San Francisco Bay Times - September 23, 2021

September 23–October 6, 2021 http://sfbaytimes.com

A 5th Section Story

PHOTO COURTESY OF SAM BRONDFIELD, MD

See Pages 8–9

GLBT Fortnight in Review Hoosier Son? I confess, dear Reader, that I have not been researching and preparing to write this column, and instead, I begin from a standing start. Eager for a juicy legal story to launch me into scintillating news-writing, I turned to one of my favorite sources, Art Leonard of the New York School of Law, and found his latest headline, which read: “Indiana Court of Appeals Divides Three Ways on Gender Marker Change for Transgender Teen.”

I just couldn’t. Please forgive me. Just reading the headline exhausted me.

The idea of Indiana itself is a tiring one. It’s somewhere up in the north in the middle of the country and I think it’s where The Music Man took place. The citizens call themselves “Hoosiers,” even though no one quite knows what that means, other than “person from Indiana.”

Then there’s the state court of appeals. I have no idea how the Indiana judicial system is arranged, and it was only too recently I was compelled to research the ins and outs of the Virginia Supreme Court in order to understand something I was writing. Would I perhaps be obliged to figure out the status of this intermediate court as well?

For example, how did they “divide three ways?” Was it a large panel?

Was it three judges, each with their own viewpoint? A small spark of curiosity led me back to the actual discussion of the case, where I realized that I had already read about this matter and found it too convoluted for my limited capacities. It involves a young transgender boy who has transitioned, and whose

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mother asked the court to change his name and birth certificate. The court said yes to the name and no to the birth certificate. On appeal, well you know the story. They split three ways!

There aren’t too many times when you are required to show your birth certificate, but they are important times. If you want a passport, you need your birth certificate, and this young man is going to have some explaining to do if he ever wants to travel outside the country. And why?

Why would the court deliberately leave him with this dilemma, considering their legal standard was (in theory) the best interest of the child?

We could answer our question if we had the mental bandwidth to read through the various opinions and dig deeply into the backgrounds of these Hoosier appellate court judges.

We don’t, so we won’t. We will just bemoan their callous snub of justice.

Better Late Than Never Now, you will be happy to know that my second favorite legal website delivered a fairly significant transgender court victory, one that could have led this column had I been staying in closer touch with the world.

On September 13, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Tenth Circuit reinstated a transgender woman who was fired a decade ago from her teaching post at Southeastern Oklahoma State in Durant, Oklahoma.

Rachel Tudor, who subsequently won damages capped at $300,000 for discrimination, has now been ordered reinstated with tenure, plus additional lost pay. Back in 2009, Tudor was denied tenure in the English department, even though her com-

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By Ann Rostow mittee voted 4–1 in her favor. She had recently transitioned and heard that an administrator felt she violated his religious principles. The next year, she was fired for not gaining tenure, and in 2015, she filed a civil suit with the backing of the Obama Justice Department. That led to a late 2017 trial, where a jury found she was wrongfully terminated and awarded damages. This appellate victory confirms that win.

In a statement, Tudor said she would like to thank her allies and colleagues for their support through 10 long years of fighting for justice.

She is grateful and honored to be the recipient of their goodwill. She promises to repay their trust by being the best professor she can be. As for the University, they reacted with a bland word salad and a reference to “pending litigation.” I’m not sure what that means unless they want to appeal this to the Supreme Court. I guess we’ll see.

Fancy Like That Before we go on, let’s pause briefly for a word from One Million Moms, who are currently shocked by a Gillette ad for a ladies’ razor designed for the bikini line. As the Moms tell us, the spot ends with a woman saying: “Fancy skin care for my pubic hair? Yes, please!”

In a statement, the Moms warn: “This inappropriate commercial is airing during prime time when children are likely watching television so family viewing time is ruined. It is so suggestive it’s disgraceful. Can you imagine what goes through the mind of a child when he sees this ad?”

And that, I think, captures why the Moms are so risible. Yes, I can imag-

ine what goes through the mind of a child during this razor commercial. Next to nothing. What do the Moms think is happening? Six-yearolds having fantasies of adult naked women, fully shaved and spreadeagled?

For that matter, the Million Moms’ idea of family viewing time, with all the kids sitting cross-legged on the floor and having to watch all the commercials is very mid-century. Haven’t they heard of streaming services or recorded TV or shows on demand? What parents want to watch the same stuff as the kids anyway? Frustrated with my parents’ news shows, I remember vowing to myself I would watch all the cartoons I wanted to when I grew up. They were so selfish! Always in charge of the TV. Never interested in my preferences.

By the way, now that I think about it, when I’m with kids (my grandchildren) they’re the ones who are always deciding what everyone watches. It’s not an argument over whether we watch Rachel Maddow or some tomfoolery. It’s an argument over which child’s turn it is to select the mindless “entertainment” for the evening.

Further, their parents have been known to impose additional parameters that limit the few options that might trigger a remote shred of interest. The last time I enjoyed family viewing time I fell asleep during Luca, and after another evening, I was repeatedly (days later!) accused of ruining the suspense of My Octopus Teacher, by blurting out in advance that the octopus was going to regrow its damaged arm.

(That was actually a good selection by a parent. But my overall point remains; I am still not in charge.)

Happy Endings There’s a wedding story out of Tennessee, where two men looking for a wedding venue made an appointment to visit “Barn in the Bend” outside of Nashville. The story is a familiar one. As TMZ reports it, the owner of the barn figured out the pronouns.

“Did you mention that your partner was a ‘he’?” wrote Jackie Daniel in an email. “If I’m wrong, I’m sorry.

However, I don’t want to waste your time since we do not offer same-sex marriages here. If I’m wrong, I apologize.”

What I love about this email is that Jackie signed off: “Best always, Jackie.”

Really? Best always? Was that just boilerplate language? Was it a joke?

Was it guilt? Was it accidental? Was it some kind of religious outreach? Is she indifferent to the words she uses?

I found it intriguing. As for the two men, they posted on social media, the Barn in the Bend got a ton of bad PR and the men received offers of help from far and wide. So, it’s all good.

New topic! I was going to add something about religious freedom, but I just stumbled on the Patch headline “Naked Boston Woman Drove Golf Cart Through FL Crime Scene: Police,” followed by the subhead, “A Boston woman is under arrest after police say she drove a golf cart through the middle of a SWAT (continued on page 14)

Horizons Awards Additional Quarter Million in Grants to Fund COVID-Related Direct Services

Photos courtesy of Horizons Foundation

By Francisco O. Buchting Last year, as the LGBTQ community felt the impact of COVID-19, Horizons immediately jumped to action: We awarded over $1 million in emergency grants to Bay Area LGBTQ nonprofits responding to the pandemic.

Over a year and a half since the pandemic began, we continue to be inspired by the strength and resilience of our community. With as much compassion and ingenuity as ever, LGBTQ nonprofits haven’t slowed down—and neither has Horizons. Horizons’ own research and voices of community leaders clearly tell us that, notwithstanding the advent of vaccines, the pandemic and its impacts are far from over.

That’s why Horizons recently announced a quarter million dollars in additional grants from our LGBTQ Resilience and Recovery Fund—a continuation of our COVID-19 response—laser-focused on the most marginalized in the LGBTQ community.

Openhouse

Among the groups prioritized in this latest round of funding are LGBTQ people of color, transgender people, and people at the intersection of these identities. Somos Familia, for example, is hosting online Spanish-language check-ins and groups for Latino/a/x families with LGBTQ loved ones. San Mateo Pride Center is hosting workshops to connect transgender folks with resources throughout Silicon Valley and San Mateo County. And El/La Para TransLatinas is providing hygiene kits and gift cards to meet the basic needs of transgender Latinas.

We’re also providing targeted support to LGBTQ seniors, who still face greater isolation. Many are expressing concerns, as Delta spreads through their retirement homes, about their ability to see friends and family and about more and more closures forcing them to be alone. But with Horizons’ support, our grantee partners the Spahr Center, Solano Pride Center, and Openhouse are hosting virtual support groups and developing visitor programs to combat isolation and lift spirits.

Oakland LGBTQ Community Center API Equality, Northen California

LGBTQ youth, too, are prioritized in this round of funding; the Rainbow Community Center of Contra Costa County and San Francisco LGBT Center, for example, are supporting unhoused LGBTQ youth with shelter and wraparound services.

Francisco O. Buchting is Horizons Foundation’s Vice President of Grants, Programs, and Communications. https://www.horizonsfoundation.org/

LGBTQ Connection

Horizons Gala (2019)

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PHOTO BY RINK

We are deeply grateful for our 18 grantee partners and the donors who continue to give generously as we work together toward an eventual recovery from the pandemic.

COVID Vaccinations and Approval of Booster Shots ber as well as a Fellow of the twelve Divisional Associations of APA. Fellow status is an honor bestowed upon APA members who have shown evidence of unusual and outstanding contributions or performance in the field of psychology. In this column, though, Dr. Morales will address a wide variety of issues, and particularly those impacting the Latinx and LGBTQ communities.)

Nuestra Voz Eduardo Morales, Ph.D. (Editor’s Note: To mark this year’s National Hispanic Heritage Month, the San Francisco Bay Times is launching a new column by Eduardo Morales, Ph.D. The longtime Executive Director of AGUILAS, an HIV prevention program for Latino gay/bisexual men, Dr. Morales has received numerous awards. They include the 2009 American Psychological Association (APA) Award for Distinguished Contributions to Institutional Practice, the 2009 Latino Business Leadership Award presented by the San Francisco Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, the National Latino Psychological Association 2006 Star Vega Distinguished Service Award, and many others.

He also received a Certificate of Special Congressional Recognition from Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi (2009), a Certificate of Honor from Mayor Gavin Newsom (2009), and additional honors.

Dr. Morales was a Fulbright Specialist from 2010 to 2015 and was elected as an APA Fellow mem-

The largest number of hospitalizations for COVID-19 infections in the U.S. are among persons who never got vaccinated. Even though you may have gotten vaccinated, it is possible to become infected with COVID. Being vaccinated helps to minimize the symptoms related to COVID infections. The Delta variant of COVID is highly contagious and easily transmittable. The usual recommendations of proper hand washing and use of hand sterilization products, as well as wearing a multilayered mask, such as a KN95, help to protect from being infected, even if you have been vaccinated.

For those who have not been vaccinated, it is good to speak to your health provider about your concerns and questions. Keeping the dialogue open can assist in helping you feel more confident about being vaccinated. Given the millions of persons who are vaccinated, very few persons had a reaction to the different COVID vaccines. This is about keeping our friends, family, and residents protected from being COVID infected. This is not about politics, civil rights, or party politics. It is about our health, public safety, and protecting others.

The Federal Drug Administration (FDA) in the U.S. has finally offi-

cially approved certain COVID vaccinations. This moves it from an emergency use authorization to being regular approved for use. More and more businesses and municipalities are adopting requirements and verification to prove you have been vaccinated in order for you to access and use services. Some businesses are requiring vaccinations of their workers and regular proof of testing negative for COVID in order to maintain a safe work environment.

Use of public transportation is a privilege, and not a civil right. Traveling via airlines, particularly for international travel, increasingly requires verification of COVID vaccinations and COVID test results within about 48 to 72 hours. This is true before you travel, including going to and returning from different countries. Masks are required in all types of public transportation, including airlines.

Always keep a record of proof of COVID vaccination with you. The California Health Department has a website where you can download verification and proof of your COVID vaccination. Everyone who is vaccinated in California can now request a digital COVID-19 Vaccination Record. To receive your record, go to: https://myvaccinerecord.cdph.ca.gov/ Be sure to use the email or cell phone number you used when you received your vaccine. It takes less than a minute to complete the request and your record is sent by email or text within seconds. You can take a screenshot of your record or print it out. It also includes a QR code that makes your digital COVID vaccination record readable by a QR scanner. You can also call 833-422-4255 if you are

having trouble obtaining verification or if you lost your COVID vaccination card.

At AGUILAS in San Francisco, we are gradually attempting to increase our services in person by using the health precautions indicated by the San Francisco Department of Public Health (SFDPH), Centers for Disease Control (CDC), and the Federal Health Resource and Services Administration (HHS). Proof of COVID vaccination is recommended. For those who have yet to be vaccinated, AGUILAS staff is available to answer questions to address hesitancies to be COVID vaccinated by program participants.

What About Getting COVID Booster Shots?

It is logical to assume that after a certain time period the potency of COVID vaccination tends to be reduced. Currently, some of the published COVID study data indicate that 8 months after the second dose of COVID vaccination, consideration for a booster shot may be indicated. To maintain a high level of efficacy, the U.S. Federal Drug Administration (FDA) is examining various studies in order to provide a recommendation about COVID booster shots. This is especially true for those with compromised health symptoms such as HIV/AIDS, those with immune deficiencies, those with compromised health symptoms, and the elderly.

On Friday, September 17, vaccine advisers to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration recommended emergency use booster authorization for people 65 and older, for people at high risk of severe infection, and for

health care workers and certain others at higher risk.

As with the course and biology of viruses, more COVID variants are possible and expected. At this time our best protections are recommendations for COVID vaccinations, for wearing a mask, preferably KN95 that has 5 layers, and for keeping hand sterilization products with us at all times and using them frequently to minimize risk. Here again, check with official health websites for updated recommendations as well as with your local health departments in order to be informed.

This information, together with consulting your health provider, will help you to make a determination about getting a COVID booster shot. This may be in your best health interest for maintaining protection from COVID infections and its serious symptoms that may have long-term effects.

Although many schools and universities opened this fall, several throughout the country have closed classes or entire schools due to COVID outbreaks. Updated information may be found at: https://tinyurl.com/79feruk2 It is anticipated that about 20% of schools will probably close during 2021 due to COVID outbreaks as a result of the inconsistencies across the nation on implementation of the recommended guidelines.

Eduardo Morales, Ph.D., is a founder of AGUILAS, where he serves as Executive Director. He is also a retired Distinguished Professor at Alliant International University and is the 2021 President of the National Latinx Psychological Association.

Jewelle Gomez Whose Pandemic?

Photos courtesy of Jewelle Gomez

Since the 1950s, I have never stepped into a swimming pool without those warnings echoing in the back of my brain.

Leave Signs Jewelle Gomez A friend recently commented that she’d seen my photograph and was surprised to notice that my hair was all white. She was no more surprised than I am when I walk by a mirror. As a Lesbian of color and a Baby Boomer, I felt that age sure snuck up on me! I no longer couch surf, hitchhike, or chain myself to fences in protest, but I am still a committed activist, and I’ve got the pink pussyhat to prove it. My white hair reminds me I’ve lived through more than one pandemic.

When I was a pre-teen, it was polio.

It left mostly kids and some adults struggling for breath or locked into the tonnage of leg braces. Desperate announcements warned us to avoid super spreaders at places like public swimming pools. I escaped contact with the highly contagious poliomyelitis that attacks the spinal cord and can cause such paralysis that even lung muscles can’t move—hence the iron lung machine.

The U.S., through its vigorous vaccination campaign and closure of public pools, managed to eliminate polio. There have been no new cases here since 1979. Other countries with less money have not been as lucky.

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ously. People across the country, gay and not, male and not, took to the streets shaming the U.S. government and medical establishment into finding means to stop the carnage. By the way, a version of the iron lung came in handy during this pandemic, too.

In the 1980s, the next pandemic was, of course, HIV/AIDS, which has claimed more than 36 million lives.

I’m thinking about that pandemic a lot because I’m reading an excellent book by Cary Alan Johnson, whom I met back when we were both young writers.

Cary’s book, Desire Lines, will be published by Querelle Press in the spring of 2022. ( https://querellepress.com/ ) It evokes that moment in the 1980s when many lesbians and gay men of color were learning—through writing, dancing, and activism—how to make community with each other. If you never had the chance to go to Manhattan’s Paradise Garage and bathe in the sweat of queer people undulating rhythmically to the sound of Whitney or Sylvester, you’ll get the mesmerizing sensation when you read this novel.

It also digs deep into the terror of the AIDS pandemic; we looked for its signs everywhere, watching helplessly as friends and relatives were felled. My young cousin, an exquisite choir queen back home in Boston, spent a couple thousand dollars with online psychics looking for hope. He’s gone now.

When I’m writing, I remember the generation of young, male writers, my friends who are now gone. Or the lovely, Black Oakland wife who told her story of living with HIV/AIDS in the S E PT E MB E R 2 3 , 20 2 1

Today, too many “know nothings” are talking as if they know something. I have some relatives like that: whining about personal rights with no clue about personal responsibility.

Peter Adair insightful documentary Absolutely Positive ( https://tinyurl.com/tfse44v2 ).

Cary Alan Johnson

I met her at the film’s release party in 1991, and wrote a poem about how white guests couldn’t tell us apart. She too is now gone, as is Peter. Today many others have survived and, with insanely expensive medications, live full lives. Yet the PTSD remains for my generation.

Those affected by these rampant viruses took them seri-

Remember when Clint Eastwood talked to an empty chair during the 2012 Republican National Convention? Right now, the U.S. embodies that moment: a desiccated, old white guy (who used to be a symbol of righting wrongs) talking to dead air. But this is where my white hair is a comfort. I’ve got endurance on my side; I can keep working to make the righting of wrongs a way of life for more of us.

Jewelle Gomez is a lesbian/feminist activist, novelist, poet, and playwright. She’s written for “The Advocate,” “Ms. Magazine,” “Black Scholar,” “The San Francisco Chronicle,” “The New York Times,” and “The Village Voice.” Follow her on Instagram and Twitter @ VampyreVamp

Climate Change: Our Race Against Time This investment is crucial because the San Francisco Bay contains 77 percent of the state’s remaining wetlands and 1,000 species of animals.

All of that is threatened, according to the U.S. Geological Service, because two-thirds of the socioeconomic impacts of sea level rise are expected to be experienced in the Bay Area.

Assemblymember Phil Ting California is at the forefront of the climate crisis. It’s evident, as we watch Lake Tahoe and other areas being evacuated due to yet another year of record setting fires, wake up to orange skies, and see photo after photo of empty reservoirs. We’ve experienced droughts, floods, wildfires, and extreme heatwaves all in the last few years—with no end in sight unless we take bold action today.

It has never been more urgent to step up our game and pursue meaningful steps against climate change, so our children and generations after can continue to enjoy our beautiful state.

Fortunately, our historic budget surplus allows us the opportunity to pursue more aggressive measures aimed at the crisis unfolding before us.

California recently put a $3.7 billion down payment on responding and adapting to climate change, while also building climate resilience to better cope with our risks. The threeyear package includes $611 million to address sea level rise and protect our shorelines. Some of that funding will go toward the San Francisco Bay for flood protection, bayside access, and wetlands preservation.

As chair of the Assembly Budget Committee, I made sure we prioritized the protection and preservation of the San Francisco Bay and worked closely with Assemblymember Kevin Mullin, who championed this issue through his years of work crafting an environmental protection bond. We were able to largely fund the environmental bond through our budget surplus.

In addition, about one-third, or $1.3 billion, of the climate resilience funding will help preserve open space and wildlands, as well as provide for habitat restoration.

This includes protecting fish during drought conditions and building wildlife crossings. Furthermore, this allocation helps us with the implementation of the state’s goal to conserve 30 percent of lands and coastal waters by 2030.

Equally important is combatting rising temperatures. $800 million will go toward defending against extreme heat, such as planting trees in urban areas for more shade, improving energy efficiency of lowincome multifamily housing, and building community resiliency centers, which ensure that Californians have a place to go to avoid extreme heat, wildfire smoke, power outages, or any other climate challenge— regardless of their income level.

Lastly, the climate budget uses just over $900 million for regional planning and adaptation projects. The Bay Area has led on developing regional climate plans, and because climate change doesn’t stop at the city border, such cooperation should serve as a model to facilitate collaboration on our shared challenges.

These efforts can map out climate impacts and forecasts, engage in environmental justice work, and develop a Climate Action Corps of volunteers. The bulk of this funding goes toward the Transformative Climate Communities program to ensure communitywide investment provides local economic, environmental, and public health benefits to our lowest income neighborhoods.

To complement the $3.7 billion climate resilience package, California also devoted: • $1.5 billion for wildfire prevention; • $4.6 billion for drought response; • $1.1 billion for sustainable agriculture; • and $3.9 billion for cleaner transportation.

I’m extremely proud of our bold plan to protect California’s environment, cut down on greenhouse gases, and improve air quality. This was truly a historic budget, but the state’s policymakers from city council to Congress must also continue to fight to reduce emissions and slow catastrophic climate change.

California cannot do it alone.

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

Help Save the Historic Grubstake Diner While Supporting New Housing The historic Grubstake diner, located at 1525 Pine Street, has been serving late-night patrons since the late 1960s, but its roots in the city go back at least 100 years. Polk Gulch, where the restaurant is located, was San Francisco’s first gay neighborhood with the humble Grubstake being a landmark destination there.

With the Grubstake’s fate now in question, LGBTQ+ community leaders have been working to support the preservation of this beloved gathering spot, home away from home to generations of queer activists, community leaders, and allies. The owners’ proposed new building will offer 21 units of middle-income housing above a rebuilt Grubstake.

“The project has faced numerous delays due to the objections of some residents of the fairly new condo development next door, called the Austin,” coowner Jimmy Consos said. “Despite the Grubstake team’s efforts to address their concerns, some of these condo owners have filed a baseless appeal of the project’s Planning Commission approvals to the Board of Supervisors, which could hold up further the much-delayed project.”

A rally will take place on Monday, September 27, at noon in front of the Grubstake to support not only the diner but also the proposed addition of much-needed new housing in the city. Please consider attending.

Please also consider signing the petition for LGBTQ community members and allies: https://tinyurl.com/498p9cch For more information: https://sfgrubstake.com/save-grubstake

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Roland Schembari and Bill Hartman, Co-Founders Randy Alfred, Founding News Editor 1978 Kim Corsaro, Publisher 1981-2011

Harassment and Abuse Should Not Be Confused with Freedom of Speech and Religious Freedom

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 first and only LGBTQ newspaper in San Francisco to be named a Legacy Business, recognizing that it is a longstanding, community-serving business that is a valuable cultural asset to the city.

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

Beth Greene, Michael Delgado, John Signer, Abby Zimberg Design & Production

Kate Laws Business Manager Blake Dillon Calendar Editor

Kit Kennedy Poet-In-Residence J.H. Herren Technology Director Carla Ramos Web Coordinator Mario Ordonez Distribution

Juan R. Davila Volunteer Coordinator CONTRIBUTORS Writers Rink, Sister Dana Van Iquity, Ann Rostow, Patrick Carney, Leslie Sbrocco, Heather Freyer, Kate Kendell, Heidi Beeler, Gary M. Kramer, Julie Peri, Jennifer Kroot, Robert Holgate, Eduardo Morales , Dennis McMillan, Tim Seelig, John Chen, Rafael Mandelman, Jewelle Gomez, Phil Ting, Rebecca Kaplan, Leslie Katz, Philip Ruth, Bill Lipsky, Elisa Quinzi, Liam Mayclem, Karen Williams, Donna Sachet, Gary Virginia, Zoe Dunning, Derek Barnes, Marcy Adelman, Jan Wahl, Stuart Gaffney & John Lewis Brandon Miller, Jamie Leno Zimron, Michele Karlsberg, Randy Coleman, Debra Walker, Howard Steiermann, Andrea Shorter, Lou Fischer, Brett Andrews, David Landis Photographers Rink, Phyllis Costa, Jane Higgins Paul Margolis, Chloe Jackman, Bill Wilson, Jo-Lynn Otto, Sandy Morris, Abby Zimberg, Kristopher Acevedo, Darryl Pelletier, Morgan Shidler

Aging in Community Dr. Marcy Adelman At a time in their lives when they are most vulnerable, LGBT people and trans and non-binary people in particular, are subject to harassment and abuse by staff in long term care facilities. Without laws and guidelines, there is no way to ensure their safety and protection, which is why the recent ruling by the 3rd District Court of Appeal in Sacramento had such a broad and fierce reaction.

A three-judge panel of the 3rd District California Court of Appeal came to a unanimous decision that a provision in the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender Long Term Care Facility Residents’ Bill of Rights (SB219) violated the rights to freedom of speech and the free exercise of religion. This ruling is a flat out misreading of the bill’s provision.

This provision states it is unlawful for a long term care facility and its staff members to “willingly and repeatedly fail to use a resident’s preferred name or pronoun after being clearly informed of the preferred name or pronouns.”

Bill SB 219 is very clear on this, that criminality is only applied when a staff person has been informed of

transgender people.” Deliberately misgendering a transgender person isn’t just a matter of opinion, and it’s not simply ‘disrespectful, discourteous, or insulting.’ Rather, it’s straightup harassment. And, it erases an individual’s fundamental humanity, particularly one as vulnerable as a trans senior in a nursing home.

This misguided decision cannot be allowed to stand.”

The California Commission on Aging, SAGE, California Advocates for Nursing Home Reform, and Openhouse signed on to a Justice in Aging amicus letter to restore the provision. Equality California, the National Center for Lesbian Rights, Lambda Legal, and additional nonprofit organizations also submitted an amicus letter. These letters focused on the Court’s error in claiming that this provision of SB219 “criminalizes even occasional, isolated, off-hand instances of willful misgendering,” the Court’s failure to understand other California and federal non-discrimination laws that are important to civil rights protections, and the Court’s minimization of the serious harm done to trans people by willful and on-going discrimination.

Sen. Wiener has a long history with this legislation and championing the rights of LGBT people. He authored both the state (2017) and local San Francisco laws (2015) that protect LGBT seniors in long term care facilities from abuse and discrimination.

Prior to becoming a state senator, Sen. Wiener was on the San Francisco Board of Supervisors as the representative from District 8. In 2015, then Supervisor Wiener sponsored and authored many of the recommendations from the LGBT Aging Policy Task Force, including task force member and esteemed elder law attorney Daniel Redman’s recommendation to improve legal protections for LGBT older adults in long term care facilities. The LGBT Senior Care Facilities Bill of Rights was unanimously approved by the Board of Supervisors in March of 2015.

Research has linked discrimination—in particular, intentional, ongoing misgendering—to high rates of suicide and depression in transgender people. The intentional misuse of transgender people’s name and pronouns in housing, health, school, and workforce settings has been well documented. Treating transgender and non-binary people with dignity and respect by using their correct name and pronouns is essentially treating them equally.

The current San Francisco representative from District 8, Supervisor Rafael Mandelman, introduced a resolution calling on the state Supreme Court to reverse the 3rd Court of Appeal’s ruling on SB 219.

It was passed unanimously by the Board of Supervisors on September

Sen. Scott Wiener, author of SB219, responded to the Court’s decision by saying, “The court’s decision is disconnected from the reality facing

14. In his statement to the Board of Supervisors, Supervisor Mandelman said, “The appellate court treated this provision of the law—which prohibits singling out LGBTQ people for unequal treatment—as a regulation of protected speech, rather than conduct. The court was wrong.”

State Attorney General Rob Bonta filed a petition of review with the state’s Supreme Court. In a statement to the San Francisco Bay Times, Daniel Redman wrote, “We will never stand for our transgender nursing home residents being subject to abuse or discrimination. California law forbids it—and SB219 has been a vital tool in the fight against it. A broad coalition of Californians— union members, prominent legal experts, LGBT and elder advocates, and many more—urge the state Supreme Court to reverse the lower court’s profoundly mistaken ruling and restore SB219 to full strength.”

Dr. Marcy Adelman, a psychologist and LGBTQ+ longevity advocate and policy adviser, oversees the Aging in Community column. She serves on the California Commission on Aging, the Board of the Alzheimer’s Association of Northern California, the California Master Plan on Aging Equity Advisory Committee, and the San Francisco Dignity Fund Oversight and Advisory Committee.

She is the Co-Founder of Openhouse, the only San Francisco nonprofit exclusively focused on the health and well-being of LGBTQ+ older adults.

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

Installation of Rev. Dr. Megan Rohrer at Grace Cathedral History was made at Grace Cathedral on Saturday, September 11, with the installation of Rev. Dr. Megan Rohrer as the first openly transgender bishop of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA). The ceremony included a celebration of the Holy Eucharist. Rev. Dr. Rohrer was joined by Rev. Elizabeth Eaton, presiding bishop of the ELCA, along with nearly all 65 bishops of the ELCA synods across the United States.

Preceding the services inside the Cathedral, Rev. Dr. Rohrer was introduced in a press conference held on the steps in front of the Ghiberti doors, also known as the “Doors of Paradise.”

In addition to this historic achievement, Bishop Rohrer is an award-winning filmmaker, musician, and historian. Bishop Rohrer was a finalist for the Lambda Literary award and received an honorable mention as an Unsung Hero of Compassion by Wisdom in Action with His Holiness the Dali Lama. https://www.revrohrer.com/

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the patient’s correct name and gender and willfully and repeatedly misgenders the resident. There is a world of difference between intentional discrimination and abusive ongoing harassment and an occasional mistake. The ruling was met with a quick and fierce response to restore protection for LGBTQ senior residents of nursing homes, assisted living, and other long term care facilities.

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Photos by Rink

Recall Effort Defeated

Photos by Bill Wilson

Vice President Kamala Harris joined Gov. Gavin Newsom in San Leandro on Wednesday, September 8, for a rally supporting the defeat of the campaign to recall the governor and replace him with a Republican-backed candidate. The rally, which took place at the IBEW-NECA Joint Apprenticeship Training Center, occurred just six days before voters resoundingly defeated the recall effort.

Election Night at Manny’s, September 14

Photos by Rink

An Election Night Watch Party at Manny’s, on the evening of September 14, attracted a crowd of Gov. Gavin Newsom’s supporters awaiting announcements of results.

Attending were elected officials, Democratic Party leaders, and voters. Along with host Manny Yekutiel, who wore his “victory dress,” speakers included San Francisco Democratic Party and SFDCCC (San Francisco Democratic County Central Committee) Chair Honey Mahogany, Assemblyman David Chiu, and former supervisor David Campos. The announcement of the recall measure’s defeat drew a round of applause and cheers from participants who were delighted to hear it was a landslide victory in support of the Governor. https://welcometomannys.com/

Dykes

With Drills Tip of the Week

By Julie Peri

Drills and Impact Drivers Most people are probably familiar with drills.

They are power tools used to drive screws into a piece of wood quickly and more efficiently than a handheld screw driver.

When you are shopping for a drill, you may come across another tool that looks very similar to a drill and has a similar function as the drill, but is not the same. This is called an impact driver. Many times, you can purchase a set that includes both a drill and an impact driver. So, what is the difference between these two tools?

The main difference between a drill and an impact driver is in the power and force of the tools. While impact drivers do have a similar function as a drill and are operated in essentially the same manner, the impact driver has one main function: to drive screws quickly and efficiently.

Drills are an all-purpose tool, most commonly used for drilling holes and driving screws, and provide more precision than an impact driver. Impact drivers are more commonly used to drive in a large quantity of screws or longer ones quickly, and work well when more torque is needed but the size and placement of the hole are less crucial, as they are not as precise as a standard drill.

Another difference between these two tools is a drill has a chuck that tightens around a variety of sizes of drill bits and driver bits, making it very versatile. An impact driver is typically smaller and lightweight, but instead of having a chuck, it has a quick-change clamp that holds drill bits and driver bits with a hexagon shank in place, so not all drill bits can be used in an impact drill.

An impact driver provides more force than a typical drill, is more comfortable to use over a long period of time, and is less likely to strip screws, since it tightens the screws in short, controlled pulses. When deciding whether or not to buy a drill, an impact driver, or both, you need to decide what you will be using it for the most. If you are looking for the everyday tool for most home improvement and maintenance jobs, the basic drill will do the job.

Join us to learn more fun tool tips at one of our events! Here is what we have coming up next: Happy Hour, September 23, Temescal Brewing, Oakland How to Build a Step Stool, September 25, Online Introduction to Tools Workshop, October 30, San Francisco For more information about these and other events, go to: https://www.dykeswithdrills.com/workshops

Julie Peri is the Founder and Director of Dykes With Drills. https://www.dykeswithdrills.com/ S AN F R ANC IS C O BAY T IM ES

S EPT EM BER 23, 2021

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CELEBRATING FOUR DECADES (1978–2021)

The Olympics of Gay Singing

Photos courtesy of Ka Lau and and Cameron Gerhold

By Sam Brondfield, MD, MAEd

(Editor’s Note: Ka Lau and his partner Cameron Gerhold signed consent forms to have their names included in this article.)

Dear Ka, I miss you, my friend.

We met in the hospital during my first week attending on the UCSF inpatient oncology service. You were 28, not much younger than I, and you had a cough that wouldn’t go away. The cause was a large tumor in your chest with a small number of lung metastases.

You introduced yourself: “I’m a singer in the San Francisco Gay Men’s Chorus.”

“No way!” I exclaimed. “I’m planning to audition for them next week.”

You smiled and explained how important the chorus was to you. I asked a few more chorus-related questions before steering the conversation back to your health.

I told you that we would start chemotherapy right away because the cancer was pushing on your heart. I explained that for this type of tumor, a mixed germ cell tumor with a large teratoma component, you would ultimately need surgery. You smiled and said you trusted me.

Cameron and Ka at Dolores Park (2020)

Ka singing in his first SFGMC concert

One week later, you had finished the first Bridges at Davies Symphony Hall dose of chemotherapy. I entered your hos- (2018) pital room for my daily visit and saw you struggling to breathe as the tumor continued to encroach on your heart. I followed you to the ICU, where nurses and respiratory therapists raced to save your life.

Ka and Cameron

That night, before you were intubated, you squeezed my hand and wished me luck in the chorus audition. I pondered the situational irony. You might not survive to rejoin the chorus you loved, and your oncologist was auditioning to join the same group.

Ka and Cameron (2019) Sitting in the audition, I felt despondent. I wondered if the 300 chorus members knew what was happening to you. But I did not wonder long. The chorus president soon stood up in front of the room and, weeping, described your condition. Contagious sobs throughout the room coalesced into a wave of love that I hoped would wash over you.

With support from your chorus family and the ICU team, your condition stabilized. “I heard you got into the chorus!” you exclaimed when you were able to speak again. “Yep, and I’m hoping you’ll join us soon,” I replied.

But, despite more chemotherapy, scans showed tumor growth.

The next step was a complicated surgery, for which you had to fly to New York. Your devoted partner, Cameron, called me afterwards. The tumor was out! The lung metastases would require a second surgery after more chemotherapy, but I breathed a sigh of relief. Cure was still possible.

After returning to San Francisco, you and Cameron took me to your favorite restaurant in the Castro. “How’s your recovery going?” I asked. “I’m getting stronger every day,” you replied. You hoped to rejoin the chorus in time for the upcoming (Gay and Lesbian Association of Choruses) GALA Festival, an international gathering of LGBTQIA+ choruses occurring every four years that some called “the Olympics of gay singing.” I hoped to experience these Olympics alongside you.

Cameron (left), Ka (right, rear), and Ka’s family attending the San Francisco Gay Men’s Chorus’ Holiday Concert, December 24, 2019, at the Castro Theatre where Sam (2nd from left) was performing

Cameron and Ka celebrating Ka’s 29th birthday on July 3, 2020, in Golden Gate Park during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Back in the hospital, we embraced. Your scans showed only slight growth in the lung metastases. It was time for the last dose of chemotherapy. “Let’s do it,” you said. All was going according to plan.

That is, until the next set of scans showed accelerated growth. Your liver was now speckled with cancer, and a tumor was growing inside your heart. A liver biopsy demonstrated sarcoma, a feared transformation of germ cell tumors. As I reviewed the biopsy result, I slumped at my computer. Cure was no longer possible.

You otherwise could have made it to the Olympics of gay singing, but the COVID-19 pandemic cruelly postponed the GALA Festival beyond your reach. When the cancer marched on despite our best efforts, you flew to Hawaii to spend the last weeks of your life surrounded by family and friends. The last time we spoke, you called to sing me “Happy Birthday.”

Ka performing in the SFGMC concert Queens (2019) at the Sydney Goldstein Theater

Sometimes circumstances push the doctor-patient relationship beyond the traditional boundaries. You were my patient, my friend, and my “chorus brother.” As I grieve, I take comfort knowing that a community of gay singers, one that I now share, will keep you in their hearts. I will always remember your smile and your beautiful voice.

My partner and I visited Hawaii soon after what would have been your 30th birthday. We took Cameron, who still lives there, out for dinner and dancing. We laughed, cried, and reminisced. You would have loved it.

Cameron (left), Ka (right), and Ka’s family (back row) in New York after Ka’s surgery (October 2019)

We discussed how the chorus navigated the pandemic by posting video performances, some of which received homophobic comments recently. Your resilience in the face of illness inspired the chorus, and me, to move forward with love despite online hate. You would have been proud.

When the Olympics of gay singing finally happens, I’ll imagine you standing next to me, where you belong, singing your heart out.

Love, Sam Sam Brondfield, MD, MAEd, is a hospital-based oncologist at the University of California, San Francisco and a member of the San Francisco Gay Men’s Chorus.

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Ka (left) and Sam (right) at UCSF during Ka’s final cycle of chemotherapy (November 2019)

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San Francisco Gay Men’s Chorus ‘Fifth Section’

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LGBTQ News & Calendar for the Bay Area

CELEBRATING FOUR DECADES (1978–2021)

Whenever the San Francisco Gay Men’s Chorus (SFGMC) sings, they do so for their brothers who are no longer with us. Over 300 such members of the Chorus—known as the Fifth Section—have been lost to us over the years, many as a result of HIV/AIDS. Their names are memorialized in SFGMC’s concert programs and in the list below. Their spirit lives on and SFGMC honors their memory.

Jim Aiken • Skip Aiken • Jeff Alons • Paul Alsbach • Terry Althoff • Miles Scott Amen • Steve Amos • Paul Anelli • John Atteridg • Edwin Barlow • Crawford Barton • Craig Beachler • Robert Beale • Glenn Beardsley • Jerry Berg • Marion Besco • Sam Bittner • Kristen Bjoernfeld • Bill Blake • Allan Blasdale • John Andre Bonnemaison • Jeff Bortin • Edward Brener • Larry Brenner • Peter Brockhoff • John Brown • John Brown • John Bryant • Jay Burwick • John Cailleau • Chris Campbell • Jack Campbell • Scott Campbell • Duncan Campbell Jr. • Nello Carlini • Terry Carlson • Albert Carter • John Cashman • Bud Castleman • Marc Chapa • Mark Chapa • Bruce Chelini • Al Cherry • Ailexsis Gregory Chew • Bob Chinen • C. Brian Christianson • Andrew Chrystall • Michael Clarke • Kevin Conduff • Richard Connelly • Leonard Conner • Bob Connett • Gregory Cooper • Jimmy Corbett • Jeff Cothran • Clayton Cowan • John Crimen • Mark Crissey • Tim Curbo • Mark D’Angelo • Alan Da Cunzo • Bobby Darnell • David Davenport • Robert del Valle • Walt Dennis • Douglas Dickinson • Bob Dinsmore • Scott Dowdee • Tom Doyle • Brian Duckworth • Andy Einkauf • Alan Ellis • Patrick Elvander • Bob Emery • Stephen Eschenbach • Robert Espindola • Gary Falardeau • Jim Farmer • Michael Farrell • Frank Federico • Keith Fenton • Bruce Fetherolf • Clif Fields • Steven Filice • Justin Fingado • Brian Finnegan • Wyrant Flonory • Fredrick Floyd • Ted Foster • Mark Fotopoulos • David Fox • David Smith Fox • Jon Franck • Jim Franks • John French • Robert Frey • Evan Friedman • Stephen Frugoli • Scott Galuteria • Larry Garrigan • Gary Garrison • Perry George • Don Giberson • Keith Gockel • David Gooding • Bill Graham • Philip Graham • Larry Griffin • Gordon Grover • Tom Gschwind • Gene Guenther • Dean Halsey • Andy Hammond • Dr. Mark L. Hamner • Dennis Haney • Jerry Haney • Robert Hawk • Greg Hay • Frank Hecker • David Held • Mark Hermes • Paul Hernandez • Charles Herrington • Robert Hichborn • Tom Hickey • Mark Hirano • Rexford Hitchcock • Greg Holbrook • Richard Hollenbaugh • Jerry Horsting • Roger Hostetler • Clyde Howell • Douglas Jackson • Frank Jackson • Keith Jacobsen • David James • Scott Johnson • Albert Jones • Paul Jones • Mike Joyce • Keith Kamrath • Robin Kay • Carl Kimball • Lester King • Rick Kirkham • Diane Kohne Schuster • John Kovach • Tony Kramedes • Dick Kramer • John Krause • Thom Kumorek • Ka Lau • Greg Lawrance • Joe Leary • Kevin Lenzen • Jeff Lettow • Don Levine • Bill Lewandowski • Ed Lichtenstein • Gerry Lo Presti • Frank Lobraico • Wayne Love • Joseph Loza • Ed Lucas • John Lusk • Roger Luttrell • Michael MacDonald • Darren MacGavin • John MacKintosh • Mike Maguire • Terence Maguire • Jim Mahony • Renny Marinaccio • Gerry Marquis • Gerald Martin • Mickey Martin • Steve Martin • Tom Martin • Leonard Matlovich • Roy McConahay • Steve McDowell • John McFarland • Mike McGavren • Tony McIntosh • Michael McIntyre • John McLeod • Pipo Micheli • Allen Midkiff • Glen Miller • Kevan Miller • Mark Mousseau • Ed Munoz • Jim Murnan • Craig Neeley • Gary Newcomb • Al Nichols • Gregg Nicholson • Dennis Niswander • Ken Noble • David Norton • Ryan Nunez • Floyd Ohler • James Onion • Garry Osborne • Tom Pallerino • Nick Papadopoulos • Phil Pearce • Gerald Pearson • Chuck Pedersen • Roger Pelletier • John Perez • Norman Perry • Terry Peterson • Shane Petree • Rodger Pettyjohn • Donald Phillips • Harrison Pierce • George Piper • Orion Pitts • Brian Powdrill • Bill Powell • Terry Presley • Ted Printz • Steven Prokasky • Bill Pugh • Michael Pugh • Paul Pukas • Guy Rana • Lon Quentin Rand • Bill Randles • Douglas Randolph • Melvin Rebhahn • Robert Rekart • Bruce Reynolds • John Reynolds • John Riccardi • Cameron Robb • Jay Roberts • Jim Robison • David Keleikini Roddell • Marty Roddell • Bob Rogers • Steven Rohrer • Jon Rollins • Dave Romero • Regis Rosetta • Steven Rozell • Lane Ruoff • Jim Russell • Charlie Salumbides • Paul Sanchez • Patrick Santiago • Bill Schade • Steve Schmorr • Dan Schreiber • Frank Schumacher • Bob Scott • Roger Scroggs • Denny Sedgley • Neil Seymour • Ray Shanks • Dennis Shaw • David Shortridge • Lee Sierecki • George Silkworth • John Simo • Jon Sims • Tom Sims • Barry Singer • Fred Skau • Hal Slate • Rick Slavsky • Ted Smith • Scott Smitherum • Vince Sofia • Dale Sorensen • Scott Squires • Jay Stinson • Jerry Stokes • Audie Stoufflet • Steve Sutherland • Burleigh Sutton • Timothy Tafoya • John Tallerino • Mike Tallmadge • Gregg Tallman • Joseph Taro • Lance Taylor • Chuck Thayer • David Thomas • Lavoy Thompson • David Thormann • Robert Thrower • Eric Tiffany • Bill Toner • Jack Torres • John Trojanski • Bill Tucker • Richard Vincent • Daryl Wagner • Karl Walker • David Warrior • Samuel Weaver • Robert Weinand • Leroy Westbrook • Jimmy White • Mark Whiting • Larry Whitlock • Gary Wilson • Ric Wilson • Aaron Wimmer • Gary Wintermeyer • Jim Wolfe • Michael Wolford • Eric Worden • Douglas Wright • Jim Wright • Claude Zetty • Jim Zielinski If you know of anyone whose name has inadvertently been omitted from this list, please let SFGMC know by calling the chorus office at 415-865-3650 or contacting the chorus via email ( info@sfgmc.org ) so that SFGMC may add them to their Fifth Section and continue to celebrate and honor the contributions of all their members. https://www.sfgmc.org/

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DIVAS & DRINKS

@ The Academy Terry ’s list One Night Only!

Thursday, September 30, 6pm–10pm The Academy 2166 Market Street Tickets are required (1 ticket per admission) for this limited-capacity, general admission indoor-outdoor event.

Where are the women in the Castro?

Find out at Divas & Drinks @ The Academy on September 30 when, for one night only, we will present “Terry’s List,” a celebration of woman-owned and operated businesses in the Castro! For this special evening before the Castro Street Fair, Terry Asten Bennett—co-owner of Cliff’s Variety and a former President of the Merchants of Upper Market Street and Castro—will introduce you to the visionary women at the heart of the Castro District.

Terry Asten Bennett

And that’s not all!

• Women of the Golden State Warriors, including • Guests will Aysha Lofton, will join us and us and give away receive our tickets to the upcoming Pride Night at Chase Center. signature goodie bags.

• Items from Sweet July, founded by Ayesha Curry, will be given away too.

• The latest in our series of • Host Donna Sachet will return, along with DJ shot glasses Rockaway from Olivia Travel! honoring • Enjoy food and special cocktails (plus demos) Aysha Lofton legendary lesbian curated by Bacardi Vice President Heather Freyer. bars of SF will be • Team Dykes on Bikes® will compete against Team revealed and given away.

San Francisco Gay Softball League in “Name That • More surprises to come!

Tune.”

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Join us at this indoor-outdoor event, including The Academy’s Champagne bar and private garden with firepits.

Donna Sachet

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CELEBRATING FOUR DECADES (1978–2021)

By Donna Sachet

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“Health is not valued till sickness comes.”

– Thomas Fuller

aturday was a marathon of Imperial partying, not for the faint of heart, as the Golden Gate Gaymes convened in Mariposa Bay Front Park near Chase Center in sparkling sunlight, on grassy hills, and with comforting picnic edibles. It was time for the annual Mr. & Miss, and now Ms. & Mx, Golden Gate!

A little bit of history ... . The most recognizable and visible titleholders within the Imperial Court are the Emperor and Empress, but for many years a number of supportive working titles have evolved and contributed enormously to the good work of the Imperial Court. In 1962, the Tavern Guild was formed, a group of allied Gay bar and other business owners who found strength in common interests, especially in the face of years of institutionalized discrimination, police harassment, and official inaction. Given the close relationship between the Tavern Guild and the Imperial Court, it was fitting that the Imperial Court created the titles of Mr. & Miss Tavern Guild, an annual, often campy, contest culminating in a bus trip to Guerneville for outdoor revelry. Even after the Tavern Guild folded, a sign of changing times and improving relations with local authorities, these titles continued, but support and enthusiasm waned. In 1996, Absolute Empress XXXI Cockatielia, with full Board approval, transformed Mr. & Miss Tavern Guild into Mr. & Miss Golden Gate, again centered around a rare outdoor event, but with whimsical Golden Gate Gaymes in Golden Gate Park. What a timely and fortuitous decision!

Saturday’s 25th annual event had all the elements of the original Golden Gate Gaymes: campy competitive games, bountiful food and drinks, and blessedly perfect weather. Many new faces joined loyal supporters, some dressed outlandishly and others casually, but all basking in the sun with smiling faces. Reigning Emperor Mr. David Glamamore & Empress Juanita MORE! greeted the crowd, providing picnic lunches of signature MORE! Dishes, including forbidden rice salad and Juanita’s beet hummus with pita chips. Teams of four competed in creatively titled and organized games, like Wheel of Misfortune, Lip-Sync or Swim, Emperors’ Quest, and Empress’ Balls, with plenty of time for conversation and laughter. Among those attending were Deana Dawn, Gary Virginia, Patrick Noonan, Ken Hamai & Jack Henyon, Carly Ozard, CoCo Butter, Emperors Terrill Grimes, Leandro Gonzales, and William Bulkley, and Empresses Baby Shaques Munro, Pollo Del Mar, Mercedez Munro, Emma Peel, Misty Blue, Patty McGroin, Saybeline Fernandez, Chablis, and Alexis Miranda. It is refreshing to see the different interactions that arise in an open-air setting, as opposed to a confined bar. Old guard and new mixed amicably, friends reunited, and new friendships sprouted.

That night, many of the same people reassembled at Powerhouse for the announcement of the winning team and the results of the Golden Gate titles, hosted by Mr. Golden Gate Ashle Blow & Miss Golden Gate Bernadette. Kudos to both of them for a year of service with amazing style! Slyde, Jason Hudak, Michael Chua, Mocha Fapalatte, Newonce, Bobbee Trans Mooremon, Jocquese “Sir JoQ” Whitfield, and John Brett had been selling raffle tickets for weeks with the top seller to be declared the title-holder in each category. Absolute Empress XLIX Misty Blue, Chair of the Imperial Council, announced that an astounding total of more than 4000 tickets had been sold! Despite the limitations of this pandemic, this is looking like a particularly successful year of fundraising for the Imperial Court! Finally, with all appropriate fanfare, the newest title-holders were announced: Mr. Golden Gate Michael Chua, Miss Golden Gate Newonce, Ms. Golden Gate Bobbee Trans Mooremon, and Mx. Golden Gate John Brett. We wish them well as they embark on a year of service in the Imperial Court of San Francisco!

Saturday, September 25 SF Ducal Coronation 47 Bordello at St. Basil’s Cathedral Step-down of Grand Duke Tim Valdivia & Grand Duchess Katherine Rose Emerald Ballroom of Holiday Inn Golden Gateway, 1500 Van Ness Avenue 6 pm $55 www.sfducal.org Thursday, September 30 Divas & Drinks @ The Academy “Terry’s List” - One Night Only!

A celebration of woman-owned business in the Castro, plus the women of the Golden State Warriors Donna Sachet hosting, DJ Rockaway, drinks curated by Bacardi VP Heather Freyer Cocktails, nibbles, gift bags 6 pm–10 pm $10 https://www.academy-sf.com/ Saturday, October 9 48th Annual Mr./Miss/Mx Gay San Francisco Pageant Mr. Sage Sanchez Munro & Miss Gay Linda Summers complete their year Full judged pageant to select the new Mr., Miss, & Mx Gay SF More details TBA www.imperialcouncilsf.org

As we wrote, a marathon day, but with remarkable results.

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

Donna Sachet, photographed with then San Francisco mayoral candidate Gavin Newsom in 2003, recently supported the successful campaign to defeat the recall and keep California 's Governor Newsom in office.

PHOTO BY SHAWN NORTHCUTT

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collectible, signature cup that is updated every year.) https://tinyurl.com/yyc4me8t Heather Freyer is a beverage expert who is the Vice President and General Manager for Open West States at Bacardí USA. Previously she was with Trinchero Wine Estates, Castle Rock Winery, Cost Plus World Market, and more.

Cocktails With Heather Heather Freyer The Honey Deuce is the signature cocktail of the U.S. Open. Created to embody the spirit of the U.S. Open with a blend of fresh flavors and the uncompromised taste of Grey Goose, it perfectly captures the elements of what makes the U.S. Open so unique.

This year, in its 14th consecutive year as the official cocktail of the U.S. Open, a Honey Deuce was sold on site every 3.8 seconds.

Talk about a grand slam!

1.5 parts Grey Goose Vodka 3 parts fresh squeezed lemonade 0.5 parts Premium Raspberry Liqueur 3 honeydew melon balls for garnish Fill a chilled highball glass with crushed ice and add Grey Goose Vodka. Top with lemonade to just below the rim, and then add Raspberry Liqueur. Garnish with honeydew melon balls. (At the U.S. Open, the drink is served in a

SA N FRANCISCO BAY T I ME S

The Whiptail Lizard Lounge, a groundbreaking queer women’s gathering space, will be commemorated on September 30 as part of the Divas & Drinks @ The Academy event co-presented by The Academy at 2166 Market Street and the San Francisco Bay Times.

The lounge, run by the Whiptail Lizard Collective, was one of the first alcohol-free spaces for queer women in the Castro. It welcomed trans women and made a special effort to include women of color, mothers, and seniors.

The Whiptail Lizard Lounge closed several years ago, but used to be located at 4035 18th Street.

Co-founded by Erin Flynn, it was named after a New Mexico species of lizard whose females exhibit parthenogenesis, a natural asexual form of birth. The newsletter for the collective was appropriately named Parthenogenesis. Events at the lounge included everything from a Lesbian Luau to a Poker and Games Night to Dharma Sisters’ Buddhist gatherings.

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Whiptail Lizard Lounge To Be Commemorated at Divas & Drinks @ The Academy on September 30

Flynn went on to publish Girls’ Night Out, a monograph of lesbian nightlife in San Francisco. She and her wife Chloe Atkins also have supported the Horizons Foundation, and are determined to leave a legacy gift to provide resources for the generations to come.

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On September 30, the latest in the collectible limited number shot glass series honoring legendary lesbian bars and gathering spaces of San Francisco will commemorate the Whiptail Lizard Lounge and will be revealed and given out for free as part of the Divas & Drinks @ The Academy signature goodie bags.

The event series is hosted by Donna Sachet with music by DJ Rockaway of Olivia Travel and drinks curated

by Bacardi Vice President Heather Freyer. Special mocktails and other non-alcoholic drinks are always on offer in addition to many other beverage options.

The San Francisco Bay Times wishes to thank Audry deLucia and Fran Herman of ellaprint for designing the collectible series. https://www.ellaprint.com/

Poesia in the Castro Delivers an Authentic Calabrian Dining Experience

The Gay Gourmet David Landis One of the great delights of living in hilly San Francisco is all of the magical, hidden stairways. Climbing these passageways, often landscaped with lush vegetation, frequently brings a surprise (and usually panoramic views) around every corner. The Vulcan Steps in the Castro offer yearround blooming wonders; the 16th Avenue tiled steps provide a boisterous mosaic mural as you ascend or descend; and the famous Filbert Steps on Telegraph Hill astound with 360-degree views of the Bay, downtown, and Treasure Island.

of the restaurant industry. That planted a little seed. I kept coming back and explored the idea of opening my own restaurant. In 2008, I found this place in the Castro that was for sale and it was the perfect size. I didn’t want a touristy area—North Beach or downtown.

I wanted to recreate the feeling of being surrounded by people you see regularly. That’s why I chose the Castro. People support each other here and know each other. It’s very active, very alive; there’s lots going on. This is my place.”

Upstairs at Poesia, behind the indoor restaurant and through the kitchen, is a surprise: a courtyard that looks like an Italian piazza.

I asked how that space came into being and how Francesco and his team were able to open the courtyard during COVID.

those 3 elements. We decided to go for it.”

“We created paintings based on photographs of that piazza and filled the deck with plants,” he continued. “Now, people feel like they’re walking into an Italian piazza. That space was allowed because of the city’s Shared Spaces program. Because of that, I was able to use that space, since it was already part of my lease.

It’s become very popular: the Mayor, Senator Scott Wiener, and Supervisor Mandelman have all dined there. It’s private and quiet.

We created an oasis where you can feel safe. Lots of restaurants have parklets, but this is a completely different vibe. Being back there gives you peace of mind.”

“The back patio is a little surprise for customers—and it was for us,” he said. “We never thought about using it until it was really necessary.

Add to that one more: a hidden staircase off 18th Street in the Castro that leads to a magical, Calabrian dining experience— namely, Poesia.

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LGBTQ News & Calendar for the Bay Area CELEBRATING FOUR DECADES (1978–2021)

Modena is known for their homemade pastas. He arrived at the end of February, 2020. Two weeks later, we had to close the restaurant due to COVID. But we decided never to really close the restaurant.

I thought, I have this new chef from Italy, I can’t close the restaurant. It was just me and him the first month for takeout. We’d never had a platform for takeout, so I started making personal phone calls to my regular customers. Soon enough, the takeout was successful and I could hire back all of my staff within 3 months.”

Where does Francesco find his extensive wine list? “It’s all my choices. I try them personally,” he said. “The way I choose my wines is—there’s a small section of classic Italian wines— Chianti, Brunello di Montalcino—to make people feel comfortable. I also want to display some wines that aren’t normally found in a traditional Italian Pride Rainbow Cake

vine-ripened tomatoes, Tuscanstyle bread, and basil; and the Insalata Nettarina, a baby mixed lettuce and frisée salad with nectarines, goat cheese, and roasted walnuts drizzled with a honey-lime citronette.

For our mains, we split the housemade Bolognese (Francesco’s favorite), served over tagliatelle—one of the city’s best, because tomato doesn’t dominate; then moved to another house specialty, the Agnolotti al Plin, which is a slice of heaven: homemade pinched pasta with a veal, pork, spinach, and Parmesan cheese filling topped with a veal reduction; the Grilled Seabass, perfectly cooked to a medium rare with chickpea puree, sauteed caponata cherry tomatoes, and Taggiasca olives with Sicilian capers; a Grilled Sweet Little Gem Lettuce Salad with marjoram extra virgin olive oil; and the “Paccheri ai Frutti di Mare,” Mancini-tube shaped pasta with a seafood ragù (including prawns, squid, clams, and mussels) in an organic tomato sauce. All of the pastas are served al dente, which The Gay Gourmet prefers, but if you like it cooked through more, just let the staff know.

For dessert, we had the creamy and perfectly-balanced homemade Tiramisu, as well as an herbal and smooth Amaro, served over ice with an orange peel.

Owner Francesco D’lppolito

In Italian, poesia means poetry.

Bruschetta Merriam Webster defines poetry not just as metrical writing in verse or the production of a poet, but a “concentrated imaginative awareness of experience.” That’s a perfect description for what to expect at Poesia the restaurant, which includes Italian films broadcast on an interior wall, a convivial bar with one of the best Negronis in town, an outdoor courtyard that repAgnolotti licates a piazza in Apricale, and, of course, first-rate culinary offerings.

The Italian experience arrives right at Poesia’s door, where the ebullient owner Francesco d’Ippolito greets you warmly—as if you’re part of his own Southern Italian famiglia.

Francesco told me for the San Francisco Bay Times: “In Poesia’s Patio poetry, there’s a combination of things that have to rhyme. When I think of a beautiBefore COVID, people weren’t ful restaurant experience, I think of so free to eat outside. We had one a combination of rhymes—the food, table on the balcony in front, and the company, the atmosphere—it rarely people wanted to sit outbecomes like a little poem. That was doors. COVID made me think the spark that gave me the idea. Plus, of this. After the initial lockdown I personally write poetry. We’re the and takeouts—we didn’t do a big only restaurant named Poesia in the takeout business—when the city whole world.” allowed serving outdoors, that’s when the idea of the back patio I asked Francesco about his backcame together. The patio with the ground. “I started in business as a fence was made for an experience. dental technician,” he said. “But You feel like you’re walking into an since I was a little kid, I also worked Italian piazza. We wanted to give in the restaurant industry—at a litan Italian experience.” tle coffee shop in the train station in Calabria. I would work there in sum“Indoors,” he said, “we had mers for 3 months, at 11 years old, Italian music and Italian movies. I making cappuccino, croissants, and thought, ‘How can I create a siminteracting with customers. It was ilar experience outdoors?’ When such a joy. I enjoyed being around you’re eating outdoors in Italy, people, hearing their stories, being where are you? You’re surrounded a contemporary friend. It’s been in by old buildings, churches, eatmy DNA since then. I didn’t feel the ing in a piazza. I talked to an artist, same appeal about the dental work.”

Andrew Johnston in Oakland, who helped me create this. This space He added, “I came to San Francisco to visit my brother in 2005 and I fell is a replica of a piazza in Apricale, in love with the city. I was supposed Liguria, near San Remo. It’s a very to stay for a short visit, but stayed for small village, but a perfect piazza— 3 months. I met some restaurant own- there’s a church, there’s a city hall, ers near the beach, feeling the vibe and there’s a bar. You must have

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Speaking of the staff, Poesia’s is very international—and welltrained. Sybelly, from Brazil, was our on-spot server this night, but much of the staff is from Chef Marcello Italy, with the requisite and romantic Italian accent.

Ellis Island Cocktail

Where does Francesco find his recipes? “When I first opened, I only made family recipes,” he explained.

“I was in contact with my older sister and mother in Italy and asked them for advice. At the same time, I would go to the farmers’ market and see what is in season and I would ask my family for ideas and then share that with my chef. He was an American chef, Gregory Leon (he now has a restaurant in Milwaukee). He didn’t have as much experience with Italian cuisine, but had worked in a couple of Castro restaurants, so it was a perfect collaboration.”

“With time, I realized I could have an Italian chef who could come to the U.S. and work here,” he added. “I always had the concept of the home cuisine where grandma would work. Marcello Franceschini is our current chef; he’s from Modena. He may make the best Bolognese sauce in San Francisco and he makes all the pasta in-house.

restaurant. Italy has more than 1,200 grapes. Having an opportunity to display some of those wines on rotation is fun for me. When I find people who try Pinot Bianco or so many different wines—small wineries that do a great job, biodynamic or organic—that’s fun for me.”

So, how’s the food? One simple word: delicious. The Gay Gourmet has been to Poesia many times, but recently, we visited with friends and started with a crisp, sparkling rosé from Veneto; their traditional Negroni (but ask for a splash of fresh-squeezed orange juice); the “Dante,” a cocktail made with vodka, fresh basil, and lemon juice; and the Petrussa Pinot Bianco, a mineral-driven white wine from Friuli.

Following that, for starters, we sampled one of the best specialties of the house: Vitello Tonnato, a tender, sliced roasted beef with a homemade tuna sauce (see recipe), fried Sicilian capers, and celery; a fresh and tasty Ahi Tuna Tartare with mango, cucumber, radish, and sesame; house-made Bruschetta, popping with heirloom

What’s next for Poesia?

Well, a couple of things.

They’ve started a new wine club, offering great Italian, small production wines, hand-selected for customers each month.

You can choose from 2, 3, or 4 wines per month.

And, according to Francesco, “We are hoping to move into an additional space with an expanded downstairs once the pandemic gives us a break. We’d like to create an Italian bakery on the street level—right now, it’s a mask store. I already have a pastry baker waiting in Italy for his visa to get approved. As soon as he is ready, he’ll be in charge to create the menu. That will be a bread and sweets operation—croissants, breakfast Italian-style, plus lunch and dinner (including aperitivo—wine with snacks). We’ll still offer fine dining upstairs and a little more casual alternative downstairs.

Everything will be baked in-house and you will be able to eat it fresh.

It will be full circle for me personally.”

And what motivates Francesco?

“All the support from people coming back over the years is very important to me,” he said. “It’s about creating a connection with the community, rather than just running a restaurant. That relationship has given me the strength to move forward over the years.”

P.S. Chef Marcello was kind enough to share his Vitello Tonnato recipe. But The Gay Gourmet still guarantees it’s always better in (continued on page 14)

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SF Arts Commission Approves New Design for Harvey Milk Plaza

Photos:Friends of Harvey Milk Plaza

The San Francisco Arts Commission on September 20 unanimously approved the latest plans to redesign Harvey Milk Plaza. The plans were initially revealed in the June 24, 2021, issue of the San Francisco Bay Times ( https://tinyurl.com/yvd2h357 ).

Announcing the commission’s approval, The Friends of Harvey Milk Plaza Executive Director Brian Springfield wrote: “Last Monday’s approval is a HUGE win for everyone who wants to see Harvey celebrated with something special at the iconic intersection of Castro and Market Streets. Our special thanks to everyone who participated in the community meetings and listening sessions leading up to yesterday’s milestone achievement.

We heard you and incorporated your ideas for honoring Harvey Milk, creating opportunities for visibility and representation in the memorial, and encouraging ongoing activism toward greater social justice. Hope + Action!”

Among those who wrote or spoke in support of the design proposal at the hearing were state Senator Scott Wiener, Cleve Jones, Sister Roma, and representatives from the Duboce Triangle Neighborhood Association, the Eureka Valley Neighborhood Association, the Castro Merchants Association, the Castro LGBTQ Cultural District, and others. https://www.harveymilkplaza.org/

ROSTOW (continued from page 2) standoff with a gunman—completely nude.”

According to the website, a SWAT team had been called to a house where an 18-year-old boy was on the roof with a gun. During their negotiations, the Boston woman, Jessica Elisabeth Smith, 28, drove through the scene reeking of alcohol in her birthday suit. Google her if you want to see the award for “reddest eyes in a mug shot.” For the record, the police got the guy on the roof after six hours.

Girls Just Wanna Have ...

Speaking of headlines, I have my wife to thank for this one from the British press: “Sex Festival in Tunbridge Wells Sparks Concerns About Parking.” A quick Google tells us that this Guardian headline from 2017 was widely retweeted at the time, and deservedly so. But, more interestingly, we learn that a man was found dead the morning after the Flamefest festivities. According to the Flamefest website, the event offered a venue: “to explore pain, experience pleasure and fulfill your fantasies on this mystical site, where witches’ covens have met for centuries.”

In a Daily Beast piece on the mystery, dominatrix Amethyst Hammerfist told the reporter that she thought the man died of natural causes. I added that piece of information, not only because we all need closure, but because I wanted to type: “dominatrix Amethyst Hammerfist.” Was anyone from Causton CID perhaps vacationing in Tunbridge Wells at the time? (Cue: Midsommer Murders theme song.)

I should be writing about the big news that the Biden administration has moved to reexamine the discharge status of some 100,000 GLBT veterans who may have missed out on benefits after being tossed out of the military due solely for their sexual orientation. Actual gay and lesbian criminals will not be included in this review. But those who received less than honorable discharges for no good reason, particularly during the Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell years, will now have a chance to be made whole. I gather that the Veterans Department has full authority over who gets benefits and who does not, ergo this major policy move can be achieved without Congressional action.

It’s important, right? But it’s not really fun, so I’ve been avoiding it. Sorry.

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LANDIS (continued from page 13) Let the Games Go On And what else is new? Well, Carl Nassib, our favorite openly gay NFL football player, had a great defense play for the Las Vegas Raiders the other day, forcing a fumble in overtime to effectively beat the Ravens.

In other football-related news, Patriots owner Robert Kraft turned up out of the blue at a gay flag football game in Boston. Kraft helps fund the FLAG (Friends, Lesbians, and Gays) flag football team in the Bay State capital, and is generally considered a good friend and ally of our community. Go, Pats!

Okay, now I’m for the Chiefs (wife and family from Kansas), the 49ers (of course), the Vikings (friend’s team), the Browns (friend’s team), the Washington team (from childhood), Green Bay (brother’s team), the Raiders (gay player), and the Patriots (gay friendly owner).

That’s eight allegiances. Don’t ask why the Chiefs are number one here. They just are.

I remember years ago I was part of a large family group that was watching the University of Kansas play football at a bar in the middle of a larger event and everyone left our table except for me and my son-in-law. He and I both rooted loudly for the Jayhawks until we realized neither one of us had any personal tie to Kansas outside of marriage. We sort of paused our enthusiasm but then recognized that we had been left in charge of the cheering by our loved ones, and we resumed a sincere effort.

Finally, how about former Fox Sports baseball and football commentator Thom Brennaman, who was fired last year after getting caught using an antigay slur on an open microphone during a break? In the middle of a Cincinnati Reds game, Brennaman referred to some city, it’s not clear which one, as “one of the fag capitals of the world.” He was fired on the spot and now insists that “90 percent” of Cincinnati fans want him reinstated. Brennaman bases his analysis on the attitudes of people who approach him in the grocery store or elsewhere around town. They all say they miss him and his dismissal was unfair.

That’s so strange! I guess the Fox Sports bosses were wrong about the Cincinnati audience, and they actually love homophobic bozos calling their games. Not. Please keep this guy off the air forever. arostow@aol.com S E PT E MB E R 2 3 , 2 0 2 1

person at Poesia, because his interpretation is off the charts.

Vitello Tonnato (a/la Chef Marcello Franceschini at Poesia) The Vitello Tonnato is a traditional appetizer from Northern Italy, made with the eye of round beef. Trim fat off the meat, sear it on all sides, then cook it in the oven until rare to medium rare temperature to let it be pink inside. Sprinkle coarse salt over the meat, which Chef Marcello said helps the beef to “turn out a bit more juicy.” As for the Tonnato sauce, Chef Marcello said, “It’s literally a mayonnaise mixed with tuna, anchovies, and capers.”

His recipe for the sauce is: 6 egg yolks 2 cups high oleic sunflower oil 1/4 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice 2 tablespoons capers 10 anchovy filets 2 3/4 cups tuna Salt to taste Chef Marcello said, “I usually make the sauce in a Robot Coupe food processor. Start with the egg yolk, then add a pinch of salt and the lemon juice, pouring in the oil slowly; do the mayonnaise first, then add the capers, anchovies, and tuna. And always taste to fix the flavor, as you might need a pinch more of salt!”

Bits and Bites Alice Waters’ acclaimed restaurant Chez Panisse turned 50 this past summer (how time flies!). It’s open only for takeout right now, but look for the restaurant reopening in October.

San Francisco’s very own Stuart Brioza and his extended team from State Bird Provisions, The Progress, and The Anchovy Bar will participate in the James Beard Foundation’s 2021–2022 Taste America culinary series, on Thursday, October 28.

Taste America, presented by Capital One, will feature events in 26 total cities nationwide, bringing chefs and diners together to celebrate local independent restaurants and support efforts to rebuild a more sustainable and equitable industry. Guests will enjoy a multi-course meal with beverage pairings, tailored for the event through a unique chef collaboration curated by the Foundation. A reception prior will feature signature welcome beverages by national sponsors Rabbit Hole Distillery and White Claw Hard Seltzer.

As my loyal readers know, I’ve always been a fan of America’s Riviera, Santa Barbara. It’s an easy 5-hour getaway, especially during the surge of the Delta variant. And the dining is truly gourmet.

Three new Santa Barbara restaurants are now

recommended by Michelin, including: Spanishinspired Loquita, Caruso’s on the Montecito oceanfront, and Cal-Indian restaurant Bibi Ji. Other new buzz-worthy Santa Barbara restaurants include: Alessia Patisserie & Café; independent coffee shop Caje; Aperitivo, a wine bar focusing on small plates and wines from Italy; and Costa, a California-cuisine restaurant at the new Mar Monte hotel.

Gott’s Roadside just opened a second San Francisco location in Thrive City at the new Chase Center in Mission Bay. Speaking of Mission Bay, you can make a day of it by sampling Café Reveille for breakfast, Blue Bottle or Joe and the Juice for coffee and homemade juices, and lunch or dinner featuring seasonal cuisine and Belgianstyle beers at the New Belgium Brewing Company, San Francisco.

Finally, Top Chef Family Style is streaming on Peacock TV. In the series, talented young chefs sharpen their knives and battle it out to prove that their culinary skills are aged to perfection—and team up with an adult family member. The family chef duos are put to the test in a series of creative and suspenseful quickfire and elimination challenges. Give a big shout-out to local San Francisco contestants (and son & mom duo) Taylor Ellison and Elizabeth Frame Ellison.

Poesia: https://www.poesiasf.com/ Chez Panisse: https://www.chezpanisse.com Visit Santa Barbara: https://santabarbaraca.com/ State Bird Provisions: https://statebirdsf.com/ Gott’s Roadside: https://www.gotts.com/ Café Reveille: https://tinyurl.com/bz42n8y3 Blue Bottle: https://tinyurl.com/68hhyxxa Joe and the Juice: https://www.joejuice.com/ New Belgium Brewing Company San Francisco: https://tinyurl.com/esavvje8 Top Chef Family Style: http://ow.ly/MfTq50G8l9a David Landis, aka “The Gay Gourmet,” is a foodie, a freelance writer, and a retired PR maven. Follow him on Instagram @GayGourmetSF or email him at: davidlandissf@gmail.com Or visit him online at: www.gaygourmetsf.com

Fitness & Sports

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LGBTQ News & Calendar for the Bay Area CELEBRATING FOUR DECADES (1978–2021)

The Return of Bay Area LGBT Flag Football

Photos courtesy of John Chen

pro games in full swing. Go, UCLA Bruins! And yes, this is a blatant and shameless plug for my alma mater.

Sports John Chen Football season has officially begun!

Arguably the most exciting time of the year for sports fans, football is the most popular sport in our country and brings a tremendous amount of camaraderie, celebration, and commiseration with the college and

Recently, the San Francisco Gay Flag Football League (SFGFFL) has been given the thumbs up to resume.

SFGFFL Commissioner Colin Sng proudly pointed out to me for the San Francisco Bay Times: “In order for the league to happen, we had to adhere to San Francisco Department of Public Health guidelines. The league made some significant modifications to the game because flag football is naturally a contact sport. For example, we eliminated blocking, normally a major part of football. This may seem like an egregious compromise, but hey, we still get to play football and in a form that’s safe for all the players.”

Sng added, “Our league welcomes players of all levels, ages, sizes,

SFGFFL New Players Alex Ceballos, Marti Davis and Brennan Doucet

SFGFFL Meet and Greet at The Detour

SFGFFL Scrimmage

gender identifications, and abilities.

We are about building an LGBT football community that also includes friends, family, supporters, and allies.

However, all players must show proof of vaccination or be tested negative three days before participating in any game. We will not make any exceptions. The protection of everyone involved in the league outweighs the alternative.”

SFGFFL Players Brennan Doucet and Alex Caballos

Brennan Doucet, a nurse who moved to San Francisco from Louisiana a couple of years ago, finally decided to try football for the first time. Doucet said, “Coming from the South, where football is considered a religion, I always wanted to learn how to play. I watched countless games on TV and loved the excitement and the sheer athleticism it takes to compete.

Here in San Francisco, after caring for so many patients and not [having the opportunity] to make friends over the last year and a half, I just wanted to meet people and get to know the city. So, I told myself to go for it. I joined [SFGFFL].”

Doucet continued, “It turns out, football is way more complex than I thought, and football talk among players is like a foreign language. I was a bit overwhelmed, but I love it! Also, football is a true team sport where communication and camaraderie are keys to success. The thing I really like about [SFGFFL] is the community they’ve built. It’s not about how good or athletic you are.

It’s about welcoming you to be a part of their football community.”

SFGFFL Commissioner Colin Sng and Recruitment Director Andrew Aquino

Marti Davis was a rugby player in college and officiated flag football in Atlanta, although she never played football. Davis said, “I really wanted to play football in Atlanta, but then the pandemic happened. So, when I moved to San Francisco three months ago, I immediately looked

up gay football and found SFGFFL on Instagram. At first, I was nervous being a woman in a men dominated league, but Andrew [Aquino, Recruitment Director] assured me that there were many other women playing. What sold me on the league was my first day at the ‘mini-camp.’

All the guys introduced themselves and were so welcoming. They made me feel so comfortable and I never felt weird for being a woman among men out there. Right away, all my anxieties melted away. It was awesome and fun!”

Alex Ceballos, a native Southern Californian now living in the East Bay, really wanted to get out and run around on a big field, try a new sport, and make new friends once the pandemic restrictions have been lessened. Ceballos said, “I looked at rugby and volleyball, but Andrew [Aquino] was super responsive, connected with me, and made me feel like [SFGFFL] is well organized so I decided to give football a shot.”

“In the beginning,” he added, “I was worried that the guys may be overly competitive, but everyone’s very nice and competitive in a positive and supportive way. I am a social person, so playing on a team that is in a social league suits me perfectly. I really like how the veteran players take the time to help me and break the game down for me. And I really like how the league is building a whole community around football.”

For more information on SFGFFL, see SFGFFL on Facebook and Instagram and visit: http://sfgffl.leagueapps.com/ John Chen, a UCLA alumnus and an avid sports fan, has competed as well as coached tennis, volleyball, softball, and football teams.

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LGBTQ News & Calendar for the Bay Area CELEBRATING FOUR DECADES (1978–2021)

Photos from previous years at the Castro Street Fair

Welcome to the 47th Annual Castro Street Fair!

By Jenn Meyer

PHOTOS COURTESY OF CHEER SAN FRANICSCO

You’ll notice an expanded footprint to allow for greater distance between exhibitors and to minimize crowding.

The entertainment will pop up here and there, instead of taking place on a single stage. (Think “block party” more than “street fair.”)

See you on Sunday, October 3! Wear a mask! https://castrostreetfair.org/ Jenn Meyer is the President of the Castro Street Fair Board of Directors.

Vintage photo by Rink of Castro Street Fair founder Harvey Milk (1978) enjoying the Fair on what would prove to be his last time.

PHOTO BY RINK

What to Expect at the 2021 Castro Street Fair This year’s Castro Street Fair will be one of the few major in-person events of 2021 for the Bay Area LGBTQ community and allies. It will be different than in years past, however, due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic and efforts to promote visitor health and safety.

Jenn Meyer, President of the Castro Street Fair Board of Directors, told the San Francisco Bay Times: “We will have a DJ booth and dance area (Dance Alley) plus Cheer SF. We are also encouraging the businesses with parklets— or just sidewalk space—to create entertainment in front of their businesses and we will be promoting on our social media.

No speakers, main stage, or formal program this year.”

Couple at the first Castro Street Fair (1974, Photo by Rink)

Harvey Milk with supporters at the 1978 Castro Street Fair (photo by Rink)

QUEER POP QUIZ

We are excited that the Fair will take place and enable businesses like ours to more directly connect with visitors. The San Francisco Bay Times has had a booth at most of these events in

years past, and Bay Times lead photographer Rink has photographed each and every one. In fact, as previously reported, Rink helped to inspire Harvey Milk to start the Castro Street Fair back in 1974.

47th Annual Castro Street Fair Sunday, October 3 11 am–6 pm In and around Castro and Market Streets

PHOTO BY RINK

Come out to the Castro Street Fair this year. Like many things these days, it will be a little different—but most important is the opportunity to come together as a community and celebrate. And that is one thing The Castro knows how to do!

PHOTO BY RINK

Also new this year will be the presence of parklets inside the Fair footprint.

We encourage visitors to support these businesses and all other Castro businesses open that day and every day. Your local businesses—retail, bars, and restaurants—could all use a little extra love these days.

PHOTO BY RINK

The Board of Directors is extremely excited to invite everyone back to the Castro Street Fair this year on October 3 from 11 am–6 pm. We have been hard at work to recreate the Castro Street Fair to adhere to

all health guidelines so that all who visit will feel comfortable. This year, we will invite Fairgoers to explore more of the Castro neighborhood while remaining safe.

PHOTO BY RINK

After 17 months of doing pretty much everything differently: working, eating, drinking, socializing, and so on—and always with a facemask and hand sanitizer at the ready—we’ve all come to appreciate a familiar face, an old friend.

This year’s Castro Jenn Meyer Street Fair arrives 24 months after the previous one and you can count us among those who are glad to see it!

Stop by the San Francisco Bay Times booth at the Castro Street Fair and say hello to members of our team!

‘PUSHING THE NEEDLE FORWARD’ MJ Rodriguez recently made history by becoming the first transgender woman to receive an Emmy Award nomination in a major acting category: Outstanding Lead Actress in a Drama Series for her performance in this series: A) Luke Cage

B) The Carrie Diaries

C) Pose

D) Sex Education

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LGBTQ News & Calendar for the Bay Area CELEBRATING FOUR DECADES (1978–2021)

Motorcycle Women in Movies

Off the Wahl Jan Wahl Riding in the SF Pride Parade has been one of my greatest experiences and honors. Meeting the Dykes on Bikes® (who proudly lead the parade) is also right up there with my favorite moments. These women are spirited, wise, and witty, greeting me every time with joy and acceptance. Since I love looking at motorcycles, many told me about their own journeys. Imagine how disappointed I was when researching women on motorcycles in the movies ... there are so few! One has to dig deep, and so I did.

There was a time Hollywood depended on women in important roles in film, from directing to editing to acting. It was the silent age, pre-1927, and the Business had not figured out the big money to be made. At the beginning, women, like men, were high comedy fodder: falling off of motorcycles in 1907’s Aunty’s Motor Bike, 1911’s Margaret’s Motor Rides, and most successfully, 1914’s Mabel at the Wheel. In that Keystone Comedy, our heroine rode a Thor 1V single cylinder with bad brakes

and terrible suspension, but it became the bike to own. (Actress Mabel Normand co-directed the film, which she starred in along with Charles Chaplin.) From 1914– 1917, Indian Motorcycles roared in the adventure film serial The Hazards of Helen.

When Hollywood realized that women could take the sidecar, it was time for the guys to control the wheel. Just writing that pisses me off. Anyway, Buster Keaton went with the Indian Powerplus then a Harley Davidson J in One Week and The Scarecrow. Laurel and Hardy, The Marx Brothers, and Charley Chase all used motorcycles in movies and the audience loved it. Soon, cop chases and shootouts used motorcycles, along with military bikes.

Two of my own favorite movie images with motorcycles happened in a great comedy and cult drama. A fabulous female in film, Ann Sheridan, drives a motorcycle

Miley Cyrus

as grumpy Cary Grant sits in the sidecar in 1949’s I Was a Male War Bride. Defining the 1950s, the cult classic The Wild One brought us motorcycle gang leader Marlon Brando as a rebel with a cause. After that last one, the biker culture was born and has been going ever since.

again by his On Any Sunday. He perfectly captures the love and lust for motorcycles and racing them. But, once again, it’s all men. How terrific it would be to remake it with women at the wheels.

Movies have featured Steve McQueen on his Triumph in The Great Escape. Then there was 1967’s Hell’s Angels on Wheels and, of course, 1969’s Easy Rider.

How about a movie based on the book by Elsbeth Beard, who was the first British woman to motorcycle around the world? Or a major reissue of 1999’s Me and Will about two women who face their own struggles while on a motorcycle road trip?

But where were the women?

Ellen Aquila, Secretary of the San Francisco Dykes on Bikes®

Tales From Two Wheels (Editor’s Note: During this 45th Anniversary Year for the San Francisco Dykes on Bikes®—the mother chapter for all Dykes on Bikes® worldwide—we present a new column highlighting members of the organization. Special thanks to President Kate Brown for her help with this column launch, as well as to Secretary Ellen Aquila.)

“I am a San Francisco Dykes on Bikes® (DOB) patch-holder since 2018, member of the Board of Directors, current Secretary, teacher, and parent.

My first ride with San Francisco DOB was in the SF LGBTQ+ Pride Parade in 2018, riding a 2013 Moto Guzzi V7 Racer. Wearing the San Francisco DOB patch represents

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ILLUMINATE

Dykes on Bikes® Ellen Aquila participating in the 2021 Pink Torch Procession that led up to the lighting of the Pink Triangle. Ellen’s portion of the Procession included part of Lake Merritt.

strength and unity to me. Being a member means honoring the legacy of Dykes on Bikes® in history and supporting space for future Dykes. My highlights are being a torch bearer in the 2021 Pink Torch Procession and traveling with DOB patch-holders to Washington, D.C., in 2019. We went to D.C. to participate in a memorial service hosted by the LGBT Fallen Heroes Fund at the Women in Military Service for America (WIMSA) Memorial in Arlington National Cemetery, where Soni Wolf and other LGBT law enforcement officers, firefighters, EMS, and members of the military were honored.

I am proud to be part of an organization that supports the LGBTQ+ community.” https://www.dykesonbikes.org/

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At least there have been a few good moments. Audrey Hepburn loved the view from a Vespa scooter [said to now be the world’s oldest Vespa] in Roman Holiday. Ruth Gordon stole a cop’s bike in Harold and Maude. But, for the most part, women were totally exploited in motorcycle cinema. 1969’s Hell’s Belles used the advertising line: “Meet the debutante in a leather skirt.”

The Hard Ride got folks onboard with, “Here are the hard chrome babes and leather dolls.” It’s enough to make you heave!

When I was a kid, I saw a lot of surfing culture.

Nothing captured my awe of watching surfer chicks and dudes like The Endless Summer.

Documentary filmmaker Bruce Brown blew me away with his exciting footage and storytelling of those guys who love to ride the wild surf.

In 1971, I was awed

Some gutsy and interesting female stars of music and film have been outspoken concerning their love of motorcycles. My favorite is Ann Margaret, who has wonderful portraits of her beloved bikes. I interviewed her and found that she was shy until the subject of motorcycles came up.

She has great passion for them. They represent freedom from the BS of Hollywood for her. Rihanna, Priyanka Chopra, Gal Gadot, Jewel, Michelle Rodriquez, Kate Hudson, and Miley Cyrus are just a few others who love their bikes.

I salute you, Dykes on Bikes®!

Jan Wahl is a Hollywood historian, film critic on various broadcast outlets, and has her own YouTube channel series, “Jan Wahl Showbiz.” She has two Emmys and many awards for her longtime work on behalf of film buffs and the LGBTQ community.

Contact her at www.janwahl.com

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Marga Gomez Returns to The Marsh with Heartrending Memoir

San Francisco Bay Times: We have read that Spanking Machine is about growing up queer and as a person of color in Washington Heights.

Interestingly, the new film In the Heights features a lesbian couple. Is Washington Heights the new “lesbian mecca”?

Marga Gomez: I wish!

Unfortunately, when Lin-Manuel’s movie makes my old neighborhood hot, tourists come, rent increases, and lesbians get priced out and move back to Northampton. Seriously, though, the Washington Heights in my play was a foreboding heteronormative place for young queers.

The only lesbian I ever saw growing up was the token booth clerk at our subway station. She dressed like an Alison Bechdel character with a tiny “Dyke” button on her shirt. I was so clueless—I didn’t know what Dyke meant. In Spanking Machine, I revisit my childhood friend, a closeted Cuban boy who called himself Scotty. He and I were programmed by the nuns at our school to think we were Irish and heterosexual, which led us to many unsatisfying make-out sessions after school in our Catholic uniforms. That was pretty funnylooking back then and kind of gross.

San Francisco Bay Times: But Spanking Machine is described as a drama?

Marga Gomez: I like to call it a drama with comedy, weaving light and dark stories. When I began developing Spanking Machine in 2019, it was a purely silly kitschy memoir. Then I asked myself: “Why am I

Marga Gomez: My friend Stephanie Weisman, The Marsh Founder/Artistic Director, attended my birthday party this June, where the conversation eventually turned to, “Is theatre ever coming back?” Stephanie said that The Marsh was reopening in the fall, and I blurted out, “I wanna do my show.” She booked me at my birthday party. Now that’s a gift!

PHOTO: CHRISTIAN FIGUEROA

For her much-anticipated return to the stage, Gomez opted to perform her thirteenth and final show, Spanking Machine. While Gomez is typically known for her comedic pieces, she wanted to show Bay Area theater lovers a different side of herself with this work, reflecting on her past and the moments brought up through a special, lifelong connection.

San Francisco Bay Times: Was there a reason (or reasons) that you chose to bring this particular work to The Marsh San Francisco?

Congratulations and thank you to Marga Gomez for her many years of support for our community as well as for the San Francisco Bay Times and “Betty’s List.” Marga is a GLAAD Award winner, Theater L.A. Ovation Award winner, and a triple winner of the Bay Guardian’s Best of the Bay Comedian Award!

[On September 17] I was the first performer to “reopen” the doors at The Marsh San Francisco, which is fitting. I was technically the first solo show on The Marsh stage. In 1991, before they officially opened, I performed Memory Tricks, a show about my mother. Up to that point, I was working as a queer stand-up comedian around the country and in San Francisco at legendary queer cabarets, The Valencia Rose and Josie’s. My mother was quite ill with Alzheimer’s and, I didn’t know how, but I wanted to tell her story. Everything fell into place when I met Stephanie and found The Marsh audience. A year later, Memory Tricks went from The Marsh to The Public Theater, Off-Broadway. Solo performance is a genre where I can go deep, express my full self, and portray the people in my life in such a way that my stories become everyone’s story. Since its beginning, The Marsh has been the mother of this art form.

San Francisco Bay Times: As you geared up for the return to in-person performances, how have you felt about getting back on stage?

Marga Gomez: I’m excited and ready. Spanking Machine has been ready since March 13, 2020—when it was supposed to premiere. At about

the same, the shelter-in-place was implemented, and I was disoriented in a special way. I had been rehearsing my piece at San Francisco’s Brava Theater, and was wired to open.

San Francisco Bay Times: Anything else you’d like to add?

Marga Gomez: Without giving away too much, some of my trials in Spanking Machine are linked to society’s ageold control of women’s bodies. Now that Texas and The Supreme Court have sent women back to the 1950s, my piece, which I thought I finished writing in 2020, has new meaning as part of the bigger picture.

When I realized there was no end in sight to the lockdown, I taught myself how to adapt Spanking Machine virtually. Not only was I a tech novice, but also the gear I needed was scarcer than toilet paper when the shelter-inplace hit. My lowest point was a dead of night meeting on a deserted downtown street corner with a “tech bro” who overcharged me for a webcam.

I eventually upgraded to better equipment, and virtually performed Spanking Machine to audiences from San Diego to New York. As I readjust for a live audience, I draw on what I learned performing to a camera lens these last 17 months. Solo performance is a one-on-one exchange, with many people simultaneously.

I return to The Marsh a more honest artist than I was before the pandemic. Let’s go!

PHOTO BY RINK

Described as, “Amazing! A lesbian Lenny Bruce,” by Robin Williams and “salaciously surreal” by the San Francisco Chronicle, Gomez has captivated audiences with works that explore personal experiences that have shaped her life in profound ways—from her mother’s struggle with Alzheimer’s to life as a child of a blustery Cuban showman and more.

revisiting this period in my life?” There should be a deep reason for our time on stage. With the help of my director at the time, Adrian Alea, a gay Cuban himself, I uncovered some traumatic doozies. In many of my shows, I use humor as a tool for survival. Spanking Machine is a story of survival.

Marga Gomez’s Spanking Machine will be presented live on stage through October 23, 2021, with performances at 8 pm Fridays & Saturdays at The Marsh San Francisco, 1062 Valencia Street. For tickets or more information, call 415-282-3055 or visit https://themarsh.org/

San Francisco Bay Times: Is there a spanking machine in the show?

Marga Gomez: Only if you remove your face covering while inside the theater.

PHOTO: CHRISTIAN FIGUEROA

Award-winning writer/performer Marga Gomez debuted her first work at The Marsh San Francisco nearly 30 years ago, so it is only fitting that she was selected as the performer to reopen the doors of this theater after 18 months of strictly virtual offerings.

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LGBTQ News & Calendar for the Bay Area CELEBRATING FOUR DECADES (1978–2021)

The Big Guy in Film

Off the Wahl Jan Wahl Ever since I was a little girl, I loved me some God in the movies. Of course, I always wondered where the Goddess was ... but we’ll save that for another column. From the first one I ever saw, The Ten Commandments (love that Yul

Brynner Pharoah drag), to suffering Anthony Quinn in Barabbas, and from Jean Simmons and Richard Burton cuddling up in The Robe to the homoerotic Ben Hur, I just loved the pageantry and big, loud storytelling.

Give me the parting of the Red Sea or an unhinged Caligula or chesty Victor Mature as Demetrius and I was always a happy camper.

When Jim Carrey became Bruce Almighty, Morgan Freeman was actually God. I really liked the setup for this movie since I worked in a newsroom at the time and it tells of a downtrodden news reporter who doesn’t think God is doing a good job.

He’s given a chance to try it himself to find out if he could do better. It is not the best of his films, but Carrey makes it work.

But then it all changed when I saw that movies could make satires out of religious ideas. The first awareness came with 1977’s Oh, God! When God appears as this nice old dude (George Burns) to an assistant grocery manager, the young innocent ( John Denver) is chosen as the Almighty’s messenger on earth. Director Carl Reiner gets us involved and even rooting for the hapless guy as he tries to convince family, colleagues, and friends that he has met God. Burns as God was perfect casting, until a certain man with a magnificent voice came along.

Top of your stack

Does it get funnier or more satiric than The Life of Brian?

Following Monty Python and the Holy Grail, the group was going to title it Jesus Christ: Lust for Glory. Thinking that could alienate the devout, they changed the name and made it the innocent tale of a man who is mistaken for the Messiah. Loosely strung together by satirical sketches, this movie has one of my favorite endings in comedic history. Who knew we could whistle along with the crucifixion?

Director and screenwriter Kevin Smith was excited to make

a movie based on his own Catholic upbringing. He was going to call it God, but changed the title to Dogma.

Ben Affleck and Matt Damon are two fallen angels who hope to use a loophole in Christian doctrine to get back into Bill Maher heaven. Agents of both heaven and hell try to stop them. This, as well as The Life of Brian, now enjoy cult status.

In 1941, an imaginative comedy fantasy came out: Here Comes Mr. Jordan. But, for once, I’m in love with the 1978 remake: Heaven Can Wait. A young man (cowriter and codirector Warren Beatty) is mistakenly sent to heaven by his guardian angel. He somehow finds his way back to earth to find blessed love with Julie Christie.

RECOMMENDATIONS FROM BOOK PASSAGE The Prophets (fiction) by Robert Jones, Jr. The Prophets is a stunning debut novel about the forbidden union between two enslaved young men on a plantation in the Deep South. Isaiah and Samuel had a special connection as parentless teens. They lived in the plantation barn, tending to the animals and keeping their love a highly-guarded secret from the owners and from their fellow slaves. This becomes especially difficult as a preacher slave calls out their relationship and the owner’s son takes an interest in Samuel. Jones, Jr.’s writing hearkens to the lyricism of Toni Morrison, evoking pain and suffering as well as truth and love.

Against White Feminism (nonfiction) by Rafia Zakaria In this radically inclusive provocative examination of the fight for women’s rights, Zakaria debunks the traditionally held notion that upper-middle-class women are the experts on feminism.

While they promote sexual liberation and LGBTQ and racial inclusion, she asserts that they have typically branded their organizations and language in whiteness. As such, Zakaria refutes and reimagines white feminism empowerment, taking Black and Brown feminist thought from the background and placing it front and center. Challenge yourself and your narrow views of feminism by reading this long overdue critique.

Razorblade Tears (mystery) by S.A. Cosby Legendary mystery writer Walter Mosley credits Cosby with “reinventing the American crime novel” with this follow-up to his critically acclaimed debut.

The socially relevant themes of racism, incarceration, retribution, and redemption, coupled with richly layered characters make this novel equal parts intriguing and heartfelt.

Although Ike never accepted his son, Isiah’s marriage to his white husband, Derek, is devastated by his loss; likewise for Derek’s father. As a result, the two ex-con fathers band together to search for the truth.

Wednesday, September 22 @ 1 pm (online event) Valarie Kaur - See No Stranger: A Memoir and Manifesto of Revolutionary Love This is an urgent manifesto and dramatic memoir of awakening that helps us imagine new ways of being with each other and ourselves.

Upcoming Events

Thursday, September 23 @ 5:30 pm (online event) Josiah Hesse - Runner’s High Pot can make exercise fun? In Runner’s High, seasoned investigative journalist Josiah Hesse takes readers through the secret world of stoned athletes.

Thursday, September 30 @ 5:30 pm (online event) Marisa de Lempicka with Julie Rubio - Passion by Design This is a classic biography of Jewish, bisexual, and marginalized painter Tamara de Lempicka by her great granddaughter. The artist’s paintings defined Art Deco and epitomized the Jazz Age. https://www.bookpassage.com/

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It is the side characters that steal this one: Dyan Cannon and Charles Grodin. The film still holds up as a charming love story.

Through them all, my favorite is a documentary by Bill Maher, 2008’s Religulous.

The master of Politically Incorrect with Bill Maher and Real Time with Bill Maher takes us through his journey exploring the world’s religions.

I recently asked Bill how he ever got this controversial but so brilliant movie made. He told me for the San Francisco Bay Times, “Religulous was almost impossible to get made (continued on page 24)

Moon Over San Francisco

Dr. Tim Seelig On a recent Saturday evening, Bobby Jo and I attended an event in the far East Bay. We were actually there to watch a friend participate in the East Bay Pro Wrestling championship match! It was our first time at such an event (goes without saying). It is the fodder for an entire article one of these days. We were actually seated outside of a huge garage door to avoid chairs that might have been thrown, etc., and because masks were not required inside. As we sat there, we looked up and noticed bright stars littering the sky—something we don’t often see in San Francisco.

And then a sliver of a crescent Moon appeared against the black velvet sky. It’s funny how beautiful the stars and the Moon and the sky are away from the city.

As we came through the Caldecott Tunnel on our way back to the city, we were overjoyed to still see the Moon. As we crossed the Bay Bridge, it slipped behind a building here and burst into sight there. It was enormous. It was as big as some of the high-rise buildings. We were completely spellbound and heartbroken that there was nowhere to stop for a photo along the bridge. We had been caught in the spell of that Old Devil Moon.

I knew my next article for the paper was due in a few days and wondered if I could find enough interesting material on the Moon. OK, that was one of the silliest questions I may have ever asked myself. Seriously.

The next days were spent pondering, reading, researching. Then, the next few days were spent editing the material because I was fairly certain the editors would not dedicate an entire issue to my pontificating on the Moon! It’s the Cliff ’s Notes version. Here are the favorite parts of my Moon walk.

What is it with the Moon and romance that the Sun just doesn’t have? It’s the Sun, after all, that is the source of the Moon’s light.

Oh sure, there’s the Beatles “Here Comes the Sun” to indicate a new day, but it’s the Moon that’s the mysterious one.

The Moon would be nothing if it were not in this completely codependent relationship with the Sun. Thinking about it, those two are much like us as humans. There are parts of us that shine on our own, that give light to others. And there are other parts that reflect those around us, those we chose to love, those we allow to shine their light on us. Some are full suns (or think they are). Some of mere reflections, chameleons, of those around them.

It’s the goal of life, isn’t it, to be the best of both the Moon and the Sun? Reflect the good in those around us and shine on our own when it’s the right thing to do.

I remember very well that the Moon was magical for me as a little boy.

I grew up in a fairly large city, Fort Worth, TX, but even in that city we saw the Moon and the stars and the fireflies. We called them lightning bugs. I have to sadly admit that we reduced the lightning bug population

And then there is the man in the Moon. OK, this is one of the parts I just had to edit out.

It is crazy fabulous, though, and well worth CREATIVECOMMONS/PARAGON

TLC: Tears, Laughs and Conversation

by trapping them in a Mason jar and taking them to our room. I’m sure you share favorite moments of lying on the ground and looking up at the sky splattered with stars like sequins on a fancy drag queen.

And there was the Moon.

Mesmerizing from the smallest crescent to full.

This is the closest I ever got to enjoying camping.

“Goodnight room Goodnight moon Goodnight cow jumping over the moon.”

And, because I am never far from the music, take a moment and go to YouTube and listen to Eric Whitacre’s choral setting of the entire book. Well, it’s a short book! ( https://tinyurl.com/dj274ywv )

your time to do some research, even if it is just Wikipedia. The man in the Moon has explanations in many cultures. In Medieval Times (not the restaurant), they believe that Cain, yes, the Bible Cain, had been banished to the Moon and that is who we see. In Chinese mythology, the man in the Moon is a woman! The goddess Chang’e is stranded upon the Moon after foolishly consuming a double dose of an immortality potion.

Seeing the man in the Moon requires a very full Moon on a very clear night and an active imagination. But he/she is there. I know, because I’ve seen them.

I next turned to music ... Duh! That occupied the next entire day lost in music inspired by the Moon. Holy cow, there is a lot. This portion is most definitely edited to include only the things I like!

The most very favorite of all is a setting by Eric Helmuth of “How Sweet the Moonlight.” The text is by Shakespeare. It is spoken by Lorenzo, in The Merchant of Venice, Act 5, Scene 1. There is a beautiful recording on YouTube performed by the Turtle Creek Chorale.

“How sweet the moonlight sleeps upon this bank!

Here will we sit and let the sounds of music Creep in our ears: soft stillness and the night Become the touches of sweet harmony.

The man that hath no music in himself, Nor is not moved with concord of sweet sounds, Let no such man be trusted.”

Further research for the article brought me to Google and a search of songs with Moon in the title. Oh, Good Lordt. That is a rabbit hole

No, I am not going into the cow that jumped over the moon. There’s just no time and she was slow. I’m not going into the prank of mooning someone—whether on a street corner or out a car window. Let’s jump around some final topics related to the Moon before we say goodnight.

After this beautiful, fun, uplifting article, I thought, I’ll go see what the Bible has to say about the Moon. It is, after all, part of my DNA (I am trying to alter). “The sun shall be turned into darkness, and the moon into blood before the great and notable day of the Lord.” Acts 2:20.

OK, moving on. Should have known better.

big enough for an elephant to pass without touching the sides!

I thought the site that popped up first would be perfect: “25 Best Songs about the Moon for My Wedding.” Imagine my utter shock and dismay when I did not know a single song. They were by the likes of Black Pumas, Kid Cudi and Eminem, Chris Tomlin, Pop Smoke, Gaby Barrett, Tracy Lawrence, Pearl Jam, Egine featuring T-Pain, Brandy, Savage Garden, and oh so many more.

If those are the top 25 wedding songs with Moon in the title, I am even more grateful not to be attending straight people’s weddings these days.

100% showing my age.

As I scrolled through the entries, I screamed for one from a time obviously long gone by. “Where, oh where, could the classic Moon songs have gone? Where was “Moon River,” “Blue Moon,” or “Fly Me to the Moon”? The history of “Moon River” alone could fill an article.

The song almost didn’t make the film Breakfast at Tiffany’s because Audrey Hepburn was not a singer and didn’t like it so much. Henry Mancini insisted. The rest is history with Andy Williams recording it the same year. All of that aside, it had a resurgence when it became a

standard on Elton John’s tours. It matters not to me how many songs there are. None will surpass the three mentioned in this paragraph.

I’ll just have to “bless and release” my bitterness over lack of taste, but where are the real classical pieces? I’ll start with Beethoven’s Moonlight Sonata (one of my earliest piano pieces after I had mastered “The Spinning Song”). I’ll move on to Debussy’s stunning Clair de Lune (John Thompson’s red book 3rd grade). Finally, one of the most gorgeous songs ever composed about the Moon, “Mondnacht”

by Schumann. It was one of the German pieces I performed in my graduation recital from the Mozarteum in Salzurg, Austria, a hundred years ago. All of the above are transcendent in their beauty.

It is dangerous to even begin listing songs with moon in them. I think there are more of them than songs with sun and stars combined. And If I start listing them, someone out there is going to scream like I did when I leave out your very favorite.

OK, enough songs already. Let’s return to our childhood and the best-selling book Goodnight Moon by Margaret Wise Brown. Over the past sixty years, Goodnight Moon has become the quintessential bedtime story, selling more than eleven million copies worldwide. The book has been translated into countless languages.

Oh, my goodness. There is so much more. The outlandish dream of putting a man on the Moon galvanized the nation throughout the 60s. JFK used it as a symbol of Americans dreaming and achieving huge goals.

And it did just that when the first man landed on the Moon on July 20, 1969; a huge leap for mankind, except, of course, for those who truly believed it was staged in a huge barn in Georgia.

There is howling at the Moon and Halloween. Unfortunately, a full Moon only happens on Halloween every 18 or 19 years. Werewolves only appear during full Moons. And, of course, people act crazy during full Moons!

OK, stick a fork in it, the Moon is done. Maybe over-done. Regardless, researching and writing this article has most definitely given me a new “don’t take the Moon for granted” mandate. It’s been wonderful to see the breathtaking array of feelings the Moon evokes and the variety of methods of expression.

As I turn in the article, I’m going to go back to that ride across the Bay Bridge when I saw the Moon for the first time—again. I had forgotten that I love the Moon. I hope you’ll take a few moments and look at your own relationship to that ever-changing reflection of light that adorns the sky accompanied by its very own sequin-studded velvet throw!

Dr. Tim Seelig is the Artistic Director of the San Francisco Gay Men’s Chorus.

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Take Me Home with You!

Sister Dana Sez: Words of Wisdumb from a Fun Nun Duchess Katherine Magdalene Rose will be grandly stepping down.

By Sister Dana Van Iquity Sister Dana sez,“While Voters resoundingly rejected the recall of California Governor Gavin Newsom, let�s not rest on our victory. Repugnicans will call fraud on all elections to come, and there will be more recalls as soon as these Trumpers are able.”

“My name is Macaroni!

I’m a loveable goofball who likes to give 110% in everything I do. This includes chasing toys, greeting people, and playing with other dogs! Because I’m so enthusiastic, I’ve learned a lot of new training commands during my shelter stay. When I’m not busy playing or learning, I enjoy lap cuddles with my favorite people. Who says a 70-pound pup can’t be a lap dog!”

EQUALITY CALIFORNIA (EQCA) said it best: “Tonight, we have defeated the anti-LGBTQ+, anti-abortion, anti-immigrant, antiscience, and anti-worker Republican Recall. We have affirmed our California values and our support for Gavin Newsom—the most proequality governor in California history—and his tireless efforts to build a California for all.”

A poll found that 83% of LGBTQ voters said NO to the Recall.

Meanwhile, California taxpayers spent nearly $300 MILLION on a Recall that should never have happened.

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

To apply to meet Macaroni, visit https://www.sfspca.org/adoptions/ The SF SPCA is waiving adoption fees for all adult animals (5+ months) through September 30!

Dr. Jennifer Scarlett and Pup

The Rev. Dr. Megan Rohrer became the first openly transgender bishop of the EVANGELICAL LUTHERAN CHURCH in America (ELCA) when they were installed to the Sierra Pacific Synod at GRACE CATHEDRAL in San Francisco on September 11. Joining Bishop Rohrer for this historic day was Elizabeth Eaton, presiding bishop of the ELCA, along with nearly all 65 bishops of the different ELCA synods across the United States. The Holy Eucharist and the rite of installation service celebrated voices of people at the intersections of physical, racial, ethnic, linguistic, gender, and sexual diversity. “I step into this role because a diverse community of Lutherans in Northern California and Nevada prayerfully and thoughtfully voted to do a historic thing,” said Bishop Rohrer. “My installation celebrates all that is possible when we trust God to shepherd us forward.” In addition, on September 10, at St. Mark’s Lutheran Church in San Francisco, a listening session facilitated by transgender Lutheran clergy and leaders from around the country explained what it is like to be transgender among the people of God. So sad to hear that the Board of Directors of the GAY, LESBIAN, BISEXUAL, TRANSGENDER HISTORICAL SOCIETY has announced the resignation of my dear friend Terry Beswick, effective September 15, as he resigned as executive director for five and a half years to pursue other career and life opportunities. “The Society has become a stronger, more diverse and more effective organization during Terry’s tenure, and we are grateful for his efforts on behalf of LGBTQ history,” said Board Chair Maria Powers. “Terry leaves us well-positioned for future growth, and we know he will continue to make a positive impact in our community.”

SF DUCAL CORONATION 47: BORDELLO AT ST. BASIL’S CATHEDRAL is being held on September 25, 5 pm, at the Holiday Inn San Francisco-Golden Gateway, 1500 Van Ness Avenue.

Of course, you must show proof of vax and be masked. Grand Duke Timothy R Valdivia and Grand

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FOLSOM STREET FAIR is NOT canceled! It’s just going by a different name.

Folsom Street Presents: MEGAHOOD2021!

Here’s an inspirational message from FOLSOM STREET EVENTS: “We’re taking you back to basics.

Bringing you into the future. Giving you a vision of where we Burning Man’s Virtual Burn was “open to the world” August 22 were and where we’re through September 7. Here is a 2019 photo showing Sister Dana standing by Thomasina DeMaio’s depiction of SD at Burning Man. going on this journey of sexual liberation for ALL. The first been working really hard for Folsom Street Fair in 1984 was called Oakland as Vice Mayor with MEGAHOOD. A stand against genthe Oakland County Board of trification. An insistence on a place Supervisors!" for us all. An event that was all about COMMUNITY. We can’t wait to September 18 was NATIONAL see you in the street, in your mask, HIV/AIDS AND AGING from just far enough away to be abso- AWARENESS DAY (also known lutely tantalizing. Our stages will as NHAAD), meant to bring attenbe amazing, our exhibitors will be tion to critical issues related to spicy, and our community will be HIV among older Americans. In together.”

California, we gained a major victory when Governor Gavin Newsom The Fair is on Sunday, September 26, 11 am–6 pm on Folsom Street signed Senate Bill 258, The HIV & between 8th and 12th. You will be AGING ACT, on July 23, expanding checked to be vaxxed and masked. access to a wide range of services and Carry your own water bottle and support for older adults with HIV/ sunscreen. To mitigate the risks of AIDS. The upcoming state budCOVID-19, the footprint of the Fair get also includes $13 million in addihas been modified to reduce crowd tional funds to end the epidemics of density. That means instead of two HIV, STIs, viral hepatitis, and overstages at either end of the stretch, dose; as well as $5 million to address there will be six entertainment stages the specific needs of older people with live acts performing all day with HIV. In San Francisco spelong. Dress to impress: remember, cifically, $750,000 was allotted for it’s a leather/kink/fetish/fun fair.

HIV housing subsidies in the upcomhttps://www.folsomstreet.org ing budget, along with $200,000 for STARTING HERE, STARTING mental health services for long-term NOW is a thrilling, touching, survivors and $340,000 to preserve taunting musical using the songs the HIV-care safety net. of Richard Maltby, Jr., and Inspired by true life, the film David Shire. This is ALL musical ALL the time at the San Francisco made after the London live musiPlayhouse, 450 Post Street, San cal, EVERYBODY’S TALKING Francisco. There is NO spoken diaABOUT JAMIE, is about Jamie, logue, and none necessary. And there a teenager from Sheffield, who is a special “San Francisco values” dreams of life on stage as a drag star. twist. Directors Susi Damilano His best friend Pritti and his lovand Nicole Helfer add a male ing mum encourage him with endcast member and thereby turn the less support, while local drag legend show into a very gay, lesbian, bisexMiss Loco Chanelle mentors him ual, polyamorous, pansexual, occatoward his debut stage performance. sionally gender-bending love/love Meanwhile, Jamie has to deal with lost story. Add to the talents of the an unsupportive dad, a strict career cast their awesome acting, singing, advisor, and ignorant school buland dancing to some quite exquilies. This is a lovely, heartfelt, inspisite tap-dancing! Wilson Jermaine rational show, but the singers are not Heredia, Rinabeth Apostol, quite Broadway polished for my taste.

Keith Pinto, and Melissa Still, go see it for the story! Century Wolf Klain are at times lovers, hat9 Theatre, 845 Market, SF; and also ers, flirters, hurters. Now through October 2. on Amazon Prime Video. https://www.sfplayhouse.org/sfph/ MARCH FOR OUR RIGHTS CDC CENSUS BUREAU has & A SAN FRANCISCO AND found that statistically WEST BAY AREA COMMUNITY VIRGINIA is first in the nation in ORGANIZED MARCH FOR opioid use, first in deaths per capREPRODUCTIVE JUSTICE ita, second in poverty, second in is being held on October 2, 10:45 obesity, 45th in education, 47th am, starting at SF Civic Center, in vaccination, and 50th in infraGrove and Hyde Street, and endstructure. Sister Dana sez, ing at Embarcadero Plaza. Masks “Hey, West Virginia Senator and social distancing are required.

MANCHIN, come down from https://bit.ly/39mArn4 your MANSION and see how your poor constituents below are suffering! Pass President Biden's bills now!"

Congratulations to SAN FRANCISCO PRIDE for electing a First Majority-Transgender Board! In a major milestone for diversity and inclusion, four new trans-identified nominees are set to join two trans-identified incumbents on the 11-member Board. https://sfpride.org/ Sister Dana sez, “Very Happy 51st Birthday (September 17) to Rebecca Kaplan who has

Sister Dana sez, “Donald Trump does not deserve the Nobel Prize; let alone the No Belly Prize!"

On October 2, 6 pm, join your LGBTQ community foundation, HORIZONS, for its 2021 VIRTUAL GALA, where they will honor the resilience and brilliance of our queer community. Make a gift of any amount to join the broadcast, where we will hear from their grantee partners about their (continued on page 24)

WILLIAM GILDERS 2019

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LGBTQ News & Calendar for the Bay Area CELEBRATING FOUR DECADES (1978–2021)

2021 Fall Arts and Entertainment

After numerous shutdowns last year due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, Bay Area museums, theaters, concert venues, and more have been reopening, such that this fall’s offerings are some of the most highly anticipated in recent history. Here are just a few of them to consider: San Francisco Lesbian/Gay Freedom Band Autumn Notes in the Park: Fall Community Concert September 25, 1 pm @ Golden Gate Park https://tinyurl.com/4kermsh7 The San Francisco Lesbian/ Gay Freedom Band is elated to invite you to their first in-person concert in over 18 months! After a year and a half of virtual rehearsals and online concerts, they will present Autumn Notes in the Park live and in person at the Golden Gate Park Music Concourse. This free hour-long outdoor performance will feature a number of dynamic and celebratory pieces, spanning from pop tunes and marches, to several fun symphonic numbers.

Gold Over America Tour Tuesday, September 28, 7:30 pm @ Chase Center https://tinyurl.com/4xt5mutc The Gold Over America Tour starring Simone Biles is a dynamic celebration of powerful female athletes who have united to represent women’s gymnastics and inspire the next generation of female athletes. The all-star team of gymnasts include Biles, and 2021 Olympic teammates Jade Carey, who won gold in floor exercise, Jordan Chiles and Grace McCallum, who won silver for team competition, and MyKayla Skinner who won silver in vault.

California Academy of Sciences NightLife: Culture Clash September 30, 6 pm https://tinyurl.com/4s9kzzu8 Immerse yourself in the Bay Area’s Asian American community with an evening of music, storytelling, and fashion.

Throughout the night you will have the opportunity to watch performances from a cadre of talented Asian American music makers, including rapper-by-night-scientist-by-day Ruby Ibarra; pop, R&B, hip hop, and electronic music artist Ashley Mehta; rapper and multiinstrumentalist Rocky G; plus sets from DJ Presto, DJ Toy, and The Les. Discover the rich histories, invaluable wisdom, and inspiring style captured in Chinatown Pretty, a storytelling project that documents senior citizens’ street style in Chinatowns across North America.

Immersive Van Gogh Exhibit Through November 21 @ SVN West San Francisco https://www.vangoghsf.com/ The West Coast premiere of the Immersive Van Gogh Exhibit from creators of the blockbuster show in Paris seen by over 2 million visitors and still wowing crowds in Toronto has brought the art of Vincent to life in San Francisco. Experience art like never before—lose yourself in 300,000 cubic feet of flawless projections animating Vincent van Gogh’s oeuvre. Wander through entrancing, moving images that highlight brushstrokes, detail, and color—truly illuminating the mind of the genius.

SF Symphony Reopening Night October 1, 7 pm https://tinyurl.com/ytwyby9a It’s a new season at the San Francisco Symphony! Join Music Director Esa-Pekka Salonen, Collaborative Partner Esperanza Spalding, Alonzo King LINES Ballet, and the San Francisco Symphony for an inspiring celebration. Be a part of this one-of-a-kind San Francisco event, featuring a pre-concert sparkling wine promenade, concert, and festive after-party.

Nam June Paik Through October 3 @ SF MOMA https://tinyurl.com/u2yrjjaa

chal structure of the Los Angeles art world, decided to change her name and the course of history.

A mesmerizing riot of sights and sounds, Nam June Paik brings together more than 200 works by the visionary experimental artist who bridged art, music, performance, and technology in

Organized on the heels of the 40th anniversary of Chicago’s landmark installation The Dinner Party, in San Francisco, and opening in conjunction with the 100th anniversary of women’s right to vote across the United States, Judy Chicago: A Retrospective pays homage to an artist whose lifelong fight against the suppression and erasure of women’s creativity has finally come full circle.

Soundwave NEXT: Translocality October 21–February 22, 2022 https://soundwavesf.com/ Translocality is a series of soundwalks to take place throughout the Bay Area, curated by a group of 9 artists and collectives.

Soundwave is proud to announce the following artists: Dario Slavazza; Dylan Marx; John Patrick Moore; Lalin St Juste; LeeAnn Perry; Liar Liar Theater: Akaina Ghosh, Jacob Ritts, and Madison Wetzell; Rumi Koshino and Fereshteh Toosi; Travis Santell Rowland/Qween; and Tyler Holmes.

Soundwalks will be featured in Golden Gate Park, the SF AIDS Memorial, Sutro Baths, and more. To participate in the soundwalks, download the Echoes App at the Soundwave website.

groundbreaking ways, and whose influence is still felt in the art, pop culture, music, and film of today.

One of the first truly global and transnational artists, Paik foresaw the importance of mass media and new technologies, coining the phrase “electronic superhighway” in 1974 to predict the future of communication in an internet age. This exhibition— the artist’s first-ever West Coast retrospective—celebrates Paik’s collaborative approach that transcended genres and traditions, while also highlighting the artist’s innovative, playful, and profoundly radical work.

The Hip Hop Nutcracker November 10, 7:30 pm @ Oakland’s Paramount Theatre https://tinyurl.com/4y6dz6xu

Fidelio October 14–30 @ San Francisco Opera https://sfopera.com/on-stage/fidelio/ Disguised as a guard, one woman infiltrates a nightmarish detention center to unravel the mystery of her activist-husband’s disappearance.

A holiday mash-up for the whole family, The Hip Hop Nutcracker is back and better than ever. Directed and choreographed by Jennifer Weber, The Hip Hop Nutcracker is a contemporary dance spectacle set to Tchaikovsky’s timeless music. A unique and joyful event, this evening-length production is performed by a supercharged cast of a dozen all-star dancers, a DJ, a violinist, and MC Kurtis Blow, one of hip hop’s founding fathers, who opens the show with a short set.

Just like the original, in The Hip Hop Nutcracker, Maria-Clara and the Nutcracker Prince go on a dream adventure battling a gang of mice, visiting the land of sweets and learning the lessons of the holiday season. Innovative digital graffiti and visuals transform the landscape of E.T.A. Hoffmann’s beloved story from traditional 19th Century Germany to the vibrant, diverse sights and sounds of contemporary New York City.

Enter into a modern-day reflection of incarceration with director Matthew Ozawa’s brand-new production of Beethoven’s only opera, starring Elza van den Heever, Russell Thomas, and Greer Grimsley. Music Director Eun Sun Kim conducts the triumphant score, a precursor to Beethoven’s later work, the Ninth Symphony.

Through this re-mixed and re-imagined version of the classic, the dynamic performers of The Hip Hop Nutcracker take us on a journey that celebrates love, community, and the magic of the holiday season.

Outside Lands 2021 October 29–October 31 @ Golden Gate Park Plus Outside Lands Night Shows from October 27–October 31 https://www.sfoutsidelands.com/ The popular annual music festival in Golden Gate Park returns for three days of music on Halloween Weekend plus a series of Night Shows starting on October 27. For the primary three-day festival, the headliners are: Friday - The Strokes, Tyler, The Creator, and the Glass Animals Saturday - Lizzo, Vampire Weekend, Zhu, and Young Thug Sunday - Tame Impala, J Balvin, Rüfüs Du Sol, Kehlani Judy Chicago: A Retrospective Through January 9, 2022 @ the de Young Museum https://tinyurl.com/ypvcsdzf The Fine Arts Museums of San Francisco is celebrating pioneering feminist artist Judy Chicago with a retrospective spanning from her early engagement with the Californian Light and Space Movement in the 1960s to her current body of work, a searing investigation of mortality and environmental devastation, begun in 2015. The exhibition includes approximately 130 paintings, prints, drawings, and ceramic sculptures, in addition to ephemera, several films, and a documentary. Together, these works of art chart the boundary-pushing path of the artist named Cohen by birth and Gerowitz by marriage, who, after trying to fit into the patriar-

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WAHL (continued from page 20) and would never be done today. All of the studios thought it would cause them to be boycotted. Only Lionsgate Films had the courage to do it.”

“People come up to me and say it made them flip on God,” Bill continued. “It’s easier to get people to flip on God than on Trump.”

He added, “A slog of places still refuse to show it. It’s harder to find than an abortion in Texas.”

Bill then thought of California’s own politics and said, “By the way, that entire recall of Newsom was insane. The idea that someone is lawfully elected and the other side doesn’t like it has to stop. Elections matter.”

Speaking with Bill reminded me that he was The Advocate’s Person of the Year in 2006. He said, “I’ve championed LGBTQ rights and spoken out about them, always.” You can hear for yourself as he is on tour and will be at the Marin Center in San Rafael on September 25 and at the San Jose Civic on September 26. Both shows start at 8 pm. For more information: https://www.billmaher.com/ Jan Wahl is a Hollywood historian, film critic on various broadcast outlets, and has her own YouTube channel series, “Jan Wahl Showbiz.” She has two Emmys and many awards for her longtime work on behalf of film buffs and the LGBTQ community. Contact her at www.janwahl.com SISTER DANA (continued from page 22) collective impact and raise critical resources to advance their transformative work. Among the special guests is U.S. Senator Tammy Baldwin. http://horizonsfoundation.org/gala THE 47TH ANNUAL CASTRO STREET FAIR is October 3. What form it takes this COVID-19 year is anyone’s guess right now. Founded by Supervisor Harvey Milk in 1974, the Castro Street Fair has since raised more than $1.5M for community nonprofit beneficiary organizations. The Fair’s nonprofit beneficiaries earn a share of the proceeds by providing volunteers to help support the production of the Fair and collect donations at the entry gates. With the cancellation of so many outdoor gatherings in 2020, such as San Francisco Pride and Up Your Alley, these nonprofits lost an important source of revenue that awful year. To help make up for some of that loss, the Fair has launched a fundraiser via Bonfire offering a commemorative t-shirt highlighting the immortal words of the Fair’s founder, “Hope will never be silent.” 100% of the proceeds from the sale of the shirts will be donated to the 2019 Castro Street Fair beneficiaries. The campaign is a limited time offer. https://castrostreetfair.org/ Sister Dana Sez, “While millions struggle, the ultra-wealthy like Jeff Bezos and Elon Musk are jetting off to outer space! It›s so unjust and unfair, so we must stand with Bernie Sanders and support his Ultra-Millionaire Tax Act!"

QUEER POP QUIZ ANSWER (Question on pg 17)

C) Pose MJ Rodriguez, who wore an elegant, custom-designed gown by Versace to the 2021 Emmy's, did not win the coveted award. Rodriguez, however, said: "Just because I got a nomination doesn't mean the work stops here. It has to continue because there are next generations out there who are looking not only to me, but to many other trans women out there who are pushing the needle forward."

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

Photo booth art in Somerville, MA Abby Zimberg is a licensed California Marriage Family Therapist with training in art therapy. She formerly worked as a graphic designer and has always been a photographer.

https://theartoftherapysf.com/

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LGBTQ News & Calendar for the Bay Area CELEBRATING FOUR DECADES (1978–2021)

Vacation with Your Pup at Mendocino’s LGBTQ-Friendly Little River Inn A getaway to the great outdoors feels especially right at this moment and early fall is a delicious time of year to explore and enjoy the wide-open spaces of the splendidly uncrowded Mendocino Coast with your dog.

PHOTO BY BRENDAN MCGUIGAN

It’s about a three-and-a-half-hour drive from San Francisco to the windswept coast of Mendocino County, where you will find the historic Little River Inn’s quaint white Victorian perched over the Pacific, surrounded by rolling lawns for your furry friend to romp on.

Fifth-generation owner and Innkeeper Cally Dym says, “Our dogs have always been part of our family and we know many of our Back deck at pet-friendly Rosie’s Cottage guests feel the same way, which is why we do PHOTO BY AUBRIE PICK more than accommodate furry family members—we welcome them.”

The charming inn is a hit with humans, too.

There is a 9-hole Audubon-certified golf Front view of the Little River Inn course and regulation tennis courts. Every room has ocean views and their award-winning, chef-driven restaurant takes advantage of seasonal local bounty, such as mushrooms, crab, and salmon.

Pooches and people can dine together in an outdoor heated, tented dining area in the gardens.

PHOTO BY BRENDAN MCGUIGAN

In addition to the acreage to roam on the property, miles of hiking trails surround the inn and a pet-friendly beach is just across the street. There are no size or breed restrictions for dogs who visit the Little River Inn. The inn furnishes rooms with a towel for afteradventure clean up, covers for the furniture, a water and food bowl, waste pick-up bags ... and, of course, tasty treats.

Aerial View of the Little River Inn

PHOTO BY AUBRIE PICK

The crown jewel of the inn’s furry friend-centric philosophy is the inn’s Water Dog Package, which features a kayak trip with a pooch in a super-stable craft.

The package includes a two-night stay in a pet-friendly Ocean View Gas Fireplace room, a kayak tour for two people and a dog (guests choose from the Albion River Nature tour or the Sea Cave tour), a $120 dinner voucher that can be used towards dinner to go or with the dog in the gardens, and a goodie bag for Fido including treats and a fact sheet about where to hike, bike, and boat with a canine companion.

Enjoying the view from room 102

The River Dog Package for two starts at $745. More luxurious pet-friendly rooms are available for an additional price. The Albion River Tour is available October 1 through April 30 and the Sea Cave Tour is available May 1 through September 30. Reservations must be made at least three days in advance. Book this package online or call 888- INN-LOVE or 707-937-5942.

PHOTO BY BRIAN KLONOSKI

Little River Inn was proud to celebrate its 80th anniversary in 2019! The Inn is located two miles south of the town of Mendocino overlooking the Pacific Ocean at 7901 N. Highway One in Little River.

PHOTO BY ALINA TYULYU

For reservations, including booking the River Dog Package, and for additional information: www.littleriverinn.com

Rhododendrons in bloom

The Little River Inn stormy sunset

Little River Inn exterior

PHOTO BY AUBRIE PICK

Enjoying a cup of coffee on the deck at the Van Damme property

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Round About - All Over Town

A screening of the film Fauci at the Vogue Theatre was held on Sunday, September 12. The controversial documentary addresses the work of Dr. Fauci in the HIV/AIDS and COVID-19 pandemics.

Photos by Rink

The American flag atop the San Francisco Fairmont Hotel flew at half mast on Saturday, September 11, in memory of those who died or were injured during the 9/11 terrorist attacks in 2001.

Owner James Freeborn stood in front of his Freeborn Designs popup shop on Castro Street on Thursday, September 9. The fabrics of his jackets include colorful designs and tailoring.

Brothers Isam and Anwar Dughman are celebrating their 46th year as owner/operators of Rossi’s Deli on Castro Street. Their friendliness, generous sandwiches, as well as fine coffees, liquors, wines, and other products are highly acclaimed among regular customers.

Newly planted palm trees were installed in planters on Castro Street by the SF Department of Public Works, replacing damaged or missing ones throughout the block between Market and 18th Streets.

The window at Dog Eared Books Castro has a display of books in celebration of Latinx History Month (September 15-October 15).

Although Kasa Indian Eatery on 18th Street is known for Tandoori fare, the restaurant has popular fusion cuisine Taco Tuesday deals too.

Customers enjoyed the relaxed seating areas located both inside and outdoors at Philz Coffee on Castro Street.

Socially-distanced individuals waited patiently in line on September 17 for COVID-19 vaccines administered at San Francisco General Hospital.

The sign out front at Blush! wine bar on Castro Street announced that only fully vaccinated customers are allowed indoors.

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Round About - All Over Town

Photos by Rink

CASTRO STREETCAM presented by

Officers from the San Francisco Police and Fire Departments staffed recruitment booths at the annual Autumn Moon Festival in Chinatown.

http://sfbaytimes.com/ Gamelan musicians performed during the Autumn Moon Festival in Chinatown on September 12.

The Fan Angel Dance Troupe performed on streets in Chinatown during the Autumn Moon Festival on Sunday, September 12.

Rink Remembers

Photo by Rink

Joel Raydon Workin On Saturday, September 11, San Francisco Bay Times lead photographer Rink visited Grace Cathedral to attend a press conference held on the steps in front of the Cathedral’s historic Doors of Joel Workin (left) and Paul Jenkins Paradise. The press event was held in conjunction with the Holy Eucharist and Rite of Installation for Rev. Dr. Megan Rohrer as the Evangelical Lutheran Church’s first openly transgender bishop.

Is it time to add a little spooky to your foliage? These super cute pots from Accent Decor are looking at you.

While on site at the Cathedral, Rink was given a private tour of memorable points inside, including the AIDS Chapel where he noted a tribute to gay writer Joel Raydon Workin (1961–1995). He also observed and photographed the AIDS Quilt panel commemorating the life of Workin, who was one of three gay seminarians who were refused ordination in 1989 after coming out to their candidacy committees. The Joel R. Workin Memorial Scholarship is awarded annually by the Extraordinary Lutheran Ministries (ELM) organization. https://www.elm.org/workin-scholarship/

Yes, these skeleton ducks are dying to follow you home.

Nothing says Halloween like these fantastic collector pieces from Department 56.

Originally published in 2012, the second edition of Dear God, I Am Gay - Thank You, a collection of essays and sermons by Joel R. Workin, was released in 2020.

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Denise D’Anne A Celebration of Life was held on Friday, September 10, for union and environmental activist Denise D’Anne, who served as co-president of the Harvey Milk Democratic Club and ran for the San Francisco Board of Supervisors. The gathering, held at the Columbarium, was organized by Paul and Geoff Scott, and included a viewing of D’Anne’s niche located near that of Harvey Milk.

ince our founding in 1936, Cliff’s Variety has been constantly growing and evolving in response to the needs of our customers. Our buyers strive to keep our selection fresh, on-trend and competitive.

We carry the best of everything from hardware & tools to cookware, garden supplies, toys, crafts, and gifts.

Paul and Geoff Scott hosted the Celebration of Life for Denise D’Anne at the Columbarium.

D’Anne passed in 2020. The year prior, she was named Woman of the Year by the SF Living Wage Coalition. A video of D’Anne at that ceremony is on YouTube: https://tinyurl.com/k23hnrhm

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

As Heard on the Street . . . What is a favorite thing about the Castro Street Fair, or a memory? compiled by Rink

Raoul Thomas

Veronika Fimbres

Nall Dudbury

John Goldsmith

Will Coghill

“I’ve gone to the fair for over 25 years, and I love the food, the entertainment, and seeing friends.”

“I was volunteering at an AIDS Emergency Fund booth at the fair and a beautiful man from Brazil I was talking to felt compelled to strip naked next to me.”

“Collecting the badges that are given to contributors to the fair’s charities.”

“I enjoyed helping the PRC Bare Chest Calendar Men serve beer at the fair.”

“Seeing a video at the fair of my late husband and when we were married at City Hall.”

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