December 19, 2013 Edition of the Bay Area Reporter

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Looking at mixedness

Small car, big city

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Nutcracker 2013

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Vol. 43 • No. 51 • December 19-25, 2013

Buff Santas overrun Castro

Rick Gerharter

Liz Highleyman

Moderator Mr. Pam, left, who doesn’t use a last name professionally, was joined by panelists Chrissy Scardina and Alan Guttirez at the condomless sex form.

Bipin Walia joined more than 50 protesters outside the Indian consulate in San Francisco.

India ruling sparks protests

Forum discusses sex sans condoms by Liz Highleyman

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standing-room crowd turned out to discuss changing rules around condomless sex and other HIV prevention options at a recent Real Talk forum sponsored by the San Francisco AIDS Foundation, Magnet, Positive Force, and the Stop AIDS Project. Today safer sex goes beyond just condoms and includes strategies such as serosorting (having sex with people of the same HIV status), seropositioning (choosing sex acts and top or bottom positions based on status), and using antiretroviral drugs as prevention before or after exposure. About 40 percent of HIV-negative gay and bisexual men and half of HIV-positive men reported using any seroadaptive strategy, according to a 2008 Stop AIDS Project survey. An anonymous audience smartphone poll at the December 3 forum, held at Magnet in the Castro, revealed that 100 percent of attendees had ever had sex without a condom, 80 percent said the rules around condomless sex are changing in San Francisco, and only 37 percent thought condom use is now the norm. Most reported that they’d had sex with someone of a different HIV status, or didn’t know whether they had. “Condom use has been a pendulum,” said Daniel Ramos of the AIDS Healthcare Foundation, who is HIV-positive and until recently was in a long-term sero-discordant relationship. “People got exhausted being force-fed the message to use them.” Based on his experience as an HIV test counselor and community organizer at Magnet, Jared Hemming believes gay men are using a broad range of tools. “The rules are definitely changing and people are using different strategies,” he said. “We have come a long way since ‘Play Fair’ and ‘How to Have Sex in an Epidemic,’ and we have more tools in our toolkit,” agreed Alan Guttirez of the Lavender Youth Recreation and Information Center, referring to two pioneering safer sex resources. But “getting new technologies and strategies doesn’t mean letting go of old strategies that are working, it means diversify,” emphasized Chrissy Scardina of Stop AIDS, which is now part of the AIDS foundation. Dr. Joanna Eveland of Mission Neighborhood Health Center gave an overview of local HIV and sexually transmitted infection trends. According to figures from San Francisco City Clinic, gonorrhea, chlamydia, and syphilis rates rose between 2008 and 2012, suggesting that See page 13 >>

by Heather Cassell

Rick Gerharter

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eautiful, relatively warm weather and a good cause brought out nearly 500 runners for the fourth annual Santa Skivvies Run Sunday, December 15. The event, a fundraiser for the San Francisco AIDS

Foundation, raised nearly $50,000. The short trek through the Castro neighborhood ended in a small street fair, enabling the runners and their many admirers to enjoy the sunny afternoon.

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outh Asian LGBTs and their allies protested in San Francisco after the Supreme Court in India reinstated a colonial-era anti-gay sodomy law. The 1861 law was ruled unconstitutional in a 2009 decision. But the Supreme Court said in its December 11 ruling that only ParliaSee page 6 >>

DPs decline as marriages increase

by Matthew S. Bajko

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alifornia domestic partnerships dipped during the second half of 2013 compared to the same time period in 2012 as the demand for marriage licenses has increased since decisions by the U.S. Supreme Court in late June led state officials to offer federally recognized same-sex marriages. According to data provided to the Bay Area Reporter by the office of Secretary of State Debra Bowen, whose staff oversees the state’s domestic partnership registry, from July through December 2012, there were 2,592 new domestic partnership declarations in California. From July through November 2013 there were 1,055 new domestic partnership declarations in California. Should the state record the 400 domestic partnership declarations it typically does during the month of December, it would still mark a significant decrease this year since same-sex couples gained the right to wed compared to the same time period last year. According to the California Department of Public Health, which tallies the number of marriage license applications issued throughout the Golden State, in July this year there were 30,799 applications versus the 22,749 issued during July 2012. Due to a lag time in receiving marriage license application data from the state’s 58 counties, the state health agency has yet to report the totals for the remaining months of 2013. The state does not record information on the gender of the married couples, so it is not known how many of the licenses were obtained by same-sex couples, said agency spokesman Matt Conens. “Note that demographic data, including gender and ethnicity, are not captured on the marriage records and are therefore not available for analysis or display,” Conens told the B.A.R. Nicole Winger, a spokeswoman for Bowen, told the B.A.R. that the majority of the domestic partnership filings with the state office are from same-sex couples. But the office can’t pinpoint the resumption of same-sex marriag-

Bill Wilson

Once Kris Perry and Sandy Stier became the first couple to wed in San Francisco on June 28, same-sex couples have flocked to the city to marry, according to figures from county officials.

es in California since June 28 as the reason for the decrease it has seen this fall in DP filings. “We don’t analyze data trends at the secretary of state’s office,” said Winger. “There are so many factors that go into a couple’s decision to register as a domestic partner. We can’t draw a straight line between the numbers.” Marriage equality advocates, however, do attribute the dip in DP numbers to the court’s rulings in June, which on a technicality overturned California’s ban against same-sex marriage known as Proposition 8 and, in a separate case, struck down a portion of the federal Defense of Marriage Act that paved the way for federal rights to be granted to married samesex couples. “The fact that the domestic partnership numbers would be diminished now that marriage is available as an option to same-sex couples is utterly unsurprising,” said Kate Kendell, the executive director of the National Center for Lesbian Rights. “I think many couples who choose to make a legal commitment are willing and wish to have that commitment be marriage for a number of reasons.” At the same time, Kendell said it is impor-

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tant that domestic partner registries at the state, county, or city level remain in place as not every couple wants to or is ready to marry but does want to access the heath benefits and other rights that come with being registered domestic partners. “Even as I understand the emotional, social, and practical reasons for a couple choosing marriage over domestic partnership, I think it is enormously important to fight for domestic partnerships to be an available option,” said Kendell. “So when we have heard of states eliminating domestic partnerships, or companies eliminating benefits for domestic partners, I think that is a mistake.” San Francisco couple Nicholas Marley, 26, and Jeremiah Crank, 33, opted to become domestic partners in late July to be able to add Crank to Marley’s employer-provided health insurance. Together nearly two years, and having lived together for the past year, entering into a domestic partnership “made more sense,” said Marley, at this point in their relationship. “We decided we are definitely committed See page 14 >>

<< Community News

2 • Bay Area Reporter • December 19-25, 2013

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DOMA IS DEAD! PETITION FOR YOUR PARTNER The Supreme Court decision to overturn the Defense of Marriage Act now opens the door for members of samesex couples to sponsor their foreighn-born partners for green cards. With Proposition 8 overturned as well, making all samesex marriages in California legal, this path is available to all multi-national California same-sex couples. For more information contact office of California Bar Certified Immigration and Naturalization Specialist Love Macione, Senior Immigration Counsel at Schein & Cai, LLP.

To schedule a consultation contact Bobby at (415) 360-2505 or by email at bsmith@sacattorneys.com Offices in San Francisco and San Jose. Visit our website at

www.myimmigrationlaywers.com

Hoedown raises bucks, and toys

Jane Philomen Cleland

You can also visit us on Facebok: Schein and Cai, LLP

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his year’s Sundance Stompede country western event held by the Sundance Association raised $25,000 for the beneficiaries AIDS Emergency Fund and the Lavender Youth Recreation and Information Center. The checks were distributed at a Sundance Saloon holiday party Sunday,

December 15 at Space 550 Barneveld. The association, including, from left, Randy Pocius, Santa Dave Hayes, Bruce Wilkinson, and Travis Leyva, far right, also collected toys for Sandy “Mama” Reinhardt’s, second from right, annual holiday toy drive.

Sidewalk project bids in by Matthew S. Bajko

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he contractor that worked with San Francisco officials three years ago to transform the Valencia Street corridor is expected to also remake a section of Castro Street running through the heart of the gayborhood’s business district. Of the two construction companies that bid on the Castro Street sidewalk-widening project, the Sonoma County-based Ghilotti Brothers submitted the lowest bid. The Department of Public Works expected to finalize naming the firm as the lowest apparent bidder at 5 p.m. Wednesday. The department opened the two bids last Wednesday, December 11, and the bidder with the higher cost estimate had until December 18 to protest the lower bid. As of Tuesday afternoon it had yet to contest the bid and DPW officials did not expect to receive one by the close of the bid protest period. “It looks like the good news is Ghilotti Brothers is who will be the contractor,” said John Dennis, a designer with DPW who is acting as the project manager. “I have worked with them before; we built the Valencia Street streetscape with them.” In an interview with the Bay Area Reporter Tuesday, Dennis declined to name the second bidder or reveal the bid total Ghilotti submitted as the process had yet to end. The paper’s press deadline Wednesday was prior to the close of the bid protest period. The $4 million project will widen the sidewalks on both sides of Castro Street between 19th and Market streets, see a realignment of the crosswalks at Castro and Market streets, and include an overhaul of Jane Warner Plaza on a section of 17th Street near Market. New street trees will be planted, the majority Columnar ginkgos with King palms used for accent plantings. The magnolia tree in front of Anchor Oyster Bar is slated to remain, while the existing trees, including the olive tree in front of PO Plus at 584 Castro Street, will be removed. A new bulb out will be built in front of Harvey Milk’s former camera shop at 575 Castro Street, where the Human Rights Campaign store is now, in order to handle the tourists who gather outside the historic site. Although it will take up two parking spots, planners have recouped them elsewhere so that the 103 parking spaces currently available will be maintained. Sixteen of the first 20 plaques that are part of the Rainbow Honor Walk, a sidewalk-based LGBT history proj-

Rick Gerharter

The busy, crowded Castro Street sidewalks between 19th and Market streets will undergo widening as part of a monthslong construction project slated to begin in February.

ect, will be installed at the base of 16 new streetlights being installed along Castro Street. Each side of the 400 and 500 blocks of Castro will have four of the plaques. The remaining four will be installed on 19th Street near the Harvey Milk Civil Rights Academy. The committee overseeing the project has until May to determine where each of the individual plaques honoring deceased LGBT luminaries will be placed. “They will be in the new section of sidewalk,” said walk co-founder David Perry, who added that city planners are “optimistic they could have it all done by Pride.” While the final construction timetable is dependent on the contractor’s proposed schedule, the work is set to begin sometime in February. Planners believe the entire sidewalk on both sides of Castro Street will be widened by June 15, when the contractor is required to clear out of the area due to the annual Frameline International LGBT Film Festival and the Pride festivities held over the last weekend of the month. “That is what we are hoping for, the entire stretch of Castro Street will be finished by June. We’ve talked with the construction specialists at DPW and they think it will be feasible,” said Dennis. “It is up to the contractor to determine what block to start with.” Work on the finishing details will resume the Monday following the Pride parade. The entire project is set for completion in early October ahead of the annual Castro Street Fair, which takes place Sunday, October 5. To keep residents and merchants

apprised of the work, the Castro/Upper Market Community Benefit District has created a special website at http://www.castrostreet.org/ where those interested can sign up for construction alerts. It is being paid for as part of a $25,000 grant the CBD received from the city’s Office of Economic and Workforce Development. “I think people are excited,” said Andrea Aiello, the CBD’s executive director. “Residents seem to be very excited, but the merchants are excited and a little bit nervous. They just want it to be done quick.” The booster group for the neighborhood is also working with Castro business leaders on a marketing campaign next year to let consumers know that Castro stores and eateries will remain open for business during the street construction. Billboard advertisements will run in BART stations in the East Bay and Muni’s underground stations along Market Street. “We are going to start the marketing campaign in March and have it run for four or five weeks,” said Aiello. “Then maybe in June we will do another one for four weeks with different messaging.” The CBD allocated $28,000 of its own funds to pay for decorative crosswalks at the three Castro intersections included in the project. One could feature rainbow-colored striping; the CBD intends to hold a meeting in January to gather public input on the designs. It is possible that Ghilotti Brothers submitted a bid low enough for the city to cover the cost of the crosswalks and use the CBD funds to pay for their maintenance and future repaving. Dennis said it was too soon for the department to know what extra elements would be added to the project as the three city agencies sharing the costs – the DPW, the San Francisco Municipal Transportation Agency, and the San Francisco Public Utilities Commission – have yet to finalize what they will be covering. If there are sufficient funds, historic facts about the Castro and a sparkle finish could be included in the sidewalk treatments on Castro Street. It is expected the construction schedule will start with the Market Street intersection and Jane Warner Plaza upgrades. Underground utility work and surface improvements will begin at that site then extend south down Castro Street. Dennis noted, however, that the “contractor is free to propose an alternative construction schedule in the interest of getting the job done quicker.”t

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Community News>>

December 19-25, 2013 • Bay Area Reporter • 3

Queer women’s film showcases racial divide by Elliot Owen

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oasted Marshmallows is a film, performance, and communitybuilding project created by two mixed-race queer women of color who’ve identified a gap in popular culture’s representation of mixedrace narratives. Since founding the project in 2012, the co-creators have collected stories from their families and other mixed-race women in New York City, Chicago, Washington, D.C., Portland, Vancouver, and in August, in Oakland. Next on their destination list – Sri Lanka. Anoushka Ratnarajah, the daughter of a Sri Lankan father and white Canadian mother, is a brown mixedrace femme who grew up in a suburb of Vancouver. Marcelitte Failla, a black mixed-race femme, is from a rural Oregon town known for its surrounding tree nurseries. Growing up in white environments, Ratnarajah and Failla knew they were people of color, but neither understood yet what kind of people of color they were. One race, one culture, one identity did not define them, and that set them apart from the other children they grew up with. “I’m very light,” Failla, 27, said, “but I knew I was brown in this white context. At the same time, it was hard for me to identify as black because I didn’t know black people could look like me. My mom was black, but me, I was just a shade of something.” Similarly, Ratnarajah’s upbringing was littered with experiences of being othered, too. “When I was a teenager, I knew I wasn’t a desirable young woman because I wasn’t white,” Ratnarajah, 27, said. “The moment I knew it was going to impact me for the rest of my life was when I didn’t get a part in a community play because I was ‘too dark.’ I went home and cried to my [white] mom who had no idea what to say.”

This Christmas, let MORE LOVE be born again! Ana María Agüero Jahannes

Marcelitte Failla, left, and Anoushka Ratnarajah, co-creators of Toasted Marshmallows, traveled to Oakland in August to interview other mixed-race women for the project.

Upon meeting in 2012, both as fellows in the New York City-based Hemispheric Institute for Performance and Politics’ Emerging Artist Program, the two shared their experiences with each other – the day a very young Ratnarajah witnessed her brown father called “dirty” in the local grocery store, the time Failla’s first childhood friend told her she had “hair like a horse,” and also, how it’s felt to sometimes be the darkest person in a room, or the lightest. They put together a funny, honest, and poignant performance piece for the emerging artists’ program and called it Toasted Marshmallows; a simple yet fitting euphemism for their parallel experience. “The name just happened,” Failla said. “It symbolizes our feeling of being white on the inside, brown on the outside. We’re not ‘Oreos,’ but sometimes we feel like we don’t have a connection to our brownness, or our cultures.” Discussing the differences between their experiences has been necessary,

too. For Ratnarajah, transnational identity has been especially important to highlight. Many mixed-race people are children of immigrants, or are immigrants themselves. “My father is Sri Lankan by ancestry but was born in Malaysia,” Ratnarajah said. “He immigrated to the U.K. for school where he met my mother, and then to Canada much later after they’d been married for over a decade.” For Failla, talking about how passing for white has complicated the claiming of her identity, has felt essential. “I pass,” Failla said. “People see me as white. In white spaces, people see me as the safe black person, the one they can say offensive things around. In black spaces, it’s a question of whether I’m black enough. I’ve been accepted to some extent but some people still question my authenticity, which complicates the way I feel about being in those spaces.” See page 13 >>

Attend or help out at Tenderloin Tessie dinner

compiled by Cynthia Laird

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enderloin Tessie will serve up Christmas dinner and brighten holiday spirits for those in need Wednesday, December 25. Meals will be served from 1 to 4 p.m. at First Unitarian Church, 1187 Franklin Street (at Geary) in San Francisco. Board president Michael Gagne said the afternoon festivities include entertainment and gift bags for attendees. Tenderloin Tessie relies on volunteers so anyone who can help with a shift or with pre- or post-dinner work can call Gagne at (415) 584-3252. Those interested in donating coats, clothing, or blankets can contact Claire Brees at brees.c@ gmail.com.

SF Pride seeks main stage talent

The 2014 San Francisco LGBT Pride parade and festival is just over six months away but the board is already working to solicit main stage talent and interested artists are encouraged to submit their materials. The main stage, located in front of City Hall, offers musical and other acts with a unique opportunity to perform in front of one of the largest

Wherever you are in your spriritual journey, you are welcome here.

gatherings of the LGBT community and its allies in the country. For the second consecutive year, Pride is accepting talent submissions through ReverbNation. Artists with electronic press kits on ReverbNation can submit them via tinyurl.com/ n3k2z5d. The deadline is March 14. In past years, the main stage has been host to DWV, Karmin, Kimberly Caldwell, the Backstreet Boys, Lady Gaga, and Chumbawamba. For more information on the main stage, including the roster of talent from 2013 and previous celebrations, visit the main stage page at www.sfpride.org. The Pride parade and festival will take place June 28-29.

SF advocate honored for fighting tobacco

Longtime San Francisco antitobacco expert Bob Gordon, MPH, was honored recently with the 2013 Legacy Community Activist Award by the Legacy foundation. Gordon, who is with the Coalition of Lavender Americans on Smoking and Health, or CLASH, has been a leader in addressing tobacco-related harms in the LGBT community. It has long been known that LGBT

people smoke cigarettes at rates nearly 70 percent higher than the general population. Legacy, based in Washington, D.C., helps people live longer, healthier lives by building a world where young people reject tobacco and anyone can quit, according to its website. In presenting Gordon with the award December 11, David Dobbins, Legacy’s chief operating officer, said that he embodied “the core values of social justice.” Legacy officials noted that in addition to working within the LGBT community on tobacco issues, Gordon has also reached out to California’s priority population networks, building bridges to other groups working in tobacco control. Such networks were important in getting the state to start collecting data on sexual orientation through its quit lines – data that is useful in measuring the scope and impact of tobacco use in the LGBT community. Now, the LGBT community is better educated about the tremendous toll that tobacco takes on it. In addition to the Legacy award, Gordon was presented with the 2013 Community Based Leadership Award by the alcohol, tobacco, and other drugs section of the American Public Health Association at that organization’s annual conference earlier this month.t

You’re welcome here if you are: • Single, married, divorced, gay, straight, bi, cis, trans, filthy rich or dirt poor • A person of color, a crying newborn, or using a walker • Just looking or just waking up

We don’t care if you are: • More Catholic than the Pope or more Methodist than John Wesley • Inked, pierced, or plain • A tourist, a seeker, a doubter, or a bleeding heart

We would love to welcome YOU! Christmas Eve: 10pm Candlelight Vigil 10:30pm Choral Eucharist

Christmas Day: 10:15am Eucharist

The Episcopal Church of St. John the Evangelist 1661 15th Street at Julian Avenue San Francisco, California 91403

Diverse People, Inquiring Minds, Open Hearts

<< Open Forum

4 • Bay Area Reporter • December 19-25, 2013

Volume 43, Number 51 December 19-25, 2013 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 assistant editors Matthew S. Bajko Seth Hemmelgarn Jim Provenzano contributing writers Dan Aiello • Tavo Amador • Erin Blackwell Roger Brigham • Scott Brogan Victoria A. Brownworth • Philip Campbell Heather Cassell • Chuck Colbert Richard Dodds • Raymond Flournoy David Guarino • Peter Hernandez Liz Highleyman • Brandon Judell • John F. Karr Lisa Keen • Matthew Kennedy • David Lamble Michael McAllister • Michael McDonagh David-Elijah Nahmod • Elliot Owen Paul Parish • James Patterson • Lois Pearlman Tim Pfaff • Jim Piechota • Bob Roehr Philip Ruth • Donna Sachet • Adam Sandel Jason Serinus • Gregg Shapiro Gwendolyn Smith • Jim Stewart Ed Walsh • Sura Wood art direction T. Scott King PRODUCTION/DESIGN Jay Cribas Photographers Danny Buskirk • Jane Philomen Cleland Rick Gerharter • Lydia Gonzales Rudy K. Lawidjaja • Steven Underhill Bill Wilson illustrators & cartoonists Paul Berge Christine Smith ADVERTISING/ADMINISTRATION Colleen Small ADVERTISING DIRECTOR Scott Wazlowski – 415.359.2612 NATIONAL ADVERTISING REPRESENTATIVE Rivendell Media – 212.242.6863

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News Editor • news@ebar.com Arts Editor • arts@ebar.com Out & About listings • jim@ebar.com Advertising • scott@ebar.com Letters • letters@ebar.com Published weekly. Bay Area Reporter reserves the right to edit or reject any advertisement which the publisher believes is in poor taste or which advertises illegal items which might result in legal action against Bay Area Reporter. Ads will not be rejected solely on the basis of politics, philosophy, religion, race, age, or sexual orientation. Advertising rates available upon request. Our list of subscribers and advertisers is confidential and is not sold. The sexual orientation of advertisers, photographers, and writers published herein is neither inferred nor implied. We are not responsible for unsolicited manuscripts or artwork.

Edie Windsor was robbed

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die Windsor, the spunky New Yorker whose victorious court case threw out a key provision of the Defense of Marriage Act and recognizes legally married same-sex couples with all of the rights and benefits that legal marriages accord, was robbed last week when the country’s leading gay newsmagazine, the Advocate, decided to follow in Time magazine’s footsteps and bestow its Person of the Year honors on a straight man, Pope Francis. While one can certainly acknowledge that in his first months leading the Catholic Church Francis has shifted the church’s antigay tone, this media savvy leader has not changed church doctrine, nor is it likely that he will. Actions speak louder than words and although Francis’s words differ from the homophobic rants of his predecessors, they are still just that: comments that hint at more acceptance without actually implementing change in church policies to bring about that acceptance. The Advocate missed the boat on this one. Windsor, 84, who climbed the corporate ladder at IBM and was long involved in grassroots gay rights issues, had the determination to sue the federal government after the death of her spouse, Thea Spyer. The couple had married in Canada in 2007 (although they had been together for more than 40 years) and after Spyer’s death, the U.S. government demanded that Windsor pay $363,000 in estate taxes because the feds didn’t recognize their marriage as valid. “If Thea was Theo,” she told NPR earlier this year, “I would not have had to pay” those taxes. “It’s heartbreaking,” she added. “It’s just a terrible injustice, and I don’t expect that from my country. I think it’s a mistake that has to get corrected.” Windsor sued in 2010 with the assistance of the American Civil Liberties Union and attorney Roberta Kaplan of Paul, Weiss, Rifkind, Wharton, and Garrison. The Windsor v. U.S. case was one of several challenging DOMA and, last December, the U.S. Supreme Court announced it would hear the case. (The court also took California’s Proposition 8 case, Hollingsworth v. Perry, and ruled that since the proponents lacked standing the lower court ruling that declared the same-sex marriage ban uncon-

stitutional stood, allowing same-sex weddings to resume here.) Like the plaintiffs in the Prop 8 case, Windsor did not wait for the law to be repealed, and like them, she was frustrated at the pace of the LGBT legal establishment – some of the organizations she approached told her it was the “wrong time.” She spent the next three years working with her legal team and bolstering her case by telling her story, garnering press attention that focused on the discriminatory law. Even in states where same-sex marriage was allowed, those couples still lacked federal rights and benefits. Samesex binational couples were also in a bind; because of DOMA they could not sponsor their foreignborn partner. Meanwhile, in Congress, action on bills to repeal DOMA and allow same-sex couples equal status in immigration matters were hopelessly stalled. In June when the U.S. Supreme Court struck down Section 3 of DOMA, the floodgates opened. Suddenly, same-sex couples who were legally married were granted federal benefits. Federal agencies had to quickly revise their policies to adhere to the law. Same-sex binational couples were some of the first to benefit, as immigration officials issued green cards to some couples within weeks of the decision. Military bases had to conform to the law. The Social Security Ad m i n i s t r a tion had to conform. And on and on. Just this week, the Treasury Department and the Internal Revenue Service announced new rules for health savings accounts and other plans that could benefit same-sex couples.

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Even with the restoration of marriage in California, many couples who have tied the knot here in recent months did so not because the state allows it, but because they will receive the federal benefits due to the Windsor decision. Some chose not to marry during the brief window in 2008 because DOMA was still in place. That fact is brought up over and over, from the wedding announcements we have published to interviews with same-sex couples. So while the Prop 8 ruling was fantastic, the ruling that truly brought about change for same-sex married couples was the one issued in the DOMA case, the case brought by Edie Windsor. The twin court decisions – Windsor and Hollingsworth – were groundbreaking in a year that saw more states legalize same-sex marriage – and those victories can also be traced to the fact that the federal law was struck down. In short, the path to marriage equality now goes through the Windsor case. Windsor ended up being a runner-up in the Time nominating process, just behind whistleblower Edward Snowden, whose leaks of National Security Agency information have sparked a global debate on surveillance and national security. If the Advocate couldn’t bring itself to name Windsor its Person of the Year, it should have gone with reporter Glenn Greenwald, who broke the Snowden story. At least he’s gay.t

A wish for citizenship this holiday season by Christelle Vieulles

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few years ago, I was forced to leave my home in France to get away from a traumatizing family situation. I came to the U.S. in search of a place where I could pursue my dreams and live without fear. It was here that I unexpectedly fell in love with another immigrant, Adriana. In her unwavering resolve to get a quality education, Adriana attempted to cross the Mexican border several times before she was finally successful. Our story is not uncommon. We came to the U.S. in search of hope, and we found more than hope – we found a home. As LGBT undocumented immigrants, we know what it’s like to live in two closets – one due to our sexual orientation and the other because of our legal status. Although we came to this country with the hope of being accepted for who we are, our undocumented status means that we are not recognized as equal members of society. Because we know what it’s like to be persecuted for our sexual orientation, we will never take that freedom for granted. That is why we are standing with the 11 million other undocumented men, women and children – including an estimated 267,000 LGBT immigrants – who dreamed big and risked everything to come to this country. While we may seem unique, Adriana and I have something fundamental in common with American and immigrant Americans alike: the importance we place in families. As a nation, we pride ourselves on keeping families united, and our immigration policies should reflect that commitment to keep all families together – regardless of their orientation or where they came from. Families are our most important safety net, and every day 1,100 immigrant families are

Courtesy Christelle Vieulles

Christelle Vieulles, right, with her partner, Adrian, wants the House of Representatives to vote on comprehensive immigration reform.

being torn apart due to backwards immigration policies. Our policies should welcome the tenacious, the hard-working and the open-minded – all qualities that make America and its long history of immigrants great. Together, along with our allies in the immigrant rights community, we are demanding that Congress pass immigration reform with a path to citizenship. A few months ago, my brother tragically passed away. I knew that if I went back to France for the funeral, there was a good chance that I would not be allowed back into the U.S. I had to decide between staying with the family I’ve created for myself here or being with my family in France in our time of need. It was a heartbreaking, impossible choice, but in the end I

chose Adriana, my life in America, and our future together. Immigrants like me are forced to make these awful choices every day, while in Washington Congress sits idly by refusing even to let immigration reform come to a vote. This past summer the Senate passed – by a wide 68-32 margin – a bipartisan immigration reform bill. In October, House Democrats introduced a similar proposal. Now it’s coming to the end of the year, and while a House majority exists in support of immigration reform, GOP leadership refuses to allow a vote. A group of 118 Representatives – 27 percent of the House – is preventing the entire House from exercising their right to vote. House Republicans stand between 11 million immigrants and the American Dream. We refuse to allow a minority bloc to hold us from a chance at citizenship. Americans want this. Poll after poll shows that regardless of party affiliation, demographics, or geography, Americans want to fix the country’s broken immigration system. Whether you are a citizen, an immigrant, an LGBT person, or all of the above, now is the time to let Congress know how you feel. When Adriana was a child, her mother told her, “A parent does whatever it takes to protect her family, it doesn’t matter what it is.” Adriana and I are willing to do whatever it takes to make sure that families in the U.S. no longer have to live in fear of being torn apart and don’t have to spend this holiday season missing those they love. This holiday season, let’s all come out of the closet. Let us be the family – the American family – which we’ve become. Let’s remember that this melting pot is all of our homes and we’re committed to creating a better future. Let’s tell Congress it’s time to come together and pass immigration reform that creates a path to citizenship.t Christelle Vieulles is the policy intern at Our Family Coalition.

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Politics>>

December 19-25, 2013 • Bay area reporter • 5

Same-sex couples eschew terms ‘husband,’ ‘wife’ by Matthew S. Bajko

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ame-sex couples may be embracing marriage and walking down the aisle, yet they are less accepting of the two terms most often associated with weddings, “husband” and “wife.” According to interviews with half a dozen couples, as well as survey data released this fall, many samesex couples prefer to use the term “spouse” or “partner” when referring to the person they marry. Chris Dupont, 45, and Martin Ferreia, 50, of Highlands Ranch, Colorado married at San Francisco’s City Hall last Friday in order to take advantage of the federal rights that come with marriage. Pleased with the wording “I now pronounce you spouses for life” used by the city’s wedding officiants, neither planned to start referring to the other as their husband. They intend to use “partner,” said Dupont, because “we’ve been calling each other partner for 14 years.” Ferreia added that the reason had nothing to do with husband having negative or religious connotations for the couple. Rather, he said, “We are comfortable with the term partner.” They are not alone. Research conducted this year by the San Francisco-based firm Community Marketing and Insights Inc. found that same-sex couples find the terms “spouse” and “partner” preferable over the terms “husband” and “wife.” Of 682 couples who were married, engaged, in a civil union, or were domestic partners that took part in the survey, which was conducted in September and released in November, only about half of the respondents felt comfortable with the terms “husband” or “wife.” Just 54 percent said they have a positive reaction to seeing the words used to describe LGBT relationships, while 17 percent said they react negatively. The remaining 29 percent felt neutral. The firm noted in its report on the findings, titled “Same-Sex Couples: Weddings and Engagements” and done in partnership with the Gay Wedding Institute, that using “husband” and “wife” to refer to same-sex couples “is a relatively new concept for the LGBT community.” “For the most part people are using the word partner. They are still beginning to use husband and wife,” said David Paisley, the marketing firm’s senior research director, on a conference call this fall to discuss its annual research findings about the LGBT market. The term “spouse” generated the most positive response, with 80 percent of couples surveyed okay with usage of the word. The term “same-sex couple” generated a positive response among 72 percent of respondents and “partners” had a 56 percent positive response. “I feel like I still constantly sort of struggle with this,” Kate Kendell, National Center for Lesbian Rights executive director, said when asked how she normally refers to Sandy Holmes, whom she married in 2008. “I almost always referred to her as my partner before we got married.” For Kendell, 53, who has been with Holmes for 20 years, the audience she is addressing often determines the word she chooses to use. “Now, almost always with nongay people, I refer to her as my spouse because I want to make the point we are married,” said Kendell. “In an LGBT gathering or circle I sort of use wife, partner, and some-

Courtesy Community Marketing and Insights Inc.

A Community Marketing and Insights survey of 682 same-sex couples showed positive responses for several terms, including “spouse.”

times even girlfriend interchangeably.” The term “wife,” she said, conjures up negative associations. “I have a little bit of baggage around wife as a feminist,” said Kendell. Having grown up Mormon in conservative Utah, wife connoted a “help mate category and sort of servitude,” she said. “I will acknowledge it makes no sense for my relationship and for what marriage is for gay people largely, but still there is a tinge of that.” San Francisco resident John S. Blackburn, 62, married his partner of 34 years, Bob Heacock, 67, last week. The couple, for now, intends to use the term “spouse” to refer to one another. “Husband and wife denotes a heterosexual marriage,” said Blackburn. “We will never be husband and husband. I don’t want to be like heterosexuals. I want to be different.” Blackburn would prefer to come up with a brand new word or term to refer to Heacock but has yet to find an appropriate choice. “We are spouses and life partners, but that doesn’t make us husband and husband,” he said. “It goes back to the heterosexual label of marriage and that is not what we are doing. We are blazing a new trail with marriage and we have to blaze a new trial with language as well.” In the survey a number of terms ranked poorly with same-sex couples, with “queer couple” generating the most negative response (64 percent). The second least-liked term was “LGBT partners” with a positive response among just 31 percent of couples. “Significant others” (32 percent positive response) and “same-gender couple” (37 percent positive response) also ranked poorly. “Domestic partners” and “life partners” both generated a 44 percent positive response. Fifty percent of the couples liked “LGBT couple,” while 51 percent felt positively about “same-sex partners.” Those couples that do use “husband” or “wife” say they like those terms partly because there is a certainty about their meaning. “We struggled with what term to use on the wedding day, like bride. After the wedding wife definitely is the term we use the most and we are seemingly very comfortable with it,” said Laura Kutch Brandolini, 37, who married Jasmine Brandolini, 35, in September. “I really like using the term ‘wife.’ It takes away any doubt someone has about the person I am talking about. When before I would use the term ‘girlfriend,’ ‘fiancee,’ or ‘partner,’ there was a lot of ambiguity with that.” The lesbian couples they know who have gotten married, said Kutch Brandolini, are also using “wife.” “I am meeting couples who prefer kind of more traditional, heteronormative terms,” she said. “To me,

I just really like it. I feel a lot of presumed validation that comes with it. It is instant respect for the importance of this person in my life, most often from straight people.” Pam Shaheen and Mary Beth Gabriel, 48, who ended up being the second to wed in San Francisco once the same-sex marriages resumed on the night of June 28, also refer to one another as “wife.” “Even before we were legally married, we used that term between ourselves and with our closest friends and family, because it was true,” explained Shaheen, who lives in Atlanta, in an emailed response. “We were already married in our hearts, in all functional ways, and even in the eyes of God. So, we never debated that at all.” While Shaheen said she corrects people who refer to Gabriel as “my partner,” she wrote that her wife uses a different phrasing with people. “Mary Beth expresses herself a little differently. She wants to make sure people know we have been together for as long as we have and when asked, says that she married her partner of 20 years,” wrote Shaheen. Longtime marriage equality activist John Lewis, 55, has used various phrasings and words over the years to explain his relationship status. He recalled being at a party decades ago trying to explain whom he had brought with him. “This person I have an emotional, affectionate, spiritual, sexual relationship with,” he recalled having said. “One person looked at me and said, ‘Wow, I want that.’” Back in the 1990s, after having met Stuart Gaffney, 51, he would explain to people that he had “a life partner I’ve been with for many years and we hope to be able to marry fully legally someday.” Ever since their 2008 marriage the couple has used husband to refer to each other. “The reason we use the word husband is we want to just do that sort of public education on a person-toperson basis to just inform people we come into contact with in our daily lives there are married same-sex couples,” said Lewis. “I find I say more casually, naturally without missing a beat ‘My husband and I.’” Over time, however, Lewis said using that term might not be as important. “I think of it in terms of we are going through a period of change. So right now for Stuart and me we consider it very useful to use the word husband,” he said. “It makes it very clear to the person hearing it we are gay men in a same-sex marriage. But over a period of time that information might be much more ordinary information where it is less important to communicate that to people. I could imagine 20 years from now we might use the term spouse more often.” No matter what term is used, said Lewis, “People should be able to refer to themselves how they choose.”t

Thank you Bay Area Reporter readers for voting us Best Medical Marijuana Dispensary

2095 Market Street @ Church & 14th Open Daily 11am-8pm www.APOTHECARIUMSF.com Only individuals wwith legally recognized medical cannabis cards or a verifiable written recommendation from a physician for medial cannabis may obtain medical cannabis from medical cannabis dispensaries.

<< Community News

6 • Bay Area Reporter • December 19-25, 2013

SF updates ID card policy by Seth Hemmelgarn

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an Francisco has started making it easier for immigrant transgender people and others to get identification cards that reflect their legal name changes. Previously, even when they had a court order for their name change, people had to submit foreign passports or similar documents that reflected their new name, often making the process virtually impossible. The policy left many transgender people with ID cards that didn’t reflect their gender. The cards serve as proof of residency and, among other benefits, they may be used as library cards or to open accounts with some local banks. Homeless people and others who have trouble obtaining formal identification may

also be eligible for the cards. Olga Tomchin, the Soros Justice Fellow at the Transgender Law Center, noted the cards, which have been available since 2009, were originally intended to be transgenderinclusive and didn’t bear a gender marker. (The new cards also don’t include gender.) However, said Tomchin, “If you don’t have a gender marker but your name is obviously gendered and doesn’t match your appearance,” such as a transgender woman with the name Jorge, the situation “can be very dangerous.” Transgender people “face such high rates of violence and harassment” that if they’re “outed,” they’ll be scared to access benefits, she said. Thanks to a change made in late November, the city now recognizes

court-ordered name changes as long as they’re submitted with proof of identity, proof of residency, and the court order. Identity documents may include a valid photo ID. Proof of residency may include a utility bill from the last 30 days that includes the new legal name and the applicant’s address. People who have obtained city IDs in the past may use their old, unexpired cards as proof of identification and their court order. “Anecdotally, we think this will have a pretty big impact,” said Tomchin, who was involved in addressing the ID card issue with the city, as was Darrick Ing, Pride Law Fund Fellow for API Legal Outreach. “This is very significant, especially for the immigrant transgender community who may have fled their home country because of transphobia or intolerance and would otherwise be unable to transition or obtain gender-affirming identity documents,” Ing said in an email. “Even for those who can legally change their names in the United States, it is often a long, drawn out process that begins with notifying the Social Security office of the court-ordered name change to reflect the new name on the Social Security number card; with which one can then register for a new driver’s license with the DMV; and then with which one can

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India

From page 1

ment could change that law, known as Section 377 for its place in the country’s penal code. Violators face up to 10 years in prison and a fine if caught. The decision shocked LGBT rights advocates and their supporters around the world. “It’s horrifying and despicable, but unfortunately it’s not surprising,” said gay San Francisco Supervisor Scott Wiener. “As many strides that we’ve made in the U.S. and in other countries, this is a reminder that we have so much work left to do for a huge portion of the world’s population for LGBT civil rights.” Despite the court ruling, a San Francisco-based LGBT agency that works to end discrimination in the business community is planning a trip to India soon. Out and Equal Workplace Advocates, which has a private event scheduled in San Francisco’s sister city, Bangalore, India next month, is closely watching developments related to the court’s decision, said Teddy Basham-Witherington, the organization’s chief marketing officer. The San Francisco Bay Area is home to an estimated 244,493 Indian Americans, the San Jose Mercury News reported in 2011, many of whom are Desi queers, those of Indian, Pakistani, or Bangladeshi birth who live abroad. It is also the home of the oldest South Asian LGBT organization, Trikone. Over the weekend, Trikone leaders called for two rallies. About 60 South Asian LGBTs and allies held a candlelight vigil outside of the Indian Consulate in the Inner Richmond neighborhood December 13 holding signs reading, “Love is not a crime.” Another group of nearly 30 LGBT Desis showed up in the Castro Sunday night, December 15, rallying in solidarity with Day of Outrage protests around the world against the India Supreme Court’s decision. “We want the consulate and the

Courtesy Olga Tomchin

Transgender Law Center fellow Olga Tomchin

update other accounts.” Ing said that a client of his had tried to get a city ID card in his new name for “almost a year.” He indicated that the problem faced by his clients and others hadn’t been recognized because of confidentiality rules. Eventually, Ing got in touch with Bill Barnes, who’s gay and serves as project manager for the city administrator’s office. Ing wrote a letter to City Administrator Naomi Kelly and December 3, he and Tomchin met with Barnes and Karen Hong Yee, director of the county clerk’s office. There, Ing learned the clerk’s office had already fixed the problem administratively

Indian government to recognize that there is a significant population here that has been affected by the Supreme Court decision, that we are important and that we deserve equality,” said Monica Davis, advocacy director of Trikone, which is working in solidarity with 10 other U.S.-based South Asian groups and with sister organizations in India. She and others protesting outside the consulate believed that the court’s decision was a “huge step backwards,” and made the LGBT community in India vulnerable to discrimination and harassment. “[It] essentially criminalized their ability to exist in the public,” said Davis, an out bisexual woman. “It’s time for us to show up, be out, and be here in solidarity with what is happening in India,” said Harsha Mallajosyula, a gay man and former board member of Trikone. Speaking with activists back in India, he said they are in “shock” and “despair” about the court’s decision. “They are very disappointed in their supreme court and the judicial system failing them and not treating them like first-class citizens of the country,” he said. Gay Indians living in the country also expressed their surprise. “It is an extremely regressive verdict and quite unexpected,” Sridhar Rangayan, a 51-year-old gay Indian activist and director of Solaris Pictures in Mumbai, said in an email interview with the Bay Area Reporter. “In one of the largest democracies in the world, we were hoping for a more positive verdict. It reverses all the advocacy work that has been carried out over the past two decades with government bodies, judicial agencies, health infrastructures and the civil society.” Some local LGBT South Asians expressed fear of traveling to India. “I personally wouldn’t feel like safe going back to India,” said Mallajosyula, who is still an Indian citizen but is living in the U.S. “Not only because of what is

t

November 20. In an email, Barnes said that Kelly “believes our city ID program should serve all San Franciscans, including undocumented transgender immigrants. API Legal Outreach and Transgender Law Center deserve credit for these common sense suggestions that ensure the city treats people equally no matter their country of origin.” In a brief phone interview, Yee said that for people who had legally changed their names, “We had hoped they’d change their name on their proof of ID, as well.” However, she said, “We have learned that that is not necessarily, in some instances, available to certain folks who change their name legally here,” but aren’t able to change their names on documents like foreign passports. Tomchin said she’s represented transgender immigrant clients who’ve wanted to change the names on their foreign passports, which can be onerous. For example, someone from Mexico who’s going through the process needs to get a lawyer in that country. “When people are very poor, that’s just outside of anything that’s possible,” she said. For costs and additional information on San Francisco’s ID cards, visit http://www.sfgov.org/ SFCityIDCard.t

happening in the country, but also because I have protested in front of the consulate here in the U.S. a number of times and now there is a law on the books that would say I could be imprisoned up to 10 years.” Mallajosyula isn’t alone. Davis said she received messages from some Trikone members who didn’t want to publicly protest the decision out of fear. “Even though we live in the U.S. they still live in fear of repercussions from their families in India and with this decision it makes it even harder to be out, even here in the U.S.,” said Davis. “They are scared to go back to India and visit.” New travel companies specializing in LGBT travel to India, such as Pink Vibgyor, Pink Escapes, Indjapink, and Out Journeys, expressed concern about the court’s decision affecting the emerging queer travel market to the Times of India. The two-judge panel that reviewed the case, Suresh Kumar Kaushal v. Naz Foundation, decided that the law wasn’t discriminatory and punted the issue to India’s Parliament. The court was basically stating that there wasn’t any “constitutional right, government can do whatever they want,” said Craig Konnoth, a gay Indian attorney who was at the December 13 protest.

Australian High Court tosses out marriage ruling

The Australian High Court struck down the Australian Capital Territory same-sex marriage act last week, halting same-sex weddings. In a summary, the judges unanimously decided that the Marriage Equality (Same Sex) Act 2013, enacted by the ACT Legislative Assembly in October, went against the federal Marriage Act 1961, which limits marriage between a man and a woman. Nearly 30 same-sex couples who married under the law saw their nuptials immediately annulled. Same-sex marriages were halted. At the same time, the judges found that Australia’s Parliament has the power to legislatively change the constitution to include same-sex marriage.t

Automotive News>>

t Mirage handles city life well by Philip Ruth

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his month we’ll cover Mitsubishi’s interesting new global small car, the Thailand-built Mirage and follow-up from last month’s crossover report with the Mazda CX-9.

Mitsubishi

2014 Mitsubishi Mirage ES – $15,990, 40 mpg overall, 149-inch length. Regular readers of this column know how I feel about Mitsubishis. I’ve said they’re best in a basic state, as options tend to add sometimes lackluster features. And while their noisy engines and black plastic interiors can make a weak first impression, each Mitsubishi surprised me with how much it grew on me. Then along came this three-cylinder Mirage, and its basic nature made it the most cohesive Mitsubishi I’ve driven. Even better, the Mirage’s puppy-like eagerness gave it real personality. The Mirage is not for everybody, but I can see it making some buyers very happy indeed. Start with fuel economy: the tester had the CVT transmission, which hits the magic 40 mpg EPA overall rating and 44 mpg quoted for the highway. (The five-speed manual drops those figures to 37 mpg overall and 42 highway. By comparison, the four-inch-shorter Chevrolet Spark CVT gets just 34 overall.) The Mirage pulls these numbers with its little three-banger and oneton curb weight, and so a nice surprise was the Mirage’s nimbleness. Throttle response is right-now, and with a little practice, the CVT can be made to lock in and go. Response gets muddier as speeds climb, but overall, the Mirage reminds you of the better hatchbacks of the late1980s, where little engines did just fine in those lightweight bodies. Another nice surprise was this little car’s highway stability. A friend came along for this test, and he balked when he saw how small the Mirage is. “I don’t think this is going to go well,” he said, but he and I fell into conversation and didn’t think about the Mirage’s bearing until we saw signs for Daly City, and all my buddy could say was, “Hmm, it’s fine.” I noticed the skinny 14inch tires being distracted by lane grooves, and high-speed passing was stomp-and-wait, but for our sunny-day jaunt, the Mirage did well. Neither of us wanted to go as far as Los Angeles, but we wouldn’t have minded Sacramento. Engine noise circumscribes the Mirage’s comfort zone. The 1.2-liter three-cylinder is rough: pop the hood as it idles, and you’ll see the engine blurring its air snorkel with vibration. That drilling movement travels through the floorboards and door panels to make flat-out acceleration an immersive experience, and it is accompanied by a wall of sound. The engine’s crudity could be a dealbreaker, and so you should confirm your aural tolerance on your test drive. The Mirage’s handling also recalls the 1980s econoboxes. The suspension is soft enough to smooth out most bumps, but that softness can make the Mirage go wobbly when the road surface gets uneven, and tight cornering brings on lots of lean. Sporty the Mirage ain’t. On the other hand, the workarounds you devise can be fun in their own way. For instance, you use the lean to your advantage by tossing the Mirage’s weight to one side before bending into a curve. The car takes a set and usually holds it, unless you’re sandbagged by bumps midway through. Worst case is you

Philip Ruth

The 2014 Mitsubishi Mirage ES packs a lot into a small car that’s great for city life.

won’t be going very fast anyway, and effortlessly transferring a car’s weight is a rare treat, one that the heavy hybrids have made even rarer. To the point of the Mirage’s generally low speeds: While many new cars shoot you toward 100 mph in your search for added stimulation, the Mirage’s lightness of being makes it wonderfully flickable at or below the legal limit. It is a kind of luxury to drive yourself happy while not worrying about the points on your license. Two other aspects make the Mirage ideal for the city: its short length, and its tight turning circle. With only 149 inches to park, you can duke it out with Mini Coopers for the smallest spaces, and the Mirage’s superhero 30.2-inch turning radius means you might beat the Minis to the punch, because their circle is five inches wider. The Mirage packs four doors and a wide hatch into its wee footprint, and so the combination of nimbleness and open access make the Mirage a terrific errand runner. The Mirage is typical Mitsu inside, which means red displays and the aforementioned hard black plastic. If the Mirage’s handling harkens back to the 1980s, its interior recalls Japanese cars of the 1970s, which had all-black insides until those brands got a handle on color. The highlights in the Mirage’s cloth seats gave some relief, but the low-rent look could be a repellant for styleconscious buyers. They’d miss that the Mirage’s interior works pretty well. The tested Mirage ES did not have the optional navigation system (which is CVT-only, no navigation with the five-speed manual), but it did have voice command and Bluetooth, and the voice command in particular worked with bracing efficiency. As for seating, Mitsubishi ambitiously claims a five-passenger capacity: the two front seats are roomy enough for six-footers, but like Trix, the back three would be for kids. The Mirage DE starts at $13,790 with no Bluetooth and a manual transmission; the tested ES was just under $16K. The Mirage’s low-speed sparkle and thumbnail dimensions make it a city-car star, but they also limit its scope. Onecar families might be better off in a larger hatchback, like a used Honda Fit or Nissan Versa. But if I had two parking spots, I might fill one with a highway cruiser and the other with a manual-transmission Mirage. And yep, make mine Plasma Purple – that goofy Barney color made pedestrians and bicyclists and other motorists smile, and when something makes each day a little more pleasant, it can feel like it just belongs in your life. Again, the Mirage is not for everybody, but it will make some people very happy indeed.

Mazda CX-9

2014 Mazda CX-9 Grand Touring

– $38,515, 19 mpg, 201-inch length. I’ve been as enthusiastic about Mazdas as I’ve been diffident about Mitsubishis, and the CX-9 sevenseat crossover that just missed being scheduled for last month’s crossover comparison is another in a line of Mazdas that I would recommend. That’s after some qualification, of course. The CX-9 is a senior dog at the crossover pound. Although it got a sharp restyle for 2013, its bones debuted in 2006, and so this platform has not ridden the same “SkyActiv” efficiency wave that Mazda’s more recent offerings have. The 17 mpg EPA (city) matches the comparable Dodge Durango V6’s ratings, as well it should; the Durango carries about 500 more pounds than the CX-9 does. So while you’re buying a sedanbased crossover in the CX-9, you’re getting SUV mileage. Granted, the Honda Pilot and Hyundai Santa Fe are only a tick better at 18 mpg city, and none of these vehicles will seem efficient after a few weeks of running up the Bay Area’s hills, but it’s high time for Mazda to extend some of that SkyActiv love to the CX-9. Interior tech is another place where older is not better, and screen-size queens will find the CX-9’s 5.8-incher coming up short when compared to the eight inches in the Hyundai and the niner in the Durango. The Mazda’s TomTomlicensed navigation works well enough, and the audio controls are straightforward, but it’s a shame they couldn’t slide in something bigger in there. Now for the good stuff: the CX-9 is certifiably fun to drive, with handling that is confident and fluid. The best bigger crossovers handle with the nimbleness of a smaller car, and that’s just what the CX-9 does. It seems to shrink a size or two when you’re moving through traffic or carving up the back roads, and then it returns to substance as highway speeds rise. The driver’s space is top-notch, with a supportive power bucket seat that tips back for loads of thigh support and a deep buckety feel. The interior plastics are simply shaped, with pleasing arcs defining the instrument panel facade and flat accents tracing the length of the console. The plastic itself looks a little cheap, but the elegant contouring ritzes it up. Exterior styling is quite nice. The 2013 facelift brought the CX-9 in line with Mazda’s “soul of motion” design philosophy, and along with its tasteful detailing, the CX-9 looks classier than the Santa Fe, more complex than the Pilot, and less hung up on machismo than the Durango. Outside and inside and over the road, the CX-9 is appealing and rewarding. If you’re in the crossover market, you should turn this Mazda’s wheel before you buy.t Philip Ruth is an automotive journalist and consultant at http://www.gaycarguy.com.

December 19-25, 2013 • Bay area reporter • 7

Obituaries>>

t Marriage equality activist Marvin Burrows dies by Cynthia Laird

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arvin Burrows, a gay man who was active in local and national marriage equality efforts, died Saturday, December 14 at Kaiser Hospital in Hayward. He was 77. Mr. Burrows, who lived in Hayward for many years, had had some recent health issues, including surgeries for blood clots in his legs. He went into the hospital for another surgery last Friday but there were further medical complications, his longtime friend Christine Allen said in an email. “We were so lucky to have been able to share in Marvin’s life – he was a treasured friend and colleague and he improved this world by being in it,” Allen said. John Lewis and Stuart Gaffney worked with Mr. Burrows on various projects with Marriage Equality USA. “Our movement and our community have lost an amazing person, and one of our most dedicated and powerful advocates,” the couple said in a statement. “He is remembered by his family and friends, and an enormous activist family who loved him dearly and now rededicate themselves to carrying on his work and spirit.” In July 2011, Mr. Burrows testified before the Senate Judiciary Committee on the impact of the Defense of Marriage Act. At the time, the federal law prevented same-sex couples from receiving the same rights and benefits as heterosexual married couples. In a major victory for same-sex couples this June, the U.S. Supreme Court struck down a key provision of the law, paving the way for federal agencies to recognize legally wed gay and lesbian couples. The high court also left intact a federal judge’s decision striking down Proposition 8, California’s same-sex

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Sex sans condoms

From page 1

more people are having unprotected sex. But the rate of new HIV infections has remained stable, which may indicate that more men are using safer sex strategies that protect against HIV but not other STIs, she explained. There was small uptick in HIV incidence between 2010 and 2011, but it is too soon to tell whether this is the start of an upward trend. “San Francisco is ahead of the game” when it comes to HIV testing and treatment, Eveland said. While the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimates that 20 percent of people with HIV nationwide do not know they’re infected, that figure drops to around 7 percent locally. San Francisco was the first city to recommend that everyone who tests HIV-positive should consider treatment regardless of their CD4 T-cell count, both for their own health and to reduce the risk of transmission. While only one-quarter of people with HIV nationwide have been tested, entered care, and achieved viral

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Women’s film

From page 3

Collection of interviews

Today, Toasted Marshmallows exists as a collection of interviews Ratnarajah and Failla are currently making into a feature-length documentary film that intentionally builds on the existing but limited work about mixedness in the arts, and also addresses issues of race, culture, color, privilege, ancestry, transnational identity, belonging, and love. In January, Toasted Marshmallows is traveling to Sri Lanka with Ratnarajah’s father to explore her cultural and familial history, and the women have created an Indiegogo campaign to collect funds from supporters willing to donate to the trip’s expenses. The

marriage ban, allowing such weddings to resume in the Golden State. In his testimony, Mr. Burrows, who was born February 19, 1936 in Michigan, outlined his life, noting that his parents knew he was gay when he was 15. They tried reparative therapy for their son, and he attempted suicide, he said, before agreeing to outpatient therapy in the early 1950s. Mr. Burrows credited his new psychiatrist with helping him stay alive, as he helped Mr. Burrows learn how to live in society and how to protect himself. Mr. Burrows met the love of his life, William Duane Swenor in 1953 when he was 15 and Swenor was 17. Mr. Burrows lived with the Swenor family while he finished high school and from that time on, he said, the two lived as a committed couple. They moved from Michigan to California in the mid-1960s because “we thought we would be more accepted in San Francisco,” Mr. Burrows told the senators. “We bought things jointly, we opened joint bank accounts. We shared all of our income and expenses,” Mr. Burrows said. The couple created wills, powers of attorney, and advance directives so that they could protect their relationship. When California started its domestic partner registry, the couple registered. But it was February 15, 2004 that would remain in Mr. Burrows memory for the rest of his life. That was the day when he and Swenor married in San Francisco City Hall, after then-Mayor Gavin Newsom ordered city officials to allow same-sex couples to wed. That “Winter of Love” was an emotional time for the men. “It was the best time in our lives and we had high hopes for our fu-

December 19-25, 2013 • Bay Area Reporter • 13

Jane Philomen Cleland

Marvin Burrows

ture as a married couple,” Mr. Burrows said. Their happiness was short-lived, however, as their marriage and about 4,000 others were declared void by the California Supreme Court, which ruled that Newsom overstepped his authority. Swenor died of a heart attack about a year later, in March 2005. Mr. Burrows then had to contend with getting Swenor’s pension benefits from the International Longshore and Warehouse Union, which was a three-year effort. He ultimately prevailed with help from the National Center for Lesbian Rights. “Marvin possessed such a generous spirit and always greeted you with a smile and an embrace,” NCLR Executive Director Kate Kendell said in an email. “All his life, people tried to make Marvin feel ashamed and wrong for being gay, but he never stopped believing that he and other LGBT people deserve equality and respect. The discrimination Mar-

vin faced when his partner died took a terrible toll on him. But he kept pushing for change, and his case, in which NCLR was honored to represent him, ended up leading to a policy change that helped many other people. “His passing is a huge loss for our community,” Kendell added. “We can honor and cherish his memory by continuing to fight for the things that he believed in so deeply.” In addition to his marriage equality work, Mr. Burrows was also active in the LGBT senior community. He was one of the founders of Lavender Seniors of the East Bay. “Marvin has been a board member for Lavender Seniors for many years. He publicly spoke out for equality in legislative policy that impacts the lives of LGBT and all seniors at several Lavender Seniors’ policy forums, health care provider trainings, outreach events and conferences,” the Lavender Seniors board said in a statement. “In addition he volunteered at numerous Lavender Seniors’ lunches and outreach events since the organization’s inception in 1994. His story of win-

Obituaries >> Dan Phillip Clark May 13, 1949 – December 13, 2013 Dan Philip Clark, a former longtime San Francisco resident, died peacefully in his Palm Springs home surrounded by his brothers, Patrick, Brett, Mike, and Scott, and sister-in-law, Peggy. He came to San Francisco in the 1970s from his hometown of Denver and knew he had found his new home for more than 30 years. Dan was a certified shorthand court reporter. He had his own firm for most of that time. Dan enjoyed everything about his ad-

One of the newest tools in the prevention toolbox, PrEP, or PreExposure Prophylaxis, received considerable attention. An audience poll showed that 23 percent had either used PrEP or had a partner who had done so. The iPrEx study of men who have sex with men found that daily PrEP using Truvada, Gilead Science’s tenofovir/emtricitabine combination pill, lowered HIV infection risk by 44 percent overall, and by more than 90 percent among participants who had blood drug levels indicating that they took it regularly, Hemming explained. But Eveland stressed that Truvada “is not a morning-after pill” and must be taken every day. Studies are under way looking at intermittent PrEP taken before and after sex, but so far research only supports daily use with good adherence.

Scardina recalled that he first heard about PrEP after doing antiretroviral post-exposure prophylaxis, or PEP, after sex to prevent HIV from establishing infection. He then enrolled in City Clinic’s PrEP study, which provided him with a year’s worth of Truvada. “Truvada has worked really well for me,” he said. “I haven’t relied solely on PrEP and still use condoms depending on the situation.” Speaking from the audience, activist attorney David Waggoner said he started taking Truvada PrEP four years ago before it was approved by the Food and Drug Administration for this indication. He, too, had taken PEP after unprotected sex and asked his doctor if he could just stay on antiretrovirals for prevention. As for why PrEP has not “caught on like wildfire,” Hemming noted that it can be a challenge to take pills every day. In a majority of PrEP studies, most people did not take it as directed. Some people are also concerned about PrEP after seeing the debilitating side effects of older antiretroviral drugs. “People are scared of what it’s going

to do to their body,” he said. Truvada is generally well tolerated but can sometimes cause kidney problems and bone loss. According to Eveland the most common side effects are fatigue and gastrointestinal symptoms. But Scardina said he has had “barely any side effects,” while Waggoner reported that he “never had any side effects at all.” The cost of Truvada – about $1,000 per month – is also a potential barrier. Scardina just turned 26 and has to go off his parents’ health plan. “I’m running out of pills and I don’t have insurance,” he said. Even for people who are insured, Truvada for prevention may be hard to come by. Waggoner related that a friend seeking PrEP from Kaiser Permanente was required to go before a panel of doctors to be questioned about his sexual behavior and level of risk. However, Waggoner noted, Gilead offers a patient assistance program for people who cannot afford Truvada.

crowdfunding campaign has a goal of $6,000 and ends January 6. As of this week, nearly $200 has been raised. “We want to be able to document our different homecoming experiences,” Ratnarajah said, “and to explore what it means to go to your place of ancestry. Neither my father nor I have been there before. We’re excited about what this will add to the film.” While the two were in Oakland this summer, they interviewed three queer-identified mixed-race women, one of whom was Nia King, an established freelance writer and producer of “We Want the Airwaves” (http://www.artactivistnia.com/podcast.html), a podcast in which she interviews emerging queer and transgender artists

of color. For King, participating in conversations around mixedrace experiences to dispel harmful tropes and ignorant preconceptions has been crucial. “I’m excited about the Toasted Marshmallows film because it’s an opportunity to showcase the diversity and complexity of mixed-race women’s experiences,” King told the Bay Area Reporter. “We are not all ‘tragic mulattoes’ nor are we harbingers of a post-racial utopia.” While Toasted Marshmallows is not explicitly queer-centered, Ratnarajah and Failla have interviewed primarily other queer mixed-race women, which sheds light on how queerness and mixedness can relate. “There’s an understanding

amongst queer people of being in that ‘in-between’ space,” Failla said, “existing in the fluidity between gender or relationship norms, that’s similar to racial ambiguity.” As they continue to delve into their own personal truths, and those of other mixed-race women, Toasted Marshmallows has widened the scope of collective mixedrace consciousness and visibility, the women said. “I hope this project creates more space for people to talk,” Failla said. “People are feeling their experiences validated, and that it’s important to complicate conversations around race, not reduce it to ‘all mixed-race people are beautiful’ and ‘we’re all going to eventually end up brown anyway.’”

suppression, according to the CDC, in San Francisco the proportion is closer to half. San Francisco also has a lower average “community viral load” than other cities with high HIV rates.

What about PrEP?

ning a legal battle with his deceased partner’s labor union over survivor benefits was a milestone in public policy for the rights of same-sex couples everywhere.” Other organizations with which Mr. Burrows was involved included Gays and Lesbians Organized for Betterment and Equality and the California Senior Leader program at UC Berkeley. He was also one of the founders of Hayward’s Lighthouse LGBT Community Center and served for 18 years as a chaperon for the Hayward Gay Prom. Kevin Dowling, the gay former Hayward city councilman who also spearheaded the Lighthouse center, said that he looked to Mr. Burrows as a role model. “Marvin lived life to the fullest – he worked hard for gay rights but also liked to have fun,” Dowling said in a message via Facebook. “Sometimes that meant having a young boyfriend or going out in leather. One of my role models as I look toward retirement in the next decade or so.” A memorial is planned for January.t

Slut-shaming

Several panelists and audience members brought up the issue of

opted city and had many good friends and business associates. He volunteered with the San Francisco AIDS Foundation and was a member of the Foggy City Square Dancers, traveling to many cities for conventions. He moved to Palm Springs in 2005 for his health, but continued his career as an instructor at Sage College. He volunteered at the historic Welwood Library and the Palm Springs Airport as a navigator. Dan will be greatly missed by his extended family and special friends – Paul, Ira, Jim, Doug, Kathryn – and his loving feline companion, Peabody, who never left his side. Dan requested cremation and no service, but his quiet presence and true friendship will endure in our hearts. God bless and keep him, Namaste.

“slut-shaming,” or moralistic objections to people who use PrEP or other risk-reduction strategies instead of always using condoms. “Science is still lower on the hierarchy than morality,” Waggoner said. “Puritanical ideas are guiding social policy.” Said Ramos, “As a positive person, I feel if I said ‘I love to take loads and give them’ I’ll be stigmatized ... People will say ‘Typhoid Mary is running around.’ The onus on the positive person has been unfair for awhile, and it’s good to see negative men now taking responsibility.” Guttirez said shaming is a scare tactic. “Not having the trauma of losing all your friends has impacted the way [younger gay men] have sex and the harm reduction strategies we employ. Shaming from elders in an effort to be supportive comes off as a scare tactic that I don’t think is successful,” said Guttirez. “There’s a lot of room for queer and trans people to grow together talking about HIV intergenerationally. We don’t have to leave these conversations in the bedroom.”t

And complicating conversations around race, Ratnarajah added, can lead to real social change. “For me,” she said, “political queerness and mixedness are an important combination. I don’t want to be assimilated into a society with unfair power structures. I’d rather use my identity to challenge those things. Being mixed is a flag of difference that enables you to challenge old notions of race. Because we’re not supposed to exist, we have to exist extra hard.”t For more information, visit http:// toastedmarshmallowsproject. com/. To help Toasted Marshmallows get to Sri Lanka, visit http://www.indiegogo.com/ projects/toasted-marshmallowsgoes-to-sri-lanka.

Serving the LGBT communities since 1971

14 ••BBay AYA Area REAR Reporter EPORTER • December December19-25, 19-25,2013 2013

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DPs

From page 1

but I didn’t think we were ready to do the whole marriage thing,” added Marley. “This was marriage-lite. It seemed fitting to where we were at in our relationship.” They were among the 262 domestic partnerships filed with the San Francisco county clerk between June 28 and December 12. It was a slight decline from the 310 domestic partnerships filed with the clerk between July 1 and December 31 in 2012. Unlike with the state DP registry, which is limited to any same-sex couple 18 years of age or older or to heterosexual couples where one person is 62 and receiving Social Security benefits, San Francisco’s local DP registry is open to any couple no matter their sexual orientation who is 18 years of age living together and providing for one another. Due to that, the clerk’s office expects new DP numbers for the year will remain relatively stable at around 600 per year going forward. “There are couples not quite ready to take that plunge into marriage,” said county clerk Karen Hong Yee, “and find domestic partnership accomplishes” gaining some protections.

Spurred on by DOMA case

John Lewis, with Marriage Equality USA, said he has been somewhat surprised by the increasing number of same-sex couples who have been in domestic partnerships or civil unions who are now deciding to marry. “We all knew that the DOMA case was very important. But what I hadn’t quite realized was how the victory in the DOMA case was going to spur so many more people to get married,” said Lewis. “For same-sex couples who might have just stayed in a domestic partnership, in respect to state rights, it gave them a powerful additional reason to get married because under federal law a statesanctioned domestic partnership or civil union will not provide the couple with the same protections as being married.” That was what spurred Oakland couple Luis Hernandez and Luciano Hernandez, domestic partners for the past 13 years, to wed under the Rotunda at San Francisco’s City Hall last Friday, December 13. “We started talking since June about if we would get married,” said Luis Hernandez. They decided to wed, said Luciano Hernandez, because they wanted all the rights they deserve “as a human being, as a person.” They were just one of the many same-sex couples to exchange their vows in San Francisco this year. The city has seen a surge in demand for marriage licenses ever since the county clerk’s office stayed open during Pride weekend and married 500 couples in two days. The city allows applicants to disclose their gender on the marriage license forms, so Assessor-Recorder Carmen Chu’s office has processed 2,717 same-sex marriage licenses between June 28 and December 12 of this year. That outpaced the 2,219 heterosexual couples that married during the same time frame. Another 637 couples that opted not to disclose their genders also wed for a total of 5,573. It was a marked increase over the 4,328 marriage licenses recorded between June 28 and December 12, 2012 when same-sex couples were barred from legally marrying. “San Francisco, overall, is a destination for marriages in general,” said Chu. She noted that 51 percent of the marriages during that time frame were among couples where neither person was from San Francisco. Among the same-sex couples 58 per-

cent were not from the city. “It is showing to us there is definitely an interest to come to San Francisco to be married overall and even more so for same-sex couples,” said Chu. “If people have found someone they want to spend the rest of their life with, we are happy to be a part of it.” To handle the increased wedding demands the San Francisco County Clerk’s office, as of July 1, added two additional appointment slots per hour. To alleviate wait times, couples seeking wedding licenses and those who also want to have their ceremony at City Hall that day need to book an appointment online beforehand and can do so 90 days in advance. “We are super busy,” said Yee, who has been the director of the San Francisco County Clerk’s office since 2006. The workload, at times said Yee, feels like “we are the only county in all of California” where people want to get married. The clerk has hired six people since June on a part-time basis due to the demand and is waiting for a new civil service test to be administered so she can fill four fulltime vacancies. Part of the reason, said Yee, is due to the city’s involvement in the fight for marriage equality since 2004, when then-Mayor Gavin Newsom bucked state law and opened City Hall up to marry same-sex couples. In addition to that history, the building’s interior provides a dramatic backdrop for wedding ceremonies and the cost at $77 is economical for many couples, noted Yee. “Fresno has a perfectly good county clerk but they want to come up to San Francisco to get married,” she said. With couples living in states that don’t recognize same-sex marriage flocking to town to wed in order to gain access to federal benefits, Yee doesn’t believe her office will see a slowdown anytime soon. As of December 12 this year 544 same-sex couples from out of state wed in San Francisco, with an additional 22 such couples from a different country. “It is never going to go back to normal because our market got larger. Before we were only marrying opposite sex couples. Now, with same-sex marriage, we have a whole new market that opened up,” said Yee. “We are also busier because it is not available in every state.” Fridays are the most popular day of the week. January is already completely booked on those days through the end of the month, with just 25 percent availability remaining on January 31. “That is much better than where we were in September, when it was five weeks out to get a Friday appointment,” Yee said. On average there is a two-week waiting period to secure a time slot. For those couples needing to marry sooner their best bet is Tuesdays, the least popular day. The new year may bring some relief, said Yee, as many same-sex couples may have raced to wed by the end of the year in order to file their taxes jointly. “We are trying to see if people want to get married by the end of 2013 to get married for the tax benefits or is it really a continuing demand going forward,” she said. “It looks like it may be just leveling off a little bit yet.”t

On the web Online content this week includes the Bay Area Reporter’s online columns Political Notes and Wedding Bells Ring; the Jock Talk column; and coverage of a recent Openhouse breakfast. www.ebar.com.

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In the matter of the application of: KATHERINE ROSE COFFEY for change of name having been filed in Superior Court, and it appearing from said application that petitioner KATHERINE ROSE COFFEY, is requesting that the name KATHERINE ROSE COFFEY be changed to RED ZACHARIAH ROSE COFFEY. Now therefore, it is hereby ordered, that all persons interested in said matter do appear before this Court in Rm. 514 on the 28th of January 2014 at 9:00am of said day to show cause why the application for change of name should not be granted.

DEC 05, 12, 19, 26, 2013 FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE A-035485500 The following person(s) is/are doing business as: THE BASEMENT, 222 HYDE ST., SF, CA 94103. This business is conducted by an individual, and is signed LARRY LIVINGSTON. The registrant(s) commenced to transact business under the above listed fictitious business name or names on 11/12/13. The statement was filed with the City and County of San Francisco, CA on 11/12/13.

NOV 28, DEC 05, 12, 19, 2013 FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE A-035496900 The following person(s) is/are doing business as: MOTION STARVED, 2626 GOUGH ST., SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94123. This business is conducted by an individual, and is signed KELLEY D. HEYE. The registrant(s) commenced to transact business under the above listed fictitious business name or names on 11/14/13. The statement was filed with the City and County of San Francisco, CA on 11/19/13.

NOV 28, DEC 05, 12, 19, 2013

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Legal Notices>> FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE A-035504500 The following person(s) is/are doing business as: MARINA GRINS DENTAL, 3210 FILLMORE ST. #2, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94123. This business is conducted by a corporation and is signed ELENA HEREDIA DDS, INC. (CA). The registrant(s) commenced to transact business under the above listed fictitious business name or names on 11/22/13. The statement was filed with the City and County of San Francisco, CA on 11/22/13.

STATEMENT OF ABANDONMENT OF USE OF FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME FILE A-032886500

STATEMENT OF ABANDONMENT OF USE OF FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME FILE A-032817000

The following persons have abandoned the use of the fictitious business name known as: HONG KONG MONA HAIR STUDIO, 307 4TH AVE., SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94118. This business was conducted by an individual and signed by LILY FENG XIU WU. The fictitious name was filed with the City and County of San Francisco, CA on 07/02/10.

The following persons have abandoned the use of the fictitious business name known as: GLADSTONE & ASSOCIATES, 177 POST ST., PENTHOUSE, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94108. This business was conducted by an individual and signed by M. BRETT GLADSTONE. The fictitious name was filed with the City and County of San Francisco, CA on 06/02/10.

NOV 28, DEC 05, 12, 19, 2013 FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE A-035490300

DEC 05, 12, 19, 26, 2013 NOTICE OF APPLICATION TO SELL ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGES

The following person(s) is/are doing business as: BEL SF, 3215 MISSION ST., SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94110. This business is conducted by a limited liability company and is signed BELAMIS LLC. (CA) 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 11/14/13.

Dated 11/26/13 To Whom It May Concern: The name(s) of the applicant(s) is/are: NOODLE SHOP CO COLORADO INC THE. The applicants listed above are applying to the Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control at 33 New Montgomery St. #1230, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94105 to sell alcoholic beverages at 575 MARKET ST. #150, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94105-2854. Type of license applied for

NOV 28, DEC 05, 12, 19, 2013 NOTICE OF APPLICATION TO SELL ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGES

41 - ON-SALE BEER & WINE - EATING PLACE DEC 12, 19, 26, 2013 SUMMONS SOLANO COUNTY SUPERIOR COURT NOTICE TO DEFENDANT: RICHARD KING; ANNIE NGO; DOES 1 TO 10; YOU ARE BEING SUED BY PLAINTIFF: RAFAEL ARROYO, JR. CASE NO. FCM131920

Dated 11/08/13 To Whom It May Concern: The name(s) of the applicant(s) is/are: NITE CAP BAR, INC. The applicants listed above are applying to the Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control at 33 New Montgomery St. #1230, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94105 to sell alcoholic beverages at 699 O’FARRELL ST., SAN FRANCISCO, CA 941097403. Type of license applied for

48 - ON-SALE GENERAL PUBLIC PREMISES DEC 05, 12, 19, 2013 FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE A-035505900 The following person(s) is/are doing business as: HONG KONG MONA HAIR STUDIO, 307 4TH AVE., SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94118. This business is conducted by an individual, and is signed LIPING WU. 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 11/22/13.

DEC 05, 12, 19, 26, 2013 FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE A-035481800 The following person(s) is/are doing business as: CAROUSEL CAFE, 221 4TH ST., SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94103. This business is conducted by an individual, and is signed IRENE HOFMANN. The registrant(s) commenced to transact business under the above listed fictitious business name or names on 11/08/13. The statement was filed with the City and County of San Francisco, CA on 11/08/13.

DEC 05, 12, 19, 26, 2013 FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE A-035514400 The following person(s) is/are doing business as: INTERCONNECTED STRATEGIES, 1061 CLAY ST. #1, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94108. This business is conducted by an individual, and is signed MELANIE FRANCES GLEASON. The registrant(s) commenced to transact business under the above listed fictitious business name or names on 11/27/13. The statement was filed with the City and County of San Francisco, CA on 12/02/13.

DEC 05, 12, 19, 26, 2013 FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE A-035516500 The following person(s) is/are doing business as: SHUTTER SHELF, 929 PINE ST. #301, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94108. This business is conducted by an individual, and is signed GLIB SMAGA. The registrant(s) commenced to transact business under the above listed fictitious business name or names on 12/03/13. The statement was filed with the City and County of San Francisco, CA on 12/03/13.

DEC 05, 12, 19, 26, 2013 FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE A-035514200

Notice: You have been sued. The court may decide against you without your being heard unless you respond within 30 days. Read the information below. You have 30 CALENDAR DAYS after this summons and legal papers are served on you to file a written response at this court and have a copy served on the plaintiff. A letter or phone call will not protect you. Your written response must be in proper legal form if you want the court to hear your case. There may be a court form that you can use for your response. You can find these court forms and more information at the California Courts Online Self-Help Center (www.courtinfo.ca.gov/selfhelp) your county law library, or the courthouse nearest you. If you cannot pay the filing fee, ask the court clerk for a fee waiver form. If you do not file your response on time, you may lose the case by default, and your wages, money, and property may be taken without further warning from the court. There are other legal requirements. You may want to call an attorney right away. If you do not know an attorney, you may want to call an attorney referral service. If you cannot afford an attorney, you may be eligible for free legal services from a nonprofit legal services program. You can locate these nonprofit groups at the California Legal Services Web site (www.lawhelpcalifornia.org), the California Courts Online Self-Help Center (www. courtinfo.ca.gov/selfhelp), or by contacting your local court or county bar association. NOTE: The court has a statutory lien for waived fees and costs on any settlement or arbitration award of $10,000 or more in a civil case. The court’s lien must be paid before the court will dismiss the case. The name and address of the court is:

SOLANO COUNTY SUPERIOR COURT, 321 TUOLUMNE ST., VALLEJO, CA 94590. The name, address, and telephone number of the plaintiff’s attorney, or plaintiff without an attorney, is:

RAYMOND G. BALLISTER, JR., ESQ., CENTER FOR DISABILITY ACCESS, 9845 ERMA RD. #300, SAN DIEGO, CA 92131; (858) 375-7385. Date: Oct. 12, 2012; Clerk, by A. GARCIA, Deputy.

DEC 05, 12, 19, 26, 2013 ORDER TO SHOW CAUSE FOR CHANGE OF NAME IN SUPERIOR COURT OF CALIFORNIA, COUNTY OF SAN FRANCISCO FILE CNC13-549980

The following person(s) is/are doing business as: SF KANKO, 631 O’FARRELL ST. #1702, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94109. This business is conducted by an individual, and is signed MANABU MORIKAWA. 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 12/02/13.

In the matter of the application of: ISABEL CLAIRE JEVANS, for change of name having been filed in Superior Court, and it appearing from said application that petitioner ISABEL CLAIRE JEVANS, is requesting that the name ISABEL CLAIRE JEVANS, be changed to ISABEL CLAIRE RAINBOW DIAMOND. Now therefore, it is hereby ordered, that all persons interested in said matter do appear before this Court in Dept. 514 on the 13th of February 2014 at 9:00am of said day to show cause why the application for change of name should not be granted.

DEC 05, 12, 19, 26, 2013

DEC 19, 26, 2013, JAN 02, 09, 2014

DEC 12, 19, 26, 2013, JAN 02, 2014 STATEMENT OF ABANDONMENT OF USE OF FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME FILE A-035333100 The following persons have abandoned the use of the fictitious business name known as: DOMBROWSKI CLEANING SERVICES, 227 JENAY COURT, MARTINEZ, CA 94553. This business was conducted by an individual and signed by NICHOLAS DOMBROWSKI. The fictitious name was filed with the City and County of San Francisco, CA on 08/28/13.

DEC 12, 19, 26, 2013, JAN 02, 2014 NOTICE OF APPLICATION FOR CHANGE IN OWNERSHIP OF ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGE LICENSE Dated 12/13/2013 To Whom It May Concern: The name(s) of the applicant(s) is/are: VOLKANCEM, INC. The applicants listed above are applying to the Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control at 33 New Montgomery St. #1230, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94105 to sell alcoholic beverages at 499 CASTRO ST., SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94114-2019. Type of license applied for

41 - ON-SALE BEER & WINE - EATING PLACE DEC 19, 2013 NOTICE OF APPLICATION TO SELL ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGES Dated 11/22/13 To Whom It May Concern: The name(s) of the applicant(s) is/are: GARFIELD BEACH CVS LLC. The applicants listed above are applying to the Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control at 33 New Montgomery St. #1230, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94105 to sell alcoholic beverages at 1760 OCEAN AVE., SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94112-1737. Type of license applied for

20 - OFF-SALE BEER & WINE DEC 12, 19, 26, 2013 NOTICE OF APPLICATION FOR CHANGE IN OWNERSHIP OF ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGE LICENSE Dated 12/10/2013 To Whom It May Concern: The name(s) of the applicant(s) is/are: SIOK MING TJONG. The applicants listed above are applying to the Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control at 33 New Montgomery St. #1230, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94105 to sell alcoholic beverages at 836 CLEMENT ST., SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94118-2219. Type of license applied for

41 - ON-SALE BEER & WINE - EATING PLACE DEC 19, 2013 NOTICE OF APPLICATION TO SELL ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGES Dated 12/11/13 To Whom It May Concern: The name(s) of the applicant(s) is/are: NABILAS NATURALS INC. The applicants listed above are applying to the Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control at 33 New Montgomery St. #1230, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94105 to sell alcoholic beverages at 559 HAYES ST., SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94102-4213. Type of license applied for

21 - OFF-SALE GENERAL DEC 19, 26, 2013, JAN 02, 2014

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE A-035535200

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE A-035520300

The following person(s) is/are doing business as: ORGANIZER, 1118 HOWARD ST. # 301, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94103. This business is conducted by a corporation, and is signed ELECTIONEAR, INC (DE). The registrant(s) commenced to transact business under the above listed fictitious business name or names on 09/11/12. The statement was filed with the City and County of San Francisco, CA on 12/12/13.

The following person(s) is/are doing business as: MILLICAN JONES, 445 BUSH ST. #400, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94108. This business is conducted by a corporation, and is signed MILLICAN JONES (CA). The registrant(s) commenced to transact business under the above listed fictitious business name or names on 11/01/13. The statement was filed with the City and County of San Francisco, CA on 12/04/13.

DEC 19, 26, 2013, JAN 02, 09, 2014 STATEMENT OF ABANDONMENT OF USE OF FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME FILE A-034408300

DEC 12, 19, 26, 2013, JAN 02, 2014 FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE A-035497900

The following persons have abandoned the use of the fictitious business name known as: SF BRIDAL MAKEUP, 1801 JACKSON ST. #1, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94109. This business was conducted by an individual and signed by SARAH SPONBERG. The fictitious name was filed with the City and County of San Francisco, CA on 06/14/12.

DEC 19, 26, 2013, JAN 02, 09, 2014 FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE A-035526900 The following person(s) is/are doing business as: BIRCH GROUP, 468 TEHAMA ST. #7, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94103. This business is conducted by an individual, and is signed JASON GLASS. The registrant(s) commenced to transact business under the above listed fictitious business name or names on 12/05/13. The statement was filed with the City and County of San Francisco, CA on 12/09/13.

DEC 12, 19, 26, 2013, JAN 02, 2014 FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE A-035518700 The following person(s) is/are doing business as: FRANCK DAUDE FINE ART, 1355 VAN DYKE AVE., SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94124. This business is conducted by an individual, and is signed FRANCK DAUDE. The registrant(s) commenced to transact business under the above listed fictitious business name or names on 12/03/13. The statement was filed with the City and County of San Francisco, CA on 12/03/13.

DEC 12, 19, 26, 2013, JAN 02, 2014 FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE A-035519100 The following person(s) is/are doing business as: CHARNEL GROUND PUBLISHING, 601 O’FARRELL #608, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94109. This business is conducted by an individual, and is signed DANIEL C. HILL. The registrant(s) commenced to transact business under the above listed fictitious business name or names on 12/03/13. The statement was filed with the City and County of San Francisco, CA on 12/03/13.

DEC 12, 19, 26, 2013, JAN 02, 2014 FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE A-035527600 The following person(s) is/are doing business as: CARO & VITALE, 190 CERVANTES BLVD. #201, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94123. This business is conducted by an individual, and is signed ALIZA MARKS. The registrant(s) commenced to transact business under the above listed fictitious business name or names on 12/09/13. The statement was filed with the City and County of San Francisco, CA on 12/09/13.

DEC 12, 19, 26, 2013, JAN 02, 2014 FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE A-035523100 The following person(s) is/are doing business as: QUARTET FILMS, 33 ENCLINE COURT, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94127. This business is conducted by a corporation, and is signed CENTIGRADE INC. (CA). 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 12/05/13.

The following person(s) is/are doing business as: MERCADO BRASIL, 1252 VALENCIA ST., SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94110. This business is conducted by a corporation, and is signed MERCADO DO BRASIL INCORPORATED (CA). 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 11/19/13.

DEC 12, 19, 26, 2013, JAN 02, 2014 FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE A-035515600 The following person(s) is/are doing business as: VERTICAL BOTANY, 5409 MARKET ST., OAKLAND, CA 94608. This business is conducted by an individual, and is signed QUINN BROWN. 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 12/02/13.

DEC 19, 26, 2013, JAN 02, 09, 2014 FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE A-035500200 The following person(s) is/are doing business as: M.D.T. 420 EVALUATIONS, 1417 POWELL ST. #A, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94133. This business is conducted by an individual, and is signed MARIYA ZHUKOR. The registrant(s) commenced to transact business under the above listed fictitious business name or names on 11/20/13. The statement was filed with the City and County of San Francisco, CA on 11/20/13.

DEC 19, 26, 2013, JAN 02, 09, 2014 FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE A-035541100 The following person(s) is/are doing business as: THE BALM VALENCIA, 788 VALENCIA ST., SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94110. This business is conducted by a corporation, and is signed THE BALM VALENCIA INC (CA). 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 12/17/13.

DEC 19, 26, 2013, JAN 02, 09, 2014 FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE A-035539700 The following person(s) is/are doing business as: RELOVE, 1815 POLK ST., SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94109. This business is conducted by a corporation, and is signed WATTS CHRISTOS INC. (CA). The registrant(s) commenced to transact business under the above listed fictitious business name or names on 12/16/13. The statement was filed with the City and County of San Francisco, CA on 12/16/13.

DEC 19, 26, 2013, JAN 02, 09, 2014

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Vol. 43 • No. 51 • December 19-25, 2013

www.ebar.com/arts

Smokin’ hot Nutcracker by Paul Parish

A

Facebook post from Laura: “At the SF Ballet tonight, the smoke machines caused the fire alarms to go off during the dream scene of The Nutcracker. Milling about outside with the horse ballet dancers, cellist, and trombone player was a bit like seeing the man behind the curtain in The Wizard of Oz.” Paul: “It was weird seeing the strobe-lights flashing on the proscenium as the Christmas tree lights started rising, as the tree started to grow. I thought, ‘They’ve added some new effects this year,’ but then the voiceover telling us to go to the exits kicked in, and there was nothing magical about it. In fact, the loudspeakers echoed against each other so bad you could not make out what they were saying. But the audience figured it out, with no panic.”

Folks, this happened in real time. And it broke the back of the dramatic development of the story. But – and this is crucial – the dramatic time and the dance time of The Nutcracker Frances Chung and Jaime are sepaGarcia Castilla in San Francisco rate entities, Ballet’s Nutcracker. though they are integrated so they happen simultaneously – and over and over again, the dancers saved the day, and gave us a performance we could all go home and feel glad we’d been there to see happen. Space limitations forbid tell-

ing the story of how Nutcracker conquered America, but the first major production was here at SFB in the 1930s, mounted by Willam Christensen, based on what George Balanchine, who was then working for Sam Goldwyn in Hollywood, told him of the show he first danced in as a child in St. Petersburg. Ballet was transplanted to these shores less than 100 years ago by refugees fleeing the Bolsheviks and the Nazis. Unlike opera, which was hugely popular in the Americas – in New York, New Orleans, Havana, Mexico City, and San Francisco – well before the Civil War, ballet got here late. It got its first serious plantation in SF

under Gaetano Merola, who made ballet-training part of his work at the SF Opera House. When the great teachers arrived, American teenage girls took to it like ugly ducklings, since nothing fascinates teenage girls more than the ability to control their bodies when their hormones are going berserk. Almost immediately, the US was turning out astonishing technicians, stronger, with better feet and more spectacular turns than the world had ever seen. That is still so. If you go to one of the recital neighborhood Nutcrackers (and you should! They abound in Marin, Oakland, Berkeley, up and down the Peninsula), you can see some amazing individual performances – wonderful sugarplum fairies, wonderful solos of See page 27 >>

Erik Tomasson

Last chance for December o gallery shows o by Sura Wood

A

round town and beyond city limits this month is an assortment of shows that will be closing by the end of the year or sometime in January. So if you hurry, you can take advantage of the last chance to catch them before they’re gone. Crocker Art Museum Emancipating the Past: Kara Walker’s Tales of Slavery and Power African-American artist Kara Walker mines the contentious intersection of race, gender, sexuality and identity, but her true subject is power: those who wield it and try to steal it from others. Born in Stockton to an artist father whom she worshipped, and raised in the South, Walker’s controversial work hit the art world like a lightning bolt in the “The Emancipation Approximation (Scene #5)” (1999-2000), screenprint on paper by Kara Walker. early 1990s. At the tender age of 28, she was one of the youngest recipients of Courtesy Kara Walker

the MacArthur Genius Grant. Deploying deceptively simple, life-size silhouette figures that are cut out of black paper and attached to gallery walls, Walker portrays violent nightmarish scenarios of cruelty, enslavement, and repression in its many forms: sexual, racial and emotional. Her visual narratives, where characters copulate and do each other harm, are part historical slavery drama, part antebellum romance fiction. Her latest show includes her visceral tableaux as well as drawings, prints and videos. Yes, it’s a trek to Sacramento, but what better time to visit our state capital than during the holiday break before the show leaves town? Through Jan. 5, 2014; Crocker Art Museum (Sacramento); crockerartmuseum.org Catherine Clark Gallery Stacy Steers’ Night Hunter, the title of her latest exhibition, is also the namesake of her signature work, which took four labor-intensive years to produce. Steers, a meticulous film, video and collage artist whose films have been shown at the Sundance and Telluride Film Festivals and the National Gallery of Art in D.C. among other venues, constructed the hallucinatory film with an amalgam of images of an angelic Lillian Gish taken from the silent-screen star’s classic films, which were combined with

{ SECOND OF TWO SECTIONS }

over 4,000 paper collages and fragments of 19th-century illustrations. Transplanted into an animated horror fantasy, Gish is pursued by one giant, quite persistent, mean-looking reptile with fangs bared. Butterflies flutter out her mouth, and later, she lays an enormous egg, one of many that reside in her gothic environs, a dark upstairs room where the sun don’t shine. The short film is accompanied by a tall, freestanding Victorian dollhouse lit from within by blue light and embedded with small projection screens. Through its windows, one can view dreamlike videos. Meanwhile, film project Phantom Canyon is an evocation of memory incorporating 18th and 19th century engravings and figures from Eadweard Muybridge’s 1887 locomotion studies. The surreal journey begins when a naked little girl opens an old trunk and shiny bell crystals and insects fly out; soon a giant python appears, houses and beds are airborne, and a flirtatious young woman is seduced by a man with bat wings. Though this show officially closed on Dec. 14, the dollhouse and films will remain in the gallery and be accessible online through the end of the month. www.cclarkgallery.com Fraenkel Gallery Diane Arbus: 1971-1956 See page 24 >>

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<<Out There

18 • Bay area reporter • December 19-25, 2013

Between book covers in 2013 by Roberto Friedman

W

e spend a lot of our offhours sprawled out on our sofa listening to music with a book propped open in our mitts. Even so, we get sent many more review copies than we can possibly read. But here are a few books that we did get to, and that we can vouch for. They’re not by any means “the best” of the year, but every one of them rewarded our sustained attention. Cabot Wright Begins by James Purdy (new paperback edition, Liveright) “Once established in her tenement workroom or, as she called it, her detection center, she was assailed neither by fear of rats or physical violence so much as by an uneasiness of more practical consideration. How was she to get herself introduced to the rapist in the first place?” Down There on a Visit by Christopher Isherwood (new paperback

edition, FSG) Dreadful: The Short Life and Gay Times of John Horne Burns by David Margolick (Other Press) Drinking with Men by Rosie Schaap (Riverhead) Garry Winogrand edited by Leo Rubinfien (SFMOMA/Yale University Press) The Hotel Oneira by August Kleinzahler (FSG) “Then, hey presto, there I y’am, eye to eye with the buckle of your belt,/ To e n a i l s painted crimson, lipstick too, like the ass of a certain baboon I knew.” A Little Gay History: Desire and Diversity Across the World by R.B. Parkinson (Columbia University Press) I Look Divine by Christopher

Coe (new paperback edition, Bruno Gmuender) “I wonder if Nicholas really believed that cheekbones have bad days. I wonder to what extent, exactly, a slack jawline could make him feel like a milestone or a transition. “Then I catch my own face in the lacquer. “God help me, I look like Edith Head.” I’m Your Man – The Life of Leonard Cohen by Sylvie Simmons (Ecco) Lasting City – The Anatomy of Nostalgia by James McCourt (Liveright) “Perhaps you ought to run the reel backwards at rewind speed to that very day, the Sunday we dropped the bomb on Hiroshima. And you brought in Nagasaki, which nobody ever talks about. Nagasaki is definitely B-list.” My 1980s & Other Essays by Wayne Koestenbaum (FSG) “In the restroom of the Morgan Library I met the great poet James Merrill and he complimented my peacock-blue silk jacket, and what did I say in response? Nothing. I should have followed him to the urinal. Instead I washed my hands and fled. Why didn’t I try to pick him up, so I could now be telling my ‘I had sex with James Merrill’ story?” Pigeon in a Crosswalk – Tales of Anxiety and Accidental Glamour by

Jack Gray (Simon & Schuster) Gray was on-site producer for CNN’s New Year’s Eve Live with Anderson Cooper and Kathy Griffin when Griffin went off on some hecklers on-air to memorable effect. “Shut up! You know what, screw you, I’m working. I don’t go to your job and knock the dicks out of your mouth!” The Two Hotel Francforts by David Leavitt (Bloomsbury) Watergate by Thomas Mallon (new paperback edition, Vintage) We also really loved the booklength gay comic Al-Qaeda’s Super

dition by going to see “wise Latina” comic goddess Marga Gomez, this year playing the Brava’s New Year’s Eve Comedy Fiesta along with stand-up comics Dhaya Lakshminarayanan and Micia Mosely, to benefit Brava Theater Center. The show starts at 9 p.m. (doors and bar open 8 p.m., and Brava’s Countdown Dance Party follows the performance) at Brava Theater Center, 2781 24th St. in SF. Tickets ($30+) are available online at www. brava.org. See you there!

Correx box

Secret Weapon by David Zelman (Northwest Press), all about jihadists attempting to bring down the West by infiltrating gay culture. Its publisher calls it an “erotic political satire” and says it “sends up hypermasculinity, fear of gays in the military, religious and cultural stereotypes. While it’s got some explicit content, there’s relatively little considering the length of the book.” Yet Apple has blocked it from sales on iBooks, citing its “prohibited, explicit or objectionable content.” Just one more reason to keep buying books in their traditional, words-on-tree-pulp form. Let’s keep freedom of expression away from the digital gatekeepers.

Big nights out

At first we felt slightly silly and childlike for enjoying Cirque Dreams Holidaze, with its skipping reindeer, gingerbread acrobats, and skating choo-choo train, which played the Curran Theatre for a short run last week. Then we remembered that everything about the holidays is silly and childlike: hanging stockings, singing carols, spinning dreidels. OK, Out There did none of those things in our childhood, which we spent in gin joints, chaining cigarettes. But it’s nice to return to a romanticized past that never was. What are you doing on New Year’s Eve? Out There and our perspicacious “plus one” Pepi will be following our instincts and our own longstanding tra-

t

We read other newspapers’ corrections boxes the way sports fans follow box scores. A pair of interesting correx appeared in the august pages of The New York Times recently, and we’re here to share them with you. First, it’s good to see that “The Old Gray Lady” has been forced into raising its consciousness around transgender issues. “An article last Thursday about lesbians’ reaction to the movie Blue Is the Warmest Color gave an outdated reference to the Wachowskis, the siblings who directed Bound. Although they were brothers when the film was made, one of the two subsequently underwent gender transformation and is now known as Lana Wachowski.” Then, all these years later, it seems the purported psychic powers of Joan Crawford have not waned. “An article last Thursday about the River House co-op in Manhattan misstated the circumstances surrounding the placement of a large neon Pepsi billboard on the other side of the East River from the coop. It was put up several years before the co-op board rejected Joan Crawford; it was not put there as an act of revenge by Ms. Crawford, who married Pepsi’s president in 1955 and was on its board starting in 1959.” But she did say to the board, “Don’t frug with me, fellas, it’s not my first time at the rodeo!”t

t

Theatre >>

December 19-25, 2013 • Bay Area Reporter • 19

Around the block from Sesame Street by Richard Dodds

T

he first act of Avenue Q ends with the song “There’s a Fine, Fine Line,” and while the character is singing about the line between a lover and a friend, it’s also an apt description of the metamorphosing relationship between puppet and handler in the Tony Awardwinning musical. After a long Broadway run that began in 2003 and an excellent touring production that came through town in 2007, this little musical that could is now delighting another wave of audiences at New Conservatory Theatre Center, where the fine, fine line between flesh and fur is being lovingly erased. The fur belongs to Sesame Street-like characters who share the neighborhood with several fully human figures, and while Q takes its cue from the education-is-fun format of the television show, its “lessons” are more of the grown-up variety. Life can be a bummer, the characters generally agree, except for those fleeting moments when it’s not – and pull together enough of those moments, and maybe you’ve got something to work with. The odd magic of Avenue Q is keeping the puppet manipulators in full view, with their voices and facial expressions projected into

Lois Tema

Will Giammona, left, plays the closeted Rod, whose straight roommate Nicky (Christopher Morrell) tries to help in Avenue Q, the Broadway hit now onstage at New Conservatory Theatre Center.

the lumps of fur and foam into which their forearms are inserted. As if it’s not enough of a challenge to be acting for two, some of the performers embody more than one puppet, each with a distinct voice and personality, and at times even in the same scene. Just keeping the quick-change puppet identities

straight seems in itself a commendable achievement, but the NCTC cast sails through this challenge to the even bigger reward of imbuing their forearmed charges with empathetic humanity. One by one we meet the residents of an apartment block managed by Gary Coleman (yes, that Gary

Coleman, played with subtle sardonic subversiveness by Sam Jackson). The only other fully human characters on the block are failed standup comedian Craig (an adorable tap-dancing lug played by Zac Schuman) and his Asian-American girlfriend Christmas Eve (both sweet and sour in Teresa Attridge’s sharp performance). But the puppet dramas are the main concern of Jeff Whitty’s script, as little morality tales tempered with contemporary sensibilities are incorporated into the overall story. Longtime roommates Rod and Nicky have a happy household, at least until Nicky assures Rod that he is fine having a gay roommate, if in fact he does have a gay roommate, which Rod angrily denies being. William Giammona creates a comically uptight voice and persona for Rod, while Christopher Morrell gives off a welcoming laidback vibe as Nicky – at least not while playing strung-out porn addict Trekkie Monster. Giammona periodically switches into the wide-eyed but worried puppet Princeton, at sea despite a recent college diploma, but maybe his purpose can be found with Kate, a big-hearted substitute teacher who also happens to be a monster that Stephanie Temple makes thoroughly endearing, at least when she’s not

playing a temptress with the selfdefining name Lucy the Slut. Millie DeBenedet occasionally spells Temple as Lucy, while providing helping hands when needed. The life lessons for grownups that these characters enact find their fullest expression in Robert Lopez and Jeff Marx’s tuneful and playfully insightful songs with an occasionally shocking line naturally tossed into the lyrics. Ben Price’s musical direction is in perfect harmony with the onstage performances, and the firstrate stage direction is by Dennis Lickteig, with an assist from Allison Daniel for puppet direction. Travis Howse designed the puppets (based on Rick Lyon’s originals) with a little help from San Francisco State’s theater department. When the tour came to town six years ago, I said that Avenue Q puts a smile on your face even as it provides ample example why that should be otherwise. There’s no reason to alter that sentiment as a big smiley face quickly throws its net over NCTC’s Decker Theatre and keeps the audience happily entrapped.t Avenue Q will run at New Conservatory Theatre Center though Jan. 12. Tickets are $25-$45. Call 861-8972 or go to nctcsf.org.

Scrooge & Scroogier by Richard Dodds

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t’s like the Cartoon Network, with a toe dipped into the Adult Swim side, but only live and in person. Thrillride Mechanics describes its style as “hyper-comical theater of human animation,” and It’s Christmas, Carole! shows the fledgling troupe making its way nicely down that route. The same team presented the Alice in Wonderland epilogue Wunderworld last summer (when I was on break doing a Tiny Tim impression on crutches), but I came to Carole with considerable experience and appreciation for the work of its principal figures. Perhaps because of that I was expecting a bit more heft in the proceedings, beyond the perfectly pleasant and occasionally savvy production at Yerba Buena’s Creativity Theater. At its best, this loose 50-minute variation on A Christmas Carol does suggest a toon world in which the woebegone title character finds herself stuck in a revolving door or caught in an elevator between two magpies chattering away, oblivious to her presence. Beyond the cartoon dynamics, there are nearly subliminal sprinklings of real-world emotions that could benefit the story if further explored. The title character, played by the indefatigably elastic clowner Sara Moore, is an office worker content

within her grumpy armor. In her apartment, she shouts out the window for Christmas carolers to quiet down, and when she picks up a local arts magazine that actually did run Moore’s photo as Carole on its cover, this hint of meta-theatricality is ratcheted up when a loud voice from the back of the theater yells, “Actors, please hold. Go to your dressing room.” But this tantalizing suggestion of intersecting theatrical worlds turned out just to be an opening-night technical snafu – though so well-covered by Moore that the audience hadn’t realized anything was wrong. In Michael Phillis’ script, it seems clear that Carole is the Scrooge stand-in, yet her boss turns out to be even Scoogier, diluting the wellordained thrust of the Dickens tale. But as modern variations on the visiting ghosts descend upon Carole, fresh comic situations unfold, culminating when she is suddenly a contestant on a game show in which she passes up a car, a vacation, and new furniture for a trip down a black hole that somehow convinces her that she should convince her boss to be kinder to his employees. All this puts the epiphany, even in a cartoon context, at a curious remove. But we are never less than happy to be among the merry band of players directed by Andrew Nance. In

addition to the indispensible Moore, the cast including playwright Phillis, Dave Garrett, Dawn Meredith Smith, and Rory Davis multitask from office drudges to Vanna White types. There is a crafty office-paper puppet ghost designed by Fontaine Cole, and fun costumes by Annie

Sarazan. The fact that there are no sets on the expansive stage leaves the actors at a center-stage sofa or desk looking diminished. Anything that could help concentrate focus – curtains, flats, screens – might suggest some of the heft that right now seems lacking for whatever age of

the target audience.t It’s Christmas, Carole! will run through Dec. 22 at the Creativity Theater. Tickets are $10-$20, available at itschristmascarole. com.

Final Week close s! s jan 2 0

Celebrated British artist David Hockney returns to California with an exhibition assembled exclusively for the de Young. Expansive in scope and monumental in scale, this is the first comprehensive survey of his 21st-century work. Renowned for his use of traditional materials as well as evolving technologies, Hockney has created new art in an array of media, from watercolor on paper to iPad drawings, and oil on canvas to digital movies.

oPen FoR HoliDaY HoURs Dec 23, 24, 30, 31 & jan 1

David Wilson

Dave Garrett and Sara Moore play dual office Scrooges in the new cartoon-style comedy It’s Christmas, Carole! at the Creativity Theater

This exhibition is organized by the Fine Arts Museums of San Francisco in collaboration with the artist. Director’s Circle: Penny and James George Coulter, David Davies and Jack Weeden, The Michael Taylor Trust, and Diane B. Wilsey. Curator’s Circle: The Bequest of Dr. Charles L. Dibble, Ray and Dagmar Dolby, and Marissa Mayer and Zachary Bogue.

David Hockney, Matelot Kevin Druez 2 (detail), 2009. Inkjet-printed computer drawing on paper. © 2013 David Hockney

<< Film

20 • Bay Area Reporter • December 19-25, 2013

Couch-surfing into a folk-music scene by David Lamble

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he Coen Brothers’ Inside Llewyn Davis begins at the Gaslight Café, a basement folk/comedy club rumored to have been a gay bar in an earlier incarnation. The Coens transport us to a time, 1961, and a place, MacDougal Street in Manhattan’s Greenwich Village, where a kid fresh out of the upper Midwest could rent a room above a bodega for $60 a month, scrapping the cash together by playing “pass the basket” clubs along MacDougal. Or the same kid could surf his friends’ couches for the eternity it might take for the fickle finger of fame to strike. Llewyn Davis (Oscar Isaac) is no longer a kid. Following the recent suicide of his former singing partner, he isn’t counting on running into any kind of fame. In fact, Llewyn is surly and rather bitter about his seemingly endless run of foul luck: dead partner, new solo album with zero royalties, running out of friends to crash with, and to top it off, the young folk duo, Jim and Jean, whose couch he has most frequently been bunking down on, are suddenly becoming a big problem. In a profane scene, the newly pregnant Jean (Carey Mulligan) confronts the slippery Llewyn about whether the bundle of joy is his or the saintly Jim’s. “To be clear, you fucking asshole, I want very much to have it if it’s Jim’s. But since I don’t know? You not only fucked things up by fucking me and maybe making me pregnant, but even if it’s not yours, I can’t know that, so I have to get rid of what may be a perfectly healthy baby. A baby I want. Because everything you touch turns to shit. Like King Midas’ idiot brother! You know a doctor, right?” “Yes.” “And you’ll pay for it?” “Of course.”

CBS Films

Oscar Isaac as the title character in the Coen Brothers’ Inside Llewyn Davis.

“Don’t tell Jim, obviously. You should wear a double condom. You should wear a condom on a condom, and wrap it in electrical tape.” Not since Laura Dern in Citizen Ruth have such delicious verbal pratfalls emerged from a woman’s choice. But enlarging the cinema footprint for dark abortion humor a good dozen years before Roe v. Wade is just the beginning of the Coens pushing the boundaries of good taste. As we follow the money of how Llewyn hopes to pay for Jean’s abortion, we get a glimpse of how Jim (Justin Timberlake, underplaying) manages to help raise the dough for the procedure he’s not supposed to know about. Then there’s the Gorfeins’ cat. Early on, Llewyn accidentally allows a white Persian feline named

Ulysses to escape the overheated Upper West Side flat of a clingy Jewish couple. This aptly-named puss leads Llewyn into an underworld of misguided adventures, the most hilarious of which involves an obnoxious, fat jazzman, Roland Turner (John Goodman in rare form), who starts razzing Llewyn as the two are hurtling along a snowy highway to Chicago. “Holy Jesus, what is that thing?” “My cat.” “Grown man with a cat, is it part of your act?” “No.” “Folk singer with a cat – are you queer?” “It’s not my cat. I just didn’t know what to do with it.” “Used to work with the cat? Every time you’d play C Major, it would

cough up a hairball?” “No, I had a partner, threw himself off the George Washington Bridge.” “Who does that? You throw yourself off the Brooklyn Bridge, traditionally.” The Coens’ evocation of a Kerouac sensibility in this funny sequence – including the fortuitous casting of On the Road’s Neal Cassidy (Garrett Hedlund) as the mostly silent chain-smoking driver Johnny Five – is so deliciously conceived and executed that had I entered the movie at this point I would have sworn I was watching the real On the Road. The revelation that the Coens’ acidreflux brand of humor was perhaps the missing ingredient that would allow Kerouac to cook onscreen for a mainstream audience is just one of many delightful side dishes in

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this 105-minute cinema soufflé that keeps you laughing long after you’ve left the theatre. One of the things critics often neglect to mention is how good the Coens’ filmmaking is. This is a period picture beautifully shot, complete with wisps of snow-laden fog obscuring Llewyn’s vision until the wretched moment when he fears he may just have run over Ulysses. Then there’s the layered looks at the pre-graffiti New York subway, with an increasingly paranoid Llewyn catching the wretched reflection of his downward descent in the eyes of disapproving strangers. Along with the black-comedy licks, Inside Llewyn Davis also captures snatches of what made the preBeatles folk scene crackle: the music itself, just as the scene was shifting from Woody Guthrie authenticity to the more problematic commercialization evidenced by such groups as Peter, Paul and Mary, concocted with calculation. If you think the Coens are exaggerating the eccentricities of the MacDougal St. scene, consult Bob Dylan’s intimate, eloquent memoir of that time in Chronicles: Volume One. Dylan recalls personalities as diverse as Tiny Tim and the legendary Dave Van Ronk. Friends of that late folk maestro have complained that Oscar Isaac’s surly loser doesn’t fairly represent the real Van Ronk, whose career the Coens claim as the movie’s core inspiration. Dylan’s book provides a very different glimpse at a seminal figure like Van Ronk. “I was happy to be playing alongside him night after night at the Gaslight, a real stage with a real audience. Van Ronk helped me in other ways. His apartment on Waverly Place had a couch I could crash on anytime I wanted to.” The Coens give us a lumpier couch, a cosmic joke about a legend.t

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Film >>

December 19-25, 2013 • Bay Area Reporter • 21

Grifters meet corrupt politicos in Jersey by David Lamble

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ou can tell a lot about a man by the way he cares for his hair. Christian Bale employs a comb-over befitting a circus clown to introduce his in-over-his-head conman Irving Rosenfeld. Suggested by but not really based on the late-70s Abscam FBI sting operation against members of the New Jersey Congressional delegation, American Hustle is in some ways a mucho-hetero spin on the old John Waters story about a fight to the death between candidates for filthiest people alive. Early in director David O. Russell’s spunky new comedy, we follow two unlikely art mavens into a museum gallery. Irving escorts his companion, Richie DiMaso (Bradley Cooper), to a special canvas. “This Rembrandt here, people come from all over the world to see this.” “Yeah, it’s good.” “It’s a fake!” “What are you talking about, that’s impossible.” “People believe what they want to believe, because the guy who made this was so good that it’s real to everybody. So now who’s the master, the painter or the forger?” This little art-appreciation moment has its own back-story. A few months before he was busted by Richie, Irving was flying high, pulling off the kind of low-rent hustles that can fall between the chairs of the local/Fed cop dragnet. Irving occupies a golden spotlight in his private fantasies, but the world sees a hustler hitting 40 badly, with a 40-lb. spare tire topped off by that egregious comb-over. Working with the slick filly Sydney Prosser (Amy Adams), Irving pretends to be the last place to get quick cash this side of mob loan-sharks. When Richie, a Jersey-based FBI agent with the ambition but not the smarts

The ensemble cast of director David O. Russell’s new comedy American Hustle.

of old Edgar herself, arrests Irving and Sydney, the price of their freedom is to help the G-man ensnare a gaggle of crooked politicians. The grifter ménage of Irving, Sydney and Richie is a stew of hissy-fits, failed dreams and double crosses that masquerades as the real movie until some startling secondact machinations. Russell has applied his skills at the comedy of anxiety and humiliation to rewriting a script by Eric Warren Singer originally called American Bullshit, which was once listed among the top unproduced screenplays. Russell stages a sort of battle-of-the-bands between the leads from his last two films: Bradley Cooper and Jennifer Lawrence from Silver Linings Playbook vs. Christian Bale and Amy Adams from The Fighter. With these top-notch lead

players, Russell pulls off a sort of homage to the 1973 Robert Redford/Paul Newman comedy con/caper The Sting, with a structure owing debts to Preston Sturges and 1950s Warner Bros. cowboy confidence brothers Bret and Bart Maverick. A vital part of the formula is constructing a loosey-goosey story that pays off with a series of reversals. Each time you think you know where things are headed, you whip around a corner, and voila, the cards are flying through the air, and the other guy’s on top. In the first act, Irving appears to be looking for the perfect score, after which he can retire with Sydney. When Richie enters the picture ordering Irving and Sydney to take down some big politicians, Irving develops a big hetero man-crush on popular Camden Mayor Carmine Polito

(a nifty change of pace for Jeremy Renner). The men bond over Richie’s plan for a phony casino project. Carmine shows his good faith by gifting Irving an early-model microwave oven, which Irving insists on calling a “science oven.” Things come to a comic head after Irving leaves the science oven in the deranged custody of his nagging wife Rosalyn (Jennifer Lawrence), who ignores the most important instruction for operating a microwave, resulting in a big kitchen fire and a big lecture from Irving. “I told you not to put metal in the science oven.” “Why are you making such a big deal? Just get another one.” “I don’t want another one. I want the one that Carmine gave me.” She mocks him. “Carmine, Car-

mine! Why don’t you just get Carmine to give you another one and put it in a chain around your neck? You want to be more like Carmine? Why don’t you build something like he does, instead of all of your empty deals, like your fucking science oven? Look, you bring something into this house that’s going to take all the nutrition out of our food and light our house on fire. Thank god for me!” Lawrence is brilliant at intelligently playing a character whose intelligence it’s easy and dangerous to underestimate. American Hustle’s plot engine switches gears with some sublime cameos, including Robert De Niro as an Arabic-speaking Mafia don; Michael Pena as the phony Sheik Abdullah, who doesn’t know a word of Arabic; and stand-up comic Louis C.K. as Richie’s super-cautious FBI supervisor, who endures a lot more than petty insubordination. Among the surprises this movie packs is an ambush-style female smooch between Rosalyn and Sydney that’s scarier than a loaded AK-47. Bookending the non-erotic female kiss is a surprisingly poignant failed bromance between Irving and Carmine that has more of a bittersweet aftertaste than you’d imagine. Hard as it is to steal a movie from either Adams or Lawrence, Christian Bale once again registers as the best actor you swear you’ve never seen before. It’s hard to believe that the actor who was concentrationcamp skinny for the weird parable The Mechanic could transform into a rolypoly Jersey white-collar hood. American Hustle has it all: bad hair, bad clothes, loose morals, and a screwy plot from a director who hasn’t been this much fun since the early days of his incest comedy Spanking the Monkey, or his farce Flirting with Disaster, in which a gay Federal agent attempted a drug bust while flying high on LSD.t

LIGHTS DIM. SNOW FALLS.

A uniquely San Francisco Nutcracker.

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“The jewel in San Francisco’s holiday entertainment crown!”— Los Angeles Times BEST AVAILABILITY

DEC 20 & 24

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SHANNON MARIE RUGANI IN TOMASSON’S NUTCRACKER (© ERIK TOMASSON)

<< Out&About

22 • Bay area reporter • December 19-25, 2013

O&A

Smuin Ballet @ YBCA

Sat 21

The local ballet company’s annual concert includes Michael Smuin’s The Christmas Ballet, and works by Amy Seiwert and Robert Dekkers. $45-$65. Wed-Sat 8pm. Tue, Sat Thu and Sun 2pm. Sun 7pm. Thru Dec. 28. Lam Research Theater, 700 Howard St. 912-1899. www.smuinballet.org

Out &About

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A Swell Noel @ Harry’s UpStage, Berkeley Cabaret performer Craig Jessup’s holiday concert includes songs by Noël Coward, Jacques Brel, Stephen Sondheim, the Gershwins, and Richard Rodgers and Lorenz Hart, plus original songs, with pianist Ken Muir. $23-$32. 7:30pm (Dec. 22, 5pm). Thru Dec. 22. 2081 Addison St., Berkeley. (510) 843-4822. www.auroratheatre.org

Fri 20 Avenue Q @ New Conservatory Theatre

Thu 19

Katya Smirnoff-Skyy

Re-gifted

Jose Guzman-Colon

by Jim Provenzano

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ome unusual events, both in and outside the holiday theme, should make your (hopeful) few days of vacation full of fun, frolics and festivity. And if not, you can look forward to next year.

Thu 19 Alaska Thunderfuck @ Rebel The wacky RuPaul’s Drag Race finalist performs her holiday show, Happy Birthday, Baby Jesus. $22-$40. 7:30 & 10:30pm. Also Dec. 19 & 20. 1760 Market St. www.alaskathunderfuck.com www.brownpapertickets.com

The Book of Mormon @ Orpheum Theatre The mega-hit multi-award-winning musical comedy parody about the wacky religion returns. Ticket lottery $29. Other $80$210. Tue-Sat 8pm. Sat 2pm. Sun 1pm & 6:30pm. 1192 Market St. (888) 746-1799. www.shnsf.com

Chanticleer @ Various Venues The multiple award-winning men’s a cappella ensemble performs their annual Chanticleer Christmas, a concert of traditional holiday-themed music, at various beautiful churches and cathedrals in Northern California. $30-$65. Dec 19, 6 & 8:30pm, Mission Santa Clara, 500 el Camino Real. Dec 22, 8pm, St. Ignatius Church, 650 Parker Ave., San Francisco. Dec 23, 6 & 8:30pm, Carmel Mission, 3080 Rio Road. 392-4400. www.chanticleer.org

Cirque du Soleil @ AT&T Park The visually stunning Montreal circus brings their new show Amaluna, loosely based on Shakepeare’s The Tempest, to their big tent. $50-$140. Tue-Sat 8pm. FriSun 4:30pm. Also Sun. 1pm. Thru Dec. 31. Third St. at Terry A. Francois Blvd. www.cirquedusoleil.com

Hot Draw @ Mark I. Chester Studio Participate in the ongoing gay men’s sketch series, this time with two male models doing kink and leather-themed erotic poses. Donations. 6:30-9:30pm. 1229 Folsom st. 621-6294. www.markichester.com

Katya Smirnoff-Skyy @ Feinstein’s at the Nikko Our favorite Russian exiled countess revives her vodka-infused holiday cabaret show, filled with songs and stories. $25-$30. $20 food/beverage minimum. 8pm. Hotel Nikko, 222 Mason St. (866) 663-1063. www.feinsteinssf.com

Moscow Ballet @ Wells Fargo Center for the Arts, Santa Rosa The Russian ballet company performs their traditional Nutcracker as part of their U.S. tour. $27.50-$102. 7pm. Also Dec. 19. 50 Mark West Springs Road, Santa Rosa. (707) 546-3600. www.nutcracker.com

New and Classic Films @ Castro Theatre Dec. 19, Gremlins (7pm) and Lethal Weapon (9pm). Dec. 20, Home for the Holidays (7:15) and Love, Actually (9:15). Dec. 21, Bullitt (2:35, 7pm) and The Thomas Crowne Affair (original; 4:50, 9:15pm). Dec. 22, It’s a Wonderful Life, 2pm, 5pm, 8pm. Dec 24, SF Gay Men’s Chorus, 5pm, 7pm, 9pm. (www. sfgmc.org). Dec. 26, The Wizard of Oz, (1pm, 3:30, 5:45, 8pm.) $8.50-$11. 429 Castro St. 621-6120. www.castrotheatre.com

San Francisco Symphony @ Davies Symphony Hall The San Francisco Symphony performs a series of holiday special concerts. Dec. 19, 20 & 21, 8pm, Handel’s Messiah with the Symphony Chorus. Dec. 20, All Is Bright, Christmas matinee of Pacific Boychoir performing holiday classics, and a 26-minute short film The Snowman. Dec 22 (4pm), Dec 23 (8pm), Dec 24 (11am), enjoy ‘Twas the Night concerts of sing-along coarls with the Symphony Chorus and brass section. $25-$180. 201 Van Ness Ave. 864-6000. www.sfsymphony.org

Santa Claus is Coming Out @ Eureka Theatre

Thu 19

Moscow Ballet

Jeffrey Solomon’s comic mockumentary show, an OffBroadway hit, tells the multicharacter “Santa-gate” tale of a young boy’s gift request that leads to the outing of Kris Kringle; in repertory with The Santaland Diaries. $25-$35. Thu & Fri 8pm. Dec. 21 at 9:30pm. Dec 24 at 3pm. Thru Dec. 24. 215 Jackson St. (800) 838-3006. www.combinedartform.com

Robert Lopez, Jeff Marx and Jeff Whitty’s Tony Award-winning puppet/human musical parody of Sesame Street gets a local production. Warning: not for kids and includes puppet nudity! $25-$45. Wed-Sat 8pm. Sun 2pm. Thru Jan. 12. 25 Van Ness Ave., lower level. 861-8972. www.nctcsf.org

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. Holiday shows include tapdancing Christmas trees and more thematic characters, now on sale. $25-$160. Wed & Thu, 5pm* (* = under 21 allowed) & 8pm (also Dec 26). Fri & Sat 6:30* & 9:30pm. Sun 2pm* & 5pm*. Christmas Eve special 2pm*. New Year’s Eve 7pm & 10:15pm (with champagne). Beer/wine served; cash only; 21+, except where noted. 678 Beach Blanket Babylon Blvd (Green St.). 421-4222. beachblanketbabylon.com

A Christmas Carol @ Geary Theater American Conservatory Theater’s 37th annual lively and lavish musical production of Paul Walsh and Carey Perloff’s stage adaptation of Charles Dickens’ classic holiday story stars James Carpenter (Scrooge), Ken Ruta (the Ghost of Marley) and many of A.C.T.’s MFA and Young Conservatory students. $20-$95. Wed-sat 7pm (no show Dec. 24, 26, 28). Sundays 5:30pm. Several 1pm & 2pm matinees. Thru Dec. 28. Geary Theatre, 415 Geary St. 749-2228. www.act-sf.org

Dissident Futures @ YBCA Fascinating exhibit and series of events about visions of post-disaster Bay Area imagery; a future imagined in maps, videos, artwork and even a disturbing animal laboratory installation. 701 Mission St. 979-2787. www.ybca.org

Foodies, the Musical @ Shelton Theater Morris Bobrow’s musical comedy revue of songs and sketches about food. $32-$34. Fri & Sat 8pm. Open run. 533 Sutter St. (800) 838-3006. foodiesthemusical.com

The Golden Girls @ Victoria Theatre Heklina, Cookie Dough, Matthew Martin, Pollo Del Mar and guest performers haul out the classic senior women’s TV show scripts and do drag parodies. $30. Thu-Sat 8pm. Sun 7pm. Thru Dec. 22. 2961 16th St. at Mission. www.trannyshack.com

Josh Klipp and The Klipptones @ Palace Hotel

Kitka Wintersongs

The Oy of Sex @ The Marsh

Crackpot Crones @ Eddy Theater

Alicia Dattner’s solo show explores her life with ex-boyfriends, family, love addiction, and how they all sometimes clash. Thu & Fri 8pm. Sat 8:30pm. $20-$100. Thru Jan. 18. 1062 Valencia St. 282-3055. www.themarsh.org

Terry Baum and Carolyn Myers second annual comedy sketch show, with decidedly lesbian and feminist themes from the veteran wits. $15-$20. Saturdays 3pm & 6pm. Sundays 3pm. Thru Dec. 29. 156 Eddy St. www.crackpotcrones.com

Paula Poundstone @ Palace of Fine Arts

Crosscurrents @ MoAD

The popular dry-witted comic returns for another show. $35. 8pm. 3301 Lyon St. (800) 745-3000. www.palaceoffinearts.org

The Rocky Horror Show @ Boxcar Theatre Live performance of the original Richard O’Brien musical (about sexed-up alien transsexuals) that became a cult film. $20-$55. Thu-Sat 8pm. Thru Dec. 21. 505 Natoma St. at 6th. www.sfrockyhorror.com

Tristan & Yseult @ Berkeley Repertory West Coast premiere of Emma Rice’s innovative acrobatic and music-filled adaptation of the classic mythical love story. $20-$72. Tue, Thu-Sat 8pm. Wed 7pm. Sat & Sun 2pm. Extended thru Jan. 18. Roda Theatre, 2015 Addison St., Berkeley. (510) 647-2949. www.berkeleyrep.org

Sat 21 Can You Dig It? @ The Marsh Berkeley Don Reed’s autobiographical solo show explores the 1960s: Beatles, Black Panthers, MLK, JFK and the KKK. $20-$50. Sat 8:30pm and Sun 7pm thru Dec. 15. 2120 Allston Way. 282-3055. www.themarsh.org

Capacitor @ Aquarium of the Bay Okeanos, an aquatic dance show, is performed by the creative Bay Area dancetheatre team. $15-$30. 4:30 and 7pm. Saturdays thru 2013. Pier 39 at Embarcadero. 623-5300. www.capacitor.org www.aquariumofthebay.org

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Africa and Black Diasporas in Dialogue, 1960-1980, an exhibit of contemporary art. Thru April 13. $5-$10. Wed-Sat 11am-6pm. Museum of the African Diaspora, 685 Mission St. 358-7200. www.moadsf.org

Cuba for Keeps @ Krowswork Gallery Multimedia exhibit by Milli West, Ignacio Barrios and Reynier Leyva Novo about infatuation, memories and imagery of Cuba and its people. Fri & Sat 1pm-5pm. Thru Dec. 28. 480 23rd St., Oakland. (510) 229-7035. www.krowswork.com

David Hockney: A Bigger Exhibition @ de Young New exhibit of 300 portraits, still lifes, and landscape paintings by the gay British painter. Free-$25. Thru Jan. 20. Also, The Art of Bulgari: La Dolce Vita & Beyond, an exhibit of 150 pieces of exquisite Italian jewelry made between 1950 and 1990, including gems from Elizabeth Taylor’s personal collection. Thru Feb 17. $10-$25. Tue-Sun 9:30am-5:15pm. (til 8:45pm Fridays) Thru Dec. 30. Golden Gate Park, 50 Hagiwara Tea Garden Drive. 750-3600. www.famsf.org

Disney’s Beauty and the Beast @ Curran Theatre Touring production of the Broadway musical based on the Disney animated film. $45-$180. Mon-Fri 2pm. Sat 2pm & 7:30pm. Sun 12pm & 5:30pm. (no shows Dec 25, 31 or Jan 1). Thru Jan. 5. 445 Geary St. (888) 746-1799. www.beautyandthebeastontour.com www.shnsf.com

Edward Gant’s Amazing Feats of Loneliness @ Ashby Stage, Berkeley Shotgun Player’s production of Anthony Neilson’s darkly comic play is set in an Edwardian traveling theatre troupe, whose backtage lives sometimes overshadow

Sat 21

The local jazz crooner and his band perform weekly shows at the hotel’s lounge, which draws a growing swing-dance audience. 7pm-11pm. 2 New Montgomery. www.joshklipp.com

Mittens and Mistletoe: A Winter Circus Cabaret @ Dance Mission Theater Sweet Can Productions’ annual family-friendly lighthearted circus-dance concert. $15-$60. Fri & Sat 8pm. Sun-Tue 2pm. Sun & Tue 4pm. Thru Dec. 24. 3316 24th St. 225-7281. www.sweetcanproductions.com

My Beautiful Laundrette @ New Conservatory Theatre Center U.S. premiere of Hanif Kureishi’s tale (adapted by Andy Gram and Roger Parsley) about two gay men in 1980s England and their unlikely romance spurred by coowning a laundromat. $25-$45. Wed-Sat 8pm. Sun 3pm. Thru Dec. 22. 25 Van Ness Ave at Oak. 861-8972. www.nctcsf.org

Nutcracker Sweets

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Out&About>>

December 19-25, 2013 • Bay area reporter • 23

Storefront Church @ SF Playhouse Local production of Pulitzer and Tony Award-winning playwright John Patrick Shanley’s uplifting holiday-themed drama. $20-$100. Tue-Thu 7pm, Fri & Sat 8pm. Sat 3pm and Sun 2pm. Thru Jan. 11. 450 Post St. 677-9596. www.sfplayhouse.org

U.S. Department of Illegal Superheroes @ Galería de la Raza

Sat 21

Queer Argentine Tango their characters. $20-$35. Previews thru Dec. 12. Opens Dec 13. Wed & Thu 7pm. Fri & Sat 8pm. Sun 5pm. Thru Jan. 11. (510) 841-6500. www.shotgunplayers.org

In Grand Style @ Asian Art Museum In Grand Style, Celebrations in Korean Art During the Joseon Dynasty, a new exhibit of works from 1392-1910. Thru Jan. 12. Also, Proximities 3: Import/Export, an exhibit that explores Asian uses of commodities and ideas; thru Feb. 23. Free (members)-$12. Tue-Sun 10am-5pm. 200 Larkin St. 5813500. www.asianart.org

Kitka @ Various Venues The women’s traditional folk ensemble known for hauntingly beautiful harmonies performs Wintersongs: A World Unknown at a variety of evocative settings. Dec. 21, 8pm at Old First Concerts, 1751 Sacramento St., $15-$25. Dec. 22, 5pm community sing at Nile Hall, Preservation Park, 668 13th St., Oakland. (510) 4440323. www.kitka.org

Nutcracker Sweets @ Fort Mason Center Mark Foehringer’s annual lighthearted shortened version dance concert of the holiday-themed Tschaikovsky ballet is accompanied by a 9-person chamber orchestra. $18-$28. 11am, 2pm, and some 4pm shows. Thru Dec. 24. Bldg. D, 3rd floor, Marina Blvd. at Buchanan. (800) 838-3006. www.kidscangroove.com

Our Vast Queer Past @ GLBT History Museum See the new exhibit, Vicki Marlane: I’m Your Lady, which displays video, images and ephemera documenting the pioneering local drag, cabaret and carnival perfomer, known for decades of performances. Thru Feb 28, 2014. Also, The San Francisco Gay Men’s Chorus: Celebrating 35 Years of Activism Through Song, includes archival materials from the historic chorus, lead-curated by Tom Burtch, with a touch-screen display by multimedia producer John Raines. Other permanent exhibits as well. Reg. hours Mon-Sat 11am-7pm (closed Tue.) Sun 12pm-5pm. 4127 18th St. 621-1107. www.glbthistory.org

Queer Argentine Tango @ Finnish Hall, Berkeley Partnered same-sex dance night for beginners (with lessons 7pm) and more experienced. 8pm-11pm. $5-$15. 1970 Chestnut St, near University, Sacramento St, www.abrazoqueertango.wordpress.com

The Santaland Diaries @ Eureka Theatre David Sinaiko stars in the 12th annual local production of the witty play based on David Sedaris’ short story about working as a Macy’s store elf. In repertory with Santa Claus is Coming Out. $25-$35. Various times. No show Dec. 25. Thru Dec. 29. 215 Jackson St. (800) 838-3006. www.combinedartform.com

Neil Rivas’ multimedia exhibit, a mix of dark parody and journalistic critique of government agencies, immigration policies, and race-based politics. Free. Reg hours Wed-Sun 12pm-6pm. Thru Jan. 18. 2857 24th St. at Bryant. 826-8009. www.galeriadelaraza.org

Sun 22 Andres Zorn @ Legion of Honor Exhibit of the Swedish masterpainter’s works; also, paintings by Matisse from the SF MOMA holdings. Also, Darren Waterston: A Compendium of Creatures (thru Dec), and permanent exhibits (ongoing). $10-$25. Lincoln Park, 100 34th Ave. 7503600. www.legionofhonor.famsf.org

New Exhibits @ Museum of Craft and Design Dogpatch warehouse is now a museum store, gallery and program space. Inaugural exhibitions are Michael Cooper: A Sculptural Odyssey, 1968-2001 and Arline Fisch, Creatures from the Deep. Mon-Fri 9:30am-5:30pm. 2569 Third St. 773-0303. www.sfmcd.org

Science Exhibits @ The Exploratorium Visit the fascinating science museum in its new Embarcadero location. Free-$25. Pier 15 at Embarcadero. Tue-Sun 10am-5pm (Thu night 6pm-10pm, 18+). 528-4893. www.exploratorium.edu

SF Hiking Club @ Mt. Tamalpais Join GLBT hikers for a 9-mile hike to the top of Mt. Tam. Enjoy great views of the Bay Area and tour the railroad museum. Bring lunch, water, layers, good hiking shoes. Carpool meets at Safeway sign, Market & Dolores, at 9:15am. (510) 342-2623. www.sfhiking.com

Various Exhibits @ Cal Academy of Sciences New exhibits and planetarium shows with various live, interactive and installed exhibits about animals, plants and the earth. Special events each week, with adult nightlife parties most Thursday nights. $20-$30. Mon-Sat 9:30am-5pm. Sun 11am-5pm. 55 Music Concourse Drive, Golden Gate Park. 379-8000. www.calacademy.org

Mon 23 All About Image @ Robert Tat Gallery New exhibit of exceptional images from a variety of 20th and 21st-century photographers. Thru Feb 22. 49 Geary St. #410. 781-1122. www.roberttat.com

California Native Plants @ SF Botanical Gardens Seasonal flowering of hundreds of species of native wildflowers in a century-old grove of towering Coast Redwoods. Free$15. Daily. Golden Gate Park. 6612-1316. www.SFBotanicalGarden.org

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Tue 24 Butterflies & Blooms @ Conservatory of Flowers Popular exhibit transforms the floral gallery into a fluttering garden with 20 species of butterflies and moths. Reg. hours, 10am-4pm. Free-$7. Tue-Sun 10am4:30pm. Extended thru March 16, 2014. 100 JFK Drive, Golden Gate Park. 8312090. www.conservatoryofflowers.org

San Francisco Gay Men’s Chorus @ Castro Theatre Shine, the chorus’ new holiday concert. $25-$35. 5pm, 7pm, 9pm. 429 Castro st. www.sfgmc.org www.castrotheatre.com

Wed 25 Christmas Jason Lazarus: Live Archive @ Contemporary Jewish Museum Exhibit of unusual work by the artist who explores collective public archives, personal memory, and the role of photography and collecting in contemporary art and identity. Also, Special Community free Day, with kid-friendly activities, Dec 25, 11am-4pm. Also, two exhibits about Jewish life: To Build & Be Built: Kibbutz History (thru July 1) and Work in Progress: Considering Utopia (thru Jan 20). 2pm-5pm. Free (members)-$12. Thu-Tue 11am-5pm (Thu 1pm-8pm) 736 Mission St. 655-7800. www.thecjm.org

Safeway Holiday Ice Rink @ Union Square Rent a pair of skates and enjoy the downtown tradition. $5-$11. 10am-11:30pm daily thru Jan. 20. www.unionsquareicerink.com

SF Hiking Club @ Castro District Join GLBT hikers for a five-mile stroll up and down the Castro staircases. This will be a fun walk with an opportunity at the end to stop in the Castro to grab a drink or a bite to eat. Bring water, layers, comfortable walking shoes. Meet 10:00 in Harvey Milk Plaza. 837-8990. www.sfhiking.com

Thu 26 Local activist and archivist Joey Cain’s exhibit of the gay poet and filmmaker includes rare personal items from his estate. Exhibit thru Jan. 16. James C. Hormel Gay and Lesbian Center, Main Library, third floor, 100 Larkin St. www.sfpl.org

Magic Parlor @ Chancellor Hotel Whimsical Belle Epoque-style sketch and magic show that also includes historical San Francisco stories; hosted by Walt Anthony; optional pre-show light dinner and desserts. $40. Thu-Sat 8pm. 433 Powell St. www.SFMagicParlor.com

Exhibit of 1935-36 photos showcasing the original construction of the Golden Gate Bridge. Thru Jan 12, 2014. Also, Above and Below: Stories From Our Changing Bay, about our landscape and its people. Thru Feb 23, 2014, in the renovated Gallery of California Natural Sciences. Special Friday night holiday-themed early evening event thru Dec. 5pm-9pm. Wed-Sun 11am-5pm (Fri til 9pm). Thru June 30. 1000 Oak St. (510) 318-8400. www.museumca.org

Twisted Sisters @ City Hall Gallery

To submit event listings, email jim@ebar.com. Deadline is each Thursday, a week before publication. For bar and nightlife events, go to www.bartabsf.com, and our new merged section, www.ebar.com/bartab

Sweet Can Circus

REAL STEAKS. REAL MARTINIS. REAL SAN FRANCISCO.

Peter Stackpole: Bridging the Bay @ Oakland Museum

Twisted Sisters: Reimagining Urban Portraiture, a large-scale photo exhibit and art exchange between SF and Zurich. Thru Jan. 27. SF City Hall, North Light Court, and various outdoor kiosks. www.sfartscommission.org

Fri 20

ebar.com

Hymns to Hermes: The Poetics of James Broughton @ SF Public Library

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<< Music

24 • Bay area reporter • December 19-25, 2013

Up-close & personal: SFO on disc by Philip Campbell

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he San Francisco Opera has released two opulent productions from recent seasons on EuroArts DVD and Blu-Ray discs. The DVD editions hit the market back in early November, but for anyone who hasn’t already snapped them up, whether online or through the SFO’s website, each would make a great last-minute holiday gift. Enthusiasts and followers of the venerable War Memorial Opera House and supporters of general director David Gockley’s rejuvenating regime since 2006 will probably want both operas, too. Gaetano Donizetti: Lucrezia Borgia Renée Fleming, Michael Fabiano, Elizabeth DeShong, Vitalij Kowaljow SFO Orchestra, Riccardo Frizza, cond.; SFO Chorus, Ian Robertson, dir.; John Pascoe, stage dir. I willingly missed the SFO’s mounting (originally produced for the stage by Washington National Opera) of Donizetti’s rich and melodic bel canto gem in September 2011, then kicked myself later. As a fan of soprano Renée Fleming and the work itself (fraught with interesting character back-stories), I really should have caught the show live. Not least for the opportunity of catching rapidly rising tenor Michael Fabiano in his exciting SFO debut. Tepid reviews and dismissal of the

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show as something of a vanity showcase for Fleming helped erase disappointment, but now the DVD (seen from the best possible position in the house due to video director Frank Zamacona’s expert handling) shows just how well-staged and wonderfully well-sung the elegant production actually was. There might be some quibbles with the generalized acting (with the notable exception of feisty mezzo-soprano Elizabeth DeShong in the pants role of Maffio Orsini), and the handsome costumes range distractingly from the appropriate to the futuristic, but the sum is greater than the parts, and it is a historical chance to hear a diva at the peak of her powers. Fleming is easy on the eyes in her figure-flattering get-ups, and her stage presence is always considerable, but to portray one of history’s most famous bad girls, she might have risked a frown or at least a piercing glare every now and then. We come away feeling Lucrezia was essentially a rather wholesome gal stuck in the morass of a chauvinistic society. Who cares, really, as long as the devious heroine sails through the daunting score with some proper vocal conviction? And La Fleming grows convincingly in strength and agility as the three acts go by. Fabiano manages to look sensual, and acts well, too, as Lucrezia’s longlost son, and his ardent tone and pure voice are perfect. There is vulnerability beneath Gennaro’s bravery, and the young tenor catches all of the nuances. Is this basically a star vehicle af-

ter all? Well, you betcha, and Fleming’s stunning final aria is the ultimate proof. The bonus features are a curious waste of the second disc, containing only some unenlightening interviews and trailers. This is one time when it might actually be better to catch the recording in the comfort of your own home, and the sound and picture quality are both superb. Bel canto is supposed to be splendidly sung, and I’ll certainly return to the discs, if only to listen. Jake Heggie, music; Gene Scheer, libretto: Moby-Dick Jay Hunter Morris, Stephen Costello, Morgan Smith, Jonathan Lemalu, Talise Trevigne SFO Orchestra, Patrick Summers, cond.; SFO Chorus, Ian Robertson, dir.; Leonard Foglia, stage dir. Jake Heggie has had a lot of luck with the SFO and with his welltravelled opera based on the Melville novel that finally had its triumphant debut in the War Memorial in October 2012. It was a spectacle that really needed to be experienced live. The staging, with magnificent

projections, evocative lighting and ingenious direction by Leonard Foglia, took the town by storm, and established Heggie as one of the best opera composers working today. Interestingly enough, the discs of that gorgeous production have their own special merits. At a distance from the visceral excitement of the theatre, we can savor the beauty of the music and the excellent words (and dramaturgy) of librettist Scheer at our leisure. The performances by the exceptionally well-cast principals also bear closer and more intimate scrutiny. Jay Hunter Morris remains a particularly complex and believable Captain Ahab, and Morgan Smith is every bit as convincing as the conflicted Starbuck. Jonathan Lemalu’s marvelous Queequeg is still

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the mystical and spiritual core of the story, but it is Stephen Costello’s vibrant Greenhorn that benefits the most from an up-close and personal look. I was impressed by his ability to convey the growing strength and wisdom of the character amid all the magical stage effects at the time, but video director Frank Zamacona’s brilliant and subtle camera shots really drive home Costello’s complete immersion in the part. The SFO Chorus is lusty and rousing throughout, and they populate designer Robert Brill’s incredible sets with realistic sturdiness. There is probably no better modern opera available to introduce the uninitiated to the state of the art in America. The SFO’s production is both a pleasure and an essential library item.t

Galleries

From page 17

Always compelling our attention no matter how often they’re published or exhibited, photographs by Arbus, the champion of the different and decidedly unglamorous among us, never get old. Although her career was all-too-brief, spanning a mere 15 years, one cannot argue with the impact of her work. Beginning shortly before her untimely death in 1971, this exhibition of 60 rare and familiar images traces the evolution of her photography in a novel way. Working backward in time, it looks at pictures from each year, placing them in five separate categories that reflect Arbus’ preoccupations: unusual people marginalized or ostracized by society; the private, often strange domains they inhabit; and the mysteries of connection and aloneness. Through Dec. 28; www. fraenkelgallery.com Krowswork Gallery & Project Space Cuba for Keeps Mississippi photographer Milly West shares her personal impressions of Cuba, that exotic island off the coast of Florida that remains an enigma for most Americans with the possible exception of Beyonce and Jay Z. In this collection of pictures, the artist offers an intimate perspective of a commonly misunderstood and mythologized place and its people, as well as its community of artists, some of whom she has photographed in their homes. Magnetized by the bright colors, especially the Caribbean blue that announces its presence everywhere, and the sensual vitality of a populace whose spirit seems undimmed by economic privation, West clearly has affection for Cuba, a country she has visited more than 30 times since 1996. “It’s as though her camera were directly attached to her heart,” writes Sandra Levinson, director of the Center for

Courtesy Milly West

“Mendive’s Models (Blue), Bienal, Havana” (2012) by Milly West.

Cuban Studies in New York. “These photographs are not made by a foreigner in a strange land, but by a sister coming to visit her family.” Through Dec. 28; www.krowswork. com (Oakland). Note gallery hours: Fri. & Sat.: 1-5 p.m. Hosfelt Gallery has two concurrent shows up that run until the end of January. Jim Campbell’s Tilted

Plane is a room-sized installation that continues this inventive artist’s creative attempts to translate twodimensional digital imagery into three dimensions. (You may have seen his work Exploded View hanging above the atrium at SFMOMA last year.) Suspending hundreds of incandescent bulbs whose filaments have been replaced with LEDs,

Campbell advances his ideas a step further by enabling visitors to feel as though they’ve entered a slanted plane of flickering light and moving imagery. The piece, which can be viewed from above or below and from multiple angles, can be a little like a planetarium wired by Edison, with lightbulbs standing in for stars. In On the Road, Israeli-born painter

Gideon Rubin draws from cyberspace, print media, snapshots and postcards to push the limits and traditional notions of portraiture. His figures, whether dressed or naked, are eerily faceless, and his equally impersonal, oddly featureless landscapes speak of modern anomie. Through Jan. 25; www.hosfeltgallery.com.t

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<< TV

26 • Bay Area Reporter • December 19-25, 2013

Best & worst on the lavender tube 2013 by Victoria A. Brownworth

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e just celebrated our 20-year anniversary writing this column, quite a milestone. There have been many years with a real dearth of programming that’s addressed LGBT people and issues, years in which we’ve despaired of change ever coming or representations of LGBT people ever mirroring our real lives on the small screen. We’ve watched the TV landscape change radically over these two decades, moving from a mere handful of not-so-great or super-stereotypical or even outright offensive LGBT representations to now, when few shows don’t at least mention LGBT in passing. It’s been a frustrating trajectory and it’s by no means complete, but some of the programming we’ve seen in the past 12 months has given us hope that LGBT people are finally no longer tokens but fully realized representations on the tube, coming closer to their non-gay counterparts for verisimilitude. Here, then, are our picks for best (and some worst) of the year in LGBT on the tube. In no particular order except for first place, our Top 10 Best Shows of the season are: Scandal, Breaking Bad, The Good Wife, The Following, Hannibal, Dracula, Grey’s Anatomy, Modern Family, Orange Is the New Black and American Horror Story. We have an honorable mention Top 10 as well, shows that just missed being bests only because the bests were so phenomenal and there can only be 10: Game of Thrones, Masters of Sex, The Blacklist, House of Cards, Revenge, The Killing, Smash, Orphan Black, The Crazy Ones and Sleepy Hollow. In 2013 we’ve talked a lot about one show in particular with regard to its presentation of gay, ABC’s Scandal. Creator Shonda Rhimes has won the GLAAD Award and numerous other plaudits from gay organizations, and rightly so. No other showrunner has worked as hard or as consistently to

integrate LGBT characters and storylines into her shows (she also created Grey’s Anatomy, more on which later). Rhimes’ LGBT characters aren’t tokens floating in the background of a broad heterosexual landscape with no one to attach themselves to. They are strong, front-burner characters with lives as complex and sexual as their straight peers. Rhimes, who is African American and unmarried, has only been rumored to be lesbian, therefore she is not, like fellow showrunners Ryan Murphy (Glee, The New Normal, American Horror Story) or Kevin Williamson (The Vampire Diaries, The Following), who are both openly gay, reprising her own personal experience on screen as a member of the LGBT community. Yet it can be argued that no one has more fully realized gay and lesbian couples on TV than she has. In the Dec. 12 season finale of Scandal, we saw scenes between one of the show’s three central couples, Cyrus Beene (Chief of Staff to the President) and James Novak (Washington journalist) that were unlike any other scenes between gay men that we have ever witnessed on the tube, going back to Showtime’s Queer as Folk in 2000, which featured gay men who were pretty and vapid and pretty vapid, but not representative of very many actual gay men or their relationships. Cyrus (Jeff Perry) and James (Emmy-winner Dan Bucatinsky) are real gay men. They are married. They recently adopted a baby. They have sex. They read together in bed. They kiss goodnight. They argue over the breakfast table. They walk around naked or semi-naked in their own house, just like people who aren’t TV characters. Cyrus is older and wealthy, one of the most powerful men in the country. As he noted in an episode earlier this year, he would have been president himself if he weren’t a gay man. He’s a Washington insider with all that entails, including a tinge of evil.

ABC-TV

James (Dan Bucatinsky) and Cyrus (Jeff Perry) in the year’s best show, ABC’s Scandal.

James is a decade younger, pretty and somewhat guileless. Though wily, he has no propensity for evil. He wants all the things straight people get without thinking, and he wants them badly. It looks like he might have actually achieved that goal. In the season finale, Cyrus laid bare his love for James in a scene so raw and emotionally bloody, it reminded us of what an underrated actor Perry, co-founder and artistic director of the renowned Steppenwolf Theater Company in Chicago, is. The scene between Cyrus and James in the couple’s bedroom was intercut with a scene between Vice President Sally Langston (the brilliant Kate Burton) and her closeted gay husband Daniel (Dynasty alum Jack Coleman) in which she accuses him of ruining her chances at the presidency with his alleged affair with James. The pain emanating from all four characters was palpable. Daniel lays it all out for Sally: She knew he was gay when she married him and she chose to ignore it because it was easier to choose him and have her ambition than be tied to a man who expected more wifeliness from her. But the taunts go too far. Daniel tells Sally how much he likes men. He tells her he’s finally had enough – he’s leaving, and maybe he’ll find a nice boy

<< DVD

Out in Lebanon

by David-Elijah Nahmod

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ebanese filmmaker Samer Daboul, whose new film Out Loud has been released on DVD via gay-owned Ariztical Films, speaks candidly in a documentary included with the film about how hard gay life is in the Middle East. “How do we create opportunities for artists to thrive?” he asks. “Out Loud is one such story that raised many meaningful questions throughout production. As artists we sought to explore the status of human rights, gay rights, and freedom of speech in Lebanon and the Middle East. It means seeking a cultural change, a shift, though art. We were able to give a voice to a silent majority. We are trying to use Out Loud as a sample model, as a voice from which the youth can speak out. Out Loud has the opportunity to be a vessel for social change, in a society where change is held back by those who fear it.” As the 50-minute “Making of” documentary continues, Daboul and his cast members recall incidents of needing police protection during the film’s production. There were forced cuts imposed by government censors. Permission was finally granted to screen the film. Daboul and his cast and crew were willing to risk their lives so that Lebanon’s closet door could be kicked open. The truth is, that door probably opened just a crack. The Arab world’s religious

Phoenix Eye Pictures

In a country where homosexuality is outlawed, Rami (Ali Rhayem) boldly kisses his lover Ziad (Jean Kobrosly) on the forehead.

conservatives are a powerful and oppressive force, as Out Loud reveals. Breaking through that wall will take a long time. The film isn’t perfect. There are brief comic interludes that don’t quite work. But there are moments of great beauty. In one lyrical scene, two straight characters dance before a fountain in the moonlight. Their friends Rami (Ali Rhayem) and Ziad (Jean Kobrosly), a gay couple, want to join them. At first Rami and Ziad are afraid. But they decide to throw caution to the wind, and join the dance. The scene becomes dreamlike as they bathe in the glow of their love, and in the shadows cast by the multi-colored

lights overhead. Part of the film’s story involves Rami and Ziad on the run from Rami’s violently homophobic relatives. As they’re taken to a safe house by a group of friends, they see Rami’s relatives following in the car behind them. When we first see Rami, his face is bruised and bloody, the result of a “meeting” with his cousins. Out Loud is told from the point of view of a group of friends, both gay and straight, who yearn for love, and for a level of freedom their country won’t offer them. It’s an eye-opening look at a culture which yearns to be part of the modern world even as it keeps its mentality in the past.t

and settle down and finally be out of the closet his well-bred family forced him into. These revelations – their mutual rage and disgust with each other and themselves – is so evocative of how hard it was for their generation of ambitious women and closeted gay men to live in the world. They could never truly be themselves. The bitterness of that repression turned some (at least Sally and Daniel) into terrible, hateful and hate-filled people. These characters feel like real people to us. Cyrus knows he’s not a beautiful man and may indeed be a bit of a monster. But as he says, James is the love of his life, and he believes James loves him just as deeply, despite knowing he is indeed somewhat of a monster. The ravaged Cyrus is not one more of his political maneuvers or posturings. It’s what’s left of his heart and soul flayed open for James to see. We shan’t know where these two go until the show returns next season. For now we just know that the complexities and layering in this series are worthy of any cable series. On Dec. 9, the American Film Institute (AFI) gave its awards for the 10 best films and TV shows of 2013. Scandal was on the prestigious list. This season’s brilliance in dealing with gay life as well as African-American life is just part of why. Also on that AFI award list was ABC’s Modern Family. The gayest sitcom on the tube is always funny, gay is in every episode, and always feels fresh. Jesse Tyler Ferguson doesn’t just play gay as Mitchell, he is gay in real life. Modern Family is what Will & Grace was 15 years ago when it debuted: a sitcom that both straight and gay people can watch to understand how gay people have to navigate two worlds all the time, and how it’s not always a laugh riot. NBC’s The New Normal was supposed to take this concept and amp it up. It failed miserably, despite being the creation of gay showrunner Ryan Murphy, and was cancelled in May after one season. It and Sean Saves the World are on our list of most disappointing gay-themed shows. Modern Family has had so much influence (and so many Emmys) that the ACLU has been using it in a pro-marriage equality campaign. NBC’s two new dramas Hannibal and Dracula have brought gay to yet another level. We’re not exactly sure we were looking for homoerotic cannibalism on the small screen, but that’s what Hannibal brought us, and we ate it up, with relish. Gay creator Bryan Fuller (Pushing Daisies, Wonderfalls) suffused this eerie, dreamlike series with a palpable serving of unstated gay desire. Mads Mikkelson’s homoerotic serial killer cum cannibal was mesmerizingly good as he made lovingly prepared and presented meals for FBI profiler Will Graham (Hugh Dancy). For his part, the British actor (doing a pretty serviceable Midwestern accent) was raw and open for emotional flaying after a recent breakdown. The sharing of meat between the men was one of the most sexual things we’ve ever seen outside of porn. Dracula brought The Tudors’ Jona-

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than Rhys Meyers back, the Irish actor doing American, with Victorian pansexuality as a big part of the vampiric landscape. In this variation on Bram Stoker’s tale, there are men bedding each other, covert gay clubs with Victorian drag shows, and the piece de resistance, a lesbian love triangle with Lucy in love with and lusting for Mina with a passion Lady Jane picks up on and manipulates to her advantage. The scenes between Lucy and Mina are heartbreakingly wistful. The 19th century really was not the best time to be queer. Dracula is steeped in sensual detail and is deeply devoted to Stoker’s text. Sumptuous sets, horrifying violence and stellar acting made this one of the year’s best. Fox’s new thriller The Following was perhaps the creepiest new offering in 2013. The Poe-inspired cult drama features Kevin Bacon as former FBI profiler Ryan Hardy and James Purefoy as college professor/cult leader/ serial killer in an intense good-vs.-evil combat, with equally intense homoerotic undertones. The show had an overt gay storyline between two of the primary male followers that occasionally widened to include a third female comrade. There were two sacrifice killings of gay characters in the show’s first season. One was played as love, the other as the hottest sex ever. Creepy yet satisfying in the context of the show’s deeply sexual cult factor. Speaking of cults, Orange Is the New Black was the Netflix series that proved House of Cards wasn’t a fluke. The lesbian prison drama developed a huge fan-base. Although Piper, the central character, was white (the show was based on the real-life prison experiences of Piper Kerman), the ensemble cast was largely women of color, and included trans actress Laverne Cox. OITNB had one of the hottest lesbian shower scenes between Piper (Taylor Schilling) and Alex (Laura Prepon) in a year with several hot lesbian shower scenes (Grey’s Anatomy, Mistresses). The Good Wife, which made the AFI list, has everything, notably the hottest bisexual/mostly lesbian character on the tube, Kalinda Sharma (Archie Punjabi), who in the season finale last week bedded a female cop. The two played with guns in bed with only a sheet between them. Take that, NRA! It also has Tony-winning out gay actors Alan Cumming (Cabaret) and Nathan Lane (The Producers), gay characters, LGBT storylines including a poignant arc about marriage equality, Chicago politics and regular cameos by political insider Donna Brazile. TGW is smart and by turns funny, shocking and heartbreaking. The writing and acting are stellar. It always delivers, and this season it delivered big. Also delivering big on the LGBT front was Grey’s Anatomy. This year the show had huge lesbian drama with Callie and Arizona breaking up, then reuniting. They broke up because Arizona cheated with visiting doc Lauren Boswell. She cheated because Callie cut off her leg when Arizona begged her to save it after the plane crash last season. That came out in their Big Fight. While they were broken up, Arizona fell into bed a dozen times with a butchy intern, Leah Murphy. This made for hot but now makes for awkward as Callie, Arizona and Leah are all in the same operating room together. One of the losses for us this year was Smash. NBC’s gay theater drama was magnificent. Fabulous music, stellar choreography, strong acting. The series had several central gay male characters, including one of the male leads. We loved this show, but NBC never fully committed to it, moving it from night to night, sending it on hiatus, bringing in some ill-conceived subplots and dropping in new stars for ratings bumps. A disastrous arc using Sean Hayes doing warmed-over Jack circa W&G was one of the last gasps See page 27 >>

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December 19-25, 2013 • Bay area reporter • 27

Nutcracker

From page 17

every spice. What you can not see in any of these smaller productions is the big production numbers like Snow, which forms the first-act finale and requires full-scale opera-house values: live orchestra, a complete blizzard of snowflakes, and a large corps de ballet trained to dance amidst a whirlwind of white confetti. They whirl and dart and trace precise trajectories amidst blinding white lights and a welter of coin-sized bits of paper falling from the flies; the level of actual danger in this dance is very high. They converge on the center, doing sharp turns heading towards each other. For the audience, the adrenaline spike is huge – especially since vast numbers of the audience are themselves dancers, who have come to see the SFB dancers, among the finest in the world, and they know just how scary this is. But non-dancers feel the excitement, without realizing in full detail how dangerous it was. What’s great about San Francisco Ballet’s performance is the sang froid of the corps de ballet dancers like Jordan Hammond, Kristina Lind, Shannon Rugani, Koto Ishihara, Kimberley Braylock, Nicole Ciapponi, dancers who would be stars in any other company, whose arrowy footwork and soft, fascinating arms make them the glories of this company. They make it possible for there to be dances for the corps de ballet that require virtuosity of the first rank from every member

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Lavender Tube

From page 26

in the final months of the show. We thought it could be revived, but NBC disagreed. Nevertheless it brought so much gay to the tube, it made our list of bests. AMC cancelled The Killing after its third season this year, which was difficult to fathom since the show was near-brilliant after two middling

Erik Tomasson

Erik Tomasson

Joan Boada in San Francisco Ballet’s Nutcracker.

Myles Thatcher in San Francisco Ballet’s Nutcracker.

of the company such as you can’t find anywhere else except in the world’s greatest ballet companies. And we have not even mentioned the boys. Good as the girls are, this is a men’s company. SFB director has assembled the finest cadre of male dancers you can imagine. So you only see them in the small ensembles – Steven Morse in the Arabian absolutely blew my mind. It’s a pas de trois, and ostensibly it’s a “genie from the lamp” dance, with a hootchie-kootchie dance for a girl in harem pants, extremely welldanced by Jennifer Stahl – but she was only at her best when partnered by Morse, whose every move was like the smoke from a marijuana cigarette – inspired, dangerous. He was the god of the dance last Friday night. On the other hand he was out-

danced by Francisco Mungamba, who tore it up in the Russian dance; these are the guys who jump out of the Faberge eggs and do a Troika of folk steps with crazy split jumps and gazillions of turns to Tchaikovsky’s maddest music, in choreography held over from the good old days, by the venerable Anatole Vilzak, who left Russia with Balanchine and Danilova 100 years ago in the first great emigration, and settled here in the 1950s. The old stuff is the best. Although Nutcracker is a cash cow, and it brings in the money the company needs to put on the experimental ballets yet to be performed in the real ballet season, it is a big mistake to treat Nutcrackerish fairy tales cynically. Au contraire, over the last 30 years, the culture has tilted towards fantasy, towards Dun-

geons and Dragons, towards magic, towards Harry Potter, Twilight, The Lord of the Rings. Our Nutcracker has problems in its attitude towards fantasy – the first act is weak; the second, more traditional act is stronger – and it’s wonderful to see the Sugar Plum Fairy danced with complete aplomb by our new French ballerina, Mathilde Froustey. Nothing in her performance became her so well as the crowning moment when she placed the tiara on the head of our little-girl heroine Clara (Charlotte Ogden Moore), who’s about to step into a magic chamber and emerge as the ballerina Yuan Yuan Tan, the grown-up version of herself. Without Froustey’s charisma, which has the power to confer “you are one of us” status on the child star, there’d be no continuity between

the kid and the diva, but it worked. The kid became the internationalstar dancer, who stepped out of that chamber and continued to dance the most exacting and beautiful steps of the ballet, and put it over the top. Major assists along the way were given by Davit Karapetyan, the nutcracker Prince, who danced nobly and with impeccable technique and style. Also outstanding were James Sofranko as the lead Russian dancer, Jordan Hammond (housekeeper), Katita Waldo (mama), Kimberley Braylock (aunt), and Alexander Reneff-Olson (uncle) in the party scene; Mingxuan Wang (rag doll) in the party scene; and Dores Andre and Hansuke Yamamoto as King and Queen of the Snow. Support your local Nutcracker!t

seasons. One of the reasons The Killing was so good this season was Bex Taylor-Klaus, who was introduced as a foil for some of the show’s leads. Taylor-Klaus played Bullet, a butch street lesbian who protected the young girls being pimped. She invested the role with nuance and breadth far beyond her 18 years. Taylor-Klaus was riveting, and has gone on to Arrow on the CW as Sin. Netflix has picked up The Killing for a fourth season. It’s to

be hoped Taylor-Klaus will be back as Bullet. Her performances were among the best of the year. Since we’re handing out kudos, we’ll hand one to ABC and ABC Family for providing the most LGBT characters on the tube this year. ABC Family added The Fosters and Ravenswood to its lineup, and Pretty Little Liars already had a lesbian following for its lesbian storyline. The CW amped it up as well, as did Fox and

NBC. CBS still lags, and cable needs to do better: they have no restrictions, so why not more gay characters? The best of 2013 provides a template for 2014. Showrunners like Rhimes and Murphy, Williamson and OITNB showrunner Jenji Kohan are there to explicate how it’s done if no one can figure it out. Strong LGBT characters and storylines have only broadened the ratings for shows like Scandal and The Good Wife. So

as the year draws to an end and that hiatus before the new season starts yawns wide, maybe send an email or tweet to one of your favorite shows supporting their LGBT inclusion. Let them know we are here, we are queer, and we want to see ourselves on the tube. The only way to hold these people accountable, however, is to know what they are or are not doing. And for that you know what you have to do: stay tuned.t

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5

Holidays & Nights

Jackie Beat

NIGHTLIFE PORN

8

SPIRITS

SEX

Mr. SF Eagle

SOCIETY

ROMANCE

LEATHER

PERSONALS Vol. 43 • No. 51 • December 19-25, 2013

www.ebar.com ✶ www.bartabsf.com

s Broadway and Su rd-winner talk premes a w A y Ton

by Peter Hernandez

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his week, acclaimed performer Rhonda LaChanze Sapp is visiting San Francisco to celebrate her birthday and to pay homage to a pioneering singer that inspired her ascent as an award-winning vocalist and actress on Broadway. In a phone interview preceding her trip, BARtab spoke with LaChanze about her present Broadway productions and about Diana Ross, whose songs she will be performing in a new

LaChanze in concert

Shooting Stars: Holiday Edition Underhill Photos by Steven

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he holidays were celebrated in a variety of ways this past week at ice rinks, stores and in the streets. The annual Santa Skivvies Run brought out hundreds of undy-clad supporters of the San Francisco AIDS Foundation. The Lookout bar served as a hub, with a new pop-up cider bar for participants. For more photos, go to page 2.

revue this weekend at the Hotel Nikko. Love Hangover: LaChanze Sings Diana Ross, is a playful and energetic tribute featuring songs like, “Where Has Our Love Gone?” and “Good Morning, Heartache.” “LaChanze reinforces the impression that she is proud to belong to a new generation of divas taking charge of their music with poise and confidence,” wrote The New York Times after seeing her performance at 54 Below in New York City. See page 3 >>

2 • Bay area reporter • December 19-25, 2013

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Shooting Stars

From page 1

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he Safeway Holiday Ice Rink in Union Square once again hosted a special edition of Drag Queens on Ice (see coverage in Donna Sachet’s column on page 5). Also, Brooks Brothers hosted a cocktail event promoting their St. Judes Research Hospital support, with Modern Family star Jesse Tyler Ferguson and his husband Justin Mikita, Teen Wolf star Colton Haynes, record producer Lou Adler, and others. Our early holiday print deadline precluded using photos from this year’s Santa Skivvies event. For pics of this year’s event, go to our BARtab Facebook page: www.facebook.com/ lgbtsf.nightlife.t

EDITOR Jim Provenzano DESIGNERS Jay Cribas, Scott King ADVERTISING SALES Scott Wazlowski 415-359-2612 CONTRIBUTORS Ray Aguilera, Matt Baume, Scott Brogan, Heather Cassell, Coy Ellison, Michael Flanagan, Dr. Jack Fritscher, Peter Hernandez, John F. Karr, T. Scott King, Sal Meza, David Elijah-Nahmod, Adam Sandel, Donna Sachet, Jim Stewart, Ronn Vigh PHOTOGRAPHY Biron, Marques Daniels, Don Eckert, Lydia Gonzales, Rick Gerharter, Jose Guzman-Colon, Georg Lester, Dan Lloyd, Jim Provenzano, Rich Stadtmiller, Monty Suwannukul, Steven Underhill BARtab is published by BAR Media, Inc. PUBLISHER/PRESIDENT Michael M. Yamashita CHAIRMAN Thomas E. Horn VP AND CFO Patrick G. Brown SECRETARY Todd A. Vogt BAR Media, Inc. 225 Bush Street, Suite 1700, San Francisco, CA 94104 (415) 861-5019 www.BARtabSF.com NATIONAL ADVERTISING REPRESENTATIVE Rivendell Media 212.242.6863 LEGAL COUNSEL Paul H. Melbostad Member National Gay Newspaper Guild Copyright © 2013, Bay Area Reporter, a division of BAR Media, Inc. All Rights Reserved.

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December 19-25, 2013 • Bay Area Reporter • 3

LaChanze

From page 1

We also talked about her present Broadway production, “If/Then,” a contemporary and experimental musical that features original compositions by Pulitzer Prize and Tony Award recipient Tom Kitt. Peter Hernandez: I know that your birthday is in a few days- do you have any big plans coming up? LaChanze: I do have about 60 of my closest friends who are meeting for a toast at a new place that my friend just opened. We’ll chat it up a bit. And that’s my biggest plan. I’m bringing together a bunch of people from different parts of my life - cast members, some from The Color Purple, some just from the business, and others are just friends. I’m excited about it. I’m turning 52. Do you like San Francisco? Do you have any fond memories? I’ve been to San Francisco once. I remember feeling that, in terms of cities, it’s the only one I would live in besides New York. I like the diversity of the people, I liked how it’s just so beautiful and how people were just fun. There are lots of sophisticated people in San Francisco. In New York, we think we’re the center of the universe, but I went to San Francisco and I was like, ‘Maybe not.’ Have you talked to Diana Ross about your show? The show is not about Diana Ross - I want to communicate that up front. It’s about the music that she made famous. I’m not doing an impression of Diana Ross or telling her life story. But it’s the fact that I’ve loved her music for so long that I chose this artist to do a tribute to. Some people do a Streisand show, what have you. Diana had such an effect on us over the decades. I wanted to put it all in a revue, going from The Supremes to the modern day. You said that you were really touched by her music in the ‘70s, particularly the song “Where Did Our Love Go?” Were there lyrics that really touched you? It was the whole package of Diana Ross. Her style and that she was a superstar. There weren’t many African-American stars at that time. And for a little girl with stars in her eyes, she was the person to look at. I was completely enamored with what she accomplished. Her music is the songbook to my life. I remember practicing her music in front of a mirror and thinking, ‘One day I’m going to do this.’ So this is a tribute to the music that one woman made famous, and it helped shape me as an artist. Do you find it freeing to just go all out with the music? I’ve always wanted to do just my own concert. I’ve done several recordings and other concerts with different music and songbooks. While it’s freeing, I’m really enamored by the fun of the show. You’re going to experience the familiarity of the music, but it’s revisited. I’ve done the music with my stamp on it. It’s modernized, if you will. It’s a lot of fun - my last show before I go back to Broadway. Catch me while you can, because I’m going to be on lockdown for the next year or two of my life. So come check out something I absolutely love before I get back on the Broadway stage. Let’s talk about “If/Then,” the new musical that you’re working on lately. We did five weeks of preview performances and two weeks of open performances. We did a total of five weeks of performances trying out

LaChanze

changes. It’s a contemporary, brand new concept about the intersection of choice and chance and parallel universes. It follows the journey of the main character, Elizabeth, played by Idina Menzel. It follows two possible journeys, like the movie Sliding Doors. It’s a similar premise, but it’s told in a musical form and it’s pretty incredible and very smart. You’re playing the role of an elementary school teacher named Kate. What influence do you have on the main character? My character brings the optimism and positivity and hope to a rather hopeless situation, a reminder that it’s worth maintaining a positive outlook on life. I look at her in a positive way. She comes to New York after a failed ten-year marriage and is approaching 40. Coming back to New York to restart your life after all that time can be discouraging but my character is there to uplift and encourage. What parts of your personal life did you draw from as a character that is inspiring someone having difficulty with their life decisions? That’s interested, I don’t know if I’ve thought of it like that. But personally, I am in transition and I am also encouraging myself to stay positive and open and not to live in the past, but to live in the present and to move forward. So I guess, in terms of pulling from the transition I’m going through, I’m encouraging her while encouraging myself. There are so many elements of this play that anyone can identify with and the writer is very skilled at showing both sides, but having the viewer identify with the character. Any moment you can blissfully in love with someone and the next you can be miserable and then blissfully happy alone and then miserable alone. He touches on all aspects of that, and I can identify with it. How is it working with Pulitzerand Tony-award winning Tom Kitt? The music is one of the strongest elements of this piece. It’s very modern. Tom Kitt and Brian Yorkey are an incredible team. I think they are ahead of their time. And I think they’ve created something very special. They’re taking a bold risk with how the story is being told, and it’s nice that they have the support of the director and Larry Kiedman, the choreographer, for creating this world. I’m learning something every day in rehearsal. You’ve played leading roles, like Celie in The Color Purple, and I can only imagine how much energy it takes to sustain that amount of emotion and to sustain it. What are some habits or routines that you do stay in

LaChanze in concert

shape as a performer? I run. Cardiovascular exercise is the only thing that really warms my voice. I can do a million scales all day long but it will not warm up my voice as much. So I run before a show - not every single day, but 30 minutes or something, three or four times a week. I swear by my NutriBullet. It makes a green drink in the morning, and I drink that every day. To keep my voice warm I drink ginger and lemon tea with honey. I keep it in a thermos. I boil lots of ginger root and I add honey and lemon and sip on it. How old were you when you started acting, on top of singing, which you had been doing since an early age? I was in college. I studied as a dancer initially. And I got to New York and I realized that within the first professional dancing job, I wanted to sing as well. So when I got my first big break in the business,

they noticed I was a previous singer and gave me a role as a singer, and I began to audition for acting roles. I was a musical theater major so I had training in all areas. Do you have any young performers who want to explore other kinds of performance? I wanted to do leading roles and I knew that in order to do that I needed a greater understanding of what is required to be in a musical. When you’re part of an ensemble, or if you’re a supporting character, the weight of the show isn’t on your shoulders. You’re not responsible for what’s happening on stage. You have non-verbal responsibilities, like being a model for the rest of the cast - modeling positive behavior and work ethics. Basic things. My advice is to be mindful of the amount of responsibility that’s required in a musical, and to prepare yourself for the leadership aspect, because they’re both important.

Have you mentored any performers? I started a choir in my neighborhood in Westchester, New York a couple summers ago, but I didn’t do it last year. I teach middle-age children voice and music in historical order, starting with negro spiritual music and then modern music like Michael Jackson. I did it chronologically. We also did performances. It was free for the children because I got a grant. I donated my time. When I have the week to do that, that’s what I do. I live in the Fleetwood Section, which is part of Mount Vernon, which has some underprivileged children. I want to bring art to a community that might not be benefiting from art in their education.t See LaChanze’s Love Hangover: LaChanze Sings Diana Ross at Hotel Nikko on December 20, 8pm and 21, 7pm. $30-$50. 8pm. $20 food/beverage minimum. Hotel Nikko, 222 Mason St. (866) 6631063. www.ticketweb.com

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4 • Bay Area Reporter • December 19-25, 2013

Jackie Beat The holidays are a drag by Ronn Vigh

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he holidays can be a drag. They certainly are for Jackie Beat. Infamous for her over-the-top looks and seedy song parodies, she takes the holiday season as an invitation to pack up the makeup, toss the wigs in a suitcase and visit san Francisco to let us know who she thinks has been naughty or nice. Jackie even had a double hip replacement this year. Yet for one night only, Jackie Beat’s O Holy Hell! will play two shows at Rebel, proving that “The Beat Goes On.” Ronn Vigh: Many approach the holiday season as a time to reflect on all the things we are fortunate to have in life. That’s boring to me. What is it you don’t have yet that you desperately want? Jackie Beat: That is just about the only question I honestly cannot joke about, because I have everything I could possibly want and more. Even the bitchiest, most-cynical, selfcentered monster of a drag queen such as myself has to recognize that I am so blessed. I promise to get funnier as the interview continues, so please don’t stop reading!

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You did get new hips this year! Have you been able to do any new special tricks on or off stage with them? Well, do you consider “walking” a special trick? The surgery was amazing! I can move so much better and I am no longer in constant pain. Believe it or not, that makes it much easier to be funny. And I would love to try a few other “tricks” if there are any hot Latinos out there who would like to put my new hips to the test! What should we expect of your show at Rebel on December 22? Should the easily offended stay at home? No, everyone should come see the show! And if you’re offended, simply storm out in disgust. But please be aware, there are no refunds. I think people will really enjoy my new medley of the biggest hits of the year featuring Miley Cyrus, Lady Gaga, Katy Perry, Daft Punk, Justin Timberlake, Britney and Robin Thicke. I also put my spin on the John Lennon peace and love anthem “Imagine.” It’s now about what I really love. Come see it. Trust me.

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Jackie Beat and a deer friend.

With your bawdy song parodies, have you ever written something you loved in the moment, then later thought, “What was I thinking when I wrote that?” You mean like when I turned Lady Gaga’s “Applause” in to “Applesauce?” The only time I rethink a song parody is if it doesn’t get laughs, because I’m a shameless laugh whore. I firmly stand behind songs like “I Started AIDS Down In Africa,” “Jew Coloreds,” and “Seven” about dating a seven-year-old. But, yes, there have been a few clunkers over the years that I’d rather not discuss. Recently I staggered into a bar and this drag queen looked like she studied lip-synching from the University of Phoenix. What’s Jackie your advice to drag performers, new and old? Um, how about ‘Don’t lip sync?’ Just kidding. Not everyone can sing. My advice would be: A) Don’t dress like a real girl, B) Don’t do natural makeup, C) Don’t lip sync the biggest hit

of the moment that the DJ has probably already played twice, D) All of the above. I know you don’t lip sync- you’re actually really talented and funny! When did you realize that you were funny and that you could make a career out of it? I always loved to perform and everyone told me, ‘You should go to New York,’ but I was scared to. When I finally did, I went to the gay bars and offered to do a song or two for free. Within a few weeks, my phone was ringing off the hook with offers of work. I just do the kind of drag show I would like to see. I always say, if you’re blind, then you can hear my great voice singing funny songs. If you’re deaf, then at least you get to see my over-the-top look. But if you’re lucky enough to be blessed with both sight and hearing, then you have really hit the jackpot! Or should I say “the Jackie pot?” How did your name Jackie Beat come about? What’s the worst drag name you’ve ever heard?

When I first started I wore all black and dressed like a Beatnik. Google it, kids. I wanted a name that sounded the most 1960s as possible. So I took “Jackie” from Jackie Kennedy and “Beat” from The Beat Generation, and the rest is history. I almost named myself Amanda Haight, after the Haight Ashbury in San Francisco, but that’s more of a hippie vibe. I’m glad I didn’t do a play-on-words name. I’m also glad a picked a rather unisex name because now that’s what I go by for everything, including the Writers Guild. I think the worst drag name I have ever heard has to be Amanda Fatherer. I guess it’s supposed to sound like “A man to father her,” but that’s not even a phrase I have ever heard before, have you? And if she’s reading this right now, I’m sorry. We both have a deep fondness, maybe even an obsession, for The Golden Girls. If you could go back in time and have a guest role on the show, who would you be and what would your character do? I would play anyone or anything just to be on that show! I would play a toaster oven just so long as I got to be in a scene with my spirit animal, Bea Arthur. God, I love that woman! When I was much younger, I worked on the lot where they taped the show, so I am very proud to say that I have actually attended a live taping of The Golden Girls! I don’t remember what episode it was, but I do remember that Estelle Getty could not remember her lines to save her life. Some things I know about Jackie Beat’s 2013: you had a double hip replacement, you were a part of the Fashion Police writers’ strike and are now writing for Hello Ross. Has it truly been a year of ups and downs for you? What’s your wishes for 2014? More writing and less dressing up like a clown. I love drag, but it’s so much work. Working on Hello Ross is a dream come true. I essentially get paid to hang out with my friends and laugh all day. Like I said, I am truly blessed. Is Jackie Beat the type to have a New Year’s resolution? And if so, what’s the resolution you’ve kept the longest? Well, I haven’t killed anyone… yet.t

Jackie Beat

See Jackie Beat’s O Holy Hell! at Rebel, 1760 Market St. December 22, 7pm and 9pm. $26. www.brownpapertickets.com

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Read more online at www.ebar.com

December 19-25, 2013 • Bay Area Reporter • 5

Holidays & Nights by Donna Sachet

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to name make it worth all the effort year after year. There were many moments of laughter, some poignant moments of reverie, and a wealth of beautiful music. It all concluded with a fantastically-lit closing number, created by Michael Loftis, as the entire cast assembled on stage singing White Christmas, sparkling snow gently fell outside the windows, and Barefoot bubbly welcomed the crowd. Because of the generous support of early sponsors, this year’s event sold out weeks before the shows, resulting in great fundraising for the AEF (over $50,000), but some disappointed

t the risk of sounding immodest, the 21st annual Song of the Season truly kicked off the holiday season in spectacular style! This all-volunteer event benefits AIDS Emergency Fund and brings together a small cast of talented musicians, this year including Vicki Shepard, Sharon McNight, Dan O’Leary, Brian Kent, Abigail, Matt Alber, and Holotta Tymes with Alan Choy on piano and Randy Odell on percussion. It would never continue without the years of hard work by our producer Richard Sablatura and more recently Fritz Lambandrake as production manager. The new location of the Starlight Room, thanks to manager Michael Pagan, proved perfect, providing an intimate stage setting, an opulent ambiance, and tightly packed but comfortable seating. A special menu of gourmet treats augmented the extensive bar selection. Songs of the Season has become an annual tradition for many, represented by the groups who attended, including Quest Clinical Research with 25, Brian Benamati and Tony Onorati with 15, Lu Conrad and Jeff Stone with 14, Bob Ross Foundation with 12, Community Thrift Store with 10, Andy Schwartz and Michael Murphy with 8, and David Perry and Bill Grimmer, Hector Crawford The iconic Tree of Hope ceremony at City Hall. and Ralph Hibbs, David Gin and Gary Nathan, Jack Bell and Rod Gutherie, Shanti, friends. We apologize and promise Terry and Ben Penn, Joe Granese, to add nights and capacity to Badlands, and 440 Castro all with prevent such disappointments next parties of six. In addition, the year. Songs of the Season is a very smiling faces of too many friends personal project for us, representing

Steven Underhill

Debbie Boone performs at the annual Help is on the Way for the Holidays.

our best effort to share music and laughter with the community while raising significant money to help AEF continue their vital work. We wholeheartedly thank all of you who continue to support this and all of our efforts throughout the year. Monday’s sold-out Help is on the Way for the Holidays at Marine Memorial Theatre gave us another wonderful night of holiday music and special memories. It started in the beautifully remodeled lobby of the theatre, once crowded and dated, now spacious and welcoming. The crush of patrons was like a family reunion, including Larry Horowitz, Jeff Doney, Patrik Gallineaux, Gary Virginia, K.C. Dare, Leigh Illion, and Jan Wahl! Once inside, stand-out performances included those of Sharon McNight, Jai Rodriquez, Bruce Vilanch, Jason Brock, Tim Hockenberry, Carly Ozard, Tom Lowe, and Debby Boone. A rousing auction after intermission led by Liam Mayclem and Andrew Freeman raised additional funds for Richmond/Er met AIDS Foundation’s beneficiaries, Maitri and Positive Resource Center. Afterwards, the Hotel Adagio welcomed audience and performers alike for a dessert reception. Last Tuesday, we oversaw the lighting of Rainbow World Fund’s Tree of Hope in the Rotunda of City Hall. Covered with shimmering white lights and origami cranes containing personal wishes, this towering tree, donated by Delancey Street, is worth a special trip to City Hall over the next few weeks. Steven Underhill Speaking at the tree lighting were Mayor Ed Lee, Consul General of Japan Masato Watanabe, Supervisor Scott Wiener, Rainbow World Fund Executive Director Jeff Cotter and Board Member Karen Kai, Annie Wong from George Washington High School, civil rights activist and scholar Dr. Clarence Jones, and bestselling author Anne Lamott, each with words of encouragement and optimism. Adding to the festivities were the SF Boys Chorus, Chinese International School Chorus, Josh Klipp, Veronica Klaus, Kelly Park, and the Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence. City Hall continued to resound with music and flash with photography into the night. The Fairmont Hotel welcomed hundreds of guests to Project Open Hand’s annual luncheon last Thursday. On the arm of the Reigning Emperor, Drew Cutler, we waltzed through the elegant lobby, festooned for the holidays, complete with a life-size gingerbread house. The reception bubbled with excitement as we chatted with Supervisor Jane Kim, Kevin Winge, Jared Sherer, Tom Nolan, Beth Feingold, and others. Inside the ballroom, we enjoyed dishes by celebrated Bay Area chefs from restaurants such as Mission Rock Resort, Meritage at the Claremont, Bi-Rite Creamery, Fifth Floor, Kuleto’s, and Tout Sweet Patisserie. Awards were presented to Thomas Durein, Broadway Cars/

Steven Underhill

Donna Sachet (left) and performers at Safeway Holiday Ice Rink’s annual Drag Queens on Ice.

Steven Underhill

More Drag Queens on Ice performers.

Equity Fights AIDS (accepted by members of the cast of Book of Mormon), and Marcia and John Goldman, a couple without whom San Francisco would certainly be a far less welcoming City. Finally, Drag Queens on Ice took Union Square by storm Thursday night with festive costumes, five individual performances, appearances by members of the SF Bulls Hockey Team, and this drag queen off the ice, but on the microphone providing a blowby-blow account of the action. Visit Mendocino County provided prize packages for the performing

skaters, Sister Roma and the Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence posed for photos, Alaska Airlines gave away souvenir seat cushions, and Boulange catered hot drinks and pastries for the VIP lounge, packed with friends, like Charles Zukow, Ray Tilton, Berlin Fisher, Barry Rogers, Arnel Valle, and Anna Damiani. With only a few inches of column space left, we hope your holiday season has been enjoyable and that you will spend the remaining days of 2013 surrounded by those you love doing things you love. Take time to reflect on your own good fortune and find ways to share it with others.t

<< On the Tab

6 • Bay area reporter • December 19-25, 2013

Bf eON THE- TA 2013 , December 19 25

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Thursday Night Live @ SF Eagle The weekly live rock shows have returned. 9pm-ish. 398 12th St. at Harrison. www.sf-eagle.com

Tony! Toni! Toné @ Yoshi’s Oakland The stylish R&B trio performs a series of concerts. $34-$39. Thu & Fri 8pm & 10pm. Sat 7:30 & 9:30pm. Sun 7pm & 9pm. 510 Embarcadeo West, Jack London Square, Oakland. (510) 238-9200. www.yoshis.com

Tubesteak Connection @ Aunt Charlie’s Lounge Enjoy the intimate groovy disco night with DJ Bus Station John. $7. 10pm-2am. 133 Turk St. at Taylor. www.auntcharlieslounge.com

Underwear Party @ Powerhouse Strip down to your skivvies at the weekly cruisy SoMa bar night. 10pm-2am. 1347 Folsom St. www.powerhouse-sf.com

VIP @ Club 21, Oakland

Thu 19 Tony! Toni! Toné

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ear-end events are either a flurry of Santa-themed fun or a desolate, “We’re Closed” dormancy. While many bars and restaurants will be open for those who won’t be leaving town or perching couchward at family gatherings, so few of them bothered to tell us (putting them on our Naughty list). You’ll have to ring up your preferred tavern to see if they too will have flown the coop.

Thu 19 Alaska Thunderfuck @ Rebel The wacky RuPaul’s Drag Race finalist performs her holiday show, Happy Birthday, Baby Jesus. $22-$40. 7:30 & 10:30pm. Also Dec. 20. 1760 Market St. www.alaskathunderfuck.com www.brownpapertickets.com

Comedy Thursdays @ Esta Noche The revamped weekly LGBT- and queerfriendly comedy night at the Mission club is hosted by various comics (1st Thu, Natasha Muse; 2nd Thu, Emily Van Dyke; 3rd Thu Eloisa Bravo and Kimberly Rose; 4th Thu Johan Miranda). No cover; one-drink min. 8pm. 307916th St. www.comedybodega.com

Fuego @ The Watergarden, San Jose Weekly event, with Latin music, half-off locker fees and Latin men, at the South Bay private men’s bath house. $8-$39. Reg hours 24/7. 18+. 1010 The Alameda. (408) 275-1215. www.thewatergarden.com

Greg Adams & East Bay Soul @ Yoshi’s Enjoy a Sweet Soul Christmas concert with the R&B funk band. $25. 8pm. 1330 Fillmore St. 655-5600. www.yoshis.com

Gym Class @ Hi Tops Enjoy cheap/free whiskey shots from jockstrapped hotties and sexy sports videos at the popular new sports bar. 10pm-2am. 2247 Market St. 551-2500. www.HiTopsSF.com

Holiday Block Party @ 5M Project Enjoy drinks, art, music, crafts and games as local galleries and tech companies cohost a block party. $7-$15. 7pm-11pm. Mary St. between 5th and 6th. www. holiday-block-party.eventbrite.com

Jukebox @ Beatbox Veteran DJ Page Hodel (The Box, Q and many other events) presents a new weekly dance event, with soul, funk, hip-hop and house mixes. $10. 21+. 9pm-2am. 314 11th St. at Folsom. www.BeatboxSF.com

Katya Smirnoff-Skyy @ Feinstein’s at the Nikko Our favorite Russian exiled countess revives her vodka-soaked holiday spectacular cabaret show. $25-$30. $20 food/beverage minimum. 8pm. Hotel Nikko, 222 Mason St. (866) 663-1063. www.feinsteinssf.com

Magic Parlor @ Chancellor Hotel Whimsical Belle Epoque-style sketch and magic show that also includes historical San Francisco stories; hosted by Walt Anthony; optional pre-show light dinner and desserts. $40. Thu-Sat 8pm. 433 Powell St. www.SFMagicParlor.com

The Monster Show @ The Edge Cookie Dough’s weekly drag show with gogo guys and hilarous fun. $5. 9pm-2am. 4149 18th St. at Collingwood. www.edgesf.com

Nightlife @ California Academy of Sciences Themed event nights at the fascinating nature museum, with DJed dancing, cocktails, fish, frogs, food and fun. $10$12. 6pm-10pm, 55 Music Concourse Drive, Golden Gate Park. 379-8000. www.calacademy.org

Pan Dulce @ The Café Amazingly hot Papi gogo guys, cheap drinks and fun DJed dance music. Free before 10pm. $5 til 2am. 2369 Market St. www.clubpapi.com www.cafesf.com

Piaf: Her Story, Her Songs @ Roxie Theatre French jazz singer Raquel Bitton hosts a gala screening of the documentary about Edith Piaf. $25. $40 VIP ticket includes champagne, an open wine bar and food, plus prizes and gift baskets for a few attendees. Proceeds benefit the French Cinema Club. 8:15pm. 3117 16th St. www.roxie.com

2

Fri 20

Sun 22

Broadways celebrated powerhouse vocalist and Tony Award winner (The Color Purple) performs Love Hangover: Lachanze Sings Diana Ross, her cabaret musical tribute to The Supremes diva. $30-$50. $20 food/beverage minimum. Also Dec. 21. Hotel Nikko, 222 Mason St. (866) 663-1063. www.ticketweb.com

Latin Explosion @ Club 21, Oakland Eight bars, more dance floors, and a smoking lounge; the largest gay Latin dance night in the Bay Area. Happy hour 4pm-8:30pm. Dancing 9pm4am. 2111 Franklin St. (510) 268-9425. www.club21oakland.com

Dave Koz

Hip Hop, Top 40, and sexy Latin music; gogo dancers, appetizers, and special guest DJs. No cover before 11pm and just $5 after all night. Dancing 9pm-3am. Happy hour 4pm-8:30pm 2111 Franklin St. (510) 268-9425. www.club21oakland.com

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Fri 20

We

Bad Girl Cocktail Hour @ The Lexington Club Every Friday night, bad girls can get $1 dollar margaritas between 9pm and 10pm. 3464 19th St. between Mission and Valencia. 863-2052. www.lexingtonclub.com

Count Basie Orchestra @ Yoshi’s Grammy-winning jazz orchestra, continued after Basie’s passing, play classic music by the composer and bandleader. $29-$35. 8pm & 10pm. Also Dec. 21. 1330 Fillmore St. 655-5600. www.yoshis.com

Fedorable @ El Rio Free weekly queer dance party, with gogos, prizes, old groovy tunes, cheap cocktails. 9pm-2am. 3158 Mission St. 2823325. www.elriosf.com

Friday Nights @ De Young Museum Season 9 of the popular weekly early evening museum parties continues, with live music and performance, exhibitthemed workshops and food and drinks. 5pm-8:30pm. Golden Gate Park, 50 Hagiwara Tea Garden Drive. 750-3600. www.famsf.org

Go-Beaux @ Beaux Gogo-tastic weekly night at the new Castro club. Bring your dollahs, ‘cause they’ll make you holla. 9pm-2am. 2344 Market St. www.beauxsf.com

Happy Friday @ Midnight Sun Open during renovations, the popular video bar ends each week with gogo guys (starting at 9pm) and drink specials. 4067 18th St. 861-4186. www.midnightsunsf.com

edgeon

Hard @ Qbar DJ Haute Toddy spins electro beats; cute gogo guys shake it. $3. 9pm-2am. 456 Castro St. www.QbarSF.com

Holiday Hardbox @ Powerhouse Steve Fabus spins classic disco, Abada and Maxfit hunks do martial arts and capoeira demos, and the regular cruisiness continues. 10pm-2am. 1347 Folsom St. www.powerhouse-sf.com

Holiday Cabaret @ Hotel Rex Society Cabaret presents G. Scott Lacy’s piano concert with special guests Sophisticated Ladies (8pm), Barry Lloyd (Dec. 21, 8pm) and Christopher M. Nelson (Dec. 22, 2pm). $20-$40. Cocktail and small dish menu. 562 Sutter St. 857-1896. www.societycabaret.com

HYSL @ The Lookout Shots, drinks and DJed fun with the adorable David and Trevor. $2. 10pm-2am. 3600 16th St. at Market. lookoutsf.com

Josh Klipp and The Klipptones @ Palace Hotel The local jazz crooner and his band perform weekly shows at the hotel’s lounge, which draws a growing swingdance audience. 7pm-11pm. 2 New Montgomery. www.joshklipp.com

G. Scott Lacy’s Holiday Cabaret

LaChanze @ Feinstein’s at the Nikko

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Picante @ Esta Noche Weekly show with drag queens and the Picante Boys; hosted by Lulu Ramirez; DJ Marco. 9pm-2am. 3079 16th St. 841-5748. www.jceventssf.com

Release @ Club OMG Weekly party at the intimate mid-Market club; rotating hosts and DJs, Top 40 dance remixes, giveaways, gogo hunks. Free before 11pm. $3. 9pm-2am. 43 Sixth St. www.clubomgsf.com www.facebook.com/ReleaseSF

Solstice in Stereo @ The Chapel KALX presents a night of dreamy and danceable rock music with local bands Foxtails Brigade, The Seshen and Farallons. $12-$14. 9pm. 777 Valencia St. www.thechapelsf.com

Some Thing Mica Sigourney and pals’ weekly offbeat drag performance night; Gina LaDivina’s 65th birthday party. 10pm-2am. 399 9th St. www.studsf.com

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Sat 21 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. Holiday shows, including tap-dancing Christmas trees and more thematic characters, now on sale. $25$160. Wed & Thu, 5pm* (* = under 21 allowed) & 8pm (also Dec 26). Fri & Sat 6:30* & 9:30pm. Sun 2pm* & 5pm*. Christmas Eve special 2pm*. New Year’s Eve 7pm & 10:15pm (with champagne). Beer/wine served; cash only; 21+, except where noted. 678 Beach Blanket Babylon Blvd (Green St.). 421-4222. www.beachblanketbabylon.com

Beer Bust @ Hole in the Wall Saloon Beer only $8 until you bust. 4pm-8pm. 1369 Folsom St. 431-4695. www.hitws.com

Bootie SF @ DNA Lounge Weekly mash-up dance night, with resident DJs Adrian & Mysterious D. No matter the theme, a mixed fun good time’s assured. $8-$15. 9pm-3am. 21+. 375 11th st. at Harrison. www.BootieSF.com

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On the Tab>>

Sun 22

December 19-25, 2013 • Bay area reporter • 7

Magic Show @ Hotel Rex Old-fashioned magic show with Sebastian Boswell III, Adam Sachs and guest performers, weekly in the parlor of the elegant downtown hotel. Two-drink min. Light fare menu. Saturdays thru 2013. $25$30. 8pm. 562 Sutter St. 895-0090. www.MagicattheRex.com

Raid Zero @ Temple Electronic music dance night and winter solstice celebration. 21+. 10pm-2am. 540 Howard St. www.templesf.com

Sun 22 Beer Bust @ SF Eagle

Norman Vane

The classic leather bar is back, with the most popular Sunday daytime event in town. 3pm-6pm (Also now open daily 11am-2am). 398 12th St. at Harrison. www.sf-eagle.com

Jackie Beat @ Rebel

Tue 24

LA’s caustically funny drag queen performs her new show of song parodies, Oh, Holy Hell. $26. 7pm & 9pm. 1760 Market St. www.brownpapertickets.com

Jason Brock @ Martuni’s Our powerhouse crooner performs a special holiday show at the intimate martini bar’s back room cabaret. $25. 4pm & 7pm. 4 Valencia St. at Market. http://jbholiday.bpt.me/

Norman Vane @ Martuni’s Enjoy some holiday musical madness as the veteran cabaret pianist-singer is joined by Ethel Merman, Jesse Cortez and Joe Wicht (aka Mrs. Trauma Flintstone as they perform all the songs on Barbra Streisand’s Christmas Album, again! $7. 7pm. 4 Valencia St.

Salsa Sundays @ El Rio Salsa dancing for LGBT folks and friends, with live merengue and cumbia bands; tapas and donations that support local causes. 2nd & 4th Sundays. 3pm-8pm. 3158 Mission St. 282-3325. www.elriosf.com

Sundance Saloon @ Space 550

st cover it...

Live It.

The popular country western LGBT dance night celebrates a decade and a half of fun foot-stomping two-stepping and line-dancing. $5. 5pm-10:30pm with lessons from 5:307:15 pm. Also Thursdays. 550 Barneveld Ave., and Tuesdays at Beatbox, $6. 6:30-11pm. 314 11th St. www.sundancesaloon.org

Sunday’s a Drag @ Starlight Room Donna Sachet hosts the weekly fabulous brunch and drag show. December shows A Miracle on Powell Street, take on a holiday theme. $45. 11am, show at noon; 1:30pm, show at 2:30pm. 450 Powell St. in Union Square. 395-8595. www.starlightroomsf.com

Tea Rex @ Beatbox Corey Craig DJs the daytime dance party. $5-$10. 4pm-8pm. 314 11th St. www.beatboxsf.com

Mon 23 Cock and Bull Mondays @ Hole in the Wall Saloon Specials on drinks made with Cock and Bull ginger ale (Jack and Cock, Russian Mule, and more). 8pm-closing. 1369 Folsom St. 431-4695. www.hitws.com

Let EDGE Media Network bring you the very latest in LGBT news, entertainment, nightlife and more.

nthenet.com La Bota Loca @ Club 21, Oakland Xmas party with Pancho Claus, plus 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 @ Bench and Bar, Oakland Weekly hip hop and R&B night. $8-$15. 9pm to 4am. 510 17th St. www.bench-and-bar.com

Evolution @ Beatbox Alexander DJs the Timmy Scott dance party. $10-$30. 10pm-4am. 314 11th St. www.beatboxsf.com

Kink Salon, Beat Pig @ Powerhouse Show off your kinkiest gear at the early evening event, 6pm-9pm. Then, Juanita More and pals’ monthly night provides grooves and elfin gogo hunks. Donate gift cards and unwrapped new toys for needy kids. $5. 10pm-2am. 1347 Folsom St. www.powerhouse-sf.com

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Mahogany Mondays @ Midnight Sun Amanda Lepore performs at Honey Mahogany’s weekly drag and musical talent show, which starts around 10pm. 4067 18th St. 861-4186. www.midnightsunsf.com

Monday Musicals @ The Edge The casts of local and visiting musical soften pop in to performs at the popular Castro bar’s musical theatre night. 7pm2am. 2 for 1 cocktail, 5pm-closing. 18th St. at Collingwood. www.edgesf.com

Natasha Miller @ Yoshi’s The local singer performs songs from her new CD, The Secret of Christmas. $16-$20. 8pm. 1330 Fillmore St. 655-5600. www.yoshis.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

Brunch @ Hi Tops Enjoy crunchy sandwiches and mimosas, among other menu items, at the popular sports bar. 2247 Market St. 551-2500. www.HiTopsSF.com

Sports Night @ The Eagle The legendary leather bar gets jock-ular, with beer buckets, games (including beer pong and corn-hole!), prizes, sports on the TVs, and more fun. 398 12th St. at Harrison. www.sf-eagle.com

Clairdee

Karaoke @ The Lookout Paul K hosts the amateur singing night. 8pm-2am. 3600 16th St. at Market. www.lookoutsf.com

Tue 24 13 Licks @ Q Bar Weekly women’s night at the stylish intimate bar. 9pm-2am. 456 Castro St. www.QbarSF.com

Block Party @ Midnight Sun

Torch @ Martuni’s Veronica Klaus hosts the weekly night of cabaret, jazz and blues music, with Tammy L. Hall and special guests. $15. 7pm. 4 Valencia St. at Market. www.facebook.com/veronica.klaus

Trivia Night @ Hi Tops Play the trivia game at the popular new sports bar. 9pm. 2247 Market St. 551-2500. www.HiTopsSF.com

Weekly screenings of music videos, concert footage, interviews and more, of popular pop stars. 9pm-2am. 4067 18th St. 8614186. www.midnightsunsf.com

Bombshell Betty & her Burlesqueteers @ Elbo Room The weekly burlesque show of women dancers shaking their bonbons includes live music. $10. 9pm. 647 Valencia St. 5527788. www.elbo.com

Clairdee @ Yoshi’s The talented jazz vocalist performs her annual Christmas Eve show, with guest performer ocmic magician Jay Alexander. $20. 8pm. 1330 Fillmore St. 655-5600. www.yoshis.com

Wed 25 Christmas

Funny Tuesdays @ Harvey’s

Black Xmass @ Elbo Room

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

Ink & Metal @ Powerhouse Show off your tattoos and piercings at the weekly cruisy SoMa bar night. 10pm-2am. 1347 Folsom St. www.powerhouse-sf.com

Kung Pao Kosher Comedy @ New Asia Restaurant The 21st annual comedy and dinner nights feature Gary Gulman, Adrianne Tolsch, Samson Koletkar and hostess Lisa Geduldig. $44-$64. 6pm seven-course dinner shows, 9:30pm cocktail shows with vegetarian dim sum. Partial proceeds benefit SF and Marin food banks and the SF Jewish Home. Thru Dec. 26 (yes, including Christmas Eve and Day). 772 Pacific Ave. www.koshercomedy.com

Soma Country @ Beatbox Sundance Saloon’s monthly SoMa twostepping dance night now takes place every Tuesday. $8. 8pm-12am. Lessons

Christmas With the Celts @ Yoshi’s

Tue 24

Nashville-based Irish-Scottish band performs traditional Celtic holiday music. $28-$47. 2pm and 6pm. 1330 Fillmore St. 655-5600. www.yoshis.com

Celebrate the rockin’ holidays with Bite, Death medicine Band, Theremin wizard Barney and Kitten on the Keys, with the Devil Dancers. $10. 9pm. 647 Valencia St. 552-7788. www.elbo.com

Holiday Dinner @ Ritz-Carlton Enjoy an elegant four-course dinner prepared by Chef Michael rotondo; groups up to ten welcome (20 in private dining room). $95 adults, $45 kids. 12pm-8pm. 600 Stockton St. 773-6158. www.ritzcarlton.com

Thu 26 Gym Class @ Hi Tops Enjoy cheap/free whiskey shots from jockstrapped hotties and sexy sports videos at the popular new sports bar. 10pm-2am. 2247 Market St. 551-2500. www.HiTopsSF.com

Pan Dulce @ The Café Open Thanksgiving night; enjoy amazingly hot Papi gogo guys, cheap drinks and fun DJed dance music. Free before 10pm. $5 til 2am. 2369 Market St. www.clubpapi.com www.cafesf.com

Tubesteak Connection @ Aunt Charlie’s Lounge Retro disco tunes and a fun diverse crowd, each Thursday; DJ Bus Station John plays records. $4. 10pm-2am. 133 Turk St. at Taylor. www.auntcharlieslounge.com

Dave Koz and Friends @ The Warfield The popular jazz saxophonist performs his Christmas Tour concert with vocalists Oleta Adams, Jonathan Butler and pianist Keiko Matsui. $39-$125. VIP meet and greet $50 extra. 8pm. 982 Market St. 673-4653. www.davekoz.com www.axs.com

Underwear Party @ Powerhouse Enjoy special ‘Dick the Halls’ postChristmas fun; strip down to your skivvies at the weekly cruisy SoMa bar night. 10pm-2am. 1347 Folsom St. www.powerhouse-sf.com

Full of Grace @ Beaux New weekly night with hostess Grace Towers, different local and visiting DJs, and pop-up drag performances. This week, DJ Robin Simmons. No cover. 9pm-2am. 2344 Market St. www.beauxsf.com

i

8pm. 314 11th St. at Folsom. www. sundancesaloon.org www.beatboxsf.com

Gary Gulman at Kung Pao Kosher Comedy

Want your nightlife event listed? Still taping posters to telephone poles? Nobody reads those. Email events@ebar.com, at least two weeks before your event. Event photos welcome.

Serving the LGBT communities since 1971

8 • Bay area reporter • December 19-25, 2013

Our New Mr. SF Eagle

t

by Scott Brogan

J

San Francisco’s 18+ Sex Club!

HOLIDAY HOURS

Open daily at 12pm

2051 Market St. at Church St. Info: 415-864-EROS (3767)

udges Marcus Alston, Richard Sprott, Gary Kenyon, Ava Schmidt and Lenny Broberg (what a line up!) had their work cut out for them last Saturday afternoon at the San Francisco Eagle. Christopher Humphreys, Zech Dittus, Gage Fisher, and Paul Younadim competed for the hotly coveted title of Mr. SF Eagle. Fisher came out victorious. To help with the festivities, the Bay Area boys of Leather hosted a donation box for the San Francisco and Marin County Food Bank, helping to support the lower income and homeless. Louie Pacheco Sanz and Lance Holman took care of the emceeing duties, and our own fabulous La Moni Stat was the featured performer. History will tell you that Broberg was Mr. SF Eagle Leather 1992 when he won International Mister Leather (IML), and was the last SF IML until this past May when Andy Cross brought the title back home. Yes, our favorite IML, at least this year! Cross was in town for the weekend and attended the contest as well as holding court later that night over the festivities at his home bar The Powerhouse. Can’t beat that! Thanks also to contest producer Desmond Perrotto for going the distance, and to Marcus Alston, the outgoing Mr. SF Eagle 2013. Alston, you were – and are – amazing. Fisher will advance to the Mr. San Francisco Leather contest next year. My apologies to Stephan Ferris for getting his name completely wrong in my last column. Thank you Stephan for being a good sport about it. Although you can still spank me if you’d like. Also in my last column, I mentioned that it was the last column of the year, but there has been some confusion that it would be my last column ever. No, that was just the last full column of the year. You’re not getting rid of me that easily! Enjoy the holidays and be safe. The following are some of the highlights of the many festivities over the holiday season. t

Leather & Kink Events Thu 19 Underwear Night @ The Powerhouse Wet undies contest, drink specials. 10pm. 1347 Folsom St. www.powerhouse-sf.com

Fri 20 Fetish Fridays @ The Phoenix Fresno Michael Brandon presents the party that just keeps getting better! The desert gets a little bit freakier! They’re adding Scout TheBootblack, plus jello shots, drink specials, go-go studs, demos and more. 10pm-1am. 4538 E. Belmont Ave., Fresno.

Kink Night @ The SF Rocky Horror Show Join the SF Leathermen’s Discussion Group for a fun, kinky night out. Be sure to wear your gear, and make use of their code “LDG” during checkout (LDG gets 205 of the proceeds of you use that code. Admission includes a bondage workshop – bring your rope and learn how to tie someone up. Starts at 8pm. Boxcar Playhouse @ 505 Natoma. www.facebook.com/events/

Rich Stadtmiller

Gage Fisher wins the Mr. SF Eagle 2014 contest.

Rich Stadtmiller

The sexy section of the Mr. SF Eagle contest.

Rich Stadtmiller

Contestants and organizers of the Mr. SF Eagle contest.

Sober Kink Together @ Castro Country Club This is officially a CMA meeting but is open to all Anonymous 12-step Fellowship members. 9:30-10:45pm, 4058 18th St.

Holiday Hardbox @ The Powerhouse Steve Fabus & Gehno Aviance, The Bare Chest Calendar, Powerhouse, Abada & Max Fit CrossFit have joined forces to bring you the hottest Martial Arts and MMA - flavored party in SF. 10pm – 2am. 1347 Folsom St.

Sat 21 Beatpig @ The Powerhouse Juanita More! spins saucy grooves and dudes cruise at the eclectic music, drag and kink night; each 3rd Saturday. Oink! 9pm2am. 1347 Folsom St. www.beatpigsf.com, & www.powerhouse-sf.com

Thu 26 Underwear Night @ The Powerhouse Wet undies contest, drink specials. 1347 Folsom St. 10pm. www.powerhouse-sf.com

Fri 27 Monthly Steam Party @ The Powerhouse Join the hot towel dancers, watch the “PowerShower,” get a $1 per minute massage... Clothes check is available. Suggested $8 donation for the LGBT center. 9pm – 2am. 1347 Folsom St. www.powerhouse-sf.com

Sat 28 15 Association Men’s Dungeon Party @ SF Citadel Join the 15 Association for a fun, kinky play party. This is a male only event. 8pm – 1am. 181 Eddy St. www.15sf.org

BLUF Invasion! @ The SF Eagle

Boot Lickin’ @ The Powerhouse

Bar meet for all gear men, sponsored by BLUF men of San Francisco. Just follow the smell of leather to the back patio. 9pm1am. www.bluf.com

Lick those boots, or just admire the men wearing them. 10pm-Close. 1347 Folsom St. www.powerhouse-sf.com

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Read more online at www.ebar.com

December 19-25, 2013 • Bay area reporter • 9

Stepford Dads & Lads by John F. Karr

I

t’s funny the way a couple reviewers I’ve read think there’s something taboo about gay twins making out with each other. Beside the fact that I think that sounds hot, and firmly believe that all gay twins do it, it’s not like they’re going to give birth to pinheads. Two guys foolin’ around is just two guys foolin’ around. I guess Joe Gage would find twinsex old hat, since he’s upped the ante on unsanctioned sex by making his new movie about father/son incest. He keeps the proceedings so lowkey it hardly seem transgressive, but, what the hey, it’s incest whether trumpeted high or low. You think he’d want to play it up a bit. I mean, aren’t chills and spills the reason for breaking a taboo? Yet the transgression of Dad Gets Into Trouble provides more familial warmth than shocking sex. Perhaps taking into account his underplayed hand, Gage further stretches social strictures by making one of those incestuous fathers a clergyman. He then spices things up even more by ensuring most every orgasm in the movie targets a tonsil or tongue. The movie’s third in a successful series of intergenerational sex flicks that includes Dad Takes a Fishing Trip, and Dad Goes to College. Like them, it stars Allen Silver as the primary Dad. Will there be a fourth installment? How about depicting Dad’s punishment for his son-screwing, Dad Gets Thrown in the Clink (a communal holding cell would be just the setting for a Joe Cage movie). And since the Reverend in this one is played by Brendon Cage (curiously billed as Michael Anthony), whose cock I adore (that great big mushroom head with its lip-poppin’ rim), I’d like to see Mr. Silver joining his Horniness for Dad Spreads His Rectum ‘Round the Rectory. At any rate… In his recent movies, Mr. Gage seems to be showing less interest in maintaining the tension that has fueled his scenes with sexuality, than he is in increasing the drollery of his scripts. This one contains some breathless lines. At one point, Dad questions his heavy hung son’s squirming. “Too big for your britches, huh?” To which the kid replies, “Something like that,” and asks if he can undress. Well, duh. Later, the son gets right to the point with his Uncle, saying, “Dad said you have a big dick.” Uncle (played jovially by Josh West) is of course entirely willing to corroborate his brother’s claim.

Allen Silver waits for the Reverend’s son to show it all in a screengrab from Dad Gets Into Trouble.

Dads watch sons practice new skills on Spike in a screengrab from Dad Gets Into Trouble.

And what a flair for dialogue we relish in the succinct and snappy lines like the question, “You wanna suck your dad?” (another, Duh), or the command, “Sperm it, son.” My favorite bit of script comes at the very end, when Uncle is laboring to land a load in his son’s mouth, and says, “This is the stuff that made ya, kid!” Yet the deadpan delivery Gage asks of his cast doesn’t let the potential oomph of his script enliven the scenes. And boy, they could use some goosing—at least until the sex gets underway. Then things get rockin’ and rollin’ pretty good. Before then, it’s like the guys sing in Porgy and Bess. “It takes a looong pull to get there.” Here are things in the flick you may like. It’s generous, with its five scenes filling three full hours. It’s a flick for lovers of oral cum shots; as in Gage’s Armed Forces Physical, the editing of orgasms has cunningly aggrandized their copiousness and duration. Little cum snacks become burgeoning banquets. It’s also a flick for big dick enthusiasts. The sons are stupendously hung; several have double helpings of foreskin. I like the flip-fucking Silver shares

RayDragonMedia

The Reverend Brendon Cage and his son Devin Moss pay a house call on Allen Silver.

with pert-pronged Mitch Vaughn, whose high spurting orgasm makes Silver laugh in amazement. The three-way for Cage, Silver and son Devin Moss gets pretty salacious; Moss plays a sexual provocateur, but is so constrained during his dialogue you’ll think he’s a dullard—until he’s doin’ It, that is, when he smiles and lets out his nasty. And no doubt you’ll be glad as I was to see Brendon Cage. When his dick was hanging out of his pants at one point, I was glad to see Silver more intent on the Reverend Cage’s son, intoning, “I’m gonna hafta suck that kid.” Since I’ve already staked my claim on Cage’s cock, it meant we’d be fine on a double date. The last scene is an orgy for the entire cast, with the addition of the redoubtable Spike. What a fab cock for the collective fathers to employ as tool for their collective son’s instructions in cocksucking. (Uncle: “Bill tells me you’ve been sucking cock.” Nephew: “I could probably use some lessons.” After a practice session, father Bill asks his son: “Wanna show me what you’ve learned?”). The son’s asses are then tag teamed by both fathers, the priest, and special guest Spike. I was impressed by the load that Spike devours near the film’s end. But the credit scroll that followed is pretty impressive, too. Like the scroll in Armed Forces Physical, it brings a near Hollywood length crediting to porn. The only thing missing are personal assistants to the director and hairdressers to the stars. Sure, it takes an army to make a movie, but what’s funny here is that DragonMedia is perhaps the smallest, low scale movie outfit there is. And the credits name 27 distinct positions, including Boom Boys, Best Boys, Key Grips, Gaffer, Paint Foreman, Script Supervisor, and Special Effects (were those cum shots CGI?). I guess if you can’t pay ‘em, at least give ‘em credit. Hell, I’d work for cum.t

www.ebar.com www.RayDragonMedia.com

Serving the LGBT communities since 1971

10 • BAY AREA REPORTER • December 19-25, 2013

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December 19-25, 2013 • Bay area reporter • 11

Shooting Stars photos by Steven Underhill

The stars shined brightly at the sold out twelfth annual Richmond/Ermet AIDS Foundation’s Help is on the Way for the Holidays gala concert, held December 9 at the Marines’ Memorial Theatre. MC Bruce Vilanch introduced acts and told jokes. The casts of the touring company of The Book of Mormon and New Conservatory Theatre Center’s cast of Avenue Q performed group songs. Stellar singers included Debbie Boone, Jason Brock, Jai Rodriguez, Sharon McNight, Kim Nalley, and Shawn Ryan dressed as a Christmas tree! Hunky shirtless Santa’s Helpers enticed guests with raffles and auction bids, and guests enjoyed drinks and dessert treats at the after-party held at the Hotel Adagio. www.richmondermet.org

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For more photos, and to arrange your own wedding, headshot or portrait photos,

call (415) 370-7152 or visit www.StevenUnderhill.com

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Avenue Q and Logo present...

PUPPET SERVICE ANNOUNCEMENTS

SPREAD THE WORD NOT THE VIRUS TO WATCH THE VIDEOS ONLINE, GO TO

TO LEARN MORE AND FIND AN HIV TEST SITE GO TO

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“Avenue Q © and TM Mingus Park Productions, Inc., Only For Now, Inc. and Fantasies Come True, Inc.” UNBC0286 08/13

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