May 19th, 2022 edition of the Bay Area Reporter

Torres aims for SJ council

Urvashi Vaid dies

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

by Eric Burkett

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he Castro Theatre, which was designated City Landmark #100 in 1976, may see an enhancement of that designation later this year if a resolution by gay District 8 Supervisor Rafael Mandelman is approved.

Mandelman submitted the resolution during the May 10 meeting of the San Francisco Board of Supervisors. It seeks to amend the historic theater’s landmark status by broadening the designation to include “the full historical, architectural, aesthetic and cultural interest and value of the Castro Theatre,” as opposed to the current designation that only covers the building’s elaborate California Churrigueresque facade.

The theater, which was built in 1922, came under new management in January when Another Planet Entertainment, a live-music promotion company based in Berkeley, announced it would assume management of the site. That announcement prompted much hand-wringing and anxiety among those who feared that APE’s focus on live events would spell the end of LGBTQoriented programming at the cinema.

A meeting between APE, the Castro LGBTQ Cultural District, and numerous community stakeholders May 11, and facilitated

by Mandelman, evidently did little to assuage the fears of Tina Valentin Aguirre, manager of the cultural district.

SF school students walk out in protest of anti-trans laws

About 250 students from San Francisco’s James Denman Middle School walked out of their classes May 17 to protest anti-LGBTQ laws in other states.

by Eric Burkett

A

bout 250 middle school students in San Francisco took to the streets – well, the sidewalk – May 17 and made it clear they stood opposed to the anti-LGBTQ actions of state governments around the country.

The students used the observance of International Day Against Homophobia, Transphobia, and Biphobia, or IDAHOBIT, to stage the short walkout.

Nearly a third of the 900 students at James Denman Middle School in Balboa Park poured down the stairs of the entry to the school at 10 a.m. to participate in a student-led – and faculty approved – walkout, protesting the rising tide of state-sponsored anti-LGBTQ legislation in places like Florida, Texas, Alabama, and numerous other states.

Organized by the school’s 20-member Diversity Club, the students carried signs and banners bearing messages like “Proud

ally,” “Born this way,” and “Don’t label us.”

They gathered in front of the school in a cacophony of excited voices, calls from teachers and staff to stay out of the street, and chanting.

“Safe schools under attack! What do we do?” demanded the chant leader. “Stand up!

Fight back!” the crowd roared in return.

“Supportive families under attack! What do we do?” the leader called out. “Stand up!

Fight back!” the students responded.

See page 2 >>

See page 8 >>

B.A.R. ENDORSEMENTS

ENDORSEMENTS

Rick Gerharter

Castro Theatre may get enhanced landmark

Vol. 52 • No. 20 • May 19-25, 2022

O RR NN II AA CC AA LL II FF O

PRIMARY ELEC ELECTION TION PRIMARY

U.S. Senate: Congress (Bay Area) Alex Padilla Dist. 2: Jared Huffman Governor: Dist. 4: Mike Thompson Gavin Newsom Dist. 8: John Garamendi Lt. Governor: Dist. 9: Josh Harder Eleni Kounalaki Dist. 10: Mark DeSaulnier Secretary of State: Dist. 11: Nancy Pelosi Shirley Weber Dist. 12: Barbara Lee Attorney General: Dist. 14: Eric Swalwell Rob Bonta Dist. 15: Kevin Mullin Controller: Dist. 16: Anna Eshoo Ron Galperin Dist. 17: Ro Khanna Treasurer: Dist. 18: Zoe Lofgren Fiona Ma Insurance CA Assembly Commissioner: Dist. 17: Matt Haney Marc Levine Dist. 19: Phil Ting State Sup. Dist. 15: Buffy Wicks Public Instruction: Dist. 16: Rebecca Tony Thurmond Bauer-Kahan Board of Equalization Dist. 18: Mia Bonta Dist. 2: Michela Alioto-PierDist. 20: Shawn Kumagai Dist. 21: James Coleman

SF shelter proposal runs into resistance at hearing

Dist. 24: Alex Lee Dist. 26: Evan Low CA Senate Dist. 10: No endorsement SF City Attorney David Chiu SAN FRANCISCO PROPS Yes on: A, B, D, E, F, G No on: C, H Remember to vote by June 7!

We will have more endorsements in coming weeks.

Scott Wazlowski

Small cabins like these at 33 Gough Street could be expanded under a proposed ordinance by San Francisco Supervisor Rafael Mandelman.

by Eric Burkett

ing a committee hearing May 12, and has left Mandelman trying to decide what to do next.

The proposed ordinance, titled “A Place for All,” would make it the policy of San Francisco to offer all people experiencing homelessness in the city a safe place to sleep.

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proposed ordinance by gay District 8 Supervisor Rafael Mandelman to enhance shelter solutions for people experiencing homelessness and sheltering on the city’s streets hit an unexpected snag dur-

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Rick Gerhar

<< Election 2022

t San Jose City Council LGBTQ drought could end 2 • Bay Area Reporter • May 19-25, 2022

by Matthew S. Bajko

A

16-year drought of LGBTQ representation on the council of the Bay Area’s largest city could come to an end this year. It is up to the voters in San Jose’s 3rd council district to decide if the South Bay city will have its second out councilmember in its history.

In 2000, Ken Yeager was elected as the first gay councilmember of California’s third largest city. He departed in 2006 when he became the first, and so far only, out member of the Santa Clara County Board of Supervisors.

This year, gay Democratic Party regional director Omar Torres is running for the open 3rd council district seat to represent downtown San Jose, including his alma mater San Jose State University, and the Japantown, Washington-Guadalupe, and Spartan Keys neighborhoods. The incumbent, City Councilmember Raul Peralez, is termed out and running to be mayor; he has endorsed Torres to succeed him on the council.

Torres graduated from San Jose State in 2011 with a bachelor’s degree in political science and a minor in public administration. Like recently appointed gay San Francisco District 6 Supervisor Matt Dorsey, Torres is open about his struggles with alcohol and drug addictions and has been clean and sober for more than five years.

“I have stayed in San Jose because this is the city that has made me who I am today. I am a working-class activist

<<

Courtesy Omar Torres campaign

Congressmember Ro Khanna, left, has endorsed Omar Torres for a San Jose City Council seat

fighting for progressive ideals,” Torres, 40, a renter in Japantown who grew up in Washington-Guadalupe, told the Bay Area Reporter. “The challenges that we have are of great concern. But I know our strength and diversity is beautiful and strong, and that is why I choose to stay in the city of San Jose.”

Four other candidates are also on the June 7 primary ballot for the council seat. The San Jose Mercury News has endorsed attorney Joanna Rauh, 40, as did San Jose Mayor Sam Liccardo and the San Jose Police Officers’ Association.

Also in the race are intellectual property attorney Elizabeth Chien-Hale, 60, president of the San Jose Downtown Residents Association; mediator Irene Smith, 61, a volunteer attorney with Santa Clara County’s Pro Bono Project; and health care worker Ivan Torres,

SF school

by Florida’s notorious “Don’t Say Gay” bill, signed into law March 28 by Republican Governor Ron DeSantis.

The law bans the teaching of LGBTQ topics in kindergarten through third grades and has led to widespread concerns that teachers in the older grades will self-censure their teaching on the subject for fear of being sued.

“We realized that this is, like, re-

From page 1

Watching over all this with clear excitement was 14-year-old eighth grade student Jamieson Leadbetter, who had spent the previous three months planning and organizing the event along with other Diversity Club members. It was prompted, he said,

V TE NANCY PELOSI

FOR CONGRESS, DISTRICT 11

38, a progressive who unsuccessfully ran in 2020 against Congressmember Zoe Lofgren (D).

With so many candidates, it is not expected that anyone will be able to secure more than 50% of the vote to win the seat outright next month. Thus, it is expected that the top two vote-getters will face off on the November general election ballot.

Torres, an elected member on the board of the San Jose Evergreen Community College District, is confident of his surviving the primary race.

“I am hitting the pavement. I have been entrenched in this community for over 25 years,” said Torres. “I have the name recognition. I hope to make it to the runoff; from a bird’s-eye view, it looks like I will.”

He is the lone candidate with elected office experience – prior to serving on the college board, Torres was on the board of a local K-8 public school district – and has experience working inside City Hall, as he served as District 5 City Councilmember Magdalena Carrasco’s community relations director then as her deputy chief of staff.

He left last July, expecting to take several months off, but saw the San Jose Downtown Association was looking for a business resiliency manager.

He was hired and began in the position last August.

The Santa Clara County Democratic Party, South Bay Labor Council, and Carrasco have all endorsed Torres, as has San Jose mayoral candi-

date Santa Clara County Supervisor Cindy Chavez. Also backing him are several LGBTQ groups and leaders, including statewide LGBTQ advocacy organization Equality California, the LGBTQ Latino-led HONOR PAC, and BAYMEC, the Bay Area Municipal Elections Committee that focuses on electing LGBTQ people and straight allies to office in the South Bay region.

Gay Assemblymember Evan Low (DCampbell) endorsed Torres, as did Yeager.

“I am very excited about his prospects and would love to see him on the City Council,” Yeager told the B.A.R., pointing to his breadth of experience and long ties to the district. “I just know he can deliver. Plus, he grew up in the neighborhood and so understands the economic issues in the lower income areas.”

Torres’ family has called San Jose home since the 1960s. Both sets of his grandparents migrated to the U.S. from Mexico, with one relocating to California first and the other to El Paso, Texas. His mom and dad, who were both born in Texas, moved to San Jose and found work in the local canneries.

His father died in 2006, while his mother moved out of San Jose and now works for a medical device company. Torres first landed a job with the city of San Jose in 2001 as a recreation leader and held various municipal positions before being tapped as executive director of the Santa Maria Urban Ministry in 2012. He led the nonprofit

ally impacting people’s lives,” said San Francisco student Maren Brooks, 14, a member of the Diversity Club.

“It was affecting students like us and, so, we had to do something about it,” added Leadbetter. “Everyone should have the right to be who they want to be.”

Both students agreed that their school had a, “for the most part, wel-

coming environment.” But Brooks told the Bay Area Reporter, “in other places, in Florida, it can be really dangerous to not have that support system for a really important time in their lives. And I think that these laws are just making it more dangerous for kids who may have had a safe place at school but who aren’t going to have that anymore.”

Sara Hwang, an eighth grader and another member of the Diversity Club, said it was important for her and her classmates to demonstrate against the anti-LGBTQ laws.

“We’re lucky enough to be growing up in San Francisco,” said Hwang, who described herself as questioning.

The city “is completely urban and very diverse. And I can’t imagine a life where you´re being persecuted for loving someone.”

Hwang spoke enthusiastically about the Diversity Club, and about the walkout in particular.

“It’s been great,” she said. “It’s just really touching to know that everybody cares, everybody acknowledges these are human rights.”

Earlier in the day, President Joe Biden issued a statement in observance of the international day in Washington, D.C. Biden noted “there has been much progress’’ but lamented the “disturbing setbacks and rising hate and violence targeting LGBTQI+ people in the United States and around the world.”

“And make no mistake,” Biden’s statement continued. “Hateful legislative attacks against members of our own LGBTQI+ community cannot be tolerated in America or anywhere else. They spur discrimination and can stoke violence. And they are rooted in the same ignorance and intolerance that we see around the world.

Hate is hate – and all of us have a responsibility to speak out against hate wherever we find it.”

In her own IDAHOBIT statement House Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-San Francisco) pledged that “today, and every day, we recommit to rooting out discrimination from our schools, our workplaces and the very fabric of our society.”

As the Denman demonstrators continued their rally, teachers and staff worked to contain them, motioning them off the street and back onto the sidewalk and were, overall, pleased to see their students taking a public stand.

“I’m just proud of them for stand-

WITH ALICE

BY JUNE 7!

KEVIN MULLIN

FOR CONGRESS, DISTRICT 15

GAVIN NEWSOM, Governor ELENI KOUNALAKIS, Lt. Governor

ALEX PADILLA FOR SENATE

MALIA COHEN

FOR CALIFORNIA CONTROLLER

TONY THURMOND, Superintendent of Public Instruction

SHIRLEY WEBER, CA Secretary of State

SALLY LIEBER, CA Board of Equalization, District 2

FIONA MA, CA Treasurer

MATT HANEY, CA State Assembly, AD1

ROB BONTA, CA Attorney General

PHIL TING, CA State Assembly, AD19

RICARDO LARA , CA Insurance Commissioner

DAVID CHIU, San Francisco City Attorney

YES

Measure A: MUNI Reliability and Street Safety Bond

YES

Measure E: Behested Payments

YES

Measure B: Building Inspection Commission

YES

Measure F: Refuse Collection and Disposal

NO

Measure C: Recall Timelines and Vacancy Process

YES

Measure G: Public Health Emergency Leave

YES

Measure D: Victims and Witness Rights

NO POSITION Measure H: Recall of San Francisco District Attorney

indicates an LGBTQ candidate.

www.AliceBToklas.org Ad paid for by Alice B. Toklas LGBTQ Democratic Club PAC. This advertisement was not authorized by a candidate or a committee controlled by a candidate. Financial disclosures are available at sfethics.org.

that focuses on low-income families for nearly three years until joining Carrasco’s staff in January 2015.

Critic of mayor

Torres has been critical of Liccardo, who is termed out of office this year, and how he has handled various issues from housing to the BART extension into downtown San Jose.

“I am not supportive of Sam Liccardo. I think he has failed our city when it comes to building housing, especially affordable housing for our unhoused, teachers, veterans, and so forth,” said Torres.

Supportive of seeing both BART and the state’s high-speed rail system come into downtown San Jose, Torres said it is also important for the city to build more housing along the transit corridors. He believes the city could better promote first-time homebuyers programs and should strengthen its rent control rules while lowering its cap on annual rent increases, currently at 5%.

With developers and tech companies proposing major development in the downtown area, Torres also wants to ensure the projects include affordable housing in addition to marketrate units.

“I strongly believe the county and city can not deal with our unhoused crisis on their own. Tech companies do have to step it up when it comes to making sure we are housing our unhoused,” said Torres. t

Rick Gerharter

Jamieson Leadbetter, left, and Maren Brooks, two students at James Denman Middle School, organized the May 17 walkout to protest anti-LGBTQ laws in other states.

ing up for LGBTQ rights,” said Principal Lisa Jovick, who has led the San Francisco Unified School District middle school for the past five years.

The students feel safe at James Denman, she said, adding that she wasn’t surprised so many of the students turned out for the event.

“I’m not surprised at all,” she said.

“It’s a very diverse community.”

Naroth Than, a seventh grade counselor at the school for the past five years, called the event “amazing.”

“It’s amazing to see our youth coming out and speaking up for it, or even just showing their faces,” she said. “I’m very proud of them and I’m proud to be part of the Denman team and the Denman community.”

As the situation for LGBTQ students seems to deteriorate in other parts of the country, Than said she hoped she´d see more events like this.

“I hope so, for this movement and for a lot of other rights, that, you know, people deserve to have as humans here in the world,” said Than. “And I know that I will see more of this from our Denman community and our kids.”

As the half-hour walkout came to a close – everyone had to get back to class, after all – the students, still a riot of excitement and chatter, followed school staff members down the sidewalk to a gate leading back onto school grounds.

Social worker Geraldine Punazalan, watching the parade of students disappear through the gate, looked happy. She was proud of the students, she said, and proud of the support the school has shown for its LGBTQ students.

“This is amazing,” she said.t

t

Election 2022>>

May 19-25, 2022 • Bay Area Reporter • 3

Oregon lesbians win gov primary, lead in House contest

by Matthew S. Bajko

O

regon voters now have a chance to elect the first lesbian governor of a West Coast state and could send the first lesbian from the region to Congress following the outcome Tuesday in the state’s party primaries.

Oregon Speaker of the House Tina Kotek handily won the Democratic gubernatorial primary in the Beaver State. Running against two opponents, Kotek received 57% of the vote according to unofficial returns May 18. While the Republican primary race had yet to be called, the minority leader of the state’s House of Representatives, Christine Drazan, was in first place with nearly 24% of the vote.

Should Kotek win the race come November, she would be the country’s first lesbian governor and only the second LGBTQ top statewide official in the three-state West Coast region. Bisexual Oregon Democratic Governor Kate Brown is termed out of office this year.

“My heart is full of gratitude.

Because of you, because of the team that we built, and because of grassroots power across the great state of Oregon – we have won the Democratic primary for governor,” Kotek wrote in a May 18 email to supporters.

In the closely watched race for Oregon’s newly drawn 5th Congressional District, former Santa Clara City Councilmember Jamie McLeod-Skinner is so far leading with 61% of the vote against the incumbent, Congressman Kurt Schrader (D-Canby). But a balloting snafu has delayed the vote count, with just 53% of precincts having reported results as of Wednesday morning.

“Clackamas County – the most populous county in our district –

Recall-Chesa-Boudin-051922.indd 1

Courtesy Kotek campaign

Oregon Speaker of the House Tina Kotek handily won the Democratic gubernatorial primary May 17.

had a printer error with smeared barcodes on some of their ballots, which will delay election results,” McLeod-Skinner’s campaign explained in a May 17 email three hours after the polls closed at 8 p.m. “What’s important is that EVERY single vote is counted (especially in a race this close), and we expect that the Clackamas County elections office will get this right.”

In her second race for an Oregon U.S. House seat, having lost in 2018 against a Republican incumbent, the progressive McLeod-Skinner ran to the left of the moderate Schrader, who picked up an endorsement from President Joe Biden as the race tightened in recent weeks. Her election to the South Bay council in 2004 marked the first time a lesbian helped lead the city in the heart of Silicon Valley.

Should she pull off a victory in the primary, McLeod-Skinner would be favored to win the heavily Democratic congressional district come the fall. She would be

only the second out woman from the West Coast to serve in Congress, as bisexual former Congressmember Katie Hill of California was the first.

She would also be the first LGBTQ House member from the Beaver State and help increase the LGBTQ West Coast congressional delegation to at least two. Gay California Congressmember Mark Takano (D-Riverside) is expected to easily win reelection this year.

In another Oregon race that received national attention, out transgender state legislative candidate Zeloszelos Marchandt fell short in his bid for a state House district that included Portland. He was vying to become the first trans man to serve in a state legislature in the U.S.

East Coast races

In another hotly contested U.S. House race, lesbian minister Jasmine Beach-Ferrara won the Democratic primary for North Carolina’s 11th Congressional district

Courtesy McLeod-Skinner campaign

Oregon congressional candidate Jamie McLeod-Skinner is leading in her race but more ballots remain to be counted.

with 60% of the vote according to the unofficial returns. But she had based her candidacy largely around defeating homophobic GOP Congressmember Madison Cawthorn.

Plagued by myriad scandals and largely abandoned by Republican leaders after he falsely accused his GOP House colleagues of inviting him to cocaine-fueled orgies, Cawthorn was defeated in his party primary race by state Senator Chuck Edwards. Due to the heavy Republican makeup of the district, Edwards is expected to easily win the seat in November.

LaWana Mayfield, a Black lesbian, won in her primary election for the Charlotte City Council. She would be the first out LGBTQ person ever elected citywide in Charlotte, North Carolina, if she wins in November.

In Pennsylvania, gay State Representative Malcolm Kenyatta lost his bid for his state’s open U.S. Senate seat, falling in third place with 10% of Tuesday’s vote. He pledged to

help elect his state’s lieutenant governor, John Fetterman, to the seat and flip it from red to blue. The shorts-wearing Fetterman received 59% of the vote to also defeat second-place finisher Congressman Conor Lamb (D), a moderate.

GOP U.S. Senator Pat Toomey is retiring, giving Democrats one of their best chances to pick up a seat in the currently evenly divided 100seat Senate. Fetterman, who suffered a stroke ahead of the primary and had a pacemaker implanted Tuesday, is a strong supporter of legalizing marijuana and has a devoted national following due to his unorthodox approach to politics.

Who Fetterman will face in November had yet to be determined Wednesday. Former television show host Mehmet Oz and businessman Dave McCormick were deadlocked at 31% in the GOP primary according to the unofficial returns.

Gay Pennsylvania state House of Representatives member Brian Sims fell short in his bid to succeed Fetterman. He landed in second place in his party primary with about 25% of the vote.

Sean Meloy, a gay man running for Pennsylvania’s 17th Congressional District seat in the Pittsburgh region, also fell short in his Democratic Primary race. He came in second place with roughly 37% of the vote.

Izzy Smith-Wade-El won the Democratic primary for Pennsylvania’s 49th state House District seat.

If elected in November, he would be the first out nonbinary member of the Pennsylvania state legislature.

Deja Alvarez, running to become the first openly transgender Latina member of the Pennsylvania House of Representatives, failed to win the Democratic primary for the 182nd District in the heart of Philadelphia.t

5/12/22 11:05 AM

<< Open Forum

4 • Bay Area Reporter • May 19-25, 2022

Volume 52, Number 20 May 19-25, 2022 www.ebar.com

PUBLISHER Michael M. Yamashita Thomas E. Horn, Publisher Emeritus (2013) Publisher (2003 – 2013) Bob Ross, Founder (1971 – 2003) NEWS EDITOR Cynthia Laird ARTS & NIGHTLIFE EDITOR Jim Provenzano ASSISTANT EDITORS Matthew S. Bajko • Eric Burkett CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Tavo Amador • Brian Bromberger Victoria A. Brownworth • Philip Campbell Heather Cassell • Adam Echelman John Ferrannini •Michael Flanagan Jim Gladstone • Liz Highleyman Brandon Judell • Lisa Keen Matthew Kennedy • David Lamble David-Elijah Nahmod • Paul Parish Tim Pfaff • Jim Piechota • Gregg Shapiro Gwendolyn Smith •Sari Staver • Charlie Wagner Ed Walsh • Cornelius Washington • Sura Wood

ART DIRECTION Max Leger PRODUCTION/DESIGN Ernesto Sopprani PHOTOGRAPHERS Jane Philomen Cleland • FBFE Rick Gerharter • Gareth Gooch Jose Guzman-Colon • Rudy K. Lawidjaja Georg Lester • Rich Stadtmiller • Christopher Robledo • Fred Rowe Steven Underhill • Bill Wilson ILLUSTRATORS & CARTOONISTS Christine Smith

VICE PRESIDENT OF ADVERTISING Scott Wazlowski – 415.829.8937

NATIONAL ADVERTISING REPRESENTATIVE Rivendell Media – 212.242.6863

LEGAL COUNSEL Paul H. Melbostad, Esq.

State legislative endorsements

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C

alifornia Assemblymembers face election this year, as do some state senators.

Below are our recommendations for Bay Area races in the June 7 primary.

STATE ASSEMBLY DISTRICT 17: MATT HANEY We did not endorse Matt Haney (D) in the special election or runoff to represent San Francisco but now that he’s won those races, we back him for a full two-year term.

Although his gay opponent in those races, David Campos, appears on the June ballot, he has ended his candidacy. Haney, a steadfast ally to the LGBTQ community, was an effective member while serving on the San Francisco Board of Supervisors and while he’s only been in the Legislature a couple of weeks, he’s already off and running. He noted on Twitter that he’s already co-authored and joint-authored bills and advocated for San Francisco in the state budget. Haney is deserving of reelection.

DISTRICT 19: PHIL TING San Francisco Assemblymember Phil Ting (D) has been an effective legislator and continues to be a longtime ally to the LGBTQ community. He faces little opposition, and we support him for another term.

DISTRICT 15: BUFFY WICKS Assemblymember Buffy Wicks has been a great ally to the LGBTQ community and has a 100% score from Equality California. We recommend her for reelection to her Oakland seat.

DISTRICT 16: REBECCA BAUER-KAHAN Assemblymember Rebecca Bauer-Kahan (D) represents parts of the East Bay. Of particular note, she authored last year’s Assembly Bill 439 to allow the option of nonbinary as the gender identity on death certificates.

She worked with Equality California on the bill, which Governor Gavin Newsom signed last year. Bauer-Kahan has been a reliable ally, and we endorse her for another term.

DISTRICT 18: MIA BONTA Assemblymember Mia Bonta has done a solid job in the short time since she won a special election last year to replace her husband, Rob Bonta, after Newsom appointed him as state attorney general. While we endorsed her opponent last year, Mia Bonta has hit the ground running and has been a champion not only of the LGBTQ community but also for reproductive choice and many other issues. We endorse her for a two-year term.

DISTRICT 20: SHAWN KUMAGAI This is a tough one. This is an open seat as the current Assemblymember, Bill Quirk (D), opted not to seek reelection. Both Democratic candidates Shawn Kumagai and Jennifer Esteen identify as gay people of

Haney, Christopher Robledo; Kumagai and Lee, courtesy the campaigns

Assemblymember Matt Haney, left, Assembly candidate Shawn Kumagai, and Assemblymember Alex Lee.

color and both are running good campaigns to represent parts of the East Bay, including Castro Valley, in the Assembly. Esteen, a registered nurse who is Black, is passionate about expanding access to health care. Kumagai, who is Japanese American, strongly favors more programs for those facing chronic mental health issues. But on balance, Kumagai, an elected member of the Dublin City Council, has more experience. (His day job is working as an aide to Assemblymember Rebecca Bauer-Kahan.) In his Bay Area Reporter endorsement questionnaire, Kumagai wrote that he has consistently advocated for pro-LGBTQ policies since becoming a councilmember. That includes getting the Pride flag flown outside City Hall – after the motion was first voted down, Kumagai stated that he brought the item back and it was passed. He’s also worked with the city to have it self-evaluate using the Human Rights Campaign’s Municipal Equality Index as a guide. “Our first year we achieved a score of 82, and working with staff we now have a score of 95,” he wrote.

Having more out legislators is important, and we think Kumagai will do a good job in Sacramento.

21ST DISTRICT: JAMES COLEMAN This is an open seat located on the Peninsula. Current Assemblymember Kevin Mullin (D) is not seeking reelection because he’s running for Congress. We recommend South San Francisco City Councilmember James Coleman. Coleman, a Democrat, won election to the City Council two years ago and since then has led on various issues, he wrote in his B.A.R. endorsement questionnaire. Those include getting a $5 an hour hazard pay raise for essential workers and implementing a guaranteed income pilot program that provides $500 a month for 12 months to 160 families. He is running on a progressive platform and is the only LGBTQ candidate in the race.

24TH DISTRICT: ALEX LEE Bi Assemblymember Alex Lee (D-San Jose) has been outspoken since being elected two years ago. Lee is a progressive who is working to push more of his colleagues to the left, especially on the issue of singlepayer health care. This year he is in a tight reelection race. We like his energy and endorse him for reelection.

26TH DISTRICT: EVAN LOW Gay Assemblymember Evan Low (DCampbell) has been an effective advocate for his constituents. He has authored bills benefitting the LGBTQ community, such as the ban on conversion therapy for minors that is now state law. Last year, he authored a bill that Newsom signed that calls for big box retailers to have gender-neutral toy aisles. Low moved into this new district, and we endorse him for reelection.

STATE SENATE DISTRICT 10: NO ENDORSEMENT Fremont Mayor Lily Mei was the only candidate in this open race who returned our endorsement questionnaire. Yet, we have reservations about Mei dating from her time on the Fremont school board when she initially voted against marking Harvey Milk Day in honor of the slain gay San Francisco supervisor. The Alameda County Democratic Party took the extreme step of deeming her anti-LGBTQIA+, meaning that it wouldn’t endorse her. While Mei stated in her questionnaire that she appointed her city’s first transgender youth commissioner and joined fellow Mayors Against LGBTQ Discrimination and marched in a Boston Pride parade, we think another candidate is probably a better fit for this East Bay district. t

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SF ballot measure recommendations T here are eight ballot propositions that San Francisco voters will decide on the June 7 ballot.

PROPOSITION A: MUNI RELIABILITY AND STREET SAFETY BOND. YES. This would allow the City and County of San Francisco to issue $400 million in general obligation bonds to fund improvements for the San Francisco Municipal Transportation Agency. According to the voter guide, these would include increasing reliability, safety, and frequency; reducing delays; improving disabled access and equity; increasing subway capacity; and improving pedestrian, bicycle, and traffic safety.

There are many other goals as well, such as improving Muni’s deteriorating bus yards and redesigning streets and sidewalks. The mayor and a unanimous Board of Supervisors placed this on the ballot. The bond will help get the city back on track after more than two years of the COVID pandemic that decimated transit ridership, and the fares that go along with that. Bonds are a good way to improve infrastructure, and Prop A would allow the city to leverage federal matching funds. Vote Yes on Prop A.

guide. We see this as increasing transparency.

Vote Yes on Prop B.

Cynthia Laird

Proposition A would issue general obligation bonds to fund Muni improvements and street safety.

PROPOSITION B: BUILDING INSPECTION COMMISSION. YES. In light of the recent City Hall corruption scandals tied to the Department of Building Inspection, the Board of Supervisors placed Prop B, a charter amendment, on the ballot with a unanimous vote. It would change the structure of the Building Inspection Commission by removing designated industry seats and allowing qualified members of the public to serve instead. Three seats would require subject matter expertise, much like the Historical Preservation Commission. Nominees would also be required to go through a public hearing process, while the mayor would have the power to hire or fire the director, providing greater accountability, according to proponents’ statement in the voter

PROPOSITION C: RECALL TIMELINES AND VACANCY APPOINTMENTS. NO. We editorialized against this a few months ago. (https:// www.ebar.com/news/news//313288) The Board of Supervisors put this charter amendment on the ballot with a 7-4 vote. Prop C would change the rules for city recall elections.

We think it is undemocratic because if a city official is recalled, the candidate appointed by the mayor would only be a placeholder and unable to run for the seat themselves in the next regular election if that election is more than 12 months away. This looks like an effort timed with the recall of San Francisco District Attorney Chesa Boudin, because if successful, the new DA named by Mayor London Breed could not run in 2023. It should be the voters who weigh in on these replacement candidates, as they will in November with the three commissioners Breed named to the school board after their predecessors were recalled. (Prop C does not apply to them because they’re within 12 months of a regularly scheduled election.)

Vote No on Prop C. See page 6 >>

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Politics >>

May 19-25, 2022 • Bay Area Reporter • 5

On the occasion of his 92nd birthday, Harvey Milk continues to inspire

by Matthew S. Bajko

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hen the co-owners of the first gay bar in the southern Croatian city of Dubrovnik were considering what to call their establishment, they found inspiration from California. Milk, which opened May 7 in the historic center of the popular tourist destination on the Adriatic Sea, takes its name from the late gay San Francisco supervisor Harvey Milk.

“The name was inspired by Harvey Milk, an American politician and activist who fought for the rights of homosexuals,” co-owner Vicko Lazo told the publication Slobodna Dalmacija.

“Milk is the first public homosexual to be elected to public office in California or San Francisco. After all, the name is effective, easy to remember for both locals and foreigners.”

Milk, who would have celebrated his 92nd birthday Sunday, May 22, continues to inspire people across the globe 45 years after his historic election to a seat on the San Francisco Board of Supervisors. He represented two of the city’s most famous neighborhoods, the hippie enclave of the Haight and the then-burgeoning LGBTQ Castro district.

Tragically, Milk was gunned down inside City Hall a mere 11 months into his first term on November 27, 1978.

Disgruntled former supervisor Dan White also killed then-mayor George Moscone that morning.

Over the years Milk became a global icon for the LGBTQ community, with cities in various countries honoring him with streets and plazas bearing his name. Since 2010 the state of California has marked May 22 as Harvey Milk Day, with an annual gubernatorial proclamation issued to denote the day of special significance.

“As evidenced by the 2008 Oscarwinning biopic ‘Milk,’ his message of compassion and hope rings as true today as it did almost forty years ago,” writes playwright and performer Justin Elizabeth Sayre in their new book “From Gay to Z: A Queer Compendium” (Chronicle Books, $24.95) released May 10. “As Milk always reminded us, ‘You gotta give ’em hope.’”

Ahead of this year’s Milk Day observance Queer Serial History Podcast creator Devlyn Camp released the first two episodes of their seven-part series “Give ‘Em Hell” profiling the late gay supervisor Harry Britt, who was appointed as Milk’s successor by thenmayor Dianne Feinstein. It features unheard interviews between historian Will Roscoe and Britt about his time in office, as the Bay Area Reporter’s online LGBTQ Agenda column noted May 17.

Also featured in the series is the audio will that Milk had recorded in case he was killed. The remaining episodes will be released over the coming weeks and can be found at https://www.mattachinepod.com/harrybritt.

Various events will be held May 22 in San Francisco to mark Milk Day. The Harvey Milk LGBTQ Democratic Club, the Castro LGBTQ Cultural District, the Castro/Upper Market Community Benefit District, and the Friends of Harvey Milk Plaza are once again taking the lead in planning the city’s observance.

A block party in honor of Milk will be held from noon to 5 p.m. in Jane Warner Plaza, the public parklet at the intersection of Castro, 17th, and Market streets. After a roughly hourlong program music will be provided by mobile disco BAAAHS, short for the Big-Ass Amazingly Awesome Homosexual Sheep, and its flock of DJs. Invited speakers include friends and colleagues of Milk’s, including Kent Denning and Medora Payne Sobottka, and local elected officials such as gay District 8 Supervisor Rafael Mandelman, who represents the Castro and is scheduled to return from

12/10/21 3:20 PM

4115 19th Street San Francisco, CA 94114

415.356.2260 Dan Nicoletta

Supervisor Harvey Milk, left, joined then-Mayor George Moscone and then-Supervisor Carol Ruth Silver at the Empress Coronation on January 28, 1978.

a junket to Israel that morning. Newly appointed gay District 6 Supervisor Matt Dorsey will also give remarks.

Sobottka, 58, who grew up on Liberty Street in a politically active Unitarian family, would get her film rolls developed at Milk’s camera store in the Castro and later, as a teenager, volunteered there during his unsuccessful bid for state Assembly in 1976. She returned in 1977 to help elect him to his supervisor seat, though she told the B.A.R. she remembers more the night that Milk lost to Art Agnos in the legislative race.

“I was really excited when he won but I remember the one he lost to Agnos more. I was at the quote unquote hopefully victory party at the Island restaurant. My friend and I came up with a victory song,” said Sobottka, a straight woman and teacher in Davis who told the B.A.R. has a lot of lesbian friends. “I worked on that (supervisor) campaign too but I don’t remember if I went to what turned out to be his victory party. I went to go to the camera shop the next day and say ‘Woo-hoo!’ with everybody. I was always very sad that I never did go to visit him in City Hall.”

Noting that Milk’s birthday is 11 days after her own, Sobottka recalled that the two were on a first name basis, though she “took her marching orders” from his campaign manager. Admitting that she is “the worst procrastinator in the world,” Sobottka hadn’t decided what the theme of her talk would be or written it yet when she spoke to the B.A.R. May 12.

Had Milk lived and continued on with his political career, he may not have become such a globally revered figure in the fight for LGBTQ rights, suggested Sobottka.

“I think it was because of the circumstances of his death and Moscone’s death,” she said when asked about Milk’s iconic status today. “I think if he had just served out his term and maybe went on to other things it would not have been such a cause célèbre. I don’t know if every single cause needs a – I don’t want to say martyr – it puts him up another notch.”

The Castro Theatre will be screening the restored 35mm version of the Oscar-winning 1984 documentary “The Times of Harvey Milk” on Milk Day. The movie debuted at the historic theater and in recent years has been shown there for the unofficial state holiday.

This year, the theater is also showing “The Ruth Brinker Story,” a documentary about the founder of Project Open Hand. Brinker began the nonprofit to help feed people living with AIDS in the mid-1980s. She died at the age of 89 in 2011.

The Milk documentary will screen at 11 a.m. followed by the Brinker film at 2 p.m. A double feature of both movies begins at 3 p.m. All of the screenings are free and un-ticketed, with seating on a first come, first serve basis.

A special benefit screening of the Brinker film will take place at 6 p.m. and includes a panel discussion and a

post-film reception in the Castro Theatre mezzanine. Tickets cost $50 and must be purchased in advance online at https://BrinkerStory.givesmart.com.

“As stewards of the LGBTQ icon that is the Castro Theatre, Another Planet is honored to help facilitate this special day which celebrates the lives and legacies of two community icons, Harvey Milk and Ruth Brinker,” stated Mary Conde, senior vice president for Another Planet Entertainment who is in charge of the overall Castro Theatre Project. “This is exactly the sort of collegial, community partnership we look forward to continuing in years to come.”

In addition to a celebration, Milk Day is also a time for people to reflect on the status of LGBTQ issues, said organizers, with Republican-led statehouses restricting the rights of their LGBTQ citizens, particularly transgender youth, and a pending ruling from the U.S. Supreme Court that could not only overturn a federal right to abortion but also same-sex marriage and other civil rights.

“With the skyrocketing number of anti-LGBTQ bills filed over the past several years, from 41 in 2018 to 238 in just the first three months of 2022, this Harvey Milk Day is a crucial moment to live out the words of Harvey Milk as we face the onslaught of homophobia and transphobia across the country,” stated Jeffrey Kwong, a gay man who is the Milk club’s vice president of events and fundraising.

For more information about this year’s event, visit its Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/events/252 848707001848/?ref=newsfeed

Gay SF leaders host fundraiser for Esteen

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Two of Milk’s gay successors on the Board of Supervisors, Mandelman and When you plan your life celebration and lasting remembrance in Bevan Dufty, who served in the Disadvance, you can design every detail of your own unique memorial trict 8 seat in the 2000s, are co-hosting and provide your loved ones with true peace of mind. Planning ahead When your celebration lasting a fundraiser for gay registered nurse protectsyou your plan loved ones fromlife unnecessary stress and and financial burden, When you remembrance plan your celebration and lasting in allowing themlife to focus what will matter at design that remembrance time—you. and union leader Jennifer Esteen, in on advance, youmost can every aiming to be the state’s first Blackadvance, feyou canofdesign every detail of your ownand unique memorial detail own memorial provide Contact usyour today about theunique beautiful ways to create a lasting legacy male LGBTQ legislator. Like the three atyour theloved San Francisco Columbarium. loved ones with true peace mind.

Planning ahead your ones with true peace ofof mind.

Planning San Francisco out leaders, Esteenand is provide Jewish. protects your loved ones from unnecessary stress and financial ahead protectsProudly yourserving loved onesCommunity. from unnecessary burden, the LGBT She is running in the June 7 primary allowing them focus on whatburden, will matter most them at thattotime—you. stresstoand financial allowing for the East Bay’s open 20th Assembly District seat. Gay Dublin City Councilfocus on what will matter most at that time—you. member Shawn Kumagai is alsoContact vyus today about the beautiful ways to create a lasting legacy ing to succeed Assemblymember Bill at the San Contact FranciscousColumbarium. today about the beautiful ways to create Quirk (D-Hayward), who opted not to seek reelection this year and has ena lasting legacy at the San Francisco Columbarium. dorsed labor leader Liz Ortega, who is One Loraine Ct. | San Francisco | 415-771-0717 Proudly serving our Community. straight, in the race. The top two voteSanFranciscoColumbarium.com Proudly serving the LGBT Community. getters next month will advance to the FD 1306 / COA 660 November general election.

Lesbian Rabbi Sydney Mintz of Congregation Emanu-el in San Francisco is also lending her name to the fundraiser being held from 5 to 7 p.m.

Tuesday, May 31, at Dufty’s home in the Castro district. Suggested donations beginning at $100 are being asked of attendees.

To RSVP and receive the address for One Loraine Ct. | San Francisco | 415-771-0717 the event, email bevan.dufty@gmail. com t SanFranciscoColumbarium.com

The benefits are immense.

FD 1306 / COA 660

<< Commentary

6 • Bay Area Reporter • May 19-25, 2022

This dichotomy we live in

by Gwendolyn Ann Smith

in lesbian flag and bi flag colors, is sold off the rack at Target stores nationwide, alongside all sorts of Pridethemed merchandise. Genderqueer Pride flags are stocked alongside intersex socks, while even binders and packer-friendly undershorts can be snapped up at one of the nation’s largest retailers.

Likewise, at Disney, its carefullytitled Rainbow collection is renamed as the Pride collection, perhaps in recognition of its battle against Florida Republican Governor Ron DeSantis’ signing the “Don’t Say Gay” bill into law.

As an aside, I can’t help but note that Disney was initially playing coy, making donations to DeSantis and other anti-LGBTQ politicians in Florida, while providing only the weakest of responses to the bill. It has been

interesting to watch the Mouse try to pick a lane. he big trend in popular culture Even with the new name, this still is the multiverse, as seen in films feels cautious, attempting to show like “Doctor Strange and the Multithat it will be donating to LGBTQ verse of Madness” and “Everything groups as a way to, perhaps, absolve Everywhere All at Once.” In these itself of the past – but I digress. movies you see the unusual interacMy local big city is gearing up for its tions when radically different realities annual Pride event, returning to the collide. streets in defiance of the current rise Perhaps the current popularity of in cases of the current coronavirus this particular story trope is because, variant. People are, seemingly, tired in a way, it seems as if we are in mulof being cautious, and want to go out tiple realities. and party. I honestly do not blame On my desk as I write this is a new them, even as I remain far more cautoy for the household feline. Shaped tious about my own health and wellvaguely to resemble a bee, this catnipbeing, as well as that of my partner. infused plaything is banded not in yelI want to think of this place, with its low and black, but in the pink, blue, trans Pride flag cat toys and massive and white colors of the trans Pride Pride events as, oh, Universe-A. It’s flag. where we can merrily wear our blindThis toy, along with companions ers, forgetting if but for a moment that 1,000,000 people died thanks to COVID-19. It’s a place where it’s 25 new “Below Market Rate” homes for sale at as if the Donald Trump presidency 88 At The Park (88 Arkansas Street) never happened, and we went straight from the declarations of “hope” of the 3 studios, 12 one-bedrooms and 10 two-bedroom homes Obama era into the Biden presidency. priced from $342,045 – $468,680 with parking and Happy days are here again, and we $302,492 – $414,912 without parking. have nothing to fear.

Yet we are also, concurrently, existApplicants must be first-time homebuyers and cannot ing in Universe-B. This is the universe exceed the following income levels: where an anti-Semitic, racist, antitransgender gunman went to a Buf100% of Area Median Income falo, New York supermarket and killed One person - $93,250; 2 persons - $106,550; 10 people, mostly Black. The world 3 persons - $119,900; 4 persons - $133,200 etc. where his rhetoric of the “great reApplications must be received by 5PM on Friday, July 1, 2022. Apply online placement” and “transing the youth” through DAHLIA, the SF Housing Portal at https://housing.sfgov.org. Due are shared by all too many people and, to COVID-19, applicants will apply online as we are not accepting paper of course, all too many conservative applications. Applicants must complete first-time homebuyer education politicians and mouthpieces. and obtain a loan pre-approval from an approved participating lender.

Even with some recent victories, we are still seeing laws put on the books For more information or assistance with your application, contact HomeownershipSF at (415) 202-5464 or info@homeownershipsf.org. For in many states that bar transgender questions about the building and units, contact the Sales Office at (415) people – mostly young trans kids – 829-7813 or bmr@88atthepark.com. from participating in school sports and using the proper restUnits available through the San Francisco Mayor’s Office of Housing and room. We’re seeing our care Community Development and are subject to monitoring and other restriclabeled as abuse, and our tions. Visit www.sfmohcd.org for program information.r restrictions. Visit www.sfmohcd.org for program information. medical needs turned into felonies.

We’re also seeing violent rhetoric against transgenPillarCapital_2x4_BMR.indd 1 5/12/22 12:10 PM der people grow hotter and hotter, with a dozen or so known anti-transgender killings already in the United States this year.

Our world, this Universe-B, is not a safe place.

January 17, 1957 – It’s certainly not the sort of place April 4, 2022 where one expects to see catnip toys in trans flag colors at the local big box William Alan Stern, age 65, passed peacefully on April 4, 2022, in his store.

San Francisco home.

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WILLIAM ALAN STERN

Born on January 17th, 1957, Bill was raised in Bolton, CT. He attended Bolton High School and went on to the University of Connecticut and studied abroad at the University of Paris, Sorbonne, France. He received his master’s degree in the History of Art and Architecture from the University of Massachusetts, Amherst. He then spent two summer terms at Trinity College, Oxford, England, and later went on to receive his Ph.D. in Art History at the University of California, Santa Barbara. While attending classes there, he taught undergraduate courses in Art History, served a two-year term as Graduate Student President and founded and edited a publication titled Thresholds: Viewing Culture. After successfully completing his education, he moved to San Francisco.

Throughout his life, Bill adored theater, poetry, literature, fine art, films and photography. He was an accomplished pianist and guitarist.

Bill always had a guitar close at hand and was still writing and recording new songs until his passing. He also loved exploring new places and cultures and traveled extensively.

Bill received his certification in Swedish & Deep tissue massage in order to support many others in the HIV+ and AIDS community with restorative touch. In 2000, his compassion and drive for giving back compelled him to found his own non-profit organization, Positive Being. This is an inspiring organization whose primary goal is to bring together the power of touch, empathy and community through massage, retreats and educational workshops.

Bill was preceded in death by his father, William Frederick, and is survived by his mother, Victoria, brother, Timothy and wife Barbara, his sister Allison and husband Michael, nephew Nick and his partner Lani, nephew Dan and his wife Brittney, as well as beloved aunts, uncles, cousins and friends.

In lieu of flowers, we are asking anyone who would like to donate to please give to either Positive Being or Shanti Project https://positivebeingsf.org/pages/donor.html https://www.shanti.org/donate/

William_Alan_Stern_3x12.indd 1

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Editorial

From page 4

PROPOSITION D: OFFICE OF VICTIM AND WITNESS RIGHTS; LEGAL SERVICES FOR DOMESTIC VIOLENCE VICTIMS. YES. This measure would create an Office of Victim and Witness Rights, a new city department. Four supervisors placed Prop D on the ballot. The office would establish a one-year pilot program to provide free legal services for domestic violence victims starting July 1, 2023. The Board of Supervisors would determine subsequent funding through the city’s budget process. Currently, victims must navigate a maze of bureaucracy through several departments.

Prop D would streamline that process. Domestic violence victims face enough hurdles – they should be able to more easily access services. Vote Yes on Prop D. PROPOSITION E: BEHESTED PAYMENTS. YES. A behested payment is a donation solicited by a public official to benefit either a government agency or a private organization. Five supervisors placed Prop E on the ballot. It

5/17/22 3:01 PM

Christine Smith

I’m honestly no stranger to liminal spaces, but it feels damned strange to walk in two worlds like this. I can’t mentally shore up this dichotomy.

Happy corporate merchandise and big community parties in a world that makes it clearer every day that they don’t just want us quiet – they want us dead.

I don’t have a real answer to it all, either. I know that living in fear doesn’t solve anything, and we do need some joy. We surely cannot keep going without being able to celebrate ourselves. Our jubilation is a part of our resilience, and vital to our very existence.

I’m not saying it’s bad to see binders and trans Pride cat toys at Target. Indeed, I think it says a lot about how far we have come in this capitalist hellscape we live in. Our needs and our symbols are now palatable enough in popular culture that a major company will ex-

ploit them for a dollar. It’s a victory, if a fairly odd and twisted one.

Yet at the same time, we cannot walk around with rose-colored glasses, pretending that we are not living under a very dark shadow. We need space for our anger, our sorrow, and yes, our fears. We are one maladapted bigot away from another major tragedy as we step out into Pride Month, and I don’t feel like we’ve done enough to really address that in any real way.

I want to say that, in the midst of all the anti-trans rhetoric, in the morass of bills and laws, and in this time where the specter of violence and murder is in sharper focus than ever, that maybe, just maybe, there’s a chance of a better world: the one where we can celebrate like UniverseA, but where the celebration is thanks for the end of the nightmares of this Universe-B we’re all standing in.

I want to fight for Universe-C. t

would amend the city’s existing law with two additions: members of the board could not seek behested payments if the board had approved a beneficiary’s contracts; and the board can only amend the behested payments law if the city’s Ethics Commission approves proposed amendments by a majority vote and then the Board of Supervisors approves them with a twothirds vote. While Prop E may affect some organizations’ ability to raise funds, we believe transparency and accountability are more important and that behested payments present too great a risk of corruption. Vote Yes on Prop E.

and had agreed to refunds. This is not a measure against Recology workers who pick up trash and recycling. It’s a good government measure to rein in a system that is prone to overcharging. Vote Yes on Prop F.

PROPOSITION F: REFUSE COLLECTION AND DISPOSAL. YES. The Board of Supervisors voted unanimously to place this on the ballot. Prop F would restructure membership of the Refuse Rate Board, change the process by which rates and regulations are set, and implement rules governing how future changes are made.

The city controller would assume new duties as the refuse rate administrator. Recently, it was revealed that Recology, a private company that provides refuse services, was allowed to overcharge customers by up to $200 million

Gwen Smith wants to rest under her own vine and fig tree. You’ll find her at www.gwensmith.com

PROPOSITION G: PUBLIC HEALTH EMERGENCY LEAVE. YES. Under this measure, private employers and the city would be required to provide paid leave to employees for public health emergencies. The Board of Supervisors voted unanimously to place Prop G on the ballot and stated in the voter guide that the COVID pandemic revealed massive gaps in protections for essential workers and increased wildfires are causing more unhealthy air quality days each year. Such emergency leave would kick in during any public health emergency. It’s a commonsense policy that empowers workers to protect themselves. Vote Yes on Prop G. PROPOSITION H: RECALL MEASURE REGARDING CHESA BOUDIN: NO. We editorialized for a no vote on Prop H in our April 28 issue. For the editorial, go to https://www.ebar.com/news/ news/315052.t

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Community News>>

May 19-25, 2022 • Bay Area Reporter • 7

SF poster series highlights nonbinary artist compiled by Cynthia Laird

T

he San Francisco Arts Commission’s second Art on Market Street poster series for 2022 highlights a Black nonbinary artist.

The installation, titled “The Tale of Daisy and Gaia,” illustrates the family history and memoir of local comic artist and UC Berkeley art lecturer Gaia WXYZ (pronounced guy-ah wize), and their great-grandmother, Daisy, both of whom moved to San Francisco and the Bay Area nearly a century apart, according to a news release from the arts commission.

One year after moving to the Bay Area from Florida, WXYZ learned that their paternal greatgrandmother, Daisy Marcella Manning, made a similar move to San Francisco, albeit from Jamaica by way of Costa Rica and Panama, in 1918. From this shared serendipitous connection, WXYZ created a set of 12 posters in a mix of vibrant color and sepia tones to tell the respective stories of two people, generations apart, who share a dual narrative and love for San Francisco, the release stated.

“This project was the biggest comic I have ever made, both physically and metaphorically,” WXYZ stated. “I am deeply honored to tell the story of the connection between myself and my great-grandmother.”

The posters were unveiled earlier this month on 18 transit kiosks on Market Street between Hyde Street and the Embarcadero, the release stated.

Now in its 30th year, the Art on Market Street Kiosk Poster Series program has partnered with over 120 artists since its inception, commissioning over $1.2 million in artwork by local artists, showcasing a wide breadth of styles, themes, and topics centered around San Francisco, the release noted.

“Since the program began in 1992, the arts commission has worked with local artists to bring vitality, life, and San Francisco’s unique flair to Market Street,” stated Ralph Remington, the city’s director of cultural affairs.

Up to four artists annually are commissioned by the arts commission, in partnership with the San Francisco Municipal Transportation Agency, for the project.

“It is a joy to be able to travel down Market Street on a bus or one of our historic streetcars and see the bright and vibrant posters lining this important transit corridor,” stated Jeffrey Tumlin, a gay man who is the city’s director of transportation.

Mural restoration effort meets goal

Efforts to raise funds to restore “The Hope for a World Cure” mural in the Castro have been successful, according to gay District 8 Supervisor Rafael Mandelman’s office.

As the Bay Area Reporter previously reported, Mandelman and Precita Eyes Muralists founding director Susan Cervantes launched a GoFundMe campaign earlier this month to raise $55,000 to fully restore the mural, which was painted in 1998 and commemorates the LGBTQ neighborhood’s struggle with the AIDS crisis. Over the years the mural has faded and it’s also been subjected to vandalism, most recently in January.

Jackie Thornhill, a legislative aide for Mandelman, told the B.A.R. that Cervantes secured the rest of the funding so the GoFundMe campaign, which raised nearly $4,000, was ended.

Thornhill stated that a community meeting is planned for Saturday, May 28, at 4:30 p.m. at the Eureka Valley/Harvey Milk Memorial branch of the San Francisco Public Library, 1 José Sarria Court. The meeting will be to discuss the logistics of the process and next steps.

Castro meeting room set to reopen

The Castro LGBTQ Cultural District, Auto Erotica, and the Castro Country Club have announced the reopening of the Castro Community Meeting Room, located upstairs in the Bank of America building at 501 Castro Street.

The meeting room has been

Courtesy SF Arts Commission

Gaia WXYZ, a Black nonbinary artist, is the latest to have their installation part of the Art on Market Street poster series.

closed the last two years due to the COVID pandemic. It is expected to reopen June 1, a news release stated.

The room, which opened in 2000 through the efforts of Patrick Batt, a gay man who’s the owner of Auto Erotica; his friend the late Lion Barnett, a gay man who was involved in neighborhood efforts; and Bank of America, is a private space for nonprofit neighborhood and community groups to hold meetings and other small events.

The room has elevator access and is a safe, convenient space, the release noted.

Brandon Stanton, manager at the Castro Country Club, a clean and sober gathering space in the LGBTQ neighborhood, will manage the community room, according to the release.

“I’m excited to partner with the Castro Country Club and the hiring of Brandon as the room manager will ensure a seamless reopening of this long-standing community resource,” Batt stated. “Thanks also go out to the Castro LGBTQ Cultural District.”

The rent for the room is a modest $25 per meeting. Hours of operation are 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. and it’s available most days of the year, the release stated.

“We are very happy to provide support to this reactivation of this community meeting space,” stated Tina Valentin Aguirre, a nonbinary person who’s manager of the cultural district. “Many thanks to Patrick and the fabulous leadership of the Castro Country Club.”

To sign up to use the meeting room, go to https://www.castrocountryclub.org/ccmr

Memorial fund set up to honor Stuart Loomis

Friends of the late retired San Francisco State University professor Stuart Loomis have set up a memorial fund to support a project in which he was active in Oaxaca, Mexico.

Mr. Loomis, a gay man who was involved in various causes when he lived in San Francisco, died January 17 in the Mexican city where he had lived for many years. He was 102. (https://ebar. com/news/news/312269)

In an email, Bob Anyon, president of the Friends of the Oaxaca Learning Center, wrote that the Mexican nonprofit helps underserved Oaxaca youth transform their lives and communities.

“Stuart was instrumental in its formation with another gay rights activist, Gary Titus,” Anyon wrote.

“The program is celebrating its 17th year of serving youth and has helped over 3,000 students to date.”

Anyon added that after Mr. Loomis’ passing, the memorial fund was set up with the goal of significantly improving the computer lab at the center. “Stuart’s vision was to make the lab a robust place where students are able to learn coding, graphics, and use up-todate educational applications.”

To make a tax-deductible donation, go to https://www.tolc.org. mx/donate.

ALRP donor reception

The AIDS Legal Referral Panel will hold a reception for major donors Wednesday, May 25, from 5 to 7:30 p.m. at Fable restaurant, 558 Castro Street in San Francisco.

See page 14 >>

<< Community News

8 • Bay Area Reporter • May 19-25, 2022

CA trans prisoners file to intervene in anti-trans lawsuit

by Eric Burkett

F

our trans women currently incarcerated in California prisons have filed a motion to intervene in a lawsuit that, if successful, would undermine their right to serve out their prison terms in women’s prisons. In a separate, unrelated action, one of the original plaintiffs, Women II Women, has petitioned to be dismissed from the case.

That lawsuit, filed November 17, 2021 by four other women, seeks for the courts to declare Senate Bill 132 – authored by gay state Senator Scott Wiener (D-San Francisco) – unconstitutional under both the state and federal constitutions. A motion to intervene petitions the court to allow someone not named as a party to an action to become a party.

The motion, filed May 9 in United States District Court for the Eastern District of California in Fresno, would, if allowed, permit the four transgender women – Katie Brown, Kelli Blackwell, Tremayne Carroll, and Jennifer Rose – to participate in the lawsuit because they “have direct interests in defeating plaintiffs’ challenge to SB 132, and the court’s resolution of that challenge will directly affect the proposed individual intervenors’ personal safety and their protected rights,” the motion states.

“Allowing the proposed intervenors to become parties to this case is the only way for the court to ensure that those who have the most at stake in this litigation – the [transgender and intersex] people whose safety and dignity SB 132 seeks to protect – are fully represented,” the motion continues. “And it is the court’s best opportunity to understand fully the perspectives of incarcerated TGI peo-

Courtesy ABC30

The Central California Women’s Facility is in Chowchilla.

ple in deciding questions that are matters of life and death for them.”

“If these plaintiffs get what they want, I’ll be sent back to a men’s prison, where I would face relentless sexual harassment and the constant threat of rape,” said Carroll. “That was my reality for years, and I am terrified to go back. I am a woman, and I don’t belong in a men’s prison,” Lambda Legal Defense and Education Fund staff attorney Nora Huppert, in a news release, called the effort to overturn SB 132 “bigoted.” Lambda Legal and the American Civil Liberties Union of Southern California filed the motion to intervene on behalf of the four trans prisoners.

“SB 132 has been the law in California for more than a year, and we are intervening to defend it from the bigoted distortions and flagrant misrepresentations of the anti-trans groups challenging this law,” Huppert stated.

“Transgender people in prisons are extremely vulnerable and are disproportionately subject to harassment

and violent assault. California must do more, not less, to protect incarcerated transgender people.”

Indeed, some of the testimony provided by the four trans women is horrific.

Rose further testified, after already stating that she had been sexually assaulted twice, that she has “also been physically assaulted.” For instance, on September 13, 2016, while incarcerated at a different facility designated for men, “I was brutally attacked by [California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation] staff. While I was facing a locker with my hands up, two officers tackled me, beat me, struck my head and face repeatedly, pinned me, and called me a ‘faggot.’

They then continued punching me in the head and placed me in handcuffs to transport me to a medical clinic,” she stated.

“On the way to the clinic,” she continued, “I was transferred into the custody of two other officers. While I was handcuffed and defenseless, these

YOU.

officers body-slammed me to the asphalt track and dropped their knees and body weight onto my back and head. I was pinned, bleeding from a serious head injury, and unable to inhale. These officers then ordered me to be placed in leg restraints and a spit mask. Afterwards, I was transported to the clinic, where my requests for medical care were ignored for several hours until I was finally transferred to a hospital for emergency care.”

As the Bay Area Reporter previously reported, SB 132 was signed into law by Governor Gavin Newsom in 2020 and went into effect the following January.

The law allows incarcerated transgender people to ask for a transfer to a state prison or detention center that matches their gender identity.

The law requires that CDCR record each individual’s self-reported gender identity, gender pronouns, and honorifics. It also requires CDCR to house transgender people at correctional facilities based on their preference, whether that be by their gender identity or sex assigned at birth. All CDCR staff, contractors, and volunteers must consistently use the gender pronouns and honorifics that the individual has requested in all communications with or regarding them, according to the law.

The plaintiffs insist that SB 132 is too broad and allows anyone to simply state they are a woman in order to transfer to a women’s prison.

“You don’t even have to claim to be a woman,” said Candice Jackson, the plaintiff’s attorney. “All you have to do is claim an intersex or nonbinary identity.”

Jackson and attorney Lauren Adams of the Women’s Liberation Front are representing the four plaintiffs.

Jackson, a lesbian who said she doesn’t believe that trans women are women, pointed to a story in the Los Angeles Times which, she said, cited examples of men doing just that.

The story, however, doesn’t say that.

It does cite instances where prison staffers are “stirring up transphobia” and it also notes that there have been several

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instances of men attempting to transfer to women’s facilities under false pretenses. The story quotes Jasmine Jones, a legal assistant at the Transgender, Gender-Variant, and Intersex Justice Project, who told the Times that SB 132 “should have first focused on those who have transitioned or are in the process of transitioning before allowing for others to transfer.”

Jackson acknowledged there is no data on the numbers of female prisoners who have been attacked by trans prisoners who have transferred to women’s prisons, however.

The original suit is on behalf of four women who are incarcerated and Woman II Woman, a nonprofit run by formerly incarcerated women.

The civil complaint alleges that SB 132 violates parts of the federal Constitution: the Eighth Amendment’s prohibition against cruel and unusual punishment; the First Amendment’s protections of freedom of speech and religion, because of the pronoun and honorific requirements; and the 14th Amendment’s equal protection clause, because the law allegedly “imposes on female offenders increased risks of physical assault.”

The suit also alleges violations of the California Constitution’s prohibition against cruel and unusual punishment; the protection of freedom of speech; the protection of freedom of religion; the equal protection clause; and protections of the right to privacy.

“There is no application of SB 132 that avoids violating the constitutional rights of the individual plaintiffs, and the other incarcerated women on whose behalf plaintiff Woman II Woman advocates,” the civil complaint states.

Woman II Woman, however, was dismissed May 10 from the case by Judge Jennifer Thurston after the organization petitioned for the dismissal. The group, which is still relatively new, had realized that the lawsuit was taking it away from its core mission, said Jackson. With that, it needed to step back, Jackson added. t

Scott Wazlowski

Supervisor Rafael Mandelman introduced a resolution May 10 that would enhance the city landmark status of the Castro Theatre.

<<

Castro Theatre

From page 1

“Another Planet Entertainment remains opaque in terms of their plans,” said Aguirre, who identifies as a genderqueer Latinx person, in a phone interview with the Bay Area Reporter. “They have not shared much of anything in terms of commitments to queer culture producers.”

Aguirre pointed to the lack of contracts for events in 2023 as one example of APE’s lack of commitment to maintaining a strong focus on LGBTQ-centered programming. David Perry, a gay man and spokesperson for APE, disagreed with that assessment.

With significant renovations planned at the theater, Perry said,

to say nothing of the anticipated length of the approval process as plans drawn up for the cinema wend their way through the San Francisco Planning Commission, it simply isn’t possible to commit now to any programs for next year.

“We don’t know when the theater is going to reopen,” he said. “It goes through a process and we’re not in control of the process. The preliminary drawings are just that, preliminary.”

While plans for a follow-up meeting have been discussed with Mary Conde, senior vice president of Another Planet, no date has yet been set. Mandelman “will remain available to facilitate dialogue,” said his gay legislative aide Jacob Bintliff.

In the interim, Another Planet See page 14 >>

t

Community News>>

May 19-25, 2022 • Bay Area Reporter • 9

SF gay man drops woman from libel suit

by Eric Burkett

G

ay San Francisco health advocate Gary McCoy has dropped one of the defendants in the $1.9 million lawsuit he filed May 9 after she reposted a Twitter meme accusing McCoy of murdering 1,500 people at the Tenderloin Linkage Center. He is still suing the alleged source of the offending tweet, an individual who goes by what is assumed to be a pseudonym, Karl Brandt, although that person’s identity has not yet been confirmed.

The civil lawsuit, filed at San Francisco Superior Court, named personal finance guru Erica Sandberg, who has appeared on air as a personal finance expert at San Francisco-based KRON-4 and is a regular contributor to U.S. News and World Report, after she retweeted on April 18 the meme about McCoy, vice president of policy and public affairs at HealthRIGHT 360, a California-based health conglomerate. (McCoy is also a co-chair of the Alice B. Toklas LGBTQ Democratic Club and previously served as a district staffer for House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, D-San Francisco.)

The meme, initially created by the person behind the Karl Brandt Twitter account at @KarlBra47328382, was picked up by San Franciscobased Sandberg, who retweeted it to her more than 8,000 followers. It depicts a photo of McCoy on an OldWest-themed wanted poster with a caption in all caps reading “Wanted Gary McCoy harm reduction advocate for the murder of 1500 plus drug addicts at the failed Linkage Center.”

The Tenderloin Center, the new name of the linkage center, opened in January near United Nations Plaza as part of Mayor London Breed’s declaration of a state of emergency in the Tenderloin. It of-

Courtesy McCoy lawsuit

A “wanted” poster that appeared on Twitter accuses harm reduction advocate Gary McCoy of murder, prompting him to sue for libel.

fers food, water, hygiene supplies, dignity services, and social space.

The center includes referrals to behavioral health care and treatment; substance use treatment; temporary winter shelter; transitional housing; the Homeward Bound program; food coordination; vocational support; therapy and mentoring; and child and family care.

McCoy´s attorney, Alex Lemberg, who identifies as nonbinary, called the murder allegation against their client “jaw-dropping and patently false.” A spokesperson at the San Francisco Department of Public Health told the Bay Area Reporter there have been no deaths at the Tenderloin Center. The facility remains open.

The decision to drop Sandberg came before McCoy and Lemberg received an initial notice from San Francisco-based Dhillon Law Group demanding dismissal, Lemberg wrote in an email to the Bay

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Area Reporter, as McCoy had already been considering the move.

In a statement sent out by Lemberg just before hearing from Dhillon Law Group, McCoy stated, “As a person in recovery, and after much thought and consultation with my support network, I’ve decided early this morning to dismiss Ms. Sandberg from my lawsuit. While I still believe I have a solid complaint and have undoubtedly been impacted by her irresponsible actions on Twitter, I also believe that like most people that don’t agree with one another on things, we probably have more in common than not. I also believe that Ms. Sandberg didn’t directly intend for her tweet to result in the threats to my safety.”

Lemberg said they weren’t surprised by Sandberg’s actions.

“She predictably hired the services of Harmeet Dhillon, a wellknown Republican operative and Fox News correspondent, and pre-

dictably threatened an anti-SLAPP motion, which involves payment of attorney’s fees to the party who gets a favorable decision on that motion,” Lemberg stated, referring to strategic lawsuits against public participation.

“It brought up a tricky area of law, and I was fully ready and willing to appeal this as far as necessary, assuming Sandberg succeeded on an anti-SLAPP motion. Ultimately, dismissing Sandberg was a personal decision that Gary made for the reasons laid out in his press release and not because of a legal threat, which we hadn’t even received yet,” Lemberg added.

SLAPP suits are controversial and a number of organizations, including Washington, D.C.-based the Reporters Committee for Freedom of the Press, work to defend members of the press and others who might be affected by them.

“Under most anti-SLAPP statutes, the person sued makes a motion to strike the case because it involves speech on a matter of public concern,” according to the RCFP. “The plaintiff then has the burden of showing a probability that they will prevail in the suit – meaning they must show that they have evidence that could result in a favorable verdict. If the plaintiff cannot meet this burden and the suit is dismissed through anti-SLAPP proceedings, many statutes allow defendants to collect attorney’s fees from the plaintiff.”

The Dhillon Law Group did not return a message seeking comment.

With Sandber’s dismissal from the lawsuit, the case now is based solely upon the actions of the pseudonymous Karl Brandt but that person’s identity “has not been verified and that is going to take awhile, as I have to subpoena Twitter for

that information. But we filed a dismissal as to all defendants except the original poster,” said Lemberg.

“We will continue to litigate this case against the original poster of the Twitter post in question,” they said, “as the legal argument presented by Sandberg does not apply to that person.”

The use of the name Karl Brandt, according to Lemberg, is not insignificant.

“Notably, there is no living person named Karl Brandt in San Francisco,” Lemberg stated May 11, “most likely because historically, Karl Brandt was the personal physician to Adolf Hitler, sentenced to death at Nuremberg in 1946 for crimes against humanity.”

The use of Nazi emblems and swastikas appears throughout Brandt’s postings, as evidenced by the Twitter account that remained active as of May 16. The accusation that McCoy is responsible for the deaths at the Tenderloin Center strikes particularly close to home as McCoy, who has been sober for 11 years, according to Lemberg, struggled with addiction for many years and has spent much of his professional life helping others in the same situation.

In August 2021, McCoy embarked on a hunger strike outside San Francisco City Hall to try and convince city leaders to declare an emergency around the city’s growing overdose crisis. The strike lasted 60 hours before seven city supervisors were convinced to support his effort. The Tenderloin emergency declaration, approved by the Board of Supervisors after a marathon meeting December 24, was an outgrowth of that effort. t

<< Obituaries

10 • Bay Area Reporter • May 19-25, 2022

Urvashi Vaid, noted LGBTQ leader, dies

by Heather Cassell

P

ioneering Indian American LGBTQ leader, attorney, and author Urvashi Vaid died May 14. She was 63.

Ms. Vaid was a cancer survivor.

Kate Kendell, former executive director of the National Center for Lesbian Rights, and Ms. Vaid’s peer and friend, confirmed that recurring cancer was the cause of the activist’s death.

A publicist for Ms. Vaid’s partner of 33 years, the comedian Kate Clinton, told the Bay Area Reporter that Ms. Vaid died in a hospital. The National LGBTQ Task Force news release stated that she died at home. After publication of this article online, the Task Force confirmed Ms. Vaid died in a New York hospital. The Task Force was aware that Ms. Vaid was at home earlier in the week and believed she died there. The Task Force was unaware that Ms. Vaid had been moved to the hospital.

Ms. Vaid was the first female executive director of the Task Force, formerly known as the Gay and Lesbian Task Force.

Ms. Vaid led the national progressive LGBTQ rights group from 19891992. Prior to taking the helm of the organization she served as its media director, among other positions during her decade-long tenure there. She co-founded the Task Force’s popular Creating Change conference, now in its 33rd year. She resigned from the Task Force in 1995.

“Urvashi was an uncommon intellect, a loyal and good friend, a fierce and uncompromising advocate, and a relentless activist for true justice for all,” Kendell wrote in an email. Kendall is a close friend of Clinton, who often performed at NCLR galas. “I feel such grief at her loss and such honor that I knew her. The world of what is possible feels more cramped at her passing. We’ve lost a giant.”

Rex Wockner

LGBTQ leader Urvashi Vaid

Kendell currently is the chief of staff at the California Endowment.

Clinton did not respond to the B.A.R.’s request for comment.

Kierra Johnson, the current executive director at the Task Force, expressed sorrow at Ms. Vaid’s passing.

“We are devastated at the loss of one of the most influential progressive activists of our time,” Johnson stated. “Urvashi Vaid was a leader, a warrior, and a force to be reckoned with.

“She was also a beloved colleague, friend, partner, and someone we all looked up to – a brilliant, outspoken, and deeply committed activist who wanted full justice and equality for all people,” continued Johnson, who credited Ms. Vaid’s leadership, vision, and writing for helping to “shape not only the Task Force’s values and work but our entire queer movement and the larger progressive movement.

“We will strive every day to live up to her ideals and model the courage she demonstrated every day as an activist and a person. She will be deeply missed. I miss her already,” concluded Johnson.

Most recently, Ms. Vaid was instrumental in creating the American LGBTQ+ Museum, which will be housed at the New York Historical Society, and launched the National LGBTQ+ Women’s Community Survey earlier this year.

“Urvashi had a vision for what our world and our lives should be – free, proud, and full of joy and love. She wasn’t afraid to demand the change that is required and she has inspired generations of rising activists to lead with generosity and integrity,” said Richard Burns, chair of the museum’s board, recalling his close friend and colleague in a May 14 news release from the organization.

Her life

Throughout her life, Ms. Vaid championed issues related to equity and social justice.

Born in New Delhi, India, on October 8, 1958, Ms. Vaid’s family immigrated to the United States in 1966 when she was 7 years old. Her family settled in upstate New York where her father, a novelist, taught English literature at the State University of New York, Potsdam, and her mother, a poet, also taught school.

Ms. Vaid told Queer Forty that she watched the news that reported on the movements of the day regularly. “I felt like those were my people early on,” she told the magazine about connecting with the anti-war and the civil rights movements through the TV screen.

She was 10 years old when the Stonewall riots happened in 1969, she wrote in the preface of her awardwinning 1995 book, “Virtual Equality: The Mainstreaming of Gay and Lesbian Liberation.” The book was part memoir, part political manifesto, and part call to action for a real civil rights movement rather than “conditional equality” under the guise of acceptance.

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Her vision for “actual justice” had not wavered in the 27 years since she formed her criticism of “mainstreaming” the LGBTQ community and the push for equality.

“Equality is like a precondition to actual justice,” she told Queer Forty, explaining that equality is “not the end goal,” calling it “a step” on the path toward creating “maximum freedom for the maximum number of people.”

Ms. Vaid followed her groundbreaking book with “Irresistible Revolution: Confronting Race, Class and the Assumptions of LGBT Politics” (2012) and she co-edited an anthology with John D’Emilio and William Turner, titled “Creating Change: Public Policy, Sexuality and Civil Rights” (2000). She also was a columnist for the Advocate magazine and wrote many articles and essays over the years.

Ms. Vaid delivered her first political speech in junior high school.

By the time she graduated high school, she was already an anti-war, civil rights, and feminist activist.

She honed her community organizing skills at Vassar College and came out by the time she graduated. She earned her law degree at Northeastern University School of Law. After graduation, she launched her career as a staff attorney at the American Civil Liberties Union’s National Prison Project. It was there where she initiated the project’s work on HIV and AIDS in prisons, reported the Advocate.

Activism

One of Ms. Vaid’s most memorable moments of activism was when she disrupted a news conference at former President George H.W. Bush’s 1990 address on the AIDS crisis, holding a sign, “Talk Is Cheap, AIDS Funding is Not.” Her critique made waves and shed light on the failures of the Bush administration, according to the Task Force release.

“Equality is a fine aspiration.

It’s simply not enough,” she wrote in a 2014 piece on liberation. And it is the politics of liberation that shaped her career and informed her vision for the world. Ms. Vaid’s vision and passion for defending and promoting civil rights for the LGBTQ+ community led to a lifetime of changemaking, according to the release.

Ms. Vaid went on to found, cofound, lead, and serve on the boards of other organizations and political action groups.

According to Ms. Vaid’s biography on her website, she was the executive director of the Arcus Foundation, a global LGBTQ social justice funder, from 2005 to 2010 and served on its board. While at Arcus, she also led its great ape conservation program. She was deputy director of the Ford Foundation’s Governance and Civil Society Unit from 2001 to 2005.

She co-founded the Donors of Color Network, the first cross-racial network connecting individuals of color to leverage their giving for racial equity. She also co-founded the National LGBTQ Anti-Poverty Action Network at NCLR, the National LGBT/HIV Criminal Justice Working Group, the Equality Federation, and the National Religious Leadership Roundtable.

Ms. Vaid also served on the board of the Gill Foundation from 2004 to 2014. In 2012, she launched LPAC, the first lesbian political action committee. LPAC has since invested millions of dollars in queer and progressive women candidates for political office who are committed to social justice through legislation.

Ms. Vaid also served as a senior fellow and director of the Engaging Tradition Project at Columbia

t

Law School’s Center for Gender and Sexuality Law. Prior to that, she was a senior fellow at the Social Justice Sexuality Project at the Graduate Center of the City University of New York, according to her biography.

Most recently, Ms. Vaid was president of the Vaid Group [LINK: https://thevaidgroup.com/], a strategic and social justice consultancy firm where she advised, mentored, and supported the LGBTQ+ movement.

Mourning

An outpouring of condolences began to swell on social media from LGBTQ activists who had been touched by working with Ms. Vaid as the news of her death spread.

LGBTQ South Asian activists expressed the loss of one of their own.

Neena Hemady, co-founder of Khuli Zaban (“open tongue”), a Chicago-based South Asian queer women’s group that operated from 1995-2002, according to the South Asian American Digital Archives, was inspired by Ms. Vaid. “Urv was the fire and the brains and the heart behind countless things,” Hemady wrote, recalling their argument about identity politics versus true equality, which they opposed at the time.

“Decades later, I understand how right she was,” Hemady wrote. “Today, our community has lost a giant. She made us so, so much better.”

Sandip Roy, author, podcaster, and former editor of Trikone magazine, the publication produced by the LGBTQ South Asian organization Trikone founded in the San Francisco Bay Area in 1986, recalled Ms. Vaid’s constant giving of herself to other activists.

“Even with her immensely busy schedule as head of the National Gay and Lesbian Task Force, Urvashi Vaid was always so generous with her time and unstinting in her support for the fledgling South Asian LGBTQ+ movement in the USA,” Roy wrote in a statement to the B.A.R. He wrote about the influence Ms. Vaid had on other South Asian LGBTQ people in the United States and in India.

“At a time when South Asian queers were hardly visible even in bars and clubs, seeing someone like her in the forefront of the American LGBTQ+ movement, challenging President Bush on AIDS and writing about virtual equality was truly inspiring,” he wrote. “It gave many of us the confidence to be both South Asian and queer at the same time without apology.”

Ms. Vaid was the keynote speaker at the organization’s first conference, Pride Utsav, the precursor to DesiQ, in 1995. She was honored with the organization’s inaugural Pink Peacock Award that year, Roy wrote.

“In 2006 when Trikone turned 20, we asked her for her thoughts.

As always, she replied promptly and one line feels prophetic now, ‘The right-wing in America would not be as powerful as it is today if moderates and liberals took LGBT people or the centrality of racial justice more seriously.’”

Kenrick Ross, executive director of the National Queer Asian Pacific Islander Alliance, wrote in a statement to the B.A.R. that the movement has lost a champion.

“Urvashi Vaid meant something more, deeper, and more intimate, and for me, as a South Asian leader, when I felt so invisible in the LGBTQ community, Urvashi’s leadership said, ‘Yes, we are here, and yes, we can lead,’” he stated.

In addition to Clinton, Ms. Vaid is survived by her niece, Alok VaidMenon, an activist and performance artist.

Kendell said a public memorial honoring Ms. Vaid’s life will be held on her birthday, October 8. t

t Sports >>

May 19-25, 2022 • Bay Area Reporter • 11

Gay former MLB umpire pens memoir

by Roger Brigham

T

his year the headlines in Major League Baseball were about the lockout by the owners; rule changes to restore the public interest, which has been flagging the past few generations; and the long anticipated/feared acceptance of designated hitters in the National League. The lockout eventually ended, the jury is still out on how the rule changes will affect the game, and the NL finally caved and accepted the less intriguing world of pitchers whose only task in life is to throw the ball and sit around watching teammates actually play the game so long peddled by the American League.

The question MLB should have been asking is why is it still the one major American men’s professional team sport that still has not had an active openly gay player?

“Football, hockey, basketball, soccer – they’ve all had an active player who came out,” former American League umpire Dale Scott said during a recent phone interview with the Bay Area Reporter. “Baseball still has the distinction of not having an active player come out.”

In 2013, Robbie Rogers of the Los Angeles Galaxy became the first out gay athlete to play in Major League Soccer or any men’s top level professional team in the United States.

That same year Jason Collins came out in the offseason as a free agent; he signed with the Brooklyn Nets during the 2014 season to become the first active out player in the NBA before retiring later that year.

In 2021, Carl Nassib of the Las

Courtesy University of Nebraska Press

Former MLB umpire Dale Scott has written a memoir about coming out as a gay man.

Vegas Raiders revealed he was gay, becoming the first active NFL player to do so, though the Raiders released him on March 17, reportedly because of his big salary, per a story on NBC News. Also in 2021, NHL prospect Luke Prokop came out while under contract with the Nashville Predators. He is currently playing under that contract with the Edmonton Oil

KEEP UP!

Kings of the Western Hockey League.

Not that MLB hasn’t tried pretty consistently over the past decade to signal its support for the LGBTQ community. Gay former player Billy Bean became MLB’s part-time ambassador for inclusion in 2014 before being promoted to vice president of social responsibility and inclusion in early 2016. Many ball clubs hold des-

ignated events marketed for the LGBTQ community. But there is still no active openly gay player.

“I don’t have an answer for you in baseball,” Scott said. “We haven’t seen any of that. All I can say is baseball in the past has been slow to adapt to changing norms.”

In his new memoir, “The Umpire is Out: Calling the Game and Living My True Self,” co-written by Rob Neyer and published May 1 by University of Nebraska Press, Scott talks about the tangible support he received that made his coming out a virtual breeze.

His husband, Michael Rausch, was already covered in Scott’s umpiring contract as a domestic partner and carried a spouse identification card.

Scott, 62, had been coming out privately to a handful of fellow umpires for years and had felt no backlash.

As his months and years in baseball passed, he began to realize his efforts to “pass” as straight were less and less necessary and more and more ineffective.

“By the time I came out publicly in 2014, the umpires I worked with – and for – all knew I was gay,” Scott said. “When I came out, teams didn’t know and the media didn’t know, but this was not a surprise to Major League Baseball. It seemed a little hypocritical to me to still be in the closet.”

Scott came out of the closet by choice. Former National League um-

pire Dave Pallone was outed in 1988 when he was erroneously linked to a sex ring involving teenage boys; he later successfully sued MLB for wrongful termination. Pallone’s 1991 autobiography, “Behind the Mask: My Double Life in Baseball,” was a best-seller.

Scott’s book presents a stark contrast to Pallone’s dark tome and could make a difference for young players thinking of coming out.

Scott shows a light touch in his book when discussing his closeted life and the process of coming out.

He talks about knee-jerk efforts to disguise his orientation and nightlife activities through references to madeup girlfriends’ visits to relatives. The book’s first chapter title “Nutcutters, Polebenders and Shithouses” is pretty much a click-bait teaser about the everyday jargon of umpires. The rest of the book is peppered with memorable moments, games, and players.

Scott retired at the age of 58 in 2017 after receiving his fourth concussion in a career that lasted more than 30 years.

At the time, Bean said, “Years ago, Dale reached out to me after my personal story went public.

If we had been able to have that conversation when I was still playing, I know it would have changed the course of my career. Dale’s legacy will undoubtedly continue to inspire others to pursue their dreams, and I hope we see the results around MLB soon.”t

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<< Community News

14 • Bay Area Reporter • May 19-25, 2022

<<

Castro Theatre

From page 8

management continues to seek to assure the public that it is very sensitive to those concerns. At the May 5 meeting of the Castro Merchants Association, APE project manager Margaret Casey stated, “The Castro is a crown jewel for that kind of programming.”

There has been much concern, too, about the impact of proposed renovations to the theater’s elaborately decorated interior, which Mandelman’s resolution seeks to address.

Bintliff told the B.A.R. that “APE has not signaled opposition to this update of the designation, with the understanding that the plans they have already submitted will trigger [Historic Preservation Commission] review and approval of their proposed work.”

Mandelman’s move has plenty of support at the Castro LGBTQ Cultural District, as well.

<<

Shelter proposal

From page 1

The original proposal, introduced back in 2020, failed to make it out of the Board of Supervisors Budget and Finance Committee, which instead supported safe sleeping sites, or sanctioned outdoor camping spaces. This newer version includes a broader array of options while placing less emphasis, but not doing away with, congregate housing such as shelters.

Then-Supervisor Matt Haney, who was sworn in as the new assemblymember for the 17th District on May 3, had been one of the measure’s initial opponents but signed on as a co-sponsor this time before his departure for Sacramento, along with Supervisors Catherine Stefani (District 2), Myrna Melgar (District 7), and Gordon Mar (District 4).

At a news conference before the supervisors’ public safety and neighborhood services committee meeting, Mandelman accused the city of being oblivious to the needs of, not only the homeless, but housed residents as well.

“When I joined the Board of Supervisors back in 2018, I was struck by the disjunction between the conversations I would have about the homeless and encampments with my constituents and small business-

<<

News Briefs

From page 7

At the event, attorney Laura Maechtlen will receive the James C. Hormel Philanthropy Award for her service. A news release stated that Maechtlen has assisted ALRP in various ways, from serving as the pro bono contact for her firm to serving on ALRP’s board to being a generous donor herself.

“I’m incredibly proud to support ALRP and its incredible work in support of our communities living with HIV/AIDS,” Maech-

Scott Wazlowski

Another Planet Entertainment took over management of the Castro Theatre in January.

t

incorporated into this important document.”

The proposed resolution, however, only starts a multistep process.

“The next step after today will be a hearing at the board’s land use committee to approve this resolution (tentatively May 23),” Bintliff wrote in an email to the B.A.R., “and once the resolution is passed by the full board (tentatively May 24), the planning department will prepare a report that will inform a Historic Preservation Commission recommendation on whether and how to update the existing historic landmark.”

The HPC hearing will probably happen in late summer, Bintliff added, “and based on their recommendation, the supervisor would then introduce an ordinance to officially amend the existing landmark designation that would also go to the land use committee and full board for approval, as soon as September.” t

“Yes, we are very happy about the request to commemorate or, rather, to expand the landmark

designation,” said Aguirre, noting that “the cultural district requested this to commemorate the 100th

anniversary of the landmark and to ensure the cultural and queer of heritage of the of the landmark is

es that I represent,” he said, “with neighbors who were finding their sidewalks impassable and small businesses who were dealing with folks with serious substance use problems, who were coming into their stores and creating all manner of challenges. And the conversations here at City Hall which seemed completely oblivious to those realities in the daily lives of San Franciscans.”

The new proposed ordinance would require the San Francisco Department of Homelessness and Supportive Housing to prepare a strategy for implementation within three months, including estimates for how many people might accept offered shelter, how much that would cost, and the total annual cost of the program once it was put into effect. Representatives from DHSH did not immediately return a request for comment.

The proposal also directs the director of real estate to identify locations throughout the city that might be appropriate for use as shelters – such as the small cabins in use at 33 Gough Street and safe sleeping sites – and then submit those findings along with DHSH’s implementation plan.

As the ordinance was discussed by committee members Mar, Stefani, and District 1 Supervisor

Connie Chan, who was subbing in a vacant seat on the committee, amendments were proposed, including one by Melgar that would include safe vehicle parking areas as shelter options. Another add-on she proposed, however, may have cost the ordinance the support of its own author. Melgar added an amendment that would include permanent supportive housing, which Mandelman feels would undermine the ordinance’s emphasis on immediate shelter accessibility.

“It’s fair to say yesterday was not the outcome we hoped for, and we are considering a variety of options,” Mandelman’s legislative aide, Jackie Thornhill, stated in a reply to the Bay Area Reporter May 13. Mandelman left for a trip to Israel shortly after the hearing but is “still thinking through how to proceed,” she added.

Supervisors heard comments from more than 35 members of the public, many of whom were affiliated with the Coalition on Homelessness, which opposes the legislation and prefers, as many testified, housing before shelter.

“The Coalition on Homelessness believes A Place for All is flawed,” the agency said in a statement released later, ¨not just because it is unfunded and therefore falsely promises relief for

unhoused San Franciscans, but because it singularly focuses on shelter, at the expense of housing solutions.”

“This legislation must be changed to include a cost comparison of prevention and housing, as well as call for expansion of these interventions as needed,” stated Jennifer Friedenbach, executive director of the Coalition on Homelessness. “Housing and keeping people housed not only solves homelessness, but it is key to freeing up shelter space. Shelters fill up unless two key components to ensure turnover are included: housing for people to move into, and efforts to prevent additional San Franciscans from becoming newly homeless. A Place for All legislation as written is in reality a hollow ‘A Place for Nobody.’”

But plenty spoke in favor of the proposal as well, including representatives from Rescue SF, a coalition of residents “advocating for compassionate and effective solutions to homelessness,” and Andrea Aiello, a lesbian who is executive director of the Castro/ Upper Market Community Benefit District, who called upon the committee to support the legislation as written.

“I just want to say that this is a plan for shelter,” said Aiello, speak-

ing to the committee remotely by phone. “It is not a plan to solve all the city’s problems around homelessness.”

Merchants and residents of the Castro, like their neighbors in the Mission, the Tenderloin, and other districts, have been frustrated with the growing numbers of encampments, as well as the presence of people suffering from mental health issues, on the streets.

Mandelman found plenty of support from Castro business owners the first time he presented A Place for All back in 2020.

If the plan isn’t enacted, Aiello said, thousands of people who want shelter could, instead, remain on the streets, “dying, being in ill health.” The plan is about creating shelter, Aiello emphasized. “People should consider how much it costs the city to have thousands of people living on the sidewalks. This could save the city lots of money.”

Eventually, committee members voted 2-1 in support of A Place for All, with ordinance co-sponsor Stefani in opposition to the proposed amendments. The ordinance will return to the committee for further consideration at its next biweekly meeting May 26. t

tlen, who is a lesbian, stated. “I am proud to be part of the history of an organization with high impact, and hope many others will join me in supporting this treasure of a legal services organization.”

Maechtlen is a partner at Seyfarth & Shaw and is a recognized leader in employment law. In addition to her work with ALRP, she has served on the boards of Bay Area Lawyers for Individual Freedom, an LGBTQ bar association; Lambda Legal Defense and Education Fund; the National Lesbian Gay Law Association; and

the California Minority Bar Association. She served as a commissioner for the Latina Commission of the Hispanic National Bar Association.

Hormel, for whom the award is named, was a generous donor to many LGBTQ organizations. He was the nation’s first out gay ambassador when he served in Luxembourg from 1999 to 2001. He died last August at the age of 88.

The suggested donation for ALRP’s reception is $500. For more information, go to https://www. alrp.org/events.

PFLAG to hold virtual celebration for parents

Special celebrity appearances are planned, the email stated.

PFLAG has organized the day in light of the many anti-LGBTQ bills in various states, including those that seek to criminalize parenting, such as Alabama, where last week a federal judge blocked enforcement of the law that criminalizes parents for seeking genderaffirming care for their trans kids.

There is no cost to attend, although donations are welcome. To RSVP, go to pflag.org/parentdayt

The national PFLAG nonprofit will hold its second annual Parent Day Celebration Sunday, May 22, at 11 a.m. Pacific time. The event will be virtual.

An email announcement stated that parent day will “honor and celebrate all people who lead with love for LGBTQ+ youth; from parents to step-parents, guardians, grandparents, teachers, and nurses. Families by birth, choice, foster, and adoption” will also be recognized.

Sign up!

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5/18/22 12:36 PM

t Legals >>

May 12-18, 2022 • Bay Area Reporter • 15

Legals >> ORDER TO SHOW CAUSE FOR CHANGE OF NAME IN SUPERIOR COURT OF CALIFORNIA, COUNTY OF SAN FRANCISCO FILE CNC-22-557076

In the matter of the application of DORA WAI HAN WINTOR-SNIDER, for change of name having been filed in Superior Court, and it appears from said application that petitioner DORA WAI HAN WINTOR-SNIDER is requesting that the name DORA WAI HAN WINTOR-SNIDER be changed to DORA WAIHAN SNIDER. Now therefore, it is hereby ordered, that all persons interested in said matter do appear before this Court in Rm. 103N on the 7th of JUNE 2022 at 9:00am of said day to show cause why the application for change of name should not be granted.

APR 28, MAY 05, 12, 19, 2022

ORDER TO SHOW CAUSE FOR CHANGE OF NAME IN SUPERIOR COURT OF CALIFORNIA, COUNTY OF SAN FRANCISCO FILE CNC-22-557051

In the matter of the application of RAYSANA HURTADO, for change of name having been filed in Superior Court, and it appears from said application that petitioner RAYSANA HURTADO is requesting that the name RAYSANA HURTADO be changed to RAYSANA HURTADO AMADOR. Now therefore, it is hereby ordered, that all persons interested in said matter do appear before this Court in Rm. 103N on the 26th of MAY 2022 at 9:00am of said day to show cause why the application for change of name should not be granted.

APR 28, MAY 05, 12, 19, 2022

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE A-039694400

The following person(s) is/are doing business as A’SHANNIE PRODUCTIONS, 180 BRANNAN ST #212, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94107. This business is conducted by an individual, and is signed SHANTÉ SAULSBERRY. The registrant(s) commenced to transact business under the above listed fictitious business name or names on 04/19/22. The statement was filed with the City and County of San Francisco, CA on 04/20/22.

APR 28, MAY 05, 12, 19, 2022

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE A-039690900

The following person(s) is/are doing business as ESCOBAR BROS RECYCLING & DEMOLITION, 1225 THOMAS AVE, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94124. This business is conducted by an individual, and is signed DOUGLAS ESCOBAR. The registrant(s) commenced to transact business under the above listed fictitious business name or names on 04/15/22. The statement was filed with the City and County of San Francisco, CA on 04/11/22.

APR 28, MAY 05, 12, 19, 2022

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE A-039691300

The following person(s) is/are doing business as POST BROKERAGE, 60 FAIR AVE, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94110. This business is conducted by an individual, and is signed CHARLES POST. The registrant(s) commenced to transact business under the above listed fictitious business name or names on 04/07/22. The statement was filed with the City and County of San Francisco, CA on 04/18/22.

APR 28, MAY 05, 12, 19, 2022

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE A-039695500

The following person(s) is/are doing business as NEWMOON BY LENA, 1550 EDDY ST #411, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94115. This business is conducted by an individual, and is signed MARLA ALLEN. The registrant(s) commenced to transact business under the above listed fictitious business name or names on N/A. The statement was filed with the City and County of San Francisco, CA on 04/21/22.

APR 28, MAY 05, 12, 19, 2022

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE A-039690300

The following person(s) is/are doing business as FOG CITY CONCRETE, 115 GLADEVIEW WAY, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94131. This business is conducted by an individual, and is signed ZACHARY NACHTSHEIM. The registrant(s) commenced to transact business under the above listed fictitious business name or names on 04/12/22. The statement was filed with the City and County of San Francisco, CA on 04/15/22.

APR 28, MAY 05, 12, 19, 2022

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE A-039680600

The following person(s) is/are doing business as DE LA TOUR SAINT RAPUNZA, 536 14TH ST #6, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94103. This business is conducted by an individual, and is signed KIRSTEN JANENENELSON. The registrant(s) commenced to transact business under the above listed fictitious business name or names on 05/29/02. The statement was filed with the City and County of San Francisco, CA on 04/06/22.

APR 28, MAY 05, 12, 19, 2022

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE A-039677600

The following person(s) is/are doing business as GENERAL MAX CONSTRUCTION, 322 31ST AVE, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94121. This business is conducted by an individual, and is signed MAXIM OSTAPOV. The registrant(s) commenced to transact business under the above listed fictitious business name or names on 08/31/21.

The statement was filed with the City and County of San Francisco, CA on 03/30/22.

APR 28, MAY 05, 12, 19, 2022

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE A-039695000

The following person(s) is/are doing business as CITY TENT, 900 FOLSOM ST #453, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94107. This business is conducted by a general partnership, and is signed HUNG GIA HA, ROMERICO RIEMEDIO & AUKUSITINO FELISE. The registrant(s) commenced to transact business under the above listed fictitious business name or names on 04/20/22.

The statement was filed with the City and County of San Francisco, CA on 04/20/22.

APR 28, MAY 05, 12, 19, 2022

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE A-039694100

The following person(s) is/are doing business as PAZGEAR.US, 1388 HAIGHT ST, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94117. This busi-

ness is conducted by a limited liability company, and is signed BUBBLE LOUNGE LAUNDROMAT LLC (CA). The registrant(s) commenced to transact business under the above listed fictitious business name or names on N/A. The statement was filed with the City and County of San Francisco, CA on 04/20/22.

APR 28, MAY 05, 12, 19, 2022

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE A-039696400

The following person(s) is/are doing business as ACTUARIAL CONSULTING GROUP LLC, 626 POWELL ST #506, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94108. This business is conducted by a limited liability company, and is signed ACTUARIAL CONSULTING GROUP LLC (CA). The registrant(s) commenced to transact business under the above listed fictitious business name or names on 01/21/22. The statement was filed with the City and County of San Francisco, CA on 04/22/22.

APR 28, MAY 05, 12, 19, 2022

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE A-039682300

The following person(s) is/are doing business as HURD LIMO LLC, 466 23RD AVE #1, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94121. This business is conducted by a limited liability company, and is signed HURD LIMO LLC (CA). The registrant(s) commenced to transact business under the above listed fictitious business name or names on 04/04/22. The statement was filed with the City and County of San Francisco, CA on 04/07/22.

APR 28, MAY 05, 12, 19, 2022

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE A-039696600

The following person(s) is/are doing business as HEY BIG SISTER PROJECT, 1808 47TH AVE #2, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94122. This business is conducted by a limited liability company, and is signed HEY BIG SISTER PROJECT (CA). The registrant(s) commenced to transact business under the above listed fictitious business name or names on 04/22/22.

The statement was filed with the City and County of San Francisco, CA on 04/22/22.

APR 28, MAY 05, 12, 19, 2022

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE A-039677700

The following person(s) is/are doing business as PRIVACYCARE, 1700 VAN NESS AVE, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94109.

This business is conducted by a limited liability company, and is signed QUANTA NETWORKS LLC (CA). The registrant(s) commenced to transact business under the above listed fictitious business name or names on 03/03/22. The statement was filed with the City and County of San Francisco, CA on 03/31/22.

APR 28, MAY 05, 12, 19, 2022

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE A-039698200

The following person(s) is/are doing business as SF PLAZA HOTEL, 510 BUSH ST, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94108. This business is conducted by a limited liability company, and is signed KAS HOSPITALITY LLC (CA). The registrant(s) commenced to transact business under the above listed fictitious business name or names on N/A. The statement was filed with the City and County of San Francisco, CA on 04/25/22.

APR 28, MAY 05, 12, 19, 2022

STATEMENT OF ABANDONMENT OF USE OF FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME FILE A-039378300

The following persons have abandoned the use of the fictitious business name known as ESCOBAR BROS RECYCLING, 1225 THOMAS AVE, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94124. This business was conducted by an individual and signed by DOUGLAS ESCOBAR. The fictitious name was filed with the City and County of San Francisco, CA on 06/23/21.

APR 28, MAY 05, 12, 19, 2022

STATEMENT OF ABANDONMENT OF USE OF FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME FILE A-037550200

The following persons have abandoned the use of the fictitious business name known as CONSENSUSLAB, 400 MONTGOMERY ST #700, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94104. This business was conducted by a corporation and signed by TERRIS BARNES WALTERS BOIGON HEATH, INC. (CA). The fictitious name was filed with the City and County of San Francisco, CA on 04/07/17.

APR 28, MAY 05, 12, 19, 2022

ORDER TO SHOW CAUSE FOR CHANGE OF NAME IN SUPERIOR COURT OF CALIFORNIA, COUNTY OF SAN FRANCISCO FILE CNC-22557083

In the matter of the application of LIEM DUC NGUYEN, for change of name having been filed in Superior Court, and it appears from said application that petitioner LIEM DUC NGUYEN is requesting that the name LIEM DUC NGUYEN be changed to LIEM KADAS. Now therefore, it is hereby ordered, that all persons interested in said matter do appear before this Court in Dept. 103N, Rm. 103N on the 14th of JUNE 2022 at 9:00am of said day to show cause why the application for change of name should not be granted.

MAY 05, 12, 19, 26, 2022

ORDER TO SHOW CAUSE FOR CHANGE OF NAME IN SUPERIOR COURT OF CALIFORNIA, COUNTY OF SAN FRANCISCO FILE CNC-22557082

In the matter of the application of CONSTANCE NATALIAH PELKEY, for change of name having been filed in Superior Court, and it appears from said application that petitioner CONSTANCE NATALIAH PELKEY is requesting that the name CONSTANCE NATALIAH PELKEY be changed to AARUSHI LALITA DASGUPTA. Now therefore, it is hereby ordered, that all persons interested in said matter do appear before this Court in Dept. 103N, Rm. 103N on the 7th of JUNE 2022 at 9:00am of said day to show cause why the application for change of name should not be granted.

MAY 05, 12, 19, 26, 2022

ORDER TO SHOW CAUSE FOR CHANGE OF NAME IN SUPERIOR COURT OF CALIFORNIA, COUNTY OF SAN FRANCISCO FILE CNC-22557085 In the matter of the application of LOGAN KINSEY BECK, for change of name having been filed in Superior Court, and it

appears from said application that petitioner LOGAN KINSEY BECK is requesting that the name LOGAN KINSEY BECK be changed to LOGAN KINSEY BERU. Now therefore, it is hereby ordered, that all persons interested in said matter do appear before this Court in Rm. 103N on the 14th of JUNE 2022 at 9:00am of said day to show cause why the application for change of name should not be granted.

MAY 05, 12, 19, 26, 2022

ORDER TO SHOW CAUSE FOR CHANGE OF NAME IN SUPERIOR COURT OF CALIFORNIA, COUNTY OF SAN FRANCISCO FILE CNC-22-557086

In the matter of the application of SCOTT DOUGLAS REU, for change of name having been filed in Superior Court, and it appears from said application that petitioner SCOTT DOUGLAS REU is requesting that the name SCOTT DOUGLAS REU be changed to SCOTT DOUGLAS BERU. Now therefore, it is hereby ordered, that all persons interested in said matter do appear before this Court in Rm. 103N on the 14th of JUNE 2022 at 9:00am of said day to show cause why the application for change of name should not be granted.

MAY 05, 12, 19, 26, 2022

ORDER TO SHOW CAUSE FOR CHANGE OF NAME IN SUPERIOR COURT OF CALIFORNIA, COUNTY OF SAN FRANCISCO FILE CNC-22557088

In the matter of the application of ROLAND DEREK WETZEL & ANNE GASTON MONTGOERY, for change of name having been filed in Superior Court, and it appears from said application that petitioner ROLAND DEREK WETZEL & ANNE GASTON MONTGOERY is requesting that the name JUNIPER BEA MONTGOMERY WETZEL be changed to JUNIPER BEA MONTGOMERY WETZEL. Now therefore, it is hereby ordered, that all persons interested in said matter do appear before this Court in Rm. 103N on the 14th of JUNE 2022 at 9:00am of said day to show cause why the application for change of name should not be granted.

MAY 05, 12, 19, 26, 2022

ORDER TO SHOW CAUSE FOR CHANGE OF NAME IN SUPERIOR COURT OF CALIFORNIA, COUNTY OF SAN FRANCISCO FILE CNC-22-557084

In the matter of the application of SON VAN NGUYEN AKA ANDY NGUYEN AKA ANDY SON NGUYEN AKA SON ANDY NGUYEN, for change of name having been filed in Superior Court, and it appears from said application that petitioner SON VAN NGUYEN AKA ANDY NGUYEN AKA ANDY SON NGUYEN AKA SON ANDY NGUYEN is requesting that the names SON VAN NGUYEN AKA ANDY NGUYEN AKA ANDY SON NGUYEN AKA SON ANDY NGUYEN be changed to SON ANDY VAN NGUYEN. Now therefore, it is hereby ordered, that all persons interested in said matter do appear before this Court in Dept. 103N, Rm. 103N on the 9th of JUNE 2022 at 9:00am of said day to show cause why the application for change of name should not be granted.

MAY 05, 12, 19, 26, 2022

ORDER TO SHOW CAUSE FOR CHANGE OF NAME IN SUPERIOR COURT OF CALIFORNIA, COUNTY OF SAN FRANCISCO FILE CNC-22557097

In the matter of the application of JORDAN HOPE CERULLO, for change of name having been filed in Superior Court, and it appears from said application that petitioner JORDAN HOPE CERULLO is requesting that the name JORDAN HOPE CERULLO be changed to SARAH JORDAN HOPE KAUK. Now therefore, it is hereby ordered, that all persons interested in said matter do appear before this Court in Rm. 103N on the 16th of JUNE 2022 at 9:00am of said day to show cause why the application for change of name should not be granted.

MAY 05, 12, 19, 26, 2022

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE A-039688900

The following person(s) is/are doing business as MISSING AUDREY VINTAGE, 1767 STOCKTON ST, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94133. This business is conducted by an individual, and is signed SABRINA BODNAR. The registrant(s) commenced to transact business under the above listed fictitious business name or names on 04/13/22.

The statement was filed with the City and County of San Francisco, CA on 04/13/22.

MAY 05, 12, 19, 26, 2022

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE A-039699500

The following person(s) is/are doing business as BRUSHED LINE PAINTING, 123 HIGHLAND AVE, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94110. This business is conducted by an individual, and is signed JOHN PAUL LOPEZ. The registrant(s) commenced to transact business under the above listed fictitious business name or names on 04/27/22.

The statement was filed with the City and County of San Francisco, CA on 04/27/22.

MAY 05, 12, 19, 26, 2022

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE A-039693100

The following person(s) is/are doing business as LVNENG UNLIMITED, 181 MARGARET AVE, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94112. This business is conducted by an individual, and is signed RAYMOND K. YEN. The registrant(s) commenced to transact business under the above listed fictitious business name or names on N/A. The statement was filed with the City and County of San Francisco, CA on 04/19/22.

MAY 05, 12, 19, 26, 2022

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE A-039700300

The following person(s) is/are doing business as WRITERS’ CIRCLE, 1451 JACKSON ST, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94109. This business is conducted by an individual, and is signed JAMIE LEE. The registrant(s) commenced to transact business under the above listed fictitious business name or names on 04/27/22. The statement was filed with the City and County of San Francisco, CA on 04/27/22.

MAY 05, 12, 19, 26, 2022

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE A-039698900

The following person(s) is/are doing business as LOST BOTTLES, 2199 MISSION ST, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94110. This business is conducted by a corporation, and is signed MAYA AND BEN (CA). The registrant(s) commenced to transact business under the above listed fictitious

business name or names on 04/25/22.

The statement was filed with the City and County of San Francisco, CA on 04/26/22.

MAY 05, 12, 19, 26, 2022

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE A-039699000

The following person(s) is/are doing business as CLUB CANTTOLAO SF, 266 ATHENS ST, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94112.

This business is conducted by a corporation, and is signed CLUB CANTTOLAO SF (CA). The registrant(s) commenced to transact business under the above listed fictitious business name or names on N/A. The statement was filed with the City and County of San Francisco, CA on 04/26/22.

MAY 05, 12, 19, 26, 2022

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE A-039697400

The following person(s) is/are doing business as SELECT PHYSICAL THERAPY, 402 DEWEY BLVD, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94116. This business is conducted by a corporation, and is signed SELECT PHYSICAL THERAPY, P.C. (CA). The registrant(s) commenced to transact business under the above listed fictitious business name or names on 04/01/22. The statement was filed with the City and County of San Francisco, CA on 04/25/22.

MAY 05, 12, 19, 26, 2022

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE A-039697500

The following person(s) is/are doing business as SELECT PHYSICAL THERAPY, 3129 VICENTE ST, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94116. This business is conducted by a corporation, and is signed SELECT PHYSICAL THERAPY, P.C. (CA). The registrant(s) commenced to transact business under the above listed fictitious business name or names on 04/01/22. The statement was filed with the City and County of San Francisco, CA on 04/25/22.

MAY 05, 12, 19, 26, 2022

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE A-039697600

The following person(s) is/are doing business as SELECT PHYSICAL THERAPY, 230 CALIFORNIA ST #400, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94111. This business is conducted by a corporation, and is signed SELECT PHYSICAL THERAPY, P.C. (CA). The registrant(s) commenced to transact business under the above listed fictitious business name or names on 04/01/22. The statement was filed with the City and County of San Francisco, CA on 04/25/22.

MAY 05, 12, 19, 26, 2022

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE A-039697700

The following person(s) is/are doing business as SELECT PHYSICAL THERAPY, 1700 CALIFORNIA ST #530, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94109. This business is conducted by a corporation, and is signed SELECT PHYSICAL THERAPY, P.C. (CA).

The registrant(s) commenced to transact business under the above listed fictitious business name or names on 04/01/22.

The statement was filed with the City and County of San Francisco, CA on 04/25/22.

MAY 05, 12, 19, 26, 2022

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE A-039697900

The following person(s) is/are doing business as SELECT PHYSICAL THERAPY, 3222 GEARY BLVD, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94118. This business is conducted by a corporation, and is signed SELECT PHYSICAL THERAPY, P.C. (CA). The registrant(s) commenced to transact business under the above listed fictitious business name or names on 04/01/22. The statement was filed with the City and County of San Francisco, CA on 04/25/22.

MAY 05, 12, 19, 26, 2022

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE A-039689100

The following person(s) is/are doing business as RYZ ELECTRICAL, 2435 44TH AVE, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94116. This business is conducted by a corporation, and is signed RYZ CONSTRUCTION INC (CA).

The registrant(s) commenced to transact business under the above listed fictitious business name or names on 04/13/22.

The statement was filed with the City and County of San Francisco, CA on 04/13/22.

MAY 05, 12, 19, 26, 2022

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE A-039694200

The following person(s) is/are doing business as KUM SUN CHINESE AFFAIRS, 677 JACKSON ST 2ND FL, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94133. This business is conducted by a corporation, and is signed INTL CHINESE AFFAIRS INC (CA). The registrant(s) commenced to transact business under the above listed fictitious business name or names on 07/28/87. The statement was filed with the City and County of San Francisco, CA on 04/20/22.

MAY 05, 12, 19, 26, 2022

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE A-039682600

The following person(s) is/are doing business as ILCHA, 2151 LOMBARD ST, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94123. This business is conducted by a corporation, and is signed 2HW INC (CA). The registrant(s) commenced to transact business under the above listed fictitious business name or names on N/A. The statement was filed with the City and County of San Francisco, CA on 04/08/22.

MAY 05, 12, 19, 26, 2022

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE A-039693500

The following person(s) is/are doing business as LELEKA, 40 BELDEN PL, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94104. This business is conducted by a limited liability company, and is signed MEREY LLC (CA).

The registrant(s) commenced to transact business under the above listed fictitious business name or names on 04/20/22.

The statement was filed with the City and County of San Francisco, CA on 04/20/22.

MAY 05, 12, 19, 26, 2022

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE A-039700500

The following person(s) is/are doing business as SUPER DUPER BURGERS, 98 MISSION ST, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94105.

This business is conducted by a limited liability company, and is signed MISSION

98 SUPER, LLC (CA). The registrant(s) commenced to transact business under the above listed fictitious business name or names on 11/27/12. The statement was filed with the City and County of San Francisco, CA on 04/28/22.

MAY 05, 12, 19, 26, 2022

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE A-039700600

The following person(s) is/are doing business as THE BIRD, 115 NEW MONTGOMERY ST, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94105.

This business is conducted by a limited liability company, and is signed 115 NEW MONTGOMERY, LLC (CA). The registrant(s) commenced to transact business under the above listed fictitious business name or names on 05/09/16. The statement was filed with the City and County of San Francisco, CA on 04/28/22.

MAY 05, 12, 19, 26, 2022

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE A-039701200

The following person(s) is/are doing business as CHINGONAS, 105 STEINER ST, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94117. This business is conducted by a limited liability company, and is signed RED TABLE MANAGEMENT (CA). The registrant(s) commenced to transact business under the above listed fictitious business name or names on 04/22/22. The statement was filed with the City and County of San Francisco, CA on 04/28/22.

MAY 05, 12, 19, 26, 2022

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE A-039700900

The following person(s) is/are doing business as AZUVO, 12 HILLVIEW CT, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94124. This business is conducted by a limited liability company, and is signed ED CLOUD LLC (CA). The registrant(s) commenced to transact business under the above listed fictitious business name or names on 04/25/22.

The statement was filed with the City and County of San Francisco, CA on 04/28/22.

MAY 05, 12, 19, 26, 2022

ORDER TO SHOW CAUSE FOR CHANGE OF NAME IN SUPERIOR COURT OF CALIFORNIA, COUNTY OF SAN FRANCISCO FILE CNC-22-55707200

In the matter of the application of RUO CI KUANG, for change of name having been filed in Superior Court, and it appears from said application that petitioner RUO CI KUANG is requesting that the name RUO CI KUANG be changed to LISA RUO CI KUANG. Now therefore, it is hereby ordered, that all persons interested in said matter do appear before this Court in Rm. 103N on the 7th of JUNE 2022 at 9:00am of said day to show cause why the application for change of name should not be granted.

MAY 12, 19, 26, JUNE 02, 2022

ORDER TO SHOW CAUSE FOR CHANGE OF NAME IN SUPERIOR COURT OF CALIFORNIA, COUNTY OF SAN FRANCISCO FILE CNC-22-557106

In the matter of the application of MARGARET MARY ALIABADI, for change of name having been filed in Superior Court, and it appears from said application that petitioner MARGARET MARY ALIABADI, is requesting that the name MARGARET MARY ALIABADI, be changed to MARGARET MARY BOYLE. Now therefore, it is hereby ordered, that all persons interested in said matter do appear before this Court in Rm. 103N on the 16th of JUNE 2022 at 9:00am of said day to show cause why the application for change of name should not be granted.

MAY 12, 19, 26, JUNE 02, 2022

ORDER TO SHOW CAUSE FOR CHANGE OF NAME IN SUPERIOR COURT OF CALIFORNIA, COUNTY OF SAN FRANCISCO FILE CNC-22557107

In the matter of the application of ELSA MARLENY CHAVARRIA BLANCO, for change of name having been filed in Superior Court, and it appears from said application that petitioner ELSA MARLENY CHAVARRIA BLANCO is requesting that the name ELSA MARLENY CHAVARRIA BLANCO be changed to ELSA MARLENY CHAVARRIA GUILLEN. Now therefore, it is hereby ordered, that all persons interested in said matter do appear before this Court in Dept. 103N, Rm. 103N on the 16th of JUNE 2022 at 9:00am of said day to show cause why the application for change of name should not be granted.

MAY 12, 19, 26, JUNE 02, 2022

ORDER TO SHOW CAUSE FOR CHANGE OF NAME IN SUPERIOR COURT OF CALIFORNIA, COUNTY OF SAN FRANCISCO FILE CNC-22557110

In the matter of the application of NHAN MY DANG, for change of name having been filed in Superior Court, and it appears from said application that petitioner NHAN MY DANG is requesting that the name NHAN MY DANG be changed to CADIA DANG. Now therefore, it is hereby ordered, that all persons interested in said matter do appear before this Court in Dept. 103N, Rm. 103N on the 16th of JUNE 2022 at 9:00am of said day to show cause why the application for change of name should not be granted.

MAY 12, 19, 26, JUNE 02, 2022

SUPERIOR COURT OF CALIFORNIA, COUNTY OF SAN FRANCISCO FILE CNC-22-557111

In the matter of the application of THUY PHUONG TRAN & BRANDON GERARD NG, for change of name having been filed in Superior Court, and it appears from said application that petitioner THUY PHUONG TRAN & BRANDON GERARD NG is requesting that the name LINH THUY NG be changed to HOPE LINH THUY NG. Now therefore, it is hereby ordered, that all persons interested in said matter do appear before this Court in Dept. 103N, Rm. 103N on the 16th of JUNE 2022 at 9:00am of said day to show cause why the application for change of name should not be granted.

MAY 12, 19, 26, JUNE 02, 2022

SUPERIOR COURT OF CALIFORNIA, COUNTY OF SAN FRANCISCO FILE CNC-22-557112

In the matter of the application of QUYEN KIM TANG, for change of name having been filed in Superior Court, and it appears from said application that petitioner QUYEN KIM TANG is requesting that the name QUYEN KIM TANG be changed to IVANKA TANG. Now therefore, it is hereby ordered, that all persons interested in said matter do appear before this Court in Dept. 103N, Rm. 103N on the 16th of JUNE 2022 at 9:00am of said day to show cause why the application for change of name should not be granted.

MAY 12, 19, 26, JUNE 02, 2022

<< Legals

16 • Bay Area Reporter • May 12-18, 2022

ORDER TO SHOW CAUSE FOR CHANGE OF NAME IN SUPERIOR COURT OF CALIFORNIA, COUNTY OF SAN FRANCISCO FILE CNC-22557081

In the matter of the application of JOANNA ROSS YEARY, for change of name having been filed in Superior Court, and it appears from said application that petitioner NADIA GUEORGUIEVA SEMERDJIEVA is requesting that the name JOANNA ROSS YEARY be changed to JODY KORNBERG YEARY. Now therefore, it is hereby ordered, that all persons interested in said matter do appear before this Court in Dept. 103N, Rm. 103N on the 7th of JUNE 2022 at 9:00am of said day to show cause why the application for change of name should not be granted.

MAY 12, 19, 26, JUNE 02, 2022

ORDER TO SHOW CAUSE FOR CHANGE OF NAME IN SUPERIOR COURT OF CALIFORNIA, COUNTY OF SAN FRANCISCO FILE CNC-22557117

In the matter of the application of SHEILA HOLMES, for change of name having been filed in Superior Court, and it appears from said application that petitioner SHEILA HOLMES, is requesting that the name SHEILA HOLMES, be changed to SHEILA GLENDA LYNN WILLIAMS,. Now therefore, it is hereby ordered, that all persons interested in said matter do appear before this Court in Dept. 103N, Rm. 103N on the 21st of JUNE 2022 at 9:00am of said day to show cause why the application for change of name should not be granted.

MAY 12, 19, 26, JUNE 02, 2022

ORDER TO SHOW CAUSE FOR CHANGE OF NAME IN SUPERIOR COURT OF CALIFORNIA, COUNTY OF SAN FRANCISCO FILE CNC-22557118

In the matter of the application of SHIRLEY ANN HUBBART, for change of name having been filed in Superior Court, and it appears from said application that petitioner SHIRLEY ANN HUBBART is requesting that the name SHIRLEY ANN HUBBART be changed to SHIRLEY ANN WILLIAMS. Now therefore, it is hereby ordered, that all persons interested in said matter do appear before this Court in Rm. 103N on the 7th of JULY 2022 at 9:00am of said day to show cause why the application for change of name should not be granted.

MAY 12, 19, 26, JUNE 02, 2022

ORDER TO SHOW CAUSE FOR CHANGE OF NAME IN SUPERIOR COURT OF CALIFORNIA, COUNTY OF SAN FRANCISCO FILE CNC-22557120

In the matter of the application of SOUMIA CHENBOD, for change of name having been filed in Superior Court, and it appears from said application that petitioner SOUMIA CHENBOD is requesting that the name SOPHIA FATIMA CHENBOD LAURENCIO be changed to FATIMA ROSE CHENBOD ATIK. Now therefore, it is hereby ordered, that all persons interested in said matter do appear before this Court in Dept. 103N, Rm. 103N on the 21st of JUNE 2022 at 9:00am of said day to show cause why the application for change of name should not be granted.

MAY 12, 19, 26, JUNE 02, 2022

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE A-039702300

The following person(s) is/are doing business as MEDIUM SMALL, 927 LARKIN ST, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94109. This business is conducted by an individual, and is signed BRANDT HEWITT. The registrant(s) commenced to transact business under the above listed fictitious business name or names on 04/29/22. The statement was filed with the City and County of San Francisco, CA on 04/29/22.

MAY 12, 19, 26, JUNE 02, 2022

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE A-039707600

The following person(s) is/are doing business as XINGXING ART AND LEARNING CENTER, 1101 VICENTE ST, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94116. This business is conducted by an individual, and is signed DEXIONG ZHAO. The registrant(s) commenced to transact business under the above listed fictitious business name or names on 11/13/09.

The statement was filed with the City and County of San Francisco, CA on 05/05/22.

MAY 12, 19, 26, JUNE 02, 2022

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE A-039707200

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE A-039707100

The following person(s) is/are doing business as RY DIGITAL MARKETING, 580 CALIFORNIA ST, 12TH FL, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94104. This business is conducted by an individual, and is signed RYAN BROWN. The registrant(s) commenced to transact business under the above listed fictitious business name or names on 04/29/22.

The statement was filed with the City and County of San Francisco, CA on 05/04/22.

The following person(s) is/are doing business as SJDC TRUCKING LLC, 1543 SLOAT BLVD #320056, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94132.

This business is conducted by a limited liability company, and is signed SJDC TRUCKING LLC (CA). The registrant(s) commenced to transact business under the above listed fictitious business name or names on 04/01/22.

The statement was filed with the City and County of San Francisco, CA on 05/04/22.

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE A-039708100

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE A-039703700

MAY 12, 19, 26, JUNE 02, 2022

The following person(s) is/are doing business as SINCERITY REALTY; SINCERITY REALTY LUXURY; SINCERITY REALTY COMMERCIAL; SINCERITY REALTY LAND; SINCERITY REALTY REO; SINCERITY REALTY PROBATE; SINCERITY REALTY REHAB; 1160 BATTERY ST E #100-9928, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94111. This business is conducted by an individual, and is signed MARY ANN CADORNA. The registrant(s) commenced to transact business under the above listed fictitious business name or names on 05/05/22. The statement was filed with the City and County of San Francisco, CA on 05/05/22.

MAY 12, 19, 26, JUNE 02, 2022

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE A-039699700

The following person(s) is/are doing business as ULLOA CONSTRUCTION, 2649 SAN JOSE AVE #B, SAN JOSE, CA 94112.

This business is conducted by an individual, and is signed MARIO DANIEL ULLOA PEREZ. The registrant(s) commenced to transact business under the above listed fictitious business name or names on 03/01/22.

The statement was filed with the City and County of San Francisco, CA on 04/27/22.

MAY 12, 19, 26, JUNE 02, 2022

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE A-039710200

The following person(s) is/are doing business as JLY CONSULTING, 3010 21ST AVE, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94132. This business is conducted by an individual, and is signed JEFFERY L. YARNE. The registrant(s) commenced to transact business under the above listed fictitious business name or names on 01/25/22. The statement was filed with the City and County of San Francisco, CA on 05/10/22.

MAY 12, 19, 26, JUNE 02, 2022

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE A-039699100

The following person(s) is/are doing business as CLEANSWEEP CAMPAIGNS; TBWBH, 50 OSGOOD PL, 4TH FL, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94133. This business is conducted by a corporation, and is signed TERRIS BARNES WALTERS BOIGON HEATH LESTER, INC (CA). The registrant(s) commenced to transact business under the above listed fictitious business name or names on N/A. The statement was filed with the City and County of San Francisco, CA on 04/26/22.

MAY 12, 19, 26, JUNE 02, 2022

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE A-039707800

The following person(s) is/are doing business as VENTURA PARTNERS, 70 OTIS ST, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94103. This business is conducted by a corporation, and is signed VENTURA DEVELOPMENT PARTNERS (CA). The registrant(s) commenced to transact business under the above listed fictitious business name or names on 01/19/17. The statement was filed with the City and County of San Francisco, CA on 05/05/22.

MAY 12, 19, 26, JUNE 02, 2022

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE A-039693200

The following person(s) is/are doing business as PEARCE AUTOTECH, 751 ELLIS ST, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94109. This business is conducted by a limited liability company, and is signed PEARCE AUTOTECH LLC (CA). The registrant(s) commenced to transact business under the above listed fictitious business name or names on N/A. The statement was filed with the City and County of San Francisco, CA on 04/20/22.

MAY 12, 19, 26, JUNE 02, 2022

The following person(s) is/are doing business as BOSS LADY REALTY, 1700 VAN NESS AVE #1436, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94109. This business is conducted by a limited liability company, and is signed BOSS LADY REAL ESTATE LLC (CA). The registrant(s) commenced to transact business under the above listed fictitious business name or names on 08/05/21.

The statement was filed with the City and County of San Francisco, CA on 05/02/22.

MAY 12, 19, 26, JUNE 02, 2022

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE A-039710500

The following person(s) is/are doing business as AMAYSING DETAILS, 1701 YOSEMITE AVE, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94124. This business is conducted by a limited liability company, and is signed MAYS & HANDAMON LLC (CA). The registrant(s) commenced to transact business under the above listed fictitious business name or names on N/A. The statement was filed with the City and County of San Francisco, CA on 05/10/22.

MAY 12, 19, 26, JUNE 02, 2022

TO SHOW CAUSE FOR CHANGE OF NAME IN SUPERIOR COURT OF CALIFORNIA, COUNTY OF SAN FRANCISCO FILE CNC-22-557122

In the matter of the application of RANDY GORDON SAKSTRUP, for change of name having been filed in Superior Court, and it appears from said application that petitioner RANDY GORDON SAKSTRUP is requesting that the name RANDY GORDON SAKSTRUP be changed to RANDY GORDON ANDREASEN. Now therefore, it is hereby ordered, that all persons interested in said matter do appear before this Court in Dept.

103N, Rm. 103N on the 23rd of JUNE 2022 at 9:00am of said day to show cause why the application for change of name should not be granted.

MAY 19, 26, JUNE 02, 09, 2022

ORDER TO SHOW CAUSE FOR CHANGE OF NAME IN SUPERIOR COURT OF CALIFORNIA, COUNTY OF SAN FRANCISCO FILE CNC-2255712500

In the matter of the application of JENNY LOK-TING FARABEE, for change of name having been filed in Superior Court, and it appears from said application that petitioner JENNY LOK-TING FARABEE is requesting that the name JENNY LOK-TING FARABEE AKA JENNY FARABEE be changed to JENNY LOK-TING GARRITY. Now therefore, it is hereby ordered, that all persons interested in said matter do appear before this Court in Dept. 103N, Rm. 103N on the 23rd of JUNE 2022 at 9:00am of said day to show cause why the application for change of name should not be granted.

MAY 19, 26, JUNE 02, 09, 2022

ORDER TO SHOW CAUSE FOR CHANGE OF NAME IN SUPERIOR COURT OF CALIFORNIA, COUNTY OF SAN FRANCISCO FILE CNC-22557124

In the matter of the application of SIRIA MARLENY ALVAREZ GARCIA, for change of name having been filed in Superior Court, and it appears from said application that petitioner SIRIA MARLENY ALVAREZ GARCIA is requesting that the name SIRIA MARLENY ALVAREZ GARCIA AKA MARLENY ALVAREZ be changed to MARLENY ISABELLA ALVAREZ. Now therefore, it is hereby ordered, that all persons interested in said matter do appear before this Court in Dept. 103N, Rm. 103N on the 23rd of JUNE 2022 at 9:00am of said day to show cause why the application for change of name should not be granted.

MAY 19, 26, JUNE 02, 09, 2022

MAY 12, 19, 26, JUNE 02, 2022

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NOTICE OF THIRD AMENDED PETITION TO ADMINISTER ESTATE OF OTIS R. DAMSLET IN SUPERIOR COURT OF CALIFORNIA, COUNTY OF SAN FRANCISCO: FILE PES-21-304840

To all heirs, beneficiaries, creditors, contingent creditors, and persons who may otherwise be interested in the will or estate, or both, of OTIS R. DAMSLET. A Third Amended Petition for Probate has been filed by JAY G. COWAN, EXECUTOR in the Superior Court of California, County of San Francisco. The Petition for Probate requests that JAY G. COWAN be appointed as personal representative to administer the estate of the decedent. The petition requests the decedent’s will and codicils, if any, be admitted to probate. The will and any codicils are available for examination in the file kept by the court. The petition requests authority to administer the estate under the Independent Administration of Estates Act. (This authority will allow the personal representative to take many actions without obtaining court approval. Before taking certain very important actions, however, the personal representative will be required to give notice to interested persons unless they have waived notice or consented to the proposed action.) The independent administration authority will be granted unless an interested person files an objection to the petition and shows good cause why the court should not grant the authority. A hearing on the petition will be held in this court as follows: JUNE 13, 2022, 9:00 am, Rm. 204, Superior Court of California, 400 McAllister St., San Francisco, CA 94102. If you object to the granting of the petition, you should appear at the hearing and state your objections or file written objections with the court before the hearing.

Your appearance may be in person or by your attorney. If you are a creditor or contingent creditor of the decedent, you must file your claim with the court and mail a copy to the personal representative appointed by the court within the latter of either (1) four months from the date of first issuance of letters to a general personal representative, as defined by section 58(b) of the California Probate Code, or (2) 60 days from the date of mailing or personal delivery to you of a notice under section 9052 of the California Probate Code. Other California statutes and legal authority may affect your rights as a creditor. You may want to consult with an attorney knowledgeable in California law.

You may examine the file kept by the court. If you are a person interested in the estate, you may file with the court a Request for Special Notice (form DE-154) of the filing of an inventory and appraisal of estate assets or of any petition or account as provided in Probate Code section 1250. A Request for Special Notice form is available from the court clerk.

Attorney for petitioner: PAUL H. MELBOSTAD (SBN#99951), GOLDSTEIN, GELLMAN, MELBOSTAD, HARRIS & MCSPARRAN LLP, 1388 SUTTER ST #1000, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94109; Ph. (415) 673-5600.

MAY 19, 26, JUNE 02, 2022

ORDER TO SHOW CAUSE FOR CHANGE OF NAME IN SUPERIOR COURT OF CALIFORNIA, COUNTY OF SAN FRANCISCO FILE CNC-22557127

In the matter of the application of GERVASIO GAYOSO DE OCAMPO, for change of name having been filed in Superior Court, and it appears from said application that petitioner GERVASIO GAYOSO DE OCAMPO is requesting that the name GERVASIO GAYOSO DE OCAMPO be changed to GERRY DEOCAMPO. Now therefore, it is hereby ordered, that all persons interested in said matter do appear before this Court in Rm. 103N on the 12th of JULY 2022 at 9:00am of said day to show cause why the application for change of name should not be granted.

MAY 19, 26, JUNE 02, 09, 2022

ORDER TO SHOW CAUSE FOR CHANGE OF NAME IN SUPERIOR COURT OF CALIFORNIA, COUNTY OF SAN FRANCISCO FILE CNC-22557137

In the matter of the application of BUTCH BERRY AKA CLARENCE SHIRLEY BERRY, for change of name having been filed in Superior Court, and it appears from said application that petitioner BUTCH BERRY AKA CLARENCE SHIRLEY BERRY is requesting that the name BUTCH BERRY AKA CLARENCE SHIRLEY BERRY be changed to BUTCH BERRY. Now therefore, it is hereby ordered, that all persons interested in said matter do appear before this Court in Dept.

103N, Rm. 103N on the 14th of JULY 2022 at 9:00am of said day to show cause why the application for change of name should not be granted.

MAY 19, 26, JUNE 02, 09, 2022

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FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE A-039713300

The following person(s) is/are doing business as RELIC VINTAGE, 1475 HAIGHT ST, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94117. This business is conducted by an individual, and is signed ORAN R. SCOTT. The registrant(s) commenced to transact business under the above listed fictitious business name or names on 11/01/21. The statement was filed with the City and County of San Francisco, CA on 05/13/22.

20 MAY 19, 26, JUNE 02, 09, 2022

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE A-039706100

The following person(s) is/are doing business as RIMMA REALTY; RIMMA REALTY TEAM, 75 BROADWAY #202, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94111. This business is conducted by a corporation, and is signed RIMMA REALTY (CA). The registrant(s) commenced to transact business under the above listed fictitious business name or names on 09/03/05. The statement was filed with the City and County of San Francisco, CA on 05/03/22.

MAY 19, 26, JUNE 02, 09, 2022

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE A-039711600

The following person(s) is/are doing business as CRUSADER PLUMBING CO., 1100 26TH ST #1, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94107. This business is conducted by a corporation, and is signed CRUSADER PLUMBING CO. (CA). The registrant(s) commenced to transact business under the above listed fictitious business name or names on 05/11/22. The statement was filed with the City and County of San Francisco, CA on 05/22/22.

MAY 19, 26, JUNE 02, 09, 2022

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE A-039713000

The following person(s) is/are doing business as TULIPS SPEECH THERAPY INC., 1640 UNION ST, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94123. This business is conducted by a corporation, and is signed TULIPS SPEECH THERAPY INC. (CA). The registrant(s) commenced to transact business under the above listed fictitious business name or names on 01/27/16. The statement was filed with the City and County of San Francisco, CA on 05/12/22.

MAY 19, 26, JUNE 02, 09, 2022

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE A-039710800

The following person(s) is/are doing business as SAN FRANCISCO COUNSELING COLLABORATIVE; SAN FRANCISCO COUNSELING COLLECTIVE; SAN FRANCISCO COUNSELING COOPERATIVE; SAN FRANCISCO COUNSELING CO-OP; 1829 MARKET ST #202, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94103. This business is conducted by a corporation, and is signed BARTON SHULMAN PSYCHOTHERAPY, A PROFESSIONAL CLINICAL COUNSELOR CORPORATION (CA).

The registrant(s) commenced to transact business under the above listed fictitious business name or names on N/A. The statement was filed with the City and County of San Francisco, CA on 05/11/22.

MAY 19, 26, JUNE 02, 09, 2022

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE A-039708500

The following person(s) is/are doing business as AAHA INDIAN CUISINE, 3316 17TH ST, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94110.

This business is conducted by a limited partnership, and is signed SRI GANESHA SF RESTAURANT LLC (CA). The registrant(s) commenced to transact business under the above listed fictitious business name or names on 06/03/22. The statement was filed with the City and County of San Francisco, CA on 05/06/22.

MAY 19, 26, JUNE 02, 09, 2022

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE A-039714500

The following person(s) is/are doing business as AROMA NAIL SALON, 1414 CASTRO ST #B, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94114.

This business is conducted by a married couple, and is signed LOC TIEN PHUNG & BAO NGOC THI NGUYEN. The registrant(s) commenced to transact business under the above listed fictitious business name or names on 05/16/22. The statement was filed with the City and County of San Francisco, CA on 05/16/22.

MAY 19, 26, JUNE 02, 09, 2022

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE A-039711400

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE A-039706900

The following person(s) is/are doing business as CULTURE CANNABIS CLUB, 5801 MISSION ST, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94112. This business is conducted by a limited liability company, and is signed JHD INVESTMENTS LLC (CA). The registrant(s) commenced to transact business under the above listed fictitious business name or names on N/A. The statement was filed with the City and County of San Francisco, CA on 05/11/22.

MAY 19, 26, JUNE 02, 09, 2022

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE A-039713100

The following person(s) is/are doing business as BEAUTIFUL BY DESIGN, 61 KISKA RD, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 941245608. This business is conducted by an individual, and is signed ROSALIND K. JOHNSON. The registrant(s) commenced to transact business under the above listed fictitious business name or names on N/A. The statement was filed with the City and County of San Francisco, CA on 05/03/22.

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE A-039712800

The following person(s) is/are doing business as EKLYPZE ENFUZHENZ, 900 FOLSOM ST #159, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94107. This business is conducted by an individual, and is signed ORIEYONNA QUNEE JOHNSON. The registrant(s) commenced to transact business under the above listed fictitious business name or names on 01/26/22. The statement was filed with the City and County of San Francisco, CA on 05/12/22.

MAY 19, 26, JUNE 02, 09, 2022

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The following person(s) is/are doing business as JERRYPOP, 534 WALLER ST, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94117. This business is conducted by a limited liability company, and is signed JERRYPOP LLC (CA). The registrant(s) commenced to transact business under the above listed fictitious business name or names on N/A. The statement was filed with the City and County of San Francisco, CA on 05/12/22.

20 MAY 19, 26, JUNE 02, 09, 2022

Sergio Garcia

Erin was able to afford to purchase the Fire Island house following winning a settlement involving a piece of glass and a major Italian chain restaurant. Do you think our current culture is more litigious than necessary?

I don’t know. I think the character is just really savvy and knows where to make an opportunity for herself. I think that’s really more it. I don’t know if it was necessarily because of the culture or the time or whatever. But I think that she’s just smart about doing where she can get something.

by Gregg Shapiro

C

ould there be an Emmy Award in Margaret Cho’s future? In Hulu’s “Fire Island” (premiering June 3), as well as on HBO Max’s “The Flight Attendant,” Cho’s uncharacteristic restraint gives her queer characters, Erin and Utada respectively, an admirable depth and humanity.

Additionally, Cho has an upcoming appearance on the Emmy Award-winning “Hacks” (as herself), and ongoing guest-starring roles in a multitude of popular shows.

Never one to sit idle, Cho will be taking her stage act on the road throughout the coming months. Busy as she is, Margaret was gracious enough to make time to answer a few questions.

Gregg Shapiro: Margaret, in the new movie “Fire Island,” you play Erin, who’s described by one of the characters as a “career brunch server, age unknown, lesbian queen.” What was it about Erin that spoke to you and made you want to portray her?

Margaret Cho: I just love the script. I’m a big fan of Joel Kim Booster, and his comedy and his writing, and as a person. I wanted to be a part of the film. I love Andrew Ahn’s direction. I love Bowen (Yang). It was really special to do this.

The “career brunch server” was so appealing.

Everything about this character is a lot of fun, and so it was just perfect. We had a blast doing it.

It looks that way! Erin is the wise lesbian housemother to her gaggle of younger gays.

Is this an aspect of your personality that also transfers to your offscreen life?

there were full-on reenactments of entire “Real Housewives” episodes. Full Tiffany Pollard monologues from “I Love New York.” It was like Shakespeare in the Park, but it was “Real Housewives” by the trailer. It was exciting. I just love those guys.

Was your first trip to Fire Island as a performer or as a vacationing guest?

Every trip I’ve made there was as a performer and then I stayed for vacation. So, I made it work and pleasure, both at the same time. I’ve been going there since 2008. I love spending time there and just hanging out. I’m actually more of a Provincetown lady. I’ve been going to Provincetown since the 1980s to work and perform and just hang out. These are very much important areas for me. It’s the gay beach life that I really love.

Margaret Cho Comic actress on her TV/film triple play Absolutely! The elder gay. The crone. It’s also the old lesbian who’s burned all of her bridges with the current lesbians her age and has to mine the younger generation for friendship. It’s very fun, it’s really cold, and it’s very realistic to me.

What was the best part for you about acting with rising comic actors such as Bowen and Joel, whom you mentioned, as well as Matt Rogers?

We laughed every day. We had such a good time. Outside of my dressing room, every day,

Lois Tema

Left to Right: ‘Encore’ cast members McKay Elwood, Anthony RollinsMullens, William Giammona, Jacqueline De Muro, and Catalina Kumiski.

You mentioned Andrew Ahn, the gay filmmaker who directed “Fire Island,” and he also directed the lauded 2019 film “Driveways.” Is he a director you could see yourself working with again?

Absolutely! I love Andrew. I think he’s quite an incredible director. Not only is he so great with actors. The way that he creates films is so visually stunning and they’re so emotionally rich. I really admire him and his vision as an auteur. I would love to work with him again.

You were one of the performers in the line-up for the LGBTQ comedy show “Stand Out,” which was part of Netflix is a Joke: The Festival. Stand-up comedy has received increased attention with Jerrod Carmichael coming out as gay in his HBO Max comedy special “Rothaniel,” as well as the controversy surrounding See page 18 >>

Decker– celebrates its 40th birthday. And befitting a birthday party, there will be singing.

NCTC has thankfully not shied away from mounting provocative works about major social issues and the complexity of our community.

It has also over the years been a place that has provided a welcome escape from life’s challenges with campy comedy, naughty nudity and most dependably, the balm of song.

“Our audiences really do love a musical,” said Decker in an interview with the Bay Area Reporter last week. And over the years, NCTC has produced a whopping 60 musical comedies, reviews, and plays with significant musical elements.

“Encore” is a dance down memory lane, weaving more than three dozen songs from those productions into an original review that stages them afresh, with direction by Dennis Lickteig and brand new orchestrations by music director Joe Wicht.

A genre-jumping jukebox

NCTC celebrates with ‘Encore’

Singing Happy Birthday with 40 years of music

by Jim Gladstone

I

n recent years, New Conservatory Theatre Center has produced works that wrestle with some of the most challenging and provocative issues facing the queer community.

The current season’s “PrEP Play” took a hard look at the generation gap between men who suffered through the AZT era and those just coming of age in the time of Truvada.

In 2018, “Cardboard Piano” confronted audiences with the tangle of homophobia, missionary fundamentalism and Third World

politics. And in 2019, “The Cake” showed us longtime friendships torn apart over gay marriage.

But with the opening of “Encore” this weekend, the cake on offer at NCTC will be sweeter, as San Francisco’s stalwart gay stage –founded and still overseen by indefatigable artistic director Ed

The tunes run the gamut from Broadway heart-tuggers like “Loving You” from Stephen Sondheim’s “Passion,” and “I Know Him So Well” from “Chess,” to kitsch delights like ELO’s “Evil Woman,” featured in the roller disco epic “Xanadu,” and “It’s Tough To Be A Fairy” from Howard Crabtree’s “Whoop Dee Doo!” Under-the-radar gems are given a new chance to shine, including “Way Too Far” from Stephen Dolginoff ’s “Thrill Me,” the rarely produced musical about real-life gay killers Leopold and Loeb, and “Music Still Plays On” from “A New Brain” by composer William Finn, better known for “Falsettos.”

See page 18 >>

OMD 40 YEARS - GREATEST HITS WITH SPECIAL GUESTS

IN THE VALLEY BELOW

MAY 24 FOX THEATER - OAKLAND

<< Music

18 • Bay Area Repor ter • May 19-25, 2022

Lady Zen

Acclaimed Jazz vocalist at Oasis

Lady Zen

by Laura Moreno

L

ady Zen is one of the best singers you may never have heard of. With operatic training and a natural feel for jazz, country music and the fusion of all three, she has been called a “shockingly good” singer. If you’ve never seen her in person or even if you have, she will be performing in San Francisco at Oasis on May 25 at 7pm.

Incredible vocal talent like hers is not easy to come by. If you love k.d. lang, you’ll love Lady Zen. She sings with a raw power and strength that also dares to be vulnerable. By the

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age of 12 she was already a master showman and won competition after competition.

As often as she can, she makes a big splash performing in Mexico.

This year, she performed with Tony Bennett in Puerto Vallarta and she periodically plays the artists’ colony San Miguel de Allende in Mexico where she has lived since 2016.

Her life story is equally incredible and was recently turned into a feature-length motion picture. While here in the Bay Area, she will also be presenting the award-winning film about her life.

Born Alzenira Quezada in Brazil,

she has no idea how she ended up being adopted by American missionaries even though her parents were still both living. After being given a new name by her adopted family, she eventually went back to her own Brazilian name, from which she began calling herself simply Zen. Growing up she was told absolutely nothing about her biological heritage.

In fact, her mother was a South American Amazonian Indian, and her father was half black from Bahia on the northeastern seacoast, the birthplace of samba.

Unbelievably, her conservative missionary Christian parents actually kicked their adopted daughter out of the house when she came out as gay.

“I didn’t even have words for how I was feeling then,” Lady Zen said. “My parents tried to pray the gay demon out of me.”

Many difficulties followed on the long road to becoming Lady Zen, including a stint as a caterer and top chef. But the bottom line in retrospect was that in their ignorance her adopted family gave her an opportunity to go from victory to victory, and provided plenty of great material for the film about a multitalented woman who found herself and is unafraid to share who she is with enraptured audiences.t Lady Zen performs at Oasis, May 25, 7pm. 298 11th St. $20-$30. www.sfoasis.com www.ladyzen.world

Margaret Cho

From page 17

Dave Chappelle’s Netflix comedy special. As a performer whose roots are in stand-up comedy, do you think there’s the possibility of healing?

Yes, I think so. We need to hear from LGBTQIA voices in comedy. I think that queer comedy has always been a part of the larger comedy world. We’ve always had a very strong presence within comedy. I see so many more of us participating and out there in this conversation. I was glad to be part of the festival and I’m so grateful to be part of the queer comedy community.

Margaret Cho in ‘Fire Island’

Finally, I live in Fort Lauderdale, and I noticed that Florida is not on your tour schedule. I know that I’ve seen you perform in West Palm Beach, Miami, and, more recently, in Fort Lauderdale. With the political climate being what it

is under the current governor, do you foresee performing here at any point in the near future?

Yes, definitely. I think it’s important to be out there. I was actually just there a few weeks ago, so. I think that

<<

t

Encore

From page 17

There are even nostalgic throwbacks to NCTC’s early years as a children’s theater in a medley that includes “Free to Be You and Me” and “Really Rosie.” And, of course, a selection from the conservatory’s sixtime smash, “Avenue Q.” Lickteig and Wicht, both longtime participants in NCTC productions, have opted not to recreate the company’s original stagings of the songs, but to weave them into thematic groupings, with sections of “Encores” focusing on romance, queer activism, humor, and other motifs.

But projection screens incorporated in the set will showcase programs and posters from the NCTC productions that each song was initially performed in, inviting audience members to wax nostalgic even as they appreciate the tunes anew. A cast of five singers will be accompanied by a three-piece band led by Wicht on piano.

Firsts and favorites

Asked to name their personal favorites among NCTC’s past musicals, Lickteig points to the

‘Encore’ Director Dennis Lickteig

seldom-produced two-hander “The Story of My Life” by Neil Bartram and Brian Hill, about the lifelong friendship between two friends, one gay and one straight. Wicht also points to an obscure delight, “The Ballad of Little Mikey,” songwriter Mark Savage’s coming out/activism story from the 1990s. Songs from each are included in “Encore.”

While almost all of NCTC’s musicals were first staged elsewhere,

we need to be constantly out there and we definitely need to be heard.

Yes, I’m sure I’ll be returning again soon.t www.margaretcho.com

Decker, Wicht and Lickteig made a special point of including two songs that made their debuts at NCTC: Richard ‘Scrumbly’ Koldewyn’s fauxmelancholy “Where Is My Little Willie Gone?” from his “Wilde Boys” Victorian burlesque, and The Kinsey Sicks’ “Have Yourself A Harried Little Christmas.”

The Sicks themselves will have an NCTC encore in “Oy Vey in A Manger,” one of two musicals in the company’s promising 2022-2023 season (The second is Jonathan Larson’s “Tick Tick … Boom”).

Meanwhile, Ed Decker is keeping his eyes out for work to present in the future and feeling upbeat about the future of queer-themed musical theater.

“I just saw ‘A Strange Loop’” in New York a couple weeks ago. It’s absolutely thrilling,” he said of the Tonynominated show about a gay Black theater geek struggling with identity, sexuality and art-making. “I’d love to produce it here someday.”t ‘Encore’ through June 12 at New Conservatory Theatre Center, 25 Van Ness Ave. $30-$65. (415) 8618972. www.nctcsf.org

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<< TV

20 • Bay Area Repor ter • May 19-25, 2022

Women on the verge

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photo

Left to Right: Grace Park and Cameron Esposito in “A Million Little Things”, Jessica Biel in ‘Candy’, Camryn Grimes and Cait Fairbanks in “The Young & The Restless”, Aidan Quinn, Mariska Hargitay, Bernadette Quigley and Danny Pino in “Law & Order: Special Victims Unit.”

by Victoria A. Brownworth

W

e love Cameron Esposito. The out lesbian actor and comedian is known for her show “Take My Wife,” as well as her stand-up comedy and her podcast, “Queery.”

Esposito now plays Greta Strobe in “A Million Little Things.” Greta was besties in high school with series regular Katherine Kim (Grace Park). Their teen friendship ended when Greta asked Katherine to the homecoming dance.

Lo these many years later, the women reconnect and sparks ignite. Now, in the series’ fourth season, Katherine’s bi-curiousness has turned into fullfledged Sapphic love for Greta.

There is an incendiary chemistry between Katherine and Greta, who also look fantastic together. But Katherine is also fragile because she has been through so much with her former husband, Eddie (David Giuntoli), who is also the father of their child, Theo (Tristan Byon).

Added to this complicated emotional drama is the fact that Greta has a wife, Julia (Jessica Lindsey), something she neglected to tell Katherine.

“The truth is, Julia and I are married, but we haven’t lived together for the past three months,” Greta told Katherine over the phone. “She took a

job in London, but it was really just an excuse for us to have a trial separation.

But we both think it should be a permanent one. I should have told you.”

Well, yeah.

“A Million Little Things” creator DJ Nash told TV Insider, “Grace [Park] just took Cameron under her wing. It was great. And it made it so authentic [that she did it the] way Katherine would take Greta under her wing coming to this new, intimidating friend group.”

Alas for Katherine, Greta and Julia’s dog had to be put down, and nothing brings lesbians together like grief over a dying pet.

On the May 11 episode, Katherine is about to go away with another woman. In the car she goes to post a pic of the two of them on Instagram to make Greta jealous. That’s when she realizes that maybe she shouldn’t be leaving town or Greta.

Katherine tracks Greta down to the animal hospital and says, “If it had been a week ago, I’d be here with you.” But then a tearful Julia comes out of the euthanasia room and goes to Greta. Katherine leaves, in tears herself.

What will happen next in the final episodes of the season is anyone’s guess, but we are hoping Katherine and Greta make it. We’re more than a little weary of thrilling lesbian pairings being wrecked. (Looking at you, “Killing Eve.”)

Candy

Hulu’s new American true-crime drama series, “Candy,” created by Nick Antosca and Robin Veith, is spectacular. Jessica Biel gives a tour de force performance as ax murderer Candy Montgomery.

Candy was accused of brutally murdering her best friend, Betty Gore, (played by the always perfect Melanie Lynskey) in smalltown Texas in 1980. Candy had been having an affair with Betty’s husband, Allan when she hit Betty 41 times with an ax, killing her.

In the opening episode, we see Candy fleeing Betty’s house before jumping in her car and driving away. Candy was bleeding from her forehead, her glasses gone, her hair wet. The only sound from Betty’s house was the crying of her newborn daughter.

It took some time for police to

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June is for Pride and brides. “The Young & The Restless” is previewing both with the series’ first same-sex marriage. Mariah Copeland (Camryn Grimes) and Tessa Porter (Cait Fairbanks) –the “Teriah” portmanteau super couple– will tie the lesbian knot this week. Mariah and Tessa have been together since 2017. The couple’s proposal was January 26.

Grimes, who came out as bisexual in 2020, told People magazine that she is excited and proud to be involved in the Teriah storyline.

“Our relationship has been incredibly supported by the fans so far, and that’s what makes this such a joy,” Grimes told People. “We feel like we get to give this gift back to them, and they get to watch our characters just be happy and in love, and it’s a huge culmination of their relationship’s journey.”

Fairbanks is also thrilled to be part of this historic first for the longrunning daytime soap. She said, “I feel especially honored to be a part of this moment because I understand the importance of it.”

Fairbanks added. “This isn’t just a couple talking, it’s also representing on screen so many people who haven’t really had that opportunity to be themselves, and every time I come to work I am reminded of that.”

For Grimes, this story is personal in so many ways. She said, “I’ve been so moved over the years about how many different stories I’ve heard – that a fan had a family member watch ‘Teriah’ and now they are able to explain their own relationship to them better, or our love helped them come out.”

Grimes said. “It has been really beautiful and humbling because you really understand the weight of what you do.”

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arrest Candy and charge her for a crime no one understood–including Candy herself, who had no memory of the actual killing in which she claimed self-defense against an enraged Betty, who may have been suffering from post-partum psychosis herself.

Despite being arrested and charged with murder, Candy was acquitted on October 29, 1980.

Biel has done some remarkable acting in recent years and many will find this performance reminiscent of her acting in the first season of “The Sinner.” The five-episode series “Candy” is chilling and Biel gives an absolutely stellar performance with two other great performers, Pablo Schreiber and out actor Raúl Esparza.

5/17/22 2:06 PM

Olivia “Liv” Benson (Mariska Hargitay) is the longest running main character on prime time in “Law & Order: Special Victims Unit.” Her rise from detective to captain has been a 23-year journey and it has been fraught.

Just like real life, the police are on the skids. Everyone in New York City has a grudge against the police. In this tendentious atmosphere, Liv continues to try to navigate her position, manage her team and continue to capture and convict rapists.

Burton Lowe (Aiden Quinn) was

Liv’s first relationship when she was 17 and he was an adult. He groomed her, she fell for him, it was intense and damaging.

Last season, Lowe, famous and an active alcoholic, returned and tried to rekindle a romance with Liv. Then he tried to coerce her sexually. Then she discovered Lowe was leading a pretty rapey existence.

On the May 12 episode of “SVU,” Lowe is back and in a program to deal with his alcoholism and his past behavior, sort of. He tries to make amends. Liv says his sorry-not-sorry lack of understanding that he coerces and sexually assaults vulnerable women isn’t enough.

Then a middle-aged Black woman comes to the station and reports that Lowe raped her right after Liv escaped being sexually assaulted by him last year. Liv confronts Lowe. He says it was consensual between two drunk friends.

The upshot is Lowe willingly pleads guilty to prove to Liv that he is a changed man. He gets probation and has to go on the sex registry; no jail. It’s actually more punishment than most rapists get. That’s not an excuse for Liv’s response, which was to applaud him and tell him she hoped things would improve in his life.

Whut?

Liv is supposed to be the champion of rape victims everywhere. Watching her give plaudits to a man who groomed her as a teen and kept doing that to other women over 30 years was gut-churning. We get that Liv’s relationship with Lowe is complex, but her role is not. He’s a rapist, she captures and convicts rapists.

This is like when Buffy, a vampire slayer, got involved with Angel and Spike, two vampires. Except Liv is 50something and we have literally come of age with her as our guiding star and our warrior queen of the vulnerable and victimized.

This was a bad, bad move by the writers and did serious damage to one of the most beloved and critically important women characters on prime time. Give us back our advocate. Rapists have more than enough support.

Tidbits

You’ll want to watch the over-thetop tale of Watergate’s Martha and John Mitchell (Julia Roberts and Sean Penn) in “Gaslit,” now streaming on STARZ. The dementia storylines on “This Is Us” with Mandy Moore and “Law & Order: Organized Crime” with Ellen Burstyn are heartbreaking and Emmy-worthy.

“The Orphans of COVID,” ABC’s documentary on Hulu, is a gutting tale of the 250,000 minors left orphaned by their parents and caregivers dying of COVID. It is a remarkable piece of journalism and a tribute to the resilience of children. Get vaccinated, please.

WNBA All-Star and Olympic Gold Medalist Britney Griner was remanded for another month in Russia and not one news network reported on it.

No one has seen video of the lesbian activist basketball star since her arrest in wrongful charges in February.

So for the fabulous and the fraught, you know you must stay tuned.t

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<< Film

22 • Bay Area Repor ter • May 19-25, 2022

‘Downton’ not too shabby

by Brian Bromberger

D

uring the course of the new film, “Downton Abbey: A New Era,” which finally arrives in theaters after two reschedules, Lord Grantham (Hugh Bonneville) remarks to his French hosts, “I’m afraid we’ve even brought our English butler. I’m not quite sure why.”

One could apply the last comment to the entire movie, but that would be gauche, because “Downton Abbey” never pretends to be anything more than what it is, a romanticized frothy

soap opera fantasy with expensive china that will warm you like a well-worn angora sweater.

A friend who accompanied me to the press screening observed, “You know I never saw the Masterpiece series or the previous movie, but it didn’t matter. I could easily follow what was going on,” which isn’t a glowing testimonial about the quality of the screenplay.

Of course, the first Downton Abbey 2019 film about the royal visit from the king and queen of England to the Yorkshire castle, with an alleged $13

million budget, raked in $238 million worldwide, which explains the origins of this second sequel.

Still, whatever the film’s many flaws, if you are a fan/devotee you will have a swell time, but if not, you might wonder what all the fuss has been and why briefly over a decade ago Downton Abbey was a global phenomenon.

The subtitle, ‘A New Era,’ is disingenuous, since viewers are served the same shop-worn characters and creaky three-minute mini-crises, using the oldest soap opera cliché conventions (i.e. a suddenly manufactured life or death crisis is resolved ten minutes later), all of which we’ve seen many times. Yet perhaps the constancy of the repetition embedded in a glamorous façade is what is so soothingly addictive, especially in these most distressing times of pandemic fatigue, war, and cut-throat politics, where diversion can act as a mental health day.

‘kinema’ people

It’s 1928 and the movie chimes with the wedding of former chauffeur Tom Branson (Allen Leech) to Lucy Smith (Tuppence Middleton), illegitimate now affluent daughter of Maud, Lady Bagshaw. Their romance blossomed in the previous film. The film is divided into two sections. Strand one is a continental culture clash comedy when Violet, the Dowager Countess (Maggie Smith) announces she has inherited a villa in the South of France on the Riviera from a now-dead marquis, with whom she may or may not have had a love affair prior to her marriage.

The marquis’s son (Jonathan Zaccai) and his bitter mother (Nathalie Baye) have invited the Granthams to the villa where they will receive a warm welcome, as they try to unravel the mystery of this generous gift, though the findings could raise questions about Lord Grantham’s family paternity.

Meanwhile, Strand two is introduced when Lord Grantham receives a tantalizing phone call from the British Lion film company wanting to set their latest silent film, a preposProfessional headshots / profile pics terous yarn called “The Gambler,” at Weddings / Events Downton Abbey. Lord Grantham is repulsed by the idea of having to deal with “kinema” people, but Lady Mary (Michelle Dockery), now more or less in charge of Downton, agrees to the proposal as the huge fee being paid 415 370 7152 • StevenUnderhill.com will fix the home’s leaking roof. The servants are excited at the prospect of meeting and pampering movie stars.

The film’s director (Hugh Dancy) UNDERHILL.indd 1 5/16/22 11:34 AMtakes a shine to the married Lady Mary (though her husband, traveling the world for excitement and business, is absent from the film, probably having read the script and bolted) with charming leading man Guy Dexter (Dominic West) intrigued with lonely gay butler Barrows (Robert JamesCollier) and gorgeous platinumblond leading lady Myrna Dalgleish (Laura Haddock), rude to everyone and fearful about her Cockney-like working-class accent, portending dim Monday 8am future career prospects now that films (last seating 9:45pm) talk.

Tuesday 8am During mid-production, the studio New Adjusted Hours threatens to shut the set down because (last seating 9:45pm) no one wants to watch silent films anyWednesday 8am more, but Mary devises an ingenious (last seating 9:45pm) solution to transform “The Gambler” into a talking picture with the help of Thursday 8am incipient screenwriter Molesley (KevOpen 24 Hours in Doyle). There is one delicious scene Friday when the servants are used as extras Open 24 Hours and get to reverse their usual roles. If this whole scenario sounds familiar, Saturday it’s because it’s a direct rip-off of “SinOpen 24 Hours gin’ in the Rain” (minus the songs).

Sunday 7am Regardless, the two major plot (last seating 9:45pm) strands are never brought together.

But all the myriad bite-sized story lines are swiftly resolved into tidy endings. The film concludes tearjerkingly Proudly serving the community since 1977. with a funeral. If you saw the first film, you will know who dies.

3991-A 17th Street, Market & Castro Maggie Smith, relishing her

StevenUnderhill

Ben Blackall/Focus Features

Penelope Wilton and Maggie Smith in ‘Downton Abbey: A New Era’

delectably cantankerous demeanor, is still given the best acerbic retorts, delivered with her usual sass and feistiness (i.e. “Do I look as if I’d turn down a villa in the South of France?,” I’d rather eat pebbles (than watch a movie)”), plus one of the all-time great exit lines.

Overall, the film is crammed with countless subplots and stilted dialog (unbelievably the ever-scowling retired butler Carson (Jim Carter) delivers a “King Lear” soliloquy) spread across convoluted, choppy scenes often just a few minutes long.

At one point, there were so many babies and children mentioned, it felt like one had been transported to a “Call the Midwife” episode.

Gay vague

For LGBTQ viewers, the incidents involving ex-footman Barrows are especially frustrating. Audiences have watched as Barrows morphed from villain to suicidal gay victim to hopeless romantic seeking a futile long-term relationship. The first movie gave him some gumption, not to mention romance, but in this film, you could easily miss whether Guy is suggesting a dalliance, because vagueness abounds and there is zero sexual tension among these two very straight actors.

Creator Julian Fellowes has always had problems developing queer characters throughout his oeuvre, including the current “Gilded Age” HBO Max series. Here Barrows doesn’t even rate a kiss for all his travails and willingness to relocate to the other side of the planet.

But at least Barrows has some screen time, as opposed to many of the other characters, who barely have anything to do, such as Samantha Bond, Penelope Wilton, Imelda Staunton, Nathalie Baye, all brilliant actors reduced to lackluster blink-and-youwill-miss-them cameos. One only hopes they were well paid for their artistic sacrifices.

Why do we give a damn about these over-privileged rich white people? Perhaps the best answer is

given by Moseley when asked why he cares about the movie being made at Downton. “Hollywood is the ultimate dream factory and I need dreams as much as the next man.”

Downton is nonsensical fantasy historical revisionism, where wealthy people supposedly exercised paternal concern about their underpaid, overworked domestics, who in return gave them stellar loyal service and their heart’s devotion, instead of them spitting in their soup at the injustice of that social caste system.

But heck, there are dazzling shots of Highclere Castle, with sunny Cote d’Azur never looking more inviting, gorgeous roaring twenties costumes/ hairstyles, and jazzy music inviting you to dance the Charleston. Honestly, the entire enterprise could easily have been downsized into a two-part PBS holiday special, but despite this and all Downton’s other sins, we still love these characters (the series’ chief asset) and only want the best for them.

But having tied up all (and we do mean all) the remaining loose ends of Downton’s denizens, Baron Fellowes should quit before the series becomes a parody of itself and ripe for camp (i.e. Lady Mary becoming a government spy to root out upper-class English fascists?). Better he spend his time fixing/improving the very mediocre “Gilded Age” for its upcoming second season.

Ultimately the film is posh-porn, comfort food, and breezy escapism, the Masterpiece equivalent of a “Mamma Mia,” Mediterranean summer vacation (absent the Abba songs), a more cultured alternative to the next Marvel superhero saga (i.e. “Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness”).

“Downton Abbey: A New Era” is optimistic, sentimental, entertaining fluff tied up with a bow of pseudosophistication. Enjoy, but please don’t dare take any of it seriously.t ‘Downton Abbey: A New Era’ opens locally at several cinemas on May 18. www.focusfeatures.com/downton-abbey

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Dominic West and Robert James Collier in a scene from “Downton Abbey: A New Era.”

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Books & Film>>

May 19-25, 2022 • Bay Area Repor ter • 23

A love letter to a way of life

by Jim Provenzano

mantic intrigue. But if you’re looking for sexy personal tales, you might be disappointed. DiMarco does explain the frustrations of dating hearing men while at the same time and having feelings for women.

A

long with sharing details of his private life and family upbringing, Nyle DiMarco, model, actor and activist, offers some backstage gossip from his route to winning two reality show competitions. But this is more than a personal story, as DiMarco uses the book, “Deaf Utopia” (co-written with Robert Siebert) as a platform to discuss the history of Deaf culture, the oppression of American Sign Language and accessibility in schools, and his family’s personal struggles and victories.

Born in Queens, New York, DiMarco was one of two twins, along with an older brother, born into a Deaf Italian-American family. From a very young age he learned American Sign Language with eccentric variations taught by his grandparents.

Despite marital problems between his parents, particularly his father’s occasional abuse and frequent disappearances, his mother comes through as a shining light for his later independence. Her persistent advocacy for accessibility for her own children and other Deaf students would serve as an example for Nyle as an adult.

An independent spirit since he was a teenager, with other Deaf siblings, DiMarco recounts his years at a Deaf school where language was essential, but often vocal training and lip-reading were prioritized to accommodate hearing people. He also

Personal and public

And it’s the dating apps that led to his almost being outed by an unscrupulous gossip journalist.

DiMarco cut that off at the pass in his own coming out as being sexually fluid.

Of course most fans know DiMarco through the two reality shows in which he competed and won; “America’s Next Top Model” and “Dancing With the Stars.” Through the modeling competition, despite

references his year in a mainstream school where his interpreter’s skills limited his capacity to learn. Signing was often an ‘underground’ form of communication in repressive environments.

In between personal episodes, DiMarco cites historical references of the oppression of ASL by instructors and institutions over the years, and his personal frustrations in trying to learn any hearing-focused communication in an ‘audist’ culture.

It is at gatherings of other Deaf people where he thrives and finds his own community. At the same time, he reveals his struggles with attractions to men and his inability to act Peta Murgatroyd and Nyle DiMarco on them for a while. A trip backpack- on ‘Dancing With the Stars’ ing through Europe leads to some ro-

his admiration for host Tyra Banks, he explains some backstage scandals: how the production company disappointed him by often not providing an interpreter. This led to some frustration and of course the well-known re-editing of what actually happened to make a false narrative for the show’s dramatic tension.

One highlight of the series DiMarco describes is a photoshoot with his always-supportive mother.

DiMarco’s television experience with “Dancing With the Stars” is described as a complete 180, as his professional partner Peta Murgatroyd adapts her choreographic teaching style to accommodate his needs. DiMarco used his background in math to memorize and count steps as opposed to hearing the music (most of which are viewable on YouTube). As he moves his way up as a finalist he describes the short dances where he’s allowed to visually explain the barriers between hearing and Deaf people. One of the more stunning routines is his dance partially set in silence.

The memoir finishes just as DiMarco is headed into production for the 2020 reality series “Deaf U,” set at his alma mater,

Welcome to the Muddleverse

by Gregg Shapiro

A

comic book geek I know (and love) sums up the trouble with the Marvel Comics Universe in this way; “Marvel tries to sound intelligent and deep but instead, they just sound foolish.”

This observation sums up the muddled mess that is “Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness” (Marvel/Walt Disney Pictures).

The endless array of special effects, dazzling though they are, function to distract from the fact that there’s no there there. The most that director Sam Raimi can get out of his cast of actors is mugging and posing so the CGI can take center stage.

Waking from what he thinks is a nightmare in which he and a teenaged girl are being pursued by a relentless, multi-limbed beast, smug surgeon turned “master of the mystic arts” Dr. Steven Strange (a bizarrely coifed and bearded Benedict Cumberbatch), dresses and heads to a church for a wedding. The bride is his fellow surgeon and former paramour Christine (an unfortunate Rachel McAdams) to some other lucky fella.

The reception is interrupted by loud and violent activity in the New York City street where a gigantic, one-eyed octopus is in pursuit of, you guessed it, the teenager from Strange’s dream.

After he rescues her with the aid

of Wong (Benedict Wong), Strange learns that the dream was really the manifestation of another universe.

America (Xochitl Gomez), the teenage daughter of lesbian moms, who wears a Pride flag pin on her denim jacket, is actually in possession of great powers that a supreme evil being wants to co-opt.

Meanwhile, Wanda Maximoff (Elizabeth Olsen), who bears a striking and frightening resemblance to Amy Coney Barrett, especially when she appears as her Scarlet Witch alter-ego, is mourning the loss of her children in another universe.

She believes that the only way she can be reunited with them is by taking America’s powers, thereby killing her. The previous assaults by Wanda’s monsters having failed, she goes after America on her own. This is the kind of maniacal motherhoodin-action that reminds us why it’s necessary to keep abortion safe and legal: to protect children from their unbalanced parents.

Endless and brutal fight scenes, perplexing references to mythology and witchcraft, and the complicated concepts surrounding alternate universes don’t help matters much.

Not even the minor touches of humor can save this overblown blockbuster.

If you enjoy being confused AF while not even coming close to being entertained, “Dr. Strange

Benedict Cumberbatch (left) and Xochitl Gomez (right) in ‘Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness’

in the Multiverse of Madness” is just what the, wait for it, Doctor ordered. However, if cleverly created multiverses are your jam, you should see the far-superior, more meaningful,

Sponsored by

and much queerer, “Everything Everywhere All at Once.”t Rating: D+

Gallaudet University. Although it’s disappointing to have the great efforts of producing the show omitted from his book (and the more recent Oscar-nominated short film, “Audible”), it’s quite clear that DiMarco’s hopes and dreams are coming true. With the useful resource guide included, hopefully his goal of a ‘Deaf Utopia’ may one day become a reality.t Nyle DeMarcos’s ‘Deaf Utopia’ (HarperCollins) $28 hardback. www.harpercollins.com www.nyledimarcofoundation.com

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