San Francisco Bay Times - March 21, 2019

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LGBTQ News & Calendar for the Bay Area

CELEBRATING FOUR DECADES (1978–2019)

ALVIN AILEY AMERICAN DANCE THEATER’S SAMANTHA FIGGINS AND JEROBOAM BOZEMAN. PHOTO BY ANDREW ECCLES

March 21–April 3, 2019 | http://sfbaytimes.com

In the News Mayor Breed Appoints San Francisco’s First LGBTQ Fire Chief: Jeanine Nicholson Mayor Breed on March 13 announced her appointment of Deputy Chief Jeanine Nicholson as the city’s fire chief. A lesbian, Nicholson is the first openly gay fire chief in the city’s history. She is also a breast cancer and burn survivor. “This woman is tough,” Mayor Breed said.

“This woman is resilient. This woman is a leader and I am confident she will lead the department on day one.” That will occur in May, when the current fire chief Joanne Hayes White retires.

SF Street May Soon Be Named in Honor of Jeff Adachi Supervisor Matt Haney introduced a resolution this week calling for a street South of Market near the San Francisco Public Defender’s Office to be named after Jeff Adachi, who served as Public Defender from 2002 until his death on February 22. Gilbert Street would be renamed Jeff Adachi Way. “Jeff would use Gilbert Street not just as his daily thoroughfare, but also as a place to connect with, mentor, and support fellow attorneys on their way to and from the court,” Haney said in a statement.

“It is a fitting tribute to Jeff’s legacy as a champion of justice and fairness to rename Gilbert Street in his honor. In the future, countless attorneys will walk down Jeff Adachi Way and be reminded of his unrelenting commitment to justice, as they step into the Hall of Justice to further his legacy themselves.”

Cleve Jones to Receive Humanitarian Award in Cuba Cleve Jones, the founder of The NAMES Project AIDS Memorial Quilt, co-founder of the San Francisco AIDS Foundation and a founding contributor to the San Francisco Bay Times, will travel to Cuba in May to participate in the 12th Cuban Journey Against Homophobia and Transphobia (the Jornada). Jones will be going with a delegation from Rainbow World Fund (RWF), an international aid and relief organization based in San Francisco. He will receive the Cuban National Center for Sex Education (CENESEX) Prize in recognition of his contributions to the advancement of the LGBTQ movement. If you would like to join Jones and the rest of the delegation, visit RWF online for more information. https://bit.ly/2Y8AJqH PRC to Open Expanded Service Center on April 1 PRC, which elevates the lives of those living with HIV/AIDS, substance use or mental health issues, will open a new 25,000-squarefoot service center on April 1 in San Francisco’s SOMA neighborhood.

The organization has launched a “Chair the Love” fundraising campaign to fill the renovated Art Deco building with the furniture it needs to support its 5,000 clients annually. On May 16, PRC will host a special VIP reception for those donating $1,000 or more in anticipation of the opening. Chair the Love: https://prcsf.org/chairthelove/ ‘Cook Shoppe’ Restaurant to Open at Former Chow Site on Church Street The popular restaurant Chow closed earlier this month, but a new restaurant called Cook Shoppe will soon take its place, according to a Hoodline report. The new restaurant is being developed by Mark White, who is also opening two other restaurants across the street from the 215 Church Street space at 212 and 216 Church

(Gramercy Park and its sister restaurant Gramercy Park To-Go). He has promised to hire back members of the former Chow staff and “to help preserve as much of what everyone truly loved” about Chow. Gramercy Park is “tentatively” scheduled to open on June 1. In other Castro retail/service comings and goings: Barry’s Bootcamp opened on March 16; Castro’s 7-Eleven is now listed for sale, with the former franchisee citing concerns over theft and safety; and the Castro-Mission Health Center (3850 17th Street at Pond) is relocating to the first floor of Zuckerberg SF General Hospital’s Building 80 while the 17th Street building is being renovated and seismically upgraded. For more information about Gramercy Park: https://www.gramercyparksf.com/ ‘Open to All’ Campaign Launches Mayor Breed, Supervisor Rafael Mandelman and Treasurer José Cisneros on March 12 launched the Open to All campaign in San Francisco. The campaign, already in other cities nationwide, encourages businesses and residents to oppose discrimination and declare that they are Open to All regardless of race, ethnicity, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity and expression, religion or disability. “San Francisco has a long history of standing united to advance the national dialogue around acceptance, civil rights and human rights,” said Mayor Breed. “The Open to All campaign is about reinforcing our values and stating that no matter who you are, where you have come from, or who you love, you are welcome here in San Francisco.” https://bit.ly/2UJFB3l Henry Sias Could Become First Trans Male Judge in the U.S. Henry Sias, who has clerked for justices in the Pennsylvania Supreme Court, could become the nation’s first transgender male judge if he wins the Philadelphia Primary Election on May 21 for one of 6 justice positions on the Philadelphia Court of Common Pleas. Sias came out as transgender when he was 35 years old. In an ad, Sias says, “Men like me, transgender men, are not supposed to be visible. We have never won an election for state or federal office, let alone judge.” The first transgender woman to serve openly as judge was Houston’s Phyllis Frye.

She was appointed 9 years ago. Victoria Kolakowski of Oakland is the first openly transgender individual to serve as a trial court judge of a general jurisdiction in the U.S. https://www.henrysiasforjudge.com/ New Episodes of ‘Tales of the City’ to Run on Netf lix This Summer Armistead Maupin’s Tales of the City—which began as a popular serialized column in the San Francisco Chronicle and inspired a nine-book series, a 1993 television series and a musical (2011)—is being revived for a new series on Netflix. Laura Linney, Paul Gross and Olympia Dukakis are reprising their roles, but there will be several new characters as well. Linney is also serving as Executive Producer, along with Maupin and others. https://www.armisteadmaupin.com/ S AN F R ANC IS C O BAY T IM ES

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March Gladness for the Equality Act 3.0

Cross Currents Andrea Shorter The once “radical” notion that LGBT people should be protected by federal law against discrimination could be nearing its end. The awaited reintroduction of the Equality Act in the 116th Congress has at last come to pass.

As promised under the returned Speakership of Nancy Pelosi, and with the continued championship of the house’s senior ranking openly LGBT leader, Rep. David Cicilline of Rhode Island, a renewed effort to finally pass a previously twice halted Equality Act is underway.

With poll findings by the Public Religion Research Institute and other outfits indicating that 70% of the American public—Democrats, Republicans and Independents—constitute multi-partisan support of this Act of Congress to prohibit discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation, it would appear that the wind is at the back for passage of this historic bill.

Of course, having massive support from 161 major corporate entities such as Google, Apple, Facebook and IBM also provides a major boon to the urgency of passage. At the initial introduction of the Equality Act in 2015,

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a much smaller coalition of the willing—including the San Francisco iconic Levi Strauss and Company, Apple and Dow Chemical—supported the bill. No matter your druthers about this intertwine of advancing civil rights with major corporate interests, within 4 years, that is a phenomenal surge in out corporate partnerships.

rate employers for regional economic stability.

Because various companies operate in multiple states, there is a haphazard matrix of laws protecting, or more likely not protecting, LGBT employees in the workplace from one state to another. These employees would gladly welcome federal intervention that provides unified, national policy to blanket more than the 20 states that do provide legal protections.

Even with majority support of the American people, and voters of both major political party persuasions, we can still expect a healthy dose of last gasped resistance from right wing factions to passage of the Equality Act. It is presidential primary election season, at least for the Democrats. Gauntlets will be thrown, fear mongering will abound about the takeover by “the gay agenda,” and the pitchforks will be sharpened in protest and detest.

Much thanks goes to those few initial companies that openly led the way, and to the combined nearly three decades of ongoing work of organizations such as Out & Equal Workplace Advocates and the Human Rights Campaign (and its bedrock Corporate Equality Index, aka CEI, which rates companies on their commitment and practices to LGBT inclusive workplaces) that have been engaging and organizing with and within these large private sector, multi-national, Fortune 1000 companies.

Not to get too far ahead, but given that so many of these publicly traded companies operate internationally, passage of the Equality Act in the United States also stands to send a resounding message globally to progress LGBT anti-discrimination policies and practices in countries and regions with declared hostilities towards LGBT people. It is expected to be labeled as an export of a western, liberal value about equality, decriminalization and acceptance of LGBT people into illiberal, intolerant environments wanting, needing, and reliant upon U.S.-based corpo-

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Moreover, this coupling of overwhelming majority support of Americans in all 50 states with the backing of major employers should make for a much stronger case and movement for passage.

As debate ensues about how far to the left the left party (Democrats) has swung, is swinging, or thinks it must swing to recapture an antiLGBT White House, oddly enough this burgeoning majority public support along with considerable corporate support actually and quite solidly positions the notion of federally protected rights and LGBT equality as mainstream—and not a radical, socialist far-left notion. Given such popular support, it should prove politically futile to aggressively dismiss, malign and derail the Equality Act. This third time around could be the charm.

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.

Mayor London Breed Launches Neighborhood Town Hall Series Photos by Rink On Monday, March 11, Mayor London Breed held the first in a new series of Neighborhood Town Hall meetings at the SF LGBT Community Center. Accompanying the mayor were District 8 Supervisor Rafael Mandelman and District 5 Supervisor Vallie Brown, who also spoke and addressed issues affecting their districts.

The next scheduled Town Hall in the series is scheduled for Monday, May 6, at a Mission Bay location to be announced. To follow the schedule of upcoming Town Halls, with each to be streamed live on the Mayor’s YouTube channel, check for updates at http://www.sfmayor.org/townhall

Lifting Low Wage Earners Out of Poverty igible for a refund. Young adults and seniors aged 65 and older with no dependents also now qualify. This builds upon last year’s success when we opened up eligibility to self-employed workers, who continue to qualify for the tax credit this year.

Assemblymember Phil Ting It sounds unbelievable, but it’s unfortunately true. Low-wage Californians leave roughly $2 billion in refunds on the table because they don’t claim their state and federal Earned Income Tax Credit, or EITC. The key to getting this cash back is to file a tax return. Many miss out on California’s EITC (CalEITC) refund because they don’t typically earn enough to warrant turning in this form. But the paperwork is necessary to receive a check.

CalEITC is one of the most effective tools to help lift people out of poverty and provide families with a muchneeded f inancial boost. Increasing the income of low wage earners not only raises their quality of life, but also stimulates the local economy when EITC tax refunds are spent.

As Chair of the Assembly Budget Committee, I fought to raise the income limit for CalEITC so families earning up to $24,950 in 2018 are el-

CalEITC can put thousands of dollars into the pockets of folks who need it the most. The latest Public Policy Institute of California study on poverty finds about 15% of the state’s residents lack the resources to meet their basic needs (approximately $24,300 a year for a family of four), but this number jumps to nearly 20% when our state’s cost-of-living is factored in.

A lmost four in ten Californians are living in or near poverty, and a Queers for Economic Justice report found children in same-sex households experience poverty rates twice those of children in heterosexual married couple households. Imagine what a few hundred to a few thousand dollars could do for these families.

Together with the federal EITC, the combined cash back from the CalEITC can be life-changing. The money could be used to pay bills or buy new clothes for the kids. It can also be put into a savings account for emergencies, something that families living paycheck to paycheck struggle to do. The tax credit also has proven additional long-term benefits, with research showing children whose families receive an EITC refund perform better in school and have better health outcomes. Now that’s a great investment.

Nonprofits operating Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) programs can connect people with free tax preparation services. Last year, I worked with community partners across the state to share the news— in the end, 1.4 million Californians claimed the tax credit, tripling the number of people receiving it in 2017 and putting $350 million into their pockets. But we still aim to do better this year.

Are you or someone you know missing out? Lack of awareness is our enemy here. Help us spread the word! The tax deadline this year is April 15. You still have a little bit of time to f ile. For more information, please visit the CalEITC website ( https://www.caleitc4me.org/ ).

You can find out if you qualify, the locations for free tax assistance near you, or how to file a return yourself.

There are no silver bullets in our fight against economic inequality, but EITC programs are one effective way to help reduce it. I was heartened to see that our new governor wants to expand CalEITC even more. The Legislature will work with him and continue to look for additional ways to help lift Californians out of poverty.

Phil Ting represents the 19th Assembly District, which includes the Westside of San Francisco along with the communities of Broadmoor, Colma and Daly City.

Bringing Accessory Dwelling Units to Oakland units (ADUs) on their property. This is one way we can quickly increase our housing stock and house our community members.

Out of the Closet and into City Hall Oakland City Councilmember At-Large, Rebecca Kaplan Earlier this year I authored a resolution to declare a local state of emergency on homelessness in Oakland that was passed unanimously. However, for most residents of the Bay Area, you don’t need a resolution to know our region is facing a severe housing and homelessness crisis. All of us can count many friends and family who have left the region in the last decade, or who have experienced homelessness. That is why I have been working for many years to protect renters, to support the creation of more housing, and to shelter our unhoused community.

Most recently, I am working with staff to create a streamlined process for residents to build accessory dwelling

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The first step is a code change to reduce ceiling heights for residential units for one and two-family houses and townhouses from Oakland’s 7 feet 6 inches to the California state standard of 7 feet. We’ve heard from small homeowners, many of whom are cash poor and want to legalize basement units. But lifting a house can be very cost prohibitive. Reducing ceiling heights is a simple step that may add more units of housing and provide shelter to our residents in need of more affordable housing options.

Most homeowners are not “big developers” and need more of a personal touch to make it through the maze that is building an ADU. The next steps will be to: • pilot evening hours for residents; • streamline the permitting process; • certify prefab units that would be pre-approved and that would, in turn, make the permitting process easier; • dig into the ordinances to see if there are other places that we can make the easy fixes that will provide housing opportunities.

Simply by adding evening hours, we will allow homeowners that cannot make it to the permit desk during nor-

Lisbet h Tellefsen, Ericka Huggins and Cheryl Ward at Rock the CASA 2019

mal business hours to have their questions answered and to help them start their projects sooner.

Another example is garage conversions where we should be looking to streamline the permitting process.

We have many detached garages that can be more easily converted that would provide both supplemental income to homeowners and shelter to community members.

Finally, we have businesses right here in Oakland that build shipping container homes that offer all of the basic necessities. Each container is prepped for plumbing, electricity, a shower, a full-size bed with storage built-in, and a desk. If we could pre-approve these home designs, we could bypass a lot of the inspection and permitting and help homeowners to quickly provide additional housing in our communities.

I am looking forward to developing this policy and to working on many other ideas that will help Oakland to move toward sheltering all of our residents.

Councilmember At-Large Rebecca Kaplan was elected in 2008 to serve as Oakland’s citywide Councilmember; she was re-elected in 2016. She also serves on the Alameda County Transportation Commission (ACTC).

Follow Councilmember Kaplan on Twitter @Kaplan4Oakland ( https:// twitter.com/Kaplan4Oakland ) and Facebook ( https://www.facebook. com/Kaplan4Oakland/ ).

Patr ik Gallineaux and Gary Virginia at Academy of Friends 2019

Ted Maylath, Joh n Chen, Clayton Lepak and Westo n Hartman at Beach Blanket Ba bylon

GGBA FOUNDATION Founded in 2017, the GGBA Foundation is a 501c3 nonprofit organization dedicated to promoting diversity by funding educational opportunities for the LGBT and allied business community of San Francisco and the Bay Area. The mission of the GGBA Foundation is to create scholarships and resources that assist LGBT and allied businesses to achieve sustainable business development, further professional growth and create leadership structures that strengthen their businesses.

Continued education will support capacity building for LGBT businesses to meet the requirements of corporate supplier diversity programs, increasing opportunities across multiple industries for LGBT businesses to win contracts. In return, our community will be enriched by the economic impact of these companies and the jobs created by their growth.

Additionally, these business leaders will be advocates for LGBT business inclusion and economic equality for all diverse communities and will provide mentorship and other resources to empower the next generation of LGBTQA entrepreneurs.

GGBA CALENDAR April Make Contact: Honoring LGBT and Allied First Responders Tuesday, April 9 5:30 pm–7:30 pm Dirty Habit Restaurant at the Hotel Zelos 12 4th Street (at Market), San Francisco GGBA Members: Complimentary; Non Members: $25 https://ggba.com/

https://www.ggbafoundation.org/

JOIN & VOLUNTEER

Be a Part of the Solution: Join & Volunteer

Support LGBT businesses, throughout the Bay Area and beyond by bringing your enthusiasm and skills to the GGBA! Being a GGBA member and volunteer is an ideal opportunity to become more deeply involved with the chamber. You can help to guide the chamber’s continuing success while building deeper business relationships with your fellow GGBA members.

The Golden Gate Business Association (GGBA) is the world’s first LGBTQ Chamber of Commerce, and is now one of 65

around the globe advocating for positive economic, social and political change for LGBTQ businesses to prosper, create jobs and to have economic equality. Our mission is to champion opportunity, development and advocacy for our LGBTQ & allied business community.

We empower our small business entrepreneurs and professionals by creating opportunities for marketing, networking, procurement and referral-based business growth. We also collaborate with other nonprofits and engage with business and civic

leaders to support policies that foster a more inclusive and welcoming business community, thus creating greater opportunities for our member businesses. If you are an LGBTQ or allied business person looking for a place to make sincere connections that can lead to greater success and a sense of community, the GGBA is the place for you. We encourage you to visit our next event to see for yourself.

For more details: https://ggba.com/

Celebrate and Support the Women-Owned Businesses of the GGBA

PHOTO BY PAUL MARGOLIS

During National Women’s Month, the Golden Gate Business Association is proud to give a shout out in support of the GGBA’s women-owned member businesses! Please take a few minutes to get to know and to support these great Bay Area businesses. We know that we are all stronger when we work together and celebrate our diverse perspectives—each unique voice adding to the breadth of wisdom and experience we share together.

GGBA teamed with the Hispanic Chamber of Commerce of San Francisco to honor women business owners at the April Make Contact held on Tuesday, March 12. Among the honorees was Astrid Acero Lopez, owner of My Insurance Solutions, Inc., who received the award from GGBA’s president Audry deLucia (not pictured) and HCCSF’s Carlos Solorzano.

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6/26 and Beyond Stuart Gaffney & John Lewis By all accounts, openly gay Democratic presidential candidate Pete Buttigieg dazzled a national audience with his performance at a CNN town hall on March 10.

As marriage equality advocates, we were struck—and gratified—from the very start. Moderator Jake Tapper in a completely unsensational manner offered Buttigieg the opportunity to talk about his husband, Chasten Glezman. Tapper playfully asked Buttigieg about the slightly different ways that he and his husband guide their Twitter followers on the pronunciation of the family name Buttigieg (we like the ease of Glezman’s suggestion: “Buddha Judge”).

Tapper conversed with Buttigieg no differently than he would a straight

Openly gay candidate Pete Buttigieg with moderator Jake Tapper on March 10 for the CNN town hall.

person, beginning: “I don’t want to get in the middle of a marital squabble ... .” And after bantering with the candidate for a few moments, Tapper applauded Buttigieg’s answer to the question as “very diplomatic. I feel like you said your way was right but then you did not throw your husband under the bus, which is—I guarantee you that is the right path.”

More seriously, Tapper gave Buttigeig the opportunity to talk about the support his father, who passed away recently after a long illness, gave to him personally and to his candidacy. Buttigeig described speaking to his dad when he was hospitalized and intubated: “So I said, you know, I hope I’ll make you proud. And he mouthed around the tube, ‘You will.’”

Buttigieg spoke eloquently at the town hall about the importance of

LGBTIQ rights and what’s at stake personally for queer people. “I think the whole point of politics is everyday life. And part of how I understand that is that the most important thing in my life—my marriage to my husband—exists by the grace of a single vote on the U.S. Supreme Court.”

Crucially, Buttigieg discussed “policy options” to “stop the Supreme Court from sliding toward being viewed as a nakedly political institution.” Buttigieg described the “radical ... shattering of norms that Senate Republicans have gone through in order to get the court to where it is today.”

One proposal “of many” that Buttigeig highlighted as deserving consideration was restructuring the Supreme Court by expanding the (continued on page 10)

Courtesy of Mark D. McHale & Associates, Real Estate https://www.markdmchale.com/7-great-tips-for-first-time-homebuyers

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PHOTO SOURCE: CNN.COM

Gay Presidential Candidate Takes Center Stage

GLBT Fortnight in Review Bad Things Afoot Last January, the Supreme Court struck down two injunctions that had been protecting transgender military recruits from Trump’s ban on transgender service. That move appeared to leave one injunction still in place, while a fourth injunction had already been undermined by a negative ruling from a federal appellate panel in D.C. Now, following the lead of the justices, the third injunction has been struck by a federal court in Maryland. Meanwhile, the full Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia has been asked to consider the status of Trump’s ban, even though the High Court has spoken.

Got that? If not, just know that we’ve been able to forestall the transgender ban for nearly two years, but we seem to have run out of options for now.

According to a Defense Department memo, the ban will take effect April 12, and while the lawsuits will continue, Trump and company will be allowed to enforce the ban during what will no doubt be lengthy trials and tribulations ahead. The ban, in its current form, will prohibit transgender soldiers and sailors from joining the military unless they revert to their birth gender. Trans-men and women who are currently serving are allowed to stay as they are, although I’m not completely sure what other restrictions they might face.

Finally, I’m not clear on the deal with the D.C. Circuit. Don’t they have to follow the Supreme Court’s guidance?

I’m glad there seems to be at least one more hurdle in Trump’s path here, but I’m confused by it, that’s all. And why is the Defense Department in a position to announce start dates and

so forth if the matter of an injunction is still pending before an appellate court?

When I don’t completely understand all of the details in a news story, I always fear that I may have missed something obvious or failed to grasp some essential point that will make me look dumb, sloppy or lazy in the future. I try to sort things out but eventually I am simply obliged to live with the fear. (Sing with me: Serve a paper and sue me, sue me, what can you do me? I love you.)

Conference Calls In other Supreme Court news, another conference has come and gone and once again our big petitions remain on the sidelines, still pending and up for discussion when the next conference comes along. Conferences, as you probably know, are those weekly or fortnightly meetings where the justices sit around and decide whether or not to take up cases. No one else is allowed in the room, and the newest justice takes notes and answers the door when someone knocks.

This week, however, I was startled to encounter a bunch of headlines about how the Supreme Court had decided not to take review of a religious freedom case out of Hawaii, where a Christian bed and breakfast owner had declined to welcome two lesbian customers in violation of antidiscrimination law in the Expensive Island State. That case had risen through a couple of state courts, which had ruled in favor of the two women. After the Hawaii Supreme Court declined to take the case, one of the lawyers appealed to the U.S. Supreme Court, and just received a thumbs down. The case rang a faint

By Ann Rostow bell in my head but it was not on my short list of High Court petitions.

Ooops. This is what I was talking about in the previous section. How could I not know that a significant GLBT issue was being presented to the justices? I have no problem blathering on about our Title VII cases, the Sweet Cakes by Melissa case, the possible reappearance of the homophobic f lower lady from Washington, the transgender schools case and so forth. I assumed that all GLBT legal matters were contained in my vast reservoir of community knowledge, and certainly all matters within the High Court’s purview, but apparently this is not the case. Disturbing!

Oh Brave New World, That Has Such People In’t And speaking of the Supreme Court, trust Kate Kendell, the former head of the National Center for Lesbian Rights, to embroil herself in what has to be one of the most astonishing new areas of progressive activism we’ve yet to encounter in these turbulent times. Kendell is someone I greatly admire as a leader. If she tells me we should all strip down naked, do a couple of shots and run screaming around the halls of Congress waving miniature rainbow f lags, I’d be there. Cool, Kate, I’d say. I’m sure you know best.

This time, Kate’s telling us to pack the Supreme Court, taking charge of a group called “Pack the Courts,” which aims to add four more justices to the High Court bench. Prior to that, of course, the plan would demand that Democrats win the White House, maintain the House majority and win control of the Senate. Personally, I’d think we would need a su-

changed a few times in the past. If we don’t act, we’ll be faced with regressive opinions as far as the eye can see, maybe decades. What good is a green new deal, or an Equality Act, if the High Court overturns whatever we manage to sign into law?

per majority, but what do I know? I didn’t even track the Hawaii bed and breakfast case.

I like to play a little game, which is to imagine what I would think of an idea if the other party offered it up. For example, I was opposed to George Bush’s Part Four Medicare expansion (too expensive!) until I wondered what I’d think if a Democrat authored it (the least we can do for struggling seniors). I thought our intervention in Libya was smart policy by Obama (America has a role to play in humanitarian crises), but would have decried it from a Republican (why should we be the world’s policeman)? You get the picture and let’s just say that if I heard the Koch brothers were raising money for a “pack the court” push, I’d be outraged. Even if I heard AOC was in favor, I’d give her a mental “tsk tsk” and think she’s biting off more than she can chew.

On the other hand, I look back at some of the most consequential Supreme Court decisions, and wonder how the country would have reacted if the High Court was not seen as a politically transcendent body. We needed the national guard to enforce school desegregation, but we got through it. We went back to the High Court a number of times to support marriage equality. We Democrats stayed calm and carried on after George Bush was installed on what looked like a pure party-line vote.

How would decisions like these have played out if the High Court lacked credibility?

But this is Kate! Eric Holder and other top Democrats also support the notion, which is in part based on the disturbing partisan manipulations of the last few years. I’m sure you haven’t forgotten that Mitch McConnell stole a Supreme Court seat from the Democrats, and subsequently used the nuclear option, or whatever they called it, to drop the bar for confirmation to a bare majority. Gorsuch got 54 votes in the Senate; Kavanaugh won confirmation by a 50–48 margin. Neither man would have survived under the traditional rules.

Won’t a packed Court have this profound problem from the start?

Or has the Court already lost any claim to impartiality? And then we have Mayor Pete, my new favorite presidential contender, who favors a 15 -member C ou r t w it h f ive members picked by Democrats, five

by Republicans and the other f ive picked by those ten justices. I think his plan also involves some kind of term limit, and it also seems unfair to the one third of the American electorate that considers itself Independent.

But it’s still interesting. Don’t get me started on Elizabeth Warren and the intriguing idea of nine-member appellate panels.

It’s time for Democrats to get tough for once and take back some of the ground we’ve lost, our friends urge.

After all, there’s nothing in the Constitution that requires a nine-person Court, and indeed, the numbers have

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LGBTQ News & Calendar for the Bay Area CELEBRATING FOUR DECADES (1978–2019)

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QTAPI When Pigs Fly Over the Moon

Photos by Paul Margolis

On Friday, March 15, at the Salesforce Tower, the Queer and Trans Asian and Pacific Islander (QTAPI) organization held an historic event bringing together groups serving the Bay Areas QTAPI community. Described as a multi-function project combining mixer, resource fair, talent show and history exhibit features, the event raised funds to support the API Pride Project. In addition to informational exhibits staffed by organizations, breakout sessions and live performances were included. Featured performers included nenci, César Cadabes, Kristi Yummykochi of the Rice Rockettes and Queer Taiko. A screening of the film The API Community and AIDS - Surviving Voices was also offered.

STUART GAFFNEY & JOHN LEWIS (continued from page 8) number of justices from 9 to 15, with 10 of the justices appointed under current procedures and the other 5 “seated by unanimous consent” of the other 10. According to Buttigeig, “those five by necessity will be those who command the respect of the other 10 across the ideological spectrum and can be counted on to think for themselves.”

We cannot overstate the importance of the U.S. Supreme Court to all aspects of LGBTIQ rights, and Buttigeig’s articulation of innovative ways to address the current crisis at the Court stood out to us. His words gave us renewed hope for the future of the high court.

Buttigeig also made clear the “need [for] a federal equality act that would say that you cannot be fired just because of who you are or just because of who you love.”

And he condemned Trump’s attacks on transgender people. Buttigeig, himself an Iraq War veteran, pointed to Trump’s “picking on [transgender] troops, people willing to lay down their lives for this country” and transgender high school students. He was appalled at the message a vul10

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nerable “transgender teen” gets when “the highest officials in the land can’t tell the difference between her and a predator and make it harder for her to go to the bathroom.”

Buttigeig further called out Vice President Pence on his hypocrisy in using religion to further his political goals.

Buttigeig named the so-called “religious freedom” act that Pence championed as governor of Indiana for what it is: “really a license to discriminate,” using “your religion as an excuse for discriminating.”

cency”: simple human decency and decency founded in justice.

Buttigeig credited that type of decency for his re-election as mayor of South Bend, Indiana. Buttigeig came out during the campaign and acknowledged that he was unsure how it would play “in a socially conservative community.” And to much applause from the town hall audience, he revealed: “I wound up getting re-elected with 80 percent of the vote.”

More generally, Buttigeig wondered how Pence, who claims to be such a devoted Christian, could “allow himself to become the cheerleader of the porn star presidency?” He asked if Pence had “stopped believing in scripture when he started believing in Donald Trump?”

We have not yet decided which candidate we will support in the upcoming presidential election. But who knows?

If Buttigeig’s entry on the national stage last week is a harbinger of what’s to come and “ just decency” has a role to play, our nation could be inaugurating its first openly gay president in January 2021.

In describing the broad and bipartisan coalition that came together to oppose Pence’s discriminatory actions in Indiana several years ago, Buttigieg pointed to a shared belief in “ just decency” as what brought people together to stand against discrimination. We like the unintended double meaning of the phase “ just de-

John Lewis and Stuart Gaffney, 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 samesex marriage legal nationwide.

LGBT Aging Policy Task Force 5th Anniversary Celebration By Dr. Marcy Adelman

On Saturday, March 9, The Department of Aging and Adult Services hosted an anniversary celebration at the LGBT Community Center. Despite heavy rain and a BART computer glitch that shut down service for most of the morning, a pretty good size crowd of former Task Force members, local and state dignitaries, including Mayor London Breed, and community members came to express their pride in—and their gratitude for—the good work advanced by the Task Force and to voice their commitment to the important work that still needs to be done.

T he L GBT A g i ng Pol ic y Ta sk Force had been charged with identifying barriers to living well and to make actionable recommendations to the Board of Supervisors to enhance quality of life for LGBTQ older adults. Implemented recommendations include a financial empowerment program to reduce f inancial insecurity, LGBTQ cultural competency training for senior serving nonprof its, a housing subsidy program targeted for LGBTQ older adults at risk of eviction, an LGBTQ dementia project to reduce barriers

to services and improve care, peer support programs to reduce isolation and loneliness, legislation to establish legal protections for LGBTQ older adults in long term care facilities, city collection of sexual orientation and gender identity (SOGI) data and several other recommendations. (For a more detailed description of the Task Force’s recommendations and status of implementation see the San Francisco Bay Times Aging in Community column: https://bit.ly/2Tg0wcI ) The implementation of SOGI data has fallen behind schedule. Supervisor Mandelman will be conducting a panel in April to determine how best to accelerate implementation of SOGI data going forward. With this data the city and the LGBTQ community will have a more informed understanding of the health and service needs of LGBTQ residents.

Mayor Breed spoke to the challenges that still exist for LGBTQ older adults and those incurred when applying for housing and jobs. The Mayor cited the executive directive she issued last year for all departments to have transgender identifiers on applications and forms to address some of those challenges. Mayor Breed committed to doing everything possible to keep people from losing their housing and winding up on the streets.

The Mayor acknowledged the work of Sen. Wiener and former supervisors David Campos and Christina Olague in making the Task Force possible. The three previous supervisors were honored for their part in the Task Force, as was Bill Ambrunn, Task Force Chair. She also thanked others who helped and are helping to implement the Task Force recommendations—City Trea-

PHOTOS BY BILL WILSON

The event was billed as a celebration and review of work in progress, but it was also an opportunity for city leadership to double down on the need for more affordable housing and more affordable LGBTQ welcoming senior housing. March 2019 is the 5th Anniversary of the LGBT Aging Policy Task Force. The Task Force, initiated in 2012 by out Supervisors Scott Wiener, David Campos and Christina Olague, released its final report in March of 2014. Over the last 5 years, 11 of the 13 task force recommendations have been implemented; a stunning achievement by any reckoning.

Mayor London Breed recognized the members of the LGBT Aging Policy Task Force who were on hand for the 5th Anniversary Celebration held on Saturday, March 9, at the SF LGBT Community Center.

Clearly, we have much to celebrate.

But so much work is yet to be done.

LGBTQ older adults continue to be underrepresented in affordable senior housing and senior services. That needs to change.

surer Jose Cisneros, Supervisor Mandelman, The Department of Aging and Adult Services and the Office of Transgender Initiatives. The Mayor also recognized her friend and neighbor, Felicia Flames, a longtime transgender advocate who was newly appointed by the Mayor to the Commission on Aging and Adult Services.

David Campos reminded everyone that no matter how much we have done, there are still people struggling to survive. He shared that many people tell him, “ I survived the AIDS crisis, but I am not surviving the housing crisis.” He offered that the way to honor LGBTQ elders is to commit ourselves to the work that makes lives better.”

Supervisor Mandelman also focused his remarks on the need for more affordable senior housing. “Not withstanding all the amazing work done by the Task Force, the work going

forward is even greater. We need 10 more 55 Lagunas. (A reference to Openhouse’s affordable senior housing.) We need more LGBTQ welcoming affordable senior housing. We need to make sure that LGBTQ people can remain in San Francisco and live thriving out lives.”

Dr. Marcy Adelman, Co-founder of the nonprofit Openhouse, oversees the Aging in Community column. She is a psychologist and LGBTQI longevity advocate and policy advisor. She serves on the California Commission on Aging, the Board of the Alzheimer’s Association of Northern California and Northern Nevada and the San Francisco Dignity Fund Oversight and Advisory Committee.

Dr. Marcy Adelman oversees the Aging in Community column. For her summary of current LGBT senior challenges and opportunities, please go to: http://sf baytimes.com/challenges-and-opportunties/

Alegre Home Care is proud to support Dr. Marcy Adelman’s Aging in Community column in the San Francisco Bay Times.

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M ARC H 21, 2019

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

Why Can’t I Find a Partner?

1. Three Attachment Styles name implies, is the least problematic of the three.

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.

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CONTRIBUTORS Writers Rink, Sister Dana Van Iquity, Ann Rostow, Patrick Carney, Kate Kendell, Alex Randolph, Heidi Beeler, Gary M. Kramer, Dennis McMillan, Tom Moon, Tim Seelig, Cinder Ernst, John Chen Rafael Mandelman, Jewelle Gomez, Phil Ting, Rebecca Kaplan, Kin Folkz, Leslie Katz, Philip Ruth, Peter Gallotta, Bill Lipsky, Karen Williams, Donna Sachet, Gary Virginia, Zoe Dunning, Marcy Adelman, Stuart Gaffney & John Lewis Brandon Miller, Jamie Leno Zimron Michele Karlsberg Lyndsey Schlax, Randy Coleman, Debra Walker, Howard Steiermann, Andrea Shorter, Scott Tsui, Lou Fischer, Frankie Bashan, Karin Jaffie, Brett Andrews, Karen E. Bardsley, David Landis Photographers Rink, Phyllis Costa, Jane Higgins Paul Margolis, Chloe Jackman, Bill Wilson, Jo-Lynn Otto, Sandy Morris, Abby Zimberg, Morgan Shidler, JP Lor ADVERTISING Display Advertising Standard Rate Cards http://sfbaytimes.com/ or 415-503-1375 Custom ad sizes are available. Ads are reviewed by the publishers.

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Examined Life Tom Moon, MFT In my psychotherapy work (primarily with gay men) over the last four decades, probably the most common question I’ve been asked is, “How can I find a partner?” Many people struggle with an inability to find satisfying relationships, but too often their strategies for change are superficial— such as joining a gym in the hopes that bigger muscles will attract true love. But I believe that the insights contained in a developmental theory known as Attachment Theory can provide a deeper understanding of the issues, and important guidance in resolving them.

According to Attachment Theory, human beings have three distinct “styles” for bonding to other people, and these styles evolve out of our earliest experiences with caregivers.

The “secure attachment style,” as the

Secure types usually had relationships with their parents in which they felt safe and protected, and which gave them a secure base to go out and explore the world. In adulthood, they don’t smother their partners, but respect their independence, while also knowing when, and how, to set boundaries, as well as to be honest, close and supportive. About half of the population has secure attachment styles; the rest are about evenly divided between two insecure styles: anxious and avoidant.

They may interpret a partner’s independent actions as abandonment.

They often attempt to alleviate their anxiety by playing games or manipulating to get attention—acting out, trying to make their partner jealous, withdrawing and not answering texts or calls, etc. Tragically, their very desperation to hang onto their bond is what breaks it. But the greatest mistake anxious types make is in their choice of partners. For a number of reasons, they are drawn to partners who increase rather than decrease their anxiety—partners with avoidant attachment styles.

Anxious types, by contrast (and as a direct consequence of childhood deprivation), live with a more or less constant sense of emotional hunger.

Their deepest fear is that they’re unlovable, and they long for the perfect romantic relationship that will disconfirm that fear; and also rescue, heal and complete them. Their excessive expectations of romantic relationships are why they’re often seen as “love addicts.”

Avoidant types typically grow up with parents who are emotionally unavailable or unresponsive to them most of the time. In response, they develop a pseudo-independent orientation to life based on the illusion that they don’t need other people. As adults, they may enjoy spending time with people, and may form partnerships, but become uncomfortable if the relationship gets too close; and may abruptly end it if their partners are “needy” or become “dependent.”

Although they look for a sense of safety and security by clinging to their partners, their tragedy is that they behave in ways that push them away.

When they feel unsure of their partner’s feelings and unsafe in their relationships, they can become clingy, demanding and possessive.

Avoidant people often impress others as insensitive and self-preoccupied because they’re overly focused on themselves and largely disregard the feelings and needs of other people. They also find it difficult to disclose their feelings and needs to their partners. Their typical response to an

argument or conflict is to become distant and aloof.

They often have an overly positive view of themselves and a critical attitude toward other people, although this high self-esteem is usually only skin deep. It’s a stance that protects a fragile self that is easily hurt by slights and rejections. Beneath this exterior, avoidant types are often plagued by feelings of self-hatred. People with avoidant attachment styles want intimacy as much as everyone else, but they ward it off because they believe that it’s fraught with dangers.

If you’re having difficulty finding or sustaining a longterm relationship, it could be that a core issue is that you have either an anxious or an avoidant attachment style. While our styles form in early childhood and are deeply ingrained, the good news is that they aren’t immutable. Armed with sufficient understanding of how you attach to others, it is possible, over time, to make meaningful changes and to learn to pursue effective strategies to be more successful in relationships. Those strategies will be my theme in the next two columns.

Next time: Emerging from an Anxious Attachment Style Tom Moon is a psychotherapist in San Francisco. For more information, please visit his website http://tommoon.net/

In Memoriam Ernie Asten 1947–2019 Ernie Asten, the fourth-generation patriarch of the Cliff’s Variety legacy, passed away early in the morning of March 15 after a 14-year battle with Parkinson’s and MSA. He grew up in San Francisco’s Castro neighborhood and, within the store itself. His grandfather was a creative thinker in his own right and he instilled in Ernie the concept that knowledge is power and with that power you can do anything. Ernie was a maker before the term existed. He was proficient in many mediums and several homes in the neighborhood have been touched by his knowledge, his skills or by the products sold at his family’s remarkable Castro Street store.

He was also a proficient jazz pianist and in the late 1960s and early 1970s he even had a recording studio in his garage on Hartford Street. The Hartford Studio recorded names such as Carlos Santana, Terry Dolan of Terry and the Pirates, Jimmy Moscoso and Ronnie Montrose. In the 1980s, Ernie returned to college to study calculus and physics just for the fun of it.

He is survived by Martha, his wife of fifty years; his daughters Terry and Marian; his four grandchildren Ceci, Camille, Balin and Cooper; and his great grandson Aiden.

CALENDAR Submit events for consideration by e-mail to: calendar@sfbaytimes.com

Barbara Hammer 1939–2019 A pioneer of queer cinema, Barbara Hammer died after a long battle with ovarian cancer. Her film career, which spanned over 40 years, addressed women’s topics, in particular, such as gender roles, lesbian relationships and coping with aging and family. Her life was adventurous and brave. After coming out as a lesbian and leaving her husband, she “took off on a motorcycle with a Super-8 camera” in 1974, she shared in an interview. That year she created Dyketactics, one of the world’s first lesbian films.

Her first feature film, the experimental documentary Nitrate Kisses (1992), won numerous awards.

She studied filmmaking at San Francisco State University and later taught at several prestigious schools, such as the European Graduate School in Saas-Fee, Switzerland. In 2010, Barbara published her autobiography HAMMER! Making Movies Out of Sex and Life, which addressed her personal history and her philosophies on art.

Her legacy includes the Barbara Hammer Lesbian Experimental Filmmaking Grant, which was first awarded in 2017.

Angus Whyte 1937–2019

© 2019 Bay Times Media Company Co-owned by Betty L. Sullivan & Jennifer L. Viegas

Following a brief illness, Angus Whyte passed away peacefully in the loving arms of his husband Thomas Grexa Phillips on March 6 in Palm Springs, where they had moved to last year. Angus offered many contributions of administrative and financial acumen in his service to several communities, most recently for the last 25 years in the Bay Area. From his administrative stewardship of the fledgling San Francisco LGBT Community Center, to his reviving and operating Art for Healing, a charity designed to accept original works of art by donating and placing them in hospitals and healing centers, Angus’ ethics, devotion and commitment never wavered.

Angus published a series of memoirs and short stories entitled After-Dinner Tales in 2013. He was commissioned to write a biography of a company celebrating its centennial in San Diego in 1994. He was completing a second volume of tales entitled The Lavender Blade when he fell ill.

Angus is survived by his spouse, his sister Bonnie Whyte of Washington, and numerous cousins. Contributions may be made in his memory to the Huntington Disease Society of America, the Arthritis Foundation and the Point Foundation.

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‘Hugged by a Boy’ on the Barbary Coast

Faces from Our LGBT Past Dr. Bill Lipsky The San Francisco Call was shocked, shocked to discover there were such goings-on. “Hugged by a Boy” read the headline in its August 3, 1894, issue. There was certainly nothing newsworthy about that, as mothers everywhere, after sending their sons to school, could verify. This boy, however, was different. Not dressed in overalls or a Fauntleroy suit or a freshly pressed white shirt and trousers, this boy was not in a classroom, but a bar room—and most def initely not dressed as a boy.

The newspaper summed up the story in mocking terms: “A Female Impersonator Robs a Rustic” and “Will Exchange Skirts for Trousers” that were “Adorned with Broad Stripes.” It was about to tell the “laughable” story of a man who “fell in love with a female impersonator, who drank beer with him, kissed him and robbed him.”

The female impersonator was Bert Larose, “a beardless youth, with a falsetto voice.” According to the Call, he “made a precarious living by performing as a woman in Barbary Coast theaters and dives.” Originally from Ohio, 5’ 5 3/8’’ tall, he had blue eyes, chestnut hair and a “florid” complexion. In 1894 he was 18 years old, but looked much younger.

The “rustic” was C. E. Bernick (or Berwick), 58, of Napa County. He was “an old man whose beard of gray has been caressed by the amorous zephyrs of many summers.” Visiting the City for a meeting of the Carpenters’ Union, he “subsequently ... made his way to the Barbary Coast in search of excitement and steam beer.

He had $280 (about $7840 today) in

bills in his inside pocket when he entered Bottle-Meier’s theater” at 513 Pacific Street.

Larose, “nicely painted and wearing his skirts, was sitting at a table with a genuine member of the softer sex.

The old man leered at them and they leered back. After a time be sat down with them and drank two bottles of beer (at $1 each, now about $28 each). It soon became apparent that he was smitten with the f ictitious charms of the actor.”

Bernick asked Larose “in cooing tones to go with him into a box and drink.”

Larose accepted the invitation “and while in the box caressed the graybeard and absorbed all the liquid refreshment that he desired.” Shortly after midnight, “Bernick was thrown out of the place ... . Wandering dazed about the coast, he was arrested and taken to the old City Prison. His pockets were empty.”

Although Bernick f irst “declared that he had been robbed by the policeman who arrested him,” the “accused bluecoat ... soon learned what had happened to him at the theater.”

Larose, “vehemently professing innocence, was arrested and charged with grand larceny.”

At his trial, Larose’s attorney tried both to embarrass and discredit his accuser, asking him questions to detail the intimacy he shared with a man 40 years his junior. “’Now, Mr. Bernick,’” he asked, ‘’’do you mean to tell me that you thought this boy was a woman?’ ‘I did so,’ faltered the aged one, whose cheeks were slowly reddening.” Clearly, the “rustic” could not tell the difference between a woman and a man.

T hen t he que s t ion i n g turned to expressions of their tender affinity. “’And you took him into a box at Bottle-Meier’s theater?’

‘I did.’ ‘And you caressed him there?’ ‘I suppose so.’

‘K issed him?’ ‘Maybe I did.’ ‘And hugged him?’ ‘I guess. so.’ ‘And be hugged you, did he?’ ‘Well, I should say be did. That’s how he got my money.’” Printed by the Call, the testimony was a rare public account of sexual intimacy of any kind between two men.

W hen t he San Francisco Chronicle repor ted t he sa me sto ry, it was slightly more sedate, but much more specif ic. Describing the theater as one of the coast’s “amusement resorts of a doubtful character,” it casually mentioned that

Larose, whom it identified as “a queer young man,” had been “sitting on Berwick’s [sic] lap and fondling him in an affectionate manner” when he “picked his pocket.”

Larose was convicted of grand larceny and sentenced to six years in San Quentin. As prisoner 16065, he began his term on September 1, 1894.

After serving four years, two months and four days, he was “Restored” on November 4, 1898.

The Call printed another scandalous same-sex story about the coast in 1908, the year Billy Harrington and two silent partners bought the Seattle Concert Hall at 574 Pacific Street.

He renamed it the Dash, installed a row of private, curtained booths on each side of the dance f loor and ensconced “male degenerates who wore women’s clothing” in them. For a consideration they entertained customers “in a way that may be imagined, but may not be described.”

Unable to detail what specific entertainments they provided, the newspaper could only describe the establishment as “one of the vilest saloons and dance halls ever maintained in San Francisco,” the “home of unspeakable vices and the most depraved type of men.” It delighted, however, in revealing that Harrington’s two silent partners were officers in the courtroom of Superior Court Judge Carrol Cook.

The newspaper had opposed Cook for years and its articles led to his defeat in the fall election. The Dash closed soon after. Not until 20 years later, when the Finocchios allowed gay men to have a quiet corner of their speakeasy at Sutter and Stockton streets, was there a bar or club in San Francisco where those of a “refined nature” could meet.

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

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Gentle Methodists, Where’s Your Anger?

ed to go to the source ( http://www. umc.org/ ). Let me summarize briefly from their own site. Oh my, what a venture that was. Mid-way through I took a break for more blood pressure medication. Here you go.

TLC: Tears, Laughs and Conversation Dr. Tim Seelig Once again, we return to Holly Near’s iconic lyrics, “We are a gentle, angry people.” Well, one group of people should be firmly in the angry category. Who, you ask? The Methodists, and every single progressive person who has any connection with organized religion.

My message? Forget the gentle. You need to get angry. And the countless thousands—hundreds of thousands—who’ve been hurt by your denomination’s recent actions will be encouraged by your outrage. The worst part of this current situation is that the Methodists have been inviting LGBTQ people into their fold, their home, as it were.

But once inside, they are not allowed at the dining table. They are not allowed to really be accepted into the family. And now, they have, once again, been told, “We’re so glad you’re here. You can stay as long as you pretend to be something other than who you are.” And they voted on it!

On March 10, over 60 members of the San Francisco Gay Men’s Chorus traveled to the Los Altos United Methodist Church to give a concert in protest of the UMC’s recent vote.

The idea of a protest concert emerged from the church’s Artist in Residence, singer/songwriter Bobby Jo Valentine ( http://www.bobbyjovalentine.com/ ).

We were thrilled to be included.

It was a big deal for a UMC in the South Bay to host SFGMC in protest to the vote. As many of you know, we have been knocking down walls and using the stones to build bridges for our entire history. This time, it was at the church’s invitation—much like our recent musical pilgrimages into the battle grounds of the Baptists, Catholics and, yes, Mormons.

To be informed and factually correct about the recent decision, I decid-

Last month, the global UMC met in St. Louis. The “Traditional Plan” was passed with 438 “yes” votes (53 percent) to 384 “no” votes (47 percent). “This means our current statements about homosexuality, same-sex marriage and the ordination of LGBTQ persons have not fundamentally changed from The 2016 Book of Discipline.”

Now, that’s a lovely, warm, inclusive document. Love the title. I may have seen a copy of The Book of Discipline at Folsom Street Fair. Anyway, it says: “The practice of homosexuality is incompatible with Christian teaching. Therefore, self-avowed practicing homosexuals are not to be certified as candidates, ordained as ministers or appointed to serve in The United Methodist Church. ‘Self-avowed practicing homosexual’ is understood to mean that a person openly acknowledges to a bishop, district superintendent, district committee of ordained ministry, board of ordained ministry or clergy session that the person is a practicing homosexual.”

Wow, people. I say practice makes perfect! Keep doing just that. And, even more importantly, keep “selfavowing” all over the place!

Seriously, this is a travesty for a huge denomination that has been attempting to move in the direction of love for all. It is a huge set-back for all believers, not just Methodists. Growing up Southern Baptist, we always thought the Methodists were uber-liberal in comparison. They even allow women in the pulpit. Not so liberal after all. On the inclusion scale, from Mormons on the far right and Metropolitan Community Church on the left, the Methodists just took a not-sosmall “step to the right” in this very rocky horror show.

But wait, there’s more. From the UMC site, these words of understanding and condolence: “We acknowledge that many LGBTQIA people, their loved ones and allies were hurt by the speeches, rhetoric and decisions of the General Conference. We pray for healing and forgiveness.”

Photos courtesy of Dr. Tim Seelig

What? OK, I’ll stop for a moment. T & P. Thoughts and Prayers. Not enough.

Before I continue to rant, please allow me to share some of t he t hought s of the wonderful members of the staff of Los Altos United Methodist Church who invited and hosted us.

Rev. Kathi McShane, Senior Pastor “I have never felt so proud of the church I am part of, and I have never felt so ashamed of the institution that I have given my professional life to building.

We are sorry, and we are glad to stand f irmly on the side of change.”

Sam (Samantha) Blewis, Associate Pastor “Sunday evening’s worship with the San Francisco Gay Men’s Chorus was a beautiful opportunity for our congregation to state emphatically that we are a people working to erase the barriers which divide those who are ‘in’ and those who (Top) Members of the San Francisco Gay Men’s Chorus are welcomed by rainbow bunting as they arrive at the Los are ‘out.’ What was most Altos United Methodist Church on March 10. (Lower) Members of the Church congregation and guests await the meaningful to me was be- arrival of the Chorus before the concert begins. Photos courtesy of Tim Seelig ing able to gather with my wife, after a devastating it for decades. Sounds as if perhaps en’s “God help the outcasts,” which vote against us, and hear such per- the Methodist electoral college went ends with, “I thought we all were the sonal affirmation and love in this act against the majority of the people. children of God.” Perhaps we are. Just of singing, sharing and testifying to If 47% of Methodists are really seri- not welcome at the Methodist table. what God’s love looks like.” ous about change in their denomina- If nothing else, I hope this article enBobby Jo Valentine, SFGMC Artist tion, I hope they will embrace a deep- courages us all to think. I hope it ener sense of indignance and urgency. courages pause to ref lect on where in Residence I would love to see more anger, and we really are in this journey toward “In the midst of the denomination’s less gentleness, toward the unforgivequality and inclusion. I know for myturmoil, the stage was filled to over- able actions that have sent countless self, tolerance is no longer enough. flowing with the men of the San Fran- loving people reeling. Gentleness and I’m even done with acceptance. I excisco Gay Men’s Chorus. They sang anger are both necessary in our fight, pect to be celebrated! about love, acceptance, and what but right now, Methodists everywhere it means to be different in a fearful need to rise up and say, “No, this is Most of all, I’m going to keep on “selfworld that treasures sameness. Even not who we are or who God wants avowing” and practicing my homothough the church has found itself sexuality every chance I get. And us to be.” f lailing in a storm of pride, tension singing about it, too! and dysfunction, this heartfelt group Or, better yet, to the 53%, not just no, Dr. Tim Seelig is the Artistic Direcof talented singers drove down with a but “hell, no.” tor of the San Francisco Gay Men’s profound message of acceptance and Chorus.

One of the songs the chorus sang was forgiveness. Undoubtedly, one of the best sermons ever delivered were the a mash-up of the Emma Lazarus text, songs sung on March 10th. I’m hum- “Give me your tired, your poor” and bled at the outpouring of love that Stephen Schwartz and Alan Menknight. It won’t soon be forgotten.”

The concert was an important moment in time and a powerful statement. Performing an average of 50 to 60 times a year, it is most often the case that we receive more than we give.

One of our own singers wrote this: “I grew up in the United Methodist Church. So, the parting benediction in Los Altos on March 10 broke me a little bit. The pastor didn’t bless the congregation. She and the entire congregation faced and blessed us. I’ve been an out gay man for decades.

I’d like to think I’m pretty comfortable with who I am. Yeah. I’d like to.

Turns out that down deep, I still hunger for acceptance from the UMC, a tribe that helped raise me. Their support moves me to tears. Although I’m no longer a churchgoer, I’m deeply glad to have Los Altos UMC and other welcoming congregations as allies. I’m also grateful beyond words to each of you, and to SFGMC as an institution for fighting and singing to bring acceptance everywhere. There are lots of hungry hearts out here.”

Kalamazoo, Michigan

In conclusion, I can only imagine how devastating this vote was for those who have been working towards

St. Petersburg, Florida 14

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Indianapolis, Indiana

60th Anniversary of Alvin Ailey Am Theater to Be Celebrated at UC Ber Residency Activities

company’s first two-act ballet and was a 2018 recipient of the New England Foundation for the Arts prestigious National Dance Project grant.

With Lazarus, which has a score by Darrin Ross, Harris addresses the racial inequities America faced when Ailey founded this company in 1958 and still faces today. True to tradition, the program closes with Revelations, Ailey’s 1960 masterpiece celebrating the African-American experience.

Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater’s Samantha Figgins and Jeroboam Bozeman. Photo by Andrew Eccles

C

al Performances at UC Berkeley will welcome back the Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater—currently celebrating its 60th anniversary—for its annual campus residency. The performances, from April 9–14 in Zellerbach Hall, will feature three works receiving their Bay Area premieres. Members of our San Francisco Bay Times team have been enjoying the Alvin Ailey-Zellerbach pairing for decades. The latter was designed by architect Vernon DeMars and is the West Coast home for the esteemed modern dance company founded by its namesake, who died of complications from HIV/ AIDS in 1989.

The company’s four programs will offer a wide range of choreography, celebrating the rich cultural expression of African Americans, while also engaging with relevant issues of social justice, homelessness and inequality. The three works new to Bay Area audiences are Rennie Harris’ Lazarus, co-commissioned by Cal Performances and inspired by Alvin Ailey’s life and legacy; Ronald K. Brown’s The Call, which seamlessly blends modern and West African dance idioms, as “a love letter to Mr. Ailey”; and Jessica Lang’s celebratory ensemble work EN. The residency also includes Urban Bush Women founder Jawole Willa Jo Zollar’s Shelter, which explores the plight of the homeless, and company artistic director Robert Battle’s Ella, a joyful tribute to jazz legend Ella Fitzgerald. Two matinee performances are devoted to Timeless Ailey, a retrospective program covering 30 years of treasures from Alvin Ailey’s rich body of work that culminates with his iconic Revelations.

Program A, to be performed on Tuesday, April 9, at 8 pm and Saturday, April 13, at 8 pm, features the Bay Area premiere of hip hop dance pioneer Harris’ Lazarus (2018). The work is the

A number of residency activities are planned on the UC Berkeley campus as part of the company’s visit. For the fourth year, company dancers will host a series of “Berkeley Dances Revelations” workshops, during which the public is invited to learn choreography from Ailey’s iconic Revelations. The free 30-minute workshops will take place in the Hearst Gymnasium on Friday, April 12, at 10 am, 10:45 am, and 11:30 am; registration is required ( https:// calperformances.org/ ). Following the workshops, everyone is invited to Lower Sproul Plaza on the UC Berkeley campus for a “Berkeley Dances Revelations” Flash Mob at 12:30 pm. Members of the Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater will lead this public performance of the “Wade in the Water” section from Ailey’s Revelations. The event is free and Alvin A open to the public.

Program B, to be performed on Wednesday, April 10, at 8 pm and Friday, April 12, at 8 pm, includes four works. British choreographer Wayne McGregor’s Kairos (2014) is set to Vivaldi’s The Four Seasons, as re-imagined by composer Max Richter, and uses walls to create a starkly dramatic onstage world—a counterpoint to McGregor’s sinuous, angular movement. Ailey is the first American company to perform this work, which garnered rave reviews at the Edinburgh International Festival in 2015.

Zollar’s Shelter (1988), first performed by the Ailey company in 1992, explores the emotional trauma of homelessness. Danced by an all-female cast, the work features a music score with drumming by Junior “Gabu” Wedderburn and poetry by Hattie Gossett and Laurie Carlos. Artistic director Battle’s Ella (2008), a joyful tribute to jazz legend Ella Fitzgerald, was first created as a solo in 2008, and re-invented as a duet in honor of Fitzgerald’s centennial in 2017. The work is set to a recording of a live Fitzgerald performance of the jazz standard “Airmail Special.”

Also on the program, Lang makes her choreographic debut with the Ailey company with EN (2018), receiving its Bay Area premiere. “En” is a Japanese word with multiple meanings—including “circle,” “destiny” or “fate”—and the theme of the work, which is set to an original score by Jakub Ciupinski, is about coming full circle.

Program C, performed Thursday, April 11, at 8 pm, features Members Don’t Get Weary (2017) by veteran Ailey company member Jamar Roberts, who is well-known for his commanding presence as a dancer. Set to two contrasting recordings by John Coltrane (“Dear Lord” and “Olé”), Roberts’ first choreographic work for the company revels in the emotional urgency and transcendence of the blues. Receiving its Bay Area premiere, Brown’s acclaimed The Call (2018) weaves modern dance and West African forms in a joyous, spiritual work danced to works by J.S. Bach, Mary Lou Williams, and Asase Yaa Entertainment Group. The program continues with Rob-

Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater’s Jacqueline Green.

Photo by Andrew Eccles

ert Battle’s Juba (2003), an explosive work for three men and one woman with an original score for string quartet and percussion by John Mackey. Ailey’s Revelations concludes the program.

Program D, performed at the matinees on Saturday, April 13, at 2 pm and Sunday, April 14 at 3 pm, is dedicated to Timeless Ailey (1958–1986), a special program comprised of highlights from ballets choreographed by Ailey, including some seldom-seen gems. The program features excerpts from 1974’s Night Creature (music by Duke Ellington); 1972’s The Lark Ascending (Vaughan Williams); 1958’s Blues Suite (Brother John Sellers); 1971’s Cry ( Voices of East Harlem); 1972’s Love Songs (Donny Hathaway); and 1979’s Memoria (Keith Jarrett), along with several other works. The historical program concludes with Ailey’s classic Revelations, performed in its entirety at both performances.

A community dance class with members of the company is planned in the Bancroft Studio on Sunday, April 14, at 11 am. The class, open to participants of all ages and abilities, includes technique and choreographic excerpts from the company’s current repertory. Admission is $10 per person, and pre-registration required.

Two matinee performances by the company are also offered to area K–12 schoolchildren as part of the Cal Performances SchoolTime series, on Wednesday and Thursday, April 10–11 at 11 am. Pre-registration and ticket purchase is required.

Ticket Information

Tickets for the Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater on Tuesday–Friday, April 9–12 at 8 pm; Saturday, April 13, at 2 pm and 8 pm; and Sunday, April 14, at 3 pm in Zellerbach Hall range from $38–$145 (prices subject to change).

Half-price tickets are available for UC Berkeley students. Tickets are available through the Ticket Office at Zellerbach Hall, at (510) 642-9988, at the website ( https://calperformances.org/ ) and at the door. For more information about discounts, go to https://bit.ly/2Y5ueVD Alvin A

AileyCamp!

AileyCamp is a nationally acclaimed summer program that uses dance as a vehicle for developing self-esteem, creative expression and critical thinking skills among sixth, seventh and eighth grade students ages 11–14. Conceived by Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater and run locally by Cal Performances, AileyCamp combines professional level dance training with personal development activities.

Since its inception in 1989, this vital program has reached thousands of youth across the country, providing direction and hope to children who are most in–need of knowing there can be a bright future. There are currently ten AileyCamps across the U.S.: Atlanta, GA; Baltimore, MD; Berkeley, CA; Chicago, IL; Kansas City, MO and Kansas City, KS; Miami, FL; Newark, NJ; Seattle, WA; and Washington Heights, NY.

Over the course of the past decade, AileyCamp has changed the lives of more than 1,000 Bay Area young people. There have been 2,597 applicants, 2,113 interviews, and camp has been served by 300 volunteers (about 30 are needed per year). About 25,700 people have attended the final performances of the last 18 camps.

Daily Affirmations Each day, one camper is selected to lead the entire group in the daily AileyCamp affirmations. This is a tradition that extends to all AileyCamps across the country. These encouraging words are: 1. I will greet this day with love in my heart.

2. I am a winner.

3. I am in control.

4. I think before I act.

5. I will listen to learn.

6. I will pay attention with my mind, body and spirit.

7. I will treat others with courtesy and respect at all times.

8. I will treat others as I would like to be treated.

9. I will keep a positive attitude all day, every day.

10. I will not use the word “can’t” to define my possibilities.

AileyCamp Newark Creative Communications Class.

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2017 AileyCamp New York Final Performance.

Photo by Nan Melville.

AileyCamp Newark Jazz Class.

Photo by Joe Epstein

merican Dance rkeley

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LGBTQ News & Calendar for the Bay Area CELEBRATING FOUR DECADES (1978–2019)

TIM ELIN E of

Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater The following are just some of the numerous achievements of the Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater.

1958: Alvin Ailey and a group of young black modern dancers performed for the first time as Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater at New York’s 92nd Street YW-YMHA. 1958–1960: The company traveled on what Ailey called “the station wagon tours.”

1960: Ailey choreographed his masterpiece Revelations, which brought the company international acclaim.

Ailey American Dance Theater Company. Photo by Rosalie OConnor

Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater in Alvin Ailey’s Revelations. Photo

by Gert Krautbauer

1965: Judith Jamison danced with the company for the first time. She would become one of the most recognized and lauded members of the company during her 15-year career as a dancer.

2001: The Alvin Ailey Dance Foundation announced plans for construction of a new dance complex, which would become the largest in the country dedicated exclusively to dance.

1966: Ailey choreographed Barber’s Antony and Cleopatra to open the new Metropolitan Opera House at Lincoln Center.

2002: President George W. Bush and first lady Laura Bush awarded the National Medal of Arts to both Jamison and the Alvin Ailey Dance Foundation.

1968: The company received its first grant from Rockefeller Foundation and performed at the White House for President Johnson.

1970: The company and school relocated to Manhattan to share a renovated church building with choreographer Pearl Lang.

The company also had a six-week tour of the Soviet Union, a first for an American modern dance company since the days of Isadora Duncan.

1971: The company appeared for the first time at New York City Center and took part in the world premiere of Leonard Bernstein’s Mass at the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts in Washington, D.C. 1972: Ailey choreographed Carmen for the Metropolitan Opera.

1975: The company performed at the Duke Ellington Festival at Lincoln Center with the Ellington Orchestra.

1976: Ailey choreographed Pas de Duke for Jamison and Mikhail Baryshnikov, who received the keys to New York City.

1977: The company performed at Jimmy Carter’s inaugural gala.

Ailey American Dance Theater’s Yannick Lebrun, Jacqueline Green and Chalvar Monteiro. Photo by Andrew Eccles

1980: The company, Alvin Ailey Repertory Ensemble and Alvin Ailey American Dance Center relocated to four new studios built to their specifications in a building on Broadway.

1983: The company celebrated its 25th anniversary.

Alvin Ailey’s Legacy in Dance

1985: The company is the first modern dance troupe to go on a U.S. governmentsponsored tour of the People’s Republic of China since normalization of Sino-American relations.

Alvin Ailey was born on January 5, 1931, in Rogers, Texas.

His experiences of life in the rural South would later inspire some of his most memorable works. He was introduced to dance in Los Angeles by performances of the Ballet Russe de Monte Carlo and the Katherine Dunham Dance Company, and his formal dance training began with an introduction to Lester Horton’s classes by his friend Carmen de Lavallade.

1988: Ailey received a Kennedy Center Honor for lifetime contribution to American culture through the performing arts.

1989: Ailey chose Jamison to be his successor as the company’s artistic director.

He died in December at the age of 58.

Horton, the founder of one of the first racially-integrated dance companies in the United States, became a mentor for Ailey as he embarked on his professional career. After Horton’s death in 1953, Ailey became director of the Lester Horton Dance Theater and began to choreograph his own works. In the 1950s and 1960s, Ailey performed in four Broadway shows, including House of Flowers and Jamaica.

Ailey Ascending 60th Anniversary Image. Photo

by Normand Maxon.

In 1958, he founded Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater to carry out his vision of a company dedicated to enriching the American modern dance heritage and preserving the uniqueness of the African-American cultural experience. He established the Alvin Ailey American Dance Center (now The Ailey School) in 1969 and formed the Alvin Ailey Repertory Ensemble (now Ailey II) in 1974. Ailey was a pioneer of programs promoting arts in education, particularly those benefiting underserved communities.

Throughout his lifetime, he was awarded numerous distinctions, including the Kennedy Center Honor in 1988 in recognition of his extraordinary contribution to American culture. In 2014, he posthumously received the Presidential Medal of Freedom, the country’s highest civilian honor, in recognition of his contributions and commitment to civil rights and dance in America.

When Ailey died on December 1, 1989, The New York Times said of him, “you didn’t need to have known [him] personally to have been touched by his humanity, enthusiasm, and exuberance and his courageous stand for multi-racial brotherhood.”

1992: The company performed for the first time at the Paris Opera.

1993: The company performed at a televised inaugural gala for President Bill Clinton.

1995: Jamison received a Kennedy Center Honor for lifetime contribution to American culture through the performing arts.

1997: The company held an historic residency in South Africa, signaling an end to the long cultural boycott of the old apartheid regime.

1999: Jamison won an Emmy Award in the category of outstanding choreography for work on hourlong PBS Great Performances documentary, A Hymn for Alvin Ailey.

2004: The U.S. Postal Service issued a first-class postage stamp honoring Ailey as part of the American Choreographers stamp series. Alvin Ailey Dance Foundation opened the Joan Weill Center for Dance, the company’s first permanent home, in Manhattan.

2005: The company returned to Russia after a 15-year absence as the only American troupe to perform in the Stars of the White Nights Festival. The company made its first-ever tour of the U.K. 2008: The company began to celebrate its 50th anniversary.

2010: First Lady Michelle Obama honored Jamison at The White House Dance Series: A Tribute to Judith Jamison.

2011: During Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater’s 2011 International Tour, Jamison passed the mantle of Artistic Director to Robert Battle on July 1. He became only the third person in the company’s history to hold that position.

2012: The Ailey Legacy Residency—a lecture, technique and repertory program for college-level students—launched.

2013: The company visited Brazil and Argentina, and had a record-breaking fiveweek engagement at New York City Center.

2014: Battle visited the White House to accept from President Obama the Presidential Medal of Freedom.

2015: Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater made an historic return to South Africa after nearly 20 years. The company also made its national cinema debut as part of “Lincoln Center at the Movies: Great American Dance.”

2016: Jamison’s contributions to dance were celebrated at a White House Black History Month event hosted by First Lady Michelle Obama.

2017: Alvin Ailey Foundation opened The Elaine Wynn & Family Education Wing, a 10,000-square-foot expansion of Ailey’s permanent home, The Joan Weill Center for Dance, which is New York City’s largest building dedicated to dance.

2018: Ailey II was performed at the opening ceremony of the National Museum for Peace and Justice, the nation’s first comprehensive memorial dedicated to racial terror lynchings of African-Americans and the legacy of slavery and racial inequality in America.

2019: Alvin Ailey Dance Theater continues celebrating its 60th anniversary, with a series of performances scheduled in April at the company’s West Coast home: Cal Performances at UC Berkeley.

For more information: https://bit.ly/2Fk7r10

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Possibly San Francisco’s Best Seafood: Anchor Oyster Bar

The Gay Gourmet David Landis 41 years and still shucking: that’s a lot of oysters!

And yet, Anchor Oyster Bar, a neighborhood gem on Castro Street (near 19th Street) keeps packing ‘em in.

“Even after 41 years,” says owner and chef Roseann Grimm, “I love walking through the front door.”

Her pride of ownership shows in every detail—through the carefully curated seafood menu and wine/beer list, to the simple yet welcoming Cape Cod décor, as well as the consistently high quality of service. (Ann has been there almost 30 years, Nafty is an Anchor mainstay of 18 years and Alex has been serving for around 12 years.)

What’s her secret? She told me for the San Francisco Bay Times: “I taste everything. If you don’t do that, things can slip by you. As long as I’ve been in business, I’ve dealt with the same seafood company: California Shellfish, an old family-owned company. They know not to send me anything that’s not right.”

A native San Franciscan, Grimm and her dad would head to Fisherman’s Wharf when she was a child. “I grew up eating out in a lot of San Francisco restaurants because my dad was a foodie,” remembers Grimm. “We spent a lot of time at (the now closed) Mayes Oyster House on Polk Street and then I worked for Swan Oyster Depot before opening my own place.”

The menu at Anchor reflects Grimm’s innate love of seafood. Her signature Cioppino seafood stew “took a while to develop. There was a taste I was after and I had to keep working on it.

It took me several months to perfect the recipe. I followed a Sicilian recipe and changed it around to accommodate the ingredients we had. And we haven’t changed it since. People come from all over the world now to try the Cioppino.”

Insider’s tip? Anchor doesn’t take reservations, so get there early. My

husband and I arrived around 11:25 am for lunch (they open at 11:30 am) and signed the wait list to make sure we’d have a seat. We always prefer to sit at the marble-topped bar because you get to talk with the servers—and the customers. We started with uber-fresh kusshi and acadian pearl oysters, both small and creamy with a touch of brininess.

A nother must is A n- Anchor Oyster Bar is located at 579 Castro Street. c hor ’s c r e a my c l a m chowder. It’s one of the city’s best; in fact, we ordered it “to For information about Anchor Oyster Bar, visit: go” for a holiday dinner a few years www.anchoroysterbar.com ago. All of the dishes come with fresh French bread and oyster crackers, an David Landis, aka “The Gay Gourmet,” is a foodie, a freeadded plus. Despite having Idaho red lance writer and a PR executive. Follow him: @david_lanmeat trout in a caper brown butter dis, email him at: david@landispr.com or visit online at: sauce on special, I opted for the clas- www.gaygourmetsf.com sic fresh Dungeness crabmeat salad.

The salad comes with Louie dressing, cucumber, par-boiled carrots, olives, tomatoes and lettuce.

My husband had the crab, shrimp and prawn Louie salad—a similar set up, but with the assorted seafood.

Anchor has some of San Francisco’s freshest seafood. It’s always consistent, meaty, delicious and never fishy.

The portions are generous so I’d recommend splitting. That way you can taste and share more of the menu’s offerings.

To accompany our lunch, I had a glass of the bubbly Pommeroy champagne and my husband had a glass of the very dry Dancing Mermaid still rosé wine from Provence. Anchor carries 3 bubbles, 3 whites, 1 rosé and 4 reds, along with wine specials, as well as 4 beers on tap, including Lagunitas IPA, Magnolia, Trumer Pils and Headlands Brewing Hefe Weizen.

Being a part of the Castro also has been significant for Grimm. “We’re (now) a landmark legacy business designated by the City of San Francisco, a huge honor,” comments Grimm.

“Our location is important, I love the Castro neighborhood—in fact, Harvey Milk helped me get my business license! We need to keep the f lavor of San Francisco and the success of this restaurant is a testament to that.”

You may have overlooked Anchor or forgotten about it because it’s been around so long. It’s a top destination in the City for seafood and one of the Castro’s best kept secrets, so go now!

Randy Coleman Randy Coleman hails from New York, but has lived in San Francisco since 1975.

Coleman shares that before moving to the Bay Area, he studied Art History and Architecture at Boston University while working as a resident artist for architectural rendering at a Massachusetts historical society. “All of my life I’ve been an artist,” Coleman says. “To know me is to know that I have a passion for art and architecture. I love this project for the San Francisco Bay Times, and hope that you enjoy my sketches.”

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Roseann Grimm

SF Sketch

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Photos by Chef Ramses Bravo

By Donna Sachet

pring must be right around the corner! Daylight savings time has begun, weather is warming up and the Castro Farmers’ Market is officially open. We were on hand last Wednesday, as we have been for the past nine years, for the official ribbon-cutting signifying the return of this delightful Farmers’ Market at the intersection of Market and Noe every Wednesday from 4–8 pm.

When it first began, those many years ago, we wondered about the potential of what we expected to be another fresh-vegetables-atthe-crack-of-dawn market, but the genius is opening this one in the middle of happy hour in the Castro! Thank you, former Supervisor Bevan Dufty! Joining us for the program and brief remarks were City Supervisor Rafael Mandelman, Daniel Bergerac of the Castro Merchants’ Association and Sister Gaia from the Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence to offer a blessing.

After a quick snip of the ribbon, assisted by two charming girls from the neighborhood, popular chanteuse Connie Champagne sang a couple of tunes. The crowd then proceeded to shop the market, offering a rich variety of fruits, vegetables, cheeses, eggs, nuts and more, as well as popping into Flore and other surrounding businesses. This is how you invigorate a neighborhood!

Last Saturday, we had the opportunity to visit two locations we’ve heard great things about but had not yet seen for ourselves. First, we joined a boisterous group of friends organized by Chris Carnes for some comedy with Jennie McNulty at Manny’s, 3092 16th Street. Now when Chris gathers friends for a night on the town, it will be memorable ... and it was. Included were Gretchen Fleishmann, Susan Fahey, Paula Ryan, Kelly Harris, Chris Edwards and Rive Nestor. The laughter was non-stop and this place is amazing.

We’ve known Manny Yekutiel for some time and he had shared his concept of a gathering place; the result is welcoming, diverse and needed. According to his online mission statement, “It combines a café, restaurant, civil rights themed bookstore and a community gathering and programming space.” The night we were there certainly demonstrated the desire of many of us to get off the computer and get out with each other, enjoying entertainment, engaging in political and civic discussions, and sharing our common experiences. We’ll be back soon and often!

Afterwards, our group was thirsty for cocktails, so we meandered a couple of blocks over to Jolene’s. The neon sign as you come in says it all: “You are safe here.” Their publicity emphasizes that this is a space that welcomes women and gender non-conforming people and the night we were there it was packed with what appeared to be a largely Lesbian clientele.

But more importantly, co-owners Ashleigh Wilson, Jolene Linsangan and Shannon Amitin offer a full kitchen, great sound system, spacious area and various special party nights to the entire openminded community. While speaking to Jolene and Shannon that night, they mentioned being inspired by the film documentary Last Call at Maud’s and what a treat it was to introduce them to longtime Maud’s bartender, supporter and activist Susan Fahey! As we continue to witness the shuttering of various bars and businesses tied to the LGBTQ Community and the evolution of queer spaces, what a refreshing addition to the scene is Jolene’s! Once again, we’ll be back soon and often!

As you undoubtedly read in last issue’s column, this is not the time of year for grand galas, but in preparation for them, we attended several smaller kick-off and house parties. PRC is busily preparing for the opening of their new headquarters on 9th Street and we popped into a welcoming house party graciously hosted by Joe Freund & Kenneth Poudrier, where guests learned more about PRC and its ambitious and targeted plans. You don’t want to miss PRC’s grand opening event in May! Earlier, we attended a rally at the home office of Lift for the upcoming Equality California gala on May 11. Speakers included California Assemblymember Evan Low, Board member Jeren Miles and Co-Chairs of the gala Leslie Katz and Laura Zagar. Having served on that board for several years in the past, we can attest to the determination and resolve of EQCA not to stop until the full rights of the LGBTQ Community are secured. This is time to get involved behind the scenes in the season’s major upcoming galas and fundraisers, not to mention SF Pride in June. It will all be here before you know it.

“This world would be a whole lot better if we just made an effort to be less horrible to one another.”

–Ellen Page

Calendar a/la Sachet Every Sunday Sunday’s a Drag!

10:30 am Brunch, 11:30 am Show The Starlight Room Sir Francis Drake Hotel $75 inclusive https://bit.ly/2OB4Gur Thursday, March 21 Culture for Community Free Day at SFMOMA 10 am–9 pm SF Museum of Modern Art 151 3rd Street See the museum collection and special exhibits FREE https://www.sfmoma.org/ Friday, March 22 The Brits Are Coming!

8 pm SF Gay Men’s Chorus concert Davies Symphony Hall $25 & up https://www.sfgmc.org/ Sunday, March 24 25th Anniversary Party 4–7 pm Aunt Charlie’s Lounge 133 Turk Street Come support one of the Tenderloin’s last and most generous bars FREE https://www.auntcharlieslounge.com/ Friday, March 29 SF Disco Coalition Premiere 5–8 pm The Lookout 3600 16th Street New weekly benefit with hostess Juanita More! http://www.lookoutsf.com/

And speaking of SF Pride, we are pleased to confirm rumors that the popular Pride Brunch that we co-host with Gary Virginia on Saturday, June 29, has a new home: the historic and luxurious Westin St. Francis in Union Square! Watch here for details!

Finally, we applaud the many efforts we see going on in our community to support those tremendously impacted by flooding north of San Francisco. So many of us have enjoyed memorable times in the Guerneville area; how fitting that we now rally to offer them support!

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

PHOTO BY SHAWN NORTHCUTT

PHOTO BY RINK

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Donna’s Chronicles

At the 10th annual Castro Farmers’ Market Opening Ceremony on March 13, emcee Donna Sachet, accompanied by Sister Gaia Love and Castro Merchants Asssociation’s Dan Bergerac (in back), assisted Supervisor Rafael Mandelman in cutting the blue ribbon to signal the official opening.

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Couples Who Can Play Together Stay Together: Love Goals slight the possibility, a real date. After all, it’s just lunch.

John Chen “The highest points of my life are winning gold medals playing side by side on the soccer field with my Bear at the 2014 and 2018 Gay Games,” Francis Edward Laney IV told me for the San Francisco Bay Times. He thought that Robert Christopher “Bear” Travis would never, ever, not in a million years be the love of his life. From the very f irst time he saw Bear on the dance f loor 8 years ago, Francis thought to himself, “Nope, he’s too perfect, too amazing and too young.”

Travis, af fectionately nicknamed Bear since childhood, has his own recollection of that fateful night. He told me, “Francis was so energetic and fun and talkative to everyone.

He kept coming back to me on the dance f loor spinning and spinning.

But, for some reason, he wouldn’t talk to me, not even an acknowledgement.

I thought he didn’t like me.”

And yet, here they are, eight years later, dancing together, playing soccer together on the same team, sharing the same close group of friends and building a dreamlike life together.

They even still blush when they speak of each other.

Weeks after that first dance encounter, Francis gathered himself and asked Bear to lunch as a potential launching point to maybe, however

“The lunch went well and I agreed to go on a date. But, our f irst date was a disaster,” lamented Bear. “I take pride in my ability to organize and be on top of things. I wanted our first date to be amazing because I wanted to impress Francis.

The restaurant lost our reservation and a couple came into the empty theater choosing to sit just in front of us ... ruining a potentially romantic environment.”

As for how Francis felt about this disaster, he said, “The couple who could’ve sat anywhere in the theater was a downer, other than that the date was amazing!” He was just excited to spend time with Bear and that was, still is, and will always be the case.

Bear started playing soccer with the San Francisco Spikes Soccer Club in 2008 and very much enjoyed all of the benefits the sport and the club offered: exercise, being outdoors on lush green grass, structured social life, friendships and more. As their budding relationship strengthened, Bear switched from a competitive to a more social, learning-oriented Spikes soccer team and invited Francis to join so that moving forward they could enjoy this great sport together as a couple.

Through Spikes, Francis and Bear were able to travel, not just around the country, but also around the world to exotic destinations such as Antwerp and Cleveland. “Yes, Cleveland!” said Francis with a decidedly genuine laughter. “Maybe Cleveland is not exotic, but it was the acceptance and the support of the city, and the camaraderie and togetherness of the

Take Me Home with You!

PHOTO COURTESY OF JOHN CHEN

Sports

“Bear” and Francis

LGBT community at the 2014 Cleveland Gay Games that made the trip one of the best experiences.”

Playing soccer side by side, Francis and Bear learned to communicate with and help one another in order to put up the best and strongest defense for their goal. The duo’s defense helped their team to win gold at consecutive Gay Games, a feat that can only be accomplished with excellence in teamwork, team chemistry and team communication. In doing so and moving forward, soccer helped Francis and Bear to be more connected and to continuously build and strengthen their skills and relationship as well as to build close-knit friendships.

“Essentially, Bear and I built a life together through Spikes soccer,” Francis said. “Playing with Spikes has given us an amazing and wonderful circle of friends who are kind, fun, loving, giving and compassionate.

Soccer helped us to stay strong and connected because of these friends we created together. They are our friends, not his, not mine, but ours.

And this feels good.”

John Chen, a UCLA alumnus and an avid sports fan, has competed as well as coached tennis, volleyball, softball and football teams.

Fitness SF Trainer Tip of the Month Yotam Israeli, Fitness SF Mid-Market “In Kettlebells we trust! This is the proper form & movement for a Single Arm Thruster. Speak with a personal trainer today about incorporating Kettlebell flow techniques into your workout routine.”

Sophie

“My name is Sophie! I’m 15 years old, and I’m looking for a quiet home where I can enjoy my golden years. My ideal afternoon is spent cozied up on the sofa or perched somewhere high, watching birds and enjoying the sunshine. I’ve been told my long fur is quite glamorous, and I do enjoy getting gentle pets from the people I love. Come introduce yourself and let’s see if it’s a match!”

Sophie 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 Sophie.

To meet Sophie, 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 holiDr. Jennifer Scarlett and Pup days, 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!

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Keep the Kettlebell racked tightly, while squatting with good form.

Use your legs to get the Kettlebell overhead.

Maintain a strong spine to protect your lower back.

Tore Kelly, Director of Creative & Social Media for Fitness SF, provides monthly tips that he has learned from professional trainers. For more information: https://fitnesssf.com/

Sister Dana Sez: Words of Wisdumb from a Fun Nun

Sister Dana sez, “The national policy of switching from standard time to daylight saving time and back again is under legislative challenge from coast to coast. Well, it’s about time!

Heeheehee!”

Members of the KREWE DE KINQUE Mardi Gras-based fun and fundraising club gathered at the Edge in the Castro on Mardi Gras night for cocktails before boarding our chartered bus for our annual KDK BUS & BAR CRAWL, a moving fundraiser for the LGBT ASYLUM PROJECT. First, we hailed our newly crowned Queen Kelly Rose and then took off for our next bar stop. On the bus between trips we drank the Mardi Gras cocktail, hurricanes, and dined on N’Awlins cuisine. At Trax in the Haight, we followed King I Gary Virginia (founder of KDK) and his giant rainbow parasol to distribute colorful bead necklaces to the unsuspecting but delighted patrons. More hurricanes on the bus and then off to Aunt Charlie’s tavern where the reigning King Aja Monet-Ashton served us cocktails. Queen XIV Lady Cookie Couture gave us Lady Gaga’s “Applause” and also emceed the show, which includ-

This year’s theme is “Comic Strips.”

Your favorite comic book characters will take you on a merry romp where they somehow lose their clothes.

Scandalous! https://www.reaf-sf.org/

I just have to rave that the Broadway touring cast of the 5-time Tony Award winning show “HELLO DOLLY ” put together an exciting and original evening of Broadway-style cabaret to raise funds for REAF (RICHMOND/ERMET AID FOUNDATION) and BROADWAY CARES/EQUITY FIGHTS AIDS at Brava Theater. Local drag legend, Russian opera Diva, the Countess Katya Smirnoff-Skyy, brought her own unique style of comedy to the evening. And what a lovely cocktail party with the cast after the show!

REAF always puts on truly talent-filled cabaret events. So, keep your calendar marked for EssEff’s sexiest benefit show, “BROADWAY BARES/SAN FRANCISCO STRIPS” coming back on Sunday, June 16, at DNA Lounge once again.

Over at Dog Eared Books, 489 Castro Street, is a particularly intricate mixed media piece trimmed by beads and wrapped in plastic by Cockette artist Bill Bowers with queer nuns, drag queens and other folks—one carrying a “Harvey Milk for Supervisor” sign, definitely designating the era. My last stop was at Spark Arts, 4229 18th Street, where I was greeted by the vivacious owner, Aviva Kanoff, and we danced together before I checked out the art. I truly enjoyed the 1981 piece by Eduardo Michaelsen, a Cuban painter who died January 2010, portraying three of The SF Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence and their sign protesting for Cuban refugees in front of the Castro marquee announcing The Nun’s Story with Audrey Hepburn. And do check out the fascinating drawings (some are tropic beach

At the monthly CASTRO ART WALK, I started out at Art Attack SF, 2358 Market Street, to view the many gorge, vibrant, neon-colorful acrylic paintings of resident artist Tracy Piper. I am drawn especially to the romantic man with man figures such as #53 “L’homme que J’aime,” #61 “A Chance,” and #62 “Love.” Tracy pointed out the one drag queen portrait, #8 “Respect,” is of an actual DQ, Mss Bee, who never wears a wig but is always bald with something interesting on her head. Also on display there are five striking black, grey, and gold canvas paintings by Serge Gay Jr. My two faves of five are #32 “Precious Queen” and #31 “Moonshine.”

backgrounds with non-specific gender people) by Rene Martinez Pena reflecting his native Cuba. DJ Will Morgan spun salsa for us to dance to. He runs a queer R&B party at a gay bar called Driftwood at Folsom between 8th and 9th Streets every last Saturday (AsQewSF on Facebook). All of the participating Castro venues will have their artists’ pieces on display through the end of the month. So, go enjoy them anytime. https://bit.ly/2TN81gv News broke out of a memo from the Department of Defense outlining a plan to implement the military’s employment ban on transgender Dennis McMillan (aka Sister Dana), dressed as “Castaway people next month. If the Sailor,” paused with his new friend “Garbage Patch” at the military moves forward with Metreon during the 39th Annual Academy Awards Gala implementing this illegal and hosted by Academy of Friends. unconscionable ban, it will joined Melissa to share their favordevastate the lives of thousands of transgender people and their ite photographs and stories of venturing into the night. The moderator families, who will be put out of work was Marke Bieschke. Additionjust because of who they are. Disal panelists were photographers Gagraceful! reth Gooch and Rick GerharTHE GLBT HISTORICAL SOter. They discussed their professional CIETY presented FLASHING AFmethods, techniques and addressed TER DARK: Queer Nightlife the challenges and rewards of everPhotography Then and Now on changing camera technologies, the March 7 at the Castro Museum. Pho- rise of social media and selfies, and tographer Melissa Hawkins spoke evolving denizens’ attitudes toward about her work, and what it was like being photographed in the midst of to take nightlife pictures before digdebauchery. They also screened the ital photography, using chemicals latest installment of the “Fathers” to develop her black and white phoproject, by local nightlife photogratos. Executive Director Terry Bespher and filmmaker Leo Herrera. wick (reminding us that the museIt imagines an alternate future where um used to be a cruisey Laundromat, AIDS and STDs were eradicated via is very small in footprint, and in need a surprising part of gay party culture. of larger quarters) introduced a panThis program is part of the SoMa el of contemporary and classic nightlife photographers and writers who (continued on page 28)

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ed stepping-down Queen XV Miss Chief lip-synching Elle King’s “Ex’s & Oh’s,” Cadillac Barbie doing “You Make Me Feel Like a Natural Woman,” King Kippy Marks playing on his electronic violin, my King VII John Weber singing, Queen II Deana Dawn (who thankfully continually herded us on and off the bus like wandering cats) entertaining us, and Miss Sheila Rose closing the show with “Be What You Wanna Be.” We sang “The Happy Birthday” song to Sir Douglas Hall. Then we bused (always imbibing all the way) to Diva’s where Empress XXXIII Alexis Miranda served us. She hosts the marvelous midnight drag show there. We arrived at Club 440 (which used to be Daddy’s bar and before that was Bear Hollow). Our final stop was The Edge again, where King Gary and Queen VII Sister Dana gaily closed it down. KDK truly «Let the good times roll!»

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From the Coming Up Events Calendar See page 28

Wednesday, April 3 - Castro Rotary welcomes Kaylah Paige Williams @ Hamburger Mary’s, 531 Castro Street, to discuss her success as an a political campaign manager, flight attendant and growing up in Louisiana. 6:30-8pm. portal.clubrunner.ca/13807

Friday, April 5 - Disco Coalition Happy Hour Honoring Sylvester @ Lookout, 3600 16th Street.

Disco Coalition Happy Hour’s benefit hosted by Mercedez Munro, House of Munro and Carnie Asada.

5-8pm. http://www.lookoutsf.com

Groundbreaking Tony Award-Winning Musical Falsettos, Now at SHN, Still Surges with Vitality

By Erik Piepenburg

When Sylvester or Justin Timberlake songs play, the heart soars and swoons. It’s not only because of their magnificent music but also because something about singing in falsetto elicits a feeling in us that sends us into another dimension. When a man sings in falsetto, it is when they are singing notes higher than their normal range—much like the title of the Tony Award-winning musical Falsettos, now playing at the SHN Golden Gate Theatre through April 14. It’s a title inspired by people who exist “outside the normal.”

Falsettos is a heartfelt and thought-provoking show about a modern family as they try to figure out where they stand in a complicated world. Set in the 1980s, Falsettos tells the story of Marvin, who comes out as gay and leaves his wife Trina for Whizzer, a younger man, much to the chagrin of Jason, Marvin and Trina’s 12-yearold soon to be Bar Mitzvah’d son.

Also within this extended family circle are Mendel, Trina’s new husband, and Whizzer’s doctor Charlotte and her lover, Cordelia. It’s a family based in, as Armistead Maupin has so famously noted, “both biological and logical roots.”

Thatcher Jacobs and Nick Blaemire, from the First National Tour of FALSETTOS. Photo Credit: Joan Marcus

For Finn, those words were thrilling to read.

“The New York Times said it was a perfect version of a perfect musical and that was surprising,” he said with a laugh. “I didn’t know it was perfect. I was thrilled to find out it was.”

Falsettos is most notable for its timeless message. The songs convey “what people’s hearts sound like,” as Roth put it. The characters “are literally singing their souls and their every thought, and not just their really big thoughts as often is the case in musicals,” he said.

“It’s about a family and a husband and wife, and that’s about as small and regular and normal everyday life as we can get,” said the producer Jordan Roth. “But then it’s about these enormous ideas that sit above that, like what it is to be a family, to be human, to love, to parent, to connect with another person.”

Lapine, who directed both the original and the new revival, said mounting the show was a shot in the dark, not because it wasn’t worthy of being revisited, but because among the difficult topics it explores is the AIDS epidemic in its early days. The original production opened on Broadway as the crisis hit New York City especially hard.

The show is actually a combination of two one-act musicals, March of the Falsettos and Falsettoland that composer William Finn and book-writer and director James Lapine wrote in the early 1980s. Both premiered at Playwrights Horizons, an Off-Broadway theater, and together opened on Broadway in 1992 as Falsettos. The show was a hit, winning Tony Awards for best score and best book.

“It was very touching for all of us, particularly a lot of people in the theater who knew people who were struck by the disease and lost friends,” remembers Lapine. “It became a very emotional experience when it opened.”

In 2016, a new production of Falsettos received glowing reviews and five Tony nominations when it returned to Broadway. The New York Times called it an “exhilarating, devastating revival” that surges “with such vitality that it feels as fresh and startling as it did back in 1992.”

“Its fundamental subject,” said the review, “is that mysterious, maddening, uplifting, life-complicating emotion we refer to as love, which hasn’t changed in 25 years.”

Any trepidation over the decision to bring Falsettos back was erased the night of the revival’s f irst performance on Broadway.

“People who had seen it the first time came back to see it,” Lapine said.

“People who have since had children and families of their own brought their families back to see it. A whole younger generation who grew up listing to the cast albums, putting it on at colleges and schools, came to see it.

The reception was well beyond anything any of us expected. It was a kind of welcoming home.”

The diversity expressed in the show— of family, identity and sexuality—is something every audience member

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The First National Touring Company of FALSETTOS. Photo Credit: Joan Marcus

SHN Gives Back SHN is pleased to partner with the San Francisco Bay Times in supporting our LGBTQ community. Throughout the run of Falsettos, SHN will donate $10 for every ticket sold to organizations that are at the forefront of recognizing our community’s past and building a more secure future. When purchasing a ticket for Falsettos, enter one of the following codes to help support the organization of your choice: AIDS Memorial Grove Code: GROVE San Francisco Gay Men’s Chorus Code: SFGMC1 PRC Code: PRC1

The First National Touring Company of FALSETTOS. Photo Credit: Joan Marcus

Openhouse Code: HOUSE For more information about Falsettos and to purchase tickets, so to: https://bit.ly/2TKXRNj can relate to. There are characters who look familiar and characters who don’t. Every song has a universal quality that will resonate for audiences no matter where they live or what their beliefs are.

“Theater is a way in for all of us,” said Lapine. “We get to spend a little bit of time coming to know someone in that very personal way that only theater reveals. That’s how we change hearts and minds: change hearts first.”

Erik Piepenburg is a theater buff and a former Max von Essen and Nick Adams, from the First National Tour of FALSETTOS. Photo Senior Staff Editor at “The New York Times.” Credit: Joan Marcus

TOTALLY A SCENE Openly gay icon Andy Bell makes up one half of this 80s synthpop duo:

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A) Erasure B) Pet Shop Boys C) Tears for Fears D) Savage Garden ANSWER ON PAGE 26

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

Out Actor Nicolas Maury Steals Every Scene in Gay Thriller Knife+Heart him, “I was like a puppet. Sometimes, when I act, I consider myself like a Barbie, and it’s interesting—like in Fassbinder’s f ilms— because I love to be a little doll in the hands of the director.”

Film Gary M. Kramer Out gay actor Nicolas Maury steals his every scene in director Yann Gonzalez’s audacious thriller Knife+Heart, set in the gay adult film industry in Paris, 1979. When various actors who work for porn producer Anne (Vanessa Paradis) are murdered—by a masked killer wielding a sex toy that turns into a knife, no less—she is questioned by the police.

Oddly, Anne is inspired to turn these scenes from her life into “art.” She casts her actor-director Archibald (Maury) as her screen alter ego in a porno called Homocidal that recreates her police interrogation scenes as erotic comedy. Knife+Heart gets serious—and stranger—as Anne tries to solve the crime.

Maury’s loyal right-hand man supports Anne as she grapples with the death of cast members and her breakup with girlfriend Loïs (Kate Moran), the adult film studio’s editor. His scenes add comic relief to this naughty thriller.

In a recent interview via WhatsApp, the openly gay Maury explained that making the film—and the erotic f ilm-within-a-f ilm—was fun for

Knife+Heart is Maury’s second feature w ith Gonzalez after playing a transvestite in You and the Night. (He also appeared in Gonzalez’s 2017 short, Islands.) He appreciates the director’s fertile vision, and his films, which are set in worlds that are dreamlike and very poetic. He acknowledged, “Yann shot Knife+Heart on film, in 35mm, which is uncommon. Yann and I believe in the power of film. You film the aura and soul of things. Maybe Yann films the soul of porn ... or the sex. He’s like a shaman.”

But Maury also gets the opportunity to be creative. He improvises an amusing bit in the film where Archie tells a group of porn actors to undress, and when one actor throws his underwear at Archie, he sniffs it, generating a laugh.

“That was my idea,” Maury admitted. “It’s risky, but it had to be to be funny.” Likewise, when Archie plays with the film’s semen or masturbation scenes, it is very ridiculous and absurd, but that’s what makes Knife+Heart edgy and funny.

The actor also approached the character of Archie, with his body. “I had a trainer, because I would have some sex scenes and some nude scenes, so I wanted to be in good shape,” he demurred.

Speaking of sex, Maury addressed the huge question of why we like to watch pornography. “We’re in this era where it’s easy to watch porn, but this film is about the preciousness of images and the rarity of the image and unconscious images. For me, voyeurism is about fetishism. It’s very important for me to sample it—like a wine taster—it’s about exigence.”

To get into the character of a porn actor-director in 1979 France, Maury bleached his hair blonde, grew a porn ‘stache, and wore vintage clothes, such as a pair of revealing hot pants.

“All the looks they wanted me to wear were real clothes from the era,” Maury said. “What was difficult was the green trench coat, which Vanessa [Paradis] and I had to share. We both perspired, so it was really wet. I felt bad for her. We used vodka to mask the perspiration.”

As for working with Paradis, and playing her on-screen alter ego, Maury gushed, “It was overwhelming for me, since I have been a huge fan of hers since I was 7. She really inspired me. It was intense between us on the set.”

He described Archie’s relationship to Anne bluntly, “I’m her pet,” adding, “I loved playing that because it’s important to show that in the job and in friendship.” But he also noted, that while he may play “someone’s dog” in the film, or in his current Netflix series Call My Agent, where he plays Hervé, a dedicated assistant to a French film agent, he is not like these characters in real life.

Maury, who talks in a soft, gentle voice, often plays effeminate gay men, but he does this with confidence, not shame, thereby shattering the stereotypical “sissy.” He confessed oozing charm, “It’s my elegance.”

Maury continued to make observations about being a gay man who frequently plays gay roles, “It’s being more deeply myself. Sexuality and gender for an artist are not that important; we are monsters. I want to def ine myself with texts, authors, projects and the style of the film I choose. OK, I’m gay. Maybe it’s obvious for certain people, but I played a part of a young father last November and it was another side of myself.

It’s a sweet battle. I’m not in war, I’m not a soldier, but gentle. I think maybe my part can move the mentality sometimes. I get a lot of messages from young gay guys about Hervé, and that moves me very much.”

After all of the talk of sex and sexuality, there is one point left to discuss. Given that Knife+Heart is a thriller, Maury spoke about what scares him. He said, “Homophobic people, the stupidity of people, the lack of desire of people, the lack of curiosity in humanity and people who lie.” And then, after a dramatic pause, he added, “And mass murders too.” © 2019 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

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SISTER DANA (continued from page 13) Nights: The Queer Club Photography of Melissa Hawkins on exhibition through May 27 at the museum, 4127 18th Street.

On March 11, Mayor London N. Breed announced that she has selected Deputy Public Defender Manohar Raju to serve as the next San Francisco Public Defender. Raju will fill the vacancy left after the sudden passing of Public Defender Jeff Adachi, who was a good friend to me and the LGBTQ community.

He certainly saved my skin in a ‘90s DUI I had when my scooter was hit and run, and I awoke on a General Hospital gurney.

Last week, the president’s Health and Human Services Secretary Alex Arez told Congress that HHS plans on reallocating over $385 million from health programs addressing Alzheimer’s, cancer, HIV-prevention, childcare, refugee resettlement and other issues to pay for additional shelters for immigrant children detained at the southern U.S. border. Sister Dana sez, “So this is our compassionate Prez trading promised HIV and other national needs for more cages for children. Despicable, Donald, despicable!”

On March 13, openly LGBTQ Representative David Cicilline in the House of Representatives and Senator Jeff Merkely reintroduced the EQUALITY ACT— a landmark bill that would add LGBTQ people to existing civil rights laws while also strengthening protections for all people, including women and people of color. Speaker Nancy Pelosi has helped make H.R. 5 a priority. This is big, folks!

On March 13, Mayor London N. Breed announced that Deputy Chief Jeanine Nichol-

son will serve as the next San Francisco Fire Chief. Deputy Chief Nicholson is a 25-year veteran of the Fire Department and will be the first LGBT Fire Chief of the SAN FRANCISCO FIRE DEPARTMENT, and the second woman to run the Department, following Chief Joanne Hayes-White.

Congratulations!

On March 12, Senator Scott Wiener (D-San Francisco) made the following statement upon Governor Gavin Newsom’s executive action ending capital punishment: “I applaud Governor Newsom for his courageous decision to put a stop to all executions in California. The death penalty doesn’t make our communities safer, is immoral, and has huge racial disparities. It is time to end capital punishment in our state.”

Amen!

Sister Dana sez, “Why can’t we just veto Trump?!”

San Francisco filmmaker, StormMiguel Florez is one of 26 Latinx artists who has been awarded a National Association of Latino Arts and Cultures Latinx artist grant for his directorial debut feature documentary, THE WHISTLE, which is about a 45-year old Latinx trans man (Florez) who returns to his birthplace, Albuquerque, New Mexico, searching for the origin of a secret lesbian code he learned when he identified as a teenage lesbian in the 80s. The film aims to collect and preserve a part of LGBTQ and Latinx history and explore the resilience of queer communities. Watch the teaser trailer at https://bit.ly/2UIwTlW I caught the closing of SAN FRANCISCO’S 42ND STREET MOON production of the musical FIORELLO at the Gateway Theatre. In the quite apt words of

director Karen Altree Piemme, “At a time of intense political polarization in our nation, it was exciting to have the opportunity to work on a show about an individual who was a champion of people in immigrant communities, supported women in the labor movement, and believed that true leadership meant stamping out political corruption and serving all members of our community equally. This story inspires us to be our better selves.” So true!

Next up for 42nd Street: At turns introspective, romantic, and joyously hopeful, 110 IN THE SHADE is a poignant look at romance in a drought-stricken Depression-era town. This beautiful show boasts a score by Harvey Schmidt and Tom Jones (best known for the longest-running musical in history, THE FANTASTICKS). Runs April 24–May 12 at the Gateway. https://tickets.vendini.com/ticket Great news: Brett Kavanaugh could be investigated for LYING during his confirmation process. He is BEYOND unfit to serve on the Supreme Court. Even better news: Now that Democrats control the House, they can begin the process of impeaching a horrible Supreme Court Justice!

Oh hey, belated congratulations to newly crowned Emperor Terrill Grimes Munro & Empress Baby-Shaques Munro! I know they will bring even more fabulosity to the Imperial Kingdom. All hail the Emperor and Empress!

Sister Dana sez, “The month of March may be ending, but there is still enough time to March right into some of these upcoming events!

DEATHTRAP, the Classic Killer Comedy Thriller written by Ira

Levin runs March 22–April 13, Wednesdays–Saturdays, 8 pm, Saturday matinees, 3 pm at The Gateway Theatre (formerly Eureka), 215 Jackson Street. Playwright Sidney Bruhl needs a hit, desperately. Is he willing to kill to get it? Will his wife help him? How far will their nerve take them? And what will handsome Cliff’s reaction be when he finds out? Check it out, and you’ll find out! http://therhino.org/buy-tickets/ SAN FRANCISCO GAY MEN’S CHORUS presents THE BRITS ARE COMING! on Friday, March 22, 8 pm in Davies Symphony Hall. Accompanied by a five-piece band, SFGMC will take audiences on a journey through the colorful and varied British songbook— from Handel and Sir William Walton to The Beatles and Adele, to Sir Elton John and, of course, Queen! Grab your mates for a smashing evening of memorable music, cheeky humor and the posh stylings of 300 queens (minus Elizabeth, natch). https://bit.ly/2uiXudY GAPA MEN’S CHORUS is presenting their upcoming concert, “PRELUDE: SONGS AND STORIES FROM THE HEART,” on Saturday, March 23, 8 pm at the beautiful St. Matthew’s Lutheran Church, 3281 16th Street.

At «Prelude,» they will present the program that they plan to sing in Tokyo, Japan, in April as part of the “Hand-in-Hand” ASIA LGBT CHORAL FESTIVAL. This festival is the third choral meet of LGBT choruses from all over the Asia-Pacific, including groups from Australia, China, Japan, Hong Kong, Korea, Singapore and Taiwan. Of course, they will represent the USA to support the LGBT rights movement in Asia. www.gapamc.org

April 1 thru April 28, NO STIGMA/NO SHAME: Ramon Vidali’s early Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence portraits from the John Lough Collection will be on display at STRUT’s 2nd floor gallery, 470 Castro Street. There are two public evening events: The SFAF sponsored OPENING NIGHT reception is Friday, April 5, 8–10 pm; and the Sisterhosted CONCLAVE (a gathering of nuns from around the world) is on Monday, April 15, 7:30–9:30 pm. All are free and include bevvies and nibblies. Info: https://www.strutsf.org/ Tony Award-winning musical FALSETTOS will be at San Francisco›s Golden Gate Theatre from now through April 14. FALSETTOS revolves around the life of a charming, intelligent, neurotic gay man named Marvin; his wife; lover; about-to-beBar-Mitzvahed son; their psychiatrist; and the lesbians next door. It’s a hilarious, tres gay, and achingly poignant look at the infinite possibilities that make up a modern family ... and a beautiful reminder that love can tell a million stories. BTW, the NATIONAL AIDS MEMORIAL has been selected to receive a portion of ticket sales! https://bit.ly/29a2pFe As part of Sexual Assault Awareness Month, WALK AGAINST RAPE will be held on Saturday, April 6. The march will be about 2.2 miles and will start and end at The Women’s Building. http://www.sfwarevents.org/ Sister Dana sez, “Donald J. Grump has called our Gavin Newsom a ‘grandstanding Governor of California.’ Oh my, look which pot is calling the kettle black!”

ROSTOW (continued from page 9) I guess my final objection is that now I have yet another complicated thing to research and investigate. Oh, and how about the branding problem?

“Court pack ing” is a pejorative phrase, summoning images of a desperate Depression-era president t r y i ng a nd fa i l i ng to forest a l l opposition to his economic recovery

plans. Can we not find a euphemism?

Or must we be bold?

Laughter, the Best Medicine!

The quote from The Tempest that I used as a subhead earlier has reminded me of a small recent incident, a tweet, that has struck me as incredibly funny for no reason. It begins

with the time that Trump referred to Apple CEO Tim Cook as “Tim Apple.” That was a couple of weeks ago, and although it was obviously one of his frequent mental lapses, he later insisted first that he actually said “Tim Cook, Apple,” and once video proved that was not the case, he inanely claimed that he called him “Tim Apple” in order to “save time and words.”

Many Twitter replies ensued, including one person who suggested that Trump could save even more time and words if he called him: “T’Apple.”

Okay, so it’s amusing. But when I first read this, I was laughing too hard to read it to my wife. Tears were coming out of my eyes, honestly, and I was gasping in my effort to get through it. I’m laughing now and this is the tenth time I’ve revisited the hilarity. At the same time, I can see that it’s not that funny, right? Why do

some things hit a person like a comic sledgehammer? Are any of you readers out there in hysterics right now?

Or are you wondering what the hell I’m talking about?

Gay Catholic Cat in Frying Pan Dustup Let’s see what else is new. There was a Catholic school outside Kansas City that denied admission to a kindergarten child because the child’s parents were lesbians. Other parents wondered if any of the other applicants had divorced parents, non-Catholic parents, or parents who ate meat on Friday, because come on, people.

I have written down “Mostik,” for reasons unclear. Was that a person? A place? Oh, now I remember. (Thanks, Google.) Mostik is an orange cat who lives on the site of a bridge being constructed between Crimea and Russia, and he is adored by all of the con-

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A) Erasure Erasure formed in London in 1985 as part of the club scene, had hits with “Who Needs Love Like That,” “Chains of Love” and many others. They released three albums over the past 18 months. Their World Be Gone tour in 2018 sold out in cities worldwide, including San Francisco. Andy Bell performed at San Francisco Pride in 2010. Some videos at YouTube captured that fantastic performance.

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struction workers. No, the feline is not gay. Does everything have to be gay?

Can we not have a plain cat story now and again?

Then we have a gay porn star who assaulted someone with a fr ying pan. This guy, Nicholas Gruber, is a 20-something Manhattan man who once had an affair with Calvin Klein, 76. I’m always blown away by some of you gay men with your Old Testament-like age gaps. That scene aside, Gruber and a buddy attacked a 33-year-old man with said frying pan, sending him to the hospital with serious injuries. I read this story on the New York Daily News website, which included a link to: “Moooove over!

Cops corral cow on Major Deegan expressway!” Only in New York!

We have a goat elected mayor of Fair Haven, Vermont. I think the population is about 20, and the town itself sounds like the Star Trek Hologram program where Captain Janeway fell in love with the Irish bartender.

And finally, we have just introduced the Equality Act in the House, where it heads to various committees and I’m assuming will eventually pass.

The Equality Act adds sexual orientation and gender identity to a range of federal civil rights laws, including the workplace protections in Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964. In the Senate, all of the Democrats and the two Independents have come out in favor of this, our signature bill, except for West Virginia’s Joe Manchin, who came up with some incoherent balderdash about local officials needing more guidance. Go jump in a coal mine, Joe! arostow@aol.com

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COMING UP

Songstress Rhonda Benin will bring her popular show entitled “Just Like A Woman” back to the Freight & Salvage at 2020 Addison Street in Berkeley on Saturday, March 30. The show will celebrate Bay Area women in music and will feature Tammy Hall, Kim Nalley, Kristen Storm, Ruth Davies, Ruth Price, Sandy Cressmar and more. http://www.thefreight.org

CALENDAR OF UPCOMING EVENTS http://sfbaytimes.com/

21 Thursday Celebrating Womxn’s History Month @ SF Museum of Modern Art, 151 3rd Street. Free admission is offered in celebration of the womxn artists whose works are on display at SFMOMA. 10am9pm. http://www.sfmoma.org We Built a Movement from Books: Carol Seajay, Jack Collins & Jim Van Buskirk in Conversation @ James C. Hormel LGBTQIA Center, SF Main Library, 100 Larkin Street. Three experts will discuss the role of bookstores, publishing houses, libraries and literature courses in forging a movement between the years of Stonewall and the AIDS epidemic. 6-7:30pm. http://www.sfpl.org Life Beyond Uranus: Remembering a Golden Age of San Francisco Nightlife @ GLBT History Museum, 4127 18th Street. Legendary club scene personalities will share stories of nightlife before the internet. 7-9pm. http://www.glbthistory.org Her Portmanteau: Africa to America @ A.C.T. Strand Theater, 1127 Market Street. A poignant drama exploring the multigenerational bonds of a Nigerian family living in the U.S. 7:30pm through March 27. http://www.act-sf.org

Free Frameline Encore: Rafiki @ Landmark’s Piedmont Theatre, 4286 Piedmont Avenue, Oakland. A free screening of the acclaimed film, Rafiki, the event is part of the Frameline Encore series. http://www.frameline.org Enduring Fullstop Dance @ ODC Theater, 3153 17th Street.

The emerging contemporary dance company Fullstop will present works by three international choreographers and artistic director Katie Florez. 8pm. Through March 23. https://odc.dance

22 Friday Deathtrap @ The Gateway Theatre, 215 Jackson Street. Theatre Rhino presents the classic thriller by Ira Levin. Through April 13. http://theaterrhino.org Ruby’s In Town Dance @ The Marsh, 2120 Allton Way, Berkeley. The band will perform a combination of old soul, funk and R&B classics with some disco thrown in. 7:30-10pm. http://www.themarsh.org

23 Saturday SPCA Saturday Springtime Events: Paint Your Pet @ SFSPCA Pacific Heights, 2343 Fillmore Street. The first in an on-

going series of Saturday offerings, this event is your opportunity to paint a personalized portrait of your favorite fur-iend. 3-5pm. https://events.sfspca.org

person narratives. 7:30-9pm. http://www.strutsf.org

LBTQ Women of Color Soul Food Saturday: Sexism Under The Rainbow @ Oakland LGBTQ Community Center, 3207 Lakeshore Avenue. This affinity group session, organized by Spectrum Queer Media, is for gender non-conforming, lesbian, bisexual, queer and trans women of color.

5:30-7:30pm. http://www.oaklandlgbtqcenter.org

Her Story: Bay Area Female Entrepreneurs @ San Francisco Main Library, 100 Larkin Street. A panel of local entrepreneurs, including Foreign Cinama’s Gayle Pirie, The Charlie Cart Project’s Carolyn Federman, Ritual Coffee’s Eileen Rinaldi, and Antonia Kohl’s Tigerlily Perfumery, will discuss their journeys as successful small business owners. 5-7:30pm. https://bit.ly/2UK8Enx

San Francisco Lesbian & Gay Freedom Band - Respighi’s The Pines of Rome @ First Congregational Church of Oakland, 2501 Harrison Street. The “Official Band of San Francisco” presents its Spring Community Concert featuring the second of a trilogy of tone poems based on the city of Rome.

6pm. http://www.sflgfb.org GAPA Presents Prelude: Songs and Stories from the Heart @ St. Matthew’s Lutheran Church, 3281 16th Street. The GAPA Men’s Chorus presents a preview of the program they will perform at the Hand in Hand LGBT Choral Festival in Japan. 8pm. http://www.gapa.org

24 Sunday Songs About Something @ Ivy Room, 860 San Pablo, Albany.

Old, borrowed and blue tunes in the round with Paige Clem and featuring Laurie Lewis, Kelly McFarling and Katie Cash. 5pm. http://www.ivyroom.com From the Tower: Andy Warhol @ San Francisco Art Institute, Fort Mason Campus, Main Gallery. Last day to see the exhibit featuring 40 polaroid photographs, six black-and-white photographs and five screen prints donated by the Andy Warhol Foundation for the Visual Arts. http://www.sfai.edu

25 Monday Cast Members from Falsettos @ Feinstein’s at the Nikko, 222 Mason Street. The performance will benefit Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS. 7pm. http://www.feinsteinsatthenikko.com Strut Book Club: Everything is Awful and You’re a Terrible Person @ Strut, 470 Castro Street.

The book club will discuss author Daniel Zamarelli’s new book of interconnected stories told as first28

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Compiled by Blake Dillon

26 Tuesday

at Strut welcomes the Trans Voices performance series. 5-8pm. http://www.strutsf.org

29 Friday Feminism, Gender and Transformation of Iranian Women @ San Francisco State, Seven Hills Conference Center, State Drive off Lake Merced Avenue.

The International Conference on Iranian Diaspora Studies includes in its program sessions of interest to LGBTQI community members.

1:30-2:30pm. http://ids.sfsu.edu/events

Donna Missal @ The Independent, 628 Divisadero Street.

Openly bisexual singer/songwriter and recording artist Donna Missal will perform in San Francisco prior to the launch of her upcoming headline tour. 8pm. https://www.ticketfly.com/venue/ 21-the-independent/

Theatre of Yugen’s Helen @ NOHspace, 2840 Mariposa Street. This modern adaptation of Euripides’ classic explores beauty, gender, archetypes, societal expectations and war. Through April 27. http://www.theatreofyugen.org

27 Wednesday

Rhonda Benin “Just Like A Woman” @ Fright & Salvage, 2020 Addison, Berkeley. This annual celebration of women in music, hosted by Benin. 8pm. http://www.thefreight.org

Eureka Valley Neighborhood Association @ Harvey Milk Civil Rights Academy, 4235 19th Street. If you don’t know about SF-1045, SF-BOS 18216, EV-ERC and PLUC, then you do need to attend.

7-8:30pm. http://www.evna.org Queeraoke @ El Rio, 3158 Mission Street. The weekly open mic with drag performances featuring Dulce de Leche and more. 10pm. http://www.elriosf.com

28 Thursday NightLife Spotlight: Women in Science @ California Academy of Sciences, 55 Music Concourse Drive. Featuring by DJ Lady Ryan, the evening will include discussions led by local women in science from the Academy, UC Berkeley, Stanford, UCSF and more. This event is one in the ongoing series of NightLife programs held on Thursdays with each featuring a unique theme and related content. 6-10pm. http://www.calacademy.org Fighting Back | The L and the GBTQ: Visibility, Leadership and Political Power @ GLBT History Museum, 4127 18th Street.

A panel of historians, community organizers and advocates will discuss the struggles and successes of lesbians in relationship to history, the LGBTQ community and coalition building in the Bay Area. 7-9pm. http://www.glbthistory.org QTPOC at Strut - Trans Voices @ Strut, 470 Castro Street.

Queer and Trans People of Color

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Dykes with Drills Skate Park Build with Bay Area Derby @ Oakland Location. With the Bay Area Derby and Skate Like a Girl, Dykes with Drills invites you to help complete construction of the Bay Area Derby indoor skate park.

510-867-7222 or http://www.dykeswithdrills.com

31 Sunday Dee’s Keys Piano Bar/Open Mic Singer Showcase @ Hamburger Mary’s SF, 531 Castro Street. Dr. Dee Spencer is a community treasure and a longtime favorite local musician. 4-8pm on Sundays. http://www.deespencer.com SF Service of Remembrance @ Saint Aiden’s Episcopal Church, 101 Gold Mine Drive. Hospice by the Bay hosts this annual community interfaith gathering featuring music, flowers and a variety of spiritual traditions. 4pm. http://www.hospicebythebay.org

APRIL

1 Monday Jennifer Eberhardt @ Jewish Community Center of San Francisco, 3200 California Street.

Stanford professor Jennifer Eberhardt, one of the world’s leading experts on unconscious racial bias, will discuss her new book

Biased: Uncovering the Hidden Prejudice That Shapes What We See, Think and Do. 7-9pm. http://www.jccsf.org Pubquiz at Virgil’s Sea Room @ 3152 Mission Street. Hosted by The Big Queer Pubquiz, the event includes five rounds of quiz items based on general knowledge and current events, with a surprise theme round, a this-or-that guessing game, a music round and the Powernerd Challenge, free drinks and weird prizes. 7:30-9:30pm. http://www.virgilssf.com

2 Tuesday Smart Drinking Group @ Strut, 3rd Floor, 470 Castro Street. A weekly drop-in group with no requirements and all goals supported. 6-7:30pm. http://www.strutsf.org Solito, Solita - Crossing Borders with Youth Refugees from Central America @ Manny’s, 3092 16th Street. Editors and Narrators of the book Solito, Solita: Crossing Borders with Youth Refugees from Central America will share personal accounts concerning young refugees seeking safety and protection in the U.S. 7-9pm. http:/www.welcometomannys.com

3 Wednesday The Women’s Building Celebrates Sexual Assault Awareness Month @ San Francisco Main Library, 100 Larkin Street.Vylma Ortiz, advocacy specialist for The Women’s Building, and guests lead a celebration of Sexual Assault Awareness Month. 6-7:30pm. https://bit.ly/2CsP7ka Castro Rotary - Kaylah Paige Williams @ Hamburger Mary’s, 531 Castro Street. Williams will discuss her success as a political campaign manager, her career as a flight attendant and growing up in Louisiana. 6:30-8pm. https://bit.ly/2HGnc3L

4 Thursday Lambda Legal San Francisco Soiree @ The Pearl, 601 19th Street. Now in its 45th year, Lambda Legal presents its annual benefit where you are sure to find a lot of LGBT lawyers and those who love them. 6-10pm. http://www.lambdalegal.org Castro Art Walk @ Castro District Locations. A neighborhood art walk held monthly on the first Thursday of each month at multiple hosting sites. 6-9pm. Castro Art Walk on Facebook.com

5 Friday Disco Coalition Happy Hour Honoring Sylvester @ Lookout, 3600 16th Street. Week Two of the Disco Coalition Happy Hour and Fundraiser benefiting the SF Disco Preservation Society, hosted by Mercedez Munro, House of Munro and Carnie Asada with music selected by Jim Hopkins and artwork by Colton Long. 5-8pm. http://www.lookoutsf.com Castro on Canvas: The Art of Ramon Pablo Vidali @ Strut, 470 Castro Street. The Art program at Strut will present an opening reception for the new exhibit of work by Ramon Pablo Vidali. Also celebrated will be the Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence’s 40th Anniversary during the month of April. 8-10pm. http://www.strutsf.com

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The new protected bike lane on Polk Street

Mad Hatter’s Tea Party was the theme of the Easter storefront window display at Good Vibrations on Polk Street.

The window display at P.O. Plus on Castro Street featured a St. Patrick’s Day theme on March 16.

San Francisco Bay Times contributor Kit Tapata, Emperor Terrill Grimes Munro and Empress Baby Shaques Munro displayed wigs donated for the Imperial Court Russian River’s relief beneift “Good Deed/Happier Hair and #Wigdrive” for beauty supplies donated for those who lost theirs in the flood.

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an Francisco Bay Times photographer Rink was at The Women’s Street Fair in 1984 and took the top image of three women. Note the then popular large glasses that celebrities also sported at the time, such as talk show host Sally Jessy Raphael. Although this fair ended years ago, it was a hit in the 1980s when it was held on Valencia Street between 18th and 20th.

The first Women’s Street Fair happened a year earlier, on September 4, 1983, from 10 am to 6 pm. A beautiful poster, also featuring three women but as a drawing, was created for the event and printed by the Women’s Press Project. Listed on the poster were the following highlighted guests: Gayle Marie, Miki, Ronda, Marjie Orton, Bandettes, Latteta Theresa, Gwen Avery, Linda Moakes, Dogtown, Steamheat, Sista Boom (it should have read “Sistah”), Leopard Set, Deena and Francesca, Rusty and Monia Palacios.

Holly Graphic, who volunteered at the Katya show at the Castro Theatre on March 16, waited in line at Orphan Andy’s.

Volunteer Deana Dawn welcomed Mark Paladini and Don Ho at the Russian River Flood Relief benefit at the Edge bar on March 16.

BeBe Sweetbriar performed at a benefit supporting the Harvey Milk Academy held at The Café on March 16.

Husbands Frank Vollbehr (left) and Hans-Ulrich Südbeck who is Consul General of Germany for SF, were on the red carpet at the Castro Theatre for the opening night of the Berlin & Beyond Film Festival.

Some of these women are still going strong, including Sistah Boom (bottom photo) founder Carolyn Brandy. She keeps a very busy schedule, including producing the Born to Drum annual camp for women drummers.

This year, it will take place from July 18–21 at Bort Meadow in Oakland.

Violinist Kippy Marks performed at the Edge bar on March 16 during a benefit for Russian River Flood Relief.

Goethe Institute’s Sigrid Savelsberg was onstage with awardee Bjarne Mädel during the opening night of the Berlin & Beyond Film Festival at the Castro Theatre.

For more information about Born to Drum: https://www.womendrummers.org/ To learn more about Carolyn Brandy: https://bit.ly/2HH4dpK Emcee Kylie Minono held a tribute bouquet during the benefit supporting Harvey Milk Academy held at The Café on March 16.

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A large crowd stood in line awaiting entrance at the Castro Theatre on opening night of the Berlin & Beyond Film Festival.

Chief, a canine film fan and pet of Sonja Ohldag, was in the red carpet lineup at the Berlin & Beyond Film Festival’s opening night.

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A shamrock flag flew atop the Compass Building at Sacramento and Van Ness on March 12.

The Irish Pipers of San Francisco Band performed at the Cinch Saloon on March 16.

http://sfbaytimes.com/ The James C. Hormel LGBTQI Center at the San Francisco Main Library featured a panel discussion, “Farm to City: Lesbians, Gay and Queer Writers Discuss Their Rural Roots,” on March 13 with panelists Jim Provenzano, James J. Siegel, Iris Bloomfield and Mark Abramson.

items of the week

Performer Jondan Ong holds a floral tribute while surrounded by his fans at the pop up presentation of The Underpants of Godot presented by Theatre Rhinoceros in cooperation with Spark Arts Gallery on March 17. It will return again to the Spark Arts location on March 22 and 24.

Tommy Art DIY Paint System Rainy weather got you trapped indoors?

Add some color to your stuff with Tommy Art! Rich matte mineral paints and some easy to use specialty finishes will brighten up your space. Visit Cliff’s Annex to select from 40+ colors for $12.99 each.

DJ Chris Clouse provided Guests at the grand opening music at the grand opening event at Barry’s Castro event held at Barry’s Castro.

Misty Blue, John Carrillo, Empress Baby Shaques Munro, Emperor Terrill Grimes Munro, Nathan Page, China Silk, Jackie Best and Chica were on hand at the Imperial Court’s benefit held on March 9 at Beaux lounge.

Jackie Best welcomed guests arriving at Beaux lounge for the Imperial Court’s benefit held on March 9.

The German Consul General’s mansion welcomed the Berlin & Beyond Film Festival for a party on March 7, flying the flags of Germany and the European Union.

Berlin & Beyond Film Festival’s director Sōpón Sorn spoke along with Goethe Institute’s Sigrid Savelsberg and Consul General Hans-Ulrich Südbeck on March 7.

Festival Director Sōpón Sorn with filmmaker Kerstin Polte at the Berlin & Beyond Film Festival party held at the German Consulate on March 7.

ForLife Curve Teapot Add a cup of cozy to that indoor craft project with a bright and beautiful teapot! We have 24oz pots in ten different colors for $34.99 each.

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as the rain gotten you down or are you enjoying the way the rain has cleaned up the city?

Either way, we have crafts, games and jigsaw puzzles to fill these gray winter days and full spectrum and daylight light bulbs to brighten up your rooms.

Nothing makes these rainy days more fun than a quick trip to Cliff’s.

As Heard on the Street . . . Which performing arts shows have you attended lately?

compiled by Rink

Connie Champagne

Nicole Nutterfield

Llano R. Blue

Sister Gaia Love

Michael Johnstone

“Velvetta with Leigh Crow, and my show, Miss Connie Champagne and Her Kissin’ Cuzzins”

“King of Yees”

“The Flintstones vs. the Jetsons Boob Tube Show at the Eagle Tavern.”

“Mary Poppins on stage.”

“D’arcy Drolliner’s show, Friends and Sex in the City, and Valley of the Ultra Showgirls.”

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