San Francisco Bay Times - January 8, 2015 B

January 8-21, 2015 | www.sfbaytimes.com

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Women Who Changed the World With a Song

PHOTO S BY IRENE YOUNG

Photographer

Irene Young Captured the Timeless Moments

CELEBRATE LIFE, LOVE, MUSIC & CHANGE on Olivia’s Alaska Inside Passage & Glaciers Cruise (May 13-20, 2015)

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GREAT NEWS! Cris Williamson will be the featured entertainer on our Alaska Inside Passage & Glaciers Cruise to celebrate the 40th anniversary of her groundbreaking album, The Changer and the Changed. Produced by Olivia Records in 1975, it is one of the most popular independent albums of all time, selling almost half a million copies through word of mouth alone.

Cris will perform the entire album live and will be joined by musicians Barbara Higbie, Gina Breedlove, Ruthie Foster, Shelley Doty and Julie Wolf. Laugh along with comediennes Suzanne Westenhoefer and Elvira Kurt, and be inspired by Meredith Baxter. National Geographic naturalist Lynn Fowler will also be on board to share her knowledge of Alaska’s flora and fauna.

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BAY TIMES JANUARY 8 , 2 0 1 5

Irene Young Retrospective Highlights Her Photos of Women’s Music Artists

These artists, and many others, have been featured in Young’s images over the decades. The prolific photographer has 600 CD covers and thousands of promotional photos to her credit. Young’s history includes having been commissioned to depict AIDS projects in San Francisco, patients in numerous children’s hospitals, and so much more. The breast cancer survivor even produced a compilation CD that benefitted two breast cancer awareness/prevention organizations.

But it is Young’s images of Women’s Music that have us captivated now.

What a joyous trip down memory lane! The genre emerged as a musical expression of the second-wave feminist movement. It was started by lesbians such as Williamson, Meg Christian, Linda Tillery, Margie Adam, Gwen Avery, Mary Watkins and so many others. We are lucky that several of these talented, groundbreaking artists reside right here in the Bay Area.

Now is the time to pull out your Women’s Music albums, or perhaps to discover this often neglected genre that produced incredibly beautiful music that can make your spirit soar. As Bonnie Raitt said, “The first time I heard Cris’ music, it was like hearing honey dripping on a cello. I was just so touched, and continue to be, by her soulfulness. Cris has been a whole lot of women’s heroes—including mine.”

Irene Young is one of our heroes too.

We hope that you will enjoy her images on these pages as much as we do, and that you will check out her exhibit at the Freight. For more information about Young and her work, please also visit http://ireneyoungfoto.com/

For the Record: Women Who Changed the World with Song

PHOTO BY RENEE GAUMOND

This weekend, acclaimed music photographer Irene Young will present an exhibit of rare Women’s Music photographs, spanning the 40 years since the birth of Cris Williamson’s milestone album “The Changer and The Changed.” The exhibit coincides with the all-star anniversary concerts taking place on January 10 and 11 at Berkeley’s Freight & Salvage, and the photos will remain on view at the Freight for a few months. In addition to Williamson, the concerts will feature Vicki Randle, Barbara Higbie, Shelley Doty, Julie Wolf and other special guests. Both shows sold out in a flash, so we hope you got tickets!

Irene Young, Laurie Mattioli, Surane Gunasekara and Karen Adelman hang the exhibit.

“It is almost indescribable the impact Irene Young has had on the history of Women’s Music and the women musicians who have been extraordinarily documented by her portraiture. But the ingredient that is most magical is the way Irene pulls the essence of the artist out, thanks to the divine way she interacts to get the best from all she photographs.

There are so many wonder-

ful stories we shared...two of us searching for prairie for Cris’ album cover for “Prairie Fire” in Northern California when we realized we didn’t have the slightest idea as to what prairie looked like. Or finding the perfect shot for the “Blue Rider” album cover, which was the very last shot taken as Cris rode by on a horse.

There is no one more significant as an artist and professional than Irene Young, given her contribution to our culture, and there is not a better friend to all who have been fortune enough to be photographed by Irene.

We have been so lucky to have her as our treasured seer.”

—Judy Dlugacz, President & Founder of Olivia

By Irene Young

Exhibit Hours:

The women in my current photography exhibit (The Freight & Salvage, January and February 2015) had the courage to go out into the world and be honest. They were beautiful and bold, loving and kind, caring and ethical, funny and entertaining.

They changed the lives of thousands of people by singing songs of love and justice. A better world was the natural landscape of a future they imagined.

Thousands of audience members found a home hearing these women sing. They gained validation and conf idence. Then, those audience members returned to their families, friends, and communities, and slowly changed the people around them.

It is my strong belief that marriage equality would not have become possible if each of these women had not sung from their soul. These talented women started a movement about truthfulness of the heart. It wasn’t planned. They just wrote songs that came straight from their own honest emotions. They inspired us all to recognize the power of our openness.

This was monumental. It changed, and is still changing, the world.

Ronnie Gilbert and Holly Near, 1983 Teresa Trull, 1987

Jennifer Berezan, 1988

The photographs in this exhibit are by no means a complete documentation of this musical phenomenon.

There are many women, and some men too, who played an important role and deserve their place in recorded history. I had the honor of photoMary Watkins, 1982

Robin Flower, 1982

graphing many of them, and it is my sincere hope that one day I can extend this exhibit to be more inclusive.

Monday-Friday 1:00PM–4:00PM

Visit the exhibit, catch a show at The (Wonderful) Freight & Salvage, and continue to support these amazing musicians by purchasing and sharing their timeless songs.

Exhibit Location: The Freight & Salvage 2020 Addison, Berkeley, CA 94704 510-644-2020 info@freightandsalvage.org Alive!,1979 (Carolyn Brandy, Janet Small, Rhiannon, Susanne Di Vencenzo and Barbara Borden) Cris Williamson, 1989

13x19 Archival Pigment Exhibition Prints are for sale.

Select Saturdays 4:00–6:00PM ( Jan 24, 31, and Feb 7 and 14) Visit www.ireneyoungfoto.com Irene Young’s photographs have appeared worldwide in publications too numerous to mention, including Us Magazine, Oprah Magazine, The New York Times, The SF Chronicle, The Washington Post, People Magazine, Rolling Stone, Guitar Player, and The Utne Reader. Her clients include Warner Brothers, Columbia, Motown, Windham Hill, Narada, Virgin, Rounder, Harper Collins, Fawcett, Doubleday, and Henry Holt & Company Publishers.

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Women Who Changed the World With a Song

Irene Young Alix Dobkin, 1982

Barbara Higbie, 1980

Meg Christian and Cris Williamson, 1981

Deidre McCalla, 1976

Nancy Vogl, 1986

Deuce, 1984 (Jean Fineberg and Ellen Seeling)

Washington Sisters, 1991 (Sandra and Sharon)

Cris Williamson and Teresa Trull, 1989 Blue Rider cover, 1982

Linda Tillery, 1985 4

BAY   TIMES JANUARY 8 , 2 0 1 5

Cris Williamson and Judy Dlugacz, 1985

See Our Progress

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Dream Big!

Michael Tilson Thomas followed his dreams and has become one of the world’s most renowned symphonic conductors.

PHOTO OF MTT BY KRISTEN LOKEN

We celebrate MTT on his 70th Birthday!

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PHOTO BY ART STREIBER

A Musical Maverick in His Prime: Michael Tilson Thomas

M

ichael Tilson Thomas just turned 70, proving that the big 7-0 can be as sexy, passionate and vibrant as the steamiest climaxes ever set to music. Tilson Thomas is our own musical maverick who is still very much in his prime. Always out and proud, he is arguably the f irst LGBT conductor to achieve worldwide prominence at the highest levels while remaining true to himself, including his sexuality. Our entire community has benefited as a result.

Over the years, for example, Tilson Thomas has commissioned works from David Del Tredici and others who address LGBT themes in their compositions. Del Tredi-

ci’s piece Gay Life chronicles everything from the highs of sexual liberation to the agonizing lows of losing a loved one to AIDS. Tilson Thomas’ own compositions, such as Three Poems by Walt Whitman and We Two Boys Together Clinging, have not shied away from intimacy between men. Such works have, in stunningly beautiful and emotional ways, helped to open the hearts and minds of audiences.

Tilson Thomas also serves as a powerful role model. His work ethic and achievements continue to astound. He has won a mindboggling 11 Grammy Awards (representing the symphonies, choruses and more under his baton), not to mention a Peabody

Award and the National Medal of Arts, which is America’s highest honor specif ically given for achievement in the arts conferred to an individual artist on behalf of the people.

In November 2014, Tilson Thomas married Joshua Mark Robison, his partner of 38 years who is also now his career manager. The two met years ago at Hollywood’s Walter Reed Junior High School orchestra. Robison played cello, while Tilson Thomas played oboe and piano. It goes without saying that the two have been making beautiful music ever since.

The best is yet to come, though, starting with a special all-star

MTT Birthday Gala concert on January 15 at Davies Symphony Hall. The program will honor Tilson Thomas’ distinguished career as a conductor, pianist, and composer. The evening’s concert will be centered around Liszt’s Hexameron for Six Pianos and Orchestra, featuring Tilson Thomas in a once-in-a-lifetime collaboration with five of today’s foremost pianists: Yuja Wang, Jean-Yves Thibaudet, Emanuel Ax, Jeremy Denk, and Marc-André Hamelin.

Tilson Thomas himself will join in as the sixth pianist. Attendees can additionally expect to see performers from Beach Blanket Babylon and other surprise guests.

On the occasion of his 70th birthday and amidst the celebration of his 20th season as Music Director of the San Francisco Symphony, Tilson Thomas said, “I still feel like very much the same person.

My outlook on life, my idealism, wanting to work with people in a way that is collaborative—I think those are very much the same.

The music, and the opportunity to work with great orchestras and musicians day in and day out gives me the most energy and joy.”

For more information about the MTT Birthday Gala, please go to http:// w w w.sfs y mph ony.org/ B uy-T i ckets/2014-2015/MTT-70th-BirthdayGala.aspx

BAY T IM ES JANUARY 8, 2015

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Birthday Wishes for Michael Tilson Thomas essrim—should you live to 120, as did Moses.”

1994 was an important year for our beloved city, as it was then that the San Francisco Symphony and Michael Tilson Thomas made it official.

Twenty years later, this committed relationship has never been stronger or more productive. As a lifelong friend, it was a joyful time for me to welcome Michael and his now husband, Joshua Robison, to my recently claimed new hometown.

Even with the passing of 40 years, I am continually impressed and inspired by Michael’s commitment to

San Francisco Mayor Edwin Lee:

Moving to San Francisco only four years ago was an incredible experience on so many levels. One of the most exciting was being in a city with one of the true musical geniuses of our time, Michael Tilson Thomas. He is one of the world’s greatest musicians and human beings. Just to make music in the same city, in his shadow, makes all of us strive to be better at what we do. His creativity and courage inspire all of us who make music—whether as a vocation or avocation. And, more than that, the fact that he continues to conquer the music world as an openly gay man makes all of us extremely proud.

As the Maestro for the world class San Francisco Symphony for the last 20 years, we celebrate Michael Tilson Thomas and his 70th Birthday.

His vision and leadership continue to transform our City’s diverse arts and culture, and help to showcase San Francisco’s innovation around the world.

his craft, to his work ethic and to his love affair with music and life. His thrill in sharing this dedication with his San Francisco audience and fans worldwide is equal only to our appreciation of being the fortunate beneficiaries of his life of study, experimentation and performance.

PHOTO COURTESY OF BEACH BLANKET BABYLON

Michael and I met a few years before my 1977 San Francisco arrival as I was entering rabbinical studies in New York City. It was April of 1974 when I received a call from a musical friend to let me know that Michael would be conducting the New York Philharmonic’s Young Peoples Concerts for a week. He asked if I knew anyone who could gofer for him while he was in town. As I had been eager to meet him, I immediately accepted the offer, and I am so glad I did.

Timothy Seelig, Artistic Director and Conductor of the San Francisco Gay Men’s Chorus:

The Biblically proscribed life of three score ten years passes far too quickly.

Let me wish my dear friend, as we say in the Jewish tradition, “Od me’a

I was not sure if or when our paths would cross, so you can imagine my surprise when our first meeting happened one Sunday morning while waiting with the SFGMC contingent for the Pride Parade to begin. I was totally star struck. I am quite certain whatever I said made no sense whatsoever. He was, of course, warm and

PHOTO BY RINK

Calif. State Senator Mark Leno:

gracious. We have had the opportunity to run into each other on several occasions. With his mind-boggling schedule, we are seldom in the same place at the same time, but he actually walked across the street from Davies to catch our dress rehearsal of I Am Harvey Milk last summer. We have had initial conversations about some kind of collaboration in the future, which is beyond exciting for us.

Happy Birthday, Maestro. You inspire me and all of us. The San Francisco Gay Men’s Chorus salutes you on this special day.

Words of Wisdom from MTT “The big difference between human happiness and sadness?

Thirty-seven freakin’ vibrations.”

“If you’re curious, if you have a capacity for wonder, if you’re alive, you know all that you need to know [about music].”

PHOTO COURTESY OF PATRICK CARNEY. THE PINK TRIANGLE

PHOTO COURTESY OF SF SYMPHONY

PHOTO COURTESY OF SF SYMPHONY

“That’s why I take every performance so seriously, why it matters to me so much. I never know who might be there, who might be absorbing it, and what will happen to it in their life.”

PHOTO COURTESY OF SF SYMPHONY

PHOTOSOURCE: OPERACHIC

“I can’t do pieces I only admire technically. I have to feel some direct contact with them.”

“Classical music is an unbroken, living tradition that goes back over 1,000 years, and every one of those years has had something unique and powerful to say to us about what it’s like to be alive.”

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BAY TIMES JANUARY 8 , 2 0 1 5

WHITE HOUSE PHOTO

PHOTO BY DREW ALTIZER

“Being a conductor is kind of a hybrid profession because most fundamentally, it is being someone who is a coach, a trainer, an editor, a director.”

“Even the most ambitious masterpiece can have as its central mission to bring you back to a fragile and personal moment.”

In the News

Fate of The Lexington in Question Reverberations continue following Lila Thiekield’s October announcement that The Lexington Club, SF’s last lesbian bar, will be sold. The bar’s website, however, is not quite so final.

An ad for the Lex’s New Year’s Eve party mentioned, “While we may be saying goodbye to the Lex in the upcoming year…”

Regulars, including those who attended the NYE bash, remain hopeful that the familiar spot will continue to be a lesbian bar, but are awaiting news of the possible closing party. Thiekield says she plans to hold pop-up events under “The Lexington” title, and will continue operating Virgil’s Sea Room, 3152 Mission next door to El Rio, which is open 4pm-2am 7 days a week. lexingtonclub.com Homeless Trans Woman Dies in the Castro on NYE Numerous reports have confirmed that a homeless trans woman known as Anastasia was found dead on the morning of December 31, New Year’s Eve. She was discovered lying on a bench in front of Peet’s Coffee & Tea, 2257 Market Street. Anastasia was well known to locals, and was frequently seen in front of Peet’s and Harvest Market. Residents and business owners have confirmed that SFPD was called. Hoodline reports that paramedics performed chest compressions, attempting to save her, but they were unsuccessful. An individual who spoke with Anastasia before her passing mentioned that she had complained of feeling cold and unwell. http://hoodline.com/2015/01/ homeless-castro-trans-woman-founddead-on-new-years-eve Oakland’s New Mayor Libby Schaaf Calls for Coat Brigade Anastasia’s death, and winter concerns about homeless people and others in need, have led to renewed efforts to obtain protective clothing for such individuals. Via social media, Libby Schaaf, who was inaugurated as Oakland’s 50th Mayor this past Monday at the Paramount Theatre, has called for contributions of coats, sweaters and jackets to help those in need of warm clothing during the season of cold temperatures. For information, call Becky Taylor at 510-2200423.

Members of Occupy and Black Lives Matter Movements Help to Start ‘Super-Collective’ A new public space called Omni Commons has opened in Oakland.

Started by individuals who include members of the Occupy and Black Lives Matter movements, the collective is envisioned as a place “where artists, techies and political lefties can

com/169793 LGBTQ Scholarship Application Deadlines Friday, January 16, is the deadline for applications to the Pride Foundation. $400,000 is available for LGBTQ and straight ally student leaders. http://bit.ly/1102Rnj Monday, February 9, is the deadline for LGBTQ students to apply for eQuality Scholarships, established to honor and encourage California students for their service to the LGBTQ community. equalityscholarship.org

share ideas and expertise,” according to a report in the San Jose Mercury News. The collective even includes a “hacker space.” Omni Commons is located on the corner of Shattuck Avenue and 48th Street. http://www.mercurynews.com/ ci_27246769/spirit-occupy-lives-newsuper-collective?source=infinite

PHOTO BY RINK

Trans Woman Stabbed on Muni Samantha Hulsey, a 24-year-old trans woman, was stabbed in the chest on Muni on January 3, according to the SF Chronicle and other reports. Hulsey was on a date with her partner Rae Raucci when the attack occurred. The two boarded a bus, and a man they observed “was obviously not sober” began to threaten them. Afraid, Raucci and Hulsey fled the bus and were followed by the man, who stabbed Hulsey twice in the upper chest, according to the Chronicle account. She went into a local McDonald’s restaurant and an ambulance was summoned. The wounds were not life threatening and Hulsey is now recovering from the incident.

The assailant was arrested. http:// www.sfgate.com/crime/article/ Assailant-stabs-transgender-womanon-Muni-bus-5993570.php

LGBT Businesses to Benefit from AB 1678 Effective January 2, a new California law expands utility contracting to LGBT businesses and encourages contracting with businesses that are owned by designated minorities.

These include those owned by minorities, women, disabled veterans, and now by LGBT individuals. In related news, the NFL made history by reaching out to LGBT vendors among their providers for Superbowl 50, which will take place in 2016 at the 49ers new stadium in Santa Clara. sfbaysuperbowl.com/ business-connect Castro Business Summit to be Held January 14 The District 8 Neighborhood Business Summit will take place on Wednesday, January 14, from 5:50–7pm at The LGBT Center’s Rainbow Room, 1800 Market at Octavia Blvd. It will be hosted by the Office of Supervisor Scott Wiener and the San Francisco Chamber of Commerce. Castro Merchants reports that the agenda includes an open conversation among City Hall and private-sector business leaders, with local businesses and merchant associations (including Castro Merchants). There is no cost to attend. For more information and to register, please go to http://events. sfchamber.com/events/District-8Neighborhood-Business-Summitwith-Supervisor-Wiener-2670/details North Bay LGBT Center Settling into New Location Late last year, Spectrum LGBT Center moved to a new location, 912 Irwin Street, between Third and Fourth Street in San Rafael. The move was in the works since 2013, when the organization began conversations with Marin AIDS Project about a closer programmatic collaboration. The relocation provides Spectrum with access to shared resources, such as a large community room for group meetings, and a more central location that provides greater accessibility to its program participants. For more info: 415-472-1945, www.spectrumlgbtcenter.org 40th Anniversary Celebration for Historic Elephant Walk Scheduled Elephant Walk Founder Fred Rogers and Harvey’s General Manager Steve Porter are commemorating the 40th Anniversary of the Elephant Walk with a celebration that will take place on Wednesday, January 14, from 8–10pm in the former Elephant Walk Space, now Harvey’s. In addition to a special edition of the “Play With Bebe” Trivia Night, Sylvester cover artist Amoray will perform and the event will include a panel featuring SF Bay Times photographer Rink, Cleve Jones and Rogers. http://www.edgesanfrancisco.

Castro Community Patrol Training The first volunteer training for 2015 for the Castro Community Patrol will be held on Saturday, January 24, 1–4:30pm. Founded in 2006, the organization assists residents, business owners and community members in promoting and enhancing security and safety in the Castro and Duboce Triangle neighborhoods. To sign up, please go to: castropatrol.org/volunteers Golden Gate Bridge Closure The Golden Gate Bridge will be closed from 12:01am on Saturday, January 10, until 4am on Monday, January 12, for installation of a new moveable median barrier.

New SFMTA Bus Route in the Works Pending approval by the Board of Supervisors, a new SFMTA bus route, 55–16th Street, will be introduced on January 31. It will be named, at least temporarily, in honor of SF Giants fan-favorite Tim Lincecum, per suggestions originating from the blog “Burrito Justice.” munidiaries.com/2015/01/02/sfmtas-new

EQUALITY = HEALTHY We all bring something unique to the world, something for which we are proud.

For the 5th year in a row, Kaiser Permanente has been recognized as a leader in health care equality for lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender populations in the Healthcare Equality Index 2014 report.

kp.org/thrive

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Be Sure to Dial 1 Starting in Late February Beginning on February 21, new mandatory telephone dialing rules take effect. Callers will need to dial “1” before the 7-digit phone number for all calls, including those within the 415 area code. The new area code 628 will be introduced this spring. It supplements the existing 415 area code, which is now nearly maxed out.

San Francisco AIDS Foundation to Hold PrEP Open House On Sunday, January 11, from 1–4pm, San Francisco AIDS Foundation and other organizations will hold a PrEP Open House. At the event, attendees will be able to hear personal experiences from current PrEP users about accessing PrEP, ask specific questions in a small group setting, find out about public and private programs that can help pay for PrEP for those who qualify, and meet with representatives from the health insurance plans available through the Covered California marketplace and other community resources. So far, the following PrEP-friendly providers and resources have confirmed that they will be at the event: San Francisco City Clinic, SFHIV/San Francisco Department of Health, One Medical Group, Sutter Pacific Medical Foundation, UCSF 360 SHIP, San Francisco General Hospital Ward 86, Bay Area Perinatal AIDS Center, Magnet, and Project Inform. https://www.facebook.com/ events/1587179844838725/?ref_ newsfeed_story_type=regular

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Addressing Homelessness in 2015 roof, no halfway decent place to sleep, or shower or use of their own toilet.

They are literally out in the cold and out on the street.

Supervisor David Campos One of the most critical issues facing San Francisco in 2015 is the homelessness and displacement crisis. While San Francisco is the wealthiest city in the nation, it is also the most unequal.

As we look ahead to the year before us, let us take stock of where our city stands and how we can continue to ensure that San Francisco remains a community for all.

While homelessness nationwide has been slowly declining since at least 2005, the number of homeless San Franciscans has actually gone up during the same time period, now numbering a staggering 6,436. More worrisome, the number of people who have no shelter at all continues to rise at an even faster rate than overall homelessness.

Many other cities, such as New York and Boston, manage to put some kind of roof over the heads of over 90% of people without homes, whether it be an emergency shelter or transitional living situation. But over 50% of homeless San Franciscans have no bed, no

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My office is working with community leaders on multiple fronts to address these ongoing issues in 2015. We are continuing to fight for more resources for organizations that serve the homeless population through the City’s budget process. We are working with Dolores Street Community Services to open a groundbreaking LGBTQfocused shelter. This unique project will fill a vital need, and stand as the nation’s first and only LGBTQ adult shelter.

David Campos is a member of the San Francisco Board of Supervisors representing District 9. This column for the “SF Bay Times” was inspired by Harvey Milk’s ef-

forts to build a coalition of what Milk termed “us’es,” meaning communities that value diversity and attempt to leave no one behind.

For more information about Supervisor Campos and his work, please visit http://www. sfbos.org/index.aspx?page=2117

San Francisco Bay Times wishes you and yours a very happy and prosperous New Year for 2015!

Mission’s Carnaval Mural Restoration Mission District community members celebrated the official unveiling of the newly restored Carnaval Mural on Sunday, December 14. Located at the corner of South Van Ness Avenue and 24th Street, the historic mural is a symbol of history, culture, artistic expression and pride. Deemed “the Golden Dreams of La Mision,” the mural was originally painted more than 30 years ago and is considered a focal point of the Calle 24 Latino Cultural District.

Concurrently, we are also working with City departments to identify spaces in our dense urban fabric that can accommodate short-term and long-term affordable housing and shelter spaces. Together, we are moving forward to implement these housing solutions within District 9 and in the City as a whole.

This work is essential as we determine San Francisco’s direction as a city.

2015 is a critical point where we all must ask ourselves: Will we allow San Francisco to become a luxury for those who can pay, or will it continue to be

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PHOTO BY LOU DEMATTEIS

Building a Coalition of Us-es

Many of the problems faced by homeless friends and neighbors are particularly acute for LGBTQ homeless people. 40% of our homeless youth identify as LGBTQ. In a survey of shelters conducted by the Coalition on Homelessness, over 70% of transgender residents have experienced violence at our city’s shelters because of their gender identity. This situation is heartbreaking and utterly unacceptable.

a home for all of the people who make this great city what it is?

Real Estate

Real Estate Predictions for 2015

Real Estate America Foy

We should see rates in the mid 4’s to 5% mid-year and 6% by year’s end.

means lots of families will set their sights on the Bayview.

Prices

In the East Bay, the entire cities of San Leandro, Richmond, Castro Valley, Emeryville, and El Cerrito are going to be hot because they’re still relatively affordable. Oakland’s Bella Vista, Fruitvale, and San Antonio neighborhoods are going to be big.

Overall, prices should remain stable in most areas with a gradual increase in prices up to 5% in general this year.

The 30% increases we had been seeing the past couple of years are no longer going to be the rule. They are going to be the exception.

Buyer’s Market

It’s that time of the year again, and I’m sitting here writing this in a red turban with one eye on my crystal ball. That’s right, it’s time for my real estate predictions for 2015.

It’s going to get more competitive as first time homebuyers start to f lood the market because of the higher interest rates.

The market in general is coming into equilibrium nationwide after a year or two of spiking prices and historically low interest rates for mortgages. The Federal Reserve Bank is stopping its Quantitative Easing program, the stimulus package where the Fed bought U.S. Treasury bonds in bulk every month. Mortgage rates should slowly begin to adjust up.

Seller’s Market

Interest Rates While historically low, interest rates will slowly begin to rise in 2015, I predict.

I recommend anywhere near a BART station in the Bay Area as a hot spot that will increase in value in the coming year.

Inventory

Where to Look for a Deal

The number of houses that are going to be available is going to rise. As prices have climbed and now are stabilizing, sellers who were uncomfortable selling because they would not be able to find a new place to live or who were in distress are going to become more confident that they will be able to compete as buyers.

San Francisco’s Bayview neighborhood will see resurgence because the prices are relatively low compared to the rest of the city and it’s going to be the last C-Tip 1 area in the City. This

America Foy is a top producing real estate agent at Bay Sotheby’s International Realty.

Follow him on Twitter @americafoy, Instagram @americafoyrealtor and Facebook at America Foy.

It’s going to remain strong as the demand will increase due to buyer demand, although prices will not spike in areas other than the most desirable.

A New Year in Real Estate, Or More of the Same? compare a projected 4.4% decrease statewide in the numbers of singlefamily home (SFH) sales for 2014 over 2013, along with a 10% increase in median sales price. Further, they predict an increase in 2015 in both numbers of sales (5.6%), with a smaller (3.5%) price increase.

Real Estate Mark Penn Forecasting the real estate market has never been easy, and most people are not too successful at it. There are so many factors that influence real estate, including external pressures created by political events, natural or manmade disasters, and unforeseen economic triggers, among other things.

Some predictions do not even include these factors, and are little more than educated guesses.

Even so, there are some pretty smart people out there who seem to have a handle on what might happen. I trust the forecasts that are made by the research staff at the California Association of REALTORs (CAR). They seem to be the most in tune with housing statistics within the state. With still incomplete data from December, they

Examining this at a high level would suggest that, for homebuyers, 2015 foresees more opportunity with a slightly slower price increase. Interest rates are remaining low for now, but a CAR forecast of up to 1% increases in fixed rate mortgages in 2015 could hinder things for many buyers. Using current average numbers for the Bay Area, that much of an increase in mortgage rates could raise a monthly payment by as much as $250 or more on purchases made by the end of 2015.

It’s easier to look at history and trends than it is to forecast the future, and although we still don’t have any official year-end data for 2014, there’s enough out there to suggest a few things about the past year’s Bay Area market as a whole. Our SFH median price rose by over 8%. Two Bay Area counties, Marin and San Mateo, ended November with a median price of over a million dollars ($1.11M and $1.09M respectively), whereas in November of 2013, no Bay county could claim

that seven-figure tag. San Francisco was in third place, at $956,320. Every Bay county, with the exception of Central Contra Costa, saw an increase in median price at the end of November, with San Mateo, Solano, and Napa leading the pack in the rate of increase.

As I said at the outset, predicting what’s going to happen in real estate is a bit of crapshoot. But one thing that we know for sure is what’s happening now. Find yourself a realtor who knows your local market, and you will have the guide you need through the jungle.

With this article, I’ll be wrapping up my series of monthly real estate contributions to the San Francisco Bay Times.

It’s been a pleasure to write for this fine publication, and I’ve been honored to work with the great people who publish the paper. I hope that these articles have helped at least a few of you, and although I won’t be writing for a while, I’ll still be eager to help any of you who need some advice, either with finding a good agent near you, or with the purchase or sale of a home in 2015 or beyond. Happy New Year!

@Home in the Wine Country It’s still a great time to buy!

Primary Residence Second Home Investment / Rental  Minutes to the Golden Gate   

Mark Penn

Toll free: 888-766-6622 Mark@HomeInTheWineCountry.com www.HomeInTheWineCountry.com BRE# 01425244

10% of every commission donated to the Sonoma Humane Society

A Bay Area native, Mark Penn has been a REALTOR® with Coldwell Banker since 2004. He is also active in animal welfare, and is a former educator, facilitator, and air traffic controller. Mark can be reached at mark@MyHomeInSonoma.com

Happy Birthday Mary Watkins Photos by Sandy Morris

Mary Watkins played the Estonia grand piano at the birthday party held in her honor at Estonia Piano Factory. Also performing were Linda Tillery, Adrienne Torf, Deborah Tisdale, Lisa Cohen, Cate Larsen, Cheri Anderson, Leslie Hassberg, Emily Brooks and more. Among the selections performed was an aria for “Queen Clara” that Mary composed in 2005. Photographers Irene Young and Jane Higgins were on hand and enjoyed the after party with Mary and guests.

BAY T IM ES JANUARY 8, 2015

11

Preparing for the Changing Horizon: Dementia Awareness and Caregiving for LGBT Older Adults from Diverse Communities

Jim and Fred: A Love Story or dining out in restaurants around San Francisco and the Bay Area. They loved to hold hands and take long walks around the city, where they felt safe and at home.

Keynote Speakers: Karen Fredricksen-Goldsen, PhD and David Coon, PhD. For additional information and to register online visit: http://bit.ly/LGBT_ChangingHorizons_SF2015

Friday February 20th, 2015 8:30am-4pm in San Francisco This event is sponsored by a partnership of San Francisco Bay Area health, education and social service non-profits.

LGBT older adults face unique barriers to accessing info and services for Alzheimer's and dementia care. Join us to learn more. For you, your partner, your patient or client.

Questions: Marian Tzuang: (650) 721-1023 mtzuang@stanford.edu

FREE SAN FRANCISCO SEMINAR

Estate Planning for Registered Domestic Partners and Same-Sex Married Couples Speaker: Deb Kinney of Johnston, Kinney & Zulaica, LLP

Thursday, January 15, 6-7:30 p.m.

Hospice by the Bay, 180 Redwood St., #350 - S.F. Co-sponsored by

The law provides a default estate plan for every person, but it may not reflect your wishes.

Create a plan tailored to your own life and priorities.

For same-sex couples, changing laws may also impact your estate plan. Know the options for your financial and health care decisions, and ensure that your wishes will be followed after your death.

Reservations are required, register at

(415) 526.5580 or www.hbtb.org

12

BAY TIMES JANUA RY 8 , 2 0 1 5

Aging in Community Marcy Adelman Jim and Fred went on a date 33 years ago. They fell in love and moved in together. They knew early on that they had something special. Jim told me that Fred was his first love. “When I met Fred I was 25 and he was 55,” he said. “Our age difference was a concern, but it also had advantages.

He helped me come to grips with being gay. Being in a relationship with Fred helped me to become a more selfaware person and more comfortable with myself. He opened me up to my emotions.” The age difference heightened Jim’s awareness of how much time they might have together. “I didn’t hold back my affection toward Fred, so he would always know how much I loved him.”

Fourteen years into their relationship, Fred started to have trouble remembering things. Gradually, his personality began to change. Fred, always cheerful and upbeat, became uncharacteristically negative and anxious. Jim was confused by the changes in Fred’s moods, and angry and hurt when Fred became accusatory and paranoid. Jim knew something was wrong with Fred, but he didn’t know what it was. Neither of them knew whom or where to turn to for help.

Like so many gay couples, they did not feel they could turn to their families for support. As a gay couple, they did not feel confident that service providers would understand their relationship.

When Fred became paranoid and accused Jim of trying to poison him, it was too much for the two of them. They broke up. But Jim never felt right about the break up. They continued to stay in close contact. Finally, at Jim’s urging, Fred went for tests. He was diagnosed with dementia, and given medication to treat his depression and paranoia.

Fred knew how to enjoy life and have fun. He loved entertaining people by telling stories and making people laugh. He was warm and generous, a guy with a big personality. Jim was the serious one. He said, “We balanced each other. This is how we were good together.”

At first, the diagnosis was hard to accept. It took Jim some time to come to terms with the fact that not only would Fred’s condition not improve, but also that his abilities would deteriorate. He wondered if he could, or even wanted to, manage all of this. But in the end, he was relieved finally to have an understanding of what Fred was dealing with, and why he had changed.

They enjoyed meeting people, traveling and having adventures. Weekends were filled with attending events, going out to the movies, to the theater,

Two years after their break up, they got back together. They could still travel, enjoy going out together, and being sexually intimate. Jim says, “I wanted

him to live as full a life as possible. We were able to enjoy so much together— that hadn’t changed for either one of us. We had a beautiful time together. I know our love kept him healthier than he would have been on his own.”

Over time, the dementia progressed, and Fred became increasingly more dependent. As Fred’s condition deteriorated, Jim provided more and more care. He assisted Fred with dressing, bathing and changing. He wanted Fred to stay as active and independent as possible. But Fred’s incontinence became increasingly challenging. Eventually, Fred could not be left alone, and needed more care than Jim could provide. Fred moved into a memory care facility where Jim now visits him 3 to 5 times a week. “Fred is not very verbal at all now. This is a great void. I get lonely at times.”

“If I had known there were resources available for LGBT people, I would have sought them out,” Jim said.

“That would have been a great help.

Losing him slowly over time was hard, and from time to time I would be overwhelmed.”

He continued, “It would have made a huge difference to have had an early diagnosis to understand what was happening to Fred and to know what to expect and make a plan. And there would have been someone for me to talk to. I wouldn’t have been so alone. But I am grateful for my time with Fred, and wouldn’t change any of that.”

Today, there is greater acceptance and awareness of LGBT people and ourissues and concerns by senior service providers. If you are providing care to a person with Alzheimer’s or some other form of dementia, you don’t have to be alone. Nationally and locally in (continued on page 26)

Round About – Downton Abbey at the Castro Theater Photos by Steven Underhill www.stevenunderhill.com Hundreds of Downton Abbey fans gathered on Saturday, January 3, at the historic Castro Theatre for an exclusive preview of the premiere episode of Downton Abbey Season 5. Following the preview, the crowd also enjoyed a screening of The Prime of Miss Jean Brodie (1969) staring Maggie Smith in her Best Actress Oscar-winning performance. San Francisco Bay Times photographer Steven Underhill captured images including fans dressed in period attire.

Bu s i ne s s OU Ti n g s

Café Flore Offers Soul-Satisfying Meals and Queer Camaraderie in the Heart of the Castro We cannot imagine the Castro without Café Flore. In the heart of our neighborhood since 1973, it has always provided a welcome spot to meet, eat, linger, engage in passionate conversations and read newspapers like the San Francisco Bay Times! The spirit of the popular café, restaurant and bar matches that of the LGBT community itself. Instead of having a formal, closed door facing the street, its seating spills outside, welcoming passers by. At night, its lights warmly glow, providing a home away from home for many members of our team and countless others.

San Francisco Bay Times: What do you think makes Café Flore so special and beloved?

Stu Gerry: Café Flore is, and has always been, an institution that has opened its doors to everyone, no matter their place in life. It’s a safe place for the LGBT community, a favorite among travelers, and a coveted stop for locals as well. It’s the architecture, the magical garden, the casual atmosphere and our great staff that keep people coming back year after year.

a little more sophisticated approach to our service. We now have, in summer, our signature sangria served from our new Slushee machine to cool patrons down. Wines and spirits will also be following the seasons of the year. We just featured in November and December the lovely Beaujolais Nouveau, which is an annual litmus test for what the vintage has to offer from France. Many Spanish, French, and California wines have hit our

San Francisco Bay Times: For those who haven’t been to Café Flore in a while, please tell us about what’s changed and what’s stayed the same.

Stu Gerry: In July of 2014, Brett Klinker and I came on as partners with JD Petras to revive and continue the Café Flore legacy. There are no longer cashiers, and full table service is now in place. The bar has been updated, and will continue to be brought into 2015 as the year rolls out. The ambiance and casual feeling at the café, however, stays the same. We have great respect for the past, and listen to our customers’ input to make it continue to be the place everyone knows and loves. There will be much change in the months to come: new events, new menu items, and a fresh approach to serving our very important community.

San Francisco Bay Times: Can you be more specific? For example, are there any new items on the menu we should know about?

Stu Gerry: We have brought many new signature dishes to the menu, like Cheddar Biscuits and Gravy, our Fried Chicken Sandwich, Croques Madame, and many more. This winter we are serving fresh True Cod Fish and Chips, and have lots of daily specials.

San Francisco Bay Times: How about new drink offerings?

Stu Gerry: We will be reviving our very popular happy hour drink specials in 2015. The wine list and cocktail menu are ever-changing, and will be responding to the seasons to have

ary, we will be having a champagne toast for the two filmmakers nominated for an Oscar this year with their Der Kreis documentary, which is a love story about these two gentlemen surviving Nazi Germany as a gay couple and giving life to an underground gay society in Zurich. They have been together 58 years, and are truly an amazing couple to meet. Their story really puts gay rights into perspective. We are so fond of Röbi and Ernst that we decided to throw them a little party in appreciation, so members of the community can come share a glass and give a toast to these very important historians of gay rights and culture. You can always check our calendar of events at our website.

PHOTO BY JADE MENEGUEL

Café Flore recently underwent a mini makeover, and many new happenings are in the works, including a visit from two Academy Award nominees! We met up with co-owner Stu Gerry, who shared just some of what’s in store for the coming months at the treasured Castro landmark.

PHOTO BY RINK

On several occasions, we have struck up conversations with people at nearby tables. Whether regulars, visitors, or newcomers, all appeared to gain some comfort, and a great meal, thanks to Café Flore. Open until midnight every day of the week, the café is like a dependable friend whom we should not take for granted. And, as for a friend, everyone seems to have opinionated ideas on how Café Flore should look and plan its future.

wine list with great results. The bar will be focusing on products that are not artificially f lavored or colored, and have an emphasis on small batch, handmade artisan spirits. This simply elevates the experience. Let’s be clear that we know and love that people still come to Flore for coffee and pastries, which we will always continue to offer.

Everyone is welcome to come to Flore, and there are no wrong answers, just more options.

San Francisco Bay Times: What events are coming up on the Café Flore calendar?

Stu Gerry: We have a local ukulele band that will be performing in February! We have our wildly popular Sunday Trivia night from 7–9pm. We have the lady crooner Charlotte Redor singing on Tuesdays twice a month. Today, January 8, Southern Comfort is sponsoring our in house jazz band Cafe Society from 8–10pm. In early Febru-

Sa n Fra ncisco Bay Ti mes: Wit h ma ny changes going on in the Castro neighborhood for residents and for businesses too, why do you think Café Flore remains?

Stu Gerry: I think it’s all about character and uniqueness. In the changing times we now have in San Francisco, we feel it’s important to keep this property a stronghold of not only what San Francisco was, but also to continue to have the real San Francisco be preserved. The soul of San Francisco will be lost if we let places like Flore go by the wayside and simply sell to the highest bidder. Café Flore will never become a condo building if we have anything to say about it.

Abs ol utely Fabulous Tours

B ook a W in e T our N ow!

LGBT Owned 100% customizable Group/Private Tours

707-320-8043 Serving the LGBT community and their allies sue@absolutelyfabuloustours.com www.absolutelyfabuloustours.com

San Francisco Bay Times: What else do you see for the future of Café Flore?

Stu Gerry: We have many plans for Flore that include upgrading essentially everything in a gradual and consistent manner. We are working on the menu, the kitchen, the patio, the building itself. It is a structure that has been around for a very long while, and it will take some tender loving care as time goes on. We take inspiration from many things, but most importantly, we are trying to pay respect to the past to help direct us into the future. (continued on page 26) BAY T IM ES JANUARY 8, 2015

13

I Can’t Let Go of My Anger able to connect with anyone new. I want to move on, but I constantly think about him until I work myself up into a froth and get completely exhausted.

I know I need to forget about him and get on with my life, but for some reason I can’t let him off the hook. What can I do?

Roland Schembari and Bill Hartman Co-Founders in 1978 Kim Corsaro Publisher 1981-2011

2261 Market Street, No. 309 San Francisco CA 94114 Phone: 415-601-2113 525 Bellevue Avenue Oakland CA 94610 Phone: 510-504-9255 E-mail: editor@sfbaytimes.com www.sfbaytimes.com

Examined Life The Bay Times was the first newspaper in California, and among the first in the world, to be jointly and equally produced by lesbians and gay men. We honor our history and the paper’s ability to build and strengthen unity in our community.

Tom Moon, MFT Q: My boyfriend left me almost five years ago, but I’ve never gotten over how much he hurt me. He lied to me about everything. He cheated on me with my friends. He borrowed money from me and never paid it back. We only did what he wanted to do, and whenever he didn’t get his way, he threw a tantrum. He left me by moving out one day while I was at work, without ever saying good-bye, and left me to pay the rent by myself. Every day I go over and over in my mind the things he did, the things I should have said, and what I should have done differently. Since he left, I haven’t been

The Bay Times is proud to be the only 100% LGBT funded and owned newspaper for the LGBT community in San Francisco.

Dr. Betty L. Sullivan Jennifer L. Viegas Co-Publishers & Co-Editors

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Kate Laws Business Manager Robert Fuggiti Calendar Editor

A: It’s been said that holding this kind of resentment is like mixing a cup of poison for someone else and then drinking it yourself. Grudges are like addictions in that they keep us fascinated the way a moth is fascinated by a flame, and to the same self-destructive effect. Your boyfriend stopped hurting you long ago. He’s no longer the problem. Today, it’s your mind that is tormenting you. In a sense, you’re in a trance whenever you’re ruminating about him. The question is how to wake up. This is exactly the sort of question that good psychotherapy can help answer.

In my experience, these kind of obsessive ruminations always serve some defensive purpose. They mask awareness of feelings or ideas you don’t want to notice by keeping your attention focused outwardly on the injustice the other person committed. They’re like hard shells protecting your soft heart.

The way to stop feeling at the mercy of your resentment is to go beneath it to the vulnerability you’re trying to ward off through anger.

Here’s one possibility about what could be going on. Since this guy walked all over you, is it possible that on some level you weren’t completely clear that you deserved better? Sometimes when we internally “protest too much” about how unjustly we were treated, it’s because we’re really trying to convince ourselves of the truth of what we’re saying. As strange as this might sound, you might actually believe, on the deepest level, that your boyfriend was right to leave you, either because you imagine you failed him in some way, or because you were somehow unworthy of his love. If you unconsciously feel something like that, then by constantly pleading your own case in your obsessive ruminations, you deny your own self-doubts while simultaneously punishing yourself for your “failure” by keeping yourself miserable.

There does seem to be something self-punitive in the mental torment you’re going though, and in the fact that you’re not letting yourself get into another relationship after all these years. These guesses of mine may be

all wrong. I offer them only as one example of the kind of unconscious processes that keep people stuck in ruminations; and to encourage you to do all in your power to shift your attention away from the wrongs he did to you and focus more on what’s going on inside you. In any case, your ruminations must serve some psychological purpose; whatever it is, you’re probably trying to complete some internal work that needs to be done.

On the question of “letting him off the hook,” he’s not on any hook at all. It’s you who are impaled on your memories. The real challenge here isn’t punishing him; it’s letting go. If low self-esteem issues or unconscious guilt are issues for you, then if you face and work through them, you may finally be able to believe wholeheartedly the things you’ve been telling yourself about his character. And if you can do that, you’ll be in a better position to stop obsessing about him, because you’ll really know that he isn’t worth it. And, more importantly, you’ll also know that you really do deserve better.

Tom Moon is a psychotherapist in San Francisco. For more information, please visit his website: tommoon.net

Kit Kennedy Poet-In-Residence J.H. Herren Technology Director Jennifer Mullen Web Coordinator

Random Acts of Thinking

Mario Ordonez Juan Ordonez Distribution

CONTRIBUTORS Writers Rink, Sister Dana Van Iquity, Ann Rostow, Kirsten Kruse, Kate Kendell, Heidi Beeler, Gary M. Kramer, Dennis McMillan, Tom Moon, Terry Baum, Gypsy Love, Rafael Mandelman, Kit Kennedy, David Campos, Leslie Katz, Bill Lipsky, Karen Williams, Donna Sachet, Gary Virginia, Zoe Dunning, Marcy Adelman, Stuart Gaffney & John Lewis Brandon Miller, Jamie Leno Zimron Rebecca Kaplan, Thom Watson, America Foy, Philip Ruth, Courtney Lake, Michele Karlsberg Photographers Rink, Steven Underhill, Phyllis Costa, Cathy Blackstone, Robert Fuggiti, Chloe Jackman, Bill Wilson, Jo-Lynn Otto, Sandy Morris, Paul Margolis, Abby Zimberg

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18

BAY TIMES JANUA RY 8 , 2 0 1 5

spaces. They’re just a little less sparkly, and a wee bit more chewy. Enjoy!

Reading until you fall asleep

Unite us

Soft pillows

Namaste

Hmmm One

Naps

Some Rhetorical Questions for the Day! What’s wrong with being quiet?

Speak Up! Speak Out! Laugh Often!

Karen Williams, M.Ed ‘Tis the time for thinking about stuff, like how is 2015 gonna be different from, and better than, 2014. Well, I had a great last year, and I am nurturing random acts of thinking, meaning that I am allow myself some free time to ruminate.

I’m all for exercising the body, and it seems that the mind needs some exercising too. So here are some thoughts I want to share. Rather than “Aha!” moments, I call these my “Hmmm…”

Holding hands What’s wrong with being silly?

Hmmm Two

Hmmm Three It’s okay to nurture joy and laughter.

We all face the harsh realities of life!

Shakymuni Buddha said no one escapes the four sufferings of birth, old age, sickness and death.

Speaking when spoken to

Why don’t we lynch hatred?

Self-reflecting before blaming

Rape poverty

Respecting privacy

Molest ignorance

Treating others like you want to be treated

Murder injustice Kill apathy

Nichiren Daishonin took it a step further and said that, although suffering is a part of life, we are here to enjoy our lives.

Taking time to one’s self

Why don’t we kick the s--t out of greed?

I enjoy my life…

Resting

Baking from scratch

Why do we waste so much valuable time and energy on things that don’t really matter out of fear that, if we really work on things that do, we’ll somehow lose ourselves?

Sewing? Embroidering? Tatting?

Knitting? Crocheting?

Find passion Lose ego

(I lost everyone under 50 with this last group...LOL)

Find joy

Laughing Out Loud

Find wisdom

Kissing

Lose mindlessness

Kissing some more

Find you

Taking a long, long bath

Gain me

Random acts of self-absorption Being kind to yourself Cooking

Lose helplessness

Round About - Dan and Tim’s Wedding Photos by Steven Underhill www.stevenunderhill.com

Accompanied by a host of guests, family and friends, SF Gay Men’s Chorus conductor Tim Seelig and Dan England were married on Saturday, December 26, at the Nourse Theatre. Performing at the event were opera composer Jake Heggie, Broadway star Lisa Vroman, singer/actor Curt Branom, SF Gay Men’s Chorus members and more. Rev. Andrew Lippa officiated. The occasion was a remarkable one for all attending and the grooms were excited and happy guys, surrounded by hundreds of adoring attendees.

Don’t hate me or resent me or express jealousy towards me for that!

Join me and let’s enjoy life together, creatively learning how to win over ourselves, change our destiny, and be happy, sharing our happiness and joy with other living beings!

What a wonderful, wonder-filled way to live!

Karen Williams thinks that thinking about stuff is important. For more information about Karen, please visit www.hahainstitute.com

GLBT Fortnight in Review

By Ann Rostow Let the Sun Shine We can now welcome Florida to the Promised Land, bringing the number of marriage equality states to 36 as 2015 begins. The Sunshine State has the distinction of being the only state to legalize marriage through the courts without a ruling from the appellate court, in their case, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Eleventh Circuit. Instead, in a series of events that led to no small amount of confusion, a lower court marriage victory that was to take effect on January 6 was allowed to stand, even after the state asked both the Eleventh Circuit and the U.S. Supreme Court to put a hold on marriages during the appeals.

In other words, both the Eleventh Circuit and the High Court signaled that they agreed with the lower court even as neither court ruled on the merits of marriage equality. Marriage opponents leapt at the ambiguity, announcing that the original court order only applied to the specific plaintiffs, or maybe only applied to a particular county. As one commentator noted, that’s like saying the right to go to an integrated school only applied to the plaintiffs’ children in Brown v Board of Education.

A s t he Januar y 6 dead l ine ap proached, the judge in the case made clear that the principles at stake f lowed from the U.S. Constitution and that clerks around the state would ignore them at their peril. A law firm that had previously advised Florida’s clerks to resist same-sex couples reversed course and instructed clerks to issue licenses to one and all.

Pam Bondi, Florida’s conservative Attorney General, then reluctantly announced that clerks could make their own decisions, a bizarre kind of guidance from the state’s top lawyer, but one that basically translated into hands thrown up in defeat. And as the appointed day arrived, the now familiar sight of gay couples rushing to tie the knots was repeated throughout most of the state. A few mean spirited clerks decided not to perform marriages for any couple, gay or straight, but they continued to issue licenses.

Those marriages are legal, obviously, with or without the pronouncements of a low level state functionary. That said, I find the gesture churlish.

Florida is a huge state, so while the number of states only went up from 35 to 36, the percentage of Americans living in marriage states increased significantly. Caught between talking points, former governor Jeb Bush first said that marriage equality should be a “local” decision, but later made some fluffy comments about how everyone on both sides should respect everyone else.

Day of Reckoning The developments in Florida came as the Supreme Court is poised once again to consider whether or not to accept a marriage case this term.

On January 9, the justices will evaluate petitions for five cases, four from Michigan, Ohio, Tennessee and Kentucky out of the Sixth Circuit, and another from Louisiana, which is still in litigation at the lower level. The Sixth Circuit, as you know, is the first and only appellate court to rule against marriage plaintiffs in the cases under its jurisdiction. As such, these defeats almost certainly demand Court review. The Louisiana case, in turn, was also a defeat for marriage advocates, and is trying to piggyback on the other losses despite the fact that its appeal is still underway.

Speaking of that appeal, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fifth Cir-

cuit will hear oral arguments in the Louisiana case on January 9, as well as arguments in our victories out of Texas and Mississippi. The whole effort may become a moot point if the High Court accepts one or more of the marriage suits on its conference schedule. But it’s nice to know that the three-judge panel is possibly not the worst one we could have drawn from the conservative members of the Fifth Circuit.

Paging Dear Abby Moving on, I was struck by the lesbian who wrote a letter to the Washington Post “Civilities” advice columnist Steven Petrow about her gay nephew’s wedding, the first same-sex marriage in the family. The tee-totaling grooms have decided on a cash bar, even though the affair is a destination wedding that will already cost the guests a pretty penny. Aunt Flo from Kentucky fears that the boys are setting a tacky example for the LGBT community and making a bad impression on the relatives, including some who already have mixed feelings on the subject of gay unions.

The idea of having to buy a present, fly to somewhere like Aruba and stay at a expensive hotel only to have to dig out cash for a (presumably overpriced) cocktail is— to put it bluntly— appalling. How nice, however, that these are the sorts of issues that now face us in our contemplation of marriage. Indeed, while acknowledging that cash bars are a bad policy at weddings, Mr. Petrow wisely notes that every gay couple cannot be obliged to represent the entire community and that homophobic relatives will likely find something to criticize, if not the bar, maybe the music or the food.

If you think about it, the whole concept of a “real” gay wedding is quite new. Just a year ago, we had less than 20 marriage states. Two or three years ago it was half that. Five years ago, in mid-November of 2008, we had one, Massachusetts. Lesbians in the 1980s and 1990s were known for hosting ad hoc commitment ceremonies in a meadow somewhere, featuring overly personal vows, holding hands in circles, ribbon waving and an unpleasant dearth of free alcohol.

But aside from these forgettable occasions, our partnerships have been launched without the benef it of a formal send-off. How could it have been otherwise, considering that a wedding marks the moment, not when a couple makes a promise, but when that promise is recognized by the state?

Now we enter a brave new world of gay weddings, complete with groomzillas, bridesmaids who refuse to wear mauve, spats over the cake, fights over the guest list, and battles over the budget. More importantly, we enter a world where at least some gay teens will fantasize about their “perfect day” the same way that straight teens do, no doubt creating impossible standards that will someday turn the run-up to their marriages into a series of chaotic debacles that somehow turn out fine in the end.

Please kids. No cash bars.

Your Husband’s In Denial I am not quite sure where the last hour went, but in the course of checking one simple fact I went on a whirlwind tour (in no particular order) of the worst celebrity plastic surgeries, an adorable puppy jumping up and down, an indepth examination of Donatella Versace, a story about the couple with 19 kids who have a reality show, and a piece about a man with two penises that seems to strain credulity.

Professional Services The reality show people, the Duggars, are far right Christians on TLC, the same channel that is about to run a controversial special called “My Husband’s Not Gay!” Airing January 11, the show examines four Mormon men who have decided to ignore their attractions to other men and marry women in order to keep the faith. GLBT watchdogs growl that the premise is basically a nod to the discredited notion that sexual orientation is a bad habit that can be overcome by force of will.

We’ve spoken of this before, you and I. When screwed up gays and lesbians decide to “change” or remain celibate based on some creed, I see no reason to take a stand one way or another.

Sexual orientation is not a choice, but you can certainly “choose” to reject it just as you can “choose” to spend your life walking the sidewalks in a banana costume singing the theme to Gilligan’s Island, or just as you can “choose” to spend winter afternoons in a bikini on your front lawn drinking piña coladas.

Now, if someone forces you or shames you into such behaviors, that’s a problem. But in this day and age, surely even the Mormons on the show recognize that saner options are available. If they want to sacrifice a life of integrity in favor of miserably adhering to religious dogma, that’s their problem. I don’t think hair shirts should be imposed on the public either, but if someone wants to wear one, I say go ahead.

Gay groups have called for the show to be removed from the schedule, but the proverbial marketplace of ideas usually proves more capable than censors. I can’t imagine many questioning youth will be taking their cues from stressed out Mormons on The Learning Channel.

I should mention that Donatella Versace could easily get a job in a freak show after what she’s had done to herself in the name of cosmetic surgery.

And the Duggars have a gay aunt who is rarely or never mentioned on the show. As for the puppy, he’s so cute that I have the urge to pause in my writing again and spend another half hour watching him bounce up and down in exhilaration as his mistress arrives to pick him up from doggie day care.

J O H N S T O N, K I N N E Y & Z U L A I C A LLP

Pride Be Not Proud Speaking of censors, have you heard about the British movie Pride that may find itself on the short list of Oscar nominees for best foreign film? The story depicts an endearing collaboration between a group of GLBT activists and some striking mine workers in the mid-1980s. Its promotional images show men and women protesting. In the background, some people are holding a giant banner that reads: “Lesbians and Gays support the Miners.”

So, the U.S. version of the DVD has just been released, and the banner is airbrushed out of the cover shot. In addition, all references to gays and lesbians are dropped from the description of the film, which refers instead to “a group of London-based activists” who raise money for the strikers in a small Welsh village.

Speaking to the BBC, the director Matthew Warchus said he thought the revisions were “clumsy,” but that he understood the American promoters were trying to get the movie in the hands of as many people as possible, including those who might be put off by a gay documentary. But, really?

The movie is about odd bedfellows, gays and mine workers, who learn to respect and appreciate each other (continued on page 26)

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On Friday, January 9, the United States Supreme Court will discuss whether to review one or more of the five marriage equality cases now before it. We’d love to be a fly on the wall at the Court’s private conference, but we, like millions of other LGBT Americans and their friends and families, will have to wait for the Court’s public announcement, which could come later that day, the following Monday, or even later in January.

Nearly all legal observers thought the Supreme Court would take a marriage equality case last October, but the Court instead declined to review decisions in favor of the freedom to marry from the 4th, 7th, and 10th Federal Circuits. Marriages began immediately in Virginia, Indiana, Wisconsin, Oklahoma, and Utah.

Other states in these federal circuits, such as Colorado, North Carolina, and West Virginia, soon thereafter followed suit. At the same time, the 9th Circuit Federal Court ruled in our favor, and states such as Nevada, Idaho, and Arizona gained equality.

Today, 36 states and the District of Columbia have marriage equality.

But a very conservative federal trial judge in Louisiana and the 6th Circuit federal appeals court (covering Michigan, Ohio, Kentucky, and Tennessee) failed to follow the otherwise unanimous consensus of lower federal courts, which had sided with equality since the Supreme Court struck down DOMA in 2013. The 6th Circuit and the Louisiana federal judge upheld the statewide marriage bans before them.

Speculation is high that the Supreme Court will grant review of the 6th Circuit (or Louisiana) decision. Last

in states without it, will be deprived of important federal rights and protections. And LGBT Americans will continue to live with uncertainty as to whether the Supreme Court and other federal courts will protect us from governmental discrimination in all aspects of our lives.

Marriage Equality John Lewis and Stuart Gaffney Marriage Equality USA summer, Justice Ginsberg, stated that “some urgency” would exist for the Court to take the case if the 6th Circuit ruled against equality. Conflicting decisions from federal circuit courts present a classic reason for the Supreme Court to review a case. Justices Thomas and Scalia indicated late last fall that they had wanted the Court to take one of the cases in October. But the Supreme Court could also decline review of the 6th Circuit and Louisiana cases, and continue to allow the various federal appellate courts to reach their own decisions regarding state marriage bans.

We urge the Supreme Court to grant review of one or more of the cases before it and establish marriage equality nationwide and heightened constitutional protection for LGBT people more broadly. If it doesn’t, LGBT people will continue to be excluded from marriage in Michigan, Ohio, Kentucky and Tennessee for the indefinite future. Married LGBT couples will remain vulnerable if they move or travel to a state without equality. LGBT couples who married in states with equality, but live

As we await the Supreme Court’s decision, action will continue apace in the federal circuits. Marriages began in Florida earlier this week, and briefing is nearly complete in the 11th Circuit. The 5th Circuit (covering Mississippi, Louisiana, and Texas) will hold oral argument in marriage equality cases on January 9, the same day the Supreme Court will conduct its conference. Decisions will follow in the coming months. The First Circuit is also reviewing an unfavorable ruling from Puerto Rico, and the Eighth Circuit (covering states such as Arkansas, Missouri, Nebraska, and the Dakotas) will be hearing and deciding case(s) as well.

The case for equality is strong if the Court takes a case this January. The Court’s 2013 Windsor decision articulated forcefully the harm that inequality causes LGBT couples and their families. If the Court takes a case this term, oral argument will take place in the spring, with a decision very likely in late June—just in time for Pride. We hope for an equality filled 2015.

John Lewis and Stuart Gaffney, together for three decades, were plaintiffs in the California case for equal marriage rights decided by the California Supreme Court in 2008. They are leaders in the nationwide grassroots organization Marriage Equality USA.

Does Marriage Equate to a Loss of Freedom?

I love chocolate chip cookies, hiking, and art. No, I’m not composing a relationship ad, but rather, explaining how one of my interests took me to Alcatraz to view Ai Weiwei’s art installation entitled @Large (http://www.forsite.org/project/ai-weiwei-alcatraz/).

The exhibit was terrific. The ways his works highlighted freedom moved me.

I am still thinking about it two weeks later. The exhibit continues through April 26, and I highly recommend making reservations to see it.

The installations are powerful in themselves. Witnessing them at the site of a former penitentiary sent goosebumps up my arms. As quoted from the website, “the exhibition raises questions about freedom of expression and human rights that resonate far beyond this particular place.”

As a wedding officiant, the exhibition raised the question as to why marriage is often referred to, even jokingly, with negative references. Does marriage really equate to a loss of freedom?

Some examples: Unless one is in an S & M session, “tying the knot” can be viewed in a less than loving manner.

Calling a spouse “the ball & chain” is also a restrictive reference. How is it that bachelor/bachelorette parties are said to be one’s last night of freedom?

If someone is referred to as “whipped,” that is typically said in a derogatory fashion. And saying that “a couple is getting hitched” sounds to me more like a trailer is getting connected to a truck than star-struck lovers!

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BAY TIMES JANUA RY 8 , 2 0 1 5

numerous times I have seen it awash in rainbow lights.

Weddings Howard Steiermann I don’t believe that weddings are the harbinger of loss of freedom. Rather, being in a relationship can provide the foundation to weather life’s storms.

During these weeks while I was contemplating freedom, I attended (as a guest) a wedding extravaganza at the Nourse Theatre. I joined with hundreds of others at Dan England & Tim Seelig’s celebration of love, replete with emcee, singers, dancers, laughter, applause and standing ovations. I witnessed a couple who took the freedom to marry and bedazzled it big time! Their love shone through it all, bringing tears to my eyes. It wasn’t lost or overshadowed by all the hoopla.

I love that, in San Francisco, such a wedding can take place. Leaving the wedding venue, I walked by our impressive City Hall and recalled the

Be it a wedding in City Hall, a house of worship, or a vineyard, the couples I marry often choose these words as they exchange rings: “I give you this ring as one small symbol of the love I feel for you, and the commitment I make to you today. With this ring, I give you your freedom and my trust in you. I give you my heart until the end of time; I have no greater gift to give.”

I have included this set of vows as an option for my couples primarily due to the statement: “I give you your freedom and my trust in you.”

It runs counter to all the sayings that, in marriage, one loses their freedom.

On the contrary, I have seen individuals grow and flourish upon realizing that someone has their back.

As the artist Ai Weiwei is quoted on the exhibition website: “The misconception of totalitarianism is that freedom can be imprisoned. This is not the case. When you constrain freedom, freedom will take flight and land on a windowsill.”

And as one of my couples vowed to each other, “May we grow as individuals, and delight in the elegant freedom born from mutual respect.”

Howard M. Steiermann is an Ordained Ritual Facilitator based in San Francisco.

For more information, please visit www.

SFHoward.com

2015: Starting Strong & Making a Statement! but chilly, New Year’s Day Aikido training on the beach, capped off with a group cold-plunge into the ocean for purification and intention-setting. It was that important to me to get out of warm cozy bed, knowing that I was making my own crystal-clear interna l and externa l statements for the success of big Aikido peace events I am working on this year.

The KiAi Way Jamie Leno Zimron Wow, here we are in January again, and it seems like another year just flew and blew by. Meanwhile, every day matters, and how we approach and use each moment really counts and is what adds up to…our life!

I’m hoping you’re all as amazed by your December as I was. Assuming you read this column last month (right?!),we looked at great turnarounds in the closing moments of recent Bay Area sporting events—from the World Series, to Stanford women’s basketball, to the Niners and Raiders, to the LPGA Tour.

After citing stories of stunning late scores and victories, and formulating the message to focus on what great things could still happen in the closing days of 2014, my wife and I both enjoyed our best financial month of the year. Writing that message worked! In December, I conducted KiAi Golf and KiAi Business trainings in 4 states, then even while “on vacation” with family over the holidays, my good work fortunes weren’t over. In a parking lot by the local deli, I happened to start talking with a lawyer who loves golf.

The next day he spotted me again at Starbucks, and off we went to a beautiful nature preserve municipal golf course and a game-changing afternoon playing lesson. Then the morning of December 31, two unexpected excellent speaking opportunities were confirmed for January.

that they came to play and are up to the task. They gain crucial recognition and respect. Their talents, drive, competitive presence and winning potential are taken seriously. Indeed, a December 19th Sports Business Minute video about the struggling Chicago football franchise was entitled “Bears Must Make A Statement This Winter,” and noted: “It’s very, very important for the Bears to make a statement, for the sake of their brand.”

So as 2015 dawns, with all the promise, potential and, yes, peril of the new set of 12 months lying before each of us, I suggest that we focus, not so much on New Year’s resolutions, but more on what statements we want to be making. For our own ‘brand’ and to ourselves, co-workers, loved ones, and to the universe that is really the field of consciousness we are all playing in.

My coach’s question to you is: What statements are you making, by your words and deeds, to make 2015 a banner year in your life? Take some time to think on this and write down your statements. Here are 5 key words to keep in the forefront of your mind and new days: Contemplate, Choose, Visualize, Commit, Act. 1. Contemplate, then choose what you truly want, and that will best serve you as well as those around you and the world.

In some circles in 2014, people called for ‘The Gay Athlete’ to be named Athlete of The Year. We may well look back on last year as a turning point in the advancement of LGBTQ opportunity and equality on all the playing fields of life, including sports.

There’s no doubt that stunning victories were won for marriage equality.

Gay marriage is now legal in 35 states, and constitutional bans are failing in every court. LGBTQ workplace protections, and transgender awareness and services, are gaining ground. The 2014 Winter Olympics in Sochi will be remembered most for the worldwide outcry against Russia’s heavy homosexual oppression, and Putin’s latest medieval laws brutalizing both gay people and straight allies who stand up for LGBTQ rights. High-profile college and professional athletes came out—led by Michael Sam, Robbie Rogers, Brittney Griner and others— and are forging powerful inroads into the highly heterosexist world of sports.

So now, as we move individually and collectively into 2015, let’s get off to strong starts! Potential is limitless, and is about limiting less. Let’s make our own statements with clarity, sincerity, commitment and boldness. January is the springboard, and our statements set our intentions so that what we want to experience and accomplish can actually materialize and happen.

Which brings us to the opening month of 2015, and the message is not only to finish strong, but also to start strong!

Continuing the sports metaphors, right now is the first inning, the opening minutes of the first quarter, the first tee and hole, the qualifying heat.

January is about getting out-of-theblocks and into the race.

2. Visualize your actions, strategies, and your victories!

3. Commit and act by taking creative and enjoyable action. Act as if you’re already there! See, feel and taste what it’s like having what you want, being where you want to be, doing what you want to be doing and with the people you want to be with.

Let’s take the torch from 2014 and keep building momentum for a better world. And let’s never give up or stop until its safe for every athlete to play and come out, and for every single person on the planet to have food, water, shelter, work, equal rights, liberty and a chance to live in prosperity and peace.

When a team puts up points fast, or a golfer opens with a birdie, or a runner or cyclist distances themselves early, it’s called “making a statement.” They let themselves and everyone else know

Make your 2015 statements every day and in every way you can. To give another personal example, I got up early on January 1 and drove down to Santa Cruz to be part of a sunny,

Jamie Leno Zimron is an LPGA Pro, Aikido 5th Degree Black Belt, and Corporate Speaker-Trainer. Please check out her website: http://www.thekiaiway.com/ You can contact her at jamiesensei@thekiaiway.com

Homecoming for SF Gay Basketball

“Like” our Facebook page SFBayTimes

Sports Tony Jasinski In addition to being a form of exercise with competition, sports can offer opportunities to become more engaged in a community, make friends, express emotions and more. An excellent example of the emotional impact of sporting events was shown at a midDecember Homecoming Event for the San Francisco Gay Basketball Association. This was a “fun only” event with silly rules, and guests.

The event began with an impressive National Anthem sung by Nelson Toilolo. He was so good that many fans had tears in their eyes at his conclusion as he raised his arms, and his vocal pitch, to amazing heights. The event was hosted by Mahlae Balenciaga, who performed a wonderful Rihanna song, and kept the crowd entertained with side-talk and announcements. There was also a hand(continued on page 26) BAY T IM ES JANUARY 8, 2015

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#KateClinton2015 For 2015, I resolve to purge-watch FOX for an hour a day. I think of it as my Lummoxity practice.

Arts & Entertainment Openly Bisexual Desiree Akhavan’s Impressive Feature Film Debut Appropriate Behavior

Desiree Akhavan: I tried to make something that rings true to me, and hope that it rings true for others. If it’s honest, and specif ic enough, it can be universal.

Gary M. Kramer: Do you think Appropriate Behavior w il l change people’s perceptions of bisexuals?

Film Gary Kramer Openly bisexual writer/director Desiree Akhavan has crafted a laugh out loud deadpan comedy with her fabulous feature debut Appropriate Behavior.

Brooklynite Shirin (Akhavan) has just broken up with her girlfriend Maxine (Rebecca Henderson). She is not out to her parents, who are Persian immigrants.

Desiree Akhavan: It depends on who sees it. For a film to make an impact, it is a consequence of that. There is a lack of exposure of those who are willing to tell stories of neither gay or straight, or both gay and straight. If I’m holding hands with a girlfriend, I’m visibly a lesbian, but if I’m in a relationship with a man, I’m automatically seen as straight. So it’s about visibility. You can’t be visibly bisexual, which is what the film is saying. There’s something taboo about that word in general. I think the measuring tool is: Do you have the capacity to be physically intimate with someone of either gender?

Some folks can’t handle the baggage of stepping into that ambiguous place.

Underemployed, Shirin takes a job teaching filmmaking to 5-year-olds, which is as dreadful and amusing as it sounds. As she tries to recover from her breakup, Shirin dates men, women, and even has sex with a couple. But she finds it difficult to emotionally connect with anyone. Akhavan recently spoke via Skype with me for the San Francisco Bay Times about her film and being (in) appropriate.

Gary M. K ramer: [Sarcastically] There are so many films about bisexua l Persia ns i n Brooklyn. Why did you make another one?

Desiree Akhavan: [Deadpan] I know! I’m a follower. I see a formula that works, and I latch on. [Laughs].

Gary M. K ramer: Seriously, how did you develop your film and your character, Shirin?

Desiree Akhavan: I don’t see myself as Shirin. Her issues weren’t my issues.

We are very different. The themes of the film touch on issues I was dealing with, so that’s how it came about.

Gary M. Kramer: What can you say about your deadpan sense of

Gary M. Kramer: Do you often get to visit Iran?

humor? Is that a coping mechanism for dealing with reality?

Desiree Akhavan: Perhaps. I think people’s sense of humor is inherently personal. For me, the way I was raised, and dealing with the world around me, it was imitating my brother, who is really funny and deadpan. There’s always someone in your family you want to look cool in front of, so I imitated him. Also, life sucks, so I tried to laugh my way through it.

Gary M. Kramer: Shirin says she is good at pretty much only two things: drinking and danc-

Sister Dana sez, “I have a resolution solution for everyone. Tired of having made those same old resolutions, but you broke them just days after the New Year? Quit smoking? Yeah, sure. Go on a diet? Be real. Call those tricks back after you took their phone numbers? As if! Just use my handy dandy no-sweat solution: I resolve to be the best me I can be! It’s foolproof! Oh, and by the way: Happy New Queer Year to all!”

Sister Dana Sez: Words of Wisdumb

from a Fun Nun

By Sister Dana Van Iquity 22

BAY TIMES JANUA RY 8 , 2 0 1 5

And it truly was a Queer Year last year. In 2014, we saw the unstoppable momentum for full queer equality reach previously uncharted regions.

Activists’ relentless work at the federal, state, and local levels; in workplaces, healthcare facilities; in the court of public opinion; and in countries being

ing. What do you like to drink, and what is your favorite dance music?

migrants from countries like Iran have to be especially careful about coming out?

Desiree Akhavan: I don’t think drinking and dancing are my best qualities. The older I get, I can’t even handle drinking that much! I like whiskey. As for dancing, I enjoy anything but house music. It’s a mood killer for me. I like a smorgasbord of other kinds of music.

Desiree Akhavan: I think it’s definitely a consequence of being a child of immigrants. It’s different for each person. Some live a double life—one with their Iran family, another with their friends. Personally, I haven’t had that. I’m honest to a fault. It’s more that I’m a terrible liar, and it hurts to make up a façade.

Gary M. Kramer: Appropriate Behavior has Shirin hiding her sexuality from her parents. Do you think most children of im-

targeted by anti-LGBTQ extremists has brought vitally important changes, both big and small, to the lives of queer people both in the U.S. and abroad.

Sister Dana sez, “Full steam ahead for MMXV (Roman for 2015!)”

COMFORT A ND JOY in collaboration with CALAMUS FELLOWSHIP presented their annual WINTER SOLSTICE PARTY at Danzhaus. The legendary Chickpea aka Brian Busta was our environment and atmosphere artist decorating with giant snowf lakes, spinning day-glo phallic art overhead, and black-lights. The festivities began with a very special holiday meal designed to nourish our whole being. During

Desiree Akhavan: I used to go, but I haven’t been back in a long time. I can’t go back because it would be kind of dangerous now.

Gar y M. K ramer: Shirin is quite sexually adventurous in the film—using strap-ons, role playing with her girlfriend (albeit badly) and sleeping with couples. She seems to pursue every potential sexual situation.

Do you think she should learn to love herself first?

Gary M. Kramer: What I like about your film is that it’s relatable, whatever one’s experience.

Desiree Akhavan: Perhaps. I saw it as the minute she got her heart broken she threw herself into a “choose your (continued on page 26)

this delectable feast, Calamus was proud to present a rare trifecta of talent - perhaps some of the most important queer artists of the Bay: Brontez Purnell, Miss Rahni and Sampson McCormick. We enjoyed the crass romanticism of Brontez’s brilliant prose as he read from his tell-all novel chronicling the misadventures of gay sex renegades, The Cruising Diaries.

We watched in awe as multiple awardwinning diva Miss Rahni performed creatively choreographed numbers from her critically acclaimed one woman show, My Book. We laughed a lot with the highly celebrated and absolutely hysterical comedian McCormick, whose comedy albums include Don’t Make Me Take Off My Earrings

and That B-tch Better Be Funny. Later on, we circled for a yuletide ritual followed by an unforgettable drag show hosted by Ultra featuring some of our favorite eclectic queens, including Effervescence Jackson, Mama Dora, Mandala, Shakey Gibson, Vivi The Force, Trangela Lansbery, A manda Love, Samuel Kehl, Dakota Pendant, Alabama Slamma, and Beyonda. Then we ended with dancing and delighting until dawn. Calamus Fellowship believes radical queer spirit and culture are essential! Comfort & Joy is a mutual support society that celebrates boldly creative queer culture, expression, spirituality, and self-actualization (continued on page 26)

Round About - All Over Town Photos by Rink

Firefighter Ed Campbell receives a commendation from Post Commander Mario Benfield at the Alexander Hamilton 448 Post American Legion’s holiday dinner at the Sausage Factory.

The SF City Hall holiday tree was the setting for a lesbian wedding held on December 26.

Publicist Lawrence Helman and his partner Bruce Balderson joined Karen Larsen at the Larsen Associates Holiday Party held at Victory Hall and Parlor restaurant and bar.

Volunteers Lia Wheeler and Mario Hernandez served dessert at the Open House Luncheon at the Castro Seniors Center.

Chuck Schroeder and his dog Charlie at Hole in the Wall bar’s Winter Solstice Party.

Volunteer Marcy Rowe and Castro Seniors program director Patrick Larkin share a toast at the group’s Holiday Luncheon.

Milk Club co-president Laura Thomas and newly named co-president Peter Galotta honored out-going co-president Tom Temprano at the Club’s holiday party.

The Museum of African Diaspora’s Linda Harrison and Adrian Williams led the ceremony on the first day of Kwanzaa at SF City Hall.

Milk Club co-president Tom Temprano (left) with Jenna Haywood and Corey Hallman promoting the club’s new t-shirts at the Harvey Milk Club Holiday Fete.

Entertainers and emcees performed at the Aguilas Holiday Party held at the SF LGBT Community Center.

BAY T IM ES JANUARY 8, 2015

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Manifest Soul Callings

Astrology Linda Amburgey A teaching offered by the author Jett Psaris beautifully states, “Callings are all around us in many forms, inviting us to have the conversations that matter most deeply to our unfolding.” When we align our beings with something larger than our own needs that secure our sense of identity, we bind ourselves in service to the collective soul. Finding and following our unique calling requires a willingness to listen to the stirrings that arise within, compelling us with ferocious fire or gentle tugs. Aligning your personal will and capacity to act with the “will” of the Divine mystical realm is the ticket to finding your forever home in this thing we call life. In this Cosmic climate, getting lost is the path home.

ARIES (March 21–April 19) Your goals may seem to simultaneously manifest and disappear. This is the necessary pulse that grows and nurtures the whole truth of your path into complete visibility. You may find it a bit exhausting if your own efforts muscle out the magic.

TAURUS (April 20–May 20) Spend some time in the counsel of nature. It is here that you will receive the necessary language to translate the messages needed for the tribe. A clean translation requires you to put aside your own agenda and judgments, and be truly open to the Truth.

GEMINI (May 21–June 20) You have been stripped from long-held identifications, even though you pride yourself on having none. Now that you are a bit dazed and confused, the truth can seep into your consciousness. This necessary passage will soften your soul, leaving you with a gentle foot to place on the first step of your new path.

CANCER (June 21–July 22) Although you are tempted to drift away into blissful oblivion, significant longings in the relationship department are keeping you tethered to the here and now. Find a way to blend these seemingly oppositional worlds, and you will master the challenge of autonomy and intimacy.

LIBRA (September 23– October 22) Work hard to ground your internal foundation, as you will be called into tasks that dissolve and potentially deplete you. Your energy level may feel low, but when you surrender in divine service to these tasks, you will be delighted and amazed at what gets accomplished.

LEO (July 23–August 22) The ecstatic has many entry points, and you must choose wisely right now. Hold in your awareness that your body is a portal for both the divine and the addicted. Melt into the heat of what compels you and loose yourself for better or for worse.

SCORPIO (October 23– You are split this month between the naughty child secretly playing fantasy games that bring you into ecstatic bliss, and the dutiful adult that has matured into your position of authority and leadership. You can have the best of both worlds.

Enjoy!

VIRGO (August 23– Merging and melting yourself in harmony with another is a delicious and divine way to bring in the New Year.

Enjoy these blissful moments, as you will also feel a deep urge to re-constellate into your own separate groove.

S AG I T TA R I U S (November 22–December 21) Set solid and realistic financial goals, making certain they are aligned with your new and evolving values. You have plenty of sacrifices being made for the clan, and the wisdom gained from this maturity is reflecting in your money mat-

ters.

C A P R I C O R N (December 22–January 19) Your brothers and sisters need your stamina and leadership right now. In order to carry out this divinely appointed role, your actions and words must match your highest intentions.

You should be asking: What would Jesus say? What would Buddha do? Ask anything that helps you clear your own egogratifying agenda.

AQUARIUS (January 20– February 18) You may currently lack the energy or personal will to implement your dreams, but trust that strong threads of manifestation are being woven behind the veil.

When it is time, these threads will give foundation and strength to your manifestation currency.

PISCES (February 19– March 20) There is an opening in the portal this month, and you must now walk your talk.

If you have done your work, you will find yourself in front of the tribe holding the center of the cosmic axis demonstrating that

Linda Amburgey has owned Crystal Way Metaphysical Center for 12 years, and has been an Intuitive Reader for 20 years. To book readings, or on-going counseling for couples, individuals or parties, please e-mail her at ConsciousCounsel@gmail.com or call 415-218-5096.

As Heard on the Street . . . What do you hope to do more of this year?

compiled by Rink

Aja Monet

China Silk

Michelle Borges

Ronald Szydlo

Veronika Fimbres

“See less divisions in our community.”

“More happiness, more joy and love to everyone in the world.”

“To have San Francisco friends visit, make more Henderson friends. Finish moving in. Health and happiness for myself, my friends, and family.”

“More friends to visit us in Las Vegas. More rainfall for California. More Democrats and Libertarians voted into office.”

“I would like to accomplish more, on a personal level. This means for me, less procrastination!”

Steven Underhill

PHOTOGRAPHY

415 370 7152

WEDDINGS, HEADSHOTS, PORTRAITS

stevenunderhill.com · stevenunderhillphotos@gmail.com 24

BAY TIMES JANUA RY 8 , 2 0 1 5

See many more Calendar items @ www.sfbaytimes.com

compiled by Robert Fuggiti Five Women Wearing the Same Dress – Live Oak Theatre.

8 pm. $25 (1301 Shattuck Ave., Berkeley) A staged reading that celebrates the irreverent and touching spirit of women alike. One night. www.aeofberkeley.org

• 14 : W EDNESDAY

“Hick: A Love Story” will be at the Berkeley City Club through January 25.

Golden Gate Park) Join queer and lesbian women over 40 for a walk through the park.

Hick: A Love Sory – The Mhughes56@comcast.net Berkeley City Club. $20. 8 pm.

(2315 Durant St.) Terry Baum is back in Hick: A Love Story, through January 25.

Queer Feminist Music Skill www.crackpotcrones.com Share – Secret Studios. Free. 3pm.

RADAR Reading Series – (2200 Cesar Chavez) A new group Hormel Center SF Public Library. featuring a skill share, music workFree. 6 pm. (100 Larkin St.) Laurie shop and performance series for Stone, Sarah Chavez, Sophie Yanow feminists and queers of all types and Junior Clemons. who make music. www.sfqueer.com www.sfpl.org Beginning Drumming Whole Body Reboot – Green Introduction – Sausalito Healing Surge. Free. 6:30 pm. (2301 Market Arts. $120. 12 pm to 5 pm. (85 St.) Best-selling author and nutriLiberty Ship Way, Suite 103, tionist Manuel Villacorta discusses Sausalito) Find your rhythm and the key to transforming your body express yourself during this excitwith the power of superfoods. ing drumming course taught by www.drinkgreensurge.com Barbara Borden and Randall Alifano.

Barbara@bbbeat.com

• 8 : T HURSDAY

• 11 : S UNDAY

• 9 : F RIDAY

Promises, Promises – San Francisco Playhouse. $30+. 7 pm.

(450 Post St.) A lovelorn young executive and a romantically troubled waitress, are knotted in a twist of sexual affairs and corporate shenanigans. Through January 10. www.sfplayhouse.org Shen Yun – The War Memorial Opera House. $60-$280. 2 pm.

(301 Van Ness Ave.) Shen Yun presents colorful and exhilarating performances of classical Chinese dance and music. January 8-11. www.tickets.shenyun.com De Youngsters Family Art Party - de Young Museum. $26.

5:30 pm (50 Hagiwara Tea Garden Drive) The 2nd annual celebration of art with activities for family. www.deyoung.famsf.org

• 10 : S ATURDAY

Blame Sally – Throckmorton Theatre. $28. 8 pm. (142 Throckmorton Ave., Mill) Valley) The Bay Area’s favorite all female band performs live. www.blamesally.com BATS Improv: Super Scene – Bayfront Theater. $20. 8 pm. (B350 Fort Mason Center) Super Scene is a fast-paced and hilarious theater competition featuring five directors creating five unique, completely improvised stories each with a unique tone or genre. www.improv.org San Francisco Walking Dykes – Golden Gate Park. Free.

11 am. (Conservatory of Flowers,

Sunday’s a Drag Brunch – The Starlight Room. $60. 12 pm to 2:30 pm. (450 Powell St.) Donna Sachet hosts an elegant brunch with modern dance numbers, classic singing, and comedy. www.starlightroomsf.com

• 12 : M ONDAY

Mozart Birthday Celebration – Freight & Salvage. $10. 8 pm. (202 Addison St., Berkeley) Classical at the Freight brings in some of the Bay Area’s best classical musicians for outstanding chamber music. www.thefreight.org Mark Curry – Yoshi’s Oakland. $23. 8 pm. (510 Embarcadero West, Oakland) American actor and comedian Mark Curry in an evening of standup comedy. www.yoshis.com

• 13 : T UESDAY

Keith Haring: The Political Line – de Young Museum. $26. 9:30 am to 5:15 pm. (50 Hagiwara Tea Garden Drive) Keith Haring:The Political Line has its U.S. premiere at the de Young and is the first major Haring show on the West Coast in nearly two decades. www.deyoung.famsf.org Jason Brock Live – Martuni’s. $25. 7 pm. (4 Valencia St.) Jason Brock of X-Factor performs the songs of singer/songwriter Carole King from her album, “Tapestry.” www.jbck.bpt.me

United Booksellers of San Francisco Meeting – Modern Times Bookstore. Free. 6 pm. (2919 24th St.) Adobe, Alley Cat and Modern Times Bookstores invite booksellers, publishing professionals, educators, book lovers and concerned citizens to the first meeting of United Booksellers of SF. www.moderntimesbookstore.com 40th Anniversary Elephant Walk – Harvey’s. Free. 8 pm. (500 Castro St.) Elephant Walk Founder Fred Rogers and Harvey’s General Manager Steve Porter commemorate the 40th Anniversary with a celebration. www.harveyssf.com PrEP Community Workshop – UCSF Alliance Health Project.

Free. 6:30 pm. (1930 Market St.) Join AHP staff and volunteers for a discussion about PrEP concerns. chidinma.offomah@uscsf.edu

• 15 : T HURSDAY

FOG Design + Art Fair – Fort Mason Center. $20. 11 am. (2 Marina St., Fort Mason) A celebration of modern design, art and architecture. Through January 18. www.fortmason.org Haiku Tunnel – The Marsh San Francisco. $55-$100. 8 pm. (1062 Valencia St.) A revival of master storyteller Josh Kornbluth’s hit solo show. www.themarsh.org Nightlife – California Academy of Sciences. $12. 6 pm to 10 pm. (55 Music Concourse Dr.) Enjoy a fun evening of science, cocktails and live music. www.calacademy.org

• 16 : F RIDAY

5 Year Anniversary Party– The Stud. $5. 10 pm. (399 9th St.) The uniquely themed party known as “Some Thing,” celebrates 5 years! www.studsf.com Love, Sex & the IRS – Bindlestiff Studio. $15. 8 pm. (185 Sixth St.) The live 70’s sitcom false identity farce. Through January 18. www.bindlestiffstudio.org

• 17 : S ATURDAY

The Anarchist – The Eurkea Theatre. (215 Jackson St.) $15-$30.

8 pm. The Anarchist by David Mamet will have its California premiere in this exclusive Theatre Rhinoceros production. Through January 17. www.therhino.org Mother – Oasis. $10. 10 pm. (298 Eleventh St.) Heklina brings a brand new drag show at her brand new club! www.sfoasis.com GameBoi Kickoff Party Rickshaw Stop. $8. 10 pm. (155 Fell St.) Kick off 2015 with a fun night of dance and kpop music. www.rickshawstop.com

• 18 : S UNDAY

MLK Tribute with Linda Tillery – Oakland Scottish Rite Bar. $23. 7 pm. (1547 Lakeside Dr., Oakland) Grammy-nominated vocalist, percussionist, and cultural historian gives a musical tribute. www.livingjazz.org Imperial Council of San Francisco – Balancoire. $10. 4 pm. (2565 Mission St.) The Imperial Council of San Francisco presents the Annual Imperial Gala and Presentations of Candidates for the Offices of Emperor and Empress of San Francisco. www.blancoiresf.com

Castro St.) GGBA’s Business Exchange Network (BEN) is a category exclusive referral group. www.ggba.chambermaster.com

• 21 : W EDNESDAY

The Cable Car Nymphomaniac – Z Below. $30.

8 pm. (470 Florida St.) Based on events from a1970 cable car scandal. www.fogtheatre.org SF Restaurant Week – Golden Gate Restaurant Association. (220 Montgomery St.) A city-wide celebration of San Francisco’s restaurants., 21-30. www.sfrestaurantweek.com

Honey Soundsystem MLK Sunday – Mighty. $10. 10 pm. (119 Utah St.) Dance music featuring DJ Prosumer. www.honeysoundsystem.com

• 19 : M ONDAY

LOL Mondays – OMG Bar. Free.

8 pm. (43 Sixth St.) Enjoy a special Pride Month night of gay laughs hosted by Valerie Branch. www.facebook.com/LolAtOmg Karaoke Night – Toad Hall.

Free. 8 pm. (4146 18th St.) Sing your heart out on stage. www.toadhallbar.com

• 20 : T UESDAY

Blithe Spirit – Golden Gate Theatre. $45-$175. 8 pm. (1 Taylor St.) Five-time Tony Award-winner Angela Lansbury reprises her role as Madame Arcati, in Michael Blakemore’s revival of Noël Coward’s smash-hit. www.shnsf.com Business Exchange Network Castro Community Room. Free for GGBA members. 11 am. (501 BAY T IM ES JANUARY 8, 2015

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San Francisco Bay Times says “THANK YOU!” to our Readers, Advertisers, Friends and Supporters!

CHLOE JACKMAN PHOTOGRAPHY

MARCY (continued from page 12)

KRAMER (continued from page 22) own adventure.” The exploits are her trying to process her heartbreak.

Gary M. Kramer: Your film has fart jokes, bad sex, nudity, and other shaming behavior. What is (in)appropriate?

Desiree Akhavan: We are conditioned to be ashamed. When I came out, I realized nothing else could humiliate me. I have said the most taboo thing to my parents, whom I love, so I just don’t give a s--t. I felt a real

shift in my work after that. Losing your shame—you dictate for yourself what’s right or wrong, where your morals live, what you think is cool or sexy. I didn’t realize that until then. © 2015 Gary M. Kramer Gary M. Kramer is the author of “Independent Queer Cinema: Reviews and Interviews,” and the co-editor of “Directory of World Cinema: Argentina.” Follow him on Twitter @garymkramer

ROSTOW (continued from page 19) through this shared activism. How can you possibly airbrush the gay part out of the description? It’s like taking the horse off the front cover of Seabiscuit and saying the movie is about “an amazing mammal who beats the odds” in order to appeal to a broader audience than just horse lovers. Who were the craven executives at CBS Movies who decided that Americans would shun Pride unless they de-gayed the DVD cover?

Don’t Rain on Our Parade!

I was happy to read (in Art Leonard’s blog) that the Rhode Island Supreme Court recently ruled in favor of the City of Providence and the municipal authorities who sent a fire engine to participate in the 2001 Pride parade.

This matter has been stewing around in the courts for ages, and I was surprised to see it was still in litigation, over a decade after the events in question. But I was particularly pleased to see it resolved in favor of the city considering that the issue at the heart

of the case is one that is beginning to erupt into public debate.

Yes, it’s the so-called “religious freedom” to express gay bigotry, even when it conflicts with state law or, in this case, with your job responsibilities as a public servant. Here, two fire fighters objected to being sent to the Pride parade, and sued the city, insisting that they suffered all kinds of emotional trauma and that their faith was offended. In its ruling, the high court noted that Providence sends fire trucks to all sorts of parades and events, and that it is not up to each individual staff member to approve or disapprove of the event in question.

Nor did the f ire f ighters implicitly endorse gay rights by manning the engine. That was their assignment for the day as employees of the station closest to the parade. I didn’t read the decision, but it seems I could summarize it with three words: get over yourselves. arostow@aol.com

SISTER DANA (continued from page 22) through the projects our members cre- lence.” People chanted, “We’re here, ate. Needless to say - they all rock!!!

We’re queer, Black lives matter,” and they placed a large pink triangle in the SAN FRANCISCO GAY MEN’S intersection of Octavia and Market, CHORUS presented DANCERS, where they held a die-in.

PR ANCERS & VIXENS! as this year’s 25TH ANNUAL HOME FOR TENANTS TOGETHER, CaliforTHE HOLIDAYS concert in the Cas- nia’s statewide organization for renttro Theatre. There were selections ers’ rights held a holiday party at their from the holiday choral celebration headquarters. Their members, volunoffered at Nourse Theater the prior teers, staff, and allies are fighting every weekend. The Lollipop Guild re- day of the year to make sure every one prised “Marvelous Holiday Sweater” of California’s 16 million renters have while modeling their marvelously the right to safe, affordable, healthy tacky, gaudy, over-the-top, but some- homes, and not just for the holidays. how charming Xmas themed sweaters tenantstogether.org - some even bigger than life! A specially commissioned “New Year’s Carol” THE SISTERS OF PERPETUAL with music by Ola Gjello and text INDULGENCE, INC. held their

by Charles Anthony Silvestri was SALVATION SISTERS’ ARMY OF sung by the Chorus with one phrase NUN bell-ringing fundraising event particularly moving: “After all our in the Castro for a second year. We friends have departed, After the tinsel joined with Sister houses in Dallas, is all put way, That is the time to reflect Tulsa, Oklahoma City, San Antonio, and remember - The gifts of the season and Austin to raise awareness about last more than one day.” Other pieces the SALVATION ARMY’s continsung can be found at sfbaytimes.com ued discrimination towards LGBTQ “Sister Dana Sez” column from last people. Salvation Army is no stranger to anti-gay scandals. Perhaps the most edition. infamous occurred in 2012, when AnOver 400 members of San Francisco’s drew Craibe, media relations direcqueer community marched on Christ- tor for SA Australia, said gay people mas Eve morning in the Castro, block- should be put to death. ing the freeway from 101 on to Octavia Boulevard for a moment of silence In a document regarding the SA’s oflasting four minutes and 28 seconds, ficial views on what it calls “LGBT representing the four hours and 28 issues,” by Midwest Commissioner minutes Michael Brown lay dead Paul Seiler, dated February 21, 2014, in Ferguson, MO. Led by QUEER the policy statement was emailed to AND TRANS BLACK ORGANIZ- officers in the Salvation Army’s CenERS AND ALLIES, protesters car- tral Territory, which serves Michigan, ried the messages: “It’s no time for a Wisconsin, Minnesota, North & South celebration” and “Black Lives Mat- Dakota, Nebraska, Kansas, Missouri, ter,” disrupting shopping on one of Illinois, Iowa, and Indiana. “This is the busiest shopping days of the year. not for public use,” the letter warns, Signs stated, “Silence Equals Vio- “including social media of any sort.”

26

BAY TIMES JANUA RY 8 , 2 0 1 5

the San Francisco Bay Area, there are organizations, like Openhouse, and agencies that can help you and your loved one find the support and information you need.

A groundbreaking all-day conference for LGBT caregivers and their loved ones living with dementia will be held in San Francisco on February 20. The conference, entitled Prepare for the Changing Horizon: Dementia Awareness and Caregiving for LGBT Older Adults in Diverse Communities, is being sponsored by Openhouse, Alzheimer’s Association of Northern California, Stanford Geriatric Education Center and Family Caregiver Alliance.

According to a recent report published by the San Francisco LGBT Aging Policy Task Force, LGBT older adults have unique barriers to accessing information about and services for Alzheimer’s and dementia care. This pro-

gram will present the experiences and perspectives of LGBT caregivers and community members confronting these challenges, and will discuss how the provider community can best respond to their needs. Speakers will focus on person-centered assessment, diagnosis, and treatment of dementia in diverse LGBT older adults; LGBT caregiver well-being; practical approaches to communication; family and cultural issues related to team-based health care; behavioral and other alternative interventions for dementia-related symptoms; and strategies to identify, access, and use effective healthcare/social service resources in mainstream and LGBT-welcoming institutions.

You will want to save the date: Prepare for the Changing Horizon: Dementia Awareness and Caregiving for LGBT Older Adults in Diverse Communities

Friday, February 20, 8:30am–4:00pm The Milton Marks Conference Center Hiram W. Johnson State Office Building, Lower level 455 Golden Gate Ave. San Francisco, CA Registration is required, so please go to the following website if you w ish to attend: htt p://app.cert a i n . c o m /p r o f i l e/f o r m / i n d e x . cfm?PKformID=0x19153538ef8 For further information, please see my earlier article for the San Francisco Bay Times, “Taking Alzheimer’s/Dementia Out of the Closet.” http://sf baytimes.com/taking-alzheimersdementia-out-of-the-closet/ Dr. Marcy Adelman, a clinical psychologist in private practice, is co-founder of the nonprofit organization Openhouse and was a leading member of the San Francisco LGBT Aging Policy Task Force.

(JASINSKI continued from page 21) painted banner in the gym, which was done by a Bayview high school basketball team, whose jerseys for this year were donated by the SFGBA. The other focus of the evening was basketball with a 4-team challenge. A 5-point and 10-point shot were added, which made it a bit of a circus-style game with long and crazy shots. Also, the games were “shirts” vs. “skins,” which is unusual in basketball circles in recent years.

The prior night, the league played the championship games for the fall season. The league’s season comprised of a B Division (noncompetitive division) and an A Division (competitive), and both champions of the regular season

were upset by the 2nd place teams in each. That was a tribute to the fairness and even nature of the brackets.

Marco Rodriguez, the president of the SFGBA, put together the entire event as a post-season party as the league’s season completed the prior night. He gave out the player awards at the conclusion of the event, including MVP, best new player, and so on.

Marco said, “My favorite part of the Homecoming Event was watching both A and B players playing together and everyone having fun. That’s why I joined the SFGBA.” He continued, “Next season (next spring) will be SFGBA Prom Night 2015. I would like to throw a pool party for all of the

players, and I would also like to start a tournament committee to bring the NGBA (National Gay Basketball Association) teams back to SF in 2016 for the 30th anniversary of the SFGBA.” Looking ahead in terms of gay basketball, San Diego is hosting a tournament January 17 and 18. They have added a women’s division for the first time. If there are any women interested in participating, they can contact the SFGBA at info@sfgba.com for more information. There was a great lesbian team in San Francisco in the 1980s, but only a few short-term teams have existed since then.

Tony Jasinski is the former president of the San Francisco Gay Basketball League.

CAFÉ FLORE (continued from page 13) We wa nt t he community to know that F lore is st i l l ver y much a

work in progress, and we are trying very hard to respond to our community, and keep Flore a fun and enjoyable safe place for all residents of San Francisco to enjoy. Our doors are always open to you. We love San Francisco, and are humbled by its rich history.

Café Flore has great things in its future, and we hope everyone will come and be a part of it.

What follows are four pages detailing the SA’s theological views on the “homosexual orientation” (which it calls “a matter of profound complexity”), its position on marriage (which it states can only happen “between one man and one woman”), and its expectations that unmarried (aka gay) officers “be celibate in the expression of their sexuality.”

state’s 35-year-long policy of closing the courthouse doors to unmarried couples.

In other earth-shaking news, Sister Dana’s alter ego Dennis turned another year older on New Year’s Day. (Editor’s Note: Please join us in wishing a happy birthday to Dennis McMillan. Doesn’t it seem appropriate that his birthday should be on such a grand day that everyone celebrates?

We wish Dennis many more years of good health and good times.)

Meanwhile, SPI-SF raised $579 in small change dropped into our buckets for Glide and its charities. Further, we silenced our bells on several occasions to remind us of the people from the Transgender Community who have been killed last year.

The SUPREME COURT Justices will be meeting on January 9th to decide whether they will review Louisiana’s same-sex marriage case. (See story on page 20.) If the Court agrees to hear a marriage case this term, we could see an end to marriage discrimination in the next year. Families could finally be protected. Parents could finally adopt their children. Justice could finally be won!

The U.S. SUPREME COURT declined to extend a stay sought by Florida officials defending the state’s ban on same-sex marriages, allowing gay marriages to proceed in Florida. Weddings also were allowed to start under an order by the 11TH U.S. CIRCUIT COURT OF APPEALS in Atlanta.

Justices Antonin Scalia and Clarence Thomas dissented from the Supreme Court’s decision.

Attorney General Holder has announced that the DEPARTMENT OF JUSTICE will take the position in litigation that the protection of TITLE VII OF THE CIVIL RIGHTS ACT OF 1964 extends to claims of discrimination based on an individual’s gender identity, including transgender status.

Attorney General Holder informed all Department of Justice component heads and United States Attorneys in a memo that the department will no longer assert that Title VII’s prohibition against discrimination based on sex excludes discrimination based on gender identity per se, including transgender discrimination, reversing a previous Department of Justice position. Title VII makes it unlawful for employers to discriminate in the employment of an individual “because of such individual’s…sex,” among other protected characteristics.

In a landmark victory for unmarried couples in Illinois, the ILLINOIS COURT OF APPEALS FOR THE FIRST DISTRICT ruled that courts may not discriminate against unmarried couples by preventing them from enforcing property claims against one another when they separate, ending the

In two back-to-back victories, NEW YORK STATE has told insurance companies that they must provide equal access to healthcare for transgender New Yorkers, and it proposed a new regulation that would end the exclusion on healthcare for transgender people under Medicaid.

THE FOOD AND DRUG ADMINISTRATION will end a lifetime prohibition on blood donation by gay and bisexual men, which is good news; but it will block donations by men who have had sex with other men in the last 12 months, which is bad news. When will we finally stop this discrimination?

Café Flore is at 2298 Market Street in San Francisco. For more information, please visit http://www.cafeflore.com/

COMING UP! Do NOT miss INTO THE WOODS the movie. It is a sure-fire award winner. If you like Sondheim, of course.

And don’t expect a happily ever after, either. This one gets dark, just like the woods. XLNT score. Fabulous actors.

Beautiful script. Lush scenery. Go take a trip into the woods - but beware the witch and the wolf.

Stunr.com is the newest, gay online dating website for single guys. Using location based technology, members can easily connect with other men in their area through chat and wink features, or connect with men worldwide using their search tools. Unlike other dating apps, Stunr.com can help you meet other gay singles that share common interests, whether they be film, fashion, fitness or food. No swiping right or left here. The app is most popular among 18-28 year olds with its biggest markets being San Francisco, Atlanta, LA, NYC, Houston, and Dallas. Stunr is continuously growing with over 200,000 users since launching earlier last year.

Sister Dana sez, “With all these victories for queer human rights, let us not get too complacent. We are still a long way from being first class citizens!”

Round About - SF Bay Times Holiday Party PHOTO BY CHLOE JACKMAN PHOTO BY CHLOE JACKMAN

PHOTO BY CHLOE JACKMAN

PHOTO BY CHLOE JACKMAN

PHOTO BY MOIRA WILMES

PHOTO BY CHLOE JACKMAN

PHOTO BY JO-LYNN OTTO

PHOTO BY JO-LYNN OTTO

PHOTO BY JO-LYNN OTTO

PHOTO BY JO-LYNN OTTO

PHOTO BY CHLOE JACKMAN

PHOTO BY CHLOE JACKMAN

The world famous Tom & Jerry House, home of Tom Taylor and Jerry Goldstein, was the site of the annual San Francisco Bay Times Holiday Party, held in conjunction with the SF Lesbian/Gay Freedom Band. Spirits were high in spite of the rain, with lively singing of carols and holiday tunes to music by a pop-up ensemble of Band members. Santa was on hand welcoming guests and all who stopped by to enjoy the decorations. Big thanks to Tom & Jerry, leaders of the SF L/G Freedom Band, Extreme Pizza, NAPA Cellars Wines, Regency Limo and all who came - adults and kids too! It was a wonderful evening of camaraderie, great food and drink at an iconic location with an unbelievable view and a 65-foot decorated Christmas tree.

FINAL WEEKS! CLOSES FEBRUARY 16 OPEN JANUARY 19

Through his graffiti-inspired drawings, paintings, sculptures, and murals, Keith Haring created an immediately recognizable iconography that speaks to a diverse population. Making its US premiere at the de Young with more than 130 works of art, The Political Line lends gravitas to the artist’s career by focusing on his political activism. Exuberant, profane, witty, and provocative, the works in this exhibition trace Haring’s creative development and his historical significance as an advocate for social justice.

This exhibition is organized by the Fine Arts Museums of San Francisco. Director’s Circle: Penny and James George Coulter. Curator’s Circle: Sloan and Roger Barnett, Ray and Dagmar Dolby Family Fund, Holly Johnson Harris and Parker Harris, and the Shimmon Family. Conservator’s Circle: The Buena Vista Fund of Horizons Foundation. Supporter’s Circle: Nancy and Joachim Bechtle, Juliet de Baubigny, and Richard and Peggy Greenfield. Community Partner: WEBCOR Builders. The exhibition is supported by an indemnity from the Federal Council on the Arts and the Humanities.

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Keith Haring, Untitled, 1982. Baked enamel on steel. Private collection. Keith Haring artwork © Keith Haring Foundation

BAY T IM ES JANUARY 8, 2015

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IN THE NAME OF LOVE 13th Annual Musical Tribute Honoring Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.

Sunday, Jan. 18, 2015, 7pm Oakland Scottish Rite Center, 1547 Lakeside Dr., 94612 “Celebrating Creative Achievements of Bay Area African American Female Musicians”

Ms. Faye Carol, Linda Tillery, Gina Breedlove, Melanie DeMore w/ Tammy Hall, piano; Kofy Brown, bass; Ruthie Price, drums

Oakland Interfaith Gospel Choir Oakland Children’s Community Choir w/ Oaktown Jazz Workshops Dana King – Mistress of Ceremonies All proceeds will benefit the Oakland Children’s Community Choir, a free music education program for Oakland public elementary schools.

mlktribute.com 510-858-5313 General Admission: in advance $23; at the door $25; Children 12 & under $8 In the Name of Love has been made possible through the support of the Oakland City Council and the City of Oakland’s Cultural Funding Program, William and Flora Hewlett Foundation, Thomas J. Long Foundation, California Arts Council, National Endowment for the Arts, Alameda County Arts Commission, Walter and Elise Haas Fund, Zellerbach Family Foundation, Clorox Company Foundation, KBLX, See’s Candies, BART and KRON 4.