San Francisco Bay Times - May 23, 2024

Tory Teasley

Nicole Adler

CASA

Rebecca Rolfe

Xavier Davenport

Xander Briere

Volunteers Needed for Pink Triangle of Twin Peaks, Which Will Be Larger Than Ever for 2024

By Patrick Carney

The 29th annual Pink Triangle of Twin Peaks will be here soon and it takes a lot of volunteers to make it happen. Sign up here: https://shorturl.at/49a9j

The Pink Triangle of Twin Peaks is a highly-visible yet mute reminder of inhumanity and recalls one the darkest chapters in human history—the Holocaust. It is nearly an acre in size and can be seen for 20 miles and is a giant in-your-face educational tool. It’s a warning and a reminder of what has happened in the past and might happen again if we aren’t vigilant.

Did You Know?

At the end of the war when the concentration camps were liberated, virtually all of the prisoners were released except those who wore the pink triangle. Many of those with a pink triangle were put back in prison under Paragraph 175 and the nightmare continued.

Part of appreciating and celebrating any Pride is understanding where we have been, and the Pink Triangle illustrates how bad things can get. The Pink Triangle was originally used to brand homosexuals in Nazi concentration camps. It was brought back in the 1970s as a symbol against homophobia. It was then inverted and used upside down as a protest symbol during the AIDS crisis (Silence=Death).

The Rainbow Flag replaced it as a rallying symbol starting in 1978, but the Pink Triangle often still showed up as a graphic symbol even after ACT UP, yet without the original historic context so young people often weren’t sure where it came from. Many thought it was just another abstract, colorful symbol to represent the LGBTQ+ community that was used at protest rallies, but were unaware of its tragic origin. That is why the Pink Triangle of Twin Peaks will be back for the 29th time in June. It is always super-sized because there is no room for subtlety during Pride—the message of the Pink Triangle must be passed along.

The 2024 display will be slightly longer than it has ever been. Why? So even more people might notice it. If it can’t be seen, it isn’t meeting its goal. This is a giant, in-your-face educational tool that is intended to generate curiosity so people driving by on the freeways or bridges will wonder, “What is that and why is it up there?” which might inspire them to hopefully look up the meaning of the Pink Triangle. The 29th Pink Triangle

will be made of 175 bright pink canvases outlined by three 5-foot-wide sheets of sailcloth, which are each up to 230 feet long.

It is an honor to be allowed to undertake this display in such a prominent location on a mountain in the middle of the city, so we therefore want to improve the site and leave it in better condition than when we started. The first volunteer opportunity is site preparation, which entails clearing the substantial amount of litter and debris that accumulate on the hillside. This also includes painting out the graffiti on the low retaining walls as well as on the tall stone walls surrounding the tourist overlook. The installation of the Pink Triangle each year is an

opportunity to clean up one of San Francisco’s most popular tourist attractions—the Twin Peaks vista point. A group of us will do that on Saturday, June 1, from 1 pm to 3 pm. We need volunteers to help on these major volunteer workdays:

Saturday, June 1: Site Prep from 1 pm to 3 pm

Litter and debris removal will take place, along with painting out all graffiti near the display.

Friday, June 7: Pink Border

Installation from noon to 4 pm There will be a layout of the display and installation of the “pink outline” made of 230-foot-long sailcloth borders.

Saturday, June 8: Main

Installation from 7 am–10 am 300–350 people are needed to install all of the pink canvases and the 5,000 steel spikes, which are 12 inches long. Bring a hammer and gloves and wear sunscreen. Fashionable Pink Triangle t-shirts will be given to all who volunteer. The ceremony will follow right after the installation.

Saturday, June 8: Commemoration Ceremony at 10:30 am

Dignitaries, including San Francisco and state elected officials, Grand Marshals

of the SF Pride Parade, lots of drag queens and transgender individuals, will address the extreme legislation being passed in some states that is filled with hatred and discrimination directed toward the transgender community. Personal freedoms are under attack in general. Also, the San Francisco Lesbian/Gay Freedom Band and musical theater star Leanne Borghesi will be performing. The ceremony will start with the annual “History of the Pink Triangle” and then will acknowledge acts of discrimination happening today against the LGBTQ community in the U.S. as well as around the world, such as in Uganda, where persecution of LGBTQs can include long jail terms and even the death penalty for “aggravated homosexuality.”

Sunday, June 30: Take-Down of the Display from 4:30 pm–8 pm The take-down of the display will happen right after the Pride Parade. Pink Triangle t-shirts will be given to all who volunteer.

This is a community-building event. Please pick one or more dates from

the mentoned list to help; even an hour is a big help. Here is a 2024 sign up link with all of the volunteer opportunities listed: https://shorturl.at/2E19H

In addition, for those readers so inclined, they may please contribute to the Pink Triangle’s expenses. A link for donations (top left) is at the Pink Triangle website: https://www.thepinktriangle.com/

Contributors will receive an automatic receipt since donations are tax deductible.

Thank you!

Patrick Carney is the Founder of The Friends of the Pink Triangle. The group, with the help of many dedicated volunteers, constructs a gigantic pink triangle on Twin Peaks each year during June. Carney, who worked on the restoration of San Francisco City Hall, was appointed to the City Hall Preservation Advisory Commission in 2013. He now serves on the San Francisco Arts Commission.

Photos courtesy of the Pink Triangle

Commissioner Debra Walker

Patrick Carney

PHOTO BY GOOCH/COURTESY OF PATRICK CARNEY

2024 San Francisco Pride Grand Marshals

San Francisco Pride Grand Marshals represent a wide range of diverse experiences and have made significant contributions to the LGBTQ+ community. With the help of public input, SF Pride selects these groups and individuals in order to honor the work they have put into furthering the causes of LGBTQ+ people.

Here are the 2024 SF Pride Grand Marshals: Community Grand Marshal Public Choice

Tory Teasley

Tory Teasley is a gifted musician, vocalist, and community activist from Oakland with a strong foundation in music and broadcast communications from Diablo Valley College. Her career launched with a performance of Mozart’s Requiem at Carnegie Hall in 2009, under John Rutter’s direction. Teasley became a principal vocalist for Awon Ohun Omnira, a choir dedicated to preserving ancestral and ritual songs.

Her performances have taken her to venues across the Bay Area, including The Legionnaire Saloon, Penrose, Exploratorium, and Filoli Historic Gardens. She has appeared on American Idol and opened for Grammywinning artist Fantastic Negrito at the Chapel in 2019.

As a community organizer, Teasley has curated programs like Vocal Sessions at The Marsh Theater and produced the weekly event Happy Are They at the Queer Healing Arts Center. She creates personal soundtracks for events and is an ordained minister with the Universal Church of Light, officiating multiple queer weddings.

She is passionate about music education and has taught through organizations like Music for Minors and Rhythm and Moves. She advocates for music education in underfunded schools, valuing its role in mental development and creativity.

artist. Follow her on all social platforms and learn more at www.toryteasley.com

Community Grand Marshal Members

Choice

Nicole Adler

Nicole Adler is a speaker, host, and human rights advocate for the developmental disabilities and LGBTQ communities.

Since 2014, Adler has been a governorappointed member of the State Council on Developmental Disabilities, a board member for The Next Step Program, and was recently on the advisory committee for California’s Disability Thrive Initiative, which provides statewide training, support, and resources to Californians of all abilities. Adler partnered with the California Department of Public Health on the announcement of COVID-19 vaccines and co-hosted The Arc of California’s statewide Public Policy Conference.

She is a passionate advocate for inclusion, acceptance, equal rights, mental health, voting accessibility, disability representation in the media, housing rights, and ending the R-word. You can listen to Adler express her views on these topics and more in a series of videos and public speaking engagements on her YouTube channel or website https://nicoleforlove.com/

Community Grand Marshal Organization

CASA-Children’s After School Arts

learn about the world, through art and creativity. Perched up high in Twin Peaks at Rooftop School, the literal center of San Francisco, CASA is helping to raise the next generation to be open, curious, resilient, and fabulous!

CASA’s Executive Director, Leslie Einhorn, founded the program in 1996 after being fired from a Bay Area private school for being gay. Her aim was to queer the conventional school setting and build an environment where nontraditional teachers can feel safe and seen, and all kids are celebrated and loved.

www.casasf.org

Community Grand Marshal Board Choice Xander Briere

Get ready to meet Xander Briere—a true force to be reckoned with! Born and raised in the Tenderloin, Briere is a disabled queer nonbinary activist with a passion for healthcare as a social justice movement, harm reduction, queer and trans liberation, decriminalization of sex workers, and youth homelessness advocacy. Their work at the San Francisco Community Health Center is making a real impact in the community, and they are not stopping there. Briere is also a member of the Transgender District’s Community Advisory Council (2023) and a National Youth Mentor with Point Source Youth (2022–present).

During the pandemic, Teasley transitioned to public service, working with underserved youth at Fred Finch and adults at Bay Area Community Services. She also volunteers with Food Not Bombs, providing meals to the homeless.

Teasley’s unique vocal sound and music releases, including her album Free, Tory: Be Yourself, Love Yourself, Free Yourself, have earned her recognition such as Trans Artist of The Year (2023) and serving as the Grand Marshal for Krewe De Kinque (2023).

Teasley will be performing at Divas & Drinks @ The Academy SF on May 31 and on June 27 at The Exploratorium for the After Dark Series in collaboration with the museum as a resident

There is a special kind of magic that can only be found at CASA (Children’s After School Arts.) It is seen through the diverse team of artists/educators who create safe and inspiring spaces where kids can experiment, play, and perform. It is seen through the encouraging and nurturing community where participants can uncover the light that shines within them. It is seen through the support for LGBTQ+ kids, families, and educators. CASA magic invites students and teachers alike to be their authentic selves in all of their intersectional glory.

CASA is an independent, nonprofit after school program with an emphasis on art, social justice, and social emotional wellness. CASA provides a platform for elementary & middle school students to express themselves, and

But that’s not all—in their free time, Briere takes on the persona of Dirty Dionysus, a drag king who’s all about go-go, burlesque, and plus-sized modeling.

But they’re not just having fun; they are also distributing harm reduction supplies while they are at it. Nightlife outreach is Briere’s way of meeting community members where they are, breaking down barriers to accessing services, and reducing the stigma around harm reduction. They perform with Divine Masc, Queer Fem Parties, and Om Nom Nom Burlesque. They are also Mx. November (2023) for the Bay Area Trans Masc Calendar. Drawing on personal experiences of generational homelessness and housing instability, substance use, and sex work, Briere is driven to give back to the Tenderloin community in any way they can. Get ready to be inspired!

Community Grand Marshal Board Choice

Rebecca Rolfe

Rebecca Rolfe is a community activist who has worked on issues of social justice and equity for over forty years. She is passionately committed to creating an environment where inequities based on gender, race, economic status, and sexual orientation are addressed effectively. She credits her commitment to commu-

nity activism to her mother, who taught her the importance of commitment to community, a strong sense of justice, and the individual’s power to make a difference.

Prior to her appointment as Executive Director, Rolfe served as the Center’s Deputy Director for four years. Prior to her arrival at the center, she worked at San Francisco Women Against Rape (SFWAR) for over sixteen years, starting as a hotline counselor and ending with an eight-year term as Executive Director.

Rolfe has been active locally and statewide working to create public policy, programs, and coalitions that support LGBTQ rights and community and/or address issues of violence against women and/or support LGBTQ rights.

Community Grand Marshal Board Choice

Xavier Davenport

Xavier Davenport is a San Francisco native who has dedicated his career and life to the advancement of Black and Brown LGBTQ community members. His efforts began with years of HIV activism/advocacy work with organizations like Peter Claver, Bay Area Young Positives, Asian Health Services, and others.

Davenport continues his work by centering his focus on Black and Brown trans identities through trans activism/advocacy. He wanted to fill a need by creating Pyramid Kings, which contains online and in-person groups and resources for trans masc individuals to get the support and resources needed to embark on their individual journeys through mentorship ( https://www.pyramidkings.org/ ).

Davenport has utilized other avenues to ensure Black trans masculinity is represented by appearing in Out Magazine, Elliot Page (book campaign), and he is one of the founders of the Oakland Trans March, the Bay Area Trans Masc Calendar, and other projects that shed light on LGBTQ+ community issues while delivering powerful messages to trans youth. https://sfpride.org/

Photos courtesy of San Francisco Pride

Frameline48 to Include First Ever Juneteenth Block Party in the Castro

Frameline48, which will take place June 19–29, 2024, will be unlike any other year for the festival, given the closure of the Castro Theatre for renovations and the creativity of the organizers in creating a unique series of events and showings—some of which will be historic firsts.

Importance to the LGBTQ+ Community

Founded in 1977, the San Francisco International LGBTQ+ Film Festival (Frameline) is the longest-running, largest, and most widely recognized LGBTQ+ film exhibition event in the world. As a community event with an annual attendance of 60,000+, the festival is the most prominent and well-attended LGBTQ+ arts program in the Bay Area. Frameline also presents year-round exhibitions, including Frameline Encore, a free film series highlighting diverse, socially relevant works. Year-round programs also include members-only sneak previews and events, as well as special screenings featuring directors, actors, and other queer media icons.

Frameline48 Launch Party

On May 24, Frameline48 will kick off with a free launch party at Babylon Burning at 939 Howard Street from 5:30 pm–8 pm. As the organization posted, “It’s been a long time since we’ve hosted something like this and it’s time to bring it back, baby!”

There will be a live screen printing of a limited edition FL48 tote, a preview of films Frameline will be featuring in June, a free raffle to win tickets and merch, free beer and wine, and beats by DJ Dailo Mac.

To RSVP, click on “FREE Launch Party” at this site: https://linktr.ee/frameline

First Juneteenth Block Party in the Castro

On Wednesday, June 19—a day that commemorates the emancipation of enslaved people in the U.S.—Frameline will hold the first ever Juneteenth Block Party in the Castro. The free outdoor event will include a screening of Lil Nas X: Long Live Montero, an attempt to create the largest ever Electric Slide, music, and more.

Lil Nas X has released a video promo for his Long Live Montero Tour ( https://www.longlivemontero.com/ ). As of this writing, the details for it have not yet been announced, but let’s just say his possible appearance at the free Block Party has not been ruled out.

Opening Weekend

A screening of Young Hearts, a coming-of-age romance directed by Anthony Schatteman, will officially launch this year’s festival and will be followed by the Opening Gala.

The Opening Weekend will additionally include a showing of the 2023 Bollywood-infused film Queen of My Dreams directed by out lesbian filmmaker Fawzia Mirza.

Partnerships With KQED and the Drunken Film Fest

The San Francisco Bay Times was delighted to learn that Frameline48 is partnering with KQED Live and local filmmaker Deborah Craig for a showing of Sally, about the life of LGBTQ+ activist Sally Gearhart, who was a founding Bay Times contributor. Gearhart with Harvey Milk and fellow Bay Times founding contributor Cleve Jones helped defeat California Proposition 6, aka the “Briggs Initiative” that would have banned homosexuals from holding academic positions in public schools.

In yet another partnership, Frameline is joining forces with Oakland’s Drunken Film Festival for a free program about the legacy of queer spaces.

“In this climate, our queer joy, community, and visibility are all political statements,” said Frameline Artistic Director Allegra Madsen. “Cultural change always begins with art and storytelling, (and) what sets Frameline apart is that our organization is built by and for LGBTQ+ people. This year the festival program sets out to highlight how queer artists and queer cultural production have shaped the world we live in.”

She added, “I am so proud to lead Frameline and be part of its revolutionary history and future. Our organization does the essential work of ensuring that queer people can tell, share, and see their own stories. Film can push people—filmmakers and audiences alike—to create change and shape our cultural moment. To further that, Frameline48 is redefining what it means to be a film festival in today’s landscape.”

To learn more about Frameline48, including this year’s full program that was recently announced, go to: https://www.frameline.org/

7 Tips for a Happier Retirement

Money Matters

Brandon Miller

There is a lot of advice out there on how to save for retirement, and let’s face it—having enough moolah in the bank definitely takes the stress out of your golden years. Whether you’re diligently socking away those dollars now or dipping into that nest egg already, it’s crucial to know how much you can comfortably spend each month. Just ask any retiree; they’ll tell you managing money is only half the battle.

Sure, finances matter, but do they make you happy? Not necessarily. Take Thomas, for instance. He’s retired with his husband still working part-time. Even though he’s officially off the clock, his days are packed with more activities than when he was hustling in the corporate world. Between golfing, volunteering at the local food bank, and making regular trips to cheer up kids at the hospital with his dog, Thomas is living it up.

And then there’s Joanne. She’s got the financial side of things down, hosting an Airbnb and juggling side gigs, but sometimes she misses the buzz of her old job and the companionship it offered. She’s surviving but not thriving.

For some, work is a joy, something they’re not eager to give up even as they cruise past traditional retirement age. Others count down the days until every Monday morning is theirs to own, free from any obligations. The trick to a fulfilling retirement? Finding purpose.

Every year, big names like the U.N. and Gallup churn out a World Happiness Report—yep, that’s a real thing!—and it turns out folks over 60 in the U.S. are pretty content, ranking 10th in global happiness. But despite these cheerful stats, a significant number of retirees wrestle with feelings of depression, often missing their work and the structure it brought to their lives.

So, how do you nail retirement? Here are seven savvy strategies:

1. Ease into retirement if you are able to do so.

If you can, consider cutting back from full-time to part-time. It’s not only a way to stretch out your savings, but also you are testing the waters of full-time retirement while keeping active professionally. Consider this option as a bridge to retirement.

2. Stay social.

Keep in touch with work pals! You’ve spent years with many of these folks, and they have become a part of your life. For some, they are extended family.

Participating in social events in your community can be a great way to stay connected. Your interests will direct your activities. Some community-centric volunteering ideas include:

• The SF LGBT Center;

• The San Francisco Gay Men’s Chorus;

• Maitri Compassionate Care or other hospital or medical center;

• one of the Bay Area’s wonderful animal shelters;

• a local food bank;

• Openhouse or other senior community;

• National AIDS Memorial Grove.

3. Set Goals

They say, “If you fail to plan, you plan to fail.” Cheesy but true. Map out what you want your retirement to look like.

Setting goals helps put you in charge as you chart a new course in life, so dream big.

Ask yourself:

• What are your priorities in retirement?

• Would you like to downsize and relocate?

• Would you like to take up a new hobby?

• What new activities would you like to tackle?

• What do you like to do for fun?

Be specific about your goals. Make them realistic and achievable, and measure your progress with deadlines. Equally as important, set joint goals with your chosen family. Who can you enjoy some of those goals with? Accountability is key.

4. Health is wealth.

You may have more time once retired to do the active things you love doing. We all know physical fitness can improve overall health and well-being while also boosting selfesteem. Continue to prioritize your mental health as well. A healthy mind and body are your best assets in retirement.

5. Stay sharp

Keep your brain engaged. According to Harvard Medical School’s HealthBeat newsletter, studies have shown that you can help prevent cognitive decline and reduce the risk of dementia with some good health habits:

• stay physically active;

• get enough sleep;

• quit smoking, limit alcohol, and eat a sensible diet;

• and maintain good social connections.

6. Find the positives.

Make it a habit to count your blessings. It’s easy to focus on the negatives, but appreciating the small joys can greatly improve your mental and physical health.

What did you accomplish today? Did you practice mindfulness, meet with a friend, cook a new dish, start a new book, work in your garden, or plan a trip?

Studies suggest that writing down your positive feelings—just a few minutes each day—provides overall mental and physical benefits.

7. Keep a schedule.

While the idea of doing whatever you want whenever you want sounds great, too much free time can lead to boredom. Structuring your day can help you stay focused and make the most of your retirement. You have 40 plus hours each week that are no longer occupied with familiar tasks. What do you do now?

Schedule your new hobbies. A schedule allows you to focus, gives you clarity and purpose, and forces you to engage.

It doesn’t have to be rigid. You are not on the clock. You are retired. You have time. But as many of us have often found, if we have too much time, time just seems to slip away. Little is accomplished. Did that happen to you today? If so, start making changes tomorrow.

(continued on page 18)

GGBA Member Spotlight

Laurence Herr is an Agent and financial professional with the New York Life Insurance Company, which is the third-largest life insurance company and the largest mutual life insurance company in the U.S. Although its headquarters are in New York, the firm has offices in San Francisco at 425 Market Street in the financial district. Herr shared with the Golden Gate Business Association (GGBA) that “helping clients understand their options and achieve their goals are what make my job so rewarding. Every client is unique, so together we can develop a personalized approach that meets today’s needs and tomorrow’s as well.”

GGBA: What is the mission of the New York Life Insurance Company?

Laurence Herr: To assist people in developing a guideline for retirement awareness, through life insurance and its associated products.

Laurence Herr of the New York Life Insurance Company

GGBA: Who are some of your role models, and especially those who have helped influence your work?

Laurence Herr: My father owned and operated a chain of pharmacies. My brother started and developed a furniture manufacturing business.

GGBA: Why did you decide to join the GGBA and how long have you been a member?

Laurence Herr: I joined to connect and network with other busi-

ness owners from other industries, for the purpose of understanding and working together for mutual benefit.

GGBA: How has being a member of the GGBA helped your business so far?

Laurence Herr: I have enjoyed connecting with members of the LGBTQ+ community and am getting to understand the business needs of the community.

GGBA: Have you gone to a GGBA Make Contact networking event yet?

Laurence Herr: I have been to several of the monthly Make Contact networking events. I have always felt the wonderful welcoming environment and the ease of making contact with the attendees and exchanging information with them.

GGBA: What advice would you give to someone who is thinking of starting their own business?

Laurence Herr: Be patient with yourself and develop a large network of business owner friends for exchanging business ideas and a referral system.

One’s business is an extension of oneself and needs to be nurtured so that it will grow and prosper.

https://www.newyorklife.com/

GGBA CALENDAR

Wednesday, May 29

NGLCC

Thursday, May 30

Friday, June 7

GGBA Power Connect - 50th

Saturday, June 29–Sunday, June 30

Tuesday, July 9

July Make Contact - East Bay! 6–8 pm Bandaloop, 1601 18th Street, Oakland https://tinyurl.com/4cpsn3yw

Tuesday, July 30–Friday, August 2 NGLCC International Business & Leadership Conference Palm Springs https://tinyurl.com/bdzde9d9

Tuesday, August 13 August Make Contact 6–8 pm Location TBA https://tinyurl.com/34un45de

Tuesday, September 10 GGBA Annual (Membership) Meeting + Make Contact 6–8 pm Location TBA https://tinyurl.com/ycytdv4a

Laurence Herr

Supporting Small Businesses in the Castro & Beyond

Devlin Shand and Rhys Oisin of Queer Arts Featured (Queer AF)

Queer Arts Featured, at 575 Castro Street in the historic storefront that once housed Harvey Milk’s Castro Camera, is an inviting community space that is both an artist-led gallery and a boutique. It reflects not only the evolving legacy of that landmark location but also the creativity and talents of Co-Founder and Owner Devlin Shand and Rhys Oisin, Queer AF’s Magician of Operations. Members of our San Francisco Bay Times team recently went to Queer AF and enjoyed spending time with both, learning more about this unique Castro treasure.

San Francisco Bay Times: Please tell us more about Queer AF, including your vision for it and what makes it such a distinctive space in what was already a well-known location.

Devlin Shand and Rhys Oisin: Queer

Arts Featured is The Castro’s artist-led boutique, gallery, and event space located in the historic storefront that once housed Harvey Milk’s camera store and campaign headquarters. We build on this profound legacy by providing space to celebrate, support, promote, and connect people across the 2SLGBTQIA+ spectrum and intersectional lines. The ethos of the space is born out of this legacy, and as Harvey and his peers did here, we are building a community hub in the heart of The Castro that centers queer voices not given the space they deserve in the neighborhood, the larger community, and the national stage. We showcase art across mediums, with a focus on the work of underrepresented, disenfranchised, and emerging Bay Area queer artists and makers. Our aim is to reduce barriers that creatives face by offering a reduced commission rate of 25% for Black and US Indigenous creators and 35% for all others. Our events, which range from monthly live model sketch nights to spiritual healing for Palestinian, SWANA and BIPOC folks to live music, to queer student film screenings, are all open to the public and by donation. What sets us apart most strongly from other retail and art spaces is our prioritization of people over profit, and the freedom we give our community to safely experiment and connect creatively, socially, and spiritually. We are so much more than can fit in an article. Ya just gotta experience it.

San Francisco Bay Times: We agree! What inspired you to create Queer AF?

Rhys Oisin: Initially, Devlin was looking to mount a series of photography in one of the many vacant storefronts in the Castro. When connected to the recently vacant 575 Castro Street, he and the team realized the opportunity at hand. The historic legacy of this storefront reaches well beyond the images it developed, and we decided to refocus the lens onto the community that keeps the heart of this city alive.

Being in a space with such an important legacy in the queer community has driven us forward in making Queer AF into a hub of expression and connection. This address was

the center of the neighborhood, and (we desired) to reinvigorate the space and build the current structure of the business to include a wide array of local queer artists and makers.

Devlin Shand and Rhys Oisin:

As a team of multidisciplinary artists living in the Bay Area, we understand how difficult it is to survive and thrive here as a creative. We all have friends who have left or been pushed out, and many of us struggle to make ends meet as rents rise and resources dwindle. With so many factors accelerating displacement, we understand firsthand the dire need to invest in queer artists, especially those facing compounding systemic oppression because of their race, gender identity, and/or disability.

Art has been a central part of our lives as an outlet to process, provide clarity and perspective, expand our community, and heal. We know the

We have a new series of prints from Nathaniel J. Bice, a location-based painter who captures iconic scenes from the Bay Area in new and intriguing ways.

Our current gallery show, Sum of Our Parts, is a beautiful exploration by six artists of the body, our relation to it, and how we are shaped physically and emotionally by our experiences. The show will be up until June 2, and will be followed by a collaborative communal living art piece created with a piece of history from the Castro Theatre.

importance of art in the lives of those who create it and experience it, and we wish to share that with the Castro from a queer (and not just gay) perspective.

San Francisco Bay Times: What do you most enjoy about the landmark location of your business?

Devlin Shand and Rhys Oisin: It’s absolute magic to be in a space with such a rich and vital history to our community. We remember every day how lucky we are to steward space within these walls. Our ability to operate as we do, champion the kind of art we do, and host the events we do is in part because of the people who worked out of this very spot to move the needle forward for queers.

Meeting queer people from all over the world who come to pay homage to Harvey and the Castro of the past is a gift, and sharing the work of the queers who are still in the Bay Area continuing to push the boundaries of self-expression has made a lasting impact on so many, not least of all us.

San Francisco Bay Times: During our recent visit, we were mesmerized by all of the incredible items in your boutique and gallery. A member of our team bought a beautiful and reasonably priced pair of earrings handcrafted by Rhys! Please mention some of the other new items at Queer AF.

Devlin Shand and Rhys Oisin: We just got in a new line of incredible hand-cut and molded leather chest plates and corsets from

San Francisco Bay Times: Are most of your customers locals, from other parts of the Bay Area, tourists, or a mixture of all these? And are most of your customers repeat visitors?

Devlin Shand and Rhys Oisin: We are privileged to encounter a cross section of the community, from tourists who come to pay homage to Harvey Milk, to locals invested in the local queer art community, to folks who come for our diverse programming and would not come to the Castro otherwise. We have many wonderful regular clients who love the art and the mission, and are lucky to meet new folks from around the world every day.

San Francisco Bay Times: The San Francisco Bay Times is by and for the Bay Area LGBTQ community. Queer AF appears to be too.

(continued on page 18)

The Supporting Small Businesses in the Castro & Beyond page is sponsored by Anne Sterling Dorman

Brazilian artist Victor Puglielli. They’re beautifully crafted, avant garde, and all one of a kind. Their IG is @hausofpuglielli

Photos by Drew Altizer Photography

Rhys Oisin and Devlin Shand

GLBT Fortnight in Review

Houston, We Have a Problem

My wife is having a six-hour back surgery while I’m supposed to be writing this column, so forgive me if my prose is less sparkling than usual. It’s distracting to think about. Every hour I get a little text that says “patient is still in surgery,” which passes for an update from the Captain Obvious in charge of hospital communications. I remember a previous operation where they sent me encouraging messages like “she’s doing really well!” And “everything is going great!” Would that be so difficult in this instance?

I have a lot of appellate court news, including a transgender victory out of the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Eleventh Circuit, of all places, where a split panel ruled that a transgender sheriff’s deputy should have been insured for bottom surgery. The deputy, Anna Lange, a 15-year veteran of the Houston County Sheriff Department, sued under Title VII’s ban on discrimination in the workplace. And for those of you who were wondering why the Eleventh Circuit was dispensing justice in Texas, this particular Houston County is in Georgia. Houston, Texas, in turn, is in Harris County and is covered by the Fifth Circuit.

I suppose even more of you are wondering how and why one of the most conservative courts in the nation ruled in favor of a trans woman. The answer is that Ms. Lange and her

Lambda Legal attorneys lucked into an Obama nominee and a Clinton nominee, who outvoted their Trump nominee colleague on the panel. If this case goes to the full court, the outcome would be uncertain. I’m pretty sure the full Eleventh Circuit has a rightward tilt.

Meanwhile, I have to note that this little county, with all of 1,500 people on its healthcare system, paid well over a million dollars in legal fees to fight the addition of transgender employee services. An expert cited by Pro Publica guessed that the cost of adding trans operations would have come to about $10 grand per year, so these bozos paid well over a century’s worth of trans healthcare costs in a losing effort to “save money,” which was their stated excuse for denying the benefits.

Fix For Fetid Footwear

I think I’ve commented before on the mysterious click bait links that urge you to do weird things like put a playing card in your gas tank door, or put tea bags in your shoes overnight. I’ve been checking lately and I just learned that the tea bag “hack” is a supposedly clever way to make your shoes smell better.

“This solution is much cheaper than all those fancy shoe deodorants,” writes the sort of person who is paid to write on these sorts of websites. “Besides, they tend to run out very

By Ann Rostow

quickly. The cheapest tea will work just as well, instead.”

Say what? “Fancy shoe deodorants?” What the hell are they talking about? Not only have I never heard of shoe deodorants, but I have certainly never heard of fancy ones that are expensive and run out very quickly. Who would get that product? I’ve heard of odor eaters, but those are things you wear in your shoes as you are walking around. Surely, we’re not being encouraged to wear tea bags in our shoes during our average day, are we? And finally, I’m a coffee girl but I like a cup of tea every now and again. What a waste it would be to toss perfectly good tea bags into our shoes, even “the cheapest tea.” Wait, let’s do one more “life hack” as our current cyber alleyway has dubbed itself. “We’ve all been there,” moans our narrator with (am I imagining it?) a little galpal eyeroll in solidarity. “We get to the grocery store with a huge list of groceries to purchase, but alas, no quarter for the shopping cart! What are we to do, carry our purchases by hand like savages, or skip the shopping altogether?”

Honey? Where do you live? Because there ain’t no coin-operated grocery carts in my neck of the woods. But just in case we find ourselves on the horns of this dilemma, here’s a tip to the rescue. “Use the top end of that simple metal key you have lying around! Turns out these handy keys

Campaign Events for Mayor London Breed

The mayoral race in San Francisco is heating up, with all of the candidates holding several events in recent weeks. On May 3 at Lucky 13 there was a “Party for Mayor London Breed” hosted by State Senator Scott Wiener, Supervisor Rafael Mandelman, Supervisor Matt Dorsey, Supervisor Joel Engardio, Donna Sachet, Bionka Simone, Victor Ruiz-Cornejo, Kent Mirkhani, Krystal Khandelier, Joe Sangirardi, Steve Kawa, Conor Johnston, Alex Shadley, Barak Gila, Mike Chen, Lisa Williams, Masood Samereie, Desmond Morgan, Bebe Sweetbriar, Tom Paulino, Terrance Alan, Matthew Rothschild, Ralph Hibbs, Mawuli Tugbenyoh, Jonathan Deason, David Goldman, Kenneth M. Koehn, Tom Horn, Louise “Lou” Fischer, Jake Price, Jayshawn Anderson, Ben Neidhardt, Eric Munsing, Cyn Wang, and The Academy SF.

Mayor Breed’s official Campaign Kickoff, however, took place on May 18 at The Fillmore. Acclaimed actor, producer, and political activist Danny Glover was among those who attended, along with many who were at the May 3 event, and still others, such as Manny Yekutiel of Manny’s and Patrick Carney and Hossein Carney of the Pink Triangle on Twin Peaks. Fischer, a former San Francisco Bay Times columnist, wrote, “Mayor Breed’s speech was amazing and uplifting—and she does it ‘oldschool’; no Teleprompter, no notes, no podium, no notecards—authentic and from the heart.”

French American TV recorded the entire Kickoff event, which can be viewed at: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FBUgEKyLod8

don’t just open mailboxes and gate locks; they open shopping cart locks, too! Talk about two for the price of one.”

But, but ... I’m stuck here in the grocery store without even a damned quarter for the high-tech shopping carts, and you’re suggesting that I have simple metal keys “lying around”? Not only that, but you’re telling me to jam my simple metal key into a slot that’s designed for a quarter, possibly damaging the key and/or the cart mechanism?

Oh, and since when did savages carry around grocery items in their hands? I thought they were out hunting or fetching edible plants.

Our Favorite Appellate Court

It seems I have the ability to squander many words and minutes on parsing websites and television commercials instead of discussing, let’s say, yet another good ruling out of the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fourth Circuit!

The Fourth Circuit recently ruled in favor of a trans girl who wanted to run track in middle school, and followed that up by ordering North Carolina and Kentucky to cover transgender healthcare in their various state insurance systems. Now, they have sent some conservative parents from Montgomery County, Maryland, home crying after telling them that, no, they cannot have an injunction against their school read-

ing programs based on their religious inclinations.

“At this early stage,” wrote Judge G. Steven Agee for the two-judge majority, “given the Parents’ broad claims, the very high burden required to obtain a preliminary injunction, and the scant record before us, we are constrained to affirm the district court’s order denying a preliminary injunction.” Judge Agee, who was appointed by George W Bush, was joined by a Biden judge, while a Trump judge dissented. Obviously, from what Judge Agee wrote, there could be many twists and turns ahead as the litigation continues. Meanwhile, although we have been enamored of the Fourth Circuit and all its wonders in recent times, we note with disfavor that a panel recently ruled against one of those gay teachers who got booted out of a Catholic school based on the “ministerial exception,” a legal sinkhole that allows churchy employers to ignore federal workplace discrimination law and chuck anyone out on their ass if they’re not god-fearing enough for their Catholic tastes. It makes sense, of course, for churches to be able to “discriminate” when picking a pastor or a religious instructor. But this exception is regularly being extended to cover all sorts of employees who have nothing to do with religion whatsoever. A French (continued on page 18)

Former Mayor Willie Brown and friends

Candidate Latifah Simon and Jada Jackson

Lou Fischer, Danny Glover, and Manny Yekutiel

Mayor London Breed

Who Are You Calling Old?

I recently did some grocery shopping at Trader Joe’s in downtown San Francisco. Leaving the store with three heavy bags, and too tired to take Muni, I trudged wearily across the street to the Marriott Hotel, where a line of taxis awaited. Then this happened:

Me to Taxi Driver #1: “Are you available?”

Taxi Driver #1: (waving vaguely off into the distance): “Um, uh, no, I’m waiting for someone.”

Taxi Driver #2 (angrily jumping out of his cab to yell at Taxi Driver #1): “Are you kidding? You have to take her! She’s old!”

A bemused crowd of tourists standing in front of the Marriott Hotel, awaiting their Ubers, looked up from their phones to see who the old lady was.

(Me, internally: “Can the sidewalk just open up and swallow me now, please?”)

The Battle of the Taxi Drivers escalated for several minutes, with Taxi Drivers #2 and #3 yelling loudly at Taxi Driver #1 that he was violating the rules by discriminating against

Aging in Community

an old lady. They finally chased him down and reported him.

Taxi Driver #2 eventually claimed victory in the battle and drove me home, proclaiming loudly throughout the ride that it is necessary to respect our elders, and that other drivers shouldn’t neglect old people, even though everyone knows there’s no money to be made off of them. (And yes, of course I over-tipped him.)

Later than night, I posted about the incident on social media, still stinging a bit from being loudly and publicly branded as old. The responses ranged from sympathy to hilarity, but a comment from my wise friend Bob provided some much-needed perspective: “To laugh or to cry. Choose wisely.”

By that time, I was indeed able to have a good laugh at the situation. But it also made me think about what being “old” means.

Many of my friends and family, as well as myself, have reached, shall we say, a Certain Age. We are dealing with issues that seemed impossibly far away when we were in our 30s or 40s, or even 50s. We were young for a very long time, then middle-aged for a pretty darned long time. But after a certain point, if we’re truthful, there’s no denying that even middle age is behind us. All too often conversations with my peers turn to late-inlife issues: wills, downsizing, funeral plans, long-term care, loss of mobility, and, sadly, the loss of our loved ones. At the same time, many of us are still holding down jobs, actively engaged in our communities, busy with volunteer work and social activities, and fully participating in life. We are not ready to be put out to pasture and forgotten, and while we may technically be old, we aren’t quite ready for the more judgmental term “elderly.”

How we see ourselves, and how the rest of the world sees us, can vary day by day, or hour by hour. There are days when I’m feeling good, getting a lot accomplished, and feeling like I’m contributing to my community. On those days, I just feel like myself, not thinking about age, just living my life. But those taxi drivers didn’t know me, or what I am capable of when I’m at my best. All they saw was a tired white-haired lady struggling down 4th Street with too many bags of groceries. They simply saw an old woman. And they were not wrong. There’s a well-worn meme that declares: “Inside every old person is a young person wondering what the hell happened.” It’s true. Each of us contains a multiverse of identities, from the child we once were to whatever age we are now. It is up to us to accept and embrace all those versions of ourselves, and try to see others for more than just what they look like now. That white-haired person you see walking slowly with a cane may have rocked the dance floor years ago. Honor and celebrate all the people they have been.

‘Tis the Season for City Budgets, and Fundraising It’s budget season in San Francisco, and every agency is fighting hard to hang onto funding to support their programs. But everyone familiar with the process has warned that this year’s budget negotiations are going to be a brutal process.

For the HIV community, this can be especially challenging: agencies large and small all depend on city funding. This is why supporting two of San Francisco’s longest-running and most beloved fundraising events is particularly important this year. With city and federal budget cuts looming, the money raised from the community for AIDS LifeCycle (June 2–8) and

AIDS Walk San Francisco (July 17) is more important than ever.

AIDS/LifeCycle is a fullysupported, 7-day, 545-mile bike ride from San Francisco to Los Angeles. The event is co-produced by and benefits San Francisco AIDS Foundation and the Los Angeles LGBT Center. Taking part in AIDS/ LifeCycle isn’t for everyone: it takes a tremendous amount of time, energy, and resources to train for and participate in the ride, but anyone can support it. To support AIDS/ LifeCycle, or a specific participant, go to: https://www.aidslifecycle.org/ AIDS Walk San Francisco will return to Golden Gate Park on Sunday, July 17. This event has always been dear to my heart for many reasons, but two in particular: Anyone can participate, no matter what their resources. And AIDS Walk provides a way for smaller local agencies to raise funds that they might not have the resources to raise on their own. Many of our grassroots organizations depend on the money raised by AIDS Walk to keep providing services to the community. I will be writing more about AIDS Walk over the next couple of months, but in the meantime, you can go to their website to support a walker, a team, or the Walk in general: https://sf.aidswalk.net/ Pride Month Safety

While the announcement didn’t specify any particular threats, they advised, “Foreign terrorist organizations or supporters may seek to exploit increased gatherings associated with the upcoming June 2024 Pride Month.” The announcement made reference to the fact that June 12 marks the eighth anniversary of the horrific attack on Pulse Nightclub in Orlando, in which 49 people were killed and 53 wounded.

Pride Month is days away, and federal agencies are warning of potential threats to LGBTQ+-related events and venues, according to a public announcement issued by the FBI and the Department of Homeland Security on May 10.

As we head into Pride Month with all its festive and fabulous events, now is a good time to brush up on safety procedures and precautions. A good place to start is Castro Community on Patrol’s website, which features many safety resources. Please be prepared, and enjoy Pride Month—and every day—safely: https://www.castropatrol.org/

Joanie Juster is a long-time community volunteer, activist, and ally.

Judy Bowenwiener: The Transgender Activist Who Inspired The Stonewall Generations Study

By Jason Flatt, Ph.D., M.P.H.

Judy Bowenwiener is an 80-year-old self-proclaimed “Equality-For-All activist” who has dedicated her life to advocating for the LGBTQIA+ community and driving change for the inclusion of transgender people. She has a rich history of involvement in various LGBTQIA+ organizations, advocacy, and initiatives. Judy’s stories and experiences have also played a crucial role in inspiring my work on The Stonewall Generations Study at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas. Judy’s firsthand accounts of living in New York City and knowing Sylvia Rivera and Marsha P. Johnson have shed light on the unique health needs of LGBTQIA+ people as they age.

Judy’s journey began in the mid1960s when she moved to New York City from Tennessee and quickly became immersed in the vibrant Greenwich Village scene. She founded Transexuals Anonymous in New York City and later championed

for the creation of The Safety Dorm for unhoused transgender people at The Salvation Army in Las Vegas, Nevada. Judy also owned Judy’s Cafe in Long Island City and published a weekly newspaper called The Western Queens Gazette

During the Stonewall Riots, Judy lived on Christopher Street and marched with the Gay Activists Alliance in the Christopher Street Liberation Day March—the first Pride parade in New York City following the Stonewall Riots. Judy represented the transgender community at the march, highlighting her commitment to inclusivity and equality.

Judy’s experiences during this time included meeting influential figures such as Andy Warhol, Candy Darling, Silvia Rivera, and Marsha P. Johnson. She also worked as an extra alongside Woody Allen and Diane Keaton.

In the years following the riots, Judy played a pivotal role in founding organizations such as, in 1970, Transvestites and Transsexuals, which later became Transsexuals Anonymous and STAR (Street Transvestite Action Revolutionaries).

Judy said, “Transsexuals Anonymous was needed for transgender people because they needed to talk, and we had to be anonymous or we might be murdered if someone found out.”

These organizations provided vital support for transgender individuals in New York City, offering a safe space for discussion and connection.

In 1999, Judy relocated to Las Vegas, Nevada, where she continues to be an active member of The LGBTQ+

Center of Southern Nevada and many transgender inclusive groups and advocacy efforts. For instance, she is dedicated to creating housing for those in need and fighting against prejudice and hate. Judy is actively involved in promoting inclusion and acceptance of transgender people across the world and is part of Trans United, an international group that aims to increase communication among transgender individuals and organizations.

Judy’s tireless efforts and significant contributions to the LGBTQIA+ community have not gone unnoticed. She was recently awarded the Las Vegas 2023 Trans Icon Award and the 2024 Miss International Queen

USA Guiding Light Award, recognizing her exceptional leadership and advocacy. She works closely with Kataluna Enriquez, a transgender activist, model, and pageant titleholder, Miss Nevada USA 2021, and was recently crowned the 2024 Miss International Queen USA.

Judy’s lifelong dedication to equality and inclusion serves as an inspiration to all, reminding us of the importance of advocacy and the power of individual stories in driving social change. Learn more about Judy’s efforts in the Stonewall Forever Documentary. (See the link to view the documentary here: https://stonewallforever.org/ )

Judy has played a crucial role in not only inspiring but also advising on The Stonewall Generations Study, which is actively seeking LGBTQIA+ and non-LGBTQIA+ individuals aged 50+ to participate in research to help us better under-

stand concerns around memory and health for the LGBTQIA+ community. You can receive a $25 gift card for completing our telephone survey. The Stonewall Generations Study is supported by the Alzheimer’s Association and involves completing a one-time 30–45 minute telephone interview by calling 1-833-9666974 or emailing us at rainbowsofaging@unlv.edu

Jason D. Flatt, Ph.D., M.P.H., is an Assistant Professor at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas, School of Public Health, Department of Social and Behavioral Health and Adjunct

(continued on page 18)

Dr. Marcy Adelman oversees the A ging in Community column. For her summary of current LGBT senior challenges and opportunities, please go to: http://sfbaytimes.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

In Case You Missed It

Joanie Juster

Photos courtesy of Jason Flatt

Jason Flatt with Judy Bowenwiener

Judy Bowenwiener

IN MEMORIAM

Peggy Moore and Hope Wood

On May 10, 2024, beloved Bay Area organizer Peggy Moore and her wife Hope Wood were killed in a tragic car accident in Southern California. As community leaders with decades of service in the Bay Area’s LGBTQ, women’s and Black communities, the shock of this sudden loss is reverberating widely.

When Peggy moved to the Bay Area from Oklahoma in the mid 1990s, I was burned out from a decade of organizing and producing events in the lesbian of color community. I was determined to never attend another meeting in my life, but Peggy made it her mission to unretire me—and refused to take no for an answer. That began our 30-year friendship and a long chapter of shared organizing efforts. Some of the work of which I’m most proud happened by Peggy’s side. And there are countless others who can say the same.

Soon after Peggy’s arrival she became a force in the Bay Area, organizing events and plugging into community organizations, like The Black Girl Collective, NIA, and

By Lisbet Tellefsen

Lavender Seniors, to name a few. In 2002, she founded Sistahs Steppin’ in Pride, an East Bay Pride march and festival that ran for 10 years in Oakland. Despite our closeness, it’s impossible for me to list all of her numerous community contributions.

Peggy’s nickname was “The Mayor,” and it was well deserved. Everywhere she went, she was beloved. A quick coffee date or walk down the block would become a 2-hour affair as she would stop and engage with every manner of folk, the majority of whom knew her by name.

But politics would reveal itself to be her true calling. In 1999, she cut her teeth with the No on Knight campaign—fighting the initiative that aimed to ban samesex marriage. Over the next 25 years, she would become a force in local and national politics, playing important roles in both the Obama and Hillary Clinton presidential campaigns, running for Oakland City Council, and serving as campaign manager for Libby Schaaf’s successful bid for Mayor of Oakland.

It was during the 2008 Obama campaign with Organizing for America that she would meet her future spouse, Hope Wood. A powerhouse in her own right, Hope worked with organizations ranging from The Harvard Kennedy School for Leadership, Color of Change, and The Courage Campaign. Hope was a Southern California girl, a former LA Lakers cheerleader no less, and next to the homegirl from Oklahoma, at a surface glance, they appeared to be opposites. But the power generated by their coming together was palpable and they would become a dynamic duo whose impact was felt from Oakland’s City Hall all the way to the White House. In 2013 they would marry and in 2019 they launched their own consultancy, Hope Action Change.

Congresswoman Barbara Lee wrote in a recent X post: “I’m heartbroken to hear of the tragic loss of Peggy Moore and Hope Wood. Peggy was a friend, an activist, and one of the best organizers I knew. Her passion and fight for justice and equality is what brought her and Hope together.”

She added, “Together they organized, changed hearts and minds, and helped create a world where who you love doesn’t limit your freedoms.”

On Wednesday, May 22, 2024, at 6 pm The East Bay Church held a “Peggy Moore & Hope Wood Community Gathering” that was streamed on their Facebook and YouTube pages. A GoFundMe campaign, “The Peggy Moore & Hope Wood Family Support Fund,” has also been created in their memory. Lisbet Tellefsen is an archivist, collector, and curator who is based in Oakland where she curated the Black Panther Museum at the Oakland Museum of California. She is known for her archival and exhibit work based on activist Angela Davis. A current project in development is The Lisbet Tellefsen Papers at Yale University.

Sistahs Steppin’ in Pride Committee (2004)

(left to right) Melanie DeMore, Peggy Moore, and Barbara Zoloth at the Montclair Women’s Cultural Arts Club (2007)

Peggy Moore speaking at a San Francisco Bay Times benefit for Project Open Hand (2012)

Peggy Moore and Hope Wood with their dog at Lake Merritt on their wedding day, September 1, 2013

Memorial Ceremony

Peggy Wood and Peggy Moore at the White House with then Vice

President Joe Biden

Peggy Moore with President Barack Obama

Peggy Moore with Lisbet Tellefsen at a Sistahs Steppin’ in Pride event

Amikaeyla Gaston (second from right) led friends in singing at the memorial ceremony for Peggy Moore and Hope Wood held at Lake Merritt. (2024)

Peggy Moore ran for an at-large seat on the Oakland City Council in 2016.

Peggy Moore was the California political director for President Barack Obama’s campaigns in 2008 and 2012.

IN MEMORIAM

James Edward Riffe (1942–2024) aka Strange de Jim

James Riffe, known to many as Strange de Jim, passed away on May 1, 2024, from complications of Alzheimer’s. This beloved San Francisco icon and truly unique individual was 81 years young. An offbeat wit and gentle kindness were his most memorable hallmarks. Strange first became known to the San Francisco community in the 1970s through contributing numerous cheeky quips to Pulitzer Prize winning Herb Caen’s daily column in The San Francisco Chronicle. As his notoriety grew to near cult-like status, his not-so-public appearances involved wearing a pillowcase over his head to hide his identity from Caen and his adoring fans, which included local socialites, politicians, and Hollywood celebrities.

An observer of life, Strange mastered the art of having coffee, and Café Flore was like a second home to him. Many members of the San Francisco Bay Times team enjoyed catching up with him there. He was always warm, kind, sharp, and good natured. His musings translated into several books that captured his unique take on the human condition and a sincere desire to improve it. His many years as a historian and raconteur of the countless tales of San Francisco garnered him 4 Certificates of Recognition from the State of California.

Born in Charleston, West Virginia, Jim is survived by his flatmate since 1989, Stephen Pullis of San Francisco, brother and sister-in-law, John and Jane Riffe, and his niece and nephew, Laurie and Robert—and a legion of long term and heartfelt friends.

Like his semi-fictional alter-ego, Jim is remembered as loving, witty, and fun, and always creative and surprising in his perspective. His charming chuckle is sorely missed. Readers can still enjoy his humorous poignant writings at: www.strangedejim.com

Plans are underway for a memorial service to be held this summer. Memorial donations honoring Strange may be made to Meals on Wheels ( https://www.mowsf.org/ ) and the Alzheimer’s Association ( https://www.alz.org/ ).

Strange de Jim

Strange de Jim with Phyllis Lyon

Strange de Jim with Julie Newmeyer and Donna Sachet

John Newmeyer with Strange de Jim

Strange de Jim with flatmate, Stephen Pullis

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Executive Coaching Transformed Me

Musings on Trans Liberation

Pau Crego

In recent months, I made a big career shift from a leadership role in city government to becoming an executive coach in service to other leaders. This decision was fueled by my own transformational experiences as a recipient of executive coaching, which shed light on how supporting leaders through coaching can be instrumental to improving services, strengthening organizations, and bolstering social movements.

Executive coaching offers a confidential relationship for leaders to explore

the problems they want to focus on, and find solutions in alignment with their own values and expertise. The role of the coach is to ask questions, mirror and affirm important points, and facilitate insights for the client; yet most notably, the coach does not offer guidance, opinions, or judgment. The client is always the lead in coaching sessions, and is the sole expert on their own professional life. Partnering with a talented executive coach transformed me. Two and a half years ago, as I went from being Deputy Director to Executive Director of a city and county agency, I searched for an executive coach to help me navigate the impossible decisions and challenging dynamics of my new professional role. Coaching gave me a safe space to be vulnerable and authentic, to be fully seen without judgment, and to show up as the best version of myself. It also helped me gain deeper insight into my values, patterns, and areas for growth as a leader.

Perhaps the most important benefit I gained from coaching was a true companion and witness. Being in a leadership position often means feeling profoundly lonely. The reality for most of the leaders I have known—

especially those at the helm of social justice and public service organizations—is that they are constantly balancing unbearable competing priorities, such as lifeor-death crises, limited resources, staff retention and morale, power dynamics, and more.

Leaders are expected to handle all of the aforementioned, show up authentically, inspire others, and keep confidential the extremely difficult situations facing them. In my case, I was weighed down by safety threats against our local communities, right-wing lawsuits targeting initiatives I had dedicated years of brainpower and heart to, and increasing death rates of members in my own community as a result of violence and overdose.

also helped me refocus on what was within my control, ground myself in my values as a leader, and identify the best next steps ahead.

While the weight I held went generally unseen and unknown by others, my caring coach stood witness to it all. Not only did my coach accompany me throughout, but he

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Holocaust Day of Remembrance 2024

Photos by Rink

On Monday, May 6, 2024, Cantor Sharon Bernstein led participants in a Yom HaShoah commemoration marking the intersection between Jewish and LGBTQ+ Holocaust experiences.

Held at the Pink Triangle Memorial located in the Castro at 2454 Market Street, the ceremony was sponsored by Congregation Sha’ar Zahav and the Eureka Valley Neighborhood Association, represented by the organization’s President Alex Lemberg. Supervisor Rafael Mandelman also participated.

Jewish Day of Holocaust Remembrance, Yom HaShoah, as noted in The Jewish News of Northern California, commemorates the six million Jews and others who perished in the Holocaust. Often included in observing the holiday are candle lighting ceremonies, musical performances, and community art projects. https://shaarzahav.org/

Coaching can offer an unrivaled space for unlocking our own power and potential. This makes us more effective at healing our communities and transforming the systems that harm us. Thus, I see a critical role for coaching in strengthening public services and social movements, including our trans and LGBTQI+ rights movements. I am thrilled to have embarked on this new journey supporting our community’s leaders in this transformational work.

Pau Crego (he/him) is a queer and trans immigrant who has worked towards equity for trans and LGBTQI+ communities for almost two decades, both in the San Francisco Bay Area, and in Spain where he is originally from. His advocacy has included direct services, technical assistance, training and education, program design, and policy change. Crego worked at the Office of Transgender Initiatives (OTI) from 2017–2023, most recently serving as the Office’s Executive Director. He is also faculty in the Health Education Department at City College of San Francisco, and a published author and translator in the field of public health. He can be reached at pau@paucrego.com

NCLR Anniversary Gala 2024

Champions for Change

The National Center for Lesbian Rights (NCLR) annual gala has been known for decades as one of the largest and best events for lesbians in the Bay Area and San Francisco Bay Times columnists attending report that indeed it is. A sold out crowd gathered at The Conservatory at One Sansome in San Francisco on Saturday, May 18, 2024, to attend this popular event. They came from all parts of the Bay Area, the nation, as well as from abroad. NCLR Executive Director Imani Rupert-Gordon and other members of the staff joined board members, and other volunteers, supporters, and guests for a full evening of activities. The reception, dinner, and after party were held in one location, with music provided by DJ Christie James. Alok Vaid-Menon, who is a celebrated comedian, poet, author, actor, and public speaker, was the special guest, bringing his inspiration to the program. Known for his far-reaching advocacy, he has a reputation as a trailblazer for gender fluidity and LGBTQ+ representation, and he has notable awards from the ACLU, The Advocate, and others. He serves with former First Lady Michelle Obama as co-chair of the When We All Vote voting rights organization. Equality Florida Executive Director Nadine Smith received NCLR’s 2024 Vanguard Award noting her work as a champion for justice in Florida and advocacy to defeat discriminatory legislation. Having served as one of the national cochairs of the 1993 March on Washington, she was invited to the historic meeting with then President Bill Clinton, the first Oval Office meeting between a sitting president and LGBTQ community leaders. Smith has many more notable accomplishments and currently serves as chair of the U.S. Commission on Civil Rights Florida Advisory Committee. https://www.nclrights.org/

The Official Band of San Francisco’s 2024 Spotlight Concert

On May 18, 2024, the San Francisco Lesbian/Gay Freedom Band presented their annual Spotlight gala show and fundraiser before a sold-out audience at the Grand Theater on Mission Street.

The evening featured amazing music from the worlds of animation, video games, and anime. The selections ranged from Disney (Beauty and the Beast, Aladdin, Little Mermaid ), Nintendo (Super Mario Bros, Zelda), Pixar ( Despicable Me, The Incredibles, Coco), and more. Donna Sachet and Leanne Borghesi served as co-hosts, lending their impressive comedic and vocal talents, just as they did at the first Spotlight in 2016.

The audience also witnessed the San Francisco debut of Sacramentobased countertenor Ken Dulay, who was featured on “I Was Born for This” (from the Sony PlayStation game Journey). During intermission, while the various silent auctions were wrapping up, the big band Super Super raised the roof with their great swing sounds.

At the end of the evening, the silent and live auctions raised thousands of dollars for the Official Band of San Francisco, now in its 46th year.

https://www.sflgfb.org/

Photos by Andrea Nguyen/Special to SFLGFB

By Donna Sachet

The San Francisco Lesbian/Gay Freedom Band delighted a full house at the Grand Theater on Mission Street with Spotlight on Animation & Video Games last Saturday night. This talented group was in best of form for one of their few concerts for which they sell tickets after playing free for so many community events during the year. The music was surprisingly rich and varied, especially to one not terribly familiar with video game or anime music. Themes from Super Mario Bros and The Legend of Zelda led to sumptuous emotional movements from Sheltering Sky, Spirited Away, and Princess Mononoke. We joined the very popular and accomplished Leanne Borghesi in leading audience singalongs, as well as a few solo selections; she looked and sounded incredible! Also joining in on vocals was countertenor Ken Dulay, who earned a wonderful reception. As the music played, a large screen behind the band showed video game and animation visuals, as well as lyrics for the singalongs. Live auctions for a Princess Cruise and the chance to conduct the band, along with a silent auction in the lobby, added to the money raised to support San Francisco’s official band and its BIPOC commission program. All in all, it was an extraordinary evening of unusual music with a beloved San Francisco institution. The SF Gay Men’s Chorus hosted the final in its series of four Memory Keepers Initiatives last Thursday at their headquarters, the Chan International Arts Center. This one focused on the history of the chorus itself with three panelists led by Artistic Director Jake Stensberg. Each speaker contributed uniquely to the overall historic picture, full of beautiful memories of incredible music,

“Everyone

who got where he is had to begin where he was.”

—Robert Louis Stevenson

painful loss, courageous social impact, amusing anecdotes, and more. Video messages from former Artistic Directors Stan Hill and Tim Seelig added additional perspectives with emotion and humor. As a former chorus member, we found the evening of particular importance, but anyone in the city should be aware of the tremendous contributions of the Gay Men’s Chorus and the Lesbian/Gay Freedom Band, both created by the legendary Jon Sims and both active and continuing to bring us captivating music more than 45 years later.

We were thrilled to have the opportunity to peek behind the scaffolding at the progress on the Castro Theatre. As most readers will remember, we were adamant supporters of Another Planet Entertainment’s proposal to remodel and refurbish this neighborhood icon, a daunting task both historically and functionally. Once inside, we were simply amazed at the extent of the work necessary to bring historic elements back to their original glory. Trained artisans are painstakingly repairing and where necessary replacing architectural elements, using original plaster molds, studying pertinent photographs, and restoring gold accents, so that when the Castro Theatre reopens next year, it will truly be the showplace it was meant to be.

In a few short days, our favorite month of the year begins with Pride events galore! Grand Marshals have been announced, including Billie Porter as Celebrity Grand Marshal and Main Stage Headliner, the theme has been selected, and your SF Pride committee is working overtime to make you proud! Now, it is time for you to organize your Pride schedule! Which events will you attend? Will you march in the Parade or join the thousands of observers? How can you volunteer or otherwise support organizations in which you believe? We’ll be trying some new events, as well as enjoying some favorites, like Juanita MORE!’s Pride Party and the VIP Party, this year back at City Hall. We encourage you to get your posse together and plan accordingly. There is nothing like San Francisco Pride!

Friday, May 31 Divas & Drinks at The Academy “Eve of Pride” Party featuring SF Pride leadership and Grand Marshals; performance by American Idol star Tory Teasley, DJ Olga T, Emcee Donna Sachet The Academy SF, 2166 Market Street 6–10 pm $15 www.academy-sf.com

Saturday, June 1

Heels for Hope Variety Show fundraiser for Maitri Hosted by Donna Sachet With comedian Allison Hooker, singer Caleb Sasser, & Fou Fou Ha VIP reception 5 pm Show 7 pm $50 & up www.maitrisf.org

Friday, June 7

Taylor Dayne in concert Yoshi’s Oakland 8 & 10 pm $129 www.tickets-center.com

Saturday, June 8

Gypsy Love release party Midnight Sun, 4067 18th Street 6 pm Free!

over two decades to

Donna Sachet is a celebrated performer, fundraiser, activist, and philanthropist who has dedicated

the LGBTQ Community in San Francisco. Contact her at empsachet@gmail.com

Donna and friends wtih Marlena celebrating Marlena's 82nd birthday in Hayes Valley (2021)

PHOTO BY KEN HAMAI

And remember, you’ve earned this time—now go out and really enjoy it!

The opinions expressed in this article are for general informational purposes only and are not intended to provide specific advice or recommendations for any individual or on any specific security. It is only intended to provide education about the financial industry. To determine which investments may be appropriate for you, consult your financial advisor prior to investing. Any past performance discussed during this program is no guarantee of future results. Any indices referenced for comparison are unmanaged and cannot be invested into directly. As always, please remember investing involves risk and possible loss of principal capital; please seek advice from a licensed professional.

Brio Financial Group is a registered investment adviser. Advisory services are only offered to clients or prospective clients where Brio Financial Group and its representatives are properly licensed or exempt from licensure. No advice may be rendered by Brio Financial Group unless a client service agreement is in place. Brandon Miller, CFP®, is a financial consultant at Brio Financial Group in San Francisco, specializing in helping LGBT individuals and families plan and achieve their financial goals. For more information: https://www.briofg.com/

FLATT/ADELMAN (continued from pg 11)

Associate Professor with the University of California, San Francisco, School of Nursing, Institute for Health and Aging. Dr. Flatt’s current research works to better understand concerns and needs of diverse lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, intersex, asexual, and additional identities adults living with Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease, and their care providers. In 2020, he received the Early-Stage Investigator Award from the NIH Sexual and Gender Minority Research Office. His research is funded by the National Institute on Aging, American Federation for Aging Research, The Alzheimer’s Association, and The Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson’s Research. He and his husband live in Las Vegas with their three pups: Tuna, Bowie, and Elton. You can learn more about his research and team members at www.RainbowsofAging.org

SMALL BUSINESS (continued from pg 8)

Devlin Shand and Rhys Oisin: In every way, shape, and form. I mean, it’s in the name, darlings.

San Francisco Bay Times: Please give a shout out to any members of your staff, repeat customers, mentors, or anyone else whom you wish to thank for their support.

Devlin Shand and Rhys Oisin: This space would not exist without the incredible community that has formed around it, and been essential to its creation. From customers to facilitators to donors, we could not keep the doors open and this space thriving without the generosity and vision of our community. We, as the stewards of this space, invite everyone to come and see what is growing here, and can’t wait to welcome you. San Francisco Bay Times: Outside of your own business, what other businesses/restaurants do you recommend?

Devlin Shand and Rhys Oisin: We love so many spaces in the Castro! Local Take has been a wonderful and supportive neighbor since we had the seed idea for Queer AF, and also carries local art and goods you can feel good about buying. We always enjoy a Turkish coffee and baklava from Aegean Delights, and at the end of a long day a delicious glass of wine from our neighbors at Swirl and a sandwich from Heroic Italian always hit the spot.

San Francisco Bay Times: What are some of the biggest challenges you have faced, in terms of your work?

Devlin Shand and Rhys Oisin: We are a brick-and-mortar retail art space in San Francisco. You’ve read the articles. It’s incredibly difficult. We are also a hybrid space, and as two people we manage exhibitions, consignment retail with eighty individual vendors, and host an average of ten events a month. With our fiscal sponsorship, we are grateful to start building the financial support network needed to grow our team, keep our commissions low and events accessible, and expand the reach of our mission. We also work in a historic location with strong emotional connection for the community, which is both beautiful and difficult as the Castro comes to celebrate not only the past, but also the ever expansive and inclusive present and future of queerness. This is a challenge we are honored to accept, and are grateful to feel supported in.

San Francisco Bay Times” What are your plans and goals for Queer AF in the year ahead?

Devlin Shand and Rhys Oisin: We could not be more excited for our upcoming exhibition, a remount of last year’s Wet Paint: A Work in Progress. Opening Friday, June 7, 2024, this exhibit is an invitation to the public to create as a community. The gallery will begin as a blank canvas and an array of multimedia materials, and all those who attend in the course of its two-month run are invited to express themselves artistically throughout the gallery. This year, we honor the history of the iconic Castro Theatre, as the canvas for the show will be the former screen that has held so much entertainment for us all, donated by Another Planet Entertainment. This piece of history would have otherwise been discarded, and we are honored to bring new life to such a meaningful object. At the conclusion of the show, all the art created will be auctioned off to support Queer AF.

We also have many new and ongoing collaborations in the works with local artists and organizations, from performance to education to community healing, and we can’t wait to share all of them with you.

Come visit! Attend an event, buy some art, meet a new friend or collaborator. Queer AF is here for you, our community. If there’s anything we are reminded of lately, it’s that all we have is each other, so let’s create, connect, and heal together.

Queer Arts Featured (Queer AF)

575 Castro Street

Open Thursday–Saturday 12–7 pm and Sunday 12–6 pm www.queerartsfeatured.com

teacher at a religious school, a cafeteria worker at a church-based hospital, I’m making up these examples because I don’t feel like checking the underlying facts of this latest case, but the point is that the ministerial exception has gone haywire. I think the Seventh Circuit has dealt with several of these school cases in the Chicago area. I should check. Shall I check?

Let’s check another time.

Kick Butt, Chiefs

I should mention that my extended family of Jayhawk and Chiefs fans is distressed, as I am personally, by the aberrant behavior of Chief’s kicker Harrison Butker, who delivered a stunning commencement speech at some right-wing religious college the other day. I’m guessing you already read about his twentyminute oration, calling out degenerates like you and me, praising homemaking and having children as women’s highest calling, telling men to be “unapologetic in your masculinity ... [fight] against the cultural emasculation of men ... do hard things, never settle for what is easy.”

I’m assuming that the “cultural emasculation of men” includes things like respecting women, taking on an equal share of household responsibilities, co-parenting, expressing emotion in a healthy manner, and similar travesties.

As for the doing hard things, it’s a Kennedyesque line but I don’t mean that in a good way. I’ve never understood that quote about going to the moon and doing the other things “not because they are easy but because they are hard.” That just makes no sense. We aimed to go to the moon for science and exploration, not “because it was hard.” Likewise, there are many occasions to take an easy route to a goal and indeed that is often a better strategy in my book.

“Hmmm. I see there’s a direct flight to Paris and back for $500. Oh, and here’s a nice little hotel on the Seine for a reasonable price.”

“But wait! Why not stop in Newark and go through Amsterdam for $1,650. And I can stay at a youth hostel in St. Cloud that takes cash only. It’s much harder this way!”

But back to Butker. We all hate him now. I asked my friend Jill how we will feel when he lines up a field goal on behalf of our favorite team. If we don’t need the points, Jill says she will root for him to miss. But if we’re down by one? Tough call. My wife Mel believes the Chiefs will dump him. He’s a great kicker, but Travis and Taylor aren’t going to be happy about teaming up with this narrowminded cretin. And I’m guessing Patrick Mahomes and Andy Reid are more than capable of manning up and doing the hard thing, like getting rid of their kicker.

Did you know, by the way, that NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell’s brother is gay? Put that in your pipe and smoke it, Harrison.

And Finally

Let’s see what else. A couple dozen states are suing the Biden administration over the “new” interpretation of federal law that brings the definition of sex discrimination in line with, um, the U.S. Supreme Court. I’m sure I’ll encounter this story down the road, probably over and over again, but I don’t have the stomach for it right now. Justice Gorsuch ruled definitively that sex discrimination covers gay and trans bias. The vote was 6–3 and four years have since gone by. So, the various red states are saying, what? That Gorsuch is wrong? That Gorsuch’s opinion only referred to workplace bias, while sex discrimination in housing or education remains tightly defined? It’s a merry-go-round of litigation and after a while even the most interested amateur legal observer like myself becomes exasperated. And throws up her hands! I am now in an endless wait for the recovery process, but you’ll be happy to know that Mel’s operation went well and she is off somewhere taking fun drugs while I make use of a makeshift countertop here in the surgery waiting lounge where I will spend another hour or so killing time. Oh, and my back hurts from using this computer at a bad angle so there’s that. If this goes on for another ten years, I’ll be the one having surgery.

Thank heavens I have my fabulous wine purse, which I think I’ve told you about in prior columns. It dispenses a bottle of wine through a hidden tap that emerges from a little flap. Otherwise, it looks like a very nice handbag (compliments of my daughter-in-law, Sheena). I’m drinking a pretty nice white Burgundy. Just a no name wine, but anything in the white Burgundy realm is awfully good. I am also halfway through a four-pack of Milano cookies, so all in all I can’t complain.

But I think I’d like to complain anyway. And before I leave you, keep an eye out for Queer Planet, a documentary on gay animals coming to Peacock in June. Looks like a cross between must-see-TV and a tiresome way to kill an evening. I suppose we’ll check it out, but I had a little fit the other day and may have canceled some of our streaming options.

I felt suddenly as if I had lost control of entertainment subscriptions. I was paying twice for stuff, once on Amazon and once as a direct subscriber. One of our services added Showtime and went up to $11 a month all on its own. And Apple Pay was dinging us all the time for $2.99 or $.99 or $1.09. What for? Who knows? I just cancelled the card and cancelled some other things so we’ll see what happens. It’s possible that Peacock may have found itself on the chopping block. Would I resubscribe just to watch queer animals? Another tough question. I will let you know.

arostow@aol.com

CASTRO

A Decade of Serving Families by Honoring Mothers:

Greene Estate Celebrates 10 Years in San Francisco

Trust Essentials

Jay Greene, Esq., CPA

This Mother’s Day held a special significance for Greene Estate, Probate, and Elder Law Firm, marking our 10th anniversary of serving families in the San Francisco Bay Area. As we celebrated this milestone, we were deeply grateful for the opportunity to share this occasion with the incredible mothers who have entrusted us with their legal needs. Mothers are the cornerstones of our families, offering unwavering love, support, and guidance throughout our lives. Their dedication and sacrifices deserve not only heartfelt appre-

ciation but also the security that comes with comprehensive estate planning.

At Greene Estate, we understand that navigating the complexities of estate planning, probate, and elder law can be overwhelming. That’s why we dedicate ourselves to providing compassionate and knowledgeable legal counsel, ensuring that your wishes are met and your loved ones are protected, even after you’re gone.

Our 10-year anniversary celebration was a joyous occasion filled with laughter, shared memories, and the warmth of our community. It was a testament to the trust and relationships we have built with our clients over the years, many of whom are mothers themselves.

As we look forward to the next chapter, we remain committed to providing exceptional legal services tailored to the unique needs of Bay Area families. We are honored to continue serving you and ensuring the wellbeing of future generations.

From the Greene Estate team, we hope that all mothers had a wonderful Mother’s Day in our community. It was such a pleasure to celebrate the firm’s 10th Anniversary with my

Mother and celebrate Mother’s Day with her this year.

Choose to secure your legacy, protect your loved ones, and gain peace of mind. Contact us at obed@greenelawfirm.com or call us at 415-905-0215 to schedule your consultation. Your future deserves the attention to detail and care that you have established for your life.

Statements In Compliance with California Rules of Professional Conduct: The materials in this article have been prepared by Attorney Jay Greene for educational purposes only and are not legal advice. This information does not create an attorney-client relationship. Individuals should consult with an estate planning and elder law attorney for up-to-date information for their individual plans.

Jay Greene, Attorney, CPA, is the founder of Greene Estate, Probate, & Elder Law Firm based in San Francisco, and is focused on helping LGBT individuals, couples, and families plan for their future, protect their assets, and preserve their wealth. For more information and to schedule an assessment, visit: https://assetprotectionbayarea.com/

Bay Times Columnist Attorney Jay Greene Celebrates 10 Years in California With the Greene Estate, Probate, and Elder Law Firm

Photos

by Marcus

Edwards

of California Real Estate Media LLC ( www.calrealestatemedia.com )

On Friday, April 26, 2024, Jay Greene along with his colleagues, clients, and friends celebrated 10 years of the Greene Estate, Probate, and Elder Law Firm in California. The firm’s practice helps individuals and families with trusts, powers of attorney, probate and trust administrations, and conservatorships. Everyone gathered to celebrate 10 years of creating peace through planning in our community. Due to the generous support of the evening’s sponsors, the event was able to raise funds for the LGBTQ+ Community Partnership. The LGBTQ+ Community Partnership is a grassroots group of consumers, service providers, and advocates dedicated to improving access to qual-

ity services for older LGBTQ+ adults and adults with disabilities.

Evening Sponsors included Ivy Senior Living (Gold Sponsor), AlmaVia of San Francisco (Entertainment Sponsor), San Francisco Bay Times (Media Sponsor), along with Emerald Sponsors (Suncrest Hospice, OPO Health, and Concierge Senior Care).

Entertainment for the night was started off by the amazing violinist Kippy Marks, followed by the beats of DJ Richard Mixon, resident DJ of Opulent Temple. Southern food, harkening Greene’s southern roots, was catered by Chef Rashad Armstead, Chopped Food Network champ.

We wish Jay Greene and Greene Estate, Probate, and Elder Law Firm another amazing 10 years in the San Francisco Bay Area.

Tony-Winning Musical Masterpiece Cabaret Center Stage at Center Repertory Company

Center Repertory Company (REP) is proving Cabaret still captivates with a scintillating new production.

Decades after its Broadway debut, audiences continue to be drawn into the euphoric allure of escaping to the Kit Kat Klub, where hedonistic nightlife and self-expression thrive as its occupants ignore the troubles of the world outside its doors. Cabaret ’s exploration of forces threatening to overturn democracy, the normalization of hate, and the quickness with which progress can be reversed feel timely.

Featuring John Kander and Fred Ebb’s iconic score with songs including “Wilkommen,” “Don’t Tell Mama,” “Maybe This Time,” and the titular “Cabaret,” this legendary

musical will be performed at Lesher Center for the Arts in Walnut Creek May 26–June 23, 2024.

Center REP’s Artistic Producer Markus Potter directs this production. A Concord native who was raised by a civil rights activist, Potter pursues theatrical work that speaks against injustice and amplifies the voices of vulnerable communities. He has long wanted to direct Cabaret, hoping audiences are not only captivated by the dazzling music, thrilling choreography, and intriguing story but also are inspired to ponder about our society today.

“The themes of identity, freedom, and the perils of indifference within Cabaret are eerily relevant, mirroring the contemporary rise of many forms of hate,” said Potter.

“This production is envisioned as a catalyst for dialogue, urging our audience to reflect on their societal roles and the dangers of complacency.”

The real-life sexual freedom of the Weimar Era nightclub scene is at the heart of this musical masterpiece. One hundred years ago, queer life flourished in Berlin. During the 1920s, gay nightclubs

provided a haven for the LGBTQIA+ community, where clubgoers could enjoy sexual freedom and live their lives openly. Among those boîtes was the glittering Eldorado (spotlighted in the Netflix documentary Eldorado: Everything the Nazis Hate) It and dozens of other clubs’ doors were quickly slammed shut in the 1930s when the Nazi regime came to power.

Legal restrictions against homosexuality lingered in Germany for decades after the war, leaving a lasting impact for generations. The Eldorado itself is now a grocery store, a beacon of queer history lost to time.

Q ueer Bay Area theatre veteran Rotimi Agbabiaka steps into the role of the Cabaret’s irreverent and intriguing master of ceremonies, a ringleader for the decadent fun of the Kit Kat Klub. In addition to commanding performances OffBroadway with Playwrights Horizons and around the Bay Area (including American Conservatory Theater, Magic Theatre, and more), they also dazzle on nightlife stages—formerly playing a drag character called Zombie Minelli (Zombie with a Z!), they now perform as alter-ego Miss Cleo Patois, a theatrical, live-singing, jazz-dancing conduit of high and low culture who has been spotted at OASIS, San Jose Pride, and more.

Agbabiaka was inspired to pursue theatre professionally after performing as the Emcee in college, enjoying the role’s playful connection with the audience and delving into the character’s colorful, queer, and multifaceted persona. For the Center REP production, costume designer Becky Bodurtha leans into the Emcee’s gender-expansive nature, with a wide variety of costumes spanning sultry to sinister.

“What Cabaret does so well is allow the audience to experience the thrill

and subversion of queer Berlin in the 1930s and the uncertainty and looming horror of the Nazi era,” says Agbabiaka. “Ultimately the audience is left with the question Fraulein Schneider poses: ‘What would you do?’ And I imagine there could be as many answers as there are audience members.”

Agbabiaka is joined onstage by Monique Hafen Adams as chanteuse Sally Bowles, Jacob Henrie-Naffaa as expat novelist Clifford Bradshaw,

Center Repertory Company presents “Cabaret” May 26–June 23, 2024, at Lesher Center for the Arts, 1601 Civic Drive, Walnut Creek. For tickets and information, call the box office at 925-943-7469 or visit https://tinyurl.com/3fvmyfkr

Kelly Ground as landlady Fräulein Schneider, Richard Farrell as Jewish fruit seller Herr Scultz, Michelle Drexler as Fräulein Kost, Paul Plain as Max, and Charlie Levy as Ernst Ludwig.

Two Singular Sensations

Off the Wahl

Jan Wahl

One of my favorite expressions is “progress not perfection.” But I am about to lay out two movies that are true perfection, from cast to writing to direction, camera, costumes, and sets. Each one is perfect escapism for the summer doldrums, each classic and repeatable.

Sunset Blvd (1950) is a tawdry, terrific tale of an aging silent movie queen. She hires a hunky young screenwriter to help her with a comeback. Her name is Norma Desmond and she is one of the great characters of all time.

This Billy Wilder film is a combination of noir, black comedy, and deep character study, full of Hollywood insider atmosphere and players. Based on the story of real-life stars such as Norma Talmadge, Mary Pickford, and Mabel Normand, the actress who plays Norma is on that list: the divine queen herself, Gloria Swanson. Her acting as the eventually psychotic Norma is amazing and she should have won the Oscar. I am still resentful at the Academy for only nominating her, but she will go down in history as the incredible Miss Desmond.

Norma, her mansion, and her butler Max (Erich von Stroheim.) In a middle finger to Hollywood, Holden’s Joe hates the studio, moguls, and bosses who critique. It is no wonder the movie was hated by Establishment Hollywood and almost never saw a release.

The screenwriting by Wilder and Charles Brackett is remarkable.

“You used to be Norma Desmond; you used to be big.” “I’m still big; it’s the pictures that got small.”

That is merely one example, but the writing goes far and deep as we have enveloped so much of it in our lexicon. In 1981, Andrew Lloyd Webber wrote a wonderful Broadway musical based on it, and I am praying for the movie version.

Sam Staggs wrote one of the favorite books titled Close-Up on Sunset Boulevard. Staggs is a great Hollywood writer, giving us books like

The screenwriter who develops a dangerous relationship with her is played by William Holden, in a role originally offered to Montgomery Clift. Norma was offered to Theda Bara, Mae West (“Hey, I ain’t no has been!”), and Shirley Temple; all of these actresses declined. Holden is perfect as he navigates the treacherous world of

When Blanche Met Brando about the making of A Streetcar Named Desire and All About All About Eve In Close Up he goes behind the scenes during the making of the film, addresses the personalities involved, and the disaster when Hollywood realized Wilder was mocking his own. Whether you watch this film for the first time or resee it, Sunset Blvd is sheer perfection.

Let us go in a completely different direction. 1953’s Gentlemen Prefer Blondes answers the question, “What’s the big deal about Marilyn Monroe?”

Let us add Jane Russell to that as we meet two showgirls on their way to Europe. One of them, Lorelei Lee, is about to be married to a very wealthy man, much to the dismay of his father. The other, a tough dame beautifully played by Russell, is along this Atlantic cruise as a chaperone to Lorelei.

Russell delivers in a Mae West voice: “Nobody chaperones the chaperone; that’s why I’m so right for this job.” Howard Hawks directed this rollicking and sexy musical, with choreography by the

(continued on page 36)

Streaming this month on MHZ Choice is the binge-worthy French mystery, All This I Will Give to You This knotty drama concerns Manuel Ortigosa (David Kammenos), a bestselling writer who makes some unsettling discoveries when his husband, Aymeric (Alexis Loret), dies in a car crash.

First, Manuel learns that his husband was the heir to a Domaine (estate with vineyards) in Provence, and, upon his death, Manuel inherits everything. But he is a reluctant executor. Aymeric’s family, led by the formidable Marquise (Nicole Calfan), wants to contest the will.

Moreover, Joffrey (Aurélien Wiik), the only surviving son in the family, was expecting to be put in charge. La Marquise does not hide her disdain, and Manuel is not invited to the funeral.

A Queer French Mystery Series Worth Binging

Joffrey’s spouse, Catherine (Louise Monot), is tasked with controlling her husband, who is a loose cannon. One ally Manuel has is Hermine (Annie Grégorio), who works in the house, but Manuel is quickly at odds with Guillaume (FrançoisDominique Blin), who works on the land. In addition, Manuel meets two folks who knew Aymeric as a child— they went to school together—Lucas (Lionel Erdogan), a local priest, and Alexia (Mélanie Maudran), who works on the estate.

Manuel also has to navigate his (working) relationship with Richard, who is quite homophobic. Manuel checks him on occasion, demanding respect. Richard comes to appreciate Manuel’s efforts not just to help him with the case—because Richard is retired, he is jeopardizing his pension

Richard have as they dig deeper into Aymeric’s death. They find connections to Aymeric’s death and Enguerrand’s death, suggesting his suicide was actually murder. An episode from 30 years ago that was a pivotal moment for the family may also be significant. But there are also red herrings to divert attention and create suspicion. All This I Will Give to You does a good job of making every detail seem important until it is not—something Richard explains to Manuel about how he does his detective work. Whether Manuel is going to parlay his crime-solving experiences into a book is also raised.

The performances are uniformly strong, and Kammenos makes an engaging lead. He displays an intensity and a curiosity as Manuel and holds his own in his various encounters.

Manuel attends anyway, making it clear that he is not only going to honor his late husband’s wishes, but also, with the help of newly retired gendarme Richard Saugier (Bruno Solo), investigate Aymeric’s death— because foul play is suspected.

While an autopsy might provide answers about the abdominal wounds Aymeric suffered, La Marquise put a stop to that. Manuel also realizes that his husband was not wearing his wedding ring at the time of his death. Was he having an affair? Manuel quickly realizes that he will discover things he never knew about the man he loved.

All This I Will Give to You introduces many suspects and storylines over the course of its six 45-minute episodes. La Marquise proves herself to be both homophobic (towards Manuel) and racist towards Elisa (Philypa Phoenix), her widowed Black daughter-in-law. (Elisa’s husband, Enguerrand, the youngest son in the family, committed suicide.)

Watching him punch a homophobe outside a gay club or dress down Richard for one of his insensitive remarks is enjoyable as is his efforts to help Elisa and her son Arsène (Alexander Mari-Mcsween) escape from her late husband’s oppressive family.

Likewise, Bruno Solo is amusing as the jaded cop; he takes a

by investigating—but also with his family, whom the gendarme has alienated.

The charac-

ters all have secrets and tell lies, and the series gets juicier as Manuel and Richard uncover all kinds of bad behavior. (They also get shot at in one sequence.) Over the course of several episodes, there are drugs, blackmail, trysts with sex workers, and a long-buried scandal, among other crimes. How they are all connected to the characters provides much of the fun in the series.

Most of the characters often seem to be untrustworthy. This may be because All This I Will Give to You deals with characters living double lives. Manuel, in particular, wonders about Aymeric’s behavior as he learns more about his late husband, whom he recalls fondly in a handful of memory sequences. However, viewers will need to suspend disbelief to appreciate that the couple’s relationship was unknown by Aymeric’s family, and that Manuel was unaware of his husband’s wealth.

What keeps the series compelling are all the exchanges Manuel and

stock character and gives him a personality that is both hardheaded and capable of change. A speech he has, late in the series, is quite revealing, and Solo plays it well.

In support, Nicole Calfan is deliciously evil as La Marquise, and Aurélien Wiik engenders some real pity as Joffrey, who suffers numerous indignities over the course of the series. That he makes his troubled character sympathetic is to the actor’s credit.

All This I Will Give to You may be a bit obvious in places—the parentage of one child is hardly a surprise, and some of the suspenseful moments are overplayed—but mostly, this series is addicting enough to want to watch in one sitting.

© 2024 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.” He teaches Short Attention Span Cinema at the Bryn Mawr Film Institute and is the moderator for Cinema Salon, a weekly film discussion group. Follow him on Twitter @garymkramer

Film

Gary M. Kramer

Faces from Our LGBT Past

When Russian symbolist poet, author, and playwright Mikhail Alekseyevich Kuzmin (1872–1936) published his short novel Wings in 1906, it was immediately controversial. Pundits denounced it as a provocative, pornographic work, and accused its author of encouraging “sexual degeneration” with his “idealization of the sodomitic sin,” and pilloried him as “the Russian Oscar Wilde” for his sympathetic description of “the cult of male love.” No matter. Kuzmin’s affirmation of the love men have for each other made him an immediately important literary figure.

Wings was something very new for Russian literature: a coming-of-age story about a young man who discovers and embraces his true sexual self.

More than a tale of physical attraction, the novel presents a hero’s deep affection for his lover as meaningful and rewarding. Equally astonishing for the era, Kuzmin’s novel did not end in abject tragedy; its characters might not have lived happily ever after, but at least they lived reasonably so. Many of the author’s readers

Mikhail Alekseyevich Kuzmin: ‘Love Is From the Gods’

in the generation between the 1905 and 1917 revolutions embraced Kuzmin as their mentor, model, and spokesman.

Others began writing about samesex love as well. Five years after Wings appeared, Symbolist poet Viacheslav Ivanov (1866–1945) published Cor Ardens (Burning Heart ) to great acclaim; one section, “Eros,” remembered his same-sex intimacies. His wife, Lydia Zinovieva (1866–1907), created stories about closeness between women. Nikolai Kliuev (1887–1937), leader of the New Peasant Poets, and his lover Sergei Esenin (1895–1925), later married, briefly, to dancer Isadora Duncan (1877–1927), both described their passionate relationship in their poetry.

Across his career, however, Kuzmin remained the most outspoken and certainly the most influential of Russia’s growing list of LGBT writers. Born in a small village near Yaroslavl, Russia, his family moved to St. Petersburg in 1884, where he lived for the rest of his life. At first, he studied composition, then turned to writing, encouraged by Georgy Chicherin (1872–1936), his oldest and dearest friend—they shared a lifelong passion for music, books, and men— who became the Soviet Union’s first Commissar for Foreign Affairs from 1918 to 1930.

Chicherin introduced Kuzmin to Mir iskoustva (The World of Art), a group of painters, writers, dancers, and critics who shared many of his artistic aesthetics—and also appealed to him “because of its large homosexual membership.” Guided by ballet

maestro Sergei Diaghilev (1872–1929), it launched a literary journal in 1899, which became immediately scandalous for publishing an account by Symbolist poet Zinaida Gippus (1869–1945) of her visit to Taormina, Sicily, which described in great detail the island’s homosexual community. The first great romance of Kuzmin’s life began in 1893. “I met a man, with whom I fell very much in love,” he wrote later. “He was about four years older and an officer in the cavalry ... . It was very hard to spend enough time with him, to conceal where we met, etc., but it was one of the happiest periods of my life.” He continued that, although “my mother did not especially approve of my way of life,” it was “an enchanting time, especially because I found a new group of merry friends.”

Other grand passions followed. By 1908, when Kuzmin published Nets, his first homoromantic poetry anthology, he was living with artist and set designer Sergei Sudeikin (1882–1946), who later created the settings for the original New York production of Porgy and Bess in 1935, and his first wife, dancer Olga Glebova (1885–1945). When Olga discovered the two men were having an affair, she demanded that Kuzmin leave their home, although the three of them continued to collaborate on plays and poetry readings. Apparently, Olga and Kuzmin had the same taste in men. In 1910, when the author was 38 years old, he met Vsevolod Gavriilovich Knyazev (1891–1913), a dashing army officer, who was 19. Their intimacy lasted until he abandoned Kuzmin for Olga two years later. Knyazev committed suicide after Olga left him for Symbolist poet Alexander Blok (1880–1921), a great defender of Kuzmin’s work, then married to actress Lyubov Mendeleeva (1881–1939), whose father, Dmitri Mendeleev (1834–1907), had created the periodic table of the elements.

Kuzman met Yuri Ivanovich Yurkun, née Juozas Jurkūnas (1895–1938), the enduring passion of his life, in 1913; an aspiring writer, he published his first novel, Swedish Gloves, the next year. Even with ever increasing sanctions against gay men in the Soviet Union, they remained

together for 23 years. At first, they lived in St. Petersburg with Yurkun’s mother in a communal apartment. In 1920, they were joined by actress Olga Arbenina, who became Yurkun’s wife in 1921. Soon after, he stopped writing to become a successful graphic artist.

As an openly gay literary figure and a prominent spokesman for sexual expression, Kuzmin essentially became a nonperson under Communist authority, which condemned male-male intimacy. For the last decade of his career, he made a meager living primarily as a translator, most notably of Shakespeare’s plays. His final public reading was in 1928, which one contemporary described as “the last rally of Leningrad homosexuals.” He was somehow allowed to publish one more book of poems, The Trout Breaks the Ice, the next year, then nothing.

Two years after Kuzmin died in 1936, Yurkin became caught up in Josef Stalin’s Great Purge of political consolidation. In a notorious case involving more than 70 poets, playwrights, essayists, and journalists, the Military Collegium of the Supreme Court of the USSR sentenced him to death “for participation in an anti-Soviet right-wing Trotskyist terrorist and sabotage organization operating among the writers of Leningrad.” He was executed on September 21, 1938. Olga Arbenina tried for more than a decade to learn of his fate.

Kuzmin hoped for a future where each of us would have the right “to be ourselves,” but instead saw the freedom of literary and artistic

expression he had briefly enjoyed steadily collapse around him and sexual openness become more and more suppressed. He was never to know the enlightenment that would lead, as he wrote, to a world where “people saw that every sort of beauty, every sort of love is from the gods, and they became free and bold, and they grew wings.”

Bill Lipsky, Ph.D., author of “LGBTQ+ Trailblazers of San Francisco” (2023) and “Gay and Lesbian San Francisco” (2006), is a member of the Rainbow Honor Walk board of directors.

Myriam and Allison

Dr. Bill Lipsky

Portrait of Mikhail Kuzmin by Konstantin Somov, 1909

Yuri Ivanovich Yurkun

How It Works Out by Myriam L aCroix

David Bowie: The Oral History by Dylan Jones

Bandmates, groupies, friends, admirers, and lovers of glam rock legend David Bowie share

TLC: Tears, Laughs and Conversation

Dr. Tim Seelig

We know the legendary story of Holly Near composing “Singing for our Lives” 46 years ago on her way to the Candlelight Vigil for Harvey Milk. It was 1978. Two years later, across the country, another remarkable event was taking place. It would change the course of women’s health as Harvey Milk’s assassination changed the future of queer history.

In 1980, a young woman named Nancy stood at her sister Suzy’s bedside as she lay dying of breast cancer after a fierce, years-long battle. Nancy held Suzy’s hand and promised she would leave no stone unturned to change the face of breast cancer. In 1982, Nancy founded the Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation in Suzy’s memory. To date, the foundation has invested more than $2.9 billion into its mission to end breast cancer. Nancy did a herculean job making good on her promise to Suzy.

Singing for Our Lives… and a Cure

Around the same time, Nancy Brinker had the idea to create a choral symphony based on the stories of breast cancer survivors and those left behind by those who did not survive. The Turtle Creek Chorale had commissioned the first AIDS Requiem in 1991. Her dream was for this to mirror that in many ways. Just a lot bigger. Nancy said, “We have raced for a cure. We have jumped and cooked and spoken. It’s time we sing!”

We began to raise money and eventually gathered an amazing array of artists, including a librettist, ten composers, orchestrator, and narrator. On June 6, 2002, Sing for the

the chorus was founded, 1981. Before the concert, the men of the chorus voted unanimously to change its red AIDS Awareness pin to one that would now proclaim awareness for AIDS and breast cancer—half red, half pink. The chorus members pinned each other with the new pins as the concert began. There was not a dry eye in the house.

From that auspicious beginning, Sing for the Cure traveled across the U.S. and Canada, with two performances at Carnegie Hall and a stellar performance at the Southbank Centre in London. Through the performances and recording, I was lucky enough to become friends with Dr. Angelou. She allowed me to throw her 80th birthday party at the Meyerson Symphony Center. It was quite a blowout with choruses, orchestra, a huge birthday cake, and 2,000 birthday well-wishers.

The most exciting part of the article is an invitation for you to sing the life-changing music in a city near you or at Lincoln Center on November 23, 2025! It’s true. Read on.

When I came out, my life was saved by a gay men’s chorus. I was also thrown into the depths of the AIDS pandemic. Two years later, in the summer of 1989, my best lesbian friend and I decided it was time to create a sister chorus, The Women’s Chorus of Dallas. It took off like a rocket, and before long, there were 100 women. They didn’t hesitate a moment in embracing their musical siblings. They helped feed, hold, love, and sing with and for them. Had we known what lay ahead, we might have named them the Florence Nightingale Chorus.

Fast forward to 1999, when the first member of the Women’s Chorus of Dallas, Jerri Lynne Smith, died of breast cancer. The women were devastated. So were the men.

Cure had its world premiere at the Meyerson Symphony Center in Dallas. There were 300+ singers from the two choruses, a 60-piece orchestra, and a narrator. Wait for it. That narrator was Dr. Maya Angelou. The recording is available on all streaming platforms.

A remarkable thing happened at that concert. The men of the TCC had been fighting AIDS since it was first discovered the same year

Next year will be the 25th Anniversary of Sing for the Cure. The original organizing committee is back together promoting twenty performances in major cities across the U.S. On its way to Lincoln Center, Sing for the Cure will be performed in Los Angeles, San Francisco, Denver, Minneapolis, Dallas, Charlotte, Ft. Lauderdale, Wichita, Fargo, and many other cities.

The year will culminate with a spectacular anniversary celebration at Lincoln Center in November 2025. That’s where you come in. You’re invited to join us on stage or in the audience. If you can’t do that, it will be livestreamed.

The final lyrics of the piece, penned by Pamela Stewart, echo in all of us: “We are one voice. We will keep on singing ‘til our work is done. We will keep on singing ‘til the race is won. We will keep on singing ‘til the ribbons that we wear wave like banners of life. We have one life. One choice. We are one voice.”

We really are inviting folks from all over the U.S. to join us at Lincoln Center on November 23, 2025! For more information, contact us at SFGMC2025@gmail.com

Dr. Tim Seelig is the Conductor Laureate of the San Francisco Gay Men’s Chorus. http://www.timseelig.com/

Lincoln Center

Indie Food Fest 2024

Dozens of makers participated in the Indie Food Fest on May 11, 2024, at Market Hall Foods in Oakland. On a beautiful spring afternoon, they held court at booths on the sidewalks outside near the Rockridge BART Station and on College Avenue. Now that the annual Fancy Food Show that used to take place at the Moscone Center in San Francisco has moved to Las Vegas, this festival provides a welcome opportunity to meet independent, artisan food makers and to sample their cheeses, charcuterie, caviar, olive oil, sweet treats, spices, condiments, wine, and other specialties. The participants included:

• Katie Reicher, the Executive Chef of Greens Restaurant in San Francisco,

• a team from Marin French Cheese Company, which was established in 1865 and is the oldest cheese company in the U.S.,

• Anthony Teav of Mama Teav’s Hot Garlic,

• a team from Côte West, a family run urban winery based in Oakland,

• Jared Kent Murray of Mommenpop,

• Rick LaFranchi of Nicasio Valley Cheese,

• Justin Chao of Le Bon Garçon,

• and many others.

One of the nation’s foremost food and wine consultants, Roberta Klugman, was there looking stylish as always in an elaborate hat, as was Alice Medrich, aka the “First Lady of Chocolate.” Medrich, through her books, teaching, and former Cocolat shops in the Bay Area, creates decadent confections that came to be known as California Truffles, which are ubiquitous now (large chocolate truffles that are often filled with everything from ganache to liqueurs to fruit). Medrich and other food luminaries stopped by the fest just for fun and camaraderie, evidencing how many places in the East Bay are world-class food and wine destinations.

https://www.markethallfoods.com/

Terrible and Tasty Eats on a Trip From San Francisco to Reno Bay Times Dines

By Mark Abramson

When David Landis asked me to fill in for him during one of the weeks that he’s gallivanting around the world with his husband Sean, he assured me that I could use some of the allotted space to plug my books. Wouldn’t I be foolish not to? I’ll control myself and only mention two of them.

Farm Boy: a Memoir with Recipes is appropriate for this column because, as the title suggests, it contains some delicious recipes, including one for my Aunt Mabel’s Swedish Meatballs and another for my Aunt Helen’s Chex Mix. My personal favorite, and one that I make at least once or twice every summer, is Lake Superior Shores Cole Slaw with bacon. One can hardly go wrong by adding bacon to almost anything. It has fewer sex scenes than most of my books, but there are some cute pictures of me as a little kid on the farm in Minnesota.

I’ll also include L aughing Matters: Pandemic Diaries from Castro Street because it’s my newest book. It has no recipes, but it mentions food, has some gratuitous sex , and lots of laughs. I like it because my newest book is always my favorite (until the next one comes out) and most of us can relate to the value of a sense of humor while climbing back out of the darkest days of COVID-19.

Now, let me get to the gist of this column. I recently took Amtrak to Reno with a group of local friends. I have always loved trains, since the toy train I got for the first Christmas I can remember with its track that covered most of the living room floor. In years since, I’ve always ridden trains with

the sense of being in an Agatha Christie mystery. They’re great for eavesdropping and people watching and the train ride to Reno was most spectacular for its scenery, as we climbed through the gold country through the snowy Sierra Nevada Mountains and high above beautiful blue Donner Lake. I highly recommend the trip, in terms of relaxing and sightseeing, but you can’t be in any hurry on a train.

You can’t expect much in the way of culinary delights, either. I am old enough to remember sitting at a counter on a dining car, behind which a large man in a tall white toque hat flipped pancakes and eggs on a grill and poured steaming

cups of coffee into heavy ceramic cups. Everything is microwaved and served in plastic nowadays.

My group of friends and I decided to have lunch on the train to Reno. An announcement came over the public address system to let us know the hours of service and the $25 cost of the prix fixe (sounds fancy, doesn’t it?) menu. On trains, they often seat you with strangers to fill each of the tables of four. I’ve met some wonderful fellow-travelers that way, but there were four of us, so we got our own table this time.

I made the mistake of ordering a Monte Cristo sandwich, which is a variation of the French croque monsieur, but with the addition of sliced

turkey added to the ham and Swiss cheese. The sandwich is dipped in an egg batter, like French toast, and pan-fried until golden brown. I’ve ordered them in restaurants where they might be served with little bowls of strawberry or raspberry jam on the side. Sometimes they get a dusting of powdered sugar on top and they can also be good with a dollop of sour cream and/or a pour of maple syrup.

Not on Amtrak! What I got was two slices of bread with one paper-thin slice each of processed ham, turkey, and cheese in between. I joked to my friends that the ham hadn’t seen the inside of a pig in months! There was no egg batter. The bread was

Donner Lake, Nevada

Sugar Bowl

San Francisco as viewed from across the bay

Mark Abramson

Bay Times Dines

barely toasted, much less golden brown. The only condiments on the table were a cardboard basket filled with tiny packets of ketchup, mustard, and mayonnaise.

Two of our group ordered the mac & cheese, a cold gelatinous glob that resembled library paste on a flimsy plastic plate, and our smart friend ordered a cheeseburger. His was the only relatively palatable thing on the menu. Oh, I mustn’t forget that each entrée came with a handful of potato chips and included a soft drink or tea or coffee. For dessert we each got a “blondie” brownie topped with a squirt of whipped cream out of a can. Dessert was actually hot and tasty, but hardly made the meal worth twenty-five bucks!

When we pulled into Reno a few hours later, we heard an announcement about the hours of dinner service for those who were going on to Salt Lake City, Denver, or beyond. The price of dinner was $45. We all laughed and were happy to get off the train to look for some real food!

None of us came home rich from gambling, but we did luck out in our choice of a fabulous place for dinner. Louis’ Basque Corner has been serving up some of the best food to be found in Reno since 1967. I had eaten there once before, decades ago, and had

almost forgotten how great it was. Their website says: “Meals are served in the traditional Basque family style which includes soup of the day, French bread, Basque beans, salad, French fries, entrée, and complimentary glass of house wine or a soft drink.”

What we got was the most delicious split pea soup I’ve ever tasted, an endless supply of French bread, delicious beans, salad, a baked tomatoey chicken course, a huge pile of French fries, I ordered the sweetbreads for my entrée, and dessert was ice cream with chocolate sauce. Instead of a “glass of” wine, we got a liter of pretty decent house red, and when we finished that one, they brought us another liter ... all included.

Louis’ has tables of eight and, like on the train, you’re apt to end up sitting with people you don’t know. Next to me was seated quite a beautiful young, college-aged woman with two men, who turned out to be her father and brother. She spoke

so knowingly about the menu that we asked her if she was a local and whether she came here often. She said, “Not often, but I always come here for special occasions. I had my twenty-first birthday here, starting when I was eighteen, and then again when I was nineteen, twenty, and twenty-one.”

Everyone laughed and we asked if this was her birthday too, but she told us no, this special occasion was that she had family in town from Winnemucca. Of course, the gay San Franciscan in me was tempted to ask her dad and brother whether they had ever heard of the fictional Blue Moon Lodge, where Andy (later Anna) Madrigal grew up in The Tales of the City series, but I held my tongue. They might have been more apt to know about Burning Man, since the entrance is near Winnemucca, but I didn’t get to question them at all. They became very friendly as the food kept coming, but the young woman did most of the talking and she was delightful. Whether traveling by train, plane, or automobile, the best part of any trip, in my opinion, is coming home to San Francisco, a culinary destination for people from around the world. I’ll leave the local restaurant reviews for David to cover upon his return, but I do have one more recommendation.

Orphan Andy’s makes real Monte Cristo sandwiches. They’re really good, too, and they’re right here in the Castro and they only cost $16.75 accompanied by your choice of soup, salad, fries, coleslaw, or whatever. Mine came with powdered sugar on top and a pitcher of maple syrup on the side. People-watching is pretty good at Orphan Andy’s as well, especially if you luck out and get one of the window tables.

Mark Abramson is an author and former event producer who is based in the Castro. He has written several books, which often recount true tales about his life and the LGBTQ+ community in San Francisco.

https://markabramson.net/

Monte Cristo sandwich on Amtrak

Monte Cristo sandwich at Orphan Andy’s

David Landis, The Gay Gour met for the San Francisco Bay Times, is on vacation but will return in June

#1 - Randy Alfred in France

San Francisco Bay Times founding news editor Randy Alfred (left) watches the sunset from the ramparts of the medieval city of Laon, France. Randy noted that the two men sitting on the bench appeared to be a couple enjoying this romantic scene.

Photo courtesy of Felicity Livsey

#2 - Flaggers in the Park

San Francisco Bay Times volunteer coordinator Juan R. Davila joined the Flaggers in the Park members and friends who gathered in the National AIDS Memorial Grove for a Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence benefit with music by Jack Chang on Sunday, May 12. http://flaggercentral.com

Photos courtesy of Juan R. Davila

#3 - Holly Near at The Freight

SNAPSHOTS

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Sandy Morris, a contributing photographer for the San Francisco Bay Times, attended “The Almost 75 Birthday Concert” featuring legendary activist Holly Near at the Freight & Salvage in Berkeley on Saturday, May 18. Accompanying Near were Tammy Hall, Jan Martinelli, Michaelle Goerlitz, Nina Gerber, Sandy O, and Pat Humphries.

Photo by Sandy Morris

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Take Me Home with You!

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Let’s Go Home!

Have you found your lucky Penny yet? If not, here’s your chance! Penny is a vibrant and affectionate pup brimming with energy and ready to bring a wave of joy and perhaps a bit of luck into your life. Skilled in several commands like Sit, Touch, and Down, Penny is a fast learner who loves to please. She’s the perfect blend of friendly and enthusiastic, always ready to shower you with kisses.

Penny is a social butterfly; she gets along famously with both people and dogs, though she’s still mastering her bedtime manners! As a young pup, Penny thrives on reward-based training, which will surely polish this already bright gem into the finest coin in your pocket.

Think Penny might be your good luck charm? Swing by the SF SPCA and let this delightful dog make your day luckier!

Experience the joy Penny can bring into your life by visiting us at the SF SPCA Mission Campus, located at 201 Alabama Street. We warmly welcome visitors from 11 am to 6 pm, Wednesday through Sunday, and from 1 pm to 6 pm on Tuesdays. Please note, the SF SPCA is closed on Mondays. Come meet Penny and see how much brighter your days can be with her by your side!

https://www.sfspca.org/adoptions/

Here are two of the many pets now available for adoption at Oakland Animal Services (OAS): Meet Matcha! Matcha is an energetic, happy one-year-old pup who would love to go on lots of adventures with you. She enjoys treats and has a perfect “sit”!

Klay has a sweet and loving purr-sonality to go along with his stunning good looks. This 6-year-old boy will lean in for affection, and he’ll surely enjoy the regular brushing that will help keep his long-haired coat looking sharp.

The OAS adoption process focuses on matching you with a pet who is a good fit for you and your family. Come by during open adoption hours Thursdays 12–7 pm and Fridays/Saturdays/Sundays 12–3 pm to adopt your new best friend, or to learn more about the OAS adoption process. Please see the OAS website to learn more about how you can help by adopting, fostering, volunteering, and donating: www.oaklandanimalservices.org

Penny

Klay

Matcha

Sister Dana Sez: Words of Wisdumb from a Fun Nun

By

Sister Dana sez, “HAPPY (almost) LGBTQ PRIDE MONTH! We are so full of PRIDE that it takes an entire MONTH to express it!”

LGBTQ PRIDE MONTH is currently celebrated each year in the month of June to honor the 1969 Stonewall Uprising in Manhattan. The STONEWALL RIOTS were a tipping point for the GAY LIBERATION MOVEMENT in the United States. The last Sunday in June was initially celebrated as “Gay Pride Day,” but the actual day was flexible. In major cities across the nation the “ day ” soon grew to encompass a month -long series of events. LGBTQ Pride Month events attract millions of participants around the world. Memorials are held during this month for those members of the community who have been lost to hate crimes or HIV/AIDS. The purpose of the commemorative month is to recognize the impact that lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender individuals have had on history—locally, nationally, and internationally.

On May 7 at FABULOSA BOOKS, I had the great pleasure of meeting Ashley Hoff, in conversation with the legendary Peaches Christ (who played the hell out of her incredible Mommie Dearest stage character many times) about Hoff’s amazing book, LOVE, MOMMIE DEAREST ! We left our wire hangers at home! This delightful book details the making of the movie, and its status as a camp classic. I learned that Faye Dunaway was depressed when, at a public viewing, she heard the audience howling with laughter, because she thought it was a serious movie with serious acting. Yet it was and always will be a camp classic! Be fabulous at Fabulosa, 489 Castro Street, and buy this book!

https://www.fabulosabooks.com/

This was a happy headline on May 8: “U.S. paused shipment of thousands of [offensive] bombs to Israel [while still sending defensive artillery] amid Rafah rift.” This should please the pro-Palestinian protesters. It shows President Biden is deadly serious about demanding a ceasefire. Trump’s Florida trial for allegedly mishandling classified documents and obstructing government efforts to retrieve them has been pushed back indefinitely, U.S. District Trump-appointed Judge Aileen Cannon has ruled, increasing the chance that the former president’s ongoing New York criminal trial may be the only one to happen before the November election—unless she completely drops the docs case entirely. No!!! Sister Dana sez, “With all this impeachment nonsense, why don’t we impeach Cannon for being so biased for this criminal?! She’s a MAGA activist in a black robe! Fire the Cannon!”

We were thrilled to attend the Opening Reception on May 10 on the third floor of STRUT with “MY FEET CRUSH DIAMONDS ” to celebrate the amazing work of LaSalle. Inspired by Atlanta’s vibrant heartbeat, My Feet Crush Diamonds delves into Black queer identities, showcased through an expansive palette of mixed media. fabric

embroidery, spray paint, acrylic paint, and collage that transcend mere artistic methods, becoming channels for telling rich and moving stories. LaSalle’s pieces aim to spark dialogue, foster empathy, and celebrate the complex beauty of our humanity through the potent use of symbols and media. My fave is the humorous “What the Water Gave Me,” a stunning collage on wooden board. Look up close to spy Beyoncé emerging from the waters, while SpongeBob is screaming— all under a Saturn planet. Now step back to notice two human feet poking through the water while all this is occurring in this man’s bathtub! Brilliant! Check it out at Strut, 470 Castro Street.

AGUILAS invites you to their 30th Anniversary celebration on Friday, May 24, 6–8 pm at the Rainbow Room in the SF LGBT Center, 1800 Market Street, Second Floor. The event will feature food, drinks, entertainment, and brief presentations and is partially funded by Horizons Foundation. AGUILAS was founded in 1991, and began providing funded services in the spring of 1994 targeting Latinx LGBTQ individuals. AGUILAS is the oldest Latinx LGBTQ organization in all the countries in the Americas for empowering and serving the Latinx LGBTQ community. Free, but register at https://www.sfaguilas.org/

On May17, President Joe Biden marked the 70th ANNIVERSARY OF BROWN v. The Board of Education. Biden was honoring the ancient Supreme Court decision that desegregated public schools. The President appeared in the National Museum of African American History and Culture in Washington, D.C., to address his compliments and concerns. Biden was pleased to desegregate $20,000,000 in new grants to the most diverse HBC schools.

Meanwhile, last week during the porn star hush money cover-up criminal trial, Trump managed to get around his gag order by ordering a gaggle of butt-kissing Repugnicans to do his dirty-work and diss the judge and jurors. Sen. Rick Scott of Florida left Congress to skip a vote last Thursday to be the orange turd’s (Stormy Daniels’ words—not mine) mouthpiece. On Monday, Ohio Sen. J.D. Vance, Alabama

Sen. Tommy Tuberville, and Rep. Nicole Malliotakis of New York took the gag off Trump to gag our entire judicial system. And even House Speaker MAGA Mike (architect of “The Big Lie”) left his House duties to show up outside the trial. He has warned us that a second term for T-rump would be like the first, but “on turbo!” Turbo Trump?! And one time, T-rump’s MAGA minions boldly wore identical blue suits, white shirts, and long red ties to be look-alike Donalds! What a bunch of matching toadies!

BRITE NITE , sponsored by Manny’s “The Civic Joy Fund,” supporting LYRIC is on May 25, 8–10 pm in Harvey Milk Plaza and main street Castro. Look for us nuns lighting the night and asking for donations to LYRIC What is LYRIC? The mission of the Lavender Youth Recreation & Information Center (LYRIC) is to build community and inspire positive social change through education enhancement, career trainings, health promotion, and leadership development with LGBTQ youth, their families, and allies of all races, classes, genders, and abilities. LYRIC’s vision is a diverse society where LGBTQ youth are embraced for who they are, and are encouraged to be who they want to be. By working towards social justice and supporting young leaders, their families and allies, LYRIC is building a world that honors, respects, and appreciates LGBTQ youth and their contributions. Bars, businesses, and windows will be aglow. So, when you see us nuns out on Brite Nite, please donate! Mission Library Branch and the Bookmobile are returning to the CARNAVAL parade! SF PUBLIC LIBRARY is participating in the Carnaval parade on Sunday, May 26, 10 am–2 pm. The parade runs from 24th & Bryant Streets towards 15th Street from Mission Street. This year’s Carnaval theme is “Honor Indigenous Roots.”

The Cockettes Nouveau are back in San Francisco for just three nights at Oasis SF with their fun, new musical revue DIRT! SEX! PASSION! on Wednesday, May 29; Thursday, May 30; and Friday, May 31—all at 7 pm, 298 Eleventh Street. Join original Cockettes

(continued on page 36)

Sister Dana Van Iquity

Dennis McMillan (aka Sister Dana) at Fabulosa Books with A. Ashley Hoff, author of With Love, Mommie Dearest; The Making of an Unintentional Camp Classic, and Peaches Christ on Tuesday, May 7. The book provides an account of the 1981 film starring Faye Dunaway as movie star Joan Crawford.

Meet the AIDS/LifeCycle Community AIDS/LifeCycle

For married couple and co-captains, Mooney Gow and Curtis Paullins, Team Smiley represents the best of the Ride—community, advocacy, and the “right thing to do” in honor of the friends whom they have lost to HIV.

Based in Sacramento, Team Smiley is a 24-member team ready to embark on their seventh ride to raise funds for the life-saving services of San Francisco AIDS Foundation and the HIV-related services of the Los Angeles LGBT Center. Formed by Sacramento-based Gow and Paullins, the team has not only raised nearly $100,000 for this year’s ride, but also nearly $500,000 since the team’s inception. In addition, the team raises HIV awareness in more rural areas with members in Chico, Turlock, and Reno, Nevada.

Team Smiley Rides to Bring Joy and HIV Awareness to Northern California

lighthearted way. Here in Sacramento, we welcome everyone to ride with us and even provide honorary memberships for those who can’t ride.”

“We really put the effort in to bring AIDS Life/Cycle’s LoveBubble to Sacramento,” added Gow. “This means we provide a fully equipped experience with water, snacks, and patience for all newcomers. No one gets left behind and we try our best to be very supportive of the team.”

The Ride is personal to both Gow and Paullins, as they both lived through the AIDS crisis of 1980s.

Gow and Paullins shared: “We really want to thank our top fundraisers—Craig Roecker, Brooke Kimbrough, and Garrett Lenoir, and our other founding members—Celeste Fountain and her husband Craig Roecker, Rich Kazanjian, and Kelley Murdaugh. Additionally, we would also like to thank our Roadie members Michelle and Darrell Parker, who decorate their Sweep vehicle in Smiley regalia.”

The pair additionally reflected on the significance of the team name, their supportive team culture, and the importance of bringing AIDS/LifeCycle to Sacramento.

“My first ride was in 2014 and the following year Mooney joined in,” said Paullins. “We created Team Smiley, named after Mooney’s cheery smile, with the intention to raise awareness of HIV in a non-offensive and

Philip Ruth

Sometimes the experts tell only part of the story, and I found this to be true while evaluating this article’s 40-mpg-plus hybrid sedans: the $29,971 Toyota Corolla Hybrid Nightshade Edition and $38,350 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid Limited.

T he Corolla Hybrid gave very different impressions to my client than it did to me. He was seeking a fuelefficient car for local driving to care for an elderly friend while also going long distances to visit prisoners in his trans activism work. Upscale brands were anathema to his blue-collar sensibility, and the pre-owned Hondas and Toyotas carried stupidly high prices.

T hen I found a few dealers offering new Corolla Hybrid LEs for about the same prices as our used selections—in theory, at least, because even before these Corolla Hybrid

“We were there at the beginning of the AIDS crisis and lived through the whole Reagan Administration ignoring the issue,” said Gow.

Paullins added, “We lost friends and were familiar with the 1994 California AIDS Ride. So, it makes sense that this is the right thing to do—in honor of those we knew and so many others.”

When asked about the importance of raising HIV and AIDS awareness in Northern California, both team ride leaders stressed the importance of visibility and community-building.

Paullins said, “Unless people have family or friends living with HIV, people out here don’t think of HIV as a problem. I’ve had a lot of unexpected encounters on our training rides with community members interested in our cause because they see us training and wearing our shirts. It’s very important to raise awareness in rural areas because there is still a lot of work to be done out here.”

https://www.aidslifecycle.org/

AIDS/LifeCycle is co-produced by the San Francisco AIDS Foundation and the Los Angeles LGBT Center.

Expert Advice Versus Real-World Opinions

LEs hit the showrooms, they were sold. Except for one at San Francisco Toyota, which we just barely laid claim to ahead of another buyer.

T his Corolla Hybrid was a screaming deal, priced thousands less than any competing Hyundai Elantra Hybrid in the Bay Area. My client expressed frustration with his Corolla Hybrid’s center-screen interface (as most clients do, no matter the brand), but otherwise he loved the car, remarking on its power, easy cruising, and comfort.

A week later, I received this Corolla Hybrid Nightshade Edition, and while I liked its spiffy coppercolored wheels and red interior flourishes, I didn’t enjoy driving it. The noisy engine, vague

transmission response, limited visibility, and stool-like driver’s seat cushion were all turn-offs. I marveled that my client had a completely different take on it.

Regarding the Sonata: “I hate the name,” said a friend. “Sounds like ‘snot.’” I’d never thought of that

(continued on page 36)

Auto

Toyota Corolla Hybrid Nightshade Edition

Hyundai Sonata Hybrid Limited

Restoration of the Murals at the Grubstake Diner

By John Jason Phillips

In 1976 when The Grubstake (at 1525 Pine Street) doubled its space, I was contracted to paint murals on the new walls and the outside of the building. After consultation with the owners and the manager, and because the original restaurant was depicted as a train car, it was decided that I would paint a series of panels depicting a journey from New England to San Francisco at the time of the California Gold Rush.

On the interior I painted five panels of a larger mural entitled Coast to Coast. The individual panels are entitled:

1. “All Aboard in New England,”

2. “A Showboat on the Mississippi,”

3. “Colorado Pastoral,”

4. “Moonlight on the Desert of Utah,”

5. and “San Francisco Harbor.”

On the exterior of the building, I painted a large scene of the train arriving and the passengers leaving at their arrival in San Francisco. Outside of the main building through the small windows, I painted scenes of people on the platform waving to the passengers.

Unfortunately, due to time and construction, the exterior murals were destroyed.

As an artist, I am still amazed and pleased that my work has been preserved and appreciated for so many years. However, I noticed on my last trip from Santa Fe that the murals had faded, and some were in bad need of repair.

The work proved to be a bit more difficult than I had anticipated—in some ways because I am no longer a “mere pup” and climbing around the tables and banquettes did cause more than one backache. Nothing would have prevented me, however. How often, if ever, does an artist get the opportunity to update his legacy?!

After conversations with Jimmy Consos (the current owner of The Grubstake), a deal was reached, and I came to San Francisco for a week’s work of restoring the panels.

Over the week, I sanded, scraped, and patched the work. I did not want to change the content of the pieces in any way, so it was apparent that “repainting” was not the course of action. With some opaque foundations and a series of transparent acrylic glazes, I was able to restore the pieces. I was aided by the ability to use acrylic paint markers to increase some of the detail—these lovey inventions were not available at the time of execution. In many ways, I feel that the murals are not only restored but also are actually better than the originals.

I will forever be grateful to The Grubstake ( https://www.grubstakesf.com/ ) for this wonderful opportunity!

John Jason Phillips is a Santa Fe-based artist exploring the beauty of the people and land of the West, his birthplace. https://tinyurl.com/2p8dra m3

Artist John Jason Phillips

“Colorado Pastoral” panel at the Grubstake Diner

“San Francisco Harbor” panel at the Grubstake Diner

“A Showboat on the Mississippi” panel from the Grubstake Diner mural

“All Aboard in New England” panel at the Grubstake Diner

great Jack Cole. Cole was an eccentric artist, an out of the closet gay man, who brought East Indian, sexy, homoerotic moves and wild sensuality to all he did. Russell told me he completely put his stamp on all their numbers, along with Gwen Verdon. One of the best is a number in the ship’s gym called “Is There Anyone Here for Love?” It is one of the most perfect musical numbers ever put on film.

Adapted from Anita Loo’s sensational novel of 1925 and originally starring Carol Channing on Broadway, the character of Lorelei sharply lampoons men’s desire to women, a burlesque of

(continued from pg 34)

in the years since the Sonata’s 1988 debut. Accord, Altima, Galant, and Sonata are all examples of Asian brands leveraging the sonorous side of the letter A. These names are designed to roll off the tongue in any accent, and it was surprising that he focused on the consonants.

A side from its updated front and rear styling, this Sonata Hybrid was yet another silver mid-sized sedan in Castro traffic, with a don’t-mind-me look that blended in with its Uber-like camouflage.

T his anonymity quickly became an asset, as the Sonata Hybrid revealed itself to be an actual sport sedan. A decade or so ago, a mainstream car with the Sonata Hybrid’s elevated agility would be a pricey version with blackout trim aimed at a subset of enthusiast buyers; now, it’s just how

femineity and the razor-edged brains of the “dumb” blonde. Her righteous gold-digging dame is loveable and unforgettable. She is so luminous that she practically glows in the dark. Monroe’s regular costume designer, William Travilla, adds to the verve and wit of this movie. We are talking perfection. See it again for yourself.

Jan Wahl is a Hollywood historian and film critic on various broadcast outlets. She has two Emmys and many awards for her longtime work on behalf of film buffs and the LGBTQ community. Contact her at www.janwahl.com

they all roll, and it’s heartwarming to see this kind of motoring fun being available to all.

T he Sonata Hybrid had a commanding driving position and clear sightlines all around. The throttle response was strong. On the curved entrance ramp from Duboce Street to the Bay Bridge, the Sonata Hybrid calmly held its line, and then merging summoned instant thrust. The engine was occasionally loud but not grating, and the geared transmission was on-point. It added up to a well-rounded tourer. Both these hybrids have attractive appeal, depending on your perspective.

Philip Ruth is a Castro-based automotive photojournalist and consultant with an automotive staging service.

Scrumbly Koldewyn and Carl Linkhart , and the new generation of Cockettes Nouveau including Noah Haydon, Birdie Bob Watt, Bonni Suval, Ellie Stokes, Matt Bratko, Steven Satyricon, and Yaadi Erica Richardson celebrating the music created by Scrumbly, Link Martin, Martin Worman, Peter Mintun and others.

https://www.sfoasis.com/

SF LGBT CENTER is hosting their FIRST-EVER Block Party! As the first event of its kind, BUILDING THE BLOCK PURPLE PRIDE PARTY is officially launching San Francisco Pride season. You’ll get connected to local resources, local small business vendors, BIPOC-owned food trucks, and experience live entertainment from Bay Area LGBTQ creators and beyond! Saturday, June 1, 10 am–4 pm. https://sfcenter.org/

Kick off Pride Month with MAITRI’s HEELS FOR HOPE , a variety show to raise funds for Maitri’s compassionate care for people living with HIV/AIDS and those recovering from gender-affirming surgeries. Maitri is Sanskrit for “compassionate friendship.” They provide compassionate residential care for people in need of hospice, respite, or 24-hour medical care. It will be hosted by the iconic 30th elected Empress of SF, Donna Sachet , on June 1, 7 pm, Marines’ Memorial Theatre San Francisco, 609 Sutter Street. It will also feature the incomparable talents of Punchline’s comedian Allison Hooker; soulful singer Caleb Sasser —recently

seen on the 24th season of NBC’s The Voice ; and Fou Fou Ha!, who are an ensemble of cartoon couture clowns who create an otherworldly interactive performance experience that celebrates our critical need for communal play. Your gift will directly support people living with HIV/AIDS. There are many ways to donate. This is a night of community, a night of iconic drag, and a night of incredible stories of how your compassion has helped people in need. And it’s a whole lot of fun! Come kick up your heels with Maitri! https://www.maitrisf.org/

On May 17, HBO TV’s Real Time with B ill Maher, Nellie Bowles founder of The Free Press a nd a proud San Franciscan—said it best: “If young people just want to be with someone who agrees with you politically, you gotta go gay! And that’s fine.” Sister Dana sez, “Yes indeed! Let’s put on our rainbow caps inscribed with the rainbow MAGA (MAKE AMERICA GAY AGAIN) phrase! Republicans accuse us as being recruiters, so let’s go out and recruit for more queer conversions!”

Experience the mesmerizing magic of “CIRCUS BELLA”—a captivating blend of circus enchantment and madcap mayhem. Circus Bella offers a modern twist on a one-ring circus ... overflowing with heart and soul. This exhilarating show promises to delight and astonish children of all ages in a cherished family event. Watch in awe as the vivaciously colorful Circus Bella Company, comprising a diverse troupe of acrobats, aerial-

ists, jugglers, and clowns from the Bay Area and beyond, performs to the lively tunes of Rob Reich and the 6-piece Circus Bella All-Star Band. It is written and directed by Abigail Munn , with costumes by Autumn Adamme. Feel free to bring picnic blankets and small folding chairs to all locations. Circus Bella does not provide audience seating at events. Shows at various venues begin June 5 and end July 20. Check the schedule at https://www.circusbella.org/

In 2024, MEMORIAL DAY falls on Monday, May 27. The three-day weekend starts on Friday, May 24, and will mark the unofficial start of summer with barbecues and other outdoor celebrations. Memorial Day is a federal holiday in the United States for honoring and mourning the U.S. military personnel who died while serving in the United States Armed Forces. From 1868 to 1970, it was observed on May 30. Since 1971, it is observed on the last Monday of May. By the 1950s, women’s magazines started making this “no white after Labor Day” rule more public. Wearing white only between Memorial Day and Labor Day now signified that a lady was part of the in-the-know fashion club. Sister Dana sez, “Remember to observe Memorial Day in your special way—not just going to big Mem Day sales. Also, ladies and drag queens, you have now been warned about wearing white! Silly rule. Just kidding!”

AUTO

Tenderloin Tessie 50th Anniversary

Host Michael Gagne welcomed guests to the 50th Anniversary celebration of Tenderloin Tessie Holiday Dinners, which was held on Saturday, May 18, 2024, at the First Unitarian Universalist Congregation.

Guests enjoyed a free dinner and entertainment by Vanessa Bousay, who was joined on stage by the San Francisco Bay Times team’s Juan Davila to serve at her invitation as accompanying dancer.

Volunteers honored at the event included Stephen Johnson, Stuart Guirtmann, Sylvie Dhaussy, Bousay, Robert McCloud, James Campbell, Elizabeth Green-Sah, Davila, Bobbie Avilia, Eugene Kettner, Forest McDonald, Frank Brooks, John Dimeo, Alex Ray, Max Schroeder, Carol/John Hall, Chandler, Johnson, Lois Alpert, Fred Green, Charles, Pitt, and the Fog Rugby Guys.

A special volunteer recognition presentation was included in the 50th Anniversary program. Davila received a Tenderloin Tessie Unsung Hero award for his significant volunteerism.

Dignitaries attending included former State Senator Mark Leno and Supervisors Aaron Peskin and Dean Preston. Proclamations were presented from the City of San Francisco in honor of the 50th Anniversary. Members of the organization’s Board of Directors were also recognized. To support the Tenderloin Tessie events or serve as a volunteer, write to TenderloinTessie@gmail.com or call 415-584-3252. https://www.tenderlointessie.com/

“Crème brûlée and green mangos”

Harvey Milk Day 2024

Hosted by the Castro LGBTQ Cultural District and the Castro/Upper Market Community Benefit District, Castro Merchants Association, and The Memorial at Harvey Milk Plaza, Harvey Milk Day 2024 was held on Sunday, May 19, 2024, at Jane Warner Plaza.

Speakers included Mayor London Breed, State Senator Scott Wiener, Bay Area American Indian Two Spirits (BAAITS) Angel Fabian, community organizer Gwenn Craig who was a colleague of Harvey Milk, and Advisory Board members Andrew Gutierrez III and Jack Reck. Harvey Milk LGBTQ Democratic Club’s Jeffrey Kwong served as emcee.

The Friends of Harvey Milk Plaza’s Brian Springfield displayed a model of the redesign plan selected for the plaza. Organization leaders were also on hand from the Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence and Castro Community On Patrol. Mayoral candidate Daniel Lurie also attended.

Music was provided by the San Francisco Lesbian/Gay Freedom Band, led by Drum Major Mike Wong, and DJ Nico.

my films”

Chao

“More perspectives and questions”

to struggle”

Emory

Johnson

Jaime Castro

Marco Marcos “Not having

Hao Zhou “To move authenic souls with

Laura Mitsu “Deep conversation and vulnerability”

Photos by Rink

2024 GAPA Anniversary Banquet & Gala

Photos by Rink

On Saturday, May 18, the GLBTQ+ Asian Pacific Alliance (GAPA) Banquet 2024 was held at the Marines’ Memorial Club. The event has become an annual gala honoring individuals and organizations that have contributed to the growth and wellbeing of GAPA and the queer AAPI community.

Enra Amaya, mistress of ceremonies, opened the program welcoming guests, honorees, and dignitaries.

The organization’s Donald Masuda Vanguard Award recipient, Congressman Mark Takano, who was introduced by State Senator Scott Wiener, presented the keynote address. Takano is the first openly gay person of color elected to the U.S. House of Representatives. San Francisco Supervisor Ahsha Safai presented a proclamation for the evening, received by honoree Rowland Mendoza and GAPA Board Chair Justin Sha.

Additional honorees included Vince Crisostomo, George Choy Award; César Cadabes, Lavender Godzilla (Godzy) Award; Doug Yaranon, Community Ally Award; and the Red Envelope Giving Circle, represented by noted leaders Crystal Jang, Trinity Ordona, and others.

Live performances were provided by Mx GAPA Kiki Krunch, and Mx GAPA Lotus Party 2023, the GAPA Men’s Chorus, and special guest Brian Palac. http://www.gapa.org

STREET CAM

http://sfbaytimes.com/

FreshCut Paper Flower Bouquets are wilt-proof paper flowers that effortlessly bloom into a vibrant arrangement with just a squeeze! Send the perfect arrangement to wow your loved ones. They come with a coordinating blank card and mail flat in a vibrant envelope. Assorted bouquets are $11.99 each.

The cobalt blue Fish & Fish carafe by Paola Navone for Serax is a veritable work of art. Inspired by 1930s American glassware, it has a striking color, unique shape, and functional design that make it a must-have item for any design lover. $48.99

ince our founding in 1936, Cliff’s Variety has been constantly growing and evolving in response to the needs of our customers. Our buyers strive to keep our selection fresh, on-trend, and competitive. We carry the best of everything from hardware & tools to cookware, garden supplies, toys, crafts, and gifts.

We also offer re-keying and lock repair, knife sharpening, glass, acrylic & wood cutting. Light fabrication, pipe threading, and cable crimping are among the many other services we offer at Cliff’s Variety. If your project has gone a little beyond your abilities, we’re here to help. https://cliffsvariety.com/