October 15, 2015 Edition of the Bay Area Reporter

A look back at SF AIDS Vigil

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Serving the gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgender communities since 1971

Vol. 45 • No. 42 • October 15-21, 2015

Brown signs LGBT, AIDS drug pricing bills

Dufty resigns as SF homeless czar

by Matthew S. Bajko

by Matthew S. Bajko

B

evan Dufty, the gay man who has served as San Francisco Mayor Ed Lee’s homeless czar since 2012, is resigning following next month’s election.

The announcement Monday, OcRick Gerharter tober 12 that Lee HOPE director had appointed Sam Bevan Dufty Dodge as the interim director of the office known as Housing Opportunity, Partnerships and Engagement, or HOPE for short, caught many by surprise, including Dufty.

In a brief phone interview with the Bay Area Reporter, Dufty said he was unaware that the mayor’s office had issued a statement that afternoon about his leaving until reporters began calling him.

Dufty said he decided to step down to spend more time with his family. He informed Lee of his decision last Wednesday, October 7, and his last day on the job will be Friday, November 6.

“My partner and my child had been on me since I turned 60 to retire. This is a great time in the sense the Navigation Center is doing so well as a new model to respond to street homelessness,” said Dufty, referring to the new center recently created to move entire encampments of homeless people off the streets and into supportive housing.

Dufty ran against Lee for mayor in 2011 See page 5 >>

B.A.R. election endorsements SAN FRANCISCO RACES Mayor: Ed Lee Board of Supervisors: Dist. 3: Julie Christensen Sheriff: Vicki Hennessy City Attorney: Dennis Herrera District Attorney: George Gascón Treasurer: Jose Cisneros SF Community College Board: Alex Randolph

SAN FRANCISCO PROPS Yes on Props A, B, C, D, H, J, K No on Props E, F, G, I

C

F

LGBTs come out for Fleet Week

or the first time, there was an LGBT reception during Fleet Week in San Francisco.

About 30 people turned out at the Cafe Saturday, October 10 for drinks and appetizers and

Rick Gerharter

updates on the status of LGBT service members.

Retired naval Commander Zoe Dunning, who was involved in the repeal of “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell,” helped organize the event.

alifornia will begin collecting LGBT demographic data and restrict how much insurers can charge for AIDS medications under laws signed this year by Governor Jerry Brown.

Legislation advancRick Gerharter ing LGBT issues in the Governor state’s public schools, Jerry Brown protecting the rights of same-sex parents, and assisting gay-owned businesses will all soon take effect after Brown signed the bills by the October 11 deadline for him to do so.

The governor also signed into law a quartet of bills sent to him this legislative session that advance transgender rights in California. All four will take effect January 1. (See story, page 10.)

See page 10 >>

Housing planned for Sacto LGBT seniors

by Seth Hemmelgarn

gether, the parcels are about 26,000 square feet. ork is underway Mutual Housing paid in Sacramento to $768,000 for the land using create affordable a land acquisition loan from housing that’s welcoming to NeighborWorks Capital, a LGBT seniors.

Maryland-based nonprofit.

When it’s completed, LavOther funders for the Lavenender Courtyard by Mutual der Courtyard project include Housing, a project of the nonBank of America and Wells profit Mutual Housing CaliFargo, among others. The fornia, will include from 50 to total cost of the project hasn’t 60 apartments for people 62 been finalized. and older. The development “The biggest challenge should be open in about three is going to be securing the years, dependent on funding. money,” Iskow said. Among It will be in the Washington other problems, “The federal Park neighborhood at 16th Courtesy Mogavero Notestine Associates government has significantly and F streets, not too far from An artist’s rendering shows the planned senior housing project in Sacramento. reduced funding to local the gay Lavender Heights jurisdictions for affordable district. housing, and we no longer leased this year, rents would be from $370 to “Rents are skyrocketing” have redevelopment money.” $770 for one-bedroom units and $483 to $858 Governor Jerry Brown abolished local redevelin the area, said Rachel Iskow, a lesbian who is Mutual Housing’s CEO, and seniors and fami- for two-bedroom units, depending on houseopment agencies in 2011. hold income. lies are among those being displaced. The hope Senior service providers in Sacramento will “We’ll start taking applications about halfis to “allow some seniors to be able to stay,” she be encouraged to get training from Openhouse, way through construction,” Iskow said. “The a San Francisco-based nonprofit that helps added. best case scenario” would have construction There’s also a concern about older LGBTs LGBT seniors. having to go back into the closet if they have start by the end of 2016, but it may have to wait The training is “a really important part of until 2017. to go to mainstream senior facilities, where this, even starting that conversation about how The site consists of three vacant parcels that to provide housing in a sensitive way to LGBT homophobia can still be common, Iskow Mutual Housing is proposing to merge. The explained. seniors,” Iskow said. “We haven’t had that conmerger can be done at city staff level and the How much the units will rent for isn’t yet See page 21 >> known, but Iskow said if apartments were being agency won’t have to go to a public hearing. To-

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Election 2016>>

October 15-21, 2015 • BAY AREA REPORTER • 3

Kim jumps into Senate race against Wiener

by Matthew S. Bajko

A

fter months of speculation about which of the city’s progressive politicians would run against gay District 8 Supervisor Scott Wiener for a state Senate seat in 2016, the answer came this week with District 6 Supervisor Jane Kim’s entrance into the race.

Word of Kim’s candidacy, which she officially announced Wednesday morning, first leaked out Tuesday via Sacramento watcher Scott Lay’s widely read The Nooner email update about California politics. Later in the day Kim had filed paperwork with the secretary of state’s office to establish a campaign committee and launched her Senate campaign website.

“For decades, the Bay Area’s strength has been the diversity of innovators, immigrants, artists, and entrepreneurs who call the region home. But in recent years, many no longer feel they can meet the expenses to stay in the region,” stated Kim. “Today, I’m announcing my candidacy for state Senate District 11 to fight to keep the Bay Area affordable for the very people who make the Bay Area great.”

In July Wiener announced his campaign for the seat currently held by gay state Senator Mark Leno (D-San Francisco), who is termed out of office in 2016 and has endorsed Wiener to be his successor.

Since then Wiener has aggressively courted endorsements from hundreds of his fellow Democratic Party officials, community leaders, and local electeds throughout the 11th Senate District, which covers all of San Francisco and several cities in

Rick Gerharter

Supervisor Jane Kim

northern San Mateo County.

“I welcome Jane to the race; democracy is always best served when voters have choices,” Wiener told the B.A.R. “I look forward to the debate over the next year on how we address our city and region’s very real sustainability challenges around housing, transit, and so many other issues.”

With the June primary less than eight months away, it was expected that someone from the city’s progressive political camp would announce their candidacy this month.

The only question was who it would be.

Last December gay former Assemblyman Tom Ammiano, who was termed out of his seat that month, filed paperwork to form a Senate campaign committee. But he See page 11 >>

ALICE B. TOKLAS DEMOCRATIC CLUB VOTE BY MAIL OR IN PERSON

Getting Our City Back on Track

AliceBToklas.org

Y V O TVE3 RB D NO

CITY COLLEGE TRUSTEE ALEX RANDOLPH ▼

DISTRICT 3 SUPERVISOR JULIE CHRISTENSEN

SHERIFF VICKI HENNESSY

ELECTION ENDORSEMENTS ELECTED OFFICIALS

LOCAL BALLOT MEASURES

ED LEE, Mayor

YES PROP A: Building More Affordable Housing

NO PROP F: Short-term Rental Restrictions

GEORGE GASCÓN, District Attorney

YES PROP B: Improving SF’s Parental Leave Policy

NO PROP G: Impractical Energy Restrictions

YES PROP C: Broader Lobbyist Disclosure

YES PROP H: Clean Energy Right to Know

YES PROP D: New Housing, Parks and Shops

NO PROP I: Mission Housing Moratorium

JOSÉ CISNEROS,▼ Treasurer DENNIS HERRERA, City Attorney VICKI HENNESSY, Sheriff JULIE CHRISTENSEN, District 3 Supervisor ALEX RANDOLPH,▼ City College Trustee ▼indicates that the candidate is LGBT

in Mission Bay NO POSITION

NO PROP E: Unworkable Requirements

PROP J: Historic Business Preservation Fund – no position

for City Meetings YES PROP K: Surplus City Property Regulations

Paid for by the Alice B. Toklas LGBT Democratic Club PAC, FPPC #842018.

<< Election 2015

4 • BAY AREA REPORTER • October 15-21, 2015

t

Sheriff candidates take part in low-key debate

by Khaled Sayed

T

he two main candidates for San Francisco sheriff faced off in a debate this week, trying to solidify their support ahead of next month’s election.

Despite the fact that it’s one of the few contested races on the ballot, it was a low-key affair. Fewer than 30 people showed up at Golden Gate University Monday, October 12 for the forum, which was sponsored by the League of Women Voters of San Francisco.

Current Sheriff Ross Mirkarimi is in a tough re-election race due to several scandals that have rocked the department. His main challenger is Vicki Hennessy, a former chief deputy in the department who Mayor Ed Lee named interim sheriff for

several months after Mirkarimi was placed on unpaid leave following a domestic incident with his wife.

Mirkarimi pleaded guilty to one count of false imprisonment for the incident, in which he grabbed his wife’s arm. He was reinstated as sheriff in October 2012 after four members of the Board of Supervisors voted not to remove him from office. This spring he won a judge’s order to expunge the conviction from his record.

At Monday’s forum, Mirkarimi showed an enthusiastic attitude and energy, while Hennessy seemed more composed. Unlike Mirkarimi, she never ran over time answering questions.

Hennessy stated that she is the first woman to run for sheriff. Born and raised in San Francisco, she joined the sheriff ’s department in

1975 and quickly rose through the ranks, becoming the youngest captain in California law enforcement in 1983 and chief deputy in 1997.

At the debate Hennessy tried to set herself apart from Mirkarimi by stating that she is not a politician but a professional.

“I think the biggest difference between us is that I’m not a professional politician,” Hennessy said.

“I’m somebody who worked in the department for 30 years. I came in the first class that was actively recruiting people of color and lesbians. I have 25 years of executive and management positions both in the San Francisco Sheriff ’s Department as well as the Department of Emergency Management, so I think that is our biggest difference.”

She added that another difference is that she has experience in providing proactive leadership.

“I held myself accountable, I held others accountable and I’ve set examples as a leader. I think that is very, very important,” Hennessy said.

The election is being fought against the backdrop of several scandals that have surfaced during Mirkarimi’s tenure.

In 2013, a woman who had been reported missing from San Francisco General Hospital, which sheriff ’s deputies patrol, was found dead in a stairwell there. Earlier this year allegations of a fight ring in a county jail run by sheriff deputies went public, and there is reportedly low morale among the rank and file of the safety agency.

Making international headlines was the killing in July of a woman on a city pier, allegedly by a man

Khaled Sayed

Challenger Vicki Hennessy, left, and San Francisco Sheriff Ross Mirkarimi took part in a candidate debate Monday.

in the country illegally who had been released from custody by the sheriff ’s department after a long ago drug possession charge against him was dismissed. Due to the city’s sanctuary city policy, the sheriff ’s department released the individual without alerting federal immigration authorities, a decision that came under blistering criticism from Lee and other officials.

At the forum, there was no discussion of the Pier 14 incident per se. The candidates were asked about the sanctuary city policy and both said they support it and that the law should stay in place.

Prior to being elected sheriff in 2011, Mirkarimi served on the San Francisco Board of Supervisors representing District 5. Before that Mirkarimi worked for the San Francisco District Attorney’s office from 1996-2005. He is endorsed by his predecessor, Sheriff Mike Hennessey and the Harvey Milk LGBT Democratic Club.

Hennessy has secured endorsements from the mayor, eight mem-

bers of the Board of Supervisors, the deputy sheriff ’s association, Alice B. Toklas LGBT Democratic Club, and the Bay Area Reporter.

Mirkarimi focused his closing statement on the fact that he was the one being endorsed by Hennessey.

“I view him as a progressive sheriff,” Mirkarimi said, “who was elected and served 32 years in San Francisco, and he endorsed only myself. He did so in 2011 when he was ready to retire, and does so again. That says a lot because Mike Hennessey was known as an outsider even when he ran for the fourth, fifth and sixth time. But he supported me because he knew that we need to continue to advance the kind of independent and constitutional bright line of protecting our sheriff ’s department.”

John Robinson is the third candidate in the sheriff race, but he didn’t show up to the debate. According to his website Robinson is a former longtime sheriff ’s deputy who rose to the rank of lieutenant.t

Program aims to ‘queer’ the Castro

by Matthew S. Bajko

A

local literary arts group is aiming to “queer” the Castro through a yearlong program of events in response to concerns that the San Francisco district is losing its identity as an LGBT neighborhood.

Radar Productions secured $25,000 from the city’s Grants for the Arts for its Queering the Castro series of readings, performances, and panel discussions. Founded in 2003 by writer Michelle Tea, Radar helps nurture queer artists by promoting their work through public events and commissioning new pieces.

“I think the Castro has always straddled that line between gay conservative and radical queer. We want to bring queer artists into that neighborhood, especially queer artists of color that don’t often come into the neighborhood,” said Juliana Delgado Lopera, 27, a lesbian who in July became Radar’s executive director and artistic director.

In a recent interview with the Bay Area Reporter at the Castro’s Hearth coffeehouse, Delgado Lopera explained that Radar’s intention with Queering the Castro is to highlight LGBT history and queer culture through a variety of events. It also wanted to create pop-up type spaces for queer artists to present their works in the Castro.

Thus, it is collaborating with Magnet, the gay men’s health center in the Castro, the San Francisco Public Library’s Eureka Valley/Harvey Milk Memorial Branch Library, and the GLBT History Museum run by the GLBT Historical Society.

“There are not a lot of places anymore for queer artists in the Castro,” said Delgado Lopera, an awardwinning writer who grew up in Colombia and moved to San Francisco seven years ago from Miami. “A lot of places are closing down and getting gentrified out.”

The Queering the Castro program was inspired by a series of

Rick Gerharter

Although not part of the Queering the Castro events, The Blue Flamers performed at Magnet a few years ago; the gay men’s health center has long held events for queer artists and will host some of the Queering the Castro events.

events that Radar hosted last year to reclaim spaces in the city’s North Beach neighborhood that have historical ties to the LGBT community.

It hosted a walking tour of various sites and held an afternoon of performances at Jack Kerouac Alley.

Based on the success of those events, Radar decided to venture into a different neighborhood and landed on the Castro. The kickoff event, in September, saw a standingroom-only audience turn out at Magnet for the first of a three-part reading series dubbed Hella Close.

With its focus on queer intimacy, poet and singer Roberto F. Santiago, who lives in Oakland, opted to present works he had never read out loud prior to that night.

“How much more intimate can it get than reading something you have never read to anyone? Also, the poems I chose had to do with that moment where you are trying to explain yourself and get your voice heard,” said Santiago, 31, who is gay and of Puerto Rican descent.

After moving to the Bay Area a year ago from New York, Santiago said he was surprised to find the Castro “all sanitized and cleaned up” and lacking diversity. It was therefore somewhat of a shock, he said, to find a young, diverse crowd show

up for the reading event at Magnet.

“This made it feel much more intimate, much more queer and much more like Oakland,” said Santiago, who works in San Francisco for a company that assists low-income high school students attend and succeed at college. “Something really great about this Radar series is every single reader does something different and represents a different community, so there is definitely something for everyone.”

The second installment in the reading series is scheduled for 7 p.m. Monday, October 26 at Magnet. (Currently located at 4122 18th Street, the health center will relocate to 470 Castro Street sometime this fall.) Its theme is also queer intimacy and will feature bisexual artist/activist Juba Kalamka; storyteller and actor Carson Beker; genderqueer fiction writer Dawn Robinson; and Oakland-based transgender musician and writer Julia Serano.

The final reading event at Magnet is set for Tuesday, November 17. The theme will be fat intimacy, and Radar managing director Virgie Tovar, the editor of Hot & Heavy: Fierce Fat Girls on Life, Love and Fashion, is overseeing the guest list.

In February, at the Eureka Valley See page 22 >>

t

Community News>>

October 15-21, 2015 • BAY AREA REPORTER • 5

Hashtag project seeks to elicit trans voices

by Khaled Sayed

A

trans tech journalist and others have developed a hashtag, #transneeds, in an effort to open a dialogue on major issued affecting the community and to solicit solutions.

The Transneeds project was born out of the recent White House tech summit for LGBT leaders.

One of the early leading voices in the world of data science, D.J. Patil, U.S. chief data scientist, will be using the data to help the Obama administration address transgender issues. Patil is looking at using big data to help citizens in lots of ways, including precision medicine.

Ina Turpen Fried, senior editor at Re/Code, had a conversation in June with Patil.

“I explained just how little data of any kind there is on transgender Americans,” Fried said. “The conversation continued at the August

<<

Dufty

From page 1

and was one of the only candidates not to attack Lee during the race.

His hiring to oversee Lee’s homeless policies was hardly a surprise, as Lee had told the B.A.R. during the mayoral contest that he would welcome Dufty being a part of his administration if he won election to a full four-year term.

For three decades Dufty has worked at City Hall in various capacities. He began as chief-of-staff to lesbian former Supervisor Susan Leal and then went to work in the administration of former Mayor Willie Brown before winning the District 8 supervisor seat.

His latest role put him in charge of dealing with one of the city’s most intractable issues. According to the city’s Human Services Agency, the number of homeless people increased over the last two years from 6,436 in 2013 to 6,686, based on the 2015 Point in Time Homeless Count conducted earlier this year.

The number of LGBT homeless people, though, held steady at 29 percent, or about 1,939 people, according to the data.

As HOPE director, Dufty said he is most proud of helping “hundreds and hundreds of people exit homelessness” and developing working relationships with homeless advocates.

“I am really grateful they showed me respect and collaboration,” said Dufty.

Jennifer Friedenbach, executive director of San Francisco’s Coalition on Homelessness, told the B.A.R. that her organization is “very sad to see Bevan go, he worked really hard to help solve homelessness. He tried to find practical solutions, was willing to work outside the box and respected community members.”

She added that Dufty “kept a positive attitude in the midst of a hateful political environment and built consensus. We are also looking forward to having a constructive relationship with Sam Dodge.”

AIDS Housing Alliance/SF Director and founder Brian Basinger also told the B.A.R. he would miss Dufty’s leadership of the HOPE office but welcomed the news about Dodge being named the interim director.

“I cannot understate how valuable the support of Bevan Dufty and his staff have been in achieving groundbreaking progress in our efforts to address the housing crisis in the LGBTQ and HIV communities,” wrote Basinger in an emailed reply.

“Whether opening the first LGBTQ adult shelter – Jazzie’s Place, the first HIV co-op – Marty’s Place, or securing funding for the first senior or disabled rental subsidy program

White House LGBTQ Technology and Innovation Summit. At that conference, participants split into a number of different groups, with ours focusing on the lack of data on transgender needs. And late last month we launched a @transneeds Twitter account.”

Transneeds is a way for transgender people to voice their concerns and state their problem in a very public forum, and get their voices heard.

“We won’t solve the problem of a lack of data on trans people,” Fried said, “but what we can help to do is highlight the areas of deepest need and then report back to the White House with both recommendations and some areas that need further study.”

The campaign has already received great support from a number of leaders in the transgender and ally communities. focusing on the LGBTQ or HIV communities, Bevan Dufty has been uniquely adept at bringing all the necessary parts together to achieve success.”

While Dufty’s retirement “is a huge loss to the community,” added Basinger, “I’m reassured because of

Trans celebrities such as Laverne Cox, an actress on Orange is the New Black and Janet Mock, author and host of So POPular, a weekly pop culture show on MSNBC, sent

out tweets promoting the effort, as did Debi Jackson, a trans rights activist and PFLAG chapter president, and Scott Turner Schofield, an actor on the soap opera The Bold and the Beautiful.

“Share your thoughts/observations with @transneeds using #transneeds!”

Mock tweeted when the effort launched in late September.

Fried said the hashtag project would continue for a few more weeks.

Patil helped launch #transneeds with a keynote speech at the Strata data conference in New York. The project is all-volunteer, with no specific organization behind it.

“I am one of about a dozen or so people that are part of the effort, all volunteers who got together at the White House summit,” Fried said.

“I’ve worked to help spread the word and recruit prominent voices

to amplify our message. Others on the team have helped set up our web and social media presence, do data analysis and many other tasks.”

Fried said some the supporting agencies include the Lavender Youth Recreation and Information Center and the National Center for Lesbian Rights, both based in San Francisco.

“We have received tremendous support from a variety of nonprofits including the National Center for Transgender Equality, LYRIC, Housing Works, NCLR and many others,” Fried added.

In addition to the social media presence, Transneeds has a toll-free number, 844-876-7637 (844-TRNSNDS) that people can text.

“It’s also critically important that we reach the huge parts of the transgender community who aren’t online, and that is a big focus right now,” Fried said. “We need to get the word out.”t

my years of work with Sam Dodge who is an authentic ally and know he will continue work with the mayor to prioritize addressing the housing disparities in the LGBTQ community, where 29 percent of the homeless population comes from our communities.”

Lee praised Dufty for his years of service to the city in the announcement about Dodge’s hiring.

“I thank Bevan for his commitment to making a real difference in people’s lives and tackling the challenges of homelessness in our city, and for implementing this new Navigation

Center model of care and compassion for residents on our streets,” stated Lee. “I also thank Bevan for his more than 30 years of public service and for mentoring and preparing Sam for this new challenge.”

Khaled Sayed

Tech journalist Ina Turpen Fried

See page 22 >>

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<< Open Forum

6 • BAY AREA REPORTER • October 15-21, 2015

Volume 45, Number 42 October 15-21, 2015 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 EDITOR Roberto Friedman BARTAB EDITOR & EVENTS LISTINGS EDITOR Jim Provenzano ASSISTANT EDITORS Matthew S. Bajko • Seth Hemmelgarn CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Ray Aguilera • Tavo Amador • Race Bannon Erin Blackwell • Roger Brigham Brian Bromberger • Victoria A. Brownworth Brent Calderwood • Philip Campbell Heather Cassell • Belo Cipriani Richard Dodds • Michael Flanagan Jim Gladstone • David Guarino Liz Highleyman • Brandon Judell • John F. Karr Lisa Keen • Matthew Kennedy • Joshua Klipp David Lamble • Max Leger Michael McDonagh • David-Elijah Nahmod Paul Parish • Sean Piverger • Lois Pearlman Tim Pfaff • Jim Piechota • Bob Roehr Donna Sachet • Adam Sandel • Khaled Sayed Jason Serinus • Gregg Shapiro Gwendolyn Smith • Jim Stewart Sean Timberlake • Andre Torrez • Ronn Vigh Ed Walsh • Cornelius Washington Sura Wood ART DIRECTION Jay Cribas PRODUCTION/DESIGN Max Leger PHOTOGRAPHERS Jane Philomen Cleland • FBFE Rick Gerharter • Gareth Gooch Lydia Gonzales • Jose Guzman-Colon Rudy K. Lawidjaja • Georg Lester • Dan Lloyd Jo-Lynn Otto • Rich Stadtmiller Steven Underhil • Dallis Willard • Bill Wilson ILLUSTRATORS & CARTOONISTS Paul Berge • Christine Smith ADVERTISING/ADMINISTRATION Colleen Small VICE PRESIDENT OF ADVERTISING Scott Wazlowski – 415.829.8937 NATIONAL ADVERTISING REPRESENTATIVE Rivendell Media – 212.242.6863

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t

Hennessy for sheriff, Randolph for college board I t’s not often that we decide not to endorse an incumbent for re-election. But regarding the race for San Francisco sheriff, it’s been clear for months that change at the top is needed and Kelly Sullivan so we’re recommending that readers vote Sheriff candidate for Vicki Hennessy.

Vicki Hennessy We stood by Sheriff Ross Mirkarimi three years ago, when he was fighting to retain his job, but his missteps since returning to office are now impossible to ignore. In short, we don’t believe the department is being run effectively – and we place the responsibility for that squarely on Mirkarimi.

Communication is key for every elected official, especially for one involved in law enforcement and public safety.

The sheriff’s department checks on warrants, handles evictions (never an easy job), oversees the jails, and must communicate with other government officials constantly.

Mirkarimi is like a man on a deserted island, and, from what we’ve observed, doesn’t have the support of the deputies, who have endorsed Hennessy, or the city’s “elected family,” who have pretty much shut him out ever since he became sheriff and pleaded guilty to one count of false imprisonment after the fight with his wife was exposed. The mayor then tried to remove him from office, but four members of the Board of Supervisors voted in favor of reinstatement (he had been on unpaid leave). This spring he won a judge’s order to expunge the conviction from his record.

Mirkarimi has had several scandals develop on his watch, most notably the killing of a young woman on a city pier, allegedly by a man in the country illegally who had been released from custody by the sheriff ’s department after a long ago drug possession charge against him was dismissed. Citing his interpretation of the city’s sanctuary city policy, the sheriff ’s department released the individual without alerting federal immigration authorities, again a failure of communication and a decision that came under blistering criticism from Mayor Ed Lee and other officials.

It was that murder that exposed and widened the fissure between city leaders and the sheriff. While all of them support San Francisco’s sanctuary city policy, there is no agreement on whether it should be improved or the will to do it. When Mirkarimi told us that the city’s Due Process for All law, which broadened the sanctuary city policy and was signed by the mayor in 2013, should go back to the Board of Supervisors for some adjustment in light of the Pier 14 killing, he could not immediately say that he would take the lead and push the board to prevent this from happening again – and he was a supervisor for seven years so he’s well-versed in how the legislative process works.

There was also the 2013 case of a missing

woman at San Francisco General Hospital, which is patrolled by sheriff’s deputies, who was later found dead in a stairwell. There was the scandal earlier this year that sheriff’s deputies allegedly engaged in betting on inmate fights.

There was the death by suicide of an inmate.

When you’re the elected sheriff, the buck stops at the top, and in this case, the series of incidents have one thing in common: a lack of communication between Mirkarimi and the personnel he oversees, including deputies and other staff.

P

struction of some 1,500 new rental homes with 40 percent affordable for lower and middle-income individuals and families – the most ever for a private project in San Francisco history. It dedicates eight acres to parks and open space, including a major waterfront park with family oriented features, recreational opportunities, and space for community festivals and public gatherings. It establishes an urban green in the heart of Mission Rock that will serve as the social hub of the neighborhood, including retail and cafes. The dilapidated Pier 48 will be renovated to historic standards to become the expanded home for Anchor Brewing, San Francisco’s oldest and largest manufacturing business.

There will be more than ample parking with a total of 3,100 parking spaces, including an aboveground parking garage with up to 2,300 spaces.

Once completed, this development will be managed and maintained by Giants Enterprises, a non-baseball component of the Giants organization. This will ensure that the project, in all its components, will be managed by a local, conscientious, and community-oriented organization, not some disinterested manage-

The need for change

Hennessy would bring solid credentials to the job – she had served in the sheriff ’s department years ago and the mayor brought her out of retirement to serve as interim sheriff when Mirkarimi was placed on unpaid leave.

Hennessy joined the sheriff ’s department in 1975, at a time when it was actively recruiting women and minorities. She quickly rose through the ranks, becoming the youngest captain in California law enforcement in 1983. In 1997 she was promoted to chief deputy.

When we met with her, Hennessy, who retired in 2010, said she was ready to come back “because I really care about the department.”

But she also made a point that resonated with us: “I feel right now, the fundamentals of leadership aren’t there.”

Hennessy, like every other San Francisco elected official, supports the sanctuary city policy. She also said that she would communicate with federal authorities, which she believes is allowed under the current city policy.

But she said the local laws are “rife” for misinterpretation and that as sheriff she would work to make the policy “clear for everybody.” She also disagrees with Mirkarimi that detainers and notification are similar, which was in contention in the aftermath of the Pier 14 shooting. Mirkarimi issued a memo prohibiting his staff from giving immigration authorities information about detainees. Hennessy said that if a review of an individual’s case leads her to believe that the person may be a threat to public safety, or it is otherwise appropriate, there is flexibility under the city sanctuary policy that would allow her to communicate with immigration and customs agents.

Trans housing policy

We do give Mirkarimi credit for proposing a housing policy for transgender inmates that would house them based on their gender identity rather than their birth sex and allowing transgender women inmates to participate in women’s classes in the jail. It’s a groundbreaking policy shift that should help trans prisoners. We wanted assurance from Hennessy that she supports the change.

“I’m all for it, as long as it’s done correctly,” Hennessy told us.

By that, she means that deputies must receive training and the policy must be carefully implemented. Hennessy also distanced herself from one of the deputies who was critical of the poli-

cy and who told us that he doesn’t consider people who have not had surgery to be transgender.

That is a huge misconception that demonstrates that training is needed for jail staff. As Hennessy said, the policy won’t be successful if it doesn’t have buy-in from the line staff. “I don’t want it to look like a publicity stunt,” she said.

At its core, the race for sheriff is about leadership and open communication. Hennessy has both of those skills, as well as deep experience in the department. She is not afraid of change and will use her leadership post to vastly improve a department that has been mired in controversy. Hennessy is our choice for sheriff.

Alex Randolph for City College board

In the election to fill the remaining term on the City College Board of Trustees, we recommend Alex Randolph, a gay man who was appointed to the board by Mayor Ed Lee earlier this year.

City College was saved from the brink of closure City College after several years of in- Trustee Alex vestigation and a threat Randolph by the Accrediting Commission for Community and Junior Colleges to revoke its accreditation. Earlier this year the accreditation committee granted “restoration” status to CCSF, giving it two years to fully comply with the requirements to be in good standing. In the meantime, a city lawsuit against the commission is making its way through state court.

Randolph said that his priorities include improving the college’s financial management, raising enrollment numbers, and expanding student services. Additionally, he believes it’s critical to increase job training for students and promote science, technology, engineering, and math, or STEM, career fields.

Enrollment at the college has plummeted after the ACCJC threatened to revoke accreditation. There used to be nearly 100,000 students, now there are about 80,000, Randolph said. Significantly, there are about 23,000 fulltime students currently, down from 38,000 in 2008. That translates into deep financial cuts as the foundation for funding is based on fulltime enrollment. The college never lost its accreditation, but potential students have been scared off. Randolph said it’s important that people realize the college is fully accredited.

“Most didn’t know we’re still open,” he said.

Randolph himself attended community college in San Diego before moving to San Francisco and said it served as a lifeline.

Right now, the elected board of trustees has seen some of its power restored, although the special trustee still retains veto power. Randolph and the other trustees are working hard to remedy the situation at City College. He also praised new chancellor Susan Lamb, a lesbian, and said she’s working to recruit administrators.

Randolph has done good work on the board since he was appointed; he should be elected by voters to serve out the one-year term.t

Yes on D, no on I, and other props

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roposition D is an example of how urban planning and development can be a winwin for everyone with no negative downside.

This is not to be confused with the proposed Warrior’s stadium project that is not on the ballot. This development is sponsored by the San Francisco Giants and is located on the asphalt parking lot across from the Giants ballpark as well as on Pier 48, both of which are currently used for parking for Giants games and other special events. They are owned by the city through the Port of San Francisco and subject to the state’s Public Trust. It is supported by the mayor, the Board of Supervisors, the Port and Planning commissions, and all other relevant government agencies as well as most housing and other community leaders and organizations. Former Mayor Art Agnos called it “the best project I’ve seen in 47 years in this city.” It is only on the ballot because it is on Port land and required to be submitted to the voters under city ordinance. It would increase the height limit on up to 10 of the 28 acres in Mission Rock.

Prop D addresses many critical city and neighborhood issues. It provides for the con-

Courtesy Yes on D campaign

A rendering of the proposed open space component of the San Francisco Giants’ Mission Rock project, which is before voters as Proposition D.

ment company hired by an out of state developer. This is a San Francisco project through and through, reflecting San Francisco values.

It should serve as a model for future proposals.

We strongly urge a yes vote on Prop D. Proposition I: Suspension of Market Rate Development in the Mission District. No. There is no question that housing affordability and supply are crisis issues in San Francisco.

Basic laws of supply and demand have driven up rents and prices to stratospheric levels.

See page 7 >>

t <<

Open Forum>>

SF ballot props

From page 6

A total moratorium on building would not help the situation. It would make it worse.

Prop I would suspend the issuance of city permits for demolition, substantial renovation, conversion or new construction of any housing project of more than five units unless the project was 100 percent defined as affordable for a period of 18 months (extendable by 12 months by the Board of Supervisors). It would also suspend permits for renovation or building of many business use properties such as repair shops, art studios, or recording studios.

One does not create additional housing by stopping building altogether. Likewise, one does not create affordable housing by choking off current funding for affordable housing, much of which comes from city law requiring a certain percentage of all new housing construction to be affordable or, in the alternative, paying an equivalent fee into the city’s Affordable Housing Fund. And rather than bringing down rents, halting the creation of new housing will only drive rents higher on existing units.

In the meantime, this proposition will not stop evictions; it will not stop buyers from buying existing properties and driving up prices. All it will do is aggravate the housing affordability crisis. Vote No on I. Proposition A: Affordable Housing Bond: Yes. This proposition would authorize the issuance of $310 million in general obligation bonds to partially address the chronic shortage of low income and affordable housing. These funds will permit the city to develop and maintain its affordable housing supply. This is part of Mayor Ed Lee’s goal of adding 30,000 low-income and affordable housing units to the city stock by 2020. The bond has been sized so that it will not generate an increase in property taxes. There is no greater need in San Francisco than the lack of affordable housing. Vote yes on A. Proposition B: Paid Parental Leave for City Employees. Yes. Current city law gives a city employee 12 weeks of paid leave to care for a new child. If both parents are city employees, they must split the permissible leave time. This Charter amendment would permit each of the parents 12 weeks of paid leave.

Additionally, current law requires city employees to use up other accrued paid leave time, such as sick leave, before drawing parental leave benefits. This provision permits the employee to retain up to 40 hours of sick leave at the end of paid parental leave. The amendment is about fairness and preserving true family values. Vote yes on B. Proposition C: Expenditure Lobbyists: Yes. Lobbyists who are paid to directly contact city officers to influence their official actions are required to register and file periodic disclosures regarding their lobbying activities. The proposition extends those registration and disclosure requirements to any person or business who pays $2,500 or more in a calendar month to solicit, request, or urge others to directly lobby city officers. This would include not only full-time lobbyists but also individuals, businesses, nonprofit organizations, labor unions, and trade associations who also attempt to indirectly influence City officials by hiring lobbyists. This measure, put on the ballot by the San Francisco Ethics Commission, reinstates the law as it existed prior to 2009. It will bring our reporting requirements in line with those of Los Angeles, Sacramento, San Diego, San Jose, and the state of California. This is a transparency measure that will bring into the open hidden influences of

October 15-21, 2015 • BAY AREA REPORTER • 7

special interests. Vote yes on C.

nian measures. Vote No on E.

Proposition E: Requirements for Public Meetings: No. This is a well-meaning measure crafted by students in an American government class at San Francisco State University along with their professor. We say well meaning, because the intention is to further bring transparency into public access to government board and commission meetings. However, this measure has unintended consequences that would render public meetings essentially unmanageable. For example, the measure would permit members of the public (from anywhere in the world) to submit public comment electronically and then require the Board of Supervisors and other commissions to translate it into English if it is not already. It also permits a board, commission, or committee member, or a group of 50 or more members of the public, to request that discussion of a particular agenda item begin at a certain time. Public meetings on controversial issues often go late into the evening. This provision would make the orderly conduct of business impossible. State law and San Francisco’s Sunshine Ordinance, approved by the voters, set rules and procedures for public access to city meetings. They function well and give full access to everyone.

There is no need to add these draco-

Propositions G and H: No on G; Yes on H. These are related measures that address what constitutes clean and renewable energy.

Prop G was essentially proposed

by PG&E to limit San Francisco’s CleanPowerSF program, which provides an alternative to consumers to PG&E. A compromise on defining where San Francisco can acquire its energy was reached by all interested parties, and Prop G was rescinded in favor of Prop H, but it was too late to take G off the ballot. Prop H would express voters’ preference for the CleanPowerSF program’s planned approach, which is to use “California-eligible renewable resources” to the extent feasible, plus surplus Hetch Hetchy power, to deliver electricity to San Francisco customers. Vote No on G and Yes on H. Proposition J: Legacy Business Historic Preservation Fund: Yes. Many long-term businesses have been forced to close or relocate due to the rapidly escalating rental rates or because property owners do not choose to enter into longterm leases (making it economically unfeasible for the small business to invest in upgrades or infrastructure improvements). Prop J creates a Legacy Business Historic Preservation Fund that would provide grants

to businesses listed in the Registry of Legacy Businesses that was created by the Board of Supervisors by ordinance in 2015. Prop J defines a legacy business as businesses that have operated more than 20 years if the Small Business Commission finds that the business “has significantly contributed to the history or identity of a particular neighborhood or community and would face a significant risk of displacement.” It would limit the number of nominations of legacy businesses to 300 per year. Legacy businesses could receive an annual grant of up to $500 per full-time equivalent employee in San Francisco. Property owners who lease space in San Francisco buildings to legacy businesses for terms of at least 10 years could receive an annual grant of up to $4.50 per square foot of leased space. What we don’t like about this proposition is it is another example of ballot box legislating. The 2015 ordinance can be modified by the Board of Supervisors and the mayor. Prop J would require going back to the voters, which is inefficient. But, on balance, we consider the advantages of maintaining a neighborhood’s culture and identity and preserving long-term businesses the greater good. Vote Yes on J. Proposition K: Surplus Public Land: Yes. This measure is still another way to address the housing

crisis in San Francisco. It has long been the policy of the city to use real property the city owns but does not need to build affordable housing, which is defined as households earning up to 60 percent of the area median income. It has not proven effective in producing much affordable housing for a variety of reasons that Prop K seeks to remedy. It would expand the allowable uses of surplus property to include building affordable housing for a range of households from those with very low income such as the homeless or those earning under 20 percent of the area median income to those with incomes of up to 120 percent of area median income. For certain developments (those with 200 or more units) mixed income projects would be allowed for housing for households earning up to 120 percent of area median income, as well as housing for middle-income and even market rate housing. But in all circumstances, at lease 33 percent of the total housing units must be affordable. It also strengthens the process for identifying what city properties are surplus. We would have preferred that this be addressed directly by the Board of Supervisors rather than placed on the ballot, but it does contain certain flexibility that will permit changes without returning to the voters, and, like J, the good far outweighs the bad. Vote Yes on K.t

We agree with the Bay Area Reporter.

We agree that there should be smart regulations of short term rentals.

Prop F is not a solution.

Prop F creates more problems: •

Locks in extreme regulations without giving San Francisco’s comprehensive new laws time to work

•

Encourages neighbor-on-neighbor lawsuits

•

Requires people to report to the government when they sleep at home

•

Bans the short-term rental of in-law units

•

Deprives San Francisco of millions of dollars in critical tax revenue each year

•

Takes away our property rights

JOIN ALL OF US IN OPPOSING PROP F

Lt. Governor Gavin Newsom

Mayor Ed Lee

Assemblymember David Chiu

Supervisor Scott Wiener

San Francisco Democratic Party

Paid for by SF For Everyone, No on Proposition F, Sponsored and Major Funding by Airbnb.

Financial disclosures available at sfethics.org. FPPC #1378051

Board of Supervisors President London Breed

<< Community News

8 • BAY AREA REPORTER • October 15-21, 2015

LGBTQ Youth Pride comes to Hayward

t

Courtesy Our Space

A band performed at last year’s East Bay LGBTQ Youth Pride in Hayward.

compiled by Cynthia Laird

O

ur Space, an LGBTQ youth community center in Hayward, will host Blast of the Rainbows, the third annual East Bay LGBTQ Youth Pride celebration, Saturday, October 17 from noon to 6 p.m. in the parking lot of its building at 22245 Main Street.

Blast of the Rainbows is the only youthspecific Pride event in the East Bay and it is planned, organized, and executed by a committee of youth leaders. The event was founded by Our Space youth in collaboration with adult allies, whose shared goal was to create an annual Pride event that would empower, address, and meet the specific needs of young

Exclusive LGBT Newspaper Media Sponsor:

marginalized people in the LGBTQ community.

Organizers said that the afternoon celebration will be fun, uplifting, and meaningful. It will include live performances, speakers, karaoke, an open mic, free food, clothes, HIV testing, and information about local resources.

Entertainment includes DJs and live performances by soulful political-punk queer band AfroFonix, funky rapper Little Dinosaur, Youth Speaks, theater troupe Congregation of Liberation and its founding member Jezebel Delilah X, and drag queens Cemora Valentino-Devine and Ms. Ladybug.

See page 19 >>

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26 • June

25-July 1,

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t

Letters >>

Yes on Prop F

October 15-21, 2015 • BAY AREA REPORTER • 9

Given the Bay Area Reporter’s tradition of conservative editorial stances, I was not surprised to see the paper oppose Proposition F [“Vote no on Prop F,” Editorial, October 8]. I was genuinely shocked, however, to see a news outlet use such dishonest and misleading language, much of it seemingly lifted straight from Airbnb’s talking points.

The editorial wraps its opposition to Prop F in the warm, fuzzy glow of the “sharing economy” – which, we are told, “is here to stay.” But “sharing economy” is a marketing term, designed to cloak forprofit businesses in the soft blanket of “sharing.” By definition, sharing does not involve payment: If I lend you my car for the afternoon, it’s sharing. If I charge you $10 an hour to use my car, it’s called renting. No sharing occurs on Airbnb or competing sites. People use these sites to rent housing for short terms, and everyone involved – hosts, renters, and Airbnb – either makes money or pays money.

This is a business. And it’s a business that was built on flouting San Francisco laws and stiffing the city on taxes, while draining our precious and limited supply of affordable housing.

The editorial praises the city’s current ordinance as a “carefully thought-out compromise,” when it was nothing of the sort. It was designed to be toothless from the

start by Airbnb’s cronies at City Hall. The San Francisco Planning Department has called it “unenforceable,” and the city’s own stats show it’s being ignored.

Prop F preserves short-term rentals with reasonable controls designed to protect neighbors and communities from abuse while reversing the destruction of our affordable housing stock. Ignore Airbnb’s $8 million campaign of deceit and distortion and vote yes.

Bruce Mirken San Francisco

Write-in mayoral candidate makes pitch

This election season, San Francisco voters have the fabulous option of voting for me as mayor. If you’re pissed off and progressive and want to use your ballot to send a protest message to City Hall – vote Petrelis.

I am a qualified write-in candidate and I ask that when you vote via a mail-in ballot or at your local polling station, that you use a pen to spell out my name in the correct slot as your first choice. Thanks in advance to those who will cast ballots for my exercise in the democratic process on a small-scale level.

More information about my campaign is posted here: https://www.facebook.com/Petrelis4Mayor.

Michael Petrelis San Francisco

Short-term rental ballot measure divides SF LGBTs

by Matthew S. Bajko

W

hen Bruce Bennett lost his job in February, he and his husband, Lawrence Gordon, turned to renting out a spare bedroom in their home on Airbnb to help make ends meet.

The San Francisco couple lives in the Sunnyside neighborhood near Glen Canyon Park and the Glen Park BART station, making their home a desirable location for tourists or business people visiting the city. Even after Bennett found a new job this spring, the couple has continued to rent out the room in order to supplement their incomes and help pay for medical expenses and their aging dog’s veterinary bills.

“It has allowed us to keep our home,” Bennett told the Bay Area Reporter. “I need a knee replacement but I am putting it off because I am a contractor and could lose my job.”

Bennett is a member of the group San Franciscans Against F, which is working to defeat Proposition F on the November ballot. The measure would limit short-term rentals of a unit to 75 days per year even when the host is physically living in the unit.

Under the city’s current rules, if the permanent resident is physically living in the unit, there is no cap on the number of days that he or she may host a guest. They may not rent the unit for more than 90 days a year if the resident is not living there during the rental period.

“The 75 day cap is crap to me,” said Bennett. “I don’t quite understand it.”

Opponents of Prop F also have called into question its requiring homeowners to report to the city how many and which nights they sleep at home. The measure’s broad private right to sue people renting out rooms beyond what is allowed under Prop F, as well as home-sharing sites, will lead to “frivolous lawsuits,” said Patrick Hannan, the campaign manager for San Francisco for Everyone – No on F. He also told the B.A.R. that the measure does nothing to address the city’s housing crisis.

“Prop F does not address housing affordability,” he said. “It takes a tool away from hosts to make their home more affordable.”

Supporters of Prop F counter it will help to rein in landlords who are illegally renting out apartments or whole buildings of rentable units

Rick Gerharter

Bruce Bennett, an Airbnb host, prepares a Dutch baby pancake for his guests.

on the home-sharing sites. They also contend the measure is needed because the city’s Short Term Rental Law, adopted in 2014 and revised this year, lacks teeth.

“The law itself is unenforceable,” said Sara Shortt, a lesbian who is executive director of the Housing Rights Committee of San Francisco. “Without the reporting requirements that gives you the data there is no way to enforce it.”

They also question city leaders’ ability to enact tough enough home sharing rules when one of Airbnb’s main investors is Reid Hoffman, a close ally of Mayor Ed Lee. “The other thing is it is hard to have much faith in the city on this issue,” said Shortt. “Before we had these discussions on if short-term rentals were illegal, the city took no action.”

The ballot measure has divided the city’s LGBT community. The progressive Harvey Milk LGBT Democratic Club is urging a yes vote on Prop F, as is gay state Senator Mark Leno (D-San Francisco).

If the restrictions on all short-term rentals are not strengthened, Prop F supporters contend the city will continue to see its housing stock for residents be turned into de facto hotel rooms for tourists and other visitors.

“We are losing housing. We can’t build enough housing to replace the units we have lost to Airbnb,” said Leno. “If this is defeated, the status quo will not change.”

Leno also argued that the reason Airbnb and its investors are so determined to defeat Prop F is because its passage would be detrimental to taking the company public.

“It’s about the IPO with this small

group of investors who are running City Hall right now,” said Leno.

Asked about Leno’s contention, Airbnb spokesman Christopher Nulty responded that the company’s interest in defeating Prop F has more to do with the fact that “San Francisco is our hometown and it is a place that matters to us. What is most important to us is our incredible community of hosts.”

There are those in the city’s LGBT community who are urging a no vote on Prop F, such as the more moderate Alice B. Toklas LGBT Democratic Club and the Bay Area Reporter. In an editorial last week, the B.A.R. said, “Prop F is not the solution” and urged readers to “give the current law a chance to work.”

Gay District 8 Supervisor Scott Wiener called Prop F “draconian” in an editorial board meeting with the B.A.R. Had the ballot measure dealt solely with renting out units where the owner is not home, Wiener said he would have supported it.

“If the limit was just for nonhosted, I would have no problem with it,” he said.

But because it restricts the number of nights homeowners can host someone in a spare bedroom or on a couch, Wiener said the backers of Prop F overreached.

“A lot of people in the city are homeowners and they are struggling.

They might be on a fixed income or under employed,” said Wiener. “The one thing they have is that house.

They are able to rent out a room and make extra money. They don’t want a roommate 365 nights a year.”

The mayor has also come out strong against Prop F, arguing voters should allow the city’s new rules governing home-sharing time to be implemented.

“I think when they claim something just literally started has failed they have made an assumption not proven in fact,” Lee told the B.A.R. editorial board. “I think this ordinance can be workable.”

As for the accusation he is in the pocket of Airbnb’s investors, Lee dismissed it as “a campaign slogan with no truth” and insisted, “I have proven myself to be the mayor of San Francisco.”

Prop F needs a simple majority vote to pass in November.t Web Extra: For more queer political news, be sure to check http:// www.ebar.com Monday mornings at noon for Political Notes, the notebook’s online companion.

This week’s column reported on the SF mayoral candidates forum.

Barry Schneider Attorney at Law

family law specialist* • Divorce w/emphasis on Real Estate & Business Divisions • Domestic Partnerships, Support & Custody • Probate and Wills www.SchneiderLawSF.com

415-781-6500 *Certified by the California State Bar 400 Montgomery Street, Ste. 505, San Francisco, CA

LGBT PROGRESSIVE CATHOLICS † OUR FAMILIES & FRIENDS

Celebrating our Sexuality and Love as Gifts of God Liturgy & Social: Every Sunday 5pm First Sunday Movie Night Second Sunday Potluck Supper Third Wednesday Faith Sharing Group 1329 Seventh Avenue † info@dignitysanfrancisco.org Follow us on Facebook!

<< Community News

10 • BAY AREA REPORTER • October 15-21, 2015

Brown signs transgender bills into law

by Matthew S. Bajko

G

overnor Jerry Brown signed into law four bills during this year’s legislative session that expand rights for transgender people.

Jurors in California can no longer be excluded based on their gender identity, while out-of-state companies that do not cover transgender health benefits for their employees are barred from competing for state contracts.

A third bill signed allows transgender crime victims, as well as anyone subjected to violence due to their sexual orientation, to bring a civil action for damages against the responsible party, and a fourth bill adds protections for transgender foster youth. All four pieces of legislation will go into effect January 1.

Sunday, October 11 – National Coming Out Day – Brown signed SB 731 by gay state Senator Mark Leno (D-San Francisco), which requires the consideration of gender identity when officials place youth in the state’s foster care system. Supporters argue that the policy will result in transgender foster youth being placed in appropriate homes where they feel safe and accepted.

“Young people have a better opportunity to thrive in situations where they are fully accepted and supported for who they are,” stated Leno. “Entering the foster care system is challenging for all youth, but it

<<

can actually be damaging for young people whose identities are not affirmed by their caregivers and peers.”

Equality California, the National Center for Lesbian Rights, and Transgender Law Center cosponsored the bill. The advocacy groups pointed to studies showing that LGBT youth are at higher risk for homelessness, abuse, depression, and suicide, with transgender youth particularly at high risk for poor health outcomes due to the rejection and harassment they face.

Those risks, they noted, are magnified for young people in foster care, many of whom have already experienced significant trauma.

“By signing SB 731 into law, Governor Brown has taken an important step toward making the foster care system safer and more supportive for transgender youth,” said Transgender Law Center Executive Director Kris Hayashi. “This is critical for a population of young people whose identities are too often rejected and attacked by the systems put in place to support them.”

Four days prior, on October 7, Brown signed Leno’s SB 703, which requires out-of-state companies bidding on state-funded contracts to offer their transgender employees the same benefits other employees receive. California-based companies are already required to do so.

Specifically, the bill prohibits a state agency from entering into a

State Senator Mark Leno

contract in the amount of $100,000 or more with any company that does not offer equal benefits based on an employee’s gender identity.

“California law already stipulates that employers cannot deny transgender people health care and other benefits, but a loophole in state law has allowed companies that contract with the state to refuse equal health coverage,” noted Leno. “This bill closes that loophole. Denying equal benefits to employees at the same company based on gender identity is harmful and wrong. It also can jeopardize employee health and strain publicly-funded programs that fill in the gaps when employers don’t provide the same benefits to everyone.”

EQCA, NCLR, and TLC also co-

Bills

From page 1

“We are deeply grateful to both Governor Brown and the legislators who authored and got these bills passed,” stated Rick Zbur, executive director of statewide LGBT advocacy group Equality California. “California continues to lead the nation recognizing and protecting LGBT people as fully equal members of society thanks to their leadership.”

Arguably the most consequential bill to advance this year is AB 959, the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender Disparities Reduction Act authored by Assemblyman David Chiu (D-San Francisco). It requires four state agencies to start collecting demographic data on gender identity and sexual orientation by July 1, 2018.

Signed by Brown last Wednesday, October 7, the bill specifically instructs the departments of health care services, public health, social services, and aging to collect the “voluntary self-identification information” pertaining to LGBT people.

As the Bay Area Reporter noted on its blog last week, the bill is expected to cost the state at least $600,000 to implement. And more state agencies should be added to the list in coming years.

“After years of being left out of statewide demographic data, LGBT individuals will now be able to share their experiences to provide muchneeded data to understand and ultimately reduce long standing health disparities that have disproportionately impacted these communities,” stated Chiu.

Zbur told the B.A.R. that he expects to see state forms and computer systems be updated with LGBT-specific questions prior to the deadline set in the legislation.

“I think many of the agencies will do it faster,” said Zbur. “From our perspective, we didn’t want to give them too much time but enough time to update their forms under the normal rotation for updating forms and computer systems. This is not a hard thing for them to do.”

California now joins New York state in requiring various state agencies to collect LGBT demographic data. EQCA and other LGBT ad-

Assemblyman David Chiu

Assemblywoman Shirley Weber

vocates argue the information is necessary in knowing what social problems or health issues are confronting the LGBT community. In turn, the data can be used to advocate for more funding and programs to address those concerns.

“LGBT people have been invisible to government agencies that provide social services for far too long, because LGBT people are not counted,” stated Zbur. “This landmark bill will start to give California government and the LGBT community the tools necessary to develop programs to meet the healthcare and social service needs of LGBT people.”

Another bill of significant benefit to the LGBT community that passed this year was AB 339 authored by gay Assemblyman Rick Gordon (D-Menlo Park) and signed

by Brown on October 8. It caps the amount an individual pays out-ofpocket at $250 for a single 30-day prescription.

Backers of the bill, which will go into effect January 1, 2017, expect it will be a boon for those Californians with cancer, HIV/AIDS, hepatitis, epilepsy, multiple sclerosis, or other serious conditions whose medications can cost thousands of dollars and often pay as much as $6,600 out-of-pocket.

“In a really big win for people with HIV, the bill requires plans to cover single-tablet regimens (STRs) for combination antiretroviral drug treatments that are medically nec-

essary for the treatment of HIV,” noted Anne Donnelly, director of health care policy at San Franciscobased Project Inform.

The legislation also requires health insurers not to place most or all drugs that treat a specific condition in the highest cost tiers of insurance plans.

“No longer will patients have to choose between paying for their life-saving drugs and paying for housing, child care, or food,” stated Gordon. “This is a big step forward to improving health outcomes for the most vulnerable of patients.”

Brown, on October 7, also signed into law Chiu’s AB 960, known as the Equal Protection for All Families Act. It modernizes California law to protect families using assisted reproduction methods.

Under the bill, which takes effect January 1, sperm donors will not be legally considered a parent and unmarried people using assisted reproduction would have the same parental rights as married parents.

“AB 960 protects children born through assisted reproduction by ensuring that their family relationships are respected by the law,” stated Cathy Sakimura, the family law director at the National Center for Lesbian Rights, which co-sponsored the bill with EQCA and Our Family Coalition. “Every child deserves this protection, no matter how they were conceived.”

On October 8 Brown signed AB 865, authored by Assemblyman Luis

t

sponsored the bill.

“With a third of transgender people reporting having been denied health care coverage, this law is an important step in improving the health of all members of the LGBT community,” stated EQCA Executive Director Rick Zbur. “It also sends an important message. If you want to do business in California, you have to treat all your employees equally.”

NCLR government policy director Geoff Kors noted that the legislation makes California the first state in the nation to refuse to contract with businesses and other entities that discriminate against their transgender employees in benefits.

“This legislation will not only help transgender employees, but will also help California businesses since California already prohibits health insurance carriers from denying transgender individuals benefits offered to non-transgender individuals and will thus level the playing field with entities from out of state that bid for contracts with California,” stated Kors. “Once again, California’s governor and Legislature are leading the nation in ending discrimination and ensuring that taxpayer funds don’t go to those who discriminate.”

Earlier this summer Brown had signed into law the other two bills.

In August he signed AB 830, authored by lesbian Assemblywoman

Susan Talamantes Eggman (DStockton), chair of the California Legislative LGBT Caucus.

The bill clarifies that legal remedies for the victims of violence motivated by a person’s gender are also available to transgender individuals and others targeted because of their sexual orientation or gender identity.

“We need a transformation in the way society views and treats the transgender community; meanwhile bills like this accomplish small, but necessary steps,” stated Eggman.

In July Brown signed AB 87, authored by Assemblyman Mark Stone (D-Monterey Bay), prohibiting peremptory challenges during the jury selection process of a prospective juror based on an assumption they will be biased because of his or her gender identity, gender expression, ethnic group identification, genetic information, or disability.

Under existing law noted EQCA, peremptory challenges are prohibited for most, but not the above, protected classes of individuals.

“This new law will take a modest but necessary step to ensure that defendants are allowed a trial by an impartial jury that reflects a cross section of the population in a community,” stated Stone. “Additionally, without this protection, prospective jurors could be denied the right to participate in the justice system and complete their civic duty.”t

Alejo (D-Salinas), which requires recipients of California Energy Commission grants or loans to increase procurement from minorityowned business enterprises, including those run by LGBT individuals.

It goes into effect January 1.

“This landmark bill will create relationships between the energy industry and minority businesses,” stated Alejo.

“I commend Governor Brown for creating a more inclusive green economy that encourages transparency in procurements and will help level the playing field for diverse businesses that may otherwise be overlooked in the clean energy sector.”

who chairs the Assembly Education Committee. “With the passage of AB 827, we will ensure our LGBTQ students have access to community resources and teachers are able to foster supportive learning environments, improve academic achievement and make our schools safer.”

A third bill, SB 524 by gay state Senator Ricardo Lara (D-Bell Gardens), stalled in the Assembly this year, and Lara will push for its passage in 2016. It would have required private residential facilities for youth, whether LGBT or straight, to obtain a license from the Department of Social Services.

If adopted next year, it will apply to residential boarding school facilities, military style academies, and boot camps.

Another bill that may be revived next year is SB 414, authored by state Senator Hannah-Beth Jackson (D-Santa Barbara), which would change various code sections in California law mentioning a “husband” and “wife” to the gender-neutral term “spouse” to reflect the fact that same-sex couples can now legally marry in California.

The bill had passed out of the Senate and was to be taken up by the Assembly. But in June Jackson opted to junk the bill’s original language, since it merely clarified existing law, and revised it with new legislation in response to an oil pipeline rupture that sent thousands of gallons pouring into the ocean off Refugio State Beach in Santa Barbara County.

The senator’s office told the B.A.R. this week that either Jackson or another lawmaker will likely reintroduce the original SB 414 language when the Legislature reconvenes in December.

LGBT youth bills pass

Two bills aimed at creating safer schools for LGBT students received Brown’s support this year. Both will go into effect January 1.

The most significant, signed by Brown on October 1, is AB 329, the California Healthy Youth Act authored by Assemblywoman Shirley Weber (D-San Diego). It requires sex education for students in grades seven to 12 to provide medically accurate and age-appropriate instruction on LGBT youth and families, and the prevention of sexually transmitted infections, HIV, and pregnancy.

“Providing sexual education, including information about STDs and their prevention, through our public schools ensures that the state is reaching millions of young people at a formative stage in their lives when this information can take hold,” stated Whitney Engeran-Cordova, senior director in the Public Health Division at the Los Angelesbased AIDS Healthcare Foundation.

“This allows them to make wise and informed decisions as they engage in sexual activity when they are older.”

On October 7 Brown signed AB 827, authored by Assemblyman Patrick O’Donnell (D-Long Beach). It calls for the creation of a training program to help teachers combat bullying and support LGBT youth who are coming out of the closet or being targeted by other students.

“My experience as a classroom teacher has taught me one of the most important keys to academic success is a safe and inclusive learning environment,” stated O’Donnell,

Another bill stalls in the Senate

Another bill stalled in the Senate this year. AB 1050 authored by gay Assemblyman Evan Low (D-Campbell) would have made private organizations like the Boy Scouts that discriminate based on sexual orientation or gender identity ineligible to participate in a state employee charitable giving program. The Scouts lifted its ban See page 21 >>

t

Election 2016>>

October 15-21, 2015 • BAY AREA REPORTER • 11

Dem prez candidates offer LGBT-friendly views analysis by Lisa Keen

A

lthough it was the first debate among Democratic presidential hopefuls, Tuesday’s forum on CNN was most notable to LGBT viewers in how the candidates differed from their Republican counterparts.

There was no talk of defending the right of Christian business owners to discriminate against same-sex couples, no derisive remarks about allowing transgender people to serve in the military, and no sideswipes against openly gay elected officials.

Instead, two of the five candidates mentioned support for LGBT people in their opening remarks.

And gay CNN moderator Anderson Cooper brought up an LGBT issue with his very first question.

Former Maryland Governor Martin O’Malley noted that, as governor, he helped pass marriage equality in his state. In his closing remarks, he said young people do not want to “deny rights to gay couples.”

Former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton said in her opening comments that “there is too much inequality,” including the “continuing discrimination against the LGBT community.”

Later in the debate, when asked to defend his having changed his party affiliation twice, former Rhode Island Governor Lincoln Chafee

<<

Senate race

From page 3

never raised any money for a race, leading many to speculate he was uninterested in returning to the Capitol.

Two weeks ago, during an editorial board meeting, Kim had told the B.A.R. she would not run if Ammi-

stated bluntly that he has been like “a block of granite” on issues – including “marriage equality.”

“The party left me,” Chafee, a former Republican, said in explaining his decision to become an independent and then a Democrat.

Marriage equality got prominent attention with Cooper’s first question when he aired a concern that some voters have with Clinton: that she adopts positions on some issues “based on political expediency.”

“You were against same-sex marriage. Now you’re for it,” said Cooper. “You defended President Obama’s immigration policies.

Now you say they are too harsh.

You supported his trade deal dozens of times. Now, last week, you’re against it. Will you say anything to get elected?”

Clinton said she has been “very consistent” but does “absorb new information.”

“I have always fought for the same values and principles, but like most human beings, including those of us who run for office, I do absorb new information. I do look at what’s happening in the world,” said Clinton.

Cooper challenged her further, noting that in New Hampshire, she told voters she had strong “progressive values” but in Ohio, she described herself as “being kind of moderate and center.”

“Do you change your political

Former Virginia Senator Jim Webb, left, Vermont Senator Bernie Sanders, former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, former Maryland Governor Martin O’Malley, and former Rhode Island Senator Lincoln Chafee gathered in Las Vegas Tuesday for the first Democratic presidential debate.

identity based on who you’re talking to?” asked Cooper.

“No,” said Clinton. “I think that, like most people that I know, I have a range of views, but they are rooted in my values and my experience. And I don’t take a back seat to anyone when it comes to progressive experience and progressive commitment.”

Much of the two-hour debate was taken up with discussion of many tough issues: gun control, immigration, Syria, Russia, Benghazi, corporate bailouts, college affordability, and racism, to name a few.

Polls taken just days before the debate showed Clinton with a strong lead over her challengers and that seems unlikely to change based on Tuesday’s event.

A Fox News survey October 10-12 found that 45 percent of 353 people likely to vote in the Democratic caucus or primary support Clinton, compared to 25 percent for Vermont Senator Bernie Sanders, 19 percent for Vice President Joe Biden (who has not yet announced whether he plans to run), 1 percent or less for any of the other announced candidates,

ano did. This week she announced that not only had Ammiano endorsed her Senate campaign, so had gay District 9 Supervisor David Campos, who had also considered seeking Leno’s seat.

“Jane Kim will fight to keep San Francisco and the Bay Area affordable and welcoming,” stated Ammiano in a release from Kim’s campaign. “She is

the tireless advocate we need, particularly right now, to stand up for all of those who don’t have a strong voice in Sacramento. She’ll stand up for renters, families struggling to make ends meet, seniors who need help to secure a dignified retirement, students who deserve an excellent education, and for all of us who are working so hard to keep San Francisco the city we first

fell in love with.”

Among those also endorsing Kim in the Senate race this week were Assemblyman Phil Ting (D-San Francisco); Carole Migden, an out lesbian who formerly held the seat; gay former District 8 Supervisor Bevan Dufty; Supervisors Norman Yee and John Avalos; Public Defender Jeff Adachi; and school board members

Courtesy CNN

and 10 percent for “other” or “don’t know.” Surveys by CBS and Public Policy Polling this month found very similar results.

As important as it is to win the party’s nomination, it is equally important to win the general election. And polls about how various Democratic candidates would perform against any of the leading Republican candidates casts a different picture. A RealClearPolitics. com look at surveys testing various match-ups suggests that Clinton, Biden, or Sanders could beat the current Republican frontrunner Donald Trump, but Biden would have a more comfortable margin (11 points) compared to Clinton (1.6 points) or Sanders (4.3). Both Clinton and Biden could beat Senator Marco Rubio of Florida. But the three top Democrats are polling behind former Florida Governor Jeb Bush, a candidate seen as more likely to win the GOP nomination.

Also troubling for the Democrats: A Fox News survey of 1,004 “registered voters” nationally between October 10-12 found that 40 percent said they would “more likely” vote in the Republican primary/caucus, versus 35 percent in the Democratic primary/caucus, 14 percent in neither party’s events, and 11 percent undecided. Those who identified as “independents” were leaning more heavily toward the Republican primary/caucus.t Sandra Fewer and Matt Haney.

Should Kim win the election next November, it would be the first time since 1996 that San Francisco did not have an LGBT representative in Sacramento. And it would also mark the first time that Asian Americans held all three of the city’s seats in the See page 18 >>

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LGBT History Month>>

t New book details Windsor Supreme Court victory

by Brian Bromberger

N

Kaplan, a partner in the litigation department of Paul, Weiss, Rifkind, Wharton & Garrison, highlighted the personal connections between herself and Windsor.

“I had not known Edie before I was referred to her case, but I knew who she was. I was 24 and had just started coming out as a lesbian and for the first time I was depressed

Kaplan’s Jewish faith figures prominently both in the book and the court case.

“My Judaism teaches that every person is created in the image of God and so has inherent dignity, as well as inalienable rights,” she said.

“It upsets me that in this country we have ceded the religious ground to the right, which is why in our case I sought out briefs from mainstream religious organizations, even if they did not have same-sex religious ceremonies, because they still recognized the civil rights of LGBT people. For the first time, conservative Jewish groups provided an amicus brief to the Supreme Court.

This was a personal issue for me because I thought that if I came out as a lesbian, I would be divorcing myself from my religious community, which was so important to my family. Fear of losing that connection kept me in the closet. I cannot tell you what it meant for me this year getting an honorary degree from the Jewish Theological Seminary.”

She talked about the 2013 Supreme Court decision in Windsor and its aftermath.

“I also believe that when Justice [Anthony] Kennedy wrote in our case about how every gay person has dignity under the law and needs to be respected like anyone else, this is part of his religious beliefs,”

Kaplan said. “And now I think it is almost impossible to come up with any argument about discrimination against gay people under the law.

Even Republican federal judges, who are not elected, have followed the reasoning behind Windsor. The surprise for me has not been the way Windsor was interpreted, but how quickly it has happened and that Obergefell followed only two years after our case. It’s like the time span between the Battle of Normandy and the end of World War II. Ever since Romer v. Evans (1996), which declared Colorado’s anti-gay amendment unconstitutional, and Lawrence v. Texas (2003), which struck down all sodomy laws, we have journeyed alongside Justice Kennedy in his evolution of gay rights.”

Kaplan concludes the legal logic in all of Kennedy’s opinions will eventually end anti-gay discrimination in the U.S. “A Mississippi law prohibiting same-sex couples from adopting children is being challenged and Obergefell will help strike it down as unconstitutional, because no government entity, either an employee or agency, can discriminate against gay people anymore. Kim Davis is the clearest example of someone who wants to

Roberta Kaplan will be interviewed by out Re/ code Executive Editor Kara Swisher Tuesday, October 20 at the Oshman Jewish Family Community Center, 3921 Fabian Way, Palo Alto, in the Schultz Cultural Arts Hall. Tickets for the event, from 7:30 to 9 p.m., are $15 general or $10 for Commonwealth Club members.

For more information, visit http:// paloaltojcc.org/Events/authorroberta-kaplan-interviewed-bykara-swisher.

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Personal connections

Faith is a factor

Taylor Hooper Photography

Attorney Roberta Kaplan

cleaners, but there are still moments when I experience that feeling and marvel at how extraordinary it is how gay people are accepted on so many levels, something that would have been unthinkable just 20 years ago.”

“Ultimately, it’s all about dignity,” she said. “I had to recognize my own dignity as a lesbian before I could be truly effective as an advocate. Many gay men and lesbians had to step forward and demand their dignity be recognized by their families and, ultimately, by their own government. Together we have changed American society.”t

use a religious liberty argument to discriminate; yet she swore an oath to uphold the Constitution. It is laughable that she can then decide which laws to enforce, which is why every decision in her case has gone against her,” Kaplan said, referring to the Kentucky clerk who was briefly jailed for refusing to grant marriage licenses to same-sex couples.

Kaplan said that, years ago, some in the LGBT rights movement saw Windsor’s case as nothing but a privileged older white woman trying to get her money back from the IRS, a poor prospect for the Supreme Court. Kaplan observed how same-sex couples from every state and all walks of life, who can’t even imagine Windsor’s world in Manhattan, have wanted to shake her hand and thank her for her courage and willingness to refuse to pay an unjust tax just for being gay.

During the summer after Windsor, Kaplan said she felt like “the guy in the Chagall painting, floating high above the world in a state of exaltation. I knew I had to return to the ground and take my son to school and pick up the clothes from the dry

Collingwood St.

ever underestimate the power of a good story.

In 1963, Edie Windsor, a mathematical genius and ace computer programmer for IBM, met Thea Spyer, a therapist, at a Greenwich Village restaurant. It was the start of a 45-year love affair that would only end with Spyer’s death in 2009 of aortic stenosis.

They kept a magnet with the phrase “Don’t postpone joy” on their refrigerator door, an apt reminder, since for over 20 years Spyer struggled with progressive multiple sclerosis resulting in her becoming a wheelchairbound quadriplegic. Windsor became her prime caregiver. The couple finally married in Canada in 2007 and was the subject of a 2008 documentary film, Edie & Thea, which had a tumultuous six-minute ovation at the Frameline LGBT International Film Festival that year.

After Spyer’s death, a federal estate tax bill of more than $363,000 hit Windsor, as cash and gifts Spyer had given to Windsor were fully taxable under the Defense of Marriage Act. Windsor decided to sue the government in hope of getting her money back, birthing the Supreme Court case, United States v. Windsor, which ultimately overturned a key provision of DOMA. Her lawyer in this landmark case, Roberta Kaplan, has now written a book, with Lisa Dickey, Then Comes Marriage: United States v. Windsor and the Defeat of DOMA, an account of this significant civil rights victory.

Kaplan, who will be in the Bay Area for a very quick book tour next week, spoke to the Bay Area Reporter in a recent phone interview. “’It’s all about Edie, stupid,’ was my mantra throughout this whole case,” Kaplan, 49, said. “Her story is so human and has moved many people. My brief began with their enduring romance. The legal issues were not complex but I knew we had to change attitudes and minds.

If we could persuade the judges that the life Edie lived with Thea was the exact same as other marriages, we would win the case.”

When asked why the need for another book on marriage equality when at least four have been published in the last two years, Kaplan responded that this was the first, and so far only, book written exclusively on the Windsor case. Almost all the other marriage books focused on the Proposition 8 case, “which did not result in a decision on the merits and from a legal perspective did not have a direct decision on the Obergefell v. Hodges decision that legalized same-sex marriage in all 50 states,” she said, referring to the high court’s ruling in June.

“Up until we filed the Windsor case in 2010, only four states had marriage equality, but relying on the logic and wording of Windsor,

by Obergefell, 37 states allowed it,” Kaplan continued. “The lawyers [Ted Olson and David Boies] in the Prop 8 case bet on the wrong horse. Windsor has made all the difference while Prop 8 just affected California. I wrote the book so readers could hear the perspective from a gay litigator on this issue, which I don’t believe the other books showcase. I wanted to tell the honest story of how three or four Jewish lesbians managed to change our country for the better.”

and anxious. I had told my mother I was gay and her response was to bang her head against the wall. Her reaction was so over the top that I couldn’t talk to her,” Kaplan said.

“I knew I needed to meet with a therapist and the name that came up again and again was Thea Spyer, as she was knowledgeable about gay issues. Our first sessions were held in her living room of the apartment she shared with Edie. Because Thea wanted to show me that I could have the life I wanted, she talked incessantly about Edie, a brilliant mathematician, a female Alan Turing, based on her description. She presented her and Edie as proof that you could have a fulfilling relationship and a happy life if you were a lesbian. So 18 years later when I had created that life for myself, I remembered that apartment, as it looked the same as it did in the summer of 1991. Of course, Edie didn’t act at all like Alan Turing. She was charismatic, smart, and charming, the perfect person to challenge DOMA. It was as if God had dropped this case in my lap, as a way to pay Thea back for helping me through some of the darkest days of my life.”

Kaplan said that Windsor, now 86, was very involved in the DOMA court case and continues to be a close friend.

“She became a member of my family, a surrogate grandmother to my son Jacob, whom she loves unconditionally,” Kaplan said. “We spend all the holidays together and we go on vacations to Provincetown together. I give her legal advice and she gives me life advice.”

Windsor, despite heart problems, is as active and engaged with life as always, Kaplan said.

Kaplan noted the similarity between their lives, both having had to contend with homophobia, yet it was far worse for Windsor and Spyer, who though they wanted children, were too fearful of being publicly exposed if they attempted to adopt one.

Their entire lives were closeted.

“The personal is always political, as Gloria Steinem once said, no matter what time period you live in,” Kaplan said. “I recently saw the movie Pride, which takes place in 1983 and, although I was in college during that period, I had forgotten how hostile society was to us then and how far we have come, in that so many gay people can live such open, transparent lives today.”

October 15-21, 2015 • BAY AREA REPORTER • 17

Cliff’s Variety

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<< LGBT History Month

t 30 years ago, AIDS activists set up camp in SF plaza 18 • BAY AREA REPORTER • October 15-21, 2015

by Matthew S. Bajko

T

hirty years ago this month two San Francisco men, fed up with government inaction as AIDS decimated the gay community, chained themselves to a federal building within sight of City Hall.

Their act of civil disobedience would inspire countless other activists to join them, and later, local political leaders. The demonstration, which became known as the ARC/ AIDS Vigil (ARC standing for AIDS Related Complex), lasted a decade and was the city’s longest running protest.

It started on October 27, 1985 when Steve Russell and Frank Bert, who were both HIV-positive, handcuffed themselves to the doors of 50 United Nations Plaza, a federal building in the city’s Civic Center district. Soon a core group of volunteers joined them to keep vigil 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

A tent kitchen was set up, staffed by volunteers, to feed the protesters, who took turns sleeping on mattresses and in tents in front of the building. Over time the vigil turned into a place where people, whether living with AIDS themselves or struggling to care for or grieve for a loved one, could find camaraderie and comfort.

“When I am out here talking to people about my condition, about my health, it helps me. It helps me to talk to them because I was there. My family disowned me since I came down with AIDS,” Wes North, who married Bucky Stewart at the vigil in December 1985, told a television news reporter at the time. “My family has not wanted to have anything to do with me since I came down with AIDS.” According to archival materials about the vigil, the demonstrators listed six demands they wanted to see federal officials act on, including publicly recognizing AIDS and condemning AIDS-related discrimination. They also were calling for a “Manhattan Project” type effort to find an AIDS cure.

“We need $500 million dollars in

Courtesy GLBT Historical Society

Congressman Ron Dellums, left, and Nancy Pelosi marched at the AIDS Vigil.

federal money for research to find a cure for ARC – AIDS Related Complex,” read one flier handed out by vigil organizers. “We make a moral appeal to the American government to condemn AIDS hysteria and bigotry through education.”

Numerous politicians joined the vigil and were arrested, helping to revive the media’s waning interest in the demonstration. According to old news clippings, gay former San Francisco Supervisor Harry Britt and former Berkeley Mayor Loni Hancock, now a state senator, both were arrested after chaining themselves to the building.

One flier advertised a “Breakfast with Nancy” at the vigil one February, referring to Congresswoman Nancy Pelosi (D-San Francisco), now the House minority leader. In the summer of 1987, two years into the vigil, Pelosi entered Congress and her main objective at the time was to demand action on AIDS. It was also a site to collect the names of those lost to AIDS, several of whom died while taking part in the vigil. Both Russell and Bert died prior to the vigil’s end, said several participants.

In November 1985 the annual candlelight march honoring former Supervisor Harvey Milk, the first gay person to win elective office in

San Francisco, and former Mayor George Moscone, both of whom were assassinated in City Hall in 1978, ended at the federal building, where marchers attached placards bearing the names of those lost to AIDS on the facade.

Longtime gay rights activist Cleve Jones, who helped organize the march, conceived of the AIDS quilt that night, according to a history of the national HIV memorial, as “the wall of names looked like a patchwork quilt.”

More than just an encampment for demonstrators, the vigil also served as a clearinghouse for people to learn the latest news about AIDS. The volunteers also used bleach to clean injection drug users’ needles and passed out condoms.

“It was an educational experience for me, from the out-of-towners and those from other countries stopping by and thanking us for what we were doing, saying they were not even mentioning AIDS in their state/country, to the times I had to console someone whose partner was suffering from dementia,” said Terrrie Frye.

Starting in 1987, Frye spent three years working as an AIDS Vigil volunteer, after she happened to ride her bicycle through U.N Plaza and noticed the “mess tent.”

Nick Aquilino

AIDS Vigil participant Bucky Stewart chained himself to the door of the federal building in this image from December 1985.

“I was not HIV-positive, and only HIV-positive folks could be members of the vigil, but I wanted to cook for them, and they had a rule that only members were allowed in the mess tent, so they made me an honorary member,” recalled Frye.

The outdoor protest came to an end 10 years after it started when a severe rainstorm blew away the tent encampment. Just three demonstrators remained at that point, according to media accounts in December 1995.

Since then the AIDS Vigil has been mostly forgotten to the history books and the fading recollections of participants. During the 25th anniversary of the protest, Frye created an exhibit about it that she displayed during the city’s 2010 Pride festival.

Four years ago, an effort was launched to erect a plaque or monument at the location in order to commemorate the protest and its participants, but nothing has come of it.

And a local filmmaker, who as a graduate student in San Francisco State University’s broadcasting program in the mid-1980s was part of a small crew who interviewed several vigil participants, had tried to pull together a documentary in time to screen on October 27, 2015 to mark

the 30th anniversary of the start of the vigil.

But he has struggled to line up financing to make the film, titled Not With Standing, and is unsure if it will ever get made.

“The reaction is always there is no AIDS crisis anymore. Nobody cares about AIDS,” said Nick Aquilino, 61, who is gay and HIV-positive and now lives in Sausalito.

With another film about the 1969 Stonewall protests held over two nights by patrons of the New York City bar released this fall, Aquilino remains dumbfounded as to why the yearslong demonstration in San Francisco fails to spark similar interest.

“The thing that sticks out for me is these guys were so determined to gain some kind of acceptance for a disease they didn’t cause,” said Aquilino. “Thirty years ago this kind of thing wasn’t very common. They weren’t on the street for weeks; they weren’t like the Occupy people and done with their protest and said let’s go back to our normal lives. These guys who were living there, they were there for 10 years.”

To see archival footage about the AIDS Vigil and interviews with several participants, visit the website for Aquilino’s documentary at http://notwithstandingfilm.com/.t

Solano County gets new LGBT center

by Seth Hemmelgarn

L

GBTs in Solano County are working to open a new community center there.

The county, which includes the cities of Vacaville, Vallejo, and Fairfield and a number of small towns, is “a very long, very spread out county, which makes it doubly important for us to have a center, because there’s not a natural meeting place,” since the population’s so dispersed, Rebecca Nord, 63, the center’s interim managing director, said in a recent interview.

Additionally, “The community is actually growing, especially because we have a lot of influx” from other parts of the Bay Area “because of the housing situation” in those places, Nord, a lesbian who lives in Vacaville, said.

“There’s more affordable housing here,” she said.

<<

Senate race

From page 11

Statehouse, as Assemblymen Ting and David Chiu (D-San Francisco) are both expected to easily win reelection next year.

Under the state’s new term limits laws, whoever captures the Senate seat could serve three consecutive four-year terms. With Assembly members able to now serve six consecutive two-year terms, and incumbents rarely faced with chal-

An open house is planned for Thursday, November 5. The center hopes to have a soft opening soon, but a specific date hasn’t been set.

Solano Pride is spearheading the center. Nord, who served on the group’s board of directors but stepped down to take the position with the center, said the county hasn’t had an LGBT center for six years.

“During the financial downturn, we lost our earlier center, and it’s taken us a while to get back,” she said.

The new space, which takes up about 1,100 square feet in a former hospital at 1234 Empire Street in Fairfield, will offer services including youth groups, counseling, and support groups. The nonprofit Seneca Family of Agencies owns the building.

“Rent is about $1,200 a month,” Nord said. She couldn’t immediately provide a figure for the center’s lengers, it could be a decade before one of the city’s three statehouse seats is open again.

Thus, the issue of having LGBT representation will likely win Wiener backing from gay advocacy groups such as Equality California’s political action committee and the Gay and Lesbian Victory Fund, whose main aim is to elect LGBT people to political office. For the district’s LGBT voters, however, a greater factor for whom to support will likely be where the candidates stand on issues such

Costa County and Solano County Mental Health, Nord said.

For more information, visit www. solanopride.org.

budget but said it’s “pretty slim.”

Costs will include phone and Internet service and office supplies.

Nord said she and others plan to conduct a needs assessment “so we

can plan programing around that.”

Nord is the only paid staff, and she’s half time. Her salary is about $1,870 a month.

“Eventually, we hope to recruit” someone to fill the position for the long term, she said. Everyone else is a volunteer.

Nord said she doesn’t want the post permanently.

“I didn’t even want the job temporarily,” she said. “I’m retired, but we were not able to get an interim person as quickly as we needed to get up and running.”

Solano Pride was founded in 1998. Since the old center closed, the group has operated a center virtually, which means it couldn’t offer services like counseling. Meetings were held in places like restaurants.

For the new center, the organization is partnering with Rainbow Community Center of Contra

as housing and rent control.

Wiener, who in the past has backed straight moderate candidates running against out progressives, acknowledged as much to the B.A.R. He said his campaign would be focused more on issues than identity politics.

“I think being LGBT is certainly one significant factor but not the only factor. I do think having LGBT representation in Sacramento is very important but I am not going to ask people to vote for me simply

because I am a gay man,” said Wiener. “I am going to make the case to the LGBT community, and to the broader community, that I have a vision for our city and region and state that will move us in the right direction.”

Kim told the B.A.R. she will continue to advocate for the LGBT community in the Statehouse as she has done in City Hall.

“I hope I have been able to demonstrate my commitment and leadership to representing the LGBT

community both in District 6 and throughout the city,” said Kim. “I plan to continue to fight for that in Sacramento, though I know it is not the same as having an LGBT person.”

She also noted that the city has not had female leadership in the Statehouse since Leno defeated Migden in 2008 for the Senate seat.

“I do think it is important to make sure we have women in Sacramento,” said Kim. “We have lost women from throughout the state in Sacramento.”t

Courtesy Rebecca Nord

Rebecca Nord is the interim managing director of the new Solano LGBT center.

New Merced center

The Central Valley city of Merced is also getting a new LGBT community center.

The city’s previous community center opened in August 2014 with the financial support of Gay Central Valley. However, after the group Merced Full Spectrum dissolved in May 2015, the center closed in July, according to the center’s website, which is at http://mercedlgbtcenter. org.

Since then, though, the Merced LGBTQ Alliance, a new board of directors, formed, and the new center opened September 1.

A call to the center wasn’t returned.t

t

Commentary>>

October 15-21, 2015 • BAY AREA REPORTER • 19

Take action on toilets

by Gwendolyn Ann Smith

O

nce again, the issue of transgender people in bathrooms has reared its ugly head.

In Houston, Proposition 1 seeks a veto referendum on the Houston Equal Rights Ordinance, aka HERO. The ordinance would ban discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity, just as HERO already had.

It would also make explicit coverage for sex, race, color, ethnicity, national origin, age, familial status, marital status, military status, religion, disability, genetic information and pregnancy, on par with federal law.

In the fight against HERO, as well as Proposition 1, the issue of public access for transgender people has taken center stage, with graphics speaking out about men in women’s bathrooms, and critics seeking to call the ordinance the “Sexual Predator Protection Act.” Now let me stop for one moment here. As you can probably already guess, neither HERO nor Proposition 1 offered any protection for sexual predators. It did not change any laws regarding sexual predators, nor offer them any protected status.

What it does allow is for transgender people to use facilities appropriate to their gender identity or expression.

This has not stopped the group Campaign For Houston from publishing statements like this on its website. “Campaign for Houston is made up of parents and family members who do not want their daughters, sisters, or mothers forced to share restrooms in public facilities with gender-confused men, who – under this ordinance – can call themselves ‘women’ on a whim and use women’s restrooms whenever they wish. This ‘bathroom or-

<<

News Briefs

From page 8

Admission is free for youth ages 24 and under, and $5 for adults 25 and over. Adults are encouraged to bring a bag of clothing to donate to Our Space’s Clothing Closet.

Adult allies who would like to volunteer, and local community organizations interested in having a booth at the event, can contact Barbara da Silva at (510) 566-2739 or Barbara@baycyouth.org. For more information about the event, visit its Facebook page, “Blast of the Rainbows!: East Bay’s LGBTQ Youth Pride.”

Sundance Stompede hits SF

The Sundance Stompede, billed as the world’s largest LGBT country western dance weekend, opens Thursday, October 15 with a kickoff dance from 6:30 to 11 p.m. at the Sundance Saloon, 550 Barneveld Avenue in San Francisco.

The weekend includes many more dance parties, including the big hoedown Saturday, October 17 from 7:30 p.m. to 1 a.m. at the Regency Ballroom, 1300 Van Ness Avenue.

There are also dance workshops, a Sunday brunch, the Stompede Ball, and other events.

For tickets or more information, visit www.sundancesaloon.org.

Join Ting for coffee

Assemblyman Phil Ting (D-San Francisco), will hold a coffee meeting for constituents Saturday, October 17 from 10 a.m. to noon at the Garden House Cafe, 3117 Clement Street in San Francisco’s Richmond neighborhood. People are invited to share their ideas and questions about the state budget and recent legislation.

dinance,’ therefore, is an attempt to re-structure society to fit a societal vision we simply do not share or can support.”

I want to draw attention to some slanted language in the above. This notion of “on a whim,” as it if were so easy, is specious. So is stating that those who would opt to do so are “gender confused.” It is not us, apparently, who are so confused. At least, in that statement, they did not try to call transgender people sexual predators.

Meanwhile, this same issue is coming up in Wisconsin, with two Republican lawmakers attempting to bar transgender students from school locker rooms and bathrooms.

Representative Jesse Kremer and state Senator Steve Nass are pushing a bill to declare such facilities to be marked for single genders, and, as Kremer put it, “students born biologically male must not be allowed to enter facilities designated for biological females and vice versa.”

It goes further than just this, of course, allowing parents to file a written complaint if they feel their child’s privacy is being violated due to a transgender student’s use of facilities, and even to sue for damages.

Oh, I should note here that passage of this bill would be in violation of federal Title IX protections – not that the issue of federal law seems to bother anyone in the wake of Kim Davis, the Kentucky county clerk who was briefly jailed when she refused to issue marriage licenses to same-sex couples following the U.S. Supreme Court’s decision in June that legalized such marriages.

Meanwhile, in Washington, the YMCA of Pierce and Kitsap County is changing its policies, requiring transgender patrons to use only private locker rooms and single stall restrooms. Officials there esti-

mate having a “fairly low” number of transgender members, and have also had no issues with inappropriate exposure in the wake of a more inclusive policy toward transgender patrons that went into effect last April. They have instituted the new policy after over 1,000 comments were received about the change.

I’ve written about bathroom issues before, as regular readers know.

In fact, I’ve talked about bathroom issues more than any other specific topic in the last year or two. It is, seemingly, the battleground over transgender rights.

The argument is always the same, so much so that it is its own meme: allowing transgender people to use the bathroom of their choice will allow sexual predators the freedom to assault your children and wives.

It is an argument reeking of bovine waste product.

In other states that have passed similar transgender protections like that of the HERO ordinance, there has been no increase in sexual assaults as a result. Allowing transgender people to relieve themselves in appropriate facilities has neither made sexual assaults any less illegal nor any easier to commit. It just doesn’t connect.

We live in a time where, in spite of high profile transgender stories in the media, we still see transgender people being murdered at an alarming rate. We still face staggering amounts of discrimination and bias.

We’re also seeing an increase in transgender suicide, which is already at an epidemic level. No number of Caitlyn Jenner Vanity Fair covers seem to be able to stop this.

We need to know that we are safe and protected in our communities – and the opposition to basic rights like an appropriate bathroom facility tells us that we are neither safe nor protected. When you want to know who would be targeted in a bathroom, it is not the fictional wives and daughters of those con-

Wider Bridge luncheon

lic review at http://www.sf-planning.org/index.aspx?page=3673.

As reported in May by the Bay Area Reporter, which obtained a draft version of the document, it spans the centuries and features various groups of LGBT residents who called the city home, from Native American two-spirit tribe members and gender nonconforming Chinese immigrants to various artists and service members.

Once adopted as an official city document, it will assist with efforts to landmark, either by the city or national programs, properties of historical significance to the LGBT community.

Public comment in support or opposition of the LGBTQ Historic Context Statement must be received by the planning department by October 23. Comments can be emailed to preservation planner Susan Parks via susan.parks@sfgov.org.

The city’s Historic Preservation Commission is expected to adopt the document when it meets on November 18. The hearing will begin at 12:30 p.m. in Room 400 at San Francisco City Hall.

A Wider Bridge will have its first-ever community fundraiser, A Wider Brunch, Sunday, October 18 from noon to 2 p.m. at the San Francisco Jewish Community Center, 3200 California Street.

The organization will celebrate five years of work at building LGBT engagement with Israel, and its growth from a Bay Area start-up to a national organization.

Two community leaders will be honored: Anita Friedman, Ph.D., executive director of Jewish Family and Children’s Services; and Rabbi Doug Kahn, executive director of the San Francisco Bay Area’s Jewish Community Relations Council.

The program will also feature two LGBT leaders from Israel, Anat Nir and Zehorit Sorek, along with some special Israeli entertainment.

In the last five years, A Wider Bridge has taken 100 LGBT leaders to Israel and has established programming in 12 cities across North America. It bills itself as the only organization building LGBT connections to Israel.

Tickets are $125 and can be purchased at www.awiderbridge.org.

Hearing date set for SF LGBT history document

The final version of a report documenting San Francisco’s LGBT community is now complete and will be voted on in mid-November.

The planning department announced last Saturday, October 10, that the LGBTQ Historic Context Statement, authored by Donna Graves, a public historian based in Berkeley who is straight, and Shayne Watson, an architectural historian based in San Francisco who is lesbian, had been posted online for pub-

Trans veterans sought for focus group

Swords to Plowshares, a community-based nonprofit veterans service organization, is looking for trans veterans and active-duty service members to participate in a focus group that will explore how trans identity has impacted their military and veteran experience.

The results will support Swords to Plowshares’ advocacy efforts to increase access to appropriate care for trans veterans and service members.

See page 22 >>

servatives aiming for these bills – it is us, the transgender people of this country who just want to be able to use a restroom or changing facility without fear.

I don’t like to spend so much time talking about bathrooms. I’d rather

be writing about, oh, Spirit Day or something – nearly anything – else.

Yet this fight is not ending, so it’s my duty to keep banging this drum.

It’s time that our allies and we in the LGBT community speak out.

This is a fight that overshadows marriage rights and military service.

This is a basic human need, denied to a vulnerable community.

Take action, now. If people try to force these laws and policies in your backyard, speak out, vote, and let people know that this is not the way to treat transgender – or any – people.t Gwen Smith has truly gone potty over this. You can find her on Twitter at @gwenners.

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<< Sports

20 • BAY AREA REPORTER • October 15-21, 2015

Gay Games need to focus

by Roger Brigham

A

t the first meeting of the Federation of Gay Games I ever attended, back in 2003 in Chicago, then-president Roberto Mantaci addressed the international membership about the necessary steps to move the Gay Games forward in the wake of Montreal’s decision not to host the 2006 event.

What he told the sports and cultural organizations assembled that day still rings true a dozen years later as the FGG gathers once more this weekend to ponder the fate and future of the Gay Games.

Mantaci was weary as he stood on the stage. Weary from two years of roller-coaster talks with the presumptive host of Gay Games VII, weary from repeated dysfunctional latenight negotiations that riddled the last hours before that meeting – emotionally exhausting sessions laden with expletives, resolutions, tears, hugs, and kisses. Weary from non-stop talktalk-talk that seemed more exhaustive than any of the grueling training regimens the athletes then gathered around him had gone through.

As Mantaci stood there, he was filled with disappointment and relief, knowing that the roller-coaster of negotiations was over. As FGG members debated the next steps that would lead to a new host and new challenges, he had just one word, just one concept he wanted Gay Games supporters to adopt.

“Focus,” he said in a Sicilian accent with a patina of French, drawing a few chuckles because of how much it sounded like he was telling us to do a commonly uttered impossible biological act upon ourselves. “Focus on the Gay Games.”

Those Gay Games were started in San Francisco in 1982 as a quadrennial participatory sports and cultural festival to encourage and highlight the acceptance and success of gays and lesbians. In the following decades, they have evolved from a modest experiment into a premier event on the global LGBT sports calendar, through the years having inspired and empowered countless athletes and organizations to step up and make a difference. The 10th Gay Games will be held in 2018 in Paris. What the hell happens after

that will be a topic of conversation as Gay Games volunteers from across the globe gather in Limerick.

Members of the Federation of Gay Games General Assembly are scheduled to meet October 15-18 in Ireland for board elections, committee reports, and other discussions.

Routine matters fill most of the first two days of the agenda, but the topic of the future of the Gay Games themselves can be expected to dominate discussions the final day. A onehour talk on emerging LGBT sports championship events is scheduled, followed by discussion of negotiations with the Gay and Lesbian International Sport Association toward unifying the Gay Games with the World Outgames, the event that was created following Montreal’s decision to abandon the Gay Games and create its own rival event. Final votes on motions will include one submitted by Team San Francisco that seeks to cut through those bogged down merger discussions and get the FGG back on track building the Gay Games brand and legacy.

In other words, telling the FGG to focus.

I wrote a death notice column on the Gay Games in late May (See Jock Talk), in which I stated that an agreement approved by the boards of

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Ann Meredith

Team Toronto marches at Gay Games IV in New York City – the first Gay Games offered under the nascent Federation of Gay Games.

both the FGG and GLISA was a sure sign that if the Gay Games were not dead after the 2018 Gay Games in Paris, they could be revived only by prompt and decisive efforts to save both brand and mission. My critics said my column was premature.

Follow-up conference calls within the FGG offered assembly members assurances that board members had “hopes” the Gay Games would be preserved in the talks.

Harvey Milk told his supporters

you have to give people hope, but the Gay Games will need more than empty hopes and crossed fingers to survive if they are to remain relevant in the LGBT global sports world. I’ll be in Limerick as a delegate from Team SF and would love to see the Gay Games pull out of this malaise stronger than ever, but I enter the talks with more than a grain of skepticism because of the reluctance so far for the board and, to a lesser degree, the assembly, to acknowledge the risks the mission is taking in these talks – or to offer a solid reason for running those risks.

Losing donors

During the past year, several longtime Gay Games supporters have reportedly written the event out of their wills. When I first reported that in May, the estimate for the losses was a few hundred thousand dollars. But as more and more longtime supporters learned of the advancement of negotiations with GLISA, that number has grown dramatically. Reliable estimates based on private reports from different supporters now put that loss at more than $2 million.

Beyond the loss of potential scholarships to bring in athletes from repressed parts of the globe, what’s the importance of Gay Games devotees disinheriting them?

Well, besides losing pledged financial assets, it is a solid indicator the FGG board has lost touch with the grassroots supporters, who more and more are opting for less costly events. It means that as the FGG becomes more focused on dealing with GLISA, which was established to oversee an event to compete with and eclipse the Gay Games, and markets itself more as a leader in human rights conferences and discussions, it is losing touch with the day-to-day grind of sports competition and organization that give the Gay Games their soul.

Former FGG officer Kelly Stevens of Team Seattle, for instance, wrote a note to the assembly on October 1 expressing admiration for the support of the late Michael Clarke, an early Gay Games cultural participant from San Francisco who left the FGG $23,000 in his will. In his letter, Stevens blasted the FGG’s loss of sports mission focus.

“Some members of the FGG have scoffed at the predictions of donations from ‘old timers’ of the FGG, because many donors have not completed any legacy promise documents with the FGG,” Stevens wrote. “Many people have the FGG listed for donation in their estate after they die without notifying FGG. Many of the older FGG folks, and even more recent people like myself, will not fund the FGG until we know the Gay Games legacy is assured beyond our lifetimes. The endless focus on (one event) with GLISA has turned off many volunSee page 21 >>

Sacto LGBT seniors

From page 1

versation locally.”

An LGBT leadership committee to help provide input and get the word out has been formed, and the Lavender Courtyard project has many supporters in the community.

Gay Councilman Steve Hansen said there’s “a huge unmet need for LGBT seniors who need an appropriate senior living setting.”

The location is “perfect” because it’s within the LGBT community, Hansen said.

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Bills

From page 10

on gay youth two years ago and earlier this year lifted its ban on adult troop leaders, although local councils can still decide whether they will allow gay troop leaders.

Low’s office told the B.A.R. this week that he plans to revive the bill

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Jock Talk

From page 20

teers and also many donors. Donors want stability and they want to donate to the organization they know has history of success and a mission they believe. Personally, I will not give my money to GLISA or any child of GLISA.” Stevens went on to say that FGG attempts to “play nice” with GLISA leaves incoming delegates ignorant of vital history and legacy.

“In an effort to be extra nice with GLISA since 2007, the FGG failed to inform the new delegates much of the great history of the Gay Games,” Stevens wrote. “Others felt the FGG was being negative by communicating clear facts about GLISA. GLISA was caught with stolen databases and were illegally spamming with GG6 (FGG property) email lists during Montreal and after 2007.

FGG leadership did not want to act

October 15-21, 2015 • BAY AREA REPORTER • 21

He added, “It’s an infill site that hasn’t had any building on it for 30 years, so it helps get rid of blight.”

In an email, Don Bentz, executive director of Sacramento’s LGBT Community Center, said, “This is a historic moment in our community’s evolution. We are witnessing the first post-Stonewall generation reaching retirement age. These trailblazers deserve to spend their senior years just as they lived their entire life ... out, proud, and true. Creating a safe, welcoming environment where LGBT seniors can thrive is an important milestone.”

Michael Farnham, 57, a gay man who’s helping with outreach, said he would move in to Lavender Courtyard “in a heartbeat.”

Farnham said the project is close to transit and he could even walk downtown for doctor’s appointments, the library, and other services.

He’s seen people who are experiencing health issues and other problems as they age “losing their homes because they can’t afford the mortgages anymore,” and he said, “If there was a place like this available, it would have been a lot better for them.”

Besides the apartments, the development will include community meeting space, as well as solar photovoltaics for energy generation.

In the Bay Area, San Francisco’s Openhouse has been working for years to open housing at 55 Laguna Street that’s welcoming to LGBT seniors. The development is currently under construction.

Joel Evans, the nonprofit’s director of development and marketing, said the project is set to be completed in the early fall of 2016 and

people will be able to start moving in that October.

The agency regularly holds housing workshops to help people address finances and other issues.

The next workshops are Friday, October 16 and Friday, October 23.

The sessions are held from noon to 1 p.m. on the third floor of San Francisco’s LGBT Community Center, 1800 Market Street.

Reservations are required. To reserve a spot, call (415) 296-8995, ext. 314.

More information is available at www.openhouse-sf.org.t

next year.

The Legislature did pass Low’s AB 1100, co-authored by Assemblyman Richard Bloom (D-Santa Monica), which increases the fee required to submit a ballot initiative to $2,000. The governor signed it into law September 1, and it will take effect January 1.

The lawmakers introduced the

bill in response to homophobic and transphobic ballot measures filed this year, such as one that called for the killing of all gay people in California. A state court agreed with the attorney general’s office that the proposal violated the law and could be summarily rejected.

Meanwhile, backers of a measure

that would require transgender people to use public bathrooms based on their gender assigned to them at birth have until December 20 to collect the required signatures needed to place it on the fall 2016 ballot.

The proponents only needed to pay $200, under the current ballot initiative rules, in order to file

it with state officials. The amount was set in 1943.

“It has been over 72 years since this aspect of the initiative process has been updated. This reform is overdue,” stated Low. “We live in California, the cradle of direct democracy, but we also need a threshold for reasonableness. And this bill will do just that.”t

on this other than to send a letter to GLISA and GLISA-NA to purge the GG6 names from their list. GLISA refused. GLISA used FGG photos in promotion, marketing and web pages and the FGG did nothing, because the FGG did not want to appear negative to LGBT people.

This might have been effective in presenting a good/kind image of the FGG, but it allowed lies to continue.”

In my conversations with Gay Games supporters, I repeatedly hear complaints that the board is derelict in its duties – that the only reason that none of them has filed a lawsuit to stop the negotiations with GLISA is because winning would be a meaningless victory, hurting a brand that is stumbling rather than helping it rally.

Now, I’m no attorney – and I don’t even play one on television – but the Internet is rife with advice on California nonprofit laws and the legal responsibilities of directors

of those organizations. One such source, trusteemag.com, offers this observation: “A board member’s central purpose is to ensure that the organization’s resources are used to achieve its purposes. This includes the duties of care, loyalty, and obedience. A trustee has a responsibility to participate in decision-making on behalf of the organization, and must exercise independent judgment while doing so. These decisions must be informed, meaning that the board member should make efforts to become familiar with the relevant, available facts. For example, members should require management to provide sufficient information to make an independent decision. If board members find that the information is invalid or incomplete, they are expected to ask questions about it. Independent advice is required if the nonprofit is buying or selling significant assets,

or is entering into a material contract. This is especially important if the organization is entering into a joint venture, sale, or merger.”

The FGG board believes its “mandate” to reach an agreement with GLISA comes from past assembly votes supporting a return to a single global sports event, such as the LGBT world enjoyed through the first six Gay Games before the advent of the World Outgames. But under nonprofit laws, those motions cannot legally supersede the Gay Games mission built into the FGG bylaws – and neither those motions nor those bylaws call for an abandonment of the Gay Games name, the model employed by the Gay Games for interacting with host organizations, or doing anything other than focusing on putting on the best damned participatory sports and cultural festival it can every four years.

On its blog, the FGG has said the “artists and athletes” who respond-

ed to a small survey conducted by GLISA and the FGG drive the talks for one world event. Nonsense. That survey did not tell respondents they were being asked about a sports event and the respondents were not pulled from Gay Games stakeholders, but from a broader population of people, many of whom said they had never even been to a gay sports event such as the Gay Games and do not think culture or sports are necessary components.

Contrarily, Gay Games participants have been polled repeatedly through the years and repeatedly they have called on the FGG to retain its commitment and focus on sports, and they have explicitly opposed expansion of parties, culture and conferences. They want more inclusive and less expensive, not more politicized and more talk-talk-talk.

But then, what do they know.

They’re just the grassroots supports who give the Gay Games their soul.t

SF project moving forward

A

2016

A

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Community News>>

Serving the LGBT communities since 1971

22 • BAY AREA REPORTER • October 15-21, 2015

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News Briefs

From page 19

The focus group is scheduled for Thursday, October 22 from 6 to 8 p.m. in San Francisco. Organizers noted that individuals of all nonbinary or gender non-conforming identities are encouraged to apply.

To register, people are asked to complete a brief survey at http://tinyurl. com/pq89kvz.

Officials said that personally identifying information will not be shared or discussed outside of Swords to Plowshares’ policy department. Participants must bring verification of military service, including but not limited to DD214, VA card, and deployment orders.

Organizers said they recognize there may be inconsistencies between a person’s name and the name(s) on their documents and will respect a person’s current name and gender.

For more information, contact Lauren Taylor at lauren.taylor@stpsf.org or (415) 252-4787, ext. 350.

SF HRC seeks members for LGBT panel

The San Francisco Human Rights Commission is seeking members for its LGBT Advisory Committee for 2016. The committee identifies and addresses issues and concerns of the

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Dufty

From page 5

Gay Supervisor Scott Wiener, the current occupant of the District 8 seat, told the B.A.R. that Dufty has done “a terrific job” overseeing the HOPE office and noted that he “played a key role” in creating the Navigation Center program.

“Bevan will be missed in City Hall, and I wish him the best in his future endeavors,” said Wiener.

As for what he plans to do next, Dufty told the B.A.R. his main focus will be raising his daughter Sid with co-parent Rebecca Goldfader and spending more time with his partner, Corey Lambert, who works for tech company CloudFare.

“I am coaching Sid’s soccer team and helping to organize a new basketball team,” said Dufty, who turned 60 in February. “I had Sid when I was 51 and I don’t know how much time I will have as a dad. So I want to be the best dad I can be and the best partner I can be and the best co-parent I can be.”

He ruled out running against Wiener for a state Senate seat next year. Dufty also told the B.A.R. he had not applied to become the new CEO of the San Francisco AIDS Foundation, which is actively looking to hire a successor to current CEO Neil Giuliano, who announced this summer he would also be stepping down in November.

“I am going to continue to work on homelessness, and particularly LGBT homelessness, as citizen Bevan,” said Dufty, who helped open this year a homeless shelter with beds specifically for LGBT people.

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Castro

From page 4

Recreation Center, Radar is teaming up with the literary arts nonprofit Quiet Lightning to produce what it is calling a “literary mixtape collaboration” of readings and performances.

Other events being planned include LGBT artists panels in conjunction with three art shows set to open next spring at the GLBT History Museum (4127 18th Street) and drag queen story hours at the Castro’s branch library (1 Jose Sarria Court off 16th Street) and also at Market Street bookstore Books Inc. around the Valentine’s Day and Easter holidays.

The organization is also commissioning pieces from queer artists to premiere at its Radar Superstar event held each year in June at the public library’s main branch in the

LGBT and HIV-affected communities and advises the full commission on policy recommendations.

The LGBT advisory committee is looking for members who are active in the community and who possess demonstrated experience and knowledge in subject matter areas dealing with racism, youth, aging, HIV/AIDS, anti-bullying and violence, civil rights, disability, women’s rights, class, gender identity, bisexual visibility, faith-based advocacy, intersex, and health issues.

Applicants must be able to make a firm commitment to attend advisory committee meetings on the third Tuesday of every month from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. and participate in a related working group.

Interested people can download and complete the application at http://sf-hrc.org/index.aspx?page=15, or send a letter (via mail, fax, or email) detailing why they would like to serve on the committee. Email correspondence can be sent to David Miree at david.miree@sfgov.org; or sent via mail to Miree at SF Human Rights Commission, 25 Van Ness Avenue, Suite 800, San Francisco, CA 94102.

The deadline to apply is 5 p.m. Friday, November 6.t

Legal Notices>>

Matthew S. Bajko contributed to this report.

SEPTEMBER 24, OCTOBER 01, 08, 15, 2015 FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE A-036676800

He added that he told Dodge he is “more than willing to come back and help part-time as we look for sites for new navigation centers.”

Dodge has been serving as the HOPE deputy director for the last year. In addition to helping Dufty launch the Navigation Center, Dodge was also involved in the planning and implementation of the mayor’s Streets to Homes initiative, whereby the city is master leasing 500 units of supportive housing for formerly homeless people moving out of the Navigation Center in 2015.

According to the mayor’s office, the first of those units are already welcoming residents, and the full 500 SRO units will be available by the end of the calendar year.

“You have to give residents hope, and I look forward to working with Sam in his new capacity to champion our city’s efforts to combat homelessness,” stated Lee. Added Dufty, “Sam is going to do an outstanding job and I couldn’t be prouder of him stepping into this role.”

Dodge, 40, a straight married father of two, worked at the Tenderloin Housing Clinic for more than six years, beginning in June 2000 as a tenant organizer and was then promoted to program manager in December 2001 when the Central City SRO Collaborative was founded. Dodge was also a labor organizer for the Service Employees International Union and the California Nurses’ Association.

He holds a B.A. from Evergreen State College in Olympia, Washington and a master’s degree in public administration from Columbia University in New York City.t Civic Center where it usually hosts its monthly reading series.

“People are very disillusioned with San Francisco right now and also with the arts,” said Delgado Lopera, who wrote ¡Cuéntamelo!, an illustrated bilingual collection of oral histories by LGBT Latin@ immigrants.

The Queering the Castro series, she added, aims to answer the question “how do we come together as queer artists and queer writers and push through what is happening in the city right now.”

Updated information about the various Queering the Castro events will be posted to Radar’s website at http://www.radarproductions.org/ as well as to its Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/RADAR-Productions-66777527741/ timeline/.t

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE A-036676700

The following person(s) is/are doing business as: THE CONSUMER HEART BUREAU, 286 LEXINGTON ST, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94110.

This business is conducted by an individual, and is signed FRANCISCO JAVIER GUZMAN. The registrant(s) commenced to transact business under the above listed fictitious business name or names on 09/15/15. The statement was filed with the City and County of San Francisco, CA on 09/15/15.

SEPTEMBER 24, OCTOBER 01, 08, 15, 2015 FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE A-036682000

The following person(s) is/are doing business as: THE MIDWIFE AND THE BAKER, 248 CHURCH ST, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94114. This business is conducted by an individual, and is signed THOMAS GIBSON MCCONNELL. The registrant(s) commenced to transact business under the above listed fictitious business name or names on 09/16/15. The statement was filed with the City and County of San Francisco, CA on 09/16/15.

SEPTEMBER 24, OCTOBER 01, 08, 15, 2015 FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE A-036684200

The following person(s) is/are doing business as: CONNIE Y. CHAN ATTORNEY AT LAW; LAW OFFICES OF CONNIE Y. CHAN; AFFLUENT HOMES; 405 SANSOME ST. 2ND FLR, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94111. This business is conducted by an individual, and is signed CONNIE Y. CHAN. The registrant(s) commenced to transact business under the above listed fictitious business name or names on 03/25/05. The statement was filed with the City and County of San Francisco, CA on 09/17/15.

The following person(s) is/are doing business as: TYTY HANDYMAN, 443 GOETTINGEN ST, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94134. This business is conducted by an individual, and is signed LONG CAM TIEN. The registrant(s) commenced to transact business under the above listed fictitious business name or names on 09/15/15. The statement was filed with the City and County of San Francisco, CA on 09/15/15.

SEPTEMBER 24, OCTOBER 01, 08, 15, 2015 FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE A-036681500

The following person(s) is/are doing business as: BOW JOY SERVICES, 835 CLAY ST #200, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94108. This business is conducted by an individual, and is signed YIYI LIU. The registrant(s) commenced to transact business under the above listed fictitious business name or names on 09/16/15. The statement was filed with the City and County of San Francisco, CA on 09/16/15.

SEPTEMBER 24, OCTOBER 01, 08, 15, 2015 FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE A-036690200 The following person(s) is/are doing business as: LET BLU, 56 A PATTON ST, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94110. This business is conducted by an individual, and is signed PATTI FAHEY. The registrant(s) commenced to transact business under the above listed fictitious business name or names on 09/21/15. The statement was filed with the City and County of San Francisco, CA on 09/21/15.

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE A-036690100

The following person(s) is/are doing business as: SPIRO CAFE, 826 VAN NESS AVE, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94109. This business is conducted by an individual, and is signed MUSTAFA BAHADURI. The registrant(s) commenced to transact business under the above listed fictitious business name or names on 09/21/15. The statement was filed with the City and County of San Francisco, CA on 09/21/15.

SEPTEMBER 24, OCTOBER 01, 08, 15, 2015 FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE A-036650800

The following person(s) is/are doing business as: HIGH STATE, 2151 24TH AVE, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94116. This business is conducted by a general partnership, and is signed ALEX PRESLER & PETR OLSKIY. The registrant(s) commenced to transact business under the above listed fictitious business name or names on 08/28/15. The statement was filed with the City and County of San Francisco, CA on 08/28/15.

SEPTEMBER 24, OCTOBER 01, 08, 15, 2015 FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE A-036663100

The following person(s) is/are doing business as: NATIVE SF TOURS; GREATERPURPOSE.ME, 787 UNION ST, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94133.

This business is conducted by an individual, and is signed STEPHEN BACCARI. The registrant(s) commenced to transact business under the above listed fictitious business name or names on 09/03/15. The statement was filed with the City and County of San Francisco, CA on 09/03/15.

OCTOBER 01, 08, 15, 22, 2015 FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE A-036661100

The following person(s) is/are doing business as: BEST OF GLASS, 645 SILVER AVE, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94134. This business is conducted by an individual, and is signed REMZI SHATARA. The registrant(s) commenced to transact business under the above listed fictitious business name or names on 09/02/15. The statement was filed with the City and County of San Francisco, CA on 09/02/15.

OCTOBER 01, 08, 15, 22, 2015 FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE A-036702500

The following person(s) is/are doing business as: METRO APPLIANCE REPAIR, 1920 TURK ST, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94115. This business is conducted by an individual, and is signed ANATOLI DIDENCO. The registrant(s) commenced to transact business under the above listed fictitious business name or names on 04/09/12.

The statement was filed with the City and County of San Francisco, CA on 09/28/15.

OCTOBER 01, 08, 15, 22, 2015 FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE A-036687800

The following person(s) is/are doing business as: BENNI AMADI INTERIORS, 331 LIBERTY ST, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94114. This business is conducted by an individual, and is signed BENEDETTA AMADI. The registrant(s) commenced to transact business under the above listed fictitious business name or names on 07/15/15.

The statement was filed with the City and County of San Francisco, CA on 09/18/15.

OCTOBER 01, 08, 15, 22, 2015

/lgbtsf

SEPTEMBER 24, OCTOBER 01, 08, 15, 2015

t

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE A-036699000

The following person(s) is/are doing business as: HEALING INTIMACY, 14 PRECITA AVE, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94110. This business is conducted by an individual, and is signed EMIKO YOSHIKAMI. The registrant(s) commenced to transact business under the above listed fictitious business name or names on 09/01/15. The statement was filed with the City and County of San Francisco, CA on 09/24/15.

OCTOBER 01, 08, 15, 22, 2015 FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE A-036689000

The following person(s) is/are doing business as: LIPSHTICK PICTURES, 3870 SACRAMENTO ST #3, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94118. This business is conducted by an individual, and is signed SERENA SHULMAN. The registrant(s) commenced to transact business under the above listed fictitious business name or names on 09/08/15.

The statement was filed with the City and County of San Francisco, CA on 09/21/15.

OCTOBER 01, 08, 15, 22, 2015 FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE A-036690000

The following person(s) is/are doing business as: WILD GROWTH, 524 30TH AVE #202, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94121. This business is conducted by a general partnership, and is signed EUGENE BURAGA & DAVID YAKUBYAK. The registrant(s) commenced to transact business under the above listed fictitious business name or names on NA. The statement was filed with the City and County of San Francisco, CA on 09/21/15.

OCTOBER 01, 08, 15, 22, 2015 FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE A-036696900

The following person(s) is/are doing business as: GOURMET NOODLE HOUSE, 3751 GEARY BLVD, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94118. This business is conducted by a corporation, and is signed GS RIVERSIDE GRILL (CA). The registrant(s) commenced to transact business under the above listed fictitious business name or names on 09/23/15. The statement was filed with the City and County of San Francisco, CA on 09/23/15.

OCTOBER 01, 08, 15, 22, 2015 FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE A-036700800

The following person(s) is/are doing business as: MATHILDE FRENCH BISTRO, 315 5TH ST, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94107. This business is conducted by a corporation, and is signed LE CHARM INC (CA). The registrant(s) commenced to transact business under the above listed fictitious business name or names on 09/25/15. The statement was filed with the City and County of San Francisco, CA on 09/25/15.

OCTOBER 01, 08, 15, 22, 2015 FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE A-036699200

The following person(s) is/are doing business as: COMMON SAGE, 1552 POLK ST, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94109. This business is conducted by a corporation, and is signed ENA NORTH BEACH, INC (CA). The registrant(s) commenced to transact business under the above listed fictitious business name or names on 09/24/15. The statement was filed with the City and County of San Francisco, CA on 09/24/15.

OCTOBER 01, 08, 15, 22, 2015 FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE A-036680500

The following person(s) is/are doing business as: JOHN COLINS, 138 MINNA ST, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94105. This business is conducted by a limited partnership, and is signed JOHN GIUFFRE & COLIN O’MALLEY. The registrant(s) commenced to transact business under the above listed fictitious business name or names on 09/15/15.

The statement was filed with the City and County of San Francisco, CA on 09/15/15.

OCTOBER 01, 08, 15, 22, 2015

The

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Legal Notices>> FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE A-036659900

The following person(s) is/are doing business as: NORTH BAY HAULING, 1579 REVERE AVE, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94124. This business is conducted by a married couple, and is signed JOSE DE JESUS SAAVEDRA & LUZ MARIA SAAVEDRA. The registrant(s) commenced to transact business under the above listed fictitious business name or names on 01/01/2000. The statement was filed with the City and County of San Francisco, CA on 09/02/15.

OCTOBER 01, 08, 15, 22, 2015 FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE A-036687500

The following person(s) is/are doing business as: A-YO, 2398 PACIFIC AVE #203, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94115. This business is conducted by a limited liability company, and is signed A-YO LLC (CA). The registrant(s) commenced to transact business under the above listed fictitious business name or names on 09/16/15. The statement was filed with the City and County of San Francisco, CA on 09/18/15.

OCTOBER 01, 08, 15, 22, 2015 FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE A-036687600

The following person(s) is/are doing business as: STEPHANIE BREITBARD FINE ARTS, 843 MONTGOMERY ST, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94133. This business is conducted by a limited liability company, and is signed STEPHANIE BREITBARD FINE ARTS, LLC (CA). The registrant(s) commenced to transact business under the above listed fictitious business name or names on 09/10/15. The statement was filed with the City and County of San Francisco, CA on 09/18/15.

OCTOBER 01, 08, 15, 22, 2015 FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE A-036693800

The following person(s) is/are doing business as: QIAN XI MOVING COMPANY, 220 LOBOS ST, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94112. This business is conducted by an individual, and is signed CHUAN SU XING. The registrant(s) commenced to transact business under the above listed fictitious business name or names on 09/22/15. The statement was filed with the City and County of San Francisco, CA on 09/22/15.

OCT 15, 22, 29, NOV 05, 2015 FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE A-036726700

The following person(s) is/are doing business as: MING CHI ASSOCIATES, 1599 HAYES ST P-101, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94117. This business is conducted by an individual, and is signed ZHIYAN WANG. The registrant(s) commenced to transact business under the above listed fictitious business name or names on 10/09/15. The statement was filed with the City and County of San Francisco, CA on 10/09/15.

OCT 15, 22, 29, NOV 05, 2015 FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE A-036703100

The following person(s) is/are doing business as: AJK MERCHANT SERVICES, 130 WAYLAND ST, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94134. This business is conducted by an individual, and is signed ZUHDI JAMAL KHALIL. The registrant(s) commenced to transact business under the above listed fictitious business name or names on NA. The statement was filed with the City and County of San Francisco, CA on 09/28/15.

OCT 15, 22, 29, NOV 05 2015 FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE A-036725200

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE A-036702400

The following person(s) is/are doing business as: PRECISION APPLIANCE REPAIR, 1776 SUTTER ST #210, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94115. This business is conducted by an individual, and is signed EDUARD KORENBLIT. The registrant(s) commenced to transact business under the above listed fictitious business name or names on 09/28/15. The statement was filed with the City and County of San Francisco, CA on 09/28/15.

OCT 15, 22, 29, NOV 05, 2015 FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE A-036723800

Pet Services>>

The following person(s) is/are doing business as: HALLER ARCHITECHTURE & DESIGN, 1211 FOLSOM ST 3RD FL, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94103.

This business is conducted by a corporation, and is signed HALLER DESIGN STUDIO, INC (CA). The registrant(s) commenced to transact business under the above listed fictitious business name or names on 12/16/10. The statement was filed with the City and County of San Francisco, CA on 10/05/15.

OCT 15, 22, 29, NOV 05, 2015 FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE A-036711200

The following person(s) is/are doing business as: POINTS AND PINTS, 355 BERRY ST #210, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94158. This business is conducted by a limited liability company, and is signed RANDOM THEORY LLC (CA). The registrant(s) commenced to transact business under the above listed fictitious business name or names on 11/13/13. The statement was filed with the City and County of San Francisco, CA on 10/01/15.

Jobs Offered>> BARBER OR STYLIST WANTED – Shop located on Castro Street @ 19th.

Call 415-522-1111. Anthony

CLEANING PROFS WANTED! –

OCT 15, 22, 29, NOV 05, 2015 FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE A-036715600

VIP GROOMING –

Pet Grooming. Proudly Serving the LGBT Community. 4299 24th St, SF. 415-282-1393 or vipgroomingsf.com

Movers>>

OCT 15, 22, 29, NOV 05, 2015 FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE A-036722700

The following person(s) is/are doing business as: HARENDONG USA, 1886 18TH AVE, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94122. This business is conducted by a limited liability company, and is signed NOVO INTERNATIONAL LLC (CA). The registrant(s) commenced to transact business under the above listed fictitious business name or names on 10/08/15. The statement was filed with the City and County of San Francisco, CA on 10/08/15.

Join our top home & realty cleaning company in SF. We seek independent contractors to work part-time w upscale private clients & on real estate prep cleanings.

Refs req/3yrs exp/Comp pay. jaxhomecare@aol.com; (415) 350-9060

MONTHS LONG RESTORATION –

I am looking for a long-term project to refurbish my neglected apt to “liveable.” Will need: cleaning & organizing assist for a couple of months. Bathroom & kitchen need deep cleaning, tons of clothes need to go to Goodwill, shoes size 13...Gotta go. FYI: This place is FILTY!!! Ken Jones 415368-7189

Legal Services>> Law Offices

SHELLEY S. FEINBERG, ESQ Serving the LGBT community since 1999.

• Probate • Wills & Trusts • Trust Administration • Estate Planning FLAT FEE Flood Bldg. 870 Market St, Suite 420

Call (415) 421-1893 ssfeinberg@msn.com

Free Initial Consultation

ALMA SOONGI BECK

650.289.6429

NOW, VOYAGER TRAVEL –

Part-Time Leisure Travel Agent Needed in Castro Storefront Travel Agency. Sabre. Experience preferred. Call Pete 415-626-1169

OCT 15, 22, 29, NOV 05, 2015 FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE A-036710200

The following person(s) is/are doing business as: THE FINE MOUSSE, 1098 JACKSON, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94133. This business is conducted by a limited liability company, and is signed PROOST LLC (CA). The registrant(s) commenced to transact business under the above listed fictitious business name or names on 10/01/15. The statement was filed with the City and County of San Francisco, CA on 10/01/15.

35 PUC # 176618

OCT 15, 22, 29, NOV 05, 2015 FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE A-036725000

OCT 15, 22, 29, NOV 05, 2015 FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE A-036723700

The following person(s) is/are doing business as: FIZZEE’S BAR & GRILL, 3954 GEARY BLVD, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94118. This business is conducted by a limited liability company, and is signed FIZZEE’S, LLC (CA). The registrant(s) commenced to transact business under the above listed fictitious business name or names on 10/08/15. The statement was filed with the City and County of San Francisco, CA on 10/08/15.

OCT 15, 22, 29, NOV 05, 2015 FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE A-036721000

The following person(s) is/are doing business as: ALLSTARS CAFE, 98 9TH ST, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94103. This business is conducted by an individual, and is signed DARREN LE. The registrant(s) commenced to transact business under the above listed fictitious business name or names on 09/30/15. The statement was filed with the City and County of San Francisco, CA on 09/30/15.

The following person(s) is/are doing business as: HIGH ZONE PROJECT; LEDUS HUB, 515 JOHN MUIR DR #A323, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94132. This business is conducted by a limited liability company, and is signed FASHION BAG CO. LLC (CA). The registrant(s) commenced to transact business under the above listed fictitious business name or names on 10/01/15. The statement was filed with the City and County of San Francisco, CA on 10/07/15.

OCT 15, 22, 29, NOV 05, 2015

OCT 15, 22, 29, NOV 5, 2015

Household Services>> CLEANING PROFESSIONAL –

26 Years Exp. (415) 794-4411 Roger Miller

OCT 15, 22, 29, NOV 05, 2015 FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE A-036723200

The following person(s) is/are doing business as: GOLDEN GATE NEEDLEPOINT, 3310 SACRAMENTO ST, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94118.

This business is conducted by a limited liability company and is signed GOLDEN GATE DESIGN AND NEEDLEWORK LLC (CA). The registrant(s) commenced to transact business under the above listed fictitious business name or names on 07/26/10. The statement was filed with the City and County of San Francisco, CA on 10/08/15.

OCT 15, 22, 29, NOV 05, 2015 FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE A-036706100

Classifieds The

The following person(s) is/are doing business as: SUNSET DENTISTRY, 919 IRVING ST #101, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94122. This business is conducted by a corporation, and is signed SOPHYA N. MORGHEM DMD, MS CORP (CA). The registrant(s) commenced to transact business under the above listed fictitious business name or names on 10/08/15. The statement was filed with the City and County of San Francisco, CA on 10/08/15.

The following person(s) is/are doing business as: AYNI LAW GROUP, 405 SANSOME ST 2ND FLR, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94111. This business is conducted by an individual, and is signed CONNIE CHAN. The registrant(s) commenced to transact business under the above listed fictitious business name or names on 10/09/15. The statement was filed with the City and County of San Francisco, CA on 10/09/15.

The following person(s) is/are doing business as: STICKBOOK STUDIOS, 821 LEAVENWORTH ST #34, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94109. This business is conducted by an individual, and is signed KELLY CATHERINE LEWIS EASTMAN. The registrant(s) commenced to transact business under the above listed fictitious business name or names on 10/09/15. The statement was filed with the City and County of San Francisco, CA on 10/09/15.

October 15-21, 2015 • BAY AREA REPORTER • 23

Hauling >> HAULING 24/7 –

(415) 441-1054 Large Truck

HOUSECLEANING SINCE 1979 –

Tech Support>>

Many original clients. All supplies.

HEPA Vac. Richard 415-255-0389

MACINTOSH HELP * home or office * 24 years exp * sfmacman.com

R i c k 41 5 . 8 2 1 . 1 7 92

PC Support Ralph Doore 415-867-4657

Professional 30+ years exp.

Virus removal PC speedup New PC setup Data recovery Network & wireless setup Discreet

 Yelp reviews

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ADVERTISE! The Bay Area Reporter reaches more LGBT consumers than any other advertising medium in the nine county San Francisco Bay Area.

We’re also proud to be the only LGBT print publication with both an audited and verified circulation. Call (415) 861-5019 to market your business to more than 120,000 Bay Area readers.

1440206

2015 ti Bullying 9.75x16 Bay Area Reporter

I’m safe being me.

I walk the halls with confidence. Not fear.

Inspiring confidence in LGBT youth Last year, 8 out of 10 LGBT students reported being harassed or intimidated at school. And many will see no other option but to drop out due to low self-esteem and fearing for their safety.

But making small changes, such as helping students identify supportive educators, can have a huge impact.

In 2014, we helped GLSEN reach its goal of putting a Safe Space Kit in every middle school and high school across the country. With the simple guide, poster, and stickers found inside, teachers are creating spaces where students feel empowered, safe to be themselves, and free to reach their maximum potential.

Little by little, we can all do a lot to improve the lives of LGBT students. Small is Huge.SM Learn more about our continued support of the LGBT community at wellsfargo.com/lgbt.

And remember to join us in wearing purple on Spirit Day, October 15.

© 2015 Wells Fargo Bank, N.A. All rights reserved. ECG-1440206

1440206 2015 Anti Bullying_Bay Area Reporter.indd 1

9/18/15 1:25 PM

Nancy man

30

Lucia ball

32

Out &About

Love triumphs

29

O&A

28

Vol. 45 • No. 42 • October 15-21, 2015

www.ebar.com/arts

Bechdel on Bechdel

by Erin Blackwell

A

lison Bechdel phoned from an island off Seattle to talk about herself for 40 minutes. I humored her by tossing in the occasional question. She seemed to enjoy my conversational approach. Apparently, since becoming the toast of Broadway this year, the 55-year-old cartoonist has been deluged by interviewers, all asking her the same questions.

Not sure what those are. “How does it feel to have your cartoon-autobiography of your closeted father’s suicide-by-Sunshine-Bread-truck turned into a Tony Award-winning musical?” might be among them. You’ll have a chance to ask her your own questions when she addresses the Jewish Community Center/SF on Wed., Oct. 21, at 7 p.m.

See page 26 >>

Fun Home author/artist Alison Bechdel.

Courtesy the subject

Stuff happens

by Richard Dodds

T

hinking outside the box has become a concept, a metaphor, and now a physical reality at the Curran Theatre. The second production in the Curran: Under Construction series places the audience on the stage amid towers of boxes that hold everything from old report cards to Star Wars action figures.

And you are welcome to explore those boxes, with what you pull out perhaps even finding its way into writer-performer Geoff Sobelle’s reflections on the “stuff ” that helps define our lives. Running through Oct. 18, The Object Lesson is described as “a tactile performanceinstallation for a mobile audience.”

See page 35 >>

Writer-performer Geoff Sobelle shares the stage with both the audience and mountains of boxes in The Object Lesson, part of the Curran: Under Construction series.

{ SECOND OF THREE SECTIONS }

Craig Schwartz

NOW

A .C

MONSTRESS ACT-SF.ORG | 415.749.2228

GROUPS OF 15+, CALL 415.439.2309.

A.C.T.’S STRAND THEATER 1127 MARKET ST.

.T.’ S

PLA

STR

AND

YIN

THE

AT E

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<< Out There

26 • BAY AREA REPORTER • October 15-21, 2015

Rakoffian pleasures

MARIN CENTER PRESENTS

by Roberto Friedman

Showcase Theater Series

W

e met the bestselling humorist David Rakoff many years ago, in a San Francisco five-star hotel room, to interview him when his book Fraud came out. Unlike many authors whom we’ve interviewed, Rakoff was immediately present, kind, and genuinely interested in our questions and our acquaintance.

He was a charming, willing subject, quite unlike the Famous Author who took a call from his agent in the middle of our interview; or the Famous Author who told us to “find your own friends,” apparently because we’d got to know some of his peers; or the Famous Author who unexpectedly lured us into bed. He was talented, successful, and nice to people below him on the social ladder. In the words of our tribe, he was a true mensch.

Rakoff died way too soon, in 2012, but before he did, he produced three terrific essay collections; contributed to public radio’s This American Life; wrote prolifically; had a life in the theater; and starred in an Oscar-winning short, The New Tenants (2010). His gift for comic writing was acknowledged by the Thurber Prize for American Humor award.

A new volume, The Uncollected David Rakoff (Anchor Books), edited

by Timothy G. Young and with an introduction by Paul Rudnick, is a must-read for Rakoff enthusiasts. It includes all manner of LOL material published in media that runs the spectrum; a transcription of two

ARMISTEAD MAUPIN’S

Logical Family

<<

Alison Bechdel

From page 25

The first art I remember seeing

by Bechdel was a line drawing of the Statue of Liberty clutching a copy of WomaNews, circa 1983, in an inhouse ad in the now-defunct NYCbased radical feminist rag. I’d picked up the paper to read my own review of a Jane Chambers play and was struck by the clean, crisp rationality of the drawing. So much feminist art had been on the sloppy side. The editor shared my enthusiasm while appreciating the budding cartoonist’s humility, or some such word denot-

Sunday, October 25, 7 pm

Post show book signing in partnership with Book Passage.

MARIN CENTER • SAN RAFAEL MARINCENTER.ORG NEW CONSERVATORY THEATRE CENTER PRESENTS

“A bold, brave play” — BACKSTAGE

REGIONAL PREMIERE

BY DOUGLAS CARTER BEANE DIRECTED BY DENNIS LICKTEIG

Join us for

Fresh Air interviews with host Terry Gross; scripts of sketches from This American Life; and the complete text of his novel-in-verse Love, Dishonor, Marry, Die, Cherish, Perish. All in all, a veritable Rakoff cornucopia.

Rakoff had a pitch-perfect ear for pop culture, as in his fake Abercrombie & Fitch ad copy: “Return to a simpler time. A time of ice cream suppers and neighborly conduct. A time of unbleached cotton and natural fibers. A time where a woman could die of a botched abortion, blacks didn’t have the vote, blah, blah, blah.” Nothing escapes his eye, as in this description of Dean Martin captured in a kinescope of a 1965 concert: “While singing ‘King of the Road,’ he gives it a nice little genderfuck by punctuating a riff with a lock of the torso, a cant of the head, his wrist a relaxed teapot handle, and singing, ‘Queen of the road.’ Dean, just for an instant, makes a surprisingly sympathetic and counterintuitively convincing bottom. I sit there, homo that I am, charmed and unoffended.”

Imagining household pets granted the gift of language, Rakoff riffs on overhearing some canine bitching at the dog run: “I’m really pissed off at what you said about me getting fat and how Alice Munro writes the same book over and over.

So no, I don’t want to get the ball.” ing a lack of dread artistic temperament. Today, Bechdel says working for a newspaper was “really, really great training for a cartoonist.”

Bechdel started drawing “as soon as I could hold a pencil.” But whereas “most of us stop at a certain point,” she kept going, because “I had a moderate measure of skill, and got some attention doing it.”

The genesis of her exquisite technique is implicit in her cartoonmemoir Fun Home (2006), which could have been called Portrait of the Artist’s Father as an Exacting Escapist, or, Everything I Know About Art I Learned from a Detail Queen.

Immeasurable must be Bruce’s joy in the Afterworld to see his daughter turning out to be an obsessive technician who’s even more maniacal, having reduced Dad’s very existence to an amalgam of carefully collected and arranged details.

The surprising thing after the fun and frolic of Bechdel’s long-running cartoon strip Dykes To Watch Out For (1983-2008) is the intensely twisted world of her childhood. Fun Home is short for funeral home, a business her father took over on the death of his father. Death is everywhere. She confuses creepy Charles Addams characters like Morticia with portraits of her own family. Her Dad’s energetic restoration of the period home creates a diabolic atmosphere of temper

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Some of the wit on display here reminds Out There of vintage Fran Lebowitz: “Unless your dog files an individual tax return, it is inappropriate bordering on immoral to block human progress by unreeling 30 feet of retractable leash across the pavement.” But Rakoff ’s best stuff emanates from his big gay self.

In “The Love That Dare Not Squeak Its Name,” he writes of recognizing himself in the mouse hero of E.B. White’s children’s classic Stuart Little: “Stuart’s unquestioned membership in a family despite one glaring material difference from them and his tininess only accentuating his courtly manners and dandy tendencies made me realize that I was somewhat like Stuart, and that Stuart seemed, somewhat like myself, pretty gay.”t tantrums erupting in a Fantasyland version of the past, where perfect existence is attainable only by the artificial and detached. Young Alison quite rightly starts to question the nature of reality, and hallucinates ectoplasmic barriers between rooms.

“I grew up in this house controlled by this secret,” says Bechdel.

“I had an aversion to secrecy.” Aha. So many artists have the whistleblower gene. “It’s a useful gene to have.” Whereas some of us might bemoan a Fate that makes us a suicide’s offspring, she takes the high road. “I’ve had such good luck in my life. I’ve made room for myself. Me and this whole movement made space in the culture for it to be okay and normal.” She is nonetheless somewhat surprised that her “queer and particular story touched this mainstream nerve,” first in book form, now onstage.

Yet all is not perfect in this perfectionist’s world. With the “cool aesthetic distance” she describes in Fun Home as her default mode, “Human relationship is not my strong suit. I struggle with intimacy.” Methinks she doth protest too much. After all, she did get married in July. “I love Holly. But I’m always kind of screwing up. I wish I could be as good at real life as writing about it.”t Info: jccsf.org.

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<< Film

28 • BAY AREA REPORTER • October 15-21, 2015

Love story in the face of bigotry

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by David Lamble

riage. Things are changing.

C

What was the relationship part of the film like?

Page: We loved that part. We could snuggle up!

Moore: I love a romance, that is my favorite part of the movie. So to get to do that, to get to do the meeting part, the falling-in-love part, filming the montage, building the house, that was all so incredibly pleasurable.

Page: Then we’re sitting there eating takeout.

oming off playing another embattled heroine in last year’s indie hit Still Alice, Julianne Moore pairs up with Juno star Ellen Page to depict a lesbian couple’s battle for equal rights. In Freeheld’s romantic first act, Moore’s Laurel Hester, a veteran police lieutenant on the Ocean County, NJ force, meets Page’s Stacie Andree, a saucy local garage mechanic. Laurel and Stacie set up house in a tidy three-bedroom cottage and prepare for a long, happy run, until Laurel is diagnosed with end-stage lung cancer.

Wishing that her Stacie be allowed to go on living in their little castle after her death, Laurel attempts to deed her lover the substantial pension she’s earned after 23 years of rough-and-tumble life in a squad car. The women are shocked when the county board of Freeholders rejects their application – partly because New Jersey didn’t then recognize same-sex marriage, but also, as the film makes clear, because of the Tea Party-style prejudices of several board members, playing to their far-right constituents.

Thus the battle lines are drawn, and the women spend the rest of the film fighting bigoted pols with the assistance of a loud and proud inyour-face gay Jewish lawyer (Steve Carell), Stacie’s formerly grumpy police partner Dane Wells (Michael Shannon), and eventually a convert from the Freeholders (The Good Wife’s Josh Charles).

An indication of how you will take to Freeheld comes in this early “meet cute” scene, where Laurel encounters Stacie at an athletic event.

As their chat proceeds, we notice some interesting changes in their body language.

“You came all the way out here to play volleyball, and you don’t even like it?”

“Every once in a while I think one should go out and try and meet someone.”

“They don’t have girls in Jersey?”

“It’s not that. People know me back home, it’s hard to go out and

Phil Caruso

Laurel Hester (Julianne Moore, right) and Stacie Andree (Ellen Page, left) in Freeheld.

have privacy. I should go.”

“OK. Can I have your number?”

“I’ll give you my cell. If anybody asks where you got it, please don’t mention it.”

Despite the uncertainty of knowing whether their project would open in movie theaters or be shuffled over to cable TV’s Lifetime channel, Freeheld director Peter Sollett (Nick and Norah’s Infinite Playlist) and screenwriter Ron Nyswaner (Philadelphia) manage to tell a moving adult story on a bare-bones budget. With the time-honored goals of traditional hetero couples – house, yard, dog – Laurel and Stacie’s story jumps out as an awardsseason frontrunner.

Ellen Page discussed her joy at being in the film after the usual long taffy-pull of fundraising: “Producers Michael Shamberg and Susie Sher sent me the documentary [also called Freeheld] when I was about 21 [in 2008] and asked me if I would want to attach myself to it. I was so moved, I was weeping, and said yes immediately. And Julianne said yes.”

Julianne Moore: I came on after it

had already been scripted and had a director. I read it and loved it.

David Lamble: How did you prepare yourself to be a female cop who’s been on the force for 23 years?

I talked to a lot of cops! I talked with Laurel’s police officer partner – they were very close. I also had an advisor on the set, Maggie Cummings, who was a gay police officer, who was able to fill me in on the finer points of being a police officer in those places: how you behave, how you wear your badge and gun.

To be honest with you, it was much harder for me to figure out the cop stuff than the relationship stuff. Being a cop is a stretch for me.

The term partner comes up in both ways: you’re partners with a male police officer, and you’re partners with Ellen’s Stacie at the same time.

The semantics of that word! But I do think that when you’re not able to say “wife,” “husband,” you’re reduced to saying “my partner,” that does feel like a reduction. That’s why marriage equality is important,

because when you say somebody is a partner, it denotes a different kind of relationship.

Otherwise it becomes lethally ambiguous.

Absolutely, which is not fair!

One of these partners dies, and her substantial police pension is denied your character [Ellen’s Stacie]. How did the Freeholders justify doing that? It seems so outrageous.

Ellen Page: There was a loophole that basically allowed county Freeholders to decide which county employees got it and which didn’t, so these Freeholders, these five men, said no to them. You look back now, and frankly, it just seems cruel to me.

Julianne Moore: What’s astonishing to me is that it really felt like they would get away with it. And finally, after every single county in New Jersey had closed that loophole as a result of this trial, Gov. Jon Corzine came in and said he had to do something about this.

Page: 61% of Young Republicans are totally in favor of same-sex mar-

That’s the part of the film that I love the most, too, because there’s such a genuine feeling between the two of you. You can’t have enough films that show that side of things.

Moore: I agree. I think we want to see ourselves when we go to the movies, to see our lives reflected.

It’s always most touching to me when somebody comes up to me and says, “That was me, that was my story.” Anytime you’re able to tell a love story, you’re telling a lot of love stories.

Lest we forget, this has happened a relatively short time ago, 2006.

It’s not ancient history. How are the people doing now?

Moore: Stacie still lives in the same house in Ocean County, and she still works at the same garage.

Dane Wells still lives in New Jersey.

He’s no longer a police officer. They were so supportive of this film, and gave us so much access to their lives, anything they could help us with.

What was the most memorable scene for you guys?

Page: [Looking at Moore] The dancing.

Moore: Yeah, we loved it! It was such an evolution between the time we rehearsed it – we barely knew each other, learning how to do the two-step, and “Hey, see you later,” til we actually shot it towards the end of the movie. By then we had got to be very close friends. We felt like we knew the relationship inside and out, and it was absolutely delightful to do those romantic dances.t

Castro Theatre spices up October

by David Lamble

Y

ou may have seen this trend coming, but in the second half of October it’s fully arrived. Our fab Castro movie palace is now so eclectically programmed, the programming elves so moved by diverse spirits, that the result is a cross between its origins as a 1920s vaudeville house and Ted Turner’s Super Station.

Margaret Cho: The PsyCho Tour Hometown gal Cho was born to Korean-American parents in SF. Growing up near her dad’s bookstore Paperback Traffic, she described her community as “old hippies, ex-druggies, burn-outs from the 60s, drag queens, Chinese people, and Koreans. To say it was a melting pot, that’s the least of it. It was a really confusing, enlightening, wonderful time.”

Cho’s comedy rants range in subject from appearances on The View and an unsuccessful spinoff from The Golden Girls to hang-time with Jerry Seinfeld. She attended the SF School of the Arts, where she did improv comedy with actors Sam Rockwell and Aisha Tyler. Completing a kind of black belt in comedy, she appeared on a Bob Hope special, and was a frequent guest on Arsenio Hall’s late-night gabfest. (10/15, 8 & 10:30 p.m.)

Arab Film Festival Openingnight film is Ali F. Mostafa’s From

Margaret Cho brings her PsyCho Tour to the Castro Theatre.

A to B, whose protagonist Omar (Fadi Rifaai) embarks on a car trip through the Middle East from Abu Dhabi to Beirut in memory of a deceased friend. The trip is a series of comic misadventures, from highway breakdown to encounters with camels along the highway. (10/16) Cleopatra This super Cinemascope 1963 treasure from studio vet Joseph L. Mankiewicz nearly destroyed 20th Century Fox upon its initial release. But it’s the real deal in costume dramas, with Richard Burton and Rex Harrison dressed in togas as Marc Antony and Julius Caesar, and Elizabeth Taylor as Queen of the Nile.

The Phantom of the Opera House organist Bruce Loeb accompanies the 1925 76-minute silent version of this classic horror tale, with silent star Lon Chaney in the title role.

Carnival of Souls Director Herk Harvey’s 1962 cult hit kicks off with a small-town Kansas woman experiencing a drag-car race and winding up as a Salt Lake City church organist. With apparitions galore, this is as B-movie a program as any on the calendar. (all three, 9/17) My Fair Lady George Cukor presided over studio chief Jack Warner’s last stab at Hollywood Golden Age grandeur with this highly entertaining version of the smash Broad-

way musical. Rex Harrison shines in his greatest role, George Bernard Shaw’s crabby linguist who bets his fellow London clubman that he can pass a poor cockney flower girl (Audrey Hepburn) off as a society lady at a glamorous society ball.

The Jerk Steve Martin and Carl Reiner combine their Olympic-level comic skills in Martin’s big-screen debut. With an all-star cast: Bernadette Peters, Catlin Adams, Mabel King, Bill Macy, Jackie Mason, Maurice Evans and M. Emmet Walsh.

An anything-goes carnival of exotic sights and sounds. (both 10/18) The Exorcist The original version of Peter Blatty’s early-70s bestseller (directed by William Friedkin) about a child relieved of her demonic possession by a plucky priest. With Ellen Burstyn, Max von Sydow, Linda Blair and Lee J. Cobb.

It’s either one of the scariest mainstream horror films or a hilarious spoof of everything the Catholic Church has held dear.

The Devils British cinema trickster Ken Russell always felt that excess was best, and doubles down on every imaginable beat in this wild tale of 17th-century witchcraft. The fine ensemble: Oliver Reed, Vanessa Redgrave, Max Adrian and Murray Melvin. (both 10/20) Back to the Future, Part II A modern in-house spoof of Marty McFly’s time-travel adventures. (10/21) 3rd I’s South Asian Film Festival

Four films range from Haider, a reimagined Hamlet; to The Crow’s Egg, an urban streetkids tale; to Tigers, the tale of a Pakistani baby-formula salesman who tries to warn about a bad batch; to PK, a Bollywood-style story of space aliens. (10/24) The Godfather Al Pacino takes over the reins of his New York crime family in the first part of Francis Ford Coppola’s brilliant trilogy based on Mario Puzo’s pulp bestseller. Oscars for Best Picture, Actor (Marlon Brando) and Screenplay (Coppola and Puzo). Coppola is well-known for prodigious feats of ghost-writing for other filmmakers, but here we view a protean film genius out in the open getting all the credit he richly deserves for what amounts to an Italian American origin-myth epic.

Serpico Pacino is back with his signature turn as an embattled Gotham cop who seeks to rid the force of internal corruption. This masterpiece is must-see viewing for anyone naive enough not to understand the cause and nature of police corruption worldwide, from East Coast urban slums to complacent West Coast nirvanas. One memorable line comes from a rotten Brooklyn cop who, when Serpico is transferred from the Bronx to Brooklyn for his own protection, snarls, “All right, you cocksucker, you might get by with that shit in the Bronx, but See page 34 >>

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Theatre>>

October 15-21, 2015 • BAY AREA REPORTER • 29

Professional pansy faces the music

by Richard Dodds

T

hreads of complementary and fascinating histories are interwoven in The Nance, Douglas Carter Beane’s play about show business, politics, sexual taboos, and moral grandstanding. The setting is New York of the late 1930s, as Mayor Fiorello LaGuardia’s missionary zeal against corruption, patronage, crime, and Tammany Hall found room to include burlesque in his crusades. For a performer like Chauncey Miles, it was a double whammy. Not only is the theater where he performs threatened with closure, but also his carefully honed comic character has become a lawbreaker. And since that character is essentially an extension of himself, it’s as if his whole life has been declared null and void.

New Conservatory Theatre Center is presenting the regional premiere of the 2013 Broadway play, an ambitious undertaking that director Dennis Lickteig and his cast serve up with impressive results. It’s ambitious on several levels, first for combining backstage comedy and pathos with burlesque-show replications. And then there’s the matter of filling the title role, written specifically for and played by the prodigiously talented and particularly apt

Nathan Lane on Broadway.

In burlesque parlance, the nance was a stock character, a professional pansy, who lisps double entendres in bawdy sketches before leaving the limp wrist at the stage door to return to, in most cases, a heterosexual life.

But Chauncey happens to be as gay as the character he plays, an irony he recognizes: “Kind of like a Negro doing blackface.” While Chauncey’s character merrily prances on stage, offstage he morosely prowls familiar cruising grounds in search of gay sex from men who proclaim to be straight. It’s a life of self-loathing only occasionally enlivened by his cynical wit and acceptance within his theatrical family.

If Nathan Lane seemed destined to play Chauncey Miles on Broadway, in San Francisco, that destiny most reasonably falls to P.A. Cooley, whose performances have been compared to Lane’s in the past. But far from being a default local standin for Nathan Lane, Cooley breathes his own life into the character as he draws us into Chauncey’s complicated world, in which he may be a sad clown but he is definitely not a pushover. If he’s going to be miserable, it’s on his own proud terms.

Cooley is in good company at NCTC, where Shay Oglesby-

Lois Tema

P.A. Cooley, right, plays a burlesque performer unexpectedly finding himself playing house with Nathanael Card, as the one-night-stand who complicates his life both personally and professionally in The Nance at New Conservatory Theatre Center.

Smith, Courtney Hatcher, and Mia Romero bring warmth to the roles of the strippers at the Irving Place Theatre, an actual venue that was part of a sweep in 1937 that closed 11 burlesque theaters overnight.

Brian Herndon plays the theater’s

quasi-homophobic manager with welcome nuance, and Nathanael Card has a guileless charm as the broke bumpkin whom Chauncey thinks he seduces, only to find that Ned isn’t the type of trade he needs to feed a heart looking to be broken.

The play can fall into some uneasy tangents that don’t always line up with the principal story – including Chauncey’s truthful but unlikely courtroom manifesto on sexual hypocrisy – but director Lickteig keeps the action flowing and energized even as scenes are constantly shifting among locales and onstage and offstage realities. Kuo Hao Lo’s set, Jorge R. Hernandez’s costumes, Christian V. Mejia’s lighting, and Scrumbly Koldewyn’s pre-recorded musical accompaniment help draw us into a bygone world of burlesque that, through the lens of The Nance at least, seemed like harmless local color not needing to be destroyed.

I kept thinking about New York’s 42nd Street of the 1980s that even my randy young self grew fearful to traverse. Now it’s all blandly safe, but I have a nostalgia for the kind of cultural grit that seems to be falling away in ever-growing haste in so many places. If brazen greed rather than pious crusading now fuels it, the results are very much the same.

The value of the tradeoff can only be tallied decades from now.t The Nance will run through Nov. 1 at New Conservatory Theatre Center. Tickets are $25-$45. Call (415) 861-8972 or go to nctcsf.org.

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<< Music

30 • BAY AREA REPORTER • October 15-21, 2015

Dystopian visions of Lammermoor

by Philip Campbell

otr Beczala fulfills his commitment to play poor confused Lucia’s true love Edgardo. They make a superb vocal trio and half of the famous Sextet that thrillingly arrives near the end of the first half of the show (three acts have been made two).

French bass-baritone Nicolas Teste makes his SFO debut as the chaplain Raimondo. He is no stranger to the role, and his rich voice and believable acting make a strong impression. His physical gear is actually pretty cool, and he has enough stage presence to wear it without appearing too odd.

Aj Glueckert is also switching gears from Sweeney Todd, where his role as Beadle Bamford served as good preparation to play the huntsman Normanno, another retainer up to no good. He is also convincing and vocally secure.

Mulligan is almost cartoonish as

the evil master of Lammermoor, but the power of his voice is never in question, and he is a great foil to others in the ensemble. He is especially fine in the often-omitted “Wolf-Crag Scene.”

Beczala is superb throughout, and he is another lucky escape from the costumer’s whims. His outfit doesn’t wear him, and we get to enjoy his wonderfully firm tone and confident top notes without distraction. When he pairs with Sierra you can finally get back to the heart of Donizetti’s music.

There is still that pesky “Mad Scene” to deal with, and it is Mount Everest for sopranos. If they can make it there, they can make it anywhere. So what does Cavanagh’s gang do to their soprano? They put her upstage on a bed with a butt-up naked body double (a game Charlie Martinez) and a wall-hanging covered in blood. She is wearing a voluminous white dress that seems to be part of the bedsheets, also covered in blood, and an expression that says, “OK, now look what you made me do.”

There hasn’t been this much blood on a stage since the prom in Carrie, but at least the SFO is recycling props. Now we know what happened to all that gore left over from Sweeney Todd. The lovely singer rises to the challenge bravely and ignores the visuals. She concentrates (as she damn well must) on the coloratura demands and pacing of the arduous scene. Her technique and tone are flawless, and she nails it. The crowd goes wild, and Nadine Sierra magnificently wins the biggest round of the fight.

There will certainly be more chances for her to realize the promise of a great Lucia. If she is not in the exalted ranks of Sutherland, Sills, Caballe or maybe even Damrau just yet, she is only a few decibels away.t

there has been a rash of reissues and compilations. Dusty’s Come for a Dream: The U.K. Sessions 19701971 (Real Gone/Atlantic/Rhino) collects “long-lost” recordings from British recording sessions that were meant to be “a complete album.”

The missing piece from her Atlantic Records period, the songs here were supposed to become See All Her Faces, an album that was released in the UK but not in the US. The good news is that now everyone has a chance to hear Dusty’s renditions of songs including “A Song for You,” “Wasn’t Born To Follow,” “Yesterday When I Was Young,” “How Can I Be Sure,” “What Are You Doing the Rest of Your Life?” and “O-o-h Child.”

In her lifetime, Lesley Gore, who died in early 2015, topped the Billboard charts, appeared on Batman, was nominated for an Oscar and came out as a lesbian. In the midst of all that activity, she continued to write and record, and the CD reissue of her 1972 MoWest album Someplace Else Now (Real Gone/ Motown/Universal) is one example.

Definitely an album of its time, more Helen Reddy than Joni Mitchell, the songs deal with serious subjects such as suicide (“She Said That”) and relationship trouble (“What Did I Do Wrong?”). There is also a breeziness to the tunes, including the title cut and “Don’t Wanna Be One.” Jack Curtis Dubowsky is one of those queer musicians who seem to have his hand in almost every pot.

Dubowsky, who made his name in the world of film score composition as well as contemporary classical music, was also the creative force behind the trio Diazepam Nights on its 1989 self-titled queer chamber pop De Stijl debut. Add to that the fact the he owns and operates the De Stijl Records label reissuing the Diazepam Nights album, and you have the makings of a mogul. Helot Revolt, Dubowsky’s other musical project from around that time, released a four-song EP, In Your Face/Up Your Butt (De Stijl), which captured “the world’s greatest faggot heavy metal band” at its transgressive best in a song such as “I Like Marines.”t

G

aetano Donizetti’s bel canto masterpiece Lucia di Lammermoor opened last week at the War Memorial Opera House in a new staging by Canadian director Michael Cavanagh. The third production in the 2015 season marks the third San Francisco Opera collaboration between Cavanagh and Seattle projection and scenic designer Erhard Rom. A stunning Carlisle Floyd Susannah in 2014 and a technically brilliant John Adams Nixon in China in 2012 should have guaranteed another triumph for the dynamic duo, but the current re-imagining of an early romantic warhorse, at once both overthought and overwrought, comes perilously close to overwhelming an already melodramatic tale from Sir Walter Scott.

Laying the symbolism on with a trowel and updating the setting to “modern-Mythic Scotland, a dystopian near-future,” Cavanagh has given his design team free reign.

They have responded with grimly granitic settings, somewhat effective projections, and absurdly eclectic costuming in an attempt to portray a world “where the lines are blurred between family, country and corporation.”

A fellow audience member, remarking on the scary Stormtroopers guarding Lammermoor Castle, said, “Isn’t that kind of cliché? I thought that went out in the 1990s.” Well, actually it did, but costumer Mattie Ullrich, making her SFO debut, obviously missed the memo. The ladies of the court, in bridesmaids dresses from hell, are intended to “create an oppressive feminine reality,” but rather induced giggles with the giant black-and-blue cabbage roses stuck atop their heads. Raimondo, Lucia’s tutor and Calvinist chaplain, has become a sort of high-

Cory Weaver/SFO

Nadine Sierra (Lucia) and Piotr Beczala (Edgardo) in San Francisco Opera’s Lucia di Lammermoor.

lands Rasputin, and the heroine’s wickedly conniving brother Enrico is a corporate despot in a business suit and bleached hair. Lucia’s companion Alisa wears a red outfit in the last act that recalls the film The Handmaid’s Tale, but that was another dystopian tale after all.

It must have looked better on paper, and the lengthy Director’s Note in the program does help explain the obvious excesses, but ultimately, Team Lucia 2020 has laid a very fussy grid on a story that doesn’t need that much explanation. Lucia is a sweet and vulnerable girl, already a little vague in her thinking, cruelly manipulated by family, socalled friends and even her secret lover, until she snaps (big-time) and kills the man she has been forced to marry. It is not that complicated if you follow the scenario and let Donizetti’s fabulous gift for melody

fill in the rest of the blanks. That is where the new production mercifully succeeds and succeeds well, in spite of the murky production.

German soprano Diana Damrau was originally booked for the title role, but she bailed “in order to remain on vocal rest for the next six weeks,” and American soprano Nadine Sierra, who performed Lucia last spring in Zurich, has replaced her. This was and is a star-making opportunity for a young artist who has already endeared herself to SFO audiences and management several times before. Her Musetta in La Boheme 2014 was especially luscious.

Hardly getting a chance to catch his breath from exhausting recent performances as Sweeney Todd at SFO, American baritone Brian Mulligan creates a vocally strong portrayal of Lucia’s horrible brother Enrico. International star tenor Pi-

t

Listening to LGBT history

by Gregg Shapiro

R

eissues on CD and vinyl (and, in some cases, cassette) are a common occurrence when it comes to mainstream music. There are entire record labels, such as Rhino, Light in the Attic, Legacy and Real Gone Music, devoted to rereleasing albums by popular and obscure artists, often in remastered and ex-

panded editions. Over the years, some of these labels have also included work by LGBT artists on their roster.

One of the most thrilling queer reissues of 2015 is How Far Will You Go? (Chapter Music), the firstof-its-kind CD and vinyl compilation by “stoner-punk-disco-glamgay” pioneer Smokey. Subtitled The S&M Recordings 1973-81, the

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CD collects 16 of Smokey’s selfreleased singles produced by his partner EJ Emmons. What’s more, Smokey recorded and performed with stellar musicians such as the late Randy Rhoads (of Ozzy Osbourne fame), James Williamson (of the Stooges) and Tin Machine men Hunt and Tony Sales. Smoldering lead singer John “Smokey” Condon, who looked great in leather, filled his songs with queer content.

Just take your pick from “Miss Ray,” “Leather,” “Strong Love,” “Hot Hard & Ready,” the doo wop of “Ballad of Butchie & Claudine,” the fiery funk of “How Far Will You Go?,” the vintage disco of “Piss Slave” and “DTNA” (dance the night away), and the new wave cover “I’ll Always Love You.” A must-have for musiclovers, gay and straight. The LP contains 11 tracks as well as a card with a code to download five digital bonus tracks.

Gay men of a certain age (or perhaps any age) swoon at the mere mention of the name Johnny Mathis. So you can imagine the pearls and hankies being clutched when he sings. The four-disc set The Singles (Columbia/Legacy), released to coincide with Mathis’ 80th birthday, compiles all 87 of the timeless crooner’s non-LP singles, from 1956-81, including “Wonderful!

Wonderful,” “Chances Are,” “Wild Is the Wind,” “When Sunny Gets Blue” and “The Twelfth of Never,” as well as numerous Christmas favorites.

If you didn’t know better, you might think that somewhere there is an endless supply of Dusty Springfield musical ephemera. It seems that way because in the last few years

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Books>>

October 15-21, 2015 • BAY AREA REPORTER • 31

Gay veteran of the Clinton wars

by Tim Pfaff

I

’m writing as fast as I can. David Brock wasn’t just kidding when he wrote, in Killing the Messenger: The Right-Wing Plot to Derail Hillary and Hijack Your Government (Twelve), “It’s now happening at such warp speed that the opportunities for injecting misinformation into the bloodstream of the public conversation have dramatically increased.” The “it” of that sentence, the subject of Brock’s book, is bigger than an indefinite pronoun can name. It’s the 24-hour news cycle, the media din, the relentless salvos in what Brock is not alone in calling “the Clinton wars.”

Make no mistake. This gay selfdescribed writer and Democratic activist is partisan. In his penultimate paragraph he declares, “Hillary Clinton’s election as president is a political and moral necessity for many, many reasons.” His new book is unlikely to sway anyone’s choice, but he makes it clear from the start that it’s a call to action, and it’s written with the kind of urgency that may get a certain subset of Americans to take some of the measures he spells out in his whatyou-can-do chapter. But the bulk of the book is devoted to busting the chops of the radical right wing he once served as a hitman.

Blinded by the Right: The Conscience of an Ex-Conservative, Brock’s confessional 2002 memoir, provided a detailed account of his work, mostly through published writing, for the far-right flank of the conservative movement he once

lived to serve, including attempts to smear the Clintons through the “Troopergate” scandal he helped concoct, codify and promulgate.

Brock’s political conversion happened concomitantly with his coming out, which he also wrote about unsparingly. But it was the former that eventually resulted in a personal phone call from thenformer President Clinton that, in turn, brought him into the fold.

As Brock tells it, it was during that phone call that he first articulated to himself his goal of helping to set the record regarding the Clintons straight. The principal result – though Brock’s activism has taken a number of forms, all of which he discusses in his new book – was his founding (and still directing) Media Matters for America, a nonprofit devoted to correcting, on the spot and in real time, the right’s attempts to smear the Clintons (and others) with provable untruths.

Killing the Messenger is, largely, the summa theological of that work.

Brock devotes chapters to each of the “scandals” dogging Hillary Clinton’s current candidacy – Benghazi, the emails, the “phony philanthropy” of the Clinton Foundation – and subjects them to intellectual scrutiny and, when the charges are not too speculative to require refutation in the negative, facts.

I had just finished reading his chapter on Benghazi – the first account of the incident and its political fallout that I’d actually been able to follow – when Rep. Kevin McCarthy bowed out of the House

Speaker race, but not without at first talking about the “Benghazi special committee” “we [Republicans] put together,” the results of which were “[Hillary’s] numbers going down.”

In the “warp speed” of the reporting and spin of McCarthy’s “gaffe,” jubilant Democrats called it his having given Hillary a “get out of Benghazi free card.” Brock’s painstaking examination of the affair left me thinking not that his chapter was superfluous but that it was only a matter of time before the same coals were fanned back into flame.

Brock’s sign-off final chapter – a juicy bit of storytelling about the Benghazi Select Committee’s grueling deposition of Sidney Blumenthal, a trusted Clinton advisor and subsequently personal friend

of Brock’s, transcripts of which Republican members of the committee refuse to release – is dated July 8 of this year. Jeb is the presumptive GOP presidential candidate, and Trump has yet to be trumped up.

In an earlier day, we correctly would have called Brock a Clinton apologist, a word to which darker associations have accrued.

He may be right in writing, “In any fair view, the Clintons, especially the former president, deserved to join the pantheon of history’s most esteemed philanthropic actors.” But he’s got factual rebuttals galore to the seemingly self-perpetuating slurs about Hillary that charge her with political cunning or ineptitude while imputing a suspiciously bad character to this secretive, cold, mendacious, ambitious, castrating, aging (and worst of all) woman (in the words of right-wing pundit Cliff May, a “Vaginal American”).

In my case Brock is singing to the choir. Maybe because I’m a music critic, I cringe when he slides off-key.

Not infrequently you turn the page and find yourself, for a moment, in a kind of fun-house hall of mirrors, in which every good Clinton thing reflects back on Brock. But he’s engaging in talking about the lumps he’s taken for his unstinting advocacy of the couple. Fox News called him “Captain Crazy Hair.” Maureen Dowd (who gets hers back) called him “a Hillary ‘hatchet.’” And this: “The strangest comment, apparently meant to be an antigay slur, came from the National Review’s Jonah

Goldberg, who fantasized about my taking orders from Hillary after ‘slinking’ out of a ‘leather onesie.’”

As an expat, I was appreciative of the information with which he painted the Koch brothers as an unprecedented threat to American democracy. And as a disillusioned journalist, I savored his regular takedowns of the media, including The New York Times, which all on its own has got me to need far less than my 10 free articles a month. His most measured assessment is: “The New York Times is the most well-respected outlet in American journalism, the newspaper of record, but as we’ve seen, they’ve proven to be wildly unreliable when it comes to the Clintons.”

In an unguarded moment early enough in the book to get my attention, Brock writes, “As a committed Democrat now myself, I think I’ve observed the party long enough from the inside to say that there’s nothing worse than a ‘worried Democrat.’” I’d have thought maybe the Kochs were worse, but Brock honed in on that very thing I have been, someone who has been consistently, apologetically proHillary. Living like the rest of us in the “media echo chamber,” I’ve accumulated some wholly unfounded reservations about a woman I’ve in fact witnessed as almost shockingly knowledgeable, intellectually brilliant, articulate, committed, and all but unbelievably caring about a political system that seems bent solely on savaging her.

It’s worried Democrats like me who have most need of this brave, biased book.t

gay men are fully enlightened beings, the saviors of humankind, “what the world has been waiting for.” Yet real-life experience leads us to question such an optimistic assessment. Gay men can be hurtful towards each other. Rigoglioso acknowledges feedback he received from gay men in his seminars in the chapter “Owning and Managing the Shadow,” whose characteristics include sexual objectification, narrow male-gender norms, the isms (racism, classicism, sexism, ageism, looksism), bitchiness, overly harsh judgments, shame, domestic violence, and excessive idealism. He wants gay men to adopt a higher standard of behavior towards each

other, delineated in seven agreements: mindful kindness, responsibility, self-love, owning my shadow, brotherhood, accountability, and forgiveness.

Rigoglioso concludes that being gay is hard work, and even if full equality is attained, it’s unlikely the pain of being gay will ever be completely removed. His chief point that when gay men alter their own perception of themselves, this will change how the world sees us, is unalterably true. In an age where many gay men want to be absorbed into heterosexual culture, Rigoglioso reminds us that if we don’t own our unique gifts, we risk forgoing the opportunity to revolutionize society.t

Unique gay gifts

by Brian Bromberger

Gay Men and the New Way Forward by Raymond L. Rigoglioso; Mond Press, $21.95 ith all the victory rhetoric surrounding marriage equality claiming LGBTQ people have finally been assimilated into mainstream heterosexual culture, it’s refreshing to read Raymond L. Rigoglioso’s Gay Men and the New Way Forward, about what makes gay men different, and the distinct gifts we bring as teachers of humanity that can benefit the health of society and the evolution of consciousness. Rigoglioso focuses exclusively on men who love men. While the gifts outlined in his book can apply to other groups, he wants lesbians, bisexuals, and transgender people to develop their own common stories and special contributions.

Rigoglioso believes humanity needs a new way forward, “one that restores balance between the masculine and feminine, individual freedom and the collective good, human activity and nature, “ which gay men can implement. First they need to discover a cohesive, shared understanding of their place in the world. Rigoglioso adopts Harry Hay’s (founder of the Mattachine Society) three questions to provide this collective narrative: Who are we?, Where do we come from?, and What are we for? and then provides his own fourth question, Who can we become? The key is for gay men to own their differences, then use their unique talents in service to the world. He uses the experiences and ideas of participants in his workshop, “Gay Men of Wisdom,” to list and explore these gifts, how one can awaken to one’s roles, purpose, and potential, and ways they can be fully expressed to become evolutionary leaders for humanity. Rigoglioso sees gay men’s fundamental differ-

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ence as living between and balancing the masculine and feminine, embracing and utilizing both, fluidly moving in and out of them as the need arises. Gay men can teach all men how to access their feminine and their authentic masculine, without the darkness.

Rigoglioso claims there are 14 distinct gay male gifts, divided into three categories: Serving and Healing (A Gentle, Collaborative Social Orientation; An Orientation toward Service; Religious Reformers and Spiritual Leaders; Teachers of Compassion, Generosity, and the Authentic Masculine; Models of Forgiveness), Reinventing Manhood (Friends, Soul Mates, and Co-Revolutionaries with Straight Women; Esthetic Outsiders and Gender Tricksters: the Art of Camp and Drag; Modeling Sustainable Manhood), and Freeing and Enriching the Human Spirit (Sexual Leadership; Fine Attunement to Beauty, Creators and Keepers of Culture; A “Gay” Spirit; Models of Authenticity and Courage, Cleansers of Shame; Outsiders Driving Evolutionary Advancement). Most of the chapters delineate the qualities and practical living from these gifts, as

well as provide a self-checklist so readers can discern which gifts they possess.

If much of this material engenders a sense of deja vu, it’s because it has been covered in both the men’s movement texts of the early 1990s and the secular gay spirituality books of the late 80s through 2000. Rigoglioso has received endorsements from Toby Johnson, Will Roscoe, and Mark Thompson, who have all previously traversed the same terrain. These principles were more fully developed within a greater historical context in those three writers than in Rigoglioso. But he packages these “teachings” in a more easily digestible fashion, with lists and charts. There is not much new here, but younger gay men and the spiritual but not religious audience may be exposed to “gay tribal truths” they may not have encountered. I particularly liked the definition of spirituality (always a slippery concept) he uses, drawn from the nursing literature: “Spirituality is that which gives meaning to one’s life and draws one to transcend oneself. Spirituality is a broader concept than religion, although that is one expression of spirituality. Other expressions include prayer, meditation, interactions with others or nature, and relationship with God or a higher power.” From this definition he identifies some distinct characteristics of gay men’s spirituality: discovering the self through group ritual; honoring the body and sexuality as vehicles for transcendence; ready embrace of the Earth as a source of spiritual or divine essence; exile from religion and society producing deep reflection and a generous spirit; and flair for the theatrical.

He names Radical Faeries, the Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence, and the Body Electric School (all prominent in the Bay Area) as exemplars of gay spirituality.

From the book, one might think

<< Out&About

O&A

32 • BAY AREA REPORTER • October 15-21, 2015

Timely tales

by Jim Provenzano

D

o you enjoy a great story told and retold? Classics and fables are respun as queer tales: boy becomes man, man versus man, woman versus her (or hir) ex. We’ve all been there, or will be. Truth in fiction, doncha know.

Sat 17 Ada and the Memory Machine @ Berkeley City Club Jim Norrena

Thu 15 After Dark @ Exploratorium The adult party with cocktails and activities takes on the theme “Everything Matters.” Oct. 22: Full-Spectrum Science. $10-$15. 6pm10pm. Embarcadero at Pier 15. www.exploratorium.edu

Ah, Wilderness! @ Geary Theatre

479 Castro Street , San Francisco • (415) 431-5365 • www.cliffsvariety.com

/lgbtsf

American Conservatory Theatre’s production of Eugene O’Neill’s lighthearted family comedy about young love, poetry, small town gossip, and coming of age at the turn of the century. $20-$100. Tue-Sat 8pm. Wed & Sat 2pm. Sun 2pm & 7pm. Thru Nov. 8. 415 Geary St. 749-2228. act-sf.org

Full Frontal Comedy @ Lookout The comedy show raises funds for Margaret Cho’s #BeRobin campaign, with Matt Gubser, Anthony Durante, Ruby Gill, Jennifer Dronsky, with hosts Valerie Branch and Yuri Kagan.

Donations. 8pm. 3600 16th St. at Market. www.lookoutsf.com

Holly Penfield @ Feinstein’s at the Nikko Direct from her sold-out London show, the SF native performs her acclaimed show, Holly Penfield Sings Judy Garland. $20-$35. 8pm. Hotel Nikko, 222 Mason Street. (866) 663-1063. hollypenfield.com ticketweb.com

Barbary Coast Revue @ Balancoire The third season of the popular cabaret show returns, with Danny Kennedy as Mark Twain, a cast of diverse performers. Thursdays thru November. $14-$64. 8pm. 2565 Mission St. at 22nd. www.BarbaryCoastRevue.com

Beetlejuice @ McCoppin Plaza SF Indiefest hosts a screening of the hilarious Tim Burton film about an errant demon. Free. 8pm. McCoppin at Valencia St. www.sfindie. com/2015/09/free-outdoor-screenings

Black Virgins are Not for Hipsters @ The Marsh Echo Brown’s comic solo show follows a young women’s impending sexual encounter, and its political implications. $20-$35. Thu 8pm. Sat 8:30pm. Extended thru Oct. 29. 1062 Valencia St. at 22nd. 282-3055. www.themarsh.org

Breakfast Fight Club @ Piano Fight The irreverent theatre ensemble’s mashup of Fight Club and The Breakfast Club. $16-$20. Thu-Sat 8pm. Thru Oct. 24.

144 Taylor St. www.pianofight.com

Christian Scott @ Yoshi’s Oakland The accomplished Grammy-nominated jazz trumpet player performs ‘Stretch Music’ with his six-piece band. $19$55. 8pm. Also Oct. 16, 8pm & 10pm.

510 Embarcadero West, Oakland.

(510) 238-9200. www.yoshis.com

Curse of the Cobra @ Hypnodrome Thrillpeddlers’ new Halloween season spine-tingling show offers terror and titillation! $25-$35. Wed-Sat 8pm.

Thru Nov. 21. 575 10th St. 377-4202. www.hypnodrome.org

Dogfight @ SF Playhouse Bay Area premiere of Peter Duchan, Benj Pasek and Justin Paul’s musical adaptation of the film about a young Marine in the Vietnam era who dares to ask an “ugly” girl on a date, only to find empathy and love. $20-$120.

Tue-Thu 7pm. Fri & Sat 8pm. Sat 3pm, Sun 2pm. Thru Nov. 7. Kensington Park Hotel, 2nd floor, 450 Post St. 677-9596. www.sfplayhouse.org

Franz Ferdinand, Sparks @ Fox Theatre, Oakland The two quirky pop bands perform together along their U.S. tour. The Intelligance opens. $39.50. 8pm. 1907 Telegraph Ave., Oakland. www.ffsmusic.com www.thefoxoakland.com

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New & Classic Films @ Castro Theatre Oct. 15: Margaret Cho (see Thursday).

Oct. 16: 19th annual Arab Film festival opening night, (7:30). Oct. 17: a restored print of Liz Taylor and Richard Burton’s Cleopatra (1pm). Oct. 17: The Phantom of the Opera, 1925 silent film with live musical accompaniment by organist Bruce Loeb (8pm) and Carnival of Souls (9:30). Oct. 18: My Fair Lady (2pm, 7:15) and The Jerk (5:25). Oct. 20: The Exorcist (7pm) and Ken Russell’s The Devils (9:30).

Oct. 21: Back to the Future II, with Doug Benson celebrating the actual date where character Marty McFly travels into the future, with funny commentary through the film (8pm, $20). Oct. 22: BahFest, the Festival of Bad Hypotheses (7pm, $20) and D-News After Dark (9pm, $20). $10$15. 429 Castro St. www.castrotheatre.com

Pound @ Brava Theater Center Marga Gomez’ hilarious satire solo show skewers lesbian cinema depictions with a cast of crazy characters. $15-$20. Thu-Sat 8pm.

Sun 3pm. 18+ only! Upstairs Studio, 2781 24th St. at York www.brava.org

Star Trek Live @ Oasis Enjoy another wacky parody performance of a TV script, this time the classic sci-fi show, with Leigh Crow, Honey Mahogany, Jordan L’Moore, Amber Sommerfield, Jef Valentine and others. $25 and up.

Thu-Sat at 7pm. Thru Oct 31. 298 11th St. www.sfoasis.com

Sundance Stompede @ 3 Venues

Fri 16

Twyla Tharp Dance Company @ Zellerbach Hall Ruven Afanador

Inferno @ The Armory Hell in the Armory’s Halloween tour of the Kink.com sets, converted into scary adult-themed rooms. $35 and up. Hourly tours 7:30pm to 11:30pm.

18+ only. Thru Oct. 31. 1800 Mission St. armoryinferno.eventbrite.com

Litquake @ Multiple Venues The annual literary festival of readings, panels and workshops also includes parties, and special events. The festival culminates in the multi-venue Lit Crawl, Sat., Oct. 17, 6pm-9pm. litquake.org

Margaret Cho @ Castro Theatre The amazing outspoken comic, actress, activist, and musician brings her PsyCHO tour to the Castro. $35$55. 8pm & 10:30pm. 429 Castro St. margaretcho.com castrotheatre.com

Megan Timpane @ The Marsh The film, stage and TV actor performs her solo show, Having Cancer is Hilarious! $15-$50. Thu & Fri 8pm. Sat 8:30pm. Thru Nov. 28. 1062 Valencia St. 282-3055. www.themarsh.org

Monstress @ Strand Theatre American Conservatory Theatre’s staging of Philip Kan Gotanda and Sean San José’s drama about FilipinoAmerican Bay Area life and struggles. $20-$100. Tue-Sat 7:30pm. Wed & Sat 2pm. Sun 2pm & 7pm. Thru Nov. 22.

1127 Market St. 749-2228. www.act-sf.org

The 14th annual country-western two-stepping and line-dancing gathering draws hundreds of participants from around the country; lessons, workshops, performances, and mostly, social dancing. $12-$45.

Events at Space 550 (550 Barneveld Ave.), The Holiday Inn (1500 Van Ness Ave.) and the Regency Ballroom (1300 Van Ness ave.). Thru Oct. 18. 8201403. www.stompede.com

Truck Stop @ Thick House Crowded Fire Theater’s U.S. premiere production of Lachlan Philpott’s dark comedy about two girl prostitutes who lure truckers at rest stops. $15$35. Wed-Sat 8pm. Thru Oct. 24. 1695 18th St. 523-0034. crowdedfire.org

Fri 16 Abraham Lincoln’s Big Gay Dance Party @ Evert B. Person Theatre, Rohnert Park Student production of Aaron Loeb’s wacky satire about what happens when the historitc presents gets outed by the media. $5-$17. Thu-Sat 7:30pm. Sun 2pm. Thru Oct. 24.

Sonoma State University, 1801 E. Cotati Ave., Rohnert Park. www.sonoma.edu

Amélie @ Berkeley Repertory Theatre World premiere of Craig Lucas and Daniel Messé’s new musical based on the popular French film about an enchanting young woman who creates magic and joy in Montmartre. $29$97. Tue, Thu-Sat 8pm. Wed & Sun 7pm. Also Sat & Sun 2pm. Extended thru Oct. 18. 2025 Addison St. (510) 647-2949. www.berkeleyrep.org

Sat 17

Nā Lei Hulu I Ka Wēkiu

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Out&About>>

Beach Blanket Babylon @ Club Fugazi The musical comedy revue celebrates its 40th year with an ever-changing lineup of political and pop culture icons, all in gigantic wigs. Reg: $25$160. Beer/wine served; cash only; 21+, except where noted. 678 Beach Blanket Babylon Blvd (Green St.). 4214222. beachblanketbabylon.com

Cypress String Quartet @ Various Venues The popular music ensemble performs works by Tsontakis and Beethoven in a series of Bay Area concerts. $15-$50. Oct, 16, 8pm at Maybeck Studio, Berkeley. Oct. 17. 8pm, Kanbar Performing Arts Center. Oct. 18, 3pm at Women’s Club, Palo Alto. More concerts through Oct.. www.cypressquartet.com

David Schein @ Exit Theatre The veteran comic actor performs his two solo works, Distraction and the gay-themed Out Comes Butch, along with readings, workshops, and later this month, duo shows with Bob Ernst. $10-$20. Fri & Sat 8pm. Thru Oct. 24.

156 Eddy St. (800) 838-3006. www.ftloose.org

October 15-21, 2015 • BAY AREA REPORTER • 33

Steven Saylor @ Books Inc. The prolific gay author of Roman history novels reads from and discusses his latest, Wrath of the Furies, the 15th in the Novels of Rome series. 7pm.

2275 Market St. www.booksinc.net

The Submarine Show @ Harry’s UpStage, Berkeley Aurora Theatre Company presents Emmy-winner Slater Penny and Cirque Du Soleil alumnus Jaron Hollander’s wacky physical theatre clown show. $28-$32. Wed-Sat 8pm. Sun 2pm.

Thru Oct. 25. 2081 Addison St., Berkeley www.auroratheatre.org

Twyla Tharp @ Zellerbach Hall, Berkeley The innovative post-Modern New York choreographer celebrates fifty years, with a residency featuring performances of Preludes and Fugues, Yowzie and First Fanfare and Second Fanfare. $40-$96. 8pm. Also Oct. 18. Artist Talk, community panel and dance class as well. Bancroft Way at Dana Ave., UC Berkeley campus. (510) 642-9988. www.calperformances.org

Día de los Muertos @ SOMArts Cultural Center Today is the Shadow of Tomorrow, the annual juried group exhibit of Day of the Dead altars, installations and art works by Latino and Hispanic artists.

Free during reg. hours. Tue-Fri 12pm7pm. Sat 11am-5pm. Sun 11am-3pm.

Thru Nov. 7. www.somarts.org

Gang of Four @ The New Parish, Oakland The legendary UK post-punk band’s back, with a new album, What Happens Next. $20. 9pm. 1743 San Pablo Ave. at 18th, Oakland. www.gangoffour.co.uk

HeroMonster @ Fort Mason Center Chapel We Players’ new drama tells the epic tale of Beowulf, in a show created and performed by Nathaniel Justiniano and Ava Roy; original music by Charlie Gurke. $45. Thu-Sun 6:30pm (different times; check online schedule). Thru Nov. 1. Bay /St. at Franklin. 547-0189. www.weplayers.org

JoAna Gray @ Hotel Rex The talented cabaret singer performs a night of songs about life, aging and growing up. $30-$50. 8pm. 562 Sutter St. www.societycabaret.com

Leanne Borghesi @ Feinstein’s at the Nikko Lush, the talented local (and New York-based) singer’s night of music made popular by Shirley Bassey, Eartha Kitt and Rosemary Clooney. $25-$40. 8pm. Hotel Nikko, 222 Mason Street. (866) 663-1063. www.ticketweb.com

Lizzie @ Victoria Theatre Ray of Light Theatre’s production of Steven Cheslik-DeMeyer, Alan Stevens Hewitt and Tim Maner’s daring rock musical adaptation of the story of 1890s (alleged!) axe-murderess Lizzie Borden. $15-$36. Wed-Sat 8pm. Sat & Sun 2pm. Thru Oct. 17. 2961 16th St. at Mission. www.rayoflighttheatre.com

Mugwumpin @ Intersection for the Arts The innovative theatre ensemble presents Joe Estlack and Christopher White’s Blockbuster Season, a comic critique of Hollywood disaster movies. $25-$35. Thu-Sat 8pm. Thru Oct. 18.

925 Mission St. 626-2787. www.mugwumpin.org

The Nance @ New Conservatory Theatre Center Douglas Carter Beane’s heartfelt dramedy about the real-life Vaudeville actor Chauncey Miles, who played effeminate stock characters before the 1939 pre-World’s Fair crackdown on burlesque. P.A. Cooley stars, with musical direction by Scrumbly Koldewyn. $25-$45. Thru Nov. 1. 25 Van Ness Ave, lower level. 861-8972. www.nctcsf.org

Inappropriate in All the Right Ways @ The Marsh

Portals of the Past @ de Young Museum

Michael Riedel @ Curran Theatre

Ann Randolph’s serio-comic solo show about family loss and death. $20-$100.

Saturdays, 5pm. Thru Oct. 17. 1062 Valencia St. 282-3055. themarsh.org

Portals of the Past: Photographs of Willard Worden (thru Feb. 14); Royal Hawaiian Featherwork (thru Feb. 28); Between Life and Death: Robert Motherwell’s Elegies (thru Mar. 6).

Other exhibits of modern art as well.

Free/$25. Thru Sept. 20 50 Hagiwara Tea Garden Drive. www.famsf.org

The New York Post theatre columnist discusses his book Razzle Dazzle: The Battle for Broadway, with editor/author Kevin Sessums, at the renovated theatre. Copies available for purchase and signing. Free. 7pm.

445 Geary St. www.SFCurran.com

Lit Crawl @ Multiple Venues The annual three-round series of readings and music set in bars, bookstores, barbershps and even laundromats along the Valencia Street corridor and 24th St. in the Mission.

LGBT events each hour. 6pm, 7pm, 8pm. www.litcrawl.org

Nā Lei Hulu I Ka Wēkiu @ Palace of Fine Arts Theatre The award-winning Hawaiian dance troupe $35-$40 (Oct. 24 VIP gala concert and live auction $150, 5:30pm). Sat 8pm, Sun 3pm. Thru Oct. 25. Bay Street at Lyon. www.naleihulu.org www.cityboxoffice.com

San Francisco Bach Choir @ Two Venues

Vulfpeck @ Slim’s Jazzy, funky, witty genre-crossing LA-based music collective performs.

Hibbety Dibbety opens. $21-$46 (with dinner). 8pm. 333 11th st. 2550333. www.slimspresents.com

The Waiting Period @ The Marsh Brian Copeland returns with his acclaimed solo show about gun rights, suicide attempts and his personal struggles. $30-$100.

Sundays 5:30pm. Thru Oct. 25. 1062 Valencia St. 282-3055. themarsh.org

Bach, Handel and scarlatti works are performed by the vocal group, with instrumental accompaniment. $10-$30. Oct. 17, 7:30pm, Calvary Presbyterian Church, 2515 Fillmore St. Oct. 18, 4pm, First Unitarian Universalist Church, 1187 Franklin St. www.sfbach.org

Facine 22 @ Roxie Cinema

United Booksellers @ Make Out Room Special event during Litquake, a benefit for the collective of independent bookstores, with readings by Jason De León, Kelly Dessaint, Susana Huerta, Michael Koch, Baruch Porras-Hernandez, Kate Schatz, Kim Shuck, Miriam Klein Stahl, and Katie Tomzynski, with music by Penelope Houston, Christine Shields, Bob Forrest and Francisco Herrera; hosted by SF Poet Laureate Alejandro Murguía. $10 and up. 7pm. 3225 22nd St. www.litquake.org

Who’s Afraid of Virginia Woolf? @ Belrose Theater, San Rafael Edward Albee’s classic drama about a troubled childless couple and their trapped guests. $22-$25. Fri & Sat 8pm. Also Sat 3pm, thru Oct. 24. 1415 5th Ave., San Rafael. 279-2287. www.kenbaconproductions.com

Sat 17 Ada and the Memory Machine @ Berkeley City Club Central Works’ production of Lauren Gunderson’s play about Ada Lovelance, 19th-century countess, metaphysician, daughter of Lord Byron, and the world’s first computer programmer; performed with original live music by The Kilbanes. $15-$28.

Thu-Sat 8pm. Sun 5pm. Thru Nov. 22.

2315 Durant Ave., Berkeley. (510) 5581381. www.centralworks.org

Date Night at Pet Emergency @ The Marsh Berkeley

Man Francisco @ Oasis New all-male weekly striptease revue with a storyline of San Francisco’s history, from the Gold Rush to the tech boom. Extended thru December. $20. 9pm. 298 11th St. at Folsom. www.sfoasis.com

Won Ju Lim: Raycraft is Dead, thru Dec. 6. Also, Earth Machines : Exploring the environmental impact of our high-tech world, thru Dec. 6. $5$12. Yerba Buena Center for the Arts, 701 Mission St. www.ybca.org

Melissa O’Keefe @ Feinstein’s at the Nikko

You Betta Work Comedy @ Brainwash Café

Disney & Dali @ Walt Disney Family Museum

Lisa Rothman’s comic solo show about domestic hell, pet panic and trying to find a date night amid it all. $20$100. Saturdays, 5pm. Thru Dec. 5.

2120 Allston Way, Berkeley. www.themarsh.org

New exhibit documenting the unlikely collaborations between Salvador Dali, the Surrealist artist and Walt Disney, the cartoon icon; curated

by Ted Nicolaou. Thru Jan. 3. Also, Tomorrowland and other exhibits. 104 Montgomery St, The Presidio. 3456800. www.waltdisney.org

Donald Arquilla @ Hotel Rex

Diva or Die @ Exit Theatre

The veteran cabaret singer performs swing, jazz and Latin classics. $30$50. 8pm. 562 Sutter St. www.societycabaret.com

DivaFest burlesque show with women fan dancers and more. $15. 8:30pm.

Also Nov. 14 & Dec. 20. 156 Eddy St. www.theexit.org

Exquisite Nature @ Asian Art Museum

GAPA Bow Tie Party @ Women’s Building

Exquisite Nature: 20 Masterpieces of Chinese Paintings, and Woven Luxuries: Indian, Persian and Turkish Textiles; both thru Nov 1. Free (members, kids 12 and under)-$15.

Tue-Sun 10am-5pm. 200 Larkin St. www.asianart.org

34th annual expansove sale of fine and decorative art works, furniture, jewelry, rugs and more. Proceeds benefit Enterprise for High School Students. Preview gala Oct. 21 ($275 and up; 7pm-10pm) Reg hours ThuSat 10:30am-7pm. Sun 12pm-5pm. $15. Thru Oct. 25. Festival Pavilion, Marina Blvd. at Buchanan. sffas.org

Won Ju Lim @ YBCA

Enjoy weekly same-sex tango dancing and a potluck, with lessons early in the day. $7-$15. 3:30-6:30pm. 1970 Chestnut St., Berkeley. (510) 8455352. www.finnishhall.com

Wear a bow tie as the Gay Asian Pacific Alliance honors scholarship and grant recipients at a cocktail party (open bar and bites); hosted

by Lychee Déjà vu Minelli, with Kristi Yummykochi. Donations. 2pm-5pm.

3543 18th St. www.gapa.org

The author of the acclaimed gaythemed novel Hard reads from and discusses its sequel, An Older Man. Event cosponsored by Bears of San Francisco. 7pm. 2275 Market St. www.booksinc.net

Fall Antiques Show @ Fort Mason

The annual outdoor fest of pop, rock, techno and other music genres returns, with headliners Deadmau5, The National, Panda Bear, and more than a dozen other acts; comedy line-up, too. Also Oct. 18. $95-$315. www.treasureislandfestival.com

Abrazo, Queer Tango @ Finnish Brotherhood Hall, Berkeley

Wayne Hoffman @ Books Inc.

22nd annual Filipino Film Festival, with works that include gay and transgender themes ( Esoterika: Maynila and Shunned ). $10. Thru Oct. 24. 3117 16th St. www.facine.org www.roxie.com

Treasure Island Music Festival @ Treasure Island

Sun 18

The pop singer and her band perform; Ghost of a Saber Tooth Tiger opens. $60. 8pm. 2001 Gayley Road, UC Berkeley campus. apeconcerts.com

Facine 22 @ Roxie Cinema

Join GLBT hikers for a 10-mile Montara Mountain hike via scenic San Pedro Valley Park. Bring water, lunch, layers, sunscreen, hat, good hiking shoes. Carpool meets 8:30a, at the Safeway sign, Market & Dolores. 7409888. www.sfhiking.com

Jesus U. BettaWork’s offbeat comedy show, with Tramane Webb, Jennifer Ellis, Inanc, Queenie TT, Anthony Medina and Mario Montes. No cover.

8pm. 1122 Folsom St. www.jesusubettawork.com

Florence + The Machine @ Greek Theatre, Berkeley

Wed 21

SF Hiking Club @ Montara Mountain

Wed 21

Tue 20

Gay authors Wayne Hoffman (Tue 20 @ Books Inc; Wed 21 @ Smack Dab) and Steven Saylor (Fri 16 @ Books Inc).

Mon 19 30 Years of Collecting Art That Tells Our Stories @ GLBT History Museum Exhibit of collected drawings, paintings and sculptures from three decades of queer donations, guest-curated by Elisabeth Cornu. Free (members)-$5.

4127 18th St. glbthistory.org

Amy Winehouse @ Contemporary Jewish Museum A Family Portrait features images of and ephemera from the estate of the deceased soul singer; Thru Nov. 1. Other exhibits, too. Free (members)-$12. Fri-Tue 11am-5pm, Thu 11am-8pm (closed Wed). 736 Mission St. 655-7800. www.thecjm.org

Color of Life @ California Academy of Sciences Exhibits and planetarium shows with various live, interactive and installed exhibits about animals, plants and the earth; new exhibit focuses on vibrantly colored species of octopus, snake fish and other live creatures.

Special events each week, with adult nightlife parties many Thursday nights. $20-$35. Mon-Sat 9:30am5pm. Sun 11am-5pm. 55 Music Concourse Drive, Golden Gate Park.

379-8000. www.calacademy.org

The Bay Area singer premieres her new show, Uptown Girl: The Songs of Billy Joel, with a three-piece band. $30-$45. 7pm. Hotel Nikko, 222 Mason Street. (866) 663-1063. www.melissatokeefe.com www.ticketweb.com

Smack Dab @ Magnet Author Wayne Hoffman is the featured reader at the eclectic queerly fun open mic night. 8pm. 4122 18th St. at Castro. www.magnetsf.org

Thu 22 Elvis Costello @ Nourse Theater The Grammy-winning musician discusses his new memoir, Unfaithful Music & Disappearing Ink, with radio host Dan Stone. $29. 7:30pm. 275 Hayes St. www.cityarts.net/event/ elvis-costello/

Russ Lorenson @ Feinstein’s at the Nikko The talented singer performs his special Barry Manilow show, Fanilow: One Man’s Pursuit of Music and Passion. $25-$40. 8pm. Hotel Nikko, 222 Mason Street. (866) 6631063. www.ticketweb.com

Varla Jean Merman @ Oasis The statuesque drag queen returns for Big Black Hole, a night of musical science fiction hilarity. $25-$35. 8pm.

Also Oct. 23 & 24. 298 11th St. at Folsom. 795-3180. www.sfoasis.com

Wig Sale/Open House @ Diva Hair Stock up on your Halloween and drag needs at David Carter-Ford’s new designer wig salon. 7pm-9pm. 3150 18th St., Suite 318. www.facebook.com/DivaHairbyDavid

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34 • BAY AREA REPORTER • October 15-21, 2015

Freethinkers & a gay love story

by Brian Bromberger

Callow) strip naked and go swimming and frolicking along the shore was one of the first few instances of male frontal nudity in mainstream films. Ivory commented he “was determined they would just be naked, and whatever they did, so be it.” This episode has a joyful buoyancy, suffused with Forster’s empathy toward his characters. Will Lucy, a budding free spirit, marry the safe, stuffy (and in the Forster book, likely a repressed homosexual) Cecil, or embark on an unpredictable but exciting adventure with George? Can she discover her true desires and make a happy life for herself?

MBL is a subversive work of social realism, an anarchic comedy that addresses the racism/xenophobia, economic inequities, urban decay, and

homophobia in Margaret Thatcher’s 1980s England, shot for Channel 4 television. It is a love story between Omar (Gordon Warnecke), a South London Pakistani immigrant set up by his relatives to manage a self-service laundry who wants to transform it into an upscale laundromat, and his childhood friend Johnny (Daniel Day-Lewis), a homeless workingclass skinhead who volunteers to do the grunt work to make Omar’s dream a reality. Johnny draws a paycheck from Omar’s Uncle Nasser (brilliant Indian actor Saeed Jaffrey), cheating on his wife and supporting his mistress Rachel. The clash of cultures and class barriers complicates both the romantic and family business plots, yet the characters remain endearing.

Omar and Johnny’s gay relationship, while integral to the narrative, is presented matter-of-factly, while the Nasser/Rachel relationship becomes a source of social conflict. Omar and Johnny are the most harmonious and moral partnership in the movie, complete with kissing and playful ear-licking. The theme of how to maintain an ethnic identity while assimilating into society also works on a gay level if you substitute sexuality and social approval. Director Stephen Frears notes how a gay teenager thanked him for the film because “it didn’t show gays as mad or winding up dead.”

The social issues brought up in both ARWAV and MBL still resonate today. Their status as gay classics is undeniable.t

while elsewhere the author throws down assertions like this: “Homosexual contact is made possible by the stupidity, zaniness, drunkenness, lack of cultural awareness, and general ‘loser’ status of the straight (and almost always white) men involved.” In truth, some of these

declarations are bracing and provocative. They seem to be sweeping generalizations, but Ward’s lucid arguments are consistently followed up with a clear thought process and, in some instances, even light humor.

The book also traverses Hollywood’s penchant for “bro”-type films where heterosexual men appear to have more than a casual interest in each other, and sexualized hazing rituals that are not just for college campuses anymore (and include American Embassy guards, U.S. Marines, and Navy servicemen). The volume concludes with reflections on queer politics that have been shaped by “the implications of ‘sexual fluidity.’”

While this book is probably best-suited to contemporary scholars in sexuality studies, Ward has produced an important, fascinating, and cerebral interpretation of the psychology behind all the locker-room towel-snapping and fraternity “elephant walks” happening behind closed doors and the locked lips of horny boys.t

T

he early-to-mid-1980s were a depressing time to be gay. Not only was the community engulfed in the beginnings of the AIDS holocaust, but we were embedded in the Reagan years, with their concomitant backlash from the religious right attempting to take away the few liberties LGBTQ people had managed to scrounge from mainstream society in the late 1970s.

One of the few bright spots during this grim era came from the world of cinema, especially independent movies that treated homosexuality with respect, maturity, and nonchalance. Two of the very best from this time have just recently been reissued on DVD (after being out of print for years) on the distinguished Criterion Collection label: A Room with a View (ARWAV) and My Beautiful Laundrette (MBL).

Although MBL was made in 1985, both these English movies were released in the U.S. in 1986, catapulting heterosexual actor Daniel Day-Lewis, who played wildly dissimilar gay parts in each one, to international acclaim. Both are gay, but for very different reasons.

ARWAV was made by the famed gay duo (both professionally and privately) Ismail Merchant (producer) and James Ivory (director), with their screenwriter, Ruth Prawer Jhabvala. It showcased an ambiguous gay character. MBL was a gay love story with two gay characters, directed and written by two straight

men. Both films have been given a superb restored digital transfer, and feature new extras that enhance their appreciation.

In featured comments, Ivory says the artistic and financial success of ARWAV (it won three Oscars out of eight nominations, and grossed $60 million on a $3 million budget) is understandable, in that it is a “great romantic entertainment, but also focuses on higher issues like knowing yourself, not lying to yourself for the wrong reasons, and living the life you really want to live,” all of which are gay themes. The story is based on the gay E.M. Forster’s novel about two English tourists, Lucy Honeychurch (Helena Bonham Carter, in a star-making role) and her older chaperone cousin Char-

lotte Bartlett (the incomparable Maggie Smith), who take rooms at the Pensione Bertolini in Florence, Italy, but don’t get their promised room with a view. They meet a freethinking father/son Emerson duo (Denholm Elliott, and Julian Sands as George) at the communal dinner table who kindly offer to exchange their rooms, which have views. A chain of events leads to the famous kissing scene between George and Lucy in a Tuscan field of poppies and barley, complicated by Lucy’s engagement to the rich mama’s boy Cecil Vyse (Daniel Day-Lewis) back in England.

For gay men, the delicious scene at the Sacred Lake where George, Lucy’s brother Freddy and local Reverend Beebe (gay actor Simon

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Straight acting

by Jim Piechota

Not Gay by Jane Ward; New York University Press, $25 ighly controversial and heavily publicized, Not Gay, an insightful treatise on the nature of heterosexual male interaction with other men, addresses many of the stereotypes and assumptions associated with straight and gay men.

The book also skillfully analyzes the often fluid nature of sexuality, race, privilege, and the taboo crossover behavior between sexually active men of opposing preferences.

While author Jane Ward, an associate professor of women’s studies at the University of California, Riverside, remarks that “this book unfolded with ease, urgency, and clarity,” her study takes up the homoerotic, sexually charged hazing rituals of college fraternities, the machinations behind casual sex, and the true meanings behind “heteroflexibility.” She presents puzzling

H

questions to ponder as well, such as, “Is it possible that straight white men would really be nowhere without the opportunity for intimate contact with one another’s anuses?”

Suggesting that “homosexuality is an often invisible but nonetheless vital ingredient – a constitutive element – of heterosexual masculinity” is powerful enough to provoke intelligent and thought-provoking discussion, and proves a gateway statement for Ward to fully explore the nature of “masculinity and whiteness.” First she engages with the history of homosexual sex between straight men, and probes further into notions and episodes of random same-sex erotic encounters.

“Whether a man thinks of himself and his homosexual behavior as ‘gay’ or ‘straight’ makes all the difference,” Ward opines, “with regard to how he will make sexual contact with men: how he will set the scene, the narratives he will use to describe what is happening and why, the

time and place the sex occurs, and whether it will be possible to imagine that the sex was never actually ‘sexual’ at all.” This declaration further bolsters her section on the ways and means of anonymous (and what many men deem to be) “not-gay” sex in public bathrooms, wooded parks, bathhouses, backrooms, hushed bedrooms, Skype sessions, Craigslist categories, chat rooms, and iPhone apps. Activities like these, beginning with the most grassroots tapping of the first shoe in the next men’s room stall, have been occurring for countless decades, she notes, and there seems to be no end in sight as long as gay and “straight” men consider each other with a sensual sensibility.

Another illuminating section finds Ward interviewing a slew of medical experts from sexologists to sociologists on their professional opinions and perceptions. Pages on the neuroscience of sexual orientation educate readers on brain function and biological proclivities,

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Castro Theatre

From page 28

down here, 8,000 a month is chicken feed. With that, you don’t fuck around. You understand? Good.

Now get the fuck out.” (both 10/25) Scream The openly gay TV/ screenwriter Kevin Williamson, pioneer showrunner for the WB’s teen soap Dawson’s Creek, gets credit for the first installment of this intelligently creepy teen-massacre franchise. (Preceded by a host of scary trailers.)

Wes Craven’s New Nightmare The postmodern horror continues. (both 10/30) Night of the Living Dead George Romero’s original zombie-killersfrom-beyond-the-grave classic has lost none of its original flesh-crawling appeal.

The Texas Chainsaw Massacre

Steve Martin plays The Jerk in Carl Reiner’s film.

This 4K restoration brings back to the big screen Tobe Hooper’s spinetingling thriller about the fate of a band of hitchhiking teens who encounter a goon who hasn’t learned the basics of good woodshed safety.

The Evil Dead Evil cult master Sam Raimi offers his original cabinin-the-woods college-student-massacre masterpiece. With the debut of his leading man, Bruce Campbell. (all three, 10/31)t

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DVD>>

October 15-21, 2015 • BAY AREA REPORTER • 35

Kubrick in Rome

by Tavo Amador

“The seduction scene with Curtis is cleverly scripted and subtly performed.

Crassus asks Antoninus, who is bathing him, if he likes snails or oysters.

‘Oysters, master,’ he replies. Olivier registers Crassus’ disappointment and also makes it clear he won’t let Antoninus’ response stop him from getting what he wants.”

K

irk Douglas (b.1916) lobbied director William Wyler to play Ben-Hur (1959), but the part went to Charlton Heston, who won the Best Actor Oscar for his performance. Determined to make a film set in ancient Rome, Douglas’ production company purchased the rights to blacklisted Howard Fast’s self-published novel Spartacus, which was based on the leader of a first-century slave rebellion.

Douglas would star in the title role. He hired blacklisted screenwriter Dalton Trumbo to adapt the novel and Anthony Mann, hitherto best-known for westerns, to direct.

Douglas moved quickly because Yul Brynner had been in discussions with Universal Studios about starring in a movie based on Spartacus.

For reasons never made clear, Douglas fired Mann after one week’s shooting. He then hired Stanley Kubrick (1928-99), who had directed only seven modestly-budgeted films, including the brilliant Paths of Glory (1957), which starred Douglas. The budget for Spartacus was nearly $20 million, almost $100 million in today’s money when adjusted for inflation. Douglas also assembled an all-star cast. As the recently released Blu-ray DVD of the restored movie shows, it is an intelligent and exciting epic. Yet Kubrick disowned it, perhaps because he didn’t have his usual full control over every aspect of the film.

As punishment for being a difficult slave, Spartacus is compelled to become a gladiator. He is sent for training to a professional gladiator school run by Batiatus (Peter Ustinov). There he falls in love with the beautiful slave Varinia (Jean Simmons). She’s sold to the wealthy Crassus (Laurence Olivier).

Crassus, for amusement, arranges for Spartacus and other slaves to

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Curran Theatre

From page 25

You can hear Sobelle himself reflect on his work in a post-performance talkback on Oct. 15, conducted by Curran’s newly appointed Editor-in-Chief Kevin Sessums.

Editor-in-Chief is not a traditional job title for what has long been a Broadway-style venue, and the person chosen to occupy the position has blown up a few boxes in a career of both celebrity and notoriety.

Sessums’ personal and professional lives have followed the rocky roads of many of the luminaries he once regularly interviewed for Vanity Fair, Interview, Out, Playboy, and many other publications. But changes on mastheads and in media tastes, and his own interest in crystal meth and casual sex, brought unemployment, couch-surfing, and food stamps before efforts to get sober finally stuck three years ago, a journey he chronicled in his memoir I Left It on the Mountain. By then the longtime New Yorker had moved to San Francisco to become editor-in-chief of the glossy LGBT magazine FourTwoNine, and his departure from that enterprise this summer provided Curran owner Carole Shorenstein Hays with the opportunity to create an editor-inchiefdom around him.

In addition to overseeing the Curran’s publications and curating the Under Construction productions, Sessums will also host the Groundbreakers series of onstage conversations with what the theater calls “today’s most compelling thought leaders and artists.” For the inaugural installment, Sessums will sit down with controversial theater col-

fight. Spartacus’ opponent Draba (Woody Strode) disarms him, but spares his life. Draba then attempts to kill the jaded patricians and is himself killed by Crassus. The next day, with Batiatus away to deliver Varinia to Crassus’ house in Rome, Spartacus and other slaves overwhelm the guards and escape into the countryside.

Spartacus is chosen leader of the fugitives. They steal from the wealthy and buy a boat, and their ranks swell as other slaves escape their masters. Varinia is one of them. Another is Antoninus (a very pretty Tony Curtis), a self-described “singer of songs” who is fleeing from Crassus’ sexual advances.

Spartacus and his slaves defeat several armies sent by the Roman Senate to subdue the rebellion. umnist and author Michael Reidel on Oct. 19. Reidel is the must-read, much-feared, and often-loathed theater columnist for the New York Post, and his new book Razzle Dazzle: The Battle for Broadway will conveniently be available for signing following the discussion. Admission to the Reidel event is free.

For years, the Curran was one of the theaters that housed the SHN series of productions bound for or coming from Broadway. But when Shorenstein-Hays parted ways with SHN, she announced plans to extensively renovate the theater for reopening in 2017 while keeping the theater active with the Under Construction series that has audiences entering through the stage door and sharing the stage with the short-run offbeat productions. Tickets and more info are available at sfcurran. com.

Celibate womanizer

In her latest solo show, Marga Gomez combines a fascination with screen lesbians, the mostly miserable, mostly doomed movie characters she saw growing up, with her own sexual experiences and a recent diagnosis of unplanned celibacy.

Pound is Gomez’s 10th solo show, now at Brava Theatre Center, and it’s a follow-up run to its widely praised summer debut in New York. “A hilariously skewed queer-film studies course crossed with a standup act,” said Ben Brantley in The New York Times.

Gomez starts the show by jabbing at various stereotypes used to portray lesbians over the years, before a fisting accident during a bid to reignite her sex life brings about a visit to the

Populist senator Gracchus (Charles Laughton) wants his youthful protégé Julius Caesar (the Apollo-like John Gavin) to lead the next army.

Gracchus fears that his bitter rival Crassus will take advantage of the situation to seize command of the army and make himself dictator.

But Gracchus’ unscrupulous, corrupt behavior offends Caesar, who becomes Crassus’ ally.

Eventually, a huge Roman army surrounds the slaves, who know they are doomed. Spartacus urges them to fight to the death. In a famous scene, the Romans ask the rebels who is Spartacus. One answers, “I am Spartacus.” Then another says, “I am Spartacus.” Several more repeat the sentence.

Kubrick, who would become an ever-more cerebral and chilly direc-

tor, keeps the action moving. The superb battle scenes are balanced with intimate ones.

He also elicited memorable performances from the once-in-alifetime cast. Douglas brings his trademark physicality and intense emotionalism to the part. It’s one of his finest performances. Olivier is elegant, cynical, and witty. The seduction scene with Curtis is cleverly scripted and subtly performed.

Crassus asks Antoninus, who is bathing him, if he likes snails or oysters. “Oysters, master,” he replies.

Olivier registers Crassus’ disappointment and also makes it clear he won’t let Antoninus’ response stop him from getting what he wants.

The real Caesar (said by his enemies to be “every woman’s husband

and every man’s wife”) was hardly as virile and gorgeous as Gavin, but who cares? He even gives an effective performance. The lovely Simmons is touching and warm. The great, gay Laughton walks off with every scene he’s in, upstaging his real-life nemesis Olivier throughout.

Ustinov’s hamming won him the Best Supporting Actor Oscar. Curtis’ Bronx accent may give viewers the giggles, but his sincerity makes up for that. His death in Spartacus’ arms, which was originally trimmed to reduce the homoerotic element, is moving. Strode makes a powerful impression in his small role. The rest of the large cast, which includes John Ireland, Nina Foch, Herbert Lom, Joanna Barnes, and an uncredited George Kennedy, is very good.

This DVD has restored all but about two minutes of the original movie. Alas, those minutes are of Laughton’s Gracchus and include his suicide. They, apparently, were destroyed.

Alex North wrote the rousing score. Oscars went to Russell Metty, who often clashed with Kubrick, for the outstanding cinematography; to Russell Gausman and Julia Heron, for set design; and to Valles and Bill Thomas, for the marvelous costumes.

Spartacus was a box-office smash, although its critical reception was mixed. Right-wing gossip columnist Hedda Hopper objected to Fast and Trumbo’s alleged communism and urged audiences to boycott it.

Conservatives picketed some theatres. But President John F. Kennedy crossed a picket line to attend a showing, thus ending the infamous blacklisting. In the ensuing 45 years, its reputation among film historians and critics has deservedly grown.

Kubrick wasn’t as good a judge of his own work as he thought.t

Courtesy Kevin Sessums

Noted celebrity interviewer Kevin Sessums has been named editor-in-chief of the Curran: Under Construction series and will conduct onstage interviews with various theatrical luminaries.

ER, and entry into an ethereal portal where she is able to mix it up with characters from such movies as The Children’s Hour, The Killing of Sister George, Basic Instinct, and her own favorite, Bound, a 1996 film starring Jennifer Tilly and Gina Gershon as lovers who rob millions in mob money. She emerges from the portal as a wiser but still celibate “celesbian.”

Pound is running in Brava’s 60seat studio theater through Nov. 15.

Tickets at brava.org.

Sweet 16 for ‘Shocktoberfest’

Thrillpeddlers hasn’t missed a Halloween season since launching its Shocktoberfest program in 1999.

The 16th edition, subtitled Curse of the Cobra, contains an assortment of short plays and musical segments that combine fantasy, horror, dark comedy, and avowedly bad taste.

Courtesy Marga Gomez

Marga Gomez combines explorations of unplanned celibacy with a satire of lesbian movie characters in her solo show Pound at Brava Theatre Center.

Cracking the Vein and The Model House are two world-premiere plays created for the 2015 Shocktoberfest.

The former, by Andy Wenger and Damien Chacona, is set in San Francisco during the Gold Rush as prospectors, prostitutes, and murderers vie for a share of the riches. The latter, by Rob Keefe, is set in a suburban dream home of the 1950s where the bomb shelter serves as a locale for gay trysts while incest is on the upstairs agenda – with all at risk due to a teenager’s chemistry kit.

Scrumbly Koldewyn is the man

behind the musical parts of the program. The Revenge of the Son of the Cobra Woman is a fantasy about a man’s search for his purloined boypuppy that takes him on a South Seas adventure. Down at the Donner Party Diner is a musical interlude that imagines a greasy spoon that honors the ill-fated trekkers with an appropriate menu.

A lights-out spook show provides the traditional finale for the production, running through Nov. 21 at the Hypnodrome. Tickets at (415) 3774202 or hypnodrome.org.t

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42

Russ Lorenson

NIGHTLIFE

DINING

45

On the Tab

SPIRITS

Leather

SOCIETY

ROMANCE

PERSONALS Vol. 45 • No. 42 • October 15-21, 2015 Gareth Gooch

www.ebar.com V www.bartabsf.com

LEATHER

To Boldly Go

Star Trek Live’s cosmic comedy

by David-Elijah Nahmod

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elebrate the stellar entertainment of cross-dressing space cadets as Star Trek Live: Mudd’s Women continues its run on the Oasis stage through October 31. The show, starring drag king extraordinaire Leigh Crow as Captain James T. Kirk, will feature the Trekkie favorite “Mudd’s Women,” which originally aired on October 13, 1966. The original Star Trek script is performed as written, albeit with a number of fun, queer twists.

See page 38 >>

Jordan L’Moore, Persia and Jef Valentine as Mudd’s Women , with Leigh Crow at Capt. Kirk in Star Trek Live.

Abby Frenes

portable k n u p Pookie & The Poodlez’ road trip

by Andre Torrez

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ouring across the U.S. with a band to promote your second full-length album isn’t a bad place to be for a 23-year-old.

Trevor Straub, better known to his fans as Pookie, is pretty much living out his dream. He only pays $200 a month in rent, which affords him a closet that he’s called home for the last three years on Telegraph Avenue and 36th Street in Oakland. While that’s probably not most people’s ideal living situation, it’s a lifestyle that makes his decision to go on a 25-city tour in as many days with Pookie & The Poodlez that much more appealing.

See page 40 >>

{ THIRD OF THREE SECTIONS }

Pookie and the Poodlez on stage in Nashville.

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38 • Bay Area Reporter • October 15-21, 2015

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All hands on deck! Honey Mahogany as Uhura, Amber Sommerfield as Spock and Leigh Crow as Capt. Kirk in Star Trek Live at Oasis.

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Serving the Castro288 Noe Street, SF since 1981 (415) 431-7210 La Mediterranee Noe @LaMedNoe

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D’Arcy Drollinger, Oasis’ hostess with the mostess, directed the show.

The drag auteur has become well known for his live television paroServing the dies, including Three’s Company, CastroWomen, since Sex and the City, Designing 1981 and others. a class of its own “Star Trek is in 15TH ST | dueCatering in part to the continuously M AR

CAFE

To Boldly Go

From page 37

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ebar.com

17TH ST

growing number of obsessed fans,” Drollinger said in an interview. “So when our target audience knows the episodes better than you, there is a very big task at hand.” Drollinger points out that Star Trek was always meant to be a serious show.

“It’s sincerity begs for respect,” Drollinger said. The show, he said, would not be a loose adaptation, but what he calls a “restoration piece.”

“The script is melodramatic,” said Leigh Crow. “It lends itself to parody. There are many camp lines in “Mudd’s Women,” but the original cast played it seriously.”

Crow added that the line delivery of the Oasis cast would

emphasize the script’s campy overthe-top appeal.

“It’s fun to play Bill Shatner,” Crow said. “He’s such an egomaniac. I don’t think he falls very far from the character of Kirk.”

Crow also pointed to the serious message lurking behind Star Trek’s often fantastic scripts.

“I think it was an important statement to show this very accepting universe,” she said of a show, where people of different races –and species– interacted in harmony with each other. “This hadn’t been seen before in Sci-Fi, it had all been white guys. It gave people hope as individuals that they could be equal with their fellow man.”

See page 39 >>

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Gareth Gooch

Top Left: Amber Sommerfield as Spock in Star Trek Live at Oasis.

Bottom: Ammo Eisu as Sulu with Leigh Crow as Capt. Kirk.

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Read more online at www.ebar.com

October 15-21, 2015 • Bay Area Reporter • 39

Russ Lorenson is a Fanilow Crooner pays tribute to Barry Manilow in music; most of my life could be set to Barry’s songs.”

He recalled the closeted Russ of his younger years. “Barry’s song ‘All the Time’ was very important to me when I was coming out,” he said. “A lot of my life has been about realizing that I’m okay.”

Lorenson recited an “All the Time” verse that’s been particularly meaningful to him: “All the time I thought there’s only me, crazy in a way that no one else could be.”

“I used to play ‘concerts’ to Barry with my brother,” he said of his childhood. “I was the fat kid. I knew I was different, as in being gay.”

Russ Lorenson

by David-Elijah Nahmod

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arry Manilow’s vast fan base can be rabid; they’re sometimes called “Fanilows.” Others have laughed about Manilow’s feathered costumes and his less than masculine demeanor. He’s been called “barely man-enough” even as he earned the respect and adorations of millions.

In addition to being one of the bestselling recoding artists of all time, he remains a sold-out concert act. San Francisco crooner Russ Lorenson said that Manilow’s career goes far beyond the pop star persona.

“He’s been a commercial jingles writer, an accompanist and producer for Bette Midler, he’s produced

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To Boldly Go

From page 38

Designer Sarah Phykitt was given the daunting task of recreating the bridge of the Starship Enterprise.

“We were trying to stay truthful to the original design,” she said. “We found the original blueprints online; it was a no brainer to use them.”

Phykitt describes those blueprints as “very detailed.”

“It was easy to take them and modify them for what we were trying to convey,” she said, adding that she put a lot of heart, soul and sweat into her recreation of the iconic Captain’s chair, from which Shatner, as Kirk, gave out many orders to his crew. Phykitt’s design is both recognizable to ardent Trekkies, albeit with a queer sensibility.

“Nothing says the USS Enterprise like the Captain’s chair,” she said. “I wanted to have the feeling of being on that bridge: 1960s cheesy camp but still be appropriate to what we

for Nancy Wilson, and he’s written two Broadway shows,” Lorenson said. “He’s such an accomplished musician, yet he’s still remembered as the guy in sequins. He doesn’t get the recognition he deserves.”

Lorenson reports that Manilow was close friends with the great lyricist Johnny Mercer. “Johnny’s widow gave Barry boxes of unpublished lyrics. Manilow set 37 of them to music,” said Lorenson. “One of the Mercer songs was Barry’s hit ‘When October Goes.’”

On October 22, Lorenson returns to Feinstein’s at the Nikko for a tribute to his musical idol. Lorenson will put his own stamp on many of Manilow’s well-known tunes when do at Oasis.”

Phykitt acknowledged that this show might attract a demographic not usually associated with the queer-centric Oasis.

“We’re seeing a lot of new people,” she said of the show’s audiences. “Trekkies who usually don’t go to a drag show.”

“It stands on its own as a space opera and as a drag comedy show,” added Crow.

But those Trekkies might be in for a bit of a surprise.

Crossing genders, making this cast made up primarily drag kings (women playing men) feels fresh and hilarious on its own, said Drollinger. “Who knows? Maybe one day we’ll flash forward to the hyperspace of Next Generation.”t Star Trek Live: ‘Mudd’s Women’ at Oasis, Thursday through Saturday at 7pm; through October 31. $25500. 21+. 298 11 Street at Folsom. www.sfoasis.com

Designer Sarah Phykitt’s work-in-progress –the captain’s chair– before the opening of Star Trek Live.

he takes to the stage to perform Fanilow: One Man’s Pursuit of Music and Passion. The show marks Lorenson’s tenth anniversary as a professional cabaret artist.

“I’ve been thinking about this show for ten years,” he said. “I could tell Barry’s story, but that would be the easy way out.”

Instead, Lorenson elected to do an autobiographical show that tells the audience about his own life, through Manilow’s songs.

“It’s the most personal show I’ve done,” said the singer, who’s also brought a popular Tony Bennett tribute show to Feinstein’s. “I talk about growing up, addicted parents, coming out, divorce. I found solace

Russ Lorenson

Those years are behind him now.

Lorenson is happily married and living his own dreams of a life in music. He’s built up a fan base who he hopes will come to see his new show.

“The fans are going to be surprised when they see that the show is about me, but with Barry’s music.”t Russ Lorenson performs ‘Fanilow: One Man’s Pursuit of Music and Passion,’ Thursday, October 22, 8pm at Feinstein’s at the Nikko, 222 Mason St. $25-40. www.ticketweb.com

Serving the LGBT communities since 1971

40 • Bay Area Reporter • October 15-21, 2015

Pookie started playing in hardcore bands. “I’ve basically been playing music ever since then.”

He has two sisters and a brother who’s eight years older. He’d watch Clueless with his sister and all her cheerleader friends, but he’d wrestle with his brother as if to balance out his testosterone levels.

“They never shit on me at all,” he said of his siblings. “They made me tough in ways, but only super loving.”

Minowchief

1. Pookie and the Poodlez perform …somewhere along their U.S. tour.

2. Pookie and the Poodlez at an afternoon GonerFest gig.

3.Pookie’s photo of fans up close at a basement show in Duluth, Minnesota.

4. Band members Shelby O’Neal and Chevelle Wiseman sneak out of a hotel window.

5. Pookie visits the Kneeling Paul Bunyan in Akeley, Minnestoa.

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He remembered how they let him tag along to parties with them when he was 12 and around the same time, took him to his first concerts.

A momentary lull in our conversation reveals Green Day’s “Time of Your Life (Good Riddance)” is playing noticeably over the speakers in the fluorescently-lit dining room.

As if by coincidence, he notes the absurdity that it’s playing during his interview and we chuckled over our frozen drinks.

Strangely enough, Pookie basically grew up at a funeral home from the time he was six, until about 11.

“My mom did hair and make-up and she was the receptionist. People would hire her to sing at a bunch of funerals and stuff.”

That’s where he met ‘Metal Tom,’ a metalhead embalmer who played an instrumental role, giving him his first guitar and amp and the nearly literal death-metal roots that would ignite Pookie’s musical curiosities.

“I thought he was really cool always wearing Iron Maiden, Sabbath and Judas Priest T-shirts. He taught me how to play ‘Iron Man’. He’d play the drums in the chapel and there’d be like, caskets around.”

But being Christian, they’d change the lyrics to funny things like, “And when darkness struck the hour, I forgot to take a shower.”

Somehow that skinny awkward teen playing folk music at Barnes & Noble open mic nights has made it. The same kid who once dreamed of sharing a bill with Nobunny now gets to play in his band.

He’ll have five days at home between national 3 tours and this time, gets to go to Puerto Rico. Not bad for someone who spent his first tour sleeping in parks because he couldn’t afford a hotel room.

“Honestly, I started the band to just be like, ‘Yeah I’m gay, but I’m a punk.’ If you call me gay, I’m gonna get in your face if you try and bash on me for that.

I’ll fight back.”

Then he softened for bit with a big grin as his words emptied from his mouth.

“If I stop and think about it really, I can’t even handle it. It’s too much. It’s unreal. Now it’s like all my dreams came true, so I’m running with it. I’m just going for it.”t Trevor Staub

a few notches in his belt, he said he wants an “experienced guy to show him things.”

“I’m getting letters from kids telling me they’ve come out as being gay or bisexual to their parents because they listen to my music. I think basically everyone questions their sexuality at certain times. I mean, I’ve had girlfriends and boyfriends.”

As for his own parents, who were once heavily into religion, something they’ve since renounced, he said they’ve never really talked about it.

“I’m sure they know, with, like, the Internet. But I’ve never even had like a boyfriend long enough to bring him home for Christmas or anything like that. I guess I’ll just cross that bridge when I finally want to bring someone home.”

It’s probably safe to assume his parents do know and that they support him fully.

“A long time ago my parents were just like, ‘You know what? We don’t know what’s wrong or right. Do what your heart tells you to do. Just follow your heart and you can do whatever you want.’”

4

Follow Pookie & The Poodlez at www.facebook.com/PookieandThePoodlez, www.soundcloud.com/ pookie-thepoodlez and www.pookieandthepoodlez.bandcamp.com

Chevelle Wiseman

Young Adult, released on Southpaw Records in September, very much follows in the footsteps of other former Bay Area lo-fi rockers like Nobunny and Hunx (and his Punx). Straub holds high opinions of both these acts, who have since moved on to other locations.

His ten-song album packs the perfect punch of drum-machine pop and garage rock with titles like “Gonna Make Him Mine (Tonight)” that explore sexual fantasy and obsessive desires, taking cues from the angst-ridden teen, doowop era anthems, but with a modern twist. Pookie, pretty much a living cartoon character, sings in an immediately recognizable nasally hi-tone about being tongue-tied at the mere sight of the boy he thinks is the raddest thing in school. With his pitch conveying a certain brattiness, he’s determined to get inside his pants, and fast.

But he also touches on getting “shit on” growing up as a punk living in the suburbs, which for Straub was reality. At his age, it must still be fresh on his mind.

“Antioch was not an okay place to be gay,” he said. “Kids will beat you up if they’re bored with no hobbies. I played guitar for hours and hours as a teenager. There’s nothing to do.

That’s how I got all my aggression out.”

We sat on the curb outside of Krystal, a Southern fast-food chain, where he enjoyed a smoke before heading inside. Between gigs in Nashville and Little Rock, Arkansas, he was surprised at how cheap cigarettes were in Memphis. Here, he had just finished playing his set at Gonerfest 12, an important annual tastemakers’ showcase leaning towards intensity and abrasiveness. Hundreds of Goners pack venues for three nights of music before heading to the bar for after-parties where bands (not DJs) can be caught in full swing well past 3:30 a.m.

“Out here [in Memphis] it’s all based on chops and your guitar-playing skills,” he said.

Pookie’s freshly-dyed hair was shocking orange, just a few shades from the cherry-red Freeze beverage he bought me.

His guitar malfunctioned mid-set during Friday afternoon’s Buccaneer Parking Lot Rock show, rendering his Fender useless. Without an instrument, he continued singing to the backing of band mates Shelby O’Neal on drums and Chevelle Wiseman (of Guantanamo Baywatch) on bass. He called for a loaner, playfully mocking the “dudes” in the audience who all brag about their Gibsons, and was eventually appeased when a fellow musician presented him with another Fender that had been floating around. This one matched the pastel of his dirtied pink Chuck Taylors. He finished the set barely missing a beat.

“I thought being in a queer band was how to meet guys,” he said with slight disappointment inside the fast-food joint. “The last boy took an Uber to my house wasted at four in the morning and I had to work at 10 a.m.,” he lamented. With only

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Trevor Staub

Portable Punk

From page 37

Chris Rios

<<

t

His parents are about to celebrate their 30th anniversary in December and the lineage of a strong family bond runs deep. His grandparents, who can be heard singing “Happy Birthday” to him over the phone in one of several audio clips on the new album, just celebrated their 60th.

“I think being the youngest, they never told me I couldn’t do anything. They were like ‘Yeah, do it.

Figure it out.’”

After a two-year stint in private school, which he calls the “worst years of his life,” his parents let him drop out of high school his sophomore year.

“I got fucked with so hard. My voice was ten times higher than it is right now. I was basically like the skinniest, smallest little kid.”

After reaching a deal that he’d earn his GED when he turned 18,

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<< On the Tab

42 • Bay Area Reporter • October 15-21, 2015

Thu 15

On the Tab

After Dark @ Exploratorium

The adult party with cocktails and activities takes on the theme “Everything Matters.”

Oct. 22: “Full-Spectrum Science.” $10-$15. 6pm-10pm.

Embarcadero at Pier 15. www.exploratorium.edu

October 15-22, 2015

Bulge @ Powerhouse

Christian Scott @ Yoshi’s Oakland The accomplished Grammynominated jazz trumpet player performs ‘Stretch Music’ with his six-piece band. $19-$55. 8pm.

Also Oct. 16, 8pm & 10pm. 510 Embarcadero West, Oakland.

(510) 238-9200. www.yoshis.com

Comedy Returns @ El Rio The monthly stand-up night this time features Mark Pitta, Zahra Noorbakhsh, Abhay Nadkarni, Kelly O’Kelly, and host Lisa Geduldig. $7$20. 8pm. 3158 Mission St. www.elriosf.com

Confess @ Oasis Storytelling night with skits and improvisation. $15. 10pm. 298 11th St. at Folsom. 795-3180. www.sfoasis.com

Fauxgirls @ Infusion Lounge The classy female impersonation show (8pm), with optional dinner (6pm), returns for its monthly show: Victoria Secret, Alexandria, Chanel, Mini Minerva, Kipper, Ruby LeBrowne, and Lulu Ramirez. 124 Ellis St. www.fauxgirls.com www.infusionlounge-sf.com

Franz Ferdinand, Sparks @ Fox Theatre, Oakland The two quirky pop bands perform together along their U.S. tour. The Intelligance opens. $39.50. 8pm. 1907 Telegraph Ave., Oakland. www.ffsmusic.com www.thefoxoakland.com

Full Frontal Comedy @ Lookout The comedy show raises funds for Margaret Cho’s #BeRobin campaign, with Matt Gubser, Anthony Durante, Ruby Gill, Jennifer Dronsky, with hosts Valerie Branch and Yuri Kagan.

Donations. 8pm. 3600 16th St. at Market. www.lookoutsf.com

Holly Penfield @ Feinstein’s at the Nikko Direct from her sold-out London show, the SF native performs her acclaimed show, Holly Penfield Sings Judy Garland. $20-$35. 8pm. Hotel Nikko, 222 Mason Street. (866) 663-1063. www.hollypenfield.com www.ticketweb.com

Inferno @ The Armory Hell in the Armory’s Halloween tour of the Kink.com sets, converted into scary adult-themed rooms. $35 and up.

Hourly tours 7:30pm to 11:30pm. 18+ only. Thru Oct. 31. 1800 Mission St. www.armoryinferno.eventbrite.com

Gang of Four @ The New Parish, Oakland

Party Nights @ Club BnB, Oakland

The legendary UK post-punk band’s back, with a new album, What Happens Next. $20. 9pm.

1743 San Pablo Ave. at 18th, Oakland. www.gangoffour.co.uk

Different events each week; 3rd: Seduction Feroce, a burlesque cabaret show (9pm). 8pm-2am. 2120 Broadway. (510) 759-7340. www.club-bnb.com

Growlr @ SF Eagle DJs John LePage and Steve Sherwood spin at the bear hookup app night. $5. 9pm-3am. 398 12th St. www.sf-eagle.com

Hard Fridays @ Qbar DH Haute Toddy’s weekly electro-pop night with hotty gogos. $3. 9pm-2am (happy hour 4pm-9pm). 456 Castro St. www.QbarSF.com

Thu 22

JoAna Gray @ Hotel Rex

Varla Jean Merman @ Oasis

The talented cabaret singer performs a night of songs about life, againg and growing up. $30-$50. 8pm. 562 Sutter St. www.societycabaret.com

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he harvest of nightlife fun continues, be it it drag shows with more weaves than a cornfield maze, music acts that soar like the autumn breeze, or spoken word events that are much less pretentious than this sentence.

Karaoke Night @ The Stud “Sing Til It Hurts” the new weekly night with hostess Sister Flora (Floozy) Goodthyme. 8pm; happy hour drinks til 10pm. 10pm-2am. 399 9th St. www.studsf.com

Margaret Cho @ Castro Theatre The amazing outspoken comic, actress, activist, and musician brings her PsyCHO tour to the Castro. $35$55. 8pm & 10:30pm. 429 Castro St. www.margaretcho.com www.castrotheatre.com

Mary Go Round @ Lookout Mercedez Munro and Holotta Tymes weekly drag show. $5. 10:30pm show.

3600 16th St. www.lookoutsf.com

The Monster Show @ The Edge The weekly drag show with themed nights, gogo guys and hilarious fun. $5. 9pm-2am. 4149 18th St. at Collingwood. www.edgesf.com

Nap’s Karaoke @ Virgil’s Sea Room Sing out loud at the weekly least judgmental karaoke in town, hosted by the former owner of the bar. No cover. 9pm. 3152 Mission St. 8292233. www.virgilssf.com

Nightlife @ California Academy of Sciences Themed event nights at the fascinating nature museum, with DJed dancing, cocktails, fish, frogs, food and fun.

Oct 15: music by Hundred Waters and Tops; DJ sets by BFF.fm. Oct. 22: Cosmic nightlife, with DJed music by The BeDazzlers, alien fun and films. $10$12. 6pm-10pm, 55 Music Concourse Drive, Golden Gate Park. 379-8000. www.calacademy.org

Queer Karaoke @ Club OMG Dana hosts the amateur singing night, 8pm. 43 6th St. www.clubOMGsf.com

Star Trek Live @ Oasis Enjoy another wacky parody of a TV script, this time the classic sci-fi show, with Leigh Crow, Honey Mahogany, Jordan L’Moore, Amber Sommerfield, Jef Valentine and others. $25 and up.

Thu-Sat at 7pm. Thru Oct 31. 298 11th St. www.sfoasis.com

Thu 15 Christian Scott @ Yoshi’s Oakland

Sundance Stompede @ 3 Venues The 14th annual country-western two-stepping and line-dancing gathering draws hundreds of participants from around the country; lessons, workshops, performances, and mostly, social dancing. $12-$45.

Events at Space 550 (550 Barneveld Ave.), The Holiday Inn (1500 Van Ness Ave.) and the Regency Ballroom (1300 Van Ness Ave.). Thru Oct. 18. 8201403. www.stompede.com

Throwback Thursdays @ Qbar Enjoy retro 80s soul, dance and pop classics with DJ Jorge Terez. No cover.

9pm-2am. 456 Castro St. www.QbarSF.com

Thursday Night Live @ SF Eagle

Ladies of San Francisco @ Club OMG Galilea hosts the new weekly “old school drag show” with guest performers and DJ Jack Rojo. $4.

43 6th St. www.clubOMGsf.com

Latin Explosion @ Club 21, Oakland Lulu, Jacki, and Vicki cohost the festive gogo-filled dance club that features Latin pop dance hits with DJs Speedy Douglas Romero and Fabricio. $6-$12. 9pm-4am. 2111 Franklin St., Oakland. (510) 268-9425. www.club21oakland.com

Leanne Borghesi @ Feinstein’s at the Nikko Lush, the talented local (and New York-based) singer’s night of music made popular by Shirley Bassey, Eartha Kitt and Rosemary Clooney. $25-$40. 8pm. Hotel Nikko, 222 Mason Street. (866) 663-1063. www.ticketweb.com

Red Hots Burlesque @ Beatbox The saucy women’s burlesque revue’s weekend show; different musical guests each week. Also Wednesday nights. $10-$20. 7:30pm. 314 11th St. www.redhotsburlesque.com www.beatboxsf.com

Rock Fag @ Hole in the Wall Enjoy hard rock and punk music from DJ Don Baird at the wonderfully divey SoMa bar. 12pm-2am. 1369 Folsom St. 431-4695. www.hitws.com

Swagger Like Us @ Oasis Queer hip hop dance night. $10.

10pm-2am. 298 11th St. at Folsom.

795-3180. www.sfoasis.com

Some Thing @ The Stud Mica Sigourney and pals’ weekly offbeat drag performance night. 10pm2am. 399 9th St. www.studsf.com

Sat 17

Bearracuda @ Beatbox Underwear dance party for the big and hairy guys and those who love ‘em, with DJs Ryan Jones, Mateo Segade, and gogo bears. $10. 9pm-3am. 314 11th St. www.bearracuda.com

Big Deck @ SF Eagle Bret Bowerman, M*J*R and Mark O’Brien spin at the new afternoon event. 2pm-8pm. 398 12th St. www.sf-eagle.com

BLUF @ SF Eagle The 3rd Saturdays leather night, with Men of Hot Boots and the Bay Area Cigar Buddies. 9pm-2am. 398 12th St. www.sf-eagle.com

Music with local and touring bands. 398 12th St. at Harrison. www.sf-eagle.com

Tubesteak Connection @ Aunt Charlie’s Lounge Disco guru DJ Bus Station John spins grooves at the intimate retro music night. $4. 10pm2am. 133 Turk St. at Taylor. www.auntcharlieslounge.com

Xcess Thursdays @ The Café Frisco Robbie and Persia’s dance and pop music night gets the weekend started, with gogo guys and gals, plus drink specials and guest DJs. No cover. 9pm-2am. 2369 Market St. www.cafesf.com

Fri 16

Thu 15

Bill Weaver

Grace Towers hosts the weekly gogo-tastic night of sexy dudes shakin’ their bulges and getting wet in their undies for $100 prize (contest at midnight), and dance beats spun by DJ DAMnation.

10pm-2am. 1347 Folsom St. www.powerhousebar.com

t

Albert Hammond Jr. @ The Independent The front man for The Strokes performs music from his third solo album, Momentary Masters.

Day Wave opens. $20. 9pm. 628 Divisadero St. www.alberthammondjr.com www.theindependentsf.com

Boy Bar @ The Cafe Gus Presents’ weekly dance night, with DJ Kid Sysko, cute gogos and $2 beer (before 10pm). 2369 Market St. www.cafesf.com

Comedy Noir @ Balancoire Valeria Branch’s weekly comedy night, where she embodies her faux queen character Pia Messing for some offbeat wit, along with guest performers. $5. 8pm-10pm. 2565 Mission St. www.balancoiresf.com

Dancing Ghosts @ Cat Club Jello Biafra guest-DJs a night of eclectic obscurities and favorites, with goth/industrial from DJs Xander, Sage, Chat Noir. $5-$8. 9:30pm-2am. 1190 Folsom St. www.sfcatclub.com

Sundance Stompede @ 3 Venues

Litquake @ Multiple Venues The annual literary festival of readings, panels and workshops in SF and East Bay, also includes parties with local and visiting authors. The festival culminates in the multi-venue Lit Crawl, Sat., Oct. 17 6pm-9pm. www.litquake.org

Manimal @ Beaux Gogo-tastic dance night starts off your weekend. $5. 9pm-2am. 2344 Market St. www.beauxsf.com

Midnight Show @ Divas Weekly drag shows at the last transgender-friendly bar in the Polk; with hosts Victoria Secret, Alexis Miranda and several performers. Also Saturdays. $10. 11pm. 1081 Polk St. www.divassf.com

La Bota Loca @ Club 21, Oakland DJed tunes, gogo hotties, drag shows, drink specials, all at Oakland’s premiere Latin nightclub and weekly cowboy night. $10-$15. Dancing 9pm-4am. 2111 Franklin St. (510) 268-9425. www.club21oakland.com

Club Rimshot @ Club BNB, Oakland Get groovin’ at the weekly hip hop and R&B night at their new location. $8-$15. 9pm to 4am. 2120 Broadway.

(510) 759-7340. www.club-bnb.com

Donald Arquilla @ Hotel Rex The veteran cabaret singer performs swing, jazz and Latin classics. $30$50. 8pm. 562 Sutter St. www.societycabaret.com

El Mundo @ Empire Ballroom

GAMeBoi SF @ Rickshaw Stop

The new weekly Latin night at the Civic Center renovated nightclub features drag shows, gogo guys and gals, and DJed grooves. 9pm-3am.

555 Golden Gate. www.theempireroomsf.com

The monthly gay Asian & pals night returns, this month with a special early Halloween-themed “Freak Show” costume night, with Mia Ho and Victoria Vertigo Moore. $8-$15.

9:30pm-2am. 155 Fell St. at Van Ness. www.rickshawstop.com

t

On the Tab>>

Lit Crawl @ Multiple Venues The annual three-round series of readings and music set in bars, bookstores, barbershps and even laundromats along the Valencia Street corridor and 24th St. in the Mission.

LGBT events each hour. 6pm, 7pm, 8pm. www.litcrawl.org

Mother @ Oasis Heklina’s weekly drag show night with different themes, always outrageously hilarious. Oct, 17: Girl Power! $10$25. 10pm-2am. 298 11th St. at Folsom. 795-3180. www.sfoasis.com

Sat 17

October 15-21, 2015 • Bay Area Reporter • 43

Sun 18

Epic Karaoke @ White Horse, Oakland

The classic leather bar’s most popular Sunday daytime event in town draws the menfolk. Beer bust donations benefit local nonprofits (Check the website for a list of recipients). 3pm6pm. Now also on Saturdays! 398 12th St. at Harrison. www.sf-eagle.com

Gaymer Meetup @ Brewcade

Beer Bust @ SF Eagle

Big Top @ Beaux The fun Castro nightclub, with hot local DJs and sexy gogo guys and gals. $5. 9pm-2am. 2344 Market St. www.Beauxsf.com

Mondays and Tuesdays popular weekly sing-along night. No cover. 8:30pm1am. 6551 Telegraph Ave, (510) 6523820. www.whitehorsebar.com The weekly LGBT video game enthusiast night include big-screen games and signature beers, with a new remodeled layout, including an outdoor patio. No cover. 7pm-11pm.

2200 Market St. www.brewcadesf.com

See page 44 >>

Daytime Realness @ El Rio

Gameboi @ Rickshaw Stop

‘Halloqween Realness’ offers a dragtastic early take on costume fun, with Heklina, Carnita, DJs Stanley Frank, Taco Tuesdays and John Fucking Cartwright, plus many drag acts. $8-$10. 2pm-8pm.

3158 Mission St. 282-3325. www.elriosf.com

A

Disco Daddy @ SF Eagle

2016

DJ Bus Station John spins classic grooves at the famed leather bar. Dance it up! 7pm12am. 398 12th St. www.sf-eagle.com

A

Domingo De Escandal @ Club OMG Weekly Latin night with drag shows hosted by Vicky Jimenez and DJ Luis. 7pm2am. 43 6th St. www.clubomgsf.com

GlamaZone @ The Cafe

Saturgay @ Qbar Stanley Frank spins house dance remixes at the intimate Castro dance bar. $3. 9pm-2am (weekly beer bust 2pm-9pm). 456 Castro St. www.QbarSF.com

Pollo del Mar’s weekly drag show takes on different themes with a comic edge. 8:30-11:30pm. 2369 Market St. www.cafesf.com

Soul Delicious @ Lookout

Enjoy the weekly jock-ular fun, with DJed dance music at sports team fundraisers. 12pm-1am. 3600 16th St. www.lookoutsf.com

Brunch, booze, sass and grooves, with the Mom DJs, Motown sounds, and soul food. 11am-4pm. 3600 16th St. www.lookoutsf.com

Soul Party @ Elbo Room DJs Lucky, Paul, and Phengren Osward spin 60s soul 45s. $5-$10 ($5 off in semi-formal attire). 10pm-2am. 647 Valencia St. 552-7788. www.elbo.com

Sugar @ The Cafe Dance, drink, cruise at the Castro club.

9pm-2am. 2369 Market St. www. cafesf.com

Treasure Island Music Festival @ Treasure Island The annual outdoor fest of pop, rock, techno and other music genres returns, with headliners Deadmau5, The National, Panda Bear, and more than a dozen other acts; comedy line-up, too. Also Oct. 18. $95-$315. www.treasureislandfestival.com

You Betta Work Comedy @ Brainwash Café Jesus U. BettaWork’s offbeat comedy show, with Tramane Webb, Jennifer Ellis, Inanc, Queenie TT, Anthony Medina and Mario Montes. No cover.

8pm. 1122 Folsom St. www.jesusubettawork.com

Jock @ The Lookout

Liquid Brunch @ Beaux No cover, no food, just drinks (Mimosas, Bloody Marys, etc.) and music. 2pm-9pm. 2344 Market St. www.beauxsf.com

Morning After BBQ @ Oasis The weekly barbeque brunch on the newly opened rooftop deck, with Mimosas and Bloody Mary cocktails.

11am-3pm. $10. Follwoed by Spillin’ Tea T-dance (3pm-11pm). 298 11th St. at Folsom. 795-3180. www.sfoasis.com

Femme, Xtravaganza @ Balancoire Weekly live music shows with various acts, along with brunch, mimosas, champagne and more, at the stylish nightclub and restaurant; shows at 12:30pm, 1:30pm and 2:45pm. After that, T-Dance drag shows at 7pm, 10pm and 11pm. 2565 Mission St. at 21st.

920-0577. www.balancoiresf.com

Sunday’s a Drag @ Starlight Room Donna Sachet hosts the weekly fabulous brunch and drag show, now celebrating its tenth anniversary. $45.

11am, show at noon; 1:30pm, show at 2:30pm. 450 Powell St. in Union Square. 395-8595. www.starlightroomsf.com

Vulfpeck @ Slim’s Jazzy, funky, witty genrecrossing LA-based music collective performs. Hibbety Dibbety opens. $21-$46 (with dinner). 8pm. 333 11th st.

255-0333. www.slimspresents.com

I am the future of the LGBT community.

I’m gay.

I’m 22 years old and I’m an exchange student from Spain. Going to college here means a fun time, lots of hard work and getting to see new things.

It also means a chance to really be myself. My parents are supportive of my sexuality, and my host family here is a couple with two teenage boys. Nobody cares if they’re gay or straight. I’m excited to be part of a world where that can be true.

I am the future of the LGBT community. And I read about that future every day on my Android tablet. Because that’s where I want it to be.

Mon 19 Thu 15 Abhay Nadkarni at Comedy Returns @ El Rio

Drag Mondays @ The Cafe

Mahlae Balenciaga and DJ Kidd Sysko’s weekly drag and dance night, 2014’s last of the year. 9pm-1am. 2369 Market St. www.cafesf.com

The person depicted here is a model. Their image is being used for illustrative purposes only.

<< On the Tab

44 • Bay Area Reporter • October 15-21, 2015

<<

On the Tab

From page 43

Hysteria @ Martuni’s Irene Tu and Jessica Sele cohost the comedy open mic night for women and queers. No cover. 6pm-8:30pm.

4 Valencia St.

Karaoke @ The Lookout Paul K hosts the amateur singing night. 8pm-2am. 3600 16th St. at Market. www.lookoutsf.com

Mahogany Mondays @ Midnight Sun Honey Mahogany’s weekly drag and

musical talent show starts around 10pm. 4067 18th St. 861-4186. www.midnightsunsf.com

Monday Musicals @ The Edge Sing along at the popular musical theatre night; also Wednesdays. 7pm2am. 2 for 1 cocktail, 5pm-closing.

4149 18th St. at Collingwood. www.edgesf.com

No No Bingo @ Virgil’s Sea Room Mica Sigourney and Tom Temprano cohost the wacky weekly game night at the cool Mission bar. 8pm. 3152 Mission St. www.virgilssf.com

Opulence @ Beaux

Bottoms Up Bingo @ Hi Tops

Weekly dance night, with Jocques, DJs Tori, Twistmix and Andre. 9pm-2am.

2344 Market St. www.beauxsf.com

Play board games and win offbeat prizes at the popular sports bar. 9pm.

2247 Market St. 551-2500. www.HiTopsSF.com

Piano Bar 101 @ Martuni’s Sing-along night with talented locals, and charming accompanist Joe Wicht (aka Trauma Flintstone).

9pm. 4 Valencia St. at Market. www. dragatmartunis.com

Underwear Night @ 440 Strip down to your skivvies at the popular men’s night. 9pm-2am. 440 Castro St. 621-8732. www.the440.com

Tue 20

Follies @ Oasis Holotta Tymes hosts the new weekly variety show with female impersonation acts, and barbeque in the front Fez Room. $20. 7pm. 298 11th St. at Folsom. www.sfoasis.com

Latin Drag Night @ Club OMG Weekly Latin night with drag shows hosted by Vicky Jimenez. 9pm-2am.

43 6th St. www.clubomgsf.com

Melissa O’Keefe @ Feinstein’s at the Nikko

13 Licks @ Qbar

The “lezzie queer dance party” brings out the femmes and butches. 9pm2am. 456 Castro St. 864-2877. www.qbarsf.com

Cock Shot @ Beaux Shot specials and adult Bingo games, with DJs Chad Bays and Riley Patrick, at the new weekly night. No cover.

9pm-2am. 2344 Market St. www.beauxsf.com

The Bay Area singer premieres her new show, Uptown Girl: The Songs of Billy Joel, with a three-piece band. $30-$45. 7pm. Hotel Nikko, 222 Mason Street. (866) 663-1063. www.melissatokeefe.com www.ticketweb.com

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Wooden Nickel Wednesday @ 440 Buy a drink and get a wooden nickle good for another. 12pm-2am. 440 Castro St. 621-8732. www.the440.com

Thu 22

After Dark @ Exploratorium

The adult party with cocktails and activities takes on the theme “FullSpectrum Science.” $10-$15. 6pm10pm. Embarcadero at Pier 15. www.exploratorium.edu

Bulge @ Powerhouse Grace Towers hosts the weekly gogotastic night of sexy dudes shakin’ their bulges and getting wet in their undies for $100 prize (with a contest at midnight), and dance beats spun

by DJ DAMnation. 10pm-2am. 1347 Folsom St. www.powerhousebar.com

Circle Jerk @ Nob Hill Theatre Slutty porn stud Brian Bonds leads the interactive sex party at the famed strip club. $10. 8pm. 729 Bush St. at Powell. 397-6758. www.thenobhilltheatre.com

Funny Tuesdays @ Harvey’s Ronn Vigh hosts the weekly LGBT and gay-friendly comedy night. One-drink or menu item minimum.

9pm. 500 Castro St. at 18th.

431-HARV. www.harveyssf.com

Gym Class @ Hi Tops

Gaymer Night @ Eagle

Karaoke Night @ Club BnB, Oakland

Gay gaming fun on the bar’s big screen TVs. Have a nerdgasm and a beer with your pals. 8pm. 398 12th St. www.sf-eagle.com

Sing your heart out at the free lively night. 8pm-2am.

2120 Broadway. (510) 7597340. www.club-bnb.com

Enjoy whiskey shots from jock-strapped hotties and sexy sports videos at the popular new sports bar. 10pm-2am.

2247 Market St. 551-2500. www.HiTopsSF.com

Karaoke Night @ Club OMG

Meow Mix @ The Stud

Dana leads the weekly amateur singing night. 8pm.

No cover. 43 6th St. 8966473. www.clubomgsf.com

The weekly themed variety cabaret showcases new and unusual talents; MC Ferosha Titties. $3-$7. Show at 11pm. 9pm-2am.

399 9th St. at Harrison. www.studsf.com

Naked Night @ Nob Hill Theatre Strip down with the strippers at the cruisy theatre. $20.

8pm. 729 Bush St. at Powell.

397-6758. www.thenobhilltheatre.com

Russ Lorenson @ Feinstein’s at the Nikko

Wed 21 Melissa O’Keefe @ Feinstein’s

Outloud @ Oasis Joshua Granell’s new SF storytelling series, with H.P. Mendoza, Kegel Kater, Ben McCoy, Cheryl Dunye and Sister Roma. $10. 7:30pm. 298 11th St. at Folsom. 795-3180. www.sfoasis.com

Miss Kitty’s Trivia Night @ Wild Side West The weekly fun night at the Bernal Heights bar includes prizes, hosted by Kitty Tapata. No cover. 7pm-10pm.

424 Cortland St. 647-3099. www.wildsidewest.com

Retro Night @ 440 Castro

Man Francisco @ Oasis

Jim Hopkins plays classic pop oldies, with vintage music videos. 9pm-2am.

44 Castro St. www.the440.com

The weekly all-male striptease revue with a storyline of San Francisco’s history, from the Gold Rush to the tech boom, performed by sexy local hunks. $20 (plus optional $30 lap dances!). 9:30pm. Extended thru December. 298 11th St. at Folsom. www.sfoasis.com

Switch @ Q Bar Weekly women’s night at the stylish intimate bar. 9pm-2am. 456 Castro St. www.QbarSF.com

Underwear Night @ Club OMG Weekly underwear night includes free clothes check, and drink specials. $4.

10pm-2am. Preceded by Open Mic Comedy, 7pm, no cover. 43 6th St. www.clubomgsf.com

Wed 21 Bedlam @ Beaux

New weekly event with DJs Haute Toddy, Guy Ruben, plus Johnny Rokitt, Mercedez Munro and Abominatrix.

Wet T-shirt/jock contest at 11pm. $5$10. 9pm-2am. 2344 Market St. www.beauxsf.com

Booty Call @ QBar Juanita More! and her weekly intimate –yet packed– dance party. $10-$15. 9pm-2am. 456 Castro St. www.qbarsf.com

Open Mic/Comedy @ SF Eagle Kollin Holts hosts the weekly comedy and open mic talent night. 6pm-8pm.

398 12th St. www.sf-eagle.com

Pussy Party @ Beaux Weekly women’s happy hour, with allwomen music and live performances, 2 for 1 drinks, and no cover. 5pm-9pm.

2344 Market St. www.beauxsf.com

So You Think You Can Gogo? @ Toad Hall The weekly dancing competition for gogo wannabes. 9pm. cash prizes, $2 well drinks (2 for 1 happy hour til 9pm). Show at 9pm. 4146 18th St. www.toadhallbar.com

Way Back @ Midnight Sun Weekly screenings of vintage music videos and retro drink prices. Check out the new expanded front window lounge. 9pm-2am. 4067 18th St. 8614186. www.midnightsunsf.com

The tlented singer performs his special Barry Manilow show, Fanilow: One Man’s Pursuit of Music and Passion. $25-$40. 8pm. Hotel Nikko, 222 Mason Street. (866) 663-1063. www.ticketweb.com

Thirsty Thursdays @ The Cafe Drink specials, Top 40, gogo studs and no cover, 2 for 1 cocktails until 10:30pm. 2369 Market St. www.cafesf.com

Thump @ White Horse, Oakland Weekly electro music night with DJ Matthew Baker and guests. 9pm-2am.

6551 Telegraph Ave, (510) 652-3820. www.whitehorsebar.com

Thursday Night Live @ Eagle Live bands- usually, rock, punk and always good- perform at the famed leather bar. Oct. 22: The Grannies, Black Irish and Gary Floyd. 8:30pm first band. 398 12th St. www.sf-eagle.com

Varla Jean Merman @ Oasis The statuesque drag queen returns for Big Black Hole, a night of musical science fiction hilarity. $25-$35. 8pm.

Also Oct. 23 & 24. 298 11th St. at Folsom. 795-3180. www.sfoasis.com

Wig Sale/Open House @ Diva Hair Stock up on your Halloween and drag needs at David carter-Ford’s new designer wig salon. 7pm-9pm. 3150 18th St., Suite 318. www.facebook.com/DivaHairbyDavid Want your nightlife event listed?

Email events@ebar.com, at least two weeks before your event.

Event photos welcome.

t

Read more online at www.ebar.com

October 15-21, 2015 • Bay Area Reporter • 45

Ms. SF Leather Made Me Think whatever that may be.”

Another conclusion drawn by Wapnick is that while our culture wrongly attempts to direct everyone into a monolithic path of specialization, we also need the generalists.

We need people with a wide cross section of life experience, learning and skill sets just as much as we need the specialists. As Wapnick points out, it’s often a combination of people with a deep specialization in something paired with the generalist’s skill set of idea synthesis, rapid learning and adaptability, which produces the most optimal results. In short, we need both types of people.

So what does any of that have to do with leather and kink? When it comes to our scene, I believe we violate the embracing of our inner wiring too often and it hurts both individual kinksters and our overall kink culture as a result.

Think of some of the messages we sometimes hear. No, you can’t dress that way and be a proper leatherperson. Switches (erotically versatile) people aren’t as good at BDSM and kink as those exclusively top or bottom. Expressing any femininity runs counter to the gay male leather aesthetic. That player is better because they specialize in only a certain type of kink play. People who embrace leather and kink as a lifestyle and Rich Stadtmiller identity are inherently better kinkStela D. Love, the newly sashed Ms. San Francisco Leather 2016. sters than those who might only dip their toe into the bathwater of kink So what was I thinking about?

by Race Bannon now and then. And so on. All of it Earlier in the day I had watched utter bullshit, but we hear it all the t the recent Ms. San Francisco a wonderful TED Talk by Emilie time, either overtly or as subtle unLeather contest held on OcWapnick on why some of us don’t derlying directives. tober 3, 2015 at Hotel Whitcomb, have one true calling. Look it up. I So why is this important? It’s four women competed to be Ms. SF recommend it. important because when a subculLeather 2016. It was a fun and well At the core of Wapnick’s talk was ture like ours sends messages to its run contest and I’ll mention more the contention that while society newcomers and old timers alike that about it in a moment. and culture drive us to atthey must essentially pigeonhole But first, and I’m not tempt to focus on just one themselves into a specialization if sure why, spending calling, one life path, the they are to be really good at and sattime at the contest and truth is that many of us isfied with this erotic stuff we do, we watching the crowd (I’m one) don’t have do both them and the entire scene and the contest itself just one primary life ina disservice. Sure, someone might prompted some thinkterest and are, instead, be quite happy always dressing per ing that has compelled what Wapnick refers to as some codified uniform of leather or me to address it here as “multipotentialites.” specializing in doing nothing but an observation I think Multipotentialites find suspending people in ornate rope is pertinent. Hopefully their greatest life satisfacharnessing. Sure, someone might it’s also useful. Sometimes my brain tion and success pursuing multiple indeed be practically deified bestarts thinking about things at the avenues of learning, activity and excause they can pull off a Dominant/ most unusual of times. Sitting in the pression in their personal and prosubmissive dynamic that resembles front row of the audience watching fessional lives. A lot of Wapnick’s the iconic imagery founded from the Ms. SF Leather contest is as good talk is beautifully summed up in her the Drummer mindset of yore. But a time as any I guess. quote, “Embrace your inner wiring, that doesn’t make them “better” as a leatherperson or kinkster in any way. It just makes them a specialist. Which is awesome. More power to them.

We need them.

But we also need our generalists! We also need people who buck the conventions.

Who dress as they wish.

Who have sex and play in a multitude of ways that span a wide spectrum of BDSM and kink. Who move between roles and positions in their play because that’s what is most genuine for them.

Who mingle in mixed pansexual circles as others prefer to commune only with their own kind. Who don’t consider the path to becoming a good leatherperson or kinkster as set and rigid. We need these people just as much as we need the specialists.

I fear our scene will stagnate and stop growing unless we acknowledge this truth.

We need our version of the specialists. We need our version of the generalists. Together they feed a robust and vibrant scene. Each alone might end up manifesting a Rich Stadtmiller scene that’s ultimately dull and lifeless. Diversity breeds The four Ms. SF Leather 2016 contestants (left to right): expansion.

Lack of diversity SaraMara, Stela D. Love, Tali Tart, and Eden Alexander. breeds stagnation.

A

So no matter how you might categorize yourself, as a specialist or generalist, know that your place in our scene is needed. You are needed to keep this scene of ours hot and exciting. At the same time however, no matter which of the two camps you are in, lobbing attacks at those who choose differently is misguided.

It displays ignorance at how life really works, and how our scene really works.

So I repeat Wapnick’s wise words, “Embrace your inner wiring, whatever that may be.”

Contest Deets

Now that I have that off my chest, back to the Ms. SF Leather contest that spawned all that thinking.

A diverse group of four talented contenders took the stage and competed for the coveted title of Ms. San Francisco Leather 2016 before a packed house. Competing were SaraMara, Stela D. Love, Eden Alexander, and Tali Tart. I was impressed with

them all and each clearly brought unique backgrounds and skill sets to their candidacies for the title.

A dedicated set of five judges interviewed each contestant before the public portion of the contest. Head Judge this year was Daddy Vick Germany, San Francisco Dyke Daddy 2002. Joining Vick on the judging panel were: Val Langmuir, Ms. San Francisco Leather 2013; Thib Guicherd-Callin, Mr. Santa Clara County Leather 2012; Ms. Willow Kat, who with her triad holds the title of International Power Exchange 2015; and Madame Estrella, a respected BDSM educator and performance artist.

After an opening number by Madame Estrella and Loretta Hintz, the show was emceed by Miss Bethie Bee, Ms. SF Leather 2011, and Q Wilson, International Ms. Bootblack 2008. They did a superb job of entertaining the audience with their See page 46 >>

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Leather

From page 45

banter and humor. Each contestant presented a fantasy, answered a pop question, gave a short speech, and helped the emcees in auctioning a basket of donated items.

International Ms. Leather and International Ms. Bootblack producer Sharrin Spector also announced the judges and emcees for the 2016 IMsL/IMsBB contest, to be held

April 14-17, 2016, in San Jose.

Outgoing titleholder, Little Bad Daddy, gave a personal, reflective speech about her title year, and received a proclamation congratulating her on an excellent year of service by the office of State Senator Mark Leno.

Let me take a moment here to congratulate Liza Sibley, Executive Producer, and Jody, Producer, along with the dozens of their production team members and volunteers, sadly too long to list here, for a great contest.

All of the contestants did an excellent job. The title ultimately went to Stela D. Love, who I believe has the potential to beautifully represent both the specialists and generalists of our scene to which I alluded earlier.

I asked Stela, a self-professed gender outlaw, artist, activist and producer, how they envision using their upcoming title year?

“Work hard and play hard. In all seriousness, I want to use my year leading conversations about gender, leaving labels behind, breaking the gender binary, and embracing non-conformity. My hope would be to create the space to discuss and educate young and old, for a happier freer people.”

Happy trails Stela. May you have an amazing title year, whether you embrace the specialist, generalist, or a mix of both, in your own life.t

Rich Stadtmiller

Miss Bethie Bee, who co-emceed the Ms. SF Leather contest with Q Wilson, demonstrates why she’s considered one of the Bay Area’s most interesting kink fetish wear icons.

Race Bannon is a local author, blogger and activist. You can reach him at his website www.bannon.com.

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Leather Events, October 16 – 30, 2015 Fri 16 Stroke and Smoke Cigar Play Party @ Blow Buddies Men take over the back patio of Blow Buddies and smoke, stroke and get piggy. 933 Harrison St., $15, 9pm. www.blowbuddies.com

Sober Kink Together @ Castro Country Club Officially a CMA meeting, but open to all Anonymous 12-step Fellowship members, 4058 18th St., 9:30pm. www.castrocountryclub.org

Gear Party @ 442 Natoma Gear play party (leather, rubber, harnesses, etc.) for gay men.

442 Natoma St., $15 (requires $5 membership), 10pm. www.442parties.com

Mon 19 & 26 Ride Mondays @ Eros A motorcycle rider and leathermen night at Eros, bring your helmet, AMA card, MC club card or club colors and get $3 off entry or massage. 2051 Market St. www.erossf.com

Fri 23 Sober Kink Together @ Castro Country Club Officially a CMA meeting, but open to all Anonymous 12-step Fellowship members, 4058 18th St., 9:30pm. www.castrocountryclub.org

Gear Party @ 442 Natoma Gear play party (leather, rubber, harnesses, etc.) for gay men.

442 Natoma St., $15 (requires $5 membership), 10pm. www.442parties.com

Sat 24 The 15 Association Men’s Play Party @ Alchemy A men’s BDSM play party. 1060 Folsom St., 8pm. $15 members, $20 guests. www.the15sf.org

Sun 25 Team 2016 Monte Carlo Night @ Temple SF A night of games, entertainment, dinner date silent auction and prizes benefiting the AIDS Emergency Fund. 540 Howard St., $20, 5pm. www.aef-sf.org

Tue 27 GameGear @ Wicked Grounds Game night hosted by Rubber Men of San Francisco. 289 8th St., 7:30pm. www.rmsf.org

Wed 28 Leathermen’s Discussion Group @ Mr. S Leather Playing With Pain with Hardy Haberman. Hardy Haberman talks about pain and how to use it erotically. 385A 8th St., 7:30pm. www.sfldg.org

Leather/Gear Buddies @ Blow Buddies Erotic fun for leather and gear guys, $15, 933 Harrison St., 8pm. www.blowbuddies.com

Thu 29 Latex: Wear, Care and Repair @ Center for Sex and Culture Free latex workshop. Get your questions answered about latex clothing. 1349 Mission St., 7:30pm. www.rmsf.org

Fri 30 Sober Kink Together @ Castro Country Club Officially a CMA meeting, but open to all Anonymous 12-step Fellowship members, 4058 18th St., 9:30pm. www.castrocountryclub.org

Gear Party @ 442 Natoma Gear play party (leather, rubber, harnesses, etc.) for gay men.

442 Natoma St., $15 (requires $5 membership), 10pm. www.442parties.com

Brüt Hallows’ Eve @ Beatbox Dark and sexy beats as you dance in your leather, fetish gear, or costume. 314 11th St., $20, 10pm. www.brutparty.com

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Shooting Stars

October 15-21, 2015 • Bay Area Reporter • 47

photos by Steven Underhill Positive Resource Center @ SPUR

P

ositive Resource Center held a cocktail reception at downtown’s SPUR, and presented its Community Pillar Award to Folsom Street Events (recipient Demetri Moshoyannis) via Supervisor Scott Wiener. The Bob Emerson Community Volunteer Award was presented to Beth Feingold by Marc Hettinger.

For more info, visit www.positiveresource.org.

Fleet Week & Italian Heritage Parade We love a parade, we love Italians, and we love men (and women) in uniform! The combination of events proved festive, including an appearance at the Italian-American Festival by The Phantom of the Opera star Franc D’Ambrosio.

More event photo albums are on BARtab’s Facebook page, www.facebook.com/lgbtsf.nightlife.

See more of Steven Underhill’s photos at www.StevenUnderhill.com.

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