San Francisco Bay Times - May 15, 2014

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BAY TIMES MAY 15 , 2 0 1 4

NCLR 2014 ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATION

Maggie, Michael, Marriage, Memory and Where Our Movement Goes Next The column was not exactly as advertised. This week, I f inally got around to reading the blog posted on May 1 by ardent same-sex marriage foe Maggie Gallagher. A number of sources had described the blog variously as her abandoning the fight or conceding failure, noting this passage: “Hiding or pretending is not going to help us, now. We have to face the truth. And we have to find the love at its heart. And we will have to do new things, not simply do what failed, over and over again, harder.”

The blog does acknowledge the near inevitability that very soon, samesex couples will be free to marry anywhere in the country. But the blog is also a dog whistle to those who share Gallagher’s view that our relationships are morally and socially disordered and dangerous. The blog is less a concession than a call to action—a new and different action, but every bit as ferocious.

“Let me put it this way: the f irst struggle we now face is internal and spiritual. Will we accept the newly dominant culture’s view of our views—of ourselves—as hateful and bigoted and stand down? Or will we, first of all in our heart and minds, refuse to accept this external view of ourselves? Will we stigmatize ourselves or will we force the powerful to do that to us? Will we accept living in an America where we have to be afraid to say, ‘Marriage is the union of husband and wife because children need a mother and a father?’ Or will they have to force us, through raw and ugly power, to live in that America?”

The clear message is that those who oppose the equal humanity of LGBT people are now victims of totalitarian censorship and oppression. Of course, we know this is ridiculous. The First Amendment and its protections for religious liberty are as strong today as they have ever been. But that is not enough for Gallagher, who is after something entirely different, and far more dangerous. What she wants is for all who dislike or condemn us to remain free to fire us, refuse to serve or do business with us, refuse us housing or accommodations, and generally go on about their lives utterly untouched by anti-discrimination laws and cultural change that now, finally, are beginning to support and acknowledge our dignity and humanity.

While Maggie will likely hang onto her Orwellian vision to the bitter end, we can take great hope from how far and fast we have arrived at this breathtaking moment. There may have been some who, notwithstanding all the evidence to the contrary, thought that maybe all we have gained in the past months could be erased or reversed. But with the recent NFL draft of Michael Sam by the St. Louis Rams, surely the most ardent pessimist must know that the time of stigma and shame is over.

We are in a new day. We are not long off from the goal of achieving marriage nationwide for our lives and families. With this sea change, protection from employment and other

forms of blatant and unfettered discrimination will be next. Our fight is not over, but we see the contours of a new beginning. It is critical to remember how this happened.

The arc of civil rights struggles begins when those most affected finally stand up and say: enough. We are here because decades ago, at huge personal risk, our movement fathers and mothers stood up, fought back, and refused to be cowed. Many of these men and women are still with us, and can take great satisfaction in what they helped shape. Too many did not live to see this day, but we would not be here without them, and their legacy is now our future.

A fter the f irst awakenings of a movement and the visibility that follows, the movement is joined by allies. In our case, these allies were our friends, families, neighbors, co-workers, and fellow citizens who wanted to love in a nation where we could live our lives freely and openly. We are where we are because we took to heart Harvey Milk’s exhortation to, “Come out, wherever you are, come out!” In doing so, we brought countless allies to our cause.

PHOTOS COURTESY OF THE NATIONAL CENTER FOR LESBIAN RIGHTS

By Kate Kendell, Esq.

Above, Kate Kendell with Gavin Newsom and Dennis Herrera following the 2008 marriage equality victory in California

We have now hit another huge tipping point—when unlikely allies emerge, and not only show up, but show up big. These are men and women in prominent positions, whose opinion influences others and who take risks socially, financially, or politically to support us. From a number of elected officials all the way up to President Obama, from Ted Olson to a number of other prominent Republicans, from celebrities to athletes to artists, we now enjoy the very public support of folks whose views help shape the views of others.

But a tipping point is not a finish line. We are not done. What we do next really matters. We may indeed only be a couple of years from winning marriage nationwide—and that will really matter. But that is not the end of this grand movement.

Before and during the fight for marriage, the National Center for Lesbian Rights and others were also standing up for LGBT immigrants and prisoners, defending the rights of LGBT youth in foster care and juvenile justice, working to create resources and protections for poor and rural LGBT families, ending homophobia in sports, and fighting to gain security and benefits for LGBT elders, and combatting an enduring climate of stigma and shame that results in daily violence against far too many.

After we win marriage in this country, all of these issues, and others, will remain. Our moral compass will be tested. Are we in this for the few, or are we in this for all of us? In this movement, we have lived and believed that “none of us are free, until all of us are free.” In the coming months, we all need to doubledown on that vision. That is the America we have been fighting for.

Kate Kendell, Esq., is the executive director of the National Center for Lesbian Rights.

NCLR Legion of Heroes (Partial List, More at nclrights.org)

Chris Stoll

Maya Rupert

Board - Kelly McCown

Board - Tamika Butler

Helen J. Carroll

Ashland Johnson

Amy Whelan

Carla Lopez

Cathy Sakimura

Geoff Kors

Noemi Calonje

Shannon Price Minter

Erik Olvera

Dani Siragusa

Judge Donna Hitchens

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NCLR 2014 ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATION

A Year Like None Other: NCLR’s Litigation Work

By Christopher Stoll, Esq.

The Supreme Court’s decision last summer striking down the discriminatory Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA), which barred the federal government from recognizing the marriages of same-sex couples, set off a legal tidal wave unlike anything we have seen before. Inspired by Justice Kennedy’s stirring decision— the first recognition ever by the Supreme Court that our families are just like other families and deserve the same respect—couples across the country flooded the courts with new cases seeking the freedom to marry.

From Alabama to Wyoming, brave couples are stepping up to send a clear message that the time for our full equality is now.

There are now more than 70 marriage cases pending in federal and state courts nationwide, and we at NCLR are doing our part. We are representing couples in marriage cases in Florida, Idaho, Utah, and Wyoming. Earlier this year, we won

PHOTOS COURTESY OF THE NATIONAL CENTER FOR LESBIAN RIGHTS

Ever since NCLR’s founding, we have been at the forefront of some of the most important legal cases in the history of the LGBT movement, from winning the freedom to marry in California, to securing critical protections for LGBT parents in courts around the country, and all the way to the steps of the U.S. Supreme Court. But no year in our history has ever been quite like this one.

Utah marriage equality plaintiffs Kody Partridge and Laurie Wood

an important ruling in Tennessee (now on appeal) that the state must recognize the marriages of couples who married in other states. Our Utah case was the f irst marriage case to be argued in a federal appea ls court since the Supreme Court’s DOMA decision, and it is sure to be one of the first in this new wave of marriage cases that the Supreme Court will be asked to review.

Together with our colleagues at the ACLU, we won the freedom to marry in the New Mexico Supreme Court earlier this year, enabling our clients Jen Roper and Angelique Neuman to legally marry before Jen passed away from brain cancer.

We’re committed to stay in this fight until every couple across the country has the freedom to marry.

NCLR has made tremendous progress on other fronts as well. Last year, we won important federal court decisions upholding new laws in California and New Jersey protecting youth from dangerous “therapies” that falsely claim to be able to change a person’s sexual orientation or gender expression.

We achieved other victories for LGBT youth. Just a few days before the Supreme Court handed down the DOMA decision, we reached a settlement with the Indianapolis Public Schools in the case of an openly gay, gender nonconforming African-American student who was subjected to severe harassment that school officials failed to address.

Plaintiffs Moudi Sbeity and Derek Kitchen

Not long after, the U.S. Departments of Education and Justice resolved a complaint filed by NCLR on behalf of a transgender student in California’s Arcadia Unified School District. The resolution required the school district to revise its policies to ensure that transgender students have equal access and opportunity to participate in all of the district’s activities and programs.

Our legal work does not just involve cases that make headlines. Every year, we help hundreds of people w it h t he infor mat ion prov ided through our legal helpline, and we help others resolve their problems without ever needing to go to court.

Just in the past year, we helped an educator in a tiny rural school district in the Midwest to stay in her job after a member of the school board outed her in the community and tried to drive her out. And we advised a college soccer player in Florida whose coach subjected the student and her girlfriend, who was also on the team, to severe harassment and public humiliation in front of other team members. With our guidance, the student filed a formal complaint with the university, and the school promptly took action and f ired the coach. Cases like these don’t end up in the news, but they are every bit as important to our goal of full equality for LGBT individuals in every state and every city and town in the country.

So there you have it – a year in the life of NCLR’s litigation work (well, a small part of it, anyway). The past year has been a wild ride, and if our current docket is any indication, the year ahead promises even more excitement. It is only a matter of time before marriage is before the Supreme Court again and, no matter what, we will be there.

Christopher Stoll, Esq., is a senior attorney at the National Center for Lesbian Rights.

NCLR Advances LGBT Equality Through Policy and Legislation

By Maya Rupert, Esq.

Equal Access Rule and other fair housing issues in the LGBT community. We have worked with organizations in over a dozen states to educate fair housing advocates, housing providers, academics, and LGBT community members on the crucial work being done at the federal level to ensure that LGBT people and families have access to fair and affordable access.

NCLR’s public policy and legislative team has been busy in Washington, D.C., working with the Obama administration and our friends on Capitol Hill to make sure federal law and policy are as LGBT-inclusive as possible. As the only national LGBT organization with both a litigation team and a public policy team in D.C., NCLR is uniquely situated to lead the way on many types of advocacy.

Most recently, we teamed up with the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) this month to launch an unprecedented campaign aimed at focusing on the particular needs of LGBT people and families living in rural communities. The campaign, #RuralPride, will engage in unprecedented outreach to the LGBT rural community.

The goal of the campaign is to challenge the stereotype that LGBT people live only in metropolitan areas by elevating the voices and stories of LGBT people living in rural America. The campaign will also raise awareness of the particular is4

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Anti-LGBT conversion therapy survivor Ryan Kendall is actively involved with helping NCLR advocate for laws protecting minors from these practices.

sues faced by LGBT rural communities. Such issues include increased rates of economic insecurity, lack of family protections, lack of nondiscrimination protections, and the heightened challenges facing rural LGBT youth and rural LGBT people of color. The centerpiece of the campaign will be a series of daylong

summits hosted by USDA, NCLR, and local partners based in rural communities across the country. We are incredibly excited to be working with USDA on this initiative.

NCLR has also partnered with the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) to travel across the country to highlight the HUD

NCLR has also been busy on the legislative front, securing a number of historic victories. One of the most important was the 2013 Reauthorization of the Violence Against Women Act (VAWA) that, for the first time, included explicit protections based on sexual orientation and gender identity for all VAWA services and resources. Recently, NCLR worked with other organizations to get express assurance from the Department of Justice (DOJ) that the new law prohibits discrimination against LGBT people in all VAWA funded services, including access to domestic violence shelters for transgender victims based on their gender identity.

NCLR has also been at the forefront of the effort to protect LGBT young people from the dangers of anti-LGBT conversion therapy, securing legislation banning these dangerous practices in California in 2012 and New Jersey in 2013. We’re now working with legislators and LGBT leaders in more than a dozen states, helping to advance legislation protecting LGBT youth from state-licensed mental health providers who attempt to change another’s sexual orientation or gender identity.

These practices—including the use of shame and electric shock—are linked to serious harms, including depression, substance abuse, and suicide. Every leading medical and mental health organization across the country has warned against them.

NCLR is excited to continue these areas and find even more ways to put our unique combination of expertise in policy, legislation, public education, and litigation to work for our community in the coming year.

Maya Rupert is the policy director for the National Center for Lesbian Rights.

NCLR 2014

PHOTOS COURTESY OF THE NATIONAL CENTER FOR LESBIAN RIGHTS

Don’t Miss NCLR’s Anniversary Celebration May 17, 2014, in San Francisco

What are you doing May 17?

Join the National Center for Lesbian Rights (NCLR) in San Francisco as it honors heroes and celebrates victories in the movement for LGBT equality. This year, there’s so much to celebrate—from groundbreaking legal victories to more people giving voice and visibility to the LGBT community.

NCLR will be honoring actor Meredith Baxter, whom we all fell in love with on “Family Ties” as Elyse Keaton, for her relentless commitment to the movement for LGBT equality.

NCLR will also honor Ryan Kendall and Sam Brinton, survivors of antiLGBT conversion therapy, who have been outspoken supporters of laws protecting young LGBT people from these dangerous and cruel practices.

The A nniversar y Celebration— NCLR’s signature event—attracts a sell-out crowd of 1,500 people from across the country to celebrate victories in the movement for full LGBT equality, and to honor those who have become role models through their commitment to justice. Wells Fargo is the event Presenting Sponsor and Olivia is the Premier Party Sponsor.

Anniversary Celebration Party: Get your party tickets online n o w — w w w. N C L R i g h t s . o r g / PartyTix—for $90 per person for NC L R’s A n n iver s a r y C elebr a t ion Pa r t y at t he Cit y V iew at Met reon. Ticket s a re ava i lable on l ine unt i l Thursday, May 15.

Tickets will be available for purchase at the door beginning at 8 p.m. on Saturday, May 17.

PHOTO BY RINK

PHOTO BY RINK

Q ue s t ion s: C ont a ct Develop ment Events Manager Dani Siragusa at DSiragusa@NCLRights. org or 415.365.1309.

Former NFL punter Chris Kluwe spoke at a reception for men supporting NCLR. BAY T IM ES M AY 15, 2014

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National News Briefs Compiled and with commentary by Dennis McMillan

New York City, NY - Fox Responds to NFL Disciplining Player for Anti-Gay Tweets - 5.12 Fox News is worried about an NFL player who was disciplined for posting anti-gay tweets about Michael Sam, the first openly gay football player to be drafted. On May 10, Sam made history by becoming the first openly gay football player to be drafted to the National Football League, when he was selected as the 249th draft pick by the St. Louis Rams. Sam, who had previously weathered a storm of right-wing criticism when he spoke out about his sexual orientation in February, was shown on television kissing his boyfriend after receiving news that he had been drafted.

Biloxi, MS - USM Grads Wear Rainbow Ribbons to Protest Congressman Palazzo’s Anti-gay Marriage Stance - 5.11 On Saturday morning, a little more than 300 University of Southern Mississippi Gulf Coast graduates walked across the stage of the Mississippi Coast Coliseum. On many of their gowns, a rainbow ribbon stood out prominently against their black gowns.

The kiss sparked homophobic attacks online: Miami Dolphins safety Don Jones was disciplined for tweeting “OMG” and “horrible” in response to Sam’s celebration. Jones later apologized for his tweets after the team announced that he would be fined and temporarily excused from team activities.

The ribbon represented equal rights for the LGBTQ community, something their commencement speaker Congressman Steven Palazzo - the U.S. Republican Representative for Mississippi’s 4th congressional district since 2011- had spoken out against in the past. After the Grammy’s in January, in which several same-sex marriages took place, Palazzo took to Facebook to say that “Hollywood doesn’t value the same conservative beliefs we do in Mississippi.”

Fox News appeared to side with Jones. The May 12 edition of Fox & Friends discussed Jones’ tweet and compared the story to former NFL player Tim Tebow, suggesting Tebow was “mocked” for being a Christian while Michael Sam is “praised.” They questioned: “Is this football’s double standard?” Co-host Elisabeth Hasselbeck worried that the NFL’s attempts to curb anti-gay attacks on Sam could “offend” players like Jones and stoked fears that such efforts could lead to a slippery slope toward civility:

Many USM students disagreed.

Sarah Ladner, vice-president of the student social work organization, said the ribbons were a way to show Palazzo how many of the students felt. At least 150 ribbons were made and worn by students as well as by faculty.

“I feel as if Mr. Palazzo’s response regarding the civil rights of gay and lesbian people in our state encourages the continued oppression of our students, faculty, and constituents of Mississippi. This was our opportunity to show how we felt,” Ladner told the Mississippi press.

“When you look at what the NFL is saying though, now, this is a strong message. They are going on the offense against any sort of offensive comments out there. But does it offend those with their free speech and their opinions to voice them?” said Hasselbeck. “Certainly when it comes on the field. Will they then go after what is said in the huddle, in a tackle, on the bottom of a pile? Because if you have those times mic’d, you’re going to be hearing a lot of comments which would be deemed offensive. Where does this go from here?”

“In speaking as if his values represented all Mississippians, he undermined his LGBT constituents and their straight allies. The flurry of negative comments on his Facebook page and other websites also showed that he underestimated just how many Mississippians do not share his beliefs,” Ladner added.

Later in the show, Fox regular Donald Trump said the footage of Sam celebrating with his boyfriend “looked pretty out-there to me.” Of Jones’ punishment for mocking Sam, Trump claimed, “We’ve become so politically correct in this country that the country is going to hell.”

Prior to graduation, students did launch a petition stating that they did not support Palazzo as their commencement speaker. The petition’s unsuccessful result led to the ribbon demonstration.

Trust Fox to be continually on the wrong side of history.

Source: mediamatters.org

During commencement, Palazzo encouraged graduates to stay in Mississippi and follow their dreams.

Palazzo is running for re-election against former Republican Representative from Missouri’s 7th District, Congressman Gene Taylor.

Does following one’s dreams include those of queers, Mr. Palazzo?

Source: blog.gulflive.com

San Diego, CA – Out Lesbian Toni Atkins Takes Oath As Speaker of the State Assembly - 5.12 This week, out lesbian Toni Atkins (D-San Diego) took the oath as Speaker of the California State Assembly. Atkins represents the state’s 78th district.

Anthony Matthews, press secretary for Assemblymember Phil Ting, informed the Bay Times that the transfer of power is significant for a variety of reasons. He said, “Some of these reasons include: (1) Atkins is the second openly lesbian leader of a state legislature in the country; (2) Atkins is the third woman to become Speaker of the CA Assembly; and (3) This is the first time in California that the gavel passes from an openly gay man to an openly lesbian leader.”

Assemblyman Ting (D-San Francisco) represents district 19 and is Chair of the Assembly Democratic Caucus. He issued the following statement after Monday’s swearing in of Atkins: “Toni Atkins’ rise to the speakership from modest origins challenges all of us to dream big. That is a wonderfully appropriate motto for governing California right now, with our economy in recovery and our budget allowing for the responsible restoration of investments in our people. I thank Speaker John A. Pérez for his service from which California is clearly better off, and I look forward to working with Speaker Atkins as she makes her mark. The transfer of the Assembly speakership to her represents an inspiring leap forward for equality that I am proud to support.”

Source: Assemblymember Phil Ting’s Office

Local News Briefs

Columbia, SC - South Carolina GOPer: Public Schools Leading to ‘Holocaust in Our Churches’ with Teachings on Homosexuality - 5.9 A GOP candidate for lieutenant governor in South Carolina said that public schools are pushing a “silent holocaust” in churches by supposedly turning young people away from Christianity. Gayness is responsible, apparently. Ray Moore has made criticism of public schools a centerpiece of his campaign, urging the state to replace public schools with an education system led by “churches, families, and private association.”

Moore claimed studies show that “80 percent of Southern Baptists youths are leaving the church and abandoning the Christian faith, and we think all of this is pretty much attributable to government schooling. We think the main culprit is public schooling.” He concluded, “So there’s a holocaust, a silent holocaust going on in our evangelical churches.”

He also attacked the “viruses” of same-sex marriage and abortion rights: “government-sponsored education where they’re thoroughly and aggressively teaching socialism; humanism; turning their hearts away from Christ; teaching them evolutionism; homosexuality is being taught in the Bible Belt as well as the Northeast and the far-west. So the system is thoroughly handed over to egregious and harmful teachings.”

Back in 2007, Moore criticized California public schools after the state enacted new laws protecting LGBTQ students: “The public school system is a monster, but this may be the most egregious thing they’ve done.”

He complained California was “mandating that public school children be indoctrinated to accept as normal “the homosexual lifestyle and other forms of sexual deviancy” and warned that “California’s schools are now promoting behaviors and lifestyles that are physically and spiritually dangerous for children.”

In a 2012 radio interview, Moore railed against homosexuality: “We can look at the rise of the aggressive homosexual movement in our country. I’m old enough to remember it was as late as 1968 that it was pretty much an underground movement; but it has just swept through our culture in a way now that Christians are on the defensive, marriage is under attack, they are teaching it to our children in the schools...the rise of the modern, aggressive, homosexual movement and its attack on marriage.” He lamented, “In some of the states now they’re mandating the instruction of homosexuality and transgender education in the schools.”

That’s called progress, Mr. Moore, and certainly not a holocaust!

Source: rightwingwatch.org

Bill to Curb ‘Panic Defense’ Moves Forward on Committee Vote AB 2501, authored by Assemblymember Susan Bonilla and sponsored by Equality California, has passed the Assembly Public Safety Committee with a vote of 5-1. Existing law defines voluntary manslaughter as the unlawful killing of a human being without malice upon a sudden quarrel or heat of passion. The crime of voluntary manslaughter is punishable by imprisonment in the state prison for 3, 6, or 11 years.

Assemblywoman Bonilla and Equality California had introduced legislation on February 26, AB 2501, to end the use of the “gay panic” or “trans panic” defense strategy—a tactic used by defendants charged with murder to attempt to mitigate their crimes by claiming their violent acts were triggered by the victim’s sexual orientation or gender identity.

“It is an outrage to allow the use of panic defenses and in doing so blame the victims of horrific acts of violence,” said John O’Connor, EQCA executive director. “Homophobia and transphobia have no place in California’s justice system.”

“This is 2014! We as a society are moving rapidly away from the hate, bias and prejudice against people who are lesbian, gay, bisexual or transgender,” said Assemblymember Bonilla. “It is shocking to know that criminal defendants are encouraged by their counsel to employ this so-called ‘gay panic’ or ‘trans panic’ defense in order to receive a possible lesser sentence.”

AB 2501 would modify the existing definition of “voluntary manslaughter” to prohibit defendants from contending that they were provoked to murder by discovering the victim’s sexual orientation or gender identity. Similar legislation was attempted in 2005 in the California Legislature, but was substantially amended to only require the court to instruct the jury that their verdict should not be influenced by bias against a victim.

Princeton, NJ - Marriage Equality Opponent Maggie Gallagher Throws in the Towel - 5.1 As president of National Organization for Marriage (NOM), Maggie Gallagher has been one of the fiercest opponents nationally on same-sex marriage, fighting with ferocious homophobia and lies over the last decade. Gallagher has now posted an astonishing piece on her blog pretty much conceding defeat in her fight against marriage equality. The piece reads like a post mortem of the complete failures of NOM and other similar groups, and questions the path forward for them as the country finds their bigoted views unacceptable in the public square.

Marriage bans are now under review in five federal appellate courts. Our unanimous victories in the lower courts and last year’s Supreme Court decision remanding the Prop H8 challenge and dismantling of DOMA have forced her hand, and her post gently tries to break the news to her frothy followers.

“Right now most people who believe in the classic understanding of marriage are in shock, they are awed by the powers now shutting down the debate and by our ineffectualness at responding to these developments,” writes Gallagher. “The temptation to shout and yell and stamp our feet in ineffectual ridiculousness is understandable, but it is to be resisted. Hiding or pretending is not going to help us, now.”

She brings up the recent flap over Brendan Eich’s ouster at Mozilla as well as the evolution of Charles Cooper, the attorney who defended Prop 8 before the Supreme Court who has had an about-face as he plans a wedding for his daughter to another woman. Gallagher goes on to discuss the complete failure of the “Religious Freedom Restoration Act” legislation in Arizona and bemoans that “progressives got the conservative movement to fold with credible and major GOP figures.” She rightly sees this as a harbinger of things to come.

Although Gallagher takes pains to reassure her readers that she will still be around to help them “to build among the ruins of the old America, something new,” she does not lay out any suggestions on how to make that happen. Like the Republican’s plan to replace Obamacare, her plan to stop the tide of equality by reintroducing and selling bigotry wrapped in a pretty new bow simply doesn’t exist.

All that appears left for Maggie now is her own evolution.

Source: dailykos.com

Facts Revealed About Bacterial Meningitis for Gay Men in San Francisco With recent cases of bacterial meningitis among gay men making headlines, Medical Director Chris Hall of San Francisco’s Magnet gives an update on the latest facts and what gays in our community need to know.

Meningitis is an inflammation of the delicate membranes that cover the brain and spinal cord. One form of bacterial meningitis is uncommon, but potentially fatal, and should always be viewed as a medical emergency.

About 10-15% of cases lead to death, sometimes within 24 hours, and a significant number of those who contract the infection have serious complications.

It is transmitted from person-to-person through droplets of respiratory or throat secretions. Close contact— such as kissing, sneezing or coughing on someone, or living in close quarters with an infected person—facilitates the spread of the disease. Droplet spread (versus airborne spread) generally takes place at a range of three feet or less, and prolonged contact generally is required for infection to occur.

The most common symptoms are a stiff neck, high fever, sensitivity to light, confusion, severe headache, and vomiting. Rash may also occur. The symptoms usually develop within three to seven days of infection. Antibiotic treatment is effective, but it must be given without delay once meningococcal disease is suspected.

If one suspects that they or someone they know has meningitis, seek medical care right away. Early, aggressive treatment of bacterial meningitis can prevent serious complications and death. If concerned about potential future exposure, one should get vaccinated by a primary care physician, at the Adult Immunization and Travel Clinic in San Francisco, or a local Walgreens pharmacy. The vaccine typically costs between $130 and $160 without insurance, and two doses separated by two months are required for people who are HIV-positive.

There have been several high-profile cases over the past ten years where panic defenses were used, including the murders of LGBTQ teens Gwen Araujo in Newark, California, and Larry King in Oxnard, California.

Public health officials in San Francisco and Alameda Counties are closely monitoring the situation here in the Bay Area. To date, there are no concerning cases or signs of local clusters or cases specifically linked to those in either New York City or Los Angeles. Therefore, a community-wide vaccination program has not been initiated.

“We’re glad that the Assembly Public Safety Committee agreed that this manufactured defense that plays upon homophobia and transphobia has no place in California’s justice system,” said O’Connor. “The law should not treat victims of crime any differently because of their sexual orientation or gender identity, and that includes eliminating anti-LGBT bias as a ‘reasonable’ basis to mitigate the punishment.”

San Francisco AIDS Foundation continues to work closely with local public health officials to promote the health and safety of gays in San Francisco who might be affected by this potential health threat.

Story by Dennis McMillan 6

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Story by Dennis McMillan

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We in the LGBT Community Have Two Kinds of Family pears, shaking, to let you know they have a possible match. You click on it and, lo and behold…

We have a social security death record for a Marie Ihlenfeldt.

Is it your grandmother, or someone else?

“Yes, it’s her!”

Do Ask, Do Tell Zoe Dunning Like most people I know, I don’t have a family “tree” per se—it seems like more of a family vine. Lots of grafting, transplanting, dead branches and new shoots. I have half-siblings, a step-grandfather and a recently born half-grandniece.

I recently subscribed to an online genealogy service and started snooping into my family history. You see, my mother passed away when I was eighteen, and my father came down with Alzheimer’s disease a few years later.

I knew a few snippets and had a handful of family photos, but I didn’t know reality vs. rumor. I thought I’d spend just a couple hours looking online for evidence of my family’s origins. I was wrong.

I’m not sure if you’ve even been sucked in by these websites, but I soon became addicted. You enter whatever tiny crumbs of information you know—“my maternal grandmother’s name was Marie Ihlenfeldt, she lived in Mayville, WI, and died around 1975” and the site searches for possible matches. A little green leaf ap-

You add that record to her profile and another leaf appears.

We may have the name of her parents!

“You do? Let me see! Is that them?

No, I didn’t think they were born in Germany. Or were they? Tell me more about them!”

And so it goes.

Those little shaking leaves are, well, unshakeable. It’s like solving a complex murder mystery. Every hint begets another question, which begets another clue, which prompts more questions. Next thing you know, you’ve spent five hours in your chair without moving. My Fitbit (f itness tracker) made sure I knew that. But you can’t help it.

Comments your parents made years ago suddenly have context when you start filling in the blanks. For example, my mother wasn’t overly involved in helping me select which courses I should take in high school. She was only adamant about one thing: I had to take a year of typing. Her explanation? “I want you to have a vocational skill so you won’t ever be dependent on a man for an income.” (Little did she know!)

Now, let’s set aside for the moment her modest expectations for me. It seemed an odd request, but I complied and have to say the advice seems visionary now. She had no idea the humming IBM Selectric I used in class would make way for computer keyboards, but it has certainly proved useful as I touch type away at work and writing this column.

Back to this whole genealogy obsession. I discovered that my mother’s father was nowhere to be found when the 1930 Census came knocking at her door. Growing up, she told me he had abandoned their family when the stock market crashed in 1929 (my mom was six). I also discovered he and his mother (my great-grandmother) were abandoned by his father (my great grandfather) when he was 2 years old, never to be seen again.

This might explain my mom’s distrust of men sticking around, and fueled her need for us daughters to become independent, like her.

This was just one of many discoveries I made in my hours of genealogy research. Why am I sharing all of this with you? I guess part of it is nostalgia, but it is also a recognition that we in the LGBT community have two kinds of family—the family we are given and the family we choose. They both play an important role. Some in our community are well embraced by their biological family, while others have been completely rejected and disowned. I am fortunate to have a very supportive immediate family and I can’t imagine being who I am without my sisters. They give me a sense of place in the world. But they are not my only family. (continued on page 30)

David Campos for the Win!

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Regular readers of this column may remember that last month I wrote about the Leland Yee fiasco and tried to contextualize it in the larger tragedy of money’s pervasive and growing inf luence on our politics. As the Roberts Court continues its crusade to eviscerate our campaign finance laws, it becomes ever more important that we elect politicians with the convictions and core to resist the demands of money. I believe David Campos is that kind of politician, and that is one reason I am supporting his candidacy.

But I will confess that when Campos first told me he would be running for the State Assembly, it was mostly in a spirit of loyal, but grim, resignation that I offered him my support.

After all, to win the seat, Campos would have to defeat a candidate who—with three terms as president of the Board of Supervisors and a mayoral campaign under his belt— started the race with far more name recognition and far greater fundraising capacity than Campos.

Yes, to be sure, Campos would win the die-hard progressive vote, but the prospect of a Chiu-Campos show-

down seemed destined to follow an all-too-familiar San Francisco pattern of a progressive David challenging a more conservative Goliath, only to lose to Goliath in the end. Veterans of the Hansen, Britt and Mandelman campaigns will have some sense of the narrative running through my brain.

Oh God, I thought. Here we go again.

Happily, I am beginning to think I underestimated Campos. With voting already underway for the June primary, he is running strong, and frankly far stronger than I expected.

As anticipated, Chiu has raised more money than Campos, but Campos has held his own, raising more money than any Assembly candidate in California other than Chiu.

Moreover, he has dominated the battle for organizational endorsements, picking up the Sierra Club, the League of Conservation Voters, the San Francisco Labor Council, the California Labor Federation, the San Francisco Women’s Political Committee, the Harvey Milk Democratic Club and the San Francisco Young Democrats, and coming tantalizingly close to winning the Democratic Party endorsement (the Party did not en-

dorse in the end, but Campos seemed to have far more votes than Chiu).

More importantly, Campos appears to be running a far more effective field campaign. His headquarters is a beehive of activity and his window signs are popping up in homes throughout the District. Now, of course, window signs are not necessarily a good predictor of election results, but I am told that the polling confirms that the once-wide gap between the two candidates has largely closed, with Campos gaining fast.

And then there is the mail. No one likes negative campaigning, but as someone who has both been a beneficiary and a target of hit mail, I do know two things: 1) it is a necessity for a lesser known candidate attempting to explain the differences between himself and his better-known opponent, and 2) it works. So it was to be expected that Campos would spend some of his resources explaining the differences between the candidates and portraying Chiu in ways that would surely offend his friends and family. (continued on page 31)

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BAY T IM ES M AY 15, 2014

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DIVERSE UNIVERSE SEASON 29 Nancy Bloomer Deussen - Transit of Venus Tchaikovsky - Excerpts from Swan Lake Dvořák - Symphony No. 8 in G Major Jennifer Higdon - Machine

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How hard it can be to talk about spirituality and aging. Inevitably, we have to consider religion, too, and all its complexity. The truth is that we live in a culture that confuses spirituality and religion. And yet, how important it is that we have deep conversations about our spiritual lives as we age.

For many of us still, a common hit to our core identity is a punch from religion. How paradoxical that a piece of anyone’s spiritual development— sexuality and gender identity—is coupled with an assault from the one place we reasonably hope will give us nourishment. No wonder that many of us emerge into our fuller LGBTQI selves with a disdain for theology.

And in this deep hurt, the spiritual bruise tends to remain unattended.

We confuse a religious stance for a spiritual one. We listen to the broader cultural messages that claim religious authority, and then, we don’t push religious institutions on their theological front, and toward the end of our days we remain hurt.

But the deeper truth is that we are all born with a natural spiritual hunger.

It is a hunger as natural as the need for food, for shelter and for intimacy. Think of all the ways in which we know we must eat to simply remain in the world. One reason why starvation moves us so deeply—whether by protest, climate change, or economic devastation—is that we all know that one needs to have food to stay alive.

Spiritual hunger may be subtler than the actual craving to eat, but spiritual hunger is no less potent.

If you gather a group together and ask, “What is spiritual for you?” responses will differ. We might talk about something in nature, such as taking a hike or walking on the beach. We might reflect on the arts, such as opera, or on a relationship, such as with a life partner, a pet or a lover. For most of us, our spiritual

For most of us, spiritual needs are nourished outside of theology or religious traditions. And yet, we yearn for satisfaction there, too. You might think of the difference between spirituality and religion in this way: When you give a name to spiritual experience, or ascribe spiritual experience to a deity like saying Jesus or Allah or Buddha or God, then you cross the line from spirituality into a religion.

Naming a deity creates a specif ic framework, like holidays and prayer language, to spirituality. From there, a core narrative evolves that defines a theology.

Over our collective LGBT history, many of us have left our religious roots, returned to them, pushed to change them, always had a positive experience, or formed different spiritual frameworks altogether. Regardless, our natural spiritual hunger remains. And, as we age, those needs tend to rise more forcefully. It seems this is, in part, because our accumulated years bring wisdom with them, with coming out, making our way in the world, the families we form and nourish, the intimacy we explore and cultivate, and the events we have lived through. All highlight core spiritual needs.

Knowing that we are a part of something larger, becoming curious about the places we have experienced awe, exploring our inner landscape for the places we have softened and the places we have hardened, rejoicing in the new structures we have hewed, commemorating the things we have released and the things we have clung to, giving homage to the wounds we have washed and the healing we have achieved...all of these, and more, are a part of the natural spiritual journey.

Aging is many things. Among them is a kind of self-ref lective capacity that reasonably includes the need for spiritual nourishment. Let’s bring our authentic spiritual experience to form new paradigms for LGBT life and push our religious institutions to spiritually nourish us. Let’s bequeath a legacy of spiritual life to our next generation.

From our authentic response to AIDS, we shifted a public health agenda that has forever changed the landscape of breast cancer and other diseases. From our use of the law, attorneys argued before the Supreme

LGBT Resources for Seniors • Openhouse: 415-296-8995 openhouse-sf.org/ • Family Caregiver Alliance: 415-434-3388 www.caregiver.org • Institute on Aging: 415-7504111, www.ioaging.org/ • National Resource Center on LGBT Aging www.lgbtagingcenter.org/ • Project Open Hand San Francisco: Nutrition Services, 415-447-2300 www.openhand.org/ • SAGE: 212-741-2247 www.sageusa.org/about/ • Shanti Project, Inc: HIV Services and Life Threatening Illnesses, 415-674-4700 www.shanti.org/ Alzheimer’s Association Programs and Services: • 24/7 Helpline: 1-800-2723900, www.alz.org/norcal/; Online Community: www. alzheimersblog.org/lgbt-forum • Memory Clinic, Kaiser Permanente Santa Clara Medical Center: 408-530-6900, mydoctor.kaiserpermanente. org/ncal/facilities/region/ santaclara/area_master/ departments/memoryclinic/ index.jsp

Dr. Marcy Adelman oversees the new Bay Times Aging in Community column. For her summary of current LGBT senior challenges and opportunities, please go to: sf baytimes. com/challenges-and-opportunties Court and altered everything from States rights to our income tax system. Now, let’s frame spiritual nourishment and theological legitimacy.

Rabbi Eric Weiss is CEO/President of Bay Area Jewish Healing Center, which provides Jewish spiritual care to those who are ill, dying and bereaved. He is the first openly Gay student to be admitted and ordained to the Reform movement’s seminary Hebrew Union College-Jewish Institute of Religion.

Health News

Lyon-Martin Health Services Unveils New Plan for Long Term Sustainability and Growth This week, the Board and Staff of Lyon-Martin Health Services announced they are exploring a potential merger with HealthRIGHT 360—a family of health centers and behavioral health programs serving communities throughout California. The proposed merger between these local community health organizations signals a positive step towards sustainability and growth for Lyon- Martin. The partnership will enable both organizations to maintain and expand culturally competent primary care and behavioral health services to women, lesbians and transgender people.

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Stories @sfbaytimes.com Twitter, and find us Facebook.

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“Last year, Lyon-Martin’s board and executive staff began examining a variety of options that went beyond simply keeping our doors open in a continually challenging environment,” said Dr. Marj Plumb, Chair of the Board of Lyon-Martin Health Services. “This long-term solution allows our mission to flourish—reaching far more patients within our community. We’ve found an ideal partner in

HealthRIGHT 360, an organization that believes in who we are and in our future,” Plumb added.

While preserving each organization’s unique specializations and orientation to care, the strategic alliance will bolster both groups in the changing landscape of healthcare under the full implementation of the Affordable Care Act. “This partnership will enable our staff and volunteers to focus on what we do best: serving the diverse health needs of women and the lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer communities,” shared Dr. Dawn Harbatkin, Executive Director of Lyon-Martin Health Services. “The health care environment has changed drastically in recent years with increased regulatory and administrative requirements. Joining the HealthRIGHT 360 family will provide us the financial support and infrastructure we need to meet these requirements, stabilize and sustain the health center for the long-term, and

strengthen both organizations’ missions.”

Lyon-Martin Health Services faced an organizational crisis in 2011 when it was revealed that significant debt threatened to close the organization.

Since 2011, new management and a new Board of Directors have been working tirelessly to make necessary changes and rebuild the health center’s viability. Despite these efforts and a remarkable outpouring of support from the community, numerous challenges such as changes to a city contract, the sale of the building which houses the health center, and increasing administrative and regulatory burdens required a new approach.

HealthRIGHT 360 has a long history of serving marginalized communities with robust, accessible and culturally responsive care. The nonprofit organization offers specialized services for women and women with children, as well as the only residential recovery (continued on page 30)

Money and Finance Three Essential Money Topics to Discuss Before Marriage with success? Is your bank account a measure of your mood or self-worth? Do you prefer to spend or save? Is it ever okay to borrow money? What’s your philosophy about giving?

Money Matters Brandon Miller, CFP & Joanne Jordan, CFP When couples tie the knot, they make a commitment to stand by one another, for richer or poorer. Despite this earnest vow, money is a common source of marital strife at all economic levels. Money is so central to our daily lives that conflicting financial beliefs and behaviors can spill into all areas of married life.

Communication is key to avoiding surprises, promoting cooperation, and creating harmony in your new financial life together. Before reciting your marriage vows, take time to understand the state of your pending economic union. A joint household will fare better when both of you are open and honest about all of your money matters. As you learn more about yourself and one another, you’ll be better able to manage your own expectations and respect the choices of your new spouse.

Here are three money topics that deserve discussion before you walk down the aisle: 1. What does money mean to you?

This is a big, broad question, but it can uncover what’s at the heart of many financial disagreements. Examining closely held beliefs about money is a healthy part of personal development. You can assess your financial values by answering smaller questions like these: Do you equate money

Explore where your thinking differs and try to find common ground. The value you each attach to money will affect how much time you dedicate to earning, how much you set aside for the future and how you approach spending. In a similar way, what you believe about gender roles and responsibilities can influence your financial behavior and what you expect from your partner.

Different personal beliefs about money can cause rifts between couples because they are so deeply ingrained and personal. It may help to realize how your earliest experiences shaped your money mindset. For example, if you grew up poor, you may be anxious about even small expenditures.

Acknowledging this concern can diminish its power to overtake common sense. Likewise, if you grew up in a wealthy home, you may spend without a care in the world, even when your bank account does not match your lifestyle. Recognizing this trait in yourself might compel you to adopt a more disciplined approach to spending.

Try to be more self-aware of how your attitudes and beliefs affect your actions, and remain open to fresh perspectives that foster rewarding financial behaviors.

2. What’s your financial history: Income, savings, debt and credit rating?

It’s important to know what the other person will bring to the marriage. Both parties should fully disclose any obligations that will affect your household’s creditworthiness or interfere with your financial goals.

Even modest debt, or a substandard credit rating, can affect your ability to purchase a house or obtain a car loan.

The revelation of adverse credit or a ballooning college loan can be a deal breaker for some, but more commonly it provides

the opportunity for couples to work together to correct past mistakes and move forward. By rolling up your sleeves and tackling debt together, you can start your married life with a renewed commitment to financial responsibility.

3. What are your financial hopes and dreams?

Entering into a lifelong relationship is exciting, but also a little frightening. Soon, you will be accountable not only to yourself, but also to your spouse. Do you both want the same kind of future? Big questions such as whether to have a family, where to live, and the type of work you pursue will affect your financial goals. Smaller questions about things such as how much you spend on your hobbies or what kinds of vacations you take can reveal gaps. Again, ongoing conversations about your financial aspirations will go a long way toward helping you achieve your goals. While it’s important to have small and large goals, it’s equally important to be flexible. Strong relationships endure when people are able to compromise and adapt to changing circumstances.

Remain committed to financial honesty.

Keep the lines of communication open to prevent financial matters from derailing your marriage. Sit down often to review income, savings and spending, and make time to talk about your financial hopes and dreams. Meet with a financial advisor who can help you create a plan for your financial future. Annual, or more frequent, meetings with your advisor can help you stay on track over the years as your needs and goals evolve. The more collaborative and mindful you can be about your money, the stronger your relationship will be.

Brandon Miller, CFP and Joanne Jordan, CFP are financial consultants at Jordan Miller & Associates, A Private Wealth Advisory Practice of Ameriprise Financial Inc. in San Francisco, specializing in helping LGBT individuals and families plan and achieve their financial goals.

Putting the Toyota Highlander and the 4Runner to the Butch/Femme Test I was surprised that the 4Runner is so popular; truck-based SUVs had left my radar in the wake of huge interest in car-based crossovers like the Highlander. Driving the 4Runner again made me appreciate how decorously the car-based Highlander behaves, with some of that femme side coming through. On the other hand, the 4Runner’s brusque and butch demeanor demanded compromises, but it had its charms.

Auto Philip Ruth Butch or femme? People usually have strong preferences either way, but something on the opposite side can still catch your eye. That’s the case with these two seven-seat Toyotas: the Highlander and the 4Runner. They do many of the same things, but they appeal to very different buyers.

And buyers have embraced them. Sales of the redesigned-for-2014 Highlander are up 28 percent over the previous April, and the restyled 4Runner is up an astonishing 64 percent. Prices start at $30K for the Highlander and $33K for the 4Runner, and the tested Highlander Limited V6 AWD rang in at $44,450, and the 4Runner Trail Premium 4x4 V6 came to $42,175. These prices are in line with what Toyota’s competitors charge, so it seems the company is delivering what buyers want.

The 4Runner’s high driving position is one of those charms. The king-of-the-road SUV view is here in spades, and the flat window sills allow you to see much of what’s going on around you. That’s in contrast to the cocoonlike Highlander, which follows the crossover trend of hiking up the back windows and assigning rear visibility to blind-spot monitors and a camera. It offers a safe, enclosed space versus riding high above it all, which is another difference that attracts a varied clientele.

higher mileage, and there’s a hybrid version.

But, for me, the 4Runner’s overt masculinity resonated more. It’s silly, because my daily driving is exactly zero percent off-roading, but sometimes, you just can’t control what appeals to you.

Philip Ruth is a Castro-based automotive photojournalist and consultant at www.gaycarguy.com.

Check out his automotive staging service at www. carstaging.com

Before going further in painting the Highlander as a completely soft touch, I’ll note that my black-on-black Limited tester with its shiny “Chromtec” wheels had a client of mine who was shopping for a BMW X5 pointing and saying, “It’s beautiful! What is it?” followed by shock that it was a Highlander. “They really got the ‘mommy’ out of it,” he said, and he jumped in and was particularly impressed by the elegant instrument panel, tracing his finger along its long curved hood over the eight-inch center screen. Briefly, he considered a Highlander instead of an X5. Previous Highlanders were too maternal to relate to this muscle guy, who wakes up early to box with his trainer.

But this new Highlander got him thinking.

Just like the 4Runner got me thinking. Its sharp initial response feels sporty, even though the tested 4Runner Trail’s SUV-ness clipped my wings with a body that dipped forward under braking and leaned in corners—you know, like a truck. The Highlander handled with comparative nimbleness and felt lighter on its feet. And it’s more practical, with smaller engines that get BAY T IM ES M AY 15, 2014

11

Tom Waddell: The True Olympian Yukio Mishima: Silk and Insight

P HOTOS C OURT ESY OF RAIN BO W H O N O R WAL K

midst of emotional confusion, funny in the midst of despair, quite without pomposity, sentimentality or self-pity.”

Rainbow Honor Walk Dr. Bill Lipsky The dark troubles that followed World War II for Japan produced a troubled writer to express the confusions and conflicts of a nation transformed, in a matter of months, from an imperialism of timehonored tradition into a democracy of constant change. Yukio Mishima, with more personal intensity and literary power than any of his contemporaries, experienced and illuminated the difficulties of balancing the convictions of the past with the realities of the present, the authority of ancient custom with “the spiritual barrenness and meaninglessness

Yukio Mishima of contemporary life,” and the struggle to express a sexuality that differs with public expectation.

Born Kimitake Hiraoka on January 14, 1925, in Tokyo, the boy who would become Yukio Mishima was the son of a prominent civil servant raised by an aristocratic grandmother who demanded a cultured elegance in his person and behavior at all times. Failing his physical for military service during World War II, he worked instead in an aircraft factory. His true passion, however, was literature, and he began to spend his time studying and

writing, with intense self-discipline, from midnight until dawn. The result was his first novel, Thieves, about two aristocrats who committed suicide. It was published in 1948 to modest success.

Confessions of a Mask, his second novel, which appeared only a year later, made him Japan’s most celebrated author at the age of 24. The title is disingenuous. It implies that “all will be revealed,” but after all, it is the mask that is confessing, not the individual behind it. Even so, Mishima presents the story of an adolescent’s growing self-awareness of his homosexuality— an essentially taboo subject—and his fear of being outcast because of it. Intensely personal, his protagonist describes the emotional conflicts that knowing himself creates with resolute honesty and awareness and without embarrassment or moral indignation. The book, wrote Christopher Isherwood, is “lucid in the

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Twenty-two novels, 40 plays, more than 90 short stories, hundreds of essays, several films, and three separate nominations for a Nobel Prize followed. In Forbidden Colors (1951), Mishima went even further with his doctrine of masculine love. He wrote that intimacy between two men was not an attempt to imitate or replicate intimacy between a man and a women, but instead was an expression of the love that only two men can have for each other. Two men, he believed, being the same gender, came into their relationship on equal sexual terms, with no one predestined to play roles as masculine and feminine or active and passive participants.

His premise of equality within a physical relationship startled readers throughout the world.

Such ideas seem obvious today, but many of Mishima’s views are onerous for modern readers. He became convinced that it was physical, muscular beauty that created passion between men, and that it was masculinity, not love, which was all important. His quest for virile perfection eventually turned into an obsession and he came to despise any femininity in men and stressed the supremacy of manly appearance above intellectual or spiritual maturity. He grew more and more reactionary. His views of aesthetic purity, male beauty, and sexuality turned to misogyny and ageism. Increasingly, he longed to restore imperial grandeur and the discipline and ideals of medieval Japan as a way to avoid a modern world of sexual alienation; tensions between mind and body; and what he believed were the empty, materialistic values of postwar Japanese society.

On Nov. 25, 1970, the day he gave his publisher the final book of his four volume epic The Sea of Fertility, Mishima and four of his devoted followers commandeered an office at a military headquarters near downtown Tokyo. In a 10-minute speech from the balcony, Mishima urged the servicemen who gathered in the courtyard below to overturn Japan’s democratic constitution, which forbids Japanese rearmament and military aggression. When the soldiers responded with indifference, he committed seppuku, a method of ritual suicide by disembowelment once reserved for samurai only, followed by decapitation at the hands of a loyal companion believed to be his lover. His death denied the world a vibrant, if conflicted, man and a gifted, enduring author.

Mishima epitomized the conflict between the soul of an artist and his or her artistic achievement. Although the tangle of his inner being and the complexities of his life remain contentious, they do not diminish his importance as an author. Unable to integrate the traditions of the past with the transformations of the present, he came to personify his singular view that “perfect purity is only possible when you turn your life into a line of poetry written with a splash of blood.” With a literary genius able to write, “The snow seemed like a dirty bandage hiding the open wounds of the city…,” his great work is one of the crown jewels of civilization.

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

History Happens

News from the GLBT Historical Society & The GLBT History Museum New Exhibit: ‘Queer Past Becomes Present’ “Queer Past Becomes Present” is the new exhibition in the freshly remodeled Main Gallery of the GLBT History Museum. The topics included in the exhibition are: Queer Youth: Out and Active “Queer Youth” traces the activism of San Francisco Bay Area LGBTQQ youth 25 and under from the 1970s to the present.

The Assassination of Supervisor Harvey Milk This section looks at one of the most horrific events in queer history, the assassination of activist and San Francisco Supervisor Harvey Milk, and includes related artifacts, photographs and an excerpt from Milk’s political will.

José Sarria: Activist and Entertainer Costumes, artifacts, and ephemera document the life of José Sarria, “The Nightingale of Montgomery Street,” from his days waiting tables and performing at the Black Cat Café through his historic run as the first openly gay candidate for public office in the United States.

Constructing Jiro Onuma: Putting the Pieces Together “Constructing Jiro Onuma” details how history is a dynamic process involving continuous excavation and discovery through the personal collection of Japanese immigrant Jiro Onuma. His collection offers the only known visual documentation of same-sex intimacy in the Japanese American incarceration camps.

Fighting for Our Lives: Four Organizations Respond to AIDS A look at four pioneering Bay Area organizations that fought for a greater response to the HIV/AIDS pandemic: People with AIDS-SF, the ARC/AIDS Vigil, the National Task Force for AIDS Prevention and WORLD (Women Organized in Response to Life-threatening Diseases).

Gayborhoods: Lost Queer Landscapes Using unique artifacts and images, this exhibit recaptures the clubs, bars, restaurants, and other venues of three vibrant queer communities—North Beach, the Tenderloin, and the Valencia Street corridor— now all merely memories.

History is Now: The Dragon Fruit Project “History is Now” showcases an intergenerational historical preservation project within the queer Asian Pacific Islander community.

The Lesbians of The Lader: Courage Under Attack In 1955, a small group—many of them women of color—courageously

Wariazone

founded the Daughters of Bilitis, a social club for lesbians. The organization’s publication, The Ladder, quickly became a lifeline for women across the country struggling to come out in a virulently homophobic society.

Make plans to come see this powerful new exhibition, and more, at the GLBT History Museum.

In the Archives The loving relationship between A IDS activists Sean Sasser and Pedro Zamora was a focal point of the third season of MTV’s seminal reality series The Real World, shot in San Francisco. Zamora died hours after the season f inale aired, and Sasser died last year. We recently processed a collection of items from their relationship into our Archives.

We feature a photo from Pedro and Sean’s commitment ceremony album. We have also archived their wedding bands and wedding book; photos and photo collages of them and their friends; photo negatives and contact sheets; an advance copy of “Pedro and Me” by fellow Real World cast member Judd Winick; a personal card from Pedro to Sean; a few posters and documents surrounding Pedro’s AIDS activism, his death and his memorial service; and videotapes of a benefit for Pedro and his address to the National Commission on AIDS.

at t he LGBT Commun it y Center in San Francisco, hosted by the GLBT Historical Society and Openhouse.

Ruth and the Wild Iris, Kent and ‘Her Belligerently Masculine Attitude’ On Su nday, M ay 18 , f rom 5 -7 p.m., the GL BT Histor y Museum w ill present a histor y panel inspired by Ruth Reid and Kent Hyde. Specia l g uest Dr. K aren Charman from Melbourne, Australia, will join Jacquelyn Marie, aut hor of “ W i fe of a L esbia n” a nd GL B T H i st or ic a l S o c iet y artist E.G. Crichton for an even ing of stor y tel l ing. Come join us in breathing new life into this special archive story. Admission: $5 (general); $3 (California student s w it h I D); free for GL BT Historical Society members.

O n H a r vey M i l k Day ( T hu r s day, M ay 22, M i l k’s bi r t hday), The GLBT History Museum will of fer free admission and docent tou r s ever y hou r on t he hou r.

T he US Post a l Ser v ice w i l l is sue a f irst-class stamp on Harvey Milk Day bearing an image from a c i rc a-1977 photo of M i l k by Daniel Nicoletta ta ken in front of M i l k ’s st or e, C a st r o St r e et Camera.

Film Screening: Wariazone

Meet Jeremy Prince, the new Operations Manager/Volunteer Coordinator for the GLBT History Museum.

Jeremy holds a Master’s degree in History from San Francisco State University with a minor focus in museum studies. He started volunteering at the Museum in 2011. The GLBT Historical Society inspired him to set up his own archives last year dedicated to the history and culture of the Bear community.

Wariazone is a thought-provoking i n d e p e n d e nt d o c u me nt a r y b y Terje Toomistu and Kiwa about t r a n s g e nd er s ubje c t s , t he no tion of transgender, and the relat ions bet ween gender ident it y and freedom in Indonesia, home t o t he world’s l a r g e st Mu s l i m community. It will be shown on Tuesday, May 27 from 7-9 p.m. at t he GL BT H istor y Museum.

T he f i l m w i l l be fol lowed by a short talk by Terje Toomistu and an open discussion.

Our Stories Too A re you an LGBT elder of color, or a transgender or bisexual elder of any shade? We want to hea r you r stor ies about pl aces in San Francisco that matter to you. On Saturday, May 17, 1-3 p.m., please br ing your memo ries (along with photographs and scrapbooks, if you have them) to “Our Stor ies Too,” a gather ing

SOCIAL SECURITY DISABILITY - BAY AREA DISABILITY -

ATTORNEY HAMILTON TATUM HOLT IV PRACTICE DEVOTED EXCLUSIVELY TO SOCIAL SECURITY DISABILITY INSURANCE (SSDI) AND SUPPLEMENTAL SECURITY INCOME (SSI) (AND RELATED CLAIMS)

Harvey Milk Day: Free Admission and Tours

Out on 18th Street

Upcoming Events

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Biconic Flashpoints: 4 Decades of Bay Area Bisexual Politics This new exhibit will open in the GL BT Histor y Museum’s Commu n it y G a l ler y on T hu r s d ay, May 29. Draw ing on mater ia ls f r om t he p er s on a l a r c h ives of long t ime bisexua l act iv ists and the archives of the GLBT Historica l Societ y, t he Biconic F lashpoi nt s ex h ibit w i l l showcase never-displayed artifacts, video, and photos from key moments in the Bay Area’s bisexual political history.

T he GL B T H i s t or y Mu s eu m : 4127 18th Street, San Francisco; 415 - 621-1107; w w w.glbthistor ymuseum.org

José Sarria

Ruth Reid and Kent Hyde

GL BT H i stor ic a l S oc iet y : 657 M ission St reet, Su ite 30 0, Sa n Fr a nc i s c o; 415 -777- 5 455 , e x t .

3#; www.glbthistory.org

Read more @ www.sfbaytimes.com BAY T IM ES M AY 15, 2014

13

Can I Learn to Control My Drinking? permanently lost the ability to control their drinking, and for whom the only solution is lifelong abstinence. If that’s what the word means then, obviously, the answer to your question is “no” by definition. But others use the terms “alcoholic” or “addict” in a more general sense to describe anyone who gets into trouble with mind-altering substances. If the word is used in that sense, then the unambiguous answer to your question is “yes.”

Kim Corsaro Publisher 1981-2011

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

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Tom Moon, MFT Q: I spent my twenties and most of my thirties getting loaded. It was crystal meth that finally brought me to my knees. I haven’t used that in a year, and I’ve succeeded, so far, in cutting back on alcohol and marijuana. But I haven’t stopped completely, and I really don’t want to. I have friends in recovery who tell me that unless I make a commitment to total abstinence from all drugs and alcohol, it’s only a matter of time before I completely lose control again. Is this true? I won’t deny that I’ve been an alcoholic and an addict for years. But are there alcoholics who can learn to control their drinking?

A: Many people only use the word “alcoholic” to refer to those who have

mentous and soulful tribute held in Oakland at the Montclair Women’s Club. Joy, joy, joy was in the air that resonated with big laughter, incredible performances, and a celebration fit for the Queen that she was! The reigning sentiment at the event—let’s get together and share laughs, hugs, songs, and fun with one another while we’re alive to enjoy it!

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But if we look at these same people ten or twenty years later, the majority are drinking in a moderate, non-problematic way. As young people take on more adult responsibilities, they often “mature out” of self-destructive substance use, and most of them do it

Most substance abusers have all the inner resources they need to overcome their problems, and most of them do it without becoming completely abstinent. This doesn’t mean that everyone can do it, or that maturing out of addiction is an automatic process that just happens as people get older.

Mature people know how much effort and struggle is involved in emotional growth. But the process of outgrowing substance abuse is so common that probably anyone reading this column either knows someone who has done it, or is someone who has done it.

During the 1980s, when I worked in addiction treatment facilities, the idea that some problem drinkers could achieve moderation was heresy. But, in that same decade, a sea change in our understanding of substance began as the new “harm reduction” movement started to challenge our preconceptions.

Harm reduction proponents reject the presumption that abstinence is the only possible goal for all problem drinkers or drug users, and focus instead on helping patients reduce the

harm that substances cause in their lives. They acknowledge that total abstinence is the only realistic option for some people, but also contend that, for others, moderation is an achievable goal. They respect the right of their patients to decide their own goals, and argue that it’s unethical to push a onesize-fits-all treatment plan for everyone who has a substance abuse problem. If you want to learn more about the harm reduction option, you might begin by reading Over the Influence, The Harm Reduction Guide for Managing Drugs and Alcohol by Denning, Little, and Glickman. This book is a standard reference in the field.

So, can you do it? Of course, I can’t know the answer to that all-important question. I suggest you find a therapist in your area who practices harm reduction therapy and meet with her/ him for a few sessions. The best way to avoid the potential trap of self-deception or wishful thinking is to share your struggles with a trained professional who thoroughly knows what you’re doing, and can help you assess what the most realistic options are for you. Good luck!

Tom Moon is a psychotherapist in San Francisco. For more information, please visit tommoon.net

Relatively Speaking

Mario Ordonez Juan Ordonez

Writers Rink, Sister Dana Van Iquity, Ann Rostow, Kirsten Kruse, Kate Kendell, Pollo del Mar, Heidi Beeler, Gary M. Kramer, Dennis McMillan, Tom Moon, Paul E. Pratt, Terry Baum, Gypsy Love, Rafael Mandelman, Kit Kennedy, David Campos, Leslie Katz, Karen Williams, Gary Virginia, Zoe Dunning, Jim Tibbs, Mark Penn, Marcy Adelman, Stuart Gaffney & John Lewis Brandon Miller & Joanne Jordan, Kippy Marks, Naomi Jay, John Wesley, Jamie Leno Zimron Thom Watson, Shaun Haines, America Foy Photographers Rink, Dennis McMillan, Steven Underhill, Phyllis Costa, Cathy Blackstone, Robert Fuggiti, Bill Wilson, Jo-Lynn Otto.

Sandy Morris

In 1992, the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism conducted one of the largest surveys of substance use ever, sending Census Bureau workers to interview more than 42,000 Americans about their lifetime drug and alcohol use. The research showed that many people in their late teens or early twenties drink or use drugs heavily, often despite serious adverse consequences. At that point in their lives, most people who know them would probably describe them as addicts or alcoholics.

without going into rehab, or therapy, or attending 12-step meetings. In other words, learning moderation is the rule, not the exception.

Speak Up! Speak Out! Laugh Often!

Karen Williams So…just how many lesbians does it take to feel like family? I’m not sure of an accurate number, yet I can tell you that our memorial celebrations feel like a rousing combination of a family reunion, old home week, a lesbian feminist revival tent, and a good ole fashion womyn’s music festival. And that’s whether there are a few of us or a whole tribe!

At least that’s how it felt for me at “Sugar Mama,” Gwen Avery’s mo-

Holidays like Mother’s Day and Father’s Day make me think about family, and particularly about family of origin and family of choice. I feel very fortunate that I was introduced to the concept of “family of choice” while living in the Bay Area. With so many folks from all around the country moving to the “Gay Mecca” of the world, it becomes commonplace to meet people who do not have any blood family in the area.

In fact, I used to joke about never meeting anyone’s parents in the Bay Area. It is as though we all sprouted from the earth rather than from anyone’s loins! Many gay and lesbian folks f lee their hometowns in search of meaningful friendships and relationships with others like themselves, building diverse support groups

populated with other emigrants. It is not unusual for many Northern California residents to regard their close friends as “family” in the truer sense of the world—particularly after being rejected by their own families for their lifestyle choices.

Sayings like “blood is thicker than water” often lead people to believe that their blood relatives are the only ones entitled to being close or supportive. Such beliefs can lead people who are alienated from their families of origin to feel stigmatized, isolated and alone. How comforting and soul-enhancing to be included and embraced by communities of likeminded people who share more of our ways, habits, thoughts, ideas, and lifestyles! And how freeing it is to associate with people who understand, tolerate, respect and appreciate our

differences, who can share their stories of challenge and triumph, and lend much-needed emotional support in times of trouble and challenge.

Let’s remember that we can take what we learn and invite others to participate in our shared learning.

In my view, many human beings in today’s highly technological society experience alienation, loneliness and isolation. How profound to extend ourselves to one another as sisters, brothers, aunts, uncles, mamas and daddies—roles that expand far beyond the limited views that were shared with many of us in our youth.

I suggest that instead of waiting to be invited to a memorial, wedding, or birthday celebration, we create more opportunities to be together as family!

Perhaps the idea will catch on and we can share the love, support, kindness and consideration with more and more folks, whether they are like us or not.

Maybe we can be the folks who put the “human” back into “humanity.”

I’d like to think so.

Connect with Karen at karen@sfbaytimes.com

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Michael Sam, an All-American defensive lineman from the University of Missouri, became the first openly gay player drafted by the National Football League after being selected by the St. Louis Rams. Rams coach Jeff Fisher has received kudos for taking the historic step to draft Sam. Miami Dolphins safety Don Jones has been fined and suspended by the team for making negative comments related to Sam on Twitter. The Dolphins and Jones have issued apologizes to Sam.

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR If you would like to write a letter to the editor with comment on an article or suggestions for the Bay Times, email us at editor@sfbaytimes.com. © 2014 Bay Times Media Company Co-owned by Betty L. Sullivan & Jennifer L. Viegas Reprints by permission only.

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BAY TIMES M AY 1 5 , 2 0 1 4

The Bay Times congratulates Michael Sam of the St. Louis Rams on making history in the 2014 National Football League Draft.

Fortnight in Review

By Ann Rostow Spring Forward, Fall Back For two columns now, I’ve steered clear of discussing the insider book about the Prop 8 case, Forcing the Spring, written by Pulitzer Prize winning journalist Jo Becker. Initially, I was so incensed from reading other people’s reviews that I did not trust myself to broach the subject. Then, I felt it would be wrong to unleash a torrent of anger at a book that I hadn’t read, so I thought I’d at least skim the damned thing in a nod to professional ethics.

However, I can’t bring myself to do it.

Here’s the bottom line. Every single analyst, commentator, gay activist or lawyer who has watched the fight for marriage equality over the last twenty years has gagged on this book.

With no exception. Becker, who was embedded with Ted Olson and David Boies as they pursued their naïve legal fight for full marriage equality, ignored our sustained strategic drive for marriage rights and depicted the blundering (although well meaning) Olson Boies team as the authors of all the progress we’ve seen to date. This despite the fact that they came close to undermining equality for a generation!

Happily, the history books are not written by hero-worshiping journalists with limited exposure to the subject. It won’t be difficult for future analysts of the gay rights movement to notice that it was Windsor, not Prop 8, that carried the day at the High Court last summer. I suspect those future historians will also have a word or two to spare for the leaders of the fight for marriage, like Evan Wolfson and Mary Bonauto and Shannon Minter, and for the gay legal institutions that fought in lockstep, like Lambda, NCLR, GLAD and the ACLU. We are where we are today, not because of Olson and Boies, but despite them. And that is the irritating thing about a book that will nonetheless resonate with all the people who don’t really follow our movement.

It’s like being embedded with Charles de Gaulle and writing about how he saved Europe. Oh, and about how stupid old Winston Churchill and arrogant Dwight Eisenhower kept getting in his way.

One of the worst things about the book is that, because of its obvious f laws, it misses a chance to put the Prop 8 narrative in the context of our movement. Risky as it was, the case returned marriage rights to California and served as valuable public relations tool. Olson and Boies are good men and meant well. A book like this does them no favors.

And Another Thing And here’s another point I can make from my perspective of covering the f ight for marriage since the mid1990s. The hardest working legal activists have not been embedding journalists in their midst or writing books or posing for documentaries. They have been working. And they’ve been working together, despite the fact that these groups compete for gay dollars and therefore fundraise at cross purposes. For our legal organizations, the eye is always on the prize, and the prize is not a personal triumph; it’s equality for gay couples.

I don’t blame Olson and Boies for seeking the historical limelight. It’s very human. But this fight is for our lives.

Ask any of our top lawyers whether they would like to see the High Court legalize marriage in two years with someone else’s case, or whether they’d like the Supremes to legalize marriage in ten years with their case. They will take the two years.

I originally put five years, but changed it because if I were a gay rights lawyer,

I’d be tempted to let America wait three years in order for me personally to go down in history. But that’s just me.

I, Victim This brings me to an interesting recent development. You remember Maggie Gallagher, right? She is one of the founders of the National Organization for Marriage and a strong anti-marriage activist. A month or two ago, she suggested that the battle was basically lost. But recently, she’s come out with another defeatist blog post.

Gallagher now accepts that marriage equality is inevitable, and she urges her colleagues on the right not to rant and rail ineffectively, making themselves ridiculous in the process. She recognizes that the gay rights movement is now joined by powerful forces in society that stigmatize antigay prejudice. She also sees that our lives, all our lives, are inextricably connected.

The fight for traditional marriage, she implies, must come from a place of love and must incorporate this complexity.

Her suggestion is that the minority that remains committed to the non sequitur that “every child deserves a mother and father” should hold to their beliefs and fight in much the same way the GLBT minority fought to reach their fellow citizens. A civil rights movement of ideology if you will. Or maybe the same kind of strategy that has deepened the American discussion of abortion over the years since Roe. Obviously, the gay rights movement has deep meaning for us. It has real repercussions. We have been shunned, we have confronted society with our humanity, and we have been embraced. As for the pro-life contingent, there’s a profound case to be made for the idea that life begins at conception, and there’s a legitimate corollary that leads many to oppose legal abortion.

But Gallagher’s oppressed minority, in contrast, doesn’t really have that much to fight for, does it? Are they’re fighting for the right to marginalize gay people? That’s seems to be their only rallying cry, and that does not a movement make.

Divided We Stand Gallagher’s blog post seems to have divided the right wing. The Jo Becker book pits the activist gay community against the head of HRC and a legal team that continues to fight for us (in the Fourth Circuit). Our society’s recent rejection of homophobia is dividing the “nice” gays against the “mean” gays. It seems as if tremendous progress is creating fractures.

It’s not surprising, and not that worrisome. Back in the day, not so long ago, we were universally despised. And it was (and still is) exactly that shared experience that held the GLBT community together. Lesbians in their sixties, young men with AIDS, MTF bankers, bisexual artists, drag queens, soccer moms, we had this in common: the rest of society thought we were perverts.

We are losing that glue, happily. Now we are held together by the remnants of that deep hostility, and by the legal inequities that still exist. Our history will hold us together a little longer, but the “GLBT community” will be the victim of its own success, disintegrating over the long term. The only people who think that’s sad are under 30 or live in San Francisco. Not that there’s anything wrong with either, of course.

We are fracturing. We have the luxury to disagree with our gay brothers or our lesbian sisters about priorities, attitudes, strategies. As for our opponents on the far right, they are in a rout. Some are changing their minds.

Some are “evolving.” Some are look-

Professional Services ing to change the subject. Some are looking for a last ditch campaign.

One thing is true for both sides as these divisions materialize. No one is in charge. No one speaks for the GLBT community. No one speaks for the right. This movement is organic and ungovernable. And the opposition, in turn, has no choice now but to react to an unpredictable future. Well, not totally unpredictable. We will win marriage equality. And we will outlaw sexual orientation discrimination.

But where we all go from there is the mystery.

NCLR $%^ing Rocks I gather this issue comes out on the eve of the National Center for Lesbian Rights gala, and I was trying to add a few supportive comments on the subject of this, the best GLBT organization in America, but I couldn’t come up with anything that didn’t sound sycophantic. My admiration for the NCLR makes Jo Becker look like Gordon Ramsey at a bad steak house.

Not only is it boring to read, but it’s a violation of the gay writer’s obligation to remain objective when it comes to our community institutions. That said, I believe I am objective. I dislike a number of our big gay organizations (which will remain nameless) so my love for NCLR is fair and balanced in the larger context.

I guess it was 1992 or 1993 when I went to my first NCLR fundraiser, a classic office get together with plates of brie and cheddar cubes sitting on a desk in the entryway, and some women pouring white wine somewhere in the back. The affair was interrupted for the usual remarks from whoever was running the place back then, and well, the whole thing was fine.

Less than ten years later, every gay woman in San Francisco would be shelling out the big bucks to NCLR every year to dance the night away in some gigantic civic event center.

And here’s the thing: That evolution is just a reflection of the evolution that has taken place in the organization itself. Almost all the money it makes rolls back into the community, not just funding marriage litigation, but making deep dents in hard problems through individual lawsuits, education and legislative work. This is the group that did more for family rights in the last 20 years than anyone else.

They attacked discrimination in sports, bias against immigrants, the problems of seniors. They fought for transgendered men and women, for couples’ rights well before marriage equality was in reach, and the list goes on.

NCLR is powerful, effective, transparent and, as you can tell from the excitement I imagine is now building towards the annual bash, it knows how to have fun. Don’t forget we have the NCLR to thank for winning marriage rights in California back in 2008, and we wish them luck winning marriage equality in Utah, Idaho, Wyoming and Florida (to name a few).

Rereading this, I really should give them some money.

Virginia Is for Loving Meanwhile, in actual news from this last week, it looks as if the three-judge panel at the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fourth Circuit is split 2-1 in our favor, and by “our” I mean Olson and Boies and company who are in this complicated litigation along with Lambda and the ACLU. Of course, we can’t tell what will happen based on the May 13 oral arguments, but we can speculate. One of the judges is an Obama appointee. Another is courtesy of Bush One. And the third was originally nominated by Clinton, installed as a recess appointment, and later confirmed under Bush Two. (continued on page 30)

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BAY T IM ES M AY 15, 2014

15

What is STRIBILD? STRIBILD is a prescription medicine used to treat HIV-1 in adults who have never taken HIV-1 medicines before. It combines 4 medicines into 1 pill to be taken once a day with food. STRIBILD is a complete single-tablet regimen and should not be used with other HIV-1 medicines.

STRIBILD does not cure HIV-1 infection or AIDS. To control HIV-1 infection and decrease HIV-related illnesses you must keep taking STRIBILD. Ask your healthcare provider if you have questions about how to reduce the risk of passing HIV-1 to others. Always practice safer sex and use condoms to lower the chance of sexual contact with body fluids. Never reuse or share needles or other items that have body fluids on them.

IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION What is the most important information I should know about STRIBILD? STRIBILD can cause serious side effects: • Build-up of an acid in your blood (lactic acidosis), which is a serious medical emergency.

Symptoms of lactic acidosis include feeling very weak or tired, unusual (not normal) muscle pain, trouble breathing, stomach pain with nausea or vomiting, feeling cold especially in your arms and legs, feeling dizzy or lightheaded, and/or a fast or irregular heartbeat.

• Serious liver problems. The liver may become large (hepatomegaly) and fatty (steatosis). Symptoms of liver problems include your skin or the white part of your eyes turns yellow (jaundice), dark “tea-colored” urine, light-colored bowel movements (stools), loss of appetite for several days or longer, nausea, and/or stomach pain.

• You may be more likely to get lactic acidosis or serious liver problems if you are female, very overweight (obese), or have been taking STRIBILD for a long time.

In some cases, these serious conditions have led to death.

Call your healthcare provider right away if you have any symptoms of these conditions.

16

• Worsening of hepatitis B (HBV) infection. If you also have HBV and stop taking STRIBILD, your hepatitis may suddenly get worse.

Do not stop taking STRIBILD without first talking to your healthcare provider, as they will need to monitor your health.

STRIBILD is not approved for the treatment of HBV.

Who should not take STRIBILD? Do not take STRIBILD if you: • Take a medicine that contains: alfuzosin, dihydroergotamine, ergotamine, methylergonovine, cisapride, lovastatin, simvastatin, pimozide, sildenafil when used for lung problems (Revatio®), triazolam, oral midazolam, rifampin or the herb St. John’s wort.

• For a list of brand names for these medicines, please see the Brief Summary on the following pages.

• Take any other medicines to treat HIV-1 infection, or the medicine adefovir (Hepsera®).

What are the other possible side effects of STRIBILD? Serious side effects of STRIBILD may also include: • New or worse kidney problems, including kidney failure. Your healthcare provider should do regular blood and urine tests to check your kidneys before and during treatment with STRIBILD. If you develop kidney problems, your healthcare provider may tell you to stop taking STRIBILD. • Bone problems, including bone pain or bones getting soft or thin, which may lead to fractures. Your healthcare provider may do tests to check your bones.

• Changes in body fat can happen in people taking HIV-1 medicines.

• Changes in your immune system.

Your immune system may get stronger and begin to fight infections.

Tell your healthcare provider if you have any new symptoms after you start taking STRIBILD. The most common side effects of STRIBILD include nausea and diarrhea. Tell your healthcare provider if you have any side effects that bother you or don’t go away.

What should I tell my healthcare provider before taking STRIBILD? • All your health problems. Be sure to tell your healthcare provider if you have or had any kidney, bone, or liver problems, including hepatitis virus infection.

• All the medicines you take, including prescription and nonprescription medicines, vitamins, and herbal supplements. STRIBILD may affect the way other medicines work, and other medicines may affect how STRIBILD works. Keep a list of all your medicines and show it to your healthcare provider and pharmacist. Do not start any new medicines while taking STRIBILD without first talking with your healthcare provider.

• If you take hormone-based birth control (pills, patches, rings, shots, etc).

• If you take antacids.

Take antacids at least 2 hours before or after you take STRIBILD. • If you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant. It is not known if STRIBILD can harm your unborn baby.

Tell your healthcare provider if you become pregnant while taking STRIBILD. • If you are breastfeeding (nursing) or plan to breastfeed.

Do not breastfeed. HIV-1 can be passed to the baby in breast milk. Also, some medicines in STRIBILD can pass into breast milk, and it is not known if this can harm the baby.

You are encouraged to report negative side effects of prescription drugs to the FDA. Visit www.fda.gov/medwatch, or call 1-800-FDA-1088.

Please see Brief Summary of full Prescribing Information with important warnings on the following pages.

BAY TIMES M AY 1 5 , 2 0 1 4

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17

Patient Information STRIBILD (STRY-bild) (elvitegravir 150 mg/cobicistat 150 mg/emtricitabine 200 mg/ tenofovir disoproxil fumarate 300 mg) tablets ®

Brief summary of full Prescribing Information. For more information, please see the full Prescribing Information, including Patient Information.

What is STRIBILD? • STRIBILD is a prescription medicine used to treat HIV-1 in adults who have never taken HIV-1 medicines before.

STRIBILD is a complete regimen and should not be used with other HIV-1 medicines.

• STRIBILD does not cure HIV-1 or AIDS. You must stay on continuous HIV-1 therapy to control HIV-1 infection and decrease HIV-related illnesses.

• Ask your healthcare provider about how to prevent passing HIV-1 to others. Do not share or reuse needles, injection equipment, or personal items that can have blood or body fluids on them. Do not have sex without protection. Always practice safer sex by using a latex or polyurethane condom to lower the chance of sexual contact with semen, vaginal secretions, or blood.

What is the most important information I should know about STRIBILD? STRIBILD can cause serious side effects, including: 1. Build-up of lactic acid in your blood (lactic acidosis). Lactic acidosis can happen in some people who take STRIBILD or similar (nucleoside analogs) medicines. Lactic acidosis is a serious medical emergency that can lead to death. Lactic acidosis can be hard to identify early, because the symptoms could seem like symptoms of other health problems. Call your healthcare provider right away if you get any of the following symptoms which could be signs of lactic acidosis: • feel very weak or tired • have unusual (not normal) muscle pain

• If you stop taking STRIBILD, your healthcare provider will need to check your health often and do blood tests regularly for several months to check your HBV infection. Tell your healthcare provider about any new or unusual symptoms you may have after you stop taking STRIBILD Who should not take STRIBILD? Do not take STRIBILD if you also take a medicine that contains: • adefovir (Hepsera®) • alfuzosin hydrochloride (Uroxatral®) • cisapride (Propulsid®, Propulsid Quicksolv®) • ergot-containing medicines, including: dihydroergotamine mesylate (D.H.E. 45®, Migranal®), ergotamine tartrate (Cafergot®, Migergot®, Ergostat®, Medihaler Ergotamine®, Wigraine®, Wigrettes®), and methylergonovine maleate (Ergotrate®, Methergine®) • lovastatin (Advicor®, Altoprev®, Mevacor®) • oral midazolam • pimozide (Orap®) • rifampin (Rifadin®, Rifamate®, Rifater®, Rimactane®) • sildenafil (Revatio®), when used for treating lung problems • simvastatin (Simcor®, Vytorin®, Zocor®) • triazolam (Halcion®) • the herb St. John’s wort Do not take STRIBILD if you also take any other HIV-1 medicines, including: • Other medicines that contain tenofovir (Atripla®, Complera®, Viread®, Truvada®) • Other medicines that contain emtricitabine, lamivudine, or ritonavir (Atripla®, Combivir®, Complera®, Emtriva®, Epivir® or Epivir-HBV®, Epzicom®, Kaletra®, Norvir®, Trizivir®, Truvada®)

• have trouble breathing

STRIBILD is not for use in people who are less than 18 years old.

• have stomach pain with nausea or vomiting

What are the possible side effects of STRIBILD?

• feel cold, especially in your arms and legs • feel dizzy or lightheaded

STRIBILD may cause the following serious side effects:

• have a fast or irregular heartbeat

• See “What is the most important information I should know about STRIBILD?”

2. Severe liver problems. Severe liver problems can happen in people who take STRIBILD. In some cases, these liver problems can lead to death. Your liver may become large (hepatomegaly) and you may develop fat in your liver (steatosis). Call your healthcare provider right away if you get any of the following symptoms of liver problems: • your skin or the white part of your eyes turns yellow (jaundice) • dark “tea-colored” urine • light-colored bowel movements (stools) • loss of appetite for several days or longer • nausea • stomach pain You may be more likely to get lactic acidosis or severe liver problems if you are female, very overweight (obese), or have been taking STRIBILD for a long time.

3. Worsening of Hepatitis B infection. If you have hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection and take STRIBILD, your HBV may get worse (flareup) if you stop taking STRIBILD. A “flare-up” is when your HBV infection suddenly returns in a worse way than before.

• Do not run out of STRIBILD. Refill your prescription or talk to your healthcare provider before your STRIBILD is all gone

18

• Do not stop taking STRIBILD without first talking to your healthcare provider

• New or worse kidney problems, including kidney failure. Your healthcare provider should do blood and urine tests to check your kidneys before you start and while you are taking STRIBILD. Your healthcare provider may tell you to stop taking STRIBILD if you develop new or worse kidney problems.

• Bone problems can happen in some people who take STRIBILD. Bone problems include bone pain, softening or thinning (which may lead to fractures). Your healthcare provider may need to do tests to check your bones.

• Changes in body fat can happen in people who take HIV-1 medicine. These changes may include increased amount of fat in the upper back and neck (“buffalo hump”), breast, and around the middle of your body (trunk). Loss of fat from the legs, arms and face may also happen. The exact cause and long-term health effects of these conditions are not known.

• Changes in your immune system (Immune Reconstitution Syndrome) can happen when you start taking HIV-1 medicines.

Your immune system may get stronger and begin to fight infections that have been hidden in your body for a long time. Tell your healthcare provider right away if you start having any new symptoms after starting your HIV-1 medicine.

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The most common side effects of STRIBILD include: • Nausea • Diarrhea Tell your healthcare provider if you have any side effect that bothers you or that does not go away.

• These are not all the possible side effects of STRIBILD. For more information, ask your healthcare provider.

• Call your healthcare provider for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

What should I tell my healthcare provider before taking STRIBILD? Tell your healthcare provider about all your medical conditions, including: • If you have or had any kidney, bone, or liver problems, including hepatitis B infection • If you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant. It is not known if STRIBILD can harm your unborn baby. Tell your healthcare provider if you become pregnant while taking STRIBILD. - There is a pregnancy registry for women who take antiviral medicines during pregnancy. The purpose of this registry is to collect information about the health of you and your baby. Talk with your healthcare provider about how you can take part in this registry.

• If you are breastfeeding (nursing) or plan to breastfeed. Do not breastfeed if you take STRIBILD. - You should not breastfeed if you have HIV-1 because of the risk of passing HIV-1 to your baby.

- Two of the medicines in STRIBILD can pass to your baby in your breast milk. It is not known if the other medicines in STRIBILD can pass into your breast milk.

- Talk with your healthcare provider about the best way to feed your baby.

Tell your healthcare provider about all the medicines you take, including prescription and nonprescription medicines, vitamins, and herbal supplements: • STRIBILD may affect the way other medicines work, and other medicines may affect how STRIBILD works.

• Be sure to tell your healthcare provider if you take any of the following medicines: - Hormone-based birth control (pills, patches, rings, shots, etc) - Antacid medicines that contain aluminum, magnesium hydroxide, or calcium carbonate. Take antacids at least 2 hours before or after you take STRIBILD

- disopyramide (Norpace®) - estazolam - ethosuximide (Zarontin®) - flecainide (Tambocor®) - flurazepam - fluticasone (Flovent®, Flonase®, Flovent® Diskus®, Flovent® HFA, Veramyst®) - itraconazole (Sporanox®) - ketoconazole (Nizoral®) - lidocaine (Xylocaine®) - mexiletine - oxcarbazepine (Trileptal®) - perphenazine - phenobarbital (Luminal®) - phenytoin (Dilantin®, Phenytek®) - propafenone (Rythmol®) - quinidine (Neudexta®) - rifabutin (Mycobutin®) - rifapentine (Priftin®) - risperidone (Risperdal®, Risperdal Consta®) - salmeterol (Serevent®) or salmeterol when taken in combination with fluticasone (Advair Diskus®, Advair HFA®) - sildenafil (Viagra®), tadalafil (Cialis®) or vardenafil (Levitra®, Staxyn®), for the treatment of erectile dysfunction (ED). If you get dizzy or faint (low blood pressure), have vision changes or have an erection that last longer than 4 hours, call your healthcare provider or get medical help right away.

- tadalafil (Adcirca®), for the treatment of pulmonary arterial hypertension - telithromycin (Ketek®) - thioridazine - voriconazole (Vfend®) - warfarin (Coumadin®, Jantoven®) - zolpidem (Ambien®, Edlular®, Intermezzo®, Zolpimist®) Know the medicines you take. Keep a list of all your medicines and show it to your healthcare provider and pharmacist when you get a new medicine. Do not start any new medicines while you are taking STRIBILD without first talking with your healthcare provider.

Keep STRIBILD and all medicines out of reach of children.

- atorvastatin (Lipitor®, Caduet®)

This Brief Summary summarizes the most important information about STRIBILD. If you would like more information, talk with your healthcare provider. You can also ask your healthcare provider or pharmacist for information about STRIBILD that is written for health professionals, or call 1-800-445-3235 or go to www.STRIBILD.com.

- bepridil hydrochloride (Vascor®, Bepadin®)

Issued: October 2013

- Medicines to treat depression, organ transplant rejection, or high blood pressure - amiodarone (Cordarone®, Pacerone®)

- bosentan (Tracleer®) - buspirone - carbamazepine (Carbatrol®, Epitol®, Equetro®, Tegretol®) - clarithromycin (Biaxin®, Prevpac®) - clonazepam (Klonopin®) - clorazepate (Gen-xene®, Tranxene®) - colchicine (Colcrys®) - medicines that contain dexamethasone - diazepam (Valium®) - digoxin (Lanoxin®)

COMPLERA, EMTRIVA, GILEAD, the GILEAD Logo, GSI, HEPSERA, STRIBILD, the STRIBILD Logo, TRUVADA, and VIREAD are trademarks of Gilead Sciences, Inc., or its related companies. ATRIPLA is a trademark of Bristol-Myers Squibb & Gilead Sciences, LLC. All other marks referenced herein are the property of their respective owners. © 2014 Gilead Sciences, Inc. All rights reserved. STBC0083 04/14

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Reunited As we celebrated LGBT couples getting married in Arkansas last weekend, we were packing our bags to head to my 30th college class reunion—attending together as a legally married couple. Like birthdays and anniversaries, reunions are occasions that mark the passage of time, and this one also serves as an important milestone along the road to marriage equality.

Marriage Equality

Five years ago, we were legally married in California, but we had seen marriage equality come and go as Prop 8 put a stop to the over 18,000 weddings of 2008. As we were planning whether we could attend my 25th college reunion, we needed to consult the court calendar—the California Supreme Court was about to rule on whether Prop 8 violated the state constitution in May of 2009. As it turned out, the court upheld Prop 8 right before the reunion, and I felt like I was heading to see my classmates with a heavy heart.

on Washington for LGBT Rights in 1987, the year John and I met, a symbolic wedding ceremony was held for hundreds of same-sex couples who wished to celebrate together. But, at the time, it felt more urgent to protest the US Supreme Court’s recent decision in Bowers v.

Hardwick that upheld the constitutionality of laws that criminalized the physical expression of our love.

How wonderful it was to find that my classmates did not see this as discouraging news, but rather expressed their love, support and amazement at how far we’d come in so short a period of time. When I was in college in the 1980s, the idea of marriage equality was a distant dream, barely detectable on the radar. At the National March

My freshman year boyfriend was a young architecture student, who would stay up late at night designing neighboring houses for us to live in discreetly, with a hidden passage connecting our two houses underground. It was a romantic image, but also a graphic rendering of the love that dare not speak its name.

Stuart Gaffney and John Lewis, Marriage Equality USA

Today, as I return to campus with my lawfully wedded spouse, I look forward to seeing a close friend who has been legally married in Massachusetts for ten years (bringing their two kids) and my junior year boyfriend who is now legally married in Connecticut. Another classmate will arrive with his newborn in tow as a newlywed after marrying his husband in New York the weekend before. And, who knows? We may find out that one of our classmates was among the first couples to have married in states as diverse as Arkansas, Michigan and Utah—or is waiting to wed in the many other states with lawsuits, one of which may well bring us marriage equality nationwide.

Even five years ago it would have been hard to believe we’d have come this far so fast. With our community working together to continue the momentum for full LGBT equality, we are hopeful that when we go to my 35th reunion, we will have nationwide marriage equality and so much more.

Stuart Gaffney and John Lewis, together for nearly three decades, were plaintiffs in the California case for equal marriage rights decided by the California Supreme Court in 2008. They are leaders in the nationwide grassroots organization Marriage Equality USA.

Dressing Up Your Ceremony If you are the romantic type, you will want to have poems, quotations, song lyrics, and the like in your ceremony. Of course, your own writing would be fabulous! But, if you aren’t a poet, and want the language in your wedding to express something more than traditional ceremonies do, great writers have been writing about love and marriage for hundreds of years. Find something that resonates with you!

The basic elements of a wedding are very simple. Without any frills, the whole ceremony would take only about 10 minutes: welcome, prayer, statement of intention, vows, ring ceremony, pronouncement, kiss.

So, to make it richer, to imbue it with deeper meaning, to bring forth more of the emotional, spiritual, and individual aspects of the two of you as a couple, see if you can find some good poems.

I have been amazed at the diverse and amazing pieces that couples have found for their wedding ceremonies. Last year, a couple used “Oh the Places You’ll Go!” by Dr. Seuss, and it was perfect! Two of my favorites are poems by e. e. cummings: “I carry your heart with me (I carry it in your heart)” and “somewhere I have never traveled.”

These are exquisite and tender.

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I do not love you as if you were saltrose, or topaz, or the arrow of carnations the fire shoots off.

I love you as certain dark things are to be loved, in secret, between the shadow and the soul.

Weddings Elizabeth River Fragment from the Commitment Reading of the Pueblo Indian: When you came to me, the sun surged towards the earth and moon escaped from darkness to bless the union of two spirits, so alike that the creator had designed them for life’s endless circle.

From a poem by Hugh Prather in Notes on Love and Courage: the quiet thoughts of two people a long time in love touch lightly like birds nesting in each other’s warmth From a poem by Roy Croft: I love you Because you have done

There are funny ones, like “He Never Leaves the Seat Up” by Pam Ayres:

More than any creed

He never leaves t he seat up Or wet towels upon t he f loor The toothpaste has the lid on And he always shuts the door!

You have done it

(and many more verses.)

You have done it

Here are some of my other favorites: 20

From the Love sonnet

by Pablo Neruda:

Could have done To make me good…

Without a touch, Without a word, Without a sign.

By being yourself.

I love you as the plant that never blooms but carries in itself the light of hidden flowers; thanks to your love a certain solid fragrance, risen from the earth, lives darkly in my body.

I love you without knowing how, or when, or from where.

I love you straightforwardly, without complexities or pride; so I love you because I know no other way than this: where I does not exist, nor you, so close that your hand on my chest is my hand, so close that your eyes close as I fall asleep.

And here’s my last word on this subject: I recommend you ask your officiant to make you a copy of your ceremony to keep and re-read together on your anniversary every year. Make it a special part of your anniversary ritual and celebration! And remind yourselves just how magnificent and precious this thing—your marriage—is.

Rev. Elizabeth River is an ordained Interfaith Minister based in the North Bay. For more information, please visit www. marincoastweddings.com

Round About — Gwen Avery Memorial at MWCAC — Photos by Sandy Morris A standing room only crowd gathered at the Montclair Women’s Cultural Arts Club for Jukebox Baby - The Life and Music of Gwen Avery. The occasion reunited many of the founders and stars of the “ Women’s Music Movement” in which Avery is considered to have played a signif icant role. Including both dinner on the patio and a rousing performance in the MWCAC auditorium, the evening saw attendees smiling and shedding tears in the midst of cheers and applause. Contributing their talents were Bay Times columnist Karen Williams, former Tonight Show featured performer Vicki Randle, Linda Tillery, Mary Watkins, June Millington, Adrienne Torf, Rhiannon and many more.

BAY T IM ES M AY 15, 2014

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BAY TIMES M AY 1 5 , 2 0 1 4

Arts&Entertainment Laugh Out Loud for Real with Kate Clinton Interview

for more info about the event.) We a re a lso celebrat i ng K ate’s new column in t he Bay T imes! It w i l l launch in our next issue. But now you are in for a treat: a Q& A with the one and only Great Kate.

Bay Ti mes: We a re t h r i l led that you will be emceeing the NCL R A nniversar y Celebrat i o n a g a i n t h i s y e a r. H o w many times have you hosted the event? Have you beat Bob Hope’s record for hosting the Oscars?

Kate Clinton

We are doing a little happy dance here at the Bay Times. Kate Clinton is coming to town! She’ll be at t he NCL R A n n iver sa r y C elebration on May 17. (See page 5

K ate Clinton: I think I am s ome wher e b et ween B ob Hop e and Billy Cr ystal. Of course, I’d prefer to be st a nd i ng r ight be tween Tina Fey and Amy Poehler.

Bay Ti me s: W h at a re some of y ou r f av o r it e m e m o r ie s f r o m t he NC L R e v e nt o v e r the years?

K at e C l i nt on : D u r i n g a pa rticularly raucous fundraising moment at the 20th (?) Anniversary, women were stuf f ing cash in my bra, so M a r t i na joi ned i n. A nd the plaintif f ’s stories always make me weep.

Bay Times: Do you think 2014 is shaping up to be a good or bad year for lesbians?

K ate Clinton: It can’t be a good year for lesbians if it’s a bad year for women. And all the white coot g uys manspla in ing and leg islating on the lady parts is not a good sign for us.

O u r r e s p on s e h a s t o b e P u s s y Riot, not Wussy Riot.

Bay Times: Aside from NCLR, what are some of your favor ite t h i ngs to do i n Sa n Francisco?

K at e C l i nt on : B es ides seei ng f r ie nd s , I lov e g o i n g t o G l id e Church. I am a sucker for bridges.

I bi nge watch H istor y Cha n nel bridge building stories, so I love walking across the Golden Gate.

PHOTOS COURTES Y OF NATIONA L CEN TER F OR LE SBIA N R I GHTS

Bay Times: If you could head out of San Francisco for some r&r in the Bay A rea, would it more likely be to Marin or to Oakland or...?

K ate Cl i nton: I wou ld love to get a V W ca mper a nd d r ive up the coast for a month or eight.

Bay Times: SF is quickly becom ing anot her Silicon Va lley. As your website says, we a re i ndeed feel i ng fat ig ued b y Fa c e b o o k , n u m b e d b y Tumblr and we do prefer real A mazons a nd feel l i ke a nt isocial networks! How do you high tech?

K ate Cl i nton: Genera l ly k icki ng a nd screa m i ng. A nd t hen I love it and then I hate it. To stay g rou nded , I prefer ex per iences that involve at least three senses at the same time. For example: A beach f ire with friends eating aluminum Girl Scout packets of Indian food. Don’t forget the s’mores!

Bay Ti mes: Do you t h in k A merica is ready for a woman president and, if so, care to mention your chosen candidate?

K ate Clinton: This American is ready. And thanks to the Supreme Court decision on campaign don at ion s , I h ave a l r e a d y s ent a chec k for t h ree m i l l ion dol l a r s to H i l la r y Cl i nton. She’l l need it to f ight the Koch ( pr: short O) Brotherhood.

Bay Ti mes: You a re a lw ay s f it and fab. Please share any tips for those of us who hope to benef it from your wisdom and health regime.

K a t e C l i n t o n : I a m a p oi ntc o u nt e r a n d h av e b e e n d o i n g Ayengar yoga for four years and wish I had started both much earlier.

Bay Times: Please update us on you r ne w pr ojec t s. P lug away!

K ate C l i nt on: You c a n chec k out t he on g oi n g pr oje c t of my blogs and weekly vlogs and lots of other goodies on kateclinton.com.

I write a column in T he Progressive and T he Washington Blade.

I’m looking forward to contributing to the Bay Times each month.

A nd I w i l l be doi ng my #K ateC l i nt on 2 014 s how i n P r ov i nc etown this summer. Unless I actua l ly do take the V W van up the coast.

Bay Ti mes: A ny t h i ng else t hat you’d l i ke ou r reader s to know?

K ate Clinton: You SanFransisters have the honor of being home to NCLR, the original Dyke Dynasty.

If you can’t make it to the dinner party or after-party, you can still send them a donation to continue their amazing work.

They are in my will.

Read more about K ate Cl i nton @ kateclinton.com

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Interview

Playwright Laurinda Brown Exposes Human Nature with Grit & Passion

Based on the best-selling book of the same name, Walk Like a Man is produced and directed by Laurinda Brown, who also wrote the book. We were honored recently to get a chance to interview her.

Bay Times: Please tell us a bit about your background and how it might have inf luenced your work. We hear that you are from the South, but that you moved out of Atlanta.

Laurinda Brown: I live in Prentiss, MS, now. I got married almost three years ago, and my wife “rescued” me from Atlanta. While it’s a great place to visit, I won’t ever live there again. The LGBT community was very supportive of my work, but I never really got comfortable. Personally, I experienced some of the worst hardships of my life in Atlanta, and I have used those experiences in some of my upcoming works. I was on the verge of seclusion, wanting to be in a small town where Internet connections were rare, where my cell phone barely got a signal, and where no one knew me.

Rosie the Riveter/ WWII Home Front National Historical Park

National Park Service U.S. Department of the Inerior

Seeking

The National Park Service is

LGBT Stories

Of

WWII Submitting a story, photo or artifact to the park’s museum collection is a way to honor their hidden history and contributions.

Please call this number if you have any information about Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual or Transgender civilian life in the 1940s, on the American WWII Home Front.

A confidential phone line has been set-up: (510) 232-5050 x 6631.

Rosie the Riveter/ WWII Home Front National Historical Park

Walk Like A Man

by Laurinda D. Brown Ticket Discount Code: BETTY RHINO $3 Off - May 28-June 15 Presented by Theatre Rhino 24

BAY TIMES M AY 1 5 , 2 0 1 4

Prent iss, M ississippi, is sma l l.

There is no Inter net or phone service some places, and no one freaks out about it. We have one grocery store, one traffic light, two banks, and the post off ice closes at noon on Thursdays. I would say that the town runs about a mile and a half long. You would think that being here would be hard for a lesbian, but it really hasn’t been.

My wife owns a funeral home and is well respected in the community. I love it because it’s quiet and was the first place I ever heard a hummingbird. Yes, it’s that quiet.

Bay Times: Please mention some of your role models/ mentors, and how they’ve inf luenced you.

Laurinda Brown: I still have fantastic relationships w ith my English teachers from junior and high school. My 6th grade teacher and I had lunch last year, and I realized why I’d admired her so much when I was in her class. She was only like 11 years older than us. My 7th grade English teacher and I are great friends. We talk at least two or three times a month, and she is the reason why I believe in my writing as I do. I had a massive crush on her, and I finally told her about it a couple of years ago.

Instead of freaking out, she said, “Nothing would ever change our friendship. Nothing. I’m glad you were able to love me when I had trouble loving myself back then.”

She appreciates that I handle my LGBT stories with such great respect and class. (Ha! She’s not read Walk Like A Man!) Then, there’s my high school English teacher who said, “You can never take back words.” With that, I developed an unapologetic way of expressing myself in my writing. It’s gritty, and I like that.

Bay Ti mes: P lea se te l l u s about Walk Like a Man, and what led to your writing it.

Laurinda Brown: I wrote the book Walk Like a Man as a joke, really. I created these short stories based on some exper iences I’d heard about, as well as on situations I’d found myself in. The play arose from my desire to see what these characters would actually look and sound like. I never expected t he accolades it’s received—never in a million years.

Bay Times: How do you hope that audience goers will be affected by Walk Like a Man, and are there any lessons in it that you hope viewers will come away with?

Laurinda Brown: I hope that t he aud ience is moved by t he words. The most powerful piece in the play is “Mo,” which tells the story of a little girl who sheds her femininity to escape the hands of a neighborhood child molester. It’s heart wrenching, to say the least.

I want the audience to see that we are human, and our experiences, no matter our sexual orientation, are quite normal.

Bay Times: Will you be coming to SF for the Bay Area premiere of Walk Like a Man? Laurinda Brown: My wife and I do plan to attend the premiere.

Laurinda Brown

Bay Times: Have you been here before?

Laurinda Brown: I visited San Francisco back in 2006 for a Walk Like A Man book signing at A Different Light bookstore.

Bay Times: W hat are some of your favorite things to do here or, if you’ve never visited yet, what are you most looking forward to?

Laurinda Brown: I didn’t have time to visit, but I would really like to explore Castro District.

Walk Like a Man opens May 28 and runs through June 15, Wednesdays through Saturdays @ 8 p.m., Sundays @ 3 p.m., The Costume Shop, 1117 Market Street at 7th Street. For tickets and additional information, please go to: www. therhino.org

P HOTOS COURTES Y OF THEATRE RHIN O

Walk Like a Man dares audience goers to “strap on your attitude and dive into ten different pulsating stories from women who love the way you love, living life on the edge, exploring sexuality uninhibited. Don’t see it alone. It’s so hot with passion you’ll need somebody to cool you of f !” The play has its Bay Area premiere, presenter Rheatre Rhino, later this month at San Francisco’s The Costume Shop.

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Chinese Puzzle Is Messy and Fragmented, But That’s What Makes It Appealing

Film

Gary M. Kramer Chinese Puzzle is the third film—after L’auberge Espagnole and Russian Dolls —starring Romain Duris as Xavier Rousseau and directed by Cédric Klapisch. This entry is set mostly in New York City, where Xavier moves to be near his two kids, Mia (Margaux Mansart) and Tom (Pablo Mugnier-Jacob), who are living with his ex-wife Wendy (Kelly Reilly).

He rents a room in Chinatown that is owned by Ju (Sandrine Holt), the lesbian lover of Xavier’s best friend Isabelle (Cécile De France). He also helped Isabelle and Ju have a baby by donating his sperm to them.

Xavier’s life in New York is further complicated, not only by his quickie marriage to Nancy (Li Jun Li), which comes under investigation by the INS, but also by the arrival of his former girlfriend Martine (Audrey Tautou), who wants to rekindle their relationship. There are other distractions as well, as when Isabelle has an affair with a woman named Isabelle (Flore Bonaventura) that Xavier must keep secret.

Chinese Puzzle is a messy, fragmented film about Xavier’s messy, fragmented life, but that is what makes it so appealing. There are interesting messages about love and life, the choices one makes (or is forced into), as well as parenting, happiness, and the meaning of home. The various plotlines are

all engaging, as are the large international cast of affable characters.

film, which are funnier than in the other films.

Duris spoke via Skype with me for the Bay Times about making his film.

GMK : Xav ier is a father in Chinese Puzzle. He has tender scenes with his own father and with his kids. What can you say about working with kids?

Gary M. Kramer: You alternate between comedy and drama, and do both well in Chinese Puzzle. I love the charming scenes of you teasing Mia with the frogs, or you pulling faces taking photos. But I also admire how angry you get when you try talking to your ex-wife about school uniforms. What genre do you prefer to make?

Romain Duris: I love to play in both. It’s good to be in several projects, and as an actor, it’s about creating someone, and thinking about the character and playing with that and the film’s tone. If it’s a comedy or a drama, it’s the same work.

GMK: This is your third film as Xavier Rousseau. How has he changed over the eleven years since you first played him?

RD: Cédric (Klapisch, the director) and I didn’t want Xavier to be now as he was 11 years ago. He was so naïve and immature then—discovering the world inside of him, like a baby. We couldn’t do that with him at 40 because it would have been stupid. So, I played it more seriously, and more mature. I was afraid to be the same man I was 11 years ago. But he would be funny with the situations in this

RD: I think it’s easy because you understand how to get something from them. When you play with children, you have to listen to them a lot because they are surprising. They say the lines when they want to. When you work with kids, it is easier to get the scene.

GMK: I love the line Xavier has about empty moments, like just walking with his kids being the most important and meaningful times in his life. What is a meaningful moment to you?

RD: When I’m alone, I try to paint.

Before all this s--t (working as an actor), I used to be a painter and artist.

When I have time now, I go to my studio and try to paint. I paint nudes— humoristic, pornographic scenes, like Robert Crumb. It’s a realistic nude, but with humor.

GMK: Xavier searches for happiness (as do all the characters).

Where do you find happiness?

RD: My private life with my kids and friends and travel and nature—all the basic stuff. But I find my hap(continued on page 30)

Sister Dana Sez: Words of Wisdumb From a Fun Nun make informed choices about their health; advocating for quality, affordable health care; and promoting medical strategies that prevent new infections. He thanked Deputy Executive Director for Development Henry Lucero for throwing a fabulous party. Serving up poolside realness and gorgeousness was Honey Mahogany of RuPaul’s Drag Race fame singing live from her latest album, Honey Love, two songs, “Feeling Good” and a delicious a cappella version of Adele’s “Rolling in the Deep.”

By Sister Dana Van Iquity Sister Dana sez, “A proposal to raise the federal minimum wage to $10.10, an underpinning of President Obama’s economic agenda and an issue that Democrats hope to leverage against Republicans in the midterm elections, failed in the Senate. The vote was 54 to 42. Thanks for nothing, RepubliCAN’Ts!” PROJECT INFORM held its annual summer fundraiser, SWIMWEAR FOR A CAUSE, at the Phoenix Hotel in the patio— raising over $30,000. Everything 2(X)IST has perfected in underwear (like premium fabrics and supportive, contoured fits) was translated into very comfortable swim shorts, trunks, and briefs featured on all the male models during the poolside fashion show. Guests kicked back in gorgeous outdoor decor

by CORT while enjoying amazing music by djDCM, delicious food from Chambers eat + drink, unlimited cocktails, and striking City Models strutting their stuff in swimwear from Macy’s—all to raise awareness & support for Project Inform’s life-saving mission. Now don’t take my Gay Card away, but I have to say the female models were more flashy and fun than the guys. Also, their fashions were striking; whereas there isn’t much you can do with a Speedo but pack it well.

Executive Director Dana Van Gorder explained PI’s mission: fighting the HIV and hepatitis C epidemics by assuring the development of effective treatments and a cure to reach “zero new cases and zero HIV deaths;” supporting individuals to 26

BAY TIMES M AY 1 5 , 2 0 1 4

MAITRI held their annual BLISS fundraiser, KALEIDOSCOPE OF COMPASSION, at Mission Bay Conference Center at UCSF. Executive Director Michael Smithwick spoke about Maitri’s mission: No one should have to suffer or die alone. Maitri provides compassionate residential care to men and women in need of hospice or 24-hour care, and cultivates the deepest respect and love for life among its residents and caregivers. At Maitri, they strive to provide the type of care that each of us would like to receive at the end of our lives – care that is dignified, non-judgmental, unconditional.

They hold dear the principle that each resident has the right to determine the degree of choice and awareness with which to experience life and death. The six components of Maitri’s model residential care program for people living with AIDS are: nursing and attendant care; comfortable accommodations; food and nutrition; social work case management; resident activities; and volunteer programs. Maitri is the only AIDS-specific residential care facility in California focusing on the underserved community of those dying of or severely debilitated by AIDS. Opening the event was a processional ritual by Jana Drakka and Issan’s Monks. Headlining the event were vocal performances by disco diva Freda Payne (“Band of Gold” fame) and jazz chanteuse Paula West, with performances by the Centrifugal Force flaggers and Mision Flamenca dancers.

An exuberant auction with Mark Paladini and witty banter with emcee Sister Roma made the event lively and fun. I

especially enjoyed a BLISS-ful massage by a member of San Francisco School of Massage.

KREWE DE KINQUE, the Mardi Gras themed charity fundraising club, held a Check Presentation on Cinco de Mayo at Lookout to SAN FRANCISCO NIGHT MINISTRY with $3,000 from our Bal Masque XI proceeds. Following that, we attended Night Ministry’s SACRED COCKTAILS at Lookout to hear inspiring messages to uplift the community with Gary Virginia, president of the board of Pride, to tell us all that’s new this year. Then we enjoyed a visit from Episcopal Deacon Vicki Gray about her book, Troublemaker, a collection of prophetic sermons about difficult topics, including being a transgender deacon. Next Sacred Cocktails is Monday, June 2nd, 6:30-8pm at Lookout.

For its 20th anniversary, SERIAL MOM the movie got the full Peaches Christ treatment, including an all-new stage show inspired by the movie; not to mention Misty Sutphin herself, pop culture icon RICKI LAKE, live and in person for a pre-show Q&A conducted

by Ms. Christ. We learned that director/ writer John Waters was a stickler for dialogue as written with no improv allowed.

And that Lake’s Hairspray co-star Divine was angry she couldn’t be the daughter as Lake played; she had to be the mother.

Divine, she revealed, taught her to walk in heels. Speaking of the movie, yes, Lake was upset that so many other actors played her part on Broadway and the silver screen. Her most memorable moment in her 12 years as talk show host was kicking Rev. Fred Phelps off her set after his homophobic remarks. Lake’s latest project is a documentary, Weed the People, about the healing benefits of medical cannabis.

The hilarious live show starred the very deadly D’arcy Drollinger as D’arcy Slutfin Serial Queen and Peaches Christ as Peachy Hinkle, the innocent victim of vicious, obscene crank-caller Serial Queen, who goes on a killing spree—off-

(continued on page 30)

Question Reality ARIES (March 21 – April 19) Life will be a little gentler now as you navigate a completely new landscape. Take a few short trips, and hang out in your neighborhood for some stimulating chitchat. You are very compelling to others now, as they sense the inner strength you derived from your courage in the face of the Cosmic beating you recently endured.

LEO (July 23 – August 22) You have had some family issues on your plate lately, and it’s time to speak up and take charge. However, before you can command the attention of your clan, you need to get clear about your past. You are ripe for healing the shadows of unexamined traumas from your early imprinting. Keep asking yourself the hard questions, and don’t accept the habitual answers.

better.

Astrology Linda Amburgey Listen to the whisper of the Universe and echo what you hear with a gentle tongue. The present beckons us to bring a childlike curiosity into our everyday life, thus dissolving fixed and ridged perceptions of reality.

Seeing with our eyes is only one version of sight, and the veil is thin enough now, making it possible to peer into mystical poppy fields with clarity and Presence.

Synchronicity is nothing more than the Universe speaking back to you. Let your muzzy mind melt the division between ordinary reality and non-ordinary reality, while choosing tender poetic gestures and words to mend any rifts recently created in relationships. Question reality, and remember that the answers will find you when you allow yourself not to know.

TAURUS (April 20 – May 20) Your material life is swollen with potential to fuse your visions and dreams with your day-to-day resources. Dream big. Ask for what you want. Don’t be afraid to diverge from your routines! The space in between may seem empty at first, but you will soon see that it is a cornucopia of manifesting miracles.

GEMINI (May 21 – June 20) Pay attention to your health right now. You are going to need a clean healthy vessel to carry out the dream that is finally starting to manifest. Your clever charm and playfulness is evident and visible, rendering you irresistible to others right now.

You have the talking stick and the full attention of the tribe. If you hide yourself now, you’ll hush your dreams...so express, express, express yourself!

CANCER (June 21 – July 22) Chaos is the precursor to change, and you have had plenty of it! Have a little fun with the new landscape mid month and don’t take any of it too seriously. Soon the portal leads you out of the busy-ness of everyday life, and into the realm of the mystical. I see you resting in your new spiritual home, and thankful that you finally have a little peace and quiet to nurture yourself back to well being.

VIRGO (August 23 – September 22) With the lingering affects of money issues still circling your space, you will be happy to know that you are up for recognition in your career. Your vision is going public, and important people that can assist you are taking notice. This will potentially set you up for financial recovery. Consider working in partnership, but be crystal clear with boundaries.

LIBRA (September 23 – October 22) You need a spiritual mentor after what you have been through. Your life may seem like an ayahuasca trip with violent purges followed by mystical insights. Keep trudging down the yellow brick road even if you have to travel it alone. Your primary relationship right now is with yourself and God.

SCORPIO (October 23 – November 21) You need to place your keen instincts on high. I don’t want you to be paranoid, but please go over contracts and financial agreements carefully. Some aspects of the deal may be hidden, misleading, or just plain deceptive. Complete transparency is a difficult and necessary challenge that may leave you feeling exposed and vulnerable. Make it an imperative!

SAGITTARIUS (November 22 – December 21) Your experience of home and family is shifting in your consciousness. Mental clarity will temporarily evade you, so do not grab and manifest the first vision that crosses your sight.

Significant relationships may be showing you a higher way to love. Sometimes sacrifice and service are our highest options.

CAPRICORN (December 22 – January 19) The Universe may deliver information about your health that is encoded with messages about your work and home life.

Heed the warnings your physical body is giving you by taking action in your career without ignoring your home and family.

Yep, that’s a full plate. Hence, tune into the subtleties of your vessel so you do not crash or implode.

AQUARIUS (January 20 – February 18) This is a highly creative time for you. Surround yourself with imaginative people, and delve a little into messy humane pleasures. Although recognition and achievement are likely to follow, stay present to the pure expression of your creative channel. Look to children and dogs for inspiration if you are too mentally lofty to grasp this concept.

PISCES (February 19 – March 20) Your inner vision is pacing at the front door of your house.

This door is where you meet and greet the earthly world, so be ready for the manifestations of your dreams. Your physical home needs to mirror your internal home, as it is your launching pad and central communication station. Don’t keep your creative works in the cave. Burst through that front door!

Linda Amburgey has owned Crystal Way Metaphysical Center for 11 years, and has been an Intuitive Reader for 20 years. To book readings, or on-going counseling for couples, individuals or parties, please e-mail her at ConsciousCounsel@gmail.com or call 415-218-5096.

As Heard on the Street . . .

AL L PHOTOS BY RIN K

compiled by Rink Do you think that a woman should be president? Who do you think should be on the list?

Marco Middlesex

Jelena Ristic

Vincent Costa

Rev. Dana Wheeler

Keith Hollander

“Ellen DeGeneres”

“Oprah Winfrey”

“Kara Emry, who stars in ‘Pearls Over Shanghai’ at the Hypnodrome Theatre.”

“Hillary Clinton, and her fine work as Secretary of State proves that she can be president.”

“Angelina Jolie”

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27

See many more Calendar items @ www.sfbaytimes.com

compiled by Robert Fuggiti

Dracula – Shelton Theater. $30. 8 pm. (533 Sutter St.) www.sheltontheater.org. Enjoy a new adaptation of Bram Stoker’s Dracula.

Faux Girls– Infusion Lounge. Free.

7 pm. (124 Ellis St.) www.fauxgirls. com. Experience a unique drag and cabaret performance every third Thursday of the month.

Comedy Returns to El Rio – El Rio. $20. 8 pm. (3158 Mission St.) www.elriosf.com. Now celebrating its 5th anniversary, this monthly, multicultural comedy show features an eclectic mix of comedians from around the Bay Area and beyond.

Mike Daisey: American Utopias – Yerba Buena Center. $30. 12 pm to 6 pm. (701 Mission St.) www.ybca.org. Mike Daisey’s groundbreaking monologues weave together autobiography, gonzo journalism, and unscripted performance to tell hilarious and heartbreaking stories.

Du Barry Was a Lady – The Eureka Theatre. $25-$75. 7 pm.

(215 Jackson St.) www.42stmoon. org. Concluding its 21st season, 42nd Street Moon presents Cole Porter’s saucy Du Barry Was a Lady starring famed comedian, writer, and actor Bruce Vilanch Some Thing – The Stud. $5. 10 pm. (399 9th St.) www.studsf.com.

A uniquely themed party every Friday night, with drag performances at 11 pm.

The final performance of “Sleeping Cutie” will be at the Thick House on May 21.

The Color Purple – Hillbarn Theatre. $23-$38. 8 pm. (1285 East Hillsdale Blvd., Foster City) www. hillbarntheatre.org. An inspiring family saga that tells the unforgettable story of Celie, a downtrodden woman who – through love – finds the strength to triumph over adversity and finds her voice.

Purity Ring – Mezzanie. $20. 9 pm. (444 Jessie St.) www.purityring. com. Purity Ring is a Halifax/ Montreal-based duo drawing equally from airy 90s R&B, lush dream pop, and the powerful, bone-rattling immediacy of modern hip hop.

Midnight Show – Divas. $10. 10 pm. (1081 Post St.) www.divassf. com. The premier transgender club in San Francisco, with live DJs and performances.

Open Your Heart, Embody Love – Osher Marin JCC. $97. 10 am to 6 pm. (200 N. San Pedro Rd., San Rafael) www.chicenter.org. An exciting event focused on cultivating a happy and healthy heart and vibrant relationships through Qigong.

Bay to Breakers 2014 – Starting Line. $59. 8 am. (300 Howard St.) www.baytobreakers. com. Enjoy the 2014 Annual Bay to Breakers race.

South Pacific – Cushing Memorial Amphitheatre. $40. 2 pm.

(1556 Fourth Street, Suite B, San Rafael) www.mountainplay.org. An outdoor performance adapted from the Pulitzer Prize winning novel Tales of the South Pacific by James A. Michener.

Formerly Married Bi/Gay Men’s Support Group – SF GLBT Center. Free. 7:30 pm to 9:30 pm. (1800 Market St.) www. sfcenter.org. This is a peer led support group for men who have had significant relationships with a woman, and who have experienced same sex attraction.

A Lie of the Mind – A.C.T.’s Costume Shop. $30. 7 pm (1119 28

BAY TIMES M AY 1 5 , 2 0 1 4

Market St.) www.act-sf.org. Told in three acts set in the gritty American West, A Lie of the Mind tells the story of two families after a severe incident of spousal abuse leaves all their lives altered.

LGBTQ Support Group – Petaluma Health Center. Free. 5:30 pm to 6:30 pm. (1179 N. McDowell Blvd., Petaluma) www.phealthcenter.org. A positive support group for the LGBTQ community in Petaluma. Meetings happen every Monday.

The Crucible – Gough Street Playhouse. $15-$35. 8 pm. (1620 Gough St.) www.customamade.org.

Arthur Miller’s gripping tale of the 17th century Salem witch trials is his allegory for the infamous McCarthy hearings of the 1950s.

Funny Tuesdays – Harvey’s.

Free. 9 pm. (500 Castro St.) www. harveyssf.com. Ronn Vigh hosts an LGBT comedy night.

Meow Mix – The Stud. Free. 9 pm. (399 9th St.) www.studsf.com.

A weekly cabaret variety show with drink specials.

pm. (Noe St. at Market) www. pcfma.com. Enjoy fresh produce and local made foods and delicacies.

Happening every Wednesday.

The Monster Show – The Edge. $5. 10 pm. (4149 18th St.) www. qbar.com/edge. This small, friendly neighborhood bar welcomes Cookie Dough and her unpredictable cast for a wild show.

Trivia Night – Hi Tops. Free. 10 pm. (2247 Market St.) www. hitopssf.com. Test your trivia knowledge at this popular sports bar.

Block Party – Midnight Sun. Free. 9 pm. (4067 18th St.) www. midnightsunsf.com. Enjoy weekly screenings of your favorite music videos

As You Like It – Novato Theater Company. $25. 7:30 pm. (5420 Nave Drive, Suite C, Novato) www. novatotheatercompany.org. A gleeful comedy of love and loyalty that tells a timeless tale, but this time in the 1960’s.

Sleeping Cutie – Thick House. $30-$40. 2 pm. (1695 18th St.) www.thickhouse.org. A new musical and modern-day fairy tale in two acts, with music by Doug Katsaros. Final extension.

Candlelight Flow Community Yoga – LGBT Center. Free. 7 pm to 8 pm. (1800 Market St.)www.sfcenter.org.

Replenish your energy level with this weekly “Candlelight Flow” class.

Castro Farmers’ Market – Noe St. at Market. Free. 4 pm to 8

Join Ellen Robinson for a Beatles Choir on May 25 at the California Jazz Conservatory.

Much Ado About Nothing – Buriel Clay Theater. $25. 3 pm. (762 Webster) www.african-americanshakes.org. African-American Shakespeare Company stages Shakespeare’s celebration of the joy of love and the power of redemption.

ten different pulsating stories from women who love the way you love, living life on the edge, exploring sexuality uninhibited. Through June 15.

Smack Dab Open Mic Night – Magnet. Free. 8 pm. (4122 18th St.) www.magnetsf.org. An open mic night for all with host Larrybob Roberts.

Fever – Endup. $20. 10 pm to 10 am. (401 6th St.) www.theendup. com. An all night dance party with guest DJs late into the night.

Hot Boxxx Girls – Aunt Charlie’s. $3. 10 pm. (133 Turk St.) www.thehotboxxxgirls.com. This eclectic bar in the heart of the Tenderloin hosts a lively drag shows with a variety of local talent Carnaval San Francisco 2014 – The Mission. Free. 9:30 am. (24th St. and Harrison) www.carnavalsanfrancisco.org. This year’s theme of the 36th Annual Carnaval is La Rumba de la Copa Mundial – Celebration of the World Cup. Midnight Show – Divas. $10. 10 pm. (1081 Post St.) www.divassf. com. The premier transgender club in San Francisco, with live DJs and performances.

Beatles Choir with Ellen Robinson – California Jazz Conservatory. $150. 11 pm. (2087 Addison St.) www.jazzschool.org.

Sing the timeless music of the Beatles in 3 and 4-part harmony and enjoy their songs in a whole new way.

“Walk Like A Man” will be at the Costume Shop through June 15.

Mahogany Mondays – Midnight Sun. Free. 8 pm. (4067 18th St.) www.midnightsunsf.com.

A live drag variety show with $5 drink specials all evening.

Motown Monday – Madrone Art Bar. Free. 6 pm. (500 Divisadero St.) www.madroneartbar.com.

Dance the night away to your favorite Motown songs and remixes.

Switch – Q Bar. $5. 10 pm to 2 am.

(456 Castro St.) www.qbarsf.com. A weekly lesbian dance party.

Trivia Night – Hi Tops. Free. 10 pm. (2247 Market St.) www.hitopssf. com. Test your trivia knowledge at this popular sports bar.

Beach Blanket Babylon – Club Fugazi. $25-$130. 8 pm. (678 Green St.) www.beachblanketbabylon.com.

Enjoy Steve Silver’s famous musical revue packed with hilarious pop culture and political antics.

Johnny Mathis – Marin Veterans’ Memorial Auditorium. $75-$150. 8 pm. (10 Avenue of the Flags, San Rafael) www.tickets.marincenter. org. A live performance by legendary Johnny Mathis with 28 piece orchestra.

Walk Like A Man – The Costume Shop. $15. 8 pm. (1117 Market St.) www.therhino.org.

Strap on your attitude and dive into

Sunday’s a Drag Brunch – The Starlight Room. 12 pm to 2:30 pm. (450 Powell St.) www.starlightroomsf.com. Donna Sachet host an elegant brunch with modern dance numbers, classic singing, and hilarious comedy.

Jock – Lookout. $2. 3 pm to 9 pm.

(3600 16th St.) www.lookoutsf. com. A weekly fundraising party for Bay Area LGBT sports groups.

Wanted – Q Bar. Free. 10 pm to 2 am. (456 Castro St.) www.sfwanted.com. Enjoy a night of dance and electronic music along with $2 drink specials.

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29

THE RICHMOND/ERMET AIDS FOUNDATION PRESENTS

featuring company members from the Broadway touring cast of

Plus special guest

(DO ASK, DO TELL continued from page 8) When I served in the Navy, I felt my shipmates were a family to me; we looked out for one another. And when I came out publicly as a lesbian to the military in 1993 and faced discharge—in a way becoming disowned by that family—it was the LGBT community who embraced and supported me. Several organizations stepped up and helped me in both my legal and personal battle to stay in the service: NGLTF, HRC, SLDN, and the National Center for Lesbian Rights (NCLR), to name a few.

I vividly remember meeting NCLR’s young, energetic Executive Director, Kate Kendell. She and her staff helped publicize my case and advised on our legal strategy. NCLR is far and away one of the most effective LGBT non-profits, with a winning combination of front line legal services, class action litigation, and cutting edge policy work. As the NCLR Anniversary Celebration takes place this weekend in San Francisco, I want to acknowledge how proud I am to be a member of their family. They may not

(LYON MARTIN continued from page 10) program for transgender individuals health programs, we believe our proin California. In the fiscal year that grams will be stronger together. Bringended June 2013, HealthRIGHT 360 ing Lyon-Martin into the HR360 famprovided direct services to 23,911 indi- ily gives us the opportunity to expand viduals, offering 45 different programs and enrich care for women and LGin 6 California counties.

BTQ individuals.”

ERICH BERGEN (Jersey Boys) & DAVID BURNHAM (Wicked) Benefiting The Richmond/Ermet AIDS Foundation and Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS

M O N D AY, J U N E 3 0 • 7 : 3 0 P M

CLUB FUGAZI

HOME OF BEACH BLANKET BABYLON

Tickets: Call Beach Blanket Babylon Box Office

415.421.4222

A limited number of tickets are also available for the dessert party with the cast after the show for an additiona $25/person.

SPONSORED BY:

“As a proud lesbian and long-time admirer of Lyon-Martin Health Services, I’m excited to welcome the health center to HealthRIGHT 360,” commented Dr. Vitka Eisen, CEO of HealthRIGHT 360. “Given the current economic climate facing community

The Board of Directors for each organization will vote on the proposed merger later this month. Lyon- Martin Health Services will retain its name and current location at 1748 Market Street in San Francisco. No disruptions or changes in service will be ex-

(ROSTOW continued from page 15) And in Arkansas, a May 9 state court ruling in favor of marriage equality has opened a window for a couple hundred weddings as state officials scramble to shut down the parade.

Google, but no. Michael Sam’s brief televised kiss during the NFL draft was all the rage instead. Hey, I get it.

But still.

You would think that oral arguments before one of the nation’s highest courts, and/or legal marriages in Arkansas would lead the “gay” news on (FILM continued from page 26) piness inside my work and when you do a scene and have a magical thing happen…I’m happy when I feel that magic.

GMK: Xavier donates sperm to help his lesbian best friend have a baby. Is that something you would do for your closest friend?

RD: (Laughs.) For closest friends— very close friends—maybe.

I gather another pro football player sent a disgusted tweet into cyberspace, writing “horrible” at the sight of the man-on-man lip lock. The league fined him and he apologized in yet

show up in my ancestral vineyard, or generate a shaking leaf, but they were there for me and are family to me.

I can’t wait to celebrate with all my distant cousins this weekend. I hope to see you there!

Zoe Dunning is a retired Navy Commander and was a lead activist in the repeal of Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell. She currently serves as the 1st Vice Chair of the San Francisco Democratic Party and is Co-Chair of the Board of Directors for the Alice B. Toklas LGBT Democratic Club. perienced by Lyon-Martin patients, who will continue to receive care from the same providers.

Members of the community are invited to learn more about this proposed plan at a Town Hall meeting on Thursday, May 22, at 6:30 pm at the SF LGBT Center. For more information about each organization online, please see w w w.lyon-martin.org and w w w. healthright360.org Source: Lyon-Martin Health Services another example of the new zero tolerance for antigay rhetoric that now characterizes American social discourse. Politically correct? Maybe. But we’ve spent so many decades being on the other side of American groupthink that I believe we have earned our turn in the sunlight of majority opinion. arostow@aol.com

GMK: Xavier says he has trouble with point B when going from point A to B. How have you imagined your career and life trajectory?

it. It’s not that I’ve done three comedies so I must do a drama. It’s really a question of falling in love with the part and the character. I try to be very pure.

RD: I don’t have any arc or plans. I read scripts and try to do the more honest ones. When I choose a story, or read a good book, something is happening inside me. There are no words, just a sensation, a feeling you want to take the character and go for

© 2014 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.” You can follow him on Twitter @garymkramer.

(SISTER DANA continued from page 26)

A . C . T .’ S 2 0 1 4 S E A S O N G A L A

ing drag rule-breakers and the impolite.

Victims included Peggy L’eggs as Little Orphan Tranny with her dog Sandy (played by Cousin Wonderlette); Lady Bear (as “Pussy Willows” Rosemary); and James Arthur M (Scotty the perverted tucker-sucker). The show also featured the fantastic and erotic SexiTude company of over two dozen as the Dancing Suburbanites doing their clever choreography to Barry Manilow’s “Daybreak,” just like the movie; as well as the most apropos “Maniac” from Flashdance) - each dancer individually stabbed by Slutfin, and a bizarre appearance by Camel Lips (four lip-synching punk DQs with visible camel toe). The show totally KILLED! Whenever Peaches puts on a show, be sure not to miss it, because it is always FIERCE! CUMMING UP!!!

The NATIONA L CENTER FOR LESBIAN RIGHTS (NCLR) is proud to announce that it will honor several heroes— including actor Meredith Baxter for her LGBTQ advocacy, and survivors of so-called “reparative therapy” for their courage in speaking out to protect other LGBTQ youth—in the movement for queer equality at its 2014 ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATION on May 17th, 8pm at San Francisco’s City View at Metreon. NCLR’s annual signature event attracts a sell-out crowd of 1,500 people from across the country to celebrate victories in the movement for LGBTQ equality, and to honor those who have become role models through their unfailing commitment to justice. Well-known political humorist Kate Clinton is returning for a command performance as emcee. nclrights.org

FLEISHHACKER MAGNIN SW IG A . C . T.’ S

M A D

M A D

T H E U N TOL D S TORY OF A.C.T.’S FO UN D IN G: A M USI CAL

Sunday, May 18, 2014 The Regency, San Francisco 30

RESERVE BAY TIMES YOUR M AY 1 5SEATS , 2014

TODAY! act-sf.org/gala | 415.439.2470 Nancy Sawyer Hasson and Fred M. Levin

CUAV (Community United Against

MViolence) E Nand their members are at the forefront of redefining approaches to

LGBTQ safety. From the “White Night Riots” of 1979 to challenging the systems that criminalize us in 2014, CUAV has been strapping on LGBTQ safety! Come celebrate CUAV’s 35 years of powerful work in our community at their 35TH ANNIVERSARY OPEN HOUSE on

Thursday, May 22nd, 6:30-9pm at HQ 427 South Van Ness. cuav.org Back by popular demand, GREASE SING-A-LONG returns to the Castro Theatre for what has become a Memorial Day weekend tradition. From Friday, May 23rd, through Monday, May 26th, audiences will don their best Grease-inspired costumes and warm up their vocal chords to participate in this much-anticipated special event. Hosted by Laurie Bushman and Sara Moore, the interactive event includes goody bags to get the audience in the Rydell High school spirit.

Friday 7pm, Sat-Mon 2:30 and 7pm. castrotheatre.com Drawing on materials from the personal archives of longtime bisexual activists as well as the holdings of the GLBT HISTORICAL SOCIETY’s archives, the BICONIC FLASHPOINTS: 4 DECADES OF BAY AREA BISEXUAL POLITICS exhibit will showcase neverdisplayed artifacts, video, and photos from key moments in the Bay Area’s bisexual political history. The show, Thursday, May 29th at 7- 9pm, is part of an ongoing series in The GLBT History Museum’s Community Gallery that partner community curators with exhibitions professionals to create new perspectives on Bay Area queer history. The curators include: Lani Ka’ahumanu, a BiPOL founding organizer, co-editor of Bi Any Other Name; activist, poet, educator, performer and visionary grandmother Emily Drennen, an outspoken bisexual and sustainable transportation advocate who loves spending time with her wife, Lindasusan Ulrich, a writer, musician, activist, and future Unitarian Universalist minister dedicated to a vision of radical welcome, and their foster-adopt son; and Martin Rawlings-Fein, a published author, bisexual and trans activist, filmmaker, and Jewish educator studying to become a rabbi. Museum is at 4127 18th Street and Castro. glbthistory.org A&PI WELLNESS CENTER is excited to present their 7th annual BLOOM gala on Thursday, May 29th, 6:30-9:30pm at

the City View Metreon, 135 Fourth Street, 4th Floor. Bloom is a cocktail gala designed for your enjoyment, benefiting our San Francisco communities. All proceeds directly benefit their programs that transform lives by advancing health, wellness, and equality for people of all races, ethnicities, sexual orientations, gender identities, and immigration statuses. They believe everyone deserves to be healthy and needs access to the highest quality health care.

At A&PI Wellness Center, health care is grounded in social justice. apiwellness.org Justin Hall, Ed Luce, and Jon Macy are the May artists at MAGNET, the gay and bi men’s hub of health and wellbeing in the Castro. They are presenting a gay comics’ three-way for your viewing pleasure. Stop by Magnet at 4122 18th and Castro to check out their work on the wall.

ConDRAGulations to Miss Conchita Wurst, who won the impressive (otherwise straight appearing) Eurovision contest (the most popular music contest in all of Europe) in Italy for his magnificent singing to “Rise Like a Phoenix,” dressed in immaculate gown and beard with a voice from heaven above! Ms. Wurst’s words as she accepted the trophy: “This night is dedicated to everyone who believes in a future of peace and freedom. You know who you are. We are unstoppable.” Awesome!

Oh, and good for you, Michael Sam, openly gay football player who got drafted by the St. Louis Rams! Touchdown!

Sister Dana sez, “ Today CEOs get paid 354 times more than the typical worker. Back in the 1980s, CEOs only got 42 times more—one of the reasons the economy used to work better for everyone. This growing income gap between the working poor and wealthy is the greatest threat to our country’s economy, growth, and stability. The only way Americans are going to have a fair shot is if we do something to control the unreasonable CEO-to-worker pay ratio, and California has a unique opportunity to lead the nation and reverse this growing trend. Tell state legislators to support SB 1372 to raise taxes on corporations that pay their CEOs royally and treat their workers like serfs!”

Dancers Alysia Chang (of the Oakland Ballet) and Rayshawn “Looney” Thompson (of the Turffeinz).

PHOTO C OURT ESY OF OAK L AN D BAL L ET

Artist Keith Hollander’s “Inspiring Faces: A Graphic Abstraction” is on exhibition in the art space at 554 Castro Street.

Photographer Thea Dodds and GayWeddings.com’s Kathryn Hamm presented their book “The New Art of Capturing Love: The Essential Guide to Lesbian and Gay Wedding Photography” at Books Inc Castro.

Comics creator Ed Luce and sculptor Mark Paron welcomed guests at Magnet to the viewing of the new exhibit “Gay Comics 3-Way Art Opening.”

P HOTO BY R I NK

PHOTO BY RIN K

Closing night of the Festival featured the film Alex of Venice.

Among the VIPs and celebrities attending were director Chris Messina, Katie Nehra, Don Johnson and Mary Elizabeth Winstead.

PHOTO BY RIN K

Executive Director Noah Cowan welcomed guests during the opening of the 57th Annual San Francisco International Film Festival presented by the SF Film Society.

PHOTO BY RIN K

PHOTO BY STEVEN UN DERHIL L

PHOTO BY STEVEN UN DERHIL L

PHOTO C OURT ESY OF OAK L AN D BAL L ET

The Oakland Ballet’s 2014 Oakland-esque Gala was held at the beautiful Bellevue Club at Lake Merritt. Opened by Mayor Jean Quan, host Cheryl Jennings of ABC7 News, and event chair America Foy, the evening included a reception, silent auction, and dinner. An audience pleaser was the performance of an excerpt from a unique new work by Graham Lustig entitled “Turfland” with music by artists MC Hammer, Lexie Cole and Looney.

P HOTO BY D AVID DESILVA

P H OTO C O URT E SY O F O AK LAN D B ALLE T

Round About – All Over Town

Krewe de Kinque members celebrated the presentation of funds, raised at their successful Mardi Gras event, in support of the San Francisco Night Ministry’s work for people in need.

Of course, the primary is only the first round, and these two candidates will continue to slog at it for five more months after the last primary vote is cast. But so far, David Campos has executed nearly perfectly, and it seems to me that David Chiu has stumbled. Who knows? This time, David might actually beat Goliath.

Rafael Mandelman was elected to the San Francisco Community College Board of Trustees in 2012. He is a partner at Burke, Williams & Sorensen, LLP.

Plans for the upcoming Documentary Film Festival, to be held June 5-19, were presented at a press conference and screening held at the Roxie Theatre. Introduced by programmers Chris Metzler and Jennifer Morris and festival director Jeff Ross, the screening presented “The Internet’s Own Boy: The Story of Aaron Swartz.”

P H OTO B Y ST E VEN UN DER H I LL

What I did not expect was that the Chiu campaign would allow Campos to hit them so hard for so long without responding. Campos’ mail has been pretty devastating, painting Chiu as the corporate lobbyists’ “best friend” and reframing his penchant for compromise— one of Chiu’s strong selling points—as a liability in the corrupt swamp of Sacramento politics. Chiu’s campaign appears to have finally woken up and begun to hit Campos back with some nasty (and quite inaccurate) claims of its own, but it’s all coming about two weeks too late, and in politics, that is a very long time.

PH OTO BY R I NK

(A SAN FRANCISCO DEMOCRAT continued from page 8)

Gay Pocket hosted a fundraiser at Truck Bar benefiting Theatre Rhino. The evening included contestants who competed in the Gay Model Search.

BAY T IM ES M AY 15, 2014

31

VOTE ELECTION ENDORSEMENTS JUNE 3

“

Alice stood with me from day one for our common goals of LGBT rights and a smart justice system.

Alice and I know David Chiu will be a strong voice for the these goals in the Assembly. Be sure to vote in this important election on June 3.

”

Kamala Harris, State attorney General

STATe ASSemBLy DiSTriCT 17 david chiu candidates

local ballot measures YEs

Controller Betty Yee

Superior Court Judge Office 20 Kimberly Toney Williams

Governor Jerry Brown

Insurance Commissioner Dave Jones

Lieutenant Governor Gavin Newsom

Board of Equalization District 2 Fiona Ma

State Attorney General Kamala Harris

Superintendent of Public Instruction Tom Torlakson

Treasurer John Chiang

State Assembly District 19 Phil Ting

PROP A: Rebuilds San Francisco’s infrastructure to be disaster ready.

NO Prop. B will impede production of new housing throughout SF and could lead to back room deals made without environmental impact reports and contributions for affordable housing, transit, parks and schools.

Paid for by Alice B. Toklas LGBT Democratic Club PAC, FPPC #842018.

Get Involved, Get Our Endorsements

www.aliceBToklas.org

Building Coalitions in San Francisco for Over 40 Years

state ballot measures YEs

YEs

PROP 41: Provides housing for California’s homeless veterans.

PROP 42: Protects transparency in local government.