San Francisco Bay Times - July 25, 2019

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LGBTQ News & Calendar for the Bay Area

CELEBRATING FOUR DECADES (1978–2019)

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July 25–August 7, 2019 | http://sfbaytimes.com

SUZYN WALDMAN YANKEE STADIUM, 2019

Loma Prieta Hero Suzyn Waldman 15 Seconds That Forever Changed San Francisco SEE PAGES 14–15

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CANDLESTICK PARK 86TH WORLD SERIES, GAME 3 OCTOBER 17, 1989

From City Hall $9.8 Million Increase in Income Assistance

of San Francisco families receiving income from an online platform.”

Mayor London Breed on July 18 announced that San Francisco’s budget for fiscal years 2019–2020 and 2020–2021 will provide $9.8 million over two years in additional income assistance for residents. The County Adult Assistance Programs (CAAP), administered by the San Francisco Human Services Agency, provide monthly cash assistance to approximately 4,700 lowincome adults without dependent children, including those experiencing homelessness, adults with disabilities, and those who need help finding employment.

He added that AB 5, authored by Assemblywoman Lorena Gonzalez, would codify a 2018 California Supreme Court decision (regarding the courier service Dynamex) that re-sets the test for employment status to establish a rebuttable presumption that workers are employees for the purposes of wages, and expands on that holding to include all provisions of the Labor Code and Unemployment Insurance Code. As a result, the legislation, he said, poses a direct challenge to the gig business model that so many companies rely on.

In May, the Department of Homelessness and Supportive Housing reported that at least 1,054 LGBTQ individuals in San Francisco lack reliable, secure housing. Overall, the data shows that homelessness in the city increased by 17%.

“In a city as expensive as San Francisco, every dollar counts,” Mayor Breed said about the CAAP boost. “This increased cash assistance can make the difference between someone having enough to eat or going hungry. I’m glad that we’re able to increase this funding so that people can afford everyday things like food, toiletries and medications, while we also connect

them with the services they need, like housing placements, education and jobs.”

Assembly Bill Addressing Gig Work Problems Advances With key support from Supervisor Rafael Mandelman, Assembly Bill 5 has advanced to California’s Senate Rafael Appropriations Mandelman Committee. If approved, the law addressing “gig work”—flexible, often temp work, such as what fuels popular ride share companies—could go into effect at the beginning of next year.

Supervisor Mandelman explained: “The recent and rapid success of the gig economy has had a profound effect on daily life in San Francisco over the past decade. Corporations like Uber and Lyft have become household names. An estimated 45,000 TNC (Transportation Network Company) drivers are on our roads, accounting for nearly half of the increase in congestion that continues to vex every car, bus and bike attempting to make its way across the city ... . And a growing number of San Franciscans are working for gig corporations, with 2.9%

AIDS Conference 2020 Town Hall

He pointed out that the salaries of Uber and Lyft CEOs alone have surpassed $40 million per year, and yet “the average Uber driver continues to earn the equivalent of just $9.21 per hour after fees, expenses, and the cost of a modest package of benefits.”

Drivers seem to be divided on the issue, weighing employee-associated protections like overtime and disability pay with the flexibility of being an independent contractor. The issue continues to be discussed by the companies, lawmakers and labor leaders in hopes of finding a mutually agreed upon solution. Workers at the very least hope to have their voices fully heard and addressed during these negotiations.

Photos by Rink

The International AIDS Conference is the largest gathering on HIV and AIDS in the world. First convened during the peak of the epidemic in 1985, it continues to provide a unique forum for the intersection of science, advocacy and human rights. The 23rd Conference, with the theme “Resilience,” will take place in San Francisco and Oakland from July 6–10, 2020. In preparation, Town Halls were held in Oakland on July 10 at the Allen Temple Baptist Church and in San Francisco on Saturday, July 13, at the Audre Lourde Room, 730 Polk Street. San Francisco Bay Times photographer Rink attended the latter event.

Co-Chairs Dr. Larkin Callaghan, Director of Communications and Partnerships for the AIDS Research Institute, and Rev. Rob Newells, an Associate Minister at the Imani Community Church as well as Executive Director for AIDS Project of the East Bay, along with other experts in the field and local community leaders expressed a desire to address health care disparities through inclusion and collaboration.

As an open letter signed by Conference Coordinating Members from both the Bay Area and around the globe mentioned, in part: “With the selection of the Bay Area for AIDS 2020, we have the chance to elevate U.S. and global HIV concerns on to the national and international stage. That includes shining a spotlight on and working to reform unjust policies that restrict entry into the U.S. and other countries and perpetuate a climate of stigma and fear. This is a rare moment to put HIV and those most affected, including people of color, minorities and the economically disadvantaged, at the center of political discussion. It won’t be easy, but we will rise to the challenge and work together—as we always have—on fighting prejudice, racism, sexism and isolationism wherever it happens.” For more information: http://aids2020local.org/

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Marriage Equality Breakthroughs from Ecuador to Northern Ireland

6/26 and Beyond Stuart Gaffney & John Lewis Last week, Michelle Avilés and Alexandra Chávez tied the knot in the Ecuadorian coastal city of Guayaquil, becoming the first samesex couple to marry in that South American nation. The pair was able to wed because the Ecuador Supreme Court in a 5–4 decision last month did the right thing and held that the nation was bound to follow the sweeping 2018 decision of the Inter-American Court of Human Rights requiring all 23 signatory nations to the American Convention on Human Rights to establish marriage equality.

The Ecuador decision is hugely significant because, although the holding of the Inter-American Human Rights Court was crystal clear, neither that Court nor any other body has the legal authority to compel member nations to comply with the order. Each nation must individually change its laws through its own legislatures or courts.

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The Costa Rican judiciary had already mandated that this Central American nation must comply with the Human Rights Court order, but delayed implementation of its decision until May 2020, unless the national legislature acts earlier, which is considered unlikely in the generally conservative country. Nevertheless, over 100,000 Costa Ricans celebrated LGBTIQ Pride last month, with one activist observing that the massive attendance was unthinkable a decade ago when just 20 courageous queer activists marched and were harassed by opponents.

We hope that the victory in Ecuador spurs other Latin American nations to follow suit.

in 2015 became the first nation to pass marriage equality by popular vote, with 62 percent of voters in favor.

A few weeks ago, the U.K. Parliament said that, with respect to marriage equality, it had had enough with the delay in Northern Ireland caused by the political stalemate. By a 383 to 73 Michelle Avilés and Alexandra margin, Parliament voted that unless Chávez the Northern Ireland Assembly is restored and functioning by October 21, 2019, marriage equality will become the law of Northern Ireland as of January 2020, with the proviso that a later Northern Ireland Assembly could reverse or amend the law.

Lord Hayward

The other major marriage equality breakthrough came over 5,000 miles away earlier this month in the United Kingdom.

As of 2014, three of the four constituent countries of the U.K. (England, Wales and Scotland) had all achieved marriage equality, but Northern Ireland, the fourth country, has not yet. But that might change soon.

A years-long, immensely complex political quagmire has so far prevented same-sex marriage from coming to Northern Ireland. The Northern Ireland Assembly, the legislative body with the responsibility to govern Northern Ireland, has essentially been nonfunctional since early 2017 because member political parties cannot agree on a power sharing arrangement.

Northern Irish support for marriage equality appears strong. According to Amnesty International, 55 of the 90 members of the Assembly have publicly announced that they are in favor of the freedom to marry. A 2018 public opinion poll showed that 76 percent of the Northern Irish support marriage equality with only 18 percent opposed. The neighboring Republic of Ireland

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As we noted above, the political and procedural aspects of this process are enormously complex. They involve not only internal Northern Irish politics and the relationship between the U.K. Parliament and Northern Ireland governance, but also political maneuvering regarding Brexit. We must wait to see how the events unfold.

But Lord Hayward, who is leading marriage equality efforts in the House of Lords, believes that “equal marriage for Northern Ireland is now within touching distance” and Amnesty International’s Patrick Corrigan is “looking forward to New Year wedding bells in Northern Ireland.”

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

Protesting Amazon’s Ties with ICE Photos by Rink A large crowd of protesters gathered outside Amazon’s San Francisco offices on Monday, July 15. The organizers, including Jobs with Justice SF, Bay Resistance and SF Rising, had compiled some 270,000 signatures on a statement demanding that Amazon sever its ties with ICE.

Offensive: Playing the Trump Card

The Politics of Distraction at this time during their first term. He doesn’t want us to focus on the case of Jeffrey Epstein, a millionaire financier, registered sex offender and friend of Trump’s, who appeared in federal court in July on charges related to federal sex trafficking.

Cross Currents Andrea Shorter No more pretending, equivocating, debating, or hemming and hawing about it: Trump is a racist.

Trump’s escalated attacks against four women of color newly elected to the U.S. House of Representatives are the latest of his decades-long career of fully intentional racially divisive actions. His tweeted suggestion that these four duly elected members of Congress and critics of his so-called policies should “go back and fix the totally broken and crime infested places” of their implied foreign origins has taken us as a nation to a very, very dangerous place.

There is deep hurt, history, unambiguous intent and meaning packed into those few words: “go back to.”

I don’t know of any person of color over age 10 who hasn’t heard these words visited upon them. These words are vile weapons of nativists, racial supremacists and fascists.

As an African American woman over 50 years old, it is damn near impossible to have come this far in one’s life NOT to have encountered or experienced first-hand “go back where you

The Squad: Congresswomen Rashida Tlaib, Michigan; Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, New York; Ilhan Omar, Minnesota; and Ayanna Pressley, Massachusetts.

came from,” “go back to Africa,” “love it or live it,” or other similar cutting denigrations meant to put you, as a non-white person, in your place.

Epstein sexually abused and raped many young girls, yet in a case brought against him over a decade ago, he received nothing more than a slap on the wrist.

Trump’s own Secretary of Labor resigned because of the Epstein case and Trump himself could very well be implicated in Epstein’s crimes given their public friendship and the documented history of them attending parties together with other young women.

To the Left, To the Left Peter Gallotta

He essentially is saying: My own European, Scandinavian, Slavic or whatever lineage is of no concern to you—all you need to know is that you’re not white like me. Therefore, you’re not and will never be a real American. You don’t belong here, no matter what you do—including service in our Armed forces or election to office—you’ll always be alien. You’re here on this land, in this park, on this sidewalk, at this school, in these halls of power because we allowed you to be here. Most importantly, as a non-white inferior being, your job is to be servile and subservient to our will. No dissent allowed. So shut up, keep your head down, and shuffle on along back to whatever school, state or country you came from. Be grateful that our blessed powers have allowed you to exist at all.

If the level of political discourse could not get any lower in this country, Donald Trump tweeted some of the most offensive remarks of his presidency this month. In a three-part string of tweets, he took direct aim at four women of color: Democratic Congressmembers known as “the Squad,” telling them to “go back” to where they came from despite, of course, that they are all American citizens. It was vile and inarguably racist, and perpetuates a bigoted trope that anyone non-white must not be “from here.”

As a career racist, Trump surely did not know or understand the potency of aiming this missile in his attack against the congressional members, and the outrage it would incite—including quickly becoming a nifty campaign trail rally call for his followers.

It is no surprise that Trump continues to seize every opportunity either to shun his opponents or to stoke racist and xenophobic sentiment amongst his base. But we forget that Trump is doing more than just tweeting political vendettas and ignorant views. He’s continuing to master the art of distraction.

That’s the whole point. That’s the Trump card, right?

Political punditry dictates that, with nothing to show for his three years as president beyond a multiplicity of investigations, charges of high crimes and misdemeanors, and possible impeachment, his big time strategy is to double down on racist, nativist, white nationalist flag waving to solidify a small base of support of white folks (continued on page 22)

Right now, Trump doesn’t want us to pay attention to the fact that his approval ratings have hit 41%— lower than many previous sitting presidents (Republican or Democrat)

Of course, Trump doesn’t want us to dwell on the fact that people’s human rights are being violated at the border every day. In 2019 alone, Border Patrol agents have taken roughly 600,000 people into custody at the border. Seven children have died in U.S. custody since last year. Transgender refugees at ICE’s only transgender serving facility are decrying the horrible conditions.

Amid Trump’s efforts to divide and distract, Washington, D.C., is in complete gridlock. With no interest in governance or policy making, the White House is focused solely on re-election in 2020. The “Blue Wave” Democrats that many of us helped to elect and who control the House of Representatives can’t get any of their legislation passed because of Mitch McConnell and the tightly controlled Republican Senate.

Impeachment proceedings have yet to be called, despite the findings of the Mueller Report that, by the way, evidenced both Russian interference in the 2016 election and potential obstruction of justice by the President. To account for the delay, some political pundits and pollsters are saying that impeachment gives team Trump even more ammunition to divide, deflect and distract, and perhaps even an advantage heading into 2020.

In this hyper political time, it’s not substance, but pure politics that everyone is feeding on. For example, if we can’t substantively talk about the problems and policy solutions to address the humanitarian crisis at the border, we’re left debating the politics of (continued on page 22)

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In Pursuit of Self-Care

Brett Andrews As I was preparing to write this article, two things quickly became clear to me: I knew what I wanted to write, but did not necessarily know how to write about it—the very important and seemingly ever-elusive practice of self-care. How do I write about something in which I have read about extensively over the years, and yet have had modest success (at best) in the actual practice? Many of us have burned through various self-help books and daily practices in an effort to bring greater focus and meaning to our lives, or are seeking to lessen our stress and to be more grateful.

Don’t get me wrong; I have gotten a kernel of goodness from every book that I have read—The Artist’s Way, The Power of Now, The Four Agreements, Seven Spiritual Laws to Success, A Road Less Traveled, Conversations with God (1,2 & 3), among many others.

Still, there seems to be a disconnect between an endless quest to care for oneself and the fleeting, euphoric feeling one gets as a result of a meditation or a reading that deepens our consciousness, or the yoga stretch

our most important life lessons along the path of our noble life expedition.

Regularly, I encourage the staff of PRC to take care of themselves, recognizing how challenging nonprofit work can be at times. These words are easily said, and are equally difficult to enact in one’s life. So, what are some of the barriers that could prevent us from practicing good selfcare? Lack of time is certainly a factor. Also, increasing family and work responsibilities can certainly get in the way. I believe it is even deeper than that. While it is not a new concept, I propose reframing the whole idea of self-care around self-worth.

Third, we are worth self-care. We often view each other and ourselves through the lens of our own self-worth. One moment we can see ourselves standing on the top of a mountain, and the next, sitting in a valley. Frankly, it’s all too arbitrary for my taste, and yet I find myself vacillating between these extremes on a regular basis. And while we may not be able to fully control the seemingly endless and increasing ways that the world imposes its projections of worth and success upon us, we can strive to be happy. And that may be the best self-care of all. With that, I leave you with an excerpt from Max Ehrmann’s life poem, “Desiderata”:

First, a little goes a long way. Our lives often have become an endless stream of emails, texts, conference calls and meetings. From the moment we wake, we are on the move, often responding to various dispatches, while hustling from place to place. If we allow ourselves the time, it only takes a minute or two to place ourselves in a mindful space of gratitude and being. In the morning, before we leave our beds, let’s take a moment: close your eyes and say, “Thank you.” Throughout the day, as often as we can, let’s look to the sky and smile—it represents a world of infinite possibilities. And, in the evening, let us slow down and enjoy our meals, appreciating the bounty of the earth.

Second, the journey itself is the real goal. From an early age, we are taught to aspire to be something great, to achieve at the highest level, to reach for the stars and grab the brass ring. Little value is placed on the journey we all must embark upon—the path is as important as our accomplishments. It is important to recognize that we learn some of

Leading PRC since 2003, Brett Andrews has overseen PRC’s evolution from a small HIV/ AIDS legal service agency to an integrated social and behavioral health provider bent on fighting poverty, stigma and isolation by uplifting marginalized adults and affecting the social conditions of health. He

holds an M.A. in Industrial/ Organizational Psychology from George Washington University, received the San Francisco Pride Celebration’s Heritage Award for 10+ years of service in 2017, and was appointed to the San Francisco Mayor’s Methamphetamine Task Force. https://prcsf.org/

Fifty years ago, on July 20, astronaut Neil Armstrong became the first man to walk on the Moon. He famously said, “That’s one small step for man, one giant leap for mankind.” Apollo 11 Command Module Pilot Michael Collins this year recalled, however, that seeing Earth in its entirety from space was “the main show. The Earth was it.” https://bit.ly/2XMQ1EW

If you compare yourself with others, you may become vain and bitter; for always there will be greater and lesser persons than yourself.

Enjoy your achievements as well as your plans.

You are a child of the universe, no less than the trees and the stars; you have a right to be here.

And whether or not it is clear to you, no doubt the universe is unfolding as it should.

Therefore be at peace with God, whatever you conceive Him to be, and whatever your labors and aspirations, in the noisy confusion of life keep peace with your soul.

With all its sham, drudgery, and broken dreams, it is still a beautiful world.

Be cheerful.

Strive to be happy.

PHOTOS: NASA

From the Frontlines

that releases endorphins that transport us to another place in time.

Real Estate

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

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Rainbow Portico Leads to Magical New Pocket Neighborhood: Keller Court Commons Arriving at the entrance of Keller Court Commons’ rainbow portico, you instantly feel as though you have been transported to a secret garden. Vivid colors from the portico provide a kaleidoscope of blue, red and orange that welcomes you to explore this community of eight homes. Honeybees and butterflies swoop past, pollinating an abundance of flowers in bloom along sheltered walkways.

Keller Court Commons makes it abundantly clear that this is a housing development unlike any other planned community. Each home offers its own individual style to earn their designation of sustainability.

Sturdy fiberglass decks, Galvalume roofing and Shou Sugi Ban siding (check out the process on YouTube) instantly give away their splendid quality, and durability. And that is just the exterior; what is inside these homes is even more impressive.

Dutch doors are your entry to open floor plans featuring vaulted ceilings, and grand windows offer a view of neighboring Sonoma Mountain.

Amenities within include custom maple cabinets, porcelain countertops, designer tile, Thermador appliances and controlled lighting.

Unlike the impersonal developments making their way across California, Keller Court Commons was built to foster community. Set just below the courtyard, so as not to distract from the view, a brightly colored commons building encourages gatherings, while the shared bocce court beckons for some friendly competition.

Located in Petaluma, Keller Court Commons honors the classic aesthetics of the town with agrarian components, while remaining unique in its own modern fashion. An ode

to its emphasis on community, the neighborhood is positioned just five blocks from Petaluma’s booming theater district, and some of the most renowned restaurants in town.

Going beyond sustainability and quality, this playful community was built around shared interests and personal connections. From the mature fruit trees to the expansive patio, every aspect of this neigh-

borhood encourages its residents to engage.

In an era obsessed with success, privacy and innovation, Keller Court Commons serves as a reminder that slowing down to enjoy a peaceful breeze on a warm evening, or a crisp glass of wine with a neighbor, is what makes a house feel truly like home.

To learn more, please visit: http://kellercourtcommons.com/

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Congratulations to Leslie Ewing!

Photos courtesy of Brenda Laribee and Joanie Juster Friends and colleagues joined Pacific Center Executive Director Leslie Ewing on Tuesday, July 16, at historic The White Horse Inn in Oakland to honor her over decade of service to the organization. She announced her retirement on March 27 of this year and her last day as ED will be July 31.

Ewing’s career of more than 30 years in LGBT activism has included volunteer as well as professional staff roles with diverse organizations including Breast Cancer Emergency Fund, Lyon-Martin Heath Services, ACT-UP, The NAMES Project AIDS Memorial Quilt and many more.

Friends and colleagues attending the recent celebration included John Cunningham; Mario Diaz, Roger Doughty, Ed Eishen, Brenda Laribee, Jeff Lewy, Joanie Juster, Mike Smith, staff and volunteers of the Pacific Center, and many others.

Having ‘The Talk’ with Your Kids (the Money Talk) But I hate seeing harmful things passed on just because “that’s the way we’ve always done it.”

Money Matters Brandon Miller Every year on the Fourth of July, the Tahoe neighborhood where my vacation rental is located has a little parade. Kids decorate their bikes, pull pets in wagons, and try to twirl a baton and walk at the same time while adults sit on lawn chairs and clap as they go by. It’s straight out of a Norman Rockwell painting—just with a few more tattoos.

I’m all for continuing traditions like these that are good fun for children.

As a financial advisor—and a father—it upsets me to see so many parents unwilling (or is it unable?) to talk to their kids about money. After all, it’s something that’s going to be a major factor in their lives, whether they have it or not. Let’s set our children up for success by teaching them money lessons early and often. Here’s what I suggest for kids of all ages: Make it tangible for little ones.

I give my twins an allowance—$1 for every year of age—to help them get used to handling their own money. I mix it up each month and give them six $1 bills, 24 quarters, 60 dimes, 120 nickels or any combination to start teaching basic math skills. Each child has three buckets that they decorated, one for “me today” money, one for “me tomorrow” and the third for “charity/other people.”

Today funds can be spent whenever on whatever. The tomorrow bucket teaches them how to save for bigger items. If they want a deluxe Lego

set, for example, they have to save up for it. This instills the idea of delayed gratification and working toward a “long-term” goal. The third bucket is about teaching compassion and the pleasure of doing something nice for others. I let them decide where this money goes, whether that’s adopting a whale, tithing at church or giving the money to a homeless person.

The boys also get to decide how much of their allowance to put into each bucket, which changes depending on their goals. The idea is to give them real, understandable lessons about how to divvy up a finite amount of money to get what they want.

Teach pre-teens the value of time.

Once kids are capable of doing more to help around the house, it’s time to encourage good work habits. In addition to establishing allowance chores, you can offer the opportunity to earn more from additional work. For “extras,” such as washing the car or doing yard work or laundry, pay your (continued on page 22)

New Luxury Crossovers Vary in Power and Finesse rebuilding the mystiques that got them on their feet in the first place.

Acura and Lincoln are cases in point.

Acura came on strong in the late 1980s as Japanese performance with international refinement. Lincoln debuted during World War I and counts in its history many iconic designs. Both should be at the front of this particular valet line.

Auto Philip Ruth Every automaker wants to produce a luxury car that’s both popular and exclusive. Most premium buyers want to feel unique, even as they run in step with an unimpeachably upscale pack.

Tesla is the hottest target of those aspirations. Audi, BMW, Mercedes and Lexus are close behind. Below that, you’ll find brands working on 8

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So why are they third-tier? The tested MDX and Nautilus provide some answers, even as they make compelling cases for themselves.

They’re not direct competitors—the MDX has three rows of seats, while the Nautilus has only two—but their stickers line up closely. Base entry fee for an MDX is around $45,000, while the Nautilus pegs in about $4,000 lower.

But watch those options. The tested whole-hog Nautilus Black Label had us answering a $64,000 question.

The sport-trimmed MDX AWD A-Spec came in about $8,000 lower.

Acura MDX

Lincoln Nautilus

This particular MDX is a 2019, with the 2020 hitting showrooms as this column is written. Next year’s model isn’t much different than this one, and it finds the MDX as its same old appealing self. There are many reasons why the MDX has succeeded (continued on page 22)

How to Identify LGBTQ-Friendly Cohousing for 55+

By Angela Hunkler I read a story in Forbes the other day that posed the question, “Will LGBT retirees end up back in the closet?” ( https://bit.ly/32A7yz3 ). The headline sent a shiver up my spine. God, I hope not, I thought. Was I just lucky to find an accepting cohousing community for seniors in Oakland, California? The more I thought about it, the more it troubled me that LGBTQ seniors might feel compelled to go back in the closet in the community they choose to spend their senior lives in.

To help ensure that the community you’re evaluating is an environment that you can feel comfortable being yourself in, I’ve come up with a few suggested tips. Note: For background, I am a lesbian and for three years have resided at Phoenix Commons (PC), a cohousing condominium community for 55+ on the Oakland waterfront. My neighbors in this intentional community accept my partner and me wholeheartedly.

I consider myself fortunate. I may be a senior, but I’m still able-bodied and have a career. If you’re in my boat, you may be a good candidate Angela Hunkler

for cohousing. Cohousing is an intentional community of private homes clustered around shared space. Each single-family home has traditional amenities: kitchen, family room, bedroom/bedrooms and bath. Shared spaces include a large kitchen, dining area, laundry, parking and entertainment, along with indoor and outdoor recreational spaces.

Cohousing communities are built around separate homes in proximity, with common space, or in a single structure with a lot of shared common space to complement individual condominium units. Owners in cohousing have independent lives, but together we collaboratively plan and manage community activities and shared spaces, typically under the structure of a Homeowners’ Association (HOA).

Cohousing groups seek to balance private and community needs while building mutually supportive relationships among members through teamwork and playing together.

Social events, impromptu gatherings, shared meals and scheduled meetings provide ample opportunity for interactions. At PC, important community decisions are made using participatory processes that help to bring members to consensus.

When looking for your senior community, make sure it can accommodate your physical requirements, albeit now and in the future.

Phoenix Commons is entirely ADAapproved.

When you think that you’ve found your dream community in your dream location, don’t rush to sign on the dotted line. Take your time to know the residents and their surroundings. Can you see yourself living there 20–30 years from

now? Look for opportunities to socialize. For example, at PC we all work together in the kitchen and with necessary tasks to keep our common home up.

Choosing a senior housing community is a huge commitment. Now is NOT the time to hide in the closet. To ensure the community you are signing onto is welcoming and accepting of you, be honest; and most importantly, be yourself. If you just want to put your toe in the water, invite 2–3 of the residents to dinner to know you a bit better. Attend an HOA meeting.

Buddies in this process are important. Ask about the community’s initiation process. Perhaps the community you desire to live in will allow rentals while you are pondering this sizeable investment. And finally, note that this process from start to finish could take a while when you factor in the time it takes to downsize your possessions, sell your home and eventually move.

To learn more about Phoenix Commons, go to: http://www.phoenixcommons.com/ Angela Hunkler is an Oaklandbased artist. For more information: https://bit.ly/30Jzmz8

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

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

YOU TOO CAN BE A WINNER!

ds LaTonya Lawson and Frien

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

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Patr ik Gallineaux and Gary Virginia at Academy of Friends 2019

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JULY 25, 2019

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Make the Most of Your Regrets Roland Schembari and Bill Hartman, Co-Founders Randy Alfred, Founding News Editor 1978 Kim Corsaro Publisher 1981-2011

2261 Market Street, No. 309 San Francisco CA 94114 Phone: 415-601-2113 525 Bellevue Avenue Oakland CA 94610 E-mail: editor@sfbaytimes.com www.sfbaytimes.com The Bay Times was the first newspaper in California, and among the first in the world, to be jointly and equally produced by lesbians and gay men.

We honor our history and the paper’s ability to build and strengthen unity in our community.

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

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Poet-In-Residence

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CONTRIBUTORS Writers Rink, Sister Dana Van Iquity, Ann Rostow, Patrick Carney, Kate Kendell, Alex Randolph, Heidi Beeler, Gary M. Kramer, Dennis McMillan, Tom Moon, Tim Seelig, Cinder Ernst, John Chen Rafael Mandelman, Jewelle Gomez, Phil Ting, Rebecca Kaplan, Kin Folkz, Leslie Katz, Philip Ruth, Peter Gallotta, Bill Lipsky, Karen Williams, Donna Sachet, Gary Virginia, Zoe Dunning, Marcy Adelman, Stuart Gaffney & John Lewis Brandon Miller, Jamie Leno Zimron Michele Karlsberg Lyndsey Schlax, Randy Coleman, Debra Walker, Howard Steiermann, Andrea Shorter, Lou Fischer, Karin Jaffie, Brett Andrews, Karen E. Bardsley, David Landis

Examined Life Tom Moon, MFT Recently I watched an interview in which a celebrity said something that lots of people will support. He boasted that he had “zero regrets” about anything that he’d done in the past. Many self-help gurus will also approve of this approach; they’ll tell you that harboring regrets about the past is useless and self-destructive, and that you should let go of them.

Aside from the fact that I know of no technique for “letting go” of any kind of feelings just because they’re inconvenient, I’m also not at all convinced that our regrets serve no positive purpose.

When I was thirteen years old, my classmate Gene fell in love with me and tried to seduce me into having

But the intensity of his passion alarmed and confused me, and in the end, coldly and harshly, I dropped him. Soon afterward, I moved with my family five hundred miles away, and I never saw him again. Through the years I often wondered what had become of him, and when the internet came into existence, I attempted to locate him, but without success.

Last year I happened to run into another classmate from that time, and she told me that he had died almost thirty-five years ago, in the early years of the AIDS epidemic.

It’s uncomfortable and humbling to face these truths about myself, but it’s important that I do it. Blithely claiming that you have “zero regrets” probably means that you’ve armored your ego against any idea that you aren’t perfect, and that you’re clueless about your shadow side. Our regrets puncture our comfortable illusions about ourselves. They shine a light on our weaknesses, our blind spots, our capacity for cruelty; and it behooves us to see these things if we want to move closer to being the kind of people we aspire to be.

I will always feel regret and sorrow whenever I remember Gene. It’s not that I torture myself with pointless guilt and shame. I can have compassion for the boy I was then—naïve, sexually confused and struggling to find his way in a pre-Stonewall environment that was intensely homophobic. But my remorse isn’t touched by any of these thoughts.

We not only have regrets about the ways that we’ve treated others, but also about the ways in which we’ve let ourselves down. Over the years, I hope that I’ve become a more authentic human being, but that growth entails that I also feel regret whenever I remember the times that I lacked the courage to live authentically—when I buried my true feelings, when I cared too much about what others thought, and when I

And it’s right that it isn’t. I don’t want to hurt other people, but my mem-

Each year in July, a dedicated team of volunteers gathers for the annual putting away of the Market Street rainbow flags. These are the flags that appear annually at the beginning of June in San Francisco, where they welcome all to our city during Pride Month. When July arrives, there is a party during which the flags are inspected (in case they need repairing), cleaned, folded and stored.

Participants at this year’s party on Sunday, July 21, included Tom Taylor, Gary Virginia, Paul Valente, Kody Staubitz, Miss Chief, Veronica Guevara, Alejandro Flagger, Fred Lopez, Marsha Levine, Nguyen Pham, William Walker, Jacob Little and Bruce Beaudette + his dog Yoko O-Yes. As previously reported by San Francisco Bay Times columnist Lou Fischer, flags too tattered for repair are retired and, this year, were used in art projects of the Boys and Girls Clubs of San Francisco.

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ories of Gene remind me that I’m capable of hurting them intensely, especially when I’m afraid and threatened. They also show me that social pressure can coerce me into doing things that in my heart I know are wrong.

San Francisco Pride Flag Folding Party

Photographers Rink, Phyllis Costa, Jane Higgins Paul Margolis, Chloe Jackman, Bill Wilson, Jo-Lynn Otto, Sandy Morris, Abby Zimberg, Morgan Shidler, JP Lor

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sex with him. I didn’t understand what he wanted, but my parents and teachers did, and pressured me to reject him. Initially I resisted, because I also had feelings for him, feelings that I didn’t understand and couldn’t put into words.

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played it safe instead of taking risks that I ought to have taken.

It seems that having regrets is an unavoidable byproduct of growing emotionally and spiritually. At the time that I rejected Gene, I had little comprehension of the pain that I was causing him. It was at least fifteen years later—after I had come out as gay and been rejected in love myself—that I finally understood how much I’d hurt him. I can’t delete what I’ve done in the past, but it may be that my regrets can help me to change who I am going forward.

If you google “regret,” you’ll find a lot of talk about how useless that feeling is and how we should all get rid of it. Standing alone and far away from that crowd (where he often stood), you’ll also find Henry David Thoreau. He offered this advice: “Make the most of your regrets; never smother your sorrow, but tend and cherish it till it comes to have a separate and integral interest. To regret deeply is to live afresh.”

And to live afresh is to be morally renewed.

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

Photos by Bill Wilson

GLBT Fortnight in Review Big Little Lies Things are getting worse and worse.

Toxic.

The racism of Trump’s attacks on The Squad do not appall me as much as the patently false rhetoric that goes basically ignored in the media.

Squad members did not call America “garbage” or say that they “hate” this country or praise Al Qaeda. Yet after each of these accusations, commentators frown and observe that the four Congresswomen are American citizens and women of color, and the debate veers off along these lines, never to return to what Hitler called the “big lie.”

Of course Trump is racist. But what the hell? We cannot let this man get away with those underlying accusations, and that’s exactly what happens when the criticism begins and ends in the whirlpool of racism.

Forgive me if I quote Hitler in Mein Kampf: “In the big lie there is always a certain force of credibility; because the broad masses of a nation are always more easily corrupted in the deeper strata of their emotional nature than consciously or voluntarily; and thus in the primitive simplicity of their minds they more readily fall victims to the big lie than the small lie ... .”

“It would never come into their heads to fabricate colossal untruths, and they would not believe that others could have the impudence to distort the truth so infamously. Even though the facts which prove this to be so may be brought clearly to their minds, they will still doubt and waver and will continue to think that there may be some other explanation. For the grossly impudent lie always leaves traces behind it, even after it has been nailed down, a fact which is known to all expert liars in this world and to all who conspire together in the art of lying.” (Emphasis mine.)

And, of course, the lies aren’t limited to past comments by the squad.

We have the cleanest air and water in history. The economy has never been better. Thousands of criminals are coming over our southern border.

There’s no more room in the country. The administration runs like a well-oiled machine. China is paying us hundreds of billions in tariffs.

Democrats hate our country. We’re building the wall. We’ve defeated ISIS. The Mueller report exonerated the Trump campaign. Climate change is a hoax.

Nor are they all big lies. There are plenty of small ones. And even as The Washington Post and others might factcheck and point out these lies, we are allowing Trump to turn them into background noise, and I’m not sure how we will ever hold him accountable in this new world of fake news and fake videos and alternative facts, where there are two or three or four crazy variations for every proven truth. Is Earth flat? Well, some people have said so, and some others disagree.

And Another Thing Sorry for the rant. Believe it or not, I intended the first paragraph to lead into a discussion of frigging Boris Johnson, the new Prime Minister of Great Britain. Not a homophobe, I suppose, but a toweringly incompetent egomaniac who will add to the destabilization of the post-war alliances that have mostly upheld humanitarian instincts throughout the West for decades.

But I have already exhausted my non-GLBT observations for one column, so I will have to step aside in favor of more germane topics. First, let’s remind ourselves that when Trump was asked about Putin’s statement that “western style liberalism is

obsolete,” Trump replied that Putin: “sees what’s going on, I guess, if you look at what’s happening in Los Angeles, where it’s so sad to look, and what’s happening in San Francisco and a couple of other cities, which are run by an extraordinary group of liberal people.”

No, Putin wasn’t referring to California politics, you ignoramus.

And that’s another area of Trumpism the media has started to treat like background noise, if I may repeat the simile. His grasp of history, spelling, grammar, vocabulary and abstract reasoning is at a middle school level.

Literally. Yet we now take these intellectual deficits for granted from the President of the United States, barely pausing to note references to the “Prince of Whales” and the like.

No Promo Homo Speaking of Putin, he has gradually turned Russia into an unforgiving landscape of antigay animus, harping on traditional values and promoting gay bashing policies under the guise of protecting minors against sexual predators. On July 20, lesbian activist Yelena Grigoryeva was found strangled and stabbed to death near her home in St. Petersburg, the city where much of the homophobia of the last decade or so was birthed.

For all I know, she was killed by random criminals, so forgive me for juxtaposing Mr. Putin’s bad actions with her murder. I’m suspicious, that’s all.

In other Russian news this week, something ominously called the “Investigative Committee” has opened a criminal case against official social workers who allowed two gay men to adopt two sons back in 2010, a move that is now in violation of Russia’s antigay rules. The ambiguous 2013 law against “propagandizing non-traditional sexual relations” to minors expands to cover any and all alleged infractions involving gay people. And this is the law that the social workers, and presumably the fathers, have theoretically violated (although it’s not clear how the social workers could be charged retroactively). The family’s situation was brought to the attention of authorities by a doctor who called police after treating one of the boys for a stomach problem.

According to an article in The Advocate, the speaker of Russia’s upper house of Parliament, Valentina Matvienko, subsequently won the hyperbole award for the month of July by observing that letting gay couples adopt would “simply lead to the extinction of humanity.”

Finally, I haven’t seen Oliver Stone’s The Putin Interviews, but the conspiracy theorist recently asked Putin to be the godfather to his 22-year-old daughter, and said that the antigay propaganda law “seems sensible.”

“I don’t know what is going on with the American culture. It’s very strange right now,” Stone told Putin last month, according to a transcript of his word salad from the Kremlin.

“So much of the argument, so much of the thinking, so much of the newspaper, television commentaries about gender, people identify themselves, and social media, this and that, I’m male, I’m female, I’m transgender, I’m cisgender. It goes on forever, and there is a big fight about who is who ... . It seems like we miss the bigger point.”

We Know It When We See It Moving right along, I was struck by the story of a gay artist from Melbourne, Paul Yore, who submitted a mixed media textile piece to an exhibit in Wales titled “Taste the Feeling, 2018.” The piece, which included words and pictures, was removed after other gay people

By Ann Rostow attacked it as hate-filled, in part, I’m assuming, because it included harsh antigay slurs and ugly imagery that (again, I’m assuming) were deliberate efforts by the artist to dramatize homophobia.

To add to the complexity, Yore was previously accused of spreading child porn through an artwork that superimposed children’s heads on adults in sexual positions, again, I’m guessing, to make a point. Those charges were dismissed, but it all raises profound questions about art, speech and intent, don’t you think?

Who gets to draw the lines between art and pornography, poetry and abuse, politics and violence? After all, we live in the age of college students who demand trigger warnings and spaces safe from unpleasant ideas. What would they think of Mr. Yore’s recent handiwork if someone hung it in the common room? Would they like it more if they knew Yore was officially a queer artist? What if someone put the “child porn” piece on display? Would they defend it to the death or tear it off the wall? I have no idea.

Let’s just say I’m not a fan, personally. His work feels self-indulgent and colorful and gratuitously sexual.

Provocation for its own sake. Then again, I’m not an art critic, and like many others of my ilk, I don’t feel qualified to judge art. If a thousand official art critics said his stuff was astounding, I would assume that they were right and that I lack the ability to see art. I would further assume that Yore had every right to share his genius with the world and that any protestors were interfering with his artistic freedom.

Until that day, however, I remain torn. I didn’t see the “child porn” piece, but I suspect, like Justice Stewart, I would be able to evaluate its constitutional status one way or another if I did.

Like a Rock So, the zoo in Munich has some gay penguins, but like Trump’s many eccentricities, these little fellas are old news at this point. Gay male penguins are everywhere. Week after week I encounter them, flapping around, tending eggs, fawning over each other in a loving manner. What is it with penguins anyway? Did Noah put three of them on the ark? I recently reported on a bunch of penguins in Dingle, Ireland, where eight out of the aquarium’s fourteen penguins are in same-sex relationships.

Oh, and the Munich penguins are trying to hatch a rock, which seems unkind on the part of their zookeepers.

In other news, there’s a “Straight Pride” festival of sorts scheduled for August 31 in Boston. Organized by a group calling itself “Super Happy Fun America,” the event has been using the TripAdvisor logo without permission, and received a cease and desist letter from TripAdvisor’s lawyers.

“I’m Coming Out and saying this clearly: you are infringing upon TripAdvisor’s intellectual property rights,” the letter began, adding, “We have become a well-known brand for our reviews of hotels, restaurants, experiences and even the occasional YMCA, but we weren’t Born This Way—we obtained that recognition through significant advertising and promotion since as early as 2000.”

The entire letter was filled with references to iconic GLBT songs, indeed the company said that their lawyers stayed up all night composing the text, meant to hammer home the

JOIN THE BID TO WIN! PUBLIC NOTICE: Access To Caltrans Upcoming Construction and Architectural & Engineering Projects California Senate Bill 1 (SB1) will provide $54 billion over the next 10 years for state and local transportation projects. This creates additional opportunities for all small businesses, including businesses owned by women, minorities, disabled veterans, LGBT, and other disadvantaged groups, to participate on public works projects with local and state transportation agencies.

Now is the time to get involved. Visit Caltrans’ SB1 web site, www.rebuildingca.ca.gov, and learn more about planned improvements. Review Caltrans’ online “look ahead” reports of upcoming construction and architectural and engineering contracts to identify potential opportunities for your business. Attend contract-specific outreach events, which include pre-bid meetings and pre-proposal conferences, and meet with prospective bidders/proposers. Learn about Caltrans contracting requirements at a free training or workshop.

Caltrans needs your help to repair and rebuild California’s transportation system. We are looking for qualified contractors, consultants, suppliers, truckers, and service providers to help fix our roads, freeways, and bridges.

Construction look-ahead report: http://www.dot.ca.gov/hq/esc/oe/contractor_ info/12_month_Advertising_Schedule.pdf Architectural and Engineering look-ahead report: http://www.dot.ca.gov/dpac/ae/doc/lookahead.pdf Caltrans Events Calendar: http://www.dot.ca.gov/obeo/calendar.html For more information, contact Caltrans’ Small Business Advocate at smallbusinessadvocate@dot.ca.gov.

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JULY 25, 2019

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Pause for Joint Pain Relief about getting across the parking lot or through the aisles.

Easy Fitness Cinder Ernst I specialize in helping plus size women relieve knee, back and hip pain. As my clientele ages, I’m getting better at finding small ways to make a big difference when it comes to soothing pain and staying active.

I also learn a lot from how I help my own body through the ups and downs. The following joint pain relief strategies can work for you, no matter what size body that you live in.

Walking and standing are tricky when you have lower-body joint pain.

When walking hurts, you may hesitate to participate in activities that you enjoy, like going to a museum or a park. Maybe even going to the store is a challenge when you think

I have a client who walks up a hill every day to get to work. This client has knee trouble and asthma, which are a double whammy on a hill.

As we were discussing her assent, she mentioned that she is sometimes embarrassed to stop when she needs to, so her breathing gets worse.

Add in the nagging knee pain and you can imagine the dread as she approaches that hill every morning.

Working together, this client and I came up with a powerful practice that turned this situation around for her. Since discovering these techniques, all of my clients and followers have had a chance to apply the ideas and get the benefits.

The Posture-Up Pause for Pain Relief The posture-up pause combines core engagement and a confidence boost.

The core engagement gives you a moment to reorganize your body alignment and takes some of the pressure off of your lower body. The confidence boost comes from the posture change. As you lift your ribcage and hold your head high, you will have a shift in attitude. Imagine putting on your Mighty Mouse (or some other superhero) cape. Try it now.

Begin by standing in a stable base foot position; do this by what feels best to you. Most people have their feet hip-distance apart or further.

Put most of your weight on your heels and some on the balls of your feet.

Now, lift your ribcage and draw your navel to your spine as you breathe in.

When you breathe out, hold the posture up. This is the part that feels like putting on your superhero cape. This posture-up position will unload your vertebra a bit, often enough to give you a moment of relief from lower body joint pain.

Use this posture-up pause as you approach a physical challenge. Your confidence will rise, and your muscles will be ready for what’s next.

If you are experiencing pain as you walk, try the posture-up pause.

Stopping at the first sign of discomfort will give you the best chance to feel better.

Cinder Ernst, Medical Exercise Specialist and Life Coach Extraordinaire, helps reluctant exercisers get moving with safe, effective and fun programs. She specializes in fitness and rehab for plus-size clients, but her stressfree approach is suitable for all.

Find out more at http://cinderernst.com

Take Me Home with You! “Meet Selma and Sula! These loving sisters are all about the mellow vibes. They’re looking for a quiet home where they can spend lazy afternoons curled up on the sofa, next to their favorite humans. If that sounds like your ideal day and you’ve got space for two feline friends to join, come meet them at the SF SPCA!” Selma and Sula are presented to San Francisco Bay Times readers by Dr. Jennifer Scarlett, the SF SPCA’s Co-President. Our thanks also go to Krista Maloney for helping to get the word out about lovable pets like Selma and Sula.

Selma & Sula

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

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

Dr. Jennifer Scarlett and Pup

Randy Coleman hails from New York, but has lived in San Francisco since 1975. Coleman shares that before moving to the Bay Area, he studied Art History and Architecture at Boston University while working as a resident artist for architectural rendering at a Massachusetts historical society. “All of my life I’ve been an artist,” Coleman says. “To know me is to know that I have a passion for art and architecture. I love this project for the San Francisco Bay Times, and hope that you enjoy my sketches.”

SF Sketch Randy Coleman

© Randy Coleman, 2019 12

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This Month at the Castro Farmers’ Market Corn Isn’t Only a Vegetable By Debra Morris Corn is one of summer’s favorite vegetables. And your Castro Farmers’ Market is offering some of the best around. It’s justpicked flavor screams grill time! Or fresh corn bread. Or corn relish. Or whatever your heart desires with this marvelous grain.

Wait, didn’t we just call it a vegetable? There’s a lot of confusion regarding the nature of corn, even though just eating an ear or two of this sweet summer delight is enough for most of us. Just like tomatoes—which are a vegetable, but are botanically a fruit—corn is commonly just thought of as being a veggie, but that’s not the whole story.

Sweet corn—the ears that we enjoy on the cob, roasted on the grill, and eaten in salads and soups—is considered to be a vegetable because we eat it as such. Corn is often consumed at the “milk” stage when its kernels are soft. The kernels themselves are often considered to be a whole grain, usually after they have been dried for other uses, such as feed for cattle or saved to plant more corn.

To complicate things a little more, many grains including popcorn are considered to be a fruit! This is because they come from the seed or flower part of the plant.

Within these definitions are corn varieties that are specifically grown for use as an eating vegetable or as a feed grain.

Sweet corn is grown for eating off the cob. “Dent” or field corn is used for feed grains. Flint corn, also known as Indian corn, is used for decoration in the fall and also used for popcorn.

So, there you have it. We’re eating a summer vegetable that is also a good-for-you whole grain. Don’t worry about whether you’re eating a vegetable or a grain because you’re getting the best of both.

The market has you covered when it comes to offering summer corn! Find it at G&S Farms from Brentwood. They’re offering white, yellow and their famous “Peaches & Cream” bi-color corn this summer. Fifth Crow Farm of Pescadero has a variety of delicious sweet corn. Jacob’s Farm has yellow corn to enjoy. You won’t find fresher, because you can buy directly from these skilled and knowledgeable farmers.

Photos by Rink

CORN SALSA 3 ears of corn grilled in their husks until the hu are evenly charred; th sks en de-husk and remov e the kernels 1 basket of cherry to matoes, with each to mato sliced in half 1 avocado, peeled, de-se eded and diced 3 stems of scallions, th inly sliced 1/2 cup of loose cilantro , minced Lime juice to taste Olive oil to taste 1 serrano chile, minced Kosher salt and fresh ly ground black pepp er to taste Ground cumin to taste Combine ingredient s in a large bowl and se rve over tortilla chips.

Recipe: Cookin’ the Ma

rket, PCFM A

Thanks to everyone for supporting your Castro Farmers’ Market!

Debra Morris is a spokesperson for the Pacific Coast Farmers’ Market Association (PCFMA).

Check out the PCFMA website for recipes, information about farmers’ markets throughout the region and for much more: https://www.pcfma.org/

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30 YEARS Since Loma Prieta Rocked San Francisco

Miracle at Candlestick 2019 marks the 30th anniversary of the 1989 Loma Prieta earthquake in Northern California. The 6.9 temblor was responsible for 63 deaths and 3757 injuries. According to geologists, it is only a matter of time before another “Big One” happens in California, so it is important to learn from such past events in order to brace for future quakes.

socks,” he added. “I was worried about his safety, but he was okay.”

Massive earthquakes may not be limited to the distant future either, World Series 1989 Trading Pin considering that on last Tuesday alone, California experienced six quakes with a magnitude of 3.5 or greater. The powerful 7.1 shaker in Ridgecrest struck less than a month ago, followed by extensive aftershocks.

Even so, a decision was made to postpone the game, requiring that the enormous amount of traffic be turned around—and with no working public address system to convey the information to the 62,000 or so fans. The officials had to think quickly.

The Loma Prieta earthquake, however, left a lasting mark on San Francisco. The quake struck at 5:04 pm on October 17, and many across the nation virtually experienced it in real time.

That’s because there was already excitement among sports fans, with the World Series involving a rare matchup between the American League champion Oakland Athletics and the National League champion San Francisco Giants. (In 1913, the crosstown rivals, who were then the Philadelphia Athletics and the New York Giants, competed against each other in another World Series.)

Potential for Perfect Storm at Candlestick Jorge Costa

Jorge Costa, now Senior Vice President of Ballpark Operations with the Giants, had worked as a liaison for Commissioner Peter Ueberroth handling stadium operations and security, and served as Chief of Operations at the Oakland Coliseum. Given his expertise, he was brought into the high-profile Oakland-San Francisco World Series games.

“I remember that October 17th day like it was yesterday,” he told the San Francisco Bay Times. “It was very hot and there was tremendous energy in the air due to the game. I had butterflies even before the earthquake struck.”

When the shaker did hit, “it seemed to last a very long time,” he recalled, thinking of the swaying tiers and loud noise. In reality, the earthquake had a duration of 15 seconds. “An evacuation video had remarkably just played on the scoreboard, which flashed three dots before the power went out. Initially, some people ran out of the park screaming, but overall it was more of a dissipation rather than an evacuation.”

“I remember watching a guy (worker) who had climbed on a light tower attempting to untangle some wind

Critical Decisions Costa recalled that people were still entering the sold-out stadium while he, Commissioner Fay Vincent and other officials met on the field to discuss what to do next. Without more modern forms of power systems and communication networks, they had no idea that a 50-foot section of the Bay Bridge had just collapsed, as had a double-decker freeway in Oakland. They also did not realize that fires had erupted in the Marina District and elsewhere.

Costa partnered with Commander Isiah Nelson III of the San Francisco Police Department. “An announcement was written on the hood of a police Commander Isiah Nelson III car,” Costa said. “It read that the game had been ‘postponed due to a temporary power disruption.’ The car drove around and that’s how people received the news. We have a display highlighting this now at The Vault at Oracle.”

“Commander Nelson was such a special, humble person,” Costa said, adding that Nelson radiated “calm and leadership” that proved to be invaluable on that day.

Tragically, Nelson died in a motorcycle crash just a year later. He was 36 years old and was survived by his wife and two sons.

Three Men and a Camera Most of the baseball fans calmly exited the stadium after the initial shock and confusion, although at least one woman required treatment for a panic attack. When Costa himself walked out, he encountered ESPN’s Chris Berman and a cameraman. ESPN had a generator set up so the network was able to continue its coverage.

The three men wound up spending many more hours at the site. “I’m still in contact with Chris to this day,” Costa said.

Costa did not get home until 4 am the next day. His fiancé, originally from Ohio and only in the Bay Area for a year, had previously found out about Costa’s status, not from him, but from her sister who was watching ESPN. Even the day after the earthquake was full of work drama for Costa, who had to make his way—by candlelight—to a meeting upstairs at the Westin St. Francis hotel.

A decision was made to resume on October 27 what was once called the “Bay Bridge Series” and now called the “Earthquake Series.” The matchup proved to be a washout for the Giants, with the A’s winning in a 4-game sweep.

Urgency to Strengthen Infrastructure

Although the “Stick” suffered damage during the earthquake, it largely stood stro remained open until August 14, 2014. Many people at the time praised the Stick’s

There was a new sense of urgency, though, to safeguard infrastructure. After shor fixes, San Francisco voters in 1997 approved a $100 million bond toward the cons new stadium on the Candlestick site. It was repealed, however, since both the Gia 49ers decided to scrap the original plan. Pacific Bell Park (now Oracle Park) open 11, 2000, as the new home for the Giants. Levi’s Stadium broke ground on April 1 becoming the new home for the 49ers.

Costa said that back in the Stick’s day, modern quick-drying cement wasn’t comm material helped to improve construction efforts and subsequent needed repairs. E drills now happen more regularly. There are backup power systems. The internet phones help to strengthen communication for all.

What to Do in a Stadium During an Earthquake

According to ShakeOutBC, you should follow these tips if you find yourself in a st theater during an earthquake:

• Stay at your seat or drop to the ground between rows. This makes you a smalle falling or flying debris and makes it less likely that the earthquake will knock yo • Protect your head and neck with your arms, and bend over as far as possible to vital organs.

• If possible, hold on by gripping the leg of a chair with one arm, keeping the oth head and neck.

• Close your eyes and mouth to protect from dust and debris. Stay in this position shaking stops. Do not try to move until you’re sure the shaking has stopped.

• When the shaking is over, count to 60 then slowly look around to ensure it is sa Relive Loma Prieta, Prepare for the Next Shaker

The California Academy of Sciences at Golden Gate Park features “The Shake H is a recreation of a dining room of a Victorian-era “Painted Lady” house. Those a over may enter The Shake House to experience both the sustained tremors of the Prieta earthquake and the devastating 7.9 1906 quake.

Watch (or re-watch) KGO’s coverage of the 1989 World Series as it was interrupte earthquake: https://bit.ly/2Oa3L8j View ESPN’s reports on the Loma Prieta aftermath: https://bit.ly/2y2n0pu

Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence Help After 1989 Earthquake In addition to marking an anniversary of the Loma Prieta earthquake, 2019 also marks an important anniversary for the Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence.

They turned the big 40 this year. While many LGBT nonprofits and other groups helped out after the 1989 quake, the Sisters did something especially clever.

During the year of the quake, the Castro was the site of a massive annual street party on Halloween. While revelers still gather in the district for the holiday, the big celebration was called off by the city in 2006, after a shooting wounded nine people.

The Halloween celebrants turned out in droves on October 31, 1989, though.

This was just two weeks after the earthquake, so people were more than ready to turn their attention toward 14

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Halloween 2005

For a printable “Get Ready Quake” card, go to: https://bit.ly/2y17yKw

Sisters’ portrait at Halloween 1995

something more uplifting. Seizing the opportune moment, the Sisters went out into the crowds with donation buckets and collected thousands of dollars.

The money went to fill the coffers of the San Francisco Mayor’s Earthquake Relief Fund. Art Agnos (1938–) was the city’s mayor at that time. Agnos is still going strong, as are the Sisters, who have raised money for the promotion of safer sex, HIV/AIDS prevention, breast cancer research and much more. https://www.thesisters.org/

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The SF Giants, in 1994 at Candlestick Park, became the first profession benefit game.

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LGBTQ News & Calendar for the Bay Area

CELEBRATING FOUR DECADES (1978–2019)

6.9 Earthquake Could Not Stop Trailblazing Sportscaster Suzyn Waldman

Fans slowly leaving Candlestick Park after the Loma Prieta quake on October 17, 1989

PHOTO CREDIT: DENNIS DESPROIS/SAN FRANCISCO GIANTS

“Focusing your life solely on making a buck shows a certain poverty of ambition. It asks too little of yourself. Because it’s only when you hitch your wagon to something larger than yourself that you realize your true potential.”

–Former President Barack Obama (1961–)

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Instead of leaving the Park, Waldman clutched one of just two working phones in the press box and kept on working—alone. She later interviewed as many people as she could, keeping the Bay Area and the nation informed of the quake’s aftermath as she experienced it from the Stick.

During breaks, she would grab the second live phone line to call the family members of fellow media members, to inform them that their loved ones were okay.

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When the 6.9 Loma Prieta earthquake rocked Northern California in 1989, many baseball fans at San Francisco’s Candlestick Park—there for the “Bay Bridge World Series”—left the area as fast as they could, or at least as soon as they found out that the game was not going to happen that evening.

Broadcaster Suzyn Waldman, working for WFAN, could have done the same. After all, she was sitting at one of the highest points in the Park, within an auxiliary press box soaring way above home plate.

the Albert Einstein College of Medicine at the United Nations.

Overcoming Cancer The Women’s Global Health Award followed her 1996 breast cancer diagnosis. Later falsely diagnosed as being cancer free, she wound up suing Mount Sinai Hospital and two of its pathologists for the misdiagnosis. She won the case.

Even as she underwent chemotherapy, she continued to When the Giants hosted the Yankees for the first time Suzyn Waldman with renowned radio announc- work at WFAN. We are happy since 2007 for a series of games in San Francisco, er John Sterling in the broadcast booth at to report that her cancer now Suzyn Waldman was honored by the City of San London Stadium for the two-game London has been in remission for sevFrancisco Board of Supervisors.

Series, Yankees v Red Sox, June 29-30. eral years.

With her thick New England accent, Waldman became It can then be said that a 6.9 earthquake and cancer one of the most unexpected and then-unsung heroes of failed to defeat Waldman. Death threats could be added Loma Prieta. to the list. Yes, some listeners have sent her threatening Pioneering Journalist messages over the years, seemingly because they could not handle a woman being in her position. As she told Fast forward to 2019, and Waldman is now in her 33rd People magazine, “Imagine wanting to kill someone for season either covering or broadcasting the New York talking baseball. But you can’t let people stop you.”

Yankees. She is in her 15th season as the Yankees’ radio color commentator, having become the first woman to hold a full-time position as a Major League broadcaster.

She has spent more than three decades overcoming all of the obstacles that go along with being a female sports broadcaster and has risen to the top of her profession. In 2006, she became a permanent part of the “Women in Baseball” exhibit at the Hall of Fame in Cooperstown, and in 2009, her World Series Game 6 scorecard was added to the Hall of Fame’s collection, commemorating her being the first female broadcaster to call World Series game action.

Two years before the Loma Prieta quake struck, Waldman became the first voice heard on WFAN-AM in New York, the first all-sports radio station in the country. She was a mainstay on that station for almost 15 years, creating the job of the radio beat reporter, covering both the Yankees and the New York Knicks. Her news-breaking reports, exclusive interviews and always original and controversial opinions won her countless journalism awards.

Waldman remains a tireless motivational speaker at schools and cancer centers around the country, encouraging young women to pursue their dreams despite any pitfalls that they may encounter. An animal lover with two beloved German shepherds (Gatsby and Margo), she additionally helps out numerous pet charities, such as Paws Crossed Animal Rescue and the SPCA. She Sings, Too! A native Bostonian with a degree in economics from Simmons College, Waldman spent 15 years on the Broadway musical stage and performed in countless night clubs around the world. She is proudest of her two years starring opposite Richard Kiley in Man of La Mancha.

She has performed the National Anthem at many Yankee home games and did so at the 1986 ALCS Championship Game 7 at Fenway Park. She really belts it out! You can see her do so here: https://bit.ly/2y1mJ6s

While she still remains virtually unknown to San Franciscans who are unfamilIn fact, many of her litAnd you can also see this life-long LGBTQ iar with Yankees games, Waldman erally shaken colleagues ally in person soon, when she travels with was honored with the International from other cities had the Yankees next month to Oakland for a Radio Award for her live and emoeither headed out of the series of games against the A’s. Look for her tional reporting from the upper Park or first to the miniwith Sterling (we have to toss in a Sterlingdeck of Candlestick during the bars in an attempt to esque “Theeeee Yankees win!”

1989 earthquake. She also received quell their nerves. https://bit.ly/30nMJpf ) in the visiting the 1996 N.Y. Sportscaster of the team’s press box from August 20–22.

Year Award from the National Waldman was scared as Suzyn Sportscasters & Sportswriters and well, but driven to do Pro tip: If the Yankees win, Waldman will Waldman’s the 1999 Star Award for radio from her job at a time when it handheld head down to the field to interview one of the American Women in Radio the team’s star players, so wait for that if you mattered beyond sports. microphone is and TV. would like to be in the direct presence of not “I remember every min- displayed by the Baseball only a hero of Loma Prieta, but also one of ute of that day,” she A Number of Media Firsts Hall of Fame. the greatest sportscasters of all time. recently told the San Waldman became a popular talk show Francisco Bay Times while covFor more information about the upcoming host of WFAN and co-hosted the covering a New York Yankeeseted midday slot until leaving WFAN in Suzyn Waldman conducting the mentioned games—which should be pheGiants game at Oracle nomenal given that both the A’s and the 2002 to join the YES Network. The word “Suzyn’s Star” interview for Park. “I love this city (San “first” invariably precedes the name of WFAN after a game won by the Yankees are enjoying very successful seaFrancisco) and stayed here for sons—go to: https://atmlb.com/2JOXbi4 Yankees Suzyn Waldman in every facet of her days after the earthquake.” television and radio career. The first woman to work on a nationally-teleThe intrepid journalist used vised baseball broadcast, Waldman her World Series press pass added another first, being the first Sportscaster Suzyn Waldman last month was to get through San Francisco woman to provide play-by-play for a nominated for a coveted spot in the Radio fire and police lines, again Major League team, when she started (from top) Justice Sonia Hall of Fame. Few women have been nomiproviding informative coverbroadcasting New York Yankees Sotomayor with Suzyn nated over the years, with still fewer actually age for radio listeners nationgames for WPIX, MSG Network and Waldman; The 2009 World making it into this prestigious Hall of Fame. wide.

But she did much more WNYW/FOX5 in the mid 1990s.

Series Champion Yankee You can check out the past inductees at https://bit.ly/2Yq6gYl than that.

She helped to hand team visited the White House The first woman ever to host an NBA in April, 2010; Suzyn Waldman out coffee to grateful and overBetter yet, please cast your vote! The competition this year is steep, pre-and post-game show, she worked in with Hall of Fame relief pitcher taxed firefighters and police, with other talented nominees vying for the honor. When all is said and that capacity for the Knicks on WFAN, Mariano Rivera; Suzyn at with the assistance of David done, however, we cannot imagine a more deserving Radio Hall of home with Gatsby and Margo. provided play-by-play for the WNBA “Smoke” Stewart, then a Fame member than Waldman. You can help to make this happen. on Lifetime TV and was an analyst on pitcher with the Oakland Athletics. Stewart managed to St. John’s basketball games for MSG Vote Here for Suzyn Waldman: https://bit.ly/2GnPoXA haul around a generator to heat the coveted coffee and and WFAN. to power other tasks.

In addition to online voting instructions, there you will also find inforShe has been honored by countless mation on how to text your vote. Important: Voting ends on July 28, so Strolling down Maiden Lane during this time, organizations, including the Thurman don’t delay.

Waldman encountered the owner of a café. The ownMunson Foundation, the March of er’s mood was as shattered as the broken dishware surDimes, B’nai B’rith, the Jimmy Fund of The 2019 Radio Hall of Fame inductees will be announced on August rounding her. Waldman helped her to pick up the Boston and the U.S. Federal Women’s 5. They will then be honored in the fall at the 31st Annual Induction pieces, and assisted numerous other San Franciscans Program. In 2006, she received the first Ceremony.

Women’s Global Health Award from during the difficult week.

PHOTO CREDIT: SFGIANTS.MLBLOGS.COM

Vote for Suzyn Waldman!

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VIP Preview of Harvey Milk Terminal 1 at SFO The first airport terminal in the world to be named in honor of an LGBTQ leader, Harvey Milk Terminal 1 at San Francisco International Airport’s (SFO), was unveiled to more than 500 VIP guests at a preview on July 18. A Free Community Day followed on July 20.

Guests at the first event included San Francisco Bay Times columnist and legendary entertainer Donna Sachet, Assemblymember and San Francisco Bay Times columnist Phil Ting, Liisa Cohen, Sister Roma and other members of the Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence, former mayor Willie Brown and more who were greeted by Anna Damiani—former District/Field Representative of Mark Leno and presently with SFO. Mayor London Breed spoke at the Saturday Community event.

Among the performers were CHEER San Francisco, the San Francisco Lesbian/Gay Freedom Band, members of Beach Blanket Babylon, the GLIDE Ensemble and the Change Band, Duniya Dance & Drum Company and numerous others.

The new terminal showcases historic materials about Milk, including photos, art, mementos, notes and much more. They are presented on a breathtaking 400-foot wall, a fittingly extensive tribute to the pioneering activist and San Francisco supervisor who was assassinated in late 1978. The terminal officially opened on Tuesday, July 23.

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Photos by Bill Wilson

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

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Donna’s Chronicles

By Donna Sachet

irst and foremost, the results are in and after months of planning, a major change of venue, increased expenses and all of the other details that go into producing a major annual event, we are happy to report that Gary Virginia & Donna Sachet’s 21st Annual Pride Brunch made a record-breaking $45,000 for PRC! Those unrestricted funds will go a long way in supporting the vital and far-reaching work of PRC, providing advocacy and opportunities to thousands of underrepresented individuals across the Bay Area. We thanked many of the contributors in our last column, but we’ll add here that much of the credit for our success must go to our longstanding partner and co-creator Gary Virginia, whose tireless attention to detail, flawless creative concepts, infectious enthusiasm and genuine community commitment have sustained and grown Pride Brunch into the anxiously anticipated and financially successful event it is today. Did this event really start over 21 years ago at popular Stars restaurant after a spirited and alcohol fueled conversation with chef Rusty Gaspard at The Edge in the Castro? Every big idea starts somewhere!

Although large events are fewer and far between after such a crazy Pride schedule, we’ve enjoyed smaller, more personal events recently with delight. Such an example was our recent foray up to Santa Rosa for Evan Wright’s Diamond Jubilee milestone birthday, splendidly catered by CoCo Butter with able assistance from Deana Dawn and Cockatielia. Guests varied in age, gender, geographical home and background, including John Brosnan & Chad McLaughlin, Kevin Lisle, Gary Virginia, John Folmsbee, Ken Ferraris & Matt McLelland, Tyler Nelson & Carl Birks, Leandro Gonzales, Ben Wong and Chuck Ramsey. Evan’s comfortable, relaxed cottage and ideal summer weather combined to create the perfect setting. We especially loved John Hershey’s ongoing slide show projected in the living room of decades worth of photos and charming memorabilia.

Another example was the recent joint birthday dinner for community activists, leaders, and friends Race Bannon and Suzan Revah. Julian Marshburn and Shawn Hassler & Carlos Buenrostro astounded their guests with a gourmet menu, elaborate table setting and generous libations in their charming and historic home.

Conversation was fast-paced and non-stop among Steven Satyricon, Joanna Parks, Rusty Best, Amp Somers, Leo DaSilva and others, reviewing common interests, discussing current challenges and sharing their love for the two birthday celebrants. We were reminded of how few ever entertain at home anymore. Whether limited by space, unsure of entertaining or culinary skills, or otherwise hampered, we encourage you to partner with other friends, use your space creatively, and schedule some in-home get togethers.

It needn’t be overly burdensome to share your home with close friends, creating life-long memories.

At long last, the San Francisco International Airport unveiled Harvey Milk Terminal One with a VIP/Sponsor Preview Party last Thursday, where we appeared, and a Community Day on Saturday. In response to vocal responses to earlier iterations, signage at the terminal boldly and clearly commemorates Harvey’s name! The sparkling new terminal features sweeping views of arriving and departing airplanes, spacious and varied seating arrangements, eyecatching Micro Lounges and notable art installations. An extraordinary wall memorializing the life and contributions of Harvey Milk captures passers-by and invites closer attention. In a short program, Airport Director Ivar Satero and Vice President of the SF Airport Commission Linda Crayton thanked the many contributors to this lengthy and complex project and then introduced Gregangelo & Velocity Circus in an amazing musical production with elaborate costumes, animated dancers and quaint San Francisco references. Throughout the terminal, cocktails and hors d’oeuvres from a variety of establishments, including several who will have outposts in the terminal, tempted attendees. Our community was well-represented by Sister Roma and several other Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence, the Lesbian/Gay Freedom Band, DJ Juanita MORE!, Neil Figurelli, Bill Wilson, Liisa Cohen and many other familiar faces.

This past weekend was a mix of traditional fundraisers, bold departures from predictable events and a welcome revival of drag in a much-loved location. The Edge hosted Krewe de Kinque’s monthly fundraiser on Saturday afternoon, raising $645 with raffle tickets, a beverage bust and performer tips. The indefatigable Gary Virginia was there once again guiding producer Cadillac Barbie through her first event of this kind. A cooperative bar, loyal supporters and dependable volunteers; this is fundraising the old-fashioned way.

That night, Imperial Crown Princess Sadyst Payne and the Imperial Court hosted a new Black & Blue Ball with proceeds going to Bay Area Leather Alliance. Despite challenges with the sound system, bothersome program delays and a limited and soon exhausted bar, this event successfully brought drag in its most current iteration and the Leather community together in startling new ways. It seemed well attended with costumes, musical numbers and conversation reflecting the theme and the repurposed venue.

Imperial title-holders were in obvious attendance, as were friends from neighboring Alameda Ducal Court and new faces with indeterminate connection. Reigning Emperor Terrill Grimes Munro and Reigning Empress Baby Shaques Munro, faced with the everpresent challenge of keeping things interesting, appear ready to relax old strictures and to try new ideas.

Finally, Sunday night, we made a point of popping into Bond on 16th Street, once the well-known Esta Noche, favorite hang-out of the Latino LGBTQ Community and home of long-running drag shows. Alexis Miranda was back at her old haunt, bringing drag back to this venue. The bar has been polished to a new appealing look while maintaining the beautiful central bar and architectural arch above. While changing neighborhood demographics may generally necessitate other activities at Bond, Alexis is determined to bring drag back to where she led so many shows for so many years. Attendance on a late Sunday night was sparse, but the cast was fresh and talented, the owner and staff seemed supportive, and no one should underestimate a persistent PHOTO BY SHAWN NORTHCUTT

“The difficulty lies not so much in developing new ideas as in escaping from old ones.”

–John Maynard Keynes

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

The Starlight Room Sir Francis Drake Hotel 10:30 am Brunch, 11:30 am Show $75 inclusive https://starlightroomsf.com/sundays-a-drag Sunday, July 28 Up Your Alley Street Fair Dore Alley & Folsom Street between 9th & 11th 11 am–6 pm Voluntary gate donation www.folsomstreetevents.org Sunday, July 28 Join Alexis Miranda Drag show with Carla Gay, Alicia Marie and Diana Miranda Bond Bar, 3079 16th Street 7 pm & 9 pm $5 cover http://www.bondbarsf.com/ Sunday, July 28 PLAY T-Dance Brian Kent Production, fetish dance party, DJ Russ Rich City Nights, 715 Harrison Street $60 & up www.eventbrite.com Saturday, August 3 Playa in the Grove Comfort & Joy’s outdoor gathering AIDS Memorial Grove, Golden Gate Park Noon–6 pm Free! https://aidsmemorial.org/ Saturday, August 17 Empress Show Misty Blue hosts this all-Empress show Benefiting the José Sarria International Scholarship Beaux, 2344 Market Street 4–7 pm www.imperialcouncilsf.org Sunday, August 18 Help is on the Way XXV: Celebrating Broadway Silver Anniversary Gala Herbst Theatre, War Memorial Building 7 pm $150 & up www.reaf.org

drag queen! Watch for upcoming opportunities to join Alexis at Bond!

Yes, sometimes nothing works as well as a tried and true fundraising technique. But sometimes, the routine and predictable no longer draw a crowd and it is time to try something new. And at other times, everything old is new again. We don’t have all of the answers, but we applaud all of those who continue to keep our community and our city full of opportunities to participate, to give back and to belong.

Donna Sachet is a celebrated performer, fundraiser, activist and philanthropist who has dedicated over two decades to the LGBTQ Community in San Francisco. Contact her at empsachet@gmail.com S AN F R ANC IS C O BAY T IM ES

JULY 25, 2019

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

From the Coming Up Events Calendar See page 24

Saturday, July 27 - Art + Soul Oakland19 @ Multiple Sites, Downtown Oakland. The annual music and art festival attracts thousands for live music and dance. 12noon-6pm. http://www.artandsouloakland.com

Wednesday, August 7 - Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom @ The Costume Shop, 1117 Market Street. The comedy/ drama by August Wilson, about Ma Rainey and her band. 8pm W-Sat; 2pm Sun. through September 1. http://www.wehavemet.org

The Queen Returns: Rerelease Recounts an Historic 1968 Camp Beauty Pageant

The Queen, opening August 2 at the Landmark Opera Plaza and Shattuck Cinemas, is a fantastic time capsule from 1968. This documentary, directed by Frank Simon, depicts the 1967 Nationals, a drag queen beauty contest staged in New York City. The observational film immerses viewers in this fabulous world as contestants sashay on stage and off in ball gowns and big hair, in sparkly frocks, or in tight-fitting bathing suits.

The Queen opens with Jack (aka Sabrina), a 24-year-old organizer who doesn’t compete. He talks about the respect drag performers seek, and deserve. The film shrewdly stays within the insular world that it presents. Viewers pick up who the guys are as scenes depict them getting instructions about the contest— how to discard items of clothing, the point system, etc.—as well as in their small, crowded hotel rooms. As the men unpack their wigs, gowns and shoes, it is hard not to imagine them as women. They talk about how to conceal their beards, and camp it up among one another.

What emerges, and why Simon’s film is so compelling more than 50 years after it was made, is the camaraderie that exists between these guys. It’s inspiring to hear these young men talk freely about their attitudes about being gay and doing drag. One man describes his relief at being accepted by his parents, although another says his mother won’t speak about it.

The Queen does feature a few scenes of the guys performing prior to the competition. There are some rehearsals for the show involving a kick line and a musical number. One contestant, while dressed as a man, belts out a glorious song in his hotel room—to the enjoyment of his roommates. There are other moments of campiness, but rarely any cattiness. The biggest tiff that occurs prior to the competition involves one contestant having issues with a wig.

PHOTO COURTESY OF KINO LORBER

Gary M. Kramer

As the pageant nears, the guys shave, do their nails, put on their bras and shadow their cleavage. Simon is not looking to reveal tricks of the drag queen trade, but, rather, to emphasize the work these men do to make themselves look so beautiful.

It’s hypnotic to watch, because the subjects are so unselfconscious.

Simon’s film is crudely made. The camera goes in and out of focus a few times— as most “fly on the wall” documentaries do—and there are scenes that are not always flattering to the subjects. But the authenticity of the film is charming. The Queen captures moments, from a contestant teasing his wig, to another guy putting on a collared robe to answer the door, which show these men as they truly are. The magic of the film is that it never judges its subjects; it celebrates them in all of their glory.

The last third of the film depicts the contest itself. The competitors are shown backstage drinking, smoking and otherwise getting ready for the show. There is a palpable sense of tension as the program starts. Once it does, The Queen provides snippets of the bathing suit portion of the show as well as a scene where one contestant, who didn’t participate in the swimsuit competition, gets an opportunity to strut across the stage.

However, much of the focus is on the five finalists. The excitement builds as one contestant is named “The Queen” and is given a tiara to wear and represent. If the identity of the winner is not unexpected, what transpires after the announcement is. One of the also-rans, Crystal LeBeija,

KIT’N KITTY’S

QUEER POP QUIZ

PHOTO COURTESY OF KINO LORBER

Film

They also talk about not wanting a sex change; that while they are feminine, and like doing drag, they have no intention of becoming a woman through surgery. One man explains that his lover wants a guy and not a girl, which makes his penchant for drag tricky. Arguably, the most interesting discussion is one about the draft board. While several men were excused from duty because they were gay, one contestant recounts writing a letter to the president expressing his wish to serve. It is intriguing to hear their thoughts and opinions as they practice, primp and ready themselves for the contest.

sounds off on the contest, challenging the intention and the outcome. How this ugly situation is presented may prompt viewers to question their loyalties and interest in the pageant. It is a shrewd end to a film that is mostly a positive portrayal of the close-knit community.

The Queen certainly deserves to be seen, perhaps even more so given the recent Stonewall milestone. This documentary is a fascinating piece of history, captured in a style that is very much of—and ahead of—its time. © 2019 Gary M. Kramer Gary M. Kramer is the author of “Independent Queer Cinema: Reviews and Interviews,” and the co-editor of “Directory of World Cinema: Argentina.” Follow him on Twitter @ garymkramer

STAR ATHLETE This legendary athlete won Olympic gold medals in track & field in 1932; competed in softball, basketball, baseball and tennis; and helped to found the LPGA.

A) Betty Hicks B) Martina Navratilova C) Babe Didrikson Zaharias D) Glenna Collett-Vare ANSWER ON PAGE 22

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

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

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Sister Dana Sez: Words of Wisdumb from a Fun Nun whereas the T-rump admin’s Space Force is just a ridiculous joke!”

By Sister Dana Van Iquity Sister Dana sez, “Attorney General Barr is both a total sycophant to His MAGAsty Donald Trump, but also an utter em-BARR-ASS-ment to the Department of Justice!”

MAITRI Board Chair Mike Niemeyer announces the welcome of Rusty Smith as their new Executive Director. Michael Smithwick retires—after years of service to Maitri—to go down South to Palm Springs, where so many of the queer elders seem to migrate.

RIZE UP:STOP ICE was a demonstration held on July 12 at ICE HQ, 630 Sansome Street, responding to the call from the T-rump administration for a weekend of action raiding immigrants—not for safety but for political purposes. We demanded that the camps be closed, the families be reunited, and immigrants be left alone! San Francisco is one of the bigger targets among many metropolitan cities that have openly declared themselves as sanctuary cities. My favorite among placards: “No human being is illegal!” “The Trump administration’s immigration policies and detention camps meet the United Nations’ definition of genocide and crimes against humanity,” said Elizabeth Cronise McLaughlin, lawyer, activist and organizer. “Congress is refusing to stop the president and his policies. We cannot allow these atrocities to be perpetrated in our name.”

whole new group of artists and their pieces to be on display very soon. I am hoping my faves will return: resident artist Tracy Piper and Joseph Abbati and Serge Gay, Jr. https://www.artattacksf.com/visit

PEACHES CHRIST PRODUCTIONS kicked off the second half of 2019 with the world premiere of a brand-new stage spectacular, BRING IT ON, QUEEN! This was an outrageous dance-heavy, musical parody of the classic Kirsten Dunst cheerleading comedy Bring It On, at the Castro Theatre on July 13 starring Bob The Drag Queen—Drag Race Season 8 winner and frequent Peaches Christ collaborator; alongside Monét X Change—Drag Race All Stars Season 4 winner; and Peaches Christ.

Real-life sibling rivals Monét and Bob play the captains of competing drag queen cheer squads that must fight it out for a national championship trophy. When Monet becomes the captain of affluent suburban cheer team “The Sponges,” she’s pressured to lock in another win for their undefeated run. Her team’s got sass and spirit, and is full of spunk ... literally. The Sponges’ road to total cheer glory takes a shady turn when Monét discovers that their perfectly choreographed routines were, in fact, stolen from hiphop city squad “The Purses,” led

by Bob. Also featured in the cast were Meredeath (Missy), Nicki Jizz ( Jenelope), Militia Towers (Lava), Roxy Cotten-Candy (Courtney), Chaka Corn (Whitney), Will Woodward (Fred), and Chadd Behavior (Les). A terribly clever parody by Peaches!

Then on July 15 (the day after Bastille Day), protestors in San Francisco at the Amazon office, 525 Market Street, and across the country, demanded Amazon cut ties with ICE. There was a protest and delivery of petitions with 270,000 signatures calling on Amazon to cut ties with ICE, as part of actions in 9 cities across the country for Prime Day, Amazon’s high profile and busiest shopping day. Demonstrators pointed out that Amazon has directly helped to fuel related problems, and threatens to exacerbate them with continued marketing of its facial recognition software to ICE officials.

San Francisco is on the forefront of pushing back on new invasive surveillance technology, with Supervisor Aaron Peskin recently helping to ban the city’s use of facial recognition technology.

The 33rd annual AIDS WALK SAN FRANCISCO was a 10-kilometer fundraising walk held in Golden Gate Park on July 14. The lead beneficiaries of AIDS Walk SF were PROJECT OPEN HAND, PRC, and WARD 86. Other recipients of major AIDS Walk funding included the NATIONAL AIDS MEMORIAL, AIDS LEGAL REFERRAL PANEL and dozens of other Bay Area AIDS service organizations. ABC7 lead anchor Dan Ashley hosted the Opening Ceremony in Robin Williams Meadow, where celebrities included Barrett Foa (NCIS Los Angeles), Tony winner John Lloyd Young ( Jersey Boys), Ryan Jamaal Swain (Pose), and actress and activist Meredith Baxter (Family Ties).

A Post-Walk Show, also in Robin Williams Meadow, featured TV personality Carson Kressley (RuPaul’s Drag Race) and performances by the First Ladies of Disco: Grammy winner Thelma Houston (“Don’t Leave Me This Way”), twotime Grammy nominee Martha Wash (“It’s Raining Men”), and Norma Jean Wright (formerly of CHIC, “Everybody Dance”); Dan Ashley; and Monet X Change (RuPaul’s Drag Race).

Sister Dana sez, “This is the 50th anniversary of the incredible Moon Landing and safe return to Earth. These were heroes who made a difference;

MAKE YOUR MARK was a Group Show of 40 artists at Art Attack in the Castro, 2358 Market Street, Suite1. The gallery held a Closing Reception on July 14. Watch for a

Sister Dana sez, “The proequality House majority has voted to block Trump’s ban on transgender service members.

If the Senate steps up to block Trump’s awful ban, transgender Americans will finally be able to serve their country without blatant discrimination!”

ROMANTIC ROCK presented “PUNK ROCK & PAINTBRUSHES” temporarily on tour for a day in San Francisco on July 19 at 2358 Market Street. They were celebrating the artworks of S arah Melvin, Winston Smith of San Francisco: the well-known artist of “The Dead Kennedys,” as well as Chali2na of Jurassic 5, Soma Snakeoil and Lori Herbst, Chris Shary “Descendents,” with Matt Hensley of Flogging Molly, Warren Fitzgerald of The Vandals, Steve Caballero the legendary skateboarder, and Kellin Quinn & Justin Hills of Sleeping with Sirens. It was a perfect day for punkers!

On July 20, KREWE DE KINQUE Mardi Gras Club offered the opportunity for extroverted folks to STRIKE A POSE at The Edge in the Castro. We were raising funds for our BAL MASQUE XVII CHARITY FUND. Club Member Cadillac Barbie was our Hostess with the Mostess and invited talented KdK Queens & Kings to Vogue in the 5 pm Open Show. Barbie was joined by KdK Queen XVI Kelly Rose to create the line-up, entertain, and MC for the afternoon. KdK Queen VII Sr. Dana was “door whore,” collecting $$$ for charity in full-tilt silver disco habit. Topping off the fabulous day, KdK King VI James Holloway was a special guest from Palm Springs!

Sister Dana sez, “Republicans know they could rob us of the White House in 2020 with the help of the Electoral College. That’s how Trump and his Big Money Donors won the 2016 Election. We won’t stand for it. We need to abolish the Electoral College while there’s still time to make a difference. Please sign onto the petition here:” https://bit.ly/2XYgjnR Sister Dana sez, “Here is some hot stuff for the hot Summer!”

UP YOUR ALLEY FAIR is Sunday, July 28, 11 am to 6 pm on Dore Alley between Howard and Folsom, continuing on Folsom from 9th to Juniper and the adjoining block of 10th Street. Located in front of the legendary Powerhouse bar, nearly 15,000 fellow leather and fetish enthusiasts and their fans gather together to play and shop for gear.

This is affectionately known as “Folsom Street Fair’s Dirty Little Brother.” https://bit.ly/2ObpfBW

PHOTO BY PAUL MARGOLIS

The Saturday before “Up Your Alley Fair” is the BIG MUSCLE PARTY on July 27, 1–6 pm at DNA Lounge, 375 11th Street.

This event will be your first opportunity to see the 2020 BARE CHEST CALENDAR and meet the handsome, hunky Calendar men. Featuring music by DJ Paul Goodyear & DJ Steve Fabus (GoBANG!) https://bit.ly/2LzQrYQ

Dennis McMillan (aka Sister Dana) and a friend inspected the official poster for Frameline43.

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HAIRSPRAY, winner of eight Tony Awards, including Best Musical, is now playing through August 11 at the Victoria Theatre, 2961 16th Street.

It’s 1962 in Baltimore, and the lovable plus-size teen, Tracy Turnblad, has only one desire—to dance on the (continued on page 23)

Summer Reading: Publishing Triangle Announces Best LGBTQ Books of 2018

Words Michele Karlsberg At a ceremony held in NYC earlier this year, the best LGBTQ fiction, nonfiction, poetry and trans literature published in 2018 were honored by the Publishing Triangle.

The Ferro-Grumley Award for LGBTQ Fiction went to Drapetomania by John R. Gordon (Team Angelica).

Finalists Eden, by Andrea Kleine (Houghton Mifflin Harcourt) The Evolution of Love, by Lucy Jane Bledsoe (Rare Bird) A Ladder to the Sky, by John Boyne (Hogarth/Crown) Tin Man, by Sarah Winman (Putnam) The Edmund White Award for Debut Fiction was presented to The House of Impossible Beauties, by Joseph Cassara (Ecco/ HarperCollins).

Finalists Freshwater, by Akwaeke Emezi (Grove Press) Heartland, by Ana Simo (Restless Books) That Was Something, by Dan Callahan (Squares and Rebels) The Audre Lorde Award for Lesbian Poetry went to Rest, by Margaree Little (Four Way Books).

Finalists Autobiography of a Wound, by Brynne Rebele-Henry (University of Pittsburgh Press) High Ground Coward, by Alicia Mountain (University of Iowa Press) Mosaic of the Dark, by Lisa Dordal (Black Lawrence Press) The Thom Gunn Award for Gay Poetry was given to Not Here, by Hieu Minh Nguyen (Coffee House Press).

Finalists Cenzontle, by Marcelo Hernandez Castillo (BOA Editions) Forgive the Body This Failure,

by Blas Falconer (Four Way Books) Luminous Debris: New and Selected Legerdemain, 1992– 2017, by Timothy Liu (Barrow Street Press) The Publishing Triangle Award for Trans and Gender-Variant Literature was presented to Some Animal, by Ely Shipley (Nightboat Books).

Finalists Confessions of the Fox, by Jordy Rosenberg (One World/Random House) Holy Wild, by Gwen Benaway (Bookthug Press) The Soul of the Stranger, by Joy Ladin (Brandeis University Press) The Judy Grahn Award for Lesbian Nonfiction went to Looking for Lorraine: The Radiant and Radical Life of Lorraine Hansberry, by Imani Perry (Beacon Press).

Finalists Black, Queer, Southern, Women: An Oral History, by E.

Patrick Johnson (University of North Carolina Press) Care Work: Dreaming Disability Justice, by Leah Lakshmi Piepzna-Samarasinha (Arsenal Pulp Press) The Lesbian South: Southern Feminists, the Women in Print Movement, and the Queer Literary Canon, by Jaime Harker (University of North Carolina Press) The Randy Shilts Award for Gay Nonfiction was given to How to Write an Autobiographical Novel,

by Alexander Chee (Houghton Mifflin Harcourt).

Finalists Harvey Milk, by Lillian Faderman (Yale University Press) The New Negro: The Life of Alain Locke, by Jeffrey C. Stewart (Yale University Press) Tinderbox: The Untold Story of the Up Stairs Lounge Fire and the Rise of Gay Liberation, by Robert W. Fieseler (Liveright/W. W. Norton) Jaime Manrique is the 2019 recipient of the Publishing Triangle’s Bill Whitehead Award for Lifetime Achievement, named in honor of the legendary editor of the 1970s and 1980s.

Julian Randall won the Publishing Triangle’s Betty Berzon Emerging Writer Award. This award goes to an LGBTQ writer who has published at least one book but not more than two.

The Leadership Award, which I am very happy to sponsor, went to Paul Willis. This special award recognizes contributions to LGBTQ literature by those who are not primarily writers, such as editors, agents, librarians and institutions.

Michele Karlsberg Marketing and Management specializes in publicity for the LGBTQI community. This year, Karlsberg celebrates 31 years of successful book campaigns.

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SHORTER (continued from page 5) with cultural anxieties and fears of becoming the minority population to an eventual majority of non-white people. Simple enough, right? After all, it worked well enough before. If it ain’t broke ... .

I maintain that you could see Trump’s real play coming from miles away. Seizing upon the entry of democratic socialist U.S. Senator Bernie Sanders into the 2020 race for president, and other candidates quickly adopting his once considered left of the left policy positions on healthcare, re-alignment of wealth, etc., during his 2019 State of the Union address before the Congress, Trump stated clearly as the core point of his address: “Here, in the United States, we are alarmed by new calls to adopt socialism in our country,” he said.

“America was founded on liberty and independence—not government coercion, domination and control. We are born free, and we will stay free ... . Tonight, we renew our resolve that America will never be a socialist country.”

In that moment, the art of a dirty deal in the race for the White House was revealed.

Trump’s going directly after Senator Sanders as a “crazy” socialist is one thing. It was never likely that we would hear the President suggest that Sanders, the preeminent dem-

MILLER (continued from page 8) ocratic socialist, “go back” to where he came from. Why not? Perhaps it’s age, race, ethnicity, and just simply not taking a once failed contender for the presidency seriously. Socialism as expressed, defined and proposed by the Senator is received as intellectual, abstract discourse.

The Trump card in play is to formulate a triangulation between majority-minority/cultural anxieties and socialism, and is counting on Democrats’ inability to clearly divorce or defend their positions as not socialist. It aims to: 1. equate the young (all likely to be in elected leadership for a good long while) women of color (one an immigrant Muslim from Somalia) elected to the Congress, with espousals of “radical anti-liberty, anti-freedom” socialist ideas, critiques, and solutions to complex domestic challenges as the embodiment of the ultimate alien, ungrateful non-white others, a real material threat compared to the abstract, intellectual threat presented by Sanders; 2. force the Democrats to embrace and come to the defense of their new progressive colleagues following a def-con five charged racial trope—”go back to where you came from”—grounding them further into racial minority identity politics, to which they are clearly fluent;

3. and to force democratic presidential candidates to defend policy proposals and platforms as extreme, socialist or near enough socialist (by Trump’s terms), representing an ideological, material and existential threat to status quo not only to his core base, but also to moderate, suburban voters who are not interested in socialism.

Presenting “indefensible socialism” with “ungrateful, outspoken young women of color,” and counting on Democrats to provide squeamish, suspect defense of, or distance from, being socialist is the Trump card.

It is a McCarthy-esque, red-scare gamble, and provides just enough distraction from a supremely failed presidency mired down by investigations, indictments, possible impeachment and disgrace. It is an offensive play that would likely make his late mentor and counsel to U.S. Senator McCarthy, Roy Cohn, proud.

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

GALLOTTA (continued from page 5) language instead, whether “concentration camp” is too radical or inappropriate to call the overcrowded detention centers and inhumane cages that refugees find themselves in (answer: it’s accurate). The recent “concentration camp” debate, by the way, was yet another attempt to divide Democrats and distract from the fact that children have been, and are still being, separated from their families.

Before Trump’s racist tweets earlier this month, the Democrats were in the midst of their own distracting saga that the media quickly jumped on and blew up. This time it was Speaker Pelosi versus “the Squad.”

In a recent New York Times article, the Speaker downplayed the Squad’s influence on the Party and their position, saying “they are 4 votes.” The Speaker’s point, I like to believe, is that the Democratic Party of 2019 is a pretty darn big tent. However, while the moderates may make up a majority of House Democrats, there is no doubt that the left flank is growing more vocal and more visible— something many Democratic Party operatives and pollsters may or may not be entirely comfortable with, concerned it will impact the presidential election in 2020.

Pelosi’s remarks drew blow-back from the four freshman Congresswomen, with Rep. Alexandria Ocasio Cortez

(AOC) of New York saying that the Speaker was “singling out” women of color—a headline grabbing statement. U.S. Senator and presidential hopeful Kamala Harris came to Speaker Pelosi’s defense. And in a fracturing week of back and forths, Democratic in-fighting was on full national display. The toothpaste was out of the tube and there was no putting it back in.

While Progressive Democrats are being blamed for moving the Party’s national messaging “too far to the left,” if you listen closely, these Congresswomen are actually talking substance. At a press conference following Trump’s racist tweets, Congresswoman Ayanna Pressley of Massachusetts said that “this is simply a disruption and a distraction ... we want to get back to the business of the American people and why we were sent here: reducing the cost of prescription drugs, addressing the public health crisis and epidemic that is gun violence, addressing the racial wealth gap, and yes, making sure that families stay together.”

As Democrats, we can’t afford to sacrifice substance to simply play politics with Trump. The road to November 2020 is long, and, of course, there will be more Democratic in-fighting that the media and Donald Trump will use to distract and divide us. But we can’t

give in to it. We can’t succumb to every political poll that says doing nothing is better than doing something. We need to be laser focused on our agenda and what we stand for.

That’s the Democrats’ number one job. Make the case. Flex your back bone. Do something to stop this madness.

The good news is that Speaker Pelosi and Congresswoman Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez are planning to sit down for a one-on-one conversation, as was recently confirmed by the Speaker’s spokesperson. It’s also been reported that more than 80 House Democrats now support impeachment. As the Speaker herself put it, “We have a responsibility to get something done ... . We have to have a solution, not just a Twitter fight.”

I couldn’t agree more.

Peter Gallotta is a 30-something LGBT political activist holding on to the city that he loves thanks to rent control and two-for-one happy hour specials. He is a former President of the Harvey Milk LGBTQ Democratic Club and currently serves as an appointed member of the San Francisco Democratic County Central Committee and an elected delegate to the California Democratic Party.

child an hourly wage. Have them keep track of the hours that they work and their earnings for a quick math lesson. This also teaches them the value of their time and what it takes to earn spending money.

Show teens how to make money work for them.

As your kids age, get them to: Take charge of money spent on them. Giving your teens access to all of the money that you give them on top of their allowance for clothing, entertainment, eating out and more helps them to learn about responsibility and budgeting. They’ll inevitably make some mistakes and poor choices, but at this stage, they should be small and easy to correct, while the memory of the error can keep them from making costly mistakes in the future.

Open bank accounts. Having your teen deal with a financial institution (vs. a decorated bucket) makes them feel more grown up and gets them used to the banking world. If they open a checking account, have them keep the register to get used to funds in/funds out. Once they are 18, a credit card or car loan can help to establish credit in their name. And if they are gainfully employed, have them open a Roth IRA and show them how saving even a little early on can have an enormous impact on the money that they have later in life.

Buy stock in something of interest. Buying a few shares of a company or brand that they care about encourages them to track the market’s ups and downs, understand how good or bad news impacts the share’s price, and introduces your teen to the world of investing. The goal here isn’t necessarily the smartest invest-

ment; it’s getting your kids excited and engaged.

Teaching your kids how to handle money responsibly is a great way to prepare them for adulting. Plus, it might just prevent them from boomeranging back into your house after college!

The opinions expressed in this article are for general informational purposes only and are not intended to provide specific advice or recommendations for any individual or on any specific security. Brio does not provide tax or legal advice, and nothing contained in these materials should be taken as such. To determine which investments may be appropriate for you, consult your financial advisor prior to investing. As always, please remember that investing involves risk and possible loss of principal capital; please seek advice from a licensed professional.

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

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.

RUTH (continued from page 8) with minimal revision in a savagely competitive market segment, and they add up to a vehicle that feels like it has it all in hand.

The MDX is rewarding to drive; its 290-horsepower V6 engine has satisfying surge. While the nine-speed automatic transmission can sometimes feel like it has its hands full, you quickly learn to moderate the throttle to keep the gears in their happy places.

By comparison, the Nautilus had more power and a little less finesse. The tester had the optional 2.7-liter turbocharged V6 that romped along with 335 playful horses, and its eight-speed automatic transmission shifted briskly.

The Nautilus’ handling was nicked by steering that seemed more focused on centering itself than naturally following your direction, although it ended up being a boon around town, where the elastic response made the Nautilus feel nimble.

Inside, the Acura continues its nicer-Honda vibe, with substantial plastics and bold sculpting. Its double-center-screen setup is out of vogue compared to the widescreens showing up in newer designs, but it works well enough.

The Lincoln’s stylish interior is a big part of the tester’s ambitious pricing. The Black Label trim has vivid color options, but some rough plastics from lesser Fords. Distracting from that are the terrific 22-way front seats with Active Motion massaging, which knead your thighs to keep the blood moving and you feeling refreshed.

Neither the Nautilus nor the MDX is enough to elevate their respective brands, but each has its own distinctive appeal.

KIT’N KITTY’S

QUEER POP QUIZ

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

ANSWER (Question on page 19)

C) Babe Didrikson Zaharias Mildred Ella “Babe” Didrikson Zaharias (1911–1956) is widely regarded as having been one of the greatest female athletes of all time. Zaharias was named the 10th Greatest North American Athlete of the 20th Century by ESPN, and the 9th Greatest Athlete of the 20th Century by the Associated Press. For more about her life and achievements: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2l2DF9Ocntw

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ENJOY THE VIEW! Castro Street Cam Live-streaming 24/7 http://sfbaytimes.com/castro-street-cam/

Professional Services

N ewPer spec ti ves Center for Counseling

SISTER DANA (continued from page 20) popular “Corny Collins Show.” When her dream comes true, Tracy is transformed from social outcast to sudden star. She must use her newfound power to dethrone the reigning Teen Queen, win the affections of heartthrob, Link Larkin, and integrate a TV network. It’s a big show, with big hair, and big ladies such as Tracy and her very large mother, Edna (who was played in the original B&W film by dragstress Divine). Go get a whiff of all that hairspray! https://www.bamsf.org/boxoffice

ROSTOW (continued from page 11) a cabaret, so come hear the music play! https://bit.ly/2ZFTOAp Every First Thursday from 6–9 pm, join Castro’s local merchants as they host arts and culture activities. This event is always free and open to the public. My three favorite art spots are ART ATTACK, DOG-EARED BOOKS and SPARK ARTS. But check all thirteen. For a full list of participating venues and events info, go to https://www.castroartwalk.com/

THE HARVEY MILK LBGTQ DEMOCRATIC CLUB proudly offers their 43rd Annual Dinner and Gayla: QUEER ‘70s PROM on Monday, July 29, from 6–9 pm in the San Francisco War Memorial, Green Room, 401 Van Ness Avenue. This is the prom you and I probably never had. https://bit.ly/2XXptQF

THE HEART SPACE LABYRINTH is an interactive story-telling of experiences with HIV/AIDS today. Join this poignant community celebration for a day of art, music and reflection with COMFORT & JOY. Opening celebration with High Priest Ganymede, sound healer Erica Sandstedt, and a blessing from The Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence.

Saturday, August 3, 11 am–5 pm, AIDS Memorial Grove. https://bit.ly/2Gq9yjM

The classic, timely musical revival, CABARET, is playing now through September 14 at San Francisco Playhouse, 450 Post Street, Floor 2M. I enjoyed it immensely. The choreography is really intricate. The dancers are very vivacious. The singers are awesome and astounding. And one cannot help but compare the all too current, horrible immigration crisis that Trump created. Life is

Sister Dana sez, “Cheers to the 235 House Democrats and 4 Republicans who officially resolved that T-rump is a racist. But jeers to the spineless 187 Repugnicans that refused to believe their Bigot-in-Chief is a racist! And Teflon Don claimed he ‘doesn’t have a racist bone in my body.’ Nope. It’s the racist beliefs in his brain that worry me!”

company’s position. “We believe the organizers of this event owe the LGBTQ+ community an apology,” the missive ended, “even if SORRY SEEMS TO BE THE HARDEST WORD to say.”

Interesting that the people running “Straight Pride” have managed to come up with the gayest possible title for their organization. I’d be tempted to team up with anyone calling themselves Super Happy Fun America. Paging Pharrell Williams!

Imposter Syndrome Now is the moment when the rest of my notes to myself for this column fall through the time-sensitive cracks into news oblivion. I forget what I meant by “check out the soccer player.” I was going to mention the homophobic comments by the Israeli education minister, but I skipped that.

“Elliot Resnick” referred to another barrage of mean statements, this time by the publisher of the (orthodox) Jewish Press.

The Gavin Grimm transgender rights case continues at lower court. A Christian daycare center in Waco refused to admit the child of lesbian parents. A gay man, Mounir Baatour, is running for president of Tunisia, and the taxpayers of Iowa will foot the bill for $6 million in legal fees and damages after a gay man won his wrongful termination suit against former governor Terry Branstad. Most of that sum was the cost of litigation, which could have been avoided had the state settled with Chris Godfrey, Bradstad’s former assistant, who was forced out due to his sexual ori-

entation. Godfrey himself was awarded $1.5 million.

But topping all of these is the bizarre story of Elizabeth McCarthy, a gay woman who has been running for the Florida house of representatives.

McCarthy built her reputation, in part, on her heroic lifesaving after the Pulse nightclub shooting of 2016. Working as an ER doctor at a local hospital, McCarthy described removing 77 bullets from three dozen victims. At a town hall in March, McCarthy grew emotional as she told the tale, The Washington Post reports. “That night, because I’m gay, it struck me even harder, because these were my people ... . We’d never experienced something like that, something so horrific. But when you’re trained, you go into automatic mode.”

But McCarthy did not have a shift in the ER that night. Indeed, she was not a doctor to begin with. She had a nursing license that expired in 2005 and has never been renewed. When the press began to unravel these and other fictions, McCarthy complained of a smear campaign, until finally admitting that she made up the whole story. In late June, she withdrew from the house race, and now faces fines for misrepresenting herself as a doctor.

“I wanted to be somebody in the community, and I’m sorry,” she said. arostow@aol.com

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Jewish Film Festival 39 @ Castro Theatre, 429 Castro Street.

The Festival continues with a daily lineup of films through August 4.

Check times. http://www.sfjff.org

Up Your Alley Fair @ Dore Alley between Howard and Folsom.

Described as “not for the faint of heart,” this annual event, attended by thousands, is similar to the even larger Folsom Street Fair. Ruled by leather daddies and folks in all sorts of gear. Yes, you really can get spanked and a whole lot more.

11am-6pm. http://www.folsomstreetevents.org

Gaydar Takeover Event @ Buffalo Billiards, Petaluma. Hosted by Santa Rosa Gaydar, this will be a gay night of fun with friends featuring a raffle supporting Sonoma County Pride and a special happy hour menu. 6-9pm. http://www.santarosagaydar.com Women on Top of Comedy Show @ Manny’s 3092 16th Street.

The monthly comedy show includes for July Cathe Boudreau, Jennifer Gerry, Kristee Ono, Sue Alfieri, Alyssa Westerlund, Nina G. and Bernadette Luckett. 7:30-9pm. http://www.welcometomannys.com

27 Saturday Berkeley Kite Festival @ Berkeley Marina. A kid-friendly event that also features art, the Festival is famous for the variety of kites and the spectacle they offer. 9am-5pm. http://www.highlinekites.com Art + Soul Oakland19 @ Multiple Sites, Downtown Oakland.

The annual music and art festival attracts thousands to the Oakland streets for Grammy-winning acts, live music and dance at four stages, blues + gospel showcases, family fun zone and artisan marketplace.

12noon-6pm. http://www.artandsouloakland.com

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

Book Talk: Last Boat Out of Shanghai - Helen Zia @ Manny’s, 3092 16th Street. A veteran journalist, Zia spent a dozen years working on her newest book and interviewing hundreds of exiles from Shanghai. 6:30pm. http://www.welcometomannys.com

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Castro/Upper Market CBD presents its summer schedule of live performances, featuring the Mark Etheredge Trio. http://www.castrocbd.org Mama Reinhardt’s 19th Annual Toy Drive in July @ Aunt Charlie’s Lounge, 133 Turk Street. Bring a new unwrapped gift or Gift Cards from Walmart or Target or cash, and enjoy the food and show to benefit Camp Sunburst.

4-7pm. http://www.auntcharlieslounge.com

29 Monday The Harvey Milk Club’s 43rd Annual Gayla @ San Francisco War Memorial: Green Room, 401 Van Ness Avenue. Tickets and sponsorship opportunities are available.

6pm. http://www.milkclub.org Alice B. Toklas LGBT Democratic Club District Attorney Debate @ African American Art & Culture Complex, 763 Fulton Street. Participating in the debate will be candidates Chesa Boudin, Leif Dautch, Suzy Loftus and Nancy Tung. http://www.alicebtoklas.org Pubquiz at Virgil’s Sea Room @ The Big Queer Pubzquiz, 3152 Mission Street. This 90-minute quiz, based on current events and general knowledge with a special theme round, includes five rounds in ninety minutes with free drinks and weird

prizes every Monday night. 7:309:30pm. http://www.virgilssf.com/

30 Tuesday July Presidential Debate Watch Party @ Manny’s, 3092 16th Street. One in a series of Presidential Debate events that will feature drag queens, drink specials, games and couches. 5:30-8:30pm. http://www.welcometomannys.com Judy at Stonewall with Connie Champagne @ PianoFight, 144 Taylor Street.

Chanteuse Champagne channels Judy Garland to honor the 50th Anniversary of the Stonewall Riots.

7:30-9:30pm. http://www.pianofight.com

31 Wednesday Presidential Debate 2.0 Night 2 @ Jolene’s Bar, 2700 16th Street. Join SF Young Democrats and Harvey Milk Democratic Club members for the debate watch party and mix and mingle. 5-7pm. http://www.jolenessf.com

AUGUST

1 Thursday Dee’s Keys Piano Bar @ Beaux Castro Cocktail Lounge, 2344 Market Street. Join Dr. Dee Spencer for drinks, music and sing-alongs every Thursday for Happy Hour.

4-8pm. http://www.beauxsf.com Double Feature: Amazing Grace and Gimme Shelter @ The Castro Theatre, 429 Castro Street. Amazing Grace (7pm), based on Aretha Franklin; and Gimme Shelter, based on the Rolling Stones (8:45pm) are not to be missed. http://www.castrotheatre.com Beautiful By Night: Photographs from Aunt Charlie’s Lounge @ Tenderloin Museum, 398 Eddy Street. The exhibit, by photographer James Hosking, is a collection of images focusing on performers from Aunt Charlie’s, including Donna Personna, Olivia Hart and Collette LeGrande.

6-9pm.http://jameshosking.com

2 Friday Ebabes TGIF @ The Terrace Room, Lake Merritt Hotel, 1800 Madison Street, Oakland. The longstanding mixer for women will feature live dance music by Mary Lou’s Apartment. 6-8:30pm. Ebabes on Facebook Billy Elliot @ Woodminister Amphitheater, 3540 Sanborn Drive, Oakland. The award-winning musical will be a part of the Summer Musicals program by Oakland’s Broadway in the Redwoods. Check performance times through August 11. http://www.woodminister.com

3 Saturday Live! in the Castro @ Jane Warner Plaza, 17th and Castro.

Castro/Upper Market CBD presents its summer schedule of live performances featuring on this date The Damfino Players trio. http://www.castrocbd.org 25th AfroSolo in the Gardens @ Yerba Buena Gardens.

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for this year an all-star quintet including pianist Tammy Hall, who is an LGBT community favorite.

1-2:30pm. http://www.afrosolo.org

4 Sunday Annual Binda’s Big Birthday Bash with Pam & Jeri @ Muir Beach. Begins at 12:30pm with a potluck lunch and then music and dancing at 7pm. https://bit.ly/32Kn8bm Live! in the Castro @ Jane Warner Plaza, 17th and Castro.

Castro/Upper Market CBD presents its summer schedule of live performances featuring on this date Pianos in the Plaza trio. http://www.castrocbd.org Book Reading with Marc Huestis @ Green Arcade Bookstore, 1680 Market Street.

Huestis will discuss and read from his new book Impresario of Castro Street: An Intimate Showbiz Memoir.

5pm. https://bit.ly/2Sylm8r

5 Monday Celebrate 40 Years of Greens Restaurant with Alice Waters @ Greens Restaurant, 2 Marina Blvd, Bldg A. One in a series of events spotlighting guest chefs, the event features Waters showcasing a four course prix-fix menu with wine pairings. 5-9pm. http://www.greensrestaurant.com Paris Is Burning 30th Anniversary @ Christopher B. Smith Rafael Film Center, 1118 4th Street, San Rafael. Featuring the film and live drag, the event recreates the 1980s NYC underground ball circuit. 7:30-9:30pm. http://www.cafilm.org

6 Tuesday Stonewall Reading & Discussion Group @ Strut, 470 Castro Street. This ongoing drop-in group uses books and other written materials to explore substance abuse. 4-5:30pm. http://www.strutsf.org La Más Draga Weekly Viewing Party @ Flore, 2298 Market Street. The event is known as Mexico’s Drag Race where, every Tuesday, sisters in CDMX compete.

8pm. http://www.flore415.com

7 Wednesday Ma Rainey’s Back Bottom @ The Costume Shop, 1117 Market Street.The comedy/drama by August Wilson, about Ma Rainey and her band, stars Susie Butler. 8pm W-Sat; 2pm Sun. through September 1. http://www.wehavemet.org

8 Thursday The Screaming Queens: The Riot at Compton’s Cafeteria @ Tenderloin Museum, 398 Eddy.

Director Susan Stryker will be on hand for a reception (6:30pm) and screening (7pm) of the award-winning documentary. 6:30-9:30pm. http://www.tenderloinmuseum.org Who’s Your Mami with Marga Gomez @ Brava’s Cabaret, 2773 24th Street. One in a series of ongoing monthly comedy events, the program includes headliner Gomez plus Bernadette Luckett; Dominique Gelin, Jesus U. BettaWork and Josiah Luis Alderete. 8pm. http://www.brava.org

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Rink Photo Throwback ) CELEBRATING FOUR DECADES (1978–2018

2015 T

he Ferry Building stood out even more than usual during March of 2015, when it was lit to commemorate the 100th Anniversary of the 1915 Panama Pacific International Exposition that marked San Francisco’s revival after the devastating 1906 earthquake. As the Exposition’s name suggested, it also celebrated the successful completion of the Panama Canal that opened for use on August 15, 1914.

The Canal was quite a newsmaker back in the day, given its complex engineering and the fact that it connects the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans.

Round About - Summer Photos by Rink

San Francisco Bay Times team members celebrated Bastille Day on July 14, and photographer Rink admired guests enjoying Parisian style bistro dining both indoors and outside at Cafe Bastille located in picturesque Belden Alley.

Bastille Day was observed at the SF Pubic Library with a staged reading of the comedy The Revolutionist, by playwright Lauren Gunderson, about women involved in the French Revolution.

Window signs at Project Open Hand’s location on Polk Street promoting the concept of growing plants using hydroponic methods

Over 18 million people visited the Exposition, which offered the first demonstration of a transcontinental telephone call, promoted wireless telegraphy and foresaw the future popularity of automobiles. The fair was so large that, even after multiple visits, few were able to experience the extensive offerings in their entirety.

The remarkable Exposition’s legacy lives on in San Francisco, with the Palace of Fine Arts, the Legion of Honor, Marina Green and Crissy Field all tracing their history back to that 600-acre fair. It lives on in other cities too, as a fun piece published in Red Tricycle reports: https://bit.ly/2OcD6Id

Guests enjoyed a Bastille Day meal at Scopo Divino wine bar and restaurant in Pacific Heights.

Frameline’s Frances Wallace and Peter Stein (right) with Faridah Gbadamosi and a guest at the Frameline43 Volunteer Appreciation Party held at Beaux lounge on July 9.

Sitting in the front window seats at 440 Castro, Veronika Fimbres (left) shared a friendly hug with Doug McAllister on July 17.

Frameline43 Volunteer Appreciation Party guests

Emcee Amoura Teese, (center) who holds the title Miss Gay San Francisco, welcomed guests, along with greeters Scarlett Letters and Frida Mont, at a benefit for the TGI Justice Project held at Beaux on July 13.

Raffle winners were called to the stage at Beaux to receive their prizes during the Frameline43 Volunteer Appreciation Party on July 9.

Greeters Cameron Stiehl and Michael Chua, REAF volunteers, welcomed guests at Beaux for the TGI Justice Project on July 13.

DJ Emotions (left) with friends at the Frameline43 Vounteer Appreciation Party

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Framline’s Daniel Moretti (right) welcomed a guest at the Frameline43 Volunteer Appreciation Party.

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STREETCAM presented by

On National Hot Dog Day, July 17, signs in the front window at Dapper Dog on Castro Street announced the varieties offered on the menu.

Dapper Dog’s server Keith offered a Niman Ranch hot dog on July 17, National Hot Dog Day.

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A sign a Harvey’s bar and restaurant promoted the location’s reputation as a great place to socialize.

Partners Michelle Miguelez and Dulce Garcia announced raffle winners at the Frameline43 Volunteer Appreciation Party on July 9.

items of the week

Frameline43 Volunteer Appreciation Party guests

Nellie’s Cleaning Products

Performing artist Lambert Moss with Frameline’s Paul Struthers at the Volunteer Appreciation Party on July 9

What can we say… The Canadians seem to really have a way with creating safe and responsible cleaning products.

Nellie’s is everything from laundry powders to countertop spray, all of them Eco-Friendly, Hypoallergenic and Effective.

Unicorn Snot Sunscreen Frameline’s festival director Peter Stein (left) took a turn as a server during the Volunteer Appreciation Party on July 9.

It’s summer in the city, the music’s blaring in the park and so is the sun. Any sunscreen will give you protection, but only Unicorn Snot Sunscreen gives you the extra bonus of glitter. Check out the entire line of Lip Gloss, Sunscreen and Glitter Gel at Cliff’s Variety.

Simon Kong (left), a longtime Frameline volunteer, with friends at the Frameline 43 Volunteer Appreciation Party

W

ith all of the recent earthquakes in Southern California, it might be a good time to check on your emergency kits.

Do you have fresh batteries in your flashlights? Have you switched out your bottled water recently? Do you have important phone numbers written down? It might be a good idea to add N95 Masks to your emergency supplies. They are predicting a heavy wild fire season this year. Be prepared and stay safe.

(Left and right:) Frameline43 Volunteer Appreciation Party guests

As Heard on the Street . . . What’s your favorite LGBT community (or LGBT friendly) store that you would recommned?

Cameron Stiehl

Michael Chua

Amoura Teese

Scarlett Letters

Rexy Amaral

“D&H Jewelers in the Castro.

Shawn Higgins is the best!”

“The Ergo Lady for ergonomics”

“The Fabric Outlet in the Mission”

“Wigs by Tips. They are the best! ”

“The one and only Flexy”

S AN F R ANC IS C O BAY T IM ES

JULY 25, 2019

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