, presented by Congregation Sha’ar Zahav
CALENDAR OF UPCOMING EVENTS http://sfbaytimes.com/ NOVEMBER
29 Thursday Castro Rotary Winter Shelter Dinner @ St. Boniface Church-Franciscans, 133 Golden Gate Avenue. Castro Rotary Club will provide the food for this special meal served for some 100 homeless men who stay overnight at the Winter Shelter. You can help by volunteering or making a donation. 5-7pm. Castro Rotary on Facebook Listen Up! Voices of AIDS Activism @ GLBT History Museum, 4127 18th Street. The event will feature the first public showing of video interviews from the ongoing ACT UP Oral History Project documenting the history of direct-action AIDS activism in the Bay Area. 7-9pm. http://www.glbthistory.org Rainbow Toastmasters @ St. Francis Lutheran Church, 152 Church Street. This every Thursday event is the Bay Area’s largest communications skills training resource for the LGBT community. Dinner follows at a local restaurant. 6-7:30pm. https://bit.ly/2P7Y7mC
Taylor Mac’s Holiday Sauce Show @ Curran, 445 Geary. The show is a multi-year effort presenting a subjective history of the United States through 246 songs that were popular throughout the country, and in its disparate communities, from 1776 to the present day. Through December 1. http://www.curransf.com A John Waters Christmas @ Great American Music Hall, 859 O’Farrell Street. A perennial favorite event bringing demented holiday cheer to the Bay Area. 8-11pm. https://ticketf.ly/2AeiCo0 QTPOC Strut: Celebration of Resilience @ Strut, 470 Castro Street. In the every Thursday QTPOC series at Strut, the event is a night of storytelling, celebration, reflection and a screening of the documentary Out in Silence. http://www.strutsf.org Cardboard Piano @ New Conservatory Theatre Center, 25 Van Ness Avenue. Produced in conjunction with the Museum of African Diaspora, the play is a lesbian love story about the challenges faced by teenagers in
Compiled by Blake Dillon
Uganda during 1999. Continues through December 2. http://www.nctcsf.org
Jake Heggie, based on the historic movie. (See the related article, Page 20 of our previous issue dated 11.15.18, at http://www.issuu.com/sfbt)
30 Friday
A History of World War II: The D-Day Invasion to the Fall of Berlin @ The Marsh San Francisco, 1062 Valencia Street. Written and performed by Theatre Rhino’s John Fisher, the show includes the history plus Fisher’s take on the generals who fought the battles and the actors who played them in the movies. Continues through December 15. http://www.themarsh.org
World AIDS Day Candlelight Vigil @ San Francisco AIDS Foundation, 1035 Market Street. Meet out front on the sidewalk together and then walk to San Francisco City Hall in a candlelight vigil to remember those who have been lost to HIV and AIDS. 5-6pm. http://www.sfaf.org Light in the Grove 2018 @ National AIDS Memorial Grove, Nancy Pelosi & Bowling Green Drives, Golden Gate Park. Held on the eve of World AIDS Day, the event includes a candlelight reflection at the Circle of Friends, a walk through the illuminated Redwood Grove, and a buffet dinner with music and choreographed artistic performances. 6-9:30pm. http://www.aidsmemorial.org Contact Warhol: Photography Without End @ Cantor Arts Center, Stanford University, 328 Lomita Drive at Museum Way, Stanford. The exhibit includes never before seen photographs representing the range of Warhol’s black-and-white work from 1976 until his death in 1987. Continues through January 9. http://www.museum.stanford.edu The Importance of Being Earnest @ Phoenix Theatre, 414 Mason Street. The Ninjaz of Drama production of Oscar Wilde’s classic comic take on Victorian manners and morals is set in 60s Mod London. Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays through December 16. http://www.phoenixtheatresf.org Shelley Doty X-tet @ Freight & Salvage, 2020 Addison Street, Berkeley. Shelley Doty brings the crossroads of jazz, rock, folk and blues to her performance of catchy originals presented with passion and commitment. 8pm. http://www.thefreight.org Men on Boats @ A.C.T.’s Strand Theater, 1127 Market Street. A cast of gender fluid, female identified women present the story of one-armed Civil War veteran John Wesley Powell, whose band of adventurers explored the waterways of the American West. The production was an offBroadway sensation. Continues through December 16. http://www.act-sf.org It’s a Wonderful Life @ War Memorial Opera House, 301 Van Ness Avenue. San Francisco Opera presents the opera, by Gene Scheer and gay composer
DECEMBER
1 Saturday World AIDS Day Breakfast @ Strut, 470 Castro Street. Positive Force, The Elizabeth Taylor 50-Plus Network, Bridgemen & other SFAF programs invite community members to kick off World AIDS Day 2018 with a breakfast at Strut followed by buses to the World AIDS Day ceremonies at the National AIDS Memorial Grove. 9-11am breakfast; 10:45 & 11:30am buses depart/1:45 & 2:30pm return. National AIDS Memorial Grove Events @ Golden Gate Park, Bowling Green and Nancy Pelosi Drive. The Grove will host a light lunch and observance, including scholarship awards, hero awards, musical performance, oral history and reading of names. 12-1:30pm. http://www.aidsmemorialorg Queer Street Marketplace @ SF LGBT Center, 1800 Market Street. SF Center’s Small Business Program presents a showcase of local LGBTQIA-owned or operated small businesses with a selection of snacks, coffee and juice available. 10am-4pm. http://www.sfcenter.org The Velveteen Rabbit @ Yerba Buena Center for the Arts Theater, 700 Howard Street. Margery Williams’ classic tale of a little boy, his stuffed rabbit and the enduring power of love will be presented with witty storytelling, charming music, festive costumes and madcap characters. Also December 2 and 8. http://www.ybca.org Remembrance & Revival - World AIDS Day Community Gathering @ The Episcopal Church of Saint John the Evangelist, 1661 15th Street. Light a candle and enjoy music and dancing at this gathering to honor loved ones. Co-sponsored by AIDS Foundation 50+, TransLife, PRC,
Shanti and others. 6-10pm. http://www.sfaf.org AIDS Memorial Quilt Concert for World AIDS Day @ Grace Cathedral, 1100 California. Men of the Cathedral Choir will present a live performance of songs from the AIDS Quilt Songbook. 7:30-8:30pm. http://www.gracecathedral.org Oakland Interfaith Gospel Choir’s 33rd Annual Holiday Concert: With One Voice @ Paramount Theatre of the Arts, 2025 Broadway, Oakland. Hosted by D’Wayne Wiggins of Tony! Toni! Toné!, featuring special guests Lauren Byrd and Josh Carter, the Community Choir and Youth Choir, and ASL interpretation by Half-N-Half. 7:30pm. http://www.oigc.org City Swing Big Band Holiday Show @ Sausalito Seahorse, 305 Harbor Drive, Sausalito. Joyce Grant is the featured songstress with the big band playing old classics along with new arrangements of holiday music. 5pm. Also at the Empress Theater, Vallejo, on December 9. http://www.cityswingsf.org Holly Near In Concert @ Freight & Salvage, 2020 Addison Street. Berkeley. Legendary singer Holly Near will be joined by Jan Martinelli, Tammy Hall, Nina Gerber and Marcelle DaviesLashley for an inspiring evening at The Freight. 8pm. http://www.hollynear.com
2 Sunday Sunday’s A Drag @ The Starlight Room, Powell Street. Hosted by Donna Sachet, the event features a brunch and a troupe of entertainers. Described as “The Greatest Drag Show in San Francisco,” we agree that it is great! Two shows every Sunday at 11am and 2pm. http://www.startlightroomsf.com Unleash! Dance Party! @ Ivy Room, 860 San Pablo Avenue, Albany. Legendary DJ Page Hodel and DJ Mysdefy present a monthly dance party at this popular East Bay lesbian-owned bar. 4pm. http://www.ivyroom.com BOS (Bears of San Francisco) Annual Holiday Toy Drive @ SF Eagle, 398 12th Street. All are invited to bring a new, unwrapped toy for a boy or girl or a gift card for older kids and enjoy this event featuring a raffle and jello shots with proceeds benefiting the SF Fire Fighters Toy Program. http://eaglesf.com
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Flagging - Open Studio @ LEVYstudio, 19 Heron Street. Including one on one instruction on using flags with all levels welcome, the event provides a safe place to learn with flag friendly music and black lights. 6-9pm. http://www.levydance.org
3 Monday World Tree of Hope Tree Lighting @ Grace Cathedral, 1100 California Street. A host of notables, including emcee Donna Sachet, Heklina, Lesbian/Gay Chorus of San Francisco and more, will present this annual ceremony lighting the tree decorated with thousands of origami cranes. 6:30-8:30pm. http://www.worldtreeofhope.org Sacred Cocktails: Living in Gratitude @ Lookout, 16th & Market Street. The event, hosted by Sacred Cocktails, includes the opportunity to share stories about living in gratitude, especially during difficult times. 6:30-8pm. http://www.sacredspacessf.org SF Eagle Karaoke @ SF Eagle, 398 12th Street. The weekly event on Mondays is hosted by Beth Bicostal, Eduardo Wagar and Rahni Nothingmore. 9pm-1am. http://www.sf-eagle.com
4 Tuesday Shades of Blue: A Holiday Party Featuring Tom Ammiano @ Manny’s, 3092 16th Street. The San Francisco Democratic Party’s end of year holiday party will celebrate a year of blue victories locally and nationally with master of ceremonies Tom Ammiano. 6-9pm. http://www.sfdemocrats.org Queer and Trans Open Mic @ Oakland LGBTQ Community Center, 3207 Lakeshore Avenue, Oakland. Presented by Spectrum Queer Media and hosted by Kin Folkz and Blackberri, the event provides a safe space for transformative collective selfcare with the LGBTQIA2S and Authentic Ally commUnity. 7pm and every Tuesday. http://www.oaklandlgbtqcenter.org
5 Wednesday Light Up the Night In the Castro - Menorah Lighting @ Jane Warner Plaza, 401 Castro Street. Bring you own menorah and join Congregation Sha’ar Zahav for this annual celebration featuring the Congregation’s fourfoot electric rainbow menorah plus greetings, songs of the season and the traditional lighting for the 4th night. 6pm. http:/www.shaarzahav.org Ginger’s Karaoke with DJ Shaggy @ Ginger’s, 86 Hardie Place. Every Wednesday everyone is a star, or wants to be, at this no judgement event where all are entertained with “the good the bad and the fab.” 8pm-1am. http://www.gingers.bar
6 Thursday MARCUM Women’s Forum Strength, Health, Influence @ The Ritz-Carlton, 600 Stockton Street. Chelsea Clinton is the keynote speaker at this annual event which also features Claudia Fan Munce, Jeanne Rizzo and more. 8am. http://www.marcumevents.com/women
Harvey Milk Plaza at the Art Walk @ Pop-up Location: 3989 17th Street. Hosted by Friends of Harvey Milk Plaza, the event will include a chance to view and discuss sketches of the new Harvey Milk Plaza will be shared in advance 30
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of the December 17 Civic Design Review at the SF Arts Commission. http://www friendsofharveymilkplaza.org
We Built a Movement From Books @ GLBT History Museum, 4127 18th Street. A panel discussion will address the impetus books gave to the lesbian and gay movement in the 1970 with the explosion of bookstores, publishing houses, organizational libraries and literature courses during the years between Stonewall and the AIDS epidemic. 7-9pm. http://www.glbthistory.org Gays ’N Friends on Ice 2018 @ Union Square Ice Ring, 333 Post Street. Immediately prior to the Drag Queens on Ice performance, this event includes the chance to skate on the ice and attend a mixer at a local pub to watch the show together at 8pm. 6-9:30pm. http://www.unionsquareicerink.com 9th Annual Drag Queens on Ice in Union Square @ Union Square Ice Rink, 333 Post Street. Hosted by emcee Donna Sachet, this annual performance presents San Francisco’s “fiercest drag queens” in an ice skating show. 8-9:30pm. http://www.unionsquareicerink.com Charles Lloyd & The Marvels with Lucinda Williams @ Zellerbach Hall, 101 Zellerbach Hall, #4800, Berkeley. Cal Performances presents folk-rock pioneer Lucinda Williams appearing with the iconoclast saxophonist and NEA Jazz Master Charles Lloyd who is celebrating his 80th year. 8pm. http://calperformances.org Mary Gauthier @ Freight & Salvage, 2020 Addison Street, Berkeley. Self described “country noir” singer-songwriter Mary Gauthier brings her emotionally complex songs to The Freight. 8pm. http://www.thefreight.org
7 Friday Mike Pierce Art Show @ Spark Arts, 4229 18th Street. Sponsored by Art Saves Lives, artist Mike Pierce will be showing his scarves and other wearable silk creations as part of a larger show. 6:30-9pm. http://www.artsaveslivesfoundation.org
Big LGBTQ Mixer for Equality @ Lyft Headquarters, 180 Berry Street. Equality Federation hosts a mixer for LGBTQ tech professionals, artists, nonprofit leaders and more. 6-8:45pm. http://www.equalityfederation.org RuPaul’s Holi-slay Spectacular Viewing Party @ Lookout, 3600 16th Street. Hosted by Sister Roma and Honey Mahogany, the event brings together former contestants who will vie for the title “Drag Race Xmas Queen.” 5pm. http://www.lookoutsf.com San Francisco Gay Men’s Chorus’ Brassy & Sassy @ Nourse Theater, 275 Hayes Street. Dr. Tim Seelig and the Chorus present their annual holiday show with a full spectrum of holiday revelry. 8pm-10:30pm and also on December 8, 2:30 and 8pm. http://www.sfgmc.org
8 Saturday The Big Penny Drive Finale @ Jane Warner Plaza, 401 Castro Street. Organizer Kelly Rivera Hart invites all to the finale of a 31-year run that began in 1987 when a local bartender put out a jar and invited others to help out people with AIDS. Funds have supported AIDS Emergency Fund and PRC. 12-3pm. http://www.prcsf.org
33rd Annual Christmas Revels @ Scottish Rite Theater, 1547 Lakeside Drive. Ancient Mysteries of Andalusian Spain is the theme of this year’s Revels, bringing a tale of the days when Muslim, Jewish and Christian cultures lived in a spirit of tolerance and peace. 1pm & 8pm, and also on December 9, 14, 15 & 16. http://www.californiarevels.org Dance Along Nutcracker® @ Yerba Buena Center for the Arts, 701 Mission Street. San Francisco Lesbian/Gay Freedom Band’s annual tale of Clara, featuring classic songs where audience members join in by dancing along in their costumes, tutus, street civvies or surprise outfits. 3pm and 8pm and also on December 9 at 11am. http://www.dancealongnutcracker.org
Keith Haring: The Boy Who Just Kept Drawing @ SF LGBT Center, 1800 Market Street. DJs will spin tunes and drag queen Honey Mahogany will tell stories joining author Kay Haring who will present, sign and discuss her new book about her famous late brother. This free event will also include an art sale and fashion show. 12-4pm. http://www.haringdec8.eventbrite.com
Milk Club Annual Holigay Fête @ The STUD, 399 9th Street. Bid adieu to 2018 with a celebration of recent victories at this annual party where food will be provided, cash bar cocktails will flow, a photo booth with snap your pose and a bit of work will be done as the Club’s Board nominations are addressed. 4-8pm. http://www.milkclub.org
9 Sunday Santa Skivvies Run 2018 @ Lookout, 3600 16th Street. The run is a festive romp through the Castro benefiting San Francisco AIDS Foundation. All are welcome. 9am check in; 10:15am opening ceremony:10:30 run begins. http://www.santaskivviesrun.org Help Fire Survivors: LGBTQ Aid-Donate Supplies and Funds @ Jane Warner Plaza, 401 Castro Street. Local LGBTQ groups are raising funds and collecting supplies for delivery to affected areas. 10am-5pm and also on December 15. http://www.rainbowfund.org World AIDS Day Open Mic & Screening of Rent @ Oakland LGBTQ Community Center, 3207 Lakeshore Avenue, Oakland. Cohosts Jai Yee and Kin Folkz will welcome guests to this event presented as part of the QTPOC Sunday Matinee series. 1-4pm. http://www.oaklandlgbtqcenter.org Critical Resistance: 20 Years of Strategy for Abolition @ First Congregational Church, 2501 Harrison Avenue. The event feautres Angela Davis in conversation with Black liberationist organizer Kamau Walton, Linda Evans and Mary Hooks. 7-10pm. http://criticalresistancee.org
10 Monday The Future of Journalism with Ezra Klein and Kara Swisher @ Manny’s, 3092 16th Street. New York Times columnist Swisher and Vox Founder Klein will discuss the future of journalism and how the current Presidency has affected the field. 6:30-8pm. http://www.welcometomannys.com REAF’s Help Is on the Way for the Holidays XVII @ Marines Memorial Theatre, 609 Sutter Street. Richmond/Ermet Aid Foundation presents their annual holiday cabaret with a line-up of stars and an After Party not to be missed at the Clift Royal Sonesta Hotel. http://www.reaf.org
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