San Francisco Bay Times - September 5, 2024

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LGBTQ News & Calendar for the Bay Area

CELEBRATING FOUR DECADES Est. 1978 September 5–18, 2024 http://sfbaytimes.com

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PRIMARY IMAGE OF THE MURAL LOVE LETTER TO OAKLAND BY DAVID BURKE, HUNGRY GHOST PRODUCTIONS, BAY AREA MURAL FESTIVAL; PHOTOGRAPHED BY JAY GALVIN

Welcome to Oakland Pride 2024! By George Jeffery Smith III Hello, San Francisco Bay Times Readers, My name is George Jeffery Smith III, and I am the President of the Board of Directors of Oakland Pride Inc. On behalf of our Board, sponsors, vendors, and volunteers, we would like to extend a warm invitation to you to join us for our 14th Annual LGBTQ+ Parade & Festival, taking place on Sunday, September 8, 2024, from 11 am to 6 pm in Uptown Oakland.

community where everyone belongs. We invite you to come together with us to celebrate life, love, and the vibrant diversity that make Oakland so special. Oakland Pride continues to be a beacon of positive change and inclusivity.

Congratulations to the San Francisco Bay Times serving as our 2024 Grand Marshal for our Parade, powered by Kaiser Permanente! Please visit us online ( https://www.oaklandpride.org/ ) for event tickets and Parade and Festival information.

Our 2024 Oakland Pride Weekend promises to be one of our most exciting events yet, featuring a stellar lineup of performers who embody the spirit of our community. We are honored to welcome queer platinum-selling artist and mainstage headliner Da Brat, a rap legend who became the first solo female rapper to exceed one million records sold with Da Brat her 1994 debut album, Funkdafied.

Da Brat is also a prolific writer and beloved television and radio personality.

Oakland Pride is more than just a festival; it is a celebration of our shared vision for a

She will be joined by other talented LGBTQ+ artists, including Kayne the

Lovechild and more. On the Latin stage, we are thrilled to welcome headliner and breakout star Wendy Guevara, an international trans singer, winner of an MTV Millennial Award, groundbreaking winner of Mexico’s Celebrity Big Brother, TV personality, and businesswoman. Her powerful presence and voice will electrify and inspire us all.

Also, in the Parade on Sunday, September 8, will be community leaders Anita Thomas, Juniper Peraza, and the Grand Ducal Council of Alameda and Contra Costa Counties. You can read more about these inspirational people (including the San Francisco Bay Times) at www.oaklandpride.org/grandmarshal Oakland Pride is also promoting other related events, including Cinemama’s Real Queer Flix on Wednesday, September 4, at 6:30 pm at the Grand Lake Theater, and Visit Oakland’s “Pride Honors” at Bardo

Lounge & Supper Club on Thursday, September 5, at 5:30 pm. Both of these events are located in Oakland’s new Lakeshore LGBTQ Cultural District. Additionally, Children’s Fairyland will present their Family Pride activity on Saturday, September 7.

Oakland Pride is a celebration of our city’s resilience—rising above challenges and coming together in love and peace. Next year, 2025, will mark 15 years of Oakland Pride, and we are already planning a celebration like no other. Stay tuned and Happy Pride!

George Jeffery Smith III is the President of the Oakland Pride Board of Directors.

The Perfect Oakland Pride Weekend Itinerary

About Our Cover

(Editor’s Note: Visit Oakland has compiled this itinerary for a perfect Oakland Pride weekend. Even if you cannot make Oakland Pride this year, we encourage you to visit the mentioned locations in the weeks and months to come.)

The cover of this September 5, 2024, issue of the San Francisco Bay Times is literally a Love Letter to Oakland. That is the title of the mural that is central to the image. Located at 4th and Oak Streets in Oakland, the mural was completed in 2018 as part of the Bay Area Mural Festival. The individuals depicted in it are internationally recognized poet and activist Tureeda Ture Ade Mikell ( https://bit.ly/3ZbvQPw ), Emmy Award winner and artist James Gayles ( https://bit.ly/3XqDrsh ), 2019 Oakland Youth Poet Laureate Samuel Getachew ( https://bit.ly/479GwAa ), and multimedia artist Vanessa “Agana” Espinoza ( https://bit.ly/3X6HMzz ).

The Oakland Tribune Tower is also shown in the mural that overall symbolizes the passing of the torch/light from one generation to the next. This care and concern linking generations is always evident at Oakland Pride, where LGBTQ+ achievements are celebrated and honored while also planning for the future.

Oakland boasts one of the highest concentrations of LGBTQ+ households in the nation, and has long enjoyed LGBTQ+ leadership in local government. Oakland’s vibrant LGBTQ+ community is complemented by a thriving LGBTQ+ business community. If you’re coming to Oakland to enjoy its uniquely timed, family-friendly Pride Parade and Festival, here’s an excellent itinerary.

Moxy Hotel

Friday: Dinner and a Movie Arriving in Oakland on Friday, check into the colorful Moxy Hotel, a hip new lodge in the heart of the artsy, entertainment-focused Uptown District of downtown. From there, you have quick access to the

Howden Market

heart of Oakland, and you’re just a few blocks from the Oakland Pride event.

Begin your Oakland Pride weekend with dinner and a movie! You can often find LGBTQ+-centric cinema at Oakland’s art-house movie theaters, including the Victorian-era Piedmont Theater, the extravagant Grand Lake Theater, or the unique New Parkway.

The New Parkway sits close to the stylish, LGBTQ+ Friends & Family bar and eatery, and is just steps from the lively, vegan-friendly Telegraph Beer Garden—all within three blocks of The Moxy.

For a more formal meal than local bar bites, you can find buzzy Parche a few blocks down West Grand from The Moxy. The Michelin-recommended, Colombian-inspired restaurant enjoys a soaring reputation reflected in its hip patrons and a lively atmosphere. Don’t miss the creative cocktail menu featuring tropical fruits!

Saturday: Out on the Town Start your Saturday with brunch at LGBTQ+owned Home of Chicken and Waffles in the Jack London District, a long walk or a short bus ride (#12 or #72) from Broadway. Enjoy their signature dish

The mural was so well received that a second one, Love Letter to Oakland #2, was created at 51st and Shattuck Streets, and a third is now at Wattling and High Streets. For more information about those works: https://bit.ly/3Xs9BDP Members of the Bay Times team who live in Oakland value this forever underappreciated city that has some of the Bay Area’s most beautiful parks—there are 162!—incredible opportunities for viewing local plants and wildlife, restaurants and cafés that capture the essence of their neighborhoods, and most of all, a diverse population that reflects so many facets of America and the American dream. It is little wonder that Vice President Kamala Harris was born in this city so rich with hope and potential. Her family retains deep ties to Oakland that have not been reported on much, and we will share more about that in a future issue.

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Photos by Asri Wulandari

Oakland Pride 2024 Grand Marshals

Queer in Oakland

The San Francisco Bay Times is honored to have been selected as a Grand Marshal of this year’s Oakland Pride. Here are the other 2024 Oakland Pride Grand Marshals:

Compiled by Marsha H. Levine

Anita Thomas - Thomas is a distinguished community activist and public orator with a remarkable 25-year career dedicated to HIV and mental health services.

Jupiter Peraza - Transgender activist, organizer, DACA recipient, and thought leader on a variety of social justice issues such as trans civil rights and immigrant advocacy, Peraza spearheaded efforts to establish Transgender History Month first in San Francisco and then in the State of California.

Oakland has become, in many ways, even more LGBTQ+ diverse than San Francisco, and with the upcoming 14th Annual LGBTQ+ Oakland Pride Parade and Festival, which will be showcased on Sunday, September 8, from 11 am until 6 pm.

More than that one celebration each year, Oakland’s rich culture is present every day.

The Royal Grand Ducal Council of Alameda & Contra Costa Counties - Since 1998, the Royal Grand Ducal Council of Alameda & Contra Costa Counties has been a hub of social activities and fundraising by and for the queer community.

Anita Thomas

Jupiter Peraza

More information about all of the 2024 Oakland Pride Grand Marshals is at https://bit.ly/3Z7YIrS

The Importance of a Collaborative Pride Movement

By Marsha H. Levine After many years of events run by Pride organizers in a major metropolitan city, a smaller, neighboring city only separated by a bridge and a bay is inspired to do their own locally flavored festival. Several years later, I stepped into the Parade Manager role to assist them with their first Parade, sharing my skills to help make it successful.

The example that began this short commentary could accurately describe any number of collaborative Pride organizations in metropolitan areas across the country and the world.

But it is a real story—that of San Francisco Pride and Oakland Pride. I’ve been honored to serve the former for the last 39 years (and still going), advising Oakland Pride along the way. And, with great honor, I recently accepted the invitation to join the Oakland Pride Board of Directors.

The two organizations do not see each other as competitors; as a matter of fact, the elder organization has offered support in a variety of ways, to help get them started and continue to grow.

It is proven that we all grow together when we work together.

It doesn’t matter if some of the larger event’s board members and staff participate in the production, even serving on their board of directors, too, or as volunteers/contractors—sharing expertise comes naturally, organically. It’s also natural they would welcome the participation by several sponsors, community groups, and local businesses.

Quickly, the younger organization becomes another major event in the immediate area that both share, and they are looking forward to their 15th anniversary next year.

This is the vision I had when I created the organization now known as InterPride, and the vision I shared when Sue Doster and Ron deHarte approached me about starting the United States Association of Prides.

This is the stewardship I imagined the more established Prides would embody through mentorship with younger or start-up Prides. This is the dream, that kinship would generate inspiration and exponentially increase the Pride movement.

And it has done all of that; InterPride started with less than 50 Pride organizations existing nationwide 42 years ago. Now, there are more than 400 internationally. USA Prides started strong with a well-established base and is poised to grow stronger.

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There are more examples beyond my experience in San Francisco and Oakland. Multiple Prides in a single locale working in collaborative and symbiotic ways is becoming more common.

Some have split purposes: One might highlight a parade, while the other organizes a festival. Perhaps political advocacy is showcased in one, hosting a compendium that educates about social (in)justice and actions that can be taken, contrasting with another’s extravaganza focus on the arts and culture.

This is part of what makes membership in USA Prides—and, by extension, InterPride—so valuable. Here, collaboration, unity, and networking are valued, connecting you with peer organizations in your own region, across the country, and the world. Mentorship, either informally or more formally, occurs between smaller groups and larger groups. Opportunities for sharing lessons learned and best practices come through district meetings, the national conference, or in more personal outreaches and volunteer exchanges, as Pride organizers visit each other and shadow leaders in other cities.

I’ve often said the biggest value of a collaborative Pride movement is our ability to learn from and support each other.

Amazing things happen when you stop competing and start working to complete the circle—linking with each other and creating a chain of love.

Marsha H. Levine is a Founder and past Co-President of InterPride. She is the immediate past Co-President of USA Prides, a longtime board member and staffer for San Francisco Pride, and a past board member and President of the Boston Lesbian/Gay Pride Committee. She currently serves on the board of Oakland Pride and as Co-Chair of InterPride’s Governance Committee.

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Certainly, one of the keystones of the community is the Oakland LGBTQ+ Community Center, whose mission is dedicated to enhancing and sustaining the well-being of lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer (LGBTQ ) individuals, our families and allies, by providing educational, social, and health-related activities, programs and services.

Founded in June 2017 by Jeff Myers and Joe Hawkins, it is one of very few centers established nationally by African Americans, and first in the State of California. Offering various services, including a health center, they’ve enjoyed amazing growth and robust engagement. Plan to stop by the center at 3207 Lakeshore Avenue, (entrance on Rand Avenue) during their office hours (Monday–Friday, noon to 6 pm) or during scheduled events posted on their calendar: https://bit.ly/3ZbyGnE Looking for a resource guide for queer cultural events and businesses in Oakland? New to the area and want to find community? Check out Queer in Oakland for places to eat, shop, meet, engage ( www.queerinoakland.com/ ).

One can also pull up a listing of LGBTQ+ activities by searching for queer and Oakland using the Eventbrite app.

Is the nightlife more your style and interest? Here’s a story about the emerging scene presented earlier this year by KQED, the San Francisco Bay Area’s leading nonprofit radio station: https://bit.ly/3Z4esME (continued on page 22)

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Supporting Small Businesses in the Castro & Beyond

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LGBTQ News & Calendar for the Bay Area

Landmark’s Piedmont Theatre

In the case of the Piedmont, it is also a historic treasure that will soon be celebrating its 108th Anniversary! (For some reason, local theatres tend to focus on the years of present management or a particular remodeling, so Landmark is “celebrating 50 years,” but the theatre is actually turning 108 on September 15. That is because musician Dave Rosebrook first opened the Piedmont Theatre in 1917 as a single screen movie house with a Wurlitzer organ. (An even earlier Piedmont opened in 1914 as a nickelodeon. It was at 3970 Piedmont Avenue and was run by Emil and Katherine Heber.)

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PHOTO BY PATRICIA A./YELP

Landmark’s Piedmont Theatre, as for other neighborhood theatres, is more than just a welcoming place to see a movie.

It is a home away from home where the longtime staff members get to know customers by name and ask how other family members are doing. It is a place that brings cooling relief on a hot summer or fall day, and that provides warmth and comfort when the winter rains come.

Front of Piedmont Theatre after renovations (1945)

PHOTO BY POINA DORFMA

In 1934, the Piedmont Theatre underwent a major Art Deco remodeling by Alexander A. Cantin, during which time the balcony was added. The Piedmont Theatre now focuses on independent and foreign cinema. As with the nearby Grand Lake Theatre, its balcony has been converted into two smaller theaters, bringing the total number of screens to three.

It underwent further remodeling in 2011, and the publishers of the San Francisco Bay Times were present at the grand reopening.

They were delighted to see that, instead of packing the main Newspaper clipping of announcement in 1917 of the Piedmont theatre with extra Theatre’s opening on September 15 seats to earn more money, the owners focused on guest comfort instead. The rows are roomy and the seats are plush and very comfortable. Even the popcorn is a cut above the usual snack fare.

(Members of our team during the difficult COVID years regularly purchased snacks from the theatre to help support it.)

What’s more, the Piedmont Theatre is a regular venue for multiple film festivals including the San Francisco Jewish Film Festival, CAAMFest, and the LGBTQ+ community’s own Frameline.

(2023)

PHOTO BY ZAMEIRA SINGER

PHOTO BY TOM WOOD

PHOTO BY TOM WOOD

There is nothing like watching a film in community. Additionally, on the television or computer screen, details are often not visible, the sound is of such a lesser quality, and much of the creators’ vision is lost. In this here today gone tomorrow world, there is a reason why theatres such as the Piedmont have lasted for so long. Like the also historic Fentons Creamery that is just steps away, it is a destination that we hope will be around for still many more National Popcorn decades to come.

Day observed at Piedmont Theatre

The Piedmont Theatre 4186 Piedmont Avenue Oakland 510-985-1252 or 1-888-7-CINEMA https://bit.ly/3Z8DVVi

The Supporting Small Businesses in the Castro & Beyond page is sponsored by Anne Sterling Dorman S AN F R A NC IS C O BAY T IM ES

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ELECTION 2024 A Look Back at the Democratic National Convention

The imminent threat to our democracy posed by former President Donald Trump— who has been convicted on 34 felony counts (with more cases pending); who has been indicted for trying to overturn the 2020 election and attempting to prevent the peaceful transition of power; who, through his Supreme Court appointments, helped overturn the precedents of Roe v Wade, the Chevron Doctrine, and affirmative action in college admissions; and whose association to Project 2025 (affectionately described as the new authoritarian playbook) makes clear his objective to further divide our country and dismantle our democracy—certainly gives credence to the oft used rallying cry that this is, in fact, the most consequential election of our lifetime.

The DNC’s official Delegate Welcome Party at the Navy Pier on the lake featured brilliant local bands, celebrity guests such as the original Luke Skywalker actor Mark Hamill, and a giant 450-pound cheesecake. I sadly didn’t get to taste a slice of that epic cheesecake, as I was busy trying not to be too overwhelmed by the hundreds of Democrats milling about the room grabbing selfies with one another and munching on some of Chicago’s famous deep-dish pizza and hot dogs. I did, however, run into several delegates I knew from across California, including a few from San Francisco. Sadly, I couldn’t stay too long at the official delegate party, because all of the LGBTQ+ events were happening at that same time on the other side of town, so I hopped into a cab and headed to Northalsted.

The queer mixers were all centered in the heart of Boystown and hosted by national LGBTQ+ organizations like the Human Rights Campaign, the Victory Fund, and Advocates for Trans Equality. I was able to meet many LGBTQ+ volunteers, activists, delegates, and electeds from across the country including Pennsylvania State September 17 Representative Fresh Starts - Trans Femme Support Malcolm Kenyatta, Group 6–8 PM SF LGBT Center Illinois State Senator September 18 Mike Simmons, and Transintentional - a Transmasc Michigan State Community Group 6–7:30 PM Senator Jeremy Moss.

SF LGBT Center As much fun as I had September 18 that first evening in Name & Gender Change Assistance Chicago, I tried to Workshop - by The Transgender District make it an early night.

5:30–7:30 PM 1067 Market St. I had to be up early September 19–21 the next morning for Sean Dorsey Dance 20th Anniversary my first official day.

Still, many people, especially young people, were not excited to vote for 81-year-old incumbent President Joe Biden. But when President Biden announced he would not be

Every Thursday Gender Youthphoria Support Group (for TGNCI Youth Ages 16–24) 4:30–6:30 PM SF LGBT Center September 5 Lip Sync Battle Hosted by The Transgender District Contestant Sign Up: 4:30 PM Crazy Horse 980 Market St. September 7 T4T Live - Ft. Commando, Tory Teasley, Star Amerasu & More! 3–8 PM Great American Music Hall. SF September 7 T4T Live - Official Afterparty 9 –11 PM Mother Bar, SF September 16 Name & Gender Change Clinic @ Trans Thrive 5–7 PM 1460 Pine St. 6

Season 8 PM Z Space, SF

September 26 Haus of Thrive: A Showcase of Trans Excellence 6–8 PM El Rio, SF

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The actual convention was both more fun than I thought it would be, and more stressful. Our days started at 7:30 am

when we would pick up our daily credentials. For the California delegates (and I imagine this was true of many of the other delegations), this was followed by an 8 am breakfast and speaking program where we got to hear from Democratic leadership from across the state and beyond.

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As a lifelong Democrat and activist, and as someone who has served for years on San Francisco’s Democratic County Central Committee, I was honored to be elected as a delegate to the Democratic National Convention this year, especially given all that is at stake in the upcoming election.

Chicago is an incredible city: bustling, green, vibrant, and diverse. The people are wonderfully friendly, and the weather that week was sunny and balmy but not too hot. It was perfect. Of course, I didn’t really get to see much of Chicago or spend very much time outdoors because, as soon as I landed, I was off to my first event.

The day continued with a trip to the convention center. Caucus meetings started at 9:30 am and went as late as 3:15 pm. While there, people could stop by one of the many Exposition Booths in the Hall, or grab lunch at the food hall in between caucus meetings, but the long security lines between the caucus meeting area and the exposition hall made going back and forth between the two an ordeal.

While I was at the LGBTQ Caucus on the first day, I was able to catch up with my Drag Race sisters BenDeLaCreme and Peppermint, who spoke on a panel and were there representing Drag PAC. DeLa and Peppermint spent the next few days conducting interviews throughout the convention. The Drag PAC also hosted a drag show and fundraiser during the convention where Willam and Detox performed, and DeLa and myself spoke about the importance of voting.

This year’s DNC was historic for many reasons, including the record number of trans people who were elected and appointed to represent their states: 50 transgender and nonbinary individuals served as delegates to the DNC. We also heard from trans elected officials such as Precious Brady-Davis, the first Black trans woman to be elected in Cook County; Delaware State Senator and Candidate for Congress Sarah McBride; and Virginia State Senator Danica Roem. I also ran into and was able to speak with Imara Jones, founder of Translash Media, for her podcast. We spoke about the recent Trans for Harris call we both participated in, and reflected on how much is at stake for trans people, in particular, in the upcoming election.

By far the most exciting part about the DNC was the big Convention Program at the United Center. As a matter of protocol, the

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Trans Action with Honey Mahogany

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It was amidst all of this excitement, and following a virtual roll call that made Vice President Kamala Harris the Democratic Party’s nominee for President, that I traveled to Chicago for my very first DNC.

PHOTO COURTESY OF LISA WILLIAMS

seeking reelection and immediately endorsed Vice President Kamala Harris, the response was electric. The shift from simply voting for the status quo, to voting for the first woman of color to be President, led to the Harris campaign raising over $200 million and signing up 170,000 new volunteers within their first week.

Presidential nominee’s home state gets seating front and center, which was incredibly lucky. I’d heard from several people that normally California, as a safe Democratic stronghold, was often put towards the back with preferred seating given to swing states.

But not this year. This year, California was front and center every night for the main event.

All of the Democratic Party’s heaviest hitters spoke on stage at the main Convention Program. A few of my favorites included: Representative Malcolm Kenyatta, Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, Senators Elizabeth Warren and Bernie Sanders, former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, and my all-time favorite, who blew the roof off of the United Center on Tuesday night, former First Lady Michelle Obama.

The night of the roll call votes was another highlight of the Convention. While California didn’t have cheese hats, or Lil Jon as part of our roll call, Governor Gavin Newsom led the California Delegation’s historic roll call and announced the allocation of all of our state’s 496 delegate votes in support of our very own Kamala Harris in a mic (continued on page 18)

ELECTION 2024 Highlights of the 2024 Democratic National Convention By Hon. Leslie R. Katz Photos Courtesy of Hon. Leslie Katz

I was honored to recently attend the Democratic National Convention in Chicago, the queerest and one of the most exciting conventions in recent memory. There were countless amazing speeches, and like many other conventions, it was clear that a few breakout presentations would prepare some for successful future endeavors (think Senate candidate Barack Obama in 2004).

Joyful Faces Among the LGBTQ+ Community Members Who Attended the 2024 DNC

What didn’t always get reported on was the extraordinary unity, energy, comradery, excitement and genuine warmth and kindness at the convention. Each night featured numerous speakers who all built upon a theme, upon those who spoke before them, and did exactly what they were supposed to accomplish each evening. They made us laugh, cry, stand up, and cheer, and at times genuinely brought fun back to the political arena.

Our own homegrown leader, Vice President Kamala Harris, has generated such a level of enthusiasm amongst not only the party “faithful” but also amongst younger voters, communities of color, Black women (at last receiving recognition for always leading in tough times), and from South Asian Americans. Every community that was represented at the convention felt seen, heard, and appreciated.

Each day there were, literally, hundreds of various events taking place in advance of the formal convening in the evening. There were programs for each state, including a California breakfast every morning with big name speakers from Mayor Karen Bass to Governors Whitmer, Shapiro, and Pritzker; Secretary of Transportation Buttigieg; Dolores Huerta; First Partner Jennifer Siebel Newsom; and others.

There was a gathering for Asian American and

Pacific Islanders, for Black women, for technology talks, for media preparations, for discussions concerning reproductive freedom, and so much more.

After the evenings concluded at the United Center, there were parties all throughout the city, such as a San Francisco bash with The Killers playing, T-Pain at a concluding concert, John Legend appearing at the California Gala with the soon-to-be First Gentleman ... and those are just a few.

Some daytime highlights for me included attending the Speaker Emerita’s Women’s Leadership luncheon featuring Billy Porter. Billy played for about thirty minutes and it was a treat to see so many members of Congress dancing up in front (some even had some good moves). The drag brunch was fabulous! And then there were many very serious sessions on timely topics.

It must also be emphasized that this was “the queerest DNC Convention ever” with 17% of the delegates identifying as LGBTQ+. Sunday evening had a great pair of gatherings for the queer community and allies with many

events hosted by EQCA, HRC, Equality PAC (the previously mentioned drag brunch) as well as sessions on helping elect more members of the community to various offices (thank you, Victory Campaign).

In summary, this convention got people excited.

The nominee introduced herself in a profound way throughout the four days. We got to know Governor Walz—the football coach who led the Gay-Lesbian Student Alliance at his high school—and there wasn’t a dry eye in the arena when his son pointed out, “That’s my dad!”

The convention accomplished what was needed and necessary with no wrong moves. However, the work just began. We all know what we will be facing if the Harris–Walz ticket is not successful. We can’t be complacent. Everyone needs to go full tilt in whatever ways they can— by calling into swing states, giving whatever they are comfortable donating, heading to swing states to turn out our voters, emailing or writing to family members in key states, and generally getting the word out for this ticket and for those down ballot (Congress, school boards, etc.).

We have a chance to have our Bay Area values represented in the White House. Let’s all ensure that happens.

Local Democrats headed to Chicago last month for the Democratic National Convention (DNC) in support of their party and colleague, friend, and Bay Area native Vice President Kamala Harris. The 496 delegates and 35 alternates who comprised the California delegation included a strong percentage of LGBTQ+ community members, many of whom either live in the Bay Area or have strong local ties.

Additionally attending from the Bay Area were numerous LGBTQ+ Democrats who serve the Harris–Walz campaign in various roles as volunteers, campaign staffers, donors, and more.

Among those were current and former San Francisco Bay Times contributors including the Hon. Leslie Katz, Honey Mahogany, and El Cerrito Mayor Pro Tem Carolyn Wysinger—as well as regular readers and friends too numerous to name.

Katz and others have made available original photos depicting their experiences at the DNC in Chicago and we hope you will enjoy the selection included in this issue.

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(top) Billy Porter with Rep. Nancy Pelosi (left) Hon. Leslie R. Katz with Governor Gavin Newsom

Hon. Leslie R. Katz, who attended the 2024 Democratic National Convention, is a Partner at Practus, LLP. She is also a former elected official and former technology company executive who presently serves on the Board of Equality California.

Rink Throwback: Kamala Harris

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San Francisco Bay Times lead photographer Rink took this photo of then San Francisco District Attorney Kamala Harris in 2005. This was just a year into her office, which lasted until 2011 when she was sworn in as the 32nd Attorney General of California.

In 2005, D.A. Harris launched Back on Track, an innovative reentry initiative aimed at reducing recidivism among low-level drug-trafficking defendants. Participants had to be between the ages of 18–30, finish school, find employment, and complete all of the terms of their personal responsibility plan (PRP). More information about the program is at https://bit.ly/4eaRhoj Back on Track was later recognized as a national model by the National District Attorneys Association and the U.S. Department of Justice. It was just one of her achievements that year that gained not only state but also national attention.

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In 2005, Harris was also profiled on The Oprah Winfrey Show. Winfrey called her a “superstar prosecutor,” again helping to introduce her at a national level. A clip from that program is at https://bit.ly/3MwrrPQ The show was one of the first times Harris quoted, for a widespread viewership, her mother’s now famous statement: “You may be the first to do many things, but make sure you are not the last.”

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Democracy Is Not a Spectator Sport ballot measures and propositions that could have consequential effects on our daily lives.

If you haven’t already, it’s time to start paying attention to the down ballot.

In San Francisco, for example, we will be voting for mayor, for several seats on the Board of Supervisors, and, of course, on local propositions. Other cities in the Bay Area are holding similar races. The outcomes of all of these elections will affect our daily lives, so it is important to do your homework before casting your ballot. Fortunately, there are resources to help you.

In Case You Missed It Joanie Juster Election season is upon us now, big time.

The Democrats and Republicans have both chosen their presidential candidates. They have held their conventions. They have shared their platforms with us, the voters. They have begun their ad campaigns, and are flooding social media. They are overwhelming our in-boxes with increasingly urgent pleas for donations. It’s all quite exhausting, and time consuming, and overwhelming.

While the presidential race this election season is sucking up all the air in the room, and will have a massive impact on our country and our lives, it isn’t the only race being run.

There are consequential elections for office at the state and local level, and there are

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One of the most useful resources for voters is also one of the oldest and most reliable: the League of Women Voters (LWV), who do a darned fine job of providing tools to help us all become more educated and responsible voters. LWV is a nonpartisan political nonprofit created during the women’s suffrage movement of the early 20th century that has become a respected source of information to encourage voting and participation in government. A national organization, it also has branches at the state and local level, including League of Women Voters of San Francisco, and League of Women Voters of the Bay Area. Among the services they provide are training for community members so they can register voters. They can also hold a voter registration drive at your company, organization, or event.

California and San Francisco are notorious for their long, complicated ballots. Here

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again, the LWV is here to help, providing candidate forums where you can get to know the candidates for public office, and their well-regarded Pros & Cons Guide— nonpartisan information about election ballot measures.

Here are a couple of links to get you started. Let’s do our homework! https://lwvsf.org/ https://my.lwv.org/california/bay-area Want to Do More Than Just Vote?

Disco for Democracy!

As usual, our friends at Manny’s are going all-out for democracy this election season, including an event you absolutely won’t want to miss. On September 12 they are holding a blow-out dance party at SVN West, featuring DJ performances by Austin Millz David Harness, and more, plus roller skating outdoors on the rooftop! Funds raised at the event will support bussing election volunteers to Nevada each weekend leading up to the election, in a massive getout-the-vote effort. Grab your tickets now; this is sure to sell out: https://tinyurl.com/DiscoDem24

Hate Crimes Presentation on September 12 Public safety is a responsibility we all share; we all need to be aware, and take care of ourselves and our neighbors. To that end, the San Francisco Police Department LGBTQ+ Advisory Forum is offering a Hate Crimes Presentation on Thursday, September 12, at Most Holy Redeemer Church from 7–9 pm. The focus of this presentation will be to help the public understand the legal requirements and definitions of a “hate crime” at the state and/or federal level, and to dispel any inaccurate and unhelpful myths that circulate in the community.

The goal is to help attendees understand the actual hate crime statutes, how hate crimes (continued on page 23)

Getting Us Out of Our Cars to Walk & Bike More oring me with a “Gets the Wheel Turning” Award. Organization leaders say I’ve been a strong and thoughtful ally in Sacramento for pedestrians and bicyclists. I thank them for the recognition and firmly believe we don’t need to rely on our vehicles for everything.

Assemblymember Phil Ting As a father, I worry about the condition our planet will be in for our kids. That’s why, as an Assemblymember, I’ve worked hard to enact policies and make investments in our state that help us fight climate change, reducing the harm we’re doing to the earth.

I’ve particularly tried to get more people out of their cars to walk or bike to their destinations. Not only is active transportation better for our environment, but it’s also good for our health.

For this commitment, Streetsblog California and Streetsblog San Francisco are hon-

One of my earliest wins was AB 1193 back in 2014. I was the first state lawmaker to champion protected bike lanes, which help increase bike ridership on a street and make people feel safer. That feeling of security can often steer residents toward taking their bike instead of their car. It’s gratifying to see many California cities adopt these protected lanes, giving resident an alternative to driving.

My latest effort is AB 2669, a ban preventing a sidewalk toll from being charged on state-owned bridges, plus the Golden Gate Bridge. A cost-free approach ensures equitable access to bridges, encouraging people to pursue climate friendly modes of transportation to help cut carbon emissions.

A decade ago, the Golden Gate Bridge, Highway and Transportation District con(continued on page 22)

Oakland Roots: Soccer Returns to Oakland in 2025 As we look forward to 2025 and the future of sports in Oakland, we can add the return of soccer. Earlier this month, I joined the Oakland Roots Soccer Club to announce they will play their 2025 home games at the historic Oakland Coliseum. This move marks a significant milestone for our city, bringing professional soccer back to Oakland and revitalizing a venue with a special place in our community’s heart.

Out of the Closet and into City Hall

(continued on page 22)

PHOTO BY ANA TELLEZ-WITRAGO

Oakland City Councilmember At-Large, Rebecca Kaplan

The Oakland Coliseum has been the stage for countless memorable moments in sports history. From the roar of the crowd during baseball and football games to the electric atmosphere of concerts and events, the Coliseum is more than just a stadium—it is a symbol of Oakland’s resilience, diversity, and

Oakland Root players and Root’s President Barenz, Council President Bas, Mayor Thao, AASEG owner Bobbitt, Alameda Supervisor Haubert, and Council member Kaplan at the Oakland Roots press conference at the Colisieum.

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Amsterdam Canal Pride: ‘Together We Are Strong’

Images courtesy of John Lewis and Stuart Gaffney

waving, dancing, and singing, as members of the refugee contingent in last month’s spectacular Amsterdam Canal Pride celebration.

6/26 and Beyond Stuart Gaffney and John Lewis Off in the distance, we glimpsed a boat packed to the gills with African refugees.

It was carrying some of the countless refugees who have fled Africa in search of freedom and safety in recent years. Thousands of such refugees have, in fact, died or gone missing as they have attempted to traverse the Mediterranean Sea to reach Europe.

But this boat was not attempting the harrowing journey across the Mediterranean.

It was in very different waters—those of the Netherlands. And the boat was not about to capsize with its passengers frantically gesturing for help or calling out in desperation.

Indeed, the passengers on this boat were doing the opposite. They were jubilant LGBTIQ African refugees, smiling,

As far as we know, Amsterdam Canal Pride is unique.

Instead of contingents making their way down the streets of the central city on foot or on flatbed trucks, buses, and convertibles, the Canal Pride parade takes place all on the John Lewis and Stuart Gaffney at Amsterdam Canal Pride water. Over 80 elaborately (something we underdecorated boats glide through the extensive stand has happened in canal system of central Amsterdam and are filled with as many celebrants from across the the past!).

Netherlands’ very diverse queer community And thousands upon as the boats can hold without tipping over thousands of people fill the streets that line the canals or hang out on private boats to watch the parade and join in the celebration. We were lucky to arrive early enough to nab a prime viewing spot on a small bridge overlooking one of the canals where we could cheer each contingent as they approached and ultimately headed below us under the Refugee Pride Boat at Amsterdam Canal Pride Rainbow balloon boat at Amsterdam Canal Pride bridge and further down the canal.

Amsterdam Canal Pride featured many different groups, such as HIV/AIDS organizations, women’s contingents, bears, bi+ people, firefighters, and police (who appeared to be warmly welcomed), fetish pride, and the Dutch armed forces (who stood motionless in salute until a pounding disco beat began and they let loose, breaking into exuberant dance).

There were also contingents from different countries around the world, political parties, including Democrats Abroad (with whom we led a “Ka-ma-la” chant from our perch on the bridge), and the Dutch government itself. Homemade signs included: “I Heart Gender Ideology,” “Cinnamon Rolls, not Gender Roles,” and “Live, Laugh, Lesbian”—and many other creative variations of this year’s theme, “TOGETHER in Pride.”

Dutch Navyman at Amsterdam Canal Pride

The refugee contingent was particularly inspiring to us, first and foremost because of all that the refugees had gone through to be there.

Could any of them have (continued on page 23) 14

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Phoenix-themed boat at Amsterdam Canal Pride

50th Anniversary Castro Street Fair

Celebrate Diversity and Community at the 50th Annual Castro Street Fair!

By The Board of Directors of the Castro Street Fair Most Holy Redeemer - AIDS Support Group, SF Sharks, The 15 Association, The Imperial Council of San Francisco and more. These organizations play vital roles in our community, from providing educational opportunities to ensuring public safety and fostering social engagement.

ing a space where everyone is welcome to express themselves freely and proudly. Over the years, the Fair has raised over $1.6 million for community beneficiaries, supporting vital local nonprofits and causes.

This year, we continue this tradition by supporting a range of beneficiaries including Buen Dia Family School, Castro Community on Patrol, Everett Middle School, Haight Ashbury Community Nursery School, Instituto Familiar de la Raza,

Get Involved: Become an Exhibitor or Volunteer!

The Castro Street Fair was created to promote gay-owned businesses and to celebrate the vibrancy of the Castro neighborhood. Today, it continues to honor Harvey Milk’s vision by amplifying our family of small businesses, and by foster1978

PHOTO BY RINK

A Rich History of Inclusivity and Support

Are you a local artist, craftsperson, or organization? We invite you to become an exhibitor at this year’s fair! Exhibitors have the opportunity to showcase their work to thousands of visitors in the heart of San Francisco. Don’t miss out on this incredible chance to connect with the community and promote your work! You can find the application at our website ( https://castrostreetfair.org/ ). (The deadline to apply as a Food and Beverage exhibitor [no alcohol] is Friday, September 6; for all other exhibitors it is September 15.)

1977

Volunteers are the backbone of the Castro Street Fair, and we need your help to make this year’s event a success! Volunteering is a fantastic way to get involved, meet new people, and give back to the community.

Whether you have a few hours or an entire (continued on page 22)

PHOTO BY MAX KIRKEBERG

San Francisco Street Fairs Form New Coalition

Castro Street Fair tribute to Sylvester (1988) HISTORICAL PHOTOS BY RINK

1978

1978

1974

Supervisor Harvey Milk attended the Castro Street Fair annually from its beginning in 1974 through 1978 when he was killed in the shooting at City Hall on November 27 of that year.

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Three of the largest and most iconic street fairs in San Francisco have formed a new coalition called the SF Street Fair Coalition to foster collaboration and mutual support between the events. The founding partners include San Francisco Pride, Folsom Street, and Castro Street Fair, along with the Bay Area-based nonprofit TurnOut, which has partnered with all three events in the past to provide volunteer management services.

The announcement comes on the heels of several new city initiatives to support the production of street fairs in San Francisco.

In April, Mayor London Breed announced new legislation to cut fees and streamline permitting to make outdoor events easier to produce. In a statement promoting the legislation, Mayor Breed explained that the goal is to “bring joy and excitement to our streets and revitalize San Francisco.”

“All four founding organizations have worked closely together for years,” said Jack Beck, Executive Director of the SF Street Fair Coalition and former Executive Director of TurnOut. “Formalizing our partnership will allow us to take this work to the next level. Most importantly, it creates a framework that allows other events to join in and gain the benefits of collaborating at scale.”

Street fairs are not only a core part of San Francisco’s identity, they are also a major driver of the local economy. According to the last economic impact study on outdoor events in San Francisco (published by the SF City Office of Economic Analysis in 2015), these three events combined generated an estimated $545 million in local economic impact in 2014 alone.

“Many street fairs face the same challenges,” said Angel Adeyoha, Executive Director of Folsom Street, the nonprofit that hosts San Francisco’s world-famous leather and kink events Up Your Alley and Folsom Street Fair. “Working together allows us to share resources and information, provide mutual support, and work with the city more effectively.”

“These events are a celebration of people coming together,” said Suzanne Ford, Executive Director of SF Pride. “It’s no surprise that working together has allowed us to do things that would be impossible otherwise. As we continue to build and expand this work, bringing new events into the fold, we have the potential to increase our impact exponentially for our communities and the city we all love.” https://sfstreetfaircoalition.org/

PHOTO BY RINK

Join us on Sunday, October 6, 2024, from 11 am to 6 pm at the intersection of Castro and Market Streets for a vibrant celebration of diversity, community, and history at the 50th Annual Castro Street Fair! Founded in 1974 by Harvey Milk, San Francisco’s icon of LGBTQ+ rights, the Castro Street Fair has grown from a small neighborhood gathering into one of San Francisco’s most beloved annual events. Each year, the fair brings together artists, vendors, craftspeople, and community organizations to celebrate the unique spirit of the Castro District.

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

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

Beth Greene, John Signer, Michael Delgado Design & Production

Kate Laws Business Manager Blake Dillon Calendar Editor Kit Kennedy Poet-In-Residence J.H. Herren Technology Director Carla Ramos Web Coordinator Mario Ordonez Distribution Juan R. Davila Volunteer Coordinator CONTRIBUTORS Writers Rink, Sister Dana Van Iquity, Ann Rostow, Patrick Carney, Leslie Sbrocco, Kate Kendell, Gary M. Kramer, Joanie Juster, Robert Holgate, Eduardo Morales, Dennis McMillan, Tim Seelig, John Chen, Rafael Mandelman, Jewelle Gomez, Phil Ting, Rebecca Kaplan, Philip Ruth, Bill Lipsky, Elisa Quinzi, Liam Mayclem, Donna Sachet, Gary Virginia, Derek Barnes, Marcy Adelman, Jan Wahl, Stuart Gaffney & John Lewis, Brandon Miller, Jamie Leno Zimron, Howard Steiermann, Fernando Camino, David Landis Photographers Rink, Paul Margolis, Bill Wilson, Sandy Morris, Karina Patel, Abby Zimberg, Joanie Juster, Debra Reabock 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 © 2024 Bay Times Media Company Co-owned by Betty L. Sullivan & Jennifer L. Viegas

Sexologist and Bisexual Activist Dr. Maggi Rubenstein (1930–2024)

By Dr. Carol Queen Dr. Maggi Rubenstein, a longtime bisexual and sex-positive community activist and faculty member at the private graduate program The Institute for Advanced Study of Human Sexuality in San Francisco, died on Monday, August 19, 2024, at her home in Red Bluff, CA. Maggi began her working life with a degree in nursing but soon became caught up—and became an important leader—in the cultural changes of the 1960s and 1970s for which the San Francisco Bay Area was a petri dish and hotbed. She pivoted professionally and earned a counseling degree at the University of San Francisco, maintaining a private practice for the next four decades.

She topped off this training by specializing in sex therapy via a doctorate from the Institute for Advanced Study of Human Sexuality (IASHS), which established its degree program in the late 1970s. She stayed on as a core faculty member (and Dean of Students after original faculty members Phyllis Lyon and Wardell Pomeroy retired), helping to train countless students in the academic study of human sexuality.

Maggi came out as bisexual in the 1960s (including a public statement in 1969 “during a staff meeting at a San Francisco mental health facility serving LGBT people,” per Wikipedia), and would not let this identity be minimized. As the lesbian and gay community grew in size and influence in the 1970s and ‘80s, she became famous for going to meetings from the Castro to City Hall and shouting “and bisexual!” whenever the “L&G” was not followed by the “B.” She stayed deeply engaged with the queer community of the times, her political work including strong ties to the Harvey Milk Democratic Club, from which she received the Harry Britt Lifetime Achievement Award in 2010 for promoting awareness of bisexuality. Maggi and other bisexual activists (nota-

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With Harriet Leve, Maggi founded the SF Bisexual Center in 1976; David’s home in the Haight served as the location of the Bisexual Center for a number of years. Gradually, the bisexual community in the Bay Area grew to include other organizations, including BiPOL and Bay Area Bisexual Network; Maggi was a co-founder or each of these.

Maggi was and is widely embraced as a bi community pioneer. She was honored at SF Pride as its Community Grand Marshal in 1992.

In 1972, Maggi was one of three founders of San Francisco Sex Information (SFSI), which trained volunteers to run an anonymous phone hotline to answer questions about sex.

Initially supported by Glide Community Church and its charismatic founder the Rev. Cecil Williams, the SFSI training used the newly-developed SAR (or Sexual Attitude Restructuring/Reassessment) method of sex education to help students identify any “buttons” or biases. This process, developed by the National Sex Forum (the organization out of which IASHS emerged, and that Maggi was also part of), became the foundational teaching method of the institute and subsequently a core training modality for sex therapy students.

Photos by Rink

Dr. Maggi Rubenstein with Sally Gearhart (2010)

the rise of the modern sex-positive sex education community, in part, because SFSI consolidated information about sex and the professionals studying and providing support to sex-identified communities and individuals grappling with their sexuality. They also recognized the value of those communities themselves—they became an integral part of SFSI and SAR trainings and would make a huge difference in the way the so-called “San Francisco model of AIDS education” developed in the 1980s. Maggi and SFSI shared these resources with the San Francisco AIDS Foundation as it established its own phone hotline. SFSI was also the first to start a website and bring sex education online.

Maggi’s nursing school training made her alert to a brewing health crisis in the early 1980s; sexologist Robert Morgan Lawrence DC, EdD, remembers her telling SFSI trainees that the new disease emerging in communities of men who had sex with men was likely sexually transmitted and urging condom use. (She even warned that masks might prove necessary!) The Institute was a central point for teaching about safer sex and other relevant points about HIV/AIDS. Students from around the country and the globe, in

Maggi was a deeply influential participant in

(continued on page 23)

HONEY MAHOGANY (continued from pg 6) drop moment that spoke to the importance and power of our great state.

Vice Presidential nominee Tim Walz and his family were an emotional balm for the soul and yet another convention highlight. And, of course, there was the moment we were all waiting for: the acceptance speech of Bay Area native, former San Francisco District Attorney, California Attorney General, California State Senator, and current Vice President Kamala Harris.

It was a truly monumental convention with many important takeaways. The most important takeaway for me was that the Democratic Party, in stark contrast to the Republican Party, is the party of diversity and building a bigger tent. That does not mean that we don’t have disagreements or make mistakes, and it certainly doesn’t mean that we don’t have more room to grow. We will continue to experience growing pains over the next few weeks and well into the future.

I think it is clear that not everyone felt that their

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bly David Lourea, who became her colleague at IASHS) became a vitally important voice in the largely binary queer community, making space for a less “either/or” way of thinking about sexual orientation that has truly flowered in the 21st century.

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views or communities were represented on stage. There were no trans speakers at this year’s convention, and while hearing from the parents of hostage Hersh GoldbergPolin was one of the most moving moments of the convention (Hersh was recently found executed by Hamas along with 5 other hostages), it was disappointing to see that there were no speakers to represent the Palestinian, Arab, or Muslim communities who are also in deep grief and pain and who want to continue to support the Democratic Party.

However, I think the thing that I was most moved and encouraged by is that there are people, of all genders and races and religions, who continue to be involved, who continue to push the party to grow, and to do better. And that work will continue and must continue as we beat back the threat of another Donald Trump presidency, by electing the best candidate to beat him:

Kamala Harris.

There is an incredible amount of work that needs to happen between now and November 5. To find out how you can get more involved, I recommend checking out: https://swingleft.org/ https://grassrootsdems.org/ https://sisterdistrict.com/ Honey Mahogany, a San Francisco native with a Master’s in Social Welfare from UC Berkeley, is a performer, small business owner, and activist. Her work has earned recognition from the City of San Francisco and various organizations. Mahogany co-founded the San Francisco Transgender District, is a founding queen of Drag Story Hour, co-owner of the Stud Bar, and a singer with nu-metal group Commando. She currently serves as Director of the Office of Trans Initiatives, Chair-Emerita of the San Francisco Democratic Party, and Delegate to the Democratic National Committee.

GLBT Fortnight in Review

By Ann Rostow Sphen, We Hardly Knew You Sad news, everyone. As the last Bay Times went to press came news that Sphen the iconic gay penguin has died. His partner, Magic, immediately began singing after Sphen was euthanized for ill health, and the rest of the penguins in the Sea Life Sydney Aquarium joined in the spontaneous display of grief. An investigation into Sphen’s illness is underway.

(I can picture the episode on one of the Britbox shows. The quirky pathologist shakes her head, pulls a slug of whiskey from the bottle, and tells the quirky detective that there’s something fishy about the scene. We wait for the toxicology report, where we discover Sphen’s bloodstream contained ... ricin! It turns out the quirky nephew of the new manager of Sea Life used to be a rabid antigay activist and has connections to the Russian mafia. Gotcha, comrade!)

Sphen and Magic were the first of the many gay penguin couples that have graced the news media over the last decade, avatars of our increasing awareness that sexual diversity thrives in the animal kingdom. The two of them built nests together and tried to hatch rocks until thoughtful keepers gave them fertilized eggs that no one else was planning on hatching. Sphen left two foster chicks, Clancy and Lara (née “Sphengic”).

The couple were together for six years.

Sphen was 11 when he died, about the end of the line for gentoo penguins, who live 12 to 13 years on average, the BBC reports.

Magic, who is now about 8, was taken to see Sphen’s body to make sure he understood that his partner wasn’t coming back.

“The loss of Sphen is heartbreaking to the penguin colony, the team, and everyone who has been inspired or positively impacted by Sphen and Magic’s story,” the aquarium manager Richard Dilly said in a statement, the Beeb tells us.

A BBC companion piece to the penguin story reminds us that, as mentioned, there are many instances of gay or bi animals in nature—or in zoos. The news hounds have discovered another set of gay penguins at the West Midlands Safari Park, as well as a three-way relationship between two male lorikeets and a female. The female lays eggs and the males hatch the chicks. Lorikeets and penguins mate for life and lorikeets can live for 30 years, so let’s hope the parrot-like thruple can keep the romance alive for the next few decades.

And finally, we learn that a gay male pair of flamingos in Southwest England have produced a healthy chick even as zookeepers have no idea where the guys got their fertilized egg. I gather that sometimes straight bird parents will produce extra eggs and ignore them, so it’s assumed that the male flamingos found one of these abandoned chicks-to-be and generously took on the task of hatching it.

Rocky Mountain Low I could go on. There are a lot of lesbian albatrosses, for example, because there are

more females than males. But let’s put a pin in that story, shall we? Meanwhile, I was going to touch on the news that Colorado Republicans have overwhelmingly ousted their party chairman, Dave Williams, for making anti-GLBT remarks and misusing party funds for his own campaign. But, but, um ... as soon as I looked a little more closely, I noticed that the party had subsequently overwhelmingly voted to keep Williams in power.

First question, do any of us really care what happens to Dave Williams? Should I perhaps just sidestep the whole mysterious scenario? Second question, don’t you now want to know what’s going on in Colorado Republican land?

Okay then! Reportedly, the first vote involved roughly 180 people, all but 12 or so who voted against Williams. The second vote involved about 200 people, all but 10 or so who voted in favor of Williams. Clearly, there are two factions here, but I’m not clear on the logistics of calling these votes, nor do I understand which of these votes is a legitimate reflection of party sentiment.

According to CBS News, Williams triggered the first vote earlier this summer, when he “sent an email attacking Pride Month and referring to the LGBTQ+ community as ‘godless groomers.’ He also called for the burning of all Pride flags on social media.”

I’m happy to report that he lost his primary bid for Congress to his opponent, Jeff Crank. Crank, who positioned himself as a mainstream Republican, won 65–35 against Williams, who was (you guessed it) backed

by Trump.

I think that’s all we need to know about this.

I guess the courts will sort things out. Oh, but Axios Denver also tells us that a county clerk, 68-year-old Tina Peters, has pled guilty to election tampering and faces a couple decades in prison when she’s sentenced in October. Peters allowed Trump minions to access voter records and machines in an attempt to undermine Biden’s 14-point Colorado victory in 2020. What were these people thinking?

Robin Who? Before we go on, I was struck by a commentary from a right-wing radio host called Jason Rantz, from Washington state. I guess someone was flying a rainbow flag, although Rantz notes that the guy wasn’t even gay but flew the colors as a GLBT ally. His female neighbor, in turn, found an anti-gay flag to put up, which showed a rainbow rear end and the words, “My neighbor loves butt stuff,” with an arrow pointing towards the other guy’s house. (I’m sorry, but are you frigging kidding me? Who lives here? Mary Ann Alito?)

Mr. Rantz had nothing particularly nice to say about either of these two residents. But he wound up rebuking the “butt stuff ” person. That said, he comes to his conclusion via some weirdness, to paraphrase George W Bush: (continued on page 23) S AN F R ANC IS C O BAY T IM ES

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By Donna Sachet

A

ugust’s Divas & Drinks at The Academy SF was a genuine love-fest, celebrating Leslie Sbrocco and her many contributions in the fields of wine, food, entertainment, and healthy living. The evening started with the roaring arrival of the Dykes on Bikes escorting Leslie’s sportscar in front of the club. Inside the club and assembled on the spacious patio were scores of family and friends, especially from local restaurants, grateful for the positive exposure they had received from her ongoing PBS television show Check, Please! Bay Area. We heard from Brenda Buenvieje of Brenda’s French Soul Food, Francesco d’Ippolito of Poesia, Mina Habil of Catch French Bistro, and even Yvonne Merzenich, General Manager of Mollie Stone’s in the Castro.

Richard Kurylo, Legacy Business Program Manager of the SF Office of Small Business, presented a certificate of honor; and SF Pride Executive Director Suzanne Ford and SF Pride Board of Directors President Nguyen Pham gave Leslie a rainbow flag once flown on Market Street. The San Francisco Pride Band, directed by Mike Wong, serenaded the guest of honor and the Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence, represented by Sister Roma and Sister Merry Peter, then led a formal, but whimsical sainting ceremony. After so many honors, it was Leslie’s turn to acknowledge the many friends and family on hand, including her sister, daughter, and key individuals related to her television show. What a celebration of a special lady!

Also included in the night were tributes to Beth Schnitzer who represented the San Francisco Bay Times in Paris for the Olympics, and birthday wishes for Warren Alderson of the San Francisco Federal Credit Union and Public Relations executive Kristen Green. The evening wound down with music

by Dee Spencer and Renée Lubin and DJs Rockaway and Olga T as many danced into the night.

Did you know that the Bay Times has been selected as a Grand Marshal of the Oakland Pride Parade? We’ll be gathering friends and supporters for an exciting contingent for this colorful event across the bay down Broadway this Sunday, September 8. Contact the paper if you would like to join us!

Finally, a gentle hint to those looking for a weekend away, but not too far.

Check out the Russian River! The tiny town of Guerneville has a long history of LGBTQ+ activities, organizations, and businesses, despite its frequent challenges from flooding and other natural disasters. We have spent many relaxing and exciting weekends there, usually celebrating birthdays, holidays, or reunions at the r3 (formerly the Triple R).

This past weekend, we joined organizer Ray Tilton and friends for a reunion of sorts and the experience brought back many great memories and created new ones. From Caftan Night and Fruit in the Suit to poolside gossip and Family Feud, was a weekend of fundraising for the local chapter of the Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence and just good old-fashioned relaxation.

it

Less than two hours away, the Russian River offers fantastic scenery, including awesome redwoods and gentle nature walks, as well as raucous carousing at the r3 bar and the Rainbow Cattle Company in town. You are bound to run into lots of folks from the city and, if you are friendly, you will make new friends from Guerneville or those visiting from all over. Sometimes we all need a break in a totally different environment that is so close geographically, but so far in other ways.

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

PHOTO BY SHAWN NORTHCUTT

“The most important thing in communication is to hear what isn’t being said.”

—Peter Drucker

Friday, September 6 Opening Night of SF Opera Verdi’s Un Ballo in Maschera SF’s premiere social event SF Opera House 6 pm $250 & up www.sfopera.com Tuesday, September 10 Presidential Debate Donald Trump and Kamala Harris Moderated by David Muir and Linsey Davis Televised on ABC and streamed Pick your viewing location 6 pm Free!

Thursday, September 12 Amplify! 2024 CHEER for Life Foundation annual soirée Drinks, food, and fundraising for CHEER SF The Academy SF, 2166 Market Street 6–8 pm $15 & up www.cheersf.org Thursday, September 12 Disco for Democracy!

DJs Austin Millz & David Harness Fundraiser for Democratic action SVN, 10 Van Ness Avenue 6–11 pm $25 & up www.welcometomannys.com Friday, September 13 Landmarking of Rainbow Flag City officially protects this symbol Harvey Milk Plaza 11 am Free!

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OAKLAND PRIDE ITINERARY (continued from pg 3)

TING (continued from pg 12)

of fried chicken over waffles, and pair it with a sweet-tea-inspired cocktail for the full Southern experience!

sidered charging pedestrians and bicyclists a fee for crossings, which has been free for sidewalk users since 1970. I had successfully championed AB 40, which prohibited tolls on pedestrians and bicyclists for five years.

But that law expired in January 2021, opening up the chance for a non-vehicle toll.

AB 2669 permanently rules out the possibility for the Bridge District—plus most other Bay Area bridges—to consider a toll for anyone not in a car. The bill is currently on the Governor’s desk, awaiting action by September 30.

Stock up on everything you need for a picnic—including vegan and alcohol options— at LGBTQ+-owned Howden Market, a charming jewel box of a gourmet convenience store at 17th and Webster, just a few blocks from Lakeside Park.

After or during your picnic, visit the Gardens at Lake Merritt, which have long enjoyed a relationship with the LGBTQ+ community as patrons and volunteers. Stop for a photo at the campy entrance to Children’s Fairyland, where rainbow letters spelling “Fairy” make for a delightful Instagram post.

While you’ll want to get plenty of sleep before the Pride festival, you could wind down your Saturday by visiting some of the many LGBTQ+-owned businesses throughout Oakland.

Sunday: Oakland Pride Parade and Festival Sunday is for enjoying the Oakland Pride Parade and Festival, a short walk from The Moxy. After the event winds down in the early evening, check out the LGBTQ+ bars around downtown with a bar crawl!

The annual Oakland Pride Parade will take place at 11 am down Broadway from 14th to 21st and it is free to the public. The Oakland Pridefest and celebration will follow starting at noon– 6 pm. https://www.visitoakland.com/ COVER (continued from pg 3) Oakland also has one of the Bay Area’s largest LGBTQ+ populations. It is home to the Oakland LGBTQ Community Center and now the new Lakeshore LGBTQ Cultural District: https://bit.ly/4cP57LJ Those who show love for Oakland with an open heart and mind can reap a multitude of lasting rewards. We therefore invite you to come celebrate with the San Francisco Bay Times at Oakland Pride on September 8, 2024, and to visit and support the many small businesses in the city throughout the year. They are the backbone of the local economy, and who knows? The young entrepreneur eager to make positive change may be another presidential hopeful one day.

Last year, California saw a couple of noteworthy proposals focused on walkers and bike riders that became law. First, jaywalking was decriminalized under my bill, AB 2147, making it okay to cross in the middle of the street or against a red light when it’s safe to do so. Too often, communities of color were being unfairly cited and/or harassed by officers, discouraging residents from walking.

I was also co-author on AB 645, which authorized a pilot program in several cities, including San Francisco, to install speed cameras aimed at slowing drivers down to make streets safer for pedestrians and bicyclists. They will be installed at dozens of locations within the High Injury Network, the 12% of San Francisco streets that account for more than 68% of severe traffic-related injuries or fatalities. Look for them to be operational next year.

On top of legislation, I used my time as Assembly Budget Chair to fight for state funding that improves road safety. Among the projects: • $1.2 million: Protected bike lanes on Arguello Boulevard connecting Golden Gate Park and The Presidio; • $1 million: YMCA’s YBike program to bring bicycle availability, maintenance, and safety education to San Francisco’s youth and families for the next ten years; • $3.2 million: For neighboring Daly City’s Safe Routes To School Program, building wider sidewalks, higher visibility crosswalks, and shorter crossing distances.

I appreciate Streetsblog for seeing the impact my work is having not only locally, but also statewide. For you readers, I hope my efforts will inspire you to take a walk or ride your bike soon, whether for recreation or an errand. It’s a great time since September and October are typically when we see warmer weather in San Francisco.

Phil Ting represents the 19th Assembly District, which includes the west side of San Francisco along with the communities of Broadmoor, Colma, and Daly City, as well as part of South San Francisco and San Bruno.

KAPLAN (continued from pg 12) QUEER OAKLAND (continued from pg 3) The City of Oakland funded the Mapping Queer Oakland project, which combines Oakland geography, history, and storytelling. Check out their map and the stories of many LGBTQ+ Oakland elders on their website: https://bit.ly/3XbOiVv Visit Oakland’s all-inclusive website has a whole page with links dedicated to LGBTQ+ Pride and queer East Bay: https://bit.ly/3ZaADAW Oakland is easily walkable and has an excellent public transportation system that is accessibility focused. BART trains and AC Transit buses crisscross the city frequently, offering visitors as well as residents convenience to enjoy all that is Oakland.

Oakland invites and welcomes you to celebrate Oakland LGBTQ+ Pride on Sunday, September 8, 2024!

Marsha H. Levine is a Founder and past Co-President of InterPride. She is the immediate past Co-President of USA Prides, a longtime board member and staffer for San Francisco Pride, and a past board member and President of the Boston Lesbian/Gay Pride Committee. She currently serves on the board of Oakland Pride and as Co-Chair of InterPride’s Governance Committee.

CASTRO STREET FAIR (continued from pg 16) day to spare, your support is invaluable. (The deadline for volunteer registration is September 29.)

Your Participation Makes a Difference The Castro Street Fair is more than just a fair; it’s a testament to the power of community and the importance of inclusivity. By attending, exhibiting, or volunteering, you help us continue Harvey Milk’s legacy of celebrating diversity and supporting local organizations. For more details about the fair, to donate, or to get involved, please visit https://castrostreetfair.org/ We look forward to seeing you on October 6, 2024, for a day filled with music, art, and joy in the heart of the Castro!

The Board of Directors of the Castro Street Fair is led by President Jenn Meyer and includes Riley Manlapaz, who helped facilitate this piece for the “San Francisco Bay Times.” https://castrostreetfair.org/about/board/

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passion. The Coliseum’s central location to the Oakland Airport, freeway, BART, train, and bus lanes makes it ideal for hosting sports fans.

As the chair of the Oakland–Alameda County Coliseum Authority, the board that manages the Coliseum, I have advocated for its continued use and worked to establish partnerships that benefit our community. The return of the Roots to Oakland at this iconic venue is a testament to our city’s enduring spirit and commitment to fostering community pride.

Soccer, the world’s largest and fastest-growing sport, uniquely unites people from all walks of life. The Oakland Roots have always been more than just a soccer team.

They embody the values and aspirations of our city, championing social justice, equity, and community engagement. Their dedication to positively impacting both on and off the field has resonated deeply with fans and residents alike. By choosing to play at the Coliseum, the Roots ensure that professional sports remain a vibrant part of Oakland’s cultural fabric and reaffirm their commitment to our community.

This move comes at a pivotal time for the Coliseum. The Roots’ decision to play their 2025 season at the Coliseum brings excitement. It signals a fresh start and a renewed purpose for the stadium, ensuring it continues to be a hub of activity and a source of pride for Oakland.

The Roots’ presence at the Coliseum will not only bring the thrill of professional soccer to our city but also significant economic

benefits. From job retention to increased tourism, the positive ripple effects will be felt across Oakland. Local businesses will see fans flock to the stadium, and the sense of community will be strengthened as we come together to support our team. This is a hopeful and optimistic time for our city.

Adding to the excitement, World Cup soccer is coming to the region in 2026. This global event will further elevate the profile of soccer in our area and inspire a new generation of fans and players. The Roots’ presence at the Coliseum will undoubtedly contribute to the growing enthusiasm for the sport.

As we prepare for this exciting new chapter, I encourage all Oakland and East Bay residents to rally behind the Roots. Let’s fill the stands, cheer our hearts out, and show the world what it means to be part of the Oakland community. Together, we can create unforgettable memories and continue to build a brighter future for our city. This is a time for unity and excitement.

See you at the Oakland Coliseum!

Councilmember At-Large and Council President Rebecca Kaplan, who is the Vice Mayor of Oakland, was elected in 2008 to serve as Oakland’s citywide Councilmember; she was re-elected in 2016 and 2020. She also serves on the Alameda County Transportation Commission (ACTC). Follow Councilmember Kaplan on Twitter @Kaplan4Oakland ( https://tinyurl.com/2dtjmazc ) and Facebook ( https://tinyurl.com/2p9dd5ta ).

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imagined as they were fighting for their lives in rickety boats on the open seas or otherwise making their way to Europe that someday they would be reveling at Amsterdam Canal Pride? The refugees seemed to be taking time to celebrate how far they had come.

“There are some on the Radical Left who feign outrage when they see an American flag. They claim it’s a symbol of white supremacy culture, spouting off whatever it is they read in a Robin DiAngelo essay,” he writes. “Their college professors taught them to hate this country and the flag sends them into a rage that can only be satiated with a public burning.”

Further, the jubilant refugees appearing in the parade on a boat were powerfully symbolic. Boats have played and continue to play a critical role in millions of refugees’ odysseys in search of freedom around the world. One of my first jobs was working with Vietnamese refugees, actually known as the “boat people,” who risked everything when they got on boats in the dead of night to flee their homeland in the late 1970s and 1980s in the aftermath of the war. Some of those boats were brought to the refugee camp where I worked, and refugees would climb on them to take photos, remember, and feel gratitude that they had had the strength and good fortune to have made it as far as they had.

The refugees in last month’s Amsterdam parade were claiming the boat as a symbol of their own strength and pride, too—as LGBTIQ refugees who were taking their rightful place as part of Amsterdam’s LGBTIQ community. In the process, they were providing hope to many other queer people struggling to be safe and free across the globe.

Many of the refugees on the boat held aloft rainbow signs, asking a simple, straightforward question: “Are you together with us?” Our answer and we hope that of the broader community is a resounding, “Yes!” As the signs of another contingent urged: “Unite the Letters” because “Together We Are Strong.”

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.

JUSTER (continued from pg 10) are defined, identified, and investigated, and how hate crime enhancements are applied when applicable.

Participants in the presentation will include an Assistant U.S. Attorney, a Supervisory Special Agent from the FBI Hate Crimes division, San Francisco District Attorney Brooke Jenkins, SF Police Department Chief Bill Scott, and hate crime specialists who will be on hand to facilitate a public Q&A session to answer questions from attendees.

Attendance is free. For more info, contact info@castropatrol.org The Holidays Are Coming Yes, I know we’re still in the post-Labor Day glow, but the holidays are right around the corner—and the Castro Merchants are offering us all a chance to help them create their holiday magic by sponsoring the annual Holiday Tree.

The Holiday Tree is not just a beloved Castro tradition. It helps our neighbors by attracting people to the neighborhood, fostering a sense of community, and encouraging people to help local merchants by shopping locally.

This year the Castro Merchants are asking for a bit of extra help, as they need to replace nearly all of their red ornaments, which were stolen last year. (Seriously, some Grinch is getting a lump of coal in their stocking.) And save the date: the annual Holiday Tree Lighting will be December 2, with our own Donna Sachet as emcee!

To sponsor the tree and help build holiday spirit, go to: https://castromerchants.com/donate Joanie Juster is a long-time community volunteer, activist, and ally.

MEMORIAM (continued from pg 18) San Francisco to pursue advanced degrees in sexology, learned how to teach about the new disease from Maggi and her colleagues in the Sexologists’ Sexual Health Project, which began in the early days of the epidemic to do active outreach to bars and sex clubs. Institute students also confronted their biases in a newly-developed “Safe Sex SAR,” the Sexual Health Attitude Restructuring Program, or SHARP. After retiring from the IASHS, Maggi led a private life in the Glen Park home where she had lived since the 1960s (and subsequently conducted her private therapy practice). She moved to Northern California in 2017.

A celebration of life for Dr. Maggi Rubenstein is planned but does not yet have a firm date.

Carol Queen is an author, editor, sociologist, and sexologist who was a friend and mentee of Dr. Maggi Rubenstein.

Rantz continued: “Going into a rage over the LGBT pride flag on a neighbor’s porch? It’s just as unhinged and intolerant as progressives who burn American flags. Does this neighbor have the right to be unneighborly and display her childish (though, admittedly, funny sign)? She sure does. But why burn so much energy being a rotten neighbor?”

Say what? Who the hell feels outrage over seeing the stars and stripes? Who, over the age of 20, decides to burn the flag? Who is Robin DiAngelo? (She’s a lefty professor from some college in Washington.) Who outside of a frat house thinks “my neighbor loves butt stuff ” is “funny?”

Mommy Dearest Guess who I’m quoting: “Gillette INTIMATE needs to be held accountable for the disgusting commercial that repeatedly hints about and focuses on shaving men’s genitalia. This specific commercial, Respect Your Junk, with its tagline, ‘Respect Your Pubic Region,’ is currently airing on television and appears to be gaining even more air time recently.”

Yes, of course, it’s our favorite Mom, the one behind the curtain at One Million Moms who sends out complaints in the voice of a Stepford wife over the microphone as we listen in the cavernous hall.

“During this commercial, the man is shown in his shower no longer wearing his towel or shaving below his belly button, while his hand continues down towards his groin. But the camera shot cuts off to the right before his pubic region is visible to the audience ... . Can you imagine what goes through a child’s mind when viewing this ad? 1MM has received many complaints from parents. Gillette should be ashamed!”

Hello, Mom! By your own testimony, the only thing a child sees is a belly button, hardly the source of sexual confusion or any kind of dismay. He or she also sees a razor, an innocuous instrument not likely to cause any embarrassment during family TV time.

I have a three-year-old granddaughter who calls her mother, “Mama,” but also has an imaginary parent, “Mom,” who allows her to do whatever she likes. She frequently decides to “call Mom” on her phone, and get permission for a snack or an adventure that has been prohibited by her actual parents. I’m not sure where she got this, but now I wonder if One Million Moms might be able to groom our children with treats and favors until they can be manipulated into objecting to various advertisements. There might be a movie in this.

No Go Zone Did you read that “Visit Florida,” the Penisshaped State’s official tourist website, has dropped its outreach to GLBT visitors in an effort to reflect the state’s anti-gay politics? I’m not exaggerating. Visit Florida is a nonprofit established by the state legislature as a public/ private partnership to welcome tourists to the state. It includes sections for Blacks, Latinos, and

people with disabilities and special needs. But even though GLBT sites are still seen in the drop-down menu, the links no longer lead to pages.

“It’s fairly simple,” Dana Young, the President and CEO of Visit Florida, explained, according to WFLA News. “Visit Florida is a taxpayer-funded organization and, as such, Visit Florida, our marketing strategy, our materials, and our content must align with the state.”

Oh, and I was going to write about the son of a famous Spanish actor who murdered his boyfriend (it was an accident!), chopped up his body, and dumped the pieces somewhere in Thailand, but I had the feeling I had just written a similar snippet about someone else. More importantly, although I love the “lesbians behaving badly” rubric, the guys chopping up ex-lovers is simply not as fun. Particularly the cannibals.

The lesbians usually leave their victims alive, for one thing. Yes, they cut up their underwear, make them drive the M5 at knife point, and get plastered and scream in the streets naked in the middle of the night. But it’s harmless when all is said and done. The guys are just over the top.

But I have to thank my brilliant cousin for finding the Thailand killer, as well as passing along yet another story about the possibility that Abraham Lincoln was gay. Really? Yes, really. Abraham Lincoln; Lover of Men is a documentary coming to theaters this week that will exclusively benefit the Human Rights Campaign, our main GLBT lobbyists in DC. I really shouldn’t write about it from my position of complete ignorance, but I assume it delves into that relationship we’ve all heard about between the young Lincoln and his roommate, whatshisname, who slept in the same bed and exchanged heartfelt letters.

Either they were having an affair or they had quite a bromance going, but I don’t care either way. The man was a remarkable statesman, a magnificent president who saved our nation from a permanent rift, and freed the slaves. Why would his sexual orientation even figure in his 19th century biography, when I’m not clear on whether or not “sexual orientation” was even a thing?

Yes, of course, there were men who loved men and women who loved women, and we all love the stories of the wild west gunslinger who was really a lady and lived with, I don’t know, a beautiful bordello owner. But we don’t need Abraham Lincoln to be gay to find him extraordinary. Plus, whatever he was, he had a wife and several kids, so there’s that. And I think he had a girlfriend who died young, right? So, who knows?

That said, I promise to do more “research” so I can report in depth after this movie is released on September 6.

Finally, I have too much to say about Harris and Walz to even start. I’m filled with a mixture of hope and anxiety. I loved our convention, but got really sick of the “joy joy joy” refrain because, to me, joy comes with a victory at the end of something. The end of the game, the end of the grueling ordeal, the end of the campaign, whatever.

It’s too early for joy. We need to fight for it. I’m saving my joy for January 20, 2025. arostow@aol.com

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The Sainting of

Sbrocco, who was diagnosed with stage 4 colorectal cancer in 2021, is now a cancer thriver. She is a driven fundraiser not only for cancer research, but also for youth-supporting nonprofits and much more. Her tireless efforts have helped raise millions of dollars for these and other causes. For such work, she was recently recognized by the V Foundation for Cancer Research at the annual Sonoma Epicurean fundraiser.

For the August 30 event, the Dykes on Bikes® Women’s Motorcycle Contingent, led by President Kate Brown and patch-holder Melissa Cherry, escorted Sbrocco to The Academy SF. The guest of honor made her grand entrance stepping out of a Porsche convertible driven by Beth Bourg, the sister of Academy Co-Owner Nate Bourg.

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The Academy SF was so lit on the evening of Friday, August 30, 2024, that the positive energy pulsating throughout the venue was unmistakable to those who attended “The Sainting of Leslie Sbrocco” by the Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence. Sbrocco is the beloved host of KQED’s Check, Please! Bay Area—soon to go into its 19th season—who has promoted and supported more small businesses, including LGBTQ+-owned businesses, than any other major market television personality. She is also a steadfast ally of the LGBTQ+ community; her daughter Grace, who is out and proud, attended the event, along with other friends, family members, the entire primary team of Check, Please! and additional colleagues of Sbrocco.

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Emcee Donna Sachet kicked off the evening by leading a “Happy Birthday” singalong for volunteer extraordinaire (and accomplished banker by day) Warren Alderson, who helped with the evening—and also for Kristen Green of Kristen Green Public Relations, who recently celebrated a milestone birthday and has worked with Sbrocco for many years.

Beth Schnitzer of SpritzSF, who was the correspondent for the San Francisco Bay Times at the Summer Olympics in Paris, was brought up to the podium to accept flowers. Schnitzer— dressed to the nines in sequined red, white, and blue as she often was with her niece Lexi during Paris 2024—was featured on the cover of the August 8, 2024, issue of the paper holding up a Bay Times rainbow flag in front of the Eiffel Tower.

Sachet then introduced a Restaurant Showcase of grocery store and restaurant owners who paid tribute to Sbrocco. They included Erika Petryszyn and Yvonne Merzenich of Mollie Stone’s Markets, Brenda Buenviaje of Brenda’s French Soul Food, Mina Habil of Catch French Bistro, and Francesco d’Ippolito of Poesia. Mat Schuster of Canela, Emily Winston of Boichik Bagels, and Firefly Co-Owners Brad Levy and Haley Sausner could not attend but sent gifts and congratulations. The Restaurant Showcase culminated with Sbrocco receiving honors from Richard Kurylo representing the San Francisco Office of Small Businesses. Kurylo is the Office’s Legacy Business Program Manager, and he spoke eloquently about the positive impact Sbrocco and her team have had on local small businesses.

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Sister Roma of the Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence informed all present that Sbrocco’s nomination for sainthood was unanimously approved. Sister Roma also spoke about her own appearance on Check, Please! Bay Area, which featured fellow drag star Bebe Sweetbriar (and Chef Ryan Scott); Sweetbriar was present at the August 30 event. Sister Roma then introduced Sister Merry Peter who performed the moving sainting ceremony. Sbrocco was declared to be “Saint Leslie of the Bounteous Table and Joyful Sip!” Sbrocco and many others present were moved to tears.

She expressed gratitude, and the importance of living each day with hope and joy. Watch the sainting and this moment at https://bit.ly/3TdgMgK

Powerhouse singer Renée Lubin, the former long-time star of Beach Blanket Babylon, performed an extraordinary set with accompanist Dr. Dee Spencer, who is the founder of the Jazz Studies program at San Francisco State. After songs by artists such as Al Green and Aretha Franklin, they ended with “San Francisco (Open Your Golden Gate),” milking that iconic number—which always brought the house down during Beach Blanket Babylon shows—for all it’s worth.

The After Party was led by DJ Rockaway and DJ Olga T presented by Olivia Travel. DJ Rockaway’s wife Tisha Floratos, who is the Executive Vice President of Olivia Travel, was present at the event as well. The skilled and soulful DJs had many dancing the night away, including Saint Leslie!

“The Sainting of Leslie Sbrocco” was part of the Divas & Drinks @ The Academy event series, co-presented monthly by the San Francisco Bay Times. The organizers wish to thank the sponsors that, in addition to Olivia and The Academy, included Extreme Pizza, the San Francisco Federal Credit Union, and the Breakthru Beverage Group. They also are grateful for all who participated in and attended this memorable event.

Please join us on Thursday, September 26, for the next Divas & Drinks that will be a Pre-Party for the Castro Street Fair, a celebration of San Francisco Fire Chief Nicholson—the first out LGBTQ+ Fire Chief in San Francisco history and who recently announced her retirement—and much more! https://www.academy-sf.com/ (Photos continued on page 26)

do Caulfield for Drew Altizer Photography

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Mike Wong and members of the San Francisco Pride Band, the Official Band of San Francisco, played several rousing tunes.

Wong also sang a few numbers, with his beautiful voice reminding guests how talented he and the entire band are. See and hear for yourself at their Portraits of the Americas big concert on September 29, 2024, at Herbst Theatre.

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SF Pride Executive Director Suzanne Ford and SF Pride President Nguyen Pham also gave heartfelt thanks to Sbrocco for her support of the LGBTQ community. They presented her with a rainbow flag that flew on Market Street during Pride. Such flags are reserved for dedicated community leaders and others who reflect and represent the values of Pride.

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Friday, August 30, 2024

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Leslie Sbrocco with Rick Kurylo, City of San Francisco Office of Small Business

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Mina Habil and the team from Catch French Bistro

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Catch French Bistro’s Mina Habil and Leslie Sbrocco

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Leslie Sbrocco with Brenda Buenviaje, Brenda’s French Soul Food

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To access photos available from Drew Altizer Photography, please use this link: https://tinyurl.com/mvsv23ra

SPECIAL THANK YOU TO OUR DIVAS & DRINKS SPONSORS Olivia Travel The Academy SF Extreme Pizza San Francisco Federal Credit Union Breakthru Beverage Group Thanks also to Dykes on Bikes, San Francisco Office of Small Business, San Francisco Pride, San Francisco Pride Band & Director Mike Wong, Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence, Renée Lubin & Dr. Dee Spencer, Warren Alderson & Steve Scheitlin S AN F R ANC IS C O BAY T IM ES

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Boats and Votes Naturally, I started thinking about how hip Hollywood has been with political movies.

Here are a few I hope you will check out during this season of electing Harris and Walz.

Jan Wahl

Like many of you, I love cruising. And unlike many of you, I do it on a boat! Okay, old joke. But there is nothing old about being treated like the queen many of us think we are aboard the Queen Elizabeth, cruising in Alaska. This cruise is different because the ship has a decadent Art Deco personality. From the classic décor to the heavenly spa to the lovely staff, I felt when I was aboard like Marilyn and Jane in Gentlemen Prefer Blondes. This is the way to do our 49th state, and the sales next summer make it affordable to many. Hint: Give yourself a real vacation and go Queen or Princess Grill (Suites). Just sayin’.

Kamala chose Walz while we were on board, and it was the talk of the ship. Usually, one does not talk politics in such moments, especially in the Trump age of darkness. But this gave me a rare opportunity to hear from many folks of different nationalities, ages, genders. Half the cruise seemed to be people from other countries, thrilled to see rugged and beautiful Alaska.

From people from South America, Hungary, Japan, Scandinavia, and other places I learned how scared they too are of a Trump win. I kept hearing, “He is with Putin.” “He will start a war.” It was an easy house for me to play to, as there was not one soul in his camp. This exchange only happened occasionally, but it did my blue heart good.

Seven Days in May (1964) might have been made a while ago, but it still feels relevant. A U.S. president hopes to bring an end to the Cold War by signing a nuclear disarmament treaty. His ultra-hawkish chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff plots a coup to overthrow him. It was based on the bestselling novel of the same name, and President Kennedy told director John Frankenheimer that he believed what occurred in the book and movie could really happen.

Burt Lancaster was an outspoken liberal in real life, but convincingly played the determined chairman in the film, fighting Kirk Douglas’ character who hoped to save the country from a homegrown dictator.

Some others that come to mind for this time include Thirteen Days, Bulworth, All the President’s Men, JFK, and the film they can never remake: Mr. Smith Goes to Washington. Do you think that last 1939 classic is wimpy? It shows the right wing in power trying to kill young kids from the other side. I hate the term “Capra Corn” since director Frank Capra was one of the most forceful and audacious directors in Hollywood history. He would have voted for Harris and Walz!

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

Good Night, and Good Luck (2005) reminds us that one of Trump’s pet peeves is the idea of a free press. When Senator Joseph McCarthy begins his cruel campaign to root out leftists and communists in America, newsman Edward R. Murrow dedicates himself to exposing the lies and excesses caused by this “Senate investigation.” The film was directed by George Clooney, who also costars; and one of my favorite unsung actors portrays Murrow.

David Strathairn is a remarkable character actor, and one I always seek out in movies like Lincoln, A League of Their Own,

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Off the Wahl

Wag the Dog (1997) concerns a U.S. president who, two weeks prior to his reelection, lands in the middle of a sex scandal. To get the minds of the people on something else, he manufactures a war with Albania. This smart political satire stars Robert DeNiro, Woody Harrelson, Anne Heche, Willie Nelson, and an amazing performance from Dustin Hoffman as a Robert Evans-style producer. Produced and directed by Barry Levinson and adapted by David Mamet, this movie about spin doctoring is perfect for this season of getting out the vote.

and The River Wild. It took guts to make this film, and cowriters Clooney and Grant Heslov took it on with strength and passion.

San Francisco Bay Times columnist and film authority Jan Wahl (right) with her sister Susan Teller recently went on a cruise to Alaska aboard the Queen Elizabeth. Both enjoyed the trip and appreciated the ship’s Art Deco decor and itinerary to some of their favorite, scenic locations.

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Sean Dorsey Dance to Perform Special 20th Anniversary Home Season Transgender trailblazer Sean Dorsey will celebrate two decades of his award-winning artistry September 19–21 at Z Space in San Francisco.

Sean Dorsey Dance will perform a powerful retrospective program of audience favorites from the last 20 years including Lou (2009) based on the diaries of pioneering trans activist Lou Sullivan; and excerpts from The Secret History of Love (2012), The Missing Generation (2015), and more.

This will be the first time in the company’s storied 20-year history that they will be performing and restaging works from their groundbreaking repertoire. The program will be choreographed, written, and directed by Sean Dorsey and performed by Dorsey, Brandon Graham, Héctor Jaime, David Le, Nol Simonse, and Becca Dean.

PHOTO BY LYDIA DANILLER

The dances that will be presented are powerful explorations of the human experience, and will feature Dorsey’s signature fusion of full-throttle dance, luscious queer partnering, theater, and intimate storytelling. Highly physical, accessible, and rooted in story—and danced with precision, guts, and deep humanity—Dorsey’s works have boldly created new space for trans and queer voices, bodies, and stories in contemporary dance.

Dorsey shared, “I wanted to ask, ‘What happens to those stories, those lives that slip between the pages of recorded history and family albums? How do we uncover and reclaim the important stories of trans and queer people that history passes by?’ I worked with diaries, archives, and oral histories as powerful ways to uncover and share our history.”

Long celebrated as the nation’s first acclaimed transgender contemporary dance choreographer, Dorsey directs and dances with his all-queer, nonbinary, gender-expansive, and trans ensemble.

Before his death from AIDS complications, Sullivan bequeathed 30 years of his journals, letters, and papers to the GLBT Historical Society. To create Lou, Dorsey spent a year reading and hand-transcribing Sullivan’s diaries, compiled and distilled 30 years of Sullivan’s journal writings into an original soundscore, and choreographed a suite of dances based on Sullivan’s remarkable journey.

“My work is embodied, joyous, righteous resistance to the massive, national anti-transgender backlash my community is enduring right now,” Dorsey told the San Francisco Bay Times. “There are 643 active anti-trans bills in 43 states this year alone.

Our existence, our rights, and our freedom of expression are under attack. This is an incredibly important time to uplift trans and queer history and artistry.”

The 20th Anniversary Home Season will feature excerpts from a trilogy of works, created by Dorsey between 2009 and 2015, which lift up previously buried, censored, and forgotten trans and queer history.

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PHOTO BY LYDIA DANILLER

Dorsey added, “This Home Season is about legacy, about sharing our history, about uplifting stunning beauty, heartache, resilience, and love, especially at this brutal moment in America.”

About the Program

To create his 2009 piece, Lou, Dorsey researched the lifelong journals of Lou Sullivan (1951–1991), a gay transman who lived and died in San Francisco and was a trailblazing activist, organizer, and writer. Sullivan broke down countless barriers for transpeople and was literally a friend to hundreds and inspiration to thousands.

Sean Dorsey

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Dorsey’s voice provides the narration for the Lou soundscore in which Dorsey reads

Sean Dorsey Dance 20th Anniversary Home Season

excerpts from Sullivan’s diary entries. When Dorsey recorded the original score in 2009, he had been living openly as transgender for more than a decade, without taking testosterone. Like Sullivan, however, Dorsey later decided to start taking testosterone and so, this year, he rerecorded the entire soundscore in his current “post-T” voice.

“It’s incredibly moving to be rerecording my own poetry/narration for the score, as well as these hundreds of diary entries Lou wrote, in my current voice,” Dorsey said, “Audiences will hear my old (pre-T) voice during the early part of Lou’s journey where he is aching for his body to align more (continued on page 31)

PHOTO BY LYDIA DANILLER

Bay Area favorite Sean Dorsey Dance has made its mark upon—and literally changed—the national landscape for dance, touring to more than 35 cities across the country, racking up accolades and awards (including an Emmy for Dorsey last year), and performing to loyal audiences from San Francisco to New York City.

“Sean was the first transgender artist to ever present a Home Season at ODC Theater,” said Dorsey’s partner, trans singer-songwriter Shawna Virago. “His first full-evening concert there in 2005 was absolutely historic; there had been nothing like it before.”

PHOTO BY KEGAN MARLING

Dorsey is also the Founder and Artistic Director of Fresh Meat Productions (FMP), now in its 23rd season, FMP invests in the creative expression and cultural leadership of transgender and gender-nonconforming communities through its year-round programs including, the annual FRESH MEAT FESTIVAL of trans and queer performance, artist commissions, dance education, advocacy, and resident company Sean Dorsey Dance.

Sean Dorsey Dance, The Missing Generation

PHOTO BY LYDIA DANILLER

PHOTO BY KEGAN MARLING

Sean Dorsey: Making History for 20 Years

Sean Dorsey Dance, The Lost Art of Dreaming

with his spirit. I think this change is a powerful, powerful addition to the show.”

Dorsey created The Missing Generation in 2015 after recording a whopping 75 hours of oral history interviews with LGBTQI+ longtime survivors of the early AIDS epidemic. “The show is a love letter to a forgotten generation of survivors,” he said.

Dorsey created The Secret History of Love in 2012 after recording oral history interviews with LGBTQI+ elders across the U.S., asking them how on earth they found love decades ago, when there were countless barriers, laws, and violence facing them.

“As a longtime activist and a history nerd, I’ve always studied our histories of struggle and resistance,” explained Dorsey. “But for that project, I was like, but what about our love? I was curious to hear and learn about our history of love, of how we met in underground bars and speakeasies, how we con-

Sean Dorsey Dance, The Secret History of Love

nected when it was literally illegal to dance together or wear the clothes of your own chosen gender expression.”

Blazing a New Path in Dance Dorsey is a Doris Duke Artist, a United States Artists Fellow, and a Dance/ USA Artist Fellow. He has been awarded an Emmy Award, five Isadora Duncan Dance Awards, and the Goldie Award for Performance. In 2019, he became the first openly-transgender person on the cover of Dance Magazine. Dorsey is the first openly-transgender U.S. artist to be presented by The Joyce Theater (NYC), American Dance Festival, and dozens of other major stages.

As a transgender, white, disabled/hard-ofhearing and queer longtime social practice artist, Dorsey creates his works over 2–3 years in deep relationship with/in community. Dorsey’s dances are powerful explorations of human experience—a fusion of

2005 - Sean Dorsey Dance performed their first annual Home Season, The Outsider Chronicles, at ODC Theater (San Francisco).

It was the first season presented by a trans-led company at ODC. The works performed broke new ground by uplifting transgender and queer stories and bodies in modern dance.

2010 - BalletTanz, one of Europe’s leading dance magazines, named Dorsey as one of the international dance scene’s most important choreographers.

The publication called Dorsey’s work “exquisite ... poignant and important.”

2014 - Dorsey was awarded an Isadora Duncan Dance Special Achievement Award.

Dorsey was honored for his full-evening work, The Secret History of Love, which he created after recording oral history interviews with LGBTQI+ elders across the U.S. The show toured to almost 20 cities.

2018 - Dorsey was the first U.S. transgender artist presented by The Joyce Theater (NYC).

The company performed The Missing Generation.

PHOTO BY JAYME THORNTON

full-throttle dance, luscious partnering, intimate storytelling, and theater. These works are highly physical, accessible, rooted in story, and danced with precision and guts, and deep humanity.

2019 - Dorsey was the first openly transgender person on the cover of Dance Magazine (image courtesy of Dance Magazine).

The prestigious publication gave Dorsey this great honor.

2022 - Sean Dorsey Dance premiered The Lost Art of Dreaming.

The company toured the highly-acclaimed show to Stockholm, Sweden; Maui; Los Angeles; Washington, D.C.; Seattle; Reston, VA; at the American Dance Festival (Durham, NC); Atlanta; Middlebury, VT; at the Bates Dance Festival (Lewiston, ME); Salt Lake City; and more.

2023 - Dorsey won an Emmy.

Dorsey was awarded an Emmy for his choreography and collaboration on the KQED-produced film, Sean Dorsey Dance: Dreaming Trans and Queer Futures, directed by Lindsay Gauthier.

2024 - Dorsey was named a United States Artist Fellow.

This prestigious national honor was awarded to Dorsey as he celebrates his company’s 20th Anniversary Home Season.

Sean Dorsey Dance’s 20th Anniversary Home Season September 19–21, 2024: Thursday, September 19 @ 8 pm; Friday, September 20 @ 8 pm (with ASL interpretation); Saturday, September 21 @ 8 pm (with postshow Gala Reception and champagne toast with Dorsey).

Z Space 450 Florida Street, San Francisco Tickets/Info: https://seandorseydance.com/ (Please note: KN95 masks will be provided & required for all performances and in the post-show lobby; masking will be optional for the Saturday night champagne toast.)

To view a video trailer for Sean Dorsey Dance’s 20th Anniversary Season, please visit: https://bit.ly/47ab58Z

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A Classy Doc on the Filmmaking Couple Merchant Ivory and as they are supported by clips from the films themselves, viewers will likely want to rewatch their favorite Merchant Ivory films or discover new ones.

Film Gary M. Kramer The name Merchant Ivory is synonymous with classy period films, especially their E.M. Forster adaptations that achieved critical and/or commercial success: A Room With a View, Maurice, and Howard’s End. But their personal and professional relationships lasted for decades, producing more than three dozen films, and a devoted fanbase.

The affectionate new documentary, Merchant Ivory, directed by Stephen Soucy, opening September 6 at the Opera Plaza Cinemas 4, chronicles this extraordinary collaboration, which includes screenwriter Ruth Prawer Jhabvala, and composer Richard Robbins.

Soucy interviews many of the famous faces that have graced the screen in Merchant Ivory films over the years to talk about their experiences. Emma Thompson recounts James Ivory giving her what may have been the best note she ever received as an actress when he commented that her getting into a carriage was “boring”; it prompted her to do it again in an interesting way. And Hugh Grant reveals he almost didn’t audition for Maurice.

Several interviewees remember Merchant as being irresistibly charming, and also imploring his partner to, “Shoot, Jim, shoot!” to get the films done on time and within budget. Additional discussions by costume designers Jenny Beavan and John Bright also contribute to the behindthe-scenes stories about how Merchant Ivory productions worked DIY miracles on incredibly low budgets.

Alas, the attention to detail is largely glossed over. Viewers who swoon over the carefully appointed interiors and costumes will learn little about them here. Nevertheless, many of these anecdotes are pleasing, 32

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Inasmuch as Merchant Ivory is a celebration of the couple’s filmmaking achievements, this documentary, coproduced by Ivory, is uneven, cherry picking what it presents.

Soucy starts in the 1960s with their feature debut, The Householder, which was completed with some assistance from filmmaker Satyajit Ray, as well as their subsequent feature, Shakespeare-Wallah, which helped them establish their reputation.

Then the documentary skips ahead to their 1975 film, The Wild Party, and 1984’s The Bostonians, which are mentioned for showcasing LGBT characters. While Greta Scacchi, star of the 1983 film Heat and Dust, appears several times as a talking head in Merchant Ivory, almost nothing is said about her film, other than it was adapted from Jhabvala’s own novel.

A few bon mots from Vanessa Redgrave about her collaboration with the filmmakers provide context on her difficulties working with Merchant Ivory, whom she admired but also disagreed with. What’s more, the occasional mention about friction between Merchant and Ivory on set, or in production of their films, sparks interest, but it, too, is raised without much investigation.

Soucy’s interest appears to be squarely on the director’s heyday, which began with (continued on page 44)

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Jewelle Gomez

Becoming Real Leave Signs Jewelle Gomez In the mid-1980s, the LGBT+ community was awakened to the horrors of a pandemic that most of the world wished to ignore.

There was no Rachel Maddow showing pictures of the young gay men dying slow and horrible deaths. There was no Rachel Maddow!

Rather than seeing graphs illustrating the rising death toll, or body bags stacked in

cooler trucks, we saw only what we could glimpse in our own individual corners of the world: friends being disfigured by lesions, relatives unable to breathe or who were too weak to walk, and isolated individuals sustained by visits from other friends who might soon need that same care. We saw lesbians stride into the fray with nursing and food and kindness at the level that the U.S. government could not manage.

But who was determined to spread the word as fast as the virus? Newspapers with disturbing headlines demonizing gay men to the point of creating hysteria. Living in New York City at the time, I saw people on the subway move ostentatiously away from two men who might be perceived as gay.

Or take two steps back in the ticket line at the theatre, or whisper behind their hands as two men walked by. Suddenly, the only queers the public saw were not real but only carriers of a plague.

Poor science and indifference marked the early reportage about AIDS, but a group of gay men decided to do something about it by creating the organization that would become GLAAD, the Gay and Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation ( https://glaad.org/ ).

Its goal initially was to make the three major newspapers in New York City accountable for their scaremongering headlines. That was the first major success by the motley group instigated by queer film historian, Vito Russo (1946–1990), among others. I was invited to join by Vito and my work colleague, Gregory Kolovakos (1951–1990), and it was a monumental task to get the editorial boards of The New York Times, The New York Daily News, and The New York Post to sit down with a delegation of gay people to discuss press responsibility for the dread gripping the city. This remains one on the formative moments of my life as a lesbian activist—both the successful collaboration developing this organization as well as seeing the tangible effect that we accomplished.

We know that wealthy institutions have long memories because, decades later, The New York Times on August 1, 2024, launched an attack against GLAAD, now an internationally known advocacy and educational group. Starting with an alarmist headline, “Pattern of Lavish Spending,” the writer wielded shadowy figures and unsubstantiated claims to denigrate GLAAD’s Executive Director, Sarah Kate Ellis, who has most recently championed the trans community’s complaints against The New York Times coverage.

There’s not enough space here to explore all that’s wrong with the Times article and a companion hit piece in The Atlantic (dated August 12, 2024) but for a light shined on their misinformation, there’s a substantive response in The Washington Blade ( https://bit.ly/4gcYTZe ).

What is important for us to recognize is the familiar strategy used by the dominant culture to divide and demoralize our community. In the 1980s, it was coverage of AIDS; forty years later, it is coverage of trans people. The reasons GLAAD was created still

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exist, and as members of a community that is marginalized (even if more subtly now), we need to be skeptical of anyone telling us something “for our own good.”

It doesn’t matter how many queer writers are in the “writers’ room,” or how many gay secondary characters there are on television. And seeing mixed race, queer couples in television ads does not mean homophobia and racism have been conquered. GLAAD continues to be a global resource for HIV education; and it acts as a training ground for media representatives of trans and people of color.

Its most significant work right now is informing our community about the dangers of Project 2025. If a mainstream, corporate media entity—whether it’s The New York Times or Fox News—decides it doesn’t like the salary a lesbian activist receives or the budget of the queer organization she runs, we can be fairly certain it’s not because of any concern over our rights.

Jewelle Gomez is a lesbian/feminist activist, novelist, poet, and playwright.

She’s written for “The Advocate,” “Ms. Magazine,” “Black Scholar,” “The San Francisco Chronicle,” “The New York Times,” and “The Village Voice.”

Follow her on Instagram and Twitter @VampyreVamp

Top of your stack

RECOMMENDATIONS FROM BOOK PASSAGE

Freedom Is a Feast (fiction hardcover) by Alejandro Puyana As Stanislavo, a former revolutionary, faces his past mistakes, his encounter with María—a struggling mother in chaotic Caracas— offers a chance to atone. This is a Book Passage First Edition pick!

There Are Rivers in the Sky: A Novel (fiction hardcover) by Elif Shafak

LGBTQ+ Trailblazers of San Francisco San Francisco Bay Times Columnist

Dr. Bill Lipsky

This story connects three lives across centuries through the rivers Tigris and Thames. Spanning from ancient Nineveh to 1840s London and modern Turkey, the novel follows Arthur, Narin, and Zaleekah, whose fates are intertwined by history, loss, and the enduring power of water.

A Wilder Shore: The Romantic Odyssey of Fanny and Robert Louis Stevenson (non-fiction hardcover) by Camille Peri A Wilder Shore chronicles the unconventional love story of Fanny Van de Grift and Robert Louis Stevenson, whose meeting in 1876 sparked a remarkable literary partnership. Defying societal norms, they traveled the world, seeking creative freedom and better health for Louis, whose classics like Treasure Island were shaped by Fanny’s support.

Upcoming Events Thursday, September 12 @ 6 pm (non-ticketed - Corte Madera store & live online) Alison Owings and Del Seymour, author and subject of Mayor of (continued on page 44)

Lit Snax Eli Harpo’s Adventures in the Afterlife

by Eric Schlich In this satirical romp, closeted teen Eli Harpo embarks on an evangelizing road trip, spreading the story of his own resurrection and time in heaven. It also features multiple horny Jesus dreams. Yay! The Sluts by Dennis Cooper Literary legend Dennis Cooper has crafted a novel that plays out entirely in the comments section of a male escort’s website. People tell many different stories of their experiences with the hustler, but are any of them true?

Paperback

An Education in Malice by ST Gibson

$23.99

Available at Local Bookstores and Online

Set in an isolated and ancient New England women’s college, this Gothic novel features strange ceremonies, fierce academic rivalry, bloodthirsty professors, magic, secrets, and sapphic romance. https://www.fabulosabooks.com/

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Take Me Home with You! Tulip

Let’s Go Home!

Benny and Joon

Tulip

Looking for a new best friend? Meet Tulip, the charming “underbite queen” who’s ready to steal your heart! Tulip recently spent a month in a loving home, where she learned the ropes of being the perfect house dog. Her foster family reported that she was an absolute delight, and although she needs a few days to warm up, she blossoms into a snuggle-loving companion.

Tulip is sensitive to loud noises, but her love for treats makes her easy to reassure.

She’s also made significant progress on the leash, walking politely and even passing other dogs calmly—though she’d prefer to be the only dog in your home. A fun tidbit from her foster care: Tulip has a love for rosemary bushes, once rolling in one so enthusiastically that she smelled like focaccia all day!

Tulip is looking for a patient, loving family who will help her continue to grow. If you’re interested, you can even try fostering her for a week before committing to adoption. To learn more, visit us at the SF SPCA or contact us at adoptions@sfspca.org Come meet Tulip and see if she’s the perfect addition to your home! We’re open from 11 am to 6 pm (Wednesday–Sunday) and 1 pm to 6 pm on Tuesdays. https://www.sfspca.org/adoptions/

Meet Benny and Joon, a bonded pair of playful and energetic 5-month-old kittens who would love to go home with you. This stylish brother and sister pair have almost matching tuxedo coats!

Tugboat is a gentle and friendly 3-year-old boy with a mature and mellow demeanor. Tugboat is deaf, but that doesn’t stop him from being a wonderful and loving companion. Tugboat has learned hand signals quickly and charms everyone who meets him.

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

Tugboat

Fitness SF Trainer Tip Zercher Squats Ryan Datlag Fitness SF Mid Market “Zercher squats enhance core strength, engage the upper body, and improve hip flexibility. They reduce spinal load compared to back squats and build functional strength by mimicking reallife movements.”

Aaron Zamarron, a Master Trainer at Fitness SF, shares monthly tips that he has learned from colleagues, fellow professional trainers, and more. For additional information: https//fitnesssf.com/

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Bay Times Dines

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LGBTQ News & Calendar for the Bay Area

Barr Hill Gin Launches 7th Annual ‘Bee’s Knees Week’ to Protect Pollinators, September 20–29, 2024

PHOTO CREDIT: CALEDONIA SPIRITS

Bees Knees Cocktail

Cocktails With Naj Naiady Porta Oliveira (Editor’s Note: It is time for a toast to launch a new column in the San Francisco Bay Times, “Cocktails With Naj.” In each feature, talented mixologist Naiady “Naj” Porta Oliveira will highlight a new cocktail or mocktail and crafters of note. We love that this first article highlights Bee’s Knees Week, an initiative that members of our team have supported since its inception and that creates new pollinator habitat.

As if to usher in Bee’s Knees Week, a rare bee species—the San Francisco leaf-cutter bee—was recently spotted on Mount Tamalpais for the first time since 1980! We hope that more good news about bees and pollinators will be forthcoming, and are grateful for the work that Todd Hardie. Ryan Christiansen, and others on the Barr Hill team continue to do.)

approved partners such as the Garden for the Environment, located here in San Francisco. This year’s habitat program will pilot outcomes that benefit pollinators and community gardens.

Since its inception, Bee’s Knees Week has helped create more than 700,000 square feet of new pollinator habitat. This year, Barr Hill has set an ambitious goal: to reach 1 million square feet of new habitat pledged and planted by the end of the event.

Barr Hill Gin, America’s most awarded gin and creator of Landcrafted® spirits, announces its 7th Annual Bee’s Knees Week, set for September 20–29, 2024. This initiative combines cocktail culture with conservation, aiming to protect vital pollinator habitats across the United States. As a 1% for the Planet partner, Barr Hill will provide funds to 1% for the Planet-

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The urgency of this mission is clear. North American bumblebee populations have plummeted by nearly 50% since 1974.

These pollinators are essential not just for Barr Hill’s distinctive spirits, but also for food security. Bees contribute to over 90 different food crops in the U.S., adding more than $20 billion to the economy annually.

“Stewardship of the land is central to our mission,” says Ryan Christiansen, President and Head Distiller at Caledonia Spirits, Barr Hill’s parent company. “We’re passionate about making a positive change for pollinators. They play a crucial role in our ecosystem and economy.”

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How to Help the Bees Participation in Bee’s Knees Week is simple and delicious!

Enjoy a Bee’s Knees cocktail at a participating venue such as: Nopa in San Francisco, Paper Plane in San Jose, The Beehive in San Francisco, Tupper & Reed in Berkeley, and Lo & Behold in Healdsburg (you can find—mapped by zip code—more participating bars, restaurants, and stores on the Bee’s Knees website ( https://bit.ly/4dPxWsO ).

1. Post your Bee’s Knees cocktail on social media using #beeskneesweek and tagging @barrhillgin.

2. For every cocktail/mocktail shared, Barr Hill pledges to plant 10 square feet of new pollinator habitat.

3. Plus, each bottle of Barr Hill Gin purchased at a participating store or online at the Barr Hill website ( https://bit.ly/4eaU8gK ) will result in 20 square feet pledged.

Whether you’re a professional bartender or a home cocktail enthusiast, Bee’s Knees Week offers a chance to enjoy exceptional

The Barr Hill Bee’s Knees Cocktail is a refreshing blend of award-winning Barr Hill Gin, regional raw honey syrup ( https://bit.ly/4dNYRFw ), and fresh lemon juice. The phrase “bee’s knees” was ProhibitionEra slang for “the best.”

Ingredients: 2 oz Barr Hill Gin .75 oz fresh lemon juice .75 oz raw honey syrup (2 parts honey to 1 part hot water. Let cool.) lemon twist garnish Preparation: Combine ingredients in a shaker, add ice, shake, then double strain into a chilled cocktail glass or coupe. Add garnish. spirits while making a positive impact.

Visit Bee’s Knee’s Week online ( https://bit.ly/4cQsg0C ) or follow @barrhillgin on Instagram to learn more and find participating venues.

Barr Hill Gin is on a mission to connect cocktail culture with agriculture by crafting world-class spirits, educating consumers, and protecting the hardworking bees that make it all possible. Now that’s something worth raising a glass to. Learn more at https://bit.ly/4cQsg0C Naiady “Naj” Porta Oliveira, a queer San Francisco native, blends a deep love for mixology with a passion for vibrant LGBTQ+ culture. As a cocktail columnist, they craft unique drink recipes that reflect the eclectic spirit of their city and community. When not shaking up new concoctions, they’re exploring San Francisco’s dynamic nightlife and advocating for inclusivity in every pour.

Bay Times Dines

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Instagrammers’ San Francisco Restaurant Faves Cotogna (@cotogna_sf) from @greta_ davis: “It offers beautiful indoor and patio seating, with attentive service that elevates the experience of enjoying any authentic Italian spread. This is my go-to escape for intimate gatherings.” (also a favorite of @ makenzijordan) Kokkari Estiatorio (@kokkarisf) from @rachelkeigley: “Kokkari, because of the Manchego cheese. That is all.” (also favored by @pwikonen) Bella Trattoria (@bella_trattoria) from @olivecorya: “So delicious, with such a cozy feel!”

The Gay Gourmet David Landis The Gay Gourmet’s (@gaygourmetsf) #Igers (Instagrammers, for those of you older than 30) may not be as sizeable as those of Taylor Swift or Beyoncé, but I will say they’re an exceptional group of loyal followers.

So loyal that I thought it was time to “pay it forward.” I asked them to be the stars of this week’s column, inquiring what their favorite #foodporn San Francisco restaurants were—and why. Interestingly, more of my followers voted for Italian restaurants (8) than any other cuisine. And, the highest vote getter, with 6 votes? One Market. The results might surprise you, plus you also may get some cool new ideas of where to dine. Here goes: Kibatsu Sushi (@kibatsusushi) from @destroyeats: “family owned, great ambience, innovative new omakase, and sake.”

Thai Spice (@thaispicesf) from @ meatballsandmojitos: “The khao soi is so tasty, and I’m always craving it.”

Mattina (@mattinasf) from @makenzijordan: “Because the wine, pasta, salad, meat, and small bites are all fantastic. The exceptional customer service and stunning ambience make it even better.”

Original Joe’s (originaljoessf) from @ briannemm: “Because the martinis are always as perfect as the pasta.” Also favored by @dustindurham: “I’ve eaten here for over a decade, and the service, food, drinks, and ambience are always 10/10.”

Frances (@sf_frances) from @therowill: “It has been a consistent gem.”

Zuni Café (@zunicafe) from @rch3r.0: “Perfect service and perfect food that wows me with its freshness and simplicity, while also being a comfort meal I return to again and again.” From @jweatherlyneal: @zunicafe “because it never disappoints, and ages like fine wine.” From @ bossmanafco: @zunicafe “landed in SF 27 years ago, and friends took me right to Zuni. To this day, it still feels quintessentially SF. PS, and of course we love all of our clients, too.”

Beretta (@berettasf) from @srlatour: “Always good food, prices, and cocktails.”

Firenze by Night (@ firenzebynightsf) from

@robincarr811: “Hidden gem in North Beach: family-owned, authentic Italian dishes, served by the staff who makes you feel right at home—in Firenze!”

Fiorella (@fiorellaitalian) from @jay_ rabbit: “Never misses. Casual, affordable, great wines, quality food. When my friends and I can’t decide where to eat, we always default to Fiorella with zero complaints.” (also endorsed by @olivecorya) One Market (@onemarketsf) from @ kmfroelich: “It’s a classic and quintessential SF restaurant, with the best food (and I’ve been loving their all-day happy hours).” Also a fave of @missmichelle_lee: “An absolute must whenever I visit SF.” Also, from @malia_oconnor: “Quintessentially SF, great location, consistently great food, and the team is incredibly passionate.” And, from @em_vincent22: “Love @onemarketsf! Espresso martinis are my favorite.” And from @laurenposeyy and @rekharichardson: “@onemarketsf is the best! Great food and vibes.”

Perbacco (@perbaccosf) from @stacylreinert: “I love it because it is family-owned, has amazing Italian food, and a wonderful wine list.”

Miller and Lux (@millerandlux) also from @stacylreinert: “I love it for their table-side service, martinis, and champagne cart.”

Picaro (@picarocafe_from @lawrence_ abella: “No fuss, quality food, approachable pricing, and it always feels like home.

It’s my favorite place to bring people whenever they visit me in the city.”

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Barcha (@barchasf) from @liannawehhh: “The food, staff, and vibe are all an 11/10.”

Early To Rise (@earlytorisesf) from @ apixxie: “Their breakfast is incredible, but the donuts are truly unique—especially the passionfruit one! I’ve never had anything quite like it!”

Lily (@lilyonclement) from @roseguiliano: “It always delivers unique flavors, and it pushes you to explore Vietnamese food in a unique way. Fun and delicious.”

Aziza (@azizasf) from @bellsie6: “Their dinner menu is incredible, and any restaurant that serves a cocktail in a bear-shaped honey glass is (heart emoji).”

Alora (@visitalora) from @elena_ rochelle: “The most delicious Mediterranean coastal food, right by the iconic Ferry Building, with amazing views of the water and bridge. Nothing better for a quintessential SF experience.”

Iggy’s Place (@iggysplacesf) from @irinaklay: “Incredible sandwiches, in-house made porchetta, beef tongue, and Italian salamis. And frankly, it’s the best brunch place in the Richmond.”

And The Gay Gourmet’s current fave?

Foreign Cinema (@foreigncinemasf), “because you have fine dining in a lovely outdoor courtyard, with a show!”

Bits and Bites According to The San Francisco Standard, Julius’ Castle on Telegraph Hill may be (continued on page 41)

Bay Times Dines making a comeback. They just need to find a talented chef de cuisine. So, chefs, here’s your chance to helm one of our city’s most historic spots!

There’s talk that the Castro might just get a night food market on 18th Street.

Wouldn’t that be loverly?

One Market is introducing a new monthly dinner and drag show called Sizzle, hosted by the fantabulous drag queen Bobby Friday. The evening includes a 4-course dinner, plus a show.

Dates are: September 6 (benefiting the Castro Country Club); October 4 (benefiting La Casa de las Madres); November 1 (benefiting the GLBT Historical Society); and December 6 (benefitng the Transgender District). Werk!!!

San Francisco Travel was nice enough to highlight some of the great local restaurant statistics after the recent Michelin Guide announcement: This year marks the third consecutive year a San Francisco chef (chef John Wesley at Kiln) earned the “Young Chef Award.”

Seven of San Francisco’s 19 one-star restaurants opened following the pandemic. Another 23 restaurants, also launched between 2021 and 2024, achieved the “selected” designation in the 2024 Michelin Guide California.

These joined a list of 65 venues, including stalwarts like Boulevard, Rich Table, and Zuni Café.

San Francisco boasts the second-highest number of Michelin star restaurants in the Americas, trailing only New York.

28 San Francisco restaurants were awarded stars in the 2024 Michelin Guide California, including one-star newcomers Kiln, 7 Adams, and Hilda & Jessie.

Cotogna: https://www.cotognasf.com/ Kokkari Estiatorio: https://kokkari.com/ Bella Trattoria: https://osteriabella.com/ Mattina: https://www.mattinasf.com/ Original Joe’s: https://bit.ly/3ZaPivF Frances: https://www.frances-sf.com/ Zuni Café: https://zunicafe.com/ Beretta: https://www.berettasf.com/ One Market: https://onemarket.com/ Perbacco: https://www.perbaccosf.com/ Firenze by Night: https://bit.ly/47f1xcO Fiorella: https://www.fiorella-sf.com/ Miller and Lux: https://bit.ly/4dNwyah Picaro: https://picarocafe.com/ Barcha: https://barcha-sf.com/ Early to Rise: https://www.earlytorisesf.com/ Lily: https://www.lilyonclement.com/ Aziza: https://azizasf.com/ Alora: https://visitalora.com/ Iggy’s Place: https://www.iggysplace.com/ Foreign Cinema: https://foreigncinema.com/ Julius’ Castle: https://bit.ly/4e9jVG7 San Francisco Travel: https://www.sftravel.com/ Perry’s: https://bit.ly/3XcsSYr Bombay Brasserie: https://tinyurl.com/bdhdhn8n Michelin Guide: https://bit.ly/3AOY34N David Landis, aka “The Gay Gourmet,” is a foodie, a freelance writer, and a retired PR maven. Follow him on Instagram @GayGourmetSF or email him at: davidlandissf@gmail.com Or visit him online at: www.gaygourmetsf.com

I can’t believe it, but stalwart Perry’s on Union Street has just celebrated 55 years in business. Big congratulations to owner Perry Butler and his staff, who offer satisfying American food at affordable prices, and continue to be a great contributor to our community.

Bombay Brasserie, which describes itself as a restaurant “where the vibrant tapestry of Indian cuisine meets refined French technique,” has just opened its doors at Campton Place in Union Square and is getting a lot of buzz.

Kibatsu Sushi: https://www.kibatsusushi.com/ Thai Spice: https://www.thaispicesanfrancisco.com/

Drag Queen Bobby Friday S AN F R A NC IS C O BAY T IM ES

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Bay Times Dines This Month at the Farmers’ Market A Medley of Melons

By Debra Morris

It’s the time of year to sink your teeth into an ice-cold slice of watermelon on a sweltering late summer’s day. At your local farmers’ market, you’ll discover a dazzling array of melons that promise to tickle the tastebuds with sweet summer snacking.

You’ll find only the freshest, just-picked melons in varieties you won’t find anywhere else. Here’s a medley of some of the mouthwatering melons you’ll find: Casaba: Picture a golden yellow melon with a subtle green hue. It’s hefty and smooth, lacking the strong fragrance of some melons but boasting sweet, white flesh.

Crenshaw: This gem sports a buttercup-yellow rind and a salmon-hued interior. A hybrid of Persian and casaba, it is slightly oblong in shape and has sweet and slightly spicy flavors.

Hami: It looks like an oblong cantaloupe and tastes like a cantaloupe with a sweet flavor and refreshing quality. It is similar in color as well.

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Korean: It is a small melon, bright striped, yellow in color, and with white flesh. The rind is much thinner than a regular melon and can be eaten much like a cucumber. The texture is quite crisp for a melon and with a lovely mild sweetness.

Santa Claus: Also known as the Christmas melon, this late-season variety features a striking gold and green mottled skin. It’s crisp but not as sugary as others, and it looks like a petite watermelon.

Persian: Slightly larger than a cantaloupe, with a greener rind and finer netting, this melon brings a taste reminiscent of cantaloupe but with a unique twist.

Canary: True to its name, this melon shines in vibrant canary yellow when ripe. Oblong in shape, it has a white flesh tinged with pink around the seed cavity and is as delightful as it is distinctive.

Sharyn: Sporting a greenish-orange rind and luscious white flesh, this melon offers

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a delectable blend of cantaloupe and honeydew flavors.

And, of course, there’s the cantaloupe, honeydew, and watermelon. The farmers’ market has different varieties of these, too! Look for the yellow-f leshed watermelon or the orange-f leshed honeydew.

To get the most out of your firm, uncut melons, let them sit at room temperature for a couple of days. While they won’t get sweeter, they’ll become softer and juicier. Once ripened or cut, keep melons in the fridge and use them within about two days. Wrap them in plastic to shield other produce from the ethylene gas they emit and be mindful that a ripe melon’s aroma can permeate other foods.

If you have an uncut watermelon and need to store it, you can keep it at room temperature for up to a week.

However, on scorching summer days, it’s best to refrigerate or chill it on ice. Once cut, wrap the watermelon tightly in plastic and store it in the fridge for no more than four days.

The best way to discover new melon varieties is to visit your local farmers’ market and ask the farmers about their selections. They can provide valuable insights into flavor and ripeness, and offer suggestions on how to enjoy these delightful summer fruits.

Find even more specialty varieties at the market through these last weeks of summer. Dive into the market’s sweet, juicy offerings and make the most of melon season while it lasts.

Debra Morris is a spokesperson for the Pacific Coast Farmers’ Market Association. For more information and recipes: https://www.pcfma.org/

Sister Dana Sez: Words of Wisdumb from a Fun Nun

By Sister Dana Van Iquity Sister Dana sez, “The energy was electric, and the joy was contagious at the DNC! They might have topped the infamous dance party at the Democratic National Convention in 1996—although they didn’t dance the Macarena at the 2024 one.”

The 2024 DEMOCRATIC NATIONAL CONVENTION in Chicago was a rousing, emotional, inspirational, JOYFUL success! Monday’s August 19 theme was “For the People”; Tuesday’s theme was “A Bold Vision for America’s Future,” when President Barack Obama and Michelle Obama utterly electrified the auditorium; Wednesday’s was “A Fight for our Freedoms,” and Vice President nominee Governor Tim Walz showed his skills as a coach leading everyone in an exciting pep rally—not to forget that HRC President Kelley Robinson gave a historic and emotional speech reminding us that progress is possible, and freedom means freedom for LGBTQ people! The HarrisWalz administration would build upon the most pro-equality administration in history. This ticket is our ticket to equality and liberation; and the final Thursday’s theme was “For Our Future” to give Vice President Kamala Harris all the glory and to show her tremendous ability to prosecute her rival. And let’s not forget when Democrat Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel addressed marriage equality and shouted, “I’ve got a message for the Republicans and the Justices of the United States Supreme Court: ‘You can pry this wedding band from my cold, dead, gay hand!”

Former Lt. Governor of Georgia Geoff Duncan, a Republican, shouted out, “I realized Donald Trump was willing to lie, cheat, and steal to try to overturn the 2020 election. Trump is a direct threat to democracy! His actions disqualify him from ever, ever, ever stepping foot in the Oval Office again! Let me be clear to my Republican friends at home watching: If you vote for Kamala Harris in 2024, you’re not a Democrat; you’re a patriot!”

Ousted Republican congressman Adam Kinzinger spoke out in support of Harris at the DNC, saying, “Make the right choice. Vote. Vote for our bedrock values.

And vote for Kamala Harris!”

However, the Trump campaign ain’t doing so hot. Trump has gone into low energy mode as Democrats have surged. No one is showing up to social pariah JD Vance’s events. Sister Dana sez, “We don’t just want to defeat Trump and Vance, though. We want to absolutely WIPE OUT Repugnicans this fall. We want a BLUE WAVE that will take back the House, expand our majority in the Senate, and swing crucial down-ballot races that so often get ignored during presidential elections!”

Curious about the vibrant world of gay artist, photographer, and fashion designer, Bill Bowers? I wanted to cover the August 22 reception at the SF LGBT CENTER for the official gallery opening of “BILL BOWERS CLOSET: FOLK, FUNK, FLASH,” which featured an iconic performance from the one and only Donna Persona, and an intimate conversation between Bowers and The Center’s Director of Cultural Programs Timothy Hampton. I had planned to proudly bring along the extraordinary purse and a gorgeous Mardi Gras poster that Bowers had given me; but I was stuck at home with a severely strained, very painful ankle. Nuntheless, we are in luck, because once I can get back out in public, you and I can enjoy the ongoing exhibit and more fun stuff at 1800 Market Street. https://sfcenter.org/

PHOTO BY SISTER MISSIONARY POSITION

I think House Democratic Leader Representative Hakeem Jeffries summed it up best at the opening night, poetically saying, “We’re here to celebrate Joe Biden, elevate Kamala Harris, and eradicate MAGA extremism!” On that same Monday night, President Biden tearfully concluded, “I made a lot of mistakes in my career. But I gave my best to you for 50 years.” He added, “Like many of you, I give my heart and soul to our nation.”

For the Gay Pride Parade in 1985, Dennis McMillan was recruited as the yellow nun among the six other colors of the rainbow nuns holding up individual placards to spell out “BOBBI!” aka Bobbi Campbell, the AIDS Poster Boy portrayed in magazines of that AIDS era. Left to right: Sister Boom Boom, Sister Mysteria of the Holy Order of the Broken Hymen, Sister Citroen My Face, Sister Amazing Grace Cathedral, Grand Mother Vish-New, and Sister Blanche de Root—all proudly marching down Market Street.

from the exposure they received from Leslie as the host of CHECK, PLEASE! BAY AREA (now having wrapped up filming of its 19th season) were there, notably Brenda from Brenda’s Soul Food. Sister Merry Peter and Roma officially canonized her “Saint Leslie Sbrocco of the Bounteous Table and Joyful Sip.” After having been sainted—as a cancer survivor and television host—Les-

lie commented that she “gets up each day filled with gratitude for a chance to bring joy into the lives of others.” There was a Mayoral commendation and presentation of flowers to Leslie, Kristen Green (celebrating a milestone birthday), and Check, Please! Producer Lori Halloran. The event additionally included a perfect performance by former Beach (continued on page 44)

On August 30 at THE ACADEMY SF, THE SISTERS OF PERPETUAL INDULGENCE, and the SAN FRANCISCO BAY TIMES held an emotional SAINTING of multiple Emmy and James Beard award-winning television host Leslie Sbrocco, whose unwavering support of the LGBTQ community has helped countless individuals and local businesses! Leslie received a well-deserved sainting that honored not only her LGBTQ advocacy but also her efforts in the fight against cancer. As a stage-4 colorectal cancer thriver, Sbrocco dedicates significant time to charitable work to help others impacted by cancer. Sister Dana (The Lame Nun) was supposed to participate in the sainting ceremony, but unfortunately my mangled ankle kept me housebound and unable to use stairs. Therefore, much of my report is by my dear friend and fellow nun, Sister Roma, reporting back to me on August 31. “Last night was magical!” Roma shared. “Leslie was surrounded by family, her closest friends, and admirers. The SF PRIDE BAND and hostess Donna Sachet serenaded us with “I Left My Heart in San Francisco.” Many of the local restaurants who benefited S AN F R ANC IS C O BAY T IM ES

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SISTER DANA (continued from pg 43) Blanket Babylon star Renée Lubin, accompanied by renowned musician Dr. Dee Spencer, DJ Rockaway & DJ Olga T, and, of course, dancing and drinking!

THE CASTRO ART WALK is every First Friday of the month from 5–9 pm. Participating locations extend their business hours to host special events and share artwork with the neighborhood. Join the art walk for a self-guided experience through the creativity of the Castro! The next one is September 6. My faves are 2358MRKT (2358 Market Street), Strut (470 Castro Street), Fabulosa Books (489 Castro), and Welcome Castro (525 Castro). Maps and info at https://www.castroartwalk.com/ THE 28TH ANNUAL SAN FRANCISCO DRAG KING CONTEST is live on September 8, 7 pm, Oasis, 298 11th Street. https://www.sfoasis.com/ All hail The Kings! The show will also stream online for $20 at www.watch.sfoasis.com If DarnOld Trump was anyone else, he would already be in jail. His guilty verdict is more than enough to prove he is more fit for PRISON than he is for public office.

But cowardly Republicans still protect him at every corner. It turns out that trying to overthrow our democracy might just be illegal. Sister Dana sez, “In that traitor’s own words: ‘LOCK HIM UP!’” Since 2010, Oakland Pride has been influential and dedicated to educating the greater Bay Area and promoting equality, social justice, civic involvement, and responsibility within Oakland and neighboring communities. Their organization has a shared vision of

providing an equitable platform, safe spaces, and events for the entire Oakland community. Their events celebrate Oakland’s rich and diverse queer community, support Oakland’s BIPOC businesses and nonprofits, and highlight the resources available to the community through a series of events throughout the year that lead up to Oakland Pride Weekend—a Festival and Parade. Oakland Pride is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization. I am thrilled to announce that my newspaper, San Francisco Bay Times, has been named a Grand Marshal of the OAKLAND PRIDE PARADE, which will happen on September 8. If I can get my “mankle” (mangled ankle) out the door, I will ride with SF Bay Times. https://www.oaklandpride.org/ Sister Dana sez, “Remember back in the day when Democrats and Republicans could disagree without being disagreeable? But that has changed, thanks mostly to Trump, who insults and attacks anyone who disagrees with him.”

Join the QTAPI community in cheering on Mx., Ms., and Mr. GAPA contestants as they demonstrate their talents, show off their evening wear, and answer Q&A in competition to become GAPA Royalty at GAPA RUNWAY 2024: Chrysalis! Reigning Mx GAPA 2023 Lotus Party and Ms GAPA 2023 Kiki Krunch will be stepping down to welcome the next generation of titleholders! Herbst Theatre, 401 Van Ness, September 14, 7 pm. What is GAPA RUNWAY? It is a 30+ year community production that aims to showcase queer and transgender Asian and Pacific Islander

(QTAPI) artistry, humanity, and excellence. https://www.gapa.org/

autocratic, murdering Prime Minister Netanyahu!

Sister Dana sez, “The Harris Campaign has raised half a billion dollars since her announcement.

What a shame ALL that money has to be used to convince just a few ‘privileged’ people to vote. Abolish the Electoral College! Let’s go back to popular vote: One person, One vote!”

The next monthly LOCKDOWN COMEDY show (on Zoom) will be the LAST one, and it will be in honor and memory of 93 years young Arline Geduldig, mother of Kung Pao Kosher Comedy producer and creator Lisa Geduldig.

Arline, a monthly staple on the show, passed away in August. The show will take place on Thursday, September 19, at 7 pm Pacific and will feature comedy all-stars Wendy Liebman (LA), Scott Blakeman (NY), Eve Meyer (SF), Lisa Geduldig (SF), and comedy clips of her late mother Arline (Florida). Lockdown Comedy began monthly on Zoom in July 2020, and featured comedians from all over the U.S. and sometimes internationally. https://www.koshercomedy.com/

The CHEER FOR LIFE FOUNDATION and CHEER SAN FRANCISCO invite you to AMPLIFY! 2024 on September 12 at The Academy SF in the heart of the Castro. “AMPLIFY!” is an evening to toast to the impact made by their many volunteers, supporters, and beneficiaries over the past year—and to kick off their 2024–2025 fundraising year with a bang! Enjoy delicious hors d’oeuvres and help raise funds to support important work being done right here in the Bay Area. 2166 Market Street, 6–9pm. https://www.cheerforlife.org/ Now through September 15, THEATRE RHINOCEROS presents FALLIN, The Sequel to Billy, written and directed

by John Fisher, at 4229 18th Street. The Colonel and Day are off to save the world again ... this time, from nuclear destruction.

The dynamic queer duo makes a return appearance in this action-packed comedy and next entry in the Special Forces Saga. https://www.therhino.org/ The horrific, cold-blooded, execution-style murder on August 31 of the six brave hostages in Gaza by Hamas demands three commands: immediate ceasefire; a two-states solution; and the ousting of

KRAMER (continued from pg 32) A Room With a View. The couple developed a series of films about “outsiders” with Jhabvala, and this unifying theme might prompt a greater evaluation. Had Soucy taken that approach to their ouvre, Merchant Ivory might have been really valuable to fans.

Instead, the documentary delves into the couple’s private life, which, at times, feels invasive. James Ivory is questioned repeatedly on camera by Soucy about his relationship with Merchant. He explains that their relationship was kept secret for decades, in part, because of Merchant’s traditional Muslim family.

But the two men did live together for 40 years. It was clearly understood by their families and coworkers that they were partners; they just didn’t talk about it.

Soucy keeps bringing the topic up at various times, bordering on inappropriate when the film discusses the affair Merchant had with composer Richard Robbins. Ivory, who had affairs himself, put a stop to it, firing Robbins. It left Merchant heartbroken. Somehow, this dish feels too gossipy for such a genteel portrait.

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NATIONAL HISPANIC (LATINO) HERITAGE MONTH is annually celebrated from September 15 to October 15 in the United States for recognizing the contributions and influence of Hispanic Americans (Latinx, Latinos, Latinas) to the history, culture, and achievements of the United States. More about this will be in my September 19 column—where I will have more room to elaborate.

Sister Dana sez, “Will they? Won’t they? The Big Debate is scheduled for September 10 on ABC-TV. As we go to press, it is still uncertain whether T-rump will show up or chicken out. I am hoping it’s a GO, and the Orange Ogre will show his true, un-presidential, unhinged, lying, raging, idiotic self for ALL to witness!!!”

BOOK PASSAGE (continued from pg 36) Curiously, a discussion of why the filmmakers chose to adapt Maurice, E. M. Forster’s “gay” novel, after their breakout hit, A Room With a View, relies mostly on screenwriter Kit Hesketh-Harvey to recount. Jhabvala felt it was inappropriate for her to pen the screenplay, but she did contribute something that improved on the original novel. More revelations like this would have been appreciated.

Instead, other novelists including the gay author Peter Cameron as well as Tama Janowitz effuse about having their contemporary books, The City of Your Final Destination and Slaves of New York, respectively, both turned into Merchant Ivory films. But neither film made much of an impact, and City, made after Merchant’s death, nearly bankrupted the company.

(Actor Anthony Hopkins is seen in a clip announcing what a marvelous experience he had making the film, but then turned around and sued for unpaid wages.)

Soucy does touch on the handful of films Merchant directed on his own between 1994 and 2001, as well as the ones Merchant and Ivory made when they worked for studios starting in the 1990s–2000s: Jefferson in Paris, Surviving Picasso, A SolS E PT E MB E R 5, 2 0 2 4

dier’s Daughter Never Cries, The Golden Bowl, and The White Countess. Despite the fact that there was more money for these productions, these features all underperformed with critics and audiences. (Le Divorce, also made in this period, goes unmentioned.)

In the end, the emphasis here seems to be on Merchant Ivory’s greatest hits.

That may be catnip for devotees, but real aficionados of Merchant Ivory will demand more insights into the filmmakers and filmmaking. Soucy’s documentary feels like the cinematic equivalent of a coffee table book—nice to flip through, because it triggers fond memories, but ultimately, not very deep. © 2024 Gary M. Kramer Gary M. Kramer is the author of “Independent Queer Cinema: Reviews and Interviews,” and the co-editor of “Directory of World Cinema: Argentina.” He teaches Short Attention Span Cinema at the Bryn Mawr Film Institute and is the moderator for Cinema Salon, a weekly film discussion group.

Follow him on Twitter @garymkramer

the Tenderloin: Del Seymour’s Journey From Living on the Streets to Fighting Homelessness in San Francisco This is the remarkable story of Del Seymour, who turned his life around after 18 years of homelessness and addiction in San Francisco’s Tenderloin.

Owings captures a powerful tale of redemption and resilience in one of America’s most challenging neighborhoods, highlighting how one man’s transformation is making a difference.

Saturday, September 14 @ 1 pm (ticketed SF Ferry Building store) Tyler Florence, author of American Grill: 125 Recipes for Mastering Live Fire This is the latest cookbook from celebrated chef, restaurateur, and star of Food Network’s Tyler’s Ultimate; it covers the art of grilling. The event will feature a meet & greet and signing.

Thursday, September 19 @ 6 pm (non-ticketed - Corte Madera store) Tom Steyer, author of Cheaper, Better, Faster: How We’ll Win the Climate War Having left a successful investment career to focus on climate activism, Steyer shares his journey and the work of other climate leaders, demonstrating how capitalism can advance climate solutions and urging everyone to contribute to stabilizing our planet. Steyer will be joined in conservation by Lisa Kay Solomon. https://www.bookpassage.com/

Round About - All Over the Castro Photos by Rink Rink’s schedule for decades has included his walks through the Castro and other neighborhoods he enjoys visiting all over the city. Those include events and activities organized by the Castro Merchants Association, such as the recent Castro Stroll, which is a “neighborhood makers event.”

The August 18, 2024, Castro Stroll highlighted neighborhood artists, shops, live music, and dining options.

The Castro Stroll, which takes place on the third Sunday of the month at the intersection of Castro and 18th Streets, is always free to attend and happens from noon to 5 pm.

The photos here were taken by Rink not only in August but also at several other recent visits to the Castro Stroll.

Rink encourages supporting local artists.

For more information on Castro Merchants’ “Events in the Hood,” including the Castro Family Block Party on Saturday, October 26, go to: https://castromerchants.com/events

Gordy Boe, owner of the 440 Bar on Castro Street, with Donna Sachet

Kat Austin and Alyssa Sanders of the Katalysst Band

The Wishing Tree located at 545 Castro Street in front of Agean Delights Greek and Turkish Cafe

Carolina Laverde of Imperfecto Art

James Baldwin’s Go Tell It on the Mountain on display at Fabulosa for Baldwin’s 100th birthday

Artist Morgen Roloff of MoseenMomade Arts S AN F R A NC IS C O BAY T IM ES

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RINK Remembers

presented by

STREETCAM

San Francisco Bay Times lead photographer Rink visited Hibernia Beach, located at the intersection of 18th and Castro Streets, on his walk through the Castro on Saturday, August 24, 2024. There he found memorials placed by local community members in memory of two friends.

http://sfbaytimes.com/

Riky Ricardo Gomez Blanchard (1988–2024)

Pismo A-Frame Portable Beach Tent For an easy to set up sun shade that lets the breeze flow through, the Pismo A-Frame Portable Beach Tent is an ideal choice. $120.99

Riky Ricardo, a native of Venezuela, was remembered as a beloved friend in a memorial poster. Gratitude was expressed for his love, compassion, support, and delicious arepas and carrot cakes! His laughter, positive energy, humility, honesty, and wise advice were also fondly remembered.

Tarana Backpack Cooler An insulated cooler backpack is pretty cool, but a cooler backpack made out of 14 recycled water bottles? That’s the Tarana Backpack Cooler, and it’s sustainably cool, which is even better! $74.99

William Bir, Jr. (1965–2024)

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

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

A memorial photograph of William Bir, Jr., was also posted at the 18th and Castro memorial space. Bir was Senior Environmental Risk Reviewer at BMO who previously underwrote complex risks for site pollution and stop loss and contractor pollution liability policies. He started his accomplished career as an environmental engineer on multiple site investigation and remediation projects.

As Heard on the Street . . . First celebrity crush?

Rachel Hastings Adair

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Bryn Woznicki

“Katharine Hepburn, a real inspiration”

“Mulder and Scully on the X Files”

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Bobby Love

“John Lone, a star of The Last Emperor. He is a role model for Asians in Hollywood.”

Timothy Hampton

“MC Hammer, a fabulous entertainer and a celebrated promoter of culture in Oakland”

compiled by Rink

Miguel Bagst “Julia Roberts”