LGBTQ News & Calendar for the Bay Area
CELEBRATING FOUR DECADES Est . 1978
Earth Day Every Day
See Pages 17–21
RAINBOW SIERRANS
GAYS OF NATIONAL PARKS
AMIGOS AVENTUREROS
SAN FRANCISCO HIKING CLUB
The Growing Resistance
Louder, Please!
In Case You Missed It
Joanie Juster
The current administration continues its scorched-earth rampage, making Sherman’s march through Georgia look like a romp through the park. Each day brings a new horror, as rights, protections, safety nets, and societal norms we have relied upon all our lives vanish. They have gleefully destroyed everything most people care about: our economy, national security, healthcare, arts and culture, libraries, schools, our country’s standing in the world, our basic constitutional rights, the rule of law, and any sense of security. Nothing is safe; nothing is sacred. As one friend ruefully said to me, “They’re culling the herd. They want the sick, the elderly, the vulnerable to simply die.”
That’s the bad news.
But stick with me here—there is a growing amount of good news, too, and much of that is due to all of us. Just look at the historic victory in Wisconsin on April 1. That is what people power can accomplish.
Ever since this national nightmare began on January 20, we’ve heard people saying, “Where are our leaders? Where are the big protests?” The deliberate speed and intensity with which destruction has been brought upon us as made mounting a formidable and cohesive resistance monumentally challenging.
But there is resistance, and the resistance movement is growing exponentially every day. One of the most visible and successful is taking place at Tesla dealerships all over the country. #TeslaTakedown protests have become the new brunch: a place to build networks with likeminded people to support each other, swap information about protest tactics and upcoming resistance events, and, at the same time, inflict an immense amount of economic damage to a certain
megalomaniac’s brand. Part of the genius of the #TeslaTakedown movement is that they take place at regularly scheduled times and locations so people can plan their protest times, and build relationships. Check out the action near you: https://tinyurl.com/ TeslaT25
Protests are growing each week, as people of all political persuasions realize how much damage is being inflicted upon their own lives, their families, and their communities. As popular programs like Medicaid and Social Security that support tens of millions of Americans are threatened, the protests grow. The “Hands Off!” nationwide protest on April 5 was organized by an intersectional coalition of partners, from the ACLU and Indivisible to community groups, because we are all in this together. Building coalitions is
key to helping each other survive this crisis. The next big event for the Bay Area will be the People’s March/Fight Fascism for Democracy! in San Francisco on Saturday, April 12. Starting with a rally at Embarcadero Plaza at noon, the plan is to then march up Market Street to City Hall. Veteran activists Alex U. Inn and Juanita MORE!, have assembled a coalition of young progressive officials, faith leaders, teachers, trans-leaders, immigrants, BIPOC, artists, the disenfranchised, and anyone else who feels they are subject to the unlawful policies of the new administration. https://tinyurl.com/PeopleFF25
Meanwhile, in town halls in every state, people are making their voices heard loud and clear. Our elected officials need to hear from each of us. Make your daily calls via 5Calls, take advantage of every opportunity to speak to elected officials, and keep showing up, in person and in writing, to speak out against what is happening to our country. This is our moment. Use it wisely, and stay loud.
Meanwhile,
Stay Safe
Recent high-profile violent attacks in the Castro have left the issue of safety on everyone’s mind. We all need to be mindful of our own safety, and also the safety of those around us. Now is a good time to review basic safety guidelines, starting with the most basic: always be aware of your surroundings, both for your own safety, and for the safety of others. Please see the sidebar in this issue with suggestions on actions to take if you
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What to Do If You Witness an Attack
By Joanie Juster and Ken Craig
Thanks to Ken Craig of Castro Community on Patrol for providing these guidelines for bystanders who witness a violent incident, or even a verbal altercation that is not violent:
• Ensure you are SAFE, as you do not want to become a second victim of the incident.
• CALL 9-1-1 if you witness any violent incident, or if you believe a verbal altercation “may” become violent. Time is of the essence and may literally save a life, so CALL FIRST.
• If you feel safe in doing so, use your SAFETY WHISTLE to call attention to the incident by blowing repeatedly in THREE short blasts. Hopefully others in the area will do likewise with their own safety whistle, which may be enough to stop the attack.
• If you feel safe in doing so, shout loudly that Police have been called and are on their way. Again, this may be enough to stop the attack and encourage perpetrators to flee the scene.
• If you feel safe in doing so, use your cell phone to video and audio record the incident and provide this evidence to police either when they arrive on scene or afterwards by contacting the relevant police station. DO NOT post such videos to social media BEFORE offering them to police, as doing so may compromise their use as evidence in court.
• If you feel safe in doing so, provide what first aid and comfort you can to any victim of a violent attack until police and medical responders arrive. Your actions may save a life.
• Please be willing to WAIT and provide a statement to police as a witness if you observed the attack or anything relevant to the incident. Evidence and witness statements are vitally important in investigating attacks, identifying suspects, and ultimately arresting and prosecuting them.
Joanie Juster is a long-time community volunteer, activist, and ally.
The Growing Resistance
Awakening Our Inner Unicorn in Troubled Times
6/26 and Beyond
Stuart Gaffney and John Lewis
It is a truism that musicians and artists often do not receive recognition in their lifetimes. And so it is with the 1960s and ’70s gay musician, the late Peter Grudzien, who wrote and sang outsider psychedelic country music as part of the Greenwich Village folk and bluegrass music scene of the time.
Grudzien’s music ascended to the national stage–literally–last month when renowned folk musicians Nora Brown and Stephanie Coleman sang their rendition of Grudzien’s haunting but hopeful
1974 melody “The Unicorn” as part of their protest performance at the Kennedy Center. Characterizing the Kennedy Center as both “our country’s national cultural center” and “a radical space,” the music duo unfurled and hung banners reading “Reinstate Queer Programming” and “Creativity at the Kennedy Center Must Not Be Suppressed” during their concert.
While many prominent artists canceled already-scheduled Kennedy Center performances as a means of protesting the Trump administration’s takeover of that esteemed
institution, Brown and Coleman chose a different path. In a joint statement, part of which they read on stage, they explained that they “believe[d] the most effective form of protest for us will be expressing disapproval, loudly, inside the institution where the voices of artists are actively being silenced.” Brown added in a Democracy Now! interview that they “ended up deciding that our voices would be loudest on the stage” itself.
In their statement, the pair expressed that they were “outraged by the tyrannical change of leadership at the Kennedy Center” and articulated how through “weaponizing the Kennedy Center’s stages, Trump has systematically sought to silence Queer and BIPOC artists.” They emphasized how they were “particularly disturbed by the recent cancellations of two pride month concerts featuring the International Pride Orchestra and the Gay Men’s Chorus of Washington.”
Accordingly, Brown and Coleman chose to include in their setlist a song by the queer outsider musician Grudzien, whom Brown recognized as “the first gay male country musician.” Grudzien lived with a medical diagnosis of paranoid schizophrenia, but instead of marginalizing him, Brown heralded him as “an incredible and unique songwriter.” Brown and Coleman consider Grudzien’s music to be part of “the robust culture of resistance that American folk music has always championed” and hoped to evoke a “spirit of dissent and joy” by performing one of his songs.
Grudzien’s The Unicorn album and its signature song of the same name do just that and were written decades before the rainbow unicorn became a hugely popular queer icon. The song’s lyrically opaque verses first give voice to human longing for comfort, speaking of our seeking “to find someone half-blind, somebody who will make us new, to hold in the night, to guard us from fright.” The second verse describes a disturbing image of the singer’s “search
for a way to tear out my eyes so I won’t see the dying tree fall to its knees, and as it must with fragments of lust, return to dust, [and] then we are gone in the night.”
The final verse depicts a dark dystopia that, in retrospect, could be seen as portending the cowardly capitulation of some individuals and institutions to Trump. It describes a “crowded” “sanctuary” where “poisons are all passed around” and how “our eyes leave our head” as “the zombies are dead, just walking around, held to the ground, our feet are bound, obeying each sound, waiting to meet God knows who.”
But after each troubling verse, hope emerges from the song’s chorus that evokes the magic of the mythical unicorn to reawaken us to the restorative power of our love for and embrace of vibrant queerness. The chorus proclaims:
While in our very city there lives a Unicorn of old
The Queen that holds the Unicorn
Will be reborn
His mighty horn
Calls on that day
Storms pass away
Night turns to day
The whole world is gay Angels descend from the sky
A slight variation of the chorus, sung after the second verse’s recounting of the death of a tree, takes it a step further by revealing that “a real live Unicorn” is, in fact, alive in “our city.” That “real live Unicorn” is our inner strength that lies within us as
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Nora Brown and Stephanie Coleman
Nora Brown and Stephanie Coleman protest Trump’s takeover of the Kennedy Center.
The World’s First and Second Most Popular Sports Are Now at the Oakland Coliseum
Out of the Closet and into City Hall
Oakland City Councilmember At-Large, Rebecca Kaplan
On March 26, 2025, local leaders and Major League Cricket (MLC) announced that the historic Oakland Coliseum will continue to expand its resurrection, becoming a host for cricket for the 2025 season, including becoming the home for the Bay Area team the Unicorns, and welcoming games for all the teams in the league. As the second most popular sport in the world, cricket is second only to soccer, with over 3 billion fans worldwide. It is significant that cricket comes to the Bay Area, where cricket enjoys a significant fan base.
As important as the sport is the venue it will
be played in: the iconic Oakland Coliseum, which is home to many of Oakland’s best sports memories. From soccer to cricket and beyond, the Oakland Coliseum has become a busy venue. Local leaders have been taking action to strengthen Oakland, bringing new events and activities to the Oakland Arena and Coliseum. The new activity generates jobs, excitement, and community engagement, and increases revenue to fund vital public services.
The arrival of the MLC in the Bay Area marks a significant milestone for the growth of cricket in the United States. Presale of
tickets began on March 27, and the season will begin on June 12. Ticket sales can be found at https://bit.ly/3R8xr3t
The iconic, historic Oakland Coliseum is an ideal home for the Unicorns. Some of the greatest moments in sports have happened at the Oakland Coliseum, and the unique shape and size of the field allow for hosting cricket more effectively than other North American sports venues. Hosting such a popular sport as cricket is appropriate for this storied venue.
“We are beyond thrilled to bring the San Francisco Unicorns to the Coliseum for our home matches in 2025,” said David White, CEO of the San Francisco Unicorns. “The Bay Area has a deep and growing love for cricket, and this move allows us to create an unforgettable match day experience in one of the region’s most iconic venues. We can’t wait to welcome fans from across the Bay Area to cheer on the Unicorns in our new
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Oakland Coliseum’s field and scoreboard ready for Major League Cricket
Councilmember Rebecca Kaplan (center) wtih league and team officials (left to right) John Haubert, Kevin Jenkins, Johnny Grave, and Anand Rajaraman
The Growing Resistance
Nationwide ‘Hands Off!’ Protest
Photos by Rink, Michael Kirschner, and Juan R. Davila
The Hands Off! mass mobilization protest targeting Donald Trump and Elon Musk on Saturday, April 5, 2025, brought huge crowds to sites throughout the U.S. It is estimated that, in San Francisco, more than 15,000 gathered at San Francisco City Hall and Civic Center.
The action’s purpose, as announced, was “taking to the streets to fight back with a clear message: Hands off!” and “our message to the world that we do not consent to the destruction of our government and our economy for the benefit of Trump and his billionaire allies.”
Protestors at cities across the U.S. joined in to rally and march to demand that “chaos” must stop and an opposition movement must emerge.
“A core principle behind all Hands Off! events is a commitment to nonviolent action,” organizers announced, along with a call to deescalate potential confrontations with counter protestors.
San Francisco Bay Times photographers Rink and Mike Kirschner contributed their images documenting the local protest. The Associated Press distributed photos, in addition to those taken in San Francisco, from New York City; Washington, D.C.; Lexington, KY; Palm Beach, FL; St. Joseph, MI; Harrisburg, PA; Miami, FL; Rome, GA; and more.
http://www.hanksoff2025.com
The Growing Resistance
Nationwide ‘Hands Off!’ Protest (continued)
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GLBT Fortnight in Review
By Ann Rostow
Bye, Bye Retirement
I don’t know where to start today. For one thing, I don’t feel well. For another thing, I’m anxious about losing our retirement funds that are already down dramatically. I’m old enough to worry about these things since my wife and I don’t have years and years to sit around waiting for the markets to recover unless we spend nothing from here on in.
We have seven grandkids, so that’s not happening. In fact, and I may get into trouble for telling you this, but a glance at our Amazon orders will often reveal yet another adorable gizmo or stuffed animal headed out from our account at a cost of maybe $15 or $20. Not expensive, true. But that’s five grand a year! Yes, I’m talking about the woman who just sent our four-year-old a talking hamster and a bunny that makes an annoying sound and hops. Assuming we continue in this vein, which goes without saying, we will soon have to give up something dear to my heart, like Campari or hardback novels.
I’m trying to be lighthearted, and it’s true that anyone with a portfolio is better off than those living paycheck to paycheck. So I won’t complain too much. And there might be a silver lining, some experts say. If the Trump tariffs persist and lead to a recession, as many are starting to fear, the repercussions could end the national delusions that elected Trump twice and created a movement in his name. Vance and company could be discredited and we could welcome in a new political era of rebuilding. Yes, we Democrats want to win the midterms. But more than that, we want our country back on the road to recovery from the life-threatening disease of Trumpism. It may take a generation, but I still have faith in America. Over the Rainbow
Meanwhile, I hate to say it, but I’m having trouble maintaining my thirty-year career of reporting on the GLBT community. I see that a campground for gay men somewhere refused to allow transgender men to come to some weekend event. I don’t know. I didn’t really read the story and I am only telling you about it because it’s the sort of thing that I once would use as a springboard for thoughtful commentary about the complexity of transgender rights, but now I can’t focus on it. The world is falling apart! Actually, it did remind me of a transwoman who had not had surgery but who wanted to go to a nude lesbian event somewhere (normally I’d google this and give you a coherent account). I recall that I said that, if I were to attend such an event, which would be unlikely, I would not want to see a swinging dick, even if it were attached to a trans-sister. Girl, there’s a reason some of us are lesbians.
I couldn’t resist looking up that last item, from June 2023 as it happens. The “Olympus Spa” in Lynnwood, Washington, was the scene of an all-female, naked “traditional, ceremonial, act of cleansing” where penises were not allowed. One transwoman, Haven Wilvich, complained. “It felt really terrible
to be invited to an event and find out I can’t attend because the spa is willing to reduce me to my genitalia and not see me as the woman that I am,” she told The Lynwood Times. This still annoys me. You’re not reduced to your genitalia. Your genitalia is simply not invited to the nude female ceremonial act of cleansing or whatever. Get over it! The world is falling apart.
My lack of interest in the trials and tribulations of our GLBT community—problems that are growing and deepening—has left me distracted. For example, instead of reading about the appellate court decision that recently blocked Trump’s trans military ban, I was just drawn into a headline that suggested a dark connection between pillowcases and aging. “Your Pillowcase Could Be Aging You Ten Year Overnight, Warns Dermatologist.”
What the Hell! At once I abandoned my legal research and clicked ahead.
“My name is Sarah Ashworth,” the explanation begins. “The first thing you should know about me is that I’m not a dermatologist. I’m not an expert on skincare either. But five years ago, I discovered an age-defying secret in the most unexpected place—my own bed.”
Hmmm. My instincts tell me this is advertising hyperbole. Indeed, Sarah, 58, tells us that “friction” from her cotton pillowcases was destroying her skin. A new “Blissy” pillowcase seemed like a dream come true.
“The small splotch of middle-aged breakouts was gone. By the end of the month, my wrinkles weren’t as prominent. The skin around my eyes was softer, yet firmer. And after six months? I looked like I was in my early 30s again.”
It took me a dozen clicks to determine that the pillowcase costs about $50. But beyond the inexplicable expense, my irritation rests with the absurd statement that your cotton pillowcase ages you ten years in one night. Lies! Plus, we see that Sarah is not a dermatologist even though the headline promises an expert view. More lies! I don’t know about you, but I wouldn’t buy a Blissy at half the price and I don’t believe Sarah really looked 25 years younger because of a freaking pillowcase.
I’m not in a good mood.
Ignorance Was Bliss I paused my column, just resumed this morning, and in less than 24-hours I have been bombarded with online ads for Bliss pillowcases. I know it’s my fault for not blocking cookies or doing something to cut down on trackers, but still. I have also lost my family NCAA bracket game. Two of us went down to the wire with Florida against Houston in the championship game, leapfrogging the rest of the clan, but my stepdaughter Sarah beat me at the buzzer. Thanks, Sarah. Way to cheer me up from my low spirits. (My wonderful Sarah is not to be confused with the manipulative charlatan
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Honoring Bay Area Transgender Leaders—Encore!
The San Francisco Bay Times last month honored numerous Bay Area transgender leaders ahead of the Transgender Day of Visibility. As for Earth Day, a day of this magnitude requires more than 24 hours of recognition. That is especially true here in Northern California, where so many talented transgender leaders are based or have strong ties. Often their leadership extends to national and even international levels.
Here are just a few additional Bay Area transgender leaders who continue to enrich the entire LGBTQ+ community.
Nicky Calma (aka Tita Aida) is the Director of Programs and Community Engagement at the San Francisco Community Health Center (SFCHC), where she is also on the Trans Advisory Committee. She has worked with the SFCHC and its predecessor organization, API Wellness, for the past three decades. Her life has been dedicated to raising HIV awareness in the trans and API communities.
She has organized many clubs and events, and was a longstanding entertainer at the former landmark restaurant Asia SF, being one of the primary “Ladies of Asia SF.” Calma created the persona “Tita Aida” (Tagalog for “Aunty AIDS”) in the early 1990s specifically to destigmatize and break the silence surrounding the epidemic of HIV/AIDS in the API LGBTQ+ communities. The Transgender District Visual Storytelling Project created this documentary short about her: https://bit.ly/3FVVT5X
As a fearlessly out transgender woman and activist, Ms. Billie Cooper has devoted much of her life to helping other transgender community members. She is a disabled veteran and cancer survivor as well
as a longtime HIV/AIDS survivor (since 1985). After she completed her service in the U.S. Navy, she moved to the Tenderloin in San Francisco in 1982 and never looked back. She told CBS News: “It really wasn’t
the transgender district because we weren’t transgender back then; we were still fags and homosexuals and punks and queers and everything. We didn’t get the name transgender until like between 1985 and 1990.” She has transformed her challenges into empathy for others and a drive to make a positive difference in their lives. More about her remarkable life story is included in the documentary short The Life and Legacy of Ms. Billie Cooper, which can be viewed at https://bit.ly/3G0ldHW
her life and achievements: https://bit.ly/42mjunQ
The first transgender woman to sing the National Anthem at a professional sports event, Breonna Sinclairé is an acclaimed lyric soprano who has been working as a
Transgender rights activist Donna Personna is a playwright and fine art artist specializing in photography, painting, and mixed media. She was an early inspiration to The Cockettes legendary avant-garde theater group and was featured in one of their films in 1972. Reflecting both her skills in the arts and history within the LGBTQ+ community, she cowrote a play about the Compton Cafeteria riot, which was one
of the first documented LGBTQ+-related riots in U.S. history. It is widely credited with marking the beginning of transgender activism in San Francisco. In 2018, she raised the first transgender flag at San Francisco City Hall, and has served on the boards of the Trans March and the Transgender Day of Remembrance. She was the Lifetime Achievement Grand Marshal of the 2019 San Francisco Pride Parade, with this video sharing more about
professional singer for over a decade. One of her mentors was Sheri Greenawald of the San Francisco Opera. Sinclairé has performed with notable classical artists and orchestras at prestigious venues across the U.S. A few of the operas she has participated in as a vocalist include Carmen, The Magic Flute, La Calisto, and more. She was featured in the PBS special True Colors, where she sang “Somewhere” from West Side Story ( https://bit.ly/4ctvtVm ). She has been profiled by many media outlets, including NowThis, which produced the following video: https://bit.ly/42AfjG3
Asri Wulandari is a nonbinary transgender asylee from Jakarta, Indonesia. As the Manager of Communications at the Office of Transgender Initiatives (OTI), she
believes in the power of storytelling as a tool to uplift and center the transgender community. Prior to joining OTI in 2023, she worked at various nonprofit organizations for many years. To her present work she brings her professional administrative experience from the nonprofit sector in creating an inclusive, effective, and community-centered team. Here at the San Francisco Bay Times, she facilitates Honey Mahogany’s column and has been a thoughtful professional. Outside of her work at OTI, she is a visual artist working primarily with sculpture and video to investigate her own personal gender identity and its relations to the broader norms, rules, and myths of her communities. She additionally is a DJ and uses that art as an avenue to explore sounds from varying queer and trans artists. In 2022, she was featured in conversation with Dr. Kathy Zarur at the San Francisco State University Fine Arts Gallery: https://bit.ly/44d1ONN
Manny Yekutiel, Donna Personna and Supervisor Rafael Mandelman
Ms. Billie Cooper
Tita Aida
Ms. Billie Cooper
Donna Personna
Breonna Sinclairé
Asri Wulandari
OBy Donna Sachet
ur listing of the weekend of activities for the recent Mr. San Francisco Leather Contest caused some queries from our less frequent readers, who may not know that we were dubbed “The Leather Empress” some years ago by the Leather Community at large with a beautifully crafted leather vest to prove it! When Daddy Ray Tilton, Producer of the event, called some months ago asking us to participate as co-emcee, our only question was, “With whom?” The answer was Lenny Broberg, formerly of San Francisco, now living in Palm Springs, and holder of the title International Mr. Leather 1992. We have been friends and partners in many fundraising events for over 20 years and it was a thrill to hear that he would be coming in for this revitalized contest. And the entire weekend became a beautiful reunion with friends from far and wide.
The contest took place at SOMArts and, under the direction of Daddy Ray, it ran like a well-oiled machine. Within minutes, the years of working together with Lenny paid off and we guided the nearly 200 attendees through a lively competition between 7 contestants: Alex Seidel, Matty Zamora, Jacob, Menudo Fabian Alvarez, Tracii Ross More, Daniel Huggy Bear Cherry, and West Walker Several special moments added to the night, including a color guard that featured various community flags and a display of leather vests with historic markings and memorabilia, as Dusty Porn sang an uplifting song live, an emotional gathering on stage of historic Mr. and Ms. Leather titleholders, and even a surprise wedding proposal. The contest followed the traditional structure of all such leather events with a private interview with the judges earlier in the day, on-stage question and body positivity, formal speech presentation, leather image, and even audience participation by secret ballot. Speaking of judges, this panel was stellar with Mr. SF Leather 2010 Lance Holman, Mr. Santa Clara Leather 2014 Frank La, Dyke Daddy Dandy, Mark Paladini, Emperor LIII, After Norton, Kevin Lisle, Rich Stadtmiller, and current International Mr. Leather Jamal-HerreraO’Malley with Alternate Judge Mr. Bolt Leather Colin Gallagher and Judge Emeritus Gary McLain aka Marlena. All 7 contestants gave their very best and each had an enthusiastic following in the audience, but eventually the winner emerged: Mr. Powerhouse Leather 2025 Tracii Ross More The crowd went appropriately wild! Mr. San Francisco Leather is back!
What can we say about last Saturday’s Crescendo, the SF Gay Men’s Chorus’ (SFGMC’s) annual gala, this time at the Westin St. Francis on Union Square, drawing record-breaking attendance and achieving unheard of financial success? We attended with this publication’s own Betty Sullivan and Jennifer Viegas, starting with a glittering cocktail reception in the ornate Colonial Room, followed by the main program in the Grand Ballroom. During the evening, we were delighted to catch up with so many friends and chorus supporters, including State Senator Scott Wiener, President of the SF Board of Directors Rafael Mandelman, Cammy Blackstone, Larry Hashbarger, Joel Goodrich, Jason Buro, Jesse Brooks, Jay Davidson, Jeff Doney & Adam Thier, and others. Nina West of RuPaul’s Drag Race served as a great emcee with comic timing and musical talent; chorus member and auctioneer extraordinaire Michael Tate once again whipped the audience into a buying frenzy; and Artistic Director Jacob Stensberg and Chief Executive Officer Christopher Verdugo teamed up in some witty repartee on stage. Director of the SF Office of Transgender Initiatives Honey Mahogany introduced Trailblazer Awardee Angelica Ross, who won the audience over with her warm personality, stunning looks, and inspiring remarks. Honorary Co-Host Greg Sarris of Graton Resort & Casino spoke lovingly of SFGMC and surprised everyone with an additional gift of $100,000. And, of course, the event was peppered throughout with stirring musical performances by the SFGMC. When all was said and done, it was announced that the night had raised over 1.3 million dollars for the SF Gay Men’s Chorus!
But the peak of the evening was the appearance of Nancy Pelosi Ally Awardee Sheryl Lee Ralph. With a career spanning Broadway, television, film, and music, this superstar delivered in every way, speaking from the heart of the early onset of the AIDS epidemic all the way to the current negative climate towards the arts and our country’s creativity. We had witnessed her personal charisma first-hand years earlier at PRC’ Mighty Real gala and she again brought us all to our feet with her empowering words and dynamic delivery. Lifted by her energy, we then returned to the Colonial Room for a little dancing and general revelry ... ending a perfect night of inspirational fundraising.
And the Imperial Council had a busy Saturday at 620 Jones, where the The GentleQueer, Smiling PoohBear of Laughter and Song, Reigning Emperor Ashlee Blow and The Divalicious Dreamgirl of Dance and
“Sometimes music is the only medicine the heart and soul needs.”
Unknown
Every Sunday MIMOSA, Sunday Brunch
For women, their friends & allies Catch French Bistro, 2362 Market Street
Music with Dr. Dee Spencer Noon–3 pm Price varies www.catchfrenchbistro.com
Sunday, April 13
CHEER SF’s 4th annual Back Tuck Drag Show Fundraiser Extravaganza
Surprise appearances by members of the club Beaux, 2344 Market Street 4–8 pm Free! www.cheersf.org
Saturday, April 19
SF Community Center’s Soirée Dinner, program, entertainment, auction Sister Roma, Honey Mahogany, Juanita MORE! City View at Metreon, 135 Fourth Street 5:30 pm reception & dinner $399 & up 8:30 pm after-party $95 & up www.sfcenter.org
Defying Gravity, Reigning Empress Afrika America, kicked off their year with their formal Investiture: A Night at the Movies The crowd was larger than expected, forcing the event to the outside space in the fortunately warm spring weather. In addition to handing out honorary titles to a wide spectrum of supporters for their Diamond Court of Diversity, Excellence and Joy, the new monarchs also announced their Imperial Crown Prince Nathan M D’Aguiar and Imperial Crown Princess Mx Kiki Krunch. Joining the Imperial Family with permanent titles, after a successful year of service, are Crown Prince to The Court of El Gran Sol of Passion, Resilience, and Universality, John (continued on page 16)
Crescendo 2025 - The Power of Us
The San Francisco Gay Men’s Chorus held its annual Crescendo gala this past weekend, drawing hundreds of supporters, community leaders, and music lovers together for an unforgettable evening of purpose and performance. Held at the Westin St. Francis Hotel, the event served as a vibrant celebration of the chorus’ ongoing mission: to inspire activism, foster compassion, and build community through the power of song.
Honorees included Sheryl Lee Ralph and Angelica Ross, along with host Nina West and special guests Honey Mahogany. CEO Chris Verdugo and artistic director Jacob Stensberg kicked the evening off with a Wicked-inspired take on the theme “The Power of Us,” followed by several performances from the chorus.
Co-chairs Sally Kay and Bryan Catanazato ensured the audience knew how important this night was to encourage generosity when auctioneer Michael Tate took the floor. Dignitaries who attended included Mayor Daniel Laurie, Senator Scott Wiener, and President of the San Francisco Board of Supervisors, Rafael Mandelman. Also in attendance were Terrence D. Chan and Edward Sell, Greg Sarris and Lana Rivera, and so many others who enjoyed the seated dinner and dessert, and after-party with DJ Livv.
The chorus raised a record-breaking $1,394,200 to support SFGMC’s main stage concerts, the Chan National Queer Arts Center, and RHYTHM (Reaching Youth Through Music). Additional photos and information may be found at https://bit.ly/3G2hY2D
Photos by Drew Altizer Photography
from the previous section.)
Meanwhile, as our global economic system frays and our closest allies draw away from us in horror, Alabama Senator Tommy Tuberville told a Fox person that the threat of transgender women athletes is more insidious than one might think.
“We have entire men’s teams across this country now that are turning trans,” Tuberville told Maria Barteromo. “Women’s teams, they’re turning trans … . That’s going to be a situation where it’s going to pick up speed because these woke globalists are pushing these kids to say if you can’t compete in men’s sports, let’s just transition and say you’re a woman and participate in women’s sports.”
I can’t even make fun of these people anymore. According to The Advocate, the former football coach seemed inspired by an incident in which a cisgender female fencer refused to cross swords with a transgender opponent. It’s not clear how Tuberville made the leap to entire teams turning transgender, nor can we fathom what he meant by saying “men’s teams” are all turning trans. And then there’s his fear of coaches urging mediocre young male athletes to pretend to be transgender in order to excel against female players.
You can’t argue with comments this moronic, nor with the idiots who spout them. And again, with everything else that’s transpiring in our world, I have to wonder whether Senator Tuberville’s constituents really voted for a war against transgender sportswomen while their savings vanish, their costs rise,
and their country behaves like a beloved uncle at a dinner party who suddenly appears drunk and hostile, pulls a gun, and waves it around randomly without any knowledge of how it works. Aunt Janice wrests it out of his hand, accidentally blows a hole in the china cabinet, and throws the weapon across the room with a high-pitched scream. Little Jimmy picks it up, excitement mixing with fear as he tries to make sense of the escalating chaos. You get the picture. Can I also ask why fencing should be influenced by gender? Do men have faster reflexes? I just checked and the research is unclear.
I Do Care
Let me demonstrate my dilemma. The U.S. Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit recently denied the Trump administration’s request for an administrative stay of a permanent injunction against the transgender military ban. A federal judge in Washington state issued the injunction.
Even as I type these words, there’s another voice in my head going: “blah blah blah blah blah injunction blah blah appellate panel blah blah blah.” And to make matters worse, there’s another federal judge in Washington, D.C., who also issued a preliminary injunction against the trans ban that (conversely) has been subjected to an administrative stay by the U.S. Court of Appeals for the D.C. Circuit. That doesn’t sound good, but the D.C. Circuit ruling made clear that the stay would be lifted at once if any anti-trans hanky panky were to occur in the short term.
Please let me throw up my hands in despair.
Despair, first and foremost, for the cruel, unnecessary, mean, and destructive treatment of transgender Americans in all areas, but, in particular, for those serving in the United States military who would give their lives on our behalf if asked to do so.
More despair for the fact that I could not figure out why the Ninth Circuit was involved in this whole shebang since I have not been paying my usual attention to GLBT law, and I did not read closely enough to see that the Ninth Circuit case was appealed from a lower court in Washington state, not Washington D.C. I knew about the D.C. case, which today requires me to report on unusual conditions attached to administrative stays, but I missed the Washington state case and fell apart figuring it out (which is why I ended up reading about the dangers of cotton pillowcases).
The rest of the despair comes from the fact that the ban on transgender troops, which should be our lead story, is overshadowed by the impact of Trump on the entire country and the world. For months, my solution for this skewed perspective was to avoid political commentary and news about Trump and just write about gay things or follow alleyways into humorous parts of town. But I couldn’t keep it up and I had to start reading and watching again. I may regret this return to Main Street, but for now, I’m trying to survive it.
The Big Picture
I see in The New York Times that bonobos may be capable of stringing together two “words” to create a third meaning. You know bono-
bos, of course. They are the sex-crazed simians, hedonists of the jungle, so it’s not surprising they have special talents, linguistic or otherwise. But chimpanzees have also been observed doing the same thing, in their case, combining the word for “come over here!” with a specific danger warning to mean “there’s a snake over here!”
We’ve seen dogs press buttons to communicate with their masters, we’ve seen pets go get help, we’ve seen elephants remember an old keeper. Not too long ago, I saw a headline about how moths can hear weak or ailing trees and plants “crying,” in which case they lay their eggs in a healthier environment.
Looking back to the 1920s, no one could have imagined smart phones, moon landings, or driverless cars. So, sometimes we ask ourselves: “What will the world have discovered or invented a hundred years from now?” I think one answer will be the emotional sentience of other living beings. I don’t think we’ll have a meat industry, and I say this as a carnivore who compartmentalizes the news that pigs have the intellect of 2-year-olds, while ordering bacon and eggs.
But the inhabitants of 22nd Century America will be kinder. Their great grandparents will have turned the country around. Their parents and grandparents will have solved the climate crisis. They will study Trump in high school, where his name will become shorthand for lunacy. And they will talk to dolphins.
arostow@aol.com
Lack, Lust, Loss, Love, and Luck
TLC: Tears, Laughs and Conversation
Dr. Tim Seelig
Last month’s article outlined three emotional buckets that contain most of life’s experiences: Tears, Laughs, and Chill Bumps. These experiences enrich our lives, and each is equally important in living a well-rounded emotional existence on this earthly plain.
My husband, Bobby Jo, is not just a fabulous singer songwriter and published poet; he is also a thinker, a teacher, and an old soul. He is a seeker and a troubadour. His own experiences have taught him life lessons people much older never have.
Last month, Bobby Jo was a guest lecturer at an amazing annual event in North Carolina called Porch Gathering. It brings together a wide array of thinkers, authors, and artists to present sessions over a three-day span. When he shared his outline with me, I was blown away. I simply had to “borrow” it and share it here. Currently, you can do one of three things: 1. Create your own material from scratch; 2. “Borrow” from well-respected (human) sources, or 3. Just let AI write it for you. I decided on a mixture of #1 and #2, reflecting what has been the process for all my articles for the last 6+ years.
His session title was “5 Stories That Unlock Our Lives.” Each of the categories had a brief personal story and a key takeaway. These are the five stories that describe pivotal moments in life:
Lack. When did you first feel you were not enough?
Lust. What’s the thing you remember deeply wanting?
Loss. What is a moment when you lost something special?
Love. When did you realize love was real? Luck. When did you feel exceptionally lucky? I decided to do Bobby Jo’s exercise and fill in each one with my own personal story. Some of them you will have already heard. Some of you know me well enough you could answer them for me! My hope is you will read my answers only as a catalyst for filling in your own story. Let’s go.
Story #1. Lack. When did you first feel you were not enough?
When people ask how I got to be this way, I say I could give them the long version or just meet my father. Regardless how hard I tried, I never felt I could meet his expectations. I never felt I was enough. As the son of German immigrants, he had worked incredi-
bly hard for everything he had. He set the bar impossibly high. No matter what I achieved, there was disapproval lurking behind the door. My father was obviously a travel agent ... for guilt trips.
Story #2. Lust. What’s the thing you remember deeply wanting?
When I first read “Lust,” I thought I was going to have to come clean about my time as a boy watching Bonanza. Then I thought about “things” I wanted terribly but knew I would never get, like an Easy Bake Oven. From the age of 17, I wanted to be an opera singer. My path was focused and driven. At the age of 33 I got what I wanted so badly. I moved to Switzerland with my wife and our two beautiful children. Guess what? I hated it. I broke my 2-year contract midway through and came home, tail tucked, searching for something to replace that thing I thought I couldn’t live without. It would only be a few years before I found my true calling: waving my arms at the gays.
Story #3. Loss. What is a moment when you lost something special?
When did you lose something precious?
This will be short. Having arrived at my first gay men’s chorus in 1987, the years that followed were filled with constant loss. Countless singers and friends died. We were in all the stages of grief at one time. Years later, I lost my daughter, brother, and father in a 10-month span. Those are the tip of the loss iceberg. There’s not much else to say. I outlived them all. Yes, I have survivor’s guilt.
Story #4. Love. When did you realize love was real?
This made me smile. That was much needed after the last one. For me, this is the same as when I found out love did not come with strings or conditions. You already know that I have learned it over and over from every dog I ever had. I knew it from my daughter, who loved me through a very difficult time for both of us. I’m still loving and living and learning about love without strings. I am living it now with Bobby Jo.
Story #5. Luck. When did you feel exceptionally lucky? Is it luck? Is it fate? Is it the universe? Is it all a big accident? It doesn’t matter to me what you call it as long as you don’t call it God. I’m a card-carrying member of FFRF (Freedom From Religion Foundation) and a confirmed agnostic. I know an agnostic is just someone who can’t commit. For me, luck is being in the
right place at the right time ... and being ready! I and my choral groups have been very lucky through the years. But the key was that, when the “luck” happened, we were ready to seize it.
Working through the “5 Stories That Unlock our Lives” was a wonderful exercise. Focusing in on each of the words
and their descriptions opened my mind, but also provided a focus for the stories.
Our lives are filled with wonder in so many ways. It was great to focus on these five specific words: Lack, Lust, Loss, Love, and Luck. I hope you are already filling in the blanks from your own life. I might want to hear your answer to “lust.” Hopefully it is much more salacious than mine!
Dr. Tim Seelig is the Conductor Laureate of the San Francisco Gay Men’s Chorus. http://www.timseelig.com/
Tim Seelig and Bobby Jo Valentine
Bobby Jo Valentine with participants at Porch Gathering 2025 held this year near Asheville, North Carolina.
(right) Alberta Wallace welcomed Bobby Jo Valentine to North Carolina.
Photos courtesy of Tim Seelig
witness an attack.
While you’re at it, take some time to review your digital security, also. We are living in an age of pervasive surveillance, and we simply cannot assume that our digital communications are safe or private anymore. Both your online presence and your electronic devices are vulnerable to surveillance and attack. I don’t mean to sound paranoid, but it’s worth spending the time to take steps to secure your online safety.
Easter Is Coming; You Need a Silly Bonnet
The Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence’s annual Easter in the Park festivities may be particularly heady this year, as the holiday happens to fall on 4/20. The confluence of these two over-the-top celebrations should make the festivities even more giddy than usual, so you will need headgear that rises to the occasion.
Fortunately, legendary “Mad Hatter of the Castro” Joe Mac is here to help. On Saturday, April 19—the day before Easter—Joe will be holding his umpteenth Easter Bonnet sale at 440 Bar. After too many years (he has lost count) of making hundreds of fantastical bonnets, he has declared that this is his final year. Of course, he says that every year, but since you never know if he really means it this time, you had better buy one or more of his one-of-a-kind creations for your collection, just in case.
The bonnets, which are made from whatever is lying around that strikes his fancy, range “from Fabulous to Fugly.” They reflect, not just Joe’s
SACHET (continued from pg 11)
Brett, and Imperial Crown Princess to The Court of El Gran Sol of Passion, Resilience, and Universality, Ophelia Knightly. Look for big things from our newly Reigning Emperor and Empress as they appear all over town, raising money for charitable causes, hosting exciting events, and guiding the Imperial Court into the
wildly off-kilter sense of humor, but also his theatrical background, which included, as his first job in San Francisco, a stint at the historic (and famously hat-centric) Beach Blanket Babylon.
Joe’s bonnet obsession is in his genes. He grew up in a family that threw hat parties for all occasions, then continued the hat parties all through school and college – anywhere he could find hot glue, wire, and glitter. He can make a hat out of anything and everything, including one this year out of toilet paper tubes. “You should see my living room,” he once confessed in a San Francisco Chronicle profile. “It looks like an explosion in a drag queen factory.”
This year, Joe will be joined by his good friend and creative partner Deana Dawn, who is contributing her handmade spring headgear to the sale as well. The hats are an absolute steal at only $20–$25 a pop, with a large portion of the proceeds going to local charities, which includes AIDS Walk San Francisco this year. The event’s hosts, including Joe Mac, Deana Dawn, and Kelly Houston, invite you to “come get silly with us.” And isn’t that exactly what we all need right now?
The bonnet sale is great fun, and a grand old San Francisco tradition. Pick up the Easter Bonnet of your dreams on Saturday, April 19, from 1–3 pm at 440 Castro—and be the envy of all who see you at Easter in the Park the next day.
https://tinyurl.com/JoeMacBonnets
Joanie Juster is a long-time community volunteer, activist, and ally.
future and its 60th year of traditions.
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
KAPLAN (continued from pg 5)
home.”
The Unicorns coming to the Oakland Coliseum is not the only excellent sporting news coming from the Oakland Coliseum in recent weeks. The Oakland Roots SC have just completed their second week at their new home, the Oakland Coliseum. The Roots played to a sold-out crowd on March 22. Purchase Oakland Roots tickets at https://bit.ly/3G0HUeY
Rebecca Kaplan is the City of Oakland Interim District Two Councilmember. She previously was elected in 2008 to serve as Oakland’s citywide Councilmember, and was re-elected in 2016. Follow Councilmember Kaplan on X @Kaplan4Oakland ( https://twitter.com/Kaplan4Oakland ) and Facebook ( https://www.facebook.com/Kaplan4Oakland/ ).
GAFFNEY/LEWIS
(continued from pg 4)
LGBTIQ people and within the broader queer and allied community. The Queen “captures the Unicorn” and upon her “just touching its hand,” she recognizes “wisdom is hers,” gains “focus from blurs,” and “possessing the key, [she] brings life to the tree, and makes it grow taller again.”
The unicorn has become a queer icon for many reasons, including its rare beauty, magical aura, and gender fluidity over time, as well as its capacity to evade true capture as Leonardo da Vinci described “its intemperance and not knowing how to control itself.” Grudzien, composing and singing “The Unicorn” in 1974, just five years after Stonewall, employs the centuries-old image of the mythical animal to remind us that the spark of creative resistance that ignited the history-changing riots was not something that existed just on a few warm summer nights in late June 1969, but always resides within us.
Brown and Coleman embodied that spirit over a half-century later on stage at the Kennedy Center. We believe we all possess the unicorn’s ultimate magical power to renew from within in the face of adversity and to transform the world into a better place for LGBTIQ people and others alike. Thank you, Peter Grudzien.
A recording of Peter Grudzien singing “The Unicorn” may be found at: https://bit.ly/4i2ZgFm
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.
Earth Day Every Day
About Our Cover
Earth Day 2025, on April 22, will mark the 55th official national annual observance demonstrating support for environmental protection. Both before and after the first Earth Day in 1970, there have been a number of out LGBTQ+ champions of Mother Earth who have made a positive impact.
Rachel Carson and Harvey Milk Marine biologist and conservationist Rachel Carson (1907–1964) dedicated much of her efforts to environmental protection. She took on the chemical industry at the end of her life with her seminal book Silent Spring, published in 1962. It tells how indiscriminate usage of agricultural chemicals, pesticides, and certain other manmade substances have polluted the environment, harmed aquatic and terrestrial animal populations, and caused severe medical problems in humans. Carson’s longtime partner was Dorothy Freeman, and the two wrote over 900 letters to each other over the years. In one, Freeman wrote: “I love you beyond expression … . My love is boundless as the Sea.” Carson, in turn, wrote: “Reality can so easily fall short of hopes and expectations, especially where they have been high. My dear one, there is not a single thing about you that I would change if I could!” Her last letter to Freeman, before Carson’s death due to breast cancer at age 56, included: “Never forget, dear one, how deeply I have loved you all these years.”
Harvey Milk (1930–1978) both indirectly
and directly had a tremendous influence on environmentalism. For the former, his community organizing skills, strategies to build grassroots campaigns, media and public relations savvy, and ability to forge unlikely alliances helped create a playbook that has influenced activists within many movements. In terms of his direct efforts, Milk early on recognized the importance of public transportation as a means to minimize environmental impacts, to reduce costs for all, and for its other benefits. Like State Senator Scott Wiener today, he was known to regularly ride Muni. In fact, Milk was the first city official to use a municipal public transit pass, a “Muni Fast Pass,” nearly every day.
In a letter to a newspaper editor, Milk wrote: “I was glad to read Pat Swendson’s letter in your column suggesting that supervisors and PUC commissioners ride Muni at least once a month. I don’t ride Muni about once a month; I ride it almost every day. In fact, I post my used fast passes on my office wall to encourage others to do the same. If more of my colleagues and commissioners did ride the Muni, we’d have a much greater system. The rides are often quite interesting, too.”— Harvey Milk, Supervisor, San Francisco
One of his most successful early campaign issues concerned what was then a frequently discussed problem: dog waste in the city. More than just a smelly nuisance, animal waste contains two main types of pollutants, pathogens and nutrients, which can impact water quality, the health of other pets and wild animals, and human health.
Milk cleverly arranged for members of the media to meet him at a local park. Little did they know that he had walked around the park beforehand and spotted a big pile of dog poop. As cameras rolled, he stepped in the waste, lifted up his foot, and examined it in mock horror. This PR stunt not only helped clean up the city at the time, but also honed his skills at effectively utilizing media coverage to his advantage.
Milk and Carson are just two of the many LGBTQ+ community members who have had a positive impact on environmental activism. Climate change has led to new generations of leaders, such as the 27
LGBTQ + climate activists listed at https://shorturl.at/RQyDZ
Queer Clubs for Conservation and Community
As Monet said, “The richness I achieve comes from Nature, the source of my inspiration.” All of us can benefit from quality time in the great outdoors, and these experiences are even better when shared with likeminded others. In this issue we highlight just a few of the many LGBTQ+ clubs and groups offering outdoor activities and promoting conservation:
Gays of National Parks: https://gaysofnationalparks.com/
Rainbow Sierrans: https://rainbowsierrans.org/
San Francisco Hiking Club: https://www.sfhiking.com/
Our intrepid adventurer Juan Davila, who is the Volunteer Coordinator for the San Francisco Bay Times, inspired this coverage, which emphasizes LGBTQ+ men like Juan who often enjoy experiencing nature while being mindful of Earth Day goals. For our queer women readers, the San Francisco Bay Times and “Betty’s List” co-present outdoor activities with you and your friends and allies in mind, such as our biking group led by Adrienne Miller and events led by naturalist Kim Powell of Blue Water Ventures: https://bluewaterventures.org/about/
Rainbow Sierrans: From a Groundbreaking Past to Growing Present Importance
The San Francisco Bay Area
Rainbow Sierrans is an outings and conservation club for LGBTQ+ people as well as their friends and allies. It is an official activities section of the San Francisco Bay Chapter of the Sierra Club.
The Rainbow Sierrans sponsors a variety of activities offering something for almost anyone who enjoys the outdoors. Such activities run the gamut from easy urban strolls to vigorous peak hikes; relaxed car camping to demanding wilderness backpacks; and naturalist-led walks to hands-on restoration and trail maintenance. Everyone is welcome on the outings, whether or not they have joined Rainbow Sierrans.
Ann Lehr, Vice-Chair and Outings Chair for the Rainbow Sierrans, told the San Francisco Bay Times, “We have been a part of the San Francisco Bay Chapter of the Sierra Club since 1986. Our membership has grown and shifted during our history. We welcome all LGBTQ+ people and our allies.”
Lehr continued, “At the present time, a preponderance of our members are
female-identified. This has not always been the case. In the beginning, lesbians were a small minority while gay men were an overwhelming majority.”
The club used to be called Gay and Lesbian Sierrans (GLS). Via a timeline, Lehr shared some of that club’s early history, revealing the many initial struggles.
Notable Dates in Early Rainbow Sierrans History
November 1984: Steve Griffiths, Adam Weave, and others set up tables in the Castro to enlist interest in forming a gay and lesbian section of the Sierra Club.
January 1985: The Executive Committee of the San Francisco Bay Chapter of the Sierra
Club voted 5 to 4 against the proposal to form the GLS.
March 1985: The GLS issued the first mimeograph of its newsletter.
April 1985: The President of the Board of Directors of the national Sierra Club threatened a lawsuit over the name Gay and Lesbian Sierrans.
September 1985: GLS supporters mounted
a grassroots campaign to elect gay-friendly candidates to the Executive Committee of the San Francisco Bay Chapter of the Sierra Club.
January 1986: The Executive Committee of the San Francisco Bay Chapter voted 7 to 2 in favor of the GLS, making it the first of its kind in the nation. The Chapter Activities Committee approved the club’s bylaws.
March 1986: The GLS Provisional Governing Committee was chosen: Gray Brechin, Barak Gale, Steve Griffiths, Roger Hawkinson, Wick Kenney, Steve Krefting, Thomas Oliver, Ann Riley, and Pete Tannin.
1987: The GLS adopted the Dipsea Trail in Muir Woods as its first conservation project.
December 1987: GLS newsletter subscribers totaled almost 1100.
on page 18)
Earth Day Every Day
San Francisco Hiking Club One of Best in Country for LGBTQ+ Hikers
The San Francisco Hiking Club, formed in March 1983, organizes hikes and other outdoor adventures for LGBTQ+ people and their friends. It is one of the best and most active such clubs in the nation.
Leader Gary Weiss says, “We offer one or two hikes every single week of the year, plus two overnight outings where most of
us stay at inexpensive hotels and hike each day during 3–4 days. Our annual membership fee is $20/$30 for family, and $250 for lifetime. People are welcome to join us for one or two hikes before joining. We also offer carpooling for people without cars.”
He adds, “We do hikes all over the immediate Bay Area, most often to Marin, East Bay,
RAINBOW SIERRANS (continued from page 17)
1990–1991: GLS member, environmentalist and local photographer Bob Walker, was elected Chair of the San Francisco Bay Chapter.
1993: GLS began volunteer work, spearheaded by Steve Neff, at Corona Heights in San Francisco.
1994: GLS member Jeff Golden was elected Vice Chair of the San Francisco Bay Chapter.
1994: GLS established the Bob Walker Conservation Award “to recognize conservation efforts that reflect Bob’s and GLS’ commitment to conservation and to preservation of remaining open spaces in the Bay Area.”
1995: GLS members Steve Griffiths and Jean Jackson led the first national Sierra Club gay and lesbian outing to the Oregon Coast.
1996: GLS celebrated its 10th anniversary.
2002: GLS went online with its first webpage hosted by the San Francisco Bay Chapter.
2006: GLS issued the first online version of its newsletter and established an E-list to facilitate membership communication.
January 2011: San Francisco’s Recreation
and Park Commission recognized the GLS for more than 17 years of volunteer work at the Corona Heights Natural Area.
2028: The name Gay & Lesbian Sierrans was changed to Rainbow Sierrans in order to be more inclusive.
Yosemite in Spring
There are always inviting activities, both local and farther afield, for Rainbow Sierrans members and friends.
and the Peninsula. My favorite place is Mount Tamalpais. We’ve covered almost every inch of the mountain on our hikes.”
Speaking of that famous mountain, the Tam Valley Community Center (203 Marin Avenue, Mill Valley) is holding their second annual Earth Day Festival on April 26, 2025. There will be a Woolly Egg Ranch
tour, kids activity area, cargo bikes, Butterfly Talk, screening of the documentary Common Ground, and much more. For additional information about the festival: https://shorturl.at/cDUFX
To join the San Francisco Hiking Club and for more information, go to: https://www.sfhiking.com/
On Friday, April 11, there will be a trip to a local treasure: Chabot Regional Park in Oakland. Participants will hike the park’s Grass Valley Trail to the stone bridge. From there, they will do a short out and back on the Cascade Trail to a waterfall that will hopefully still be running. They will then return from the stone bridge on the Brandon Trail back to Bort Meadow.
Starting on the Friday after Earth Day, April 25, and through April 28, 15 lucky people for just $60 will experience Yosemite in
Spring. There will be a campout at Hodgdon Meadow Campground in Yosemite National Park (elevation 4900 feet.).
As the organizers share: “Spring is a time of transition. Warmer weather arrives in Yosemite Valley first, while higher elevation areas of the park can remain covered in snow until late spring or early summer. Waterfalls are at their peak in spring, when snow in the high country begins to melt. Rivers and streams are also at their most powerful, so use extra caution around any flowing water. Dogwoods and early season
wildflowers may be blooming. Seasonal Road Closures will still be in effect along the Tioga Road and Glacier Point Road. We will probably spend our time near camp, in the Valley, at Hetch Hetchy, and around Crane Flat (where the Merced and Tuolumne Sequoia Groves are located). Some folks may opt to make the 90-minute drive to Wawona to visit the Mariposa Grove.”
This Rainbow Sierrans camping trip will also feature a potluck dinner on Saturday evening, and camaraderie around warming firepits. Participants are encouraged to bring their musical instruments and favorite games for this scenic, relaxing, and rejuvenating trip.
Closer to home, on April 26, there will be a hike at the Pacifica Coastal Trail along the ocean and up to Mori Point. Well-behaved dogs on leash will be welcomed.
For more information about these activities and the Rainbow Sierrans, visit: https://rainbowsierrans.org/
Gary Weiss
Photos courtesy of SF Hiking Club
Amigos Aventureros Trip to the Point Reyes National Seashore
On Friday, March 9, 2025, San Francisco Bay Times volunteer team members, led by Juan R. Davila and Miguel Vasquez, had a hard decision to make. Where to spend their day out in nature was the question.
In an impromptu decision, the group headed to the Palomarin Trailhead in Bolinas. It is the gateway to a trail located at the Point Reyes National Seashore, which includes the popular Bass Lake, Wildcat Camp, and Alamere Falls sites.
The group completed the 13-mile roundtrip hike to Alamere Falls, enjoying picturesque views of the trees and meadows with abundant wildlife including the native blacktailed deer, a subspecies of mule deer. Fun facts: These deer are excellent swimmers, have no upper front teeth, possess a 310-degree vision, and enjoy a mating season from November to December.
The Point Reyes National Seashore is open year-round (save for the seasonal closure of certain areas to protect elephant seals), and in addition to the deer happenings in the fall, whale watching is usually amazing in December there and with fewer crowds. https://www.nps.gov/pore/index.htm
PHOTO BY MIGUEL
Juan Davila, Miguel Vazquez, Ramon Soto, Sylvester Aviles, and Mario Flores at Alamere Falls
Juan Davila, Ramon Soto, Sylvester Aviles and Mario Flores at the ocean
Gays of National Parks Blends
By Matt
Gays of National Parks brings queer joy, creativity, and chosen family into stunning natural landscapes—from the granite cliffs of Yosemite, to the stillness of Joshua Tree, the volcanic skies of Haleakalā in Maui, and far-flung adventures in Croatia.
What began as one queer hiker’s dream to feel at home in the wild has grown into a nationwide movement rooted in community, art, and connection around campfires, trailheads, and starry skies.
“Having space to build gay community outside of the usual gay nightlife scene was a breath of fresh air, literally and figuratively,” says Marko, a San Francisco local who first joined a Gays of National Parks adventure as a participant and now helps lead the
Yosemite National Park
(Right) Mist Trail
Yosemite Valley
Half Dome from Tunnel View
Blends Beauty With Belonging
Matt Atkins
charge. “It’s more than just hiking. It’s about finding connections, healing, and chosen family out in nature. It’s about leaving the distractions of our busy and complex lives behind and being in the moment.”
Whether you’re joining a weekend escape to Yosemite or a global trek off the beaten path, these journeys blend beauty and belonging—with financial assistance and registration proceeds supporting queer creative programs.
Sign up at: https://shorturl.at/QzEGe
Need help getting there? Check out the Anita Vacation Memorial Grant: https://shorturl.at/MEKtd
Matt Atkins is the Chief Narrative Officer of Gays of National Parks: https://gaysofnationalparks.com/
Photos courtesy of Gays of National Parks
Mariposa Grove
Saddlebag Lake
Dazzling Ballets Set to the Music of Queen, Chopin, and More in Smuin’s 24/25 Season Finale
Smuin Contemporary Ballet has a triumphant and colorful new program to delight audiences in Dance Series 2, performing April 25 through May 4 in San Francisco. Imagine great leaps set to Queen, arabesques to The Partridge Family, and a never-before-seen work from one of ballet’s most progressive thinkers. The program features a playful piece from Smuin alum Rex Wheeler, also known as Lady Camden from season 14 of RuPaul’s Drag Race, Artistic Director Amy Seiwert’s first world premiere at the helm of Smuin, a captivating display of showmanship from acclaimed choreographer Trey McIntyre, and a sensual archive piece from Michael Smuin. This exhilarating showcase of ballet’s next chapter should not be missed.
Dance Series 2 marks the close of Smuin’s first season under Artistic Director Amy Seiwert. “Our creative space is truly a sanctuary. It makes for an incredibly fertile
ground to create work from, and to innovate from—and in doing so that means we get to move the language of ballet forward,” said Seiwert at the company’s recent Gala, held at the San Francisco Design Center on March 22. “This series embodies our company’s mission—to push creative boundaries, celebrate our roots, and captivate audiences with extraordinary storytelling.”
Former Smuin dancer Rex Wheeler, who charmed America as the first runner-up on season 14 of RuPaul’s Drag Race, is a multifaceted creative force who also dazzles the Bay Area as a prodigious choreographer. Sinfonietta, his ballet featured in Dance Series 2, is a sprightly and playful rite of spring set to the enchanting strings of Tchaikovsky’s eponymous piece. Heralding the changing of the seasons, this blissful and breezy delight returns to the stage as a Smuin success story. Created for Smuin’s 2018 Choreography Showcase, followed by its debut on the Smuin mainstage, Sinfonietta perfectly encapsulates Smuin’s commitment to developing incredible new talent from within its own company.
A prolific contemporary voice in ballet, Trey McIntyre brings his lauded Wild Sweet Love to San Francisco for its Bay Area premiere. Featuring a genre-spanning track list including tunes from Queen, The Partridge Family, Mendelssohn, The Zombies, Lou Reed, and even a ranchera classic from celebrated Mexican singer-songwriter José Alfredo Jimenez, Wild Sweet Love is a crackling display of McIntyre’s signature musicality and wry sense of humor in an electrifying exploration of love that’s indeed wild and sweet.
The world premiere by Amy Seiwert— dubbed “Ballet’s Mad Scientist” by PBS— is a profoundly personal work exploring the strength that comes from letting down one’s guard and revealing vulnerability. A tenacious and connected creator, Seiwert has a mission to deepen Smuin’s collaborative spirit as Artistic Director; that has been apparent throughout the company’s 24/25 season. She continues full steam ahead with this exciting work, steering Smuin into a bold new era with innovation at center stage. Her works have been praised by critics across the country, with The New York Times lauding her choreographic musicality and out-of-the-box thinking.
Smuin’s future could not be possible without the statuesque legacy of
its past. The Eternal Idol is a meticulously crafted masterpiece by founder Michael Smuin, with critics hailing it as “beautiful and moving.” A beloved classic in Smuin’s repertory, this delicate pas de deux is inspired by Auguste Rodin’s sculptures The Kiss and Eternal Idol, animated and brought to life against the slow movement of Chopin’s Piano Concerto in F Minor
Smuin’s Dance Series 2 will perform April 25 through May 4 at the Blue Shield of California Theatre at the Yerba Buena Center for the Arts (700 Howard Street, San Francisco), followed by shows in Walnut Creek, Mountain View, and Carmel. Tickets and information are available online ( https://www.smuinballet.org/ ) or by calling 415-912-1899.
Queer Films Galore at This Year’s SF International Film Festival
Film
Gary M. Kramer
The 68th annual San Francisco International Film Festival, April 17–27, showcases more than 150 films and more than a dozen LGBTQ titles. The festival opens with Rebuilding starring Josh O’Connor as a rancher and closes 11 days later with Outerlands, a set in San Francisco story about Cass (non-binary Asia Kate Dillon) who finds themself unexpectedly caring for a coworker’s daughter (Ridley Asha Bateman).
A few queer films of note include the inspiring documentary, Come See Me in the Good Light, about the lesbian poet laureate Andrea Gibson managing cancer with her partner, Megan Falley, and the Korean drama 3670 , about a gay North Korean defector living in Seoul. The festival also provides SFFILM members with a chance to sneak preview the deadpan comedy Magic Farm , featuring out actor Joe Apollonio, prior to its release next month.
Here is a rundown of a handful of LGBTQ films screening at this year’s fest.
Rafael Ruiz Espejo’s sizzling debut feature, The Last First Time , chronicles a rural Mexican teenager’s sexual coming-of-
age. When Eduardo (Alejandro Quintana) travels to Guadalajara to take an exam, he flirts with Mario (Carlos E. López Cervantes). After the teens fool around a bit, Eduardo joins Mario and his queer friends for a night of tattoos, drinking, and clubbing. Eduardo gets a bit reckless as he enjoys his freedom away from home, ignoring his nagging mother’s calls, and trying to fit in with these fast new friends. The baby-faced Quintana delivers a sensational performance, conveying Eduardo’s anxiety and excitement as he has a series of sexy encounters (and drinks more than he should). Both gritty and affecting, The Last First Time is a piercing character study.
Writer/director Gala del Sol’s stylish and quixotic debut, Rains Over Babel, takes viewers into a queer and contemporary version of Dante’s Inferno, where La Flaca (Sarai Rebolledo) plays games of chance with people’s lives and Dante (Felipe Aguilar Rodríguez) sends the dead into the next world. Enter a host of characters, queer and straight, including Jacob (William Hurtado), who experiences moments of stigmata, and secretly performs in drag as Andria—hoping his pastor father Don Alfonso (Jhon Narváez) won’t find out. Other storylines feature Monet (Johan Zapata), who suffers an overdose, and Timbí (José Mojica), who partners up with Uma (Celina Biurrun) to find the musician El Callegueso (Jacobo Vélez) to save his father Salai’s (John Alex Castillo) bar. Rains Over Babel features some fabulous performance sequences, some inventive, candy-colored visuals, a talking salamander, and some queer twists that will keep viewers rapt as this magical realist fable about life, love, and death unfolds.
Sally is a celebratory documentary about Sally Ride, the first American woman to go into space. A role model for breaking a glass ceiling, Ride endured incredible sexism and gendered expectations on the job and in the media— before, during and after her famous shuttle flight. As director Cristina Costantini’s informative documentary shows, she handled it all with aplomb. However, Ride did not publicly disclose her sexuality, or her decades-long relationship with her partner Tam O’Shaughnessy, and it was only revealed after her death. She was even reluctant to tell her sister, Bear, who was also a lesbian. Sally recounts Ride’s life and work, her ambitions and training at NASA, her positive impact on women in STEM, as well as her marriage to fellow astronaut Steve Hawley and her relationship with O’Shaughnessy, making points about
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how things are harder for women in general and queer women in particular. As a pioneering lesbian who remains an inspiration, Ride gets some overdue love and even more respect with this flattering portrait.
Where the Wind Comes From is a standard-issue road movie about teenage Alyssa (Eya Bellagha) and her best friend Mehdi (Slim Baccar), who hope to win an art contest that will enable them to go abroad. But what distinguishes this film is that it is set in Tunisia, where both characters are oppressed by social forces as well as trapped by economic circumstance. To visualize her escape, Alyssa has some surrealistic flights of fancy, such as seeing rich people with pig heads or picturing lecherous old men in dresses. One sequence, set in a nightclub, has her floating and kissing a woman, much to Mehdi’s surprise. The queer content is minimal, but Eya Bellagha and Slim Baccar are appealing as the friends encounter setbacks, like car trouble, prompting Alyssa to find workable solutions to the problems she creates. This drama about Arab youth struggling for a better life is heartfelt even when it feels cliché.
Writer/director Rohan Kanawade’s tender romance, Cactus Pears, has Anand (Bhushaan Manoj) returning to his hometown for his father’s funeral. When he reconnects with Balya (Suraaj Suman), a local farmer, both men are wary of acting on their attraction. Cactus Pears pivots on whether Anand and Balya will go live together in Mumbai, or experience heartbreak. This beautifully made and well-acted film teases out the answer with a slow burn, but it is very affecting.
Writer/director Trương Minh Quý’s atmospheric Viet and Nam has lovers Viet (Dao Duy Bao Dinh) and Nam (Pham Thanh Hai) stealing private moments together before Nam emigrates to Europe. The film’s second half has Nam’s mother Hoa (Nguyen Thi Nga) searching for answers regarding the death of Nam’s father. This dense film asks important questions about identity, family, and home, as it lets viewers connect the dots and form answers about queer lives and history.
In the mid-length films program, don’t miss Two People Exchanging Saliva , by filmmakers Natalie Musteata and Alexandre Signh. Shot in luminous black and white in the Galeries Lafayette department store, this fantastic film depicts a lesbian love triangle that plays out in a unique society where the rules slowly come into focus. Using dark humor, the film incisively comments on issues of power, beauty, and status, and how these things distort human behavior.
For tickets, schedules, and more information, visit https://sffilm.org/
© 2025 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 X @garymkramer
Rains Over Babel
Where the Wind Comes From
The Museum Detective (fiction - hardcover) by Maha Khan Phillips
The Museum Detective is a new crime thriller series debut.
The main character is Dr. Gul Delani, an archaeologist at the Museum of Heritage and History in Karachi, Pakistan. Called upon for an investigation in a remote desert region, Dr. Gul discovers a drug bust gone wrong and a mummy. Determined to get to the bottom of it, Dr. Gul and her team enter a dangerous conspiracy that just might be linked to her missing niece.
The Sirens (fiction - hardcover) by Emilia Hart
The author of The New York Times Bestseller, Weyward, is back with another mystical novel following sisters bound to the sea. Lucy flees to her sister’s home after an incident
Let’s Go Home!
Here are two of the many pets now available for adoption at Oakland Animal Services (OAS):
Zoe
Zoe is one of the sweetest cats you will ever meet. She is a 17-year-old tuxedo lady who loves nothing more than making biscuits, purring, and getting pets from her human. Zoe recently lost her long-time home through no fault of her own, and now she’s looking for a place to spend her golden years.
A proud “Vet Staff Favorite,” Zoe is ready to fill your home with warmth and companionship.
Stevie
If you are lonely, both in terms of pet and human companionship, young 6-monthold Stevie is your jam. This 30-pound bundle of energy attends dog playgroup and is a good learner. Stevie’s mesmerizing eyes and gorgeous, multicolored lush coat are a conversation starter and will have bystanders stopping to admire him and complimenting
at her university—only to find Jess gone. Waiting for her sister to return and feeling oddly connected to this strange town, Lucy begins researching the rumors of men that have gone missing and an 1800s shipwreck.
Secrets of Adulthood: Simple Truths for Our Complex Lives (non-fiction - hardcover) by Gretchen Rubin
Secrets of Adulthood is full of insights for living a satisfying life full of happiness and clarity. Based on her own experiences and her studies of happiness, Rubin has discovered the key to overcoming life’s complexities. This book is perfect for anyone going (continued on page 36)
you on your uniquely stylish four-legged buddy.
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
Lit Snax
Pathemata or the Story of My Mouth by Maggie Nelson
Maggie’s back! Pathemata or the Story of My Mouth chronicles with inimitable wit and intellectual charm her attempts to quell decades long jaw pain … kind of.
Taiwan Travelogue by
Taiwan Travelogue follows a young female Japanese novelist in 1938 as she visits Taiwan, then a Japanese colony. She becomes emotionally embroiled with her translator and must face the question: Can our intimate relationships ever transcend power dynamics?.
Surviving Autocracy by Masha Gessen
The brilliant trans and non-binary socio-political commentator, Masha Gessen, turns their attention to the disastrous decline of democracy in America and rise of Trumpism. https://www.fabulosabooks.com/
Take Me Home with You!
Tapdance didn’t earn his name by accident; this 10-month-old terrier mix has a natural rhythm, a zest for life, and a wiggle that could brighten anyone’s day.
He’s the kind of pup who turns a walk into a parade, and a training session into a full-on show.
But behind the high-energy moves is a young dog learning the ropes. Tapdance can be shy in new settings and a bit picky about his doggie friends. He’s been working hard on building confidence, and with a little patience and a few treats (okay, maybe more than a few), he’s blossoming into a curious, smart, and affectionate companion.
Tapdance is looking for someone who sees his potential and wants to help him keep growing. He’s food-motivated, eager to learn, and already knows how to win hearts—you just have to let him show you.
And here’s the best part: Tapdance’s adoption fee has already been sponsored, so the only thing you’ll be spending is time getting to know your new best friend.
Ready to meet your new dance partner? Tapdance is waiting for you at the SF SPCA Mission Campus. We are open Wednesday–Sunday, 11 am–6 pm, and Tuesday, 1–6 pm. Stop by and see if this little guy is the perfect fit for your family.
For more information: https://www.sfspca.org/adoptions
Yáng Shuāng-Zi
Zoe and Stevie
Stevie
Zoe
Tapdance
Portola Bistro Brunch, The Modern Wife, V Foundation
Welcome back to my temporary culinary column! I’m helping to fill in for The Gay Gourmet, David Landis, as he recovers from shoulder surgery.
The love of food and the restaurant industry run deep in my family. Both my brothers own successful restaurants in Provincetown, Cape Cod, and Miami Beach, respectively. I’m a proud sister! As the Co-Founder of Spritz, a lifestyle marketing agency that partners with many restaurants in the Bay Area, I’m constantly driven to explore new flavors, taste everything, and share my culinary and wine adventures.
I’m thrilled to share one such recent discovery: the newly opened Portola Bistro nestled in the heart of Portola Valley at Ladera Country Shopper. A vibrant dining destination, Portola Bistro offers a delightful fusion of French, Italian, and Mediterranean flavors, all prepared with a fresh California twist. The warm and welcoming atmosphere makes it the perfect spot for any occasion. Serving lunch and dinner daily, the restaurant has recently introduced a new brunch menu available on weekends from 10 am to 2:30 pm, alongside its regular à la carte offerings.
Portola Bistro – A Hidden Gem in Portola Valley
Brunch Highlights: Brunch at Portola Bistro is a delicious mix of classic comfort and European flair. The Chicken Waffle ($28) stands out with crispy Southern-fried chicken, a fluffy waffle, vanilla custard, and a rich maple sauce, topped with fresh seasonal berries. The Steak & Eggs ($32) is a hearty option, featuring a 9-ounce grilled prime ribeye, crispy bacon, eggs, and country potatoes. For a refined twist, the Eggs Royale ($28) is a must-try, with poached eggs, house-cured salmon, chives, and a velvety house sauce atop an English muffin, served with country potatoes and fresh fruit.
I personally enjoyed the Avocado Toast ($25), which combines toasted whole wheat bread with house-cured salmon, creamy avocado spread, cherry tomatoes, and crumbled goat cheese, drizzled with olive oil and fresh herbs. The dish was served with country potatoes and seasonal fruits, making it both satisfying and fresh.
For those who enjoy omelets, there’s a Veggie Omelet ($25) filled with zucchini, yellow squash, red onion, mushrooms, spinach, and mozzarella, and an Italian Omelet ($28) featuring spicy Italian sausage, red bell pepper, and peas— both dishes are served with hashbrowns and seasonal fruit. The Stuffed French Toast ($18) is another house favorite, generously filled with banana cream cheese, raspberry compote, whipped cream, and topped with seasonal berries and maple syrup.
Lunch and Dinner Favorites: Portola Bistro’s European-inspired menu shines with fresh seafood, homemade pastas, and rustic brick oven pizzas. For appetizers, the
By Beth Schnitzer
Octopus ($22) is a standout, served with a flavorful house-made tomato and pesto sauce. It was incredibly tender, unlike some other restaurants where octopus can often be a bit tough. The Crispy Calamari ($19) is another excellent choice, paired with crispy artichokes, crispy green beans, tartar sauce, cocktail sauce, and fresh lemon. Classic options include Deviled Eggs ($16) and the Jumbo Prawn Shrimp Cocktail ($22) for seafood starters.
The Ahi Tuna Tartare ($23) is elegantly prepared with shallots, avocado, cucumber, Worcestershire sauce, rice vinegar, and sesame seeds; the savory ingredients add a rich umami boost yet the dish is still light. For an indulgent treat, the Filet Mignon Carpaccio ($25) delivers decadence with its tender, thinly sliced beef.
The Roasted Beet Salad ($15) is a refreshing mix of sliced red beets, arugula, strawberries, pistachios, goat cheese, and cherry dressing, while the French Onion Soup ($7/18) offers a comforting, classic touch.
Pizza lovers will appreciate the Portobello Pizza ($23), loaded with mushrooms, gorgonzola,
and truffle oil, while the Fig Apple Prosciutto Pizza ($27) offers a perfect balance of sweet and savory. The Schiacciata Pizza ($25) is a fantastic Italian-inspired option, featuring San Marzano tomato sauce, 24-month-aged prosciutto di Parma, arugula, and olive oil.
For entrées, the Vegetarian Risotto ($24), Seafood Linguini ($34) Pan-Seared Salmon ($34), Slow-Braised Lamb Ragu ($32), and house special burger ($25) are all flavorful choices.
A Sweet Finale: My brunch mates and I enjoyed indulging in the decadent desserts to top off our brunch. The selection includes both classic European treats and comforting favorites.
The Tiramisu ($12) is beautifully crafted and dusted with rich cocoa powder, offering the perfect balance of coffee and cream—yummy!. As chocolate lovers, we also enjoyed the Chocolate Volcano ($13), a warm, molten chocolate cake served with vanilla bean gelato, fresh strawberries, and almonds.
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Grilled
Beth Schnitzer
Photos courtesy of Beth Schnitzer
For something uniquely satisfying, the Mille Feuille is a must-try ($14). This delicate, flaky puff pastry is stacked with rich vanilla pastry cream, dusted with powdered sugar, and accompanied by a wild forest berry compote for a perfect contrast of flavors.
Other favorites include the Coconut Crème Brûlée ($16), with its silky texture and caramelized sugar crust, and the Bread Pudding ($17) with caramelized apples, raisins, and bourbon caramel sauce; it is a warm, comforting dessert that pairs beautifully with a cup of espresso. For something lighter, Portola Bistro also offers seasonal sorbets and gelato, which are perfect for a refreshing finish to the meal—ending your dining experience on a sweet note.
Wine List: Portola Bistro’s wine selection is a thoughtfully curated mix of French, Italian, and California wines, complementing its French-Italian fusion menu. The list strikes a balance between classic Old World elegance and the vibrant expressions of California’s renowned wine regions.
To start, guests can enjoy a glass of crisp prosecco or opt for a refined French Champagne or French rosé for a more celebratory experience.
For white wine lovers, the selection includes bright and refreshing pinot grigio and sauvignon blanc, as well as the richer, oak-aged chardonnay. Those seeking a taste of France can indulge in a glass of Sancerre or Pouilly-Fumé, both known for their elegant minerality and citrus-driven profiles.
On the red side, Portola Bistro offers a diverse array of choices, ranging from Italy’s bold and fruit-forward Barbera from Piedmont to the structured and complex wines of France’s Rhône Valley. California reds include silky pinot noir and robust cabernet sauvignon from Sonoma and Napa, offering a taste of the region’s signature terroirs. Classic French reds like Bordeaux’s Roland share the list with Italy’s deep, food-friendly selections, including Valpolicella Classico and traditional Chianti.
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buds tingling in late May.
David Landis, The Gay Gourmet, is recovering from shoulder surgery but will be back with taste
Max Duley of the V Foundation with Beth Schnitzer, Chef Douglas Keane, and Danny Cooper at Sonoma Epicurean
In addition to its impressive wine selection, Portola Bistro is in the process of obtaining a full liquor license. I saw a sign in the window indicating that the application is pending and spoke with the owner, who said the full bar is coming before the end of April. I look forward to trying crafted cocktails and premium spirits later this month. With this exciting expansion, Portola Bistro is set to elevate its drink offerings that will enhance its refined, yet approachable, dining experience.
Final Thoughts: During my visit, I was particularly impressed by the attentive and friendly servers. Their genuine warmth and attentiveness elevated the dining experience, making it feel both elegant and comfortably homey. The relaxed, welcoming ambiance truly made me feel special.
Portola Bistro
3130 Alpine Road, Portola Valley https://portolabistro.com/ Free parking in the Ladera Country Shopper parking lot
Modern Day Wife Celebration of Season 2 Podcast Launch
I recently had a fun, inspiring experience at the Modern Day Wife Season 2 podcast launch at the el Prado Hotel in Palo Alto. The podcast is a platform dedicated to empowering women by exploring topics that resonate with the multifaceted roles we navigate daily. It is a show that reflects the 360-degree view of a woman’s life.
The event featured media, influencers, networking opportunities, panel discussions, and a celebration of the podcast’s mission to inspire and uplift. I loved the women-owned wellness and glam stations. I also enjoyed meeting Jennifer Newens, author of the new book Monday Night Mocktails, and Jeannette Mead, from @jeanetteandslade luxury handbags to the stars. It was definitely a treat to check out the gorgeous bags!
Whether you choose to dine inside at the bar, in the main dining area, or on the lovely outdoor heated patio, I’m confident that you’ll leave Portola Bistro feeling pampered and delighted. The combination of exquisite flavors, exceptional service, and a cozy atmosphere make it a must-visit destination for any food lover looking for a European-inspired culinary escape.
The restaurateurs have other popular South Bay restaurants including Barbayani in Los Altos and Anatolian Kitchen in Palo Alto.
V Foundation: Sonoma Epicurean
I had the honor of attending the fourth annual V Foundation for Cancer Research Sonoma Epicurean weekend, March 27–30 in Sonoma County. It is a signature event series that features three days of curated experiences with award-winning chefs, local artisans, and Sonoma County’s top vintners. There is a focus on lifestyle, wellness, and sustainability, all while benefiting lifesaving cancer research through the V Foundation. Since its start in 2022, the event has raised more than $10 million for game-changing cancer research.
During this year’s auction, they raised over $3 million with our own Liam Mayclem as the fabulous auctioneer!
The funds support research at top cancer centers across North America, with 100% of event proceeds directly benefiting cancer research. The V Foundation for Cancer Research was founded in 1993 by ESPN and the late Jim Valvano, who was a legendary North Carolina State University basketball coach and ESPN commentator.
Sonoma Epicurean kicked off on Thursday, March 27, with the Vintner Reception at Montage Healdsburg, followed by the Vintner Dinners: private dining experiences featuring Northern California’s finest chefs, including Dustin Valette, Shane McAnelly, Jason Pringle, David Carey, and Ben Martin. These chefs created menus perfectly paired with wines from top Sonoma County vintners including Aperture Cellars, Ferrari-Carano Vineyards, MacRostie Winery, and Gary Farrell Winery. Thursday’s festivities concluded with the Epic After Party at Roof 106 at The Matheson on the Healdsburg Square.
Keane and learn about the evolution of his restaurant concept and how he overcame his personal medical challenges.
Friday’s events featured the Epicurean Experiences—immersive experiences focused on wellness, sustainability, and staying active. This year featured the debut of the Wilson Celebrity Pickleball Classic hosted by V Foundation Board Members Russell Wilson and Ciara. The pickleball tournament was put on in partnership with Russell and Ciara’s nonprofit, the Why Not You Foundation.
Additional Epicurean Experiences included Golf at Mayacama, Culinary Theater at Browne Estate with Chef Dustin Valette, the Sustainable Wellness experience at Silver Oak Cellars with featured speakers Melissa Coulier and Melanie Samuels of Live Well Lead Well, among other activities throughout Healdsburg.
Friday concluded with the Epic Party at Bacchus Landing in historic Healdsburg, where many notable vintners poured their wines alongside gourmet delights from award-winning chefs. Guests had the opportunity to bid at the “Case for Research” auction featuring Aldina Vineyards Chardonnay, DuMOL Winery Pinot Noir, Pride Mountain Vineyards Cabernet Franc, and A. Rafanelli Winery Cabernet Sauvignon. The evening’s entertainment featured Grammy-nominated singer-songwriter Aloe Blacc.
The Sonoma Valley Authors Festival presented Chef Douglas Keane, co-owner of the renowned Michelin-starred restaurant Cyrus in Geyserville. He spoke about his just-released memoir Culinary Leverage, A Journey Through the Heat and signed books for guests It was a pleasure to meet Chef
The walk around event was lively, with a wide array of delicious food and drinks. The red wines from Williams Selyem, MacRostie, Bricoleur, Pride, The Setting, and Aperture were especially enjoyable. The cabernet sauvignon and pinot noir were smooth and velvety, and paired perfectly with the culinary bites from The Montage, Matheson, and Valette. The caviar appetizers were exquisite—delicate and flavorful—and I definitely indulged in more than one!
Saturday’s events included the Wellness Breakfast and Cancer Research Symposium, where attendees learned from V Foundation-funded scientists about research highlighting cancer interception and prevention. Guests received insight into the future of cancer research directly from world-class scientists who are on the frontlines of accelerating Victory Over Cancer® and saving lives.
The celebration culminated with the Gala & Auction at Montage Healdsburg, which was filled with many personal stories, including a touching video tribute to 2025 honorees Johanna and Dustin Valette, introduced by special guests Russell Wilson and Ciara. During the program, Valette announced a new partnership with Valette Wines to benefit the V Foundation through March 2026. As proprietors of Valette and The Matheson restaurants in Healdsburg, the Valettes have been an integral part of the Sonoma Epicurean team since its inception.
The event sells out early, so save the date for the fifth annual V Foundation Sonoma Epicurean weekend, March 26–29, 2026.
V Foundation Sonoma Epicurean: https://sonomaepicurean.v.org/
Sonoma Valley Authors Festival: https://svauthorsfest.org/
Beth Schnitzer is the Co-Founder and President of Spritz, https://spritzsf.com/
David Shuh, S’ra Albion Black, and Susan Atherton
Ciara and Russell Wilson (center and right) competed in the Wilson Celebrity Pickleball Classic
Auctioneer Liam Mayclem and celebrants after over $3 million was raised to benefit the V Foundation
Castro Farmers’ Market Seasonal Grand Opening
The Castro Farmers’ Market reopened for the season on April 2, 2025, bringing farm-fresh produce, an impressive selection of mushrooms, recently gathered eggs, delicious dairy products like cultured butter and cheeses, just-caught seafood, irresistible baked goods, savory snacks, prepared entrées, and much more. As former San Francisco Bay Time s columnist Andrew Shaffer said, “I always come here because they have the best strawberries.” His bag was bursting with the juicy, sweet berries, which were one of many popular selections at the market.
The Grand Opening ceremony was led by President of the San Francisco Board of Supervisors Rafael Mandelman, Terry Asten-Bennett (on her last day as President of Castro Merchants), drag legend and San Francisco Bay Times columnist Donna Sachet, and market leaders. With the help of Bay Times volunteer coordinator Juan Davila, they cut the giant ribbon, officially welcoming everyone to the market that now takes place every Wednesday from 3–7 pm through November 19.
Several other members of the Bay Times team were there, enjoying not only the items for sale but also the musicians and catching up with other Castro residents who stopped by. Pro Tip: Grab a drink and nosh at the La Méditerranée restaurant adjacent to the market after shopping for the perfect spot to people watch and soak in the market’s uplifting vibes.
We also encourage you to take time to learn more about the farmers and other quality vendors at the Castro Farmers’ Market. Information about them is at https://www.pcfma.org/Castro
E Pluribus Vino: The Great American Blend
Cocktails With Dina by Dina Novarr
Imagine a vineyard ripping out varieties like chardonnay, cabernet, tempranillo, or sauvignon blanc because they weren’t “native” enough. It’s unthinkable. Yet, in our current political climate in America, we’re doing just that with people. These grapes have thrived in U.S. soil and shaped the very identity of American wine. In fact, most European wine grape varieties in America today thrive when grafted onto disease-resistant American rootstock, a symbiosis where immigrant vines cannot exist without American roots. Likewise, immigrants have shaped the American identity, culture, and economy, including the wine industry— from vineyard workers to sommeliers to winemakers.
where else—distinctly American while honoring countless global influences.
Like countless grape varieties, most Americans trace their lineage to somewhere else. The cabernet sauvignons among us might have French ancestry, while the zinfandels claim Croatian heritage. Some families arrived centuries ago; others just completed their journey last month. Together, we form a complex blend that couldn’t exist any-
The parallels run deeper than simple origin stories. Just as imported grape varieties adapted to California’s unique soil and climate, creating expressions impossible in their European homelands, immigrants have always adapted to and transformed American culture. In doing so, they’ve created something entirely new while maintaining connections to their heritage. Wine country understands something that our
national discourse often forgets: diversity creates strength, not weakness. Vintners don’t concern themselves with a grape’s “purity” or whether it has sufficient generational history in American soil. They focus on how it contributes to the whole and the unique characteristics it brings to the bottle.
America revolutionized wine culture in the 1980s, transforming it into an essential component of the dining experience. Pioneering winemakers began printing food pairing suggestions directly on labels, culinary magazines featured wine recommendations alongside recipes, and restaurants introduced innovative multi-course dinners with carefully matched wines for each dish. This distinctly American (and now global) approach to wine and food created a gastronomic tradition that celebrates our cultural diversity. Uprooting this tradition wouldn’t just impoverish our dining experiences; it would sever a vital connection to our multicultural heritage that we’ve cultivated and refined for generations.
Ironically, having only American grape vari-
etals would be disastrous in America’s uniquely diverse food landscape. Wines produced from native species like Vitis riparia and Vitis cinerea contain remarkably high concentrations of methoxypyrazines—compounds that create wines with overwhelming “herbaceous” and “earthy” aromas that mask the desirable fruit characteristics.
American vineyards with native grapes are mere historical curiosities now, rather than vital contributors to a global wine culture.
The next time someone questions whether certain communities belong in America, perhaps we should remind them that America’s greatness has always been immigrants grafted onto a great foundation. Like the vineyards that produce our most celebrated wines, our strength lies in building through a shared purpose, with every person contributing distinctive qualities to create a unique blend that couldn’t exist anywhere else.
San Francisco-based Dina Novarr enjoys sharing her passion for fine wines, spirits, non-alcoholic craft beverages, and more with others.
An image of the Statue of Liberty heading back to France has become prominent on social media in response to anti-immigrant Trump Administration policies.
Sister Dana Sez: Words of Wisdumb from a Fun Nun
By Sister Dana Van Iquity
Sister Dana sez, “Happy Easter, everybuddy! Whether you commemorate The Resurrection or a floppy-eared hare that brings colored eggs to the kiddies or for any other reason—have a very festive Easter Sunday!
We Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence, Inc., are delighted to invite the community to celebrate our 46th Anniversary at Easter in the Park. In recognition of our transgender brothers and sisters who are under siege, the theme is “No Easter Without The T! ” The festivities will begin at 10:30 am–11:30 am on Easter Sunday, April 20, in Dolores Park with Children’s Easter—featuring an egg hunt, story time, and (of course) the Easter Bunny. The stage show for adults begins at noon with special guests, Sister rituals, live music, performances by some of The City’s best drag and trans talent, and the legendary “Easter Bonnet,” “Foxy Mary,” and “Hunky Jesus” contests judged by Sister Roma and me. The Sisters’ Easter in the Park is FREE, and all are welcome, but Sisters will collect donations to help cover expenses and contribute to our Community Grants Fund, supporting organizations and worthy causes throughout the Bay Area and beyond. https://www.thesisters.org/
Producing Easter in the Park is possible each year because of the dedication of dozens of volunteers. Anyone can help The Sisters out and sign up to volunteer at Easter in the Park by going to www.thesisters/volunteers
Grifter Trump wants to transform the annual EASTER EGG ROLL on the White House lawn into a profit-making scheme where corporations can essentially purchase goodwill with his administration. This would be the first time a presidential administration has sought sponsors for the Easter Egg Roll in nearly 150 years. “That would have been vetoed in about 30 seconds in my day,” remarked Richard Painter, who served in the White House Counsel’s Office under former President George W. Bush. “We’re not operating this like a football stadium where you get logos all over the place for contributing money.” But such a greedy move is not surprising with con man Trump always trying to make a big bad buck—from selling autographed Bibles to inventing gold coins to pitching signed guitars, etc. Sister Dana sez, “Trump
is now Grifting Easter, so, ‘Happy Gr-Easter, America!’”
The United States enacted income tax with the 16th Amendment in 1913. At that time, the filing deadline was March 1. In 1918, the deadline was changed to March 15, and then in 1955—for the most recent change—the filing deadline was moved to April 15. The day has come to be known as TAX DAY Sister Dana sez, “Be sure to file your taxes by April 15. But don’t worry, you billionaires, because Commander-in-Cheat Trump will make sure you won’t have to pay anything—while eliminating those silly Social Security and medical services wasted on the poor and middle class!”
SAN FRANCISCO PUBLIC LIBRARY
held this year’s edition of the NIGHT OF IDEAS on April 5 at the Main Library and Asian Art Museum. Leading thinkers, scholars, writers, activists, and artists engaged with attendees using the theme of “(Un)Common Ground.” Together we explored the vital role of civil society in reconciling our differences and planning a shared future. The day’s conclusion at 1 am got us attendees to boogie down at SF Discothèque in the Library’s atrium. And we Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence offered camp and imagination with our arts & crafts “Sister Sock Puppet Workshop” taught by Sister T’aint A Virgin for folx to fashion a sock puppet of the nun or other being they would like to be. That “seminar” was followed much later downstairs in the Library’s atrium with a bodacious Bohemian Rhapsody lip-synch by us Sisters and dozens upon dozens of proud participants with their newly created sock puppets held up high and “singing” along. Also, magnificently on display all night were big, glorious oil paintings of a rainbow flag-waving Sister Dana—as well as other sweet Sisters portrayed by fabulous artist Deidre DeFranceaux, who was present to answer questions, and has been deservedly declared a saint by The Sisters. And what a superb surprise it was to be given a gorgeous umbrella from painter of perfection Deidre with her 8-paneled printed portraits pictured of this particular rainbow nun! “Night of Ideas” indeed! See other nun paintings at https://tinyurl.com/mudufnyf
April 5 was also the day when the activist “HANDS OFF!” group had over 1,300 local protests in all 50 states against the Musk-Trump power grab. That included the San Francisco Civic Center Plaza demo from 1–3 pm at 335 McAllister Street. My fave placard there emphasized: “No Fascist America: No Teenie Weenie Mussolini!” People everywhere across the nation came out to help demonstrate mass opposition to Trump’s authoritarian agenda. “Hands Off” spokespersons had earlier stated, “Remember—when we show up, that courage is contagious. Trump and Musk won’t immediately back down on April 6 as a result of our protests; but judges, journalists, law firms, universities, civil society institutions, elected officials, and others under
intense pressure from this administration will know they aren’t alone in this fight!” H O spokespeople later commented after the actions, “It was BIG! It was beautiful! We were loud! We were powerful!”
Sister Dana sez, “April showers bring May flowers! But puhlease, NO floods this time, mmkaaay?!”
Celebrate two decades of groundbreaking artistry at SEAN DORSEY DANCE company’s 20th Anniversary Home Season, April 11–13 at Dance Mission Theater, 3316 24th Street, SF. These dances are always powerful explorations of human experience, featuring luscious queer partnering. Dorsey’s work has boldly created new space for trans and queer voices, bodies, and stories in contemporary dance. https://freshmeatproductions.org/
THE COMPTON’S CAFETERIA RIOT is an immersive, interactive play directly inspired by the 1966 uprising in San Fran-
cisco’s Tenderloin that marked a seminal act of collective resistance in the ongoing fight for transgender rights. The Tenderloin Museum is honored to present a new production of the play in the heart of
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On Saturday, April 5, Sister Dana joined artist Deidre DeFranceaux at the San Francisco Public Library during the “A Night of Ideas” program where DeFranceaux’s rendering of Sister Dana’s image was one of the works on display.
PHOTO BY CHRIS
the neighborhood that holds the riot’s legacy in its reputation. Written by Colette LeGrande, Mark Nassar, and Donna Personna , Compton’s Cafeteria Riot reopens April 11 at the new dedicated venue located at 835 Larkin Street. Attendees will convene for a late night breakfast at the Larkin Street Cafe (a surrogate for the long-gone Compton’s on Turk & Taylor). A 12-person cast will recreate the trans riot that came way before the Stonewall Riot. https://www.tenderloinmuseum.org/
I am thrilled by the flirty content of David Archuleta’s new single “CRÈME BRULÉE.” David is not the same sweet little teenage boy that I remember after his American Idol TV singing talent show. He is a 34-year-old man who has proudly come out (2021) gay and left the Mormon church (which is very anti-LGBTQ). And he is still extremely talented. Check out his sexy song and dance video at https://orcd.co/cremebruleeda
Lady Gaga’s sixth studio album, MAYHEM, debuted at No. 1 on the Billboard albums chart, capping off several weeks’ worth of promotion in which our beloved pop singer consistently made a point of reaffirming her support for the queer and transgender community at a time of uncertainty for LGBTQ rights in America. When the “Abracadabra” singer took the stage to accept the Innovator Award at the 2025 iHeartRadio Music Awards on March 17, she thanked her fans—her “Little Monsters”—and particularly the LGBTQ community. Thank you so much, our Lady Gaga, for being ‘BORN THIS WAY!’”
Tyrannical Trump attacked democracy on March 25 when he signed a sweeping and unconstitutional executive order that would block tens of millions of U.S. citizens from voting. The order, mistitled “Preserving and Protecting the Integrity of American Elections,” threatens to withhold federal grant money to force states to comply with voter suppression tactics that are already in effect in many red states. This disgusting order would disenfranchise millions and millions of voters by enforcing extreme identification requirements and hampering mail-in voting by directing the DOJ to sue states that accept paper ballots received after Election Day —even if they were mailed before—not to mention how it would cause a huge shift in the executive
branch’s power over federal elections by allowing T-rump to compel the independent, bipartisan U.S. ELECTION ASSISTANCE COMMISSION to do anything he wants done. Sister Dana sez, “Did you know that MILLIONS of undocumented immigrants are voting illegally? Neither did I, because that’s a lie!”
On March 27, in yet another of Trump’s horrendous executive orders, the king of History Rewriting issued one regarding our sacred SMITHSONIAN INSTITUTION—causing us everyday democracy-loving Americans, historians, and politicians to fear for the new meaning of patriotism and the purpose of history. Singling out the Smithsonian Institute, which includes 21 museums and the National Zoo, Dictator Donald ordered the removal of what he called “improper ideology.” The presi-dense also instructed Veep JD Vance, a member of the Smithsonian Institution’s 17-member Board of Regents, to oversee the taking down of monuments and sculptures that the order termed “divisive narratives that distort our shared history.” Most of both former and current board members are outraged, as should be we true patriots. Sister Dana sez, “According to the evil PROJECT 2025, ‘America is now divided between two opposing forces: woke revolutionaries and those who believe in the ideals of the American revolution.’ Well, I’ll take BOTH, please!”
By now, I think y’all know how fond I am of the amazing movie, Wicked, and of song parodist extraordinaire Randy Rainbow So it’s only natural for me to rave about Randy’s latest video, DEFY DEMOCRACY, using the marvelous music while deliciously distorting the lyrics of “ Defying Gravity.” Go google it and giggle!
It was a victory to democracy when Democrats recently lodged a big upset in a Republican-held state Senate district in Pennsylvania, flipping a seat that DarnOld Trump carried by 15 points and sending a big warning sign to Republicans that the 2026 midterms could be trouble for their party. Democratic nominee James Andrew Malone, mayor of East Petersburg, PA, defeated Republican Josh Parsons, 50–49.
Rest in peace and power, iconic actor Richard Chamberlain , whom I knew as beloved Dr. Kildare in the 1960s TV series, and as a sexy priest with secret female lover in The Thorn Birds in the 1983 series. Later he came out loud and proud GAY in 2003 at age 69. He passed away on March 30 this year, two days before his 91st birthday. Liar-in-Chief Trump declared on the March 31 newscasts that he was not ruling out a THIRD term as president, in spite of the fact that the 22nd Amendment of the U.S. CONSTITUTION forbids three terms of presidency. Regarding his illegal plans, he boldly stated, “I’m not joking.” Sister Dana sez, “It was a JOKE that he even won the FIRST term, and then his second. It would not be funny if he is ever given yet another term of autocracy and oligarchy!
On April 1, Senator Cory Booker boldly, virulently, truthfully slammed Trump and his administration’s horrific policies during Booker’s marathon 25-hour and 4-minutes-long Senate speech. “I believe sincerely that our country is in crisis,” he emotionally exclaimed. “Enough is enough!” Booker surpassed that awful 1957 segregationist Strom Thurmond to achieve the longest Senate speech on record Sister Dana sez, “You GO, Senator Booker! Fili-bust-em!”
The Trump administration’s layoffs of 10,000 more federal workers began on April 1—with some workers finding out that they had lost their jobs only when their office security badges did not work. Sister Dana sez, “That was a really lousy APRIL FOOLS prank! Now bring them all back at once!” In the month of March alone (as of April 3, 2025) there have been 216,215 federal job layoffs an increase of 672% since the same time last year!
High, everybody! Just a reminder that April 20 (4/20/2025) is 420 DAY! So, smoke ’em if ya got ’em!
LESBIAN VISIBILITY WEEK (this year from April 21 to April 27) was founded by Linda Riley in 2020, and serves as a beacon of support, shining a light on the
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through a big change or just looking for more clarity in their day to day.
Upcoming Events
Thursday, April 10 @ 6 pm (non-ticketed - Corte Madera store) David Sheff, author of YOKO: A Biography
Yoko Ono, a woman often overshadowed by her connection to John Lennon and The Beatles, takes the spotlight in this new biography by David Sheff. Through his experiences with Yoko and interviews with her, friends, and family, Sheff gives us a definitive biography of her life. Sheff will be joined in conversation by Zack Ruskin.
Saturday, April 12 @ 1 pm (RSVP requested - Corte Madera store) Jennifer Beals, author of The L Word: A Photographic Journal
experiences, perspectives, and needs of LGBTQ women and non-binary people. The mission remains clear: to increase understanding, visibility, and create a positive legacy for our community. In a historic press briefing at the White House, Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre took the podium to announce the launch of “Lesbian Visibility Week 2023.” As the first out lesbian to hold this position, Jean-Pierre highlighted the Biden administration’s commitment to fostering inclusivity and celebrating diverse voices within the LGBTQ community. Check out https://www.lesbianvisibilityweekusa.com/
The annual SFLGBT CENTER SOIRÉE is back on April 19 at City View at Metreon. Join them for a triumphant evening celebrating the Center’s 23 years of service to our LGBTQ community. This year’s Soirée will feature a dinner program followed by a vibrant after-party, with live music, dazzling performances, dancing, an open bar, and more. Hosted by Honey Mahogany and Sister Roma , with entertainment by Juanita MORE! https://www.sfcenter.org/
THE PEOPLE’S MARCH/FIGHT FASCISM FOR DEMOCRACY will be a massive march and rousing rally on April 12, noon to 3 pm in SF supporting everyone under attack by the current government administration. Nobody should live in fear because of their color, faith, gender, sexual orientation, ancestry, or political beliefs. The People’s March & Rally was created in 2020 by activists Juanita MORE! and Alex U. Inn to show solidarity with the LGBTQ community and bring back activism. This awe-inspiring event will begin with a rally at Embarcadero Plaza (formerly known as Justin Herman Plaza) at Market and Steuart Streets, followed by marching west on Market Street to SF City Hall at 1 Dr. Carlton B. Goodlett Place. The People— not the government—should have the power!
Sister Dana sez, “Most economists and regular folx agree that Trump’s TARIFFS are utterly TARrible and TARrifying—as well as not being a very TARrific plan for our country!”
This is a new book full of behind-the-scenes photography from the hit television show The L Word taken by the show’s star, Jennifer Beals. The L Word ran for six seasons and brought visibility to the LGBTQ+ community and their experiences. Beals will be joined in conversation by Lydi Conklin.
Wednesday, April 16 @ 5:30 pm (non-ticketed - SF Ferry Building store) Saumya Dave, author of The Guilt Pill
In this novel, a CEO on maternity leave goes missing after becoming addicted to a new experimental drug that claims to erase guilt. Dave explores the topics of race, ambition, and motherhood as readers follow the main character, Maya, as she tries to have it all. Dave will be joined in conversation by Runjhun Misra.
https://www.bookpassage.com/
BOOK PASSAGE
The Many Loves of Karol Szymanowski
Faces from Our LGBT Past
Many lovers of music consider Karol Szymanowski (1882–1937) to be Poland’s greatest composer since Frederick Chopin (1810–1849), with a body of work one critic described “as a dazzling personal synthesis of cultural references, crossing the boundaries of nation, race, and gender.” His peers agree. His “music is full of fascinating contradictions, vacillating between the archaic and modern, the religious and the hedonistic,” Polish pianist and composer Piotr Anderszewski (1969–) wrote. “He is like no other 20th-century composer.”
Szymanowski knew who he was at an early age, but it was a journey he made with writer and librettist Jaroslaw Iwaszkiewicz (1894–1980), his distant cousin and dear
friend, to Italy, Sicily, and North Africa in 1914 that led him to embrace his true self in both his life and his art. Inspired by new ideas and old legends, he wrote Efebos, a long novel about Greek love, completed in 1918, and his enduring opera, Król Roger (King Roger), first performed in 1926 at the Grand Theatre, Warsaw.
The composer’s love of men was no secret. His colleague, pianist Arthur Rubinstein (1887–1982), knew immediately. “Karol had changed; I had already begun to be aware of [his homosexuality],” he wrote in My Many Years (1980), his autobiography, but “after his return, he raved about Sicily, especially Taormina. ‘There,’ he said, ‘I saw a few young men bathing who could be models for Antinous. I couldn’t take my eyes off them.’ … He told me all this with burning eyes.”
His novel was never published; the manuscript was turned to ash in 1939 when the Germans devastated Warsaw at the beginning of World War II. “In it I expressed much … on this matter,” he said later, “which is for me very important and very beautiful.” Only one section survives, which Szymanowski translated into Russian as a gift for Boris Kochno (1904–1990), then his lover, whom he met in Paris in 1919. Fortunately, the pleading homoerotic poems expressing his deep feelings for him, written in French, endure.
The two men were not together long. In 1921, Kochno had a brief affair with artist and set-designer Sergey Sudeikin (1882–1946), who introduced him to Sergei Diaghilev (1872–1929). The day after they met, the ballet impresario offered him employment as his secretary. Although their romance was not long lasting, either, Kochno continued to work with the maestro, writing the libretto for Stravinsky’s Mavra (1921), George Auric’s ‘s Les Fâcheux (1924), Henri Sauguet’s ‘s La Chatte (1927), and Sergei Prokofiev’s The Prodigal Son (1929).
Where did he find the time? While working with Diaghilev as his artistic advisor and principle collaborator, he had a “passionate affair” with American composer and songwriter Cole Porter (1891–1964), as well as Porter’s close friend, American diplomat Hermann Oelrichs, Jr. (1891–1948), whose mother and aunt built the famed
Fairmont Hotel in San Francisco. Eventually he met fashion illustrator and designer Christian Bérard (1902–1949), who was his life partner for 20 years. During the 1930s and 1940s, they were among the world’s most prominent samesex couples.
Heartbroken that Kochno had left him for Diaghilev, Szymanowski was com forted by affairs with composer and music critic Zygmunt Mycielski (1907–1987), whom he met in 1926, musicologist Tadeusz Żakiej (1915–1994), and Witold Conti (1908–1944), a Polish film actor then at the beginning of his career; the romantic lead in nine features made between 1930 and 1937, his life as a matinee idol ended when the second World War began. He fled to France, where died in 1944 during the British bombardment of German military strongholds around Nice. Szymanowski met Aleksander (Olek) Szymielewicz (1912–1944), his most enduring love, in 1931, just after his romance with Conti had ended. He was immediately enamored with his new friend, within a month writing, “To my dear, beloved Olek Szymielewicz, with the sincere wish that the rare gifts of internal and external charm and beauty which are his, may develop and strengthen, so that in the future he may become a ‘true’ and ‘profound’ man and not forget his friend, with whom life accidentally brought him together.”
Not everyone was impressed by Olek. In her diary, Anna Iwaszkiewicz (1897–1979), who his openly bisexual cousin married in 1922, wrote, “Yes he is pretty, but stupid. What’s more, he looks as if he does not realize who Karol actually is and what an honor he is receiving (if his role can be honorable at all) that Karol has taken such care of him.” She was not alone. Referring to him as “the composer’s wife,” many friends and associates accused him of “excessive exploitation of Szymanowski’s innate kindness.”
No one doubted the composer’s deep feelings for Szymielewicz, who immediately brought him into his professional and personal circles. He engaged artist Maja Berezowska (1893–1978) to paint Olek’s portrait, which decorated his home in Zakopane near Poland’s border with Slovakia, now the Karol Szymanowski Museum. He also commissioned Benedykt Jerzy Dorys (1901–1990), famed fashion photographer and portraitist, who only rarely took such assignments, to create a series of nude art studies of Olek, probably the first in the history of Polish photography.
The intimate relationship between Szymanowski and Olek may have ended as early as February 1932, but they never lost the great affection they shared. Writing to each other and visiting frequently, their friendship endured until the composer’s death in 1937. Under the maestro’s guidance, Olek found his way in life, graduating from medical school three years later. He became a true hero during the Warsaw Uprising, which began on August 1, 1944, giving care to wounded Polish soldiers and civilian patriots in an insurgent hospital.
Leonia Gradstein (1904–1984), once Szymanowski’s secretary and Olek’s landlady, but never an admirer, described his final days in her book Gorzka sława (Bitter Fame), written with Jerzy Waldorff, published in 1960. “When he was wounded, he refused to stop his work,” she wrote. Instead, he continued “treating those wounded even more severely than himself.” Under constant bombardment by the retreating German forces, the hospital building finally collapsed on August 26, 1944, killing over a thousand people, including Olek. His remains were never recovered.
Bill Lipsky, Ph.D., author of “Gay and Lesbian San Francisco” (2006), is a member of the Rainbow Honor Walk board of directors.
Dr. Bill Lipsky
Witold Conti
Aleksander (Olek) Szymielewicz (left) and Karol Szymanowski
Boris Kochno
Poland 10 zlotych coin honoring Karol Szymanowski
Karol Szymanowski
Astrology
Elisa Quinzi
The arrival of Neptune into the first zodiac sign, Aries, heralds a transition of quantum proportions. We are undergoing the birth pangs preceding our emergence into a higher state of consciousness. A sense of being sent here on a mission is awakening within each of us. Collectively we are evolving into a new identity. If it feels like the Cosmos is shaking us awake, it is because there’s no more time to delay walking our talk. As we act in integrity with our highest spiritual ideals, we begin to knit together a new world. Neptune in Aries strikes the chord in us that can no longer sit back watching the world fragment, knowing truly we are all one. The time to shine our distinct light has come. The power of the soul is rising now.
Speaking to Your Soul
ARIES (March 21–April 19)
Put on your spiritual armor and trust in the power that sent you. Apply discernment when impulse prompts you. Act to fill the greatest need. You are the rock on which the new world will be built.
TAURUS (April 20–May 20)
Trust your intuition. Go deeper into your spiritual forest. The ancestors have seeds of wisdom to impart to you via your dreams, visions, and deep listening.
GEMINI (May 21–June 20)
What ideals are you striving toward? Spirit wants to show you a fresh vision for your life. Join together with likeminded people to intentionally create the best possible future.
CANCER (June 21–July 22)
Update your mission statement. Make course corrections where applicable to align with a higher calling. Spirit is trying to use you to bring heaven to earth.
LEO (July 23–August 22)
Be sure to stay rooted in your body, particularly in your heart, while ideas and inspirations move you to act. Slow down and allow yourself to drop into the eternal moment. Here is the well that fills all needs.
VIRGO (August 23–September 22)
You enter a period of deepening spiritual understanding. Fear not if old belief systems crumble apart, as that which is greater and more enduring will be revealed. Surrender to that which breathes you.
LIBRA (September 23–October 22)
Practice discernment in your choosing of lovers, partners, and friends. You are vulnerable to seeing only the best now. Keep yourself on the right path to help guard against detrimental detours. Soulmates and magicians both find their way to you. Soul recognizes soul.
SCORPIO (October 23–November 21)
God is in the details. Elevate the mundane. Thich Nhat Hanh wrote about the importance of washing a dish. How we do anything is how we do everything. So much anxiety is relieved as we wake up to what’s truly right here, right now.
SAGITTARIUS (November 22–December 21)
The atmosphere ripens for a spiritual awakening. You are the hero of the journey, on a path of discovering we are never separate from God.
CAPRICORN (December 22–January 19)
Deep wisdom bubbles up from an eternal spring just below the visible surface. Be still and listen to open wider the portal. You belong to the entire universe.
AQUARIUS (January 20–February 18)
You have an easier time accessing your psychic abilities now. The veil is thin between dimensions and you can receive impressions and insights seemingly out of nowhere. Sign up for spiritual classes or start writing the book. Something wants expression through you, but you need to do your part to let it out.
PISCES (February 19–March 20)
You probably have healing gifts you haven’t fully tapped into yet. Consider doing so now. You are called to align your efforts with your highest ideals. As you step out on the path, the helpers come.
Contact her at futureselfnow@gmail.com or at 818-530-3366 with your exact birth
Tosca Comvalius
“The Sheba Jazz Lounge in the Fillmore District”
compiled by Rink Samson Utley
Supper Club”
