March 9, 2023 edition of the Bay Area Reporter

Rick Gerharter

Dr. Stephanie Cohen

Some STIs down in SF last year

by John Ferrannini

Rates of some sexually transmitted infections in San Francisco declined slightly in 2022, according to yearend numbers released by the city’s Department of Public Health.

The numbers came just before the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention warned about an increase of “extensively drug-resistant” Shigella bacteria that can be spread sexually.

See page 8 >>

Parents, friends remember Jaxon Sales

Jim Sales, left, and his wife, Angie AquinoSales, attended a rally in memory of their deceased son, Jaxon Sales, at Civic Center Plaza in front of San Francisco City Hall Saturday, March 4. As the Bay Area Reporter has previously reported, Jaxon Sales, a gay man, was found dead in a San Francisco high rise in March 2020.

The medical examiner’s report listed the cause of his death as acute mixed drug intoxication, including gamma-Hydroxybutyric acid, cocaine, and methamphetamine. The manner of death is listed as an accident. His family disagrees with that finding and wants a formal inquest into Jaxon Sales’ death.

Gay lawmaker stands by CA travel ban

by Matthew S. Bajko

John Ferrannini

A complaint has been filed with the San Francisco Planning Department against MikroBlack, a clothing store and social club that opened in the former D & H Jewelers on Market Street.

Castro boutique denies nuisance complaint

by John Ferrannini

Anew boutique and social club that opened in the LGBTQ Castro neighborhood last December is now the subject of a nuisance complaint to the San Francisco Planning Department for allegedly playing loud music in the early morning hours and using power tools at night.

For its part, MikroBlack, the boutique and social club, is denying the allegation.

The complaint, available on the city department’s website, does not have a name attached to it. But it does purport to come from a resident of the same building, 2323 Market Street, and was submitted February 14.

“Ths [sic] business, called Mikroblack at 2323 Market Street, has been a nuisance since moving into our building,” the complaint stated. “The business regularly plays loud, amplified music, including with full DJ set-ups (I have attached a picture from their own social media as proof). This will go well into the night, including at times well past 2AM.”

See page 8 >>

by Cynthia Laird

National Center for Lesbian Rights legal director Shannon Minter and his family have begun the arduous process of cleaning up after a tornado ripped through their rural Texas home last week.

Minter, a trans man who has been involved in some of the country’s major cases for LGBTQ equality, including same-sex marriage and trans rights, has been the legal director at San Francisco-based NCLR for more than two decades.

The tornado tore through Minter’s home on March 2, as the Bay Area Reporter previously reported. He wrote on Twitter that he was just about to take his dogs out when the twister hit. His wife, Robin Minter, was in California at the time but returned home the next day.

In a phone call with the Bay Area Reporter March 6, Minter said that he and his wife are “nothing but grateful” for the support people have shown through donating to two GoFundMe campaigns that friends have established, as well as hundreds of messages on social media.

“It’s making everything so much less stressful,” Minter said.

Friends quickly rallied to help the Minters, who care for four dogs and 10 cats – most of them Minter has found abandoned near his home – by setting up a GoFundMe within hours of Minter posting about the disaster. They spread the word on Twitter, where Minter documents the lives of the pets on his popular feed, as the B.A.R. has previously reported. LGBTQ media outlets such as the Advocate and Los Angeles Blade also picked up the story, and those, along with the B.A.R.’s article, were shared widely.

A friend known on Twitter as Cee Eyes (“Dr. Strange PhD Cat Lackey”) started the online fundraiser for tornado relief. It quickly surpassed the initial $10,000 goal, which Cee Eyes has since raised to $75,000. As of March 7, just over $62,000 had been raised. A separate GoFundMe had previously been started last fall by friend Laura McNamara to help the Minters care for their many

pets. It remains active and has raised $25,900 as of March 7. Cee Eyes noted that people can donate to either fund, and the money will go to Minter.

“Shannon Minter and his wife Robin have given a loving home to so many stray kitties and pups. Many of us know Shannon for his big heart, kind words, and boundless devotion,” Cee Eyes wrote for the fundraiser. “Sadly, a tornado ripped apart the Minter home on March 2, 2023. Shannon and Robin have done so much for others – bringing light and joy to those who follow their Twitter adventures. Now it’s time for us to do whatever we can as they begin to rebuild a safe home for the Minter Babies!”

Dogs, cats adjusting

In his initial post, Minter told his followers that he and the dogs and cats were all OK.

By March 3, the dogs – Onyx, Gaia, Albert, and Sister – had been relocated to a friend’s nearby home, along with Beulah, one of the older cats. And Minter spent part of last weekend working

With San Francisco officials moving to repeal their restriction on taxpayer-funded travel to conservative states, the author of California’s travel ban policy has no plans to follow suit. Whereas the municipal “no fly” list covers states that have adopted anti-LGBTQ laws, abortion bans, or restricted voting access in recent years, the state’s is only invoked when lawmakers in other states roll back LGBTQ rights.

Assemblymember Evan Low has no plans to change the state’s travel ban law.

Gay Assemblymember Evan Low (D-Cupertino) authored the legislation that established the state travel ban, which took effect in 2016. It restricts the use of Californians’ tax dollars to pay for non-emergency travel to states that have adopted discriminatory

See page 2 >>

NCLR’s Minter begins cleaning up after tornado hits Texas home

with his cousin to reinforce his friend’s backyard fence so that the dogs can be outside, he posted.

The other cats have remained at the Minter home, which was severely damaged and not habitable, as he previously wrote. One silver lining, he wrote on Twitter, is that a cat porch that Minter recently had constructed at one end of the house was not hit by the tornado so the “porch kitties” (Loretta, Sweetie, Hayley Mills, and William) have remained in that area.

“The new kitty room was not damaged, so it’s been a godsend,” he wrote, adding that Robin has found it to be “her new happy place.”

“She’s a trooper,” he told the B.A.R.

Two of the other cats, mother and daughter Meow Meow and Pip Squeak, always had their own room away from the clan and continue to stay there. “A huge window was broken,” Minter said, but he and others were able to clean it up and barricade the area to prevent the cats from escaping.

to help Sisters

Jake Wesley Rogers Oscar picks

Before and after: The room NCLR legal director Shannon Minter was in when a tornado struck March 2; by March 6, he had been able to clean up his desk area, in spite of the severely damaged ceiling.

Shannon Minter

Christopher Robledo

Tia Gemmell

Skincare's desert inspiration

laws against LGBTQ people since June 26, 2015.

While there are now 30 states on San Francisco’s banned list, there are now 23 covered by the state law. (https://oag.ca.gov/ab1887) In response to a question from the Bay Area Reporter this week, Low said he remains convinced the state travel ban is an effective policy.

“We don’t have any intentions of backing down and changing our position on the state-funded travel ban. Unfortunately, rightwing politicians across the country are working to pass hundreds of laws that are harmful to LGBTQ people, and we’re going to stand firm in our decision,” stated Low. “If anything, now is the time to show California isn’t going backwards. In 2016, when we passed this law, we didn’t tolerate discrimination in our state and beyond our borders. Seven years later, we still don’t, and won’t.”

As lawmakers in the nearly twodozen states on the banned list have done over the past 13 years, elected leaders in statehouses across the country this year are advancing anti-LGBTQ bills. Many target the rights and health care of transgender youth, while others seek to outlaw drag performances.

“The harmful legislation some of these states have passed is, quite frankly, demeaning of basic human rights,” noted Low. “We’re not going to allow taxpayers to foot the bill and allow state-funded travel to these red states where some legislators can’t respect people who are different.”

Low told the B.A.R. that he has been following the debate in recent months about San Francisco’s policy. But he pointed out how it differs from his legislation, since the city also bans doing business

with companies headquartered in the states on its list.

“We understand the concerns some people have when it comes to conducting business with these states that discriminate against LGBTQ people, and the gridlock it has created in San Francisco – but the ongoing conversation and law there is distinctly different than the current state-funded travel ban that remains in place,” stated Low.

SF’s policy

Gay state Senator Scott Wiener (D-San Francisco) had first authored the city policy, known as 12X, when he served on the Board of Supervisors in response to the rollback of LGBTQ rights in other states. He recently came out in support of rescinding it in its entirety, as the B.A.R. first reported in a February 28 online story, declaring that “sadly, it’s time to acknowledge that this policy hasn’t worked and that we need to pull back.”

As for his stance on the future status of the state’s travel ban, Wiener did not respond to the B.A.R.’s request for comment by its press deadline Wednesday, March 8.

Advocates for LGBTQ, minor-

ity, and women small business owners in the city have come out against getting rid of the 12X policy. The executive committee of the San Francisco Labor Council adopted a resolution February 27 in support of keeping it in place.

Noting “many on the Covered State List have also enacted laws against workers, unions, and immigrants and in fact spend corporate political action committee money at the state and federal level to oppose laws championed first in California and San Francisco, specifically,” the resolution stated that “the affiliates of the San Francisco Labor Council oppose the repeal of Chapter 12X and stand in solidarity with LGBTQIA siblings, workers, immigrant communities, and our local small businesses.”

Paul Pendergast, president of BuildOUT California, an association that promotes LGBTQ-owned firms in the construction field, also opposes seeing San Francisco end the 12X policy. He told the B.A.R. that Low’s continued support for the state travel ban sends “a huge message” to San Francisco leaders for why they should maintain the city’s policy.

“Evan is standing up for what he believes in and what he believes to be in the best interest of the community and taxpayers of California. It should be absolutely a shot across the bow to San Francisco elected officials,” said Pendergast, a gay man who owns a public affairs firm that works with construction businesses.

Marc Stein, a gay man who’s a history professor at San Francisco State University, has long raised complaints (https://publicseminar.org/essays/when-a-boycottblocks-queer-research/) about how the state travel ban has impacted the ability of students and faculty at California state-funded colleges to conduct research in states on the “no fly” list. Nonethe -

less, he told the B.A.R. it doesn’t mean he believes either the local or state laws should be completely rescinded.

“I’m concerned that the city and state may swing from one extreme to the other. Many of us are supportive of the bans, but believe they should contain more exceptions so as to allow state-funded travel for social justice research, educational activities, and other projects that support LGBT equality,” wrote Stein in an emailed reply. “At the risk of stretching an old cliché, are we once again throwing out the queer babies with the antiqueer, sexist, and racist bath water?”

Gay District 8 Supervisor Rafael Mandelman last week had introduced the ordinance to completely jettison the city’s 12X policy. In doing so, he had announced that Supervisors Catherine Stefani of District 2, Hillary Ronen of District 9, and Board President Aaron Peskin, who represents District 3, were co-sponsoring it.

“We have an obligation to run an effective city government – actualizing this means that we have to evaluate the utility of wellintentioned policies of the past,” stated Stefani, who launched her campaign Wednesday to succeed termed out Assemblymember Phil Ting (D-San Francisco) in 2024.

The ordinance won’t come before the board for a vote until sometime in the spring, but it is already clear that a majority of the 11 supervisors support scrapping 12X. In interviews with the B.A.R. over the last week, gay District 6 Supervisor Matt Dorsey and District 11 Supervisor Ahsha Safaí both said they were also signing on as co-sponsors of the ordinance to do away with the policy.

“This is a very cumbersome ordinance I think was enacted with an initial intention that was extremely forward thinking,” said Safaí. “We thought if we are acting

as a large purchasing power and a large entity that spends capital, we can influence people on the other end. It sent a message if you are not providing equal benefits to LGBT people, not allowing people to vote freely, and not allowing reproductive rights, we don’t want to do business with you, with the hope that would change people’s policies. In fact, we have only changed one since the introduction of 12X as a policy and as a concept.”

The only state to be removed from the city’s banned list has been Massachusetts. The Bay State was delisted in 2021 after it rescinded an anti-abortion law.

Having worked as a city employee for two decades, Dorsey told the B.A.R. he knows full well how “infuriating” the city’s contracting process can be. He called the 12X policy “the poster child for what is wrong with city contracting.”

He declined to comment when asked if he thought the state travel ban should also be rescinded, telling the B.A.R. he was focused on his duties as a supervisor. Instead, he echoed Wiener’s comment that the city’s 12X policy has not achieved its desired results.

“This law was enacted to put pressure on states to not adopt these policies. At some point we have to acknowledge it is not working,” said Dorsey. “Instead, it is making the city’s competitive bidding process less competitive and more expensive.”

Mandelman laid out his reasoning for wanting to end 12X in a guest opinion piece in the B.A.R.’s March 9 issue. In a phone interview, he said rolling back the policy to only covering LGBTQ rights would be “a non-starter” for the supervisors. He also said that as he looked into the policy’s impacts, he concluded it made more sense

San Francisco Supervisor Ahsha Safaí.

Courtesy Ahsha Safaí

AIDS Memorial Quilt & Gilead

Together,

At Gilead, we understand that it’s going to take a combination of both science and social change to help end the HIV epidemic for everyone, everywhere. It’s only by collaborating with advocates and organizations across the country that we can reach this collective goal. Together, we’re working tirelessly to improve health equity and bring awareness to the HIV epidemic.

Desert flora inspires SF-based skincare line hault

by Matthew S. Bajko

Over the years San Francisco resident Brian Diethorn has found visits to Joshua Tree National Park straddling the Colorado and Mojave deserts and to Palm Springs in the Coachella Valley to be rejuvenating destinations. His sojourns to the arid landscapes also laid the groundwork for his new men’s skincare line hault

The flora found in the deserts of Southern California inspired the ingredients for the various products Diethorn developed as part of the company’s Desert Collection. His Dunes Facial Scrub, for instance, ($38 for 2 oz.) features agave, prickly pear, and aloe.

“For me, the desert is very healing,” said Diethorn. “It is a place to go relax, be one with nature and be calm. I also thought about how there are so many

Diethorn, 45, a gay married man, grew up in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania

Diethorn, who was curious about why products with ingredients he

a number of products he was pleased enough with to bring to market.

As for a brand name, Diethorn landed on adding a “u” to “halt” as a nod toward halting the aging process. Plus, halt as a company name didn’t seem to have “enough substance” with just the one vowel, he explained.

“I added the ‘u’ because you are going to halt the aging process,” said Diethorn.

His interest in skincare products really took off in college when Diethorn began having issues with acne.

“I started breaking out all of a sudden. I thought, ‘What is going on?’ It wasn’t a little bit, it was a lot,” recalled Diethorn, who tried several remedies, including antibiotics, to resolve his skin condition. “It was not a fun experience.”

Eventually, his acne

his own skincare line. Debuting to the public on January 13, Diethorn launched hault with five products for sale including a face wash ($38 for 4 oz.), a facial hydration cream ($40 for 2 oz.), and an eye repair cream ($42 for 5 oz.). A main ingredient in the facial care products is hyaluronic acid, which Diethorn said helps to leave one’s skin feeling soft and hydrated without a greasy feel.

“I think we have taken into consideration the healing powers of desert plants as well as evidenced-based antiaging ingredients,” he said.

The price point is rather economical compared to other brands on the market.

“I really wanted to appeal to customers who want a really good skincare line that is affordable,” said Diethorn. “At some point I might have to look at a price adjustment but I don’t think anything significant. I have been working back and forth, trust me, with the lab to get these products with these ingredients at a price point that is functional.”

He does want to also offer his own sunscreen products. But they require a fair bit more testing in order to be approved by government regulators than other skincare products, said

“We are right now starting to work on a serum that should be released in the summertime,” he said.

So far Diethorn has self-funded his venture. He had lucked out in buying a single-family home in the city’s Potrero neighborhood in 2010 and selling it four years later for a significant profit.

“I was able to make a good chunk of money,” said Diethorn, who now lives in the Silver Terrace neighborhood with his husband.

He recently returned from Joshua Tree where he helped oversee another photo shoot for hault’s marketing and is working on several videos to demonstrate how to use his various products. He is also aiming to grow the company’s social media presence as well as line up shops carrying his product in San Francisco’s LGBTQ Castro district, Palm Springs, Las Vegas, and several cities in Arizona.

He recently did a pop-up shop at clothing store Faherty in Hayes Valley and plans to do several more there. Hault products are also to be on sale at the temporary visitors center and store opening in the Castro inside the former Levi’s Store at 525 Castro Street. Eventually, Diethorn would like to open his own hault store.

“I would love to have a shop in San Francisco,” he said. “I think that would be absolutely amazing. I do need to grow the line, I feel, to get to that point.”

More immediately, Diethorn aims to promote the concept of having a daily skincare routine not only for the benefits of cleanliness but also for spiritual renewal.

“Actually, I am trying to create this understanding of skincare in letting it be that calm that gives you a moment to focus on yourself and really think about the care of yourself. I want to encourage others to do that and to make that become a habit,” said Diethorn. “There is so much chaos always going around us, whether it is work or politics, I think it is great for mental health and for skin health to merge those two things together to create something to help you really focus on and to keep you calm and reset.”

To learn more about hault and to order its products online, visit its website at www.haultmen.com. t

Brian Diethorn sits in the backyard of his San Francisco home with some of his hault skincare products.

Rick Gerharter

‘Saints’ to raise money for SF Sisters

compiled by Cynthia Laird

People who have been “sainted”

by the Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence for their good works and community service over the years will band together to help the San Francisco chapter of drag nuns with a fundraiser Sunday, March 19, from 4 to 7 p.m. at the Edge bar, 4149 18th Street in the Castro LGBTQ neighborhood.

Billed as “The Saints Come Marching In,” the benefit is intended to help the Sisters, a nonprofit organization that last year reported they were victims of embezzlement, as the Bay Area Reporter previously reported. (https://www.ebar.com/ story.php?318042)

The Sisters reported that one of their own members allegedly took “a significant sum” of money for “improper personal purposes.” According to the Sisters at the time the alleged theft was made public last August, a request for restitution from the in dividual went unanswered.

The amount of money allegedly stolen was not disclosed.

The Sisters also had a deficit of $39,360 in 2020, according to ProPublica. Despite the reported theft, the Sisters were able to make grants to other nonprofit organizations as they usually do, but, as organizers of the upcoming fundraiser noted, “now they are gearing up to produce their biggest event of the year, their world-famous Easter celebration in the park. And they need help to do it.”

A news release stated that the event will be emceed by Mark Paladini, with Jimmy Strano as DJ. “Come on down for a beer and soda bust, Jell-O shots, performers, raffle, and more. But most important of all: come and show the Sisters some love.”

The Sisters’ Easter party is scheduled to take place Sunday, April 9, at Mission Dolores Park.

SF police chief, DA to appear at D8 town hall

San Francisco District Attorney Brooke Jenkins, police Chief William Scott, and other officials will appear at a District 8 public safety town hall Friday, March 10, from 5:30 to 7 p.m. at the Upper Noe Recreation Center auditorium, 295 Day Street.

Gay District 8 Supervisor Rafael Mandelman will moderate the panel, which is also expected to include Dave Burke, the district’s public safety liaison, and Kyra Worthy, executive director of San Francisco Safety Awareness for Everyone, or SF SAFE.

In an email to constituents, Mandelman said that he would ask the city officials residents’ questions about public safety and street conditions in their neighborhoods and citywide.

The town hall will also be available virtually on Facebook Live.

To register to attend in person, go to https://bit.ly/3mlvwMO

Coalition to honor Bayard Rustin

The Bayard Rustin Coalition will honor its namesake Saturday, March 18, from 7 to 9 p.m. at Grubstake Diner, 1525 Pine Street, in San Francisco.

Rustin, a gay Black man and civil rights activist, worked closely with the Reverend Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Among other activities, he was one of the key organizers of the 1963 March on Washington for Jobs and Freedom. He died in 1987 at the age of 75. The Bayard Rustin Coalition is holding the gathering to mark the 111th anniversary of Rus-

tin’s birth, which is March 17, and to celebrate his life and legacy.

In 2020, Governor Gavin Newsom granted a posthumous pardon to Rustin, whose 1953 arrest in Pasadena, California on vagrancy charges led to jail time and inclusion on the sex offender registry, as the B.A.R. previously reported.

According to the letter to New-

som from gay state Senator Scott Wiener (D-San Francisco) and then-Assemblymember Shirley Weber (D-San Diego) that advocated for the pardon, on January 21, 1953, Rustin was visiting Pasadena as part of a lecture tour on the topics of anti-colonial struggles in West Africa. Shortly after his speech, Rustin was arrested after being discovered having sex with two men in a parked car. Rustin was cited for vagrancy, which Wiener and Weber pointed

out was “a common charge against gay men for engaging in consensual sexual behavior.” (Weber is now California’s secretary of state.)

For the upcoming gathering, coalition members stated in an email announcement that refreshments will be available, and there will be a champagne toast as well as a commemorative birthday cake.

In addition to the coalition, Grubstake is a co-sponsor, along with the Soul of Pride group.

HOUSING OPPORTUNITY – WAITLIST OPENING

For more information, email info@bayardrustincoalition.com.

SamTrans public board seat application available San Mateo County residents who live outside of the county’s coastal region can apply for one public member seat on the San Mateo County Transit District Board of Directors. The board sets policy for the district, which is responsible for the countywide SamTrans bus and paratransit systems. According to a news release, applicants must also not have held public office for at least a year. The appointment is for a four-year term.

The SamTrans board consists of nine members: three appointed by the Board of Supervisors; three appointed by the City Selection Committee, who are councilmembers representing the northern, central, and southern portions of the county; and three public members, one of whom is a coastside resident, the release stated. Regular meetings are held the first Wednesday of the month at 2 p.m.

The deadline for submitting applications is Thursday, March 30, at 5 p.m. For the application and more information, go to https://bit. ly/3Jca1Ha. t

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HOUSING OPPORTUNITY – WAITLIST OPENING

The Housing Authority of the City and County of San Francisco (Authority) is opening its waitlist application process for studio units (two-person household maximum) in the Rental Assistance Demonstration (RAD) Project-Based Voucher (PBV) program. The Authority will open waitlist applications to the public on 03/27/2023 starting at 8:00 AM and close applications on 03/29/2023 at 5:00 PM Once the waitlist applications are closed, the Authority will use a lottery to randomly draw names from the list of applications submitted for each community site. Those names drawn will be placed on one (or more) of the RAD/PBV waitlists. Applying for the lottery does not guarantee you a place on one of the RAD/PBV waitlists. Apply at: www.sfha.myhousing.com

The Housing Authority of the City and County of San Francisco (Authority) is opening its waitlist application process for studio units (two-person household maximum) in the Rental Assistance Demonstration (RAD) Project-Based Voucher (PBV) program. The Authority will open waitlist applications to the public on 03/27/2023 starting at 8:00 AM and close applications on 03/29/2023 at 5:00 PM Once the waitlist applications are closed, the Authority will use a lottery to randomly draw names from the list of applications submitted for each community site. Those names drawn will be placed on one (or more) of the RAD/PBV waitlists. Applying for the lottery does not guarantee you a place on one of the RAD/PBV waitlists. Apply at: www.sfha.myhousing.com

Waitlist Preferences

Waitlist Preferences

The Authority will give waitlist preferences to those who are:

The Authority will give waitlist preferences to those who are:

• Veteran/ Surviving Spouse of Veteran

• Veteran/ Surviving Spouse of Veteran

• Families with a Right to Return

• Families with a Right to Return

• RAD Emergency Referral

• RAD Emergency Referral

• Residents of Residential Care Facilities for the Chronically Ill (RCFCI)/ Transitional Residential Care Facilities (TRCF)

• Residents of Residential Care Facilities for the Chronically Ill (RCFCI)/ Transitional Residential Care Facilities (TRCF)

• Mixed Families currently residing at non-RAD units at HOPE SF sites

• Mixed Families currently residing at non-RAD units at HOPE SF sites

• Involuntarily Displaced with Residential Certificate of Preference (COP)

• Involuntarily Displaced with Residential Certificate of Preference (COP)

• Department of Homeless and Supportive Housing Referral

• Department of Homeless and Supportive Housing Referral

• Families with minor children living in SROs with a referral from DBI

• Families with minor children living in SROs with a referral from DBI

• Involuntarily Displaced from San Francisco residence

• Involuntarily Displaced from San Francisco residence

For more information on the RAD/PBV waitlist opening, including which sites will be available and which service providers can assist completing waitlist applications, please visit our waitlist page at www.sfha.org/housing-programs/waitlist

For more information on the RAD/PBV waitlist opening, including which sites will be available and which service providers can assist completing waitlist applications, please visit our waitlist page at www.sfha.org/housing-programs/waitlist

How to Apply:

How to Apply:

Before you begin the waitlist application process, please review the Eligibility and Income Requirements at www.sfha.org/housing-programs/waitlist to ensure your household is eligible.

Before you begin the waitlist application process, please review the Eligibility and Income Requirements at www.sfha.org/housing-programs/waitlist to ensure your household is eligible.

Once you are ready to apply, gather the names, social security numbers (if available), and dates of birth of all family members. You will also need the gross annual income of all family members. Make sure you are ready to write down your confirmation number!

Once you are ready to apply, gather the names, social security numbers (if available), and dates of birth of all family members. You will also need the gross annual income of all family members. Make sure you are ready to write down your confirmation number!

Complete the online waitlist application using any device with internet access at www.sfha.myhousing.com For anyone without internet access that would like to apply, there will be assistance available from the service providers listed at www.sfha.org/housing-programs/waitlist

Complete the online waitlist application using any device with internet access at www.sfha.myhousing.com For anyone without internet access that would like to apply, there will be assistance available from the service providers listed at www.sfha.org/housing-programs/waitlist

Contact the Authority with any questions! For questions, please contact SFHA Customer Care Center Monday – Friday, 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM, at (415) 715-5200 or customercare@sfha.org

Contact the Authority with any questions! For questions, please contact SFHA Customer Care Center Monday – Friday, 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM, at (415) 715-5200 or customercare@sfha.org

The Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence will get some help from people they’ve “sainted” over the years at a benefit party March 19.

Courtesy Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence

Volume 53, Number 10

March 9-15, 2023

www.ebar.com

PUBLISHER

Michael M. Yamashita

Thomas E. Horn, Publisher Emeritus (2013)

Publisher (2003 – 2013)

Bob Ross, Founder (1971 – 2003)

NEWS EDITOR

Cynthia Laird

ARTS & NIGHTLIFE EDITOR

Jim Provenzano

ASSISTANT EDITORS

Matthew S. Bajko • John Ferrannini

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

Christopher J. Beale • Brian Bromberger

Victoria A. Brownworth • Philip Campbell

Heather Cassell • Michael Flanagan • Jim

Gladstone • Liz Highleyman • Brandon Judell

• Lisa Keen • Philip Mayard • Laura Moreno •

David-Elijah Nahmod • Paul Parish • Tim Pfaff •

Jim Piechota • Marijke Rowland • Adam Sandel

• Jason Serinus Gregg Shapiro • Gwendolyn

Smith • Charlie Wagner • Ed Walsh •

Cornelius Washington • Sura Wood

ART DIRECTION

Max Leger

PRODUCTION/DESIGN

Ernesto Sopprani

PHOTOGRAPHERS

Jane Philomen Cleland • FBFE

Rick Gerharter • Gareth Gooch

Jose Guzman-Colon • Rudy K. Lawidjaja

Georg Lester • Rich Stadtmiller • Christopher Robledo • Fred Rowe

Steven Underhill • Bill Wilson

ILLUSTRATORS & CARTOONISTS

Christine Smith

VICE PRESIDENT OF ADVERTISING

Scott Wazlowski – 415.829.8937

NATIONAL ADVERTISING REPRESENTATIVE

Rivendell Media – 212.242.6863

LEGAL COUNSEL

Paul H. Melbostad, Esq.

Now the Pride flag is under assault

After years of reporting on Bay Area governments that have taken the right step and flown the rainbow flag in June for Pride Month, the inevitable backlash is underway in Southern California, and cities in several other states, as right-wing political leaders attempt to tell us that the flag doesn’t belong outside of city halls, schools, or other municipal buildings – even after it has proudly flown in previous years. The latest reversal occurred last month in Huntington Beach, where the City Council voted 4-3 to remove the Pride flag from the list of approved flags to be flown outside City Hall. The council had initially approved the Pride flag flying in 2021. As the Los Angeles Times reported, (https://www. latimes.com/california/story/2023-02-07/huntington-beach-councilman-seeks-to-removelgbtq-flag-at-city-hall) only the rainbow flag was left off the list of approved standards. New Councilmember Pat Burns offered the proposal, which he said was not homophobic. That’s disingenuous. Of course it is.

The Los Angeles LGBT Center was quick to condemn the council’s action. “The Greater Los Angeles area is for everyone and yet Huntington Beach officials landed on a cliché and reductive approach to making headlines: marginalizing queer Californians (and potentially, millions of tourists) in one fell swoop,” Joe Hollendoner, CEO of the center, stated in a news release. “For a city that prides itself on exercising its rights, Huntington Beach’s officials are taking a cue from the political playbooks of extremist politicians across the country – using their hatred of queer and trans people as launching pads for their careers.”

We certainly hope that elected leaders across the Bay Area don’t suddenly get queasy over raising the flag or issuing proclamations as Pride Month approaches. We have documented the efforts of LGBTQ residents in numerous cities and towns in the Bay Area who have worked hard to get city councils, boards of supervisors, and other governing bodies to fly the flag. And it’s paid off. As the B.A.R. reported (https://www.ebar.com/story.php?304751) in 2020, LGBTQ advocates in San Mateo County achieved their goal of having every single city in their jurisdiction celebrate June as Pride Month

in some manner for the first time. All 20 issued Pride proclamations, while 13 flew the Pride flag.

Contra Costa County LGBTQ leaders achieved for the first time in 2020 an acknowledgment of Pride Month in some fashion in all 19 cities and towns in the East Bay jurisdiction. Fifteen flew a Pride flag that year, as we reported. These actions aren’t just symbolic; they send a powerful message that all are welcome and that the jurisdiction values diversity. That’s even more important today, when trans people and their families are under attack in red states across the country and governments want to take away their ability to access gender-affirming care and other services. Drag artists, too, are feeling the brunt of discrimination as legislators craft laws that might not specifically mention drag, but are ambiguous enough to cause deep concern about whether a drag show can be held in a bar or other venue.

In response to these Pride flag bans or reversals, the Gilbert Baker Foundation has gotten involved. Baker, who died in 2017, was a former San Francisco resident and co-creator of the rainbow flag. He spent his life making it a worldwide symbol of LGBTQ Pride. In a news release, the foundation noted that Pride flag bans have taken place in Cold Spring, New York; Stoughton, Massachusetts; Davis, Utah; Newburg, Oregon; Morgantown, Washington; and the aforementioned Huntington Beach. “Make no mistake, right-wing groups want to roll back LGBTQ+ rights, and they’re starting with banning rainbow flags,” Charley Beal, president of the Gilbert Baker Foundation,

stated in a release. “It’s part of a huge conservative trend to squelch and censor minority rights across America.”

The foundation also noted the insidious nature of the flag bans and pointed out the connection with book bans, which have intensified recently; school curriculum changes; language shaming; and restrictions on reproductive rights.

In fact, the San Ramon Valley Board of Education in the East Bay recently held an information session about how the district purchases books for campus libraries that reportedly turned into a raucous affair with several speakers demanding that the graphic novel “Gender Queer” by Maia Kobabe and other books with LGBTQ content be removed. The school board did not vote on the matter, but it soon might. The American Library Association reported last fall that for the first eight months of 2022, there were 618 attempts to ban or restrict library resources and 1,651 unique titles were targeted.

In response to this latest flag flap, the Baker foundation has put together a tool kit (https:// gilbertbaker.com/save-the-rainbow-flag-toolkit/) that includes an open letter from the American Civil Liberties Union citing legal precedents on why banning the rainbow flag goes against existing laws. “Policies banning only the rainbow flag are viewpoint discrimination and violate the First Amendment,” the ACLU noted.

It’s critical that LGBTQ people are aware of these dangerous attempts by conservatives to police and censor us. All of these efforts, whether to ban the Pride flag, drag shows, books, or all three, are not happening in a vacuum. They are all part of a coordinated plan that conservatives are employing in an effort to control and demean us. Much of this can be tied to former President Donald Trump and his ardent supporters. Trump recently released a video message in which he said he would engage in a sweeping rollback of trans rights if elected president in 2024. The other actual or potential GOP candidates are following his lead, which is frightening for LGBTQ people.

Local government officials, especially in California, should be welcoming displays of the Pride flag and the inclusivity it represents. They should not be revising policies that remove the Pride flag – and only the Pride flag – from flying outside municipal buildings. t

It’s time for Chapter 12X to go

by Rafael Mandelman

Bay area reporter

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By the time the U.S. Supreme Court ruled in 2015 that the fundamental right to marriage is guaranteed to same-sex couples, many of us in San Francisco’s queer community were ready to move on to the next frontier in the fight for LGBTQ equality. After all, California was among 37 states to already recognize same-sex marriage. And it had been more than a decade since then-Mayor Gavin Newsom ignored the law and began issuing marriage licenses to same-sex couples – catapulting the debate into the national conversation. The high court’s decision in Obergefell v. Hodges seemed like the conclusion of the story, or at least of a chapter. Or so some of us hoped.

But in reactionary red states across the country, queer people faced a renewed assault on their rights and dignity. Anti-trans bathroom bills emerged alongside new religious protections to deny services and even medical care to LGBTQ people. In May 2016, a House Republican read into the Congressional record a Bible verse that proclaimed homosexuals “worthy of death.” (https://rollcall.com/2016/05/26/homosexualsworthy-of-death-bible-verse-read-before-keyvote/) Two weeks later, a gunman massacred 49 people at an LGBTQ nightclub in Orlando. The fight for equality was not nearly over, and too many places in America seemed intent on turning back the clock.

San Francisco responded to this ugly backlash in October 2016 with the addition of Chapter 12X to our Administrative Code. Authored by gay then-Supervisor Scott Wiener, 12X prohibited city-funded employee travel to four “banned states” with anti-LGBTQ laws and prohibited contracting with companies headquartered in those states.

12X’s Banned State List has since expanded to include states with restrictive abortion and voting rights laws. All with the same underlying

theory of change: progressive jurisdictions would come together to pool our political and economic power to stand up to bigotry. San Francisco alone may not be able to change the political calculus of an entire state or region, but together progressive cities and states could put the necessary pressure on radical right-wing governments to make them think twice before denying rights to those within their own borders.

But that coalition never materialized. No other cities or jurisdictions have come along for the ride to enact boycotts as sweeping as San Francisco’s, though the state of California does have a banned travel list for states with antiLGBTQ laws, it does not include contracting. Meanwhile, no states with restrictive anti-LGBTQ rights, voting rights, or reproductive choice laws have cited the city’s travel and contract bans as motivation for reforming them. (Massachusetts was removed from the list in 2021 after changing its laws restricting abortion access.)

Fast-forward to today and San Francisco now officially boycotts 30 U.S. states – more than half the country! Yet the only documented evidence of the policy’s impact isn’t the success we’ve had changing discriminatory laws elsewhere but rather a growing record of bad outcomes here in San Francisco. Namely: rising contracting costs and needless barriers to engagement with the exact communities we want to support.

An analysis I requested from the board’s budget and legislative analyst estimated that limiting free and open competition for contracts increases the costs of those contracts by as much as 20%. San Francisco taxpayers are paying tens of millions of dollars or more each year when procuring everything from computers to furniture to the materials and contractors for major capital construction projects.

Other unintended consequences are equally troubling: San Francisco’s Human Rights Commission has had to navigate a complicated waiver process to allow visits to historically black colleges and universities and civil rights landmarks in the Deep South. Our Office of Economic and Workforce Development can’t send representatives to trade conferences that would help recruit businesses and drive tourism to San Francisco. Recently, a local disaster response coordinator wouldn’t authorize a constituent’s lease for emergency housing after being displaced by a fire because the leasing company for the new apartment was headquartered in a banned state.

None of this makes sense. These outcomes are not good for San Francisco, and they’re not helping vulnerable people in the banned states.

That’s why I recently introduced a complete repeal of Chapter 12X. I am grateful that Wiener, now a state senator, has signed on in support of my reform. Some may argue that repealing this boycott is a retreat from San Francisco’s values, but sometimes the most progressive thing policymakers can do is to admit that a well-intentioned law has not succeeded and that it’s time to try something different.

Some have argued that repealing 12X means San Francisco is waving the white flag on the fight for equality. I think that’s nonsense. But I also firmly believe that the best thing San Francisco can do for progressive politics nationally is to demonstrate that a great progressive city like San Francisco can govern itself effectively. Repealing 12X is one step toward rationalizing an inefficient and overly complicated contracting system very much in need of reform.t

Rafael Mandelman, a gay man, represents District 8 on the San Francisco Board of Supervisors.

Supervisor Rafael Mandelman

Courtesy Rafael Mandelman

The Pride flag flew outside of Huntington Beach Civic Center in 2021

Courtesy City of Huntington Beach via Twitter

SF supes reject mayoral historic panel nominee

by Matthew S. Bajko

Amayoral appointee to the San Francisco Historic Preservation Commission was rejected Tuesday by a majority of the city’s supervisors, who cited her lack of qualifications to serve in the historian seat on the oversight body for the reason behind their decision.

As the Bay Area Reporter first reported online last week, Victoria Gray was facing a rough road to being confirmed after several supervisors spoke out against her being confirmed to a term in the preservation panel’s Seat 4 through the end of 2026. Earlier this year Mayor London Breed had nominated Gray, a native San Franciscan, to serve in the seat specifically designated for a historian.

Yet Gray is employed as the vice president and director for Bonhams and Butterfields auction house and heads its San Francisco office. And while she earned a B.A. in art history from Bucknell University and completed a six-month course of intensive historical research studies at Syracuse University in Florence, Italy, according to her professional bio, critics contended she did not meet the Secretary of the Interior’s professional qualifications standards to be deemed a historian.

Board President and District 3 Supervisor Aaron Peskin, who wrote the ballot measure that created the advisory panel and set out who should serve on it, argued as much when the supervisors’ Rules Committee considered Gray’s appointment on February 27. While he felt she would bring needed expertise on historical interiors of buildings, one of Gray’s areas of focus, as an at-large member of the commission, Peskin contended she should not be approved for the historian seat.

District 11 Supervisor Ahsha Safaí, a rules member, had voted to recommend that the full board reject Gray’s being seated. Gay District 8 Supervisor Rafael Mandelman had told the B.A.R. last week he would also vote to reject her nomination.

The full board voted 7-4 at its March 7 meeting to sink Gray’s ap pointment. As gay Dis trict 6 Supervisor Matt Dorsey and District 10 Supervisor Shamann Walton had done at rules, on which they serve as chair and vice chair, respectively, they voted to approve Gray’s nomination.

Joining them were gay District 4 Supervisor Joel Engardio and District 2 Supervisor Catherine Stefani

She did join in the 8-3 vote, however, to amend the agendized motion from approving Gray’s appointment to rejecting it. Dorsey, Walton, and Engardio opposed doing so.

Gray had drawn opposition from advocates working to preserve the seating inside the Castro Theatre. At the rules committee hearing, she had said that she agreed with the Historic Preservation Commission’s recent vote supportive of preserving the balcony seating inside the venue as well as its determination that the ground floor seats are not historic since they were installed in 2000.

But several people opposed to the plans by Another Planet Entertainment to replace the current seats contended to the B.A.R. that Gray had incorrectly summarized the oversight panel’s decision. In addition to the commissioners recommendation to preserve the interior of the Castro Theatre with the “presence of seating,” advocates also contend an accompanying fact sheet calls for the current

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seats to be saved due to them being “a defining characteristic” of the movie house.

Although it may appear to be a matter of semantics, the advocates for saving the seats had raised concerns about Gray being seated on the commission in time for it voting on a certificate of appropriateness being sought by Another Planet in order to change the configuration of the auditorium seating. A joint hearing between the preservation panel and the planning commission on the matter is expected to be held on April 13.

Gray’s comment about the seats was “a red flag,” said Stephen Torres, a queer man who is executive co-chair of the Castro LGBTQ Cultural District.

A number of preservation groups had called on the board to reject Gray, including San Francisco Heritage, the San Francisco Land Use Coalition and the Northern California Chapter of the Society of Architectural Historians. San Francisco State University professor emeritus of history Robert W. Cherny also had urged the supervisors not to confirm Gray in order for someone who met the historian qualifications to be nominated. He spent five years on the city’s landmarks preservation advisory board, which became the Historic Preservation Commission. While Cherny had sought being appointed to the seat, he had stressed to the B.A.R. that his objection to Gray wasn’t personal but based on wanting to see a properly qualified person be seated.

As Cherny noted in his letter to the supervisors, “there are residents of this city who fully meet the professional standards set by the Secretary of the Interior” to serve in the historian designated seat.

Queer historians interested in seat

Two members on the faculty of the history department at San Francisco State both told the B.A.R. last week that they were interested in being nominated by the mayor to serve on the commission. It is believed either would be the first out female member on it.

When the preservation panel’s architectural historian seat was up for appointment in 2021, Nan Alamilla Boyd, Ph.D., had expressed interest in being nominated but nothing came of it since her background didn’t exactly line up with the qualifications for it. A queer woman whose relatives emigrated from the Central American country of Belize, Boyd has graduate degrees in American Civilization from Brown University and earned her B.A. in History from UC Berkeley.

She has long studied the history of the local LGBTQ community and

wrote the 2003 book “Wide-Open Town: A History of Queer San Francisco to 1965.” In addition to her academic work, Boyd founded the GLBT Historical Society’s oral history project in 1990 and is a former member of its board.

“I would be very happy for the mayor to consider my qualifications if the board rejects her nominee,” Boyd had told the B.A.R. last week. “I have a lot of knowledge about San Francisco’s diverse communities. I think it would be a benefit to the commission to have someone with that history on the board who could be an expert.”

Sue Englander, who is bisexual and well known in local queer political circles, has taught at SF State since 2012 and prior to that had taught at City College of San Francisco since 1995. A particular focus of her career has been local labor and union history in addition to LGBTQ history.

Like Boyd, Englander has helped curate exhibits at the GLBT Historical Society Museum in the city’s LGBTQ Castro neighborhood. In addition to writing the supervisors to ask them to reject Gray’s appointment, Englander also told the B.A.R. she is interested in being considered for it.

“I would be a good fit, but I just missed the deadline,” she said of submitting an application for the seat to the mayor’s office. “I got interested in historical preservation because of a number of issues in San Francisco I have been active on, most recently the seats at the Castro Theatre.”

Following the board’s vote Tuesday, Englander said she would “happily support” Boyd’s being appointed to the seat or Cherny, whom she noted was “a great colleague and friend” whose recent biography “Harry Bridges: Labor Radical, Labor Leader” had “added to the literature” on the city’s history.

Both Castro LGBTQ Cultural District Director Tina Aguirre and queer historian Gerard Koskovich expressed support for seeing Boyd be appointed to the seat in letters they sent to the supervisors ahead of Tuesday’s vote.

“Prof. Boyd has a distinguished record of teaching as a historian and of publication on the subject of San Francisco’s LGBTQ history,” noted Koskovich. t

Dignity / San Francisco invites you to a lenten half day of recollection, Saturday, March 11

9:30am

Refreshments

10:00-1:00pm

Program Speaker Wendy Farley, Author and Rice Family Chair at SF Theological Seminary (@University of Redlands) San Anselmo FREE OF CHARGE

Planning Ahead is Simple

Planning Ahead is Simple

The

Planning Ahead is Simple

The benefits are immense.

The benefits are immense.

Web Extra: For more queer political news, be sure to check http:// www.ebar.com Monday mornings for Political Notes, the notebook’s online companion. This week’s column reported on the lack of LGBTQ judges on the majority of trial courts in California.

Keep abreast of the latest LGBTQ political news by following the Political Notebook on Twitter @ http://twitter.com/politicalnotes. Got a tip on LGBTQ politics? Call Matthew S. Bajko at (415) 829-8836 or e-mail m.bajko@ebar.com.

When you plan your life celebration and lasting remembrance in advance, you can design every detail of your own unique memorial and provide your loved ones with true peace of mind. Planning ahead protects your loved ones from unnecessary stress and financial burden, allowing them to focus on what will matter most at that time—you.

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When you plan your life celebration and lasting remembrance in advance, you can design every detail of your own unique memorial and provide your loved ones with true peace of mind. Planning ahead protects your loved ones from unnecessary stress and financial burden, allowing them to focus on what will matter most at that time—you.

Proudly

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Victoria Gray was rejected by the San Francisco Board of Supervisors for a seat on the Historic Preservation Commission.

Screengrab via SFGovTV

Piper, Squeaky, and Furby remain in the parts of the house with Minter and his wife.

“It’s like camping out here,” Minter said. “We have electricity in some parts of the house and water – not hot water. It’s kind of like the movie ‘Fight Club.’” In that 1999 film, characters played by stars Edward Norton and Brad Pitt take up residence in a dilapidated home in an industrial area.

In the short term, Minter said that their insurance company would pay for an RV for temporary housing so that he and his wife can remain on the property. “I’d rather be here anyway,” Minter said, after acknowledging that a hotel isn’t really an option with all the animals.

The couple has yet to figure out next steps in terms of permanent housing, Minter said. The home that was destroyed once belonged to Minter’s grandparents, and was built around 1937, he added.

Tornadoes have become more frequent in Texas, according to a study released in February by TradingPedia. In 2022, there were 160 tornadoes in the Lone Star State, causing an estimated $27.8 million in damages. Texas was second to Mississippi, which had 184 twist-

STIs due to a decline in testing.

ers that caused an estimated $7.76 million in damages last year. USA Today reported March 2 that the country is off to its third most active start for tornadoes in 2023, with 220 reported across the country in January and February.

Minter has shared photos of his

in 2022,” Cohen said.

All told, rates of syphilis declined by about 7% (1,879 reported in 2021 compared to 1,684 reported in 2022) and rates of gonorrhea declined by less than 1% (5,264 cases reported in 2021 compared to 5,229 reported in 2022). Rates of chlamydia rose by about 4% (6,198 reported in 2021 compared to 6,467 reported in 2022).

More people tested positive for antibodies to HIV at San Francisco City Clinic in 2022 than in 2021 (55, compared to 39), though there were more tests administered (3,859 tests in 2022 compared to 3,488 tests in 2021). The full HIV epidemiology report for the city for 2022 will be released later this year, according to the health department. The most recent year-end HIV numbers, for 2021, showed a 16% increase in diagnoses, the first yearover-year rise in nearly a decade, as the Bay Area Reporter previously reported.

The B.A.R. had also previously reported that medical experts were concerned about a mix of factors leading to a rise in STI rates after the COVID pandemic lockdowns eased – including the end of social distancing, antibiotic resistant bacteria, and untreated

But Dr. Stephanie Cohen, a straight ally who is the section director for HIV/STI prevention with the health department, told the B.A.R. that another confluence may have led to last year’s reported rates not being so astronomically high. First, testing is less frequent. Second, another health crisis led to behavioral change, she said.

“We aren’t seeing the rates we saw before COVID,” Cohen said. “Our testing numbers aren’t quite back to pre-pandemic, so we aren’t seeing the same number of people getting screened.”

Indeed, compare 2019’s rates with 2022’s: reported cases of gonorrhea went from 5,565 to 5,229, reported cases of chlamydia went from 9,438 to 6,467, and reported cases of syphilis went from 1,860 to 1,684.

Second, Cohen cited the mpox outbreak, which peaked last summer. Many of the same sexual behaviors that are correlated with the spread of STIs – such as unprotected sex, and sex with multiple partners – were seen with the spread of mpox, which primarily affected men who have sex with men and their sexual partners.

“People reported changing sexual behaviors due to the mpox outbreak, so perhaps it is the change in those behaviors that prevented a big increase

In fact, according to DPH’s mpox case counts, there hasn’t been a reported case of the virus since January 20.

Syphilis cases decline

Cohen also wanted to particularly highlight the decline in syphilis for 2022. Syphilis cases had increased considerably since 2000, and untreated syphilis can lead to serious damage to the internal organs and death.

“I think the 7% decline in syphilis is a positive trend,” Cohen said. “It’s the trend we want to see and, if it’s correlated to the effects of the mpox outbreak, or the decline in transmission during COVID, it’s certainly a good thing to see.”

Cases of congenital (infant) syphilis were the same in 2022 as in 2021 (three in each year), and cases of syphilis in women were about the same (182 in 2021; 186 in 2022). However, reported cases of neurosyphilis – the invasion of the central nervous system by the syphilis bacteria Treponema pallidum – were cut in half, from 28 to 14.

As for the other STIs, “it’s a little early to say” what the 2022 numbers mean for sure, said Cohen.

Nurse practitioner Clarissa Ospina-Norvell, the interim co-medical director of the San Francisco Community Health Center, told the B.A.R. that at-home STI testing, and offering testing in the community as opposed to having patients come into clinics for testing, are both measures that could help.

“A couple of things that we can do to maintain this downward trend include expanded STI testing for communities that are not likely to go to a traditional clinic,” Ospina-Norvell said. “For example, offering homebased STI testing and offering STI testing in venues where people might be seeking non-medical resources. We implemented STI testing at the Tenderloin Linkage Center, which was well received. Our Street Medicine Team offers STI screening for those who are unhoused and not likely to come into the clinic. We are hoping to

<< Castro boutique

From page 1

The complaint stated that the planning department recommended MikroBlack for “an alcohol license” from the state’s Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control.

“Additionally, they were apparently recommended for an alcohol license by your office (you are listed as the staff that worked on the project according to ABC),” the complaint continued. “They are now operating partially as a bar (I have included another picture showing this). There are multiple locations

damaged home, noting the room that he and the dogs were in when the tornado struck. That photo shows a ripped off ceiling and other destruction. Minter said this week he’s been able to clean up that room, which contains his desk, and has been working in addition to all the cleanup and

expand STI testing to other non-traditional locations in the near future.”

The Tenderloin Linkage Center, later renamed the Tenderloin Center, was a place near United Nations Plaza where unhoused people could go to receive services during Mayor London Breed’s state of emergency in the neighborhood. The center closed in December.

Ospina-Norvell also said that the “implementation of Doxy-PEP by more providers” would help.

Doxy-PEP, or doxycycline postexposure prophylaxis, is a 200-milligram dose of the antibiotic that reduces by two-thirds the chance of acquiring gonorrhea, chlamydia, and syphilis after unprotected sex, according to studies.

Ospina-Norvell cited studies done by DPH, Zuckerberg San Francisco General Hospital/UCSF, and the University of Washington that have demonstrated decreased rates of STIs in those offered Doxy-PEP.

“Of concern to me is that the rates of STIs still remain higher in the African American community, of all age groups. More work needs to be done in reaching these communities,” Ospina-Norvell added.

While Doxy-PEP has not been shown to be effective in cisgender women, Cohen wanted to assure people that with regard to Doxy-PEP “right now, at this point, we do think the benefits outweigh the risks in those who’ve had an STI in the past 12 months.”

“So far – in the studies conducted – there has not been evidence of a significant increase in antibiotic resistant bacteria in people who use DoxyPEP,” Cohen said. “There are ongoing studies on that.”

Drug-resistant Shigella

Cases of infection with Shigella, a bacteria genetically closely related to E. coli and that can cause dysentery, are not counted as sexually transmitted infections. Nonetheless, since it travels through the oral-fecal route, it can be spread through sexual acts such as anilingus (“rimming”) or anal intercourse.

with closed bars and restaurants in Castro and in wider San Francisco that could accommodate this without causing strain on surrounding residents. Additionally, in the last few days they have been doing some kind of construction within the space and in our backyard using power tools, including past 8PM.”

(The attached pictures mentioned in the complaint were not available on the planning department’s website. A picture of a DJ set-up was not on MikroBlack’s Facebook page as of press time.)

Daniel A. Sider, the chief of staff for the planning department, told

other things to do to recover from the twister.

Minter reiterated his gratitude to all who have donated and sent support. “It’s been wonderful,” he said. “We’re going to be OK.” t

The CDC reported last week that it “has detected an increase in extensively drug-resistant (XDR) Shigella infections (shigellosis) reported through national surveillance systems.”

“Clinicians should understand the nuances of testing and managing infections, especially when treating patients from populations at increased risk of drug-resistant shigellosis including: young children; gay, bisexual, and other men who have sex with men; people experiencing homelessness; international travelers; and people living with HIV,” the CDC stated. Data also showed 85% of reported cases from 2016 onward were in men, with just one in a child.

The B.A.R. asked DPH how concerned people should be, and what they can do to mitigate their risk.

“The percentage of shigellosis cases in the U.S. that are ‘extensively drug resistant’ (XDR) is estimated to have increased to 5% in 2022,” DPH stated.

“These cases are resistant to all of the antibiotics typically used to treat Shigella infection but can be treated with a broad-spectrum antibiotic usually reserved for severe infections in hospitalized patients. Most individuals infected with Shigella recover without antibiotic treatment, but those with more severe infection, such as infection that leads to hospitalization, or who may be immunocompromised (including living with HIV), may benefit from antibiotics.”

Washing hands and cleaning genital and anal areas with soap is important, DPH said. Use of condoms and dental dams during sex, particularly anilingus, significantly reduces risk.

“If you are sick and have diarrhea: Contact your health care provider, Abstain from sex (anal, oral, penile, or vaginal) while you have symptoms and until two weeks after symptoms end, After resuming sex, closely follow safer sex practices for at least two weeks after resuming sex to prevent the spread of any remaining bacteria. Do not prepare food for others, [and] stay out of recreational water, including swimming pools, hot tubs, and the ocean,” DPH advised. t

the Bay Area Reporter, “a complaint case was opened late last week and we’ll be moving forward with an investigation shortly. Preliminarily, assuming the allegations are generally accurate, there are a number of city approvals required for this use which have not yet been sought, much less granted.”

The ABC did not respond to a request for comment for this report as of press time; a public records search on its website shows the location has an active beer and wine license through November 30.

Dan Sneddon, a bi, queer man who

Shannon Minter’s dog Albert has adjusted to temporarily staying with Minter’s friend.

Shannon Minter

Shannon Minter’s cats Squeaky and Furby are still a little anxious but have each other.

Shannon Minter

said he is a “minor part of the leather community” and has lived near the Castro for 21 years, is a business partner of Jewels Good, CEO of MikroBlack, who themself identifies as a bi, queer Jew.

Sneddon told the B.A.R. March 7 that “this person has been filing complaints strategically.”

From page 2

to get rid of it altogether.

“I had been toying with the idea of just dealing with the contracting and leaving the travel ban in place. But the more I heard from city departments on how the travel ban is working in practice, I don’t think it makes sense either,” said Mandelman.

As for the state’s travel ban, Mandelman told the B.A.R. he believes it has been effective and should be kept.

“I think the state travel ban has more impact, certainly,” he said. “What the state’s efforts have going for them is they are more narrowly tailored and carry more impact because it is done at the state level.”

Legals >>

CAUSE FOR CHANGE OF NAME IN SUPERIOR COURT OF CALIFORNIA, COUNY OF SAN FRANCISCO FILE

CNC-23-557729

In the matter of the application of ROSA AMELIA ROMERO VIUDA DE VELASQUEZ, for change of name having been filed in Superior Court, and it appears from said application that petitioner ROSA AMELIA ROMERO VIUDA DE VELASQUEZ is requesting that the name ROSA AMELIA ROMERO VIUDA DE VELASQUEZ be changed to ROSA AMELIA ROMERO. Now therefore, it is hereby ordered, that all persons interested in said matter do appear before this Court in Dept. 103N, Rm. 103N on the 23rd of MARCH 2023 at 9:00am of said day to show cause why the application for change of name should not be granted.

FEB 16, 23, MAR 02, 09, 2023

ORDER TO SHOW CAUSE FOR CHANGE OF NAME IN SUPERIOR COURT OF CALIFORNIA, COUNTY OF SAN FRANCISCO FILE

CNC-23-557732

In the matter of the application of LATALIA SMITH, for change of name having been filed in Superior Court, and it appears from said application that petitioner LATALIA SMITH is requesting that the name CARTER EASON be changed to CARTIER ANTHONY SMITH. Now therefore, it is hereby ordered, that all persons interested in said matter do appear before this Court in Dept. 103N, Rm. 103N on the 23rd of MARCH 2023 at 9:00am of said day to show cause why the application for change of name should not be granted.

FEB 16, 23, MAR 02, 09, 2023

ORDER TO SHOW CAUSE FOR CHANGE OF NAME IN SUPERIOR COURT OF CALIFORNIA, COUNTY OF SAN FRANCISCO FILE

CNC-23-557734

In the matter of the application of SNIGDHA, for change of name having been filed in Superior Court, and it appears from said application that petitioner SNIGDHA is requesting that the name SNIGDHA be changed to SNIGDHA KUMAR. Now therefore, it is hereby ordered, that all persons interested in said matter do appear before this Court in Dept. 103N, Rm. 103N on the 28th of MARCH 2023 at 9:00am of said day to show cause why the application for change of name should not be granted.

FEB 16, 23, MAR 02, 09, 2023

ORDER TO SHOW CAUSE FOR CHANGE OF NAME IN SUPERIOR COURT OF CALIFORNIA, COUNTY OF SAN FRANCISCO FILE

CNC-23-557738

In the matter of the application of DERHEM

THABET ALSAIDI, for change of name having been filed in Superior Court, and it appears from said application that petitioner DERHEM THABET ALSAIDI is requesting that the name DERHEM THABET ALSAIDI be changed to MOHAMED AHMEDKASSIM ALTAREB. Now therefore, it is hereby ordered, that all persons interested in said matter do appear before this Court in Dept. 103N, Rm. 103N on the 28th of MARCH 2023 at 9:00am of said day to show cause why the application for change of name should not be granted.

FEB 16, 23, MAR 02, 09, 2023

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE A-0399169

The following person(s) is/are doing business as BEAUTIFUL YOU NOTARY, 1728

OCEAN AVE #153, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94112. This business is conducted by an individual, and is signed TAKIYAH SMITH. The registrant(s) commenced to transact business under the above listed fictitious business name or names on 08/01/2022. The statement was filed with the City and County of San Francisco, CA on 01/09/2023.

FEB 16, 23, MAR 02, 09, 2023

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE A-0399449

The following person(s) is/are doing business as THE PETALER, 83 SANCHEZ ST, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94114. This business is conducted by an individual, and is signed REBEKAH M. NORTHWAY. The registrant(s) commenced to transact business under the above listed fictitious business name or names on

MikroBlack opened as a clothing store in December, Sneddon said.

“Our real dream is to bring that European fashion experience to the U.S.,” he said. “We’ve been called Goth, we’ve been called fetish, but it’s just high fashion.”

The boutique also bills itself as a social club – or, at least a social club that will be developed later.

“We’re a clothing store,” Sneddon said, when asked about the relationship between the two. “The social

Contracting changes

Safaí in November had introduced his own ordinance focused solely on lifting the 12X policy’s ban on city departments entering into construction contracts with companies headquartered in the banned states. After delaying a vote on it by the full board last month in order for him to confer with local business advocates, Safaí told the B.A.R. he expects it will be passed by a majority of the supervisors at their March 14 meeting.

Although gay District 4 Supervisor Joel Engardio told the B.A.R. he was still determining how he would vote on the 12X repeal ordinances, he seemed inclined toward supporting them.

“If we are being hurt by a policy, we need to examine that policy,” he said. “It is well intentioned of

02/10/2006. The statement was filed with the City and County of San Francisco, CA on 02/06/2023.

FEB 16, 23, MAR 02, 09, 2023

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE A-0399420

The following person(s) is/are doing business as TACOS SANTO TORIBIO, 928 TOLAND ST, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94110. This business is conducted by an individual, and is signed GERARDO RODRIGUEZ. The registrant(s) commenced to transact business under the above listed fictitious business name or names on 02/02/2023. The statement was filed with the City and County of San Francisco, CA on 02/02/2023.

FEB 16, 23, MAR 02, 09, 2023

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE A-0399504

The following person(s) is/are doing business as SAN FRANCISCO DEEP CLEANING, 1497 HUDSON AVE, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94124. This business is conducted by an individual, and is signed MARLENE RAMOS. The registrant(s) commenced to transact business under the above listed fictitious business name or names on 02/09/2023. The statement was filed with the City and County of San Francisco, CA on 02/10/2023.

FEB 16, 23, MAR 02, 09, 2023

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE A-0399364

The following person(s) is/are doing business as THE GENERAL MAINTENANCE & AUTO SPA, 330 ALEMANY BLVD #5, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94110. This business is conducted by an individual, and is signed MARIO SANCHEZ BURGOS. The registrant(s) commenced to transact business under the above listed fictitious business name or names on 01/30/2023. The statement was filed with the City and County of San Francisco, CA on 01/30/2023.

FEB 16, 23, MAR 02, 09, 2023

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE A-0399405

The following person(s) is/are doing business as PARKSIDE PARADISE, 2138 19TH AVE, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94116. This business is conducted by an individual, and is signed ELEENA KIRSANOVA. The registrant(s) commenced to transact business under the above listed fictitious business name or names on 01/26/2009. The statement was filed with the City and County of San Francisco, CA on 02/01/2023.

FEB 16, 23, MAR 02, 09, 2023

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE A-0399284

The following person(s) is/are doing business as EMPRESS FLORAL CO., 1755 FRANKLIN ST #401, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94109. This business is conducted by an individual, and is signed KATIE WILKERSON. The registrant(s) commenced to transact business under the above listed fictitious business name or names on 06/11/2022. The statement was filed with the City and County of San Francisco, CA on 01/19/2023.

FEB 16, 23, MAR 02, 09, 2023

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE A-0399457

The following person(s) is/are doing business as O’KEEFFE’S BAR, 598 5TH AVE, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94118. This business is conducted by a general partnership, and is signed JOHN ROBERT CORRIEA & ANNIE MARY O’KEEFFE. The registrant(s) commenced to transact business under the above listed fictitious business name or names on 10/14/2014. The statement was filed with the City and County of San Francisco, CA on 02/07/2023.

FEB 16, 23, MAR 02, 09, 2023

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME

club is an add-on we are hoping to develop.”

Already, MikroBlack is in the process of transferring the 2323 Market Street liquor license for beer and wine – currently held by prior occupants Daunell and Higgins Inc. (which ran D & H Jewelers) – to itself, Sneddon said. In order to do that, some beer and wine sales are required to keep the license active.

Sneddon said that the business is not in the process of trying to obtain

course, but if the policy is not affecting the goal and is only hurting ourselves, we need to examine whether it is worth continuing. I want to work with Supervisors Safaí and Mandelman and find the right balance to ensure the city can get its work done.”

After meeting with local business advocates on March 6, Safaí said he is committed to introducing another ordinance in the coming weeks that would aim to address some of the concerns the business advocates have raised. The goal would be to increase their ability to enter into contracts with city departments as well as enter into subcontract agreements with larger firms bidding on major projects in the city, he said.

“We will put together a working group and continue to work with

a broader liquor license. The point of the alcohol sales is to “get people to stay longer” or give them a further reason to come.

As for the allegation that power tools are being used after 8 p.m. and that there’s “loud, amplified music” after 2 a.m. Sneddon said that “power tools after 8 p.m. couldn’t have been very late because the employee went home shortly after 8” and that the music wasn’t amplified because it was “an iPad and a Bluetooth speaker.”

them for sure,” said Safaí.

According to Pendergast, one idea the business leaders have floated is to keep the 12X policy in place for contracts under $100 million.

“The gist of it would be, for a lack of a better term, there is no need to throw the baby out with the bath water,” said Pendergast in terms of amending rather than ending 12X. “There are things that could be done within that.’

Before city leaders, or state lawmakers for that matter, move forward proposals on the fate of the ban policies, Stein called for them to consult with the communities that will be impacted. That includes not only those in San Francisco and California, but also those living in the states covered by the bans.

“Many of us who critiqued the state and city policies studied the

The following person(s) is/are doing business as NAIL DESIGNS BY SUNNY, 1716 OCEAN AVE, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94112. This business is conducted by a limited liability company, and is signed NAILDESIGNSBYSUNNY LLC (CA). The registrant(s) commenced to transact business under the above listed fictitious business name or names on N/A. The statement was filed with the City and County of San Francisco, CA on 02/01/2023.

FEB 16, 23, MAR 02, 09, 2023

(After the initial publication of this story online, Sneddon reached out to say by “power tool” he meant “vacuum.”)

“We had on several occasions a DJ, but we don’t have a big sound system. We’re shocked at the complaint. ... We are on Market Street, across the street is Beaux and Lookout, so this is really blindsiding,” Sneddon said, referring to two other popular LGBTQ bars t

history and politics of boycotts and learned in the process the importance of consulting affected communities,” wrote Stein. “I wonder if Supervisor Mandelman consulted with LGBT people in the affected states to find out what would be most helpful there, instead of making assumptions about that at a distance. If this is based on such consultations, I might be supportive.”

He added that, “Along similar lines, state legislators ought to be consulting with LGBT people in the affected states as well as LGBT people who work for the state government, including UC and CSU faculty and students. We were ignored when the ban was adopted; are we going to be ignored again when the ban is rescinded?”t

Francisco, CA on 02/10/2023.

FEB 16, 23, MAR 02, 09, 2023

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE A-0399498

The following person(s) is/are doing business as DOWNTOWN TAX SERVICE, 582 MARKET ST #805, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94104. This business is conducted by a corporation, and is signed IMAGINE CORP, INC (CA). The registrant(s) commenced to transact business under the above listed fictitious business name or names on 06/06/1998. The statement was filed with the City and County of San Francisco, CA on 02/09/2023.

FEB 16, 23, MAR 02, 09, 2023

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE A-0399473

The following person(s) is/are doing business as ADVANCED DENTISTRY, 556 BATTERY ST, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94111. This business is conducted by a corporation, and is signed ANDREW WOELFLE DDS, A PROFESSIONAL CORPORATION (CA). The registrant(s) commenced to transact business under the above listed fictitious business name or names on 01/12/2005. The statement was filed with the City and County of San Francisco, CA on 02/08/2023.

FEB 16, 23, MAR 02, 09, 2023

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE A-0399500

The following person(s) is/are doing business as SHADE SHOP SF, 535 GEARY ST #406, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94102. This business is conducted by a corporation, and is signed SHADE SHOP SF (CA). The registrant(s) commenced to transact business under the above listed fictitious business name or names on 01/06/2023. The statement was filed with the City and County of San Francisco, CA on 02/09/2023.

FEB 16, 23, MAR 02, 09, 2023

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE A-0399483

The following person(s) is/are doing business as VITAL GROW FERTILIZER, 320 FREDERICK ST, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94117. This business is conducted by a limited liability company, and is signed DORVITAL LLC (CA). The registrant(s) commenced to transact business under the above listed fictitious business name or names on 02/08/2023. The statement was filed with the City and County of San Francisco, CA on 02/08/2023.

FEB 16, 23, MAR 02, 09, 2023

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME

STATEMENT FILE A-0399489

The following person(s) is/are doing business as JLT ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH CONSULTING, LLC, 450 LANSDALE AVE, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94127. This business is conducted by a limited liability company, and is signed ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH CONSULTING, LLC (CA). The registrant(s) commenced to transact business under the above listed fictitious business name or names on 02/08/2023. The statement was filed with the City and County of San Francisco, CA on 02/09/2023.

FEB 16, 23, MAR 02, 09, 2023

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE A-0399508

The following person(s) is/are doing business as BARRETT HOFHERR, 250 SUTTER ST #200, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94108. This business is conducted by a limited liability company, and is signed OPTIMISM LLC (CA). The registrant(s) commenced to transact business under the above listed fictitious business name or names on 01/01/2023. The statement was filed with the City and County of San Francisco, CA on 02/10/2023.

FEB 16, 23, MAR 02, 09, 2023

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE A-0399411

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE A-0399514

The following person(s) is/are doing business as MONKEY BRAINS, 286 12TH ST, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94103. This business is conducted by a limited liability company, and is signed ANOTHER CORPORATE ISP, LLC (CA). The registrant(s) commenced to transact business under the above listed fictitious business name or names on 12/18/2006. The statement was filed with the City and County of San Francisco, CA on 02/13/2023.

FEB 16, 23, MAR 02, 09, 2023

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE A-0399518

The following person(s) is/are doing business as SKETCHBOARD CO LLC, 1206 FELL ST #B, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94117. This business is conducted by a limited liability company, and is signed SKETCHBOARD CO LLC (CA).

The registrant(s) commenced to transact business under the above listed fictitious business name or names on 07/04/2022. The statement was filed with the City and County of San Francisco, CA on 02/13/2023.

FEB 16, 23, MAR 02, 09, 2023

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE A-0399466

The following person(s) is/are doing business as THE WOWSERS, 1834 45TH AVE, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94122. This business is conducted by a limited liability company, and is signed THE WOWSERS LLC (CA). The registrant(s) commenced to transact business under the above listed fictitious business name or names on 02/06/2023. The statement was filed with the City and County of San Francisco, CA on 02/07/2023.

FEB 16, 23, MAR 02, 09, 2023

STATEMENT OF ABANDONMENT OF USE OF FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME FILE A-0381570

The following persons have abandoned the use of the fictitious business name known as BARRETTSF, 250 SUTTER ST #200, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94108. This business was conducted by a limited liability company and signed by OPTIMISM LLC (CA). The fictitious name was filed with the City and County of San Francisco, CA on 05/23/2018.

FEB 16, 23, MAR 02, 09, 2023

SUMMONS (FAMILY LAW)

SUPERIOR COURT OF CALIFORNIA, COUNTY OF SAN FRANCISCO, CIVIC CENTER COURT, 400 MCALLISTER ST, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94102

NOTICE TO RESPONDENT:

PHANUMET CHAIBANG, YOU ARE BEING SUED BY PETITIONER: ADAM-MICHAEL ROYSTON CASE NO. FDI-21-795153

You have been sued. Read the information below. You have 30 calendar days after this Summons and Petition are served on you to file a Response (form FL-120) at the court and have a copy served on the petitioner. A letter or phone call, or court appearance will not protect you.

If you do not file your Response on time, the court may make orders affecting your marriage or domestic partnership, your property, and custody of your children. You may be ordered to pay support and attorney fees and costs. For legal advice, contact a lawyer immediately. Get help finding a lawyer at the California Courts Online Self-Help Center (www.courts.ca.gov/selfhelp), at the California Legal Services website (www.lawhelpca. org) or by contacting your local county bar association.

against both spouses or domestic partners until the petition is dismissed, a judgment is entered, or the court makes further orders. They are enforceable anywhere in California by any law enforcement officer who has received or seen a copy of them. FEE WAIVER: If you cannot pay the filing fee, ask the court clerk for a fee waiver form. The court may order you to pay back all or part of the fees and costs that the court waived for you or the other party. The name and address of the court are: Superior Court of California, County of San Francisco, 400 McAllister St. San Francisco, California 94102. The name, address and telephone number of petitioner’s attorney, or petitioner without an attorney is: ADAMMICHAEL ROYSTON, 1663 MISSION ST #500, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94104. Date: 07/06/2021. Clerk of The Court, Timmy Kyu, Deputy. STANDARD FAMILY LAW RESTRAINING

ORDERS: Starting immediately, you and your spouse or domestic partner are restrained from: 1. Removing the minor child or children of the parties, if any, from the state without the prior written consent of the other party or an order of the court; 2. Cashing borrowing against, canceling, transferring, disposing of, or changing the beneficiaries of any insurance or other coverage, including life, health, automobile, and disability, held for the benefit of the parties and their minor child or children;

3. Transferring, encumbering, hypothecating, concealing, or in any way disposing of any property, real or personal, whether community, quasi-community, or separate, without the written consent of the other party or an order of the court, except in the usual course of business or for the necessities of life; and 4. Creating a nonprobate transfer or modifying a nonprobate transfer in the manner that affects the disposition of property subject to the transfer, without the written consent of the other party or an order of the court. Before revocation of a nonprobate transfer can take effect or a right of survivorship to property can be eliminated, notice of the change must be filed and served on the other party. You must notify each other of any proposed extraordinary expenditures at least five business days prior to incurring these extraordinary expenditures and account to the court for all extraordinary expenditures made after these restraining orders are effective. However, you may use community property, quasi-community property, or your own separate property to pay an attorney to help you or to pay court costs.

WARNING – IMPORTANT INFORMATION

California law provides that, for purposes of division of property upon dissolution of a marriage or domestic partnership or upon legal separation, property acquired by the parties during marriage or domestic partnership in joint form is presumed to be community property. If either party to this action should die before the jointly held community property is divided, the language in the deed that characterizes how title is held (i.e. joint tenancy, tenants in common, or community property) will be controlling, and not the community property presumption. You should consult your attorney if you want the community property presumption to be written into the recorded title to the property.

PETITION FOR DISSOLUTION (DIVORCE) OF MARRIAGE. We are married. Petitioner has been a resident of this state for at least six months and of this county for at least three months immediately preceding the filing of this Petition. Date of marriage: 03/08/2017, date of separation: 05/16/2017, time from date of marriage to date of separation: 2 months. There are no minor children. Divorce of the marriage based on irreconcilable differences. Terminate (end) the court’s ability to award support to Petitioner & Respondent. Confirm as separate property the assets and debts in Property Declaration (Form FL-160). There are no such assets or debts that I know of to be divided by the court. Adam-Michael Royston, FEB 23, MAR 02, 09, 16, 2023

by Brian Bromberger

This year’s 95th Academy Awards, intent on avoiding the shocking headlines of last year’s show – when actor Will Smith slapped comedian Chris Rock in the face after he made a joke about Smith’s wife Jada Pinkett Smith – was already awash in controversy as soon as the nominations were announced.

British actress Andrea Riseborough’s surprise Best Actress nomination for the little-seen box office dud “To Leslie,” raised questions about her grass-roots campaigning that might have violated Oscar rules. The academy announced it would review the campaign procedures of this year’s nominees to assure none of its guidelines had been violated.

But the excitement now lies with three out of the four Acting categories up for grabs concerning the probable winners, despite a long line of other precursor award ceremonies that in the past ten years have usually predicted the eventual Oscar winners.

That uncertainty, along with the nominations of popular blockbusters like “Top Gun: Maverick” and “Avatar: The Way of Water,” might lead to an upswing in television audience viewership after steep declines in the last decade. The secret hope of a scandal, mishap, verbal faux pas, historymaking milestone, or hideous dresses fuels the gossipy after-show coverage.

Best Supporting Actor

The easiest award to predict is Best Supporting Actor. Ke Huy Quan from “Everything Everywhere All At Once” has won almost every popular and critical award. He also has a stirring background comeback story. He started off at age

Oscar major winners?

Academy Award predictions

10 acting in Steven Spielberg’s “Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom,” which led to a few other roles. But by age 25, tired of constant rejection (even for Asian men parts), he left acting and be-

came a stunt coordinator.

When he saw “Crazy Rich Asians” four years ago, he thought maybe he might stand a chance to be on screen again, so he returned to acting. Quan would also be the second Asian actor to win in this category (after Haing S. Ngor in 1984 for “The Killing Fields”).

Best Supporting Actress

This is perhaps the biggest wild card category of the night. Angela Bassett in “Black Panther: Wakanda Forever,” has won the bulk of the previous awards, but not all. Kerry Condon from “The Banshees of Inisherin” won the BAFTA and Jamie Lee Curtis in “Everything Everywhere” triumphed at the Screen Actor Guild awards.

Curtis is true Hollywood royalty, being the daughter of screen legends Tony Curtis and Janet Leigh, plus she’s very well liked in Tinseltown,

The resulting recordings, two recent EPs on Warner Brothers (“Pluto,” 2021; “Love,” 2022) preceded by several independent releases, are richly emotional works with a sweeping, passionate quality evocative of Billy Joel, David Bowie, and Elton John, who has praised Rogers’ songcraft and interviewed him for Apple Music.

When Rogers was growing up, his musicloving mother worked as a radio disc jockey and let him tag along with her to concerts where she warmed up the crowd on behalf of her stations.

“I loved the whole atmosphere,” he recalled in a recent interview with the Bay Area Reporter. “I was a kid in the 2000s, so my first big musical loves were Avril LaVigne, Christina [Aguilera], and Britney.”

(Rogers’ first brush with national fame came when he competed on “America’s Got Talent” at age 15, where his repertoire included a spirited but awkward performance of Spears’ “Toxic.”)

“I was dancing around my room to all of them and Lady Gaga, but the first thing I ever remember singing was Beatles songs. ‘Imagine’ was one of the first songs I really loved to sing.”

The hope, magic and determined optimism reflected in that generation-transcending classic are at the heart of Rogers’ own anthemic compositions, which crystallize his own experiences with alienation, marginalization, self-acceptance and self-celebration.

Writing vs. performing

“My songwriting is a messy, chaotic process,” he explained. “I’m glad nobody has to see it except for me. I just walk around and look at things and all of a sudden a title will appear and I’ll write it down in a journal. Then one day I’ll be meditating at the piano and a whole song might come rushing out. It can appear like it’s happening all at once, but it’s usually months, if not years, thinking about something until it comes together like than.”

by Jim Gladstone

“When I was a kid, Pluto was still a planet.”

This wistful lyric – a pretty much perfect bundling of the macro and the micro, the individual and the universal – sounds like the musing of an old soul.

But its writer, the exuberantly queer Jake Wes-

ley Rogers – whose first tour as a headliner stops at Bimbo’s 365 Club on March 12 – is all of 26. (Pluto, after all, was only demoted to dwarf status two decades ago).

A native of Ozark, Missouri who took up guitar at age 6 and came out in sixth grade, Rogers draws more on the lyrical and melodic traditions of classic ’70s pop than on the repetitive beatcentric catchphrase grooves that characterize much of today’s hits.

While Rogers, who says he always keeps a copy of “Leaves of Grass” at his bedside and over the past two years has read extensively about various forms of spiritual philosophy, is deeply introspective in regard to songwriting, he’s a full-bore extrovert when it comes to performance, leaning full-tilt-Gaga into piano-pounding and wardrobe extravagance.

If you think Harry Styles is the apex of contemporary pop star androgyny, think again. Rogers’ current tour ‘lewks’ include taffeta poufs, metallic capes and voluminous harem pants.

“I think I love performance the most,” said the soft-spoken Rogers, who explodes into incan-

especially for her liberal politics. The problem is that her co-star from “Everywhere,” Stephanie Hsu (as Yeoh’s lesbian daughter) is also nominated, so they probably split whatever votes the “Everywhere” block gets. And the optics of the sole white actor winning in an otherwise all-lead Asian cast would be awkward.

Bassett is the first to score an acting nomination in a Marvel superhero film. Her award is being seen as an ‘It’s time she should be recognized’ moment, having been nominated once before in 1994 and a Hollywood stalwart for three decades.

Voters may show some love to the well-liked “Banshees.” Plus Condon gives the best performance in this category. It’s very close but we think Kerry Condon will win by a nose and if not, then definitely Bassett.

See page 12 >>

descent outrageousness the moment he hits the stage. “I kind of geek out over making that connection with the audience happen. There’s something so amazing about feeling yourself be heard and reflected back by the audience.”

Last year, Rogers toured the country as the opening act for arena shows by Panic at the Disco. “Lots of people weren’t even there when my set would start,” he recalled. “They were just trickling in to these huge spaces as we were playing. And most of them didn’t even know who I was. But at almost every show, there was some moment when there was this synergy and the room turned, and then they were with me. I could feel it. It was really special, as if every night was a little hero’s journey. And I think we won, every night.”

With shows on his solo tour already selling out in many cities, it’s easy to imagine Rogers having an audience in the palm of his hand before he ever plays a note.

So what becomes the next challenge at that point?

“I’m not really ready to think about that,” he said, sheepishly mentioning that he can imagine writing a musical theater piece or publishing a book of poetry some day.

“I still feel very green. The unknown is before me. I’m in a beautiful flow creatively and there’s not a jaded bone in my body.”t

Jake Wesley Rogers, Sunday March 12, with Stacey Ryan. $25. Bimbo’s 365 Club. 1025 Columbus Ave. (415) 474-0365.

www.jakewesleyrogers.com

www.ticketweb.com

Bimbo’s

Jake Wesley Rogers

Jakob Wandel

Ke Huy Quan (‘Everything Everywhere All at Once’) is a sure bet for Best Supporting Actor.

Best Actor

We have three nominees that have given the greatest performances of their careers: Brendan Fraser as the dying 600-pound gay teacher in “The Whale;” Colin Farrell in “Banshees” as the friend who doesn’t want to end his bromance; and Bill Nightly in “Living” as the dying bureaucrat trying to find meaning in his final months.

And then we have two newcomers: Austin Butler as Elvis Presley in the biopic “Elvis” and Paul Mescal as the divorced father on holiday with his 11-year-old daughter in “Aftersun.” All

two-man race between Butler and Fraser splitting most of the other awards. Butler won the BAFTA while Fraser clinched SAG.

My preference is for Fraser, who was magnificent. In 200 pounds of prosthetics, he conveyed emotional vulnerability in an unsympathetic, unlikable character. However, “The Whale” was not nominated for Best Picture (always a disadvantage) and has been unduly harshly excoriated as fat-phobic and voyeuristic. Yet Fraser’s performance is widely seen as a resurgence, which normally would work to his favor.

As Elvis, Butler also has the sympathy factor in his favor, since Presley’s daughter Lisa Marie just died a month though we would joyfully be proven wrong with a Brendan Fraser coup.

Best Actress

As the big nail-biter of this Oscar season, the Riseborough controversy added drama to it. Could Riseborough pull off a shocking upset and win? That seems doubtful because so few people have seen her movie. Almost from the beginning, this has been a dogged contest between Cate Blanchett’s “Tar” and Michelle Yeoh’s “Everything, Everywhere All at Once.” If she wins, Yeoh would have the distinction of becoming the first Asian woman to win Best Actress. Does Yeoh’s performance enhance the movie or does the movie enhance Yeoh’s performance? My preference by far is Cate Blanchett. Her Tar is one of the greatest female performances in cinema history, as it’s a total transformation that required Blanchett to learn German and how to conduct an orchestra.

Tar is a well-liked prestige film similar to last year’s “Power of the Dog.” Academy voters will want to acknowledge it, with a Best Actress win the most likely path, so despite the fact Blanchett has already won two Oscars, we think voters will reward her with a third statuette. But they could also decide in a sweep for “Everything” to give the gold to Yeoh as well as make Oscar history.

Best Picture

Both BAFTA and SAG picked “Everything, Everywhere All At Once” as

their top film. It now seems likely so will Oscar voters. Even if “Everything” wasn’t a voter’s top choice, it will likely be second or third, which will put it over the top. There’s a small possibility that “Top Gun: Maverick,” very popular and well liked, could cause an upset and take the prize. An action-oriented movie hasn’t won an Oscar in many years.

When it first premiered in early December, “The Fabelmans” appeared to be the favorite but it garnered no critics or precursor awards, quickly losing steam. It doesn’t seem likely it will get any Oscar awards.

For all its hype about multiverses and martial arts, and even though many viewers are perplexed by what they see onscreen, “Everything” at its core is a family drama where the Yeoh character is reconciled with her husband and lesbian daughter.

Finally, the academy gets the opportunity to atone for its near-century

disregard of Asian films by picking “Everything,” showcasing its increasingly younger, more diverse membership. Aside from “Tar,” “The Whale,” and “Everything, Everywhere All at Once,” having LGBTQ characters or plot lines, the only other queer film nominated is one for Best Live Action short film, Eirik Tveiten’s “Night Ride.” But prognosticators don’t have it winning in its category.

The Academy Awards, hosted by Jimmy Kimmel, airs Sunday, March 12, 5pm on ABC; also streaming on Hulu Live TV, YouTube TV, AT&T TV and Fubo TV.t

www.abc.com/shows/oscars

www.oscars.org/oscars/ceremonies/2023

Read the full article on www.ebar.com.

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Best Supporting Actress top nominees (Left to Right): Angela Bassett (‘Black Panther: Wakanda Forever’), Jamie Lee Curtis and Stephanie Hsu (both in ‘Everything Everywhere All at Once’), and Kerry Condon (‘The Banshees of Inisherin’)

Best Actor top nominees Austin Butler (‘Elvis’), Brendan Fraser (‘The Whale’), and Colin Farrell (‘The Banshees of Inisherin’)

Best Actress top nominees Cate Blanchett (‘Tar’) and Michelle Yeoh (‘Everything Everywhere All at Once’)

dium’ Tyler

SF Gay Men’s Chorus celebrates Disney

by David-Elijah Nahmod

On March 16 and 17, Davies Symphony Hall will come alive with the sound of Disney. It’s “Disney Pride in Concert,” a very special performance with the San Francisco Gay Men’s Chorus which will celebrate 45 years of the chorus and 100 years of the House of Mouse.

The evening will feature all 250 members of the chorus accompanied by a thirty-piece orchestra. More than forty classic and contemporary songs from the Disney songbook will be performed. Expect to hear songs from “The Lion King,” “The Little Mermaid,” “Beauty and the Beast,” “Aladdin,” plus classics like “Mary Poppins,” “Peter Pan” and others.

Jacob Stensberg, Artistic Director and Conductor for the chorus, spoke to the Bay Area Reporter about why Disney songs and films have resonated so deeply with the public.

“Disney has a way of crafting a story, exploring themes that are timeless and universal,” he said. “The music and arc of Belle fending off Gaston and falling for the Beast is easily adored by kids and adults alike. Many of us grew up with these movies, characters, and music and we return to them as we

age. Not just that we see the story differently with more experience behind us, but because rediscovering our childlike sense of awe and wonder invigorates and refreshes our daily life.”

Stensberg also addressed why the chorus has survived for so many years. He pointed out that arts and cultural institutions survive difficult times because they add so much value to public life. Stories need to be told, he noted.

“It’s not by chance or happenstance that the San Francisco Gay Men’s Chorus survived the AIDS pandemic and

‘Supreme Models’

by Cornelius Washington

In the worlds of high fashion, advertising, and marketing, Black women have always been simultaneously the silent majority (spending wise), underrepresented consumers, and a secret weapon. Black female fashion models and their visibility on the runways, editorial spreads, and advertising campaigns have been sorely lacking for decades while the LGBTQ community has been steadily embracing them as well as the Black community. Indeed, the gay community is the subtext of fashion as an industry, culture, and community.

Interestingly enough, no one has ever traced the history of Black women who have dared to strut, vamp, and – thanks to the LGBTQ community of color – vogue beyond racism, poverty, and ignorance to take their rightful places as game changers, muses, and ambassadors for diversity. Using their platforms to enact change that puts the heat on, and in, fashion itself.

Of course the idea behind such a celebration of Black women would be started by a Black man, Marcellas Reynolds, who has published a truly ravishing book, “Supreme Models: Iconic Black Women Who Revolutionized Fashion.” It’s a must-have for true fashion addicts. Also, Reynolds teamed up with Vogue and YouTube

Originals as an executive producer to create the six-part documentary about Black female fashion models, which has the same title as the book.

One of the other executive producers is the empress of supermodels, Iman, who also serves as the spirit guide of the series. The slayage of the documentary begins with international superstar and Bay Area native, actress, model, and celebrity spokesperson Zendaya. With her superstar stylist, Law Roach, they recreate imagery by the first Black female fashion sensation Donyale Luna, who discusses the impact women of color have had on her career.

The highlights of the series are the models themselves, who discuss their careers, lives, triumphs, disappointments and dreams. Pat Cleveland, Karen Alexander, Roshumba Williams, Precious Lee, Joan Smalls, Halima Aden, Alek Wek and Damaris Lewis, among many others, pull back the curtain with plenty of the icons of the industry, including photographer Marc Baptiste, makeup artist Sam Fine, and designers Sergio Hudson and Olivier Rousteing.

Agents Ivan Bartand and Kyle Hagler provide insight as well as the editors of the major magazines, Mikki Taylor (Essence), Edward Enninful (British Vogue) along with Madame herself, Anna Wintour (American Vogue).

The construction of the series is ex-

the Covid-19 pandemic,” he said. “We are fighters. We are survivors. And we have more stories to tell.”

The evening promises to be an exciting one.

“The entire concert is paired up with Disney and Pixar Animation from the very first note to the final bow,” Stensberg said. “And throughout the night we’ll weave in personal stories told by our singing members that touch on some of the iconic themes of Disney films: family, journeys and finding oneself.”

There will be six moments in the show where singers will offer their personal stories. Before the chorus performs “Reflection” from “Mulan,” one singer will talk about their personal story of seeing and becoming their authentic self. Before “Go the Distance” from “Hercules,” a singer will talk about what it took and what transpired to land them here in San Francisco.

Vogue docuseries based on Marcellas Reynolds’ book

cellent, emotional, glamorous and gritty. Director R.J. Cutler, the genius behind the documentary “The September Issue” (another must-see on fashion) along with co-director and executive producer Douglas Keeves, with music by Meshell Ndegeocello, have created an enduring inspirational work.

The wild card of the series is the inclusion of Latina transgender actress/ model India Moore, who looks languid and lovely as she describes using fashion as an expression of identity

and ideation.

There are some flaws in the series, such as the almost complete omission of Beverly Johnson, the first Black woman on the cover of American Vogue. And even though they are mentioned quite frequently and shown and discussed, there are no interviews of the two most famous Black women in fashion and pop culture, Tyra Banks and Naomi Campbell.

You really must take time soon to get something to nibble and sip on

Chorus members will not be dressed as their favorite Disney characters during the concert. but Stensberg hopes that audience members will come dressed in their favorite Disney costumes.

Stensberg gives very high marks to the musicians who will be accompanying the chorus.

“We are very fortunate to have fostered a vast musical network that includes the finest players in the city,” he said. “They recreate the expansive and expressive quality of the film orchestras in a magical way.”

And just to top the evening off, the concert will also include clips from some beloved Disney films.

“I hope audiences leave inspired to take up the calling of being the hero they fell in love with as a kid,” Stensberg said. “The journey forward today is not easy. LGBTQ plus and other marginalized communities are in need of heroes here in San Francisco and around the country.” t

Disney Pride in Concert, March 16 and 17, 7:30pm, Davies Symphony Hall, 201 Van Ness Ave, $29-149. www.sfgmc.org www.cityboxoffice.com

and watch style incarnate and enrich your sense of swag and courage. It’s never too late for an upgrade and a makeover, darling. Watch episode one of ‘Supreme Models’ on YouTube.t

‘Supreme Models: Iconic Black Women Who Revolutionized Fashion,’ by Marcellas Reynolds. Harry N. Abrams Publishing, $50. 256 pages. www.abramsbooks.com www.marcellasreynolds.com

David Alexander Diaz sports a rainbow Disney Mickey Mouse ears hat at a recent rehearsal with the SF Gay Men’s Chorus.

Courtesy David Alexander Diaz

A recent San Francisco Gay Men’s Chorus concert

Stefan Cohen

Grey areas t

by Victoria A. Brownworth

It’s Women’s History Month, so I’m highlighting some women and women-centric shows.

I haven’t mentioned ABC’s charming “Not Dead Yet” because I really don’t like sitcoms much. But my late wife did, a lot. As a new widow, I wasn’t sure I could watch a show with a lot of newly dead people and a widow as a main character. Despite crying through every episode, I really love this series.

Gina Rodriguez plays reporter Nell Serrano, who’s been through a bad

breakup that screwed up her career and now she’s stuck doing obituaries at the only place that will hire her thanks to a favor from her old friend Sam (Hannah Simone). The show’s premise is that Nell sees dead people. All the folks she writes about appear to her. Some of whom stick around after, most of whom move on.

Oh, and only Nell sees these people, which leads to lots more hilarity and pathos.

Rodriguez, who everyone loved over the five years she was “Jane the Virgin,” is equally, but differently, fantastic here. She captures that sense of being unmoored that kicks in

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after one’s devoted years to a relationship that blows up. Nell moved to the U.K. to be with this guy so now has to completely rebuild her life stateside while being totally broke and heartbroken.

Nell has a bisexual neurodivergent semi-genius environmentalist roommate, Edward (Rick Glassman), who has lots of quirks and hooked up with her first dating app date.

She has a gay guy editor friend, Dennis (Josh Banday) who assigned her obits. And Monty (wonderfully played by Martin Mull), one of her early dead people, hangs out with her to give her advice and watch over his widow.

Million airs

“Not Dead Yet” is sandwiched between the also fabulous awardwinning “Abbott Elementary” and the ever-more queer “A Million Little Things” that we hate-watched for several seasons, but genuinely love now in large part due to the remarkable casting of Cameron Esposito as Katherine Kim’s (Grace Park) girlfriend as Greta Strobe.

Katherine was always a fave character of ours, but her surprise relationship with Greta after her marriage with Eddie (David Guintoli) broke up when he fell apart after he was paralyzed, has been all about gender fluidity, bisexuality and chemistry. It’s so real and Esposito is just terrific as she tries to navigate the complexity of her relationship with Katherine and Katherine’s son Theo (Tristan Byon) and the omnipresent Eddie.

Through it’s an ensemble cast, “A Million Little Things” has been addressing cancer, mental illness, Alzheimer’s, disability, racism, teen gayness, homeless and pregnancy. It’s a lot, but there are strong performers and solid storylines.

This is the fifth and final season of this Boston-based “Big Chill”-ish ensemble series about a group of friends who try to cope with their loss after a central member of their group commits suicide, taking many secrets with him. The show’s title is a reference to the saying “Friendship isn’t a big thing, it’s a million little things.”

Previous seasons are available on Hulu and You Tube.

Shades of Grey

At season 19, “Grey’s Anatomy” is the longest-running prime time series

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on ABC. The show has been breaking ground for nearly 20 years and still holds the record for the longestrunning lesbian or gay relationship on primetime. (The beloved Callie and Arizona.) On the March 2 episode “Grey’s” showed a first trimester abortion in real time with the doctor giving a step-bystep explanation of what she was doing.

It was wild to witness, and my tweet about it appeared in People magazine the next day.

A young mother comes to the ER with spotting. But when she’s examined and told she will be okay, she’s devastated and decides to talk to the doctor about an abortion. In her two previous pregnancies, she experienced severe post-partum depression for which medication was not helpful. She explains that she “went to a dark place” and that she was ill for months. She’s worried for the children she has and what might happen to her after another bout of similar depression. It’s apparent she thinks she might harm herself and that her children, who she loves, will be hurt.

The abortion doesn’t take long. The woman is on her cell phone with her husband the whole time, as he holds her hand virtually. In demistifying the procedure and giving fully accurate medical information about the abortion, “Grey’s Anatomy” makes it easier for women to know what to expect. Most importantly, how the series handled the abortion was portrayed as many abortion advocates always describe it: abortion is healthcare.

Jon; boy!

Over on Apple+’s “The Problem with Jon Stewart,” Stewart eviscerated a GOP State senator from Oklahoma, Nathan Dahm. He wants to ban drag shows but not guns, and has written bills relaxing gun restrictions, including the nation’s first anti-red flag law against restricting gun access to those deemed dangerous while putting forward bills to ban drag shows. Dahm says guns make us safer and no child should be allowed anywhere near … a drag show.

On the March 2 episode, “Chaos, Law, and Order,” Stewart reads Dahm for the filth he is.

“You’re saying more guns makes us more safe,” Stewart says. “So when? We’ve got four hundred million guns in the country. We had an increase and gun deaths went up. So when, exactly, does this curve hit that takes it down? Would a billion guns do it?”

Dahm made some weak First Amendment arguments and Stewart tripped him up repeatedly.

“The leading cause of death among children in the U.S. is not drag show readings, it’s firearms … You don’t give a flying fuck about kids.”

It’s a masterful takedown and Stewart totally owned Dahm. I’ll never understand why Republicans keep coming on his show. They never win.t

Read the full column on www.ebar.com.

Say gay, or just sing it

by Gregg Shapiro

So much has happened in LGBTQ music since Adam Lambert released his previous studio album “Velvet” in 2020; namely Lil Nas X. Sure, Lambert deserves credit for being among those who paved the way for LNX, but that means he still has to find his own way to remain relevant in 2023. Lambert’s aptly named new album “High Drama” (BMG) certainly deserves an E for effort.

He doesn’t get off to a great start with the first couple of interpretations – “Holding Out For A Hero” (originally performed by Tina Turner) and Sia’s “Chandelier” – as he doesn’t really add anything new or remarkable to the songs. Thankfully, that changes with his reading of Duran Duran’s

usually dull “Ordinary World” as he infuses it with, well, higher drama. His takes on Billie Eilish’s “Getting Older” and P!nk’s “My Attic” feel personal and loaded with gravitas.

Someone on Lambert’s production team deserves credit for maintaining the bare bones rawness of Ann Peebles’

“I Can’t Stand the Rain,” complete with an organ that provides a nod to the Hi Records original. The Queenedup rendition of Lana Del Rey’s “West Coast” feels like a misstep, and Lambert’s version of Culture Club’s “Do You Really Want To Hurt Me?” sounds like it can’t make up its mind about what it wants to be. He redeems himself with Kings of Leon’s “Sex Is On Fire” which sizzles like a tea dance banger.

The aforementioned P!nk, whose commitment to being an LGBTQ+ ally

remains one of her greatest strengths, is back with her first album of the 2020s, “Trustfall” (RCA). Readers of liner notes may notice an interesting change in the songwriting credits for the songs co-written by P!nk as they are credited to her birth name Alecia Moore. Additionally, and fittingly for an album of songs that she said would be “very honest,” much of the music is of an acoustic nature, including “Kids in Love” (featuring First Aid Kit), “Long Way to Go” (featuring The Lumineers), “Feel Something,” Lost Cause,” and “Just Say I’m Sorry” (featuring Chris Stapleton, who also appeared on P!nk’s 2019 album “Hurts 2B Human”). Fear not, devoted fans, P!nk has not abandoned her dance pop side as you can hear on the

Gina Rodriguez in ‘Not Dead Yet’

De’Shawn Charles Winslow t Books

At its core, “Decent People” is a murder mystery. Do you have a favorite mystery writer from whom you find inspiration?

I haven’t read enough mysteries to have a favorite yet. Most of my mystery consumption comes from TV. I grew up watching shows like “Murder, She Wrote,” “Matlock,” and “Father Dowling Mysteries” with my parents. And during the early months of the pandemic, I found myself watching some of those and other detective shows, new and old. I do plan to read more mysteries, though.

by Gregg Shapiro

Readers know that a writer has created an effective murder mystery when they are kept guessing, and then are utterly surprised by the revelation of the guilty party. Prize-winning gay author De’Shawn Charles Winslow does precisely that in his second novel “Decent People” (Bloomsbury, 2023).

Like his debut novel, “In West Mills,” the follow-up “Decent People” is set in the same fictional North Carolina town, still segregated in the mid-1970s. The triple-murder of three siblings has the town abuzz, and as we are introduced to the various townsfolk, we discover that many had reason to commit the crime. Additionally, Winslow takes on race and queerness with an expert hand, expanding the reach of the story.

Gregg Shapiro: Being a North Carolina native yourself, what were the challenges and rewards of creating a fictional town such as West Mills, as you did in your 2019 debut novel “In West Mills,” and to which you have returned in your new novel “Decent People?”

De’Shawn Charles Winslow: Since the real town of South Mills, North Carolina is so familiar to me, it was really easy to create a slightly different version of it as ‘West Mills.’ Returning to it for a second book was fun because it allowed me to add some minor details that I hadn’t in the first book. It’s rewarding in that most of the setting work is already done for me.

West Mills is the very definition of a small town, right down

to its population of 1,000 people. Was your North Carolina hometown of Elizabeth City as small?

Elizabeth City is a little bigger because there’s a university and a coast guard base there. But it still has that small town vibe.

The title of the novel comes from the 13th chapter when Savannah’s father Ted refers to the Harmon family as “decent people.” Did you already have the title when you were writing the novel or did what Ted says inspire you to use it for that purpose?

The final title was an amalgamation of clunky titles I pitched to my editor, all of which were trying to capture the idea of somewhat nice people doing awful things – things they believed were for the common good. The original title was “Pharaoh’s Army,” based on a scene with Lymp and his mom. But once I edited that conversation, the title no longer worked.

Family, in particular siblings, including the Harmons, Jo and Herschel, and Troy and Terrance, are central to the novel. Do you have siblings, and if so, how does your relationship with them compare to those in your book?

I have many siblings, and though we aren’t super close, we don’t have any issues with each other [laughs].

My interest in siblings is more so based on the fact that I know so many people who have full and half-siblings. It’s so common where I’m from that it’s almost strange when a person doesn’t have any half-siblings.

Queerness is also an essential part of “Decent People.” Jo’s brother Herschel is gay, Eunice’s son La’Roy is gay. In fact, Eunice takes La’Roy to see Dr. Harmon to have “the gay removed.” Is this your commentary on conversion therapy?

Absolutely. I wanted to point out that conversion therapy can come in various forms. Sometimes it’s simply always telling a child to walk differently, speak differently, laugh differently, and so on. Sometimes the conversion attempts are so passive that one might not even realize they’re experiencing it until years later.

You also make a point of talking about how Herschel left North Carolina and moved north to a place where he could live his life without fear or threat of violence. You also left North Carolina for New York. Please say something about that.

When I first left my hometown, I went to a larger North Carolina city where there were many openly queer people and places for us to be who we were. Those were some very liberating years. I remember my first time going to a gay bar like it was just last week. I wasn’t old enough to be there, of course. But in those days, people turned their heads and let 19-yearolds in [laughs]. They knew we were just looking for community.t

‘Decent People,’ by De’Shawn Charles Winslow, Bloomsbury, $28 hardback, $19.60 ebook. www.bloomsbury.com

www.deshawncharleswinslow.com

Read the full interview on www.ebar.com.

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title number, “Never Not Gonna Dance Again,” “Runaway,” and “Hate Me.”

A column about LGBTQ+ music would feel incomplete without a cast recording, wouldn’t it? Winner of two 2022 Tony Awards, as well as the 2020 Pulitzer Prize for Drama, “A Strange Loop” ended its Broadway run in January 2023, but you can still take it home with you via the “A Strange Loop: Original Broadway Cast Recording” (Yellow Sound/Ghostlight). Best summed up as the musical tale of a queer Black man named Usher (played by Jaquel Spivey) writing a musical about a queer Black man writing a musical. With respectful nods to Liz Phair (the show’s title as well as the song “Exile in Gayville”) and heaps of shade cast in the direction of Tyler Perry and the Black church, “A Strange Loop” is as delight-

ful as it is devastating. Through song and story, Usher shows us “what it’s like to travel the world in a fat, black, queer body.”

Since her 2018 post-Mount Moriah solo debut album, H.C. McEntire has been upholding the tradition of queer Southern rock alongside contemporaries such as Melissa Carper, Jamie Wyatt, and, of course, Indigo Girls. In fact, Amy Ray of Indigo Girls is one of McEntire’s guest vocalists on her new album “Every Acre” (Merge). Ray joins McEntire on the song “Turpentine,” while S. G. Goodman, another queer artist with Southern roots, can be heard on the song “Shadows.”

Traversing geographical and emotional landscapes, the songs on “Every Acre,” including “Dovetail,” “Gospel of a Certain Kind,” and the electrified “Soft Crook” and “Big Love,” linger long after the music has ended.

Trans British singer/songwriter Cavetown (aka Robin Daniel Skinner) imbues their acoustic pop with elec-

tronic flourishes on their latest album “Worm Food” (Sire). Imagine a queer Badly Drawn Boy, if you will. Songs such as “Frog,” “Kill U,” “Better,” “Grey Space” (featuring Chloe Moriondo), and “Heart Attack,” are where Cavetown puts that practice to best use. “Fall in Love With a Girl,” featuring bi artist Beabadoobee, is also a knockout.

If you didn’t know better, you might think that queer Brattleboro, Vermont trio Thus Love hailed from the UK. In the early 1980s! Maybe they just listened to a lot of Echo and the Bunnymen during their formative years. Whatever the case, Thus Love’s debut album “Memorial” (Captured Tracks) is as thrilling as it is nostalgia-inducing. Notable cuts include “Inamorato,” “Family Man,” “Friend,” “Anathema,” and “In Tandem.”t

Read the online version, with YouTubelinks, at www.ebar.com.

De’Shawn Charles Winslow

Julie R. Keresztes