San Francisco Bay Times - October 3, 2019

d n e e r r , Do n a ld r u S !

See pages 2–3

BAY TIMES S

A

N

F

R

A

N

C

I

S

C

O

LGBTQ News & Calendar for the Bay Area

CELEBRATING FOUR DECADES (1978–2019) October 3–16, 2019 | http://sfbaytimes.com

First LGBT Night at Chase Center

PHOTO COURTESY OF GOLDEN STATE WARRIORS

See pages 16–17

“The U.S. of The Wizard of Oz is not so far from the U.S. of today.

The supposedly great man living in Trump Tower—I mean Emerald City—turns out to be a con artist, a bloviating coward who relies on selfaggrandizement and empty shows of power to cow the people ... . And the central reveal about the hollowness, cynicism, opportunism, egotism and fakery of our leaders is chillingly apt.”

betrayal of our national security and betrayal of the integrity of our elections.”

—The Guardian, 2018

Google “Donald Trump con artist” and nearly 48 million articles appear. That amount is over 75 percent of the number of people who voted for the former “reality-television” personality in the November 2016 presidential election.

While many of us believed him to be a con artist from the outset, the big reveal to his remaining supporters has not yet happened. Will there be an “ashy pall of disillusionment and disgust following the unmasking of the false savior,” as journalist Bidisha wrote of the Wizard of Oz in her 2018 piece for The Guardian?

That moment would be welcome to the majority of our community, given that President Trump is no “friend of Dorothy” in all respects. (The catch phrase originated decades ago because The Wizard of Oz star Judy Garland was, and to many still is, a gay icon.) GLAAD and other nonprofits

ETZY.COM - SARAH RENZI SANDERS-RENZISANDERSART

The viral meme “Surrender, Donald” soon followed House Speaker Nancy Pelosi’s announcement on September 24 that a formal impeachment inquiry against President Donald Trump would be initiated. She said, in part: “The actions taken to date by the president have seriously violated the Constitution,” adding that he “must be held accountable—no one is above the law” and that his enlisting a foreign power to smear political rival former vice president Joe Biden was a “betrayal of his oath of office,

President Trump’s July 25th phone conversation with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky at the heart of the betrayal comes as little surprise to most detractors, however, and even seems characteristic of this surreal leader’s behavior. The MAGA hat wearers appear unphased by it along with widely used diminishing descriptions like “con artist” wielded even by Senator Marco Rubio and other Republicans.

have been tracking the President’s attacks and derogatory statements concerning the LGBTQ community. Check GLAAD’s out ACT UP demonstration in front of Trump Tower in here: https://bit.ly/2tr4vJc New York on October 31, 1989

PHOTO BY LEE SNIDER

The Unmasking of a Con Artist

“Surrender, Donald” couldn’t then be any timelier during this Halloween month with the film Judy in national release and the recently launched impeachment inquiry dominating the news. If only we could click our heels three times and find out that the Trump presidency was an orange-hued technicolor nightmare populated by characters more bizarre, irrational, and destructive than fictional villains.

Pray This Mess Away, Pence; Let’s See How That Works for You

Yes, if Trump is impeached and removed as president, Vice President Mike Pence would succeed him as president by constitutional decree. It’s a stomach-turning proposition.

Cross Currents Andrea Shorter Let’s not get too far ahead by speculating and shot calling the turn of events leading to a now very likely impeachment of President Donald J. Trump.

First of all, thank you to each and every one of the eight openly LGBTQ House congressional members who signed on to hold this corrupt president accountable by agreeing that an official impeachment inquiry is due. Amidst widespread angst that an

Yet, that’s the order of things, right? Unless, of course, Pence’s alleged complicit involvement in aspects of the President’s—clear throat— revealed “alleged” high crimes, misdemeanors, and treasonous scheme to strong-arm and extort the newly elected novice and already literally embattled Ukrainian president into digging up or fabricating dirt on a former U.S. vice president—Joe Biden, the still top-tier front runner-ish Democratic opponent, chief representative of all things Obama-era, and consistently polled 2020 election winner over Trump—also urges investigation towards and ending in his impeachment, and removal from office.

What did the Vice President know? And when did he know it? What did he know of the developing schemes by the President and company to again enlist foreign intervention into U.S. elections before and/or after his curiously and suddenly cancelled trip to the Ukraine in May by the President’s order, apparently as part of the effort to intimidate Ukrainian officials into “playing ball” and eventually complying with Trump’s requests for favors thought to benefit his campaign for re-election—and attempting to exonerate Russia from its interference in the 2016 presidential elections—all while holding up congressionally approved $390 million military aid to Ukraine to defend and protect its sovereign and stricken statehood against aggressive Russian encroachment?

REDBUBBLE.COM

impeached and removed President Trump would pave the way for a President Pence, this small but mighty caucus put nation before party, and duty before politics, to make for a vastly growing majority vote to proceed as warranted.

Under the developing circumstances, it might not prove too far-fetched that even the most remote notion that Vice President Pence would succeed as president might also be short-circuited should his suspected involvement in Trump’s most egregious abuses of presidential powers be revealed, such as the solicitation of foreign interference in U.S. elections, and the

cover-up of evidence by abusing the classification system to hide transcriptions of the President’s call(s) to Ukrainian President Zelensky.

Again, not to get too far ahead of the now official impeachment inquiry afoot to oust arguably the worst and most dangerous president in U.S. history, but boy, wouldn’t it be grand if anti-LGBTQ Pence was also put out of commission as well?

These are some of the darkest, serious times for our nation. No matter one’s partisan persuasion, impeachment proceedings are not to be taken lightly under any circumstance. Still, one can hardly remain without some remote hope that the alleged involvement, awareness, and complicit-ness of this particular vice president will prove apt cause for his ouster as well. After all, he appears complicit and in praise of all of the horrors visited upon us by Trump. So, why not these latest revealed offenses?

There are clearly bigger fish to fry, but I do wonder what Pence thinks about Trump’s defensive remarks before a post U.N. Conference event for diplomats and career government workers: “I want to know who’s the person, who’s the person who gave the whistleblower the information? Because that’s close (continued on page 26)

Judy Hits All the Notes But Zellweger Outshines Film’s Flaws

But while she can be incandescent on stage, Garland is a mess off stage. The film’s first half hour has her fighting her ex-husband Sid Luft (Rufus Sewell) for custody of their kids, being homeless—she is denied her hotel room for being in arrears on payment—and remains unemployed because of her reputation for being both unreliable and uninsurable. She takes the opportunity to perform in London as a way of earning income to get her kids back and her career back on track.

Film Gary M. Kramer As Judy Garland, in the last year of her life, Renée Zellweger gives a knockout performance in Judy, an uneven biopic that focuses on her London concerts six months before her death.

At the start of director Rupert Goold’s absorbing drama, young Garland (Darci Shaw) is being told by Louis B. Mayer (Richard Cordery) that she 2

SA N F RANCISCO BAY T I ME S

Judy, which was written by Tom Edge, who adapted Peter Quilter’s play End of the Rainbow, wisely focuses on this period of her life, and that provides the opportunity to illuminate her psychological state. Garland’s loneliness is beautifully depicted in shots of her alone in her dressing room after a performance, or fit-

O C TO B E R 3 , 2 0 1 9

fully trying to sleep in a kingsized hotel bed. Goold creates distinct visual styles for the on stage, off stage, and backstage, as well as the flashback scenes that show Garland as a youth on the MGM lot.

The episodes from her youth — she defiantly takes a bite out of a hamburger or goes swimming when she is not supposed to—reveal aspects of her life that echo in her later years. Even if these scenes illustrate how Garland Renée Zellweger stars as Judy Garland in Judy was beaten down as a child, Better are scenes of 47-year-old Garland’s anxand account for her difficuliety, as when she expresses her all-too-real conties as an adult, they show a fearless Garland, cern, “What if I can’t do it again?” after a not someone fragile or vulnerable. It feels like successful opening night. Garland’s lack of selfa misstep, perhaps. Moreover, while these epiesteem is a theme throughout Judy, and one of sodes emphasize Garland’s struggle with diet the film’s most touching sequences has Garland pills, her food issues, and her sleeping problems, they seem to be included for the benefit of meeting two fans, Stan (Daniel Cerqueira) and Dan (Andy Nyman), by the stage door after a those viewers who don’t know Garland’s troubled history. (continued on page 27)

LD ENTERTAINMENT

is special because of her voice. The voice is “her gift” and it “gives people dreams.” When Judy gives her first performance at the Talk of the Town cabaret in London—a show-stopping rendition of “By Myself”—Judy shows the power of that voice. (Zellweger did all of her own singing and is even releasing an album of Garland covers in conjunction with the film.)

BAY TIMES S

A

N

F

R

A

N

C

I

S

C

O

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

GLBT Fortnight in Review

By Ann Rostow Dreaming with Jim Comey I dreamed that Mel and I were in my college dorm room with Jim Comey and we all wound up taking a nap because we were so very tired. There was something intimate about our relationship with the former FBI director—as if we had been through a battle together, and perhaps had another one ahead of us.

It was my first impeachment dream, but not the last, I think.

And indeed, all of these characters belong in a surreal world. The lunatic President, raving about civil war and collapsing markets. The stonefaced Stephen Miller. The sly Mike Pence. The ponderous Attorney General and oily Secretary of State; heavy aging steakhouse men not quite as accomplished as they think that they should be. The manic clown lawyer, flashing from laughter to scowl, who at one point roped in the unconvincing husband and wife legal team of Joe Digenova and Victoria Toensing, planning to take them to Ukraine to represent “whistle blowers.” Perhaps Boris and Natasha were prepared to dish the dirt on Moose and Squirrel.

Quite honestly, I wonder if I might wake up a second time and find myself back in the innocent days post-Mueller, when official misconduct involved obstructing justice, but was protected by a convoluted interpretation of a Justice Department policy on whether or not you can indict a sitting president. Those were the days when impeachment was seen as a political charade, distracting from the forward-looking Democratic message. Even Mel and I, faithful politics addicts, grew weary of hearing Rachel provide the backstory on Oleg Deripaska yet again, and started switching over to NCIS reruns.

Now we’re back, glued to the TV like small children on a cartoon binge. Can anyone predict the developments ahead? No, but it’s sort of like watching those wilderness documentaries where a few members of the grazing herd are just starting to prick up their little heads and we can see a predator cheetah or two crouching silently in the high ground. Something’s about to happen and it’s not going to be pretty, folks.

We may root for the gazelle on NatGeo, but I’m counting on the House cats to take down their prey. How the Senate reacts will depend on public opinion and the scope of the President’s misdeeds. But unlike the Clinton case, when the defendant was highly popular and guilty of lying about a sexcapade, we know that Trump is roundly disliked and accused of serious misconduct; violating his oath of office, horse trading with taxpayer money and browbeating a country that depends on our goodwill to further his own deranged conspiracies. A decision in Trump’s favor will dominate the legacies of all Senators who cast such a vote, dimming whatever highlights once favored these otherwise successful politicians, and those who recognize this dilemma will think twice about doing so.

Watch Out for Falling Blocks Meanwhile, back in GLBT world, an historic moment has arrived. It is time for oral arguments in our three hugely important Supreme Court

lawsuits. Two hours are set aside for lawyers on both sides of two main arguments on the morning of October 8. (Two of the three cases are combined into a single legal issue.)

Both arguments revolve around Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, the federal statute that outlaws discrimination in the workplace on the basis of race, sex, and other factors. Those other factors don’t include sexual orientation or gender identity, but over time, many courts have interpreted the ban on sex discrimination to protect members of the GLBT community against workplace bias as well.

On the 8th, the Court will first consider two cases that ask whether sexual orientation falls under the “sex” category, and in the second argument, consider a third case on whether transgender status is likewise protected under federal law.

Some might say that we have little to lose, since we are not technically included in the Civil Rights Act to begin with. But that attitude ignores the weight of court precedent, which has been piling up on our side of the legal seesaw to the point that we have nearly managed to include ourselves in Title VII just by winning case after case after case in lower courts. High Court rulings have also been useful.

For example, it was Antonin Scalia who wrote the opinion for a unanimous Court that same-sex harassment in the workplace violated Title VII’s ban on sex discrimination as long as it was based on sex.

A few years before that, the justices ruled that Title VII’s sex protections meant that an employer could not impose gender stereotypes on his workers. That, of course, came in the case of the Price Waterhouse superstar, Ann Hopkins, denied partnership because of her masculine style.

These and other helpful precedents have been the building blocks of our legal progress surrounding Title VII. I believe that I can mix the metaphors of seesaw and building blocks because we can use the building blocks to weigh down the seesaw, leaving us riding high on the other side, the “saw” if you will, with the blocks on the “see.” Or should it be the other way around?

Unfortunately, this kind of progress, built up over years, can be erased in a single decision by the U.S. Supreme Court, knocking the building blocks off of the “see” with the back of its hand, sending us and the “saw” crashing to the hard ground. Ouch!

I have no idea why I can’t be more serious right now about this massively important legal issue. As I’ve repeatedly ranted in the past, a High Court ruling that deliberately leaves gays and transpeople outside of the protections of our nation’s most powerful civil rights law would be a tremendous step backwards.

Without a prompt reaction from a Democratic House and Senate and a Democratic administration, by enacting the Equality Act in early 2021, our community could effectively lose a couple of decades of progress.

Courts, increasingly conservative thanks to the fast pace of the Trump/McConnell judgeship conveyor belt, would be free to point (continued on page 26) S AN F R ANC IS C O BAY T IM ES

O C TO BER 3, 2019

3

Our Civil Rights Go Before the Supreme Court on October 8 man. “But for” the LGB person’s sex, the employer would not have fired them.

6/26 and Beyond Stuart Gaffney & John Lewis On Tuesday, October 8, the U.S. Supreme Court will hold oral arguments in pivotal cases addressing whether discrimination against LGBT people constitutes unlawful sex discrimination under Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964.

Title VII prohibits an employer from firing or otherwise treating adversely “any individual because of such individual’s ... sex.” Long established Supreme Court precedent makes clear that an employer’s actions occurred “because of” an individual’s sex if the employer would not have so treated the individual “but for” their sex.

Our community’s arguments are straightforward. With respect to sexual orientation, if an employer fires a lesbian or bisexual woman because she is attracted to another woman, but would not have fired her if she were a man attracted to the same woman, the employer fired her because of her sex, plain and simple.

The same would hold true for a gay or bisexual man attracted to another

4

SA N F RANCISCO BAY T I ME S

With respect to gender identity, if a transgender woman, such as plaintiff Aimee Stephens, had been born anatomically female and lived openly as a woman, she would not have been fired. However, because Stephens was born anatomically male and now lives openly as a woman, she was fired. “But for” her anatomical sex at birth, Stephens would not have been fired.

Stephens analogizes her case to religious discrimination. Just as “firing an employee for intending to change her religion is religious discrimination” outlawed by Title VII, so too firing an employee because she sought “to change her sex is sex discrimination” prohibited by the Act. The Supreme Court has also recognized that an employer’s taking adverse actions against an employee because the individual diverges from sex stereotypes or generalizations about how the different sexes should look or act is unlawful sex discrimination under the Act. As Stephens explains, “even ‘unquestionably true’ generalizations about women and men as classes cannot be used to discriminate against ‘individuals.’”

With respect to sexual orientation, the assumption that men are romantically and sexually attracted only to women and women only to men is an entrenched sex stereotype and generalization. An employer who fires an LGB individual because they fail to meet

O C TO B E R 3 , 2 0 1 9

this expectation violates Title VII. Even though the majority of men and women are attracted to people of a different sex, Title VII prohibits an employer from discriminating against an LGB individual when they are not.

The Supreme Court has held that an employer’s discriminating against an individual because they date or marry someone of a different race violates Title VII. So too, an employer violates Title VII when it discriminates against an individual who dates or marries someone of the same sex. Indeed, if Title VII were not so interpreted, an LGB individual could exercise their constitutional right to marry a person of the same sex on Saturday, and their employer could fire them Monday morning for exercising that right, instead of marrying someone of a different sex. It’s sex discrimination, plain and simple.

Regarding gender identity, the stereotype and generalization that people “throughout their entire lives” will “identify, appear, and behave in ways seen as typical” of their anatomical sex at birth is one of the most pernicious stereotypes in American life. Although this generalization is true for many people, an employer who discriminates against a transgender person for failing to conform to this sex stereotype violates Title VII. Opponents contend that Title VII does not forbid an employer from discriminating against LGBT people as long as it discriminates against both male and female LGBT people. They assert that only when an employer, for exam-

ple, fires male LGBT people, but not female LGBT people (what plaintiffs term “double discrimination”), does it engage in sex discrimination. Firing them all is not sex discrimination.

Ridiculous as this argument may seem, the key legal reason that the opponent’s argument fails is because Title VII protects every individual employee against discrimination based on their sex, and does not require an employee to make a group claim. As plaintiff Stephens explains: “An employer who discriminates against a female employee because of her sex cannot insulate itself from liability by also discriminating against a male employee because of his sex ... .

Two wrongs do not make a right.”

Indeed, the Court has repeatedly held that sexual harassment, including same-sex sexual harassment, violates Title VII—something that seems obvious today, but that members of Congress would never have imagined when they passed the law 55 years ago.

Opponents also claim that the myriad efforts to include sexual orientation and gender identity explicitly in Title VII show that Title VII does not encompass such discrimination now. But nothing about these efforts means that LGBT discrimination isn’t also sex discrimination prohibited by current law. Congress has never enacted legislation to exclude discrimination against LGBT people from sex discrimination that Title VII prohibits.

Similarly, an employer who, for example, fired an employee for converting from Christianity to Judaism could not justify such firing by claiming that it would fire any employee who converted from one religion to another. The argument is nonsensical.

Opponents also throw up red herring arguments about workplace dress codes and, of course, bathrooms, but these distractions are irrelevant to the critical issue of workplace discrimination against LGBT individuals that is before the Court.

The opponents also argue that Congress did not envision Title VII applying to anti-LGBT discrimination back in 1964 when it passed the Civil Rights Act. However, the U.S. Supreme Court has established unequivocally that when a statute’s plain text is clear—as is Title VII’s proscription of any form of sex discrimination—the Court should simply follow the plain words of the statute and not look into the subjective expectations of the legislators who enacted it.

We’ll be paying close attention next Tuesday and will share our impressions in the next edition.

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

Business Tips From GGBA Leaders

Three Reasons Why Being an Entrepreneur is Killing Your Business

GGBA CALENDAR

By Michael Gunther Starting your own business is no small feat.

You spent countless hours dreaming about your new business, then many more on research, marketing, finding funding sources, and perfecting your product or service. You made it: you launched, you survived your first year, and you now have a burgeoning team to help your business grow even more.

Now—change everything you thought that you knew about running a business and recognize that you must change as your business grows. The entrepreneurial spirit, which helped you to launch a business, must evolve when you are the leader of a company seeking breakthrough performance. Here are the top three reasons why being an entrepreneur is killing your business.

You’re tripping over your ego.

It’s time to become a collaborative leader and learn to manage and lead your team effectively. Shift your thinking from “me” to “we.” Remember that it’s no longer about you, but your business, team, valued customers, and clients. Your job is to teach your team to be good problem solvers instead of you solving every problem.

You’re “chasing sexy.”

There, out of the corner of your eye, is another idea. You’re feeling the thrill of another startup, one that is more enticing than your current business and could possibly be even more successful. Or you have all of these ideas on new products or services to achieve your business goals, yet your current business proba-

bly isn’t operating as effectively or profitability as it could. The reality? “Sexy” probably isn’t around the corner. Focus on the here and now to nurture your company so it becomes what you always envisioned while making it more profitable and sustainable. You know the old adage: the grass isn’t always greener.

You distrust trust.

This company was made on your blood, sweat, and tears. How can you put it in the hands of an employee who may not love it as much as you do? You, however, have to learn to hand-off some responsibilities; it’s time to learn to trust the people you handpicked to grow your business. Not only will trust inspire and motivate your employees, but also it will allow you to get out of the weeds and to trust your team.

Bottom Line: To achieve your next breakthrough opportunity, it’s time for you to change your way of leading and thinking to ensure the scalability, success, and sustainability of your company in the long run. Businesses usually stall, not because of lack of opportunity, but because the entrepreneur hasn’t shifted their style of leadership from one of controlling every decision to one of being a coach developing strong players.

Michael Gunther is a Board Member of the Golden Gate Business Association and leads Collaboration Business Consulting, which is a team of highly skilled business professionals who are dedicated to assisting proactive individuals to build scalable, profitable businesses. For more information: https://collaboration-llc.com/michael-gunther/

Coffee with the President Each Friday, GGBA President Gina Grahame invites you to share your thoughts about GGBA and to learn more about the Association and LGBT business certification.

October 4, 11, 18, 25 November 1, 8, 15, 22, 29 December 6 7:30 am–8:30 am Equator Coffee LinkedIn building 222 2nd Street (at Howard) https://bit.ly/2LJm01E GGBA Member Roundtable October 8 5:30 pm–6 pm FIDO Systems 220 Montgomery Street Free to Chamber Members and Partners $25 to non-members https://bit.ly/2ZFluoz Make Contact Mixer - Nonprofit Spotlight October 8 6 pm–8 pm FIDO Systems 220 Montgomery Street Free to Chamber Members and Partners $25 to non-members https://bit.ly/2MR9j6i Burnham Brown’s 9th Annual Women’s Event October 17 5 pm–8 pm Oakland Museum of California 1000 Oak Street, Oakland No fee, but submit a request to attend https://bbwe19.splashthat.com/ OurTownSF Annual Nonprofit Expo October 19 12:30 pm–4:30 pm Eureka Valley Recreation Center 100 Collingwood at 18th Street Free https://cutt.ly/reeZUPK New Member & Ambassador Orientations November 12 5:30 pm–6 pm Email for more information: events@ggba.com https://cutt.ly/MeeZ6sk Make Contact Mixer - Real Estate Spotlight November 12 6 pm–8 pm Free to Chamber Members and Partners $25 to non-members Email for more information: events@ggba.com Register to attend https://cutt.ly/VeeXv2i

GGBA’s Annual Meeting Members and friends attended GGBA’s Annual Meeting on September 10, at 333 Market Street, Annex Bldg. Outgoing president Audry deLucia acknowledged the past year’s achievements and congratulated Gina Grahame, who assumed the reins as the organization’s first transgender president. Among those honored at the event were Darrell Akana representing Wells Fargo, Legacy Award; John Henning of Granite Solutions Groupe, Visionary Award; and Dr. Krystal Drwencke of Ascent Sports Chiroopractic, Leadership Award. Additional Board of Directors members include President Gina Grahame (right) with past presidents Aaron Lander, Tony Archuleta-Perkins, Lara Brecher, Michael Gunther, Anna Colibri, (left) Dawn Ackerman and (center) Audry deLucia Tom Baker, Stacey Blanda, Olga Garcia, Jacqui Egan and Magdalena Rodriguez.

GGBA Member Roundtable October 8, 2019, 5:30 PM - 6:00 PM FIDO Systems 220 Montgomery Street Mills Conference Area (located in the lobby) San Francisico Free to Members

Make Contact Mixer - Insurance Spotlight December 10 6 pm–8 pm Free to Chamber Members and Partners $25 to non-members Email for more information: events@ggba.com Register to attend https://cutt.ly/1eeXGcM

GGBA is asking members to engage in a roundtable discussion regarding the chamber’s member programming.

The Board of Directors would like to hear from members about the programs you want the chamber to continue producing and what other programming would you find meangingful and engaging in pursuit of your business goals.

We hope that you are able to come and join the conversation and help to shape the future of GGBA program offerings.

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

O C TO BER 3, 2019

5

Gaining Ground on the Progressive Agenda

Assemblymember Phil Ting

With housing costs top of mind for many residents, lawmakers approved AB 1482, a bill that caps rent increases to 5% per year, plus inflation, and makes it more difficult to evict tenants. I am proud to coauthor this proposal because it will help millions of renters while housing construction increases over the next few years. When supply can meet demand, housing prices should stabilize—which is why I have two bills on the Governor’s desk that facilitate housing growth.

After California voters gave Democrats a super-majority in both the state Senate and Assembly following the 2018 elections, we were able to send Governor Newsom key bills advancing progressive values by last month’s legislative deadline. Most notable is legislation protecting renters, workers, and the environment.

The first, AB 68, eases local red tape to encourage more homeowners to build Accessory Dwelling Units, more commonly known as inlaw units, backyard cottages, and granny flats; the other, AB 1486, gives affordable housing projects priority to build when surplus government land becomes available.

Another key victory for progressives is AB 5, which benefits workers in the gig economy and other sectors vulnerable to exploitation. The legislation establishes guidelines in determining whether a worker is an employee or an independent contractor, as outlined in a state Supreme Court decision. The distinction is important because employees are entitled to minimum wage, overtime pay, and other benefits. Without it, companies such as Uber and Lyft, for instance, claim that they don’t have to abide by these labor laws.

Although Governor Newsom already signed AB 5 into law, some gig economy companies have threatened to challenge it at the ballot box next year, giving voters a chance to repeal it. If it comes to that, I hope voters will see that all workers deserve to be fairly compensated.

Finally, I’m excited to share progress about my work on recycling. We are in the midst of a crisis, as China and other overseas markets stopped buying much of California’s recycled waste last year. Now, recyclable plastic is stacking up in warehouses, or worse, being sent to landfills. Under my bill, AB 792, California is poised to continue its environmental leadership with the world’s strongest recycling requirement that will help to reduce litter and boost demand for used plastic materials. By 2030, 50% of beverage containers must be made from recycled materials, a standard higher than that mandated in the European Union. In my mind, there’s no sense in making new plastic every time a manufacturer needs a single-use bottle.

Adding to the already dire situation was the August closure of the state’s largest recycler, rePlanet, which operated hundreds of redemption centers. With fewer and fewer locations available, these closures served a major blow to Californians who turn in bottles and cans to receive their CRV deposits back and to the value of scrap material on which our recycling system depends. My bill, AB 54, is an emergency measure that allocates $5 million to pilot five mobile recycling sites, with at least one location required in a rural area.

Another $5 million will be used to help keep our remaining recycling centers open. (continued on page 27)

6

SA N F RANCISCO BAY T I ME S

O C TO B E R 3 , 2 0 1 9

Real Estate

BAY TIMES S

A

N

F

R

A

N

C

I

S

C

O

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

Your Ad Could Be Here!

Call 415-601-2113

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

O C TO BER 3, 2019

7

Reconciling Being a Jock with Being Gay

Sports John Chen During my 25 years of involvement in LGBT sports, I’ve met numerous such athletes who pass the “gaydar” test, but who felt great shame for their sexual desires. Their struggles are predicated by fear: fear of ostracism, fear of being wrong, and worst of all, fear of being hated. Many of them find their way to the gay mecca that is San Francisco seeking firsthand acceptance, tolerance, and sexual freedom.

Andrew Bord was an all-American jock from rural New York where he lettered in football, basketball, and baseball. Growing up, Bord understood only three things: sports, religion, and family; nothing else at the time really mattered. On the outside, this self-described extraverted introvert was gregarious, handsome, intelligent, and full of promise. But, on the inside, Bord harbored self-loathing and an unspeakable secret.

“I’ve always had an attraction towards men,” Bord told me for the San Francisco Bay Times. “I didn’t understand it, but thought it was normal until I hit puberty. Being an athlete, I was surrounded by many ‘guys’ guys’ who constantly made homophobic references, such as ‘faggot this and faggot that.” Although I internalized all the disparaging remarks, [they] really [tore] away at me inside and made me feel more ashamed.”

Through college, Bord tried to deal with his “eternal demon,” but to no resolution. Bord explained that he

always had girlfriends, mainly because it was normal and all of his buddies had one. “I felt I was lying to the girls and to myself, and that wasn’t fair to anyone.” Over the years, he slowly but surely accepted himself, but only internally.

Externally, he continued to lead a seemingly perfect, all-American life.

“At one point, I just told myself I couldn’t do this anymore,” he said.

Bord really wanted and needed to explore his sexuality on both the physical and social levels. “I started using a gay dating app and looked for guys into sports and cars just like me, to hopefully perhaps soften the blow. I started living a double life, where I learned to make excuses to my friends and family regarding my whereabout and what I was doing.”

Hiding his first gay relationship wasn’t easy. That relationship failed because Bord couldn’t be honest with the people he loved. “He didn’t want to hide our relationship,” Bord said of his partner. “He was proud of us and wanted people to know we loved one another. But I wasn’t ready for that and essentially me forcing him to hide our relationship hurt him deeply.” Not long after, Bord told himself, “Enough is enough! I can’t hurt any more people because of my own internal frustrations.”

Bord officially came out three years ago, first to his best friend from high school, who ironically came out to Bord only a year ago. “My friend was like, ‘what the <bleep> dude! Why didn’t you tell me then?’ I just wasn’t ready back then.”

Bord eventually told his family, who took the news surprising well. “I am very lucky to have a supportive family,” he said. “Those who truly love me have accepted me, and that’s all that matters.”

Take Me Home with You!

Although out and seemingly accepted in rural New York, Bord continued to hear voices behind his back. He felt something was missing, an emptiness that’s still difficult to describe. One day, he took a chance and messaged via a dating app a suave and handsome man, Alejandro Nuño, who was 3,000 miles away in San Francisco.

The two Facetimed for hours, and then days, until they fell deeply in love on a faithful cold winter’s weekend in New York. Simultaneously, Bord also felt a deep social intrigue toward Nuño’s hometown of San Francisco, a city that he knew had a strong gay culture deeply rooted in history, acceptance, tradition, and activism.

Against numerous objections, Bord knew that he had to come to San Francisco not just to be with Nuño, but also to be in a city that he feels a deep connection to, a city where he can truly be himself, and where he can grow as a gay man and feel at home. Today Bord lives with Nuño in an apartment with all of San Francisco in plain sight. “I can’t imagine living anywhere else and with anyone else,” he said. “The city has opened my eyes and connected me to the gay culture I’ve been missing.”

“Andrew is a beautiful bud that is blossoming into an even more beautiful flower,” beamed a proud Nuño with downtown San Francisco in the background.

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

Fitness SF Trainer Tip of the Month

Chris G - Fitness SF Mid-Market “It can sometimes be difficult to target your abdominal muscles. I often have my clients hang from a bar, then extend their feet up & forward, having them hold the position for a few seconds. After a few of these Leg Raises, you’ll really be feeling the burn!”

Cracker Jack

“My name is Cracker Jack! I’m energetic, outgoing, and love to keep busy. Chasing after toy mice and pouncing on wand toys are some of my favorite activities, so I’m looking for someone who loves playtime sessions as much as I do. After romping around for a while, I enjoy spending quality downtime with my favorite humans. Come say hello to me and let’s see if it’s a match!”

Cracker Jack 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 Cracker Jack.

To meet Cracker Jack, as well as other pets seeking their forever homes, please visit: San Francisco SPCA Mission Campus 250 Florida Street San Francisco, CA 94103 415-522-3500

Dr. Jennifer Scarlett and Pup

Aside from major holidays, the Mission Campus adoption center is open Mon–Fri: 1–6 pm and Sat–Sun: 10 am–5 pm.

Free parking is available for those wishing to adopt!

For more information: https://www.sfspca.org/adoptions 8

SA N F RANCISCO BAY T I ME S

O C TO B E R 3 , 2 0 1 9

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

Are Gay Men Homosexuals? an identity, a pervasive condition that described who one was.

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

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

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

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

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

Beth Greene Michael Delgado 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

Examined Life Tom Moon, MFT In his insightful new book Out of the Shadows: Reimagining Gay Men’s Lives (Farrar, Straus and Giroux, 2019), clinical psychologist Walt Odets begins by asking, “Are gay men homosexuals?” Who are we as gay men, and what happens when we identify ourselves as being “homosexuals?”

Gay men have been called “homosexuals” since the late nineteenth century, when the previously littleused term appeared in a German psychiatry textbook that described “homosexuality” as a “disorder,” included among other such “perversions” as bestiality, pedophilia, and sadism. Previously, having sex with another person of the same sex had been considered a behavior— a socially unapproved behavior, to be sure—but the new medical model transformed it from a behavior into

This had far-reaching consequences.

According to Odets, “The newly assigned identity was readily incorporated into the self-experience of gay men, giving rise to a self-perpetuating psychosocial dynamic of imposed social stigma and reactive, internalized shame that, in turn, bolstered the stigma. Gay men were being identified as homosexuals, and that is what they started to feel like.”

Words are powerful. When we accept the limiting concept of “the homosexual” as the foundation of our identities, our perceptions of who we are contract, with harmful consequences.

Odets observes that “ ... many gay men find themselves bewildered by gay relationships, often having ongoing sexual encounters that, in the longer term, become unsatisfying. Such sexual experiences, however, are only rarely meaningless and casual. They are almost always a search for emotional connection to another man, an effort often conducted without the developmental experience that would facilitate and support the process. Many gay men have difficulty integrating sex into relationships, and relationships into sex, because the homosexual idea does not permit it.”

Our perceptions of other gay men also contract. “Over the years, one thou-

sand gay men have said to me, ‘The only thing other men are interested in is sex, and that’s not what I want, it’s not enough.’ To this, I usually respond, ‘But the other nine hundred and ninety-nine men I have spoken with have said the same thing.

I think that many others share your feelings.’ The Castro and Chelsea are too often not social communities, but neighborhoods of people wandering the streets, all looking for something they are convinced is unobtainable because of who gay men are.”

The “homosexual” idea also drives devaluation of our lives by homophobic heterosexuals. Odets offers this vignette to show how that works: “A gay friend recently told me that he had asked his mother why she never inquired about how he and his partner were getting on. ‘Why would I?’ she responded. ‘I never ask your brother about what he and his wife are doing in bed.’”

Research confirms that when heterosexuals see gay people as “homosexuals,” they typically perceive our relationships as entirely sexual in nature, and thus devoid of the emotional significance that makes relationships “real.”

Some of us describe ourselves to straight people as “attracted to men, but otherwise just like you,” despite the fact that most of us have at least some awareness that being gay is about more than just sexual attraction or sex. Odets notes that, today,

there are two perspectives on what makes a man a “homosexual.”

From the heterosexual perspective, a homosexual is “a man who has sex with men.” The gay perspective is that homosexuals are “men who are attracted to other men.” At first glance, this may not seem like much of a difference, but the two descriptions are worlds apart. The heterosexual perspective describes a specific, objective behavior, while the gay perspective acknowledges an entire internal realm of feeling. As Odets puts it, “For gay men, sexual attraction to other men is only one expression of something more fundamental, something that might be called a gay sensibility.”

Gay sensibility may not be easy to define, but at the very least it is something that allows us to form important emotional connections with other men. As Odets writes, “A gay man is a man who is inclined to fall in love with other men.” In our own efforts at self-discovery, the sexual, emotional, and spiritual contours of our “gay sensibility” are for each of us to define for ourselves. We need to be who we know and say we are, and not what we have been told we are.

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

Distribution

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

National Advertising: Contact Bay Times / San Francisco.

Represented by Rivendell Media: 908-232-2021 Circulation is verified by an independent agency Reprints by permission only.

CALENDAR Submit events for consideration by e-mail to: calendar@sfbaytimes.com © 2019 Bay Times Media Company Co-owned by Betty L. Sullivan & Jennifer L. Viegas

Check out the San Francisco Bay Times online: Website: www.sfbaytimes.com • Archive of Current & Past Issues: www.issuu.com/sfbt Castro Street Cam Live Streaming 24/7: www.sfbaytimes.com/castro-street-cam 10

SA N FRANCISCO BAY T I ME S

O C TO B E R 3 , 2 0 1 9

Legal Assistance for the Elderly quickly find appropriate replacement housing they can afford. The threat of homelessness is more imminent.”

Aging in Community Dr. Marcy Adelman When Tom and William met, fell in love, and decided to live together in Tom’s apartment, they never thought about putting William on the lease.

They lived together for 40 years.

Then Tom passed away, and William was left living in their apartment by himself.

In 2016, LAE brought on a new Executive Director, Laura Chiera, who immediately went to work to grow LAE’s services in response to San Francisco’s senior housing crisis.

LAE expanded their eviction defense team and added two new programs, LAE’s Access to Health Care program and a new collaboration with ALRP (AIDS Legal Referral Panel), to provide LGBTQ end of life planning services. In 2016–2017, LAE closed 930 matters, and by 2018– 2019, the number of closed matters increased to 1575.

I asked Laura about LAE’s collaboration with ALRP. She replied, “We like to collaborate on projects with other legal service providers because we bring the resources, expertise, and experience of both agencies together to benefit the most people. With this When the landlord found out that project, End of Life Planning for Tom had died, he sent William a LGBTQ seniors, our collaboranotice of increase of rent from tion with ALRP made sense. $1000 to $4000. William, ALRP has a deep connecnow 69 years old, could tion with the LGBTQ not find a way to meet the community. At ALRP, as new rent. Fearful of losnew HIV treatments have ing his home and becomhelped lengthen the lives ing homeless, William of their clients, seniors are sought the assistance of a rapidly growing segment Legal Aid for Elders (LAE). of their population. At LAE, Fortunately, William was able we have over forty years workLaura Chiera to keep his home after LAE ing with seniors and the legal successfully represented him issues they face.” at the Rent Board.

She continued, “Both organizations William is just one of thousands of have a history of providing end of life seniors and adults with disability for planning for our clients. It is a clear whom LAE attorneys and staff annuexample of how our organizations ally provide free legal assistance. This together can better provide a comOctober, LAE is proudly celebratplete network of services for our cliing 40 years of quietly and effectively ents by joining our resources and providing pro bono legal assistance experience.” to such clients who are struggling to Bill Hirsh, ALRP’s Executive Direcstay in their homes and in their comtor, had this to say about LAE and munity.

ALRP’s new program: “Our partThe majority of LAE clients, seventy- nership has expanded needed serfive percent, have incomes below 200 vices for vulnerable communities and percent of the federal poverty guideexceeded our program goals. Still, lines. Almost half of LAE clients have we hope to do more. We want to incomes less than $995 per month. make sure everyone has a basic will Further, LAE clients are as diverse as and advance health care directive in the city itself. The majority of LAE place.” clients are people of color (53 percent) LAE currently provides a wide net of and women (also 53 percent). Twenty percent are non-English speakers and free legal assistance in multiple areas.

These include: ten percent identify as LGBTQ. Eligible San Francisco residents must be • housing law that addresses eviction 60 years of age and older, or adults defense, illegal rent increases, and ages 18 to 59 living with a disability. habitability; All eligible clients qualify for free ser• physical and financial elder abuse vices regardless of income. prevention that includes protection from financial exploitation and According to Tom Drohan, who illegal transfers of real property, as has worked as an attorney at LAE well as help with applications for for 26 years and is now the Direcrestraining orders; tor of Litigation, the housing situation for San Francisco seniors has • health advocacy that includes assisonly gotten worse. “Years ago,” tance with MediCal, Medicare, he told me for the San Francisco Bay neglect in skilled nursing faciliTimes, “seniors would just move out tates, and preservation of health once they received a 30-day notice. services; Now, because the cost of housing is (continued on page 26) so much higher, it is impossible to

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

Celebrate Legal Assistance to the Elderly’s 40th Anniversary Enjoy an evening of food, wine, and good vibes at LAE’s 40th Anniversary celebration! It will be on October 24, from 5:30 to 8 pm, at the Elks Lodge: 450 Post Street, San Francisco.

For more information and to purchase tickets, please visit: https://cutt.ly/6erOXtL S AN F R ANC IS C O BAY T IM ES

O C TO BER 3, 2019

11

Who Has the Better Steaks: SF or LA?

BAY TIMES S

A

N

F

R

A

N

C

I

S

C

O

LGBTQ News & Calendar for the Bay Area

CELEBRATING FOUR DECADES (1978–2019)

The Gay Gourmet David Landis Growing up in the Midwest, with a grandmother who worked as a single mom at a Chicago’s slaughterhouse, steaks were a staple—if special—part of our diet. Mostly, we had chicken at home every night. Once in a great while, the family would splurge and go to some of the Windy City’s best steakhouses, including The Cart (on the south end of the city’s Loop district), where prime rib reigned supreme.

When I moved to San Francisco in 1980, the first restaurants that I sought out were steakhouses, those meat palace throwbacks to yesteryear. Yes, steak (and prime rib and other such offerings that carnivores love) was the comfort food of the era. Unlike what we thought in the Midwest, it turns out you really could find great steakhouses not just in San Francisco, but also throughout the Golden State.

Our city certainly has some of the most famous steakhouses around.

But what about the bigger metropolis to our south? The Gay Gourmet set out to answer the question: who does steak better, LA or SF? Well, that depends.

Let’s start with our hometown, San Francisco.

The three following, in the Gay Gourmet’s humble opinion, are at the top of the list: House of Prime Rib (or HOPR for those in the know): This Van Ness Avenue staple, opened in 1949, is famous for its 21-day aged prime rib. Everything about the restaurant screams “old school” (in the best way), from the way that chefs carve your meat at the table via Zeppelin-style stainless steel carts to the spinning salad to the homemade Yorkshire pudding. It’s become a bit of a scene since Instagrammers discovered HOPR, so remember to book extra early. Go here for the iconic prime rib, but The Gay Gourmet actually prefers the thinner English Cut. All cuts are served with salad, potato, and the Yorkshire pudding—and the creamed spinach (extra) is a must. The wine list tends toward California and is selected to stand up to the (mostly) red meat menu offerings. Insider’s tip: book early for the holidays, when the décor adds exponentially to the festivities.

Harris’ Restaurant: I know it’s not politically correct, but growing up in Chicago, I do attest to a preference for the taste of grain-fed beef, even if we now know the environmental impacts. One of the best to offer Midwest-style corn-fed beef is Harris’, also located on Van Ness Avenue. (What is it about this boulevard that attracted the steakhouses? Maybe all of those folks who visited the old car dealerships ate beef?!). Also old-school, Harris’ (separate from the Harris’ in the Central Valley, but that’s another long story), occupies the former Grison’s steakhouse and opened its doors in 1984.

The restaurant sports red leather booths, dark wood, brass chandeliers, a charming (and quiet) cocktail and piano lounge, as well as 14

SA N FRANCISCO BAY T I ME S

House of Prime Rib

Harris’ Restaurant

its own to-go butcher shop. The Gay Gourmet’s favorite here? Start with the classic gin or vodka martini, served with an extra shot in its own single-server ice “bucket”; don’t miss the deep-fried onion rings as a starter, the iceberg wedge salad with Point Reyes blue cheese dressing (I like to gild the lily by adding extra crumbled blue cheese on top), creamed spinach and the 8 oz. petite filet mignon (big enough to split, frankly). If you’ve got a hankering, they also offer Wagyu beef (at a price, of course), but I’d recommend staying with the Midwest-grown steaks. A traditional cheesecake is the perfect topper to a Harris meal.

ommend the classic and creamy key lime pie with graham-cracker crust.

Izzy’s Steaks and Chops: Another throwback (opened in the 1980s), Izzy’s in San Francisco’s Marina district (named after the celebrated San Francisco saloon keeper Izzy Gomez) offers private woodpaneled booths, a lively bar, and prices that don’t come with sticker shock. A go-to neighborhood joint, Izzy’s has quality steaks (with a plethora of condiments and sauces lining the walls for customers to enjoy) at an affordable price. What’s nice about Izzy’s is that your steak actually comes with two accompaniments. Among my favorites are: Izzy’s own potatoes (think cheesy, scalloped potatoes) and Izzy’s delicious creamed spinach, with a dash of nutmeg. Izzy’s also is one of the few steakhouses to offer a 6 oz filet mignon, which is nice for those of us who prefer not to leave the restaurant feeling like a stuffed whale. For those with a sweet tooth, however, I’d rec-

Musso and Frank Grill O C TO B E R 3 , 2 0 1 9

Izzy’s Steaks and Chops

And what about Los Angeles?

One usually thinks of innovative, California-cuisine restaurants when visiting LA. But one of the best triedand-true steakhouses in the state is Hollywood’s classic The Musso and Frank Grill, located within walking distance to the Hollywood Bowl. On September 27, the venerable restaurant turned 100! The centennial received coverage in The Los Angeles Times, NPR, and more.

Besides being around since 1919, this restaurant has the added bonus of celebrity-sightings. Stars like Charlie Chaplin, Elizabeth Taylor and Marilyn Monroe used to hang out in the restaurant’s former Back Room; the night we were there, we spotted David Spade and James Woods (not together!). Famously, the restaurant is known for its lauded gin martini, made with 2.5 ounces of gin and a half ounce of vermouth, stirred with ice and strained into a cocktail glass. The Gay Gourmet instead decided to try their version of a Negroni (with Hendrick’s gin); it made the grade, with the perfect blend of sweet and sour. People rave about Musso & Frank’s Welsh rarebit and flannel cakes; we were tempted by the consommé (where else can you find that on menus these days?). Instead, we opted for the Musso & Frank Special salad (with avocados and artichokes) to start. At Musso & Frank’s, steaks command the spotlight. “People ask if we age the steaks,” says server Sergio, who has worked at the restaurant since 1972. “I tell them yes, but not as

Gwen

long as we age the servers.” We had a tasty, marbled 12 oz. filet mignon (to split), juicy and tender, cooked to a perfect medium rare. In addition, the creamed spinach might be my favorite: it’s by far one of the lushest around (perhaps they add parmesan cheese, but no one is telling). Besides steaks, the restaurant is also known for its Italian-American offerings, such as the original fettuccini Alfredo (Douglas Fairbanks and Mary Pickford hand carried the authentic recipe back to Musso and Frank’s from chef Alfredo in Italy).

For dessert, we chose the spumoni slice, the classic 3-flavored Italian ice cream made into a cake with a tender crust.

Want something new? The Gay Gourmet recommends celebrity chef Curtis Stone’s Hollywood outpost, Gwen (run with his brother Luke Stone). Bring along your expense account, but this restaurant reinvents the entire concept of a steakhouse from start to finish. The look is modern and welcoming, with the centerpiece being a fire-based grill taking center stage. At Gwen, you enter through the butcher shop (and can buy steaks to take home) and then walk through the elegant dining space, with a massive, grand crystal chandelier as the showstopper. The focus is not just on the Australian Wagyu beef for which Gwen is known, but also on Creekstone USDA grain-fed prime beef from Kansas and California-grown beef as well. Gwen’s innovative craft cocktail program features such unique drinks as: “The Canary” (a gin and Meyer lemon delight) and “Paid in

Full,” which combines whiskey with Jamaican rum and toasted sesame.

The night we dined there, we had the 34 oz. Creekstone bone-in ribeye (split four ways); at $135, it’s not cheap, but it was more than enough with a few sides—including the decadent duck fat potatoes and creamed leeks—to satisfy all four of us who dined that night. Fancy cutlery is part of the mix, too: servers bring a box of varied steak knives, including some from French producer Perceval—and diners get to pick their own.

So, beef lovers, unite. There’s no need to fight between the Bay Area and La-La Land. Whether you’re in Northern or Southern California, you’ll find great steaks, as well as an atmosphere and a budget that match your culinary expectations.

The inside scoop: House of Prime Rib, San Francisco http://www.houseofprimerib.net/ Harris’ Restaurant, San Francisco http://www.harrisrestaurant.com/ Izzy’s Steaks and Chops, San Francisco https://izzyssteaks.com/ The Musso and Frank Grill, Hollywood https://mussoandfrank.com/ Gwen Restaurant, Hollywood https://www.gwenla.com/ David Landis, aka “The Gay Gourmet,” is a foodie, a freelance writer and a PR executive.

Follow him on Instagram

Donna’s Chronicles

By Donna Sachet

T

he Grand Ducal Council of San Francisco hosted Coronation XLVI, Pansies in Russia: A Garden Party at the Hermitage, Saturday night, September 28, at the Holiday Inn Golden Gate. It felt like a family reunion to many. Forty-five years ago, H.L. Perry formed this organization, originally as a rebel court from the older Imperial Court started by José Sarria. Along the way, differences have been put aside as the two organizations recognize their common purpose and close personal relationships have developed; thus, the family reunion aspect. This year, Grand Duke Ken Harper and Grand Duchess MGM Grande and their Glittering Court of Nectar & Honey raised over $110,000, distributed that night to several worthy agencies, including MAITRI, Larkin Street Youth Services, Transgender Program of the SFDPH, and Bay Area American Indian Two-Spirits! In addition to the traditional pageantry of a coronation, the evening included an official State visit by Queen Mother 1 of the Americas Nicole the Great, Emperor 1 of the Americas Terry Sidie, and the Heirs Apparent from across the continent, including many special awards presented to local recipients.

The Reigning Grand Duke and Grand Duchess gave the audience wonderful command performances, beautiful costumes, formal court walks, and additional personal awards and recognitions.

Grand Dukes and Grand Duchesses celebrating special anniversaries of their Reigns received special acknowledgement, most notably Grand Duke V Fred Townson, who continues to travel the court system, attend functions, and assist in fundraising with amazing commitment. On a personal note, we especially enjoyed the musical number presented in honor of Absolute Empress XXXV Suzie Wong by Absolute Empress XXXIX China Silk and Absolute Empress XL Tiger Lily. And, as is usually the case, personal ads in the printed program predict a heated race for Emperor of San Francisco in the spring; we applaud all of those who step forward! As a spectacular night of royalty came to a close, the voting results were revealed and we have two new monarchs, Grand Duke Tim Valdivia and Grand Duchess Katherine Rose; may their year be fruitful, friendly, and fun!

Surely you noticed the prominence of Leather over the past week or so! Well, we did our best to support this diverse and supportive community, starting by joining in the official raising of the new Leather flag on the new 80-foot flag pole in the soon to be completed Eagle Plaza! Eagle Tavern owner Alex Montiel and caretaker of Gilbert Baker’s legacy Tommy Taylor deserve much of the credit for this breathtaking monument.

Loyal Leather leader Ray Tilton led the festivities with a bar crawl prior and the formal flag-raising ceremony there. His brief speech encapsulated so much of the rich history of the Leather community in San Francisco and beyond, and the surrounding turnout of Leather leadership was truly amazing. City Supervisor Matt Haney was on hand, as were Honey Mahogany, Sister Roma, Joe Gallagher, Graylin Thornton, Gerry Roberts, Race Bannon, Manuel Ojeda, Troy Brunet, Michael Loftis, Paul Valente, and so many others. As that proud flag flapped in the breeze, we couldn’t help but think of all of those who were not able to see that moment, most immediately, the late and legendary Vern Stewart.

Then, Saturday night, after Ducal Coronation, we joined the throngs at MasteurDome at Regency Ballroom with DJs Chus+Ceballos and Ralph Rosario, produced by Audrey Joseph and Brian Kent.

The venue alone is outstanding, but the lasers and other special lighting, combined with these world-class DJs, made for a thrilling event.

Finally, Folsom Street Fair, the largest outdoor event of its kind in the world, took the City by storm on Sunday and we couldn’t resist the siren call. After popping by the Imperial Court beer booth, we fortuitously ran into Gary Virginia and soon met up with friends at a warehouse in the neighborhood for a small party hosted by Tommy Taylor & Jerry Goldstein, replete with food, drink, and camaraderie. We can’t imagine a more perfect ending than standing on their roof in the open air taking in the music and revelry of Folsom Street Fair below, sipping Chardonnay as the sun dipped behind dappled clouds. Such a joyous moment, visually and emotionally, is enough to revitalize our love of this magical City in all of its rich diversity, buoyant happiness, and unstoppable optimism. If we don’t cherish these special moments, we are truly missing out.

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

“When I need to work up my nerve to write a tough column, I try to think of myself as Emma Peel in a black leather catsuit.”

–Maureen Dowd

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

The Franciscan Ballroom Sir Francis Drake Hotel 10:30 am Brunch, 11:30 am Show $75 inclusive https://starlightroomsf.com/sundays-a-drag Thursday, October 3 Compassion Is Universal Shanti’s 45th Anniversary Gala Palace Hotel Grand Ballroom, 2 Montgomery 6 pm $300 & up www.shanti.org Friday, October 4 Bummers Ball 3: Rocket Dog Rescue Castro Theatre 6 pm $50 & up www.rocketdogrescue.org Saturday, October 5 Horizons Foundation Gala Fairmont Hotel Grand Ballroom 5:30 pm $350 & up www.horizonsfoundation.org Friday, October 11 Mighty Real: PRC Gala Four Seasons Hotel Veranda Ballroom 6 pm $300 & up www.prcsf.org Saturday, October 12 Imperial Council’s 47th Annual Mr. and Miss Gay Pageant Folsom Street Foundry, 1425 Folsom 6 pm $20 www.imperialcouncilsf.org Tuesday, October 15 Celebrity Pool Toss Benefits Tenderloin Neighborhood Development Corporation The Phoenix Hotel, 601 Eddy Street 6 pm $125 www.tndc.org Wednesday, October 16 Litquake Panel Discussion SF Center for the Book, 375 Rhode Island Street Featuring Mason Funk’s The Book of Pride 7 pm Free! www.litquake.org Friday, October 18 REUNION: Chosen Family GLBT Historical Society’s annual gala Ohana Floor, Salesforce Tower, 415 Mission Street 6 pm–9 pm $150 & up www.glbthistory.org Friday, October 25 This Old Bag: Buy a Purse, Change a Life Breast Cancer Emergency Fund’s annual gala Fairmont Hotel 6:30 pm $175 www.bcef.org

PHOTO BY SHAWN NORTHCUTT

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

O C TO BER 3, 2019

15

Photos Courtesy of Golden State Warriors

BAY S

A

N

F

LGBTQ News CELEBRATING

SF Bay Times to Partner with War The San Francisco Bay Times is proud to partner with the Golden State Warriors for the first ever LGBTQ Night at the Chase Center! Join us for this historic event on Wednesday, October 30, when the Warriors will take on the Phoenix Suns. Helping to cheer on the Bay Area’s champion superstar team will be Warriors President Rick Welts and his partner Todd Gage.

Welts told the San Francisco Bay Times, “San Francisco’s historic leadership role in all human rights causes makes our return to San Francisco, and our first LGBTQ Night here, a special celebration for all who believe in equal rights for all our citizens.”

Warriors President Rick Welts

Warriors Show Their Pride Under Welts’ skillful leadership, the Warriors in 2017 became the first defending NBA

16

SA N FRANCISCO BAY T I ME S

O C TO B E R 3 , 2 0 1 9

championship team to host an LGBT Pride Night. The San Francisco Bay Times was part of that effort, as we were for last year’s Pride Night when the Warriors defeated the Minnesota Timberwolves.

The Chase Center is a literal game changer, however. The new state-of-the-art facility sports many jaw-dropping features, such as the NBA’s largest and brightest scoreboard, with nearly 75 million energy-efficient LED lights; promotion of sustainable practices; farm-to-table dining; over 18,000 arena seats; 3.2 acres of plaza and public space, with 24,000 square feet of the plaza facing the waterfront; luxurious suites; and a wealth of other amenities.

Members of our team were at the Center in September for the spectacular Elton John concerts as part of his Farewell to Yellow Brick Road tour. The venue’s light and sound design enhanced the unforgettable performances.

The stadium’s different levels were easily

ac st

B L d u n M B (fe S

C

T h sp lo in b

“T th h li

Y TIMES

F

R

A

N

C

I

S

C

O

& Calendar for the Bay Area G FOUR DECADES (1978–2019)

October 30, 2019

rriors for First LGBTQ Night at Chase Center

ccessible, especially thanks to the friendly taff who escorted guests, if needed.

Bon Appétit Management Company and Levy Restaurants (famous for providing the elicious fare at Google) manage the stadim’s food and beverage program. A partnership with local restaurants, called Taste Makers, has brought in favorites like Bakesale Betty, Big Nate’s BBQ, CC Made, La Cocina eaturing Alicia’s Tamales), Old Skool Cafe, Sam’s Chowder House and many others.

Chase Center Dream Becomes Reality

The heart and soul of the Chase Center, however, are the Warriors and Welts, who pearheaded construction of the Mission Bayocated facility. We asked him how he is feelng, now that the dream of the Center has ecome a reality.

Tired!” he said. “Seriously, I am so proud of he entire Warriors and Chase Center team,” he quickly added. “It has been a once-in-afetime journey, and each person in our orga-

nization contributed to the final product we are proud to call Chase Center. Seeing it through others’ eyes as they experience Chase Center and Thrive City for the first time makes every minute spent creating it worthwhile.”

“Thrive City” refers to the site’s community gathering space created by the Warriors in partnership with Kaiser Permanente to promote health and wellness in the greater Bay Area. The scenic open-air district offers a year-round resource for families, fans, visitors, and neighbors to build community at a variety of festivals, farmers markets, dining experiences, community events, and more.

Warriors LGBTQ Night 2019 But we are most excited now about the upcoming LGBTQ Night on October 30.

With your ticket you will receive a commemorative Warriors LGBTQ Night T-shirt. The first 10,000 through the doors will get a Steph

Curry Popcorn Edition Bobblehead, courtesy of Kaiser.

If you’re among the first 150 guests, you will enjoy a pre-game Shootaround Experience.

This will allow you to sit in the lower level to watch the players warm-up before tip-off.

Legendary entertainer and San Francisco Bay Times columnist Donna Sachet is scheduled to perform.

Welts and his colleagues could not share more about the entertainment, but they could hardly contain their excitement when just thinking about the night. They promise that the entertainment will be spectacular, so we are just as curious as you probably are concerning who else might appear. Donna + the Warriors already sounds like a perfect night to us!

Your game day ticket is additionally your allday Muni ticket, making travel to the Chase Center and any other City stops that day easy.

Please join us on October 30!

For tickets, go to: https://www.Warriors.com/baytimes Promo Code: sfbaytimes Note that the deadline for orders is Friday, October 25.

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

O C TO BER 3, 2019

17

FALL arts PREVIEW

BAY TIMES S

A

N

F

R

A

N

C

I

S

C

O

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

PART 2 OCTOBER–EARLY DECEMBER

Janelle Monáe

The Roots

Hillary Rodham Clinton and Chelsea Clinton

Lauv It’s Only a Play

Dr. Jekyll & Mr. Hyde

OCTOBER White Noise Through November 10 Berkeley Rep 2025 Addison Street, Berkeley http://www.berkeleyrep.org Berkeley Rep presents the West Coast premiere of Pulitzer Prize-winning author Suzan-Lori Parks’ play.

Four old friends, who are two 30-something couples, have their educated, progressive, and cosmopolitan personas challenged by a racially motivated incident with the police. Their relationships and view of the world are forever changed.

Experience Hendrix October 8 Luther Burbank Center for the Arts 50 Mark West Springs Road, Santa Rosa http://www.lutherburbankcenter.org A return performance by popular demand, the show features a diverse group of musical artists paying homage to the genius of Jimi Hendrix. This multi-artist celebration has been called the “Guitar Event of the Year.”

It’s Only a Play October 10–27 Hillbarn Theatre 1285 E. Hillsdale Blvd, Foster City Terrance McNally, who originally produced the play off-Broadway in 1986, rewrote It’s Only a Play for its Broadway run in 2014–2015. The plot concerns a party where a producer, playwright, director, actors, and their friends await the opening night reviews of their Broadway play.

High Five - The Circus Center Cabaret October 11–12 755 Frederick Street, San Francisco http://circuscenter.org/cabaret LGBT community favorite Leanne Borghesi is the Cabaret Chanteuse for The Fifth Season of this event, featuring the best of Bay Area circus talent. The Circus Center Cabaret distills humor, elegance, and grandeur into a circus fête hosted in a uniquely intimate venue, underscored with live music performed

by Borghesi and the Roger Glenn Trio.

KIT’N KITTY’S

QUEER POP QUIZ

The Marriage of Figaro October 11–November 1 San Francisco Opera 301 Van Ness Avenue, San Francisco Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart’s classic comes alive once more with the bride, her rival, and the many who are trying to seduce her. Lust, power, and gossip threaten to throw Figaro’s wedding plans askew, but a wily servant hopes to save the day.

Tipping Point Amplified Janelle Monáe and The Roots October 12 Fox Theatre 1807 Telegraph Avenue, Oakland http://thefoxoakland.com/ Tipping Point Amplified is a benefit concert for the fight against poverty in the Bay Area. Headlined by Janelle Monáe, and featuring The Roots, the evening will inspire and unite the community. Every dollar from every ticket sold will go directly to proven poverty-fighting organizations in our region.

Andy Mientus Sings Joni Mitchell October 12–13 Feinstein’s at the Nikko 222 Mason Street, San Francisco https://www.feinsteinssf.com/ Following a sold-out performance at New York’s Feinstein’s/54 Below, Broadway and television star Andy Mientus (Les Miserables, Spring Awakening, TV’s Smash and The Flash) brings Joni Mitchell’s iconic 1970 album Ladies of the Canyon to life on stage at Feinstein’s.

Lauv - how I’m feeling Tour October 16–17 Fox Theatre 1807 Telegraph Avenue, Oakland http://thefoxoakland.com/ The out and proud singer, crowned “Pop’s Up and Coming Heartbreak King” by Rolling Stone magazine, has made major strides as an artist on the heels of his breakthrough double-Platinum smash debut single “I Like Me Better.” As of this writing, the first of Lauv’s two Fox shows has already sold out, so act fast if you would like to see this popular independent singer, songwriter, multi-instrumentalist, and producer.

SUPER, THANKS FOR ASKING This Marvel male superhero identifies as pansexual: A) Wolverine B) Hulk C) Deadpool D) Spiderman ANSWER ON PAGE 26

Hillary Rodham Clinton and Chelsea Clinton: The Book of Gutsy Women October 20 Congregation Emanu-El 2 Lake Street, San Francisco http://www.sfcurran.com Curran in conjunction with Book Passage will welcome Secretary Clinton and Chelsea Clinton to discuss their first book written together, The Book of Gutsy Women: Favorite Stories of Courage and Resilience. Edie Windsor, Diana Nyad, Rachel Carson, Harriet Tubman and Malala Yousafzai are among the trailblazers and activists included.

Priscilla, Queen of the Desert - The Musical October 22–November 9 Lesher Center for the Arts 1601 Civic Drive, Walnut Creek https://www.lesherartscenter.org/ Scored with a hit parade of dance floor favorites (including “It’s Raining Men,” “I Will Survive,” “Hot Stuff,” “Girls Just Wanna Have Fun,” and “I Love the Nightlife”), Priscilla, Queen of the Desert tells the story of two drag queens and a transgender woman who encounter an array of colorful characters, some of whom are fiercely unreceptive to their lifestyle as they “widen comfort zones” in their journey across the remote Australian desert.

Testmatch October 24–December 8 A.C.T.’s Strand Theater 1127 Market Street, San Francisco http://www.act-sf.org Directed by Tony Award-winner Pam MacKinnon, the play

by Kate Attwell looks at tensions in the locker room during a world-class cricket match between rival women players from India and England. The play asks hard-hitting questions about colonialism, gender, and power using a contrast of two time-traveling stories.

Dr. Jekyll & Mr. Hyde with Dorothy Papadakos, Organist October 31 Grace Cathedral 1100 California, San Francisco http:/www.sfjazz.org The sacred space of Grace Cathedral will be transformed into a grand movie palace for Halloween screenings of the classic film starring John Barrymore. Renowned organist Dorothy Papadakos will perform, appear in costume as the title character, and present a brief history of the film.

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

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

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

O C TO BER 3, 2019

19

FALL arts PREVIEW (continued) Cher

Blue Man Group

Video Games Live

Lucinda WIlliams David Sedaris

NOVEMBER Lucinda Williams and Her Band, Buick 6 November 2 Fox Theater 1807 Telegraph Avenue, Oakland http://www.thefoxoakland.com Celebrating the 20th Anniversary of her album entitled Car Wheels on a Gravel Road, three-time Grammy winner Lucinda Williams will perform the album in its entirety followed by a second set of songs from throughout her remarkable career.

Blue Man Group November 1–3 The Center for the Performing Arts 255 S. Almaden Blvd, San Jose http://www.broadwaysanjose Blue Man Group’s performances are euphoric celebrations of human connection through art, music, comedy, and non-verbal communications.

The show is universally appealing to a broad range of age groups and cultural backgrounds, and is continually injected with new music, fresh stories, custom instruments, and sensory stimulating graphics.

Sheléa - Natural Women: A Night of Soul November 2 Sunset Center for the Performing Arts San Carlos Street at Ninth Avenue, Carmel-by-the-Sea http://www.sunsetcenter.org With a voice that stirs the soul and hands that effortlessly glide over the keys, Sheléa represents a return to true artistry that has garnered much attention and adoration from legends throughout the music industry.

Blending traditional pop, jazz, R&B, and soul, Sheléa brings a contemporary edge to classics and a classic touch to contemporary pop standards.

The Isley Brothers 60th Anniversary Concert November 9 Paramount Theatre 2025 Broadway, Oakland http://www.paramounttheatre.com The concert celebrates the 60th anniversary of their hit song “Shout” that became their first gold single and went on to become one of the most frequently covered R&B classics of all time.

David Sedaris November 14 Luther Burbank Center for the Arts Ruth Finley Person Theater 50 Mark West Springs Road, Santa Rosa http://www.lutherburbankcenter.org With sardonic wit and incisive social critiques, David Sedaris has become

20

SA N FRANCISCO BAY T I ME S

O C TO B E R 3 , 2 0 1 9

one of America’s preeminent humor writers. He is the master of satire and one of today’s most observant writers addressing the human condition. Calypso, his latest collection of essays, is a New York Times bestseller, and a Washington Post Best Book of the Year.

Fall Family Concert November 17 Community Women’s Orchestra Lake Merritt United Methodist Church 1330 Lakeshore Drive, Oakland https://bit.ly/2HFwUD7 Join the Orchestra for this annual performance where young people are encouraged to participate as well.

Video Games Live with the UC Berkeley Symphony Orchestra November 17 Cal Performances 101 Zellerbach Hall #4800, Berkeley https://calperformances.org/ Imagine the thrill of video gaming mixed with the collective energy of a rock concert and the emotional power of a symphony orchestra, and you have an idea of the adrenaline rush that is Video Games Live!

A concert event for all the senses, the interactive show created by game music composer Tommy Tallarico features the UC Berkeley Symphony Orchestra performing live arrangements of video game music hits, synchronized to dazzling video footage, spectacular light displays, and theatrical special effects.

Steve Grand - The Pink Champagne Tour November 20–21 Feinstein’s at the Nikko 222 Mason Street, San Francisco https://www.feinsteinssf.com/ Following a sold-out engagement in February 2019, singer-songwriter Steve Grand returns to Feinstein’s at the Nikko with The Pink Champagne Tour. Grand will perform fan-favorite original material from his two albums, as well as classic covers from some of the most iconic out gay artists of all-time, including Queen, Elton John, and George Michael.

Cher - Here We go Again November 21 Chase Center Mission Bay Blocks 29-32, San Francisco http://www.cher.com Returning to the U.S. from a trek across Europe, Cher brings the Here We Go Again Tour to the new Chase Center in San Francisco.

Snoop Dogg

Mandy Patinkin in Concert: Diaries with Adam Ben-David on Piano November 22 Sydney Goldstein Theater 275 Hayes Street, San Francisco http://www.feinsteinssf.com The acclaimed actor/singer/storyteller appears in his most electrifying role: concert performer.

The show includes favorite Broadway and classic American tunes along with selections from his newest recording, Mandy Patinkin Diary, all presented as a dazzling musical journey.

Ladies Sing the Blues: Kim Nalley, Denise Perrier & Tiffany Austin with Tammy Hall November 24 Freight & Salvage 2020 Addison, Berkeley http://www.thefreight.org Ladies Sing the Blues is an exploration of the women who made up the essence of the blues: Bessie Smith, Dinah Washington, Billie Holiday, Nina Simone, Aretha Franklin, and many

Abby Stein

other talented yet lesser known women. Expect an evening of folk, rag, the sacred, and the profane; the cool cosmopolitan of jazz-blues and the gut bucket of the down home blues and always love.

Ghostbusters Film with the SF Symphony November 29 Davies Symphony Hall 201 Van Ness Avenue, San Francisco Peter Bernstein is the conductor in this live performance by the Symphony of the score, composed by Elmer Bernstein, for the comedy classic of paranormal investigators led by Bill Murray, with an unforgettable theme song that topped the Billboard Top 100.

The Caribbean Allstars + DJ Sep (Dub Mission) November 30 Ashkenaz 1317 San Pablo Avenue, Berkeley http://www.ashkenaz.com

With geographical roots from Jamaica, South America, West Africa, and the U.S., the Allstars are pioneers in the Bay Area reggae scene. The Caribbean Allstars not only play Jamaican reggae with a traditional electric bass-drums-guitars-keyboards lineup, but they also add steel drums to bring in South Caribbean calypso and soca styles of Trinidad and Tobago, producing rhythms that drive listeners to the dance floor.

DECEMBER Snoop Dog December 2 The Fillmore 1805 Geary, San Francisco http://wwwthefillmore.com West Coast rap legend Snoop Dogg will launch his Wanna Thank Me Tour in San Francisco.

“The Doggfather,” as he is known, is held in high esteem and affection by hip-hop fans worldwide and is one of the most recognizable faces and voices of the genre.

Andrea Bocelli

Abby Stein From Ultra-Orthodox Rabbi to Transgender Woman December 4 Arts & Ideas at the JCCSF 3200 California Street, San Francisco http://www.jccsf.org

Ghostbusters

Described as a “conversation + text study,” the program features Abby Stein discussing her new book about her life’s journey from orthodox rabbi to transgender activist, writer, speaker and Jewish educator. The event will be presented in conjunction with the Jewish Community Library, Sha’ar Zahav, and SF Hillel.

Fantasia: The Sketchbook Tour December 5 Paramount Theatre 2025 Broadway, Oakland http://www.paramounttheatre.com Celebrating the release of her seventh album entitled Sketchbook, American Idol star Fantasia brings her national tour to Oakland with special guests Robin Thicke and The Bonfyre.

Andrea Bocelli with the San Francisco Symphony and Chorus December 5 Chase Center 1 Warriors Way, San Francisco http://www.sfsymphony.org In his first-ever appearance in San Francisco, Andrea Bocelli launches his new tour in a performance with the SF Symphony and Chorus at the new Chase Center. Bocelli is a legendary Italian singer widely regarded as one of the most popular classical voices in the world today.

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

O C TO BER 3, 2019

21

Sister Dana Sez: Words of Wisdumb from a Fun Nun number and Kippy Marks playing electric violin.

Sister Dana sez, “Rep. Jerry Nadler, Judiciary Committee Chairman, said on September 16, ‘We have to vindicate the Constitution; leading the President to become more and more of a tyrant cannot be tolerated ... that’s why impeachment is necessary.’ Yes, impeach and remove!”

THE RICHMOND/ERMET AID FOUNDATION (REAF) and producers Ken Henderson & Joe Seiler presented their benefit cabaret, PROTEST! REVEL WITH SOME REBELS, featuring cast members from the touring cast of the Tony Award-winning show HAMILTON. It was an awe-inspiring evening of music and dance with guest emcees Judd Winick & Pam Ling from TV's Real World San Francisco on September 16 at Marines’ Memorial Theatre. For Act One, the entire company sang “Bread and Roses,” and then broke up into duets and trios to such inspirational numbers as “A Change Is Gonna Come,” the haunting anti-lynching “Strange Fruit,” “Don’t Dream, It’s Over,” the ever hopeful “Someday We’ll All Be Free,” and “Make Them Hear You.” Included was a humorous, but thought-provoking, monologue about God’s administrators helping to create human beings—addressing racism, feminism, and inequality.

Act Two continued the inspirational protest theme with “Get Up Stand Up,” the Hippie Movement’s “Let the Sunshine In” from HAIR, “Sunday Bloody Sunday,” old school protest song “This Land Is Your Land,” and concluded with everyone on stage and in the audience boldly singing “Rise Up/Stand Up For Something!” The whole evening was a revelation!

PROJECT NUNWAY X: DECADES OF INDULGENCE hit the runway with maximum fierceness to werk it to filth on September 21, once again at SOMArts Cultural Center. The Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence returned with San Francisco's fashion event of the year, “Project Nunway,” our unique trash-totreasure extravaganza, celebrating our tenth year. This is also when we Sisters mark 40 years of promulgating universal joy and expiating stigmatic guilt. At Nunway, every model was a genuine SF nun. And every designer spent the least possible amount of money to include recycled materials for their original couture. It was TV’s Project Runway meets the 'trashy' Sisters!

The beneficiary was CASA (Children’s After School Arts), an independent, nonprofit, creative arts after-school program with an emphasis on social justice and social emotional wellness.

CASA has special outreach to marginalized communities, including LGBTQ families and gender expansive youth.

The winner was Sister Amor Ah Quality with more empty orange pill bottles on her headdress than one could ever imagine! It was a tremendous statement regarding our community’s need for pharmaceuticals and recycling of drugs. You go, girl!

THE 9TH ANNUAL GREEN FILM FESTIVAL showed 60 films in six days with over 100 guest speakers and filmmakers. The Festival is a nonprofit organization committed to using the power of film to bring audiences into the global conversation on environmental solutions. PUSH had its Opening Night Premiere at the Castro Theatre on September 24, with a lovely VIP party before. PUSH Director Fredrik Gertten followed Leilani Farha, U.N. Special Rapporteur on Adequate Housing, around the globe as she investigated an escalating crisis in our cities.

Both were fascinating guest speakers. https://www.greenfilmfest.org/ STRIKE FOR CLIMATE JUSTICE! was a lively nonviolent demonstration on September 25 at Market & Montgomery hosted

by EXTINCTION REBELLION SAN FRANCISCO and 10 others, including 1,000 GRANDMOTHERS BAY AREA, all stating: “We understand that the beautiful system of life that has supported humanity for hundreds of thousands of years is being destroyed by capitalism, greed, and misguided leadership. Most of our elected officials have been co-opted by corporate directors and do not act according to the will of the people. They have utilized vast sums of money to discredit concerned groups of citizens and confuse the public.”

The anthology of queer horror comics, THEATER OF TERROR: REVENGE OF THE QUEERS, had an epic launch party at Strut on Hump Day of Folsom Week! This book of the damned, edited by Justin Hall and William O. Tyler and hosted by drag demoness Peaches Christ, featured over 30 of some of the greatest LGBTQ comics creators illustrating what keeps them awake at night. There was a screening of comics with live commentary, followed by the (continued on page 26)

Emcees were the delicious Honey Mahogany & Sister Roma.

Celebrity Judges were our awesome stars Trixie Mattel, Chi Chi LaRue, Emperor Terrill Grimes, Empress Baby Shaques Munro, and Mr. SF Eagle Leather 2019 Manuel Ojeda. There were delightSister Dana modeled a designer’s creation on the runway at ful performances by HerProject Nunway X Decades of Indulgence hosted by the Sisters man Wishes in a drag king of Perpetual Indulgence.

22

SA N FRANCISCO BAY T I ME S

O C TO B E R 3 , 2 0 1 9

PHOTO BY PAUL MARGOLIS

By Sister Dana Van Iquity

In walking order, the supermodels were: Sister Dana Van Iquity, Sister Mary Media, Sister Chola De Dah, Postulant Pippa, Sister Hera Sees Candy, Sister Stella Believin Magick, Sister Flora Goodthyme, Guard Theo, Sister Zsa Zsa Glamour, Sister Betty Tastewell, Sister Amor Ah Quality, Pope Dementia the Last, and Sister Koko D’Amore.

Sister Dana fiercely worked the runway with my fantastic eight-times designer, Trash Mash-up (aka Bridget McCracken), ushering me along—having spent zero dollars—in recycled trash fashioned into a gorge couture yellow dress and train, not to mention a giant (recycled) cross pendant.

SF Pride Check Presentation to Community Partners

San Francisco Pride presented checks totaling $203,285 to more than 40 Community Partner organizations generated from volunteer support with the 2019 SF Pride Parade + Festival gate donations and beverage booths. Emceeing the check presentation on September 18 at Oasis nightclub were SF Pride Interim Executive Director Fred Lopez and Board President Jacquelene Bishop.

PHOTO BY GARY VIRGINIA

Since 1997, San Francisco Pride has distributed over $3.1 million dollars in proceeds to 501c3 certified nonprofit organizations—based in the nine counties of the Bay Area—whose mission involves service to lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender communities; seniors; youth; anti-bullying; housing advocacy; animal welfare/rights; and people living with HIV/AIDS, cancer, or homelessness.

Almodovar’s Latest, Pain and Glory, Charts the Emotional Terrain of a Gay Filmmaker

Film Gary M. Kramer Pain and Glory is out gay filmmaker Pedro Almodóvar’s elegiac autofiction, a tribute to both his filmmaking career and to his star, Antonio Banderas. This tender drama, opening October 11 in the Bay Area, is concerned with reconciliation and forgiveness. It is the eighth collaboration between the filmmaker and the actor, and easily their best.

The film opens with Salvador Mallo (Banderas) underwater. The haunting image—Salvador sports a scar on his back—provides a link to a memory from his childhood of his mother (Penélope Cruz) by a river, washing sheets and singing. It is a lovely scene that shows the bond between mother and child. Another scene—triggered by the sense memory of a piano— shows that Salvador was a soloist in his church school choir.

The adult Salvador may be thinking about these happier times in his life because at present he is blocked.

Unable to make films, he has selfimposed his retirement. One of the factors has been his health. Salvador suffers from agonizing back pain as well as tinnitus, migraines, and choking, along with anxiety and depression.

So, when Salvador is asked to do a post-screening Q&A after one of his early, successful films, with Alberto (Asier Etxeandia), the star he had a falling out with 32 years ago, he reluctantly reconnects with his actor.

Their encounter includes Alberto introducing Salvador to heroin.

The filmmaker soon starts using the drug to manage his back pain and to escape from his despair.

As the men start seeing each other regularly, a truth-telling moment drives a wedge between them again.

However, as an apology, Salvador gives Alberto a theatre project he desired—a one-man confessional monologue that is a thinly-veiled account of Salvador’s life. It is at a

performance of the show that Alberto meets Federico (Leonardo Sbaraglia), Salvador’s ex, and coordinates a reunion between the former lovers.

That scene, a fabulous exchange about life, family, and desire, is the centerpiece of Pain and Glory, and the affection between Salvador and Federico is palpable. When the two men kiss, it is quite passionate. But the emotional toll that seeing Federico has on Salvador is also quite tangible.

Part of this is because of Banderas’ magnificent performance. (He justly won the Best Actor prize at Cannes this year.) His expressions throughout the film barely mask the heartbreak he feels. But watch his eyes during a visit to a doctor, or how he winces getting in or out of a taxi. This pain is as psychological as it is physical.

To flesh out Salvador’s character, Almodóvar threads episodes from Salvador’s childhood throughout the film. These scenes focus on the young boy’s unspoken attraction to Eduardo (César Vicente), a handsome but illiterate builder who lives in the area where Salvador’s family has moved. (It is nicknamed “the cave,” as it is an underground dwelling.) As Salvador teaches Eduardo to write, an intimacy develops between them, however, the sexual tension never feels prurient, immoral, or improper, even when Salvador sees Eduardo naked. Almodóvar shrewdly teases out this scene to create a highly poignant moment later in the film—one that follows Salvador reconciling his relationship with his aging mother ( Julieta Serrano) in the third act of Pain and Glory. (continued on page 27) S AN F R ANC IS C O BAY T IM ES

O C TO BER 3, 2019

23

Castro Street Fair Proves Certainty of Harvey Milk’s Words of Wisdom Photos Courtesy of Dr. Bill Lipsky

Faces from Our LGBT Past

“The more we register,” Harvey stated, “the more clout the gay community has. The more clout that we get, the easier the laws are changed.”

At a time when same-sex intimacy between consenting adults was still illegal in California, he understood that “if the gay community is ever to get the laws and general attitudes changed, it will come only through the voting booth.”

Milk never denied the power of protests, boycotts, picket lines, and marches, but he realized not everyone could join one to affect change.

“If you believe in the gay movement,” he wrote, “then you must do more than just talk about it. You must make sure that all your friends are also registered and that they do vote. Without that, as the bottom line, gay rights will forever be something sought after.” Only some 300 people registered to vote at the first Fair, but it was a start.

The first Fair established many of the fundamentals that have made those that followed great fun. From the beginning, community organizations shared information, vendors sold their goods, and local talent entertained the crowds. Fairgoers looked forward to a day of sunshine, an occasional glimpse of the odd and unusual, and people watching, always the most popular pastime: attendees sharing the results of their hard work at the gym and showing off the latest skin fashions from newly pierced nipples to tony tattoo art.

Over the years, entertainers at the Fair included everyone from the Bay City Reds to Lea DeLaria to Jane Dornacker to Tom Ammiano. No

1981 Castro Street Fair 24

SA N FRANCISCO BAY T I ME S

O C TO B E R 3 , 2 0 1 9

The Fair quickly became the biggest street fairs in the City. Accurate estimates of crowd sizes were always difficult to come by—organizers and police often reported widely distant numbers—but no one disputed that crowds increased each year. In 1975, at least 25,000 people went to the Fair, five times more than the year before, which made it the best attended neighborhood event in the City. The next year, as many as 75,000 were there.

the City and the world the political, social, and economic importance of the Castro and the LGBT community. His ideas and the strategies he used to affect change have been followed by activists ever since.

More than anything else, the Castro Street Fair continues to prove the certainty of Harvey’s words of wisdom to “let people see the truth about who gays are, and in so doing, give them and other disenfranchised people hope.” Besides, there is nothing quite like an afternoon spent with a hundred thousand intimate friends.

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

From the beginning, the Fair mixed the serious with the satirical. In 1977, when the San Francisco Gay Democratic Club set up a dunking tank to fight Anita Bryant and her politics of homophobia, it put her photograph on the target and Harvey on the dunking seat. Bringing out the best in everybody, he wound up in the water more than anyone else.

In 1978, the year he was elected to the Board of Supervisors, Milk explained his feelings about the event that he helped to create in a campaign brochure he distributed at the Fair:

2018 Castro Street Fair

“Everyone needs a sense of belonging and neighborliness and the chance to celebrate the joys of living where we live ... . Every neighborhood should have a street fair, and everyone should have a chance to work with her/his neighbors to make one happen close to home.”

The changes that Harvey worked to accomplish were dramatically on display at the 1985 Fair, highlighted by the official dedication of Harvey Milk Plaza at Castro, 17th and Market Streets. As Mark Barabak wrote in the San Francisco Chronicle, “Drag queens in the crowd ... mingled with uniformed police officers and local politicians hoping to win points with an important San Francisco constituency.” In less than 10 years, the LGBT community had its “clout.”

The world has changed since the first Castro Street Fair. Then, cell phones were found in jails, not pockets; computers were for moon shot, not money shots; and laptops were for dances, not homework. No longer. More change needs to happen, but Harvey succeeded in showing

1988 Castro Street Fair

2018 Castro Street Fair

1980s Castro Street Fair

PHOTO BY BEN RUFFNER

Besides hoping for a good time had by all on a sunny summer afternoon, Harvey later wrote that he wanted “to promote the area and to show the City the potential power that the gay community has.” At the same time, he hoped “to register as many people as we could on that day” to intensify local political influence.

one, however, was more beloved than Sylvester, who in the 1970s became a major star. When David Bowie’s San Francisco debut failed to sell out in 1972, Bowie explained, “They don’t need me. They have Sylvester.”

Sylvester performed at the Fair at no charge, paying the not insubstantial fees for his backup singers and musicians from his own pocket.

PHOTO BY BEN RUFFNER

In 1974, Harvey Milk and Scott Smith gave a block party and invited the immediate world. On August 18, some 5,000 people joined them at the first Castro Street Fair to enjoy mimes, clowns, and music; chat with friends old and new; and visit vendor booths offering handicrafts and food. It was the largest gathering that the neighborhood had seen since the California Centennial Celebration held many years before, and it immediately became one of the major events on the City’s LGBT calendar.

The Bay City Reds juggling troupe perform at the 1975 Castro Street Fair.

PHOTO BY MAX KIRKEBERG

Dr. Bill Lipsky

Auditioning for the San Francisco Gay Men’s Chorus

TLC: Tears, Laughs and Conversation Dr. Tim Seelig Over the three plus decades that I have been conducting LGBTQ choruses, I have had many people ask, “How do you get in SFGMC or any gay choir?” Some really do want to know. Others are just curious, and figure that it’s impossible. They only sing in the shower—no choir there.

They think that they can’t carry a note in a bucket. They probably can.

“Not everyone can sing,” they say.

(I need to know who keeps saying that!) They were probably told that somewhere along the way and it has become their reality. Maybe someone at the office heard them sing “Happy Birthday,” and, when they did not hit one single note, mentioned that, and the criticism stuck ever since.

They should be able to sing “Happy Birthday.” The “Star Spangled Banner,” conversely, is not for the beginner or the weak of heart. It’s fine in the recorded version that they play at the Olympics. But many a singer had fallen apart singing it as a solo. Careers have been crushed on YouTube with singers wandering around the melody and messing up the words.

Chorus Auditions from One Extreme to Another The audition process is different for every LGBTQ chorus. There are those that do not audition at all.

Show up, pay your dues, and you are a member. They assume that someone can teach them to sing and sing together. Those are the “I’d like to teach the world to sing” choruses. They absolutely make a joyful noise and have fun.

At the other end of the spectrum, there are choruses that put the singers through the ringer. They sightread—sing a song they’ve never seen before, do ear training exercises, and may even be required to sing in a foreign language. They then make them wait for the results while they ponder the worthiness of the singer. They might even put them on a waiting list, or even a “training” choir.

Most GALA (Gay and Lesbian Association of Choruses) fall in the middle—as does SFGMC. We start at the top, not the bottom, with our auditions. In the clouds, not the weeds.

SFGMC’s Twins: Music and Mission At its very core, SFGMC has twins: Music and Mission. They are equal.

Photos Courtesy of Tim Seelig

We feed each of them every day. If we stop feeding one or the other, the whole thing goes off kilter. So, we are looking for members who are coming to us for both of those things. If they audition not really caring about one or the other, they will drop out. If they come looking for anything else, like looking for a husband, they will be very disappointed. Obviously, the two chorus types I mentioned above are focused on one, not both. For us, “You can’t have one without the other.”

Being very clear about our twins sets our audition process apart from any that I know. It also makes our auditions one of the most laborintensive processes that goes on behind the scenes in the entire organization. Whom we welcome to the family changes the chorus.

We are also very clear on the kind of change it has in each person who auditions.

New Member Co-Chairs, Raymond Gonzales (left) and Dan England (right)

It begins with the announcement of auditions in June. They are not publicized widely. Word of mouth is our best friend, although we have been known to recruit singers at Martuni’s or the Lookout Karaoke. Our two New Member Co-Chairs, Raymond Gonzales and Dan England, begin immediately communicating with those who sign up. They follow them through to the first rehearsal where each one is greeted with welcome hugs and name tags, and is assigned a “rehearsal buddy” for the first two rehearsals—which are overwhelming beyond imagination!

Many are gone before this. Being in SFGMC is serious business.

During the first two meetings, they are told how hard it all can be: lots of rehearsals, lots of performances, and lots of money. What?!

Yes, singers pay dues, pay for their own wardrobe, and travel and touring. That includes a twice a year 2 ½ day musical retreat. But don’t freak out! We have a fund, called Ryan’s Fund, which provides up to 100% of that based on need. Ryan was our beloved staff member and singer who tragically died on stage at a concert. We have a group of singers, the Divas, whose only job is to make sure that fund has enough money to do its work.

Interview + Audition Unlike most other GALA choruses, we have two parts to the audition:

Season 42 new member class on stage

Interview and Audition. There is no evening gown portion. Sitting through two rehearsals before auditions works wonders. At least 25 percent of those who signed up drop out before auditions. “OMG, it’s hard!” “You want me to memorize the music? OMG!” “I’m not guaranteed a solo in every concert?

OMG. Have you heard me sing?”

Those people never last long.

Auditions this year were much different than in years before. Prior to this year, potential new members might have to go to three different locations for various pieces of the puzzle. This year, they came to our “home.” Owning 170 Valencia is amazing on so many levels. It allows us to welcome them in the same place for all gatherings.

When the audition day arrives, there are then two consecutive evenings of 3 ½ hours for our volunteers and staff. This year, we had 95 sign up to audition. That whittled down to 80 by auditions, 40 per evening. By then, we have a file on each one. The auditionees arrive to a room of 10–12 singers who divide up. We visit with them about who they are and what brought them to audition. It is basically allowing them time to tell their story, get comfortable, breathe.

There are questions about their thoughts concerning SFGMC being one of the leaders in the musical revolution. Each one of them then moves to visit with Dan and Raymond to refine some of those details. Then, they are led to what some people consider the slaughter. That is a huge joke, because it is one of the most welcoming places possible. There are 12 to 14 people seated at a long table in front of them, scoring them, as they sing!

These are musical section leaders, artistic staff. It is fair to say that every one of the auditionees is scared stuff-less.

They give their music to the accompanist. They are to sing a solo, memorized. They actually sing only 16 to 32 measures of their song.

Members of the audition committee ask a few questions. Everyone gets, “Why SFGMC? Why now?”

We ask about their life and ability to commit. At the end of that short

exchange, I test their range and their ear—unless they knock it out of the park on their solo, which 80 percent did this year. Every single year, the bar has raised.

The test takes a total of 4 minutes.

Even in that short time, many of them bring tears to our eyes with the sincerity of why they are presenting themselves for membership.

It’s a wow!

They are discouraged to do so, but are allowed to sing with something other than the piano as accompaniment. They can bring a karaoke track, if they wish. One year, we had an auditionee bring his guitar. We worried. He sat down and began to play. OMG. Then he sang a love song in Spanish, and everyone fell out of their chairs. It was one of the most beautiful moments in history.

We also had another singer who brought in what he thought was meant by an accompaniment recording, back up track, karaoke.

He brought in a full-on recording of Whitney Houston! He didn’t blink. He sang along with her. We heard almost nothing of his voice, but he had her moves down. He also swapped octaves, sometimes in her range, sometimes in someone else’s. Everyone fell out of their chairs again! Everyone on the panel applauds for every person.

Care Given to Every Singer Then comes the real thing that sets us apart: both groups—those from our team in Interview and Audition—gather together to go over the “scores” for each auditionee’s interview and audition portions. We begin from the top, scoring singers and working our way down.

Interviewers alert us to any red flags or concerns. As we move down the score list, we go a little deeper into each person’s profile. There is such compassion and empathy in that room. It is truly something to behold.

Doing this takes various groups of people until 2 am to complete. It is not fair to make people wait to find out the results, so everyone is notified by noon following the final (second) night of the auditions.

The care given to every singer is unbelievable. Even those who do not make the chorus leave feeling 100

percent supported. Last Thursday night, we had a guest from a local GALA Chorus observing us. He was totally blown away. He said, “We might get 8 or 9 people to audition and we don’t take nearly the care with them as you all do with 80.”

Relationships That Can Last a Lifetime SFGMC singers come from towns and cities all over the world seeking a sanctuary. Many come here to come out. Many come because they sang in church choirs or school choirs and were not out. It is very emotional for the two to come together: love for singing and being out.

We have, and embrace, immigrant singers. Our current age range is from 19 to 84. There are members from every continent, except Antarctica.

Each new singer is assigned a Big Brother. Great care in taken to match the singers up by profession, birth origin, interest, etc. Many of these relationships last forever.

Dan and Raymond, who are amazing and passionate about all parts of the process, support the new members every step along the way before passing them off to their Big Brothers some 4 months after each new member’s first contact.

So, how do you get into SFGMC? First, be a great guy. We spend a lot of time together. It’s important. After that, be willing to work really hard to maintain our level of excellence. Love to sing with all of your heart and have a deep desire to change the world. And sing and speak in front of groups of people.

Polls say that the thing people dread the most is Pubic Speaking.

That’s because Public Singing is not on the list! It is most definitely the thing that most would dread doing. For those who take the leap, the rewards far outweigh the fear of singing for 12 people you may never see again. Or, may see the following Monday?

We are so incredibly blessed. We began this season with 314 singers. We had room for 250, but every new member earned a spot. We love every one of them.

Have you ever thought about auditioning for SFGMC? You have 11 months to practice and to take some voice lessons. The next audition will be August of 2020. See you then!

Oh, wait. We have many opportunities for you to catch a live concert. Or to attend a Monday night rehearsal any week between 7 pm– 10 pm. They are open to guests.

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

Season 42 Newbie Brunch in the park

All Voices Welcome — Especially First Tenors and Basses https://www.sfgmc.org/audition S AN F R ANC IS C O BAY T IM ES

O C TO BER 3, 2019

25

ROSTOW (continued from page 3) to the nation’s highest authority as binding law requiring an antigay ruling in a host of GLBT-related cases.

The new building blocks would sit on the “saw” until years down the road when we could finally push them off to the side and start bringing down the “see” once more.

Help me, someone. Editor?

How Did This Happen?

I think I’m just overloaded these days. Impeachment. Trump. The Title VII cases. Just a few years ago, on the eve of Hillary Clinton’s election to the presidency, the future seemed clear to the horizon. What was that trite line we heard over and over again after George HW Bush died? “Ceiling and visibility unlimited.” That was it. We speculated on whether Clinton would renominate Merrick Garland, or maybe go for someone younger and even more liberal! Why not?

Never in our wildest nightmares could we have anticipated a 5–4 conservative Court, an administration riddled with antigay ideologues, and an executive branch stripped of competence and experience both. We went from CAVU to cloudy with a chance of meatballs (CWACOM) in midair no less. Thanks, Jim Comey.

Now please wake up and get out of my dream world.

The Equality Act, for the record, would add sexual orientation and gender to the text of several federal civil rights laws, including Title VII. One of the arguments that our opponents wield in court points out that the 1964 Congress had no intention of protecting GLBTs when it enacted the Civil Rights Law. Indeed, the lawmakers only added “sex” to the list of protected groups in Title VII because they feared women of color would be treated better than white women after its passage. Our adversaries also note that Congress has not added sexual orientation or gender to the law in the ensuing half century or so, a clear sign that “sex” in Title VII should not encompass anything more than the simple distinction between male and female.

But, as our lawyers note, Title VII has evolved in myriad ways through court decisions and now extends far beyond the worldview of the midcentury Congress. Nor should any law stay petrified in the social and cultural attitudes of the distant past.

As for the action or inaction of Congress, the whims and complexities of legislative debate cannot dictate the interpretation of statutory text.

Nor should courts extrapolate from the fact that Congress may have added sexual orientation to a different law, while continuing to ignore

our absence from Title VII and other statutes.

I’m not sure whether or not we’ll be able to listen to the oral arguments online or on CSpan, where other cases have sometimes been broadcast along with still pictures of this or that justice. Conventional wisdom says that you can’t predict an outcome by listening to oral arguments, and the justices will mainly be guided by dozens of outside legal briefs on both sides. Still, if we can listen in, it should be fascinating and instructive.

Real News What else is new? I was checking out SCOTUSblog for information on the Title VII cases and I noticed that on October 7, the day before our arguments, the Court will consider the case of a Kansas man who murdered his wife, mother-in-law, and his two children after his wife left him for another woman. The man is claiming that Kansas law violates the Constitution by restricting the option of pleading insanity in some manner that I did not examine closely.

I’m sorry, but the insanity defense should apply to people who have no idea what they’re doing. Otherwise, anyone who murders someone could argue that they were insane at the time since murder is insane by its very nature. But my point was going to be that GLBT news lurks throughout the media.

MARKING TIME is the 20th Anniversary Exhibition of the BAY AREA PHOTOGRAPHERS COLLECTIVE on exhibit now through October 26 at Harvey Milk Photo Center Gallery, 50 Scott Street. Reception was on September 26. Curated

by Meg Shiffler, the exhibit features 21 photographers’ photos that are on display. https://bit.ly/2oGue0X EUREKA REC CENTER COMMUNITY GROUP ART EXHIBITION, at 100 Collingwood Street, is a mixed media exhibition of the works of 22 local artists that is hosted by artist Thomasina DeMaio. An opening show was held on Sept 28 with amazing entertainment. The exhibition closes Nov 2. https://bit.ly/2nghNIX FOLSOM STREET FAIR 2019 was on Sunday, September 29, where The Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence and Folsom Street Events continued our decades-long partnership helping to collect donations for charities. Over 400,000 folks gathered South of Market where leather, fetish, and any form of erotic self-expression was an act of liberation, as much as it was a celebration.

Jaded nun that I am—having been to the Fair every year since its inception—I tried to find something new.

Alas, it was only a gigantic purple

eggplant upon which folks could do selfies. Yawn. At least the after-parties were fierce!

Sister Dana sez, “Now that it’s Fall, why not fall by some of these great upcoming events?!”

HORIZONS FOUNDATION GALA is on October 5 at Fairmont San Francisco with reception at 5:30 pm, dinner at 7 pm, and after-party.

They will be celebrating what they’ve built so far, and raising critical funds that allow them to keep building, through both the support that they give to organizations today and their permanent endowment for tomorrow. https://bit.ly/2nYRqHE Founded in 1974 by the late Harvey Milk, the 46th annual CASTRO STREET FAIR is one of San Francisco's longest-running fundraising community celebrations.

Come enjoy live music and performances, art and information, games, tasty food & beverages, and great shopping from street vendors and the local merchants of the Castro. They ask a $5–$10 donation at the gates, and that money goes back to neighborhood nonprofits, as well as helps to maintain the worldfamous RAINBOW FLAG at Castro and Market. October 6, 11 am-6 pm. https://bit.ly/2mxXOFq NATIONAL COMING OUT DAY is October 11. Every year on National Coming Out Day, we celebrate coming out as LGBTQ

or as an ally. This year marks the 30th anniversary of NCOD. Thirty years ago, on the anniversary of the NATIONAL MARCH ON WASHINGTON FOR LESBIAN AND GAY RIGHTS, we first observed NCOD as a reminder that one of our most basic tools is the power of coming out. One out of every two Americans has someone close to them who is gay or lesbian.

For transgender people, that number is only one in 10.

SPIRIT DAY is October 17. Millions of Americans wear purple on Spirit Day as a sign of support for LGBTQ youth and to speak out against bullying. Spirit Day was started in 2010 by teenager Brittany McMillan as a response to the young people who had taken their own lives. Observed annually, people and organizations wear purple, which symbolizes spirit on the rainbow flag.

Getting involved is easy—participants are asked to simply “go purple” on October 17 as we work to create a world in which LGBTQ teens are celebrated and accepted for who they are. https://www.glaad.org/spiritday Sister Dana sez, “I used to think of a joyful marching band when I heard the word ‘whistleblower.’ These days I realize that a whistleblower can bring about impeachment! So, bring on the marching band!”

KIT’N KITTY’S

QUEER POP QUIZ ANSWER (Question on page 19)

C) Deadpool Writer Gerry Duggan says “Merc with a Mouth” Deadpool has expressed an interest in women and men throughout the comics (including a very obvious crush on Spider-Man). In recent years, Deadpool has attracted a new audience among queer superhero fans. Many hope that the movie franchise will be more sincere in its depiction of his sexuality.

26

SA N FRANCISCO BAY T I ME S

Meanwhile, speaking of gay news coverage, you may have seen that Mayor Pete complained about the gay press the other day, saying he no longer bothers to read our beloved community media because he’s always accused of being “not gay enough” or “the wrong kind of gay.” Later, he kind of walked that back, telling the (mainstream) press that he was in a “grumpy” mood. I find that kind of adorable. He does have a teddy bear aspect. Personally, I’ve only had nice things to say about Pete, so I sort of resent implicitly being lumped in with his churlish critics elsewhere in the gay press.

Finally, I’ve reached the end of my column with a little room left, but not enough to launch into a serious new topic. Instead, let me discuss some recent TV commercials, beginning with the strange advertisement for cardboard boxes and packaging, sponsored by some weird organization that represents these materials. The ad shows a box hopping aboard trucks and trains in a courageous effort to complete delivery, and extols the essential utility of generic cardboard boxes. Do we really need a commercial for this? Who pays for such promotions, and to what end?

As for Liberty Mutual, I used to hate their commercials, premised on the idea that customers can get personalized coverage through Liberty Mutual even though you can make decisions about your car or home insurance with every other insurance company in existence. It’s like a grocery store advertising that you can select the items that you want at their store. You can do that at every store! Lately, however, I’ve grown to love the LIMU Emu and Doug, particularly the spot where both Doug and LIMU Emu’s wives are in the audience watching the two of them receive keys to the city. The whole concept takes silliness to the perfect extreme, a difficult achievement.

I see that I had plenty of room for a serious subject, after all. Oh well. arostow@aol.com

SHORTER (continued from page 2)

SISTER DANA (continued from page 22) drag king Goth boy band Nine Inch Males.

On the other hand, I was just reading a story on Real Clear Politics about how GLBT issues have dropped off of cable news coverage in the Trump years while Google searches for gay material have surged during the same time period. I suppose that I believe the first part, because frankly, it’s hard to care about, let’s say, the Creating Change agenda, when the Western alliances are falling apart and a madman is running the country. I’m curious about the second part of the study, however, which includes a chart with a big uptick in searches. Why the fascination? Perhaps the cable news audience is wondering what’s up with the community since they haven’t seen an update lately.

O C TO B E R 3 , 2 0 1 9

to a spy.” Trump continued, “You know what we used to do in the old days when we were smart, right? The spies and treason, we used to handle it a little differently than we do now.”

Spies and traitors were executed, of course, ala Julius and Ethel Rosenberg in June 1953. As an apparent traitor to the cause of defending the U.S. against all enemies foreign and domestic, Trump should understand that such gruesome nostalgia would also include himself. His wannabe mob boss “snitches get stitches” rap sounds neither presidential, nor very Christian. Get that, Pence?

No doubt Vice President Pence and Mother, i.e. Mrs. Pence, are praying on all of this mess right now. Who knows? Maybe they can pray it all away.

Again, not to get too far ahead, but as events ping from pillar to post, developments could quite possibly move history past a President Pence to a President Pelosi. That’s the order of things. No doubt, there are many, many people praying on and for that, as well. Amen.

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

ADELMAN (continued from page 11) • support in obtaining SSI and SSDI benefits; • help concerning consumer debt defense.

I asked Laura about what changes are in LAE’s future. She replied, “We are focused on expanding our elder abuse program by expanding our capacity to address financial elder abuse. Adult Protective Services reports that, of the approximately 700 calls they receive each month, 30 to 40 percent are about financial elder abuse. LGBTQ seniors are particularly at risk for this type of abuse from a caretaker or someone who befriends them, as they are more likely to live alone and be isolated.”

“We are also expanding our Access to Healthcare program,” she added.

“This is a new program and we are continuing to grow it to meet the needs of our seniors. We are investing in these specific programs while we continue to grow our existing programs as the needs of San Francisco’s seniors grow. For example, we continue to receive the most calls for help with housing issues and Eviction Defense continues to be the largest practice group. This group currently has 6 attorneys and we would like to add more because we are not meeting the needs of all of the seniors who are facing evictions.”

She continued, “LAE’s great strength is that we have a network of experienced, dedicated and determined attorneys who work collaboratively in different practice areas. So, a senior can come to us facing eviction for non-payment of rent, but the underlying issue may be that they lost their income because of a problem with Medicare or benefits. In this instance, our Income Support/Benefits attorney can work with our Housing attorney to resolve the income issue and save the housing.”

She concluded: “If you have a legal problem, we are here to help. “ Dr. Marcy Adelman, Co-Founder of the nonprofit Openhouse, oversees the Aging in Community column. She is a psychologist and LGBTQI longevity advocate and policy advisor. She serves on the Alzheimer’s Prevention and Preparedness Task Force, California Commission on Aging, the Board of the Alzheimer’s Association of Northern California and Northern Nevada and the San Francisco Dignity Fund Oversight and Advisory Committee.

KRAMER Judy (continued from page 2) show and going back to their flat for a meal. Their exchange, where the two older gay men talk with their icon, eat an omelet, and even play cards, is truly lovely. This scene becomes even more poignant when Garland sings a slowed-down version of “Get Happy,” which is so heartfelt, it may jerk tears from viewers.

Judy should have more quietly powerful moments like this one. Instead, an embarrassing incident—in which the performer behaves badly in front of an audience—is shocking, but unemotional. Likewise, Judy’s relationship with the much younger Mickey Deans (Finn Wittrock), is more peculiar than satisfying as portrayed here.

Some of the film’s episodes, like the ones with Mickey, simply lack energy. A doctor’s visit, where Garland is told that she needs to take better care of herself, comes off flat. In contrast, Garland is empathetic when she’s responding to a TV show host’s invasive question with candor and sass. Her call to her daughter Lorna (Bella Ramsey), during a particular bout of homesickness, is also affecting.

But Judy really dazzles during its musical numbers, which include a fantastic performance of “Come Rain or Come Shine,” and, of course, “Over the Rainbow,” which

is performed in a scene that is simultaneously corny and forceful.

Zellweger throws herself into the title role and she transcends playing Garland, never falling into camp, or mimicking the singer. She also captures Garland’s mannerisms without making them seem fake. Zellweger’s expressions reveal the fragility of her nature beautifully; she can look scared and apprehensive one minute, and then is all smiles the next.

Judy is all about Garland’s highs and lows. There is real strength when she belts out “For Once in My Life,” deliriously happy with her new husband Mickey, and there is real emotion when she delights in eating a piece of cake during a celebratory moment. However, some of Judy feels underdeveloped, as when it depicts how the performer’s addictions took a toll on her life and career, especially given the emphasis on her backstory.

Judy hits all the notes, but it is Zellweger’s mesmerizing turn that covers up the film’s flaws. © 2019 Gary M. Kramer Gary M. Kramer is the author of “Independent Queer Cinema: Reviews and Interviews,” and the co-editor of “Directory of World Cinema: Argentina.” Follow him on Twitter @garymkramer

TING (continued from page 6) While we await word on the fate of the key housing and recycling bills mentioned previously, I’m already looking forward to the new legislative session that will begin in January. I hope to continue to work on ways to move California forward and to further our progressive ideals.

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

KRAMER Pain and Glory (continued from page 23) These mother-son exchanges are among the film’s most delicate and impactful because of how their relationship has been portrayed over the course of the film. These scenes also provide Salvador with arguably his greatest emotional pain. But Almodóvar resists melodrama or sentiment, and this is why his film is so affecting.

The filmmaker seems to be in top form here, not just in calibrating the story and performances, but also in how he employs his trademark visual style. Yes, there are deep reds in almost every scene, with vibrant tomato cabinets, and gorgeous red backdrops— such as in Alberto’s stage performance.

But there are also vivid yellows, greens, and blues. Almodóvar creates a tone through his use of color like no other filmmaker, and he is working at the height of his powers here.

Likewise, he employs flashbacks and dreams to comment on the action and psychology of the char-

acters, but he thankfully never gets too lost in the story-within-the-story.

Almodóvar is being serious and reflective here, exercising a restraint that keeps the film from veering off into the fantastic or entering the realm of camp. His elegant approach makes the film more touching.

Salvador is a sympathetic character whose coming to terms with his past resonates. Pain and Glory generates tremendous emotion as it unfolds. This is an exceptional film by a mature director who taps into his own pain in ways that create great art. His efforts are buoyed by Banderas’ fantastic performance, which captures that magic. © 2019 Gary M. Kramer Gary M. Kramer is the author of “Independent Queer Cinema: Reviews and Interviews,” and the co-editor of “Directory of World Cinema: Argentina.” Follow him on Twitter @garymkramer

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

O C TO BER 3, 2019

27

BAY TIMES S

A

N

F

R

A

N

C

I

S

C

O

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

COMING UP

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

3 Thursday Remembering A Police Riot: The Castro Sweep of 1989 @ GLBT History Museum, 4127 18th Street. A panel of veteran activists, including Brian Bringardner, Randi Gerson, Gerard Koskovich, Lester Olmstead-Rose and Bryndis Tobin, will discuss their memories of the police action on Friday, October 6, 1989, and discuss the evolution of relations between SFPD and the LGBTQ community. 7-9pm. http:www.glbthistory.org Shanti Project’s “Compassion Is Universal” @ Palace Hotel Grand Ballroom, 2 Montgomery Street. Shanti’s 45th Anniversary will be celebrated at this special evening including a cocktail reception, dinner and program with honorees Hulda Brown, Shanti client; Brisdell Hunte, board member; and Dede Wilsey, philanthropist. 6pm. http://www.shanti.org Cal Performances Trey McLaughlin & The Sounds of Zamar @ Zellerbach Hall #48001, Berkeley. Atlanta’s Trey McLaughlin brings his 20-voice choir to Berkeley for a deep experience of musical communion with a fresh take on familiar hits. 8pm. https://secure.calperformances.org Madeleine Peyroux @ Freight & Salvage, 2020 Addison, Berkeley.

Recording artist and singer/songwriter Peyroux brings the genrechallenging music of her new album, Anthem, to the Bay Area for four nights (October 3-6) at The Freight.

Multiple performance times. http://www.thefreight.org

4 Friday Economic Justice Month Kick-Off @ SF LGBT Community Center, 1800 Market Street. Celebrate the start of Economic Justice Month with upcoming events, including workshops, panels and networking opportunities during October. 5-8:30pm. http://www.sfcenter.org Friday Night Party @ White Horse Inn, 6551 Telegraph Avenue.

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

5 Saturday

ENJOY THE VIEW! CASTRO STREET CAM Live-streaming 24/7 http://sfbaytimes.com/castro-street-cam/

28

SA N FRANCISCO BAY T I ME S

O C TO B E R 3 , 2 0 1 9

Horizons Foundation 2019 Gala and After Party @ The Fairmont San Francisco, 950 Mason.

The Bay Area’s LGBT community foundation hosts its annual event including live and silent auctions, receptions, dinner and program plus after party. 5:30pm. http://www.horizonsfoundaton.org Benefit Screening of 5B @ The Women’s Building, 3543 18th Street. The film presents the inspirational story of the everyday heroes who cared for patients in the first HIV/AIDS ward unit in the U.S. at SF General Hospital. 6pm. http://www.pflagsf.org SF Lesbian/Gay Freedom Band - Fall Community Concert @ Forest Hill Christian Church, 250 Laguna Honda Boulevard. SFLGFB will present an evening

of musical contrasts featuring unique sounds of industrialization opposite nature and much more. 6 pm. http://www.sflgfb.org

6 Sunday Castro Street Fair @ Castro and 18th Streets. The annual street fair founded by Harvey Milk features dancing areas, music stages and merchandise, food and information booths. 11am-6pm. http://www.castrostreetfair.org 6th Annual Harvey Milk Pie Toss @ Castro Street Fair booth hosted by the Harvey Milk LGBTQ Democratic Club, 12-6pm. http://www.milkclub.org Smack Dab Queer Open Mic @ Manny’s, 3092 16th Street.

Writer and performer Diana Cage, LAMBDA Award winning author of The Lesbian Sex Bible, is the featured guest for the open mic hosted by Larry-bob Roberts and Dana Hopkins. 5pm. http://www.welcometomannys.com Arenas Dance Company’s ¡Eso sí! @ EastSide Arts Alliance, Oakland and Dance Mission Theater (October 11-13). The renowned company celebrates the 20th anniversary of choreographer Susana Arenas Pedroso and Afro-Cuban dance, rhythms, songs and stories. https://bit.ly/2mnGe6L Cal Performances presents Maggie Haberman @ Zellerbach Hall #48001, Berkeley. Haberman, a Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist for The New York Times, has been covering Donald Trump for much of her career as a political reporter. 7pm. https://secure.calperformances.org

7 Monday Clemency - Advanced Screening and Q&A @ The Roxie Theater on 16th Street at 6pm followed by the Q&A at Manny’s. This award-winning film presents the story of prison warden Bernadine Williams who confronts psychological and emotional demons created by her job executing inmates. 6pm. http://welcometomannys.com House of Shevil: Does Jolene’s @ Jolene’s Bar, 2700 16th Street. Shows will feature Monty Quilla, Poison Oakland, Superstar Mala, Orphan F. Whorescope, Hennesy Williams, Dollii and DJ’s Gadder, Jtra and Dreamcast. 10:30pm and 12am shows. http://www.jolenessf.com

8 Tuesday Stonewall Reading & Discussion Group @ Strut, 470 Castro Street. This ongoing drop-in group uses books and other written materials to explore substance abuse.

4-5:30pm. http://www.strutsf.org Falling: Stories by Trebor Healey @ Dog Eared Books Castro, 489 Castro Street. Recognized as a skilled writer, Trebor presents a compelling set of stories of hard-won redemption and transformation. 7pm. http://www.dogearedbooks.com

9 Wednesday Castro Farmers Market @ Noe Street, 16th and Market. Every Wednesday through November, the street next to Flore and Lookout is abloom with fresh fruits and vegetables, rain or shine. 5-8pm. http://www.pcfma.org GLBT Book Club @ Dog Eared Books Castro, 489 Castro Street.

The group will discuss Alison Bechdel’s Fun Home: A Family Tragicomic. 7pm. http://www.dogearedbooks.com

10 Thursday CNN Presidential LGBTQ Town Hall Viewing @ Manny’s, 3092 16th Street. CNN and HRC will host a Town Hall focused on LGBT issues and you can watch with friends at Manny’s. 6:00pm. http://welcometomannys.com NightLife LIVE: Nick Hakim @ California Academy of Sciences, Golden Gate Park, 55 Music Concourse Drive. This evening - one in a popular ongoing series, with food and beverage options along with DJs, live music and dancing - features Brooklyn musician Nick Hakim, whose experimental soul music has the sonic luster to transport you to another world. 6pm. http://www.calacademy.org

11 Friday –

NATIONAL COMING OUT DAY GGBA’s Coffee with the President @ Equator Coffee, LinkedIn Building, 222 2nd Street.

GGBA president Gina Grahame invites you to share thoughts each Friday morning through December 6. 7:30-8:30am. http://www.ggba.com And Then We Danced Film Screening @ Sequoia Theater, 25 Throckmorton Avenue, Mill Valley. Presented by The Spahr Center in conjunction with the Mill Valley Film Festival, the film is a comingout and-of-age tale about an aspiring dancer’s trials and tribulations.

3pm. Reception follows at 5pm. http://www.mvff.com My Dad’s Closet: A Father, A Daughter and Their Secret @ GLBT History Museum, 4127 18th Street. In this illustrated presentation, organized for National Coming Out Day on October 11, San Francisco resident Laura Hall recounts the life story of her gay father, Ralph. 7-9pm. http:www.glbthistory.org

12 Saturday Unico(r)n Mini Conference @ Manny’s, 3092 16th Street. SFbiCon, an event series for anyone attracted to more than one gender and all allies, will present workshops on anti-racism, trans awareness and speed dating plus an evening of comedy at Martuni’s.

11am-4pm. http://www.sfbicon.com/unicorn Sing Along Mary Poppins @ Castro Theatre, 429 Castro. Dress up, get your goody bag when you arrive and sing your heart out to

the original Disney classic starting Julie Andrews and Dick Van Dyke. 3:30 & 7pm. Again on Sunday, October 13. http://www.castrotheatre.com

13 Sunday Sunday’s A Drag @ Sir Francis Drake Hotel, Powell Street. Hosted

by Donna Sachet, the event features a brunch and a troupe of entertainers. Described as “The Greatest Drag Show in San Francisco,” we agree that it is great! Every Sunday at 11am. http://www.startlightroomsf.com The Chronicles of San Francisco Exhibit @ SF Museum of Modern Art, 151 Third Street. Internationally recognized artist JR’s work displays the voices of SF as an extraordinary, unique and diverse city. Check ongoing daily times except Mondays. http://www.sfmoma.org

14 Monday – INDIGENOUS PEOPLES’ DAY

Holy Divers Queer Karaoke @ Ivy Room, 860 San Pablo Avenue, Berkeley. Every Monday this karaoke for queer, trans and non-binary folks, friends and allies welcomes all genders led by genderqueer Jockey (KJ) Dana Morrigan. 8pm. http://www.ivyroom.com Pubquiz at Virgil’s Sea Room @ The Big Queer Pubzquiz, 3152 Mission Street. This 90-minute quiz, based on current events and general knowledge with a special theme round, includes five rounds in ninety minutes with free drinks and weird prizes every Monday night. 7:30-9:30pm. nosportstrivai@gmail.com Paint Nite: Sky Full of Blossoms @ Flore, 2298 Market. The event is one in an ongoing series on Mondays where you’ll be provided with paint, canvas, brushes, easels and a professional guide leading you in painting plus you’ll take home your own masterpiece. 7-9pm. http://www.yaymaker.com

15 Tuesday Smart Drinking Group @ Strut, 3rd Floor 470 Castro Street. A weekly drop-in group with no requirements and all goals supported.5:45-7:45pm. http://www.strutsf.org Debate Night: San Francisco’s District Attorney @ Manny’s, 3092 16th Street. SF Chronicle reporter Heather Knight will moderate a debate featuring candidates Leif Dautch, Nancy Tung, Chesa Boudin and Suzy Loftus. 7:30pm. http://welcometomannys.com

16 Wednesday 1st Annual Oakland Comedy Festival @ Multiple locations, Oakland. Continuing through October 20, this new festival highlights Oakland’s comedy scene through workshops, performances and panels. Check schedule. http://www.oaklandcf.com Castro Rotary Meeting @ Hamburger Mary’s, 531 Castro Street. Featured guest is Jeri Fujimoto. 6:30-8pm. Castro Rotary on Facebook Argentine Tango for Gay & Queer Men @ Harvey Milk Center for the Arts, 50 Scott Street.

TangoFix presents an intro class followed by a 5-week Wednesday night series. 7:45pm. TangoFix SF - Men’s Tango on Facebook

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

O C TO BER 3, 2019

29

Rink Photo Throwback ) CELEBRATING FOUR DECADES (1978–2019

1980

Leather Parade & Flag Raising

Photos by Rink

Members and friends of San Francisco’s Leather community on Sunday, September 22, enjoyed the Leather Parade from the Lone Star Saloon to Eagle Plaza, located near The Eagle Tavern. Following the Parade, a large crowd of participants and onlookers joined in the dedication of a new flag pole and the raising of the Leather Flag in Eagle Plaza.

Among those spotted in the crowd were entertainer, philanthropist, activist, and San Francisco Bay Times columnist Donna Sachet; activist, entertainer, and former RuPaul’s Drag Race star Honey Mahogany; Supervisor Matt Haney; Emperor Leandro Gonzalez; PRC’s Cal Callahan; Leather culture icon Race Bannon; Mr. SF Eagle Leather Manny Ojeda; organizer and dedicated longtime activist Tony Brunet; Ms. SF Leather Reika; and many more. https://www.folsomstreetevents.org/

C

leve Jones (1954–) a few years ago shared via social media this 1980 photo that Rink took of him when the renowned activist was 26-years-old.

We enjoyed the back and forth between Cleve and popular entertainer BeBe Sweetbriar that followed.

BeBe: Well, looky here! Sexy, innocent looking.

Thank you!

Cleve: I was never innocent.

BeBe: Operative word ... “looking.”

Rink took numerous photos of Cleve from this period and before, when Cleve was fighting for LGBTQ rights with his friend Harvey Milk, and was a founding contributor to the then newly published San Francisco Bay Times. A year after this particular photo was taken, Cleve went to work in the district office of State Assemblyman Art Agnos (1938–), who seven years later became mayor of San Francisco (1988–1992).

This photo from 1980 captures Cleve just before the HIV/AIDS epidemic struck the nation in 1981. Cleve went on to conceive the AIDS Memorial Quilt and to co-found the San Francisco AIDS Foundation, among other achievements. We urge you to read, or perhaps to reread, his powerful book When We Rise: My Life in the Movement (Hachette Books, 2016) to learn more about his incredible life and accomplishments, which go hand in hand with the evolution of the LGBTQ movement itself these past several decades.

This month, please also join us in wishing Cleve a happy birthday! The still “innocent looking” Libra was born on October 11. https://www.clevejones.com/

As Heard on the Street . . .

What do you think about the new Chase Center?

30

compiled by Rink

Jen Chen

Justin Mancherje

Juanita MORE!

Sister Roma

“It is the stadium of the future”

“It is terrific and I am looking forward to Warriors Games, but tickets are $250, plus there is the traffic situation”

“It’s exciting that the Chase Center has opened since I’m a basketball fan”

“If I could have gotten into the locker room, I would have been there on day #1”

SA N FRANCISCO BAY T I ME S

O C TO B E R 3 , 2 0 1 9

Round About - All Over Town

Photos by Rink

CASTRO STREETCAM presented by

Kin Folkz, William Walker and Alex U. Inn were on hand for the San Francisco Pride Annual Meeting at the SF LGBT Community Center on September 21. Alex U. Inn was among the new Board members elected.

Dancer Phillip Ruise performed at Jane Warner Plaza on September 21.

http://sfbaytimes.com/

items of the week

A trio of friendly greeters representing Nesquik offered samples on the sidewalk outside of Rossi’s Deli on Castro Street on Friday, September 20.

SF Pride board member Bruce Beaudette with Lisa Williams, Sponsorship Manager, at the SF LGBT Center on September 21

Ooni Koda Outdoor Pizza Oven Your time is precious, so make it count.

Ooni Koda fires out jaw-dropping pizzas in 60 seconds flat. No assembly, no mess, no fuss. Cooking outdoors with gas has never been so simple (or so beautiful). In stock now at Cliff’s Variety.

Guests sampled wines at Grubstake Diner on Polk Street during the annual Polk Street Wine Walk on September 27.

More guests at Grubstake Diner during the Polk Street Wine Walk on September 27.

Frieling Black Cube Frying Pans

Charo, a celebrity whose career spans well over five decades, was recently featured in a special show at Herbst Theatre, presented by Kung Pao Kosher Comedy’s Lisa Geduldig.

If you’re one of those people that can destroy any non-stick frypan, this is the pan for you. Frieling has created a nearly indestructible hybrid pan.

The PFOE free non-stick surface sits in a stainless steel hexagonal lattice that allows you to use metal utensils without the risk of scratching the surface. Durable and beautiful!

I

Guest Carol Batte (left) with Hamilton cast member Marja Harmon at the reception held in conjunction with the play’s screening

Morningstar Vancil cut the cake presented during the Fall Fling of the Alexander Hamilton American Legion Post on September 19.

Frameline’s Paul Struthers attended the 9th Annual Green Film Festival Opening Night at the Castro Theatre on September 24.

Public relations guru Beth Schnitzer joined cast members from Hamilton on September 16, during the reception at REAF’s One NIght Only Benefit Cabaret event.

REAF co-producer Ken Henderson (center) welcomed guests attending the One Night Only Benefit Cabaret event at the Marines’ Memorial Theater on September 16.

n times of economic uncertainty, it is more important than ever to shop local. It keeps San Francisco fun and interesting and directly supports our local economy.

Members and friends gathered at the Veterans Building on September 19 for the Alexander Hamilton American Legion Post 448 Fall Fling.

Green Film Festival founder and CEO Rachel Caplan spoke during the Opening Night program at the Castro Theatre on September 24.

The Castro Theatre’s marquee announced the premiere of the film Push on Opening Night of the 9th Green Film Festival.

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

O C TO BER 3, 2019

31

First LGBTQ Night at Chase Center! Warriors vs. Suns Wednesday, October 30

LIMITED TICKETS AVAILABLE NOW! Ticket Information Contact: Lexxi Price 510-740-7518 LPrice@warriors.com Tickets Online: Warriors.com/baytimes Promo Code: sfbaytimes