San Francisco Bay Times July 23, 2015

“R ea Re d a Pa y for d ge H 3 er”

July 23-August 5, 2015 | www.sfbaytimes.com

/SF Bay Times

/SFBayTimes

How Women’s Lives Have Evolved Over the Past 100 Years 1915

CREDIT: JORGE ROYAN

CREDIT: DAVID HOLT

2015

There’s a wage gap. Women earn just a fraction of what men do.

No woman has ever been elected president of the U.S.

LGBT women have few places to go in SF to meet other LGBT women.

CREDIT: PETE SOUZA

LGBT women have few places to go in SF to meet other LGBT women.

D E S O CL

CREDIT: TORBAKHOPPER, FLICKR

?

CREDIT: LIBRARY OF CONGRESS

There’s a wage gap. Women earn just a fraction of what men do.

No woman has ever been elected president of the U.S.

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Ready for Her Welcome to the inaugural column of “Ready for Her.” I am excited to be able to bring timely, relevant information to our community, while also focusing on the historic candidacy of Hillary Clinton, the opportunities we have to get more outstanding women elected to office (future columns will offer analysis and discussion of the state of women in various elected offices), and how this all impacts our Queer community as we continue to move towards full equality in all aspects of our lives—the workplace, economically, our families, and in

the hearts and minds of our friends, families, neighbors, colleagues and employers.

Each month, this page will focus on, and offer updates, regarding Hillary’s campaign, other women leaders—in politics and elsewhere—and hopefully engender discussions about leadership, how to positively impact society, future challenges we must take on, amongst other timely topics. Please follow us, stay informed and, most of all, participate!

- Leslie R Katz

away. https://www.youtube.com/ watch?v=g2Y9abmNuRw

Leslie R. Katz, Esq. “[W]e need more elected leaders in Washington who will…fight for the rights and opportunities of everyday Americans, not just those at the top.

At the same time, we need to remember that progress is built on common ground, not scorched earth.”

Hillary Clinton, June 4, 2015 Now, more than ever, I want to shout out, “It is the Supreme Court (fill in the blank).” The recent decision on marriage equality not only underscores the importance of Presidential appointments to that body, but also that many more of our basic equal rights, and so many other critical issues, still hang in a precarious balance. There is no doubt that had we not had the most recent appointments from President Obama (and, instead, had others like President Bush’s appointees who all voted against equality) we would still be fighting for our basic dignity with respect to marriage. That is just one more reason why the 2016 Presidential Election is crucial not only to our country, but also to our Queer community in particular.

Of course, there is something we can do to make sure we protect ourselves.

We have a champion in Hillary Clinton. She gets it! Not only is she one of the most well prepared candidates to run for that office (Secretary of State, U.S. Senator from NY, First Lady of Arkansas as well as the Country), but she is also on record supporting our rights. How many of us would have ever thought that a viable Presidential Candidate would loudly, and proudly, declare: “Being LGBT does not make you less human. And that is why gay rights are human rights, and human rights are gay rights.” And she said it before the United Nations while still Secretary of State in her December 2011 speech in Geneva. This was a statement she made to the world, and not in a campaign speech, or while speaking privately to members of our community, but in a very public declaration on her part that she stands with us, and she gets it. And the rest of the world needs to get on board.

Recently, her campaign released a video from her regarding marriage equality that brought me to tears: She showed our community and stated how the barriers to the full benefits of dignity and humanity have fallen

Our community gains a leader who will address all of the issues we care about—our families, our jobs, the economy, international relations, healthcare, and more. We have a champion for ensuring our full inclusion and participation in the fabric of this country. As a young lawyer, I knew of Hillary Clinton long before I knew about Bill. She was considered one of the best lawyers in the country, in large part due to her work on behalf of children, a group sorely in need of a progressive champion. She

still carries this commitment to, and core value of, ensuring that every single person has a chance to live up to his or her potential, so it is no wonder that she stands with us in the fight for full equality.

I am also aware of steps she took as Secretary of State to protect our community. Some of those steps have not even been made public, but she did what she felt was right.

BARBARA KINNEY/HILLARY FOR AMERICA

Ready for Her

And then, there is her campaign itself.

She has made LGBT equality an integral piece of her effort. She has hired Robby Mook, an openly gay man, as her campaign manager—the top position for a campaign. She has lesbians in other key positions, and countless other open members of our community spread throughout the campaign, including our own local leader Emanuel Yekutiel serving on her finance team for Silicon Valley. We definitely have many seats at the table.

“Being LGBT does not make you less human. And that is why gay rights are human rights, and human rights are gay rights.”

Hillary Clinton, 2011 So, make no mistake, words and actions do matter. We saw what was achieved at the Supreme Court, but there is more to do. Leadership comes

in many forms. We as a country, as well as our community, will be sending a message by supporting and electing Hillary Clinton as our next President. We won’t just be electing a woman; we will be electing, by far, the most qualified candidate for the office. (Never mind that the alternatives are beyond horrific for our community and economy, for those less socially minded. I will not even go into the homophobic rhetoric and positions of the Republican candidates.)

We elected a Black man as our President and shattered so many misperceptions and prejudices, yet all too well, we have seen how much more work needs to be done to change minds (the massacre in South Carolina underscores this point.) Women still have lower pay, reduced opportunities at work, as well as other problems that can be addressed through public policies. Our community understands discrimination. We understand when and where true leadership can make a positive impact, and we know how important a collaborative approach can be towards making progress in hearts and minds. So now, we can and must put our support solidly behind the candidate who stands with us, and knows how to get it done!

Leslie R. Katz, Esq., 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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Ready for Her Donna Sachet:

Miguel Bustos:

“My strong support of Hillary Clinton for the next President of the United States comes from her unprecedented experience for the job. Who else has spent 8 years in the White House as First Lady, four years in the United States Senate as Senator to New York, four years as Secretary of State traveling the globe representing this country and building relationships, and several years previously running a Presidential campaign with great success?

“We find ourselves at a wonderful moment in history. Equality and acceptance seem to be happening all around us, as was evident with the recent Marriage Equality Supreme Court decision and the acceptance of open Transgender military service members. Even though these are great strides towards equality, there is much more work for full equality that needs to be done. We must work harder for gender equality, especially in roles of leadership and public office.

Each of these specific positions, and many less defined ones in her life, have better prepared Hillary Clinton for the office of President than any individual alive today. As I ref lect upon her evolving opinions on matters of LGBT concern, especially as revealed in her speech to the United Nations a few years ago as Secretary of State when she clearly identified our rights as human rights, there is little doubt that our community will

be fully integrated into her agenda for the country and the world.

I can clearly see a world with Hillary Clinton as President of the United States, and can’t wait for her election and administration.”

I think it is past time that women are in positions that can lead us towards a better future. Currently, we have very smart, experienced, and phenomenal women running for higher office. I find the idea exciting of being represented by brilliant, accomplished, and forward-thinking women, such as Kamala Harris and Hillary Clinton. As men, we should encourage and support greater participation of women in leadership and elected offices. It is time to help open doors for greater gender equality.

With women leading us, there is hope for a better future!”

Throughout history, men have been the leaders, presidents, and dominant forces that ruled.

Miguel Bustos is a gay Latino and community activist in the Mission District, where he was born and raised.

Donna Sachet, honored as “The First Lady of San Francisco” by California State Senator Mark Leno, is a singer, performer, community activist and fundraiser. For more information, please visit http://www.donnasachet.com/ On June 25, 2015, Dustin Lance Black gave a passionate speech in support of Hillary Clinton at an LGBT Pride Reception in San Francisco. At the fundraiser, organized by Judy Dlugacz and Claire Lucas, Black spoke about the challenges his disabled mother faced while raising him and his brothers, and how that made such a strong impact on his life. Black posted this photo of himself with Clinton just this week.

Peggy Moore: “Democrats need someone who can galvanize us to a win, and Hillary can win fully.

From 16 million Americans who now have access to medical services through Affordable Health Care to marriage equality and ending the compulsory discharges of our service members through Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell, President Obama’s leadership has helped to uplift the lives of our citizenry while facing significant stressors and roadblocks. Democratic leadership benefits all our communities as opposed to a fortunate few, and that really touches the lives of our middle class and marginalized communities.

With a June primary looming, people are declaring their intentions to run for the Presidential seat, and while we respect their values, we must keep progressive ideals in the game if we’re to build on the successes of the last seven years.

It took [President Obama] a while to discern the best path for our country, just like with our families sometimes it takes them a while to understand us. Ultimately, he has been a strong leader and has shown himself to be

Mark Abramson:

the President for whom thousands campaigned and millions voted. As excited as I was for the first Black sitting President, I’m equally excited for the first female leadership in the White House, and Hillary has what it takes to keep us moving forward.”

“Amid the recent celebrations of positive Supreme Court decisions, I think we need to remember how these cases might have turned out if a Democrat had not won the last two Presidential elections. In 2008, I heard some diehard Hillary Clinton supporters vow that if Barack Obama got the nomination, they just couldn’t bring themselves to vote for him. I hope they changed their minds.

Pegg y Moore is a Senior Advisor in the Office of Oakland Mayor Libby Schaaf. From 2008–2012, she was California Political Director of Obama for America. Phoenix Jackson interviewed Moore for the “San Francisco Bay Times.”

These days, I hear a similar tune from some wild-eyed Bernie Sanders supporters. I like a lot of what he says and I agree with him on almost everything. I think he will be good for the entire process, whether he gets the nomination or not.

BARBARA KINNEY/HILLARY FOR AMERICA

BARBARA KINNEY/HILLARY FOR AMERICA

What bothers me is hearing from people on the left who say they “hate Hillary Clinton,” or that they “really hate the Clintons” and insist that they could never vote for Hillary. I wonder

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ary Clinton will most likely win the Democratic nomination, but it could be Bernie Sanders or even someone else. Anything could happen between now and November of 2016.

All I am saying is that I hope we can all hold back on the hate speech. Let’s direct our anger at those who hate us.

The far right is filled with them, and the Republican presidential candidates will do all they can to appeal to their base of racists and homophobes. if they believe the country would have been better off if George H. W. Bush had won a second term, or if we had elected a President Bob Dole.

I am looking forward to seeing how things unfold over the next several months. The Republican debates should be entertaining enough to bring about a popcorn shortage across the land. It looks like Hill-

When the Democratic Party chooses its candidate, I intend to get behind him or her 100%. Remember that our next president may end up appointing as many as three replacements to the Supreme Court. Remember how good it feels to celebrate when their decisions come down on our side.”

Castro-based author Mark Abramson is the creator of the popular “Beach Reading” book series, http://www.beachreading.net/ homepage.aspx

Ready for Her

Who Nominates a Supreme Court Justice Is the Best Predictor of How that Justice Will Vote in Gay Rights Cases

By Paula Canny, Esq. Last month, in a 5–4 decision, the United States Supreme Court ruled that denying marriage rights to same sex couples violates the United States Constitution. One year earlier, the same 5 Justices ruled that DOMA was unconstitutional. How the majority of five got to the Court is important to understand, especially as it relates to the upcoming Presidential election.

Only the President of the United States holds the power to nominate a Supreme Court Justice. The Constitution of the United States bestows that authority upon the President.

The United States Constitution also provides that there are 9 Justices on the United States Supreme Court, each holding one vote.

All of the marriage cases were split decisions, with the same 5 Justices constituting the majority. The losing group of Justices (the same 4), in their dissenting opinions, are vitriolic in their criticism of the majority. The two sides are light years apart in perspective.

Those decisions could have been 7–2 decisions had the United States Supreme Court found that Al Gore was the rightful President and not George W. Bush, back in 2000. That

Paula Canny

Supreme Court decision, too, was a 5–4 decision with the 5 voting for Bush, and against Gore, having been nominated by Republican Presidents, and 3 of the 4 voting for Gore having been nominated by Democrats (with one outlier Republican siding with the three). And so George W. Bush became President, for two terms, nominating two Justices to the U.S. Supreme Court, Chief Justice Roberts and Justice Alioto. Not surprisingly, Chief Justice John Roberts, and Justice Samuel Alioto Jr. are not in the majority of 5. Instead, their votes show they do not hold gay rights in high regard, if at all.

The longest sitting Justice of the Supreme Court is Justice Anton Sca-

lia, nominated by President Ronald Reagan and confirmed by the Senate in 1986 by a 98–0 vote. Justice Scalia wrote the nastiest dissenting opinions in the marriage cases, arguing DOMA is Constitutional and gay marriages are not legally recognizable. In his Obergefell dissent, Justice Scalia writes, “Whoever thought that intimacy and spirituality were freedoms…Ask the nearest hippie.” At age 79, Justice Scalia has surpassed his life expectancy by 3 years. Let us hope his seat is filled by a President who is a Democrat.

President Ronald Reagan also nominated Justice Anthony M. Kennedy, who joined the Court after a 97–0 Senate confirmation in 1987. Justice Kennedy has been the swing vote, vote number 5. Justice Kennedy is the author of Obergefell, a beautifully written opinion recognizing the sanctity of same sex relationships and a Constitutional requirement that all states recognize and provide for same sex marriages. But other than Justice Kennedy, the Justices vote in alliance with the politics of the party of the President who nominated them to the Supreme Court.

Clarence Thomas was nominated by President George H. W. Bush and was

confirmed by the Senate in 1991. Justice Thomas is opposed to legal recognition of same sex marriage, and would have found DOMA Constitutional.

The four Justices in the majority of 5 in the marriage cases were nominated

by Presidents who are Democrats.

President William Clinton, a Democrat, nominated Ruth (there’s Ruth in Truth) Bader Ginsberg, confirmed by the Senate 96–3 in August 1993, and Stephen G. Breyer was conf irmed 87–9 by the Senate in 1994.

President Barrack Obama, a Democrat, nominated Sonia Sotomayer, who was confirmed by the Senate 68–31 in 2009, and Elena Kagan, who was confirmed by the Senate 59–41 in 2010.

The reason why we need the next President to again be a Democrat should now be obvious. The power of nomination to the Supreme Court is huge because who sits on the Court is huge. The next President will most likely nominate one, if not more, Supreme Court Justices. Based on whom Republican Presidents have nominated (save the independent-thinking Justice Kennedy), and past conduct being a predictor of future behavior, a Republican President would most likely nominate a Justice of the ilk of

Scalia or Thomas, or some combination thereof.

On the other hand, a President who is a Democrat, would nominate persons of the caliber of Justice Ruth Bader Ginsberg, Justice Stephen G. Breyer, Justice Sonia Sotomayer, and Justice Elena Kagan.

We need the next President of the United States to be a Democrat to ensure future nominees to the Supreme Court are of the mindset to recognize equal rights for all people, regardless of sexual preference or identity. Four of the five sitting Justices nominated by Republicans are homophobic jurists.

We do not need more of that. Our best hope is in a Democrat who, as President, has an abundance of fabulous legal talent to call upon in making the next Supreme Court nomination.

Paula Canny, Esq., is a California lawyer, legal commentator, and author. She has practiced law for 35 years. Her law firm is in Burlingame and focuses in the areas of Criminal Defense, Civil Rights and Probate litigation. Paula is a Democrat. She lives with her spouse, Woody Simmons. They were married in 2008 in Redwood City, California, in the first same sex marriage ceremony performed in the San Mateo County Courthouse.

President Barack Obama talks with Justice Sotomayor prior to her Investiture Ceremony at the Supreme Court September 8, 2009. (Official White House Photo by Pete Souza)

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Ready for Her

SCOTUS Stats Analysis of the Current Supreme Court 1. John G. Roberts, Jr. (born 1/27/1955, 60 years old)

8. Sonia Sotomayor (born 6/25/1954, 61 years old)

• Nomination: George W. Bush on 9/6/2005

•Nomination: Obama on 6/1/2009

• Senate confirmation: 78 -22 on 9/29/2005

•Senate confirmation: 68-31 on 8/6/2009

• Senate composition: 55R-45D

• Senate composition: 60D-40R

• Windsor: He found DOMA was constitutional.

• Windsor: She found DOMA unconstitutional.

• Obergefell: He was against legally recognizing same sex marriage.

• Obergefell: She recognizes the legality of same sex marriage.

2. Antonin Scalia (born 3/11/1936, 79 years old) • Nomination: Reagan on 6/24/1986

9. Elena Kagan (born 4/28/1960, 55 years old)

• Senate confirmation: 98-0 on 9/17/1986

• Nomination: Obama on 5/10/2010

• Senate composition: 53R-47D

• Senate confirmation: 63-37 on 8/5/2010

• Windsor: He thought DOMA was constitutional.

• Senate composition: 59D-41R

• Obergefell: He was against legally recognizing same sex marriage.

• Windsor: She found DOMA unconstitutional.

3. Anthony M. Kennedy (born 7/23/1936, 78 years old)

• Obergefell: She recognizes the legality of same sex marriage.

• Nomination: Reagan on 11/30/1987

Average American Life Expectancy:

• Senate confirmation: 97-0 on 2/3/1988

2015: 82 years for women, 76 years for men

•Senate composition: 55D-45R

Life Expectancies of the Supreme Court Justices:

•Windsor: He found DOMA unconstitutional.

1. John Roberts: 16 more years

•Obergefell: He recognizes the legality of same sex marriage.

2. Antonin Scalia: surpassed by 3 years

4. Clarence Thomas (born 6/23/1948, 67 years old)

3. Anthony M. Kennedy: surpassed by 2 years

• Nomination: George H. W. Bush on 7/8/1991

4. Clarence Thomas: 9 more years

• Senate confirmation: 52-48 on 10/15/1991

5. Ruth Bader Ginsberg: 0 more years

• Senate composition: 56D-44R

6. Stephen G. Breyer: 0 more years

• Windsor: He believed DOMA was constitutional.

7. Samuel Anthony Alito, Jr.: 11 more years

• Obergefell: He was against legally recognizing same sex marriage.

8. Sonia Sotomayor: 21 more years

5. Ruth Bader Ginsberg (born 3/15/1933, 82 years old) •Nomination: Clinton on 6/14/1993 •Senate confirmation: 96-3 on 8/3/1993 •Senate composition: 57D-43R •Windsor: She found DOMA unconstitutional.

•Obergefell: She recognized the legality of same sex marriage.

6. Stephen G. Breyer (born 8/15/1938, 76 years old) •Nomination: Clinton on 5/17/1994 •Senate confirmation: 87-9 on 7/29/1994 •Senate composition: 57D-43R •Windsor: He found DOMA unconstitutional.

•Obergefell: He recognized the legality of same sex marriage.

7. Samuel Anthony Alito, Jr. (born 4/1/1950, 65 years old) • Nomination: George W. Bush on 11/10/2005 • Senate confirmation: 58 -42 on 1/31/2006 • Senate composition: 55R-45D • Windsor: He believed DOMA was constitutional.

•Obergefell: He was against legally recognizing same sex marriage.

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Prepared by Paula Canny, Esq.

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9. Elena Kagan: 27 more years

Why I Support a Department of Race & Equity in Oakland First, it is acknowledged that in the past, City Council has authorized actions that have not been implemented.

Authorizations made by City Council should not be ignored, nor should they be prioritized as low-importance, particularly when it is in regards to equity. We need to make sure that the administration follows through and completes these authorizations to ensure that the city is actively moving towards justice.

Out of the Closet and into City Hall Oakland Vice Mayor Rebecca Kaplan The City of Oakland has many reasons as to why we should be a leader on racial justice and social equity, but despite a diverse and dedicated population, and the efforts and work of many over the years, there is still much that needs to be done. In order to ensure that Oakland makes improvements that are lasting and comprehensive, we should create a structure for durable change. Oakland has been designated the most diverse city in America according to Priceonomics, and has been historically at the center of movements for justice, including the first racially inclusive union organizing. The reality of continuing disparities—in unemployment, city contracting, criminal justice enforcement, health, and more—are ongoing, creating real gaps between the lives of people in Oakland based on race.

The gap in household income is real; white household income is more than double that of African Americans.

White household income in 2012 was $81,159. African American household income in 2012 was $35,050. Asian A merican household income was $45,238. Latino household income was $44,455. The disparity in Oakland needs attention and cannot be resolved through the work of short-term consultants, but requires ongoing leadership roles within City government to be a central hub for ideas, problemsolving and making sure solutions are really implemented.

There are many important reasons for developing a Department of Race & Equity, including the following:

Years ago, we fought for a disparity study to examine the contracting practices of the City of Oakland; the City Council authorized and funded this action.

Nonetheless, it has not been completed.

The disparity study is not only important, but it is also telling of operation tactics in Oakland. The last disparity study that was conducted, about 7 years ago, showed that there was a huge disparity in contracts by the City of Oakland. It discovered that Oakland’s contracts were going to businesses owned by white men, almost exclusively, and, in fact, were going to only a handful of businesses. A followup study was supposed to be conducted, but none had been done.

Secondly, the disparity in unemployment throughout the City of Oakland continues to be incredibly wide. In fact, if we look at the national data, the gap between white unemployment and black unemployment is no better than it was in 1950. Although this data is not exclusive to Oakland, we nonetheless have the responsibility to do something about that here.

Third, we need to look at what is being done around hiring when companies get city business and contracts. The on-going disparity of who gets hired once these contracts are awarded to the companies is an issue that continues to require more attention.

Further, there are other areas that don’t seem as a big a deal at f irst, but have a long-term impact, such as where the city focuses its advertising for hiring and contracts and how that correlates with whom the city attracts.

We had certain jobs and contract opportunities for which we got very few applicants, and when I inquired, we discovered that the ads were run in only one paper, a predominantly white read paper. This is problematic, because it elicits disparity as to the kinds of applications we receive.

We need to take action in the continuing disparity of incarceration. Although this is a big picture issue and, of course, goes far beyond Oakland, it is a root cause for family division, is a cost to human lives, and results in billions of wasted taxpayer dollars for the prison system. Recently, we received some of the Oakland Stop data that showed racial disparity in police stop enforcement, and we continue to have an on-going major disparity in terms of who gets incarcerated.

Leadership to help advance the goals of race and equity would, of course, go beyond these examples I have listed, as there are also concerns about inequitable distribution of public services, blight, and more, as well as important steps needed to be taken to ensure that Oaklanders of every race, religion, sexual orientation, disability and gender are fully respected in our city.

These goals warrant efforts on behalf of the people of Oakland.

We need to continue the effort to work actively for justice because justice doesn’t just happen by itself. And I believe that this is one example of how we can do it, by authorizing and hiring the right people so it’s handled in an on-going manner.

Another way we can expand equality and justice in Oakland is by adequately providing a safe place for LGBT homeless youth, many of whom find themselves on the street because of the prejudice they suffer at home. Similarly, many in the transgender community need our support as they, too, are ostracized for being true to who they are.

We must provide resources, outreach, safe spaces and more to guarantee that all of our residents get treated with the dignity, care and respect that they deserve. We can make a change and be the change to become a more equitable Oakland.

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Vice Mayor Rebecca Kaplan was elected in 2008 to serve as Oakland’s citywide councilmember. She was re-elected in 2012 and serves currently as Vice Mayor. She is working for safe neighborhoods, for local jobs and for a fresh start for Oakland. Vice Mayor Kaplan graduated Phi Beta Kappa from the Massachusetts Institute of Technolog y, obtained a Master’s degree from Tufts University and a Juris Doctor from Stanford Law School.

Taking Pride in Marriage and Family to claim Justice Anthony Kennedy as one of California’s own.

Assemblymember Phil Ting The United States Supreme Court decision establishing marriage equality across the country made this year’s San Francisco Pride Celebration a powerful affirmation. Finally, the law frees all of us to choose whom we love through marriage from sea to shining sea!

This much-anticipated result made each step in the Pride parade something to be savored. It got me thinking how we have so much in which to take pride.

I’m proud of the role that San Francisco played in issuing marriage licenses to same sex couples. I’m proud to have had the privilege of signing the first marriage license legally recognized by the State of California in 2008, as the former Assessor-Recorder of San Francisco. I am also proud

The last paragraph of Kennedy’s opinion holding that same sex couples have a constitutional right to marry is as simple as it is philosophical. Kennedy wrote: “No union is more profound than marriage, for it embodies the highest ideals of love, fidelity, devotion, sacrif ice, and family. In forming a marital union, two people become something greater than once they were. As some of the petitioners in these cases demonstrate, marriage embodies a love that may endure even past death. It would misunderstand these men and women to say they disrespect the idea of marriage.

Their plea is that they do respect it, respect it so deeply that they seek to f ind its fulf illment for themselves.

Their hope is not to be condemned to live in loneliness, excluded from one of civilization’s oldest institutions.

They ask for equal dignity in the eyes of the law.”

After so many years of fighting for marriage equality, it was surprising to see this historic legal change be justified in such a sweet way. It was equally gratifying to see Kennedy’s argument echo the most basic lessons we teach our kids—everyone deserves respect, the need to love makes us all the same, and our lives are defined by those whom we love.

The power of Kennedy’s ruling is not just that love wins, as we have all proclaimed with joy. Families win too. Families are sacred, and no law should bar whom you choose to welcome into them. Therefore, Kennedy’s ruling allows families across the nation to finally become whole.

As a father, this is why Kennedy’s ruling has had such a strong effect on me.

My two girls are young enough to have never experienced the struggle for marriage equality in their own lives. They will never understand the obstacles our nation has put before committed couples who love each other. Therefore, in so many ways, Kennedy’s ruling makes the country my kids inherit from us enormously better than the one into which we were born.

I could not stop thinking about that as I marched up Market Street with my family and others in the Pride parade. I was grateful that we were celebrating this historic moment for families together. And, as I watched my girls fearlessly run along the parade route giving high-fives to all, one happy thought kept coming to mind: this is what progress looks like.

Phil Ting represents the 19th Assembly District, which includes the Westside of San Francisco as well as the cities of Broadmoor, Colma and Daly City.

BAY T IM ES JULY 23, 2015

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In the News

By Dennis McMillan

San Francisco Records All-Time Low in Number of HIV Infections and Deaths San Francisco HIV infections and related deaths are at an all-time low, according to the SF Department of Public Health. There were 302 new HIV diagnoses last year and 177 deaths of HIV-infected people— down from 371 and 209 the year before, thus resulting in a 17% drop overall. For comparison, just 8 years ago—in 2007—there were 527 new diagnoses and 324 deaths. Many are looking at the introduction of the drug Truvada (which was approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration as an HIV/AIDS prevention drug in 2012) as a reason for the sharp decline in new infections.

Additionally, public health officials are recognizing the wide availability of HIV/AIDS testing and rapid access to antiretroviral treatment via UC San Francisco as other key components in the drop-off rate. newnownext.com/sf-records You Can No Longer Be Fired for Being Gay The U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, created to enforce and implement the 1964 Civil Rights Act, ruled this week that workplace discrimination based on sexual orientation is illegal. The ruling states that employers who discriminate against LGBT workers are violating Title VII of the 1964 Civil Rights Act, which prohibits employment discrimination “based on race, color, religion, sex and national origin.” It’s a new interpretation of the law with wide-reaching potential. “Sexual orientation discrimination is sex discrimination because it necessarily entails treating an employee less favorably because of the employee’s sex,” the EEOC concluded. queerty.com Tenderloin Museum Opens Its Doors After years of planning, fundraising and construction, the Tenderloin Museum opened its doors to the public. The Tenderloin Museum, which was created to memorialize and honor the neighborhood’s rich history, is a museum by day, and on at least one evening a week, the space at 398 Eddy Street will double as an events venue, complete with speakers, panels and performers. Kicking off the opening was a program that featured transgender activists Tamara Ching, Veronika Fimbres and filmmaker Susan Stryker, who worked on The Screaming Queens, a documentary about the Tenderloin’s 1966 Compton’s Cafeteria riot. tenderloinmuseum.org Video of Arson Suspect in LGBT Mural Defacement Released Police have released a video of the suspect who set fire to the LGBT mural (on Bryant at 24th Street) that is curated by the Galería de la Raza.

The incident took place on June 29 and was the fourth time the mural—a digital triptych showing gay men and women on one side with a transgender person in the middle—had been vandalized. The video shows a slender man dressed in a black sweatshirt, black pants, white tennis shoes and white gloves with a black cloth covering the lower half of his face. He throws some liquid at the mural, strikes a match and then runs away as the liquid explodes into fire. The suspect is estimated to be 6’, 190 lbs., and “was last seen running southbound on Bryant towards 25th Street.” Police ask anyone with information to call the Anonymous Tip Line at (415) 575-4444, or “Text-aTip” at TIP411 including “SFPD” at the beginning of the message. missionlocal.org

Equal Protection for All Families Act Passes Senate Judiciary Committee The California Senate Judiciary Committee has voted in favor of legislation that updates California’s assisted reproduction laws to help ensure that all families are equally protected by law. Assembly Bill 960, authored

by Assemblymember David Chiu (D – San Francisco) and co-sponsored by Equality California (EQCA), the National Center for Lesbian Rights (NCLR), and Our Family Coalition (OFC), ensures that all couples using assisted reproduction are fully recognized as parents. Specifically, AB 960 would recognize unmarried people using assisted reproduction as legal parents from the moment of their child’s birth just as married parents are recognized. eqca.org Alice Early Endorses Alex Randolph The Alice B. Toklas LGBT Democratic Club, a San Franciscobased association and political action committee for LGBTQ Democrats, has early endorsed fellow Alice Board member, City College Trustee Alex Randolph. Randolph has served in leadership positions within Alice for many years, and has been doing the work of rebuilding City College since his appointment to the Board of Trustees this past April. “Alex has demonstrated his commitment to the City and the LGBT community, and he will continue to be a valuable asset to City College,” say Brian Leubitz and Zoe Dunning, Alice Co-Chairs.

“We look forward to working hard to elect Alex this fall and support him in his continued service to CCSF.” alicebtoklas.org Thousands Participate in AIDS Walk San Francisco Thousands of people walked over six miles to raise money during the annual AIDS Walk San Francisco event held in Golden Gate Park. Members of the San Francisco Lesbian/Gay Freedom Band serenaded the walkers on Sunday July 19. Some marched with pictures of victims of AIDS to be remembered. AIDS Walk San Francisco is touted as the largest AIDS fundraising event in Northern California. sf.aidswalk.net Cat Boarding Coming to the Castro The Castro offers an overwhelming number of businesses that cater to furry canine companions, but when it comes to cats, there isn’t much in the neighborhood—a void that new catboarding business The Kitty Chateau hopes to fill. Earlier this month, the fledgling business took out a permit for the former home of travel agency Now, Voyager at 4406 18th Street.

(Now, Voyager, which closed amid controversy over an eviction, reopened in a new 19th Street location in January.) A representative for the Planning Department confirmed that the space would be a cat-boarding service, which is why it requires a permit. The project is still in the early stages of approval, and still needs to go before the Planning and Health departments. hoodline.com Fire Breaks Out at 260 Castro Street A fire broke out at 260 Castro Street between Beaver and 16th Streets at around 9:30pm last Saturday. The façade of the house sustained fire damage and some water damage, but it didn’t lose power. The property was recently sold. According to a tweet from San Francisco Firefighters Local 798, the blaze began as a grass fire, (continued on page 26)

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BAY T IM ES JULY 23, 2015

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Understanding Our Aging Bodies

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Aging in Community Moli Steinert Openhouse is doing a remarkable job addressing the barriers to connect LGBT seniors to aging support services. But there are still too many LGBT elders, in particular those over 80 years of age, who do not utilize health and social services. This generation lived most of their adult lives in an era where they experienced trauma within the legal, health, and social service systems: They had to guard the disclosure of their sexual orientation or gender identity in light of real experiences of discrimination, criminalization and/or institutionalization. Many still do not disclose this information with their medical service providers, and this can have adverse health consequences.

As the Executive Director for SteppingStone Adult Day Health, with a staff culturally competent in LGBT issues, I have been perplexed as an aging service provider at not seeing more LGBT seniors in our Adult Day Health Care centers. SteppingStone Adult Day Health Care provides health and social services that assist frail, low-income seniors and adults with disabilities to live independently in their homes. We provide a range of health and social services—from art and music classes to physical and mental health therapy. The center provides assistance with care coordination, medication manage-ment and transportation assistance to and from the center. These programs are particularly helpful to people living alone. Since almost 60% of LGBT seniors live alone, and without children or family to support them, these programs can be of great assistance in keeping frail LGBT seniors healthy and more able to live on their own.

SteppingStone and Openhouse began a new collaborative project this year, funded by Kaiser, to look at a new strategy to break these barriers to accessing aging services and health care for LGBT seniors, in addition to LGBT veterans and those aging with HIV. This Health & Wellness program inserts a SteppingStone nurse into Openhouse’s weekly programming by making available a medical advice line to call SteppingStone Nurse Susan directly at 415-917-7302, or to make an appointment to talk to her directly about health concerns and referrals, including accompanying them to appointments, if needed.

The program is open to seniors in the Openhouse community. It is our hope that we will begin to build trust with the SteppingStone nurse in the safety of Openhouse, and begin to transfer that trust to the broader healthcare system.

On the fourth Friday afternoon of the month, there is a Health & Wellness seminar on aging topics that is provided by the SteppingStone nurse.

Such topics include brain health, healthy heart, pain management, and maintaining mobility. The upcoming seminar is focused on “Hearing Loss as We Age,” with a guest speaker from the SF Hearing & Speech Center. It will take place this Friday, July 24, from 3–4:30 pm at Openhouse.

There is also a regular feature in the Openhouse monthly newsletter on health concerns through the “Ask the Nurse” column, and topical articles on healthy aging. http://openhousesf.org/wp-content/uploads/2015/07 July-2015-Newsletter.pdf The monthly fourth Friday Health & Wellness seminars have been well received. The attendees are eager to speak directly with a nurse, and share their stories and concerns with each other about specific diseases and conditions they are managing. We’ve also discussed what is the difference between normal memory loss and dementia, and when we should be concerned about seeking help for ourselves or someone we are caring for who is showing possible symptoms.

Practical questions come up, as to what to expect in a good doctor, and how to communicate with a provider such that they will be responsive to an individual’s concerns. It also helps

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LGBT Resources for Seniors • Openhouse: 415-296-8995 openhouse-sf.org/ • Family Caregiver Alliance: 415-434-3388 www.caregiver.org • Institute on Aging: 415-7504111, www.ioaging.org/ • National Resource Center on LGBT Aging www.lgbtagingcenter.org/ • Project Open Hand San Francisco: Nutrition Services, 415-447-2300 www.openhand.org/ • SAGE: 212-741-2247 www.sageusa.org/about/ • Shanti Project, Inc: HIV Services and Life Threatening Illnesses, 415-674-4700 www.shanti.org/ Alzheimer’s Association Programs and Services: • 24/7 Helpline: 1-800-2723900, www.alz.org/norcal/; Online Community: www. alzheimersblog.org/lgbt-forum • Memory Clinic, Kaiser Permanente Santa Clara Medical Center: 408-530-6900, mydoctor.kaiserpermanente. org/ncal/facilities/region/ santaclara/area_master/departments/memorycliic/index. jsp to have questions written out before a visit, and have the support of someone to accompany you on appointments.

There comes a point where we must all be more engaged in understanding our bodies as we age to manage age-related diseases like diabetes, cancer, and heart disease, or just the normal deterioration of sight and hearing. The SteppingStone nurse is able to offer guidance on understanding the aging body, and how we can practice optimal self-care to take control of our treatment strategies. In all respects, staying physically active, modifying our diets and not smoking will fortify us against the decline of an aging body.

The nurse is also able to explain the dynamics of acute and chronic pain and how some pain medications may interfere with our other medications.

The nurse might additionally offer ideas on alternative methods for reducing pain and inflammation in the body. In one session, a physical therapist was able to explain different movements and exercises that allow greater range of motion and mobility, allowing us to move with less pain and with more strength and endurance.

Being more knowledgeable about the needs of an aging body and practicing self-care under the health care of a primary care provider will go a long way to helping us maximize our ability to live out our senior years with the greatest well-being.

Moli Steinert is the Executive Director of SteppingStone, the largest provider of Adult Day Health Care in San Francisco enabling seniors and disabled adults to maintain their health to remain independent and age in community. Previously, Moli was the Executive Director of Openhouse, 2005–2008.

Dr. Marcy Adelman oversees the Aging in Community column. For her summary of current LGBT senior challenges and opportunities, please go to: sf baytimes.com/challenges-and-opportunties

BAY T IM ES JULY 23, 2015

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Rainbow Honor Walk: Passionate Activist George Choy friends, hoping they would “support me.” Both did. He was best man at their weddings, and they remained lifelong confidents.

Rainbow Honor Walk Dr. Bill Lipsky George Choy was a passionate advocate of civil and human rights for members of the LGBTQ communities of San Francisco and around the world.

Driven by the belief that we are “part of the family, too,” he became “a constant supportive presence who delivered with action, an activist impatient with injustice, but who nevertheless possessed the rare gift of forgiving.”

Being born on February 6, 1960, Choy liked to say that he was an Acqueerian.

He came out to himself during the summer after he graduated from San Francisco’s Mission High School, just before leaving to attend San Jose State University. Instead of feeling guilty, “instead of lying to myself and others,” he told himself to “be happy and love who[m] you want.”

His self-awareness, insight, and perception were transformative. “I was free,” he wrote later. “I no longer hid from my straight schoolmates about my sexuality.” He told his two closest

Choy saw the need for activism early on. He grew up in Chinatown, across the street from the International Hotel. Once the heart of San Francisco’s Philippine community, the Filipino seniors who lived there were forcibly evicted for an “urban renewal” project during the 1970s. Their protests to save their homes and preserve their community—which at one time included ten blocks of lowcost housing, stores, restaurants, markets, and other businesses that supported a neighborhood of some 10,000 people–left an indelible impression on him.

Believing that we all belong to a larger world than our ethnic, religious, or social identifications create for us, Choy wanted to make connections across artificial barriers to show our common humanity. This goal propelled his activism. Especially committed to achieving full civil and human rights for LGBTQ Asians, he became an early and active member of San Francisco’s Gay Asian Pacific Alliance (GAPA).

Choy was also vocal in support of queer youth—an often neglected minority within a minority. In the Spring of 1990, he was asked to lead GAPA’s effort to pass Project 10, a measure to provide much needed counseling services for San Francisco’s LGBTQ public school students.

Although he believed that “living in San Francisco helped a lot of straight

people deal with gays,” he also knew that there were still “those who experienced gay-related violence,” including some “attacked by family members because of their sexuality.”

The proposal faced numerous hurdles, with opponents claiming that it was either unnecessary or inappropriate, or not fundable. Choy, however, immediately recognized its importance for all students, especially for Gay Asians. “We have to be there,” he said, “to make sure they know that there are Gay Asians.” “They” included not only members of the school board and the mostly white gay activists who supported the proposal, but it also included Asian Christian fundamentalists, who had come out in full force against the measure, arguing simply that the service was not needed because there were “no gay Asians.”

During the critical meeting at which the Board was to vote on the proposal, Choy made an impassioned plea for it to pass. He argued that Gay Asians were “not to be taken for granted,” but to be “loved, saved, and protected.” In May, 1990, the Board of Education decided unanimously to implement Project 10 the following September.

“This program,” said Kevin Gogin, the first counselor hired, “will send a message that all people are important, no matter who they are.”

Choy’s efforts to realize civil rights for

George Choy

gay Asians went far b e yo n d San Francisco. In 1991, GAPA supported a lawsuit against a public youth activity center in Tokyo, which denied the use of its facilities to OCCUR, a local LGBTQ organization. When members of OCCUR visited the City to gain support for their antidiscrimination case against the Tokyo government, he became their point person. He organized press conferences, held meetings, and got local political figures involved. Then he traveled to Japan to speak about human rights for gays to large audiences in Tokyo and Osaka, one of San Francisco’s sister cities.

At the same time, Choy worked as the Community HIV Project Liaison for GAPA. He next became the outreach coordinator for the GAPA Community Health Project, which provided direct support services to gay Asians and Pacific Islanders that included prevention, education, early intervention, HIV case management,

emotional and practical support, and direct care. He also was an active and ardent member of ACT UP. More than anything else, he showed what a single individual can do for the benefit of us all.

Not long before he died of AIDS on September 10, 1993, Choy spoke of what he had learned since that summer after high school. “Deep inside each of us,” he told his audience, “burns a special flame…which other people misunderstand…But we, as gay and lesbian people, understand…that we have a special capacity to love one another. We understand that this love is real and valid. We understand that this special flame will light the way for us…Continue to fan the flame, strong, proud, and just.”

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

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BAY TIMES JULY 2 3 , 2 0 1 5

Sister Dana Sez: Words of Wisdumb

from a Fun Nun

special engraved plaque to Gibson for his years of service. Gibson pointed out Dr. Steven Tierney, Director of HIV Prevention in San Francisco, 2006, who got the City to fork out funding for the creation of Magnet.

By Sister Dana Van Iquity Sister Dana sez, “Prez wannabe candidate Ted Cruz has written a book. It’s on the “New York Times” bestseller list. It’s in Oprah’s book club. Only one of those three statements is true. I am waiting for his book to hit the $1.99 book bins - in about a day or so.

A Time for Truth, indeed!”

MAGNET TURNS TWELVE was the 12th anniversary celegaytion of Magnet, the Castro hub of health and wellbeing for gay, bi, and trans men at 4122 18th and Castro Streets.

Magnet opened its doors on July 1, 2003, hoping that if they had done their jobs right, the community would embrace them and their proud approach to celebrating the sexual health of gay, bi, and trans men.

Before that, Sister Dana reported on their press conference - with much anticipation and expectation - just before they opened their doors. Well, in the last twelve years, more than 100,000 men have walked through their hallowed doors and received topnotch sexual health services. They’ve featured nearly 140 artists on their gallery wall; we’ve laughed at their dozens of open-mic nights; heard numerous local authors read from their books at their book clubs; and celebrated major milestones in our diverse queer community. Executive Director Steve Gibson thanked the hundreds of volunteers and incredible staff whose hearts and souls are the secret sauce that make Magnet unique. And Gibson noted, of course, that their work would not be possible if it weren’t for the THOUSANDS of gay, bi, and trans men who believe that by taking care of their health, they are also improving the health of our community. We enjoyed a lovely sheet cake (proudly inscribed in frosting: “MAGNET: 12 YEARS OF MEN, SEX, HEALTH, LIFE,” champagne, and a special 12-year anniversary souvenir: Magnet’s latest hot t-shirt subtly stating that we are all one at Magnet positive and negative HIV and supporters - boldly emblazoned with big circular O’s around: “ +, -, =, M,” and tastefully printed on the back at the neckline: “Magnet 12 years, a program of SAN FRANCISCO AIDS FOUNDATION.” Senator Mark Leno sent a Certificate of Recognition for Magnet’s “commitment providing high quality care for gay, bisexual, and transgender people.” Matthew Denckla, a community advisory board member at Magnet who has been involved for eight years - beginning at the very first meeting in April 2001 when the project didn’t even have a name yet - said it was important in the planning process to have a glass front to be visible, so clients would be unashamed in seeking sexual and social health care. Sister Dana was there when he made that groundbreaking announcement. Denckla also revealed that his and my good friend Steven had his original start at STOP AIDS, when we were so small we had to meet in our friends’ living rooms.

Denckla also humorously “outed” Steven at his first job working at Condomania in the Castro - a shortlived establishment trying to sell designer condoms. Steven also showed pride in their first-in-EssEff (and possibly the country) mobile vans testing for STDs. Denckla presented a very

The next night, MAGNET held an artist reception for the fine photography portraits by MIKE SHRIVER on its gallery wall, depicting various Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence as they are putting on their faces. Mike told me that the pieces on Magnet’s walls only represented half of his show; so Sister Dana and a few dozen other queer nuns had to get cut from this show. Ouch! Mike said another viewing would be held in the future with the other half of the show. “The Sisters are a community legend, whose 35 years of work on behalf of the health and wellbeing of the LGBTQ community is astounding,” he said.

“They are heroes, and at the same time they are completely unique personas who only come to life when they are in full face, in full attire, and in full gear.” He added, “These heroes are real people. How they become superheroes is a fascinating and inspiring process - a process of which I was allowed to witness and was entrusted to represent.” Mike is a long-term survivor and has been living with HIV for over 28 years.

SPARK! is the TRANSGENDER LAW CENTER’s anniversary celebration, Thursday, October 1st, acknowledging their 13-year history of changing laws, hearts, and minds to advance equality for transgender and gender nonconforming people. A couple months prior, TLC held IGNITER at CODE Salon, 370 4th Street for their kickoff party.

The HARVEY MILK LGBT DEMOCRATIC CLUB held their 39TH ANNUAL DINNER & GAYLA at New Asia Restaurant.

Keynote Speaker was Jovanka Beckles, Councilmember for the City of Richmond, California. Honorees were as follows: Hank Wilson Activist Award: Gerard Koskovich (individual), #MyNameIs (organization); Bill Kraus HIV/AIDS Activism Award: Prevention Point; Bayard Rustin Civil Rights Award: TAJA’s Coalition; Sylvester Pride In The Arts Award: Shine Louise Houston; Howard Wallace Labor Leadership Award: Jane Martin, SEIU-USWW; Community Ally Award: Tim Redmond, 48 Hills; Harry Britt Lifetime Achievement Award: Miss Major, TGI Justice Project.

Congratulations to all!

KREWE DE KINQUE, the Mardi Gras based fundraising social club, held the first of their KdK KINKY FUNDRAISING 3rd Saturdays, 4-7pm, monthly at the Edge. Each month the beneficiary for the $10 beer bust/ Jello shot event is Dolores Street Community Services/ JAZZIE’S PLACE - the nation’s first LGBTQ adult homeless shelter. Krewe de Kinque (KdK) was officially founded on Mardi Gras night, February 24, 2004, in San Francisco’s Castro district. It was on this date when a small group of friends formed a fraternal organization, Krewe de Kinque, to promote the culture and traditions of Mardi Gras celebrations worldwide while raising funds and awareness for charitable causes. We are a volunteerbased organization made up of individuals (straight and gay) who care about GLBT issues with an emphasis on diversity and inclusion. The Krewe’s diverse membership includes San Francisco GLBT community and business leaders, titleholders, members from San Francisco’s Imperial Court, Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence, the Bay Area Gay Rodeo Association, and the City’s leather, bear, and drag communities. All members embrace a

commitment to serving the GLBT and greater community through volunteer efforts. Membership to the Krewe is by invitation to individuals who embody this same commitment to community service.

Ginger Snap hosted and performed, along with Deana Dawn, Steven Duplicity Roberts, and Kit Tapata. Jimmy Strano was deejay, Gary Virginia, Joe Prince Wolfe, Sergio Fedasz, Boomer, and I handled the raffle contest. Be sure to cum out and join us next third Saturday, and “Let the Good Times Roll,” as they say during Mardi Gras.

CUMMING UP! There is a film that debuted at the SF INTERNATIONAL LGBT FILM FESTIVAL that I did not have enough column inches to review last edition: DO I SOUND GAY? Sister Dana sez this witty, informative, thought-provoking DVD should be part of every card-carrying queer’s personal film library. Do I Sound Gay? should definitely be available on every streaming service’s menu. After a break-up with his boyfriend, journalist DAVID THORPE embarks on a hilarious and touching journey of self-discovery, confronting his anxiety about “sounding gay.” Enlisting acting coaches, linguists, friends, family, total strangers, and celebrities, he quickly learns that many people - both gay and straight often wish for a different voice. In Thorpe’s feature-length documentary debut, what starts as a personal journey becomes a chance to unpack layers of cultural baggage concerning sexuality, identity, and self-esteem. Is there such a thing as a “gay voice”? Why do some people “sound gay” but not others? Why are gay voices a mainstay of pop culture - but also a trigger for antigay harassment? This smart, funny, and provocative feature documentary explores these questions and more, and includes revealing interviews with such celebrities as Margaret Cho, Tim Gunn, Don Lemon, Dan Savage, David Sedaris, and George Takei. So tell me, dear readers, do I sound gay? I know I write gay; but do I sssssound gaaaaay?!!

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the biggest catch? NakedSword.com UP YOUR ALLEY, EssEff ’s annual leather & fetish fair, is Sunday, July 26th, 11am to 6:30pm on Dore Alley between Howard and Folsom, continuing on Folsom from 9th to Juniper and the adjoining block of 10th Street.

It’s not for the faint of heart - where leather daddies rule the streets of San Francisco’s South of Market district featuring leather, rubber, sportswear, biker gear, skinheads, punks, human animals, and any variety of hot, hairy (continued on page 26)

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Round About Harvey Milk Club Annual Dinner Photos by Rink

Members and friends of the Harvey Milk LGBT Democratic Club attended the organization’s 39th Annual Dinner & Gala at New Asia Restaurant on Thursday, July 16. Jovanka Beckles, Councilmember and former Vice Mayor of the City of Richmond, was the keynote speaker. Awardees included #My Name Is, Hank Wilson Activist Award (organization); Shine Louise Houston, Sylvester Pride in the Arts Award; TAJA’s Coalition, Bayard Rustin Civic Rights Award; Jane Martin, Howard Wallace Labor Leadership Award; Miss Major, Harry Britt Lifetime Achievement Award; and Tim Redmond, Community Ally Award.

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Dignity

John Lewis and Stuart Gaffney, Marriage Equality USA When we finally had a few moments (amidst the excitement and jubilation of June 26) to sit down and read the Supreme Court’s entire Obergefell marriage equality decision, we, like many other Americans, were stunned to read Justice Clarence Thomas’ assertion in dissent that “[s]laves did not lose their dignity (any more than they lost their humanity) because the government allowed them to be enslaved.” In the next sentence, Thomas made matters worse by claiming that Japanese Americans held in “internment camps did not lose their dignity because the government confined them.”

During slavery, of course, millions of slaves shipped from Africa to the Americas not only lost their dignity and their humanity, but also their very lives. With respect to the removal and incarceration of Americans of Japanese descent during World War II, Congressman John Rankin, D-Mississippi, spoke for many Americans unfortunately when he proclaimed in late 1941: “Once a Jap always a Jap…I’m for catching every Japanese in America, Alaska, and Hawaii, now and putting them in concentration camps…”

Justice Thomas attempts to justify his assertions by claiming that, as articulated by the Framers of the Constitution, our nation has always “understood” “human dignity…to be innate” and, therefore, the government could neither “bestow dignity” nor “take it away.” Thomas tries to explain: “When the Framers proclaimed in the Declaration of Independence that ‘all men are created equal’ and ‘endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights,’ they referred to a vision of mankind in which all humans are created in the image of God and therefore of inherent worth. That vision is the foundation upon which this Nation was built.”

As a factual matter, Thomas’ claim is staggering given that the Framers unquestionably considered the term “all men” to mean white men, not slaves, Native Americans, or other people of color, and the Framers did not endorse full legal and social equality for women. If our nation from the beginning had actually understood “human dignity” to be innate for all people, our federal, state, and local governments would not have permitted legally sanctioned racism, sexism, homophobia, and other types of discrimination and prejudice to persist throughout its history.

Justice Anthony Kennedy, writing for the Supreme Court majority, recognizes these facts by explaining that “[t]he nature of injustice is that we may not always see it in our own times” and that the Framers far from

Hydie Downard and Beate Siedler were married at San Francisco City Hall in Civic Center during the Pride Festival on Sunday, June 28th. The couple had been together for 33 years. Rev. Cecil Williams of Glide Memorial Church officiated the ceremony on the Main Stage.

PHOTO BY RINK

Marriage Equality

understanding the full dimension of human rights “entrusted to future generations a charter protecting the right of all persons to enjoy liberty as we learn its meaning.” The Court explained that “new insights and societal understandings can reveal unjustified inequality within our most fundamental institutions that once passed unnoticed and unchallenged.”

Indeed, the Court recognized that at the founding of the United States, “same-sex intimacy…had been condemned as immoral by the state itself in most Western nations, a belief often embodied in the criminal law.”

Further, Justice Thomas appears to be arguing in his dissent that his view that, as an abstract or philosophical matter, people do not lose their dignity no matter how inhumanely they are treated means the Constitution plays no role in protecting Americans’ dignity. The Constitution says no such thing. As the majority recognizes, the Constitution pertains to how the law affects people’s lives, and it prohibits the government from undermining Americans’ fundamental liberty, equality, and dignity.

Attaining legal dignity and equality integrated with social, economic, and cultural respect enormously benefits the lives of people who have been deprived them. Indeed, human beings’ actual lived experience of dignity makes whatever innate dignity they possess worth having. As Justice Kennedy summed, LGBTQ people in seeking marriage equality “ask for equal dignity in the eyes of the law. The Constitution grants them that right.”

A well known example of the Supreme Court’s recognizing the effect of the law on people’s dignity is Brown v. Board of Education, where the Court held that de jure public school segregation imposed a “badge of inferiority” on African American students in violation of the Constitution.

The Court stated that government’s separating African American students “solely because of their race generates a feeling of inferiority as to their status in the community that may affect their hearts and minds in a way unlikely ever to be undone.” The Court affirmed that the “impact” of such segregation was greater because “it has the sanction of the law…”

People are social beings, and the way our government treats us can profoundly affect us both materially and as a matter of self-worth and dignity.

Messages we receive from our family, our community, society, and the law can influence our psyches beginning at an early age, in addition to our sense of well being.

The Court in Obergefell, describes how without marriage equality, same-sex couples’ “children suffer the stigma of knowing their families are somehow lesser. They also suffer the significant material costs of being raised by unmarried parents, relegated through no fault of their own to a more difficult and uncertain family life.” The Court concluded that the marriage bans “thus harm and humiliate the children of same-sex couples.” And the Court held that “the right to marry” is no “less meaningful for those who do not or cannot have children.”

Marriage Equality USA’s amicus brief in Obergefell amplified the plaintiffs’ personal stories and presented the voices of other LGBTQ Americans as they expressed the importance of equal dignity under the law to them. For instance, “[w] hen Jennifer Hassler and Karina Tittjung of Broken Arrow, Oklahoma, obtained their marriage license in 2014 after eight years together, Jennifer said: ‘We are all human beings…This license…makes me feel like I’m a human being recognized in these great United States.’”

Brigadier General Tammy Smith, the first openly lesbian or gay general in the American military, expressed her gratitude to her wife Tracey Hepner for “helping [her] cut loose the shackles of those 26 years in the military, of having to hide a part of myself,” and Tracey recounted “how liberating it is” that they could be their “authentic selves.” A close friend of Vivian Boyack and Nonie Dubes, who married in Iowa after 70 years together, (continued on page 26)

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17

Making Peace with the Past 1: REACHing for Forgiveness becomes interminable, it can magnify rather than relieve suffering. That’s because frequent and intense negative thoughts about the past tend to block feelings of contentment and satisfaction. Getting stuck in victimization, rage and vengefulness makes peace impossible.

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Examined Life Tom Moon, MFT It’s a truism that if we want to be happy in the present, we need to find some measure of acceptance and peace in relation to the pain and disappointments of the past. Two powerful methods for achieving that peace are practicing forgiveness and cultivating gratitude. I’ll focus on forgiveness this time, and gratitude in the next column.

Many people use psychotherapy to resolve their feelings about the past, and while some succeed, for others things seem to get worse. There can be powerful healing in talking about past wrongs that were done to us, especially if we’ve kept them secret, denied that they happened, or blamed ourselves for them. But when the process

Practicing forgiveness attempts to avoid this pitfall by transforming our relationship to painful memories from one of bitterness to something softer and more accepting. That’s its purpose—not to let perpetrators off the hook, or minimize the harm they did—but to set ourselves free. The question is how to do it.

Probably the leading investigator of this question is a psychologist named Dr Everett Worthington. A horrible incident in his own life was the catalyst that led him to study forgiveness. One morning in 1996, he received a call from his brother, who informed him that their mother had been raped with a wine bottle and beaten to death with a baseball bat and crowbar. For years afterward, Worthington struggled to free himself from the poison of hatred and vengefulness toward the two young perpetrators who committed the crime. In time he succeeded, and in the process developed a road map for intentional forgiveness that has since been traveled by many thousands.

The acronym for his five-step process

is REACH. He explains it in detail in his book Forgiving and Reconciling: Bridges to Wholeness and Hope, but briefly, here’s how it works:

R stands for recall the hurt, in as clear and objective way as you can. Don’t think of the perpetrator as evil, or wallow in self-pity. Breathe deeply and slowly as you remember the event.

E stands for empathize. Try to understand things from the perpetrator’s point of view. Imagine a plausible story that this person might tell if asked to explain. To help you do this, remember that: 1) When people feel that their own survival is threatened, they’ll hurt innocents; 2) People who attack others are almost always suffering fear, worry, and hurt themselves; 3) The situation a person finds himself or herself in, and not the underlying personality, can lead to perpetrating; 4) Often people aren’t thinking when they attack others; they’re just lashing out.

A stands for the altruistic gift of forgiveness. Remember a time when you did something wrong, felt guilty, and received forgiveness. Remember the gratitude you felt for this gift.

Remember, too, that giving this gift to others usually makes us feel better and lightens our own load.

C stands for commit yourself to forgive publicly. In Worthington’s groups,

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clients write a letter of forgiveness to the perpetrator, write a ‘certificate of forgiveness,’ tell a trusted friend what they’ve done, or write a song or poem of forgiveness. These are contracts of forgiveness that lead to the final step.

H stands for hold onto forgiveness.

Forgiveness doesn’t erase the memory of the event; it just changes the “tag line” that a memory carries. When the memories come, remember that they don’t, in themselves, mean that you’re unforgiving. Be careful not to dwell vengefully on the memories or wallow in them. Remind yourself that you’ve already committed to forgiveness, and read the documents you’ve written.

All of this may sound preachy and sentimental, but the fact is that in at least eight scientific studies of this process and others like it, sizable positive effects were demonstrated.

Those who completed the process had less anger and stress, more optimism, better reported health, improved relationships and more forgiveness.

The procedures aren’t easy or quick, but they work. Sober science confirms ancient wisdom: if you want to be happy, learn to forgive.

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

Photos by Rink

GGBA’s new Power Lunch series debuted on Tuesday, July 14, at Hotel Whitcomb with a highly successful inaugural event. Featuring a panel discussion on the topic “Success Tips from High Performing LGBT Business Owners,” the panel included invited speakers who are among the top 25 largest LGBT-owned businesses in the Bay Area. Moderated by Mary Huss, publisher of the San Francisco Business Times, the panel included Robb Fleischer, Helen Russell, Larry Hashbarger, Joseph Bisazza, Jon Retsky, Deb Kinney and Charles Symes.

GLBT Fortnight in Review

By Ann Rostow Seething Sapphic Septet “Came Out of Nowhere” Just when you thought we might be done with GLBT legal stories comes terrific news! The Equal Employment Opportunity Commission has ruled that sexual orientation bias in the workplace is inherently illegal under Title VII’s ban on sex discrimination.

I know what you’re thinking. C’mon!

Marriage equality is in the bag. Let’s go back to deranged killer lesbians and catching evangelical preachers in the park with their pants around their ankles!

plainant alleging that an agency took his or her sexual orientation into account in an employment action necessarily alleges that the agency took his or her sex into account.”

Oh, dear readers. If only it were that easy. Try googling “killer lesbians” these days and all you get is old news, like this snippet from the November, 2007, New York Post:

The Commission’s new posture, assumed in the case of a federal air traffic control employee who was denied a promotion, does not mean we are automatically added to the list of those protected under federal law. But our arguments to that effect are now vastly more powerful. Remember that it is the EEOC that investigates and processes civil rights claims from the workplace, and it is the EEOC that allows claims to go forward in court.

The Commission’s policies may not be binding on courts, but they are very persuasive. And as courts increasingly follow their guidelines, judicial precedents will pile up accordingly.

“One of them was “slightly pretty,” so the freelance film director decided to say hi.

I’d like us all to sing a song right about now. A fun song. A gay song!

Next thing he knew, he was encircled, beaten and knifed in the gut right there on a Greenwich Village sidewal—by seven bloodthirsty young lesbians.

Sometimes a Great Notion

‘The girls started coming out of nowhere,’ Dwayne Buckle told a Manhattan jury yesterday, describing the bizarre beat-down he suffered last summer, allegedly at the hands of a seething sapphic septet from Newark, N.J. ‘I felt like I was going to die.’”

As for the rightwing hypocrite crew, there’s nothing new here either. These stories used to come to my cyberdoorstep, now I have dozens of headlines about, well, this week it’s the EEOC’s new interpretation of Title VII. And rightly so, because it is indeed big news. The Commission sets an influential standard for how courts review workplace bias cases under the halfcentury-old federal law that governs discrimination based on race, gender, religion, age and national origin.

Title VII has been molded and expanded by years and years of court analysis in thousands of individual cases. Over this time, courts have determined, for example, that sexual harassment is a form of sex discrimination. They have determined that prejudice based on gender stereotypes is impermissible. They have ruled that male on male sexual harassment is forbidden, when the harassment stems from gender roles. They have incorporated the concept of a “hostile work environment” into anti-bias law.

The list goes on, but if you’re gay, you have not been covered by Title VII unless you could prove that you were fired or harassed, not based on being gay, but based on not conforming to gender stereotypes. In other words, some effeminate men or masculine women might make a claim under Title VII, but, in general, sexual orientation was not in itself a protected category.

A couple of years ago, the EEOC formalized the increasingly accepted ban on gender stereotyping by ruling that trans bias was inherently an illegal form of sex discrimination. We found ourselves in the rare position where trans workers had more equality than regular old gay and lesbian employees. And as a result of that new policy, the EEOC led the charge by f iling several trans discrimination suits on its own initiative.

Now, the Commission, the agency charged with administering and enforcing Title VII, has ruled that sexual orientation is: “…inherently a ‘sex-based consideration,’ and an allegation of discrimination based on sexual orientation is necessarily an allegation of sex discrimination under Title VII…A com-

Quick quick. I had to write something fast because my word count was stuck at “666.” Bad karma.

Look, we need things like this EEOC breakthrough more than ever right now. We need them like I need an icy pineapple Margarita with a sugar rim, a desire that just popped into my head on this hot day like a brilliant idea from out of the blue. A little Los Abuelos, a little Cointreau, fresh pineapple juice, a squeeze of lime and an umbrella. A rainbow umbrella.

For example, we need discrimination protection because, as it now stands, self-insured companies in most states are not required to offer workplace benefits to the spouses of gay couples.

Yes, you read that right. Even with the right to marry now guaranteed by the Constitution, there is nothing in federal law that prevents a company from just saying no to health insurance for your husband or wife.

Few companies would consider such a blatantly prejudiced position, but guess which ones might? Conservative companies, who put their hands together, gaze up into the sky and call on self-derived divine mandates that trump basic decency.

Just the other day, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Eighth Circuit reinstated a case against Obamacare, brought by a Missouri state legislator and his wife. The couple claimed that they were being “forced” to accept health insurance that included free contraception in violation of their religious beliefs. If a claim this tenuous is deemed worthy of litigation, why shouldn’t a company be allowed to “express their religious opposition to same-sex marriage” by denying benefits to married gays? As long as we lack federal protection against discrimination, the answer is “there’s no reason.”

I’ve said this before, but remember that even the Supreme Court’s most recalcitrant justice, Samuel Alito, agreed that faith-based accommodations cannot involve violating civil rights laws. That’s great, as long as we’re covered under those laws, which we’re not.

I read that GLBT activists are crafting a new piece of gay rights legislation that will supplant the Employment Nondiscrimination Act and offer broader protections in housing and public accommodation as well as in the workplace. On verra.

Nazis? Really?

Did you read about the gay baker who went to bat for all those Christian bakers who refuse to make our cakes?

Jesse Bartholomew posted a video on Facebook that took issue with activists who have stood up to discrimination:

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“There’s no other bakers out there?” he asked. “It’s plain and simple: you are bullying someone, you are forcing someone, you are being a Nazi and forcing someone to bake a damn wedding cake for you when there are hundreds of other gays and lesbians that would gladly have your business.

Shame on you.”

First of all, few arguments are advanced by accusing one’s adversary of being a Nazi, unless he or she is an actual Nazi, like, for example, the little old man with the accent who lives alone down the street and can’t account for his whereabouts between 1939 and 1945. Second, no one forced anyone to actually make a cake. They sued them under state law for refusing service based on sexual orientation. Last, of course people will go to friendly wedding purveyors! No one wants the rightwing photographer at their wedding; no one wants the conservative Christian caterer spitting in the food at the reception. We just want accountability for those who break civil rights law at our expense.

Shame on you, Mr. Bartholomew, for your dimwitted attack on your gay brothers and sisters, which by the way is being praised up and down the fringe right media.

Meanwhile, don’t shed too many tears for those bankrupt bakers. Sweet Melissa’s Cakes (or whatever she’s called) has reportedly picked up several hundred thousand bucks in crowd funding money from her allies on the right.

And I also read that the antigay pizza parlor in Indiana cashed $800,000 in donations, although I’m not sure I believe that.

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I still like the idea of green lighting discrimination as long as you post a large sign in your window and on your website saying clearly that, for religious reasons, you do not accept gay or lesbian customers. Have your cake. And enjoy the 20 percent of the public who will still do business with you.

Oh, not really.

Pathetic Scott I don’t want to go near the GOP primary race, but I have to mention Scott Walker, who told the press that the Boy Scout’s ban on gay scoutmasters was a good idea because it “protects children.” “Oops!” as Rick Perry would say. The creepy Wisconsin governor, who looks to me like one of the bad guys on Criminal Minds, quickly backtracked and explained that the ban protected children, not from predatory gay men, but from the debate over gay rights itself. Uh. Okay.

I didn’t think the GOP candidate pool could get any slimier than it did last time around, but the Republicans have outdone themselves.

So what else is new, you might ask?

There’s a new gay gene study of 400 or so gay brothers, maybe 800, I forget. Anyway, it indicated again that gay men have similar irregularities in certain areas of their chromosomes.

It shouldn’t matter one bit whether being gay is genetic. I think it is, but even if it’s not, sexual orientation should not be a moral issue, period.

Personally, I was convinced by the ring finger test for lesbianism. You remember that, right? Lesbians have longer ring fingers than index fingers.

Straight women have the reverse. Try it on your friends. It almost always works. Plus, there’s a physiological connection of some sort between hormones in the womb and finger length, so it’s not as random as it seems.

Oh, and someone else has written yet another essay on polygamy, this one in the New York Times. Question: Of all (continued on page 26)

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BAY T IM ES JULY 23, 2015

19

Humanity’s Shadow Is on the New Horizon other direction. If you wish to free yourself by consciously engaging with your shadow, simply become aware of your judgments of others.

Within these judgments are the buried treasures of your own wholeness.

You will know if you have taken ownership when you are filled with compassion and love...even for your enemies.

Astrology Linda Amburgey In astrology, Pluto is associated with Hades, the God of the Underworld.

The underworld serves as a coping mechanism where we unknowingly stuff all of the fragments of ourselves that are too painful or too hard to allow into our consciousness. But everything we repress, hide, or deny comes up in our shadows, and often gets its expression through projections. As New Horizon is sending us unprecedented pictures of the shadow keeper, we are collectively bringing light and awareness to this uncomfortable realm.

Humanity is so avoidant of Pluto’s domain that, not long ago, we tried to deny Pluto its rightful place in our collective psyche by denying it full status in our solar system. The futile effort to ignore the things that we disown is now swinging in the

ARIES (March 21–April 19) It is time to bring more awareness to your internal struggle between a role you have adopted around your work identity, and the call from within your gut to express a more tender and vulnerable you.

One of the two has been accepted as your true self, while the other has been shoved into the dark. Only you can decide if you need more lion or lamb.

TAURUS (April 20 –May 20) Opening your communication channels beyond your current capacity requires that you speak feely without inner censorship. As the more tender side of your expression bubbles to the surface, it is likely that you will struggle to keep the deeper vulnerable feeling down. Do your best to release what you can, as uncharted inner joy will meet you.

GEMINI (May 21–June 20) The shadow side of family re-

lationships is popping up like acne on a teenager’s face. There is an imperative to fight your way through the entanglement so the integrity of your own distinct self can be fully known.

Those who are not invested in keeping you snarled in the enmeshment will see and celebrate you like never before!

CANCER ( June 21–July 22) Look closely at the relationships that repel you, and let yourself go wild with judgment and criticism until you are out of breath.

After exhausting yourself, take a good long look in the mirror until you can see each and every one of those disowned traits within yourself. The results will astound you.

LEO ( July 23–August 22) This is such a beautiful time to shine with all of your natural colors, but you will need to open your dream self to its widest aperture in order to assimilate the judgmental voices that are materializing out of thin air. Resist all temptations to swing your sword wildly in a futile effort to quell the irritating demons.

Rather, invite their messages with intense and deliberate curiosity.

VIRGO (August 23–September 22) You will witness much drama and struggle in your community this month. Pace yourself with the amount of time you are

willing to invest in this ring of fire.

Realize that your most reliable and interesting friends right now are the ones whom you cannot actually see with literal eyes, or feel with your other four physical senses.

LIBRA (September 23– October 22) Don’t throw the white flag of surrender onto the playing field too soon. Although you are the zodiac diplomat, sometimes there is value in a good fight. The current of this conflict carries a truth that can only be discovered with intense pressure from the opposing poles. Your role is to be authentically and fiercely engaged with your emotions.

SCORPIO (October 23– November 21) Don’t be alarmed if you f ind the world ref lecting an image back to you that is completely misaligned with how you are actually experiencing yourself. You are the keeper of the book of shadows for humanity, and everyone is peering through your archetype, reading their own chapters in a movement toward wholeness.

SAGITTARIUS (November 22–December 21) It is important for you to take a journey with the intention of having fun.

Just know that while you were packing your bags, a few family shadows

jumped aboard like bed bugs. They will be impossible to eradicate, so ask them what they need, and then try to show them the lighter side of life.

CAPRICORN (December 22– January 19) As much as you would like to have a little mid summer fun with your family and beloved, someone in the clan will keep throwing gasoline on a fire you thought was extinguished. This irritant will help you to clarify your needs, which are not that easy for you to realize.

Sometimes anger helps us draw important and necessary boundaries.

AQUAR IUS ( Januar y 20 – February 18) They say that the body never lies. If this is true, you must occupy your body in order to be present to the truth. You are being called to make big decisions within your partnerships, and these important steps cannot be led by your head.

Trust your God-given vehicle to signal the highest and truest path.

PISCES (February 19–March 20) Let work and play begin to mingle until you are unable to tell them apart. Compartmentalizing for the sake of security will no longer serve your soul. You may have to peel away layers of unneeded fears that have been handed down your line for generations. You will free a little bit of your ancestors’ souls with every fierce step you take for yourself.

Linda Amburgey has owned Crystal Way Metaphysical Center for 11 years, and has been an Intuitive Reader for 20 years. To book readings, on-going counseling for couples or individuals, events and parties, please e-mail her at ConsciousCounsel@gmail.com or call 415-218-5096.

As Heard on the Street . . . Why do you think that a woman has not been elected president?

compiled by Rink

Linda Scaparotti

Deb Kinney

Willi Wolf

Dawn Ackerman

Audrey deLucia

“Sexism!”

“It is why there has never been a woman on the dollar bill, but it’s coming.”

“Americans were hoping the men would do that job.”

“It is only in my lifetime that women have been respected for their ability to work as well as raise children. We will have a woman president soon.”

“The country has not been ready until now.”

Steven Underhill

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The pope says we must treat Earth as we treat our mothers and sisters. Oy. We are so fracked.

Arts & Entertainment Do I Sound Gay? Explores Male Vocal Effeminateness

By Gary M. Kramer Filmmaker David Thorpe thinks he “sounds gay.” So he made a documentary, Do I Sound Gay?, which chronicles him hiring speech and voice coaches to help him lose his sibilant S, gain confidence, and get rid of his vocal effeminateness. His film nimbly chronicles this mission, and features clips of Paul Lynde and Boys in the Band, as well as interviews with Dan Savage and David Sedaris, among others to address queer stereotypes, adjusting/covering, camp, “performing gayness” and even the advantages of sounding gay.

Thorpe recently talked via Skype with me for the San Francisco Bay Times about Do I Sound Gay?

Gary M. Kramer: You describe being “out of sync” with your voice and feeling a lack of confidence. Why do you—and so many other gay men (and women)—associate those feelings with sexuality?

David Thorpe: When I was growing up, I was made to feel that gay people were worthless. When I am vulnerable or insecure, it automatically connects to my sexual orientation—that part of my worthlessness comes from being gay. That’s what happens in the beginning of the film and in my life.

I’m single, middle aged and unlovable: What’s wrong with me? One of the answers is: You’re a fag. I don’t rationally believe that, but when you grow up with that notion drilled into you for so many years, it’s a reflex.

Gary M. Kramer: Do you think your film breaks down or reinforces queer stereotypes?

David Thorpe: I hope it breaks down stereotypes. I have a straight guy who sounds gay and a gay guy who sounds straight. But it’s about embracing who you are and your femininity. It’s time to re-appropriate the feminine stereotype. I’m not the only person celebrating gay femininity, but I had to learn to re-embrace my own femininity.

Gary M. Kramer: Why do you think there is such shame associated with feminine-sounding men?

David Thorpe: I think men feel anxiety about feeling effeminate because we live in a sexist culture that devalues women and men who have feminine traits. We’re on the cusp of change, but it will take a couple more generations for widespread change.

Gary M. Kramer: You emphasize and even embrace the visibility of gay icons like Paul Lynde and Liberace,

but also seem to be rejecting this kind of behavior in your own life. Isn’t that talking out of both sides of your mouth?

David Thorpe: That’s the journey of the film. When I began the project, I was keenly aware of not wanting to be flamboyant anymore, because I felt it was a reason why I was alone and unhappy. I wanted to be really honest about those feelings. I’m not the only one who has them. I was out for 20 years, and an AIDS activist, and I was still not comfortable with it.

Maybe I needed to be a different kind of person? At the same time, I didn’t think that I could learn to accept myself in middle age. I felt like I was cooked. It was just as valid a path to change, the way gay men go to the gym or dress to be more masculine. I didn’t think there was anything wrong with shaping my voice. I knew that that was coming from a place of shame. I went down both paths simultaneously, but it was answering all the questions about why people sound gay and hearing other’s stories, and looking at our culture. I found a path I didn’t know was out there for me.

Gary M. Kramer: How did you respond, growing up, to kids who were effeminate sounding?

David Thorpe: When I was growing up, I wanted to reach out to feminine boys, but I stayed far away because I knew that effeminacy was “catching,” and the safest thing to do was to not hang around effeminate boys, and boys who sounded gay.

Gary M. Kramer: You are told in the film that you started sounding “more gay” after you came out. Did you recognize an increase in that behavior around that time as well?

David Thorpe: I think that everything about me got gayer. But I think my voice was probably what changed most, and certainly my friends noticed it. When voices sound gayer, it rankles people. The voice is an essential part of who someone is. When it’s changed, people wonder why.

Gary M. Kramer: You hired speech pathologists and voice coaches to change your voice. Did you feel that was a good investment?

David Thorpe: It was a great investment at the time, because it helped me get in touch with my voice, and sound more authentically myself, but I don’t need to do it anymore. When I’m relaxed now, my larynx settles into vocal home base, and I hang out in that place, which gives me the most ease. If you are uncomfortable with your voice, you should find out why that is, and find out how to use the one you have. © 2015 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 JULY 23, 2015

21

SF Pride Announces Parade Award Winners On Tuesday, SF Pride announced the recipients of this year’s 2015 Pride Parade Awards. The San Francisco Bay Times/Betty’s List contingent is honored to be among the winners! Thanks again to everyone who participated in our group, which was named an “Absolutely Fabulous Musical Contingent.” Thanks also to the Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence for assembling a diverse panel of judges, and to Kevin Yoza who videotaped all of the contingents for SF Pride. (You can see those clips over at YouTube.)

Our contingent’s theme this year was Women’s Music, in honor of the 40th anniversary of the National Women’s Music Festival and the Michigan Womyn’s Music Festival. We had the most Women’s Music stars ever to appear, and perform, in a Pride Parade contingent!

We loved being in the Parade again, and congratulate all of the other winners in the following categories:

Absolutely Fabulous Marching Contingent (Two or more people walking, marching, no float or vehicle) San Francisco Lesbian/Gay Freedom Band Latinos de Ambiente Asexual Visibility and Education Network Univision University of San Francisco Absolutely Fabulous Musical Contingent (Group with live music, chorus or music as an important element) Macy’s URJ Camp Newman Batala San Francisco San Francisco Bay Times/Betty’s List San Francisco Department of Public Health Absolutely Fabulous Theme Contingent (Who best incorporates the theme “Equality Without Exception”) PFLAG

Absolutely Fabulous (Great emotional content, message or outstanding presentation)

AIDS Housing Alliance

Scouts for Equality, Golden Gate Chapter

Straights for Gay Rights

Black Brothers Esteem Bay Area American Indian Two Spirits

Hospice by the Bay Transgender Law Center

And last but not least, the 2015 nominees for Absolutely Fabulous Overall Contingent are:

San Francisco Ducal Court Project Open Hand

Straights for Gay Rights

Absolutely Outrageous (The unexpected, over the top, brilliant, unique)

Kamala Harris, CA Attorney General

AIDS Emergency Fund / Breast Cancer Emergency Fund

Latinos de Ambiente

Rhythm and Motion Dance Program and ODC School Batala San Francisco

United in Spirit City of Oakland and Oakland Pride with Libby Schaaf, Mayor Youth Pride Coalition/Next Generation Scholars ACLU of Northern California Absolutely Fabulous Street Act (Best routine, skit, props, creative, crowd response) Rhythm and Motion Dance Program and ODC School San Francisco LGBT Community Center Atheist Groups of the Bay Area Buddhist Church of San Francisco Imperial Council of San Francisco, Inc.

How You Can Vote Each year, our community gets the opportunity to vote for this honor, so be sure to do so! All votes must be received by 11:59pm Pacific Daylight Time on August 21, 2015, to be counted. To vote, please visit this page: http://www.sfpride.org/parade/paradeawards.html Then, check back after August 29 to learn the outcome chosen by you and others.

2015 PRIDE Judges

Fitness SF Trainer Tip of the Month From Fitness SF Fillmore trainer Ricardo Yalli:

“Do eccentric, concentric and static core exercises to avoid back pain and to develop strength in your workouts.”

•••••••••••••••• More News, Stories, and Arts & Entertainment online @sfbaytimes.com 22

BAY TIMES JULY 2 3 , 2 0 1 5

Troy Macfarland of Fitness SF will be providing monthly tips he’s learned from his colleagues who are professional trainers at local gyms.

He can be reached at tmacfarland@fitnesssf.com

Round About - Elton: The Sing-Along DR. TIMOTHY SEELIG, ARTISTIC DIRECTOR & CONDUCTOR

The handsome men of the San Francisco Gay Men’s Chorus wrapped up the historic Chorus’ 37th season with rollicking sing-along concerts on June 26 and 27 featuring the music of Sir Elton John. The Nourse Theater was alive with electrifying performances by Chorus members as well as joyful voices during audience sing-along numbers including some of Sir Elton’s most beloved tunes.

The June 26 show, performed on the day of the U.S. Supreme Court decision announcement, began with comments by Dr. Timothy Seelig, SFGMC Artistic Director and Conductor, who was received by the audience with a standing ovation.

GARETH GOOCH PHOTOGRAPHY

Breanna Sinclaire, the first transgender singer to earn a Master of Vocal Performance degree from the San Francisco Conservatory of Music, appeared as guest artist, performed “Elaborate Lives” as a duet with Chorus member Carl Pantle, and “Shadowland” and “Can You Feel the Love Tonight” from The Lion King.

SPECIAL TO SAN FRANCISCO BAY TIMES GARETH GOOCH PHOTOGRAPHY

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Additional highlights were performances by The Chorus of Elton John’s “American Triangle,” written in memory of Matthew Shepard following his murder in 1998, and “The Last Song,” the final song in the 1998 film And The Band Played On, which was the first song composed to benefit the Elton John AIDS Foundation.

BAY T IM ES JULY 23, 2015

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See many more Calendar items @ www.sfbaytimes.com

compiled by Robert Fuggiti

• 23 : T HURSDAY

San Francisco Jewish Film Festival - Jewish Film Institute. $295.Various times. (Participating Theaters in San Francisco) This year’s lineup includes 70 films from 16 countries with 10 big night programs featuring music, history, food, art and love. July 23 through August 9. www.sfjff.org LGBT Two-Step – Sundance Saloon. $5. 6:30 pm to 10:30 pm.

(550 Barneveld Ave.) Learn to twostep at an LGBT country-western dance night. www.sundancesaloon.org Up Your Alley Fair History SF LGBT Community Center. Free.

7 pm. (1800 Market St.) Discover the history of Folsom’s “Dirty Little Brother,” the alley on which it began, and its place in the transition of leather titles from porn, parties and beer to fundraising and community service. www.sfcenter.org

• 24 : F RIDAY

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

6 pm to 8:45 pm. (50 Hagiwara Tea Garden Dr.) Enjoy the museum in a fun, festive and dynamic atmosphere with live music and cocktails. www.deyoung.famsf.org Divas Anyone? - Freight & Savage. $22. 7 pm. (2020 Addison St.) The Oakland-East Bay Gay Men’s Chorus announces its Summer Pops concert series “Divas, Anyone?” under the direction of Carl Pantle. Also July 26. www.thefreight.org The Desk Set - Exit Theatre. $20.

8 pm. (156 Eddy St.) A clever comedy about four women researchers

“Thoroughly Modern Millie “will be at The Randall Museum Theatre July 31 through August 2. who find their careers threatened by technological advancements that produce a machine capable of replacing them. Through July 25. www.theexit.org

• 25 : S ATURDAY

The Medium - Cowell Theater. $65. 2 pm. (2 Marina Blvd.) Blurring the lines between reality and the supernatural, Menotti creates a triangle between the mystical, love, and tragedy in The Medium. Also July 23. www.fortmason.org Don’t Stop Me - Malonga Casquelourd Center for the Arts.

$28. 7 pm. (1428 Alice St.) Youth Musical Theater Company presents the world premier of its award-winning musical, Don’t Stop Me. Through July 26. www.ymtberkeley.org Detroit - Aurora Theatre Company. $33-$50. 8 pm. (2081 Addison St.) A comical satire about surviving the deflating economic times. Through July 26. www.auroratheatre.org

• 26 : S UNDAY

Up Your Alley - Dore Alley.

Free. 11 am. (Dore St at Folsom St.) An annual festival for leathermen and fetish enthusiasts. www.folsomstreetevents.org Poetry Reading - AWE Gallery.

Free. 2 pm to 4 pm. (678 Portola Dr.) Join AWE Gallery for a Poetry Reading celebrating the current exhibit Hola! Cuba. www.awegallery.com Help is on the Way XXI: Hollywood Glam - Palace of Fine Arts. $150. 6 pm. (3301 Lyon St.) An evening of fabulous fun to raise funds to support Meals On Wheels of San Francisco’s programs that provide food for seniors and other home-bound individuals. www.reaf-sf.org

• 27 : M ONDAY

30 Years of Collecting Art That Tells Our Stories – GLBT History Museum. Free. 11 am to 7 pm. (4127 18th St.) You’re invited to the opening of 30 Years of Collecting Art That Tells Our Stories, a new exhibition by guest curator Elisabeth Cornu. www. glbthistory.org Portraits and Other Likenesses – Museum of the African Diaspora. $10. 11 am to 6 pm. (685 Mission St.) A unique exhibit bringing together approximately 50 carefully selected artworks that explore the dynamic role of portraiture in modern and contemporary art. Through 24

BAY TIMES JULY 2 3 , 2 0 1 5

October 11.www.moadsf.org LGBT Sangha – SF LGBT Center. Free. 5:30 pm to 6:30 pm.

(1800 Market St.) All are welcome to join for a mindful meditation and spiritual practice. www.sfcenter.org

• 28 : T UESDAY

Make Contact & Open House - GGBA. Free for membrers/$20 non-members. 5 pm.

(3711 19th Ave.) The Golden Gate Business Association invites you to stop by to eat, drink, network and take a tour. www.ggba.chambermaster.org Summer of the Arts Contemporary Jewish Museum.

Free for members. 6 pm. (736 Mission St.) Join ArtPoint (Fine Arts Museums of San Francisco), Bravo!

Club (San Francisco Opera), ENCORE! (San Francisco Ballet), and Symphonix (San Francisco Symphony) to celebrate young professional arts groups in the community. www.sfopera.com Freight Open Mic - Freight & Savage. $7. 7:30 pm. (2020 Addison St.) An open mic night for all, with solo and group performances. www.thefreight.org

• 29 : W EDNESDAY

Democratic Club Unity Mixer - Madrone Art Bar. Freee. 6 pm. (500 Divisadero St.) The District 5 Democratic Club is proud to announce their 2015 Democratic Club Unity Mixer. www.d5dems.org

Last Drag - SF LGBT Center.

Free. 7 pm. (1800 Market St.) The Last Drag is a free quit smoking class for LGBT and HIV positive smokers who are ready to become nonsmokers. www.sfcenter.org Top Girls – Shotgun Players. $20.

8 pm. (1901 Ashby Ave., Berkeley) Caryl Churchill’s timeless masterpiece Top Girls asks all the right questions about the struggle to

“have it all.” Through August 2. www.shotgunplayers.org

• 3 0 : T HURSDAY

Lesbians of Color Discussion Group – Pacific Center. Free. 7 pm to 9 pm. (2712 Telegraph Ave., Berkeley) Network and social with women discussing a range of various topics. www.pacificcenter.org What Ever Werx - Stage Werx. $15. 7:30 pm. (446 Valencia St.) A variety cabaret show happening only once a month. www. stagewerx.org Chocolate Art Show SOMArts Cultural Center. $15. 8 pm. (934 Brannan St.) Indulge yourself in some of San Francisco’s finest up-and-coming artists, photographers and creators. Also July 31. www.chocolateandartshow2015. eventbrite.com

• 31 : F RIDAY

Friday Night Market - United Nations Plaza. Free. 5 pm. (Market St. and Hyde St.) The Night Market attracts nearby workers, neighborhood residents, students and visitors alike to spend Friday evenings eating, drinking, shopping, dancing and listening to music in the historic plaza. www.fridaynightmarketsf.org Thoroughly Modern Millie The Randall Museum Theatre. $15.

7:30 pm. (155 Museum Way) Based on the 1967 film Thoroughly Modern Millie, tells the story of a smalltown girl, Millie Dillmount, who comes to New York City in search of money, not love. July 31 through August 2. www.yptmtc.org Cheaper Than Therapy Shelton Theater. $10. 10 pm. (533 Sutter St.) An evening of stand up comedy featuring comedians Eloisa Bravo, Scott Simpson, and Jon Allen, along with a rotating selection of Bay Area comedians and visiting comics from LA, New York, and beyond. www.cttcomedy.com

Vintage Paper Fair - San Francisco County Fair Building.

Free. 10 am to 6 pm. (9th Ave. and Lincoln Way) The West Coast’s fineset selection of postcards, trade cards, and beatiful and interesting old paper. www.vintagepaperfair. com Reno Pride - Wingfield Park.

Free. 11 am to 6 pm. (Wingfield, Reno NV) Reno Gay Pride celebrates 19 years of making positive changes in the inclusive spirit of showcasing diversity and community spirit. www.renogaypride.com Barbara Higbie - Freight and Savage. $24. 8 pm. (2020 Addison St.) Berkeley’s Barbara Higbie is a master of piano and violin who combines technical brilliance with the pure joy of playing. www.thefreight.org

The Lemoncholy Life of Annie Aster Book Debut - Books Inc. Free. 6 pm. (2275 Market St.) The physics-bending charm of The Time Traveler’s Wife meets the curious mischief of The Eyre Affair in this unconventional and utterly enchanting debut novel. www.booksinc.com Breaking the Code – Eureka Theatre. $10. 8 pm. (215 Jackson St.) Breaking the Code by Hugh Whitemore is a gripping biographical drama about homosexual scientist Alan Turing. August 5-29. www.therhino.org

This A T August at The Market!

“Company” at San Francisco Playhouse August 2-12

August is live music month at the Castro Farmers’ Market! We have an array of local performers including Suzanne Holland, Mama Mia, Lily Holbrook, and Chris Clarke & Co. coming out. Stop by the market to enjoy some sweet summertime tunes!

We are excited to welcome FREE SPIRIT FARMS back to the market with organic blackberries!

NUCHA’S EMPANADAS is entering their second month at the market and the selection only gets better! Try their seasonal caprese empanada, or their sweet apple pie!

• 2 : S UNDAY

Sunday’s a Drag Brunch – The Starlight Room. $60. 12 pm.

(450 Powell St.) Join host Donna Sachet for an elegant brunch with lively entertainment and comedy. www.starlightroomsf.com

Tomatoes galore! Head over to NYIA YI for a wide selection of tomatoes; big, small, red, yellow...you can't go wrong!

MARKET MATCH! Don't forget to use your CalFresh dollars at the market and get a match up to $10 for additional money to spend on seasonal fruits and veggies.

Mary Chapin Carpenter Concert - Stern Grove Park. Free.

2 pm. (19th Ave. and Sloat Blvd.)

With five Grammy awards, 13 albums, and over 13 million records sold, few female artists have a career as acclaimed as Mary Chapin Carpenter. www.sterngrove.org

pcfma.com/castro

1.800.949.FARM F

fb.com/castrofarmersmarket

DESIGN : LOGOMAN : logomantotherescue.com

• 1 : S ATURDAY

pm to 12:45 pm. (100 Larkin St.) All are welcome to join this weekly meditation group for inner peace and calmness. www.sfpl.org.

Company - SF Playhouse. $20. 2 pm. (450 Post St.) Steven Sondheim’s game-changing musical, is a sophisticated and honest look at modern, adult relationships.

Through September 12. www.sfplayhouse.org

• 3 : M ONDAY

GGBA Events Committee Illy Coffee. Free for GGBA members. 7:30 am to 9 am. (2349 Market St.) Members of GGBA are invited to join a planning committee for future events. www.ggba.org Creepshow Camps - The Hypnodrome. $475. 9 am to 3 pm.

(575 10th St.) Young devotees of Horror, Sci-Fi and Suspense have a summer camp to call their own!

August 3-14. www.creepshowcamp.com

Fingersnap Media Arts 415-370-3014 www.fingersnaps.net djlamont@fingersnaps.net Certified LGBT local business enterprise

Faux Real - Shotgun Players. $15$20. 8 pm. (1901 Ashby Ave., Berkeley) Faux Real revels in the tension between the glamour of performance and the intimacy of presence. www.shutgunplayers.org

• 4 : T UESDAY

The News - SOMArts. Free. 7:30 pm. (934 Brannan St.) On the first Tuesday of each month The News, presented by SOMArts Cultural Center, features new, queer work by Bay Area artists. www.somarts.org Bethany - Shotgun Players. $15$20. 8 pm. (1901 Ashby Ave., Berkeley) Enjoy a dramatic stage reading with bold action and riveting drama. Also August 3. www.shotgunplayers.org Matilda the Musical Orpheum Theatre. $45-$120. 8 pm.

(1192 Market St.) The Tony Awardwinning Matilda the Musical is the story of an extraordinary girl who dreams of a better life. Through August 15. www.shnsf.com

• 5 : W EDNESDAY Meditation Group – San Francisco Public Library. Free. 12

A program of The Richmond/Ermet AIDS Foundation

Resource Guide to over 250 SF LGBT nonprofits, arts and athletic groups and their events BAY T IM ES JULY 23, 2015

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ROSTOW (continued from page 19) your friends and acquaintances, have you ever met three people who were all in love with each other and maintained a household together for ten or twenty years? Five years? I’m sure there are a few anomalies out there.

But hundreds of thousands? Where’s my Margarita?

Freedom to Marry Happily Out of Business I’ve rung the bell for Myrtille several times, and, as usual, she has failed to appear. Just because she’s an imaginary maid servant, she believes she can come and go as she pleases and considers her duties voluntary at best. It’s infuriating. Jacques is just as bad. I asked for that Margarita two hours ago, and he claimed we were out of Cointreau and he had to run to the liquor store. But how long does that take? It’s ten minutes away, for God’s sake.

So, Evan Wolfson, the head of Freedom to Marry, announced that his organization would wrap up operations after 12 years waging the fight to win marriage equality. Most organizations, particularly successful ones, can’t bring themselves to shut the doors even after institutional goals are met. Congratulations and admiration are due to Wolfson and his colleagues, who have posted a touching video in tribute to all of those who fought for, and finally won, the freedom to marry.

And guess what, everyone? I stumbled upon a deranged lesbian item just in time! Annette Kielhurn, 57, of St. Petersburg, Florida, was arrested over the July 19th weekend after she attacked her ex-girlfriend with a dildo in front of police.

Girlfriend Gamze Capaner-Ridley, 47, was retrieving her possessions from their shared home under police supervision. Earlier, Capaner-Ridley had charged Kielhurn with domestic violence. A fight broke out over a dress, which Kielhurn grabbed out of Capaner-Ridley’s hand. She then hit Capaner-Ridley in the face with a dildo, and was arrested for her troubles, charged with a misdemeanor and released on $500 bail. Kielhurn previously served three years in prison after being found passed out in a car that contained 25 kilos of cocaine. I know, I know. It would make more sense if she had been wide-awake, talking about the great idea she had for an Internet start-up.

Finally! Jacques is back! arostow@aol.com

SISTER DANA (continued from page 15) men and hot women. Nearly 15,000 fellow leatherfolk and fetish enthusi asts engage in BDSM play at over 50 adult vendor spaces. Here you will find spanking, punching, whips and floggers, bondage, domination and submission, creative watersports, toys, and so much more. Info and live entertainment lineup is at folsomstreetevents.org THE RICHMOND/ERMET AID FOUNDATION presents HELP IS ON THE WAY XXI – HOLLYWOOD GLAM, REAF’s 21st Annual Gala benefiting Meals on Wheels of San Francisco & San Francisco AIDS

Foundation, Sunday, July 26th, 7:30pm, (VIP party at 5pm), Palace of Fine Arts. Featured stars include Loretta Devine, Contantine Maroulis, John Lloyd Young, Carole Cook, Susan Anton, Jai Rodriguez, Jake Simpson, and Paula West. reaf.org Sister Dana sez, “This is the final showdown to stop Repugnicans from starting a war with Iran. The United States, Iran, and five other world powers announced a historic deal to dramatically curb Iran’s nuclear program in exchange for easing international sanctions on Iran. Repugnicans are trying to sabotage the

SF Bay Times contributors Sister Dana and Rev. Elizabeth Rivers at the Pride Parade

deal, put us back on the path to confrontation with Iran and start a war – but they can’t do it unless Democrats help them.”

WEDDINGS (continued from page 17) observed: “They had learned to live with their heads down so long. And now they don’t have to live with their heads down.”

We end with the haunting and urgent words of Leelah Alcorn, the 17-yearold transgender youth who committed suicide late last year and stated in her suicide note she published online that she did so because she saw no hope of being able to live as her authentic self.

Leelah recounted that when she

revealed to her mother that she had felt “like a girl trapped in a boy’s body” since she was four years old, her mom’s saying she was “wrong” made her “hate” herself. According to Leelah, she lived in a conservative Christian family and community that did not support her, and she suffered under loneliness, hopelessness, and depression. Upon her death, Leelah wrote: “The only way I will rest in peace is if one day transgender people aren’t treated the way I was, they’re treated

like humans, with valid feelings and human rights.”

nered the support of 52 senators, including seven Republicans. While activists say they are disappointed that the Senate failed to act to explicitly protect LGBT children in our nation’s public schools from discrimination, it is, they say, encouraging that a bipartisan majority of senators came together in support of the idea that all children, regardless of who they are, deserve the right to learn in an environment that is safe and free from the fear of discrimination looming over their heads. The fight for explicit protection for LGBT students under federal law will continue. aclu.org

paperwork requirement necessary for discharge upgrades and for service members to initiate a review; and opens discharge upgrades for the estimated 100,000 service members discharged for their sexual orientation prior to the implementation of Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell. outserve.org

Equal dignity in the eyes of the law, our families, our communities, our religions, our society, and ourselves.

John Lewis and Stuart Gaffney, together for three decades, were plaintiffs in the California case for equal marriage rights decided by the California Supreme Court in 2008. They are leaders in the nationwide grassroots organization Marriage Equality USA.

NEWS (continued from page 11)

Wednesdays: what’s for dinner? $10 DINNER

SPECIAL MENU Michael & Wendy invite you to come for dinner at Sweet Inspiration $10 special price does not include drinks and dessert.

Sweet Inspiration Bakery Cafe

2239 Market Street, San Francisco 415/621-8664 sweetinspirationbakery.com 26

BAY TIMES JULY 2 3 , 2 0 1 5

then spread to the structure. hoodline.com Castro Starbucks’ Outdoor Seating Removed After Permit Issue The Castro Starbucks has temporarily lost their outdoor seating, after receiving a warning from the City due to a lapse in their permit. After failing to submit their outdoor seating permit, they had to remove the furniture following a warning from the City of San Francisco and a subsequent ticket on Thursday, July 16. On July 20, an agent of Starbucks delivered the check to the City with a request for the permit. If all goes well, they will then have to post a notice of intent for 10 days. After the 10 days they can then apply and receive their permit. Once they have the permit, they will return the furniture immediately.

The removal (even temporary) of outdoor seating is unusual for the neighborhood, where outdoor areas for diners and drinkers have proliferated of late. hoodline.com Senate Votes, Fails to Pass Nondiscrimination Protections for LGBT Students The U.S. Senate voted on an amendment, the Student NonDiscrimination Act, to explicitly protect LGBT students in public schools across the country. While the amendment, which was offered by Senator Al Franken (D-Minn.), fell short of the required 60-vote threshold, it gar-

Restore Honor to Service Members Act Introduced United States Representatives Mark Pocan (D-WI) and Charles Rangel (D-NY) joined by United States Senators Brian Schatz (D-HI) and Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY) introduced the Restore Honor to Service Members Act. This legislation is being introduced to help service members discharged for no other reason than their sexual orientation to correct their military record to reflect their honorable service. More specifically, this legislation accomplishes several key items: It codifies the current Department of Defense policy as it pertains to service members discharged under Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell to correct their records to reflect honorable service; ensures that the appeals process remains open, available and accessible to service members; simplifies the

Lyon-Martin Seeks Primary Care Nurse Practitioner Lyon-Martin currently has an open position for a primary care nurse practitioner as an opportunity for someone who wants to work in a mission-driven community setting seeing patients as a part of a supportive care team. All primary care providers work collaboratively as part of a team consisting of talented and dedicated medical assistants, mental health providers, patient care coordinators and registered nurses to provide patients with comprehensive quality healthcare that addresses both biomedical and psychosocial needs. The core responsibilities include a high degree of interpersonal competence with both staff and patients and evidencebased approaches to routine preventive care, chronic disease management, contraceptive technologies and gender transition-related care. They will also have opportunities to use new technologies in healthcare, such as EClinical Works EHR and San Francisco General Hospital’s Lifetime Clinical Record. lyon-martin.org

Round About - All Over Town

Photos by RINK

Frameline’s Frances Wallace and Desiree Buford displayed the Frameline coordinator Alex Albers thanked the volunteer captains during the “Magic Mike XXL” cap at the Frameline Volunteer Appreciation annual Frameline Film Festival Volunteer Appreciation Party.

Party held at the Stud on July 8.

Frog Hollow Farm’s Kristen served peach slice samples at the Castro Farmers Market on July 15.

Artist Alexander Nowik discussed the themes in his watercolor artwork during a salon at the home of patron Willi Wolf.

Vicki Christina and Vicky Blanco of the Vicki Christina Band with Bobby Blue and Chris James Walker of the Promise Kings Band at Smack Dab’s open mic at Magnet on July 15

Board member Matthew Denckla modeled while executive director Steve Gibson discussed the t-shirt distributed on July 9 at Magnet’s 12th Anniversary Party.

Bartender Mooni Patel, Bridegmen’s Jared Donna Sachet with friends at Magnet’s 12th Anniversary Party Donna Sachet with Magnet’s Steve Gibson at Hemming and bartenders Bing Wu and Doro Magnet’s 12th Anniversary Party Shin at the 12th Anniversary party at Magnet

The audience at Magnet’s 12th Anniversary Party

The anniversary cake from the Cake Gallery at Magnet’s 12th Anniversary Party.

The SF AIDS Foundation’s Tim Patriarca and Steven Tierney with Magnet’s Steve Gibson at Magnet’s 12th Anniversary Party Former emperor and charity fundraiser John Weber Magnet’s Steve Gibson (second from right) with barwith Smack Dab co-host Dana Hopkins at Magnet’s tenders Sounitru, Courtney Greene and Gary Keener 12th Anniversary Party. at Magnet during Mike Shriver’s photography show party.

Sister Pansies, Mike Shriver and Sister Jane D’Oh at Mike Shriver’s Sisters photography show at Magnet. Mike was recognized for his work at the AIDS Grove, SF AIDS Foundation, the Castro Country Club, ACT UP and Queer Nation, AIDS funding groups and his former job as SF AIDS Czar.

Mike Shriver (center) and his friends from the AIDS Memorial Grove: Damron’s Gina Gattta, Marge Bone, Marsha Raulston and Erika O’Sonner at Mike’s photography show, Sisters, at Magnet

Michael, Damron’s Gina Gatta and Magnet board member Matthew Denckla at Mike Shriver’s photography show at Magnet

Sister Jane D’Oh with Mike Shriver at his photography show opening, Sisters, at Magnet

A memorial and celebration of life to ACT UP’s activists of the 1980s and 1990s placed at 18th and Castro Street. The posters Alice co-chair Brian Leubitz with Andrea Shortwere carried in a march as part of the “ACT UP Fought Back: 25th Anniversary of the Sixth International AIDS Conference” held in Susan Bluer, Martha Knutzena and Fran Kipnis at the Alice B Tok- er and Lubov Smith at the Alice B Toklas LGBT las LGBT Democratic Club’s Pride Breakfast on June 28 Democratic Club on June 28 San Francisco during June.

Alice B Toklas LGBT Democratic Club co-chairs Zoe Dunning and Brian Leubitz with Attorney General Kamala Harris (center) at the Alice Club’s annual Pride Breakfast on June 28 BAY T IM ES JULY 23, 2015

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