San Francisco BayTimes - March 13, 2025 by San Francisco Bay Times

LGBTQ News & Calendar for the Bay Area

CELEBRATING FOUR DECADES Est . 1978

The U.S. Shift From Democracy to Plutocracy

Take action to remove big money from politics.

From Democracy to Plutocracy

Bought & Sold: The 50-Year-Old Roots of Big Money in Politics Today

6/26 and Beyond

Stuart Gaffney and John

Lewis

As the destructive chaos of the second Trump presidency continues to unfold, we find ourselves returning over and over to the inordinate influence of big money in American politics. A staggering $15.9 billion was spent nationwide on federal election races during the November 5, 2024, election cycle, with approximately $5.5 billion spent on the presidential election alone.

The world’s richest person, Elon Musk, whose estimated net worth exceeds $300 billion, spent well over a quarter billion dollars on Republican candidates in the 2024 election. As a reward, he was granted unprecedented power within the Trump White House. Although the role that Musk and others with immense fortunes play in the Trump administration is astounding, billions of dollars fuel the campaigns of both Republican and Democratic candidates on an ongoing basis and exert immense influence on how they govern when elected.

And we are also mindful that, during the 2024 election, Republicans spent substantial amounts of this money on vicious attack ads that vilified transgender people. According to Imara Jones, Founder and CEO of TransLash Media, the Trump campaign expended a total of $215 million on anti-trans ads, constituting “the single-largest ad buy” of his campaign. Sadly, the Trump administration’s relentless attack on trans people continues today.

How did we get to this point where big money so dominates American politics?

Throughout history, warnings as to the dangers of greed, the accumulation of wealth, and the threat that big money poses to society abound. “It is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle, than for a rich man to enter into the kingdom of God,” and “the love of money is the root of all evil” are two admonitions found in the New Testament.

“Money makes the world go around, the

world go around” is the lively refrain of the cautionary song “Money, Money” from the 1972 movie musical Cabaret. Connecting the importance of money to the American psyche, President Calvin Coolidge proclaimed: “The chief business of the American people is business.”

When it comes to politics, nothing says it better than the maxim “money talks,” whose origin is said to date back to the fifth-century BCE playwright Euripides. The fabled instruction “follow the money” attributed to the Watergate informant “Deep Throat” tells us where to look for the source of corruption.

As far as the nuts and bolts of how so many billions of dollars are legally allowed to be spent in federal elections, the U.S. Supreme Court’s 2010 Citizens United decision, in which the Republican Court majority ushered in the era of unlimited spending by so-called superPACs, plays a pivotal role.

The core precedent, however, responsible for the shape of our democracy today was decided half a century ago. Back in 1974, Congress passed and President Gerald Ford signed into law campaign finance legislation designed to root out the corrupting influence of money in politics. The bipartisan law was enacted in response to the political crisis precipitated by Watergate and as part of a national awakening to corruption in American politics.

The legislation significantly limited an individual’s campaign contributions to any federal candidate, their total contributions to all federal candidates combined, the amount of money that groups or individuals could spend independently on federal elections, and the total amount of money that a candidate could spend either from their personal financial resources or from campaign donations.

In its landmark 1976 Buckley v. Valeo decision, the Court eviscerated the statute, leaving only the limits on individual contributions to candidates in place. If those restrictions enacted on a bipartisan basis 50 years ago had remained in effect, voters in the 2024 election would undoubtedly have had far different choices of candidates, Elon Musk would not wield exorbitant power in the White House today, and our nation as a whole would be far different.

We wondered whether anyone on the Supreme Court back then had any inkling of what lay ahead. As LGBTIQ people, we were surprised to learn that the strongest forewarning came from Justice Byron White, who a decade later authored the notorious anti-gay Bowers v. Hardwick decision. White was the sole dissenter who

White avowed that the campaign finance protections were “critical to … dispel[ling] the impression that federal elections are purely and simply a function of money” and that federal offices such as the presidency may be “bought and sold.” He warned

that, without them, the only people who will run for office are those who have “the facility and the stomach for doing whatever it takes” to “raise or contribute large fortunes” of their own to win elections. He viewed the restrictions as “common-sense” to ensure that elections were not only

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would have upheld all of the law’s limits on money in politics.

From Democracy to Plutocracy

Join the Fight to Curb Out-of-Control Money in Campaigns and Elections

Since people began using money around the 7th century B.C., it has influenced positions of power. That is especially true here in the U.S. Consider that the first president, George Washington, had a net worth of about $600 million when adjusted to its present value. Other wealthy presidents include Thomas Jefferson, Theodore Roosevelt, Andrew Jackson, and Donald Trump. While estimates of Trump’s net worth vary, Forbes last month put it at $5.8 billion.

During the 2024 presidential election, donors for the main contenders spent nearly as much as Trump’s net worth, close to $5.5 billion. Now President Trump is surrounding himself with fellow billionaires. His Cabinet is estimated to have a net worth of $10 billion. Department of Government Efficiency head Elon Musk is the wealthiest individual

on the planet, and Trump’s ties to the ultrarich are evident in nearly everything he does and seemingly values.

American Promise

The cross-partisan organization American Promise is working to bring together Americans from all political parties to pass and ratify an amendment to the U.S. Constitution to help turn the tide away from plutocracy and back to democracy. It promises to restore reasonable limits on money in political campaigns and elections. The amendment would empower the states and Congress to set limits on such spending.

The American Promise team, including San Francisco-based Advisory Council member Elizabeth Doty (the Founder of Leadership Momentum), holds: “When the decisions that affect our lives are determined by a

powerful few, making rules that do not serve us, our families, our communities, or our nation—we are not free. We are here to restore the American promise of self-determination, opportunity, and the ability to create a better future for all.”

For Our Freedom Amendment

The text of the amendment is as follows:

Section 1. We the People have compelling sovereign interests in the freedom of speech, representative self-government, federalism, the integrity of the electoral process, and the political equality of natural persons.

Section 2. Nothing in this Constitution shall be construed to forbid Congress or the States, within their respective jurisdictions, from reasonably regulating and limiting contributions and spending in campaigns, elections, or ballot measures.

Section 3. Congress and the States shall have the power to implement and enforce this article by appropriate legislation and may distinguish between natural persons and artificial entities, including by prohibiting artificial entities from raising and spending money in campaigns, elections, or ballot measures.

Get Involved

The effort led by American Promise continues to grow, both in size and momentum. There are multiple ways that individuals can get involved, from signing a pledge, to volunteering, participating in the organization’s events, joining one of the established networks, and much more.

Check out the American Promise website: https://americanpromise.net/

Unite With Ukraine: Rally & March for a Just and Lasting Peace

Photos by Rink

On Sunday, February 23, 2025, the Ukrainian American Council and partnering organizations sponsored a rally and march at Harry Bridges Plaza to mark three years of Russia’s war on Ukraine. Hundreds of participants, including community members, elected officials, and other dignitaries, gathered in support of a lasting and just peace process to end Russian aggression.

Speakers called on the Trump administration and Congress to facilitate peace through strength and a process that includes Ukraine as a party in all negotiations.

After the march began at Harry Bridges Plaza, it crossed Embarcadero and continued to Pier 39 where it finished next to the Sea Lion Sculpture. https://bit.ly/4gWxERB

Choosing Resistance and Joy The Growing Resistance

Natural disasters like earthquakes and tornadoes are terrifying and can cause massive destruction, but they are over relatively quickly. The problem with unnatural disasters—those caused by human beings—is that they can go on and on and on.

We are in the midst of an unnatural disaster of monumental proportions, with no end in sight. A small number of men with unfathomable wealth and no good intentions are holding the rest of the world hostage to their ambitions. The scenario grows crazier every day—really, haven’t we seen this kind of insanity in James Bond movies? But even as they ratchet up the chaos and destruction, hopeful signs are emerging each day as people and institutions are pushing back. Resistance is real. It is taking root everywhere, and it gives me hope.

Trump 1.0 gave birth to a number of groups that have continued to do good work in organizing resistance efforts. Indivisible, Sister District, the Alt National Park Service, and many more have risen to the forefront again to provide both tools and inspiration to mobilize resistance efforts. Economic boycotts, protests at Tesla dealerships, call-in campaigns to elected officials, and protests are having an effect. Republican leadership has advised elected officials to stop holding town halls, because so many angry constituents have shown up to loudly voice their disapproval with the way things are going. Keep up the noise, folks: the voices of the people are being heard loud and clear. And despite our thoroughly justified fear and anger, don’t forget to tap into your joy.

Singing for Justice

activist, mother, grandmother, worker, and performer of rousing folk music. Her long life spanned social movements throughout most of the 20th century and well into the 21st, and Petric was there for all of it, guitar in hand, singing for the rights of people everywhere, and building community through her music.

Throughout history, people have expressed their resistance, and their joy, through song. Voices raised together lift all of us, and a new documentary, Singing for Justice, encourages us to do just that.

Singing for Justice follows the extraordinarily long, useful, and joyful life of Faith Petric, who spent her 98 years wisely as a political

Locally, Petric hosted the San Francisco Folk Music Club at her home on Clayton Street for 50 years. At a recent screening of the film, co-director Christie Herring remarked on the fact that audiences sing along as they view the documentary: “Her ability to create musical communities endures, with film audiences spontaneously singing together during the screenings! I can hear people sing along, and the rooms are filled with hope. Faith’s life is a vital reminder of the joy inherent in the work for social change.”

During National Women’s History Month in March, Singing for Justice will launch a national rollout on PBS with a premiere presentation on KQED in San Francisco on Friday, March 14, at 8 pm; Saturday, March 15, at 6 pm; and Monday, March 31, at 11 pm. Be

prepared to sing along, and trust me, you won’t be able to resist. It will bring you joy.

https://tinyurl.com/SFJ25

Pride and Joy

San Francisco Pride has officially announced their theme for this year’s Pride celebrations: “Queer Joy Is Resistance.” Joyful defiance is the rallying cry to raise spirits and solidarity in the face of the constant attacks on the LGBTQ+ community. Stay tuned for more details on Pride month activities and celebrations. Find ways to celebrate. https://sfpride.org/

Stand Up, Fight Back: Science Needs Our Voices

The current administration is notable for a number of reasons, from the disreputable to the downright despicable. Among the most dangerous is their utter disregard—no, make that contempt—for science. Science is the field of study that explores the wonders of our universe. It helps keep us safe and healthy. It is a field based on rigorous research that thrives on facts.

And yet we now have people elevated to positions of immense power over our lives who actively dispute, disregard, or even denounce science that has been proved and settled long ago. They are defunding research that could save countless lives. They are deleting government websites that were devoted to vital information for keeping

communities safe and healthy. Their actions are depriving millions of people around the world of access to life-saving medical care.

Recent protests like the SF AIDS Foundation HIV Advocacy Network’s “Save Our Sciences: Rally for HIV Research” on March 10, and the nationwide “Stand Up for Science” rallies on March 7, helped raise awareness of the devastating impact of funding freezes, and staff and budget cuts impacting critical life-saving research, public health, and our environment.

There will be many more such actions. Keep your eyes open for opportunities to take part, or create your own. Stand up for science. When you hear of an action coming up, spread the word. We all need to act, and act now, before it is too late.

Coronation 2025 – More Joy

On February 22, the Imperial Council of San Francisco crowned its new monarchs for 2025. Reigning as The Diamond Court of Diversity, Excellence, and Joy are Empress Afrika America and Emperor Ashlé Blow. Congratulations to the new monarchs!

Turning Anger Into Joy

The indefatigable and very funny E. Jean Carroll, who has had plenty of reasons not to laugh, recently received an email from a subscriber who confessed, “I appreciate your wanting to keep it light and lively but that’s a hard ask as our lives are collapsing.”

Carroll responded with empathy and humor, paraphrased here: “Of course you’re angry. America is in danger. And our president is Nero … but promise me one thing, Stay angry. Whatever keeps your fire hot, do it! Throw some gasoline on it!”

Carroll’s advice to pour gas on your anger is brilliant. And by gas, she means laughter. “A good laugh gives us fifty times more energy than reading a dark and doomy Substack.” She added, “Laughter is extremely profound.”

We can all learn from Carroll, who, after all, beat our current president twice in court. Laughter makes us feel better, which, in turn, helps us focus so we are better equipped to take action against the forces that are dismantling our government and causing harm both here and around the world.

I treasure a prescription I once received from a doctor who was treating me for depression. He wrote on his prescription pad: “Watch more funny movies.” May we all find ways to have a good laugh. Joy is resistance.

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

In Case You Missed It

Joanie Juster

The Growing Resistance

Save Our Sciences: Rallies

On March 7, 2025, and again on March 10, scientists, healthcare workers, and more rallied in protest to Trump administration implemented as well as planned federal cuts to medical research, treatments, programs, related staffing, and, as specifically addressed during the March 10 rally, threats to HIV/ AIDS research programs.

The Rally for HIV Research was organized by the San Francisco AIDS Foundation’s HIV Advocacy Network (HAN) in conjunction with scientists who attended the Conference on Retroviruses and Opportunistic Infections, to support HIV research programs. HAN members and other HIV activists rallied to stand in solidarity with scientists and researchers who came to San Francisco from around the world for the scientific conference, and to raise awareness about the impact the funding freezes, and staff and budget cuts, will have on critical life-saving research.

The March 10 Rally for HIV Research began with words from Vince Crisostomo,

Rally for HIV Research - March 10, 2025

the HIV Caucus Co-Chair of The Harvey Milk LGBTQ Democratic Club, who has been living with HIV since 1987.

Other speakers included Dr. Tyler TerMeer, CEO, San Francisco AIDS Foundation, who has been living with HIV since 2004; Dr. Franco Chevalier, an infectious disease doctor; Dr. Hyman Scott, Medical Director, San Francisco AIDS Foundation; Dr. Steve Deeks, Professor of Medicine, UCSF; Dr. Katie Bar, Associate Professor of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania; Mark Harrington, Executive Director, Treatment Action Group, who has been living with HIV since 1985; Dr. Beatriz Grinsztejn, President, International AIDS Society; and Dr. Carlos del Rio, Professor of Medicine/ Infectious Diseases at Emory University School of Medicine.

A “Call to Action” by Naina Khanna, Founding Executive Director, Positive Women’s Network, closed the speakers’ program at the rally.

Stand Up for Science Rally, March 7, 2025

Photos by Joanie Juster

Oakland Fire Stations Saved

Out of the Closet and into City Hall

Oakland City Councilmember At-Large, Rebecca Kaplan

The recent successful reversal of previously planned fire station closures, along with our ability to prevent further closures, showcases the unwavering dedication of elected officials, city staff, and the strong voices of community members united in purpose. Additionally, this reversal, made possible by newly identified funds and cost-saving measures, highlights the interconnectedness of every part of the Oakland community and every aspect of life. Oakland’s announcement last fall of fire station closures drew the concern of constituents from every corner of the community. The City of Oakland’s priority is the safety and well being of all its residents, businesses, and visitors. At present, Oakland, like many cities, is coping with the broader challenges in the economy, and budget shortfalls. As a result, dedicated effort is needed to protect vital services and strengthen our financial picture.

from successful sports, concerts, and other events at the Oakland Arena and Coliseum, illustrating the importance of uplifting and activating the historic Oakland Coliseum site.

With the OACCA’s approval of the reimbursement, we worked with our council colleagues to amend the budget to reopen the closed fire stations and prevent further fire station closures. This item successfully passed the Council unanimously on Tuesday, March 4, 2025! The combination of Council action and administrative action now means that the previously closed fire stations will reopen, and the four additional fire stations, which had been scheduled to close, will now remain open.

The City of Oakland strives to provide core municipal services. The actions triggered by this amendment ensure funding of public safety services that better residents’ lives. The funds for this amendment originated from the hard work of Coliseum and Arena staff, which created an exceptional product for a diverse consumer base, activating spaces by collaborating with diverse partners to

showcase outstanding talent in various fields such as music, art, and sports. A notable example is the recent NBA All-Star Weekend, which set records with massive attendance at the HBCU All-Star game in Oakland.

Recently, in my role as one of Oakland’s representatives on the Oakland Alameda County Coliseum Authority (OACCA), I successfully obtained approval to reimburse the City of Oakland $2.6 million. This money has come in due to improved revenue

The activation of the Coliseum and Arena creates jobs, unique experiences, and a sense of community. These tangible benefits allowed us to reinvest in a fundamental municipal service: public safety. The money brought in from this revenue was combined

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GLBT Fortnight in Review

Wither Progressives?

I couldn’t help but notice two of my old friends, GLBT legal eagles Dale Carpenter and Kate Kendell, at odds on Facebook over the recent anti-trans comments about women’s sports from Gavin Newsom. I use that last adjective advisedly, because Newsom told right-wing podcaster Charlie Kirk that it was “deeply unfair” for transgender women to play on women’s sports teams. Carpenter, who teaches constitutional law at Southern Methodist University in Dallas, praised the California governor for “opening a space for discussion,” which is a strange way to describe what sounds like flat-out opposition to trans athletes. Kendell, Chief of Staff of the California Endowment, called the podcast “a humiliating demonstration of unprincipled boot-licking by Newsom, who was unable to mount any cogent response to Kirk’s many bogus characterizations on everything from race to ‘cancel culture’ to trans issues.” (Tell us what you really think, Kate!) Carpenter then noted that a majority of Democrats, rightly or wrongly, think restricting trans athletes is “a matter of common sense.”

Newsom’s deliberate break with progressive Democrats comes a month or so after Democratic Congressman Seth Moulton told the press: “I have two little girls. I don’t want them getting run over on a playing

By Ann Rostow

field by a male or formerly male athlete. But as a Democrat, I’m supposed to be afraid to say that.” Moulton said that, afterwards, quite a few of his fellow Dems came up to him later and thanked him for his refreshing comments. In other words, thanks to Moulton, Newsom’s contrarian remarks required zero political chutzpah.

But look at what Moulton actually communicated. We all agree that no parent would want their little girl getting mowed down by a boy on the field. As for a “formerly male athlete,” the entire debate hinges on these ambiguous words. Are we talking about a pre-pubescent child who has identified as a little girl for years? Would Moulton or his colleagues really object to that sixth-grade transgirl playing kickball with his daughter? No. Would he object to a transgirl a year or so into hormone treatments playing on his daughter’s softball team? Again, no. By implication, the “formerly male athletes” Moulton objects to would be big strong guys who have not transitioned to any appropriate degree.

This is the straw man that opponents of transathletes like to attack and that doesn’t exist. Of course, we don’t pit males against females in a sporting arena. Nor do we allow a man to simply “announce” a transgender status and claim the civil right to try out for the women’s team. This stuff doesn’t happen. What has happened is that since peo-

ple’s transitions are all different, we have historically tried to avoid a one-size-fits-all policy covering trans sports. So much for that effort.

Carpenter is right that we need an open space for discussion. We need that space for the other major transgender issues as well, because they are complex and massively misunderstood. Just as the burly male knocking the little girls off the field is the straw man for sports, the prospect of drastic genital surgery for transgender kids is inanely bandied about as a real danger that requires bans on all gender-based health care for transgender youth. There’s a faux horror story for every trans-related issue, from bearded rapists in the ladies room to effeminate soldiers unprepared to fight. Thanks to these simplistic images, America’s curiosity and sympathy for her transgender fellow citizens has shifted and is now hardening into hostility and disdain. How do we create that open space under these circumstances?

Smoothie Anyone?

So, it does look as if Newsom is thinking about a presidential run, doesn’t it? I can’t even bring myself to criticize his political posturing since, for all I know, the winning ticket in 2028 will have veered to the right from the days of Harris and Biden. Whatever the platform, I’d gladly vote for Newsom over JD Vance, but I must admit, it

might be hard to overlook the fact that the man was married to Kimberly Guilfoyle for five years.

I don’t go browsing on Facebook very often, and I can’t recall why I went there this morning. Oh, yes! A friend replied to one of her friends, a stranger to me who was doing something totally irrelevant to my life. I clicked into this scenario via an email and was at once sucked into endless posts, each one interesting enough to stay on Facebook, but not interesting enough to mean anything, unless you count Dale and Kate bien sur Think adorable dog runs to her owner after a two week vacation, followed by a Valentine’s Day dessert made in an egg carton with frozen pastry dough and a chocolate bar, followed by “cat’s reaction to new kitten didn’t go as planned!” It’s thirty minutes I’ll never have back.

Meanwhile, did you read that some Danish guy created an art installation that included three piglets who were supposed to starve to death as part of the project. Are you frigging kidding me? The guy was drawing attention to bad things about pig farming, of which there are myriad, including the fact that piglets die because there are more piglets than there are pig mother teats. Happily, animal rights people saved the piglets, but there’s something even more grotesque than cruel

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Krewe de Kinque’s Bal Masque XXII

Photos by Rink

“Mardi Glow Under The Sea” was the theme of the Krewe de Kinque (KDK) gala, Bal Masque, held this year on Saturday, March 1, at The Café, 2369 Market Street. A large crowd of attendees and supporters gathered to enjoy the costuming, elaborate decorations, and promenading so characteristic of this annual fundraiser now in its 12th year.

Founder and event coordinator Gary Virginia welcomed guests, as did the volunteer team. Los Angeles Fire Survivors Migrant Aid Fund, founded by Kippy Marks, is the designated nonprofit designation. Brian Busta, aka “Chickpea,” was this year’s Grand Marshal.

Participants also enjoyed a silent auction, raffle, and additional activities. DJ Jimmy Strano spun tunes and helped keep the party energy going. The festive evening included three acts with more than a dozen performances.

Earlier in the month, on March 4, KDK members celebrated Fat Tuesday with the organization’s annual Bar Crawl with stops at Midnight Sun, Twin Peaks Tavern, Lookout, and 440 Castro.

Fundraising for the Los Angeles Fire Survivors Migrant Aid Fund will continue on Saturday, March 15, 4–7 pm, with the Inferno party at Zhuzh, 1548 California Street. For more information, visit the KDK page on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/202756774136

SBy Donna Sachet

teve Silver’s Beach Blanket Babylon will always be remembered as the world’s longest running musical revue, putting Club Fugazi in North Beach on the map. Many years later, a new production has taken the stage at Club Fugazi and is gaining its own reputation as a spectacular show, unique to San Francisco and recently celebrating its 1000th performance there. We were in the audience for that special anniversary, joining Mayor Daniel Lurie, Supervisors Aaron Peskin and Daniel Sauter, SF Chief of Protocol Penny Coulter, and singers Paula West and Joan Baez, among others.

Although we have seen this lively circus-like performance known as Dear San Francisco before, this was our first time to be seated on stage, making for an exhilarating interactive experience with the wonderfully talented and personable cast. We held our breath as acrobatic acts defied gravity and we sighed with familiarity as visual vignettes paid tribute to the city’s rich history. A warm welcome from Producer David Dower and attentive service from a bevy of hospitality staff made it an evening to remember. If you haven’t yet seen this show, get your tickets now!

The SF Gay Men’s Chorus reminded us of the historic impact of The Beatles when the chorus dedicated a special cabaret of soloists and small ensembles to this timeless music. The chorus’ new Chan National Queer Arts Center created the perfect setting for Come Together: A Beatles Cabaret with groupings of small tables and chairs for the audience and a simple club set on stage. From familiar love songs and haunting ballads to less familiar but distinctly British ditties, the performers took us on a musical and historic journey, dynamically arranged and accompanied by Danny Sullivan, joined by percussion, bass, and even cello for two numbers. This was a rare chance to hear a variety of soloists from the chorus, demonstrating a wide range of styles, vocal talents, and deliveries. The Chan National Queer Arts Center is quickly proving its versatility and appeal as a new production venue!

On March 1, Krewe de Kinque, the popular local social club modeled loosely after the Mardi Gras krewes of New Orleans, once again brought their joyful energy and colorful pageantry to San Francisco with Bal Masque XXII: Mardi Glow Under the Sea. Rainy cold weather was not going to keep this crowd from The Cafe on Market Street, decorated throughout with tropical colors, underwater images, and balloon installations.

King XXI Robert Makowka & Queen XXI Vivianne Vixen Rose presided after a year of fundraising events and Grand Marshal Brian Busta led the traditional Second Line Parade of partygoers. Guests enjoyed a lavish show of thematic performances, bid on silent auction selections, and generally partied like they do in New Orleans. Founder of Krewe de Kinque, Gary Virginia, and DJ Jimmy Strano kept the energy up for the entire night, as the event raised money for Rainbow World Fund’s LA Fire Survivors Migrant Aid Fund. The evening peaked with the crowning of the new King XXII John Brett and Queen XXII Olivia Hart.

Who needs to fly south for the annual Oscars Awards, when we can watch the full telecast live with friends, perhaps winning our own little statuette and then thank our own Academy? Around 100 people did just that at The Academy SF private club on Market Street! Guests lined up on a red carpet for sparkling wine and professional photos before entering the Legends Hall, where a large screen brought all the excitement of the ceremony to life and individual miniature Oscar Awards were presented by emcee Marcus Williams during commercial breaks. His humor all night kept the guests on their toes. Next year, you know where to be!

Finally, without getting too specific politically, we want to encourage our readers to hang in there through the onslaughts of current federal actions. Just as we got through COVID with perseverance and hope, so will we prevail against this more intentioned negativity. Trust in wiser heads and calmer voices and be true to yourself. This too shall pass.

“The greater the obstacle, the more glory in overcoming it.”

Friday, March 21

CHEER SF’s Spring Fling Spring Mixer Benefits Cheer for Life Foundation Lookout, 3600 16th Street 5–8 pm Free! www.cheersf.org

Friday, March 28

Mr. SF Leather Meet & Greet

Mr. S Leather, 385 8th Street 6 pm Free!

Saturday, March 29

Mr. SF Leather 2025 Contest Emcees Lenny Broberg & Donna Sachet Produced by Ray Tilton Benefits Lyric SOMArts, 934 Brannan Street 6 pm $40 & up

Sunday, March 30

Mr. SF Leather Victory Brunch The Willows, 1582 Folsom Street 10 am $45

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

—Molière

PHOTO

Krewe de Kinque member Donna Sachet added to the donation bucket held by King XXI Robert Makowka while Founder & King I Gary Virginia rallied the crowd at Bal Masque held at The Cafe on Saturday, March 1.

Orphan Andy’s Is for Sale

Photos by Rink

Orphan Andy’s co-owners Bill Pung and Dennis Ziebell informed the San Francisco Bay Times earlier this month that their landmark Castro restaurant was for sale—and for what many believe to be a bargain price: $250,000. The announcement was made just weeks after Fisch & Flore went on the market. In that case, the 954-square-foot Fisch & Flore in the historic home of former Café Flore is being offered for $795,000. Pung and Ziebell, who are married, have owned and operated Orphan Andy’s for 48 years, since they first acquired the diner in 1977. The beloved old-school destination has been open 24/7 for at least four days of the week (and long hours on the other days) and dishes out burgers, malts, and other classic all-American fare.

After nearly five decades of challenging work, however, Pung and Ziebell are ready to retire. This has called into question the fate of the restaurant, located on 17th Street just two doors down from Twin Peaks on the corner at the Castro and Market streets intersection.

Just thinking about the sale has members of our Bay Times team craving Orphan Andy’s famous pancakes, burgers, Hawaiian cake, chocolate brownies, and much more. Orphan Andy’s has been a home away from home for many of us, largely due to Pung and Ziebell’s welcoming, caring approach.

Bay Times lead photographer Rink is among those who have been going to Orphan Andy’s since it first opened. Here, we share just some of the volumes of images that he has taken at the diner over the decades. We will continue to follow the sale of both Orphan Andy’s and Fisch & Flore, as well as other business news in the Castro.

LEWIS/GAFFNEY (continued from pg 3)

between candidates who have “overpowering advantage by reason of a huge campaign war chest.”

The majority opinion in Buckley made lofty pronouncements about how, in America, “the people are sovereign” and their ability “to make informed choices among candidates for office is essential.” It claimed that limiting the amount of money spent in elections would result in significantly “restricting the number of issues discussed, the depth of their exploration, and the size of the audi-

ence reached.” We ask fifty years later how $215 million worth of sensationalist Trump ads, peddling gross stereotypes and falsehoods about transgender people, in any stretch of the imagination contribute to “exploration” of issues in “depth” or help voters make “informed choices” about candidates.

It’s disturbing that White was the sole justice who foresaw the dangers that lay ahead in a comprehensive manner and that Republican majorities in more recent court decisions

have further opened the floodgates to money in politics. Big money’s influence on American politics has become so pervasive that, for many people and especially those with the most power, it has become normalized as an inherent part of the American political system.

But White’s dissent reminds us that it doesn’t have to be this way. Big money’s dominance in American politics is a product of high court decisions that could have been otherwise. And therein lies hope for the future if a

new national awakening takes place in the wake of the current political crisis and those who believe in democracy remain committed to the cause.

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

Astrology

Elisa Quinzi

We benefit now from acknowledging and releasing underlying feelings of inadequacy that block us from standing in the light. Core wounds keep us stuck in an overemphasis on doing, while the very eternity of the moment slips by over and over unnoticed. This is a season of growing trust in the Great Mystery.

Rather than echoing the cry of the masses, “How bad will it get?” we are encouraged to ask, “How good can it get?” This is a season as well of giving ourselves permission to see the beauty of life, the magic in a day, and to reach across counters to connect soul to soul. For the next year, and into 2026, we do well to loosen our grip on the controls, and begin the greatest experiment of our lifetime— to trust that life is a flow of love from an eternal source. To act from this trust with every person we encounter is the very act that will save us.

Speaking to Your Soul

ARIES (March 21–April 19)

Resist the urge to take on more duties now and end up feeling bogged down in a kind of servitude. The universe wants you to go to the mountaintop to receive a vision for your life. Give yourself the gift of aloneness and stillness and listen for Spirit’s guidance. If it feels generous and hopeful, you’re hearing truth.

TAURUS (April 20–May 20)

Your sensuality and preference for comfort can keep you in a kind of perpetual pleasure cloud. But now it is time to take a leap of faith into a far brighter future for yourself. Whatever you thought was possible, it is better than that.

GEMINI (May 21–June 20)

You do not have to try to belong. You belong. Success comes from flow, not force. Attune yourself to a higher calling and let yourself be guided by inspiration rather than ambition.

CANCER (June 21–July 22)

There are times for the crab to come out from under the safety of the outcropping and follow the calling of their heart. The moon strings always pull cancer down the soul’s true path. This is a moment in history when the reward for trusting that calling is greater than would be to remain safe and hidden in the familiar.

LEO (July 23–August 22)

Facing our fears is the hardest part of life, yet also the reason we are here. By going through the fire, we discover that we do come out more golden. The layers of impurities burn off, leaving our pure shining essence.

VIRGO (August 23–September 22)

You need the positive reflection of others to keep you from swimming in your insecurities. The right soulmates reflect your light back to you, and help you zoom out to see the grander view. The significance of Spirit is lit up now in your connections.

LIBRA (September 23–October 22)

You are learning to embrace flexibility and allow for the natural flow of a day. Not everything has to be so meticulously planned. Make space for the sacred in your day, in your tasks, in your plans. Trust in something bigger than your own ability to control outcomes.

SCORPIO (October 23–November 21)

This season of your life invites you to let go of your tension and experience more spontaneous joy. Much of the heavier material you carry in your backpack was collected long ago and weighs you down. The universe not only gives you permission to move on, but also sent you into this life in order to do so. The portal is open. Act now.

SAGITTARIUS (November 22–December 21)

You need your home to be an oasis from the expectations of the world. Too much outer stimuli has distracted you from dropping into your personal sacred space. The world will go on buzzing while you give yourself permission to let go of pretenses and be yourself. Your inner mystic wants more attention now. Commune with it.

CAPRICORN (December 22–January 19)

Hunches and psychic hits seemingly out of nowhere can come to you. Your ability to sense energy behind people’s words and actions is heightened now. Let go of rigid outdated beliefs that would hold you back from receiving through new channels, and that would keep you from seeking unity with the people you encounter in your day.

AQUARIUS (January 20–February 18)

You have been hard on yourself for too long. It is safe to let go and trust that a divine flow supports you. When you loosen your grip, you will more fully experience the beauty of the moment you are in, which is the only moment there ever is. The security you feel when you are able to relax into being fully present in the given moment is worth more than gold.

PISCES (February 19–March 20)

Your alone time is encouraged for you to develop more trust in the One who is present in your aloneness. There is only so much growing you can do face to face with partners. To flourish, your most important relationship must be the one you have with your higher self. When you are able to trust and feel the very source of life itself in your aloneness, your relationships will blossom, as will your entire life.

Elisa Quinzi is a certified professional astrologer who brings a strong spiritual perspective, as well as over 20 years of experience, to her work with clients. Contact her at futureselfnow@gmail.com or at 818-530-3366 with your exact birth time to schedule or to ask questions. For more information: www.elisaquinzi.com

Take Me Home with You!

Lainey: A Cat Right Out of a Storybook

“Meet Lainey, an incredibly gorgeous, longhaired tabby with striking features and a regal presence. With her flowing coat and soulful eyes, she looks like she belongs in a storybook—but right now, she’s still adjusting to her new surroundings at the SF SPCA. The shelter is a lot to take in, and Lainey is taking things at her own pace, watching from a safe distance as she figures out whom she can trust. Given time, patience, and a gentle touch, Lainey is sure to reveal the warmth behind her majestic exterior. If you’re looking for a stunning feline who just needs a little time to feel at home, come meet Lainey and see if you’re the person she’s been waiting for!”

To meet Lainey, as well as other pets seeking their forever homes, please visit: San Francisco SPCA Mission Campus 250 Florida Street, San Francisco, CA 94103 415-522-3500

Aside from major holidays, the adoption center is open Mon–Fri: 1–6 pm and Sat–Sun: 10 am–5 pm. For more information: https://www.sfspca.org/adoptions

Let’s Go Home!

Bansi, a Handsome Lynx Point Siamese, and Bundle-of-Joy Bobbin

Here are two of the many pets now available for adoption at Oakland Animal Services (OAS):

Bansi is a handsome 5-year-old Lynx Point Siamese who recently lost his longtime home through no fault of his own. As a reserved gentleman, Bansi responds to gentle pets and slow blinks. He is ready for a quiet new home to relax and unwind in and is looking for a patient, cat-savvy adopter to bond with. Could it be you?

Bobbin is a 1-year-old, 45-pound bundle of joy who loves people and other dogs! Once a shy pup, he has blossomed in his foster home while

recovering from an autoimmune skin condition and is now thriving. Playful and silly, he grabs a squeaky toy to “talk” when excited and would love a dog sibling to romp with. Bobbin is great on leash, crate-trained (with a little protest), and is a pro at napping after adventures—just watch out for his sneaky counter-surfing skills!

The OAS adoption process focuses on matching you with a pet who is a good fit for you and your family. Come by during open adoption hours Thursdays 12–7 pm and Fridays/Saturdays/Sundays 12–3 pm to adopt your new best friend, or to learn more about the OAS adoption process. Please see the OAS website to learn more about how you can help by adopting, fostering, volunteering, and donating: www.oaklandanimalservices.org

Tears, Laughs, Chill Bumps

TLC: Tears, Laughs and Conversation

Dr. Tim Seelig

You probably thought that TLC stood for Tender Loving Care. It usually does, but I’ve used the acronym differently for decades in programming music for concerts. The more I have thought about it, the more I realize it is a recipe for life. Everything we experience in life falls into one or more of the three “food groups”: tears, laughs, and chill bumps. How do you balance all three? I constantly hear about this on my favorite cooking shows. You can make a fabulous, sweet dessert, but if you forget that dash of salt, you’ll get chopped. If you make your favorite Italian red sauce (“gravy” for you Northerners) and forget that “spoonful of sugar” to balance the tomatoes, you’re packing up your knives.

There are a lot of delicious descriptions of life as food: a bowl of cherries, a box of chocolates, and more. Each cherry is a year in our life. We gobble them when we’re young and then realize we have fewer left than we ate! That’s when we start tasting each remaining cherry slowly and intensely. As for chocolates, you never know what you’re going to get until

you bite into it (or poke out the bottom, as I love to do). Then there is the saying, “When life gives you lemons, make lemonade.” Overused, yes, but still good advice.

Maybe there is a way to get through life without the TLCs. That is not living. That’s existing. Sometimes we retreat into a comfort cocoon, adding layers of protection from deep emotions. Allow me to share excerpts from a spectacular poem by Andrea Gibson titled “Acceptance Speech After Setting the World Record in Goosebumps.” The full version is available online. You can also hear her read it on YouTube.

How do our life’s experiences fall into the three buckets, under the three umbrellas, or in the three file folders?

Tears

Tears seem to be the easy “bucket,” or at least they should be. Crying by ourselves is one thing. Crying in front of others requires vulnerability and courage. Do your eyes moisten with the first notes of Sara McLachlan singing “In the Arms of an Angel” accompanied by photos or heartbreaking animals in dire life situations? Do you cry at movies? How about at loss and pain? I have personally lived through many losses. I have wept so long and hard that the tears dried up. We cry at beauty. We cry at weddings. When is the last time you’ve had a really good cry?

Laughs

The line between tears and laughs is a fine one. The best example of all is the cemetery scene in Steel Magnolias. It is an absolute classic. During one of the most heart-wrenching scenes ever filmed, we hear, “Slap her!” “Are you high, Clarice?” Everyone transitions from weeping to gales of laughter instantly. I come from funny. My Mother was the funniest woman—at least

Excerpts from “Acceptance Speech After Setting the World Record in Goosebumps” by

Andrea Gibson

I wasn’t by any means a natural. I was tough in the husk.

My tears like teenagers hiding under the hoods of my eyes, so committed they were to never falling.

Of course, beauty hunted me. It hunts everyone. But I outran it, hid in worry, regret, the promise of an afterlife or a week’s end.

Then one day, in a red velvet theater in New Orleans, I watched Maya Angelou walk on stage. Seventeen slow steps to the mic.

She took a breath before speaking, and I could hear god being born in that breath. I’d never felt anything like it.

Searched the encyclopedia for the feeling’s name when I got home: “Goosebumps.”

Afterward, I thought—I can do this.

Started training morning to night, Crowbar swinging like a pendulum at the wall of my chest. Tore the caution tape off my life and let everything touch it:

My baby sister, sober for the first time in thirteen years, calling to tell me she just noticed our mother’s eyes are green: 505 goosebumps.

Blood donors in Sweden receive A thank-you message when their blood is used: 301 Nordic goosebumps.

The oldest man in my hometown could not get to the door to listen to our carols.

So we went inside and sang at his bedside instead. 776 goosebumps.

A sincere apology: 221 goosebumps.

An enemy’s love poem: 222 goosebumps.

The octopus documentary: 54 goosebumps, multiplied by 8.

The biggest dog in the shelter hiding behind a teacup Chihuahua, and the woman who came to adopt a cat taking all three of them home: 1,012 goosebumps.

There is no escaping the magic now. Beauty caught me and never let me go.

the funniest Baptist woman—I have ever known. My daughter was the second funniest. As they say, she was me without the filters. My son is hilarious. We use our humor for many reasons. Each of us has different things that make us laugh. Considering tears, laughs, and chill bumps, laughs are the easiest of the three for me. I probably over-season my life with this ingredient!

Chill Bumps

Finally, the best ingredient of all: chill bumps, otherwise known as goosebumps or Paula Abdul’s “goosies” made famous on American Idol. This one may be difficult to define. Andrea certainly started us off with her beautiful poem.

The chill bumps happen in those unexpected moments of beauty. For those of us who are moved by music, they can happen there. A stunning sunrise or sunset, a work of art or dance, a child putting their hand in yours as you walk, or a speech that really resonates can

(continued on page 18)

KAPLAN (continued from pg 8)

with additional cost savings that were attained by reduced liabilities and lower costs from harms and injuries, providing a win-win for Oakland, with less harm to the public and a better financial picture.

Restoring fire department services helps protect the public from the dangers of fires, numerous medical emergencies, and other hazards. This builds on the successful efforts of the prior Council, which prevented fire department cuts last year, thus allowing the deployment of enough personnel to prevent the spread of a dangerous fire that was able to be stopped from spreading last season, protecting lives and homes.

Councilmember Rebecca Kaplan was elected in 2008 to serve as Oakland’s citywide Councilmember; she was re-elected in 2016 and 2020. She now serves as the Interim District Two Councilmember. Kaplan on Twitter @Kaplan4Oakland ( https://tinyurl.com/2dtjmazc ) and Facebook ( https://tinyurl.com/2p9dd5ta ).

SEELIG (continued from pg 16)

trigger them. For me, they happen a lot when experiencing anything related to Dr. Maya Angelou. I’m very fortunate to have worked with her on many occasions—from enjoying conversations in her kitchen to organizing her 80th birthday celebration. She was a walking chill bump.

Now here’s your homework. Dust off your memory. Peel away the layers of protection you may have installed. Make a list of the things that have moved you to tears or laughs or chill bumps. When you get to chill bumps, as Andrea has done, give yourself some scores. See if you might be close to the world record.

When you look at the recipe of your life, what’s missing? How do you fix it? Is it sugar, salt, laughter, tears? If you’re missing chill bumps and you don’t know where to look, go hear or watch a video of your local LGBTQ+ chorus performing. That should do it. They’ve figured it out!

Dr. Tim Seelig is the Conductor Laureate of the San Francisco Gay Men’s Chorus. http://www.timseelig.com/

San Francisco Bay Times invites you to join us every Sunday!

Mimosa

Mimosa Sunday Brunch and Party for Women and Their Friends

Catch French Bistro 2362 Market Street

Noon–3 pm Brunch & Music with Dee Spencer

3 pm Mingle & DJ Party

6 pm Dinner

ROSTOW (continued from pg 11)

meat processing and that would be killing animals to make an artistic statement.

I know someone will point out that we wouldn’t be discussing pig farming were it not for the unconventional exhibition, which was indeed titled And Now You Care? But this guy, Marco Everistti, is nonetheless a real creep. “In 2000,” The New York Times reports, “Evaristti displayed ten goldfish in individual blenders in a Danish museum and allowed visitors to turn on the machines. Some did.” I’m especially appalled by this after reading recently that goldfish can live sixty years and become gigantic if dumped into a river or pond.

Okay. I was just looking for that goldfish story when I found a dozen other clips about the intelligence and long memories of Everistti’s blender-fodder. From LiveScience we learn that goldfish are “good problem-solvers and have been taught to escape nets and navigate mazes … . They can even remember how to repeat these tasks weeks, and even months, later.” Another article said goldfish owners swear their pets recognize them.

If this guy weren’t already in his sixties, I’d peg him as a future serial killer. Maybe he still has time. As for the art lovers who decided to operate the blenders, words fail me.

Rocky Mountain Whatever

I have some big news out of the Supreme Court, where at least four justices have decided to revisit what some of us thought was settled law, the extent to which a state can regulate counseling services. Can a state outlaw conversion therapy as a medical risk to fragile teenagers? Or are such regulations a violation of a counselor’s right to free speech?

The petition came from a Christian counselor out of Colorado, who claims her right to free speech is abridged by the state law against conversion therapy. Colorado won the case in lower court and again before the a 2–1 panel of the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Tenth Circuit, but some on the High Court seem ready to switch sides on any and all court precedents involving our community. Colorado, like other states with bans on conversion therapy, says the practice falls below a minimum standard of care and argues that the state has the right to police the behavior of counselors and other medical practitioners in accordance with legislative mandates. But the High Court decided to ignore the state’s position and review the question of free speech, as presented by the Christian counselor and her conservative lawyers at the Alliance Defending Freedom.

I’m not a lawyer, but it’s pretty obvious that a Court that seems on the verge of deciding that states can limit health care to transgender youth (in a case to be decided this spring), might not want to cede Colorado’s regulatory power just a few months later. But by turning the case into a free speech battle, the justices can come up with whatever bullpucky rationale they want and squeeze it into the First Amendment. Just as Lorie Smith’s web design service was deemed “artistic expression” a few years back, rather than a public business prohibited from discriminating under Colorado law, I’m guessing the SCOTUS conservatives will find that this counselor woman’s preachy antigay circus can’t be constrained without trespassing on her constitutional rights.

What is it with Colorado?

Lesbian Noir

I skipped over an article this morning that listed hundreds

of innocuous words and expressions now liable to be edited out of federal websites and documents. It’s beyond bizarre and it’s the type of piece I can’t handle. (Fingers in ears. Cue: “la la la la la.”) I also found a report in The Advocate that says the Department of Defense flagged photos of the notorious bomber Enola Gay for removal, which I assume someone manually corrected. I was struck, not just by the absurdity (the Enola Gay was the plane that bombed Hiroshima), but by the image of people updating software to remove the word “gay” from Department materials. As far as I understand it, all references to “LGBTQ” have been shortened to “LGB,” so I guess some references still exist. There are probably directives to make the “LGBs” wear special buttons.

What else is new, you wonder? I just watched Flow, the winner of the Oscar and the Golden Globe for BestAnimated Feature. I had read a lot about it, but I still wasn’t going out of my way to watch it until I read that people’s cats were watching the movie, transfixed by the apocalyptic adventures of the feline hero. I saw one cat (yes, on Facebook again!), who was perched on a pedestal by the television rapt with concentration. Many other witnesses swore their pets watched the whole movie from beginning to end and couldn’t look away. Hey, I thought it was good. It was a little mesmerizing, and if I were a cat, I think it would rank high on my list of favorite films.

I’ve been meaning to write a thoughtful account of another High Court case that the San Francisco Bay Times legal staff has been following, to wit the straight woman who filed suit under Title VII’s ban on workplace discrimination claiming that she was not promoted due to her (yes, heterosexual) sexual orientation. Marlean Ames, who worked for a youth agency in Ohio, insisted that her promotion went to a lesbian, and she was demoted by a gay man, evidence of sexual orientation bias, which is not allowed under Title VII. Normally, claims of reverse discrimination require extra evidence, but the High Court will decide whether or not that will remain the case.

Well, that was a pretty thoughtful account actually, so I’ll check that off the list, shall I?

Finally, my gratitude goes to a loyal reader (thanks, JS) who noted that my reduced news consumption has allowed the story of a lesbian behaving badly to pass by under the radar. In late February, Riverside County Fire Captain Rebecca Marodi, 49, was stabbed outside her home outside of Escondido.

Hmmm. This is actually not one of our lovable madcap lesbian pranks, but a hot-blooded murder right out of Vera (which my wife is watching in the other room), except in Southern California instead of Newcastle. The killer was Rebecca’s wife, Yolanda Marodi, who was furious that Rebecca was planning on ending the relationship. According to SF Gate, the women were captured by their Ring camera that recorded Rebecca yelling: “Yolanda! Please … I don’t want to die,” and Yolanda replying:

“You should have thought about that before.”

Rebecca seems to have blood on her back as she goes inside. About ten minutes later, Yolanda comes back out, gets into her car, and drives off (to Mexico). Meanwhile, Rebecca’s mother comes over and calls 911, but Rebecca dies. Oh, and here’s the kicker. Yolanda spent 13 years in prison for stabbing her husband to death in 2000! She is still at large, so stay tuned.

arostow@aol.com

My Motorcycle Journey

Dykes on Bikes®

Tales From Two Wheels

I rode my first motorcycle when I was 14 years old. I had a brother who was nine years older than me who, every time he had a new interest, insisted that I learn it too. It didn’t matter that I was a kid, that I wasn’t interested, or that I didn’t have a license. Some of his interests, like gymnastics, I could not stand and he would force me to “keep trying,” until he got so frustrated by my tears and refusal that he would walk away in disgust. However, riding his motorcycle was an interest of his I that I wholeheartedly embraced. In retrospect, it was pretty cool that my big brother believed I was capable of doing anything and pushed me to try everything. It is also amazing that I lived through my childhood. However, I digress. So, my brother explained how the motorcycle worked, pointed it in the direction of the street, had me get on, and told me to go. I twisted the accelerator, released the clutch (apparently too fast), and the motorcycle shot into the

By Dora Dome

street, into the path of an approaching car. Fortunately, the driver of the car had excellent reflexes and I was able to stop without crashing into the wall. Like I said, I am lucky I lived through my childhood.

That was the start of my love affair with motorcycles. I have had my motorcycle license for 44 years. My love of riding grew exponentially when I moved to Hawaii and bought my first new motorcycle. I had just graduated as an undergrad, and a motorcycle was more practical financially than a car. The climate, the mountains, and the ocean all created a rider’s paradise.

I loved the sense of being part of nature— the wind in my face and the sun on my skin as I rode through stunning landscapes with the sound of my 70s music playing in my helmet. Motorcycle parking was easy and cheap; it was easy to navigate traffic with some minor and safely done lane splitting, and I looked cool! Truly, what else could a 23-year-old ask for?

I would say that 90% of having a motorcycle as your only source of transportation in Hawaii was awesome. The other 10%, not so much. When the weather was bad or I had stuff to carry, it was a pain. The decision to sell my bike was made for me when I had my first child. My then partner was adamant that, while we had young children, I could not ride my bike.

I was sad to give up my bike, but I had to agree that motorcycles and a child did not go well together. At 42, I guess I was going through a midlife crisis and impulsively decided to buy another motorcycle, in San Diego, 500 miles from my home. Like I said, impulsive! My kids were older, I was older and hopefully smarter, and it made sense, at least to me.

oped vertigo and had a panic attack while riding over the Bay Bridge on my way back from the SF Pride Parade. I have no idea how I was able to stay upright and make it over the bridge, but I did and took it as a sign that it was time to let my motorcycle go. Given my vertigo, I thought I would never experience the beauty of riding again and it broke my heart.

Then, one day, I was sitting outside a restaurant and I saw an older man pull up and park his trike. It clicked! I had seen trikes before, but had never really thought about them. Seeing the old man on his trike made me realize that I didn’t have to give up riding. I just had to think differently about how I would

I bought a sport bike, cause I had always had a sport bike. My cousin towed it up to Oakland and I could not wait to start experiencing the joy of riding again. Boy, was I wrong! First, it is very different to be hunched over a sport bike, with your weight on your arms, at 42 than at 23. My arms were shaking and sore after my first long ride. Second, riding in Oakland is a very different experience than riding in Hawaii. It’s not nearly as beautiful and folks drive fast and like fools. For the first time in my life, I did not feel safe on my bike. I kept the bike for a few years, but hardly rode it. I spent more money on new batteries, from lack of use, than I did on gas. The final straw, however, was I devel-

ride and the trike was the perfect solution. In 2019, I bought my Harley Davidson Ultra Tri-Glide and my spirit was lifted. I don’t even have words to express my elation. I was able to ride, on and off, for a few months, then the pandemic hit and the riding stopped. In 2022, I went to the Borrego Springs Babes Ride Out event by myself and discovered the wonderful world of female motorcyclists. They came in all shapes and sizes, straight and queer, all ages, races, and riding interests. They were welcoming and kind, and shared my love of riding.

I made new friends and riding buddies. I participated in the 2023 Dykes on Bikes® (DOB) contingent of the SF Pride Parade and I met some of the San Francisco DOB

members. I decided that, if I was going to keep the bike, I needed to start riding it regularly, and I needed to find people to ride with close to home.

Since that time, I have done two rides to Shelton, Washington, for The Dream Roll. I have taken a 17-day, 3000-mile trip to Montana with a loop in British Columbia, Canada, and I have taken a trip back down to Borrego Springs. In between, I do local rides with my DOB sisters. I am now a patched member and on the Board of Directors for SFDOB, and I am loving every minute I get to be on my bike and hang with my friends. I have found so much pleasure in riding these past couple of years. So much so, that I am planning a trip across the southern U.S., up the eastern seaboard into Canada, then back across the Trans Canada Highway.

Motorcycles have been an incredible source of joy and freedom. They provide a way to enjoy and experience the environment unlike anything else. And, when you can combine those experiences with wonderful people, it just does not get any better.

Dora Dome is a patched member of the San Francisco Dykes on Bikes® Women’s Motorcycle Contingent and is also a member of the SF DOB Board of Directors. https://www.dykesonbikes.org/

Dora Dome

Dykes on Bikes leaders (left to right) Melissa Cherry, Dora Dome, and Barb Weiss

Eat the Night Is a Queer Romantic Thriller Set in Real and Virtual Worlds

The engrossing queer film, Eat the Night, now out on VOD and DVD, mixes gay romance, video games, and drug warfare into a visually and emotionally stimulating drama.

The film, co-directed by Caroline Poggi and Jonathan Vinel, opens with the teenage Appoline (Lila Gueneau) being devastated when it is announced that Darknoon, the video game that “is more home than home” for her, is going to be shut down forever. Appoline plays the game with her gay older brother, Pablo (Théo Cholbi), who makes and deals drugs. Their avatars allow them to live as they want to in a world they can control. In real life, their parents are largely absent, and the game provides a good escape from their dead-end lives.

When Pablo is beaten up by the members of a rival drug gang, headed by Louis (Mathieu Perotto), a man named Night (Erwan Kepoa Falé) comes to his aid. Pablo is smitten with Night and asks his new friend to quit his job and be his partner in crime. Night agrees, and the couple bond during a scene where Pablo teaches Night how to make pills. Soon the guys become passionate lovers.

As Eat the Night counts down to the final moments of Darknoon, the characters

experience several reversals of fortune. Appoline is angry her brother is not playing online and is jealous of his boyfriend. Pablo exacts revenge on a gang member who beat him up, escalating an increasingly more violent turf war with Louis. And when Pablo is sent to prison, Night starts to play Darknoon, creating an avatar to keep an eye on Appoline (per Pablo’s request) while also figuring out how to get revenge on Louis. How things play out will keep viewers intrigued, but it is the worldbuilding here that is most impressive. Directors Poggi and

Vinel created the game of Darknoon for the film and they shrewdly incorporate its dynamic visual world to reflect and represent the characters as well as to create parallels and alternate realities for them.

The film spends considerable time in the virtual world to enable Appoline to express her emotions about her world “ending,” convey her love for her brother—who promises to be with her on the last day of the game—and to allow Night to secretly connect with and befriend her in a virtual world.

The real-world scenes are equally strong and meaningful. Eat the Night is, at its heart, a tender love story. The siblings’ love for each other is quite strong, and the relationship between Pablo and Night is depicted with considerable affection. The film does not shy away from some pretty erotic love scenes between the guys, and their sexuality is never an issue. (Though Appoline does feel resentful when she spies Pablo and Night in an act of intimacy.)

Both Pablo and Night go to some extremes to care for each other when they are separated, which

demonstrates the strength of their love. Their relationship is quite poignant, and Cholbi and Falé make a cute couple. The actors, who both appeared in the gay drama Passages, have a terrific rapport.

Alas, the escalating drug warfare storyline feels the most cliché, even as it provides the film with its narrative momentum. The actions and reactions between Pablo and Night and Louis and his crew build tension that may be predictable, but it also can hit viewers like a Taser. These scenes also magnify how tragic and senseless gang violence is, but they avoid addressing the negative impact of the drug culture. Moreover, Night seems unconcerned regarding the risks of working with Pablo, and Pablo’s rash actions against his rivals put everyone he loves in danger. It is frustrating to watch, but the filmmakers do make the action absorbing.

The actors all give compelling performances. Théo Cholbi excels as the hotheaded Pablo, who can be caring one minute and brutal the next. He is often charming with his sister and threatening when he confronts a rival, but he is best when he and Night are together. As Night,

Falé carries himself with a sensitivity and a confidence that is magnetic. Watching him break into Louis’ house and size up two dicey situations reveals much about his character, as do his exchanges with Pablo and Appoline. In support, Gueneau is deliberately more emotive in her avatar role than in real life, which engenders sympathy for her character who feels lost in the real world.

Eat the Night makes interesting points about how its characters find their place in a world that comes crashing down on them. It also makes for arresting viewing.

Gary M. Kramer is the author of “Independent Queer Cinema: Reviews and Interviews,” and the co-editor of “Directory of World Cinema: Argentina.” He teaches Short Attention Span Cinema at the Bryn Mawr Film Institute and is the moderator for Cinema Salon, a weekly film discussion group. Follow him on Twitter @garymkramer

Film

Gary M. Kramer

Co-directors Caroline Poggi and Jonathan Vinel

Truly Terrific Liza

Off the Wahl

Jan Wahl

Many of us feel we know Liza Minnelli, given her openness and lifetime in the spotlight. In my case, I went to at least four of her concerts in San Francisco, as well as to a tribute to her father, and a birthday party for her at the Fairmont San Francisco’s Tonga Room.

My mother visited Liza in her dressing room. I also treasure the memory of being with Liza in a limo as we bonded over the joys—and challenges—of sobriety. Now there is a new feature documentary, Liza: A Truly Terrific Absolutely True Story, out on the big screen. It is 104 captivating minutes directed by Bruce David Klien. It features Liza’s family and friends, and the legend herself, taking a deep dive into showbiz survival.

and others. Director Klein gathered together a great collection of interview subjects, including Michael Feinstein, who contextualize her for us, providing the story behind the story.

The film has an affectionate tone, but also includes heavy passages about drugs, miscarriages, and burnout. The documentary is broken into chapters. There are laugh out loud moments as the film moves from the worlds of Studio 54 to fashion to Broadway, with friends touting Liza’s amazing ability to remain loyal and caring to her diverse circles. This is a tribute to someone still with us. It is gentle in its intentions, meaningful, and as entertaining as Liza is herself.

Liza’s life is as radiant as her art. How has she survived, given so much time in the fast lane and a slew of health challenges? Long live Liza! On March 12, she celebrated her 79th birthday.

This film is inspiring, showing her stamina and resilience. We first see Liza in a room directing shots and cameras, revealing her professional savvy. Her sense of style and humor are evident throughout the film as we watch how she found her own identity out from under the weighty fame of her mother Judy Garland and father Vincente Minnelli.

She wisely cultivated mentors. She sought out Bob Fosse, Fred Ebb, Kay Thompson, Halston, Charles Aznavour,

If you want to see my favorite Liza films, you can easily find them. Cabaret is at the top of my list, but I am in love with another pure acting performance of hers, in the movie Arthur Some of you might have missed Stepping Out ; New York, New York ; and Lucky Lady Look for those films too.

Leave Signs

Ever since the defeat of former Vice President Kamala Harris in her bid for the U.S. presidency, I’ve been thinking about how many people in this country are afraid of women. Harris was the most qualified candidate for president since, well, since Hillary Clinton. Like Clinton, Harris was irrelevant to a population who still lives in the time of the Salem Witch Trials of 1692. Being born and raised in New England, I continue to feel that era as a cautionary tale: women who display their independence, intelligence, and gift for healing

Jewelle Gomez

Gimme a W … You Got It!

must be crushed. Or, in the case of Salem, hanged, as at least 15 women were.

From the beginning of time, the (male) writers of history have insisted that women are the root of all that is wrong with the world—from Eve’s curiosity for knowledge to women’s insistence on controlling our own reproductive organs. This predis -

position to demonize women is sometimes called hate or misogyny. I believe, however, it’s more accurately identified as gynophobia—that is, fear of women.

Gynophobia is why men didn’t (many still don’t) want women to vote or drive cars or have their voices heard in public. When women find a reason to band together, whether it’s a book club or basketball team, this solidarity is often met with derision and dismissal. If members of a book club never read a book, the power is in their connection. The fear seems to be that women—who already have access

Top of your stack

RECOMMENDATIONS FROM BOOK PASSAGE

Early Thirties (fiction - hardcover) by Josh Duboff

Duboff’s debut novel is both hilarious and painfully relatable. It concerns two thirtysomething friends and their search for connection and love in New York. BFFs for a decade, they have seen each other through bad dates and office drama during their time together in New York City, but when tragedy strikes, their relationship shifts.

Expert of Subtle Revisions (fiction - hardcover) by Kirsten Menger-Anderson

This is a thrilling historical mystery about a young man trying to solve an impossible problem, a young woman searching for her father, and the quest for the power to transcend time. The story alternates between 1933 Vienna and contemporary Northern California, delighting readers who like smart, dual-timeline novels.

To Save and to Destroy (essayshardcover) by Viet Thanh Nguyen

In his latest book, the Pulitzer Prize-winning author considers the role and influence of the outsider in literary writing. For six captivating chapters, Nguyen explores the idea of being an outsider through literary, historical, political, and familial lenses.

Upcoming Events

Sunday, March 16 @ 2 pm (Ferry Building store)Brittany Friedman in conversation with Dorsey Nunn

Join us for an author event in celebration of Friedman’s latest book, Carceral Apartheid, and learn how the California Department of Corrections deployed various official, clandestine, and extralegal control techniques—including officer alliances with imprisoned white supremacists—to suppress Black political movements.

Tuesday, March 18 @ 6 pm (Corte Madera Store and online) - Paul Hawken with Peter Coyote, Carbon: The Book of Life

Paul Hawken looks at the flow of life through the lens of carbon. Embracing a panoramic view of carbon’s omnipresence, he explores how this ubiquitous and essential element extends into every aperture of existence and shapes the entire fabric of life.

Thursday, March 27 at 4 pm - (Corte Madera Store and online) - Emma Donoghue with Carol Edgarian

This is a special event—which is free to attend; RSVP requested—in celebration of The Paris Express, a sweeping historical novel about an infamous 1895 disaster at the Paris Montparnasse train station. Donoghue will be joined in conversation with Edgarian, who is the author of multiple best-selling novels, including Vera, which is set in 1906 San Francisco.

https://www.bookpassage.com/

to gifts not available to men, such as child bearing and heightened sensory awareness—would use our improved social status to take advantage of men, ultimately defeating patriarchal supremacy. It’s much like some white people’s fear of people of color gaining power, because then we’d treat them as badly as they’ve treated us.

Yet some nations have overcome their fear and been able to entrust their well-being to women warriors. Southwest African leader Nzinga (1583–1663), Indian former Prime Minister Indira Gandhi (1917–1984), and Mexican President Claudia Scheinbaum Pardo (1962–) are just a few. After recently watching a string of films about British queens—Elizabeth (early Cate Blanchett is brilliant), Victoria (mid-career Judi Dench is magnificent), The Queen (Helen Mirren is always first rate, including in her portrayal of Elizabeth II)—I understood that, for a woman to be a national leader, she had to be a warrior.

I’m not glorifying the reigns of these past royals as exemplary or progressive; I’m simply pointing out how women leaders are embattled from the moment they step into

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Lit Snax

This novel, first published in 1935, influenced Ray Bradbury’s classic Something Wicked This Way Comes and is full of hilarious misanthropic humor.

The Bell Jar by Sylvia

This novel, from 1963, contributed to the cult status of its author, Sylvia Plath, and is full of psychological insight and dry wit.

The Circus of Dr. Lao by Charles G. Finney

Plath

Jewelle Gomez

Auntie Mame (An Irreverent Escapade) by Patrick Dennis Originally

Nzinga

Judi Dench as Queen Victoria

Ladies Go Biking Returns

The popular Ladies Go Biking group, originally formed in 2007, is an LGBTQ+ cycling group for women affiliated with the San Francisco Bay Times

Group rides, enjoyed by both serious and causal cyclists, are planned throughout the Bay Area for beginner to experienced road cyclists. Rides are held quarterly or more as requested. The organizers hold cycling clinics to assist participants in building skills and to prepare for participation in locally organized touring groups. For social networking and recreation, Ladies Go Biking also hosts additional events including dances, dinners, trips, and concert outings.

Ladies Go Biking is currently seeking admins and moderators in the 30–50 age group.

Email questions to Milleraf@comcast.net or visit Ladies Go Biking on Facebook: https://tinyurl.com/3eccm6vm

For Women & Their Friends in the Castro ...

Mimosa

Every Sunday Brunch & Party for Women in the Castro

Mimosa Brunch at Catch French Bistro

The “Red Piano” at Catch French Bistro came alive on Sunday, March 9, to multiple rounds of applause during the second in the new Mimosa brunch for women series.

Dr. Dee Spencer, having just returned to San Francisco from an international itinerary of performances aboard a major cruise line, assumed her position at the keys.

Dr. Marcy Adelman, the Co-Founder of Openhouse and a San Francisco Bay Times columnist, caused quite a stir when she arrived, surprising some friends seated at the bar. They were delighted to see her.

Among other guests were good friends organized by Jennifer English; women from the “Del & Phil Posse” social group, including longtime Bay Times supporter Linda Phillips; Rossmoor’s lesbian community member Judy Graboyes; and Dyke March organizer M Rocket, publisher of Bay Wolf

A highlight of the day was when all attending sang “Happy Birthday” to community member Christine Chudd, who was accompanied at her table by close friends and well-wishers.

Catch French Bistro Owner Mina Habil welcomed all as they arrived. He thanked attendees for making the second Mimosa brunch a success.

Habil, along with San Francisco Bay Times Co-Publishers Betty Sullivan and Jen Viegas, announced that Mimosa will now take place every Sunday for brunch from noon to 3 pm, followed by a mingle and party with the resident DJ. Spencer will continue as Music Director, but will welcome guest performers when duty calls her away on her next cruise assignment!

Upcoming dates for Mimosa this month are the following Sundays: March 16, 23, and 30, starting at noon. For more information, call 415-601-2113 or email ( publisher@sfbaytimes.com ). Reservations are available, but not required, at http://www.catchfrenchbistro.com

Sister Dana Sez: Words of Wisdumb from a Fun Nun

By Sister Dana Van Iquity

Sister Dana sez, “Keep celebrating WOMEN’S HISTORY MONTH, which is about recognizing the wonderful women who have shaped history!” It’s important that we acknowledge the challenges all women—particularly Queer women, Transgender women, and women of color—have and continue to face in the workplace and beyond.

Still helping to ease such challenges is Dolores Huerta , who came to GLIDE Memorial Church on March 6. She has spent her life fighting for workers’ rights, justice, and equality and is a civil rights activist and community organizer. She has worked for labor rights and social justice for over 50 years. In 1962, she and Cesar Chavez founded the United Farm Workers union. She served as Vice

President and played a critical role in many of the union’s accomplishments for four decades. In 2002, she received the Puffin/Nation $100,000 prize for Creative Citizenship, which she used to establish the Dolores Huerta Foundation.

Another unsung hero was Black queer journalist Corinne “Marti” Mackey, who dedicated her life to writing revolutionary content for a local San Diego gay and lesbian publication. Mackey also founded Lesbians and Gays of African Descent United ( LAGADU ), and was named Pride’s Woman of the Year in 1991.

Those are just two outstanding women who have shaped history for good.

KREWE DE KINQUE (KDK) threw a big pre- MARDI GRAS masked ball, gay party, fun fundraiser, and regal coronation on March 1 at The Café in the Castro.

KREWE DE KINQUE is a social/charitable club that raises awareness and funds in the spirit of Mardi Gras with an emphasis on diversity, inclusion, and emergency needs. Founded in 2004 by Gary Virginia, our all-volunteer organization has raised over $150,000 for 45 causes ranging from HIV/AIDS, breast cancer, LGBTQ asylum, local housing & hunger programs to emergency relief. Our March 1 Bal Masque XXII theme was “Mardi Glow Under the Sea.” Our Grand Marshal Brian Busta led us in a festive, indoor Second

Line parade, KDK Queen VII Sister Dana handed out free bead necklaces, and we were entertained by a dozen awesome artistes in tableau. A new category was born that night, and the always fabulous Fabulosa certainly deserved the title of KDK Jester I This was the Stepping Down of KDK King XXI Robert Makowka & Queen XXI Vivianne Vixen Rose. This was also the rather impressive crowning of our newest royalty, KDK King John Brett & Queen Olivia Hart. Then on actual Mardi Gras night (March 4, Fat Tuesday), many of us KDK members and friends participated in our annual Mardi Gras Fat Tuesday Castro Bar Crawl —parading happily and drunkenly from Castro bar to bar to more bars. This was the same night that the infamous, anti-Democrat, anti-DEI Trump spoke to Congress. I skipped that disgusting debacle to celebrate Mardi Gras with my beloved Krewe—having taped the crapshow to view much later on TV and continually booo at each false fact by that fascist!

In his March 4 one-hundred-minutelong Speech to Congress, T-rump had vowed to push an “Unrelenting Agenda.” He blathered and bragged about the many actions his administration had taken, including drastic cuts to the federal workforce and the eradication of diversity initiatives. He continually insulted Democrats right to their faces. The whole s-show set-up was crammed full of the Presi-dunce’s lies! Fact-checking afterwards has been happily handily delivered by most real cable-TV news/politics programs.

Our next KREWE DE KINQUE fundraiser is KDK INFERNO on March 14, 4–7 pm at ZHUZH Bar, 1548 California Street, no cover charge. It’s a devil theme party to raise money for LGBTQ humanitarian RAINBOW WORLD FUND. There will be a devil/demon costume contest with cash prize, hosted by newly sashed KDK Jester I Fabulosa, dazzling live performances—and Guest Celebrity Judges Juanita MORE! & David Glamamore will be judging the looks. DJ Sir Ellis will be playing the hot hits. You’ll have a devilishly good time!

The White House has now picked the Pool Reporters who Cover T-rump. In announcing plans to handpick the reporters who can ask the president questions, the White House has broken decades of precedent. This is malice towards the media and utterly spiteful, autocratic, anti-democratic behavior. Sister Dana sez, “Maybe I’m a teeny tiny little bit fuzzy, but isn’t there SOMETHING in our CONSTITUTION that possibly refers to Freedom of the Press?!”

March 7 was the 60th Anniversary of BLOODY SUNDAY. Sixty years ago, at the height of the Civil Rights Movement, the first of three marches began on Sunday, March 7, 1965. Led by Student Nonviolent Coordinating Committee chairman John Lewis, who would go on to serve as a U.S. Representative for 33 years, and the Reverend Hosea Williams of the Southern Christian Leadership Conference, the march began peacefully until protesters were met with brutal violence by Alabama law enforcement officials. This event became known as “Bloody Sunday.” Those marches eventually led to The Voting Rights Act of 1965, which was presented to Congress on March 17, 1965, and signed into law by President Lyndon B. Johnson on August 6, 1965. Sister Dana sez, “And unfortunately, current Repugnican Congress-folx are trying to do away with many voting rights! Reprehensible!”

On March 7, it was announced that the Broadway musical hit “HAMILTON” that was scheduled for The Kennedy Center was abruptly canceled because T-rump had declared himself Chair and had fired all the former board members to replace them with Trumpass-kissers. “We’re not going to be part of it while it is the Trump Kennedy Center,” producers explained. Sister Dana sez, “And now ... bring down the curtains on The Trump Center!”

On March 8 at Strut in the Castro, we were delighted to witness the amazing Artist Panel with live QUEER

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Sister Dana (left) with Krewe de Kinque founder and “Bal Masque” coordinator Gary Virginia at The Cafe on Saturday, March 1 PHOTO

Women’s History Month Launch Party

San Francisco Bay Times team members and supporters joined guests on Saturday evening March 1, 2025, for a party at Catch French Bistro to launch Women’s History Month.

Following her rousing performance at the “Celebrating LGBTQ+ Black Women Leaders and Allies” during the Divas & Drinks @ The Academy series one week prior, Grammy-nominated singer Nadirah Shakoor made a return visit to the Castro to the delight of new fans as well as those who have followed her career for some years.

In a spontaneous moment, Shakoor, who has mentored many aspiring artists, welcomed to the microphone Tory Teasley, an American Idol contestant and 2024 San Francisco Pride Parade Grand Marshal. Shakoor and Teasley were accompanied by Music by Black.

Following the event and capping off the evening, the organizers and featured guests joined Grace Huntley, the new owner of the Lobby Bar, and her staff for a Grand Reopening Party at the cocktail lounge that is located on 18th Street, just a few blocks from Catch French Bistro.

Photos by Rink

Bay Times Dines

The Proof Is in the π

Cocktails With Dina by Dina Novarr

π is more than just a quirky mathematical constant; it’s a fundamental key to understanding the universe. As we celebrate π Day (on 3/14, the date with the first three digits of π), we recognize its significance in everything around us, from engineering and physics to art and nature. π serves as a reminder that math is deeply woven into the fabric of our world.

This holds true in the world of cocktails as well, where the constant π quietly underlies every aspect of proper glass design. From the circumference of the rim to the volume of the bowl, circular geometry and its mathematical expressions determine how we experience fine spirits, especially those that fall under the darker colored spectrum.

When you pour the “Baton Rouge” into anything but a proper whiskey glass, the cocktail gods don’t just weep; they plot revenge on your taste buds. Here’s why mathematics demands the right vessel:

The Rim Job - The wide rim of a whiskey glass creates the optimal circumference for your nose to capture the complex aromatics of Cognac and rum without getting a nostril full of ethanol, which, contrary to popular belief, is not the goal of drinking.

How Size Matters - The bowl volume of a proper whiskey glass gives “The Baton Rouge” room to breathe without letting all those expensive aromatic compounds escape to perfume the room instead of your palate.

Getting Nosy - The ideal whiskey glass height ensures the heavier molecular compounds from Peychaud’s and Angostura bitters reach your nose in perfect proportion to the lighter ethanol molecules—unless you enjoy the smell of pure alcohol, in which case perhaps drinking hand sanitizer would be more cost-effective.

And if that’s not worth using the right glass, what is?

All the Right Curves - The inward curve of the glass walls functions like a mathematical funnel, directing specific vapor compounds toward your nose with the precision of a missile guidance system, for getting drunk with sophistication.

When served in a proper whiskey glass, the “Baton Rouge” cocktail doesn’t just taste good; it tastes inevitable, as if the mathematics of the universe had been quietly working toward this moment since the Big Bang.

San Francisco-based Dina Novarr enjoys sharing her passion for fine wines, spirits, non-alcoholic craft beverages, and more with others.

The Baton Rouge Cocktail

Cognac (1 1/3 oz) - the foundation, like the first digit of π

Angostura bitters (dash) - the punctuation in our liquid sentence red vermouth (2/3 oz) - the sweet variable in our equation

Ron Del Barrilito Santa Ana Rum (2/3 oz) - the irrational element that makes it interesting

Peychaud’s Aromatic Bitters (dash) - the final coefficient

The “Baton Rouge” isn’t just a cocktail; it’s a mathematical event happening in real-time. The vermouth’s sweet herbaceous notes form a perfect counterpoint to the Cognac’s warm fruit, while the two bitters create aromatic complexity that plays across your palate like a well-structured equation reaching its elegant solution.

Barbayani Greek Taverna in Los Altos

Welcome to my temporary culinary column! I’m one of the friends of David Landis who is filling in for him while he recovers from a recent surgery.

My love of food and the restaurant industry runs deep—and also in my family! Both my brothers own restaurants in Provincetown, Cape Cod, and Miami Beach, Florida, respectively, and

I am a proud sister. I am also the Co-Founder of Spritz, a lifestyle marketing agency that is a partner to many restaurants in the Bay Area. I’m always eager to taste it all, explore new flavors, and share my discoveries.

With that in mind, I’m eager to highlight some incredible dining experiences: Barbayani in Los Altos, and all that Oakland has to offer during Oakland Restaurant Week, March 20–30, 2025.

Barbayani Greek Taverna: Authentic Grecian Cuisine in Los Altos

With a menu, atmosphere, and vibe evocative of a Greek holiday, Barbayani Taverna delivers an authentic Grecian experience without a passport. It is tucked away in the heart of Los Altos at 388 Main Street near the beautiful Redwood Grove Nature Preserve.

By Beth Schnitzer

This Mediterranean gem welcomes diners with vibrant flavors, warm hospitality, and a lively atmosphere, and features a design reminiscent of the sundrenched Greek isles. It is open daily until 9 pm, extending to 9:30 pm on weekends, and is the perfect spot for a culinary getaway.

In true Greek tradition, Barba is the friendly “uncle,” a kindly person

who prepares and serves your fun-loving group of friends or family all the delicious flavors, appetizers, Greek liquors, cocktails, and more. At Barbayani, your Barba is Owner Dino Tekdemir, who does it all with great style and flair.

Tekdemir told me for the San Francisco Bay Times : “My team and I look forward to bringing an authentic Greek restaurant experience to one of my favorite communities. From the moment you arrive, we’ll transport you to Greece, with the smell of homemade baked bread from the open kitchen, blue and white decor reminiscent of a Greek island, and servers well versed in classic dishes and wine pairings. When dining at one of my restaurants, expect a warm and memorable experience.”

The menu at Barbayani Taverna celebrates the beauty of the Mediterranean and its simplicity, and features all-time favorites and classics from this region of the world, like moussaka, souvlaki, and dolmades (stuffed grape leaves)—and seaside staples such as branzino, seabass, lobster spaghetti, a seafood platter, tuna tartare, and scallops.

Lunchtime at Barbayani

There’s never a wrong time to visit Barbayani, and as one of the few spots in the area open daily for lunch, a taste of Greece might just be what you’re craving come lunchtime.

Start with a delicious soup or salad, like the charcoal-broiled octopus salad served over baby arugula with roasted bell peppers, or

the beet salad with goat cheese and caramelized walnuts in an orange balsamic dressing. Traditional appetizers like spanakopita, dolmades, and zucchini cakes with spicy yogurt salad and roasted red pepper sauce are also not to be missed.

For heartier fare, try the lamb meatballs, lamb riblets, or wild-caught salmon marinated in mint and pesto sauce. Don’t forget to sample the house-made pita bread with a selection of dips, including roasted eggplant purée (my favorite), smoked taramosalata, tzatziki, and tirokafteri (red pepper feta garlic). Each one is a culinary masterpiece in its own right.

Main courses like Eggs Royale (poached eggs and salmon on Greek muffins), Greek Toast, Santorini Toast, and the Athens Burger (lamb patty) offer a taste of Greece with a modern twist. Seafood lovers will enjoy the seafood linguine, while

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Beth Schnitzer

Interior at Barbayani Taverna

Barbayani Executive Chef & Owner Allen Isik

Pan-fried Kefalograviera cheese, topped with brandy and freshly squeezed lemon

vegetarians can savor the vegetarian risotto or traditional moussaka.

An Evening in the Mediterranean Dinner at Barbayani offers an enticing menu and atmosphere, with a focus on fresh seafood, grilled meats, and classic Greek dishes served in a warm ambiance. As the sun sets, Barbayani transforms into an enchanting evening oasis, where live music fills the air and the atmosphere becomes even more magical. Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or simply looking for a delightful dining experience, dinner at Barbayani is sure to leave you with lasting Mediterranean memories. I love dining in the parklet outside with heat lamps, live music, and the fun vibe.

Inside, the Mediterranean-inspired decor and warm hospitality create a setting that captivates your senses. With every visit, you’ll feel like you’ve escaped to a Greek island, where worries melt away and the only thing that matters is savoring the moment. To accompany the wide and tempting selection of salads, appetizers, and entrées, Barbayani has many great Greek wines along with European and Californian selections.

Barbayani Greek Taverna is more than just a restaurant; it’s an experience that will transport you to the heart of Greece. Escape to Los Altos and discover the true meaning of Mediterranean hospitality. Yassou! https://barbayanitaverna.com/

Beth Schnitzer is the Co-Founder and President of Spritz, https://spritzsf.com/

Barbayani Private Dining Manager Robert Miguel

David Landis, The Gay Gourmet, is recovering from shoulder surgery but will be back with taste buds tingling in late May.

Oakland Restaurant Week, March 20–30

It’s the perfect time to venture to Oakland, a city known and critically acclaimed for its diverse culinary scene and award-winning chefs and restaurants. Oakland Restaurant Week is coming to The Town, offering 10 days of exclusive menus, special deals, and unique dining experiences. With over 120+ participating restaurants, it will be an opportunity to explore Michelin-recognized destinations, neighborhood favorites, and emerging culinary spots.

Did you know Oakland was recently crowned the #1 Best Food City in the U.S. by Condé Nast Traveler readers? It is renowned for bold flavors and unique dining experiences. The city is home to 24 Michelin Guide-rated restaurants, including Bombera, Parche, Jo’s Modern Thai, Millennium, Taqueria El Paisa, MAMA Oakland, Mägo, Burdell, and more. Savor the flavors of James Beard-nominated Wahpepah’s Kitchen, experience the creativity of recent Chopped Champion

magazine, Burdell is a must try that takes pride in offering a nostalgic and familial dining experience. Recipes passed down through generations inspired the menu, created by Chef-Owner Geoff Davis. It features hearty and flavorful dishes prepared with the freshest ingredients.

By Beth Schnitzer

There are comforting classics as well as innovative creations that incorporate modern culinary techniques, like a cornmeal waffle with chicken liver mousse, or the Carolina gold rice grits. Other dishes highlight seasonal ingredients like roasted sunchokes and hedgehog mushrooms, or use the best of meat cuts like the tender and savory beef cheek pot roast. Burdell’s menu is always evolving to keep things exciting, with the comforting deliciousness we all love.

Whether you’re in the mood for dinner, dessert, drinks, or a leisurely brunch, Burdell satisfies. And don’t miss the amazing brown sugar cookies paired with a glass of milk!

Jaji

422 24th Street Oakland https://www.jajioak.com/

Jaji, the debut Afghan concept from Sophia Akbar and Paul Iglesias (Parche), is a celebration of Afghan culture, reimagined for today’s world.

Chef Kasem Saengsawang at Thai Farmhouse, or indulge in Bon Appétit ’ s Best New Restaurant, Popoca.

Whether you’re enjoying a tasting menu, a beloved neighborhood favorite, or a new take on global flavors, each dish reflects Oakland’s diverse culinary landscape. Start planning your Oakland Restaurant Week experience today to discover flavors that surprise, inspire, and leave you hungry for more.

Here are some ideas:

Burdell

4640 Telegraph Avenue, Oakland https://www.burdelloakland.com/

Burdell serves up award-winning soulfood in Oakland’s bustling Temescal District. Recently crowned the 2024 Restaurant of the Year by Food & Wine

The restaurant pays tribute to Akbar’s Pashtun heritage and her grandfather’s last name, honoring the resilience and stories of the Afghan-American experience.

The menu reflects this journey, blending ancestral flavors with influences from the Afghan diaspora. With a food and beverage program designed to spark discovery, Jaji is redefining Afghan cuisine for the modern palate.

Starters include bolani triangles with roasted winter squash and crispy leeks; and ducktu, a confit duck dumpling in a miso-ginger consommé. The kabob selection showcases premium ingredients, from Wagyu steak skewers with pomegranate-ginger syrup to Chapli Wagyu beef served with sumac naan. For heartier dishes, the Noshaq lamb shank is a standout, served with garbanzo-dill sticky rice, while the whole McFarland trout shines with jalebi and sour orange-saffron rice.

Desserts maintain creativity, such as saffron ice cream with sticky rice and coconut milk; and a green cardamom Basque cheesecake wrapped in a banana leaf. Yum! They also have a thoughtfully curated bar program weaving Afghan

spices and ingredients into inventive drinks and an international wine and beer menu.

Akbar and Iglesias previously brought contemporary Colombian flavors to Oakland with their restaurant Parche. Now, with Jaji, Akbar brings her own heritage to the forefront, creating a welcoming space where Afghan traditions are honored and shared through food. At Jaji, the past meets the present, and every meal tells a story.

to visit for Saturday brunch and relax in their garden!

The Cook and Her Farmer, Jaji, Burdell, and Barbayani are just a few of the many amazing culinary experiences waiting for you in Los Altos and Oakland. So get ready to embark on a delicious journey and discover new award-winning flavors.

The Cook and Her Farmer 510 9th Street, Oakland https://www.thecookandherfarmer.com/

The Cook and Her Farmer is a charming restaurant that celebrates California’s bounty. It is a café, oyster, and wine bar serving coastal-inspired cuisine with a touch of Southern influence in a casual market setting. The name is derived from its origin story. The Chef is Romney Steele and the Farmer is her husband, Steven Day.

The couple spent a year in Marshall, CA, working on a community oyster farm, where they learned everything from seeding to cultivation. This experience sparked a collaboration that led them to mentoring Oakland youth and eventually opening their restaurant at the historic Swan’s Market in Old Oakland.

For Oakland Restaurant Week, each restaurant will offer a special menu, deal, or exclusive experience, with prix fixe menus available at six price tiers:

lunch: $15, $25, $35

dinner: $35, $45, $65.

This is your chance to try unique menus, one-of-a-kind food experiences, and exciting activations that celebrate Oakland’s culture, creativity, and global flavors. Don’t miss out on this incredible 10-day feast in one of America’s top food cities! Learn more and start planning your Oakland Restaurant Week experience: https://shorturl.at/36ZFU Bon appétit!

At The Cook and Her Farmer, expect seasonal freshness! Steele and Day work closely with local organic farms to source fresh produce, dairy, meat, and seafood, crafting a seasonal menu that highlights the region’s best ingredients. Their thoughtfully curated wine list features natural wines from both California and Europe. I personally can’t wait

Beth Schnitzer is the Co-Founder and President of Spritz , https://spritzsf.com/

ANCESTORS PROJECT artists sharing more information about the histories, research, and experiences that inspired their prints. This group art exhibition has showcased pieces from an incredible program that teaches queer youth vital queer history, art making workshops, and so much more. Anyone visiting Strut at 470 Castro Street can now view this awesome exhibition on the third floor all through the month of March. After working hard for the past 7 months, 10 queer and transgender artists have a total of 43 original linocut prints on display. That night offered a free buttonmaking station for patrons, featuring the art. Queer Ancestors Project Creative Director Katie Gilmartin had made a special pink “Sister Dana” button for me. So sweet! Do not miss this marvelous exhibition of Queer & Trans pride!

Drag Me To AIDS/LifeCycle Drag T-dance is Saturday, March 18, at the Stud, 1123 Folsom Street. Doors: 2 pm, Show 3 pm, Dancing until 6 pm. 2025 will be the last ride as we know it, so let’s make it the biggest and best one ever! Join us for a fun afternoon of drag performances and dancing at the iconic STUD to support the AIDS/LifeCycle community fund. FREE! But donations collected at the door will benefit the Community Fund, designed to help bike riders meet their minimum donation requirement.

The Trump administration has ordered Federal agencies to draft plans for even larger-scale firings. In the dodgy DOGE do-overs department, here are the facts: they counted one $655 million cut three times; about 40% of the contracts they canceled will not yield any savings; proposed tax cuts will add trillions of dollars to the deficit; FDA tried to rehire safety staffers after mass lay-offs; the White House scrambled to re-hire nuclear safety workers one day after the firings; and the USDA accidentally fired officials working on the bird flu. Oops! And BTW, it should be noted that Elon Musk’s business empire is built on $38 billion in Federal government funding. And Musk has called Social Security “The Biggest Ponzi Scheme of All Time.” He has targeted over $200 million in cuts to Social Security. He forced the Social Security

Administration to be cut in HALF. Sister Dana sez, “Well ... talk about Social INSECURITY?!!”

In really rotten racism news, T-rump has signed an Executive Order making English the official U.S. language! This awful action has undone an official mandate that former President Bill Clinton made that required the government and organizations that receive Federal funding to provide language assistance to non-English speaking persons. Sister Dana sez, “This means that—in a country built in part by immigrants—access to crucial services for non-English speakers could be drastically restricted!”

Symbolizing the diversity, equity and inclusion of the Castro LGBTQA+ Community, the INTERSEX PROGRESS PRIDE FLAG is scheduled to be painted in time for Pride 2025 on Jane Warner Plaza at Castro, 17th, and Market Streets. Streamed by the Castro Cam 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, a live video of this plaza is available to all corners of the earth. This mural will show the world that the Castro, the center for LGBTQA+ Pride, is pushing forward on the rights for all and is not backing down! Please donate to fund this mural and join the group of volunteers to make it a reality. Their goal is to raise $8,200 by May 1, 2025, for the SUPPLIES ($1,054 is for permit costs). No individual is being paid. The quicker they raise the funds, the faster the mural can be installed! Any amount is helpful and appreciated. https://castrocbd.square.site/

THE CASTRO NIGHT MARKET is back this month, bringing an evening of celebration, community, and local creativity to the heart of San Francisco’s iconic Castro District. On Friday, March 21, 5–10 pm, 18th Street between Hartford and Collingwood will transform into a lively, openair marketplace showcasing the best of local artisans, food vendors, entertainers, and nonprofit organizations. Following the success of October and December events, this month’s Castro Night Market will celebrate the beginning of spring—featuring floral-themed booths, plant swap opportunities, and over 30 different vendors from the Castro, San Francisco, and the Bay Area. Entertainment will be provided by open format DJs on the Flower stage and in the Neon Hollow, plus there will be drag, street performances, and other surprises.

originally California’s first statewide transgender legal organization and has a long history of victories for the trans movement. Over the years, it has helped win trans workers’ rights nationwide, protected trans students, and revised the San Francisco “Regulations to Prohibit Gender Identity Discrimination.”

AFROSOLO THEATRE COMPANY will present Arts Festival 31, LET FREEDOM RING! PART 2 on March 28 and 29 at 7 pm and March 30 at 3 pm located at Potrero Stage, 1695 18th Street, San Francisco. More details will be in my March 27 column. https://afrosolo.org/

SAINT PATRICK’S DAY, or the FEAST OF SAINT PATRICK , is a religious and cultural holiday held on March 17, the traditional death date of Irish priest Saint Patrick, who became the foremost patron saint of Ireland. Saint Patrick’s Day was made an official Christian feast day in the early 17th century. It commemorates Saint Patrick and the arrival of Christianity in Ireland (or not—if you choose not to be religious), and, by extension, celebrates the heritage and culture of the Irish in general. Celebrations generally involve public parades and festivals, and the wearing of green attire or shamrocks. Historically, the Lenten religious restrictions on eating and drinking alcohol were lifted for the day, which has encouraged and propagated the holiday›s tradition of mass alcohol consumption.

San Francisco’s ST. PATRICK’S DAY PARADE , the 174th annual event, will take place on Saturday, March 15, 2025, starting at 11:30 am at 2nd & Market Street and ending at San Francisco City Hall.

Sister Dana sez, “Happy SAINT PATRICK’S DAY to all me fellow Irishmen (‘Kiss me! I’m Irish!’) and non-Irish people who will be wearin’ the green on March 17 and pinchin’ them that’s not got green on! Begorrah! Pass me the Irish whiskey and green beer, dear!”

GOMEZ (continued from pg 24)

the leadership’s sensible shoes. Attacks are both physical— seven assassination attempts on Victoria, for example—and personal. (Who wants to be called a “Virgin Queen”?)

https://castrocbd.square.site/

2025 marks Juanita MORE!’s 33rd year as an active community member, drag mother, civil rights activist, and philanthropist. She has long been a soldier in stilettos, fighting on the frontlines for awareness and LGBTQ rights. Each year, Miss MORE! has taken great pleasure in seeking out some of our community’s most impactful organizations as beneficiaries. Over the past three decades, the community has helped raise over $1 million for local charities by supporting these events. Accordingly, Juanita has just announced that for this year’s PRIDE PARTY on June 29 at 620 Jones, the TRANSGENDER LAW CENTER (TLC) will be her annual Pride Party beneficiary. This national organization advocates for the rights of transgender and gender-nonconforming people. TLC was

The last U.S. presidential campaign was fraught with so much violent rhetoric directed at Harris that many feared for her life. The current president continues to use bullying as a way of expressing his power, and too many citizens admire him for it. Whether it’s disrespecting fellow statesman Volodymyr Zelenskyy or the string of epithets he’s flung at female political rivals … nasty, dumb, horseface, crazy as a bedbug, filthy, ugly … the list of his targets and corresponding verbal abuse go on. If a woman stooped to that type of bullying, she’d be castigated in every newspaper in the country. When Clinton called aggressive Trump followers a “basket of deplorables,” which is a mild rebuke by any standards, it haunted the rest of her campaign.

Women have treasured our democracy here in the U.S. even as horrifically flawed as it has been from the beginning. No one seems to have heard the old Scottish saying, “Do not poke holes in your own boat.” The current administration is more than poking holes; it’s taken a hatchet to our vessel and the ship of state is floundering. Which warrior women will step forward to staff the lifeboats?

The late Queen Elizabeth II said, “It has been women who have breathed gentleness and care into the harsh progress of mankind.” It is time for women to work with one of our greatest witchy gifts: being more than one thing at a time. Breathing gentleness is fine, but breathing fire is what we need right now.

Jewelle Gomez is a lesbian/feminist activist, novelist, poet, and playwright. She’s written for “The Advocate,” “Ms. Magazine,” “Black Scholar,” “The San Francisco Chronicle,” “The New York Times,” and “The Village Voice.” Follow her on Instagram and Twitter @VampyreVamp

JEWELLE

Round About - All Over Town

Photos by Rink

Tony Jasinski

“A bright sun in the patio of the Lone Star bar with a hefty crowd”

Jokie X. Wilson

“A Saturday brunch at Orphan Andy’s restaurant, a Presidio bike ride, and Faerie Coffee with the Radical Faeries.”

Recycled Cotton Woven Throws Feel like staying home and hiding under a blanket? Get cozy with our selection of woven throws made from recycled cotton. We have assorted colors and styles for $34.99 each.

Air plants are back in stock! Add a pop of color to your space with these uncomplicated, versatile, and resilient tillandsias.

We have six different varieties available, starting at $7.99 each.

Keep up with Cliff’s Variety news at Facebook ( https://www.facebook.com/CliffsVariety ) & Instagram ( https://www.instagram.com/hilario_sf/ )

Miss Chief

“A sunny day at Jane Warner Plaza, smoking, toking, and day drinking while watching the doggies stroll by”

Troy Brunet

“Services at the Metropolitan Community Church, brunch at the Rustic restaurant, and playing pool at the Pilsner Inn”

Jim Gatteau

“Enjoying the Castro and San Francisco and all of the wonderful happenings that we have here that make us unique in the world.”

compiled by Rink

Jim Gatteau and Christian Statopoulos

Michael Johnstone and David Faulk

Girl Scout Cookie Sales

Tesla Protest

Ampersand

Fabulosa Books

Ron Williams at Fabulosa

Fabulosa Books

97th Oscars Viewing Gala at The Academy SF

Comedian Marcus Williams hosted the Oscar Viewing Party in the East Wing at The Academy SF on Sunday, March 2, 2025. Co-Owners Nate Bourg and Paul Miller welcomed the large crowd of attendees who arrived dressed up or dressed down according to their own desires.

Guests attending enjoyed cocktails, hors d’oeuvres, arrival on the blue carpet, photo ops, the pleasure of enjoyable company, large screen viewing, and the chance to “cheer” or “boo” together as winners were announced and took the stage at the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles.

Each person attending received their own personal “Academy Award” to take home and treasure.

San Francisco Bay Times columnist Donna Sachet was in elegant attire for the occasion, and wrote about the experience in her column for this issue. She proclaimed The Academy SF as the place to be annually for The Academy Awards.

Photos by Rink