San Francisco Bay Times January 14, 2016

January 14-27, 2016 | www.sfbaytimes.com

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LGBT Businesses Behind

Super Bowl 50

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In the News

By Dennis McMillan

Mayor Lee’s Inauguration: Pomp and Protest Mayor Ed Lee’s second inauguration drew thousands of people—including state and federal politicians, city supervisors, heads of city departments and hundreds of angry protesters—to City Hall. Before the doors officially opened to the public at 11 am, protesters were already gathering for a planned demonstration. As soon as Lee was announced, the applause and cheers from below were met with cries from above of “Black lives matter,” “Fire Chief Suhr” and “Justice for Mario Woods.” They rang through the building as Governor Jerry Brown administered the oath of office, and continued throughout Lee’s entire speech, which lasted less than 30 minutes. Later in the speech, Lee briefly spoke to protesters’ concerns: “I won’t stop until we build better trust between law enforcement and the communities they’re sworn to protect, especially young men of color.” hoodline.com Santa Clara County Establishes Office of LGBTQ Affairs Santa Clara County has become the first county nationwide to establish an Office of Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender and Queer Affairs.

Philadelphia, Pennsylvania and Washington, D.C., have their own offices that address concerns of the LGBTQ community, but Santa Clara County is the first to represent them at a county level. Many jurisdictions across the country have staff liaisons and advisory commissions comprised of people from the LGBTQ community. There is no dedicated office at the state level, according to county officials. sanfrancisco.cbslocal.com Researchers Suggest PrEP Is as Safe as Aspirin Research published in the Oxford Journal addresses questions that have been raised about the safety of preexposure prophylaxis, or PrEP. While many studies have been conducted focusing on the efficacy of the drug, this new study wanted to examine how safe it is to take given concerns about potential side effects.

Researchers from UCLA concluded that PrEP is at least as safe as one of the most common over the counter drugs found in households just about everywhere: aspirin. The safety and effectiveness studies of emtricitabinetenofovir disoproxil fumarate (FTCTDF) for HIV infection pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) in men and women showed that daily use reduced the risk of HIV acquisition. towleroad.com CDC Survey: Bisexuality Is on the Rise A new survey from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention shows that a growing number of men and women are identifying as bisexual. Researchers asked more than 9,000 people in the U.S. between the ages of 18 and 44 about their sexual experiences, and whether they are attracted to the same or opposite sex.

They also asked if participators identify as being straight, gay, lesbian or bisexual. The research took place between 2011 and 2013 as part of the CDC’s National Survey of Family Growth. The number of women who said they had sexual contact with another woman increased from the last CDC survey reporting 17.4% compared to the previous 14.2%. The number of men who identified as bisexual also increased to 2% in the current survey compared with 1.2% in the last one. edgemedianetwork.com

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Department’s executive management team for 25 years, serving in every division of the department.

Dolores Park to Reopen with Glow-in-the-Dark Event The fences surrounding the southern half of Dolores Park will finally come down, concluding a lengthy renovation that originally began nearly two years ago, in March 2014. The grand reopening is expected to take place any day now, weather permitting.

Given the early nightfall this time of year, Rec & Park is encouraging people to bring their glow-in-the-dark gear, light-up props and LED accessories. The northern half of Dolores Park reopened back in June, after a delayed renovation, and the southern portion of the park was immediately closed for its own revamp. Upgrades to the southern half will include an overlook at 20th and Church, improved pedestrian paths, an underground bathroom near the playground and an open-air pissoir, intended to combat urination on the Muni tracks. hoodline.com EQCA & State Farm Searching for Good Neighbors in Bay Area Equality California is proud to once again partner with State Farm for the 2016 Equality California Equality Awards. State Farm will present the 2016 Good Neighbor Award at each of the Equality Awards celebrations, including the San Francisco Equality Awards taking place on April 2. They need help in the nominating process about a local hero—anyone who has made a lasting contribution to the health, well-being and equality of the LGBT community in the local area—and why they should recognize them with this special honor. eqca.org/equality-awards/san-francisco After Taking Pills Every Day for Decades, HIV Patients May Take a Break If PRO 140 is FDA approved, infected persons could finally take a break and go on a vacation without having to remember their pills, and the exact times to take them each day. All they need is a reminder to inject a weekly dose of PRO 140 every seven days. CytoDyn Inc., clinical developer of PRO 140, recently announced that eleven HIV patients receiving PRO 140 monotherapy in an extension study have now successfully reached one year of maximal virologic suppression. These patients substituted their daily Highly Active Antiretroviral Therapy (HAART) regimen with weekly painless subcutaneous injections of PRO 140. These eleven patients have experienced successful monotherapy with PRO 140 for a period ranging from 12 to 15 months to date. cytodyn.com Hennessy Sworn in as 35th Sheriff of San Francisco Vicki L. Hennessy was sworn in as the 35th Sheriff of San Francisco and is the first woman to be elected to that office. Senator Dianne Feinstein administered the oath of office, and Assemblymember David Chiu served as master of ceremonies. Born and raised in San Francisco, Hennessy joined the Sheriff ’s Department in 1975, a member of the first recruit class that included women, communities of color and LGBT deputies. She rose quickly through the ranks to become the youngest Captain in California law enforcement, and then Chief Deputy.

She was a member of the Sheriff ’s

FDA Approves Genvoya, a New Once-Daily HIV Regimen The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) announced the approval of a new one-pill-a-day HIV treatment regimen called Genvoya, made by Gilead Sciences. Genvoya is a tablet containing four drugs: elvitegravir, cobicistat, emtricitabine and tenofovir alafenamide. The recommended dosage of Genvoya is one tablet taken once daily with food.

Genvoya is the first approved antiHIV pill to contain a new form of the drug tenofovir called tenofovir alafenamide, or TAF for short. The older form of tenofovir—called tenofovir disoproxil fumarate or TDF—was approved by the FDA in 2001. TDF is a component in most current HIV treatment regimens, as well as in the only FDA-approved pill to prevent HIV transmission (Truvada). edgemedianetwork.com Nighttime Muni Shutdowns Targeting January 22 Conclusion for Super Bowl Super Bowl 50 will impact local transit, but at least it is bringing a planned end to one Muni annoyance: the nighttime shutdown of underground light-rail trains, which has been ongoing since July 31. Muni says that work on the trains’ new radio and phone systems is progressing on schedule, and the post-9:30 pm shutdowns should conclude on January 22—the day before Super Bowl City begins construction. hoodline.com Latest FDA Blood Policy Not Based on Science, But Stigma The FDA has formally released a 12-month deferral plan in the blood donation policy for gay and bisexual men, clinically referred to as “men who have sex with men” (MSM). The policy replaces a lifetime ban on gay and bisexual male blood donors with a one-year deferral for any man who has had sex with another man— meaning, gay and bisexual men must be celibate for one year before they can donate blood. The FDA’s 12-month deferral plan would still require gay and bisexual men to be celibate for a full year before they are allowed to donate blood, regardless of marital status and safe-sex practices.

Heterosexuals are given no such restrictions, even if their sexual behavior places them at high risk for HIV. In practice, the new policy is still a continuation of the lifetime ban and ignores the modern science of HIV-testing technology while perpetuating negative stereotypes. edgemedianetwork.com Anti-Transgender CA Ballot Initiative Fails to Gather Sufficient Signatures A coalition of California civil rights and LGBT organizations said that supporters of a proposed anti-transgender ballot initiative have failed to submit the signatures necessary to qualify it for the November 2016 ballot. “Privacy for All,” the group behind the failed measure, needed to submit 365,880 valid signatures to the California Secretary of State’s office to qualify for the ballot. “Privacy for All” is backed by the Sacramentobased Pacific Justice Institute and other supporters. The measure would have required persons to “use facilities in accordance with their biological sex in all government buildings.” It would have also protected private businesses from being “subject to criminal, civil, or administrative sanctions, or civil suits for requiring employees, patrons, students, or any other person to use facilities in accordance with their biological sex.” transgenderlawcenter.org (continued on page 26)

Hillary Clinton’s Recent SF Visit Highlighted Youth Wisdom

Leslie R. Katz The old adage “out of the mouths of babes� was in full force recently at an event that Hillary Clinton’s campaign held at the Innovation Hangar. Although it was a fundraiser, the event was billed as a family event, with adults encouraged to bring their children of all ages. Our community’s own Miguel Bustos arranged catering, providing Mexican food enjoyed by all. There were games, play areas, and activities for everyone. The highlight, however, was when Hillary came out and said she would only entertain questions from the children.

The cynicism began to dissipate, and the realization struck us all that our young people are far more aware of what is at stake in this election and what really matters to our country.

The future we create will be left to these younger generations. The first question was from Gaby, age 9, who asked Hillary if she would raise the minimum wage. (Answer: yes.) The tone was set.

Defense Fund, where she was dedicated to helping kids and making schools better. Emma queried about how to get girls more involved in technology, and another question was asked regarding stopping ISIS. The presidential candidate answered by emphasizing that we should help those on the ground to take back territory, but not send in troops.

Questions came in concerning climate change, oppression of girls, getting rid of cancer, and why Hillary is a democrat. A 4-year-old also chimed in with a question about how to drive a bus, and what makes buses go.

Without missing a beat, Hillary asked him if he wanted to be a bus driver.

He said yes, and then she talked about combustion engines!

At this point, Hillary added that she wanted youth journalists to cover all of her events. She remarked on the incredibly thoughtful and substantive tone of the questions. Bear in mind, the children were all seated in front with hands raised, and with no preset order for their interactions with Hillary. I am now very confident that if these kids are going to be running our country in the future, we are in good hands.

The next question was about criminal justice reform. (Okay, perhaps there was some prodding beforehand from a few parents, but it did not feel staged or rehearsed, as these kids asked questions and listened intently to the answers.) Hillary replied that we must reform the criminal justice system and ensure that we fix the relationship between the police and those whom they are dedicated to protecting. She said she appreciates what Black Lives Matter is doing to bring to the forefront the problems in the criminal justice system.

A teenager (age 14) then asked Hillary how she would help Syrian refugees.

Hillary noted that we should not shut

PHOTOS COURTESY OF HILLARY FOR AMERICA

Ready for Her

Next up, 8 -year-old Leo sweetly asked, “What will you do to keep gay people from getting kicked out of their jobs?� The place erupted in applause.

Hillary responded that she is dedicated to passing laws to ensure that LGBT people have the same rights as everyone else. Third question: “What will you do to guarantee equal pay for equal work?� (Another 9-year-old.)

Hillary responded that passing the Paycheck Fairness Act is crucial.

our doors to those in need of a safe place, and that we could undertake careful screening and vetting without eliminating important programs.

On a lighter note, 9-year-old Noah asked Hillary if she ever makes the

Secret Service people laugh. Then came the insightful question: “What will it feel like to be the first female President of the U.S.? Comments ensued regarding Hillary’s first job as an attorney at the Children’s Legal

The evening showed not only how smart and inquisitive today’s kids and teens are, but also why we would be lucky to have Hillary as our next President. Her command of the critical issues facing us—coupled with her warmth, humor and compassion— make me even more ready for her.

Leslie R. Katz is a former member of the San Francisco Board of Supervisors, was the co-author of the City’s Equal Benefits Ordinance, has served on the SF Democratic County Central Committee (as Chair, and as a general member), and serves on the California Democratic Party’s Executive Board.

She is an attorney with a government law, policy and strateg y practice, with a focus on emerging technologies.

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A Case of EOW: Early Obama Withdrawal

OPEN ENROLLMENT IS NOVEMBER 1, 2015 TO JANUARY 31, 2016 Alex Randolph I am suffering from EOW (Early Obama Withdrawal). No week seems to go by without the President doing something that reconfirms why I have been a fan of his since the very beginning. I especially applaud his most recent gun control executive orders, and I am sure that I wasn’t the only one who was left speechless after watching him tear up during his emotional press conference. We often expect our leaders to show authenticity and to stand up for what is right, even against all odds. I can’t think of any recent President who has been more approachable or authentic than Obama, despite a Republican party that has made it its mission to destroy his policies and presidency from day one.

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The GOP clown car of presidential candidates doesn’t seem to get it. Trump proclaimed proudly that he would get rid of gun-free zones in schools on his first day in the White House. Cruz auctioned off engraved limited edition rif les, and Rubio claims that no gun control laws would have prevented any of the mass shootings in recent history. Thankfully, it seems like the Republicans are out of touch again, as 67% of Americans support the President’s decision. I am equally excited that Lieutenant Governor Gavin Newsom is championing a tough firearms-control measure in California, and look forward to supporting it. It is going to be a tough fight, but the time is right to make a change to how this country approaches gun ownership. Enough is enough.

Speaking of against all odds…I want to commend everyone who has been vocal and fighting against our rogue and out of control Accrediting Commission for Community and Junior Colleges (ACCJC). After a strong push from the Save City College Coalition; Congressmembers Pelosi and Speier; our state delegation of Ting, Chiu, and Leno; City College Trustees; the California Community College Board of Governors; the San Francisco City Attorney’s Office; and the Courts; we can now add the Department of Education (DOE) to the group questioning ACCJC. On January 8, Acting Secretary of Education King upheld a DOE decision from 2014 that found ACCJC out of compliance with education standards.

Like my mother always said, “When you point a finger, two fingers point right back at you.” I wonder if Barbara Beno ever thought about that one.

Although it is great news that the days of ACCJC terrorizing public education institutions are nearing the end, it has also come at a huge cost to City College. We are left to pick up the pieces locally. Our enrollment is still down significantly, CCSF is still dealing with tremendous administrative and financial challenges, and trust still has to be earned back.

I was incredibly honored to join fellow Trustees Mandelman and Selby on January 7 for an enrollment outreach campaign at BART stations all around San Francisco. I hope you saw our many incredible faculty volunteers who braved the cold and rain from 6:30 am to 7 pm handing out schedules and enrollment information. Classes start January 19. Lifelong learning is sexy! Enroll today at www.ccsf.edu

Alex Randolph is a Trustee for City College of San Francisco. He previously served in President Obama’s administration and as an LGBT advisor for Mayor Newsom. He lives in the Castro with his partner Trevor.

In Memoriam Justin Chin Malaysian-born poet, essayist and performance artist Justin Chin addressed queer Asian American identity with humor and raw vulnerability. An afternoon of readings dedicated to his memory will be held on January 31 at the San Francisco Public Library in the Koret Auditorium from 1:30–4 pm. The free event features many well-known Bay Area LGBT poets and artists. For more information: https://www.facebook.com/ events/432309266979186/ Jeanne Córdova A founder of the West Coast LGBTQ movement, Jeanne Córdova opened the first lesbian center in Los Angeles and was the publisher and editor of the groundbreaking newspaper The Lesbian Tide. She helped to found the Gay and Lesbian Caucus of the Democratic Party, published the Community Yellow Pages, organized seminal conferences and was a Lammy-award winning author for her memoir When We Were Outlaws: a Memoir of Love and Revolution.

David Bowie “I don’t know where I’m going from here, but I promise it won’t be boring.”

Gun Safety Proposals from Kaplan and Others Unanimously Pass Oakland City Council

ly, several horrific murders have been committed with guns stolen from vehicles. With record high levels of car breakins, these common-sense gun safety ordinances are an effort to keep guns from being stolen and then sold illegally.

On a day when the nation saw President Obama shed tears in memory of children killed by gun violence and Oakland saw a brazen shooting in broad daylight across the street from City Hall, the Oakland City Council unanimously passed proposals to strengthen gun safety, including my proposal to ban leaving guns unsecured in unattended vehicles.

These proposa ls are part of a comprehensive effort to crackdown on illegal and dangerous gun use. Recently, I’ve successfully advocated for more efforts to combat gun violence and illegal gun dealing.

My colleagues and I approved a package of proposals requirOut of the Closet ing stricter gun safety, which and into City Hall were co-authored by Councilmembers Kalb, Campbell Oakland Vice Mayor Washington, City Attorney Rebecca Kaplan Barbara Parker and me. The proposals were first heard on Last summer, I fought December 15, 2015, during which time the for and won $1 million to fund special gun Public Safety Committee of the Oakland City investigations, which will include updated Council unanimously voted to recommend technology and staffing for gun tracing efforts. them for Council adoption.

These will improve solving gun crimes, tracThe Ordinances include requirements to secure ing illegal guns and, in-turn, shut down more all firearms and ammunition in unattended ve- illegal gun sources. hicles, and for gun owners to keep their firearms Last month, the Oakland City Council unanisecured with a trigger lock, or in a lock box. mously passed a proposal that I put forward to The gun safety measures attracted the ire of the support the 2016 California ballot initiative “SafeNRA, which has attacked me for my leadership ty For All Act” by Lieutenant Governor Gavin in support of gun safety, asking supporters to Newsom. It would require background checks for speak out against the measures. My response all firearm and ammunition sales, and reporting to the NRA is that the NRA claim that they lost and stolen firearms, as well as requiring other are for responsible gun ownership. But leaving a common sense gun safety measures. gun loose in the backseat of an unattended car As a package, these proposals are steps towards is incredibly irresponsible. The NRA should not reducing gun violence and the proliferation of ildefend leaving guns loose where they can easily legal gun dealing in our cities, state, and nation. get into the hands of criminals and end up with Vice Mayor Rebecca Kaplan was elected in 2008 to people killed—including Antonio Ramos and serve as Oakland’s citywide councilmember. She was Kate Steinle. Letting guns be left where they re-elected in 2012 and serves currently as Vice Mayor. can easily be stolen is bad for public safety. If the She is working for safe neighborhoods, for local jobs NRA wants guns to be easily stolen, then they and for a fresh start for Oakland. Vice Mayor Kaplan don’t care about safety—just about selling more graduated Phi Beta Kappa from the Massachusetts guns—even if people die.

Institute of Technolog y, obtained a Master’s degree

9.75 in.

After two years of seeing homicides decrease, 2015 saw the murder rate rise, slightly. Recent-

from Tufts University and a Juris Doctor from Stanford Law School.

Basics of Governor Brown’s Budget

The New Year is a fresh start, offering everyone a chance to make improvements. The State of California faces the same opportunity through its annual budget process, which began this month when Governor Jerry Brown released his budget proposal.

es unprecedented funding levels. He also seeks to accelerate school funding reforms that provide more resources to help foster youth, English language lea r ner s a nd st udent s from low-income families.

These will benef it students in need around the As I review and improve Bay Area. In higher eduBr ow n’s s p end i n g pl a n cation, Brown’s budget through my work on the Aswould continue to keep sembly Budget Committee, tuition rates f lat at state Assemblymember Phil Ting my decisions will be shaped universities, and expand by our need for a budget that career technical educabroadens opportunity today tion opportunities at our community colleges. while responsibly saving for the future.

A quality education positions our kids for betMost individuals and businesses apply the ter success and stability in life. We must fulfill same outlook in managing their finances. Ap- the promise of an affordable college degree for plying it to the direction of nearly $122 billion all students who work hard. in state funds comes with challenges in a legIn future, I expect to see significant debate with islature composed of 120 members. As the old the Governor about funding for healthcare and saying goes, the devil is in the details. Before developmental disabilities, affordable housing, we get to them, it is important to note the confighting climate change, and upgrading our intext of Brown’s budget. frastructure. All of these issues remain unreCalifornia now enjoys unprecedented financial solved from our budget process last year. Brown stability. This outcome is the result of many even declared special sessions of the Legislature tough cuts imposed during the Great Reces- to focus on the first two of these issues. Unforsion as well as new revenues made possible by tunately, we have not yet had a breakthrough our growing economy and voter approval of because it takes a two-thirds vote to change our new taxes under Proposition 30, in 2012. In tax system, a threshold requiring a bipartisan sum, California transitioned from record bud- agreement. This may be difficult to achieve because Republicans ousted their Assembly and get deficits to a minor budget surplus.

Senate leadership last year in order to bolster Our improved finances are also due to voter their anti-tax credentials. approval of Proposition 2, in 2014. It enables the state to amass savings to mitigate tough With revenues from Proposition 30 starting to times in the future. This was a pivotal reform. phase out next year and a range of potential No one would advise a loved one to live pay- tax initiatives coming to the ballot this fall, check to paycheck, which is basically how the elected leaders cannot simply sit on the sidelines like spectators. We must do the job we state operated its finances until now. were elected to perform and govern. By comOverall, Brown is taking a very cautious ap- ing together, we can leave California better off proach in his proposed budget. Judge for your- than we found it. self by visiting www.ebudget.ca.gov Phil Ting represents the 19th Assembly District, which I am very encouraged by Brown’s commitment includes the Westside of San Francisco along with the to prioritizing education. For K–12, he propos- communities of Broadmoor, Colma, and Daly City.

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Reacting Isn’t Responding Roland Schembari and Bill Hartman, Co-Founders Randy Alfred, Founding News Editor 1978 Kim Corsaro Publisher 1981-2011

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Are human beings basically good or bad? My colleague, neuropsychologist Rick Hanson, believes that science can answer this age-old question. He points out: “When the body is not disturbed by hunger, thirst, pain, or illness, and when the mind is not disturbed by threat, frustration, or rejection, then most people settle into their resting state, a sustainable equilibrium in which the body refuels and repairs itself and the mind feels peaceful, happy, and loving.” He calls this state the Responsive mode. It’s our home base, where we participate in our lives “on the basis of a background sense of safety, suff iciency, and connection.”

But when we’re habitua l ly d isturbed—by fear, anger, disappointment, loneliness, shame, anger, chronic stress, etc.—the body wears down and the mind becomes fatigued, pressured, irritable and unhappy. The sense of an ongoing inner dis-ease becomes normal. Hanson calls this the Reactive mode. It’s a disturbance of physical and psychological equilibrium that undermines well-being and long-term health, and shortens life.

The good news is that the body/ mind always wants to come home to the Responsive mode. It’s your default setting, the resting state that you automatically return to when you aren’t ratt led. This means, Hanson argues, that “your deepest nature is peace not hatred, happiness not greed, love not heartache, and wisdom not confusion.” In this mode, we conserve energy for the challenges of life, replenish our resources, and heal pains and traumas.

We’ll all inevitably be in Reactive mode sometimes, but do we have to live there? Can we do anything to spend more of our time in the Responsive mode?

Hanson believe that we can. He points out that one of the things that keeps us reactive is the habit of clinging—a chronic leaning into the

future in which we feel lack, frustration, and impatience. When we cling, we’re obsessed with getting and holding on to what we want, and getting rid of what we don’t want. It’s natural to move toward what’s pleasant and away from what’s unpleasant. But when we take it a step further and try to grab what’s pleasant and battle or run from what’s unpleasant, the quality of struggle that results means that we’re chronically in Reactive mode.

stop clinging, we find that we inhabit a baseline sense of peace with whatever happens, even if the surface layers of our minds are disappointed or upset. Clinging is nothing more than a mental habit, and the remedy for it is easy to learn, although it requires constant practice. What we need to do is stop leaning into the future and continually bring our attention back to the present moment, the only time we can ever really be happy.

Clinging isn’t the same thing as healthy desire. Clinging is never relaxed. It seduces us into chasing questionable goals; exhausting ourselves in the pursuit of “success”; being rigid and creating conf licts with others; getting addicted to food or drugs; and seeking rewards in relationships that will never come. When we cling we clench and contract, rather than open. We put ourselves in contention with the nature of life, which is always changing. The American Buddhist teacher, Joseph Goldstein, compares clinging to what happens when a rope runs through your hands: if you grab it, you get rope burn.

To do this, first realize that no situation has to be any particular way for you to be at home in it. Practice relaxing into the body. Take a breath and exhale slowly. Open your hands; relax the surface tension in your muscles.

Let go into being in this situation, this location. Notice how the body/mind relaxes when you stop fighting with life as it is right now, and choose simply to abide in the present, whether you happen to like what’s occuring or not. Practice responding to what’s here rather than reacting by trying to grab it or push it away. Keep arriving in the present moment, over and over.

So much of our stress is self-created.

Whether we get what we want or not, a simple, organic happiness is always available, right here, right now.

How do we do learn to be more responsive and less reactive? It really is possible to have healthy values, purposes, and commitments, and to feel passionate about our goals without living in constant struggle. When we

Tom Moon is a psychotherapist in San Francisco. To learn more, please visit his website at tommoon.net

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CONTRIBUTORS Writers Rink, Sister Dana Van Iquity, Ann Rostow, Kirsten Kruse, Kate Kendell, Alex Randolph, Heidi Beeler, Gary M. Kramer, Dennis McMillan, Tom Moon, Terry Baum, Gypsy Love, Rafael Mandelman, Kit Kennedy, Phil Ting, Rebecca Kaplan, Leslie Katz, Philip Ruth, Bill Lipsky, Karen Williams, Donna Sachet, Gary Virginia, Zoe Dunning, Marcy Adelman, Stuart Gaffney & John Lewis Brandon Miller, Jamie Leno Zimron Rebecca Kaplan, Thom Watson, Courtney Lake, Michele Karlsberg Photographers Rink, Steven Underhill, Phyllis Costa, Paul Margolis, Chloe Jackman, Bill Wilson, Jo-Lynn Otto, Sandy Morris, Abby Zimberg

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The Annual GLBT News Quiz, 2015

By Ann Rostow It’s That Time Again Don’t you hate end-of-year tests and reviews? Yes, me too, with the salient exception of my own clever version of the genre. I started this annual quiz in order to carve out time for myself over Christmas and New Years, but it turns out the damn thing is far more labor intensive than writing a column. Now, however, tradition has set in and I am committed to the yearly exercise.

I recognize that several of these questions have little or nothing to do with our valiant battle for civil rights.

But loyal readers will recognize that much of this GLBT news column has little or nothing to do with our community anyway, so the challenge is a fair one. That said, let’s begin!

1. In Obergefell v Hodges, Justice Kennedy ruled that: a) the Equal Protection Clause requires same-sex couples to be treated the same as heterosexual couples as far as marriage is concerned. b) same-sex couples have a fundamental right to marry under the Due Process Clause. c) sexual orientation discrimination must be evaluated using heightened legal scrutiny. d) laws against same-sex marriage comprise an unconstitutional form of sex discrimination. e) All of the above.

2. Ruth Bader Ginsburg said she fell asleep during the State of the Union speech because: a) she stayed up all the previous night writing an opinion since she had a “hot pen.” b) she was taking medication for tinnitus. c) she drank too much at dinner with Justice Kennedy. d) President Obama employed a “hypnotic cadence.”

3. According to an Eighth Circuit ruling last January, a woman who was constructively fired for pumping breast milk on the job had no case for sex discrimination because: a) her boss was a lesbian. b) the majority of her colleagues were women. c) her baby was in child care. d) men technically have the capacity to lactate.

4. Judgment call. The 2015 hypocrisy award, men’s category, goes to: a) the former conservative Speaker of the House, Denny Hastert of Illinois, who abused a student when

he was a wrestling coach at Yorkville High School. b) Matthew Makela, the right wing Michigan pastor and father of two who told the guys on Grindr that he liked to cuddle naked. c) Boyd Holder, of Kingsport, Tennessee, who embezzled $100,000 from his church and was caught having gay sex in a van. d) Todd Courser, the married first-term tea party Michigan state representative who fabricated a gay sex scandal in order to divert attention from the affair he was having with an also-married female colleague. e) Randy Boehning, the antigay North Dakota state representative who was caught sending selfie penis pics to other men.

5. True or False. We learned this year that: a) doctors in the 19th Century recommended cocaine as a cure for lesbianism. b) Marilyn Monroe had seven toes on her left foot. c) Kate Mulgrew of Orange is the New Black came out of the closet. d) a California man filed a ballot initiative that called for gays and lesbians to be put to death. e) the Russian iPhone’s version of Siri refuses to answer questions about anything gay. f ) Pope Francis bought a copy of Poco Ouvo, a lesbian-authored children’s book, which tells the story of a little egg who meets different types of people and families. g) Rutherford B. Hayes, our 19th president, was bisexual. h) archaeologists in the Czech Republic discovered the earliest known grave of a gay man, dating from 2900 to 2500 BC. 6. In which of these localities was marriage equality not legalized in 2015? a) Scotland. b) The Faroe Islands. c) Chihauhau, Mexico. d) Guam. e) The United States. f) Transylvania. g) Pitcairn Islands. h) Ireland.

7. Last year, we learned about a dolphin named Dolly, who reportedly: a) had a sexual affair with an author in the 1970s. b) helped a pregnant woman give birth in mid-ocean. c) fell in love with a female orca named Cindy. d) saved the lives of two lesbians who were vacationing in Hawaii.

8. Sylvia Driscoll was: a) a Nebraska woman who filed a seven-page handwritten federal lawsuit against “homosexuals,” on behalf of God and His son, Jesus Christ. b) a lesbian from St.

Petersburg, Florida, who was arrested after attacking her ex with a dildo during a police-supervised visit to retrieve her property. c) a hotel manager in West Des Moines, who called 911 to report two transgender guests because they were dressed “over the top” and might have been “hookers.” d) a party-goer in Manchester who attacked her gay friends with a broom under the influence of “bubble.”

9. Which of the following companies did not run commercials featuring gay or lesbian characters last year? a) Campbell’s Soup, b) Wells Fargo, c) Tide, d) Doritos, e) Chobani.

10. Aside from the High Court’s marriage ruling, the most significant gay rights development in 2015 was: a) abandoning the fight for the Employment Nondiscrimination Act in favor of the Equality Act. b) the EEOC’s decision to interpret Title VII to ban sexual orientation bias in the workplace. c) the High Court’s decision to return visitation rights to a lesbian mother in Alabama pending further litigation. d) a New York federal court decision calling for heightened scrutiny of transgender discrimination. e) the national outcry, particularly from business leaders, that greeted an antigay religious freedom proposal in Indiana.

Answers: 1. b) Did you pick all of the above? Nope. The decision was fairly narrow. 2. c) (“I wasn’t 100 percent sober,” she admitted). 3. d) ! 4. Fiveway tie. (A cop out, I know.) 5. a) True, b) False (she had six toes on her left foot), c) False, d) True (the “sodomite suppression act”), e) True, f) False (the author sent him a copy), g) False (to the best of our knowledge). h) True.

6. a) (Scotland welcomed marriage in 2014) and f) (Transylvania? Really?).

7. a) (She did it for love, reportedly.) 8. a) (The case was tossed, but why was it even looked at?) 9. c) (Tide ran a gay ad in Canada last year, and someone recently created a terrific spec ad for the company making fun of Kim Davis.) and d) (Doritos created a limited run of rainbow chips to support the It Gets Better project, but they didn’t run an ad.) 10. b) (A matter of opinion, perhaps.) arostow@aol.com

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Super Bowl 50: Golden and Gay At least two veteran National Football League players are gay, draft analyst Benjamin Allbright reports. While the closet for LGBT pro football players is likely larger than Levi’s Stadium, many of our local and very out queer businesses—including the San Francisco Bay Times—are a part of Super Bowl 50, which could be the gayest NFL league championship event ever as a result.

COURTESY OF SUPER BOWL 50 HOST COMMITTEE

From flowers to lighting, local LGBT businesses are working to help ensure that the February 7 game and related activities will not just go smoothly, but also spectacularly. In the articles that follow, you will learn more about them and the efforts of Business Connect, a successful program of the NFL and the San Francisco Bay Area Super Bowl 50 Host Committee.

Our thanks go to Stephanie Martin of the committee, as well as to the Golden Gate Business Association, Ken Stram, JP Leddy, Paul Pendergast, Dawn Ackerman, the San Francisco LGBT Community Center, Ruth McFarlane, Rebecca Rolfe, John Chen, Fitness SF and others for their help in putting this special section together.

Photos courtesy of Super Bowl 50 Host Committee

Loud, Proud, Inclusive and Authentic This Super Bowl Is Just Like the Bay Area Itself

By Stephanie Martin Super Bowl 50 marks a milestone in NFL history, celebrating not only the past 49 Super Bowls, but also an opportunity to set the bar for the next 50. The Bay Area knows how to celebrate, and this Super Bowl celebration will be like no other.

For many, the Super Bowl is appointment television, whether for the game or the commercials, but for a host region, it’s an opportunity to celebrate with its residents and create a legacy that can last well beyond the last whistle.

With a goal of creating an experience that not only reflects the significance of the golden game, but also the personality and values of the San Francisco Bay Area as well, community leaders across the region, Bay Area businesses, public officials and the San Francisco Bay Area Super Bowl 50 Host Committee have come together to seize this moment.

“The three main hubs of Super Bowl Week—Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara, and Super Bowl City and the NFL Experience in San Francisco—will serve not only as centers of energy for Super Bowl Week, but also as catalysts for visitors to find and patronize the many restaurants, shops and small businesses in the surrounding areas,” said Daniel Lurie, chair of the Super Bowl 50 Host Committee. “Our commitment from the beginning has been to put our Bay Area community first, and create real opportunities for our region to benefit from this opportunity to host Super Bowl 50, whether it is local businesses or our Bay Area’s nonprofit community.”

From January 30 through February 7, Super Bowl Week will feature a number of events, activities and community initiatives that are de-

signed to engage residents and visitors alike, and enable them to participate in the magic of Super Bowl.

Super Bowl City presented by Verizon, the Host Committee’s free public fan village, was designed to showcase the best the Bay Area has to offer. With interactive games and activities that highlight the region’s technological prowess, culinary excellence and cultural diversity, Super Bowl City will celebrate Super Bowl 50 and the Bay Area’s place in NFL history.

Located at the foot of Market Street in Justin Herman Plaza, Super Bowl City will feature interactive exhibits for fans of all ages. For example, the Fan Energ y Zone powered by SAP is a nod to the Bay Area’s leadership in technology and innovation. It will showcase the latest in digital gaming, social media and data visualizations through a 40-foot interactive dome and 50-foot video wall.

In addition, fans can enjoy Bay Area food and drink with fine Sonoma County wines at the Taste of Sonoma wine tasting lounge, tailgate-style barbeque from Michael Mina’s Bourbon and Steak, and San Francisco seafood from Woodhouse Fish Co.

of those efforts, several local LGBTfocused organizations have received grants as organizers work to leave a lasting impact and legacy on the region that will survive long after the last whistle sounds.

theme park. The NFL Experience will offer participatory games, youth football clinics, merchandise from NFL Shop and free autograph sessions from NFL players. NFL Experience also will debut new attractions in San Francisco including personalized digital photos, upgraded 40yard dash and vertical jump against NFL players on LED screens, a virtual reality experience, an enhanced Super Bowl rings display and a new NFL Draft set! Share your experiences using #SB50. Tickets are available through Ticketmaster or at the Moscone box office.

And in a break from tradition, Super Bowl City is opening for an extra weekend to ensure local residents have the opportunity to experience the excitement of Super Bowl 50 before out-of-town guests arrive.

And as part of the effort to mold Super Bowl 50 in the image of the Bay Area’s diverse culture and communities, the 50 Host Committee has enlisted the Bay Area’s LGBT community to play a major role in the festivities. Previously, the NFL opened contracting opportunities for the production of the game to businesses that are minority, women and disabled veteran owned through its Business Connect program. For the first time, as part of Super Bowl 50, the NFL and Host Committee have opened those same opportunities to local LGBT-owned businesses.

True football fans should make their way to the NFL Experience at Moscone North and South, which is the NFL’s pro-football interactive

“The Bay Area is the home of the equality movement, so we’re proud to make Super Bowl 50 the first Super Bowl where LGBT businesses

The City Stage presented by Levi’s will feature the region’s artistic vitality, with live music and local performing artists including 50 Fund grantees, as well as free evening concerts with headliners such as Alicia Keyes.

will be front and center in the production of the game’s events and festivities,” said Keith Bruce, CEO of the Super Bowl 50 Host Committee.

Dawn Ackerman was awarded one of the very first Business Connect contracts for LGBT-owned businesses. Ackerman’s company, Outsmart Office Solutions, supplies the office products to furnish the Host Committee’s Battery Street office. She stresses that in addition to the money that the contract itself will bring in, the Business Connect program offers training courses and networking opportunities that “definitely help us generate business leads and get key exposure that will serve us long after the Super Bowl leaves town.”

“From an LGBT standpoint, it’s history making. It’s being invited to the dance, so to speak.” said Paul Pendergast, owner of Pendergast Consulting Group, an LGBT-owned company that specializes in public affairs consulting on major construction projects. “And we’re excited to see all small business get a piece of the action in the lead up to the Big Game.”

Additionally, Host Committee organizers are working to return 25% of all money raised from corporate sponsors back into the Bay Area community through their philanthropic arm, the 50 Fund. As part

The San Francisco Lesbian Gay Bisexual Transgender Community Center is one such organization that has benefited from Super Bowl 50.

The Center was founded as a central resource, meeting place and home for the LGBT community in San Francisco, and on an average month, they host more than 200 programs and activities.

Their 50 Fund grant of $10,000 will provide support of their Youth Program’s youth leadership project— the Center Youth Council (CYC).

The primary goal of the CYC is to identify, mentor, train and support LGBTQ youth who aspire to lead.

The grant will also support the hiring of a San Francisco street resource director to support the needs of homeless LGBT youth. As part of the grant, Host Committee organizers also recognized LGBT youth Angel VanStark as their 50 Fund “Playmaker.” Angel led the establishment of a dedicated Queer Youth Space at the Center and today he serves on the Center’s Board of Directors and was appointed to the City of San Francisco’s Youth Commission.

For more information about events and activities during Super Bowl Week, visit the Host Committee’s website at www.sfbaysuperbowl.com or download the free Road to 50 app.

Stephanie Martin is the Super Bowl 50 Host Committee’s Vice President of Marketing and Communications.

BAY T IM ES JANUARY 14, 2016

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50 Fund Shines Light on the SF LGBT Center’s Youth Program

GGBA: Ready to Kick that Field Goal!

By Ruth McFarlane, JD MSW

By JP Leddy

A recipient of a 50 Fund Playmaker Grant, an award for change-mak ing nonprof its and local leaders, the Center has used the funding to create an LGBT Youth Resource Guide. The Resource Guide is a youth-driven project that was created and produced by Center Youth Council leaders, a group of young community builders who participate in leadership training through Angel Van Stark the Center’s youth program.

The SF LGBT Youth Resource Guide was the Center youth leaders’ response to a need they had ident if ied among their peers. The g uide prov ides an over view of city services that are most relevant to youth, including youth-identified safe spaces and tips on how to “thr ive and survive” in San Francisco.

T he 5 0 F u n d Youth Center grant also spotlights VanStark as a local “playmaker.”

VanStark was quickly identified as a leader

One of the youth leaders who founded a YouthSpace at the Center, VanStark went on to serve on the San Francisco Youth Commission and as a board member for the Center.

He is the State Director of the California Campaign for a Presidential Youth Council, a Speaker with the San Francisco LGBTQ Speakers Bureau, and a 2015 True Colors Fellow.

In April 2015, he was named Best LGBTQ Youth Activist Under 25 by the Bay Area Reporter.

PHOTO BY DAVID SOTOMAYOR

50 Fund, the legacy fund of the San Francisco Bay Area Super Bowl 50 Host Committee, has made a generous $10,000 contribution supporting the youth program at the SF LGBT Center and spotlights the transformative efforts of local queer youth activist and Center board member, Angel VanStark.

when he first arrived in San Francisco as a 19-year-old in 2011 and began participating in youth programming at the Center. The Center helped VanStark get connected to basic resources—shelter, food and income— and provided an opportunity for him to begin to experience his own potential to create change in society for people who faced similar challenges being young, LGBT and marginalized.

As a city known for its highly visible LGBT population, San Francisco attracts large numbers of LGBT youth between the ages of 18 and 24. Local advocates estimate that there are as many as 1,500 homeless LGBT youth in Sa n Fra ncisco, most of whom are deeply marginalized—disconnected from family, education and employment. Nearly 40% of unaccompanied homeless youth identify as LGBT. The Center’s youth program provides a safe, accepting, supportive place for over 400 youth annually to meet friends, form community and get the help and services they need to transform their lives. Through this grant, the 50 Fund is also shedding light on local playmakers and creating opportunities for our nonprofit organizations to continue helping the stars of this city to shine even more brightly.

Ruth McFarlane, JD MSW, is the Director of Programs at the San Francisco LGBT Community Center.

The Golden Gate Business Association (GGBA), the Nation’s first LGBT Chamber of Commerce, is reporting that 77 Certified LGBT-owned businesses registered for the National Football League’s (NFL) Business Connect Program. These businesses have registered to actively compete for contracts relating to the upcoming Super Bowl 50 to be played on Sunday, February 7, 2016, at Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara.

The GGBA made history in November 2014, when San Francisco Mayor Ed Lee announced that LGBT-owned businesses would be included in the Super Bowl 50’s Business Connect program, whose goal is to increase opportunities for minority, women, disabled veteran and LGBT-owned business enterprises to conduct Super Bowl business, and to support business growth through networking events and educational programs.

“The inclusion of LGBT-owned businesses to the NFL’s Business Connect Program was important on the local, national and international level, and I am proud that the GGBA was the organization that took this opportunity over the goal line,” stated GGBA Vice President Paul Pendergast. “Locally, our members have had the chance to actively compete with other businesses to win contracts.

On the national level, we have created a new playing field for LGBT businesses, and we’ve already been in discussion with Houston’s Planning Committee, which is next year’s Super Bowl Destination City, to keep this level of inclusion moving forward. With the Super Bowl being a world-class event—we are showcasing to the world that LGBT-owned businesses are a critical part of the economic fabric in our communities.”

Photographer Christopher Dydyk was the first member of the GGBA to receive business under the program. “I worked with the GGBA on how to best communicate my company’s services, they helped me meet the right people who were the decision makers at the NFL/Super Bowl 50 Planning Committee,” he said. “I’ve had a number of key assignments under our contract which now includes a twoweek stint shooting photos throughout the upcoming events related to the Super Bowl. For a photographer this is huge,” he added.

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Visitors to Super Bowl 50 will see f irst-hand the commitment San Francisco and the Super Bowl 50 Planning Committee have made to LGBT businesses in a very visible way when SFMTA MUNI buses begin to showcase an advertising campaign encouraging everyone to visit the Castro during the week-long series of events surround the Big Game. GGBA, working with the Castro Merchants, the Office of Economic and Workforce Development and SFMTA, will unveil this bus ad campaign in the coming days that will, in part, address the closure of the historic F-Market Line during the time leading up to and during Super Bowl City as it takes shape at the foot of Market Street.

Dydyk encourages fellow business owners to become certified as LGBT Business Enterprises (LGBTBE) through the National Gay and Lesbian Chamber of Commerce (www. nglcc.org), with assistance from the GGBA. Super Bowl 50 is just one of many amazing opportunities for LGBTBE’s to find contracts with large organizations.

GGBA’s achievement with the NFL has been noticed by many. “The intentional inclusion of certified LGBT Business Enterprises in the Super Bowl 50 Business Connect program set the tone for all host cities. An integral part of being a Super Bowl host city is ensuring that the business opportunities are open to all.

Sporting events of this scale need all kinds of local businesses to be successful and the diversity of those business owners must reflect the diversity of the host cities and of our nation,” said Justin Nelson, President & Co-Founder, National Gay & Lesbian Chamber of Commerce.

Business Connect is a program of the NFL and is a signature initiative of the San Francisco Bay Area Super Bowl 50 Host Committee. Read more at: www.sfsuperbowl.com/ business-connect JP Leddy is the President of the Golden Gate Business Association.

COURTESY OF SUPER BOWL 50 HOST COMMITTEE

PHOTOS COURTESY OF SF LGBT COMMUNITY CENTER

Dydyk is just one of the many companies that been successful within the Super Bowl Opportunities Program. Other LGBT-owned companies who have benef itted from this

landmark interaction include: Got Light, David Perry Public Relations, BluePrint Studios, Outsmart Office Solutions, Ellaprint, J Jardine Catering, Pendergast Consulting Group and Leftwich Events.

BAY TIMES JANUA RY 1 4 , 2 0 1 6

Super Bowl 50 Calendar of Events Gridiron Glory Pro Football Hall of Fame Exhibit: Santa Clara What: Santa Clara’s Triton Museum of Art will be home to “Gridiron Glory: The Best of the Pro Football Hall of Fame exhibit” in the weeks leading up to Super Bowl 50. The exhibit will be free to all visitors and features the best of the Pro Football Hall of Fame’s vast collection, including over 200 precious football mementos; award-winning photography, including rare photos; one-of-a-kind documents; interactive exhibits that challenge both mind and body; spectacular footage from NFL films; the Vince Lombardi Trophy; and more in Santa Clara’s local fine art museum.

When: January 18 Where: 1505 Warburton, Santa Clara Tickets: FREE

George Seifert at the Santa Clara University Super Bowl Event What: A program, featuring distinguished speakers like previous successful Super Bowl participants Ronnie Lott and George Seifert, about the positive contributions sports makes to leadership, life skills, ethics and values. The program is presented by the Institute of Sports Law and Ethics (ISLE) at Santa Clara University.

When: January 26 at 9:00 am Where: Santa Clara University, the Leavey Center, 500 El Camino Real, Santa Clara Tickets: FREE

Super Bowl City What: Super Bowl City is the Host Committee’s free-to-the-public fan village designed to celebrate the milestone Super Bowl 50 and to highlight its unique place in the Bay Area. Centered in Justin Herman Plaza, on the Embarcadero at the foot of San Francisco’s famed Market Street, Super Bowl City will feature family-friendly activities for fans of all ages. It will offer a fun—and free—way for locals and visitors alike to enjoy the extravaganza that is the sporting world’s biggest annual event.

When: January 30–February 7 Where: Justin Herman Plaza, across from the Ferry Building, at the foot of Market Tickets: FREE

NFL Experience What: Pro football’s interactive theme park offering participatory games, youth football clinics, merchandise from NFL Shop and free autograph sessions from NFL players.

NFL Experience also will debut new attractions in San Francisco including personalized digital photos, upgraded 40-yard dash and vertical jump against NFL players on LED screens, a virtual reality experience, an enhanced Super Bowl rings display and a new NFL Draft set.

NFL Films and San Francisco Symphony: Concert of Champions What: Hosted by NFL Hall of Fame running back Marcus Allen, the concerts feature the iconic music and filmmaking of Emmy Award-winning NFL Films, with conductor Joshua Gersen leading the Orchestra in live accompaniment. Images captured by NFL Films’ cameras over the years will be projected on the stage.

When: February 3–4 at 8:00 pm Where: Davies Symphony Hall Tickets: Concert tickets range from $50–$195, which includes access to the pre-concert lobby activities in Davies Symphony Hall. These tickets can be purchased by calling the box office at 415-864-6000, at www.sfsymphony.org/NFL or at the box office located on Grove Street between Van Ness Avenue and Franklin Street.

Formal dinner packages begin at $1000 and include a 5 pm cocktail reception and 6 pm dinner in the Wattis Room and Zellerbach Rehearsal Hall A, respectively. Dinner packages are available by contacting the Volunteer Council at 415-503-5500 or online at www.sfsymphony.org/NFL

Legends for Charity What: Mark your calendar for the annual Legends for Charity dinner benefiting St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital taking place at the NFL Headquarters Hotel, during Super Bowl 50 weekend. The evening will honor John Madden, as he becomes the 11th recipient of the coveted Pat Summerall Award. The event will feature cocktails, a formal dinner and live and silent auctions and is sure to provide guests with a once in a lifetime experience.

When: February 4 at 5:00 pm Where: Hilton Union Square, 033 O’Farrell Street Tickets: Please visit http://www.legendsforcharity.com/

Ditka & Jaws Cigars With The Stars What: Join Coach Mike Ditka and Ron “Jaws” Jaworski, along with NFL Legends for an evening of cigars, camaraderie and Super Bowl anticipation at Ditka & Jaws Cigars With The Stars!

When: February 4 at 7:00 pm Where: 620 Jones Street, San Francisco Tickets: Available for purchase at https://www.eventbrite.com/e/ditka-jaws-cigarswith-the-stars-tickets-18037045288

Pro Football Hall of Fame Super Bowl Luncheon

Tickets: Tickets are available for purchase at http://www.ticketmaster.com/NFL-Experience-tickets/artist/1178331 $35 for Adults, $25 for children 12 and under.

What: The NFL officially “kicks off” Super Bowl 50 with The Pro Football Hall of Fame Super Bowl Luncheon Honoring Super Bowl Winning Head Coach and Emmy Award Winning Announcer John Madden. VIP guests will enjoy a cocktail reception, seated lunch and get VIP access and hear stories from over 50 Hall of Fame “Gold Jackets.”

Guests will get up-close and personal with NFL Legends of the game.

NFL’s On the Fifty Charitable Dining Experience at Michael Mina’s RN47, San Francisco

Where: Hilton San Francisco Union Square Hotel, 333 O’Farrell Street

When: Saturday, January 30–Sunday, February 7 Where: Moscone Center

What: World-renowned chef Michael Mina is teaming with the NFL and NFL Foundation to create On The Fifty—A Charitable Dining Experience restaurant at RN74 in the San Francisco Bay Area. Fans will have the opportunity to receive a taste of Super Bowl hospitality and participate in an interactive charitable dining experience benefitting the NFL Foundation in the days leading up to The Big Game.

When: February 1 at 12:00 pm Where: 301 Mission Street, San Francisco Tickets: For reservations, fans may call 415-543-7474 or make a reservation online at michaelmina.net/restaurants/san-francisco-bay-area/rn74/

Super Bowl Opening Night What: Fans will have the opportunity to see the Super Bowl teams in public for the first time at Super Bowl Opening Night Fueled by Gatorade. Super Bowl Opening Night is a shift from the traditional Media Day held on Tuesday morning. Don’t miss your chance to see players and coaches of the Super Bowl teams address fans and thousands of media members for the first time after the teams arrive in the Bay Area.

When: February 1, 5 pm–8 pm (interviews will take place from approximately 5:15–6:15 pm and 7–8 pm Where: SAP Center, 525 W Santa Clara Street, San Jose Tickets: Tickets are $27.50 and available at http://www.ticketmaster.com/ event/1C004F5501A76A3C Tickets are almost sold out as of this writing.

When: February 5 at 11:00 am Tickets: Please contact Craig Vandermause at 415-352-8821 or cvandermause@sfchamber.com

Taste of the NFL What: Taste of the NFL, a premier sanctioned NFL organization, proudly announces that it will celebrate the 25th anniversary of its annual Party with a Purpose® at the legendary Cow Palace in San Francisco’s Bay Area Saturday, February 6. The Cow Palace, which has hosted many distinguished festivals and performers will be home to Taste of the NFL’s celebrated event as they commemorate their milestone anniversary.

When: February 6 at 6:00 pm Where: 2600 Geneva Ave, Daly City Tickets: Available for purchase at http://tnfl.businesscatalyst.com/superbowlevent/ tickets25

NFL Alumni Official Game Day Brunch What: NFL Alumni along with 10+ Pro Football Legends are teaming up with Fleming’s Prime Steakhouse and Wine Bar, to throw a pre-game brunch on Super Bowl Sunday. The Event will feature Chalk Talk Sessions, game analysis from NFL legends and personalities, stories from past Super Bowls, autograph sessions and more!

When: February 7 at 10:00 am Where: Fleming’s Prime Steakhouse and Wine Bar, Stanford Shopping Center, 180 El Camino Real, Palo Alto

COURTESY OF SUPER BOWL 50 HOST COMMITTEE

Tickets: available for purchase at http://www.eventbrite.com/e/nfl-alumni-officialgame-day-brunch-tickets-19534008746

Super Bowl 50 What: Super Bowl 50 will be hosted on February 7 in the City of Santa Clara at the state-of-the-art Levi’s® Stadium, which is the greenest and most technologically advanced professional football stadium in the United States.

The Super Bowl 50 Host Committee is focused on creating a Super Bowl that not only brings people together, but also gives back in a meaningful way and leaves a lasting impact in the Bay Area.

When: February 7 at 3:30 pm Where: Levi’s Stadium 4900 Marie P. DeBartolo Way, Santa Clara BAY T IM ES JANUARY 14, 2016

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San Francisco Gay Flag Football League Continues to Grow QB’s (quarterback) hand right before the next play.

Sports John Chen While the city of San Francisco is busily welcoming Super Bowl 50, scores of local LGBT tight ends and wide receivers are busily catching and scoring every Sunday. Since its inception in 2009, San Francisco Gay Flag Football League (SFGFFL.org) has seen player participation grow each year. Previously seen as a man’s man sport in a contest of masculinity, testosterone and brute strength, football today embraces players of all sizes, shapes, orientations and genders thanks to the efforts of local LGBT football groups such as SFGFFL. Professional and competitive tackle football can be daunting with playbooks as thick as War and Peace, coaches who are portrayed as volatile and players who are mean, big, athletic, strong and muscular! (Great to drool over, but less fun to get f lattened by one, unless you are into that kind of thing.) Thank goodness flag football removes a good chunk of the physicality and requires far less hours in the gym, making the game much more approachable and easier to negotiate.

And the playbook more often than not is drawn up on the palm of the

In fact, one of the all time favorite play calling is “everyone get open,” which means run to an open spot on the field and wave your arms at the QB and hope s/he either throws or doesn’t throw the ball your way. Of course, flag football has its competitive side with organized teams practicing plays over and over again in hopes of winning the local, regional and even national championships.

This current season SFGFFL has attracted many players who are new to playing f lag football. Dan Wilkin, a recent transplant to San Francisco, grew up in a town of maybe 10,000 and lamented that “there wasn’t any gay football” where he was. “Now that I am in San Francisco, I can play football and have fun without being judged.” Will Nash, who also recently moved to the Bay Area, is playing flag football for the first time because “football is a great workout and a great way to meet people.”

Traditionally a men’s sport, scores of women are now catching touchdowns. “Growing up I couldn’t play football because there were no women football players and teams. Now I get to play with both men and women and it’s a lot of fun!” said Brit O’Neal.

Several women footballers have discovered the joy of competing in both the women’s (San Francisco Women’s Flag Football League) and co-ed (SFGFFL) leagues. When asked about the difference between the leagues, Sarah Mobarekeh offered her insight: “Men are more technical…there is more focus on skills, but women can be more physical.” O’Neal added, “Men have strong knowledge of the game, which helps me be a better

player.” Both women, however, reiterated that having fun and being active are the main reasons why they love to play.

On a rare dry, but bitter cold, Sunday, Sarah, Brit, Will and Dan, along with over 60 others, braved the conditions just to play the sport they love.

Also on this day, two visiting parents from Wisconsin proudly and nervously watched as their son caught two touchdown passes and intercepted another. Mrs. Laurie Lepak led the cheers on the sideline and exclaimed, “We are glad Clayton found the LGBT football league. We are here to watch him play!” Mr. Guy Lepak added, “We fully support Clayton’s move to San Francisco. Coming from a conservative background, it’s great to see our son happy and making friends through football.”

And today, less than a month from Super Bowl 50, LGBT footballers are buzzing with playoff talks in between games and downs. Many excitedly gossip about their favorite pro, his stats, his competitive edge, and repetitively emulate his spectacular plays.

SFGFFL Commissioner Darrel Bayani said, “Even though the 49ers and Raiders didn’t make the playoffs, we will still host a Super Bowl 50 watching party at the Oasis. Thanks to our main sponsor Coors Light, LGBT football has empowered passionate players like Sarah and Dan a safe place to play the game they love, be themselves, to make friends and, most importantly, have fun!”

For more information on SFGFFL please visit SFGFFL.org John Chen, a UCLA alumnus and an avid sports fan, has competed as well as coached tennis, volleyball, softball and football teams.

Round About - Salute to Magnet

Fitness SF Trainer Tip of the Month From Matt Frongillo, Fitness SF Fillmore Weighted Tricep Dip: Give yourself a challenge and add weight to your dips for bigger gains. Muscles worked are chest and triceps.

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Tuesday, December 22, was a moving occasion, the Goodbye Salute to Magnet, as the program prepared for its move to the new building known as Strut on Castro Street. Magnet Director Steve Gibson was on hand, along with a full house, including volunteer coordinator Lexi Hawley; UCSF’s Judy Averbach, MD, and Steve Tierney and numerous other colleagues, supporters and participants. Gibson received a hearty round of applause in appreciation for his leadership and years of service.

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Happy 35th Anniversary to Monica and Nancy!

Shining role models for their gay and straight friends, longtime San Francisco residents Monica Levin and Nancy Igdaloff were married at City Hall by Supervisor Scott Wiener in December 2013. An even bigger milestone is their January 17, 2016, anniversary of 35 years as a couple. They celebrated both in Hawaii last month.

Think back to 1981. Were you even alive then? It was the Middle Ages for Baby Boomers, not that we realized it then. There were no or few personal computers, VCRs, fax machines, CDs, DVDs, camcorders, cordless phones and cell phones. Electronic banking was not

yet possible for most, and even online shopping was not around then. Some of these things have already been chucked into the dustbin of history, but many are now viewed as indispensable tools for living.

It was then that Monica and Nancy met in Los Angeles and embarked on a lifetime together of loving commitment, worldwide travel, frequent theater-going and continuing searches for the best places to eat. How lucky can you get? They know they live a charmed life and are forever grateful.

A MONTHLY HIGHLIGHT FROM THE DE YOUNG AND LEGION OF HONOR

Sublime Beauty: Rafael’s Portrait of a Lady with a Unicorn Through April 10 at the Legion of Honor The Fine Arts Museums of San Francisco are pleased to present Sublime Beauty: Raphael’s “Portrait of a Lady with a Unicorn.” This focused exhibition features one of Raphael’s most beguiling and enigmatic paintings.

The masterpiece, presented in the United States for the first time, will be lent by the Galleria Borghese in Rome, where it was first recorded in the collection in 1682.

“Raphael’s ‘Portrait of a Lady with a Unicorn’ is a stunning masterpiece of the Italian High Renaissance.

When it arrives in San Francisco for the first time, we will greet it with new scholarship as well as a celebration fitting for the blond beauty and her mysterious unicorn,” Esther Bell, curator in charge of European paintings at the Fine Arts Museums of San Francisco, said just before the exhibit’s opening on January 9.

Bell is the organizing curator of the exhibition and the editor of the accompanying catalogue.

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“Portrait of a Lady with a Unicorn” (ca. 1505–1506) features an unidentified blond-haired sitter and epitomizes the beauty of Raphael’s female portraits. The exhibition will explore the possible identity of this subject, as well as the painting’s distinct iconography, including the unicorn she holds in her lap. Scholars believe that the painting was commissioned to celebrate a wedding, and the unicorn, a conventional symbol of chastity, may offer clues to her familial lineage.

The exhibition further highlights the stylistic relationships between this masterpiece and Leonardo da Vinci’s “Mona Lisa.” Leonardo’s canonical work, painted in Florence in the early years of the 16th century, had a great impact on the younger Raphael, who also prac-

Raphael (1483–1520), Portrait of a Lady with a Unicorn, ca. 1505–1506. Oil on canvas, transferred from panel, 26 5/8 x 20 15/16 in. (67.7 x 53.2 cm). Galleria Borghese, Rome, inv 371

ticed in the city during this period.

Raphael’s sophisticated adaptation of Leonardo’s innovations in portrait compositions resulted in “Portrait of a Lady with a Unicorn,” a painting that hints at the “Mona Lisa” with its half-length format, its sitter with hands folded in her lap, and its setting before a distant landscape. Visitors will be able to explore Raphael’s painting in detail and get a glimpse into its intriguing history.

“Portrait of a Lady with a Unicorn” is coming to the Legion of Honor after being on view at the Cincinnati Art Museum, where Dr. Bell was previously a curator of

European paintings, drawings and sculpture.

About the Artist: Painter, draftsman and architect Raphael (1483–1520) was one of the most famous artists working in Italy during the period from 1500 to 1520, often identified as the High Renaissance. His paintings are noteworthy for their great beauty and harmony, epitomizing the Renaissance virtues of balance and ideal form. His later production exhibits an interest in expressing movement and emotion through narratives. He is best known for religious subjects, portraits, and historical scenes.

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A New Column and Focus

6/26 and Beyond John Lewis and Stuart Gaffney, Marriage Equality USA As the new year commences, we initiate a new name for our column: 6/26 and Beyond. You might ask: What’s 6/26? It’s June 26–not only the date of the founding of the United Nations (1945), and for that matter the invention of the toothbrush (1498)–but the date the United States Supreme Court issued its three most important landmark LGBT rights decisions. Indeed, Congresswoman Suzan DelBene, along with 93 cosponsors, has introduced legislation that would designate June 26 as national “LGBT Equality Day.” Twelve years ago, on June 26, 2003, the U.S. Supreme Court issued its breakthrough decision, Lawrence v.

Texas, finally holding that laws criminalizing the physical expression of love and affection between people of the same gender violate the Constitution.

In the Court’s own eloquent words: “At the heart of liberty is the right to define one’s own concept of existence, of meaning, of the universe, and of the mystery of human life.” The government “cannot demean” the “existence” of LGBT people or “control their destiny by making their private sexual conduct a crime.” For the first time in American history, the Court recognized LGBT love, describing how “intimate conduct” between people of the same sex “can be but one element in a personal bond that is more enduring.”

Ten years after Lawrence–on June 26,

2013–the Court expressed a deeper understanding of LGBT love and dignity in its landmark United States v.

Windsor decision, overturning key elements of the so-called Defense of Marriage Act (“DOMA”) that prohibited the federal government from recognizing same-sex couples’ marriages.

In Windsor, the Court recognized that marriage equality states like New York had enabled LGBT couples to “live with pride in themselves and their union and in a status of equality with all other married persons” but that DOMA served to “injure” and “disparage” these couples and to make them “unequal” to everyone else.

Reflecting a profound understanding of the daily human cost of such discrimination, the Court noted that “DOMA instruct[ed] all federal officials, and indeed all persons with whom same-sex couples interact, including their own children, that their marriage [was] less worthy than the marriages of others.”

And last summer–June 26, 2015–the Court held in Obergefell v. Hodges that the liberty and equality guarantees of the Constitution mandate nationwide marriage equality. The Court’s opinion evinced great understanding of the struggles, hopes and dreams of LGBTQ Americans. The decision recounted how throughout much of our nation’s history “[g]ays and lesbians were prohibited from most government employment, barred from military service, excluded under immigration laws, targeted by police, and burdened in their rights to associate.”

The Court recognized our struggle from protest to political involvement to legal action. And it acknowledged the inadequacies of partial victories: “Outlaw to outcast may be a step forward, but it does not achieve the full promise of liberty.” The Court named marriage discrimination for what it was: “injustice.” And it concluded that by seeking marriage equality, LGBTQ people “ask for equal dignity in the eyes of the law. The Constitution grants them that right.”

That’s what 6/26 has meant so far for LGBT equality. But the new title of

our column is “6/26 and Beyond.”

What does “beyond” mean? One thing it means is that the marriage equality victories represent extraordinarily important advances toward a broader goal: full LGBTQ equality in all aspects of our lives. LGBTQ people need more landmark Supreme Court decisions on future 6/26’s. Last summer’s opinion laid the groundwork for a broad decision regarding all types of discrimination based on sexual orientation or gender identity, but the Court stopped short of issuing such a ruling. We need that ruling in a future case. As we have emphasized before, and will continue to do throughout the year, electing a President who will appoint Supreme Court justices who understand that the Constitution prohibits governmental discrimination against LGBTQ people in any form is imperative to the future of our movement. Our choice in November will be clear.

Weddings Howard Steiermann Is it any different officiating for one’s best friends? I had the opportunity to find out when, on New Year’s Eve, I was honored to marry my best friend and his partner of 15+ years.

A New Year’s Eve wedding was less a reflection of their intention to party all night (they weren’t) but rather their desire to become legally wed by yearend. What was originally predicated on practicality became a fun ceremony imbued with tender moments.

The couple was a bit frazzled, having just returned from visiting family out of town, so I began the ceremony with some levity to put them at ease. I followed with a request that they take a deep breath, something I do with all my couples to help them get grounded and be present. We continued with a prayer with which they were familiar,

The seriousness of the moment caught them off guard, with one groom getting unexpectedly verklempt! After he caught his breath, I shared a quote from R. Barnett Brickner that I include in most of my weddings: “Success in marriage does not come merely through finding the right mate, but through being the right mate.” The strong relationships I have experienced are those in which the partners support each other. They consider their partner’s needs and desires when contemplating decisions.

Then, prior to invoking standard verbiage from the State of California, I invited each groom to share words with one another. Neither had prepared any vows, love letter or recollections, as some of my couples have done. The grooms spoke extemporaneously on how they hadn’t expected this day to actually arrive; that they wanted to grow old with one another and then declared their love for each other. Their words were a tender, intimate exchange between lovers that I was honored to witness.

A bit of nervous laughter erupted when the grooms recognized the seriousness of the moment. I was proud that I was able to fashion a

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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 nationwide grassroots organization Marriage Equality USA contributed to making same-sex marriage legal nationwide in 2015.

ceremony that wasn’t perfunctory, even though one of their motivations to marry was for the legal benefits.

Standard vows allowed me to comply with state requirements for a wedding.

My close friendship with the grooms allowed them to feel the “I do” moment, not simply speak it.

With decades of officiating experience, I have no problem bringing my whole self to ceremonies. In working with couples to prepare their ceremonies, the couples that I have married shared that they were more relaxed than they expected on their wedding day. I’m thrilled that even with zero prep, nor discussion of what to include in their ceremony, my best friends were able to be themselves: joshing, holding hands, and broadly smiling at one another.

For all the ceremonies in which I officiate, I strive for them to be heartfelt as well as celebratory. The grooms told me that I succeeded. Well, truth be told, that is not what they actually told me. They said they love me, a feeling that is definitely mutual.

We ended the ceremony with a group hug. And as it was New Year’s Eve, some bubbly was enjoyed by all!

Congrats and mazel tov to my besties.

Howard M. Steiermann is an Ordained Ritual Facilitator based in San Francisco. For more information, please visit www.

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And we embrace the Cambridge English Dictionary’s definition of beyond, namely “outside a limit.” We believe the heart of the LGBTQ rights movement has always been the “beyond” and breaking down limits of identity, gender, love, expression, freedom and human experience. Over the holidays, we had a dinner with our 21-year-old niece and her new boyfriend. As our niece’s boyfriend spoke about how he recognized his privilege as a European American cisgender heterosexual male and told us about a close friend who was genderqueer, we felt as if we were living in the beyond.

In upcoming issues, we will write both about marriage equality and other matters pertaining to LGBTQ lives.

We believe the future for LGBTQ people is bright, and we look forward to the next 6/26 and beyond.

A New Year’s Eve Wedding That I’ll Never Forget thanking and acknowledging that G~d has given us life, sustained us, and has enabled us to reach this joyous occasion.

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Sister Dana Sez: Words of Wisdumb from a Fun Nun only the monarchs elect (King & Queen XIII to be crowned at the Bal Masque during Mardi Gras). After helping to tidy up the Palace, we paraded down Castro Street led by King XII Prince Wolfe & Queen XII Cotton Candy to LET THE GOOD TIMES ROLL! sfkinque.com

By Sister Dana Van Iquity Sister Dana sez, “So it’s been a couple weeks since you made that New Year’s Resolution.

Exercise more? Stay on that diet? Stop smoking? No way! Have you already broken your resolution? That’s because you made it too difficult. But I have The Resolution Solution. Each year: ‘I resolve to be the best me I can be.’ Simple. Foolproof. Switch now, so you don’t have to resolve to quit feeling guilty about breaking your resolution!”

PROJECT NUNWAY is an annual fundraiser that THE SISTERS OF PERPETUAL INDULGENCE put on to raise money for numerous organizations that do so much good for the community. Designers pair up with a Sister and create amazing couture looks with recycled and new materials. This year the show was held at DNA Lounge with the theme of 7X7, SAN FRANCISCO HISTORY THROUGH FASHION. Our amazing MC’s were Sister Roma and BeBe Sweetbriar. We were entertained by such talented folks as BeBe singing live her latest single, “Dontcha,” Kylie Minono, Mutha Chucka, Jacques Whitfield, The Devilettes troupe, Bobby Barnaby singing and stripping, and Cruzin D’Loo. Our spotlight beneficiary for this year’s event was THE CHINESE PROGRESSIVE ASSOCIATION, an awesome grassroots organization here in the City that started in the 1970’s to help the low income and working class Chinese immigrant families with job and living opportunities: Fighting the hard fight, keeping fair wages to their community, and slum lords in check! They also have a youth group called YOUTH MOJO, a program that trains young people with leadership, advocacy, communication, research, and organizing skills. Attendees enjoyed us Nuns working the runway (Sister Dana was one of ten models) and celebrated all things that make the Bay amazing through color and fashion! “Make it work,” I somehow heard PROJECT RUNWAY’s Tim Gunn in my ear; and we did!!!

When: Wednesday, March 16, 2016, 6:30 PM Where: Fort Mason Center, Festival Pavilion You and your dog are invited to walk the red carpet and celebrate with us!

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KREWE DE KINQUE, a Mardi Gras themed fundraising club, kicked off Mardi Gras season 2016 with its fabulous ANNUAL TWELFTH NIGHT PARTY last Friday at the Imperial Palace (Donna Sachet’s home)! KdK members and friends wore masks, beads, and Mardi Gras gear, displaying the official colors of purple, green, and gold. Food served was Cajun, Creole, and Southern dishes, of course. Hurricanes and vodka were the preferred libation. In addition to the cutting of the KdK King Cake, we decided our 2016 Bal Masque theme benefiting JAZZY’S PLACE (LGBT Homeless Shelter), and secretly announced to members

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THE ARTFULL CIRCLE THEATRE presented a special holiday cabaret, THE JOAN CRAWFORD CHESTERFIELD CHRISTMAS SHOW at Martuni’s, starring Conrad Frank (aka Katya Smirnoff-Skyy) as Joan Crawford, Mark Johnson as Frank Sinatra, and Mark Sargent as Mae West, and other “dead stars” appeared such as Gloria Swanson and Ethel Merman. Set in December 1950 at a rehearsal for the upcoming CBS broadcast, the show explored the struggle of stars who came of age at an earlier time to adapt to new technology – television – in an attempt to revitalize their flagging careers. The show mixed humor, music, and observations of the meaning of stardom in a new age, while at the same time providing traditional holiday entertainment, and plenty of laughs.

CALAMUS & COMFORT & JOY, two nonprofit organizations dedicated to queer community building presented LUSTRE, an all night extravaganza of brilliance in celebration of the Winter Solstice held at Club 6.

The evening began with a scrumptious tableau of food (both vegetarian and omnivore friendly), presented by noted gastronomes Beonda Doubt and Zac Benfield. We noshed and communed with our fellow humans while enjoying a brilliant dinner show featuring: the radiant singer/ songwriter Eli Wise and enchanting troubadours The Sweet Trade; the glamorous Roman Avilia presenting “Totems”, a show of his one-of-kind wearable fiber art; a rare solo performance by the inimitable Krylon Superstar; and a screening of artsy porno comedy “100 Boyfriends Mixtape,” a hilariously real exploration of hooking up by LUSTRE muse Brontez Purnell. The evening continued with a shimmering spectacle of drag hosted by Ultra. A glorious collection of DJs took us to fabulous new heights. The upstairs dance floor featured the funky fresh beats of Pleasure Cadet, CBass, Mark O’Brien, Siobhan Aluvalot & mjr. Meanwhile, J. Maximilian and Dulche served sexy down-tempo in the Garden of Earthly Delights.

Shimmery art & decor was curated byChickpea. Truly a lustrous evening! twitter.com/comfort_and_joy, commitchange.com/ca/san-francisco/calamus-fellowship

In 1990, SF Gay Men’s Chorus gathered for the first time on Christmas Eve at the Castro Theatre to truly bring the holidays home to those who had none. Thus began the annual tradition of joining together every Christmas Eve for a night of joyous music and heartwarming festivities. Anna Damiani said it best, regarding the 25th annual Christmas Eve Gay Men’s Concert at the Castro Theatre, HOME FOR THE HOLIDAYS. So, since I have written a lot about this in the last edition, I will let her words ring true: Anna wrote: “Last night I saw the SF Gay Men’s Chorus concert. It was a lot of fun. In addition to giving us a fun time, they helped to raise badly needed funds for the Sister Dana (right) welcomed guests at the AIDS Emergency Fund HARVEY MILK (AEF) Holiday Dinner, held at The Green Room, along with Sister CIVIL RIGHTS Krystian and Santa Julian Marshburn.

ACADEMY [18th & Castro Streets].

It is not too late to donate to this great neighborhood school. An evening of recycled fruit cakes, Rockettes, Santa and Silent Night!” harveymilksf.com, sfgmc.org The beginning of the New Year is always a dramatic affair and the GOLDEN GATE BUSINESS ASSOCIATION (GGBA) celebrated that very fact at their January MAKE CONTACT. Afterwards we stopped

by MAGNET and said good-bye to the place we’ve called home for the past 12years. One last time at 4122 18th Street, it was MAGNET’S “NOT GOODBYE, MORE LIKE SEE YOU SOON” RECEPTION. There is now a new name, STRUT, and a new location in the SF AIDS FOUNDATION building on Castro, but we’ll still get the best sexual/ social health services for gay, bi, and trans men in San Francisco. They had some of the materials from their archives on display and a champagne toast by Executive Director Steve Gibson, who said, “It’s been an honor to have provided the best sexual health services at Magnet for these past 12 years! We built Magnet on the foundation that gay, bi, and trans men care about their health, and you embraced our model beyond our wildest dreams! We look forward to continuing to serve you in 2016!”

Sister Dana sez, “Eighteen million Americans watched as Republican presidential candidates savaged Barack Obama and Hillary Clinton incessantly in their ‘Fear and Loathing’ debate in Las Vegas - the perfect venue for an expensive, over-produced, s#!t show and living rant!

When will we actually hear actual plans for the nation, should [gawd forbid] a Repugnican takes the White House?!”

COMING UP! CASTRO FACES: PORTRAITS

BY THOMASINA DEMAIO is a beautiful portrait show at 518 Castro Street and 18th, Friday, January 22nd, 6-9:30 pm, depicting faces seen often in the gay neighborhood of The Castro. They are of living and dead legends, but mostly of the local people. All portraits go home with the sitters that evening as a gift from the artist, Thomasina, in appreciation for the love she feels for and from the Castro. It also serves as a birthday party for Thomasina and a belated New Year’s Day birthday party for Sister Dana aka Dennis McMillan (whose portraits of both beings will be on display that night). Food and beverages will be served. Come see your personal “heroes” of the gayborhood! thomasinasmurals.blogspot.com The winter 2016 program series at the GLBT HISTORY MUSEUM will include a look at preservation of GLBT historic sites and a discussion of queer themes in American comics. Events take place at the museum at 4127 18th Street in the Castro.

Admission: $5; free for members.

For more information, visit glbthistory.org Next up is an Illustrated Talk: MISSING PLACES: LOST AND ENDANGERED QUEER HISTORIC SITES OF SAN FRANCISCO AND THE BAY AREA on Thursday, January 14, 7–9 pm. Drawing on examples from San Francisco and the Bay Area from the 1930s to the present, Historical Society founding member Gerard Koskovich focuses on processes that have led to the loss of GLBT historic sites and to their absence from public memory. He’ll also discuss ways to com (continued on page 26)

From the Coming Up Events Calendar See page 24 Sunday, Jan 17 - In The Name of Love, 14th Annual Musical Tribute Honoring Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. - Oakland Scottish Rite Center. $25-$40. 7 pm. (1547 Lakeside Dr., Oakland) mlktribute.com

Sunday, Jan 24 - The Walt Disney Family Museum Presents Mel Shaw: An Animator on Horseback. 10 am-6 pm. (104 Montgomery St.) Through September 12. waltdisney.org/mel-shaw

Maggie Smith Plays Irascible Homeless Woman in The Lady in the Van

Film Gary M. Kramer Gay playwright Alan Bennett’s The Lady in the Van, opening January 22, recounts his experiences with the homeless woman who lived in his driveway starting back in the mid-1970s. The “mostly true” story, which has been a radio play, a memoir, and a stage play, has now become an oddly touching film directed by out director Nicholas Hytner, who also helmed the stage and screen versions of Bennett’s hit, The History Boys.

Bennett (Alex Jennings) is settling into 23 Gloucester Crescent in Camden Town, London, when he “meets” the street’s most notable resident, Miss Shepherd (Maggie Smith). She is an irascible homeless woman who parks her van in front of various houses, much to the chagrin of everyone in the neighborhood. When Bennett decides to do a good turn for Miss Shepherd, and provide her with off-street parking in his driveway, she ends up staying there for 15 years.

The relationship that forms between the timid Bennett and the disputatious Miss Shepherd forms the heart of The Lady in the Van, which is as much about the bond between the characters, as it is about finding one’s purpose in life, as well as one’s humanity.

Bennett’s plays, at that time in his career, mainly featured his mother. In the film, the writer literally debates with himself— in a clunky device that has Jennings in a double role as “himself ” and “writer”— about using his squatter as possible subject matter. He draws uneasy comparisons between his Mam (Gwen Taylor) and the Lady in the Van, while also noting, with irony and perhaps some regret, that old ladies have become his “niche” as a writer.

The self-reflexive bits in the film—Bennett himself makes an appearance in the end, and there are cameos from almost the entire cast of The History Boys—are cute, but a bit distracting. The overarching idea that the forceful Miss Shepherd prompts the fussy pushover Bennett to find himself (as well as an eventual partner, rather than a bunch of hunky one-night stands) seems to be both too subtle and too obvious at the same time. It’s as if Bennett seems wary of giving too much credit to this woman he thinks owes him one when, in fact, his favor to her improved both of their lives.

Miss Shepherd is certainly a cantankerous old woman, and not someone to say “Thank you” after using—and befoul-

ing—Bennett’s toilet. She stares with absolute contempt at a neighbor who stops and helps her open a troublesome jar. Yet what Bennett gets at with the character of Miss Shepherd, who is—as many people in the film point out—quite a character, is that she absolves the conscience of the middle-class folks around her, who feel guilty that they could end up like her. It’s a wry observation about class that echoes throughout The Lady in the Van. Another point about the title character— which many people in the film also point out—is that she has a distinctive odor.

This may be the source of amusement with some comic one-liners directed at her pungency, but it also provide a source of frustration for Bennett, who is seen stepping in and/or removing Miss Shepherd’s feces throughout the film.

Audiences will no doubt find the smelliness and overall messiness palpable.

Yet Miss Shepherd is not meant to be either a comic or tragic character, even if she is a symbol. She is a devoutly religious, extremely private person who often speaks the truth—as evidenced by her seemingly preposterous claim that she fended off a boa constrictor in the street, only to have the very snake turn up in a neighbor’s garden. She also, as is revealed over the course of the film, speaks French, was a novitiate, and plays the piano. As Bennett learns more about the Lady in the Van, he finds himself caring for her emotionally.

However, he insists to Miss Shepherd’s social worker that he does not care for her.

Whether viewers care about Miss Shepherd and/or Mr. Bennett will determine how they feel about The Lady in the Van. The film is certainly engaging whenever Maggie Smith is on screen, albeit in a role far removed from Dowager Countess of Grantham of Downton Abbey. Smith here is vulnerable, eccentric, and a very defensive woman who has few pleasures in life. She is obstinate, obstreperous and offensive. But Smith makes her both human, and sympathetic.

In contrast, as Bennett, Alex Jennings does his best as a “straight man” to the comic Miss Shepherd, such as when she makes a pointed observation about the various men who come in and out of his house late at night, calling him a “Communist,” perhaps her code word for “homosexual.”

The Lady in the Van may be like its title character, who is more repellent than charming. But for those who get to know and appreciate her, the film is mostly satisfying. © 2016 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 BAY T IM ES JANUARY 14, 2016

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Holiday Season Round-Up

Our San Francisco Bay Area LGBT community’s vibrant array of Holiday Season festivities included everything from public events to benefits and private parties. San Francisco Bay Times photographers Rink, Steven Underhill (stevenunderhill.com), Paul Margolis and others contributed a huge selection of images from their coverage. Space wasn’t available to present them all in December, so we are excited to bring you our Holiday Round-Up here. Enjoy this collection and see if you might be pictured!

23rd Annual Songs Of The Season

Santa Skivvies Run

Harvey Milk Club Holiday Party

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Imperial Holiday Party

AIDS Emergency Fund Dinner

REAF’s Help Is on the Way for the Holidays XIV

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See many more Calendar items @ www.sfbaytimes.com

• 14 : T HURSDAY

Star Trek Live!: “Mudd’s Women” - Oasis. $25-$35. 7 pm.(298 11th St.) The Drag Kings are taking over the stage at Oasis in Star Trek Live!, with one of the classic favorites, “Mudd’s Women.”

Thursdays, Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays through January 30. sfoasis. com

IN THE NAME OF LOVE Oakland Scottish Rite Center, 1547 Lakeside Drive

The Civil Rights Movement through the Music of Nina Simone

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w/ Oaktown Jazz Workshops

• 16 : S ATURDAY

Three Lesbian Writers from Bella Books Read their Work - Laurel Bookstore. Free. 6 pm.

(1423 Broadway Blvd., Oakland) Melissa Price, Laina Villeneuve, and Karin Kallmaker read from their

Monday Night Marsh - The Marsh. $8. 7:30 pm. (1062 Valencia St.) An ongoing works- in-progress series, featuring local emerging solo performers, musicians, playwrights and entertainers. Happening every Monday. themarsh.org

Sunday, Jan. 17, 2016, 7pm

Patti Cathcart Paula West Rhiannon Terrance Kelly

The Great Debate: Donald Trump vs. Don(ald) Draper Who Will Definitely Destroy America? - Stage Werx.$18. 7:30 pm.(466 Valencia St.) Comedians Ms. Ilyse Mimoun and Mr. Matt Price take on their most explosive sparring match yet. Part of Sketchfest. apps.vendini.com/ticket-software. html?

• 18 : M ONDAY

14th Annual Musical Tribute Honoring Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.

The Civil Rights Movement through the music of Nina Simone - Living Jazz. $25-$40. 7 pm. (1728 San Pablo Ave.,Oakland) The tribute will open with the culmination of a free music program in Title One Oakland public elementary schools, the 300-voice Living Jazz Children’s Project, and other unique aspects that will make this 14th tribute very memorable. livingjazz. org/mlk-tix?

GROWLr Party - SF Eagle. $5. 9 pm–2 am. (398 12th St.) Collin Bass kicks off the New Year this month with his blend of beats. facebook. com/events/1632852366977271/

compiled by Jennifer Mullen

Piano Bar 101 - Martuni’s. Free. 9 pm. (4 Valencia St.) Sing along to your with friends and patrons.

415-241-0205

• 19 : T UESDAY

Queer Youth Meal Night LGBT Center, Rainbow Room. Free.

5-7 pm. (1300 Market St.) Youth Meal Night is a safe space to meet with your LGBTQIA friends, have a free dinner, watch a movie and get connected to our community of resources. facebook.com/sfcenteryouth?_rdr=p

Glen Pearson, piano; Marcus Shelby, bass; Leon Joyce Jr., drums

Oakland Interfaith Gospel Choir Living Jazz Children’s Project Dana King, Mistress of Ceremonies

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*All proceeds will benefit the Living Jazz Children’s Project, a free music education program for Oakland public elementary schools.

mlktribute.com

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510-858-5313

Tickets: $25–$40; children $8–$12 In the Name of Love has been made possible through the support of the Oakland City Council and the City of Oakland Cultural Funding Program, Alameda County Arts Commission, William and Flora Hewlett Foundation, Walter and Elise Haas Fund, San Francisco Foundation, Thomas J. Long Foundation, See's Candies, BART and KRON 4.

new books and will sign for fans afterwards. laurelbookstore.com/ event/melissa-price-laina-villeneuveand-karin-kallmaker

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In The Name of Love, the 14th Annual Musical Tribute Honoring Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. - Oakland Scottish Rite Center. $25-$40. 7 pm. (1547 Lakeside Dr., Oakland) “The Civil Rights Movement Through the

Music of Nina Simone” featuring Paula West, Patti Cathcart, Terrance Kelly and Rhiannon. mlktribute.com

Noël Coward’s A Song at Twilight: Part 1 of our Coward Celebration (Dress Rehearsal) - Z Below. $15-$35.

7:30 pm. (470 Florida St.) A cosmopolitan author caught in his declining years between two women, one being his wife of convenience for twenty years, the other, one of his former lovers. When this former lover threatens to reveal secrets of

T H E R I C H M O ND / E RM E T A I D FO U ND ATIO N PR ES ENTS

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JERSEY BOYS

An evening of music, dance & comedy

Feb. 1, 2016 • 7:30 pm

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Brava Theater

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2781 24th Street (at York), San Francisco 94110 Benefiting Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS & The Richmond/Ermet Aid Foundation Tickets & Information

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www.helpisontheway.org or 415.273.1620

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Tickets: $35, $45, $55 A limited number of tickets are also available for the dessert party with the cast in the theater lobby following the show for an additional $20/person. (includes complimentary cocktails, wine & desserts) SPONSORED BY

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Free Outdoor Workout: Stairs, Core & Endurance Alta Plaza Park. Free. 6:30 am.

(Pierce and Clay Streets). Every Wednesday. Join these free half-hour workouts that vary each week. www.facebook.com/ NovemberProjectSF

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Clandestine Occupations: An Imaginary History–Author Diana Block in Conversation with Roxanne Dunbar-Ortiz - Modern Times Bookstore. Free. 7–8:30 pm.

(2914 24 St.) Diana Block was a founding member of San Francisco Women Against Rape and the Prairie Fire Organizing Committee.

She spent thirteen years living underground with a political collective committed to supporting the Puerto Rican independence and Black liberation movements. moderntimesbookstore.com/event/ Curt McDowell, Underground Tenderloin Director - Tenderloin Museum. $5.

7 pm. Join us for an introduction to Curt’s work, featuring several short films. Curt McDowell was a filmmaker, actor, visual artist, and writer who resided in the Tenderloin and shot many of his films here. His era of San Francisco witnessed the Summer of Love, gay liberation, and the onset of AIDS, to which he succumbed at the age of forty-two. His sibling Melinda McDowell will answer questions.

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his past, secrets about his sexuality, he is terrified into action. Through January 31. Opening night is Saturday, January 23. www.therhino.org/index.html

SF Beer Week Opening Night Gala - Pier 35. $80. 6 pm.

(1454 The Embarcadero). Attendees will receive a commemorative glass and enjoy unlimited 4-oz samples of new, rare and classic beer, as well as food to snack on. eventbrite.com/e/sf-beer-weekopening-gala-2016-tickets19764426933 WTF Women/Trans/Queer Bike Night – SF Bike Kitchen.

Free. 6-9 pm. (650 H Florida St.) Learn how to fix a bike in a supportive space. bikekitchen.org

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Ladysmith Black Mambazo Freight and Salvage Coffeehouse. $44-$54. 8 pm. ( 2020 Addison St. (Berkeley)) Standing room only tickets are currently available. ticketfly.com/purchase/ event/926973?utm_medium=api Mikkeller vs. Evil Twin (An SF Beer Week Event) - The Willows. Free. (1582 Folsom St.) The Willows is putting Mikkel and Jeppe’s beers head to head in a tribute to everybody’s favorite family feud. thewillowssf.com/beerweek/

• 24 : S UNDAY

Unicorn: A Monthly Queer Party - Powerhouse. Free. 6 pm.

(1347 Folsom St.) Celebrate 3 years of art at the Powerhouse. On the

As Heard on the Street . . . What is your favorite San Francisco hangout? compiled by Rink

Gary Keener

Dana Hopkins

TJ Wilkinson

Jerry Zientara

Terrie Frye

“The bar at the Eureka Restaurant in the Castro for Happy Hour”

“Cafe Flore in the Castro”

“The Edge Bar in the Castro, where they encourage Grand Ducal Court charity fundraisers, and the bartenders are fun and friendly.”

“Lands End at Ocean Beach”

“The Hole in the Wall bar in SOMA”

16th St.) This documentary shot guerilla style by Zagone in 1966 captures the Tenderloin as it transformed into a center for young queers and drug users. ticketweb.com/t3/sale/ SaleEventDetail?eventId= 6402365&pl=roxiesf&dispatch=load SelectionData

Blur: Transgender and Gender-Variant Support Group – Dimensions Clinic. Free.

6:30 pm. (3850 17th St.) Chat with other trans & gv people, facilitated by trans counselors. For 18-25 year old youth. Every Thursday at Dimensions Clinic. dimensionsclinic.org

walls we have: Andres Vasquez, Ning Nong, Justin Sam, Grace towers and Uel Renteria. Beats by DJ Sergio Fedasze. facebook.com/ events/1701923466711783/ The Walt Disney Family Museum Presents Mel Shaw: An Animator on Horseback The Walt Disney Museum. 10 am - 6 pm. (104 Montgomery St.) This exhibition is the first-ever retrospective of the life and work of Disney Legend Mel Shaw (1914–2012), an artist and storyteller. This retrospective features more than 120 works.

Through September 12. waltdisney. org/mel-shaw

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Dina Martina: Sitting Ovations - Oasis. $22. 7–11 pm. (298 11th St.) Don’t miss the acclaimed singer/ dancer/gymnast Dina Martina, whom John Waters claims, “ goes way beyond drag into some new kind of twisted art.” brownpapertickets. com/event/2460521

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Drakes Beer Week Dinner Comal (Berkeley).$70. 6:30 pm.

(2020 Shattuck Ave.) Comal will welcome brewmaster John Gillooly and owner John Martin from Drake’s Brewing to feature a selection of small batch beers paired with dishes by Comal’s executive chef Matt Gandin. www.ticketfly.com/ event/1046625-sf-beer-week-dinnercomal-berkeley/ Commonwealth Club Presents: Health and Hope from Ocean Depths to Mountain Tops Commonwealth Club. $20 nonmembers, $8 members. 6 pm. From very different perspectives, two female adventurers share their extraordinary worldwide experiences to inspire action to meet urgent environmental challenges that face us now and in the future. commonwealthclub.org/ events/2016-01-26/health-and-hopeocean-depths-mountaintops#sthash.mR0kida4.dpuf

• 27 : W EDNESDAY

Jersey Boys - Orpheum Theater. $124. 2 pm. (1192 Market St.) Acclaimed grammy winning production comes back to San Francisco.

• 28 : T HURSDAY

The Tenderloin Museum Presents Robert Zagone’s Drugs in the Tenderloin - The Roxie Theater. $12. 7 pm. (3117 BAY T IM ES JANUARY 14, 2016

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NEWS (continued from page 6 ) Bay Area Plans 96 Hours of Action to Honor MLK’s Legacy Hundreds of people from more than two-dozen Bay Area groupings will respond to the Anti Police-Terror Project’s (APTP) call to come together for 96 hours of direct action over the Martin Luther King Day weekend, January 15–18. This weekend’s events will culminate in a Reclaiming King’s Radical Legacy March on Monday, January 18, beginning at 11 am at Oscar Grant Plaza (14th & Broadway). antipoliceterroproject.org Caitlyn Jenner Abruptly Cancels Speaking Tour Caitlyn Jenner has canceled her fivecity tour, which was set to kick off February 22, “due to conflict with another work commitment,” her rep confirmed. The 66-year-old former Olympian was set to speak in San Francisco, Denver, Seattle, Vancouver and Toronto. A rep from the San Francisco War Memorial and Performing Arts Center, where Caitlyn was to make one of her appearances, said, “The entire tour is canceled.” Meanwhile, Jenner recently settled with one driver in the fatal Malibu crash she was involved in last February. etonline.com Judge Rules FedEx Same-Sex Benefits Suit Can Proceed Stacey Schuett and Lesly TaboadaHall had been partners for nearly 30 years, registered domestic partners since 2000, and the parents of two children when they got married in their Sebastopol home in June 2013.

The next day, Taboada-Hall died of lung cancer at age 56. Three months later, a Sonoma County judge issued Schuett a certificate that validated their marriage, even though it had taken place a week before the U.S. Supreme Court’s ruling that ended California’s ban on same-sex marriages. That didn’t stop FedEx Corp., Toboada-Hall’s longtime employer, from denying widow’s pension benefits to Schuett. But now, Schuett has gained a legal victory that may be significant to other same-sex couples: A federal judge has ruled that she can sue FedEx for the benefits. sfgate.com Magnet Relocates and Changes Name The new center for health and wellness from San Francisco AIDS Foundation has finally opened at 470 Castro Street. Serving gay, bisexual and transgender men, the center brings together community engagement and support, sexual health and substance health services. Called Strut—a name evoking confidence and support—the center will colocate the sexual health services of Magnet, the substance health and mental health services of the Stonewall Project, and the community building and support programs of Bridgemen, the DREAAM Project, the Elizabeth Taylor 50-Plus Network and Positive Force. The new center means the foundation can provide 25% more case management, 50% more substance use counseling, 25% more mental health counseling and up to 40% more HIV and STI test-

ing. sfaf.org Friends of Urban Forest Seeks to Subsidize Castro Landscaping Supervisor Scott Wiener was able to secure funding to subsidize costs for a sidewalk landscape planting in his Castro district through Friends of the Urban Forest. If you are interested in having a highly subsidized sidewalk garden in front of your property, and live on the 200 block of Diamond Street, or neighboring 19th and 20th streets, please message organizer rholthouse@hotmail.com If selected, you’d be committing to paying for and maintaining a sidewalk garden in front of your property. With the City’s financial assistance, the cost would be $422 per property. This fee covers all the permitting, concrete removal, garden design assistance, and plants. A typical sidewalk garden costs approximately $2k, so the savings is substantial.

The Q Is Queer Jewish Teen Group Anyone—regardless of religion or sexuality—can be a part of The Q group, which focuses on LGBTQIQ themes as seen through a Jewish lens.

Teen-led, fun and inclusive, The Q has its own programs, trips and events. There’s been a great student response to the Q , and the program was also honored with an award for Jewish impact from the JCC Association of North America. The Q: The Queer Teen Group at the JCCSF is currently seeking interested and self-motivated LGBTQIQA high school students to be leaders in The Q , perfect for someone who loves creating safe, inclusive, social spaces and opportunities for their peers. jccsf.org

Read more of our new issue online @sfbaytimes.com SISTER DANA (continued from page 20 ) now on #itunes & #amazon. #supmemorate such missing places and will portindependentartists highlight forces that currently threaten sites central to the city’s GLBT history.

THEATRE RHINOCEROS presKoskovich presented the talk to an ents Noël Coward’s A Song at enthusiastic audience at the University Twilight, as Part 1 of their Coward of London in November. The GLBT Celebration, now through January 31 History Museum presentation marks its at Z Below – 470 Florida Street (at U.S. debut.

Mariposa in Potrero Hill). Wednesday, STAR TREK LIVE! returns in January 2016 for just a few more performances! Because of popular demand and a sold out run in October last year, they are holding return engagements. OASIS presents Star Trek Live!: “Mudd’s Women” now through January 23rd, (Wednesday, Thursday, Friday & Saturday, 7pm) at Oasis, 298 11th at Folsom. Come see Amber Sommerfeld (Spock), Leigh Crow (Captain Kirk), Honey Mahogany (Uhura) and others in Trekkie gear! sfoasis.com If you have heard the rumor that San Francisco chanteuse BeBe Sweetbriar is releasing her first dance single in four years, it is true! With three previous independently released singles under her belt, Save Me and Free To Be Me (both produced by DJ Pornstar) and Show It Off, Sweetbriar has now teamed with renowned LFB Music producer/remixer Leo Frappier (Sylvester, Rihanna, Mary J. Blige, Kristine W., Icona Pop, Carly Rae Jepson) and his record label, Hit Save Music to celebrate the 10 Year Anniversary of the Pussy Cat Doll’s hit, Don’t Cha (CeeLo Green and Sir-Mix-A-Lot) by releasing a cover rendition. Yes, BEBE SWEETBRIAR is dropping her latest CD, “DONTCHA” BY BEBE S W E E T B R I A R F E AT U R I NG LEO FRAPPIER at her release party on Friday, January 15, at The Café, 2369 Market Street & Castro. This is the hot number by the Pussy Cat Dolls re-imagined by Bebe and Leo, 26

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Thursday, 7:30 pm; Friday, Saturday, 8 pm; Saturday Matinee, 3 pm. This bittersweet comedy is the story of a

cosmopolitan author caught in his declining years between two women, one being his wife of convenience for twenty years, the other, one of his former lovers. When this former lover threatens to reveal secrets of his past, secrets about his sexuality, he is terrified into action. A battle of wills ensues. TheRhino.org Sister Dana sez, “To all my readers, friends, and lovers: Happy Queer New Year, dear!”

San Francisco Bay Times readers Jim Oerther and Scott Hammer enjoyed the Gold City exhibit at the de Young Museum. They were among the ticket winners in the San Francisco Bay Times and “Betty’s List” group attending the popular exhibit featuring art from the Panama-Pacific International Exposition.

Round About - All Over Town

Photos by RINK

An attractive spokesman, sporting matching socks and jacket, introduced participants to the Hyundai Genesis at the SF Auto Show Media VIP Party at Moscone Center.

Guillaume and Cedric at the Chantal Guillon’s dessert booth presented their products at the final Castro Farmer’s Market for 2015. The Castro Farmer’s Market will return in early March.

Cyclist Steve Pade pedaled at Jane Warner Plaza to raise funds for Bike Zambia, a group which fights poverty and HIV/AIDS and helps educate young girls in rural Zambia.

Katie Ostlund and Elizabeth Howe welcomed gourmet apple fans at their Rainbow Orchards booth during the final Castro Farmer’s Market for 2015.

Jennay Golden, Alex Sigillo, Robin Brozosky and Jacki Angelo enjoyed a toast at the Cheer SF check party held at the Lookout Bar. A $25,000 check was presented to the AIDS Housing Alliance.

Leading fundraisers Robin Brozosky and Win Pham were named Mr and Ms Holiday Cheer at the Cheer SF check party held at The Lookout

Guests enjoyed the lively holiday party welcoming the New Year on December 31 at Cinch Bar on Polk Street.

Cheer SF’s Sanford Smith, Jenny Golden, Darwin Choy, Jacki Angello, Alex Sigillo, Chris Saul and Robin Brozosky surrounded AIDS Housing Alliance board chair at the Cheer SF check party held at The Lookout.

Friendly Irish bartender Gavin Thompson at Beau Lounge has returned from his recent around-the-world tour and is now back in the Castro.

A new sign out front at Harvey’s complements the interior renovation

LGBT Veterans Commander Mario Benfield received a State Proclamation from Senator Mark Leno at the 30th Anniversary of the 448 Alexander Hamilton Post of the American Legion.

Pianist Angela Dwyer with performers David Goodwin, Deborah Russo, Kim Larsen, and Rana Kangas-Kent at the New Year’s Eve performance of “Are We Almost There? The Travel Musical”

A pro-abortion rights group staffed a table at 18th and Castro Streets and will participate in a counter protest to the Walk for Life march at 12:00 noon on Saturday, January 23.

Judge Advocate John McCaffrey and Dr. Harry Lampiris from the Veterans Hospital with a proclamation presented by Commander Mario Benfield of the 448 Alexander Hamilton Post of the American Legion

Theatre Rhino Executive Director John Fischer hosted a champagne toast in conjunction with the one-night-only performance of Morris Bobrow’s “Are We Almost There?

The Travel Musical” on New Year’s Eve.

Members of Golden Gate Guards charity fund-raiser organization, who were honored at the 30th Anniversary of the 448 Alexander Hamilton Post of the American Legion

Pianist Jim Donohue serenaded diners at the 30th Anniversary of the 448 Alexander Hamilton Post of the American Legion.

Erick Arguello, Santa Juan Davila and Aguilas Executive Director Euardo Morales at the Aguilas Christmas Party hosted by Aguilas along with the Mission Neighborhood Health Center, Clinca De La Raza and the SF AIDS Foundation Latino program BAY T IM ES JANUARY 14, 2016

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