San Francisco Bay Times - July 21, 2016 by San Francisco Bay Times

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DEMOCRATIC NATIONAL COMMITTEE

July 21-August 3, 2016 | www.sfbaytimes.com

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In the News Compiled by Dennis McMillan GOP Platform Calls for End to Marriage Equality; Supports Conversion Therapy and ‘Religious Freedom’ Laws The Republican party will officially reject the June 2015 ruling by the U.S. Supreme Court legalizing same-sex marriage with a new plank that in the current draft calls for a reversal of Obergefell vs. Hodges: “We urge (the decision’s) reversal whether through judicial reconsideration or a constitutional amendment returning control over marriage to the states.” It continues, “Our laws and our government’s regulations should recognize marriage as the union of one man and one woman and actively promote married family life as the basis of a stable and prosperous society.” The GOP also includes new support for the so-called “religious freedom” laws, wildly popular in Southern conservative states, aimed at legally protecting businesses that deny services based on religious objections to same-sex marriage. The platform additionally calls for embracing harmful gay conversion therapy. There’s also a plank backing the congressional proposal to make that effort effective nationwide with the “First Amendment Defense Act.” lgbtqnation.com California’s Students Will Soon Learn More LGBT History in Schools The California State Board of Education voted unanimously on a new History-Social Science Framework that includes “a study of the role of contributions” of minority groups, including “lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender Americans.” LGBT content will be included in some elementary, middle and high school grades. In fourth grade, for example, students would learn about “the emergence of the nation’s first gay rights organizations in the 1950s,” the framework states, as well as struggles in California from the 1970s to the present day to affirm the right of gay people to teach and to get married. The vote comes after the passage of the Fair, Accurate, Inclusive and Respectful (FAIR) Education Act, a 2012 California law that requires better representation of the LGBT community—along with other minority groups—in history education. latimes.com Black Brothers Esteem to Celebrate 20th Anniversary Gala Strut, the 470 Castro Street center for gay/bi men’s health and well being, will on July 31 celebrate Black Brothers Esteem’s 20 years of work, and recognize the challenging, tireless efforts of its founding members. The evening will include awards for founding members, recognition of BBE’s work in the community, catered refreshments, a live DJ, giveaways to the first 100 people, and fun. BBE is the only program focused solely on black same-gender loving men in San Francisco and provides public health awareness, community engagement and HIV/AIDS prevention for gay, bisexual, same-gender loving, gendervariant and transgender individuals of African descent. sfaf.org Board of Supervisors Passes LGBT Data Collection Law Supervisor Scott Wiener and Assemblymember David Chiu joined with advocates to rally in advance of a Board of Supervisors committee hearing on Supervisor Wiener’s LGBT Data Collection legislation. The ordinance, which was unanimously approved, requires city departments and contractors providing health care and social services to seek, collect and analyze data con-

cerning the sexual orientation and gender identity of the clients they serve. Assemblymember Chiu has passed similar legislation to collect this data at the state level. By collecting this data, public agencies and non-profit partners will be able improve outreach and services for the LGBT community. The legislation was a recommendation by the LGBT Aging Policy Task Force, which was created by Supervisor Wiener and Supervisor David Campos in 2012. sfgov.org Transgender Economic Empowerment Initiative Changes Name, Services Launched in 2007 as TEEI (Transgender Economic Empowerment Initiative), the initiative has changed its name to Trans Employment Program to better reflect what it does and what it offers as the first city-funded program to help transgender and gender nonconforming people get back to work and address the economic barriers facing the community. The Trans Employment Program at the SF LGBT Community Center is a unique, collaborative program designed to help create inclusive workplaces and jobs for trans and GNC people. Despite recent trans visibility, trans and GNC communities face staggering rates of discrimination, homelessness, underemployment and unemployment. The program provides a wide range of services including job referrals and career coaching, navigating being out at work or transitioning on the job, resume review and managing references, hiring, and community event, mentoring, and legal help. transemploymentprogram.org Methodists Elect First Openly Queer Bishop in Defiance of Ban The Western District of the Methodist church has elected an openly gay bishop despite the denomination’s ban on same-sex relationships. Rev. Karen Oliveto was elected at a meeting in Scottsdale, Arizona, of the church’s Western Jurisdiction. Oliveto is pastor of Glide Memorial United Methodist Church in San Francisco. She is the first openly gay bishop in the 12.7 million-member denomination. The United Methodist Church is deeply divided over LGBT rights. Church law says same-gender relationships are “incompatible with Christian teaching.” But several regional districts are openly defying the prohibition by appointing gay clergy and allowing same-sex weddings in churches. Some instances have led to trials under the church legal system. Oliveto’s election could draw complaints that will prompt a review under church law. edgemedianetwork.com Cancer-Fighting Immunotherapy Shows Promise as HIV Treatment In a study published in the Journal of Virology, researchers from the UCLA AIDS Institute and from the Center for AIDS Research found that a type of immunotherapy that uses artificially-created immune T-cells to fight cancer cells may also help the body to kill cells infected with HIV-1. These artificially-created cells, known as chimeric antigen receptors, are designed to target and kill specific cells containing viruses or tumor proteins. Scientists tried this approach for HIV-1 infection in the late 1990s, but the study was “abandoned for a lack (continued on page 30) S AN F R ANC IS C O BAY T IM ES JULY 21, 2016

More LGBT Delegates Than Ever Expected to Attend 2016 DNC Organizers are expecting an unprecedented number of LGBT delegates to attend this year’s Democratic National Convention, with at least one such individual from each of the 50 states. The Bay Area will be represented by multiple out and proud LGBT politicians, including San Francisco Bay Times columnist Zoe Dunning (see story this page). Joining her will be Roberta Achtenberg, Evan Low, Joyce Newstat and others from our community. Numerous strong allies, such as Gavin Newsom, Dianne Feinstein and Kamala Harris, will also be attending. For a full list of the entire California Delegation, please go to: http:// www.cadem.org/our-party/body/OFFICIALCERTIFIED-Final.pdf

It is therefore no time to be complacent, or to give in to frustrations and refuse to vote or participate in the process.

We have come a long way since James Foster became the first openly gay person to address a national party convention, which happened in 1972. In 2012, there were 550 openly LGBT delegates at the DNC. In 2008, there were 350. Watching the 2016 Republican National Convention, which just ended, provided a disheartening reminder that not everyone in this country has “evolved,” to use President Obama’s term, in terms of LGBT acceptance, and acceptance of diversity in general.

Roberta Achtenberg

DNC delegates, organizers and leaders certainly stand in stark contrast to those at the RNC. While our community has achieved numerous gains under President Obama’s leadership, we are still lacking federal workplace

equal-protection laws for all states, full transgender civil rights, an end to religious exemptions statutes, and more. Several seats on the U.S. Supreme Court are also expected to be filled by our next President.

Joyce Newstat

Evan Low

“This year certainly has gravitas and impact, and interestingly, too, it really comes at the tipping point,” Malcolm Lazin, the founder of Equality Forum, told Philly.com.

He added, “It’s important in terms of both pushing back against those who would want to reverse the progress that’s been made and also to set the agenda for the future.”

Tammy Baldwin

Gavin Newsom

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Nancy Pelosi

PHOTO COURTESY OF ZOE DUNNING

Barney Frank

Barbara Mitulski

DNC PHOTO

chaotic, as it was the first statewide gathering of delegates, before Senator Sanders conceded and endorsed Secretary Clinton. The Bernie supporters were out in force and, although outnumbered, tried heartily to vote down the nomination of Governor Jerry Brown as the Chair of the California Delegation (supposedly in response to his endorsement of Hillary). Some shouting and hissing and chanting ensued, but it resolved relatively quickly. In the end, the At Large delegates were approved and the selection process was complete.

Once the state’s delegation was selected and confirmed, we as delegates start getting the information about what to expect in Philadelphia. The first realization is that being a delegate is a pricey proposition. None of the expenses are paid for—it is all at the delegate’s personal expense. The biggest shock (continued on next page)

DNC PHOTOS

Kamala Harris

DEMOCRATIC NATIONAL COMMITTEE

The Party Leaders and Funny hats. Large signs. Elected Officials (or PLEOs) Colorful buttons. Names of consist of members of the far-away states in vertical DNC living in California, lettering on giant poles. Red, Democratic congressiowhite and blue balloons and nal members, some big streamers. These are my city mayors and statewide memories as a child watchelected officials. Local ing the party conventions on television. I always wonPLEO delegates include dered, “Who are these peoDianne Feinstein, Nancy ple? Where do they come Pelosi, Christine Pelosi and from? Why are they there? John Burton. What do they do there?” Do Ask, Do Tell The second category is the This year, I get to discover District Delegates. These the answers to these quesZoe Dunning delegates are allocated tions—next week I will be by congressional District one of those strange people based on Democratic Party on the floor of a far-away sports arena, cheerregistration. Locally, Leader Pelosi’s district ing politicians and celebrities as they address the (CD12) gets nine of the 317 District Delegates. crowd and the television cameras. Those nine pledged delegates are then split The 2016 Democratic National Convention based on how each presidential candidate perin Philadelphia promises to be historic. On formed in that district. Since Secretary Clinton July 28, Secretary Hillary Clinton will become won 54% of the vote to Senator Sanders’ the first woman in United States history to 46% in CD12, the nine spots are split five for become a major party’s nominee for Hillary, four for Bernie. Any registered President. I will be attending as one Democrat can run for election as a of her pledged District Delegates, District Delegate in a California representing the Congressional Democratic Party election that District of Democratic Leader was held on May 1 across the Nancy Pelosi’s (a history maker state. I ran, along with 59 other in her own right as the first wowomen, to be a Hillary delegate man Speaker of the House). in Nancy Pelosi’s district. I came in third place among the women, The process for selecting the deleand was lucky enough to therefore gates for a party convention is long and become one of the five Hillary delegates bureaucratic and complex. The nationto make the cut. I am joined by al party, the DNC, determines how some amazing local party volunmany delegates each state brings teers and leaders, including Alec to the convention, based on the Bash and Susan Pfeifer. number of registered Democrats in that state. For California, there The third and final categoare 546 delegates who must be ry is the At Large Delegates. evenly split between women and These are selected by the cammen. There are pledged and unpaigns to fill out their total delpledged delegates; the unpledged are egation, and are often used to help often referred to as “Super Delegates” reach state party goals for representation because they can decide for themselves which and inclusion. So if the district delegate eleccandidate they support, right up to the last min- tions resulted in an underrepresentation of ute. The pledged delegates must declare their Latinos, or veterans, or people with disabiliallegiance before they are selected and must ties, the campaigns can help achieve those stick to their candidate at the convention. goals using their At Large selections. Although any Democrat can submit their application to Every state’s delegation is selected according be an At Large delegate, they are often given to the state party’s “Delegate Selection Plan.” to major fundraisers or party insiders. These In California there are three flavors of candinames were then approved at a delegate condates: PLEO (pledged and unpledged), District vening in Long Beach on June 19. It was pretty and At-Large.

HILLARY CLINTON FOR AMERICA

Philadelphia Bound

There are expected to be 40,000–50,000 people descending upon Philadelphia for the DNC— 6,000 delegates, thousands of elected officials, and nearly 20,000 members of the media. In addition, Philadelphia Airport workers have voted to strike during the convention in a demand for the right to unionize and other issues. To cap it all off, the weather is expected to reach the high 90s, with occasional thunderstorms predicted. This will be a crazy week for sure!

The themes and major speakers for this year have been published. Monday night’s theme is United Together, featuring First Lady Michelle Obama, Senator Bernie Sanders and DREAMer Astrid Silva. Tuesday night’s theme is A Lifetime of Fighting for Children and Families, featuring President Bill Clinton and Mothers of the Movement (e.g. mother of Trayvon Martin and other mothers). Wednesday night’s theme is Working Together, with President Obama and Vice President Biden speaking. It all culminates in Thursday’s nomination of Hillary, with her daughter Chelsea doing the introduction, with the theme Stronger Together. I’m also super excited about a free concert for delegates at Camden Rising, featuring Lady Gaga, Lenny Kravitz and DJ Jazzy Jeff. Each day there are caucuses and meetings at the Philadelphia Convention Center (e.g. Veterans and Military Families), and each evening is the main program at the Wells Fargo Center. Security will be very tight and we are being warned to be patient. There will also be

DEMOCRATIC NATIONAL COMMITTEE

In the weeks leading to the convention, there has been a very deliberate effort to unite the party. The Hillary campaign has been very proactive asking its delegates to reach out and extend a welcome hand to the Sanders supporters. There was a very nice delegate social recently in San Francisco for Bay Area delegates, both Hillary and Bernie, designed to mend fences and encourage unity going into the convention.

There will be an LGBT visibility night on the Tuesday of the convention. LGBT delegates have been asked to wear something to show our pride and make ourselves visible for the cameras. I have a fabulous outfit picked out and can’t wait to wear it. Maybe you’ll see me! We have come a long way since San Francisco’s very own Jim Foster brought a “Gay Liberation Plank” to the 1972 Democratic Convention’s national platform committee, a motion that was ultimately rejected by the party.

Democrats gathered on June 16 for a photo in support of the LGBT community following the Orlando massacre.

dozens of other receptions and social events every night, so I am prepared to return to San Francisco exhausted. The two party system has many flaws—a lack of choice for voters, big money interests, a bureaucratic infrastructure that rewards incumbents and insiders. But, for

DNC PHOTO

was the price of the hotel selected for the California delegation. The Philadelphia Downtown Marriott is priced at over $600 a night, for a minimum of four nights. The airfare was also well over $600 round trip. Add to that registration fees, transportation, and food, and a delegate can expect thousands of dollars of out of pocket expenses. Many are setting up Go Fund Me pages and campaigns to help offset the cost. It is a significant barrier to allowing average citizens the opportunity to participate as a delegate, and the price gouging by the host city’s lodging providers should really be addressed in future conventions.

now, it is the mechanism for choosing our nation’s leaders. This year, a major party has nominated a woman for President, a woman who is perhaps the most experienced nominee in United States history. I can’t wait to get to Philadelphia and experience the history and spectacle that will be the Democratic Convention—in a funny hat covered with colorful buttons. Perhaps your children will watch and wonder how I got there. Zoe Dunning is a retired Navy Commander and was a lead activist in the repeal of Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell. She served as Co-Chair of the Board of Directors for the Alice B. Toklas LGBT Democratic Club. She currently serves as the First Vice Chair of the San Francisco Democratic Party and as a San Francisco Library Commissioner.

S AN F R ANC IS C O BAY T IM ES JULY 21, 2016

LGBT Philadelphia As you watch the Democratic National Convention, July 25–28, consider the following about our nation’s fifth most populous city:

club—and requisite first stop on a night out. Sports fans gather to watch games at Tabu. Piano people raise their voices and glasses at Tavern on Camac and Knock. Late-night partiers head to Voyeur, a 20,000-square-foot, multi-level space to dance. Other places to party: Boxers PHL, The Bike Stop, ICandy, Stir Lounge, U Bar and, just across Broad Street, Bob and Barbara’s.

Marks of Pride ✦ On July 4, 1965, Independence Hall was the site of the United States’ first major LGBT rights demonstration. A state historical marker at 6th and Chestnut Streets commemorates this peaceful protest and the four that followed each July 4 through 1969, known collectively as the Annual Reminders. nps.gov/inde, phmc.state.pa.us

✦ Gayborhood dining hot spots include Valanni for Medi-Latin dishes, El Vez for guac and margaritas, Lolita for new Mexican fare (and more margaritas), Mixto for Caribbean and Latin-American cuisine, Tria for wine, beer and great cheese-accented plates, Bud & Marilyn’s for American classics, Amîs for esteemed Roman delights, Vedge and Charlie was a winner for vegan fare, Double Knot for coffee, cocktails and ikzakaya (depending on the time of day), More Than Just Ice Cream for more than just ice cream, Sampan for noodles galore, Zavino for pizza, Barbuzzo for modern Mediterranean, Franky Bradley’s for dinner with a side of dancing, Little Nonna’s for red-sauce Italian and Tredici for refined Italian.

✦ Nearly 70 rainbow street signs proudly adorn the Gayborhood, a Center City neighborhood of LGBT restaurants, bars, businesses and homes spanning 11th to Broad Streets and Pine to Chestnut Streets. Another neighborhood notable: rainbow crosswalks, at 13th and Locust Streets.   ✦ Giovanni’s Room is the longest continuously running LGBT bookstore in the U.S. Opened in 1973, the store served as a refuge and cultural center at the onset of the modern LGBT civil rights movement. Today, a state historical marker honors the landmark. 12th & Pine Streets, phillyaidsthriftatgiovannisroom.com

Philly Firsts

✦ A Philadelphian since age 18, the late Barbara Gittings, considered the mother of the LGBT rights movement, and partner Kaya Tobin Lahusen lived in Philadelphia’s Rittenhouse neighborhood while doing their seminal work. One of the picketers at Independence Hall in 1965, Gittings was instrumental in having homosexuality removed from its classification as a mental illness and promoting the inclusion of gay publications in libraries. A state historical marker in her honor is planned near Gittings’ onetime home at 21st and Locust Streets. Event to honor Gittings: July 26 @ 11 am, equalityforum.com, phmc.pa.gov

✦ The Independence Branch Library of the Free Library of Philadelphia houses the Barbara Gittings Collection of 2,000 books dedicated to gay and lesbian issues, the secondlargest such book collection in the U.S. 18 S. 7th Street, freelibrary.org

VISITPHILLY.COM

✦ Philadelphia also claims one of the nation’s oldest LGBT weeklies in the Philadelphia Gay News, founded in 1976 by publisher Mark Segal. epgn.com

shows, pet contests, bar crawls, live music, dancing and shopping. October 9, 2016. phillygaypride. org. Other annual events include: ✦ Pride Day LGBT Parade and Festival: A weekend to commemorate and celebrate self and community. Early June. phillygaypride.org VISITPHILLY.COM

✦ This year, Philadelphia’s Equality Forum, the nation’s oldest summit devoted to LGBT civil rights, takes place July 25–28, to coincide with the DNC. The free, four-day event—the first of its kind for a national political convention—features panels on law, politics and the future of the movement as well as a ceremony honoring advocates. equalityforum.com

✦ qFLIX: Dozens of movie premieres of indie LGBT films in a six-day festival. qflixphilly.com Nightlife ✦ Favorite Gayborhood after dark hangouts include Woody’s, a bar, coffee shop, night-

✦ In 2004, Philadelphia became the first destination in the world to air a gay-themed television commercial, part of Visit Philadelphia’s campaign, Philadelphia—Get Your History Straight and Your Nightlife Gay. The resulting Daily Show With Jon Stewart segment is worth the four and a half minutes.   ✦ Fun fact: Elton John’s hit Philadelphia Freedom is a tribute to tennis great Billie Jean King and her team, World Team Tennis’ Philadelphia Freedoms.   Thanks to our friends Jenea Robinson and Arturo Varela at Visit Philadelphia for their help in compiling the above. They are obviously very proud about Philly’s LGBT history and hope that those of us here in the San Francisco Bay Area will consider paying a visit to Philadelphia soon. For more info, please go to visitphilly.com

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EXPLOREPAHISTORY.COM

✦ OutFest, the country’s largest National Coming Out Day event, takes place each fall in Philadelphia on 10 blocks filled with drag

NEWSWORKS.ORG

✦ Among the 3,800-some murals created through the city’s acclaimed Mural Arts Program, of special pride in the LGBT community are Pride & Progress at Juniper and Spruce Streets and Tribute to Gloria Casarez at 12th and Locust Streets. muralarts.org

Other Events & Festivals

HIDDENCITYPHILA.ORG

✦ In February 1979, Arch Street Friends, a Quaker meetinghouse in Historic Philadelphia, hosted 300 activists to plan the first national demonstration of lesbian and gay rights in Washington, D.C., an October march that attracted 100,000 demonstrators. During the DNC, the city will dedicate a historic marker to honor this meeting: July 27, 11 am, 320 Arch Street, equalityforum.com

✦ Philadelphia Black Pride Celebration: Pioneering multi-day gathering of people of different races, ethnicities and sexual orientations. Late April/early May. phillyblackpride.org

✦ LGBT city leaders include Nellie Fitzpatrick, director of the Mayor’s Office of LGBT Affairs, and State Representative Brian Sims, the first openly gay member of the Pennsylvania General Assembly. phila.gov, pahouse.com

A Contract at Last! in rebuilding our enrollment over the three-year term of the agreement, faculty compensation will also increase. The contract achieves a balance between faculty’s reasonable demands for increased compensation and the College’s need to limit its ongoing financial commitments at a time of uncertainty about the College’s future enrollment and revenue.

A San Francisco Kind of Democrat Rafael Mandelman After a year and a half of negotiating, City College and its faculty union have finally achieved tentative agreement on a contract, subject to ratification by the union’s membership. As the Chancellor and members of the Board of Trustees explained at a press conference on July 14, the agreement provides our faculty the first significant increase in pay since 2007 and the assurance that if we are successful

The contract guarantees faculty onschedule salary increases totaling nearly 6%, possibly more depending on future cost of living funding increases from the State, and will finally lift our teachers up above the wages they were earning in 2007. In addition, they will also receive a further 4.68% increase during the contract term, which will become permanent if certain conditions are met (i.e., the parcel tax increase on this November’s ballot passes and the College’s enrollment grows). Additional on-schedule increases are possible as well, depending on the extent of enrollment growth. Finally, the restoration of a step increase lost during the recession and the addition of new

steps will ensure further pay increases for a majority of faculty. The contract negotiations were long and painful, I think, for a number of reasons. The first, as regular readers of this column know, relates to the College’s steep decline in enrollment during the accreditation crisis. Although SB 860, Senator Mark Leno’s bill stabilizing funding for City College, has provided significant relief for the College, our stabilization funding runs out this year, and going forward the College’s revenues from the State will reflect the College’s actual diminished enrollment. As a consequence, the College is facing the annual loss of $25 million, and possibly more, beginning in the 2016–17 fiscal year. I believe a second reason this agreement took so long was related to the administrative turnover at the College. During the course of the negotiations, the College brought in a new interim Chancellor and twice switched Vice Chancellors of Finance and Administration. Plus, the College’s head of employee relations retired several months ago. That kind of turn-

over has a real impact on the institution’s ability to make progress in many areas, including in labor negotiations. My strong hope is that we will see greater administrative stability at the College in the months and years ahead; City College desperately needs it. And a third reason relates to a breakdown in trust at the College. The faculty’s morale is low and trust in the administration is scarce after the years of recession followed by the years of accreditation crisis, the fact that five chancellors and two State-appointed Special Trustees passed through over five years, the locally elected Board was suspended and only recently restored to full authority, and, as mentioned above, the wages had stagnated. In the end the mandatory fact-finding process appears to have played a role in bringing the parties close enough in their shared understanding of the facts to allow them to negotiate mutually acceptable terms for this contract. For that, great credit goes both to the fact-finding panel and the union leadership and negotiating team, as well

as to the College’s negotiators, all of whom recognized, I think, that City College very much needed to settle the contract before the fall semester begins. With these contract negotiations finally behind us, the College is in a much stronger position to make our case for continued accreditation to the ACCJC visiting team this fall and to pursue our many other priorities, including rebuilding enrollment, extending our parcel tax and implementing Jane Kim’s Free City College proposal recently passed, at least in concept, by San Francisco’s Board of Supervisors. Significant challenges remain, to be sure, but City College’s future is looking brighter and brighter. And did I mention? We remain open, accredited, and the best bargain in higher education. Now is a great time to take a class. Enroll today at www.ccsf.edu Rafael Mandelman is an attorney for the City of Oakland. He is also President of the City College of San Francisco Board of Trustees.

Changes Coming to Jane Warner Plaza

CASTRO/UPPER MARKET CBD

Tables and chairs are back at The Castro’s Jane Warner Plaza, inviting all to sit for coffee, lunch and to people watch.

Draft rendering of the LED lighting project

Andrea Aiello, Executive Director for the Castro/Upper Market Community Benefit District, said the chairs were fully occupied the minute they were placed in the plaza. “It was amazing. The first couple of days the chairs were out, people just kept thanking

me. The community is very happy to be able to sit in the Jane Warner Plaza once again.” The new furniture was paid for by the Castro/ Upper Market Community Benefit District. The colorful tables and chairs are part of a new effort by the Castro/Upper Market CBD to manage and activate Jane Warner Plaza so it becomes a more useful and enjoyable space for the neighborhood. In addition to the fur-

niture, two new Plaza Stewards will be on site from 11 am to 6 pm from Wednesday to Sunday to manage the furniture, keep the plaza clean, greet and assist performers and vendors, remind people not to smoke, and to welcome visitors and generally be an extra set of eyes and ears on the plaza. “Creating Jane Warner Plaza in 2009 was an exciting idea,” Aiello said. “It transformed (continued on page 11)

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To book, visit CelebrityCruises.com, call 800 CELEBRITY, or contact your travel agent.

* Visit CelebrityCruises.com for full terms and conditions. Book July 1–31, 2016. Applies to 4-night and longer cruises departing October 1, 2016, to April 3, 2017. Upgrade offer applies to select Caribbean sailings only; to redeem, book a veranda X or 2D stateroom at an ocean view 8 or Y category price. The 50% per person reduced deposit offer applies to select bookings made more than 90 days prior to departure. Each of the first two guests in an ocean view, veranda, Concierge Class, or AquaClass® stateroom receives two complimentary amenities; in a suite, four amenities with an upgrade to Premium Beverage Package. Onboard credit is not redeemable for cash and expires on the final night of the cruise. Offer excludes transatlantic, transpacific, repositioning, and Galápagos sailings. Offer applies to new individual bookings and noncontracted group bookings, is nontransferable, and is not combinable with any other offer. Offers and prices are subject to availability, cancellation, and change without notice at any time. © 2016 Celebrity Cruises. Ships’ registry: Malta and Ecuador.

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Stark Differences Between Trump and Clinton on Gun Violence the threats and brutality that LGBT people face, but also because millions of Americans, particularly racial minorities and economically disadvantaged people—both LGBT and non-LGBT—live with threats of gun violence on a daily basis.

John Lewis & Stuart Gaffney In previous columns, we have delineated the clear distinction between Donald Trump and Hillary Clinton when it comes to LGBT rights, including their vastly different positions on marriage equality, transgender people’s access to public facilities, and judicial appointments. Trump’s selection of the notoriously anti-LGBT Mike Pence as his running mate underscores these differences. The Orlando massacre has elevated the issue of ending gun violence to its rightful place as an LGBT priority. The issue merits our community’s urgent attention, not just because of

Trump apparently wants to see the vast majority of the population armed—either openly or in a concealed manner—so that if people perceive others as a threat, they can open fire. In response to the Orlando tragedy, Trump repeated one of his favorite themes: “It’s too bad that some of the young people that were killed over the weekend didn’t have guns … attached to their hips … where bullets could have flown in the opposite direction… .” Trump

WARNER (continued from page 6) one of the city’s most dangerous intersections into a public space. But, to a great extent, the space was left to manage itself.” As a result, the plaza developed a reputation for sometimes being a purposeless, unkempt eyesore. The CBD studied similar public spaces that have been successful in San Francisco, including Mechanics Monument Plaza downtown, and across the nation, such as Flatiron Plaza in Manhattan. The CBD learned that,

in many cases, successful plazas are actively managed to encourage public use, so the CBD worked with Supervisor Wiener and applied for city grants to bring that same level of attentiveness to The Castro. Activities are also part of the plan. Events and performances are scheduled for the plaza during every weekend through October featuring the Klipptones, Sundance Saloon, and the Trolley Dances. The plaza is also hosting the newest Pop Up Art Fair, the Castro Bazaar. The next Castro Bazaar will happen

Largest HIV Transmission Study Conducted A new study has found that neither gay men nor heterosexual people with HIV transmit the virus to their partner, provided they are on suppressive antiretroviral treatment. The PARTNER study, which is the world’s largest study of people with HIV who have had condom-less sex with their HIV negative partners, was conducted by investigators from the University of Liverpool, University College London, Royal Free NHS and Rigshospitalet (one of the largest hospitals in Denmark). This work was funded by the National Institute for Health Research and was sponsored by University College London. More Than 800 Couples Monitored The study monitored 888 couples from 14 different European countries, in which one of the partners was on effective treatment for HIV. Of the 888 couples, 548 were heterosexual and 340 were gay men. All of the couples had sex regularly without using a condom. They have now been monitored for several years and not one instance of transmission of the virus has been recorded. The results have just been published in the prestigious Journal of the American Medical Association. In the period following the study, a total of 11 HIV-negative partners were infected with HIV. Led by Professor Anna Maria Geretti, researchers from the University of Liverpool’s Institute of Infection and Global Health undertook phylogenetic analyses of

As a United States Senator, Hillary Clinton co-sponsored legislation to extend and reinstate the assault weapons ban. She has pledged that as President she would “start the very first day and tackle the gun lobby to try to reduce the outrageous number of people who are dying from gun violence in our country.” She has explained: “More than 33,000 Americans are killed by guns each year. It’s time to act. As President, I’ll take on the gun lobby and fight for commonsense reforms to keep guns away from terrorists, domestic abusers, and other violent criminals—including comprehensive background checks and closing loopholes that allow guns to fall into the wrong hands.” She told families of victims of Sandy Hook that she would “use every single minute of

the 11 new HIV cases and their partners’ virus. No HIV Transmission Between Couples Professor Geretti, said, “The HIV virus can be divided into several subgroups, each with its own genetic characteristics, and this makes it possible to see whether the virus is genetically similar to a partner’s.” He added, “In all cases the results showed that the virus came from someone other than the partner under treatment. This research is vital for us to gain an even better understanding the risks associated with this particular virus.” Professor Jens Lundgren from Rigshospitalet, senior author of the study and head of the Center for Health and Infectious Diseases, said: “The results clearly show that early diagnosis of HIV and access to effective treatment are crucial for reducing the number of new HIV cases. As soon as a patient with HIV is on treatment with a suppressed viral load, the risk of transmission becomes minimal.”

every day, if I’m fortunate to be your president, looking for ways to save lives so we can change the gun culture.” The distinction between Trump and Clinton is also crystal clear when it comes to the Supreme Court and gun control. Trump promises that, if President, he would appoint Justices who not only oppose marriage equality but also gun control. Trump, whose favorite Justice is Clarence Thomas, declared that the difference between his and Clinton’s picks for the Court would “be day and night.” Justice Ruth Bader Ginsberg in her much publicized interview in the New York Times agreed, stating that she couldn’t “’imagine what the country would be with Donald Trump as our president…. For the country, it could be four years. For the court, it could be—I don’t even want to contemplate that.’” The composition of the Supreme Court has, and will have, a critical impact on efforts to alleviate gun violence. The Court’s role is particularly important because eight years ago the Court in District of Columbia v. Heller created an individual constitutional right to possess a firearm at least under some circumstances when it struck down Washington D.C.’s attempt to regulate hand-

on August 17 from 4–6 pm and will feature works by local artists. A complete schedule of the Live! In the Castro events can be found at castrocbd.org/live-in-the-castro-events/ Other changes and improvements underway include an LED lighting installation to beautify the plaza with increased illumination. The installation, called The Seed by Aphidoidea, was selected through a competitive public process, in consultation the MTA, DPW and PUC, plus input from local experts in LED lighting. The installation is intended to

guns. The decision was 5–4 and authored by now deceased Justice Antonin Scalia, whose replacement will be determined by the outcome of the election. Hillary Clinton has stated that the Heller decision was “wrongly decided,” although we don’t know the full extent to which she disagrees with the decision. In her New York Times interview, Justice Ginsburg remarked that she “thought Heller was a very bad decision” and observed that the Court could have an opportunity to reconsider it when the Court next hears a challenge to a gun control measure. In endorsing Trump, the N R A warned its members about Clinton getting the “opportunity to replace Antonin Scalia with an anti-gun Supreme Court justice” and observed “[t]he stakes in this year’s presidential election could not be higher… .” Indeed, they couldn’t be. John Lewis and Stuart Gaffney, together for over three decades, were plaintiffs in the California case for equal marriage rights decided by the California Supreme Court in 2008. Their leadership in the nationwide grassroots organization Marriage Equality USA contributed in 2015 to making samesex marriage legal nationwide.

be temporary, lasting two to three years, and could be installed next spring. Finally, the plaza pavement will be replaced. The original colored asphalt had installation problems and broke apart with pressure washing. Under the terms of the original neighborhood sidewalk improvement contract, new durable pavement will be installed this summer at no new cost to taxpayers. Anyone interested in helping the Castro CBD activate Jane Warner Plaza should contact info@castrocbd.org or call 415-500-1181.

Dixie Chicks MMXVI World Tour Includes the San Francisco Bay Area San Francisco Bay Times team members were on hand for the Dixie Chicks (Natalie Maines, Martie Maguire and Emily Robison Strayer) at Shoreline Amphitheater on Tuesday, July 12, and the Toyota Amphitheater near Sacramento on Wednesday, July 13, for the Dixie Chicks first U.S. tour since 2006. Befitting the political season, the show includes “Ready to Run,” co-written by Maguire and Marcus Hummon, performed with an election parody, with a montage of candidates and the drop from above of red, white and blue confetti. The show’s set list features a variety of original Dixie Chicks hits in addition to covers of songs by Patty Griffin, Lana Del Rey, Beyoncé and Bob Dylan. The encore included a dramatic rendition of the Grammy Award winning “Not Ready to Make Nice,” which the group’s members with songwriter Dan Wilson composed as a statement that they do not regret Maine’s 2003 anti-Bush comment. Ben Harper’s “Better Way” served as the encore finale, bringing the program to a close on a positive and empowering note and performed with a large rainbow heart as the stage backdrop. The tour returns to the Bay Area on Friday, October 7, at Oracle Arena in Oakland before the show at the Hollywood Bowl on Monday, October 10, in Los Angeles.

Additional Data on the Way Gay couples in the study will continue to be monitored for three more years to obtain even more data in this area for anal sex. The results of the second part of the PARTNER study, which will only monitor gay men, are expected in 2018.

PH OTO B Y BETT Y L . SULLI VAN

6/26 and Beyond

Like other LGBT issues, the difference between Donald Trump and Hillary Clinton on gun violence is stark. For starters, the National Rifle Association strongly supports Trump and will be spending millions to try to defeat Hillary Clinton. In accepting the NRA’s endorsement, Trump proclaimed: “The NRA has led the fight time and time again to protect our fundamental freedoms. This is an amazing group … these are incredible people.”

seems to think that when people go out to dance, drink, and have a good time—or presumably out to work, to eat, to a little league game, to church, to the beach, or nearly anywhere else—they should be armed. Who knows how many shootouts would erupt in a Trump world. Further, Trump opposes bans on assault weapons that have caused so many deaths in mass shootings, claiming that such firearms are somehow needed for “protection.”

The results of the present study can be found here: http://jama.jamanetwork. com/article.aspx?articleid=2533066 Read more about the PARTNER St udy at: ht t p://w w w.ch ip.d k / PARTNER S AN F R ANC IS C O BAY T IM ES JULY 21, 2016

No Place Like Home Initiative Now Law homeless are longtime residents of San Francisco’s LGBTQ communities who lost their jobs, could not continue to pay their rent or mortgage, and who were evicted with no place to go. Vulnerable LGBTQ individuals will benefit directly from this legislation. The legislative package spearheaded by Senate President pro Tempore Kevin de Leon will provide a systemic solution by providing the following:

Aging in Community

•

Marcy Adelman Governor Brown signed into law AB 1618, the “No Place Like Home” initiative. This measure will provide $2 billion dollars to local communities for the construction and rehabilitation of permanent housing with services for homeless individuals with mental illness. (The “Aging in Community” column first reported on the No Place Like Home Initiative February 11, 2016.) Local governments will be provided with the resources to create permanent stable housing and services to help people integrate themselves back into their communities. One third of the nation’s chronically homeless population lives in California. There are 28,200 chronically homeless individuals in California. San Francisco accounts for 7,539 homeless people. In San Francisco, LGBTQ people have higher rates of homelessness than heterosexuals. An estimated 15% of the city’s homeless population are LGBTQ , according to the San Francisco Homeless Point in Time Survey, 2015. Contrary to the myth that San Francisco’s homeless come from somewhere else, the majority of our city’s homeless individuals—more than two thirds—were living in San Francisco before they became homeless. Many

Financing of a safety net program with re-purposing bond money from the Mental Health Services Act to provide a $2 billion bond fund to construct permanent safe housing with wrap around, supportive services for chronically homeless persons with mental illness. Note that the No Place Like Home legislation allocates monies from Proposition 63, the 2004 Mental Health Services Act, which imposes a 1% tax on California residents with million dollarplus incomes a year to pay back the bond;

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$45 million in the current budget for rent subsidies;

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$22 million in the current budget to create housing programs for homeless families or families at risk for homelessness;

•

An increase to Supplemental Income/State Supplementary Payment (SSI/SSP) program grants for poor elders and people living with disabilities;

•

A one-time infusion of $45 million in the current budget to assist loca l gover nments in expanding outreach to more eligible people to enroll in the SSI/ SSP program.

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/memoryclinic/index.jsp This legislation is a significant step forward. While it is important to be grateful and acknowledge progress, we also need to keep in our minds and in our hearts that more needs to done. Marcy Adelman, Ph.D., a clinical psychologist in private practice, is co-founder of the non-profit organization Openhouse and was a leading member of the San Francisco LGBT Aging Policy Task Force.

GGBA July Make Contact

Photos by Rink

“Your Business on Yelp” was the theme on Tuesday, July 12, for a High Tech happy hour held at Yelp headquarters in downtown San Francisco. Members and friends attending sat down with Yelp staffers to chat about ways to optimize business through Yelp.

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S AN F R ANC IS C O BAY â&#x20AC;&#x2C6; T IM ES JULY 21, 2016

What Does Brexit Mean for Your Investment Strategy?

Can you keep your lifestyle in retirement? Let’s talk. 415.623.2450 Brio Financial Group

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Money Matters Brandon Miller The United Kingdom’s decision to leave the European Union (EU), following a referendum known as “Brexit,” was the latest test for investment markets worldwide. The immediate market reaction was decidedly negative, but soon after markets started to rebound, more so in the U.S. than overseas. Investors should be prepared for continued uncertainty related to the Brexit vote, which could contribute to volatility in the days, weeks and even months to come. Volatility Is Nothing New Significant price swings in the market, both up-and-down, are nothing new. A number of notable events, many arising without much warning, have occurred in recent years causing markets to react. Among them are the 2011 Japan earthquake and tsunami, a temporary shutdown of the

U.S. federal government in 2013 and the dramatic drop in oil prices that began in 2014. These events had an impact on stock markets in the short run, but over time, stocks recovered.

help you withstand the rough periods in the market.

There has been plenty of speculation on what the anticipated exit of the United Kingdom from the EU will mean for the global economy and the financial markets. Yet nobody can predict with certainty what the future holds. It’s important to keep in mind that volatility is a reality for stock investors.

If you have a longer time horizon to let your money work, it may make sense for you to have more aggressive investments in your portfolio. However, if you’re retiring soon or need to tap some of the money you have invested, you may want to shift some assets into less volatile investments.

How Should You Respond to Brexit? Geo-political events can act as a reminder to review your financial position. At the same time, remember that portfolio decisions should not be based on emotion or speculation about events that have occurred or may happen in the future. Here are steps you can take to stay calm during the next wave of volatility: Assess your risk tolerance. How did you feel during the most recent downturn? Feeling especially uncomfortable could be a sign that you’re taking on too much risk. Make sure you are honest about the level of risk you are willing to accept and position your portfolio accordingly. Diversify your portfolio. Don’t be overly dependent on a single investment or asset class. Owning a properly diversified mix of assets can

Align your portfolio with your goals.

Don’t be overly influenced by the headlines. It’s easy to find reports in the media that can scare you away from your long-term investment strategy, but put the pundits’ opinions into perspective. One thing is for sure—they won’t know your personal financial goals and situation. The most important drivers of your investment success are your long-term goals, the time you have to invest and your commitment to save as much as you can. You can be certain that there will be more events like Brexit in the future. When they happen, avoid making irrational decisions and stay focused on your long-term strategy. Brandon Miller, CFP is a financial consultant at Brio Financial Group, A Private Wealth Advisory Practice of Ameriprise Financial Inc. in San Francisco, specializing in helping LGBT individuals and families plan and achieve their financial goals.

Two Sporty Cars Strut Their Stuff give the proceedings.

Auto Philip Ruth Belonging to a predominantly gay g ym means seeing muscled men packed into workout clothes that accent the assets while revealing just enough of them. The peacock vibe can be intimidating, until you shrug your shoulders and just let the sporty ones be sporty. That’s what I did with two recent sporty-looking test cars, a Mitsubishi Mirage GT and a Toyota Camry SE Special Edition. Both indulge your inner peacock while doing everything you need them to do. The Mirage and Camry both have shiny and high-contrast aluminum wheels that grab your eye. They also both have squinty expressions with mesh grilles, as well as fog lights. They have the serious look of someone who has entered their 40th minute on the elliptical.

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The GT is the M i r a g e ’s t o p t r i m , a n d for $17K, it comes with everything M itsubishi can put on one of these little hatchbacks, from biXenon headlights to a backup camera. It all works well, except for the infotainment s y s t e m , w h ic h feels a generation behind. Its relatively dim screen a nd u n responsive touch interface would have me searching the Internet for a better unit. The SE is a middle trim in the Camry lineup, so the test car $27K was an accurate reflection of a mid-sized sedan with sporty f lair and the optional entertainment and navigation system. Toyota’s Entune system is much better than Mitsubishi’s, with a modern look and brisk responses to your fingertips.

Both the Mirage GT and Camry SE are edgier versions of two very practical cars, each in their own ways.

Interior quality is a clear step up from the bland plainness of previous Camrys, and the SE’s electric-blue upholstery and stitching are the automotive analog to the splashiest stretchy workout shorts.

At less than 150 inches in length, the Mirage is a dream in San Francisco, where it can fit into the smallest of parking spaces. Its wonderfully tight, 31-foot turning circle allows it to spin a tight arc to grab a spot across the street. Spend a week doing errand runs with a Mirage, and you will love the fresh-from-Soulcycle vibe it can

But for all the Mirage GT’s and Camry SE’s outward sportiness, neither strikes a particularly athletic note with the driving. All Mirages have soft suspensions that give a creamy low-speed ride, but that can switch to torpid-ness as speeds climb. The Mirage’s three-cylinder engine in these moments is annoying in its loudness,

Mitsubishi Mirage GT

Toyota Camry SE Special Edition

like the muscle-bros who yell out when they drop their weights. The Camry’s tight structure combined with the SE’s stiffer sport suspension make the test car feel ready to react, like it had been assiduously doing the balance exercises its trainer had assigned. The Camry’s biggest barrier to a truly sporty feel is its steering, which washes over with vagueness just as you steady your aim on a corner’s apex. So while Mirage GT and Camry SE are more peacock than athlete, both have looks that attract the eye. For some, that might be all that’s required. Philip Ruth is a Castro-based automotive photojournalist and consultant at www.gaycarguy.com. Check out his automotive staging service at www.carstaging.com

S AN F R ANC IS C O BAY â&#x20AC;&#x2C6; T IM ES JULY 21, 2016

How Your Brain Lies to You: Negativity Bias he guesses that it’s just the wind when it’s actually a lion, he might get killed; but if he guesses that it’s a lion when it’s only the wind, his caution will have no negative consequences.

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Examined Life Tom Moon, MFT The human brain didn’t evolve for dispassionately finding truth, but for ensuring our survival. It has built-in biases in the way it processes information, and neuroscience has identified specific ways in which it lies to us about what’s happening around us. These falsehoods create a lot of suffering for us. In this and the next column, I’ll examine some of the lies our brains tell us, and discuss ways we can overcome their ingrained distortions. The first distortion is an innate negativity bias. Imagine an ancestor many thousands of years ago who hears rustling in a bush near him. Is that a lion waiting to pounce or just the wind? If

From the dawn of history our survival depended on our skill at dodging danger, and our evolution favored those of us who were the wariest and the most alert to possible threats. Because of this, we’re biologically primed to respond faster and stronger to bad things than to good things. In addition, we evolved to believe what our brains tell us. If our brains signal that we’re in danger, our immediate response is usually to believe that there’s really a threat out there rather than to be skeptical about what our anxiety is telling us. The result is that we all live with a background of unsettledness and watchfulness that is so automatic that we easily forget it’s even there. One easy way to become aware of this chronic anxiety is to try to sit at home for five minutes straight while feeling completely relaxed, undefended, comfortable and at peace in the moment. Or try walking in any public place with no tension or wariness. Most people who try exercises like this are surprised to find that they can’t do it. We live with a level of background

stress, even in good times, which not only doesn’t serve us, but can be detrimental to our physical health and emotional well-being. Here are two simple practices we can do to counteract the brain’s negativity bias: The first is simple: just pause several times every day and notice that, whatever difficulties you have in your life, in this moment, you’re all right. The brain constantly either rehashes or rehearses. It ruminates about past suffering or anticipates future problems. It easily overlooks the fact that, in most of the moments of our lives we’re perfectly safe. Intentionally taking a few moments to notice that, whatever our problems, we’re okay right now can do much to remind us that, no matter how difficult our lives may be, they are not constant and unending struggle. Take time out regularly to abide in the uncomplicated present. A second practice is to direct attention to what is positive in our lives. In a New York Times article in 2013, journalist Tony Schwartz described an experience he had while trying to work at his desk in a clear and focused way. Unsettling thoughts began to arise, and each worry reminded him of another one. Soon he was being

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

SF Sketch Randy Coleman

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Randy Coleman hails from New York, but has lived in San Francisco since 1975. Coleman shares that before moving to the Bay Area, he studied Art History and Architecture at Boston University while working as a resident artist for architectural rendering at a Massachusetts historical society. “All of my life I’ve been an artist,” Coleman says. “To know me is to know that I have a passion for art and architecture. I love this project for the San Francisco Bay Times, and hope that you enjoy my sketches.”

swept along by thoughts that made him anxious and unable to concentrate. He writes: “Rather than follow their lead, I decided to interrupt my snowballing reverie. Saccharine as it may sound, I began to write down everything I was feeling grateful for in that moment. I got on a roll, and after just a couple of minutes, I was not only feeling remarkably better, but also far more able to concentrate on the task at hand.” The idea is very simple: we construct our internal reality in large part by where we put our attention. More often than we usually recognize, we can make that choice consciously and intentionally. Doing so influences not just how we feel, but also how we perform, individually and collaboratively. Focusing on problems, negative thoughts, and worries is a kind of default position for the brain. But armed with this understanding we can counteract the negativity bias by deliberately inclining our minds toward positive experiences and positive emotions such as joy, contentment, compassion and love. Next time: “It Leaves You Wanting” Tom Moon is a psychotherapist in San Francisco. For more information, please visit his website http://tommoon.net/

GLBT Fortnight in Review By Ann Rostow The Truth is Out There

I’ve started and stopped this column twice already, pissed off at all kinds of developments around the country—police killings of innocent Black men, lunatics who kill gays and cops or whoever crosses their path, regular people with guns who traipse around oblivious to the frightening effect they have on everyone else, media coverage of fools who are treated like reasonable people when they should be publicly brought to heel by the news anchors. The list goes on and it doesn’t even include nearly a hundred people mowed down by a truck in Nice, or an attempted coup in Turkey. Our country is bad enough. But one thing that underlies my feelings as the political convention season takes off is deep frustration at the death of facts in the high tech 21st Century. This is not an original observation. But facts have become incidental. Crime is way down. Police killings are down. Mass shooters, terrifying as they may be, are responsible for very few deaths in this country. We are not revisiting the 1960s when tens of thousands of American men were dying in Vietnam, when Los Angeles burned for days and when three iconic leaders were assassinated. Race relations are, in fact, improving. Our economy is in half decent shape. Unemployment is low. Immigration is stable, not increasing. Indeed, there is a net outflow of Mexicans across our southern border. Further, not only do immigrants pay taxes and help our economy— whether documented or not—we are now relying on new immigrants to keep our population at replacement levels. Populations are on the decline throughout Europe and Japan, a phenomenon that will eventually bankrupt social services for the elderly. In the U.S., however, higher birthrates from Hispanic communities are making up for lower white births. These are facts. We need to welcome immigrants and nationalize undocumented Americans, period. Our infrastructure is a mess, but it’s nothing a little cash won’t solve, and make no mistake, we can afford to invest in fixing bridges and hiring TSA agents and the like. Our grandchildren are not going to be “stuck” with our national debt any more than we were “stuck” with the cost of building the Interstate highways. Like us, they will issue thirty-year treasury bonds and continue to pay them off, and the notion that we have to “pay off our debt” this instant is as simplistic as the notion that your average family has to “pay off” the house and the car in a year. As for trade deficits, they’re too complicated for me, frankly, but they have nothing to do with our country losing money to someone else as Trump implies. We’re a huge marketplace, so it’s normal that we buy more gadgets from Country X than they spend on American products. That doesn’t mean Country X is “screwing us.” Finally, we do indeed have a crisis in income and wealth inequality and stagnant wages. Part of this is a hangover from the recession, but part of this is a result of fifteen years of do-nothing legislators and corporate devotion to share prices. Let’s see what a $15 per hour wage will do, or even $12. Not only do we dismiss facts as partisan talking points, leaving our country with no common baseline from which to debate policies, but we have become incapable of looking more than two or four years ahead, much as your average publicly traded company can’t see beyond the next quarterly press conference. Yes, we have task

forces, but no one seems to pay them the slightest mind. Can you imagine what we could do if we could launch a ten or twenty-year plan to revamp health care costs, improve mass transit, rethink the criminal justice system, and develop new energy sources? I know. Think about it. And recognize that right now, it is simply not possible. Hup Holland!

I’m writing from Amsterdam, where I’ve been forced to take a break from American cable news. Yes, I see that Trump has picked Mike Pence as a running mate, and my email is full of GLBT sources reminding us that Pence is a lifelong hard right conservative who hates women and scientists and who signed one of the most draconian anti-gay bills into law a year or so ago.

swarthy bearded men with suspicious origins. We’d still be there. So I gather Congress held some hearings on FADA, the “First Amendment Defense Act,” which would allow everyone and his brother to discriminate against married gay people (plus adulterers and fornicators!) based on religious faith. Everyone and his brother includes private businesses, so you can kiss your wedding cake goodbye if you happen to live in a rightwing one-bakery town.

But you know what? Trump and the GOP platform committee are bad enough. It’s not as if the addition of Pence shocks our community into having second thoughts about whether or not to vote Republican, right?

Oddly, FADA has been amended to allow people who believe heterosexual marriage is wrong to discriminate as well. In other words, it now “protects” your opinion regardless of sexual orientation in a way. It’s true that we can’t think of a religion that might oppose heterosexual marriage as an article of faith, but that doesn’t matter. If gay people want to open a business and unfairly target their straight customers, FADA will give them cover. One hopes that this bill will fail on the basis of sheer ridiculousness, but you never know.

I also have dozens of emails informing me that the GOP platform is as anti-gay as it’s been in years, complete with—I don’t know—calls for all of us to sew pink triangles on our clothes and sign up for internment camps. Well, something like that. Again, is this supposed to be a surprise? Did any of us think the Republican Party had been poised to move to the center lately? I know Trump defies the categories of left and right by living in his own bizarre political world. But his indifference to party platform details has left the door open for the most reactionary activists to take pen in hand and draft a set of policy goals from Hell. Nonetheless, I wouldn’t vote for Trump if he campaigned with Elizabeth Warren and let Evan Wolfson write his platform, so these developments are nothing to me.

I noticed, by the way, that a bakery in Toledo, Ohio, recently declined to make a birthday cake for a lesbian customer. I guess her wife ordered one from “Take the Cake,” but received a smarmy text message after the mean baker somehow deduced that the cake was headed to a lesbian party. I think this is a first, since previous bakery bigots claimed to object— not to gays—but to gay marriages. No such excuse was necessary for Take the Cake, who hates us in general, not just on our wedding days. The business immediately began taking online flak from our community and our allies making the point that discrimination does not pay. And while Ohio does not protect us against bias, Toledo, Ohio, has some sort of gay rights ordinance in place, so we’ll see if anything happens to these flour heads.

Oh, but they apparently came as a shock to the Log Cabin Republicans, who sent out a semi-hysterical email asking devotees to send money in order to help take their party back. You know what, guys? This is a lost cause. Meanwhile, it disturbs me greatly that Clinton isn’t ahead by double digits at this point. Hello FADA

Here’s a little irrelevant anecdote from yesterday afternoon. Mel and I found a free luggage cart and were headed to the baggage claim in Amsterdam when we hit a staircase. Determined to keep our cart, we hopped into the nearby elevator even though it was marked “staff only,” and found ourselves trapped in a glass alcove that required a staff card to exit. We tried to take the elevator back up, but it wouldn’t work in the reverse direction without a staff card. Then Mel hit the “do not enter” door bar and started a loud alarm, so I hit a red button on another door, which opened and started another alarm. Then we ran to the baggage claim area and hid with everyone else while the shrieking sirens continued in the alcove. Sure enough, after ten minutes we were surrounded by uniformed officials and obliged to explain exactly why we had trespassed into that area, violating no less than three “do not do this” signs and triggering two major alarms. I guess a camera had caught us flailing around and it had not been hard to identify us lurking among our fellow passengers. Everyone stared as we handed over our passports and underwent extensive questioning, but all was well in the end. Under the circumstances in Europe, I guess the authorities don’t appreciate passengers who play fast and loose with airport regulations to further their own convenience. Lucky for us we were not

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ADVISORY

Fourth Circuit Still Has Our Back

You’ll be pleased to hear that the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fourth Circuit declined to let the Gloucester school district in Virginia impose its bathroom ban on a transgender male student as litigation continues in this key case. The 2–1 appellate panel ruled in favor of the boy some months ago, and subsequently refused to reconsider that decision. The school district has asked the Supreme Court to hear that case, and had also asked the appellate court to waive its previous opinion while legal proceedings snake forward. Answer: no. Meanwhile, I read that the North Carolina legislature might go into a special session this fall in order to reexamine the nefarious HB2 anti-trans law that has caused turmoil for Tarheels since March. It’s a little odd, since the legislature already came back into session a few weeks back and failed to do anything about the law. But apparently some lawmakers are worried that the NBA will move the all-star game out of the state unless the law is repealed. The all-star game? I can see why the guys might worry about a Superbowl, but is this really such a big deal? Hey, don’t get me wrong. I’m glad if it’s so, and I appreciate the strong support of the NBA and other sports associations like the NCAA. I also noticed that Albany will not be playing basketball at Duke at some tournament on November 12 thanks to Governor Cuomo’s ban on nonessential state-sponsored travel to North Carolina. The repercussions continue to pile up. Cleveland Beckons Everyone’s chuckling over this grotesque billboard in Cleveland that shows Donald Trump and Ted Cruz leaning in for a

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(continued on page 30) S AN F R ANC IS C O BAY T IM ES JULY 21, 2016

A Bachelor Meets His Match over and this was your ghost come to comfort me or something. And when I had that thought, I realized I did not want to lose you, ever.

Opposites often really do attract. Such connections, which perhaps come more from the heart than other factors, can result in successful pairings, as the below conversation between two halves of an “odd couple” proves. Zeke: Let’s get married. Zach: Get married? Zeke: Yeah, people do it all the time.

Zeke: Yeah, I know. But it really happened. I can’t describe it any better. So I had to say it. I couldn’t wait until you got home to ask you. And I’m so anxious now: Will you marry me?

Zach: Yes, but us?

Zach: But we aren’t even compatible. We’re the odd couple.

Zeke: Why not?

Zeke: The odd couple? How is that?

Zach: But I thought you felt you were never going to be the marrying kind. You like being a bachelor.

Zach: Are you kidding me? We are total opposites in every way possible–race, social style, politics, you sing like an angel and I’m tonedeaf, you’re quiet and I can’t stop talking—you name it.

Zeke: Well, I did. I thought that was an important pillar of our relationship. It gave me that edgy feeling, you know? It seemed to be what made us different and special. I mean, look at all the trouble married guys have–always worrying about their husband flirting or even cheating, about what happens when they lose their looks, stuff like that. Zach: Yes, so why are you proposing now? Zeke: I changed my mind. See, this totally bizarre thing happened. I woke up this morning and you’d already left for work, and it’s like there was this golden light in the room. Actually, right over by the window. Kind of an aura, I guess. I don’t know what the hell it was. And you know, I think all that sort of thing is completely woo-woo, mumbo jumbo, but it really happened. It’s like you left some essence of yourself in our bedroom just for me. For me! In fact, when I got over the twilight zone, I thought it seemed like maybe you were proposing to me. Either that or you had just been run

PHOTO BY JENN MARTIN

Reverend Elizabeth River

Zeke: You say banana and I say banahnah; I say tomato and you say tomahto? But what about gender? We’re both guys. That makes us more compatible than most of the married couples in the world. We really know each other. Let me ask you something. Despite all these “opposites” you mentioned, have we not worked out every argument and even fight we’ve had since we’ve been together, without even coming to blows? We’ve bought a flat and learned to love each other’s relatives. Don’t we have the best relationship of most of the married couples we know? I think maybe odd couples can have the strongest unions, so are you going to answer my question? Zach: Uh, shouldn’t you mention– love? Zeke: I love you. Will you marry me, Zach? Zach: Yes, I believe I will.

PHOTO BY JENN MARTIN

Weddings

Zach: You have got to be kidding me, right? First, I have never heard you say this many words to me at one time since we met four years ago. And second, while I love hearing that you don’t ever want to lose me, this just sounds so totally weird and, well you said it: woo woo and mumbo jumbo. A golden light? An aura? You always laugh at people who talk like that.

Zeke: When? Zach: Tomorrow? Zeke: Yes! Zach: Yeah, I’m happy too, but Zeke? I have to confess. I really love it that you’re so quiet most of the time. Are you going to start talking all of the time, like you just did tonight? Zeke: Nope. Come here. Reverend Elizabeth River is an ordained interfaith minister and wedding officiant in the North Bay. Please visit www.marincoastweddings.com or go to Facebook at www.facebook.com/Marin-Coast-Weddings-Rev-Elizabeth-River-Wedding-Officiant-841159955975880/?ref=aymt_ homepage_panel

Año Nuevo Hike for Women Sunday, July 31 11:30am - 6:00pm $75 per person Hosted by San Francisco Bay Times/“Betty’s List” and Kim Powell, Blue Water Ventures Visit the massive elephant seals and vast beaches at Año Nuevo State Reserve at a site that was once an Ohlone Indian settlement. Hike with guide Kim Powell on this incredible stretch of beach and see wildlife as you’ve never seen it before. Visit “Trips for Women” at bluewaterventures.org

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HIGHLIGHTS FROM THE DE YOUNG AND LEGION OF HONOR

On the Grid: Textiles and Minimalism July 23, 2016–April 2, 2017 at the de Young in the Wais and Knowles Galleries of Textile Arts On the Grid: Textiles and Minimalism presents a broad range of textile traditions from around the world that share many of the same aesthetic choices ascribed to Minimalist works. This exploration underscores the universality of the movement’s underlying design principles, which include regular, symmetrical, or gridded arrangements; repetition of modular elements; direct use and presentation of materials; and an absence of ornamentation. Minimalist art is based upon preexisting systems that conceive of the artwork in advance of its ac-

tual execution. These systems, often mathematical, rely on the repetition of simple forms. Textiles by their very nature comply with these core elements, and textile artists, like the Minimal artists, predetermine the f inished work through their selection and processing of materials and in the warping or preparing of the loom. On the Grid examines these processes and further explores both the preeminence of weaving in the textile design vocabulary and its influences on the design of painted and dyed pieces that also conform to

Minimalism’s repetition of forms and the grid as patterning devices. Together, more than two dozen textiles from the de Young and Legion of Honor’s permanent collection examine various aspects of the Minimalist art aesthetic that address abstraction, precision, geometry, materiality, and process. These objects reflect the core principle that there is a beauty in simplicity that is both universal and timeless. For i n for mat ion about v isiting the de Young, please go to: deyoung.famsf.org

Amish Quilt. Image courtesy of the Fine Arts Museums of San Francisco

Hiryouki Shindo, “Untitled,” 1980. Cotton, silk, linen; plain weave, dip dyed, 122.9 x 94 cm (48 3/8 x 37 in.). FAMSF, gift of Susan York in memory of Zena Segre. Image courtesy of the Fine Arts Museums of San Francisco Buddhist altar cloth (uchishiki), early 19th century. Japan, late Edo period. Silk, gold leaf paper strips; twill lampas, supplementary-weft patterning (kinran), 46 13/16 x 48 5/16 in. Fine Arts Museums of San Francisco. Gift of Miss Carlotta Mabury. Image courtesy of the Fine Arts Museums of San Francisco

Married woman’s shoulder cloth (lawon), 19th century. Indonesia, Palembang, Sumatra. Silk; stitch-resist dyeing (tritik), 82 x 31 in. Fine Arts Museums of San Francisco. The Caroline and H. McCoy Jones Collection, gift of Caroline McCoy-Jones. Image courtesy of the Fine Arts Museums of San Francisco Man’s headdress, late 19th century. Melanesia, Solomon Islands, Santa Cruz Islands. Tapa cloth; painted. 88.9 x 240 cm (35 x 94 1/2 in.). Gift of Jennifer Badger Sultan. Image courtesy of the Fine Arts Museums of San Francisco

S AN F R ANC IS C O BAY T IM ES JULY 21, 2016

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From the Coming Up Events Calendar See page 28 Sunday, July 24 - San Francisco Symphony Free Concert at The Waterfront - 12:00 PM. (James R. Herman Cruise Terminal at Pier 27) sfsymphony.org

Tuesday, August 2 - Wine and Movie Night: Vertigo - 5:30 tasting / 7:00 PM movie - Top of the Mark (1 Nob Hill) http://sf.funcheap.com/winemovie-night-vertigo-top-mark/

Bi-Coastal Cabaret Star Leanne Borghesi to Debut New Show BDSM: Beautiful Dirty Sexy Me at Feinstein’s At a recent San Francisco Lesbian/ Gay Freedom Band fundraiser, members of our team were lucky to have sat near Leanne Borghesi as she performed. We were so close that we could hear Borghesi singing before the sound even carried through the room via the speakers. We all left in awe of her genuine talent that seems like a throwback to the days when singers actually had to project and carry a show without phony electronic enhancements. Many of our city’s great historic moments relied upon such skills. For example, Italian diva Luisa Tetrazzini famously performed at Lotta’s Fountain on Christmas Eve of 1910 to thousands of San Franciscans who were still in recovery mode after the ’06 earthquake. If Tetrazzini were alive today, we imagine that she would slip into Feinstein’s at the Nikko on August 5 and 6 @ 8 pm to see Borghesi’s new solo show BDSM: Beautiful Dirty Sexy Me. After Borghesi’s sold-out appearances last fall with the smash-hit show LUSH, she returns with a comedic twist–whipping her strengths, fears, truths and desires into shape with the daring new BDSM. Under the direction of Nicolas Minas, this powerhouse femme leads the audience through songs of the prim and proper to bawdy from the 20’s–40’s, Broadway, camp, pop, and even a surprising sexy dose of pulp erotica. Accomplished New York Musical Director Michael Ferreri joins the evening to lead a swinging trio featuring San Francisco’s finest Roberta Drake on drums and Amanda Wu on bass. It is going to be a one-of-a-kind comedic musical evening not to miss! We are thrilled to include Borghesi in the “Women’s Music” series that we are presenting with Feinstein’s. It was a treat to catch up with her recently between the show’s rehearsals in New York.

Sexy Me, is something different. It’s what I’m calling a ‘theatrical cabaret’ because we are really telling a full story that blends my experience in over 15 years of doing cabaret and my entire life of doing theater. I’m so excited to bring some surprising new elements to this show. We have puppetry, my original erotic poetry, and lots of comedy. It’s really more of a one-woman show. San Francisco Bay Times: You are a featured performer this year in the San Francisco Bay Times/Feinstein’s new Women’s Series. Has this motivated your artistic collaboration at all?

San Francisco Bay Times: Congratulation on returning to Feinstein’s at the Nikko to debut your new cabaret show BDSM: Beautiful Dirty Sexy Me. That’s a bold title, and yet it is a comedy? What can your audiences expect from this show after the sold out success of last year’s hit LUSH?

Leanne Borghesi: Exploring the role of women in society has been a major driving force for this show. We’ve been looking at the root of the problems with how women are viewed by using the trope of the 50’s housewife. In the show I play a character who is discontented with her life, but figures out through finding her voice that she does hold the power to go after whatever she wants.

Leanne Borghesi: I’m so excited to share this new project with my wonderful San Francisco audiences. There is no other place I would want to debut my work … and, yes, this is a comedy! My audiences can expect a lot of humor and a unique musical journey just like in last year’s LUSH (which played Feinstein’s followed by its NYC Debut at The Duplex). But this new show, BDSM: Beautiful Dirty

As a founding member of San Francisco’s comedic trio “B.O.O.B.S! Busty Outrageous Over The Top Broads Singin,” I have always been proud to be a strong woman onstage–but even more so now. Look, I’m a married queer female performer, a faux queen (Anita Cocktail), a musical theater actor, a poetry slam artist, and a cabaret singer–and I’m 6’ feet tall (6’3” in heels). I don’t fit into a standard

mold. Working with my Director and longtime friend and colleague Nicolas Minas, it has been amazing to delve into my voice and shed my fears of expressing my inner strengths. I always think of myself as a strong woman, but in putting this show together I’ve really had to tap into an enormous bravery–a fearlessness. It helps that I have such a longtime friendship with Nicolas, and he knows me so well. He is able to call me out when I’m falling back on my old tricks. This kind of work has really pushed me to be the most authentic version of myself … ironically through playing characters and using puppets. San Francisco Bay Times: You are a bi-coastal resident of both San Francisco and New York. Please describe your artistic process and how it influences your creativity. What are some of the challenges that you face? Leanne Borghesi: Living in both San Francisco and New York for the past three years has been the greatest gift. I have gained so much perspective, artistic growth and self-actualization, but it comes with extreme challenges. Going back and forth between two incredible cities, I’ve really had an opportunity to see my life in this objective way. When I’m here in San Francisco, it is home and there is a safety in that. When I am in Manhattan, living in my cute little apartment in Hamilton Heights, Harlem, it is a whole different energy. Both cit-

ies inspire me greatly in such different ways. This project has really benefitted from my time in both places. My artistic team for BDSM is a fantastic blend of wonderful artists from both coasts. Under the direction of New York director Nicolas Minas (LUSH ), we have NYC Musical Director Michael Ferreri, who will join forces with the wonderful West Coast musicians Roberta Drake on drums and Amanda Wu on bass, with sound design by my wife Sharon Boggs (soundproductions. biz). Finding the right artists takes time. It has taken many years to pull together such a great team. San Francisco Bay Times: As a vivid member of the San Francisco LGBT community and a queer woman, do you feel any responsibility within your work to utilize your voice and perspective? Leanne Borghesi: Yes, I do but not just as a queer woman, but as a woman in general. As I gain perspective and maturity as a “big boned” woman in this world, my feminist views and voice become stronger. They have grounded me and have opened the ability to tackle challenges head on with more confidence. Bringing this confidence and voice to the stage within comedy, music, puppetry, sexual & self-realization has been the ex-

citing part of creating this current show. I want to inspire just as New York has inspired me. When you fearlessly put your mind to something you desire, with cultivation come growth and understanding, and I definitely have found that with this show. It is a start, but at least I have begun. This really is a passion project. San Francisco Bay Times: Where will we be able to see your work next? Leanne Borghesi: I see this debut at Feinstein’s in San Francisco as the first step for BDSM. It’s something new for me–this idea of the ‘theatrical (continued on page 30)

S AN F R ANC IS C O BAY T IM ES JULY 21, 2016

Rink and Paul Were There!

Rink

The photo credits for images by legendary photographer Rink were inadvertently left off on the Dyke March and Trans March photo stories in our July 7 issue of the San Francisco Bay Times. For those who have inquired, Rink was at both of these events on Friday, June 24, and Saturday, June 25. Rink is very proud of his longstanding relationship with leaders of the Dyke March and Dykes on Bikes that extends back for decades to his early involvement as a young colleague and friend of Harvey Milk.

PHOTO BY FBFE

The Dyke March and Trans March photo spreads also included several by photographer Paul Margolis who is the founder of OurTownSF. com, a resource website for our community. We apologize to Rink and Paul for the omission of credit lines in our previous issue.

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PHOTO BY RINK

YOUTUBE.COM

PHOTO BY RINK

PHOTO BY PAUL MARGOLIS

Paul Margolis

Absolutely Fabulous: The Movie Keeps the Outrageous, Raunchy Party Going “A chaos of drink, and cigarettes and champagne,” Lumley said, drolly, in a recent conference call. “And a few illegal substances … and generally, in very bad shoes,” Saunders added, brightly.

Film Gary M. Kramer Edina ( Jennifer Saunders) and Patsy ( Joanna Lumley) are back and on the big screen! Yes, Absolutely Fabulous: The Movie reunites the best friends for more madcap adventures. In the film, which opens July 22, Edina is looking to goose her PR clientele after her book deal with Random Penguin fizzles. She targets a party Patsy’s magazine is hosting for famed fashion designer Huki Miki ( Janette Tough).

In various comedic moments, Patsy can be seen licking the outside of a champagne bottle or, in a particularly desperate attempt for alcohol consumption, downing some Chanel No. 5. In another amusing sequence, Edina “exercises” by using a razor scooter to travel from her front door to her car door. “Yes, I’ve never been on a scooter before, and they won’t let me wear a helmet,” Saunders confessed. “I was very, very brave. It’s almost the most exercise I’ve ever done.” Another “action” scene in Absolutely Fabulous: The Movie involves a low-speed chase during which Patsy grabs a cigarette out of the mouth of a man in a café as her vehicle passes by him.

But as Edina zeros in on a famous celebrity model, an incident occurs that gets her (and Patsy) in trouble with the law and their faces splashed across the tabloids. Broke as well as despised, the pair hatch a scheme to find a wealthy man Patsy once knew—intimately, like so many other men— to maintain their lavish lifestyle. Because, well, the ladies believe living well is the best revenge.

Given that the film is set in the fashion world, the Ab Fab ladies discussed Patsy and Edina’s fabulous frocks.

Absolutely Fabulous: The Movie features terrif ic comic performances from Saunders and Lumley, who wear outrageous outfits, and often have amusing expressions. Lumley’s sneer and Saunders’ wide-eyed looks are priceless. As expected, the pair smoke and drink throughout.

Saunders demurred, indicating that Edina “is always over-ambitious, should we say, with her costume. She’s always thinking she’s going to be really thin by tomorrow and never is, so she is squeezed into some appalling outfits.” She added, “Edina gets older and fatter, and actually, Patsy doesn’t change

“We insisted on doing our own stunts,” Lumley enthuses. “Obviously, it’s a reach from a car traveling at almost three miles an hour to take a cigarette off a completely supine man. It was a bit challenging, but I managed it.”

at all. She’s just sort of embalmed and remains exactly the same.” Lumley describes Patsy as “cool as ever.” However, a subplot transpires that involves Patsy gluing on a mustache and pulling back her hair to assume a masculine identity as part of a crazy scheme. Fans of the series, will likely recall this is not Patsy’s first time as a man. (continued on page 30)

Misconceptions

Words Michele Karlsberg Michele Karlsberg: What is the biggest thing that people think they know about your current book’s subject/genre that isn’t so? Chris Paynter: There is an expression: “You can’t judge a book by its cover.” My latest release, From Third to Home, the third in the Playing for First series, proves this point. The main story is about a woman breaking through the glass ceiling in playing for a major league baseball team. Complicating her situation is the misogyny, bigotry, and abuse she must endure in proving her worth. To earn acceptance as a player, she has to be even better than the norm. Also weighing on her mind is her wife’s struggles to have a child. I think the biggest misconception about this book, as well as Playing for First and Two for the Show that preceded it, is that they are strictly about baseball. While the stage is indeed baseball, each chapter of From Third to Home resonates with romantic story arcs and real-life struggles that the characters must face and overcome. The characters all have a loving partner or wife to provide the spark of romance that runs throughout the series. I purposely wrote From Third to Home and the other two novels in a

way that a reader can pick up each book and enjoy a story that stands on its own. My goal as an author is to engage the reader with a well-rounded storyline, of which baseball is only a backdrop. Chris Paynter, author and publisher at Companion Publications, has published seven lesbian novels, including the Lambda Literary Finalist and Ann Bannon Popular Choice Winner, “Survived by her Longtime Companion.” She lives in Indianapolis with her wife and their beagle, Buddy the Wonder Dog.

JD Glass: I think that most people think one of two things: they’ve either read it before (they haven’t, everything’s been re-written, expanded, and re-edited, with some variations to storyline that have never been seen before) or–and this is the big one–that the books have to be read “in order.” Everything I’ve written is meant to stand alone; do the worlds connect? Well, absolutely–it’s all the same world. People in the stories, like peo-

ple in “real life,” know each other, or of each other, or have interacted with someone who knows someone, who used to hang out with so-and-so … and I think that makes for some really neato Easter eggs and discoveries when, as a reader, you do pick up another book, and then learn more about someone. The current one, Glass Lions, continues to expand on this, referring to the characters from Punk Like Me, and is told from a point of view (Fran’s, for those familiar with this world) not heard before. The upcoming one, Drawn Together, also has a recurring character from other books in an expanded role, one that shows how the character has evolved (or devolved) over time. Much like the neighborhoods and cliques we grow up with and subsequently form as we grow and go through life, it wouldn’t be a surprise to find any of these characters from any of these stories, running into each other at work, at play, or even a local coffee shop. Just like any of us. Artist-musician JD Glass is the author of “Glass Lions,” “Punk Like Me,” “Red Light” and “First Blood.” She is also a selection editor and contributor to the antholog y “Outsiders.” Called by some the voice of a generation and an erotic philosopher by others, JD often works in familiar-seeming worlds, with people we know, people like ourselves and people we’d like to meet. JD provides powerful stories that allow the reader to rejoice and wonder, stumble and fall, then rejoice victoriously again at the amazing experience of being human. Michele Karlsberg Marketing and Management specializes in publicity for the LGBT community. This year, Karlsberg celebrates twenty-seven years of successful book campaigns. S AN F R ANC IS C O BAY T IM ES JULY 21, 2016

Sister Dana Sez: Words of Wisdumb from a Fun Nun and anxiously awaiting the next Guxi shipment—not realizing they are actually cheap knockoffs of Gucci! backtothepicture.com

By Sister Dana Van Iquity Sister Dana sez, “We need sensible gun control while people are screaming about their 2nd amendment rights; but they somehow fail to read: ‘a well regulated militia,’ which back then meant regulating and taking the time to load a musket, fire, and reload. Nothing in the Constitution mentions automatic rifles with 30 or more rounds, while it does stress ‘well regulated.’ Go figure!” BACK TO THE PICTURE’s Valencia Street Gallery (934 Valencia Street) is pleased to present six renown California Artists and their commentary on the current political climate in MY BROTHER’S KEEPER? EXPRESSIONS OF OUR WORLD TODAY. On display are vivid works by Art Hazlewood, Jesse Aguirre, Kathy Aoki, Consuelo-Jimenez Underwood, Mark Harris, and Robyn Kralique, who will be showing their stunning pieces now through July 31, curated by the amazing Derek Hargrove, who amassed oil, woodcut, collage, and textile declarations of the state of our world today. At the opening reception, Sister Dana got to share with the artists, but you can still experience these thought-provoking pieces yourself. Most of these works are emotionally charged, but I feel very fit for these emotionally charged times. Especially so are the works of Hazlewood with his oil on canvas, “A History of the 20th Century,” with very scary tyrannical “police” forces in gas masks with assault rifles against poor activists with much smaller, sadder artillery and much bigger rage. Also admirable are Hazlewood’s silkscreen print, “Security,” depicting a huge evileyed Uncle Sam spying over his giant wall to see humble people below just trying to grow their crops. It brilliantly illustrates the plan Trump has for his absurdly discriminatory wall intentions. Harris’ acrylic egg tempura & collage on panel entitled “Immigration Theory” is a possible postage stamp emblazoned, “The United States Postage” and the Statue of Liberty and her “E Pluribus Unum” boldly inscribed, but with a tiny disclaimer exception at the bottom: “NO Negros, Mexicans, or Muslims.” Also by Harris is “In Guns We Trust,” an acrylic and photo collage on panel of a very sexy Lady Liberty in red, white, and blue bra holding a massive automatic rifle, trimmed by rounds and rounds of bullets at the bottom. Kralique presents a photo taken by Peter Menchini, then painted by Kralique, “Protest Girls,” showing two innocent little girls holding a big banner exclaiming, “Black Lives Matter.” ‘nuff said. And as a humorous take on the traditional “I Want You” Uncle Sam enlistment posters, Aoki has a way too skinny model pointing her finger and commanding, “I Want You to Weigh 110 Pounds!” or “to get Double D cups!” and her marvelous summing up: “Beauty: It’s Your Duty,” portraying the traditional American bald eagle with wings spread while grasping a mascara brush in one talon and a lipstick in the other claw. Hilarious! The piece in the front of the room as you enter needs a little explanation, which Hargrove shared with me: “Waiting for Guxi” in acrylic on canvas by Aguirre is all these wannabe fashionista women hungrily clutching their precious “Guxi” handbags 24

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CASTRO STREET ARTSAVESLIVES STUDIO AND GALLERY presented CASTRO STREET LOCAL ARTISTS curated by well-known artist Thomasina DeMaio in her spacious gallery at 518 Castro Street. Complimentary wine, beer, food, and lively entertainment was served for the opening reception.facebook.com/sfartslave ABSOLUTELY FABULOUS: THE MOVIE will be released in theaters on July 22, (see story on page 23) but those of us A-lister AbFab fans got to see it before its release at Alamo DraftHouse, while drinking champers and eating nibblybits, sweetiedarling! Appropriate for their big screen debut, Edina and Patsy are still oozing glitz and glamour, living the high life they are accustomed to; shopping, drinking and clubbing their way around London’s trendiest hotspots. Blamed for a major incident at an uber fashionable launch party, they become entangled in a media storm and are relentlessly pursued by the paparazzi. Fleeing penniless to the glamorous playground of the super-rich, the French Riviera, they hatch a plan to make their escape permanent and live the high life forever more! Do catch this fabulous flick or else it’s squish squish, sweetiedarling! BROADWAY BARES SF: TECH TAILS at Club Fugazi, the site of Beach Blanket Babylon, was not your typical RICHMOND/ERMET AID FOUNDATION (REAF) benefit show. It was tech savvy and tech sexy! We got a hot EssEff night made even hotter by these sizzling, sexy strippers/dancers. Broadway Bares has been a major fundraiser for BROADWAY CARES/ EQUITY FIGHTS AIDS in New York for many years now–raising over $1 million annually. I was in the VIP section with Jason Brock, Donna Sachet, Julian Washburn, Deana Dawn, and the producers of the show, REAF directors Ken Henderson & Joe Seiler–all of us hootin’ and hollerin’ like crazy for the perfectly proficient performers. REAF gathered over 40 hot, sexy local dancers/strippers but also brought in some special guest stars, a few BROADWAY BARES NYC veterans, and cast members from the Broadway touring cast of CABARET including the lead actor Randy Harrison (best known for his role in the TV hit show Queer as Folk) in foxy jock strap. Other special guests included Broadway/TV (Queer Eye for the Straight Guy) star Jai Rodriguez (whom I happily tipped when he wandered through the audience and who once sang to me the “Happy Birthday Song” at the End-Up for “Sister Dana’s Birthday Celebration on New Year’s Eve”), American Idol veteran/recording star (and former exotic dancer) David Hernandez (who sang live gorgeously while scantily clad), and reality TV/Sunday’s a Drag star Cassandra Cass! The show was sssizzzzling! Sister Dana sez, “Pokemon GO? Go away! Just what we didn’t need: more people with their heads in their Smart Phones bumping into pedestrians!” WHAT’S COMING UP, SISTER DANA? Sister Dana sez, “Things may be slowing down after Pride season has come and gone, but there are still a lot of great events to participate in.” Join THE GLBT HISTORY MUSEUM as they kick off their new monthly “After Hours” party at The GLBT History Museum! Each month will bring a new theme + DJs (continued on page 30)

Speaking to Your Soul

Astrology Elisa Quinzi Power is destructive without purity of heart. Each of us is called now to better utilize and maximize our power by growing more conscious.

ARIES (March 21–April 19) What truth wants to express itself through you? Now you have a surge of power to put a more authentic version of yourself out into the world.

LEO ( July 23–August 22) Let the fires of transformation burn off any parts of you that keep you from shining more brightly. A glorious rebirth is in order.

SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22–Dec. 21) That summer vacation is in order. Travel brings joy, but also necessary freshness of perspective.

TAURUS (April 20–May 20) Quiet, reflective time could reveal some deeper personal needs that have fallen under the radar. Practice selflove and express those needs to loved ones where you are inclined.

VIRGO (August 23–Sept. 22) By going within, you can access greater power now. A voice inside your higher mind has guidance for you about your next move.

CAPRICORN (Dec. 22–Jan.19) Some previously hidden primal desires might be awakened now. Rather than demonize them, integrate them. They bring joy with them.

LIBRA (Sept. 23–Oct. 22) It’s a great time to create community and to connect with like minds. You could even take the lead and offer fresh ideas and insights to your circles and projects.

AQUARIUS ( Jan. 20–Feb. 18) Partnership is rekindled by romance and organic acts of loving generosity. A new friend or new love reflects back to you pieces of yourself you need to love.

SCORPIO (Oct. 23–Nov. 21) Now is the time for bold moves in your career. You might move up in your field or step in a new direction. So long as you are being true to yourself, you have what it takes to succeed.

PISCES (Feb. 19–March 20) God is in the details. Important truths are revealed to you as you create order in your home, your business, and your life.

GEMINI (May 21–June 20) It’s prime time to expand your sphere of inf luence. Not only do you have information others need, but there is a key you need that someone else has. Start conversations to find this key. CANCER ( June 21–July 22) When was the last time you sat down and consciously looked at your values? Doing so can allow you to streamline your life for greater fulfillment.

Elisa Quinzi has been honing the art of astrological counseling since earning professional certification many years ago. In addition to astrological knowledge, she brings a high degree of conscious presence to her work, and creates a safe, easy atmosphere for her client sessions, which come together and unfold organically. Contact her at futureselfnow@gmail.com, 818-530-3366, or visit www.ElisaQuinzi.com

As Heard on the Street . . .What event are you most looking forward to this summer? compiled by Rink

Gina Grahame

Thomas Simpson

Valerie Crowell

Ralph Doore

Robert Marrast

“The Golden Gate Business Association August Make Contact mixer”

“The Afro Solo Arts Festival”

“It happened already. The AIDS Life/Cycle”

“The Up Your Alley Fair”

“The MAC Cosmetics AIDS Walk SF kickoff party for the MAC Team at the AIDS Healthcare Foundation art space”

S AN F R ANC IS C O BAY T IM ES JULY 21, 2016

Monkey Mind or Voice of Wisdom?

Inside Out Fitness Cinder Ernst Inside Out Fitness, as the name implies, is an intuitive approach to exercise. In previous columns we have looked at the nuts and bolts involved in creating this new kind of fitness routine. How is it new? Most folks look to “experts” to fuel their exercise decisions. They might choose the latest trend that is supposed to really make them burn fat or build muscle. These are externally directed decisions. Someone else is leading the way for you and your body, and then you are making the external results the goal. Even as I write this it sounds heavy and not much fun. (Next time we’ll look at how to make exercise meaningful and delightful!) What’s the problem when your personal fitness is directed by someone else? You usually end up not sustaining the exercise routine without that other person “making” you. Have you ever wished you had, or could afford, a personal trainer? Have you felt like if you just had a personal trainer then you could finally be successful with fitness? I’ve heard a lot of people comment through the years that if they had a lot

of money, they could afford a trainer and proper lifestyle to achieve all of their fitness goals. They could finally lose weight and keep it off for good. Yo-yo dieting wealthy individuals, however, are evidence that money cannot always solve the problems. What a quagmire. If you are looking for a different result, then you need to try something different. Consider switching from externally directed goals to internally directed ones. To get started with an internally directed approach, imagine that you are at a fitness fork in the road and you are stepping out on a different path. The new path is gentle, friendly, life-giving and comfortable. The skill I want to highlight here is learning to listen to your body’s voice of wisdom. First, let’s look at what it doesn’t sound like. We’ll call the other voice “monkey mind.” Monkey mind is a Buddhist term describing that aspect of your mind that chatters at you constantly as it swings from doubt to worry to fear and then back again. Monkey mind is often loud, insistent, repetitive, sometimes mean, impatient and anxiety producing. Monkey mind was very important back in cave man days, but now, unless there is imminent danger, it usually drives

us bonkers. There is nothing wrong with monkey mind; it’s a normal human quality. You just don’t want to let it run the show. If you put your attention on your voice of wisdom, monkey mind will settle down. That is the balancing act. The tricky part is that this other thought process is quiet and soft spoken. It is gentle, kind, friendly, relaxed and relaxing; it can often be filled with humor.

Take Me Home with You!

“My name is Mrs. Edwina. I love snuggling and indulging my loved ones in affection. At 8 years old I may be mature, but I still have no Edwina idea what to do with children—please don’t ask me to babysit! I prefer to spend my days in the company of people older than me (in dog years), taking leisurely strolls around the neighborhood and enjoying the sunshine. I’d like to find someone special who enjoys the same!” Edwina is presented to San Francisco Bay Times readers by Dr. Jennifer Scarlett, the SFSPCA’s Co-President. Our thanks also go to Krista Maloney for helping to get the word out about lovable pets like Edwina.

Monkey mind is often at work when you step on the externally directed fitness path. It is like saying, “Get up, you little dummy,” to a child learning to walk. Instead, take a moment to imagine the learning to walk scenario done with gentle kind-heartedness and even humor. That is the feeling of the voice of wisdom.

To see Edwina and other pets seeking their forever homes, please visit:

If you have exercise in your life currently, notice the quality of your thoughts and self-talk. See if you can determine what you are listening to and when. If you are wanting to get on a fitness path, try listening to your voice of wisdom about this. Ponder the following question: What would a person who is willing to be happy and healthy do today? If the answer that comes to mind feels friendly, then

For more info about Edwina: https://www.sfspca.org/adoptions/pet-details/20291012

San Francisco SPCA Mission Campus 250 Florida St. San Francisco, CA 94103

Dr. Jennifer Scarlett and Pup

415-522-3500 Aside from major holidays, the adoption center is open Mon–Fri: 1–6 pm and Sat–Sun: 10 am–5 pm. Free parking is available for those wishing to adopt!

take that action. It might be a walk around the block, working in your garden, taking a nap or petting your cat. The objective is to get yourself into the stream of well-being and take it from there. Voice of wisdom will always put you in the stream of well-being. Cinder Ernst, Medical Exercise Specialist and Life Coach Extraordinaire, helps reluctant exercisers get moving with safe, effective and fun programs. Find out more at http://cinderernst.com

San Francisco Gay Flag Football League Wants You! Photos courtesy of the SF Gay Flag Football League

SFGFFL is looking for a few good men and women to represent San Francisco and the Bay Area at the upcoming Gay Bowl 2016. This year’s Gay Bowl will be held in Washington D.C., October 7-9, over Columbus Day Weekend. Gay Bowl is held annually and brings together teams affiliated with the National Gay Flag Football League for friendly competition. Social events are also included where players report having made lifetime friends. The 2016 Bay Area travel team will include players at all skill levels. Players with little or no experience are welcome and encouraged. No tryouts are required and everyone on the team gets to play, regardless of sexual orientation or identify. Selection for the travel team will be confirmed by September 5. Anyone interested in participating or finding out more can contact Alan at 808-371-9735 via text or e-mail sfbaybowl2016@gmail.com. Also, visit the team’s Facebook page: SF Gay Flag Football. For more information about the annual Gay Bowl, visit www.gaybowl.org

SA N FRANCISCO BAY T I ME S J U LY 2 1 , 2 0 1 6

Professional Services

LAW OFFICES OF MILES & TORRES Estate Planning 1393 Noe Street, San Francisco, CA 94131 (415) 308-2307 www.milestorreslaw.com

N ewPer spec ti ves Center for Counseling

S AN F R ANC IS C O BAY â&#x20AC;&#x2C6; T IM ES JULY 21, 2016

See many more Calendar items @ www.sfbaytimes.com

Deep Diving – High Flying – ODC. M-F 12:30 – 4:30 pm. (351 Shotwell). Class addressing skills for all levels and types of dancers. Through July 22. facebook.com/ events/508986245961222 Stale Magnolias: The Musical – Oasis. $25-$35. 7 pm. (298 11th St.) A sequel to “Steel Magnolias,” a lost season of “Designing Women,” and a second helping of “Fried Green Tomatoes” all rolled into one. Through Aug. 6. sfoasis.com The Black Woman Is God – SOMArts. Free. (934 Brannan St.) Co-curated by Karen Seneferu and Melorra Green, The Black Woman as God celebrates the Black female presence in the highest spiritual form.facebook.com/ events/1105419429516727 An Evening for LGBTQ Penn GALA and FFR/Princeton BTGALA Alumni - Asian Art Museum. $5. 6:30-9 pm. (200 Larkin St.) An evening of Asian art and drinks – cash bar.btgala.tigernet. princeton.edu/s/1760/clubsandchapters/3/index1col.aspx?sid=1760&gid =75&sitebuilder=1&pgid=2357

• 22 : F RIDAY

Decades of Dive Bars – GLBT History Museum. $10. 7 pm-9 pm. (4127 18th St.) A new monthly after-hours party. Hosted by Reigning Grand Duchess Olivia Hart. eventbrite.com/e/after-hoursdecades-of-dive-bars-tickets-26361337470 Marin Shakespeare presents “Twelfth Night” - Forest Meadows Amphitheater. $10-$35. 8 pm. (890 Belle Avenue, San Rafael).

A story about the residents of the island of Illyria with music, poetry, mischief and mirth. Through Aug. 12. marinshakespeare.org

• 23 : S ATURDAY

The Real Americans – The Marsh. $25-$100. 8:30 pm. (1062 Valencia St.) Jeff Hoyle’s recollection of his trip through small-town and rural America. themarsh.org X-Factor’s Jason Brock’s Birthday Show – Martuni’s. $25. 7 pm. Jason will be singing fan favorites accompanied by Dr. Dee Spencer. jasonbrockvocals.com “Teens and Queens” - Koret Auditorium, Main Library. 20th Anniversary of the Center. Through Aug. 7. facebook.com/James-CHormel-lgbtqia-Center-of-SanFrancisco-Public-Library146487331384/

• 24 : S UNDAY

Dore Alley Week Kick-Off – The Eagle. 3-6 pm. (398 12th St.) Beer / Soda Bust benefiting the SF Leathermen’s discussion group; hosted by Mr. SF Eagle Leather 2016 Harry Kong. facebook.com/ events/1617767935218400/ Everywon East Bay - A new Berkeley-Oakland community-based running event that crowdfunds for up to 21 local charities. everywon.org Free SF Symphony Concert – The Waterfront. Free. 12 pm. (James R. Herman Cruise Terminal at Pier 27) San Francisco Symphony’s Free outdoor performance. sfsymphony. org/Buy-Tickets/2015-2016/FreeConcert-at-the-Waterfront.aspx

Marin Shakespeare Company’s outdoor production of Shakespeare’s gender-bending comedy, “Twelfth Night,” features Kerel Rennacker as Sebastian and Kathryn Smith-McGlynn as Olivia.

• 25 : M ONDAY

Cal Shakes Civic Dialogue Series: “Actualizing Women’s Empowerment” Impact Hub Oakland. Free. 6-9 pm. (2323 Broadway Ave., Oakland). Examines themes raised in August Wilson’s Fences, playing at the Bruns Amphitheater Through July 31. calshakes.org Conversation with the Queer Tribe with HR Bremner – Flesh and Spirit Community. 5 pm. (924 Valencia St.) A therapist, sex educator and community organizer counsels on sexual development and trauma. qt.fleshandspirit.org/index.php/12series3/39-h-r-bremner

• 26 : T UESDAY

LGBTQ Mixer at Lyft – Lyft Headquarters. 5 pm. (185 Berry St.) Schedule a GiveOUTDay donation. $25 suggested. www.facebook.com/ events/1649729105353522 Butch Stud - A drop-in group for people who identify as Butch, Stud, Masculine-of-Center, Boi, Genderqueer and more. Email: butch-studgroup@pacificcenter.org Queer Youth Meal Night LGBT Center, Rainbow Room. Free. 28

SA N FRANCISCO BAY T I ME S J U LY 2 1 , 2 0 1 6

5–7 pm. (1300 Market St.) A safe space to meet LGBTQIA friends, have a free dinner and more. facebook.com/sfcenteryouth?_rdr=p

• 27 : W EDNESDAY

2nd Annual Best in Show – Oasis. (298 11th St.) The Ducal Court of San Francisco hosts. Featuring Sugah Betes and Cruzin d’Loo. facebook.com/ events/137720963324089

Summer of the Arts Membership Party – Asian Art Museum. 6:30-9:30 pm. (200 Larkin St.) The Asian Art Museum’s 50th anniversary celebration. Members only. eventbrite.com/e/summer-ofthe-arts-2016-tickets-25829244967 Floor 21: More and Rudy Present a New Downtown Happy Hour - Starlight Room. Free. 5 pm. (450 Powell St.) Every Wednesday.

• 28 : T HURSDAY

Tenderloin Queer History Walking Tour and Kickoff Reception – Tenderloin Museum. $5. 6-8:30 pm. Neighborhood historians give hour-long walking tours on the LGBT history of the Tenderloin, including the Compton’s Cafeteria Riots. facebook.com/

events/1724367354517707/ Opening Reception of Shapeshifting: The artwork of Yolanda Ramirez and Evelyn Reyes – Creativity Explored. Free. 7-9 pm. Creativity Explored, a nonprofit visual art gallery and studio for artists with developmental disabilities, presents Shapeshifting. Through Sept. 7. creativityexplored.org/pressroom/3320/shapeshifting Last Day to See LGBT Chronicled 1933-2015 – Harvey Milk Photo Center. (50 Scott St.). Show was extended from its former July 16 closing date. Don’t miss it! harveymilkphotocenter.org/category/exhibits/

• 29 : F RIDAY

Mighty Reels: That’s MS. Leather to You – GLBT Historical Society. $5. 7-8:30 pm. Media preservationist John Raines shows a movie about the first International Leather competition in 1987. facebook.com/events/181640185567349 Dancers We Lost: Honoring Performers Lost to HIV/ AIDS Photo Exhibit - GLBT History Museum. $5 donation. 7–9 pm. (4127 18th St.) Photographs and more presented in a dance-history project honoring performers

PHOTO BY STEVEN UNDERWOOD

• 21 : T HURSDAY

compiled by Jennifer Mullen

who died due to complications of HIV/AIDS. dancerswelost.org/ exhibit/ ThroughAugust 7. facebook.com/events/ 570571539782901/

SanFranDisco – The Midway SF. $25-$50. 9 pm. (900 Marin St.) Giorgio Moroder, Tuxedo, Escort, Luxxury, Birdee, Neighbour, David Harness, Motion Potion, Dials, King Most, Steve Fabus, Mozghan, Gravity, Tobin Ellsworth, Jonathan Will, and Juanita More perform. facebook.com/ events/157015238034725

• 31 : S UNDAY

Hard French Does Dore Alley – SF Oasis. $10. 6pm – 12am. (298 11th St.) DJ Jacob Meehan and Carrie On Disco headline this event. sfoasis.com/ event.cfm?cart&id=16969 Mid-Summer Sunday Music – Take Five Café. 3 pm. (3130 Sacramento St.) The Charmers and A Rose Con Pollo play; drinks and food available. take5cafe.net

This A T August at The Market! 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! PAMELA SOAPS has some lovely varieties of soaps, lotions, and other body products. Check out their new natural bug spray and extra moisturizing facial soaps! RAINBOW ORCHARDS brings late season blueberries and blackberries. Also, their wonderful Arkansas Black and Pippin apples will be arriving any day. ALPINE BLUE will be back in September with kiwis & walnuts! MARKET MATCH! Don't forget to use your CalFresh/EBT dollars at the market and get a match up to $10 for additional money to spend on seasonal fruits and veggies. pcfma.com/castro

1.800.949.FARM F

fb.com/castrofarmersmarket

DESIGN : LOGOMAN : logomantotherescue.com

BLOOM Trans Health Fair Oakstop. Free.12 pm-3 pm. (1721 Broadway, Oakland). A trans-led event offering free holistic health services and connections to local resources. facebook.com/ events/1725357347716182/

PHOTO BY CHARLES MARTIN, 2014.

• 30 : S ATURDAY

• 1 : M ONDAY

Rhino in the Castro - GLBT History Museum. $5. 7-9 pm. Theater Rhino presents staged readings every first Monday. glbthistory.org/2016/07/18/rhino-in-thecastro-the-bat/ Sacred Cocktails: Last People Standing – Long Term Survivors of HIV – Lookout Bar. 6:30-8:00 pm. (3600 16th St.) A conversation with men from the documentary Last Men Standing about their experiences. facebook. com/events/1684921441769620

• 2 : T UESDAY

Legion of Honor Free Admission Day – Legion of Honor. Free. 9:30 am- 5:15 pm. A collection of 4,000 years of ancient and European art. sf.funcheap.com/ legion-of-honor-free-admissionday-first-tuesdays-36/ Wine and Movie Night: Vertigo – Top of the Mark. Free. 5:30 pm tasting and 7 pm movie. (1 Nob Hill) Movies every Tuesday through August 30. sf.funcheap. com/wine-movie-night-vertigo-topmark/ The Doctor is In: CROI Update - Strut. Free. 6:30-8:30 pm. (470 Castro St.) Twice-monthly opportunities to ask for guidance from HIV specialist Dr. Joanna Eveland and community members. Email pforce@sfaf.org to RSVP. strutsf.org/event/the-doctor-is-incroi-update/?instance_id=5611

• 3 : W EDNESDAY

Mechanism – SAFEHOUSE Arts. $10. 8:30 pm. (1 Grove St.) Thursday as well. Presented by RAW (resident artist workshop), a residency program from SAFEhouse for the Performing Arts. facebook.com/ events/1042165255819739 Tim Cohen at the Rickshaw Stop – Rickshaw Stop. 8 pm. $10-$12. (155 Fell St.) The Cairo Gang and Night School also perform. facebook.com/ events/138864426540741 S AN F R ANC IS C O BAY T IM ES JULY 21, 2016

NEWS (continued from page 3) of efficacy.” They’ve now decided to give the idea another try because of seven recently-discovered “broadly neutralizing antibodies” that have the ability to bind multiple strains of invading viruses, unlike earlier isolated antibodies that tend to bind few strains. towleroad.com Background Given on Bigoted Anti-LGBT Governor Mike Pence as Trump Running Mate Back in 2000, now-Indiana Gov. Mike Pence, Trump’s Vice President pick, wrote on his website in a section on LGBT issues that money from a program to help those with HIV/AIDS should go to organizations “which provide assistance to those seeking to change their sexual behavior.” That section on LGBT issues was called “Strengthening the American Family.” It read: “Congress should oppose any effort to put gay and lesbian relationships on an equal legal status with heterosexual marriage; Congress should oppose any effort to

recognize homosexuals as a ‘discreet and insular minority’ entitled to the protection of anti-discrimination laws similar to those extended to women and ethnic minorities; Congress should support the reauthorization of the Ryan White Care Act only after completion of an audit to ensure that federal dollars were no longer being given to organizations that celebrate and encourage the types of behaviors that facilitate the spreading of the HIV virus; Resources should be directed toward those institutions which provide assistance to those seeking to change their sexual behavior.” towleroad.com Gallery ‘Art Attack SF’ to Open Second Location in the Castro Along with nine other businesses closing in the Castro this summer, Frame 123 has closed its doors for good, and the next tenant for the recently shuttered storefront is Art Attack SF. Fisherman’s Wharf gallery Art Attack SF just signed a lease, and with reno-

PHOTO BY RINK

celebrity in town for the Trumpathon, namely Caitlyn Jenner, who plans to hang out in Cleveland and speak at a gay republican event of some sort during the festivities. As you may have guessed, I have little sympathy for our GLBT brothers and sisters who profess allegiance to the grand old party. (Except for handsome law professor Dale Carpenter.) I mean, why? National security issues? Tax breaks for the top one percent? An end to regulations protecting air and water? If any of you are reading this, please explain. I’d really love to know. arostow@aol.com

Messages in the windows of the First Congregational Church on Polk Street.

SISTER DANA (continued from page 24) + drinks + food + cute queers + your Street. Curator Robert Richards will own fabulousness. Their first installjoin Leslie-Lohman Museum Direcment celebrates AFTER HOURS: tor Hunter O’Hanian in presentDECADES OF DIVE BARS with ing a gallery talk on Friday, July 22, renowned hostess Grand Duchfrom 5:30 to 6:30 pm. Admission for ess Olivia Hart and special guest each event is $5; free for members DJ Bus Station John. I still live of the GLBT Historical Society. For next door to the now bygone legendmore information, visit ary Castro Station (now Q-Bar). Oh glbthistory.org how I miss the old dive! So dive into SISTERS SPEAK! is an intia night of fun and frolic celebrating the watering holes that have brought mate speaking series featuring SISthe community together for decades. TERS OF PERPETUAL INDULFriday, July 22, 7–9 pm at the muGENCE. A festive event will be held seum, 4127 18th Street. Admission: at the beautiful Spark Arts Gallery $10. Tickets: goo.gl/0dVh6c. centrally located in the heart of the glbthistory.org Castro at 4229 18th Street (18th and Castro). VIP Tickets will be the only Sister Dana sez, “Trump has chosen seated tickets available. They also inPence as Vice Prez. They can call it the clude an elegant SWAG bag, a com‘TP Ticket’–especially since “tee pee” is plimentary sweepstakes prize ticket, slang for toilet paper! Ha!” and an exclusive food and beverGLBT HISTORY MUSEUM age pairing, hosted by a leading inpresents TRAVELING EXHIBIdustry concierge. A limited numTION OF GAY EROTIC ART, ber of Standing Room/Speech Only 1950s–1990s aka STROKE. CuTickets are available. Thursday, rated by artist Robert W. RichJuly 28, 7–9 pm: SISTER HERA ards, this exhibition of a largely forgotten body of work not only explores SEES CANDY, who has a Ph.D. in Transpersonal Psychology, will disthe male form, but also offers an excuss queer spirituality and its imamination of erotic fantasies as expact on gay culture. HEATHER perienced through publications that JACKS is presenting the event. She were available at nearly every newsis an award winning author, currentstand in America, but that men often ly working on an art style book about hid under their mattresses for fear of being discovered. Stroke will run from the San Francisco Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence. Food, bourbon, and July 21 to October 16,7–9 pm at the great conversation with Sister! more GLBT History Museum, 4127 18th 30

SF Gay Men’s Choruses Fight Hate by Serenading Focus on the Family The San Francisco Gay Men’s Chorus recently shared the love with anti-gay group Focus on the Family while in Colorado. Surrounding the sign at the conservative Christian group’s headquarters in Colorado Springs, the chorus sang a rousing rendition of “If You Were Gay” from the musical Avenue Q. This was part of an outreach extension tour SFGMC is doing, following the quadrennial GALA Choruses Festival, which brings together over 160 LGBT choruses from North America and beyond every four years. This year,

the GALA Festival was held in Denver, and so SFGMC decided to head to Colorado Springs after the conclusion of the Festival to perform a benefit concert for local LGBT charities. They were joined by the Denver Gay Men’s Chorus and Out Loud: Colorado Springs Men’s Chorus. The groups also performed at the Air Force Academy Chapel, an apparent first for gay choruses. lgbtqnation.com Supervisor Wiener Calls for Hearing on Preserving LGBT Nightlife Spaces With possible loss of the Stud and other LGBT venues in SOMA at risk, Supervisor Wiener calls for renewed, strong response to ensuring these safe cultural spaces continue to exist. He also calls for the long-stalled SOMA LGBT Cultural District to move forward. The announcement comes on the heels of news that, due to a rent increase and possible site development, the Stud (at 9th and

Harrison)—an iconic and beloved LGBT nightlife venue—is at risk of closure. A community effort has come together to save the Stud, as well as many other venues in SOMA, the Castro, and the Tenderloin. sfgov.org 20,000 People Participated in the 28th Annual AIDS Walk San Francisco This year, an estimated 20,000 people participated in AIDS Walk San Francisco, collectively raising more than $2 million. The start of AIDS Walk San Francisco was a star studded event with ABC7 News anchor Dan Ashley serving as master of ceremonies. Richard McAllister was the “Top Walker,” raising $24,528.16. Max Kirkeberg and Joanie Juster also each raised well over $12,500. This year’s AIDS Walk SF benefits Project Inform, Ward 86 at San Francisco General Hospital, Project Open Hand and other HIV/AIDS programs and services throughout the Bay Area. abc7news.com

BORGHESI (continued from page 21)

ROSTOW (continued from page 17) same-sex kiss under the headline “Love Trumps Hate.” The ad, arranged by the same people who bought and decorated the “Rainbow House” across from the Westboro Baptist Church in Topeka, makes a cute point. But still. The idea of Trump and Cruz sharing spit carries the Ick Factor to a new level for me. And speaking of Cleveland, the city council approved a measure protecting transgender rights on the eve of the convention, guaranteeing a certain amount of protection for all those transgender delegates who will be filling the hall in support of Trump and company. Actually, there will be one transgender

vations now underway, is slated to open at 2358 Market. It will be the second location for Art Attack SF, which opened at 2722A Hyde Street in 2012. Art Attack will continue to represent exciting new artists and explore new creative outlets in the Castro. hoodline.com

SA N FRANCISCO BAY T I ME S J U LY 2 1 , 2 0 1 6

cabaret,’ and I really want to keep developing it. I am already looking at dates this fall in New York and am putting out feelers to take the show on the road. I am planning on taking my work to cabaret and theater venues in Chicago, Provincetown, and the U.K. Those are places where I have performed and would love to go back to, but I can see myself touring all over with my theatrical cabarets. I am also currently working with some fellow colleagues and playwright Nathan Cann to create The National Theater KRAMER (continued from page 23) Lumley notes that in Season 2 there was “a flashback to the 60s where she had a mustache and was dressed in a Sgt. Pepper coat to be like a Beatle.” Moreover, Lumley is amused at how easy it is for guys to dress up as Patsy. “You just want to get your good, yellow wig on,” she said. “Lots of lovely red lips. Most men have very good legs, much better than mine, so men’s beautiful legs showing in good stockings. Nice pair of high heels. A [bottle], cigarette on the go. Dark shades on. You’re there.” While the two stars and their manic antics provide much of the film’s fun, there is also some hilarity featuring cast favorites Bubbles ( Jane Horinformation, visit heatherjacks.com Tix =buff.ly/29xBWld

of Uptown in New York where I’m so excited to be a part of a new tribe of theater artists. I will continue to split my time between both coasts. San Francisco audiences can expect to see me as this year’s Chanteuse with the monthly Cabaret series at The Circus Center (SF). I will also continue collaborations with my comedic trio B.O.O.B.S to bring quality, female empowered work to the stage. I do keep my nonprofit work close to my heart and perform with the San Francisco Lesbirocks), Edina’s mother ( June Whitfield), Saffron ( Julia Sawalha), and Saffron’s teenage Lola (Indeyarna Donaldson-Holness). What’s more, the celebrity cameos are, well, fabulous. It would spoil some jokes to say what A-lister lost his virginity at 15 to Patsy, or what famous drag queen and actress turn up when the cops search for Edina and Patsy, but what can be revealed is that Jerry Hall sends herself up on the red carpet, while Stella McCartney, Emma Bunton (aka Baby Spice), Graham Norton, Perez Hilton, and Jean-Paul Gaultier all appear in Absolutely Fabulous: The Movie. Saunders answered the question about how the film was able to attract the celebrities they did. She ac-

UP YOUR ALLEY is only for real players–and not for the faint of heart–where leather daddies rule the streets of San Francisco’s South of Market district during the last Sunday in July. There are men in all varieties of fetish attire, playing in the streets—there’s rubber, sportswear, biker gear, pups and handlers, punks, and much more. You won’t find a crazier event in the States. If you’re into it, there’s a scene for you. So, don’t get left out. Located in front of the legendary Powerhouse bar, over 10,000 fellow leather men and fetish enthusiasts engage in BDSM play at over 70 vendor spaces! Be sure to check out booths from Mr. S Leather, Steamworks, Kink.com, K-9 Unit of San Francisco, The 15 Association, and many, many more. “Up Your Alley” (which used to be “Dore Alley Fair,” to we oldsters) is Sunday, July 31, 11 am to 6:30 pm on Dore Alley between Howard and Folsom, continuing on Folsom from 9th to Juniper and the adjoining block of 10th Street. Sister Dana sez, “Try not to be a looky-loo; wear something appropriate to the theme, dude!” folsomstreetevents.org/upyouralley

sical and Best Revival! Now through July 31 at Victoria Theatre, 2961 16th Street. Evening Performances: Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays at 8 pm; Matinee Performances: Saturdays and Sundays at 2 pm. Closing: Sunday, July 31 at 2 pm. A boisterous and vibrant portrait of love in a nontraditional family, La Cage Aux Folles has been one of Broadway’s biggest hits for more than 30 years. This heart-warming musical comedy invites you into the lives of Georges and his lover Albin, who plays female impersonator Zaza at the couple’s popular St. Tropez drag nightclub. Problems arise when Georges’ 25-year-old son comes home with his fiancée and her conservative parents. Watch as the flamboyant couple’s family dynamic gets hilariously turned upside down. Written by Harvey Fierstein, the musical features Jerry Herman’s beloved score—including “The Best of Times Is Now” and “I Am What I Am.” Get in on the wig-flying fun as La Cage closes out the BAY AREA MUSICALS season at San Francisco’s Victoria Theatre. Sister Dana sez, “Wow! What a Drag! Because it is drag that will wow you!” bamsf.org/lacage

LA CAGE AUX FOLLES says, “The BEST of times is now.” Hurry and catch the smash hit show getting 9 TONY Awards including Best Mu-

STALE MAGNOLIAS: THE MUSICAL is playing July 21–August 6, every Thursday, Friday, Saturday at 7 pm, Oasis, 298 Eleventh Street

an and Gay Freedom Band whenever I can, and support our LGBT community in any way I can by sharing in song and spirit. Leanne Borghesi’s BDSM: Beautiful Dirty Sexy Me Feinstein’s at the Hotel Nikko 222 Mason Street, San Francisco August 5 and 6 @ 8 pm $25–$45 for tickets; Call 866-6631063 or go to ticketfly.com For more information about Leanne Borghesi, please visit: www.leanneborghesi.com knowledged, “You always end up with the people who are available on the day, and whom you love and whom you know and who are easygoing and happy. I don’t think we ever [planned anyone]. We just said, ‘Look, we’re having a party. Will you come and be in it?’ Lots of people turned up and were incredibly generous.” Fans will no doubt appreciate the film’s fabulous “party” atmosphere, which is infectious. © 2016 Gary M. Kramer Gary M. Kramer is the author of “Independent Queer Cinema: Reviews and Interviews,” and the co-editor of “Directory of World Cinema: Argentina.” Follow him on Twitter @garymkramer @ Folsom. Imagine a sequel to Steel Magnolias, a lost season of Designing Women, and a second helping of Fried Green Tomatoes all rolled into one! Stale Magnolias is every 80’s “Southern lady’s comedy” and now it’s set to music! Book and lyrics by Sean Owens, music by Don Seaver, directed by Cora Values. Six women in a small town, circa 1985, prove they have the big hair and padded shoulders to overcome any adversity–but when they’re trapped together at the local hairdresser’s, their barbed tongues fly, and nobody’s dignity is left unshredded! Featuring the drag talents of Marilynn Fowler, Jef Valentine, Robert Molossi, Michael Phillis, ‘Drew Todd and Jerry Navarro, plus show-stopping wigs by Jordan L’Moore. Two audience members nightly will be selected for a makeover, and a chance to appear in the show’s finale! sfoasis.com Sister Dana sez, “Earlier in the primary season, Caitlin Jenner said she wanted to be Ted Cruz’s ‘transgender ambassador;’ called Hillary Clinton a ‘f***ing liar;’ and tried to prove how tolerant Trump is toward transgender people by peeing at Trump’s hotel. Jenner says, ‘As a proud Republican and transgender woman, I want to support courageous Republicans who advocate for LGBT freedom.’ Well good luck on that, Cait, but puh-leeze don’t be a chump champ for Dangerous Donald aka TerribleTrump!”

Round About - All Over Town

On Thursday, July 14, a French flag was placed at the 18th and Castro Street memorial site to remember people massacred in Nice on Bastille Day.

Andrew and Eli promoted The Castro Fountain ice cream and bake shop in front of the new location near Castro and 18th Streets.

Frameline Film Festival Closing Night Screening of “Looking”

Photos by RINK

Award-winning 24-hour restaurant Orphan Andy’s received loud applause when it appeared on screen during the Frameline Film Festival finale screening of Looking at the Castro Theatre.

San Francisco City Hall lit up in rainbow colors during June

AIDS Healthcare Foundation (AHF) Art Space Exhibit Opening

Performer Jose Ito (right) and friends at the AHF art space opening

Artist Frank Pietronigro with his work at the AHF art space opening

Actress Lauren Wheeler addresses the audienc at the Looking premiere.

AHF’s Dale Bluth (left) and coordinator Thomasina DeMaio (5th from left) and attendees at the AHF art space exhibit opening Actor Jonathan Groff at the Closing Night premiere standing in front of a poster in which his character is featured

Frameline’s Desi Buford and honoree filmmaker Tom E. Brown (Pushing Dead) at the VIP Closing Party

Executive producer Michael Lannan and director Andrew Haigh on the blue carpet at the Castro Theatre

Frameline executive director Frances Wallace with Oscar-winning filmmaker Rob Epstein at Frameline’s Closing Night VIP Party Actor Daniel Franzese on the Blue Carpet at the Looking premiere

Photographer JB Higgins with his work

AIDS Health Foundation’s AIDS Walk SF Kickoff Party

AHF’s Angelica Skouras and Thomasina DeMaio outside the MAC Cosmetics store welcoming attendees to the AIDS Walk SF Kickoff Party

MAC decorations out front announcing the AIDS Walk SF Kickoff Party

Jewish Film Festival Press Conference Program director Jay Rosenblatt, executive director Lexi Leban and programmer Joshua Moore at the press conference for the 36th Jewish Film Festival, which runs through August 7.

S AN F R ANC IS C O BAY T IM ES JULY 21, 2016

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