San Francisco Bay Times - March 12. 2020

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LGBTQ News & Calendar for the Bay Area

CELEBRATING FOUR DECADES (1978–2020) March 12–25, 2020 | http://sfbaytimes.com

WHITE HOUSE PHOTO/PETE SOUZA (2012)

Elbow Bumps, Cancellations & A New Use for HIV Meds See pages 14–15

ELECTIONS 2020

GLBT Fortnight in Review

By Ann Rostow Primary Colors Never before in my voting life have I vacillated between so many candidates for such a long period of time. Most recently, you may recall that I flirted with Bloomberg for all of five minutes, seduced by his cash, his positive numbers in the African American community, and his apparent ability to beat Trump.

Then came a raft of nasty videos from just a few years ago, his falling numbers in the African American community, and his absurdly bad debate performances. I was undecided for a time and finally decided to vote for Warren, because my beloved wife campaigned for her and I liked her a lot. Then, with days to go, Biden’s debate, his increasing popularity in South Carolina polls, and his ability to compete with Sanders pushed me over the edge.

Readers, I voted for him.

After ridiculing the man for months as an over-the-hill gaffe machine, he left me no choice. I can’t stand Sanders, and we must have a candidate with strong Black support in order to win in November; indeed, in order to deserve that win. Biden has that. Now if only he can get through the rest of the campaign without mentioning record players, ice boxes, telephone operators, or the time he took Nelson Mandela to the soda shop for a float and some penny candy, we might be okay.

As I write, Sanders is campaigning on the notion that Biden is bad on GLBT and women’s issues. You know, I’m not supporting him on those grounds, but he did author the Violence Against Women Act and spurred the Democratic embrace of same-sex marriage at a time when Obama and others were still publicly hedging their bets. True, he totally screwed Anita Hill. And he supported the Defense of Marriage Act while Bernie opposed it. Good for Sanders. And good for Vermont in general, the most gay-friendly state in the country at the time. But, as they say on my various BritBox shows, “needs must.” I’m not exactly sure what that means, but let’s move on.

According to an NBC exit poll of 12 Super Tuesday states, the GLBT vote represented nine percent of the Democratic electorate. Some 40 percent of us voted for Sanders, 21 percent picked Warren and 19 percent joined me with Sleepy Joe. Another nine percent went for Pete, who had suspended his campaign by then, but who collected some early votes.

Statistics say we add up to about 4.5 percent of all registered voters, but we are a larger percentage of the Democratic Party, and we have historically voted at higher rates than other categories.

Last, while I have mixed feelings about Tom Perez, count me in as a fan of the “Democratic Party Establishment,” an amorphous cohort that would include Nancy Pelosi, the House majority, Barak and Michelle Obama, the vast numbers of voters, activists, and volunteers who have deployed during this primary season, as well as lifelong yellow dog Democrats like me who— as the expression reflects—will vote for a yellow dog if such a candidate were to appear on a ballot with a “D” next to the name.

Anchors Aweigh!

Some of us didn’t need the Me Too Movement in order to justify a

profound exasperation with Chris Matthews, who got dumped by MSNBC, in part, after making “old school” flirtatious remarks to one of his female guests. Sorry, said the host of Hardball as he bowed out, acknowledging that this type of flattery is inappropriate.

That behavior was bad enough, but the man was also a blithering idiot, shouting over people and making anachronistic generalizations about politics that might have made sense in the 1980s, but had little to do with the modern world. No, Chris. The guys who take their lunch pails to work and talk politics over a beer at the bar in some small Pennsylvania mining town are not going to be the difference makers in 2020. And yes, Chris, you’re right. Things were different back in the day when you worked for Tip O’Neill. Because that was forty frigging years ago.

Then there was his habit of slurring his words and speaking so quickly his speech dissolved into incoherent jabberwocky. He was so unwatchable we either turned off the TV or switched to Erin Burnett during his hour.

And speaking of anchors, I’ve been screaming at them lately for sloppy comments and casual numbercrunching that culminated in this observation from Brian Williams.

Quoting a tweet from journalist Mekita Rivas, Williams noted in Rivas’ words: “Bloomberg spent $500 million on ads. The U.S. population is 327 million. He could have given each American $1 million and still have money left over. I feel like a $1 million check would be lifechanging for people. Yet he wasted it all on ads and STILL LOST.” Williams added: “It’s an incredible way of putting it.” Um, yes.

Incredible is the word.

Are there no editors or producers in the house? If Bloomberg gave each American one million dollars, it would not cost him $327 million. It would cost him $327 trillion.

Are these people on autopilot? What explains this stupidity? It’s not just a lack of critical thinking, it’s a lack of thinking, period. Particularly since the tweeter actually spelled out the underlying numbers.

Rereading this, the anecdote is so stark that I have the urge to research a little more to make sure that this actually happened. I’m going to leave it as is, with the understanding that I will have to apologize in print if it’s not true. (There’s nothing worse than making snarky criticisms about accuracy, only to discover that you yourself are wrong.)

the belt after a picture of him in this outfit went viral on Gawker.

The man was eventually forced to resign after misusing campaign funds on various elaborate office trappings, described in many press accounts as a Downton Abbey-style office renovation. Indicted for a felony, Schock was eventually allowed to avoid charges by paying back some $68,000 in misspent cash.

Ding, ding, ding went our gaydar once again.

Now finally, a year or so since the man was spotted snogging some hard body at the Coachella music festival, Schock has come out of the closet, telling the world that for those who know him, the revelation will come as no surprise.

“In many ways I regret the time wasted in not having done so sooner,” he wrote. “Life is better with nothing to fear or hide.” Schock also said that he has been disowned by his deeply conservative religious family, members of the Apostolic Christian Church.

“I understood that the teachings of my upbringing were pretty clear on the matter,” he explained. Elected to Congress under a conservative banner, Schock said he figured that coming out as a gay Congress member “would not go over well.”

“I also, in retrospect, realize that I was just looking for more excuses to buy time and avoid being the person I’ve always been,” he said in his lengthy statement.

So, here’s the thing. Schock has now been barraged by hate mail and mean tweets from unforgiving GLBT activists who feel it’s too little too late, and believe Schock is trying to position himself as some kind of hero for coming out of the closet. I don’t know, guys. I feel sorry for Schock and welcome him belatedly into our wild and wooly community. Have a heart. The guy is 38 and should know better. But he was raised in the Apostolic Christian Church! I don’t even have to look that up to know it sounds bad.

Indeed, the Church turns out to be a patriarchal faith that is based on a literal interpretation of the Bible.

Most intriguing, however, is the enticingly vague description of the “holy kiss.”

Update. The original tweet was indeed accurate, but I see that I’m the zillionth person to complain about it. Mekita Rivas, is now admitting, “I’m bad at math.” Hey, it happens to the best of us.

“Five times in the New Testament, Christians are instructed to greet one another with a holy kiss,” the Church website sort of explains. “This was a practice common to all Christians for hundreds of years. Like several other Anabaptist groups, we have retained this practice at our church services, men greeting men and women greeting women. The kiss is only shared between the members of the church. The application of this biblical instruction varies somewhat in our congregations, especially in other countries.”

The Guy Who Came in From the Cold

Sounds like fun! Especially in other countries I imagine.

Do you remember Aaron Schock, the Illinois Congressman who sent our gaydars off the charts by ticking all the gay male stereotype boxes one by one? For me, the final straw was the time he went to a White House picnic in 2010 wearing a pink checked shirt, white pants, and a turquoise belt. Schock, an anti-gay traditional values guy, made a show of burning

Make Grindr Great Again So, what else is new, you ask? We’re all going to die of coronavirus. But at least we don’t have to worry about our diminishing retirement funds, because we won’t be around to cash them out in the first place. (continued on page 26) S AN F R ANC IS C O BAY T IM ES

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ELECTIONS 2020

Louise “Lou” Fischer Well, last week’s election didn’t go very well ... or depending on which side you are on, it went very well. I’m on the angry side again as I find myself writing another column about how a competent and overly-credentialed woman (a professor at Harvard Law, creator of the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau, popular and successful United States Senator!) lost out to not one but two less successful white men.

Lesbian icon for political junkies, MSNBC’s Rachel Maddow, said it best in her recent interview with Elizabeth Warren (edited for brevity): “If Hillary Clinton can’t win when she gets the nomination and you [Elizabeth Warren] can’t get the nomination and neither can Kamala Harris or Amy Klobuchar ... women around the country feel that if it’s not going to [you or] any of them, can it be any women ever?” She added, “Are we just going to run white men in their late 70s against each other and that’s all we can agree to do? Is this a death knell for the prospects of having a woman president in our lifetime?”

The difference between a man and a woman in this race was evident in the pass given to Bernie Sanders on 60 Minutes regarding his response of, “I can’t rattle off every nickel and every dime,” to the question of how he planned to pay for his “Medicare for All” health plan. I have no doubt that Warren directed her policy staff to produce detailed reports with spreadsheets from here to eternity that actually do account for every nickel, dime, and quarter because women candidates face so much more scrutiny and need to not only be more qualified but also much more prepared.

So what message are we sending to the next generation of young girls who are smart and studious— the ones who win the spelling bee, the mathletes who take home the gold medal at the International Mathematical Olympiad (yes, it’s a thing; look it up), the self-proclaimed

When is this disconnect going to end and what effect will it continue to have on young women? For every man who says, “Whaddya mean this country is sexist?” I say just ask every woman in this country.

Speaking of “electability,” that’s pure bs; I lost count of how many people said to me, “I want to vote for Warren, but I don’t think she can win.” Well, she could have won if you just f---ing voted for her. Let’s talk about electability in historical perspective and the Democrats’ choices for “safe candidates” in recent elections; just ask George McGovern, Walter Mondale, Mike Dukakis, Al Gore (although he got robbed), and John Kerry how that worked out for them.

So, where do we go from here? The prevailing wisdom points to the need for the two current Democratic candidates, Biden and Sanders, to choose a woman as a running mate, and I hope they do. G-d willing that one of them defeats the current buffoon in the White House. Maybe that woman will have the advantage of vice-presidential incumbency and will go on to win all the marbles. If so, the celebrations by women all over the world will mirror, or

KAMALAHARRIS.COM

While Elizabeth Warren was gracious in defeat, women are angry and bereft because, yet again, this is personal. Voters around the country found any excuse they could to select literally anyone else (white men in their 70s with much less impressive résumés) rather than a highly-qualified woman with clearly articulated plans to restore the balance of power in our democracy and fix the damage wrought by the current administration.

nerds who relish in the delight of winning awards at the Science Fair, and the ambitious and outspoken girls who excel in Debate Club and Model U.N.? Are we saying it is OK to strive and have big goals, but when you grow up you probably can’t be president because in the past four years you just witnessed two iconic role models who were told they weren’t “electable”?

even eclipse, the response by Bostonians when the Red Sox finally won the World Series in 2004.

Until then, to borrow a line directly from Senator Warren herself: “The fight goes on and big dreams never die.”

By the Numbers 503,899 - Registered voters in San Francisco 265,722 - Ballots returned (52.73%) 189,255 - Total Democratic ballots cast 72.61% - Percentage of Democrats who vote by mail (absentee ballots) 15,496 - Total Republican ballots cast 80.21% - Percentage of Republicans who vote by mail 11,095 - Votes cast for Donald Trump in San Francisco (Who are these people???? I hope I don’t know any of them.)

28 - States (including District of Columbia) that allow absentee voting by mail without excuse 7 - States (including District of Columbia) that allow permanent absentee voting 4 - States that hold all elections entirely by mail (Oregon, Washington, Colorado, and Hawaii)

ELIZABETHWARREN.COM

Well-Behaved Women Seldom Make History

Senator Warren’s answer was, “No, that can’t be right. This cannot be the right answer.” Later on in the interview, she stated that “we’ll know we can have a woman in the White House when we elect a woman to the White House.” OK, but is that going to happen in this century or are we going to have to wait for the Millennial cyborgs of the year 2100 to beam down their extra-planetary holograms and select a female avatar as president?

AMYKLOBUCHAR.COM

What Will It Take to Elect a Woman President?

7 hours - Amount of time Hervis Rogers waited to cast his ballot at Texas Southern University—one of the nation’s largest historically black universities (Texas does not allow “no excuse” absentee ballots) Louise (Lou) Fischer is a Former Co-Chair of the Board of Directors for the Alice B. Toklas LGBT Democratic Club and has served as an appointed and elected Delegate for the State Democratic Party. She is a proud graduate of the Emerge California Women’s Democratic Leadership program, was a San Francisco Commissioner, and has served in leadership positions in multiple nonprofit and communitybased organizations.

Social Justice Slate Dominated San Francisco’s DCCC Race By Kevin Bard

Voting in San Francisco

The Social Justice slate—with a lot of help from the Harvey Milk LGBTQ Democratic Club, Pissed Off Voters, the Berniecrats, the Guardian, and others in our progressive alliance—completely dominated in the San Francisco Democratic County Central Committee (DCCC) race in a way that is almost unimaginable.

California voters on Tuesday, March 3, were part of Super Tuesday for the first time since the delegate-rich presidential primary election day was established in 1984. At San Francisco City Hall, legendary activist Ken Jones was once again a voting coordinator providing assistance. Campaign volunteers welcomed voters, who left proudly sporting “I Voted” stickers. Delayed as a result of mailed in ballots—a method designed to ensure the greatest possible voter participation—the official results for the entire State of California were not yet finalized almost a full week following Super Tuesday. View the results at: https://sfelections.sfgov.org/march-3-2020-election-results-summary

Results as of this writing are still coming in, but it is shocking that the top 12 winners in AD 17 are all members of David Campos’ slate. In 13th place right now is Gloria Berry, and I couldn’t be more thrilled. The Milk Club proudly endorsed her in December, despite her not being on the Social Justice slate. So, she won solely due to her grit and her wide swath of progressive endorsements. I was always nervous about Gloria’s chances ever since she filed the day after the DCCC refused to endorse Dean Preston and Chesa Boudin in August of last year. I am not nervous anymore.

But what may be even more shocking is that Kevin Ortiz (who is in 15th place) has an outside chance of booting former DA candidate Nancy Tung (who is in 14th and is winning, for now). And Ortiz stopped campaigning two months ago to work for Speaker Nancy Pelosi! If Ortiz pulls an upset, then all of the winners in AD 17 will be Harvey Milk Club endorsed candidates. All of them! That’s something I’ve never seen before. Not bad.

Harvey Milk Democratic Club President

As for the DCCC race in AD 19, it seems to be that, once again, the Kevin Bard on Castro Street only real hope out there for the moderate Democratic side is a former district attorney candidate: Suzy Loftus. Everyone else, besides Mary Jung, is a Social Justice candidate. It is very difficult to imagine former DCCC chair Mary Jung losing her race, but she is in 10th place right now and barely hanging onto it. It looks like the moderate Democrats on the DCCC barely have any members and probably won’t have a minority leader. The Milk Club and others will ensure that David Campos takes advantage of that.

As for the presidential primary numbers here in San Francisco, it is a little embarrassing that Joe Biden got more votes than Elizabeth Warren (at least so far) and that Michael Bloomberg got over twice as many votes as Pete Buttigieg. And this is coming from a Bernie supporter!

Kevin Bard is the President of the Harvey Milk LGBTQ Democratic Club. Previously he worked as a campaign organizer at the Nancy Pelosi Red to Blue Office and as a volunteer coordinator for the California Democratic Party during the 2008 coordinated effort with the Obama Campaign.

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Photos by Rink

ELECTIONS 2020 One for the Money, Two for the Show, Three to Get Ready, Now Go, (Old White) Men, Go party nominee, then, well, you’re not alone in your heartache and heartburn.

Cross Currents Andrea Shorter You might still be nursing a postSuper Tuesday Democratic Primary party hangover or heartache. If you were rooting for former VP Joe Biden to resuscitate back into national frontrunner status following an anticipated and resounding South Carolina primary boost, then you’re still buzzing from a party-hardy hangover.

If you were banking on Senator Bernie Sanders to take California, as predicted, you might also still be enjoying a bit of a Super Tuesday.

If you were hoping against hope that maybe, just maybe, one of the two remaining female contenders, or a young gay man from Indiana, would have garnered competitive, delegate sweepstakes in the 2020 contest for

After nearly two years of boasting the most gender, racial, age, and LGBTQ diverse roster of big tent party candidates ever in American history, there will be no Elizabeth Warren, Amy Klobuchar, Kamala Harris, Kirsten Gillibrand, Marianne Williamson, Tulsi Gabbard, Pete Buttigieg, Corey Booker, Julian Castro, or Andrew Yang Democratic party nominee in July, let alone, president-elect come November 3, 2020. Even with the record-breaking premium votes cast by African Americans, suburban white women, and a growing Hispanic electorate, the primary and caucus numbers just didn’t add up to propel either candidate into the rarified stratosphere of nominees and president-elects dominated by centuries of white men.

In this dangerous post-Obama outwardly misogynist, racist, homophobic, transphobic, xenophobic, and authoritarian Trump-era, perhaps the hardest question of all is—even with some of the most competent, qualified, skilled candidates of color, of women, and openly gay ever presented—was it ever going to happen in 2020? Were we kidding ourselves that this particularly extremely high stakes big race would eventually dwindle down to a knock-out, drag down bloody fight between two, septuagenarian white men?

In particular, even with a wildly universally unpopular impeached-incumbent president former reality show host, corrupt, self-interested real estate magnate (at least on paper), and pathological liar, was there really any chance of electing a woman amongst purported overwhelming bi-partisan voter readiness for a woman president? Of course, there was. Of course.

It just didn’t happen for the candidates who included a sitting U.S. senator, former state attorney general,

former Harvard Law professor, member of Congress, former mayor of a rust-belt city, and former U.S. Secretary of HUD. Were they and particularly the women candidates not adequately or exceptionally ready or worthy, financed, or organized enough to take on the most disastrous president in U.S. history?

Is that what we are to believe? I certainly don’t. More importantly, I will not believe that; once we do, then hope is lost.

Nevertheless, here we are, again: two very old white guys. Correction: not just two old white guys, but three old white guys. There is a third party in the room.

No, I didn’t forget late to the party Michael Bloomberg in the aforementioned lineup of diverse candidates. Well, he isn’t necessarily diverse. But he is exceptionally extremely wealthy. Before his $500 million spending spree on TV ad blitz, Warren’s knock-out punch on the debate stage, during a very short-lived candidacy, before dropping out of the race (he did get the lion’s share of American Samoa’s delegates), he promised to avail his considerable resources to the Democratic nominee to help defeat Trump.

This made Bloomberg the one for the money. In respect, to his promise, Mike has already won this race. He and his billions will be a (bene)factor.

For the literal “two for the show”? In one corner, the Democratic nominee very likely the former vice president to the first Black POTUS, and, in the other corner, well, we know who he is, mostly of an orangish hue, but undeniably white nationalist.

There’s still room to grow the delegate count in the remaining primaries and caucuses yet to vote, but if somehow by July, if it is not the former VP, then it will be Noam Chomsky stand-in, leader of the American (continued on page 26)

Three Former San Francisco Bay Times Columnists on Track to Win DCCC Seats Three former San Francisco Bay Times columnists appear to be among the victors in the recent District 17 race for 14 open seats on San Francisco’s Democratic County Central Committee (DCCC). This Committee is the governing body of the local Democratic Party. It is comprised of local Democrats elected by voters in each Assembly District, as well as partisan-level Democratic elected officials and nominees who serve as Ex Officio Officers.

Former Bay Times columnists David Campos, Peter Gallotta, and Rafael Mandelman all appear to have won their races as of this writing. The top 14 for District 17 now also include Jane Kim, John Avalos, Hillary Ronen, Matt Haney, Frances Hsieh, Honey Mahogany, Anabell Ibáñez, Shanell Williams, Bevan Dufty, Gloria Berry, and Nancy Tung.

Congratulations to all of the candidates who ran in this highly competitive and crowded race.

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Stock Incentives Can Be a Pot of Gold, If You’re Smart lucky enough to be offered one, you’ll want to think about how to optimize it. Here are three popular stock incentives and my suggested ways to leverage them: Employee Stock Purchase Plans (ESPPs) Suggested Strategy: Grab and Go

Money Matters Brandon Miller

ESPPs allow you to buy your company’s stock at a discount—usually 15% less. You choose how much to deduct from your paycheck. Then every six months or at set periods, the plan invests your accumulated amount in company stock at the discounted rate.

on your money. But the immediate sell-off is key. As my father always told me, pigs get fed; hogs get slaughtered.

Restricted Stock Units (RSUs) Suggested Strategy: Vest and Vamoose RSUs are a form of compensation that you only receive if you stay long enough for the units to vest. Many companies make a large RSU grant when they hire you with a vesting schedule of four years or so. Stay that long and the stock is yours. Leave early and you may only get a fraction, or nothing. You may also be offered smaller grants each year to encourage you to stay on board.

I’m not sure how many leprechauns live in the Bay Area, but many people seem to have found the pots of gold the wee folk are rumored to leave at the end of rainbows. (And we know there are a lot of rainbows around here.)

Fabulous. You just made 15 cents on every 85 cents you saved. It’s a rare investment that offers a guaranteed return like that, so it makes sense to squirrel away as much as you can or as much as the law allows in your ESPP.

With so many high-end employers competing for a talent-rich workforce, hiring incentives can be pretty rich. One of the most popular perks is company stock, probably because it generally works in the organization’s favor to give you a share in the company versus guaranteed salary.

Here’s the catch, though. That 15 cents per dollar is only yours if you sell your shares immediately. Hold on to them hoping the value will rise and you risk the stock price dropping and wiping out your free money. Plus, your cash is tied up for another six months when you could be investing it elsewhere.

Once RSUs vest, the shares are yours to buy and sell. Distributions are taxed as ordinary income based on the value of the shares at the time of vesting. That part is key. It means that if you hold onto your shares hoping the stock market will continue its unending rise, you could find yourself paying higher taxes on lower value if the share price drops when you cash out. And there’s no preferential capital gains treatment for holding onto the investment for a year.

If you don’t get greedy, ESPPs are a brilliant way to make lots of money

So, bearing in mind my dad’s wisdom about pigs and hogs, you might

Employers have several different ways that they can dangle a stock benefit in front of you. If you’ve been

be smart to sell as soon as your shares vest.

Employee Stock Options (ESOs) Suggested Strategy: Bide Your Time ESOs give you the right to purchase a specified number of the company’s shares at a set price for a predetermined amount of time. That may sound like a mouthful, but it’s a totally no-lose proposition. Let’s say your grant enables you to buy up to 1,000 shares at $10 for the next 10 years. You aren’t obligated to buy anything, so if the stock never rises above $10, you haven’t shelled out a dime. On the other hand, if the stock shoots up to $25, you make out like a bandit.

The opinions expressed in this article are for general informational purposes only and are not intended to provide specific advice or recommendations for any individual or on any specific security. Brio does not provide tax or legal advice, and nothing contained in these materials should be taken as such. To determine which investments may be appropriate for you, consult your financial advisor prior to investing.

As always, please remember that investing involves risk and possible loss of principal capital; please seek advice from a licensed professional.

Timing and market factors, plus your age, financial status, and goals all enter into optimizing ESOs. You likely don’t want to learn all the ins and outs of nonqualified and incentive options, or run a Black-Scholes model yourself, so I highly suggest turning to a financial professional if stock options are part of your compensation package.

Brio Financial Group is a registered investment adviser. SEC Registration does not constitute an endorsement of Brio by the SEC nor does it indicate that Brio has attained a particular level of skill or ability. Advisory services are only offered to clients or prospective clients where Brio Financial Group and its representatives are properly licensed or exempt from licensure. No advice may be rendered by Brio Financial Group unless a client service agreement is in place.

If you have any of these stock incentives, you can stop chasing rainbows and searching for four-leaf clovers.

You already have a pot of gold. Just be strategic about how you capitalize on it.

Brandon Miller, CFP®, is a financial consultant at Brio Financial Group in San Francisco, specializing in helping LGBT individuals and families plan and achieve their financial goals.

Two Prestige Sporty Coupes Sport 400 AWD’s as-tested price landed just under $66,000, and the Lexus LC 500h smacked up against $106,000. “Empower the Drive” reads the tagline on Infiniti’s window sticker, while the Lexus’ urges you to “Experience Amazing.” At these prices, a transformative experience should be standard equipment.

Auto Philip Ruth It’s time for more coupes! In my last column, I compared Hyundai and Toyota coupes from the sub-$30,000 market. Here, we’ll rise to the top of the segment with offerings from Infiniti and Lexus.

You’ll want to get your wallet ready for these two: the Infiniti Q60 Red

And it is, in both the Q60 and the LC, though the experience is very different between them. Start with the engines: the Infiniti serves up 400 horsepower (hence the Red Sport 400 name) from its twin-turbocharged, 3.0-liter V6. Thanks to its sharp throttle response, the Q60 leaps from the line and passes slower traffic with clear authority.

A neat extra on this Q60 tester was its $698 “Axle-Back Sport Exhaust Kit,” which incorporates a trumpet-like finisher on both pipes. It sounded fantastic, with a lush depth to the tone that changes notes in

fine steps during acceleration. And because the system announces your approach from down the block, those around you on bikes and scooters are aware of your presence, which feels like an added measure of safety.

The LC 500h has a very different feel. It’s a hybrid, so it is sometimes mechanically silent, except for an electronic sound it emits to establish its aural existence. Trading as it does between gas and electric propulsion, the LC 500h lacks the Q60 Red Sport 400’s immediacy. But its trip computer indicated 26 mpg, which is about half what you’d expect from a Prius, yet still about seven mpg better than the Q60’s measurement. Not bad from a car with 354 total system horsepower.

Handling is an area where both these coupes come alive. If you’ve driven a Nissan or Infiniti coupe on this platform—think 370Z or G37— then the Q60 Red Sport 400 will

Infiniti Q60

feel familiar. Steering is firm, as are the brakes and suspension, and they work well to lasso in the engine’s explosive power.

The LC 500h is much more relaxed by comparison, and its uncommonly wide rear end takes some acclimating when you’re clipping tight corners. The hybrid powertrain serves to mute to a degree the feedback one would expect from a sporty coupe, but going with the flow reveals the LC 500h to be a comfortable tourer.

Interiors in both were impressive.

The Infiniti came with about $1,400 worth of accent lighting, which illuminated the car from the

Lexus LC 500h

underside and tracked beneath the Q60’s interior lines. The LC 500h’s has the exotic styling you’d expect of a $100K car, with deeply sculpted door panels covered with a rich, velvet-like fabric.

The LC 500h’s “Flare Yellow” paint made everybody look, while the Q60’s “Liquid Platinum” was more muted. But both were satisfying in their own ways.

Philip Ruth is a Castro-based automotive photojournalist and consultant ( www.gaycarguy.com ). Check out his automotive staging service at www.carstaging.com

25th Annual Pink Triangle Receives $10,000 Grant The Pink Triangle project, spearheaded by Patrick Carney, just received a $10,000 grant from the Grants for the Arts in San Francisco.

The money will be used to help pay for the 25th display atop Twin Peaks during Pride weekend.

Carney told the San Francisco Bay Times: “That won’t pay for everything needed to get new, longer-lasting material for the Pink Triangle, but it is a good start. The wind on Twin Peaks at night has taken a huge toll on the existing canvases.”

This year marks not only the silver anniversary of the Pink Triangle, but also the 50th (gold) anniversary of SF Pride. https://www.thepinktriangle.com/

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Transforming the World One Outfit at a Time Kim Corsaro Publisher 1981-2011

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

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

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

Beth Greene Michael Delgado Abby Zimberg Design & Production

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6/26 and Beyond Stuart Gaffney Over the past few months, we’ve been busy cleaning out my mom’s condo since she died. My mom had a great fashion sense and kept herself feeling young even in her later decades not only by acting young, but also by dressing according to current trends and pulling it off with style. Dressing on the outside the way she felt on the inside was vital to her. John, my siblings, and I carted countless pieces of clothes to charities, including one designed to help economically-disadvantaged women to have free clothing to wear to job interviews as they reenter the labor market.

We would’ve loved having something nearby like the new nonprofit Transform Cincy, founded

by Nancy Dawson and her friend Tristan Vaught in Cincinnati, Ohio. Dawson, who runs a successful bridal makeup business called BRIDEface, is the proud parent of a transgender daughter, Phoebe, who came out to her family as transgender at age 10. As Dawson told NBC’s Today show, “as soon as we started recognizing Phoebe as Phoebe, she really blossomed.”

However, they soon realized “there wasn’t a safe space we could go and just try on dresses, skirts, without being judged or looked at.”

Then one day, Dawson saw a social media post from her friend Vaught, saying that instead of doing “gender reveal” baby showers, people should do “showers for people who are transitioning.” A dream was born.

Together with Dawson’s other daughter Ella, they created Transform Cincy, a safe space where trans youth can build a new wardrobe at no cost, housed at the storefront where Dawson operates BRIDEface. Daughter Phoebe explained to Today how important being able to dress in accord with one’s gender identity was: “When I first started wearing clothes that ... matched my identity, it was really affirming. And it felt like I could express outwardly how I felt on the inside.”

When trans youth contact Transform, they answer a few questions to help Ella, who serves as the stylist.

She curates a session just for them, and then when they arrive in person, outfits are waiting for them to try on.

Perhaps not surprisingly, Transform has become far more than just a place for trans youth to find clothes that are a great match for them; it has evolved into a safe space where trans teens can find support. Transform’s first client, 17-year-old Elliot Reed, told National Public Radio: “It made me feel so accepted and validated.” A 15-year-old told Today after their recent visit, “ ... today was just so totally awesome; you feel so loved and welcomed when you’re at Transform. They choose clothes specifically for you and your identity, and it’s so validating, walking out with a new part of yourself.”

Nancy recounted to Today the story of a teen who had driven three hours from a small town to Transform. The teen “had never met another trans person in her life, and neither had her mom, so it was so great to give them that support.”

Indeed, the Transform experience provides support for both parents and children. As Ella told Today, “They’re getting a lot more than clothing. A lot of the times, the parents need somebody to talk to; they need somebody that understands, because a lot of times this is a big

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Roland Schembari and Bill Hartman, Co-Founders Randy Alfred, Founding News Editor 1978

Transform’s founders Marissa Fine, Nancy Dawson and Tristan Vaught

journey for the parents as well as the kids.”

In explaining the need for places like Transform, cofounder Vaught told local television station WCPO, “Can you imagine when you’re transitioning, trying to go to a department store and where do you go to actually change?” In California, Assembly Member Evan Low introduced state legislation last month requiring retail department stores with over 500 employees to maintain an undivided, gender inclusive area of its sales floor where children’s clothes, toys, and childcare items that have “traditionally been marketed for either girls or for boys [are] displayed.”

The bill serves to help enable children to develop and express themselves free from constraining gender norms and thus helps all children, not just trans youth. We hope that it is part of a movement to free all consumers from restrictive gender constraints and biases in clothes and other products.

Tragically, Dawson received a cancer diagnosis late last year that will likely cut her life short soon, and her daughters will have to grow up further and live without her. However, Dawson told Today that she sees “Transform as being one of my legacies along with my children.”

Everyone will miss her greatly, but Transform will continue. As donations grow and demand increases, Transform will need to grow soon as well—into a larger storefront.

Vaughn described Dawson as “truly a light. Her energy, her passion, her courage is still going to be seen throughout each person we see here.”

We can’t help but remember another bright Cincinnati area trans teen whose light was never allowed to shine: Leelah Alcorn. Six years ago, Leelah committed suicide, leaving a gut-wrenching social media post describing her despair. In it, she described how she had been raised in a very conservative Christian environment and when she came out to her mom as transgender at age 14, her parents reacted very negatively and undertook a series of actions the resulted in her hating herself and descending into isolation: “No friends, no support, no love. Just my parent’s disappointment and the cruelty of loneliness.”

In the note, Leelah pleads for societal change: “The only way I will rest in peace is if one day transgender people aren’t treated the way I was, they’re treated like humans, with valid feelings and human rights.”

Dawson and everyone else at Tranform Cincy are not only helping to save trans youth from suicide, but are also helping trans youth to flourish as their own people. They and other caring people across the country are working to make Leelah’s vision a reality. Let’s all join them.

Stuart Gaffney and John Lewis, together for over three decades, were plaintiffs in the California case for equal marriage rights decided by the California Supreme Court in 2008. Their leadership in the grassroots organization Marriage Equality USA contributed in 2015 to making same-sex marriage legal nationwide.

Mayor Breed Appoints Debra Walker to SF Arts Commission Photos courtesy of Debra Walker

Artist and housing policy advisor Debra Walker, who has created several popular covers for the San Francisco Bay Times over the years, was recently appointed by Mayor London Breed to serve on the San Francisco Arts Commission. Walker is a past president of both the Harvey Milk LGBT Democratic Club and the San Francisco Arts Democratic Club. She is a past board member of the San Francisco Planning and Urban Research center, and chaired both the Live Work and Arts Task forces created by the San Francisco Board of Supervisors.

Since 1981, Walker has lived and worked in one of San Francisco’s oldest artist cooperatives. As an artist, she has exhibited her work locally, nationally, and internationally.

As a tenant representative, she served on the city’s Building Inspection Commission from 1999–2019. There she worked to institutionalize the code enforcement outreach program in the housing division by convening tenant and landlord outreach organizations to support building owners in bringing their units up to code. She additionally served on the Community Action Plan for Seismic Safety that resulted in an international model for resiliency.

Walker has organized for many political campaigns locally, as well as throughout California and around the country, to increase voter registration and to support candidates for office. She served as a caucus officer in the Women’s Caucus and the LGBT Caucus of the California Democratic Party.

Congratulations to Walker, who joins the following on the Arts Commission: Rebeka Krell (Acting Director of Cultural Affairs), Roberto Ordeñana (President), Kimberlee Stryker (Vice President), JD Beltran, Chuck Collins, Suzanne Ferras, Mary Jung, Dorka Keehn, Myrna Melgar, Nabiel Musleh, Linda Parker Pennington, Abby Sadin Schnair, Marcus Anthony Shelby, Janine Shiota, and Paul Woolford. http://www.debrawalker.com

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GGBA Power Lunch 2020 Photos by Rink and Paul Margolis A sold out capacity crowd of participants joined GGBA leaders at the W Hotel San Francisco on Friday, March 6, for the 6th annual GGBA Power Lunch. The annual event brings together GGBA members, Certified LGBT Business Enterprises, supplier diversity officials at leading corporations, public agency procurement officers, and elected officials.

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With “Diversity” as its 2020 theme, the Power Lunch program included segments for networking in the designated expo area, the first ever Power Pitch interactive session, lunch, music by the band Proud Mary, and a special panel moderated by GGBA President Gina Grahame. The panel featured Michael Gunther of Collaboration Business Consulting, Charles Orgbon, III, of Deloitte & Touche LLP, and Minna Tao of Recology.

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Honored as the longest standing current members of the organization were attorney Roger Gross and real estate expert Robb Fleischer. Additional featured speakers included John Henning, founder of Granite Solutions Groupe, and Jerry Becerra of Barbary Insurance Brokerage and President of the GGBA Foundation. https://ggba.com/

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Elbow Bumps, Cancellations & A New Use for HIV Meds

LGBTQ Events Impacted by the Coronavirus Outbreak LGBTQ local, national, and international events are among those impacted by the coronavirus outbreak. In San Francisco, the Lesbians Who Tech Summit—originally set for April 23–25—has been rescheduled for August 6–8. The New Conservatory Theatre Center, which champions LGBTQ and allied theatrical works, is closed until March 20. The premiere of The Book of Mountains and Seas was canceled. Some of the final performances of Michael Tilson Thomas as renowned conductor of the San Francisco Symphony have also been affected. The Symphony is closed until March 20.

The International LGBTQ+ Travel Association (IGLTA) was set to have its Annual Global Convention in Milan this year, May 6–9, but the event has been postponed. The IGLTA Staff and Board of Directors issued a statement that read, in part: “There are no more resilient, intrepid and confident travel leaders anywhere in the world than in the International LGBTQ+ Travel Association. Therefore, we are determined to host our Annual Global Convention in 2020 in Milan. At the same time, we must be prudent and sensitive to health and safety precautions and to the actual conditions on the ground.

We have decided to postpone our convention in Milan until this September/ October.”

It continued, “We believe firmly in the resilience of travel and want to be part of the industry’s recovery when COVID19 has been contained with confidence. We must, however, give all our participants and leaders time to prepare. The outbreak of the coronavirus has left all of us with many unknowns.”

Some of those unknowns include: • how the virus originated (numerous scientists suspect that smuggling of endangered animals used in folkloric Asian medicines played a role); • all of the modes of transmission, including indirect methods such as via insect vectors (mosquitoes, ticks, etc.); • the precise mortality rate; • how best to treat COVID-19; • and more.

As of this writing, all non-essential large gatherings have been banned in city-owned buildings in San Francisco. The order, effective until March 20, was issued by the SF Department of Public Health on Saturday, March 7.

About Our Cover The elbow bump greeting, ubiquitous during this SARS-CoV-2 pandemic time, has a long and rich history not always tied to worries over the spread of illness.

When former president Barack Obama bumped elbows with two General Services Administration workers in 2012, as shown on our cover, he had just put on hand sanitizer and COVID19 2019 did not want to get it all over the two women.

Public personalities, from presidents to royalty to music stars, have long been frequent users of hand sanitizer, given all of the hand shaking that they usually must do. Britain’s Queen Elizabeth has been sporting gloves more often these days, likely for similar reasons.

Elbow bumping is also a derivative of the fist bump. Basketball pros have been seen doing this move since the 1980s. It is quick and relatively easy, freeing up the hands. It also lacks the formality required of a typical handshake.

As for illness outbreaks, elbow bumping became more commonplace during the 2006 avian flu pandemic, the 2009 swine flu outbreak, the 2012–2013 influenza epidemic, and during the outbreak of Ebola in 2014. As World Health Organization officials informed The New York Times over a decade ago, the elbow bump is one way of “keeping other people’s cooties at arm’s length.”

World Health Organization, CDC, and City of SF Information about COVID-19

Aging in Community Dr. Marcy Adelman The World Health Organization (WHO) reports that people with mild cases of COVID-19—the disease caused by a new strain of coronavirus—recover in about two weeks; others can take anywhere from three to six weeks. Most people will have

flu-like symptoms such as a runny nose, fever, cough and labored breathing. Older adults and those with chronic medical conditions, like heart and lung diseases, are more at risk of a severe illness. It is too soon to know the fatality risk until more people are tested for the virus.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), COVID-19 spreads from person-to-person between people who are within 6 feet of one another, and through respiratory airborne droplets produced when an infected person coughs or sneezes. Wearing a mask is most effective in reducing the spread of the virus by people who are already infected.

The virus underlying COVID-19 has resulted in the cancellation of numerous events and other public gatherings. San Francisco Bay Times photographer Rink observed a posting of virusrelated information on a lamppost at 8th and Market Street. Some attendees at a recent Smack Dab event at Manny's elected to wear face masks.

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A less likely transfer of the virus may occur from touching a surface that has the virus and then touching your mouth, nose, or eyes. To be on the side of caution, the CDC suggests that you refrain from touching your face.

Check in with your friends and neighbors. Let people know how you are doing and if you need any assistance. Remember, we are all in this together.

And check out the information and updates, telling you more about how to protect yourself and your loved ones, at https://www.sf72.org/ Dr. Marcy Adelman, a psychologist and LGBTQ+ longevity advocate and policy adviser, oversees the Aging in Community column. She serves on the California Commission on Aging, the Governor’s Alzheimer’s Prevention and Preparedness Task Force, the Board of the Alzheimer’s Association of Northern California, and the San Francisco Dignity Fund Oversight and Advisory Committee.

Alegre Home Care is proud to She is the Co-Founder of Openhouse, support Dr. Marcy Adelman’s the only San Francisco nonprofit Aging in Community column in exclusively focused on the health and the San Francisco Bay Times. well-being of LGBTQ+ older adults.

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HIV Protease Inhibitors Show Promise in Treating COVID-19 Since the novel virus that causes COVID-19 was first identified in Wuhan, China, last year, drug companies such as Gilead, AbbVie, Johnson & Johnson, Merck, and more have been racing to test the effectiveness of certain medications in treating the disease that in severe cases resembles viral pneumonia. Among those medications are protease inhibitors, which are normally used by HIV patients.

While no drugs or vaccines are approved specifically to treat the new virus, there is promising news from Spain. According to the newspaper El País, patient Miguel Ángel Benítez (62) was successfully treated for COVID-19 with the protease inhibitor Kaletra—technically lopinavir/ritonavir.

Also administered with this drug was an interferon beta that can help to reduce inflammation and other sometimes problematic aspects of immune system response.

“It’s an experimental usage of the drug that has given good results with other viruses,” Albert Bosch, President of the Spanish Virology Society, told the paper. “One of the biggest advantages is that they are already approved for use, so there is little doubt about their safety.”

“The results we have so far for the use of these drugs to treat coronavirus give us hope,” said Santiago Moreno, Head of Infectious Diseases at Ramón y Cajal Hospital in Madrid.

Protease inhibitors are powerful potential tools in fighting off numerous diseases because they can

block a key enzyme that helps viruses to duplicate. In addition to treating HIV/AIDS, they are widely used to treat hepatitis C. Researchers are even exploring if they can be used to treat cancer.

The protease inhibitors nelfinavir and atazanavir, for example, have been shown to kill tumor cells in culture, but the effect has not been observed yet in humans.

It is important to note that when many donations are made to fight HIV/AIDS, they have the secondary power of potentially helping to eradicate other diseases, too. Time will tell what treatment(s) emerges as the most effective against COVID-19, but if the promising results from Spain are replicated elsewhere, there is a good chance that the LGBTQ community’s dedicated effort to end the threat of HIV/AIDS will help to lead the way.

San Francisco Provides Temporary Housing for Those Needing to Quarantine As San Francisco continues to strengthen its response to reduce the spread of coronavirus (COVID-19), the city is working to provide quarantine locations for individuals who have tested positive for COVID-19 and do not need to be hospitalized, as well as individuals who have been exposed to the virus and do not have access to adequate shelter due to homelessness or shared living arrangements. Shared-living situations include SROs, shelters, and Permanent Supportive Housing.

“Our top priority is public health and slowing the spread of COVID-19 in our community,” Mayor London Breed said. “Not everyone in our city has access to housing where they can go if they are infected or are exposed to the virus, and it’s important that we take measures like this to care for our most vulnerable residents, including people who are homeless.”

Temporary isolation housing will include recreational vehicles (RVs), which have been leased and will be staged in the Presidio. The RVs will be placed in various secure locations throughout the city as needed. The city is also in the process of identifying additional locations for auxiliary quarantine housing, including unoccupied residential property. As San Francisco continues to work to secure additional locations, city leaders are asking local hotels to join in identifying vacant hotel rooms for this purpose so that San Francisco can be better prepared to care for all of its residents.

“We are working on many fronts to disrupt the spread of COVID-19 throughout San Francisco, from cancelling large gatherings and encouraging telecommuting, to instructing vulnerable populations to limit their outings,” said Dr. Grant Colfax, San Francisco Director of Health. “By providing quarantine support for people who are experiencing homelessness or who live in SROs or other congregate settings, we can help ensure that those who are exposed to the virus are able to self-isolate.”

The City’s Emergency Operations Center (EOC) has expanded its operations to prepare for and mitigate the effects of COVID-19. The EOC manages the procurement of supplies and equipment needed to effectively manage the COVID19 emergency in San Francisco, including securing auxiliary quarantine facilities. The city’s public health system manages the intake and evaluation of COVID-19 exposure and makes recommenda-

tions to the EOC regarding who is a candidate for a temporary quarantine housing. The EOC will then coordinate transportation and supplies for the individual to safely and comfortably quarantine.

“Reducing the spread of COVID-19 within our community means mitigating exposure to the virus,” said Mary Ellen Carroll, San Francisco Department of Emergency Management, Executive Director. “Being able to self-isolate or quarantine for at least 14 days is not a viable option for everyone. Many of us live in shared living spaces making the coronavirus spread much more likely.

We need to help these individuals by giving them temporary isolated housing while aggressively reducing the spread of the virus in San Francisco.”

On Monday, March 9, Mayor Breed and the Department of Public Health announced new investments and a Public Health Order to protect vulnerable populations who are at risk of becoming ill or dying if they contract COVID-19. This emergency fund and Order will focus on reducing risk of exposure to the virus for the many seniors, homeless individuals, and people with underlying health conditions living in shelters, single-room occupancy hotels, and Permanent Supportive Housing.

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Horizons Foundation 40th Anniversary Kickoff

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In celebration of the Horizons Foundation’s 40th Anniversary year, leaders and supporters of the Foundation attended a special kickoff reception that was held at the Saint Joseph’s Arts Society on Thursday, March 5. Members of the company of Opera Parallèle presented preview performances from their forthcoming production, Harvey Milk.

Horizons’ 40th Anniversary Gala Celebration will be held on Saturday, September 17, at Pier 27. The event will include a seated three-course dinner for 750 guests. To find out how you can participate in this year’s special Gala, please call 415-660-2215 or go to http://www.horizonsfoundation.org

Krewe de Kinque Bal Masque XVII Photos by Rink and Paul Margolis

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San Francisco Bay Times columnists Donna Sachet, who performed the National Anthem, and Sister Dana Van Iquity welcomed all guests upon their arrival. Performers presented Bal Masque XVII Tableaux Acts I & II. KDK King XVI Aja Monet-Ashton and KDK Queen XVI Kelly Rose completed their reign and crowned their successors Queen XVII Diana Wheeler and King XVII Omar. https://twitter.com/krewedekinque?lang=en

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Celebrity Grand Marshal Renée Lubin, known for her performances for thirty-three years in Beach Blanket Babylon and many other theatrical roles, entertained with her accompanist Dr. Dee Spencer.

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“Diners, Divas & Dives” was the theme of this year’s annual Bal Masque, the Mardi Gras themed party sponsored annually by Krew de Kinque. It was held at The Café, the popular Castro bar and event venue. Bal Masque XVII’s beneficiary was the Compton’s Transgender Cultural District.

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March to Remember & Reignite Hope, inspired by Juanita MORE!, drew a crowd of residents, activists, and others, committed to the health of the Castro neighborhood and the many LGBTQ businesses that make it what it is. Anyone who has been here for a while has seen dramatic change over the years, mourning the loss of bars, restaurants, and other businesses that became favorites. Some say the Castro is over. Others of us, however, are committed to supporting the ongoing businesses and to participating in the changing environment, confident that the Castro serves a vital purpose for our LGBTQ Community. Starting in Harvey Milk Plaza, this group, including State Senator Scott Wiener, Supervisor Rafael Mandelman, Cleve Jones, Ken Jones, Gerard Koskovich, Stephen Torres, Terry Beswick, Honey Mahogany, and even the newly Reigning Emperor Bill Bulkley & Reigning Empress Mimi Osa, meandered through the neighborhood, laying black wreaths at the locations of closed businesses and hanging rainbow colored wreaths at current favorite businesses. Various speakers evoked poignant memories and passersby leaned in to hear bits and pieces of our history. We marveled at the diversity of the crowd, chatting briefly with a resident of 45 years and one of only 3 years. The ceremony ended at the now closed Café Flore, a fitting reminder of the fragility of meaningful neighborhoods, especially in this era of income disparity, skyrocketing rents, and changing retail and social habits. Symbols and ceremonies have become so important to our community and we applaud Juanita for organizing such a moving event.

Without a doubt, THE event of the weekend was Krewe de Kinque’s Bal Masque XVII Diners, Divas, & Dives benefiting Compton’s Transgender Cultural District. The recently remodeled Café was transformed into a New Orleans Mardi Gras headquarters with more green, gold, and purple than the City has ever seen. Founder Gary Virginia, celebrity guest Jan Wahl, members of the Krewe, and other attendees were everywhere serving up jambalaya and other creole dishes, sipping specialty drinks, monitoring an extensive silent auction, sporting colorful costumes, and tipping performers during the continuous high energy show on stage, including Mark Paladini, Christina Ashton, Kippy Marks, Tawdry Hepburnn, Garza (what a performance!), Deana Dawn, DivaD, and John Weber. Topping the entertainment was Celebrity Grand Marshal of Bal Masque XVII Renee Lubin, star of the long-running Beach Blanket Babylon and a host of other theatrical events. She was masterfully accompanied on keyboard

by Dee Spencer. In true Mardi Gras fashion, there was a Second Line Parade, Closing Tableaux, and Queen XVI Kelly Rose gave a great performance before stepping aside for the crowning of the new King Omar Kubian and Queen Diana Wheeler! Watch out, New Orleans! San Francisco has a Mardi Gras ball like no other!

Calendar a/la Sachet Saturday, March 14 Cal Performances LGBTQ Night Out Featuring Les Ballets Trockadero de Monte Carlo Zellerbach Hall, UC Berkeley $19 & up https://bit.ly/3aDVfVy

We watched with marvel as the long-decommissioned Catholic church on Howard Street was transformed from a dilapidated eyesore to a sparkling National Historic Landmark, the vision of imaginative local designer of incredible places and unforgettable events Ken Fulk. We finally had the opportunity to see the interior at a recent pre-party for Horizons Foundation’s upcoming 40th gala. In the company of Richard Sablatura, we followed the perfectly manicured hedges bordering the gleaming sidewalks below two gold-encrusted domes of the former cathedral and entered what can only be described as extraordinary! Religious iconography has been stripped from the building, but the entire space is repurposed into St. Joseph’s Art Society, furnishing the sprawling nave with plumply upholstered furniture and colossal Persian rugs. What might have been small chapels become cozy niches lined with bookshelves and art. The grand apse now boasts monumental trompe l’oeils murals. Donna with Juanita MORE! and Donna Personna modeling their red gowns at Beyond all the visual splendor, the acoustics were perfect for the Hori- Academy of Friends 40th Anniversary Ruby Red Gala. zons program featuring excerpts from Stewart Wallace’s opera Harvey Milk, performed by soloists and chorus from the upcoming Opera Parallèle production in May at Yerba Buena Center for the Arts. President of Horizons Foundation Roger Doughty delivered a touching tribute to 11-year outgoing Board member Deb Stallings, obviously much beloved by the crowd, among whom were City Supervisor Rafael Mandelman, City Treasurer José Cisneros & Mark Kelleher, Mark Leno, Derek Barnes, Xochitl Carrion, Terry Micheau, Victor Marquez, Susan Fahey, Ken Henderson & Joe Seiler, and many others. With a preview like this, we can only imagine what’s in store at Horizons 40th anniversary gala on Saturday, September 12, at Pier 27!

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Donna’s Chronicles

“San Francisco is the only city I can think of that can survive all the things you people are doing to it and still look beautiful.”

In accordance with the guidance of the Mayor’s Office that public gatherings of medium to large size pose a danger to the public health, an event-driven column like this may be thin for a few weeks. Meanwhile, let’s pull together as San Franciscans always have! Through disasters natural and man-made, we band together and come out stronger. So, take care of yourselves and your loved ones; better times are around the corner.

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Donna Sachet is a celebrated performer, fundraiser, activist and philanthropist who has dedicated over two decades to the LGBTQ Community in San Francisco. Contact her at empsachet@gmail.com

Donna with San Francisco Bay Times columnist Jan Wahl and Patrik Gallineaux at Krew de Kinque’s Bal Masque XVII. PHOTO BY SHAWN NORTHCUTT

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This Month at the Castro Farmers’ Market The Castro Farmers’ Market Is Back!

By Debra Morris

Photos courtesy of Pacific Coast Farmers Market Association

It’s finally here! The Castro Farmers’ Market is back for the season! On March 11, Noe and Market Streets were filled with all your favorite farmers of fine fruits and vegetables, eggs, honey, and baked goods—everything you could want from local farmers and other food producers. But best of all, this local gathering place was again filled with the sounds of music, chatter, and laughter as neighbors filled the street to enjoy their community and local businesses.

The Castro opening day festivities featured a blessing by Sister Chola of the Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence and a ribbon cutting ceremony at 5 pm with State Senator Scott Wiener, entertainer and San Francisco Bay Times columnist Donna Sachet, and President of Castro Merchants Masood Samerie. There was also a special performance by Llano River Blue with additional musical entertainment provided by Aprylle Gilbert.

The artisanal Native Baking Company is new to the market this year, and will be there along with your favorite farmers from past seasons. These farmers offer a constantly changing variety of seasonal California produce, emphasizing the importance of eating with the seasons.

They grow what they sell so you know where your food is coming from! Spring will be filled with greens like asparagus, baby lettuces, spring onions, celery, spinach, and more.

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Peet’s Coffee Celebrates Spring At a recent visit to Peet’s Coffee in the Lincoln Square Shopping Center in Oakland (4100 Redwood Road), San Francisco Bay Times team members observed store manager Krysten (right) and Dominique brewing up a fresh batch of lavender syrup for their new line of Spring-themed drinks that feature not only this purple-hued flower but also honey. This particular Peet’s is new and much larger than most of the other locations, taking up two floors and featuring ample outdoor seating.

Native Baking is a new vendor this year for the Castro Farmers' Market.

Pirate Creek Bees in Sunol for pure local honey. There will be grass-fed beef from Victorian Farmstead Meat Company in Sebastopol, fresh fish gathered by From the Sea to You out of Santa Cruz, Pakistani foods from the Malik Brothers in Fremont, and luscious baked goods from Feel Good Bakery in Alameda.

One of the great things about visiting your local farmers’ market, rather than making a quick run to the grocery store, is the fact that you can talk to your farmers, learn about their farm and produce, and pick up a quick recipe. You’ll find the camaraderie of the farmers’ market to be one of the most pleasant experiences you can have while getting to know your neighbors and rekindle old relationships as you pick up the highest quality products, all while supporting your local farmers and your local community and the surrounding businesses.

Thank you for your support in years past. Let’s make this season’s Castro Farmers’ Market one of the best ever! We’ll be here on Wednesdays from 4 pm to 8 pm through November 18.

Debra Morris is a spokesperson for the Pacific Coast Farmers’ Market Association (PCFMA). Check out the PCFMA website for recipes, information about farmers’ markets throughout the region and for much more: https://www.pcfma.org/

La Mediterranée Awarded Green Business Certification La Mediterranée on March 7 announced that this landmark restaurant in the Castro at 288 Noe Street recently received a coveted Green Business Certification. Initiatives tied to the certification include using fuel-efficient cars, donating a portion of profits to an environmental cause(s), having expanded recycling programs, utilizing energy-saving LED bulbs, and more.

The restaurant last year was also named a San Francisco Legacy Business in recognition of its longstanding presence in the community.

The restaurant soon will be featuring some new menu items, such as more “meza small plates,” along with all of the favorites. In addition to the Castro location, La Mediterranée is also in Berkeley at 2936 College Avenue. A catering facility in North Beach is at 1624 Powell Street. https://lamednoe.com/

Our Unknown and Anonymous Ancestors Photos Courtesy of Dr. Bill Lipsky

Faces from Our LGBT Past Dr. Bill Lipsky The passing years have preserved the privacy and buried the secrets that the women and men of earlier generations needed to keep in life, but in other ways have been unkind to them. They now seem frozen in time, looking stiff and remote, before the camera could capture color, spontaneity, and unaffected ease. As Jean Cocteau said in a different context, “A plaster cast is exactly like the original except in everything.” So too do early photographs show everything about their subjects, except who they were.

Here are two friends, gazing at us from a daguerreotype created more than 150 years, almost certainly born before San Francisco itself came into existence, sitting next to each other, arm in arm. We do not know their names or occupations, although their clothes indicate that probably they were laborers or artisans. They appear to be in their middle 20s, so we can only be sure that they valued each other enough to spend the time—and the money—to have their picture taken, possibly for the only time in their lives.

Does the affection they show for each other by their pose, one locking the other close to him, indicate a more intimate relationship? They lived and loved in a world very different from ours, with different understandings of themselves and each other, and what we see in their photograph might not be what they saw in it.

Still, images of closeness and affection like theirs are much rarer than those showing friends sitting stiffly together, whatever their feelings toward each other might have been.

We have similar photographs from the same period of women, just as anonymous, posed equally closely

together, looking equally affectionate. What were they to each other?

More questions surround the photographs of them wearing men’s clothes. Some clearly show friends dressed for a class play or a fancy dress, but many seem entirely serious. Possibly they were expressing something personal about themselves. Possibly not. We have much still to learn about our predecessors.

During the 19th and early 20th centuries, Americans not only accepted, but also believed in intense, affectionate bonds between two men or two women, as long as they remained platonic, of course. Called “romantic friendships,” “smashes,” “crushes,” and “spoons,” they not only were quite common, but also society accepted and even encouraged them among the younger generation because many saw them as good preparation for marriage, when one person had to be devoted to another.

Couples held hands, walked arm in arm, hugged, and kissed in public without a single raised eyebrow among the guardians of other people’s morality. They showered each other with gifts, sometimes even locks of hair, and jealousy could become a problem. Sexual familiarity, of course, was forbidden, but people then believed there could be intimacy without orgasm. They openly displayed affection in ways that we now do not, given the last hundred years of psychiatry’s theories of sexuality, family fears, and

social, religious, and legal constraints.

Two people enjoying a romantic friendship often took their photograph together. This may explain a studio portrait, from later in the 19th century, showing a pair of young men sharing a chair, arms around each other, gazing lovingly into each other’s eyes. We know they are not brothers—brothers never looked at each other so longingly—but little else. Possibly they were taking advantage of the innocence of being “smashed” on each other to conceal a fully intimate relationship.

Everything about them remains a mystery.

Even when we have some information, the mystery remains. Posing for a photographer in their dapper Sunday suits and jaunty newsboy caps, two other men also sit closely together, arms around each other, holding hands. One has given himself a carefree smile, but his friend’s expression is wistful, his eyes filled with sadness, which the comment on the back of the image may explain: “Jack left for war, August 5, 1914,” the day after Great Britain declared war on Germany.

We can guess which one of them was Jack, but who was his friend? Were they as close as the image suggests to modern eyes? Probably we will never know. We can only hope that Jack returned safely from the war and imagine that the two friends enjoyed a long and happy life together. The true nature of their relationship and their fates remain Gordian problems.

More information does not always help us. What is happening in the photograph of the Olympian Council, a literary and debating society at Gustavus Adolphus College, its membership then limited to 20 male students? In 1907 they and their guests posed for a typical group portrait at their second banquet. Yet in the center of image two young men are locked in a passionate embrace, kissing each other on the lips. To us, this seems a scandalous public display of affection for the times.

Were they being serious? Were they clowning for the camera? Was everyone in on the prank, if it was (continued on page 26) S AN F R ANC IS C O BAY T IM ES

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LGBTQ News & Calendar for the Bay Area CELEBRATING FOUR DECADES (1978–2020)

Wahl vs. Trump: Movie Critic Stand Off to remove the U.S. president and seize control of the country, beginning with the media. It becomes complicated as the coup deepens. Soon we feel as if we are in the Twilight Zone. That is not a surprise, since Rod Serling adapted the screenplay. Burt Lancaster, Kirk Douglas, Frederic March, and Ava Gardner add luminous star power and fine acting.

Off the Wahl Jan Wahl It is so nice to have some competition. Mr. T [President Trump] decided to issue a critique on the movie Parasite while extolling the virtues of Gone with the Wind and Sunset Boulevard. While there are definite similarities between Norma Desmond and Mr. T, it seemed a proper time to suggest a few films that he should now sit down and study. Okay, to just sit down and watch.

The Front

The Front (1976) One of my favorite films of all time is The Front. A restaurant cashier owes gambling debts. He is completely apathetic of the politics surrounding him during the shameful McCarthy witch hunts. When a blacklisted TV writer approaches him to put his name on the writer’s scripts so that he can work, our cashier agrees, soon fronting for other blacklisted writers. The film was written and directed by actual victims of the blacklist (in the closing credits we get the year they were put on the list) and features them as well. They include director Martin Ritt, stars Zero Mostel and Herschel Bernardi, and screenwriter Walter Bernstein. Even in its comical moments (the film also stars Woody Allen), it is a brilliant, poignant film with a conscience.

Seven Days in May (1964) A best-selling novel inspired this film. JFK read the book and decided that its events could happen in this country. He became an advisor, through then press secretary Pierre Salinger, to director John Frankenheimer. The political thriller is the warning story of a powerful air force general who plans a coup d’etat

Wag The Dog

Wag the Dog (1997) This film portrays a U.S. president who, two weeks into his reelection, finds himself in the midst of a sex scandal. The Prez was accused of molesting a Girl Scout. He seeks help with this PR crisis, eventually employing s spin doctor who understands a serious diversion is needed. A Hollywood producer (Dustin Hoffman as Robert Evans) decides that the best course is a welldocumented war in Albania. With everyone in the country now following the fabricated war (theme music

by Willie Nelson), the sex scandal is a thing of the past. Many people think of this movie when the real-life news is filled with another world conflict, thinking diversion is a tool often used by those in power. The film was directed by Barry Levinson and written by David Mamet and Hilary Henkin. It features outstanding performances by Robert DeNiro, Anne Heche, and Hoffman.

Seven Days in May

Dr. Strangelove

Dr. Strangelove Emmy Award-winner Jan Wahl is a renowned entertainment reporter, producer, and teacher. A member of the prestigious Directors Guild of America, she is regularly featured on KCBS AM & FM and other media outlets. To read and listen to her reviews for KCBS, go to: https://kcbsradio.radio.com/authors/jan-wahl

By Jan Wahl Ma is deeply disappointed that her up and coming surgeon daughter is not yet married. She is clueless that her daughter is a lesbian who is deeply in love with a sexy, rebellious dancer. Ma has a complex life of her own, just being thrown out of her home for a pregnancy by an unknown man and forced to live with her daughter. It is the passionate affair between the dancer and the doctor that draws us into this lovely romantic and poignant comedy of family and Chinese American tradition. Everyone can relate to director and writer Alice Wu’s rich characters and obvious affection for everything that goes on in this lively, beautiful film. Michelle Krusiec, Lynn Chen, and Joan Chen shine!

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So, let’s do this, Mr. T. I’ll look forward to hearing from whomever explains these to you. JFK loved James Bond and The Longest Day. Eisenhower and Clinton were fans of High Noon. Truman often extolled the virtues of My Darling Clementine. LBJ chose The Searchers. As the great Norma Desmond said in one of your favorites (directed by political liberal and immigrant Billy Wilder), I’m ready for your closeup, Mr. T.

Spotlight Film for SF Pride 50: Saving Face (2004)

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Dr. Strangelove, or How I Learned to Stop Worrying and Love the Bomb (1968) This film brings back a memory of interviewing Sterling Hayden and listening to him bursting with pride at being a part of this masterful comic satire. He portrays the paranoid Brigadier General Jack D. Ripper. He deploys a nuclear attack on the USSR in order to preserve our “precious bodily fluids.”

In the Pentagon War Room, important persons including Dr. Strangelove, a former Nazi, are desperately trying to stop the attack before it is too late. Peter Sellers and George C. Scott join a great cast of character actors in this Stanley Kubrick classic. Look for Keenan Wynn as Colonel “Bat” Guano. Art can warn, entertain, enlighten, inspire. This movie does it all.

PRIDE IN THE MOUNTAINS For six years in the early 90s, representatives in this mountain state fought to decriminalize consensual same-sex relations, which were formerly classified as a felony.

A) Montana B) Colorado C) Utah D) Idaho

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Karin Jaffie, aka Kit/Kitty Tapata, won the title of Mr. Gay San Francisco in 2011 and has earned many other honors since.

Connect with Jaffie via Facebook at: https://www.facebook.com/pg/ktapata

Straight Up Is a Talky and Funny New Queer Romcom

Film Gary M. Kramer Out queer writer/director James Sweeney’s Straight Up, opening March 20 in the Bay Area, is a terrific romcom with a twist. Todd (Sweeney) drops a bombshell on his friends Ryder ( James Scully) and Meg (Dana Drori) when he tells them, “I think I’m not gay.”

This nervous, hyper-verbose, OCD guy soon meets Rory (Katie Findlay), a budding actress who shares his hyper-verbosity, his love of Gilmore Girls, and his desire not to have sex.

(Among Todd’s many issues are his anxieties about bodily fluids.) They couple up in comfortable domesticity—Todd’s job is house-sitting in fabulous abodes—and figure out how to manage a relationship that almost everyone around them questions.

Straight Up wrings knowing laughs from gay stereotypes and pop culture references (there’s a fun running joke about Paul Newman). But Sweeney also infuses his film with poignant moments as well as perceptive insights about love and relationships.

In addition, the filmmaker employs inventive visuals that frame the characters to comment on the action and their emotions.

In a recent phone interview with me for the San Francisco Bay Times, Sweeney spoke about his stylish and amusing new film.

Gary M. Kramer: How did you come up with this plot that is ironic for cleverly adhering to the very genre it subverts—that of the gay man/straight woman relationship?

James Sweeney: I imagined the film to be an homage and deconstruction of the romantic comedy genre and screwball comedies as well. It came from a place of wanting to put two lonely characters together who find safety in one another and tell it in a lighthearted, zippy way.

I love the romcom genre. There are films that have dealt with similar themes, like The Wedding Banquet, Kissing Jessica Stein, and The Object of My Affection, but exploring it through a different lens.

Gary M. Kramer: How did you conceive of the characters of Todd and Rory? What qualities did you give them that made them meld so well?

James Sweeney: They are complementary. I imagine them as my inner dialogue, and they represent two different parts of my personality. I thought: What’s the other side of the argument? And then, similar interests— Bananagrams and Gilmore Girls, etc.

I didn’t know Katie [Findlay] prior to casting her. The script was already written. She is smart and challenged me to elevate the material. She fleshed it out and made it better.

Gary M. Kramer: You cleverly frame the characters, showing Todd and Rory in separate shots while having a discussion or argument in bed together, and employing split screens or crosscutting between a pair of kissing scenes. Can you talk about how you approached the film visually?

James Sweeney: I’m familiar with the old screwball comedies, but I don’t watch them obsessively. We wanted things to feel real, if stylized and elevated, but not feel like they were stock or quirky characters. A lot of the story involves bifurcated vignettes. It is a dual protagonist story and the foundation of that is mutual respect. I wanted to give Todd and Rory equal weight in how we cover them visually. His style is static and minimalist, and she’s more chaotic and handheld. Together they blend, and we introduce movement.

When you find yourself consumed in someone else’s world, their styles complement and fill one another.

Gary M. Kramer: Can you talk about the different styles of humor in the film? There is irony, induced anxiety, visual gags, wordplay, and more.

James Sweeney: Partially it’s a byproduct of having sat with the script for so long that once the joke is not funny, we need to add more to it.

I want there to be enough story and character for people who don’t find something funny to have something to latch onto. I don’t consider myself to be a comedy writer, so I may be harsh about what I find funny, but I don’t limit myself to one type of humor.

Gary M. Kramer: What points are you making about how we play roles with our sexuality, or “act” ourselves?

James Sweeney: The log line for the films is, “A gay twentysomething finds his intellectual soulmate in a twentysomething actress.” But that’s reductive, and sexuality is a spectrum and where he starts is completely different than where he ends up. He assumes he’s gay because of his social conditioning—mannerisms or interests. People coded me as gay before I knew I was gay myself. I’ve talked with gay men who are attractive to women, but they don’t say that for fear of being ostracized in the gay community. “Gay” is a political word, but it can also be restricting.

The film takes place is in a post-heterosexist word, but that’s not a world we live in.

Gary M. Kramer: The dramatic tension in the film is based on the possibility that Todd and Rory will couple up.

Do you want viewers to root for them to be together?

James Sweeney: I always hope that viewers will simultaneously root for them to be together and that they find other people. © 2020 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

Resistance, Identity, and Loss War, the Nixon and Reagan years, the women’s and gay liberation movements, and the HIV/AIDS crisis. The following is an excerpt from the book that was authored by Emily L. Quint Freeman: I chuckle as I read a pink flyer taped to The Elephant Walk in the Castro:

Words Michele Karlsberg Michele Karlsberg: A vivid, no holds barred page turner, Failure to Appear: Resistance, Identity and Loss is a memoir about a lesbian of conscience who became a fugitive who was on the run for over nineteen years using several identities. It is a gripping story about finding your true self and your sexual truth during the turbulent late sixties through the late eighties, against the backdrop of the Vietnam

Sylvester’s One Night Only Show Need We Say More, Girls!

Valentine’s Day 1978, I’m single again, out with Steve to catch the show. The Walk looks like an orange-and-white-striped circus tent, crammed full of exotic night creatures. I find Steve, energetically waving at me at the bar. Alongside him, I spot the freckled face and red spiky hair of Orvis, our mutual friend.

Steve plants a peck on both my cheeks and says, “Welcome back, tiger!”

At the far end, a striking black lesbian sips her margarita. I try not

Emily Freeman

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Sister Dana Sez: Words of Wisdumb from a Fun Nun high number of HIV cases in Scott County, Indiana, was first spotted by health authorities in November 2014. Pence did not declare a public health emergency and authorize a needle exchange program for the county until March 26, 2015.”

Sister Dana sez, “I want to wish everyone an early Happy St. Patrick’s Day (March 17)! Be sure to wear green! Oh, and by the way: Kiss Me, I’m Irish!”

IMPERIAL CORONATION 55 was “Disco in the Jungle” at Park Central Hotel on February 22. Congratulations to our new Emperor William Bulkley & Empress Mimi Osa! Also, congratulations to Emperor 47 of San Francisco Terrill Grimes Munro and Absolute Empress 54 de San Francisco Baby Shaques Munro on a fabulous year and stepdown weekend! I am excited to see what the future will be with Emperor William and Empress Mimi at the helm. Full speed ahead!

Right after Coronation, I had the distinguished pleasure of sharing a table with Imperial Queen Mother Empress XVI Pushy Phyllis who was in town from Palm Springs at Club 440 at the 60TH BIRTHDAY PARTY for Gary Virginia, LET THEM EAT CAKE! It was a fine affair with so many good friends from so many different social circles and not one but two chocolate cakes. Sixty looks damn good on you, Gary!

February 26 was ASH WEDNESDAY, so while I got my ash on at Grace Cathedral, The Rev. Diana Wheeler and several Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence and others gathered on the corner of 18th & Castro offering “ashes on the go,” where participants could choose between ashes, cocoa powder, and/or glitter on the forehead.

Sister Dana sez, “So Russia has a pretend Parliament, as does China and North Korea; but why doesn’t America have a real Senate? Ours doesn’t even try to be real. The Repugnicans are too busy smooching Trump butt to promote justice or pass any bills at all!”

EQCA (Equality California) invited its supporters to join special guest Supervisor Rafael Mandelman and lovely host Donna Sachet for a delightful cocktail reception on February 27 at Jolene’s kicking off the 2020 SAN FRANCISCO EQUALITY AWARDS. Music was by DJ Live.

We mixed and mingled with EQCA Board and Host Committee members and special guests such as the Honorable Leslie Katz to learn about ways to support the Equality Awards this May. The SF Awards will take place on May 11, 5:30 pm; cocktails, dinner, and awards at 7 pm with after-party, The Fairmont, 950 Mason. “The Equality Awards help fuel Equality California’s first-in-the-nation work to create a world that is healthy, just, and fully equal for all LGBTQ+ people,” said Rick Zbur, Executive Director. Tickets at www.eqca.org Sister Dana sez, “We should be especially worried that Veep Pence is in charge of all info regarding the coronavirus, since fellow Hoosier Mayor Pete has noted that an unusually 22

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With the growing number of vacancies in the Castro District, we needed to take active steps to sustain the City’s living queer heritage and culture. For this reason, LGBTQ leaders, neighborhood organizations, historians, activists, and community members assembled at Harvey Milk Plaza on Saturday Leap Day afternoon, February 29, for CASTRO DISTRICT - A MARCH TO REMEMBER & REIGNITE HOPE, hosted by Juanita MORE!.

People marched through the Castro, laying wreaths at the sites of shuttered queer spaces in the historic LGBTQ district. Demonstrators called upon elected officials, foundations, philanthropists, and venture capitalists, as well as us residents and lovers of The Castro, to both commemorate the City’s LGBTQ vibrant past and inspire a brighter future. The grand march concluded at the Lookout.

The very popular monthly CASTRO ART WALK continued on Thursday evening, March 5, with receptions everywhere. But you can still see the exhibits all month at 14 venues with this map: https://www.castroartwalk.com/ “QUEERIES” art reception celebrated the work of Joseph Abbati at STRUT on March 6. Abbati’s inquiry on the masculine figure and forms of expression from a queer point of view are on display all month at 470 Castro Street. The witty double entendres reveal masculine forms depicting queer identity, kinks, humor, and beauty.

Sister Dana sez, “Our openly gay proud Mayor Pete dropped from the Prez run to say: ‘We need leadership to heal a divided nation, not drive us further apart,’ and added, ‘We need a broad based agenda to truly deliver for the American people, not one that gets lost in ideology. We need an approach strong enough not only to win the White House, but hold the House, win the Senate, and send Mitch McConnell into retirement.’ Yes, Pete, YES!” The 40th Annual BALIF (Bay Area Lawyers for Individual Freedom) Gala, OVER THE (continued on page 26)

Dennis McMillan (aka Sister Dana )attended the San Francisco Equality California Awards Kickoff Reception at Jolene’s Bar on Thursday, February 27. The 2020 SF Equality Awards will be held on Saturday, May 9, at the Fairmont San Francisco. http://www.eqca.org. (Left to Right) Dennis McMillan, Christopher Vasquez, Rick Zbur, Just Shannon, and guest host Donna Sachet.

PHOTO BY PAUL MARGOLIS

By Sister Dana Van Iquity

Meanwhile, Senator Scott Wiener has stated, “I urge my constituents to take the necessary precautions, while also remaining calm.

Recent reports of xenophobia towards the API community—in light of COVID-19’s spread—are deeply disturbing. The state of emergency is not a reason to avoid Chinatown or Chinese businesses. I will continue working with my colleagues in local and state government to prepare our community and protect California’s public health.” For SF alerts, text COVID19SF to 888-777.

Bay Area’s LGBTQ Volleyball Community Unites Photos courtesy of John Chen

Sports

2020 Nor Cal Classic B Division Gold Medal Team San Francisco Chika Lang, Silver Medal Team San Jose Gameboi, and Bronze Medal Team Santa Rosa Las J’s

John Chen We’ve all heard the popular saying that holds “a lesbian is not a true lesbian unless she plays softball.”

Similarly, but not quite on the same scale, volleyball is said to be the sport of choice for gay men because players aren’t measured and judged by their appearance and mannerisms, but by their skills and the uniformity of the team. Furthermore, volleyball has great appeal due to the game’s fastpaced, aggressive, and exciting style of play where every point is meaningful, and every over the top cheer and extravagant celebration are priceless.

I remember my volleyball competitive days when a group of friends formed a team. Its members had to meet at least one of the three following criteria: under 125 pounds, 28 inches or smaller waistline, and/or sporting a minimum genitalia size of (censored). Unfortunately, I was not size-correct, not by a long shot.

I missed the cut by lots and lots of pounds and an inch here and there.

But I digress.

The team wore outlandish costumes, such as matching “Wonder Woman” outfits and had the most creative and hilarious cheers including the “devastated drop.” The drop happened when an unexpected but impactful play occurred against the team, and one member would yell “devastated,” and the whole team would simultaneously drop to the floor in total devastation. This type of free expression is why volleyball speaks favorably to LGBT athletes.

With volleyball being an immensely popular sport in the LGBT community, it is no surprise that San Francisco is home to one of the largest community-based LGBT volleyball organizations, the Balls of Furry Volleyball Group. Recently, the Balls of Furry merged with the historic LGBT South Bay Volleyball Club, unifying our Bay Area LGBT volleyball community with well over 1,000 members participating in open and

social play, skills clinics, leagues, and tournaments all over the Bay Area.

Richard Sucre, current President of Balls of Furry, serves our volleyball community with great pride, enthusiasm, vision, and dedication.

Under Sucre’s leadership, the Balls of Furry grew from two teams, approximately thirty members, to an entire organization running grassroots beginner programs, multiple leagues, and one regional and one national North America Gay Volleyball Association Richard Sucre, President of Balls of Furry Volleyball Group and Nor Cal Classic Tournament Director (NAGVA) tournament.

“We’re all about inclusiveness,” Sucre told me for the San Francisco Bay Times.

“This is our identity. We welcome players of all backgrounds, gender identification, sizes, and levels, including beginners wanting to learn. [Balls of Furry] works closely with and supports numerous San Francisco Recreation and Parks volleyball programs such as seasonal leagues, clinics, open and social play.”

Sucre added, “We also put on two competitive NAGVA tournaments. First, is a more regional tournament, the Nor Cal Classic. Now in its 33rd year, the Nor Cal Classic attracts teams mostly from the West Coast with the majority of the teams hailing from Northern California. The tournament is held on President’s Day Weekend. This year we had 48 teams and 400 players competing in three divisions.”

This past President’s Day Weekend, in Mountain View and Santa Clara, teams like Multiple Scoregasms and Fresh Meat competed in the B division at the 33rd Annual Nor Cal Classic, bringing their own interpretation of what it means to be part of an LGBT volleyball team. Such spirit and pageantry in a safe and accepting environment are why so many LGBT athletes choose to play volleyball.

Sucre concluded, “In addition to the Nor Cal Classic, every year during the 4th of July Weekend, we along with Jonny Sloan run the Red, White and Blue tournament in San Francisco. Red, White and Blue is one of the largest NAGVA tournaments and is also considered a national tournament with many teams traveling from the Midwest, the East, and even Canada to compete. Tournaments have great energy and exciting atmosphere where teams congregate and socialize closely in an intimate setting. Whether you want to compete or just play for fun and make friends, we encourage everyone to come out and play volleyball.”

For more information on volleyball clinics for beginners, open and social play, leagues and tournaments, visit https://www.ballsoffurryvolleyball.org/ John Chen, a UCLA alumnus and an avid sports fan, has competed as well as coached tennis, volleyball, softball and football teams.

Take Me Home with You! “My name is Melba! I’m an energetic social butterfly and I love everyone whom I meet.

My jaw has an odd shape because of an old injury, but I’m fully healed and it doesn’t slow me down one bit—I’m living life to the fullest and loving it! Cuddling is one of my favorite pastimes, and I’m hoping to find someone special who likes to snuggle up as much as I do.”

Melba is presented to San Francisco Bay Times readers by Dr. Jennifer Scarlett, the SF SPCA’s Co-President. Our thanks also go to Krista Maloney for helping to get the word out about lovable pets like Melba.

Melba

To meet Melba, as well as other pets seeking their forever homes, please visit: San Francisco SPCA Mission Campus 250 Florida Street San Francisco, CA 94103 415-522-3500 Aside from major holidays, the adoption center is open Mon–Fri: 1–6 pm and Sat–Sun: 10 am–5 pm. Free parking is available for those wishing to adopt!

For more information: https://www.sfspca.org/adoptions

Dr. Jennifer Scarlett and Pup

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COMING UP LGBTQ News & Calendar for the Bay Area CELEBRATING FOUR DECADES (1978–2020)

CALENDAR OF UPCOMING EVENTS http://sfbaytimes.com/ Compiled by Blake Dillon

(Editor’s Note: Due to concerns over the new coronavirus, many events are being canceled or postponed. The situation is fluid, so check with event organizers in advance.)

12 Thursday QTPOC at Strut presents Gaymer Night! @ Strut 470 Castro Street. Presented in conjunction with Black Brother’s Esteem, the event includes board, tabletop and video games with food provided. 5-8 presents. http://www.sfaf.org/locations/strut Community Rally for Lyon-Martin & Women’s Community Clinic @ 1735 Mission Street. Hosted by Better Together 360 and SEIU Local 1021, the rally seeks to maintain transinclusive health services in the Mission. 6-7pm. http://www.workersrights360.org

13 Friday Liz Callaway @ Feinstein’s at the Nikko, 220 Mason. The awardwinning singer brings four decades of experience on Broadway to her upcoming two shows in San Francisco. 8pm. Continues on March 14. http://www.feinsteinssf.com Manny’s Movie Night: Fahrenheit 11/9 @ Manny’s, 3092 16th Street. This ongoing movie series at Manny’s will present Michael Moore’s film that explores the Trump presidency, the Electoral College, the government agenda, the school shooting in Parkland, Florida, and the water crisis in the filmmaker’s home town of Flint Michigan. 5pm. http://www.welcometomannys.com Friday Night Party @ White Horse Inn, 6551 Telegraph Avenue.

This every Friday event features drink specials, dancing and live DJs. 9pm-2am. http://www.whitehorsebar.com

14 Saturday Cal Performances LGBT Night Out – Les Ballets Trockadero de Monte Carlo @ Zellerbach Hall, University of California Berkeley. The iconic prima ballerinas of the Trocks have helped bring gay culture and drag arts to the Ameircan mainstream through savagely funny satire married with seriously stunning ballet. https://bit.ly/2IAvxFx Peaches Christ Presents “Drag Becomes Her” @ Castro Theatre, 429 Castro Street. This now-legendary parody of the ’90s classic comedy Death Becomes Her, features Jinx Monsoon, Bendelacream, Heklina, Lady Bear and Peaches Christ. Two shows: 4pm and 8pm. http://www.castrotheatre.com San Francisco Gay Softball League Fierce Karaoke Fundraiser @ The Port Bar, 2023 Broadway, Oakland. A local drag queen will host this benefit for SFGSL’s Team Fierce. 6-9pm. http://sfgsl.org 24

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St. Patrick Day Dinner and Celebration @ The Academy SF, 2166 Market Street. The Castro social club and barbershop will welcome you and you can find out how to become a member. 7-10pm. http://www.academy-sf.com The Hot Boxxx Girls @ Aunt Charlie’s Lounge, 133 Turk Street.

Every Friday and Saturday night, this show bar presents a wild drag show that “warms the sequin cockles of your heart.” 10pm. http://www.hotboxxxgirls.com

15 Sunday Sunday’s A Drag Brunch @ Sir Francis Drake Hotel, Powell Street. Hosted by Donna Sachet, the 13th season features a brunch and a troupe of entertainers.

Described as “The Greatest Drag Show in San Francisco,” we agree that it is great! 11:30am. https://bit.ly/2vdG3Q0B Dee’s Keys Piano Bar/Open Mic @ Hamburger Mary’s SF, 531 Castro Street. Join Dr. Dee Spencer for drinks, music and sing-alongs on every 2nd and 4th Sunday. 4-8pm. http://www.deespencer.com The Full Monty @ Victoria Theatre, 296116th Street. Last night to see the musical, with book by Terrence McNally. http://www.bamsf.org Democratic Debate Watch Party @ Manny’s, 3092 16th Street.

Watch the debate with friends and like-minded neighbors. 5pm. http://www.welcometomannys.com Frozen II Sing Along @ Castro Theatre, 429 Castro Street. Venture into the unknown alongside Anna and Elsa when the Walt Disney Animation Studio’ hit comes to the Castro Theatre for multiple nights and time. http://www.castrotheatre.com

16 Monday Rebel Girls Trivia Happy Hour @ El Rio, 3158 Mission.

The event, one in a series of KQED Women’s History Month activities, features five “creators” who will challenge participants to compete for prizes using their knowledge of amazing California women, past and present. 6pm. http://www.kqed.org Pubquiz at Virgil’s Sea Room @ The Big Queer Pubzquiz, 3152 Mission Street. This 90-minute quiz, based on current events and general knowledge with a special theme round, includes five rounds in ninety minutes with free drinks and weird prizes every Monday night. 7:30-9:30pm. nosportstrivai@gmail.com

17 Tuesday The Chronicles of San Francisco Exhibit @ SF Museum of Modern Art, 151 Third Street.

Internationally recognized artist JR’s work displays the voices of SF as an extraordinary, unique and diverse

city. Check ongoing daily times except Mondays. http://www.sfmoma.org The Crying Game @ Castro Theatre, 429 Castro Street. This Academy Award-winning thriller challenged mainstream sexual stereotypes and remains a powerful and poignant exploration of gender and identity. 6:30pm. http://www.castrotheatre.com

18 Wednesday Frankie Moreno @ Feinstein’s at the Nikko, 222 Mason. The Las Vegas “Headliner of the Year” returns with his high energy, modern take on old fashioned rock and roll performing songs from his latest album and more. 7pm and 8pm on March 19.

San Francisco Film Festival (SFILM) Insider Preview @ Castro Theatre, 429 Castro Street.

SFFILM members and guests will enjoy an insider preview of the 2020 SF International Film Festival (April 8-21). 7pm. http://www.sffilm.org

19 Thursday Morgan McMichaels as Pink + My So Called Night 90s Party @ Beaux Castro Cocktail Lounge, 2344 Market Street.

McMichaels returns to BEAUX as Pink for My So Called Night 90s & 00s video dance party. MSCN is the Castro’s most popular weekly Throwback Thursdays video dance party. 9pm-2am. http://www.beauxsf.com

20 Friday Comedy Returns to El Rio @ El Rio, 3158 Mission. Kung Pao Kosher Comedy will present another evening of laughter at “everyone’s favorite dive bar.” 6:30pm. http://www.elriosf.com King & Queen Drag-OLicious @ Ginger’s, 86 Hardie Place. The Drag-O-Licious show presents a benefit featuring the contestants for the Grand Ducal Council’s King & Queen of Hearts and more. 2nd & 4th Fridays. 8pm. http://www.gingersbar.com Friday Night Party @ White Horse Inn, 6551 Telegraph Avenue.

This every Friday event features drink specials, dancing and live DJs. 9pm-2am. http://www.whitehorsebar.com Men Are From Mars – Women Are From Venus Live! @ Marines’ Memorial Theatre, 609 Sutter. BroadwaySF presents a two-night run of the Off-Broadway hit play based on the best-selling book by John Gray. Check listings for March 20 and 21. http://www.broadwaysf.com New Works 2020: Festival Kickoff and Theme Night @ Z Space, 450 Florida Street.

A night of theatre, partying and conversation on the future for women voters. 7:30-11:30pm. http://www.3girlstheatre.org

21 Saturday Cowboy Sunday @ Midnight Sun, 4067 18th Street. Hosted by Mr. Cowboy 2019-20 Bandit Munro, the evening includes a live show, jello-shots, beer bust and prizes, and is a fundraiser to benefit the Shanti Project. 7-10pm. mistybluesf@gmail.com Rhonda Benin’s “Just Like A Woman” @ Freight & Salvage, 2020 Addison, Berkeley. This event, hosted by songstress Rhonda Benin, has become an annual favorite with this edition featuring Mimi Fox, Mz. Dee, Deborah Winters, Michelle Jacques and more. 8pm. http://www.thefreight.org

22 Sunday Bad Ass Boots & Ruby’s in Town @ Ivy Room, 860 San Pablo Avenue. These two groups will have you dancing like crazy at this popular East Bay location. 2:30pm. http://www.ivyroom.com On a Winter’s Night @ Freight & Salvage, 2020 Addison, Berkeley.

Presenting the 25th Anniversary concerts of On a Winter’s Night from veteran singer-songwriters Christine Lavin, John Gorka, Patty Larkin, Cheryl Wheeler and Cliff Eberhardt who are among the brightest stars of the singer/songwriter movement of the past three decades. Two shows: 4pm and 7pm. http://www.thefreight.org Comedy Night @ Jolene’s Bar and Restaurant, 2700 16th Street.

An ongoing event held monthly at the popular LGBTQ bar. 10:3011:30pm. http://ww.jolenessf.com

23 Monday Holy Divers Queer Karaoke @ Ivy Room, 860 San Pablo Avenue.

This event for queer, trans and non-binary folks, friends and allies is held every Monday with more than 20,000 songs to choose from.

6pm. http://www.ivyroom.com

24 Tuesday Sister Circle @ Openhouse, 55 Laguna. Weekly women’s support group. 12-1:30pm.

RSVP 415-296-8995 x322 Smart Drinking Group @ Strut, 3rd Floor 470 Castro Street.

A weekly drop-in group with no requirements and all goals supported.

5:45-7:45pm. http://www.strutsf.org

25 Wednesday 4th Wednesday – Erotic Reading Circle @ Good Vibrations, 1620 Polk Street. Facilitators Carol Queen and Jen Cross host this gathering that provides a safe space to read aloud and receive respectful feedback. 6:30-8:30pm. http://www.goodvides.com Queeraoke @ El Rio, 3158 Mission Street. Every Wednesday the event features a variety of hosts.

9pm-1am. http://www.elriosf.com

26 Thursday Faggots by Larry Kramer Book Event @ The Academy SF, 2166 Market Street. The Castro social club and barbershop’s ongoing Academy Book Club will welcome you and you can find out about how to become a member. 7:30pm. http://www.academy-sf.com Online Calendar sf baytimes.com

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SHORTER (continued from page 7)

LIPSKY (continued from page 19)

socialist revolution (wait for it, wait for it—oh, the revolution is coming!) versus a brazen symbol of wayward capitalism if there ever was one.

a prank? No one seems the least bit concerned. Luther Falk, a member of the organization, sent the photograph to Miss Christina Peterson, writing on the back, “I am well and hope these lines will bring some joy.” He never referred to any untoward behavior or liberties his fellows were taking with each other. We have much more to learn about our predecessors.

Somewhere between a life-long Democrat, and an Independent/ Democratic Socialist, with the promised turbo boost of a Democrat turned Republican turned Democrat, Trump will be defeated.

Now, we wait for the highly honorable anointing of a running mate, which usually serves as both consolation prize, and tactical practicality to help shore up, assure, or console whatever electorate needs to be brought along for the solid team win. This sounds cynical, yet hopeful. I’m placing my bets on the obvious and mostly speculated Stacey Abrams or Kamala Harris for the Veep. With the cards she is still holding close to her vest, I bet Elizabeth Warren will have something good to say about at least making that happen. We’ll soon see.

It’s something of a heartache, but meanwhile, as per usual, it’s one for money, two for the show, three to get ready—now, go, men, go.

Andrea Shorter is a Commissioner and the former President of the historic San Francisco Commission on the Status of Women. She is a longtime advocate for criminal and juvenile justice reform, voter rights and marriage equality. A Co-Founder of the Bayard Rustin LGBT Coalition, she was a 2009 David Bohnett LGBT Leadership Fellow at the Harvard Kennedy School of Government.

KARLSBERG (continued from page 21) to stare and send her a well-behaved smile. I follow Steve and Orvis to a table near the stage.

I down my G&T, my attention straying back to the woman at the bar. After we order a second round, Steve grins like a Cheshire cat as three guys sit down behind us. I turn around, instantly recognizing the face.

It’s Harvey Milk, the first openly gay San Francisco City Supervisor who has become a prominent national leader for gay rights. Steve introduces me. Harvey and I shake hands, his fingers speckled with hair. He’s a lanky Jewish guy with tousled hair, a smile broader than the Bay Bridge, deep creases framing his cheeks, bulbous nose, and protruding ears like my father. Wit and intelligence exude from his eyes.

Harvey has one request. “Please get out and vote this November, Emily.

We’ll need everyone’s help to stop Anita and the Briggs Initiative.”

A fugitive with four felonies. Damn, I’ll have to pass, Harvey.

Orvis glances at me, a perplexed look on his face. He’s totally unpolitical and too shy to ask who Briggs and Anita are. I fill him in. “Briggs is a gay-bashing state legislator who’s sponsoring the ballot initiative that effectively bars us from teaching in public schools. Anita Bryant is the TV mouthpiece of Florida orange juice and the founding motherf---er of this crusade.”

“California’s going to come out!” Harvey hoists his beer bottle over his head. His table companions cheer, as well as every shade of gay at the surrounding tables.

Harvey lifts my spirits. Like so many of us, I was downcast and pessimistic during the Nixon years. Harvey revives resistance, unity, and hope.

Somehow, we must defeat the Briggs initiative. It’s the first round of carving up our civil rights.

Steve asks me how I’m doing at my San Bruno digs. I tell him it sucks, the worst place to brood after breaking up. He offers to help me house hunt south of the city, where you can find bargains.

Can I risk using my alias to get a loan? What if the bank finds something fishy? I’m going nuts where I am. The musicians take their seats. Whistles and clapping as the black lesbian from the bar strolls to the mic. “Are you ready to get down?”

A bass voice, no s--t! I burst out laughing. Steve looks at me quizzically.

“Just my luck,” I say, “to get my signals crossed tonight.”

Emily L. Quint Freeman has appeared on CNN Evening News and NPR’s “All Things Considered.” She was interviewed by numerous progressive radio stations, such as KPFA, and was covered/quoted in “The New York Times,” “Washington Post,” “Chicago Tribune,” “National Catholic Reporter,” Associated Press, InfoWeek, Wired, and “The John Liner Review,” among others When she isn’t writing, you might find Emily planting veggie seeds in her garden or at her piano playing Scriabin.

Michele Karlsberg Marketing and Management specializes in publicity for the LGBTQ+ community. This year, Karlsberg celebrates 32 years of successful book campaigns. For more information: https://www.michelekarlsberg.com

KIT’N KITTY’S

QUEER POP QUIZ ANSWER (Question on pg 20) A) Montana

Montana ruled the law unconstitutional in 1997, and Missoula has continued to advocate for the equal rights of its LGBTQ citizens ever since.

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Mysteries aside, when we allow ourselves to be drawn toward the subjects in these images, we find that the camera actually has captured more than the light reflected from their faces a hundred or more years ago. Taking in the details of their world, we begin to see that something else about them also has endured: the great fondness and affection they felt for each other; however, they expressed the endearment between them privately. Such is the power of old photographs and the endurance of human love and devotion.

Bill Lipsky, Ph.D., author of “Gay and Lesbian San Francisco” (2006), is a member of the Rainbow Honor Walk board of directors.

ROSTOW (continued from page 3) The Chinese owners of Grindr sold the company to a U.S.-based operation, San Vicente Acquisition Partners, for about $608 million, after being ordered to do so by the U.S. government for national security reasons. The Chinese company, Beijng Kunlun, bought the gay dating app for $93 million in 2016, so I’d say they can’t complain. According to an article I’m reading on TechCrunch, “little is known” about San Vicente Acquisition Partners, so I’m not clear on exactly how our national security has been enhanced by this transaction. Our government had been wary of just how the Chinese might take advantage of Grindr’s 27 million users and their personal information. But I’m sure that since the mysterious San Vicente is American, they will be very cautious and respectful of everyone’s privacy.

You probably won’t care that golfer Scott Piercy is under fire for making a rude joke about Pete Buttigieg, retweeting something from QAnon that said, “Pete pulls out early from behind,” which

included a picture of that nasty frog cartoon. He lost three sponsors for his troubles, and apologized “if any of my recent story posts have been offensive.”

“I promise to do better!” he added.

I hope he four-putts.

To close out this random category, many of my friends and family were encouraged to learn that up to 13 alcoholic drinks per week were linked to a reduced levels of beta amyloid, the bad stuff that causes Alzheimer’s Disease. Finally, some good news, although the study did add that additional cocktails were not particularly beneficial. Okay okay, we’re not supposed to drink more than two a day, but hell, who’s counting (other than the Alzheimer scientists)?

Pass the Pasta I have a few more items on my list, including some head-spinning maneuvers from the powers that be at Brigham Young, who seemed to ease up on the “Honor Code” antigay rules and regulations, only to turn around and reemphasize the

campus ban on same-sex relationships after questions were raised.

But I’m more concerned about the idea of a piece of fried chicken served like a sandwich between two glazed donuts. Are you kidding me?

Who comes up with repellent offerings on such a scale? I can’t even watch the commercial. I’m also disturbed by the Olive Garden “all you can eat” promotion, indeed the very idea of “all you can eat” evokes nausea, bloating, physical and emotional discomfort, infused with the moral ambivalence that accompanies excessive self-indulgence. Readers, give me moderate self-indulgence. Give me an ounce of Beluga caviar, not all I can eat. Give me three glasses of Champagne, not an unending supply. A dozen oysters, not a hundred. A snifter of Calvados, not the whole bottle. You get the picture.

Give me all I can appreciate, not all that I want.

And you can keep your chicken donut sandwich. arostow@aol.com

SISTER DANA (continued from page 22) RAINBOW, was held at Bently Reserve on March 6. DJ entertainment was Juanita MORE!, who blazed the stage with her thematic “Over the Rainbow.”

Welcome and Introduction of Board of Directors was by Amanda Hamilton & Mark Fickes, Gala Co-Chairs. Guest speakers were Senator Scott Wiener and Aria Sa’id, a Bay Area-based transgender advocate and award-winning political strategist. Giving the keynote address, she had us all confidently repeat, “I believe ... WE WILL WIN!” She is a founder and Executive Director of the Compton’s Transgender Cultural District. The Community Service Award was given to Openhouse by Senator Wiener, and was accepted

by Karyn Skultety, PhD, Openhouse Executive Director.

The Legal Service Award was awarded to Oasis Legal Services

by Prerna Lal, BALIF Board Member, immigration attorney and advocate, and was accepted by Caroline Kornfield Roberts, Executive Director. Presentation of the First Annual Trailblazers Award was bestowed to BALIF Founders, and was preceded by a poignant video of BALIF’s history and future. The First Annual Julius Turman Award was presented to UC Davis law student Rachel Schiff. Closing remarks were by BALIF Co-Chair Jeff Kosbie.

On March 7 at The Café in the Castro, Krewe de Kinque King XVI Aja Monet-Ashton & Queen XVI Kelly Rose stepped down spectacularly and hosted KREWE DE KINQUE’s (KDK) fabulous fundraising Mardi Gras BAL MASQUE XVII “Diners, Divas & Dives!”

This was a nod to the historic 1966

Compton’s Cafeteria Riot and our beneficiary, COMPTON’S TRANSGENDER CULTURAL DISTRICT. We were welcomed

by KDK Founder and Ball Captain KDK King I Gary Virginia.

Grand Marshal and performing at the masked ball was Renée Lubin, the beloved local actor who performed for 33 years in the longestrunning musical in the world, Beach Blanket Babylon. She led our glorious Second Line Parade. Supervisor Rafael Mandelman bestowed Certificates of Honor to both stepping-down royals and Lubin. There was incredible live entertainment by dozens of brilliant KDK royalty and members. Then we crowned our newest KDK King XVII Omar and KDK Queen XVII Diana. We truly “let the good times roll,” as they say in N’Awlins.

DESTROY ART INC. AND ART ATTACK SF is presenting WELCOME TO 1984 2020: Punk on the Western Front, a multi-format, multi-generational group art show featuring dedicated visual and musical veterans of the punk rock music scene. There was a lovely reception on Leap Night, February 29. The show will be on view at 2358 Market Street Suite #1, now to March 29. https://www.artattacksf.com/ Sister Dana sez, “I and my bearded buddies are feeling quite discriminated against by the CDC with its recommended facial hair styles while wearing respirators. No! I will NOT shave off my beard!”

Peaches Christ, Jinkx Monsoon, and BenDeLaCreme perform the hilarious DRAG BECOMES HER, a drag parody of the ghoulishly entertaining campy movie Death Becomes Her

at the Castro Theatre, 429 Castro Street. Recall undead Beverly Hills rivals Madeleine Ashton and Helen Sharp, originally made famous by Oscar-winning leading ladies Goldie Hawn and Meryl Streep. March 14, 4 pm and 8 pm. https://bit.ly/2Qh4Nyf Thirty-five years ago, a band of queer history enthusiasts founded the GLBT HISTORICAL SOCIETY to uncover, document, and preserve the stories of the LGBTQ past. The institution’s holdings have since grown into one of the world’s largest collections of LGBTQ-related historical materials. Mark this milestone and celebrate 35 years of preserving and sharing queer history.

Proceeds from the now sold out ANNIVERSARY PARTY will support ongoing efforts to establish the nation’s first full-scale LGBTQ museum and research center.

March 19, 6–8 pm, at the Museum at 4127 18th Street.

EUREKA VALLEY COMMUNITY ART SHOW closing party, hosted by artist Thomasina DeMaio, will be on March 20, 6 pm, 100 Collingwood, with art on walls and onscreen.

In association with the SF AIDS Foundation STRUT and CASTRO COMMUNITY ON PATROL, you are invited to preregister for their very popular Beginners Community SelfDefense Class on March 24 at STRUT, 470 Castro Street. https://bit.ly/3ayTrNE Sister Dana sez, “Right after Tom Steyer dropped out of the Prez race he said, ‘When the Lord closes a door, He opens a window. I will find that window, and I will crawl through it with you.’ Amen, brother!”

Round About - All Over Town

Photos by Rink

CASTRO STREETCAM presented by

Javier of Bhoga restaurant at 468 Castro Street served an order of Truffle Oil Masala Dosa.

The window display for Women’s History Month at Dog Eared Books on Castro Street

http://sfbaytimes.com/

A team of Girls Scouts from Troop 62681 of Potrero Hill offered their popular treats at a table set up at the 18th and Castro corner known as Hibernia Beach.

A Joe Biden coffee mug on sale at Local Take in the Castro

items of the week Sound Buttons You never know when you might a little Miss Vangie or an Okurrr to brighten your day. These fun and fabulous sound buttons can be yours for just $16.99 each.

Tina Fang performed at the Smack Dab open mic event held at Manny’s on March 1.

Moss Amigo

Emcees Larry-bob Roberts and Dana Hopkins welcomed featured performer Alex L. Combs to Manny’s for the Smack Dab event held on March 1.

Jokie X Wilson performed a reading at the Smack Dab open mic at Manny’s on March 1.

Curator John James Hartford V at the Art Attack SF Gallery’s exhibit 1984/2020: Punk on the Western Front during the Castro Art Walk on March 5.

Embroidery artist Rosanna Diggs displayed her California design artwork at Local Take during the Castro Art Walk on March 5.

Manager Kalie Capadona with a poster of a Jello Biafra show at Art Attack SF Gallery’s 1984/2020: Punk on the Western Front show during the Castro Art Walk.

Artist Dina Marshalek displayed her work on the wall at Dog Eared Books during the Castro Art Walk.

W

The Moss Amigo is a fuzzy little ball of algae with a unique personality.

Unlike pets or plants, the Moss Amigo needs no special care. Some cool unchlorinated water and a shady spot are all it takes to make your new Amigo happy. Each new Amigo comes in a durable 16 oz. glass container with a supple cork lid and decorative white stones. $20.

e encourage everyone to take care of themselves: wash your hands, drink lots of water, sleep, eat well-balanced meals, and reduce your stress. Watching TV and looking at social media are probably stressing you out. Have you considered playing a game, doing a jigsaw puzzle, working on a craft project, fixing that thing you were supposed to fix 6 months ago, gardening? We have all sorts of things to bring a little joy and less stress to your life.

Please shop local whenever possible. Your local businesses and restaurants are hurting from a lack of tourism right now.

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