San Francisco Bay Times - September 25, 2025

Robin Williams (1951–2014)

Amy Boyd

Marcus Williams

Binya Kóatz

DeAnne Smith

Karen Ripley

Marga Gomez

Nebulous Niang

Karinda Dobbins

Scott Capurro

Wonder Dave

Tom Ammiano

Comedy, Free Speech, and the ‘Right to Offend’

The ‘Right to Offend’ and the Legacy of Charlie Kirk

The day before rightwing activist and Turning Point USA

Co-Founder Charlie Kirk was assassinated on September 10, 2025, he texted the following to civil rights advocate and CNN host Van Jones: “Hey, Van, I mean it, I’d love to have you on my show to have a respectful conversation about crime and race. I would be a gentleman as I know you would be as well. We can disagree about the issues agreeably.”

“preventing speech expressing ideas that offend” and reaffirmed that protecting “the thought that we hate” is the “proudest boast of our free speech jurisprudence.”

The words call to mind what Kirk tweeted in 2024: “Hate speech does not exist legally in America. There’s ugly speech. There’s gross speech. There’s evil speech. And ALL of it is protected by the First Amendment.”

The First Amendment does not include the phrase “hate speech” or any of the other forms Kirk mentioned. It instead holds that “Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances.”

“Speech” is interpreted broadly to include spoken and written words, as well as symbolic acts like protests or what a person reads or wears. The Supreme Court has ruled that there is no exception in the First Amendment for “hate speech” as a category of unprotected speech.

Landmark Supreme Court Cases

Establishing the ‘Right to Offend’

The U.S. Supreme Court is responsible for upholding the Constitution, and therefore the First Amendment, through its power of judicial review. It can declare laws and executive actions unconstitutional. It is also the guardian and interpreter of the nation’s founding document.

The Supreme Court over the decades has consistently held that speech cannot be prohibited simply because it is considered offensive, repugnant, or hateful by anyone. Here are just some of the many cases that have established the right to offend:

Cohen v. California (1971): The Court overturned the conviction of a man arrested for wearing a jacket that read “F--k the Draft” inside a courthouse. Justice John Marshall Harlan wrote that “one man’s vulgarity is another’s lyric,” establishing that offensive language is protected speech. The ruling emphasized that the government cannot be an all-powerful censor simply because some people find certain speech offensive.

Matal v. Tam (2017): The Court struck down a federal law that prohibited the registration of trademarks considered “disparaging.” In his majority opinion, Justice Samuel Alito wrote that the government has no business

Snyder v. Phelps (2011): The Court ruled in favor of the Westboro Baptist Church, which had picketed a soldier’s funeral with signs some deemed offensive. Chief Justice John Roberts stated that, while the speech was hurtful, the First Amendment required the Court to “shield Westboro from tort liability” to ensure public debate is not stifled.

Texas v. Johnson (1989): The Court affirmed that even offensive symbolic speech, such as burning the American flag, is protected by the First Amendment.

When Offensive Speech Is Not Protected

The Supreme Court has, however, established boundaries for when “offensive” speech is not protected. These include: Incitement to Imminent Lawless Action Speech that directly encourages immediate illegal activity is not protected.

True Threats

Speech that constitutes a serious threat of bodily harm to a specific person or group is unprotected.

“Fighting Words”

Speech that is likely to provoke an immediate violent reaction may not be protected.

Obscenity

Sexually explicit material that meets the strict legal definition of obscenity is not protected.

Defamation

False statements of fact that harm another’s reputation can be restricted.

Child Pornography

This is an unprotected category of speech. The First Amendment and Deliberate Misgendering

It is beyond evident that there are many instances, and particularly under the current administration, when speech has been wielded against the LGBTQ+ community. One subject heavily up for debate in recent years addresses the usage of an individual’s preferred pronouns. Kirk often referred to his concerns about using “pronouns that aren’t true,” aligned with his beliefs about gender and biological sex. This debate is therefore strongly tied to transgender rights.

Attorney Molly Dower of The Legal Aid Society explains this matter’s importance: “Our names and pronouns are personal and powerful. They reflect our identities and provide a vehicle for self-definition. Using someone’s name and pronouns is an act of recognition. Conversely, deliberate misgendering, or the intentional ‘assignment of a gender with which a party does not identify,’ is an act of hostility.”

Shouldn’t misgendering then be considered unprotected speech? In a seminal piece, “Beyond Offense: Why the First Amendment Does Not Protect Deliberate Misgendering” ( https://bit.ly/4ngFGJf ), Dower provides a detailed look at the legal debate as it stands now nationally.

As she writes, “Relying largely on the marketplace metaphor, the Court has enshrined a constitutional right to offend. In doing so, the Court has armed conservative opponents to antidiscrimination laws prohibiting deliberate misgendering with a powerful sword that is being used with increasing frequency, as conservative opponents of these laws use the First Amendment to assert a constitutionally protected right to deliberately misgender others as an expression of an (offensive) viewpoint.”

Beyond Government Censorship

The First Amendment protects citizens from government censorship, but not restrictions from private entities like businesses or social media platforms. Private companies can restrict employee speech in the workplace or censor user content on their platforms, as long as their actions don’t violate other laws, such as anti-discrimination statutes or laws protecting “concerted activity” for workers.

Examples of company speech restrictions include:

Workplace Policies

Employers can establish policies that restrict

employee speech, including political or controversial statements, without infringing on the First Amendment.

Social Media Policies

Companies can create policies to regulate what employees post on social media, even when the speech occurs on personal time.

Content Moderation

Social media platforms can remove content or ban users from their platforms because they are private entities with their own terms of service. In addition to content moderation, they also use algorithms to promote or demote content based on engagement and other factors, thereby shaping which voices are heard. Truth Social was purported to be a model of less invasive content moderation, but, in recent months, artificial intelligence is being used more heavily to assist human moderators in flagging and reviewing potentially prohibited content. The consumer rights group Public Citizen and others have argued that such content oversight contradicts the platform’s “minimal content moderation” promise. Interestingly, Truth Social’s cloud-based AI originates from the San Francisco-based tech company Hive. California and certain other states, however, have their own legal protections that offer more speech rights to employees than the First Amendment alone provides. For a good summary of these rights in California, along with others pertaining especially to the LGBTQ+ community, go to: https://oag.ca.gov/lgbtq/rights

Regarding the display of Pride flags, President Trump has heightened his rhetoric in recent weeks, equating these flags to

(continued on page 22)

Brad Chapin (left) of the Harvey Milk Club and Andy Stone (far right) were among those protesting ABC during the Castro Night Market on September 19, 2025.

Attorney Molly Dower

Former California State Assemblymember, LGBTQ+ activist, and stand-up comic Tom Ammiano was the first individual ever to be featured on the cover of the San Francisco Bay Times. That was back in 1978, and he is still going strong and giving others hope—and laughs—during a time of right-wing-fueled cancel culture. He says, “The more s--t you give us, the stronger we get. And every good comic will take any kind of adversity and turn it into comic gold.”

As Ammiano suggests, the more authoritarian a government is, the more risks comedians may have to take. That has been true since at least the Roman Era, when comics and other performers faced punishment depending on the nature of their work and the political climate of the time. Early Roman law from around 450 BCE included harsh punishments for libel and slander. This was during a period, though, when women could be jailed for crying at a funeral, people could be punished by death for wearing purple (a color reserved for the emperor), and laws governed where people had to sit at a banquet, depending on social status.

And yet it seems like, over 2000 years later, we are collectively regressing in terms of personal liberties. The brutal assassination of Charlie Kirk by what appears to have been a single deranged individual on September 10, 2025, has given rise to a right-wing cancel culture once primarily associated with foreign dictatorships. As part of this onslaught, popular comic hosts Stephen Colbert and Jimmy Kimmel are both facing severe career repercussions after speaking out against the Trump administration and the MAGA movement.

says, “I live for the in-person, shared experience and there’s nothing like a darkened room full of strangers feeling something at the same time.”

https://bit.ly/47UXiWm

Scott Capurro

A local comedy legend for decades, Capurro is also nationally known for his comic prowess and memorable film roles such as playing the make-up man (“Aunt Jack”) for Robin Williams’ lead character in Mrs. Doubtfire and “Beed” in a Star Wars film and video game. https://scottcapurro.com/

Wonder Dave

Wonder Dave has toured the country performing at comedy clubs, colleges, cabarets, comic and science fiction conventions, burlesque shows, theaters, strip clubs ... and bowling alleys. Wonder Dave also hosts and produces the Safe Words Showcase - Queer Sex Positive Comedy, SMILF - Straight Men I’d Like to Friend, and more.

https://www.teamwonderdave.com/

up comics in the nation. She has appeared on LOGO’s One Night Stand Up, Showtime’s Latino Laugh Festival, Comedy Central’s Out There, and HBO’s Comic Relief at the invitation of the late Robin Williams who called her “Amazing ... a lesbian Lenny Bruce.” https://www.margagomez.com/

Binya Kóatz

Binya Kóatz is a self-described “Sefardi/ Ashki/ Moroccan/ Argentinean/ Ukranian/ French trans Jewish torah-lover,” who runs a queer Yeshiva (Shel Maala), performs stand-up comedy (@binya_donethat) and sings and dances with her foremothers. She revels in languages, and can’t believe the radical gay anarchist tradition she’s been tasked with carrying forth. https://bit.ly/46tEOtw Nebulous Niang

DeAnne Smith

Internationally known comedian DeAnne Smith has dual Canadian-U.S. citizenship and has performed at comedy clubs around the Bay Area and world. Their television credits include Last Comic Standing, and The Late Late Show in the U.S., as well as appearances on CBC, ABC, and BBC. They are also the host of the With a Twist comedy show.

https://www.deannesmith.com/

Marcus Williams

Fellow comic Jon Stewart offers perspective: “Comedy doesn’t change the world, but it’s a bellwether. We’re the banana peel in the coal mine. When a society is under threat, comedians are the ones who get sent away first.” Both the far-left and the far-right have, especially in recent years, battled to control “free speech.” Cutting through this have been brave comics, offering insights through satire and using humor to engage, challenge, and connect people at fundamental levels. As LGBTQ+ Bay Area comics demonstrate, humor has the ability to address serious issues while disarming tension and fostering social bonds, making it a force for mental, social, and political change. Here are just some of these local talents: Amy Boyd Boyd “combines the physical comedy of Dick Van Dyke with the fearless character work of Melissa McCarthy.” She

Karinda Dobbins

An opener for Dave Chappelle, Trevor Noah, Roy Wood, Jr., Gina Yashere, and others, Dobbins is a stand-up star in her own right. She has performed at comedy festivals across the country including Comedy Central’s Clusterfest, SF Sketchfest, and the Limestone Comedy Festival. https://karindadobbins.com/

Marga Gomez

A playwright, comedian, and actor, Gomez is known for her work in solo theatre and for being one of the first openly lesbian stand-

Originally from Singapore, Nebulous Niang now resides in the Bay Area. This queer stand-up offers a unique view as she was once “a ‘happily’ married woman” who left her “miserable marriage,” fell in love with a woman, and came out as a lesbian. She inspires and uplifts audiences by sharing her personal story and struggles. https://bit.ly/3Io9vZe

Karen Ripley

Since the 1970s, Ripley has been one of the Bay Area’s leading queer comedians. She has extensive experience in theater and improv, and is also a teacher— such as having served as the in-house improv educator at the Harvey Milk Institute. https://www.karenripley.com/

According to the San Francisco Comedy Competition, “Marcus Williams is a stand-up comedian posing as a structural engineer during business hours. He was a semi-finalist in the 2016 Sacramento Comedy Festival and has performed at the San Francisco Punchline, Cobb’s Comedy Club, all over New York, Denver, and several other locations with a stage and a microphone. He’s funny as hell.” https://bit.ly/48tODKt

The late great Robin Williams was not only a Marga Gomez fan but also a lifelong LGBTQ+ ally. He was a free speech champion too who pushed boundaries during his live performances and took what is essentially the business of not being serious very seriously. It has been over a decade since his passing, but this statement about comedy still rings true: “You look at the world and see how scary it can be sometimes and still try to deal with the fear. Comedy can deal with the fear and still not paralyze you ... . You can laugh at [scary things] and then once you’ve laughed at them and you have expunged the demon, now you can deal with them.”

Many also believe Williams was eerily ahead of his time concerning his views about Trump. See what you think, keeping in mind this was filmed in 2012: https://bit.ly/4gJKsMP

Robin Williams

Freedom Under Fire

Calvinball: LGBTIQ Rights Before the Supreme Court Again Soon

6/26 and Beyond

Stuart Gaffney and John Lewis

After seven months of writing dissents from the Supreme Court’s Republican-nominated supermajority’s decisions upholding seemingly anything that the Trump administration does, Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson had finally had enough. Instead of just dismantling the supermajority’s legal logic with meticulous precision as she had done numerous times before, she simply told it like it is point blank in a dissent she penned last month.

Referring to a fictional game with ever-changing rules in the legendary comic strip Calvin and Hobbes, Jackson described the Court’s recent rulings as “Calvinball jurisprudence with a twist.” She explained: “Calvinball has only one rule: There are no fixed rules. We seem to have two: that one, and [the Trump] Administration always wins.”

Jackson’s words are remarkable because they went beyond the legal arguments at issue in the particular case to address the broader context of the Court’s supermajority’s actions, asserting that something more sinister is going on at the Court. She further opined: “‘[R]ight when the Judiciary should be hunkering down to do all it can to preserve the law’s constraints,’ the Court opts instead to make vindicating the rule of law and preventing manifestly injurious Government action as difficult as possible.”

We immediately wondered: would “Calvinball jurisprudence with a twist”

describe the supermajority’s approach to LGBTIQ rights, too? When it comes to marriage equality itself, it likely would not for the reasons discussed in our column last month. However, Calvinball may aptly describe the Court’s jurisprudence in cases brought by conservative Christian plaintiffs who seek religious exemptions under varying legal theories from laws or government actions they claim interfere with their exercise of their religion. Those cases have often pertained to governmental efforts to support or protect LGBTIQ people. In a wide variety of contexts, it seems as if the religious conservatives are highly likely to win.

The most recent example, last summer’s ruling in Mahmoud v. Taylor, is telling. There, the Court supermajority chose to micromanage to an extraordinary degree whether or not a Maryland school district in its curriculum could include books presenting positive and respectful images of LGBTIQ characters in the face of objections from conservative Christian and Muslim parents. The books merely exposed students to positive portrayals of LGBTIQ people, but the supermajority likened classroom use of the books to “instruction that denigrates or ridicules students’ religious beliefs.” The assertion is completely unfounded. The books make no mention of religion at all. Justice Sonia Sotomayor in dissent correctly characterized the messages the supermajority claimed the books conveyed to be “imagined.”

Nevertheless, the Court ordered the public school to notify parents in advance whenever any book with positive LGBTIQ related content “is to be used in any way” and allow parents to opt-out their children from the class. Astoundingly, the Court declared that conservative religious parents had the right “‘to direct the religious upbringing of their’ children”—not just at home or in their church or mosque—but within a secular public school whose mandate is to provide fact-based, inclusive education to all. Justice Sotomayor explained how the practical effect of this newfound right is to “hand a subset of parents a veto power over countless curricular and administrative decisions” in public schools. When it comes to transgender rights, Calvinball may also be relevant. It is very important to remember that, five years ago, the Court handed the LGBTIQ community a major victory in Bostock v. Clayton County, which held that Title VII’s prohibition on sex discrimination in employment meant that such discrimination based on gender identity as well as sexual orientation was unlawful. Two of the Court’s current conservative supermajority, Justices Roberts and Gorsuch, were in the majority in Bostock, and last term, even Justice Alito acknowledged that the decision was now binding precedent. However, transgender rights appear very

vulnerable in some other contexts, especially given the supermajority’s absurdly reasoned decision last summer in U.S. v Skrmetti, upholding the right of Tennessee to categorically ban gender affirming medical care for trans and gender nonbinary people under 18 years old. Under “Calvinball jurisprudence with a twist,” we fear that the supermajority will generally rule against transgender rights in cases that involve people under 18 and those when the supermajority can cast laws or governmental action protecting trans people as threatening the safety of others—especially children—mirroring an age-old trope employed to stoke queerphobia.

This coming term, the Supreme Court will decide three additional LGBTIQ cases that will shed light on the degree to which Calvinball is operating at the court. On the second day of the term, October 7, the Court will hear a conservative Christian counselor’s challenge on purported free speech grounds to Colorado’s prohibition on conversion therapy for minors in licensed, professional settings. As the state of Colorado explained to the Court in a briefing, “overwhelming evidence” demonstrates “that efforts to change a child’s sexual orientation or gender identity are unsafe and ineffective” and “demonstrably harmful” to children. Accordingly, “laws like Colorado’s exist in 25 states and have the support of every major healthcare association in the country.” Colorado should easily win this case, especially in light of the supermajority’s Skrmetti decision last term, affirming the right of states to regulate medical care for minors as they see fit. But in the era of Calvinball, whether or not it does so remains to be seen.

Later in the term, the Court will hear two cases pertaining to transgender participation in school sports. One challenges the Ninth Circuit’s enjoining enforcement of Idaho’s categorical ban on transgender girls and women participating in any and all girls’ and women’s sports teams “from

primary school through college.” The other pertains to the Fourth Circuit’s ruling in favor of a transgender West Virginia middle school student in her challenge to that state’s complete ban on transgender girls participating in all girls’ sports, even clubs and intramural sports. The student at the center of that case has identified as a girl since the third grade, and by taking puberty blockers, she has never had the levels of circulating testosterone in her body that typical cisgender boys do. We know that a reasonable Court would rule in favor of the transgender students in these cases, but again we fear that a version of Calvinball could operate instead.

Stay tuned, stay involved, and stay connected to supportive community as we move forward in these challenging times.

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

Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson

Justices Amy Coney Barrett, Sonia Sotomayor, Ketanji Brown Jackson, and Elena Kagan

Do Not Be Quiet in This Moment Freedom Under Fire

Raise your hand if you’ve ever commemorated Constitution Day. I will confess that I didn’t even know it existed until recently (thanks for the tip, Cleve Jones). National Constitution Day, or Citizenship Day, is a U.S. federal observance that commemorates the signing of our Constitution on September 17, 1787. It celebrates the founding document of our country’s system of government, and highlights, through educational programs and events, the rights and responsibilities of U.S. citizenship.

You are forgiven if you weren’t aware of this

holiday, as you might be hard-pressed to have ever seen it commemorated publicly. But this year it seems particularly important to celebrate this document that shaped our country, as it has been under relentless attack every day since the current administration took office in January.

It is well worth taking the time to read this brief, visionary document. What particularly struck me was that the founders recognized its limitations, and that it would occasionally need to be adapted as our country grew and changed; hence, the Amendments.

But even though it has withstood the vicissitudes of history for 238 years, it still requires dedication and diligence to protect it. Remember, it opens with three powerful words that define us all: “We, the People.” Read it, and be inspired to stand up and protect it. https://tinyurl.com/NAConst

Freedom of Speech Under Attack

The First Amendment to the Constitution reads: “Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances.”

Freedom of speech is one of our most precious rights; it is central to our identity as Americans. And repressing freedom of speech is one of the key weapons of authoritarian regimes. The administration is ramping up its attacks on comedians, media organizations, educators, protesters, journalists, and anyone they see as being critical of the president or his team. From tanks and soldiers in the streets of our cities, to citizens being persecuted or fired for speaking out at work or on their social media, they are doing their best to silence opposition in any form through fear and intimidation.

But they can only silence us if we agree to be silenced. They want us to capitulate, and to limit our speech and actions out of fear of the consequences. Due to the shocking events and resulting high emotions of the past couple of weeks, the authoritarians may have finally pushed too far, miscalculating how much Americans love freedom of speech. That’s our cue to speak out—loudly, boldly, and

repeatedly—to prove that we’re willing to fight for it. We need to amplify the voices of those who speak truth to power, those who are fighting censorship, and, yes, the comedians whose work includes pointing out that the emperor has no clothes.

The president and his team have vowed to go after individuals, organizations, and media that dare to disagree with them—which is exactly why we must continue to disagree. Let’s use the power of our voices while we still can, or risk losing that power forever.

Thank You, Valkyries!

I had the pleasure of attending two games at Ballhalla (aka Chase Center) during the final week of the Golden State Valkyries season, and will never forget the excitement and off-the-charts energy to be found there. During their inaugural season— including making it to the postseason—the Valkyries smashed records and made history in every possible way. Congratulations to the team, to head coach Natalie Nakase (continued on page 22)

In Case You Missed It

Joanie Juster

Freedom Under Fire

The FCC and Me

Jan Wahl

The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) wasn’t always led by a man of no morals doing whatever a tyrant commands. There was a time when the FCC helped the media to be fair and responsible. Established in 1934, this government agency was always considered by myself and my colleagues to be important and essential for the inclusiveness and good of the media. When I started working in media in the 1970s, the FCC was a place to start. I received my third-class license (no big deal) so I could work behind the scenes and on air. Since I was looking at writing and producing TV documentaries, the

FCC freely provided a list of rules. The most important rule to me was that every non-fiction program should address a need in the community rather than just being for sheer entertainment. Also, I was one of the very few women doing this type of work at the time and was aware of the FCC supporting women in this workplace. There was never any connection to a president, at least that I was aware of.

It is hard for me to believe where we are now. The suspension of Jimmy Kimmel, and the fact that a few media companies, such as Nextar and Sinclair, own hundreds of stations is just the beginning. The FCC is completely dismantled and is used now as a hatchet for Trump. The agency consists of only two Commissioners and a Chairman, Brendan Carr, who was involved in Project 2025, wrote a section of The Heritage

Foundation’s Mandate for Leadership, and is a toady working for the despot.

The fear in and on the air is thick. Many are afraid of what they, or what our culture, has carved out. The first act Joseph Goebbels (1897–1945), former Chancellor of the German Reich, did in his position was to take over the media. Former U.S. Senator Joseph McCarthy (1908–1957) created the “Red Scare” with many living in terror. Something very similar is happening again. We need to fight.

tepid tea party. I still recommend seeing it on the big screen at my favorite theater, Cinelounge Tiburon, with its cushy seats, terrific popcorn and drinks, easy parking, and big screen magic. Cinelounge Tiburon is one of the best places in the Bay Area to see movies. https://cineloungefilm.com/ home

Moving on: I was disappointed with the new Downton Abbey film. The good news is that it features lovely clothes, wonderful sets, and all the characters we have grown to love. But the script played it too safe, like a

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

Off the Wahl

Former U.S. Senator Joseph McCarthy

Brendan Carr

5-10PM, 18TH & CASTRO

Halloween Night! Friday, October 31, 2025

September 19, 2025, Castro Night Market

On Friday, September 19, 2025, the Castro Night Market filled the streets once again with a large crowd of guests enjoying the booths, food options, and entertainment at multiple stages. San Francisco Bay Times team member Juan Davila coordinated a colorful photo booth that was visited by many attendees, event staff, and volunteers.

The Castro Merchants Association, sponsor of the Castro Night Market, has announced that, for October, the event will be shifted from the usual third Friday of the month schedule to the fifth Friday, which is Halloween night, October 31! That special Night Market will feature a holiday theme and excitement is already building. Also be sure to check out the 24/7 live-streaming Castro Street Cam, which will feature special views spotlighting the parade of costumes that is sure to happen!

Castro Night Market

http://castronightmarket.com/ Register for the 10/31/25 event: https://bit.ly/3W6JKzy

24/7 Live-Streaming Castro Street Cam https://bit.ly/4nb9VkJ

‘Radical Happiness’ Will Be Evident at 51st Castro Street Fair on October 5

The Castro Street Fair this October will turn 51, and the celebration is already in full swing! Exhibitors and sponsors, such as those of us here at the San Francisco Bay Times, have already been busy getting ready for this iconic early fall-time fair. It is an especially hectic period for our Volunteer Coordinator Juan Davila, who will once again be heading up the Bay Times booth.

Bay Times lead photographer Rink will be there too, and has photographed every Castro Street Fair since the first one was held in 1974! Rink says, “Harvey Milk founded the Castro Street Fair after I invited him to join me at the crowded popular annual Upper Grant Avenue Street Fair in North Beach (now the North Beach Festival).”

First Castro Street Fair

Rink and Milk were among the over 5,000 people at the fair that day. It was a wild year: Richard Nixon became the first U.S. president forced to resign (due to the Watergate scandal) and Gerald Ford had only been in office for a few months at the time of the 1974 fair. Elton John was the top LGBTQ artist on the radio airwaves with singles from the previous year’s release Goodbye Yellow Brick Road (although he did not publicly come out until 1976),

and Joseph Alioto was San Francisco’s mayor.

As the years went on, word about the great fair spread. In 1977, the estimated attendance was 70,000. By 2007, that number rose yet again to 300,000, according to the organizers. The fair went on hiatus in 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic. It returned in 2021 and has been going strong again ever since.

Castro Street Fair 2025

This year’s theme, “Radical Happiness,” was chosen as a bold response to the times we live in. Across the country, LGBTQ+ people and communities are under attack—politically, culturally, and socially. In the face of this, the fair’s organizers believe that joy itself is a radical act. To dance, to gather openly, to support one another, and to celebrate our lives in

the heart of the Castro is not just fun; it’s a declaration of resilience, solidarity, and love. Radical Happiness reminds that, no matter the challenges, our community thrives when we choose to show up for one another with joy.

MORE FROM CASTRO NIGHT MARKET ON SEPTEMBER 19, 2025

The Castro Street Fair is all about celebrating the vibrancy of the neighborhood, the diversity of our community, and the importance of supporting our local artisans, restaurants, and merchants. Most of all, it’s about the family we’ve built together over five decades.

Every year, the fair transforms the Castro into a place where old friends reconnect, new friends are made, and community thrives. There’s literal dancing in the streets—and this year promises to be bigger, bolder, and even more joyful than ever.

Come experience the Radical Happiness of the Castro: where you can show up authentically, feel at home, and celebrate freely no matter who you are, how you identify, or whom you love.

We hope to see you at the fair on Sunday, October 5, 2025. If you go, please be sure to stop by the Bay Times booth near the Castro Theatre!

https://castrostreetfair.org/

Why Open Enrollment Matters: A Financial Planning Opportunity

Money Matters

Brandon Miller

It’s that time of year again—when your inbox fills up with HR reminders and healthcare acronyms start flying. Open enrollment might not sound like the highlight of fall, but it’s actually one of the most important windows for your financial life. Think of it as your once-a-year reset button: a chance to fine-tune benefits, capture savings, and align your choices with your long-term goals.

If you ignore it? You risk leaving money on the table, missing tax breaks, or being underprotected when life throws curveballs. What’s the Deal With Timing?

ACA Marketplace Plans: Open enrollment for 2026 will run from November 1, 2025–

January 15, 2026. Enroll by December 15 for coverage starting January 1; wait until January and you’ll start February 1.

Employer-Sponsored Health Plans: There is no single date, but most companies open their window in October or November for a January 1 refresh. Typically, you’ll have 2–4 weeks to review and make elections. That’s not much time, so planning ahead is key. How to View It Through a Financial Lens

Your benefits don’t live in a vacuum. They tie directly into your bigger picture.

Health & Wealth Balance: Weigh lower premiums versus higher deductibles based on your health needs.

Tax Strategy: Max out pre-tax opportunities like HSAs, FSAs, and retirement accounts.

Life Stage Fit: A single twenty-something has different needs than a parent juggling childcare or someone nearing retirement.

Hot Spots to Revisit Each Year

Health Coverage

Pay attention to premiums, deductibles, and out-of-pocket maximums.

Check if your doctors and prescriptions are still covered.

Consider switching from a PPO to a highdeductible + HSA, if that makes sense for your situation.

(continued on page 22)

Secure Your Medi-Cal Future: Asset Protection Trusts and Stacked Gifting Strategies for 2026

Trust Essentials

Jay Greene, Esq., CPA

Medi-Cal is California’s program that helps people with low incomes pay for healthcare, like doctor visits or nursing home care.

Starting January 1, 2026, Medi-Cal will check your assets—things like savings or a second home—to see if you qualify.

If you have more than $130,000 (or $195,000 for couples), you might not get benefits unless you plan smartly. Trusts and stacked gifting are two ways to keep your assets safe while still getting Medi-Cal help.

How Trusts Can Help

A trust is like a safe box where you put your

money or property. You choose a trustee— someone you trust, like a family member or a professional—to manage it for you or your loved ones.

An asset protection trust is especially useful because, once you put assets in it, they’re no longer considered yours by Medi-Cal. This can help you stay under the asset limit and qualify for long-term care benefits. For example, you could put savings or a vacation home in the trust, and Medi-Cal wouldn’t count them.

What Is Stacked Gifting?

Stacked gifting means giving small amounts of money to several people in the same month to lower your assets. In California, this works because the state has unique rules that allow you extra flexibility when planning for long-term care costs.

If each gift is less than a certain amount (called the Average Private Pay Rate, or APPR, which is about $13,656 in 2025; higher in 2026), you avoid a penalty. A knowledgeable attorney can help you use this strategy to help you get under the MediCal asset limit without losing eligibility.

Why You Need an Attorney

Setting up a trust or gifting money sounds simple, but Medi-Cal has strict rules. Starting in 2026, they’ll look back at your

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Message from Leadership

Building on Our Legacy: Reflections From the 2025 GGBA Annual Membership Meeting

By Aaron Boot-Haury

This year’s Annual Membership Meeting at The Producer’s Loft Studio was a powerful reminder of why the Golden Gate Business Association (GGBA) exists—and why our work matters now more than ever. As President & CEO, I had the privilege of welcoming members, friends, and partners to reflect on what we’ve accomplished together and to share where we’re headed as the nation’s first LGBTQ+ chamber of commerce.

Honoring Our Leaders

One of the most meaningful moments of the evening was honoring Nancy Geenen with the 2025 Board Service Award. Nancy has given so much to this chamber, including her (unexpected) time as President during a difficult period, and it was an honor to recognize her impact in front of our communi-

ty. We also officially confirmed our 2025–2026 Board of Directors, a group of committed leaders from across industries who will help guide GGBA into the future. 2025–2026 GGBA Board of Directors

Joy Baucom – Diligence Security Group

Aaron Boot-Haury – PNC Bank

Tali Bray – Dewpoint Consulting Group

Imani Brown – ALSAC/St. Jude’s

Gina Grahame – Authentacious Leadership

Stella Lim – AM Diversity Ventures

Josh Nair – Genentech

Tanya Saracino – Execution Over Theory

Joe Solis – Northwestern Mutual

Peggy Sue – Culture Impact Consulting

Juan Torres – Copain Wines

Scott Wilson – Wells Fargo Bank

James Young – Tangible

I am grateful for this outstanding group of leaders, each of whom brings unique expertise and a shared commitment to strengthening our community.

Behind the Scenes Work That Matters

Much of our progress this past year has taken place behind the scenes. We paid off all outstanding obligations from our 50th Anniversary Gala, reconciled and audited our financials, and restructured our files and systems to create a stronger foundation for growth. We relaunched our Make Contact networking events, oriented new board members, and held a full-day strategic planning retreat to set clear goals for our committees. We also reconnected with fellow chambers through the NGLCC (National LGBTQ+ & Allied Chamber of Commerce), sharing best practices and learning how to better serve our members. A huge thank you to the Greater Seattle Business Association (GSBA), which has donated the time of their paid staff to help our volunteer committee chairs get their footing.

Programs and Events That Connect Us

Our programs are only as strong as the

members who show up for them. Over the past year, we’ve seen consistent engagement at Make Contact events hosted by partners like Wells Fargo, Northwestern Mutual, and St. Jude, along with educational programs and community celebrations like our Holiday Party co-hosted with the San Francisco Bay Times. These gatherings are more than events—they are places where LGBTQ+ and allied businesses connect, learn, and grow together.

Looking ahead, we’re preparing to take our programming to the next level. Expect more opportunities for education, more targeted networking, and larger signature events, including a Pride Month Business Expo in June 2026 and a Power Connect summit later that fall.

Our Priorities Moving Forward

At the meeting, I outlined four key priorities that will guide our work:

(continued on page 23)

GGBA Member Spotlight Richard Fuentes and Sean Sullivan of FLUID510

Visit Oakland calls FLUID510 “a love letter to the experience of Oakland: diverse, passionate & fun.” This LGBTQ+-welcoming venue is the creation of nationally recognized, award-winning owners Richard Fuentes and Sean Sullivan. They previously ran The Port Bar, which was also very popular and located next to the Paramount Theatre. A landlord dispute led to its closure last year. But FLUID510, located in the heart of Oakland at 1544 Broadway not far from City Hall and City Center, remains an East Bay destination that serves up tasty food and drinks, and holds stand-up comedy nights, trivia brunches, and other events. It is also becoming known as a go-to spot for private events, since the 5,000-square-foot space includes a full kitchen, state of the art sound & lighting, two projection screens, two full bars, and an elevated lounge.

next great event! We are committed to Oakland. We live & love in downtown Oakland, so it was important for us to present the community another space to gather.

GGBA: Tell us more about FLUID510.

Sean Sullivan: FLUID510 is the destination for all things fun in Oakland. Our vision is to help you implement your vision for your

Richard Fuentes: In our short two years, we’ve had Barbara Lee launch her successful campaign for Oakland Mayor here, we have shows for emerging queer designers like Emergence during Oakland Style Week (October 8–12, with the FLUID510 event on Saturday, October 11), we’ve hosted dozens of RuPaul drag queens, we partnered with BoomBoom Bay Area for album releases like Bad Bunny with Morphine Love Dion, and we had a most successful Oakland Pride week with events every day of the week and the morning of Pride starting at 7 am with the annual Stonewall Democrats Breakfast, sold-out drag brunches, and incredible proud, fun into the wee hours.

GGBA: Why did you decide to create FLUID510?

Richard Fuentes: We had outgrown The

Port Bar (The Port Bar forever!) and we needed a venue not only to host larger dance parties and drag shows but also the community wanted to host their own events in a beautiful venue such as FLUID510 and guests wanted more than drinks and so at FLUID510 we provide food as well as tasty mocktails.

Sean Sullivan: Our creative programming really resonated with our beautiful LGBTQ community on both sides of the bay and we felt this was a new, more elevated way of bringing the community together.

GGBA: Who are some of your role models, and especially those who helped to influence your business?

Sean Sullivan: [One is] Fred Rogers, founder of the world famous Elephant Walk, Harvey Milk’s favorite bar in the Castro. It’s

a bar steeped in LGBTQ history as much as Stonewall! Fred has always been a great ear for our concerns and way-shower for how to run a business but be a leader in the community. He’s a member of the Oakland Gay Men’s Chorus and we are big supporters of the Chorus’ shows.

(continued on page 23)

Sean Sullivan and Richard Fuentes

IN MEMORIAM

LGBTQ+ Activist, Philanthropist, and WordPress Visionary

Anne Sterling Dorman (December 5, 1952–July 19, 2025)

Anne Sterling Dorman, a Consulting Chief Financial Officer for venture capital backed start-up companies in Silicon Valley and beyond, died on July 19, 2025, just three months after the passing of her wife, Annette Tracy. Dorman for many years had suffered from primary progressive aphasia. Before her illness, she was a regular guest at “Betty’s List” events. Both she and her wife, who shared a home in the Castro, were supporters of the San Francisco Bay Times

A 1974 graduate of Prescott College in Arizona, Dorman went on to serve on Prescott’s Board of Trustees from 1997–2009 and 2017–2021. That latter year, 2021, she received Trustee Emerita status at the college. She and Tracy helped fund remodeling of a central building at the campus that is now called the Anne Sterling Dorman Center.

Dorman established a very successful CPA practice in San Francisco after spending nine years with Arthur Young & Company, where she was a founding member of the firm’s Entrepreneurial Services Group. Prior to Arthur Young, she was a co-founder of three diverse ventures including a nonprofit educational enterprise, a 220-acre farm, and a mobile auto body frame shop.

In the Bay Area, she soon became a sought-after Consulting CFO for companies such as Automatic (the company behind WordPress), Bandcamp, Keep Safe Software, Coraid, Kii, RelayRides, SuVolta, Turo, and others.

WordPress Co-Founder Matt Mullenweg said of Dorman: “I don’t know how we would have made it through the early years of Automatic without Anne. She helped us navigate funding, HR acquisitions, and more as we grew from an idea and a dream to a real company having a real impact on the web.”

She contributed time, energy, and financial support to the LGBTQ+ community and more for decades. In addition to her volunteer service at her alma mater, she served as a board member of the Boojum Institute, the National Center for Lesbian Rights, the Metropolitan Community Church, and Resourceful Women. Additionally, she was a longtime supporter of Horizons Foundation and provided volunteer consulting to many of the Bay Area’s other nonprofit enterprises.

“One of her lasting gifts is an annual award established at Horizons, which celebrates the recipeint’s extraordinary dedication to the foundation,” said Roger Doughty, Horizons President. “We will be proud to carry on this legacy for many, many years to come.”

With an adventurous spirit and boundless curiosity, she extensively traveled throughout the world, enjoyed all things outdoors, and had a passion for deep canyon whitewater experiences. She is survived by her daughter, acclaimed concert pianist Elizabeth Dorman; Elizabeth’s husband, fellow pianist Michael James Smith; and their family. Elizabeth has played with multiple symphonies and in music festivals around the globe ( https://www.elizabethdorman.com/ ).

A memorial is being planned by the family for December 6, 2025, at the Fort Mason Center in San Francisco.

Anne Dorman (fourth from right) joins executive director Roger Doughty and members of the Horizons Board of Directors in a toast during the organization’s annual gala. San Francisco Bay Times, September 18, 2019

Hispanic Heritage Month 2025 in the Bay Area

Hispanic Heritage Month is now underway nationwide, having started on September 15 and observed through October 15. It starts on the 15th of September each year, mid-month, because that day marks the independence anniversaries of several Latin American countries such as Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, and Nicaragua. (Mexico’s independence celebration happened on September 16, and Chile’s was on September 18.)

Already, San Francisco has had festive events such as Calle 24 Latino Cultural District’s Fiestas de las Américas on September 13 along 24th Street, El Grito de Dolores on September 15, and the Lowrider Parade and King of Streets Hopper Competition on September 20. Several events are still to come. The City of San Francisco has compiled a list at: https://bit.ly/3Ibp06L

Our friends over at Oakland Fairyland (see the August 27 issue for more about that iconic theme park) will be holding Latinx Heritage celebrations starting on September 28. https://bit.ly/422Go4f

And Hispanic Heritage “Month” will spill over into November with the 30th Annual Oakland Día de los Muertos Festival on November 2: https://bit.ly/4nphB36

Now is a good time to read up about Hispanic and Latin American LGBTQ+ leaders, writers, entertainers, and more. One of the most comprehensive listings of these individuals, including many from the Bay Area, is at info stalwart Wikipedia: https://bit.ly/4nIcJ8L

Joe Hawkins CEO/Co-Founder, Oakland LGBTQ Community Center Veronica Klaus Award-winning

Dolby

Project Open Hand’s Hand to Hand Gala 2025

Supporters and friends of Project Open Hand gathered at the San Francisco Design Center Galleria on Friday, September 12, 2025, to celebrate the organization’s 40 years of “meals with love.”

Collaborating with noted auctioneer Jamie McDonald, Sister Roma set a spirited tone serving as emcee for the evening’s program and fundraising.

Since its founding in 1985 by the legendary Ruth Brinker, Project Open Hand has served many thousand nutritious meals and bags of healthy groceries to clients, thanks to the work of more than 125 volunteers daily along with staff and supporters.

Among the honorees were volunteer Jo Chew, who received The Jon Borset Award for Service; and Bonterra Organic Estates, which was named The Most Outstanding Community Partner. https://www.openhand.org/

Photos by Rink

San Francisco AIDS Foundation Tribute Gala 2025

The San Francisco AIDS Foundation’s (SFAF) Tribute Gala 2025 was held on Saturday, September 20, at The Four Seasons Hotel. The event is held annually to celebrate the fight against HIV/AIDS and the journey to health justice for all.

ABC7’s Reggie Aqui served as emcee for the evening, and SFAF CEO Dr. Tyler TerMeer welcomed and thanked supporters and friends for attending. Co-chairs of the event were Larkin R. Callaghan, MD, of Gilead Sciences, and Dan Bernal, Vice Chancellor at UCSF.

Honorees included Lambda Legal, which received the Cleve Jones Leadership Award; and Marc Meachem, recipient of the Partnership Pillar Award. Meachem recently retired from his impactful tenure at ViiV Healthcare.

Dr. TerMeer, shortly after the event, wrote: “I’m especially moved by the honesty, the joy, and the determination I witnessed. What was said on stage, what was shared in our conversations—those connections are what sustain us. They fuel our mission.”

The benefit raised over $675,000 to support the services of the San Francisco AIDS Foundation.

https://www.sfaf.org/

Roland Schembari and Bill Hartman, Co-Founders

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Christopher

Verdugo to Step Down as CEO of San Francisco Gay Men’s Chorus & The Chan National Queer Arts Center After a Decade of Transformative Leadership

The San Francisco Gay Men’s Chorus (SFGMC) on September 23, 2025, announced that Chief Executive Officer Christopher Verdugo will step down from his position on June 30, 2026, after ten years of transformative leadership with the 48-year-old trailblazing nonprofit arts organization, the nation’s first and oldest openly gay chorus.

Since his appointment in 2016, the highly charismatic Verdugo has guided the SFGMC through a period of extraordinary growth and resilience, overseeing milestone performances, groundbreaking tours, and an expansion of the SFGMC’s mission-driven programs that continue to resonate with communities locally and nationwide. Under his tenure, the SFGMC strengthened its role as a Bay Area cultural icon and champion for social justice through music.

Verdugo’s leadership is distinguished by several achievements including the official opening in 2023 of the SFGMC’s now permanent home, and the nation’s first community space dedicated to LGBTQ+ artists, The Chan National Queer Arts Center.

Verdugo said, “As I begin my tenth and final year with the San Francisco Gay Men’s Chorus, I have made the decision to step down at the end of this season. I reached this conclusion last year following my sabbatical and a period of reflection on both my own path and the Chorus’ future. Leading the San Francisco Gay Men’s Chorus has been the honor of my life, but today’s announcement allows both the organization and me to look ahead with fresh energy, renewed focus and new opportunities.”

Following the announcement, the SFGMC Board of Directors has launched a nationwide search for Verdugo’s successor of the $4.6M nonprofit organization, with a goal of ensuring a seamless transition and continuity of vision.

SFGMC Board Chair Tom Paulino commented, “Chris Verdugo is a transformational and visionary leader who represents the very best of SFGMC's mission and core values. On behalf of the current and past members of the board of directors, we are forever grateful for his decade of remarkable service and for advancing our legacy for generations to come. We look forward to celebrating Chris’ accomplishments over the next year.”

“I am deeply grateful to those who have partnered with me on this journey,” Verdugo continued, “beginning with our fearless Board Chairs Tom Paulino and Glenn DeSandre; our inspirational Artistic Director & Conductor, Jake Stensberg; our dedicated supporters, staff, and most of all—our singing membership whose commitment has carried us forward with endless pride and joy. Collectively, we established The Chan National Queer Arts Center, shared our message of love through innovative tours, an award-winning documentary, recordings, and sustained our voices through the pandemic. While it is bittersweet to prepare for this transition, I believe the Chorus is ready to embrace an exciting new chapter.”

Jacob “Jake” Stensberg, SFGMC Artistic Director & Conductor, added, “It has been an honor to serve alongside Chris over the past three years. His professional leadership and deep commitment to community, music, and sustainability of the Chorus have left an indelible mark. Chris has been a true partner, champion, and friend, and while I will certainly miss his day-to-day presence, the impact of his work will continue to shape and influence our future.”

The 2025–2026 Season for Chorus and Chan Center concert programs, guest artists, venues, and performance dates are anticipated to be announced in early October.

The SFGMC is comprised of approximately 300 members, the largest gay chorus in the nation. Stensberg became SFGMC’s Artistic Director & Conductor in July 2022, following the “retirement” (he never stops working!) of Dr. Tim Seelig, who is now a San Francisco Bay Times columnist, Artistic Director of the Portland Sage Singers, and an author, educator, and TEDx speaker.

All of us here at the Bay Times congratulate Verdugo on his decade of passionate, dedicated, and impactful leadership of the SFGMC and hope that he remains in the Bay Area as his efforts have benefited the entire local LGBTQ+ community and beyond.

https://www.sfgmc.org/

Photos courtesy of San Francisco Gay Men’s Chorus

GLBT Fortnight in Review

Aux Armes, Citoyens!

Let’s talk bathrooms, shall we? I’m not sure how many states now outlaw transgendered men and women from using their appropriate facilities, but I’m confident many such laws apply only to bathrooms in public offices. Nonetheless, the outsized political attacks on trans people have created a kind of open season on anyone who might look out of place in this or that toilet. Take the South Carolina transman, Luca Strobel, who was assailed back in May for using the ladies’ room in a bar after seeing that the stalls in the men’s room were all taken. Now this is a guy who would be required by law to use the ladies’ room in several red states (not including South Carolina). None the less, the bar owner forced him out of the stall, police were called in from outside, he was handcuffed to the point of pain, called names, and forced to part with a bond of $500.

Luca’s story gained attention through his TikTok video. I tried to find it but I couldn’t navigate through a zillion unrelated posts, including one that featured three puppies chewing up a pair of expensive suede boots. Why this amusing act of destruction would find a place in the “Luca Strobel” TikTok search results is beyond me, but I enjoyed it. I did, however, find many other reports about Luca’s story, so there you go.

Anecdotally, there are citizens’ arrests all over the country featuring far right vigilantes complaining about masculine women in the john to store managers and other authority figures. I read about these incidents every week, but I found several items in the last five minutes just by searching for “lesbian women’s bathroom,” including one from last month when a lesbian teen was followed into the bathroom by a staffer at a Minnesota Buffalo Wild Wings and asked to prove her gender.

Or how about Ansley Baker, a 28-year-old lesbian who was confronted a couple of months ago by a security guard at Boston’s Liberty Hotel and forced to show her ID? She complied, (because what else could she do under the circumstances?) and when she and the guard left the toilets, CBS reports that the other women in line yelled things like “get him out of here.” Baker called it “my worst nightmare.”

Of course, you don’t have to be a lesbian to draw suspicion. You just have to have that non-binary look and the bad luck to catch the eye of some narrow-minded crow with their head up their cloaca.

Rare High Court Decision Goes Our Way

The Palmetto state’s bathrooms are in the news for a bigger reason. Perhaps you recall that five school districts in Virginia recently refused to change their trans-friendly policies, even under the threat of losing federal funding. The schools explained to the Trump Department of Education that, under rules laid out by the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fourth Circuit, they were bound by law to allow trans kids the full use of school facilities. I’ve gone into too much detail lately about the Fourth Circuit’s key opinion in the Gavin Grimm case, so I’ll spare you that analysis here. Suffice it to say that the Grimm case, which gave Virginia transboy Gavin Grimm

By Ann Rostow

the right to use the boy’s room at school, was appealed to the Supreme Court and, after a back and forth, the Court decided not to accept review and thus let the ruling stand.

Now, a South Carolina transgender student has won what passes for a High Court victory these days. Like Virginia, North Carolina, Maryland, and West Virginia, South Carolina falls under the jurisdiction of the Fourth Circuit. And, given the Grimm case, the Fourth Circuit issued an injunction, forbidding South Carolina from restricting this boy’s use of high school facilities during litigation. The state quickly asked the Supreme Court to waive the injunction pending a court resolution of the question, and, surprise! The Court refused.

This is the infamous “shadow docket,” the emergency motions that question preliminary rulings, injunctions, and the like before the merits of whatever might be at issue are even briefed. Years of court action might lie ahead, but when an injunction is overturned or upheld by the High Court without discussion or explanation, the matter is (often) effectively settled by fiat. We have become used to defiant breaches of settled constitutional law reaching the appellate courts, being stopped pending litigation, and then being cavalierly restored in one-paragraph comments by the conservative justices. This case seems to be an exception to the new pattern.

In the five-sentence announcement, the Court noted that the case did not meet “the standards applicable for obtaining emergency relief from this court,” which is nice but mystifying, since most of the other astounding decisions on the shadow docket would also have failed that test. Injunctions are granted when the moving party has a likelihood of success and would suffer harm if the policy or action were allowed to continue.

The Court also made clear that the denial was not a reflection on the underlying merits of the situation. And in the final sentence, we learned that Justices Thomas, Alito, and Gorsuch would have overturned the injunction. We seem to be hanging onto some shred of legal responsibility based on the “centrist conservative” trio of Roberts, Kavanaugh, and Barrett.

As you know, the new Court session is now getting underway, and after giving a green light to banning health care for transgender minors last session, the Court will next consider transgender sports participation and the Free Speech question of whether states can ban antigay conversion therapy. They have yet to take a bathroom case, but they are whittling away the rights of transgender Americans one issue at a time.

Hook ‘Em

What else is new, you ask? Before I answer, have you read about the new “pisser” trend on TikTok that showcases videos of students peeing in public areas? Really, kids? You have vast communication systems at your disposal and this is how you chose to present yourselves to the massive audience that social media provides?

Meanwhile, I have dozens of GLBT items to relay, from the businesses and individuals in

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San Francisco Opera Ball 2025

To open the 103rd season, San Francisco Opera and The San Francisco Opera Guild presented Opera Ball: Palazzo on Friday, September 5, 2025.

The evening included a cocktail reception, dinner, and afterparty in San Francisco City Hall, and the opening night performance of Giuseppe Verdi’s Rigoletto. Guests enjoyed the settings themed as an Italian extravaganza in a Renaissance court setting.

Donna Sachet represented the San Francisco Bay Times and was accompanied by Dr. John Newmeyer. Others attending included Jake Heggie, Curt Branom, Joel Goodrich, Jack Calhoun, John Payes, Cameron Crutcher, Allie Calegari, Becca Calegari, Speaker Emerita Nancy Pelosi, and many more. The annual Opera Ball supports educational and artistic programming reaching thousands of arts lovers of all ages in K–12 classrooms and after-school programs.

There will be an additional presentation of Rigoletto on September 27. The production has received numerous rave reviews, including from Sachet. Critics have praised the superb singing, and detailed, mesmerizing conducting by Music Director Eun Sun Kim. Other operas in the present season through the year include Parsifal and The Monkey King. https://www.sfopera.com/

Photos by Drew Altizer, Andrew Caulfield, Jessica Monroy, Katie Ravas, Natalie Schrik, and David Zahrobsky for Drew Altizer Photography

OBy Donna Sachet

ne always leaves GAPA’s Runway amazed by the number and creativity of contestants, the quality of the overall production, and the genuine feeling of community created. This year was no exception! The GLBTQ Asian Pacific Alliance’s Runway 2025: Myths & Legends on Saturday, September 13, took the packed house on a spectacular journey. Once again, Sir Whitney Queers and Jezebel Patel served as emcees, quickly establishing the hilarious connection for which they have become known, full of off-script wit, consummate timing, and culturally flavored comedy. They are truly the glue that keeps this show going. Judges this year were Hannah Chea, Kat Evasco, Mocha Fapalatte, Vera Fied, Siam Phusri, Joe Tolbe, and Lance Toma, all well known to the community and warmly received. Outgoing titleholders Ari Ola and Kalypso joined all 12 contestants in a captivating opening number, after which celebrity attendees were recognized, including members of the Imperial Court of San Francisco, who were asked to stand and be recognized, a very thoughtful gesture.

All 12 contestants deserve mention here: for Mr. GAPA, Seika Ryu, Ali Amaya, Gerald Ong, Jung Haye, Adam, and Lyman; for Ms GAPA, Peipei Ma’ Bilz, Carter, and Quinn Amann Kruch; and for Mx GAPA, Bindi Masala, The Indigo Menace, and Shakthi. This is where the extraordinary aspect of this event arises: every contestant giving world class performances and receiving loving applause from the audience. As they proceeded through the categories of competition, each individual brought a fresh approach, including humor, drama, technical expertise, musical variety, and a dedication to their unique culture. None of us in the audience envied the difficult decision of the judges. Before announcing the winners, both Ari Ola and Kalypso gave moving farewell statements. Finally, winners were announced: Mr. GAPA Seika Ryu, Mx GAPA The Indigo Menace, and Ms GAPA Quinn Amann Krunch! Don’t miss Runway 2026; you won’t regret it!

Imperial Crown Prince Nathan D’Aguiar hosted a new event on Thursday, September 18, at Blackbird on Market Street, titled Serenade and featuring all live singers from the Imperial Court. It was remarkable to see and hear the many court members who follow in the footsteps of Our Beloved Founder José Sarria, who was certainly known for live singing as well as starting the Imperial Court System, now in its 60th year. Nathan had gathered several raffle prizes and auction items to increase the fundraising opportunities, yielding a very successful event. Reigning Emperor Ashlee Blow and Reigning Empress Afrika America were both on hand, continuing their successful year and gearing up for the many upcoming events and title contests.

During the heyday of The Edge, when a huge phallic construction hung suspended from the ceiling and every night seemed to hold a fundraiser, celebration, or hosted event of some kind, Jeff Scott bartended, becoming a much-loved part of that family. He frequently called out to his friends as “Mary” and soon was given that nickname himself. We recently lost him to cancer and Moxie Penn, in close coordination with family members, hosted a celebration of life at the last bar where he had bartended. Trax has changed ownership and shall heretofore be known as Mary’s on Haight! From Jeff’s favorite music and a loop of photos from his life to a tremendous spread of food and great gathering of friends, this event resonated with memories of “Mary.” Speakers were limited to close friends and family and only Keith Lawrence and this humble columnist performed music. You can find a GoFundMe online to pay for a permanent home at the San Francisco Columbarium. “Mary” was truly an important part of the San Francisco we have come to love.

And finally, we are sorry to hear that Chris Verdugo is leaving his CEO position at the San Francisco Gay Men’s Chorus. His ten years there have been full of notable accomplishments and we wish him all the best in whatever he pursues next.

Get ready for one of the busiest weekends in the city, followed by a month of special galas and other fundraisers! This is Fall 2025 and things are looking consistently better for San Francisco, so get out there and support your local businesses, charitable causes, and hard-working performers. Be a part of the coming Renaissance!

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

“I have a difficult time sitting down for long periods.”

Former U.S. Vice President Kamala Harris

Thursday, September 25

Imperial Leather Contestant Interviews & Pub Crawl

Mr./Miss/Mx Leather Title competition

Powerhouse, 1347 Folsom St. 5–9 pm Free! www.sfimperialcouncil.org

Saturday, September 27

51st Ducal Coronation

Grand Duke David Herrera & Grand Duchess Rosa De los Gallos Step-down, awarding funds, crowning

Chan National Queer Arts Center, 170 Valencia Street 6 pm $75 www.ducal.org

Saturday, September 27

Magnitude

Brian Kent Productions’ Folsom Dance event

DJs Pagano, DSP, Russ Rich SVN West 10 South Van Ness Avenue 9 pm–4 am $99 & up www.folsomstreet.org

Sunday, September 27

42nd Folsom Street Fair

Largest Leather event 11 am–6 pm https://www.folsomstreet.org/

Sunday, September 28

Mr/Miss/Mx Leather Contest Finale

Cheer for your favorites, raffle prizes awarded

The Stud Drag Stage, 8th Street between Folsom & Howard 4:30 pm–6 pm Free! www.sfimperialcouncil.org

PHOTO

Laver Cup, Valkyries Historic First Season, Squash in the Spotlight, and Olympic Buzz

Beth’s Bay Area Sports Beat

Beth Schnitzer

As the summer fades and the fall sports season takes hold, the Bay Area is at the intersection of local pride and global spectacle.

Laver Cup Lights Up San Francisco

The Bay Area was buzzing as the Laver Cup landed in San Francisco, bringing with it the rare thrill of tennis royalty competing side by side. Fans (including friends of mine from NYC and Boston) packed the arena for three days of intensity and entertainment, watching legends and next-generation stars team up in Roger Federer’s namesake event. It wasn’t just about the tennis—it was about the atmosphere, the camaraderie, and the Bay Area shining on the international stage. It was a proud moment for me and all the Bay Area fans.

The moment I arrived at Chase Center, the energy was palpable. Thrive City was alive with fans with fun interactive activations that included a full outdoor tennis court!

Inside the arena, the atmosphere was electric. The transformation of Chase Arena was extraordinary: a sleek black court that elevated the competition, framed by elegant black-and-white sponsor logos, with flashes of red and blue symbolizing Team World and Team Europe. From the black carpet in the lower bowl to signage and lighting, every detail reflected prestige and style. As Co-Founder of Spritz, a branding and marketing agency, I was struck by the sophistication and seamless execution; it was truly world-class.

One of the details I loved most was the visu-

al identity: Team Europe’s logo in deep blue accented with stars, and Team World’s mark in bold red featuring a globe. These logos weren’t just on paper; they came to life everywhere, stitched into uniforms, splashed across scoreboards, and were woven into signage throughout the arena. The designs perfectly embodied the event’s spirit: two teams representing global pride and continental tradition, showcased in a beautifully unified way. Together with the clean black-and-white sponsor palette, the red-and-blue duel created a striking and elegant stage that elevated every match. And the lighting in the arena reflected that as well.

singles match between Carlos Alcaraz and Taylor Fritz. The crowd went crazy for the two GOATs. After the coin toss, Curry and Federer posed for pictures with both players, and, before long, both Team World and Team Europe swarmed the court to pose for pics with these living legends. It was pure magic, a once-in-a-lifetime snapshot of greatness colliding.

Captains Andre Agassi (Team World) and Yannick Noah (Team Europe) brought a spark to the sidelines. Their enthusiasm was contagious—leaping from their captain seats courtside, cheering with abandon, and showing that the Laver Cup isn’t just competition; it’s team spirit. John McEnroe and Björn Borg led the squads in the past. However, these two new captains injected fresh energy into the tradition. I grew up watching Agassi, so it was a treat to watch him in this role. I also loved seeing the teams sit right behind their captains in a circular section, cheerleading every point. Federer and Rod Laver were in the house, sitting front row and adding gravitas to the overall atmosphere.

Saturday night was unforgettable and provided the coolest cross-sport moments. Stephen Curry, our Warriors’ icon, walked onto the court alongside Federer for the ceremonial coin toss before the marquee

The fast format kept me on the edge of my seat—three days of singles and doubles matches—best of three sets with ad scoring and a match tiebreak if needed. Matches were worth one point on Day 1, two points on Day 2, and three points on Day 3. The first to earn 13 points won.

The highlight for me was California’s own Taylor Fritz (from San Diego, ranked number 5 in the world and the number 1 American) delivering two massive upsets. He stunned Carlos Alcaraz in an epic battle—Saturday night—extraordinary, stunning tennis. For me, it was a pinchme moment: the best tennis I’ve ever had the joy to watch live. Less than 24 hours later, Fritz backed it up with a 6–3, 7–6 (4) victory over world number 3 ranked Alexander Zverev, clinching the Cup for Team World. His wins accounted for five of the team’s 15 points in their 15–9 triumph—Team World’s third Laver Cup title in four years. Team World last won the Laver Cup at Vancouver 2023 after winning their first title at London 2022. Next year’s Laver Cup will be back in London at the O2 Arena.

From start to finish, the Laver Cup in San Francisco was an exceptional blend of tradition and innovation, uniting the past, present, and future of tennis. For three days, the Bay Area wasn’t just a host city; it was the center of the tennis universe. And as a proud San Franciscan, I couldn’t help but beam seeing our city shine so brightly on the global stage. From the activities in

Thrive City to the packed crowds inside Chase, San Francisco was everywhere. The festivities felt like a springboard to what’s ahead—next year’s Super Bowl LX and World Cup, when our city once again will take its place at the center of the sports world.

Farewell for Now: Valkyries’ Historic First Season

The Golden State Valkyries’ inaugural playoff run may have ended down in San Jose, but the season as a whole was nothing short of historic— including Coach Natalie Nakase being named WNBA Coach of the Year.

On the court, the Valkyries proved they belonged, showing grit and heart until the very end. Though the playoff exit stung, there was nothing disappointing about what they accomplished: record-breaking crowds, a new standard for women’s basketball in the Bay Area, and a team that instantly became a part of the community’s fabric.

For me, and for countless fans, the offseason

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Photos courtesy of Beth Schnitzer

Sports

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already feels like withdrawal. I found myself sharing this very sentiment with ushers at the Laver Cup—people I’d gotten to know over the course of the Valkyries’ season. We all agreed: we miss our Valkyries (& Violet, too!)—their energy, their presence, their role in making Chase Center come alive in such a magical new way. The wait for next season already feels long, but the excitement and anticipation are even greater. This team isn’t just here; they’re here to stay, and their story, and the movement they’ve sparked, is only just beginning. I can’t wait to see the next chapter of their long and exciting journey!

Squash Steps Into the Spotlight

The Silicon Valley Open will arrive in Redwood City this October 11–15 at Squash Zone, bringing elite professional players to compete right here in our backyard. Many of these athletes will also be contenders on the Olympic stage in Los Angeles 2028, when squash will make its long-awaited debut at the Universal City Squash Center. For Bay Area fans, it will be a rare opportunity to see world-class squash competition up close and personal—and I will be there. Hope to see you!

Olympic Buzz: From Milan to Los Angeles

The countdown continues for two landmark Olympic Games and the anticipation builds on both sides of the globe. Milano Cortina 2026 just released a new batch of Opening Ceremony tickets. More details are available on their official website: https://bit.ly/4niU7wt

Closer to home, Los Angeles 2028 unveiled its ticket lottery system, which will launch in early 2026. In January, you can register for the draw, and, if you win, you’ll be notified of your timeslot to purchase tickets. I did this for Paris and purchased for every time slot I was eligible for; it worked!

Closing Reflection

From the black court of the Laver Cup to the purple pride of the Valkyries, and now squash stepping into the spotlight, the Bay Area continues to be a hub for world-class sports. Each event brings its own energy and the magic of being a sports fan here: local pride and global connection, all woven together. From San Francisco to the world, the passion always meets the play.

Signing off from the Bay—see you next month when I’ll dive into athletic intelligence, and how Meta’s latest offerings are redefining the athlete’s edge. (Hint: Meta unveiled a new line of performance-focused AI glasses: Oakley Meta Vanguard AI glasses for sports will launch on October 21.)

Laver Cup https://lavercup.com/ Spritz https://spritzsf.com/ Golden State Valkyries https://valkyries.wnba.com/ WNBA https://www.wnba.com/ Silicon Valley Open Squash Championship https://siliconvalleyopen.com/ Squash Zone https://www.squash.zone/ IOC https://www.olympics.com/ioc Milano Cortina https://bit.ly/4niU7wt

LA 28 https://la28.org/en.html Meta https://www.meta.com/

Beth Schnitzer, the former President of WISE (Women in Sports and Events), is the Co-Founder and President of Spritz: https://spritzsf.com/

HSAs & FSAs

2025 HSA limits: $4,300 individual/$8,650 family (+$1,000 catch-up).

2025 FSA limits: $3,200 healthcare/$5,000 dependent care.

HSAs are portable, investable, and triple-taxadvantaged. FSAs? Use it or lose it.

Retirement Contributions

2025 limits: $23,000 (under 50)/$30,500 (50+)/$11,250 (60–63).

At least capture your full employer match—free money!

Small raises? Boost contributions by 1–2%. You can make adjustments to contributions at any point throughout the year.

Insurance & Protection

Employer life insurance often caps at 1–2x salary, which may not be enough.

Disability insurance typically covers 50–60% of income. Private policies can fill gaps.

Supplemental options (accident, critical illness, LTC) depend on your situation. You may be able to purchase additional life and LTD through your employer.

Extra Benefits

These can include stock purchase plans, tuition assistance, wellness perks, or caregiver support. There can also be commuter benefits, which are typically pre-tax.

Don’t overlook “small” benefits; gym reimbursements, therapy, or legal services can add up.

Major Life Changes

Marriage, divorce, new child, elder care responsibilities, or retirement on the horizon? Those all call for beneficiary updates and benefit tweaks.

Open Enrollment Checklist

Before you hit “submit” on your elections, run through this list:

1. Review health plan costs & coverage.

2. Update HSA/FSA contributions.

3. Adjust retirement contributions.

4. Revisit life & disability insurance.

5. Confirm beneficiaries.

6. Consider the tax impact of elections.

7. Leverage stock, wellness, and other perks. Open enrollment isn’t just paperwork—it’s financial planning in disguise. This brief annual window gives you the chance to protect your health, grow your wealth, and set up the year ahead with confidence. Take it seriously, make choices intentionally, and you’ll thank yourself later.

This material presented by Brio Financial Group (“Brio”) is for informational purposes only and is not intended to serve as a substitute for personalized investment advice or as a recommendation or solicitation of any particular security, strategy, or investment product. Facts presented have been obtained from sources believed to be reliable, however Brio cannot guarantee the accuracy or completeness of such information, and certain information presented here may have been condensed or summarized from its original source. This information may contain certain statements that may be deemed forward-looking statements. Please note that any such statements are not guarantees of any future performance, and actual results or developments may differ materially from those discussed. No investor should assume future performance will be profitable or equal the previous reflected performance. Any reference to an index is included for illustrative purposes only, as an index is not a security in which an investment can be made. They are unmanaged vehicles that serve as market indicators and do not account for the deduction of management fees and/or transaction costs generally associated with investable products. The S&P 500 Total Return Index represents U.S. stock returns. This includes 500 leading companies in the U.S. and is widely regarded as the best single gauge of large-cap U.S. equities, where dividends are reinvested. The holdings and performance of Brio client accounts may vary widely from those of the presented indices. Brio does not provide legal or tax advice, and nothing contained in these materials should be taken as legal or tax advice. Advisory services are only offered to clients or prospective clients where Brio and its representatives are properly licensed or exempt from licensure. No advice may be rendered by Brio Financial Group unless a client service agreement is in place.

Brandon Miller, CFP®, is a financial consultant at Brio Financial Group in San Francisco, specializing in helping LGBT individuals and families plan and achieve their financial goals. For more information: https://www.briofg.com/

“domestic terrorism.” While the federal government can control the display of such flags on certain federal properties, such as U.S. embassies and some government buildings, it cannot impose a complete and total ban on their display, which is a protected form of symbolic speech under the First Amendment. Bans on Pride flag displays can still happen at the city level, even in California. Huntington Beach, Downey, and Redlands are among the California cities that have restricted the display of nongovernmental flags outside of city buildings, effectively banning these city’s Pride flags.

Dangerous Cancel Culture Precedent Following Kirk’s Murder

The Trump administration continues to counter the First Amendment rights that Kirk so often referenced and arguably died defending. For example, the Pentagon has promised to “address” federal employees who are deemed to mock or celebrate Kirk’s death. (The Pentagon has also in recent days announced that it will require credentialed journalists to sign a pledge to refrain from reporting information that has not been authorized for release, including unclassified information. The Pentagon is then threatening to strip journalists of their credentials if they report information that is not approved, thereby eliminating freedom of the press in terms of official Pentagon news.)

The State Department, in turn, made a statement that it will revoke visas over social posts that “celebrate” Kirk’s death. As this happened, Vice President JD Vance, while hosting Turning Point USA’s podcast, encouraged listeners to call the employers of anyone “celebrating Charlie’s murder.” And Attorney General Pam Bondi said that people who post “hate speech” should be “shut down.” She also said, “We will absolutely target you, go after you, if you are targeting anyone with hate speech.”

Then there have been the high-profile attacks on late night hosts Stephen Colbert and Jimmy Kimmel. Colbert, a liberal political commentator who has referred to President Trump as an “autocrat,” will no longer have his The Late Show after the 2025–2026 season. This is supposedly due, according to CBS, to financial reasons and declining viewership, which many dispute. ABC subsequently took talk show host Jimmy Kimmel off the air, suspending him before reinstatement, after he spoke about the Kirk murder fallout during a monologue. Kimmel said that the “MAGA gang” was “desperately trying to characterize this kid who murdered Charlie Kirk as anything other than one of them” and of trying to “score political points from it.”

Lost in the First Amendment firestorm have been some of Kirk’s final words. Van Jones hesitated to share the text he received from Kirk, but explained on September 20: “In the past week and a half, just watching people talk about civil wars and censorship and all this stuff coming out of his death, I just thought it was important to let people know—Don’t put that on Charlie Kirk.”

Jones added, “The last day of his life, he was reaching out to have, not more censorship, [but] more conversation, more dialogue, with somebody who, honestly, was one of his adversaries: me.”

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(who was named Coach of the Year), and to the entire Valkyries organization for everything they have achieved. We can’t wait to rock Ballhalla with them again next season!

Serge Gay, Jr.’s UnConventional Opens 10/3

Serge Gay, Jr., has become one of the most prolific and exciting artists in San Francisco. His creativity is on view in over 20 public murals he has painted throughout the city, and as an artist and social justice activist, he has also lent his talent to supporting many important causes and local organizations.

His new solo art show, UnConventional, opens for one night only on October 3 at San Francisco Gallery, at 888 Marin Street. And just to make the event even more unforgettable, beats will be provided by DJs Juanita MORE! and Charles Hawthorne.

This is one you won’t want to miss. For more about Gay’s work, and the show: https://tinyurl.com/SergeGay

Giving Credit Where Credit Is Due

The headline of this column is a quote from Illinois Governor JB Pritzker, who recently posted: “If you’re not paying attention now and doing something about it, then you’re going to have to sit down the rest of your life because democracy is being taken away. Do not be quiet in this moment.”

Joanie Juster is a long-time community volunteer, activist, and ally.

JUSTER

transfers (called the look-back period) to check for gifts that might affect your eligibility. Improperly transferred assets can result in a penalty period that can result in severe consequences for your long-term care needs.

An estate planning attorney can guide you to set up asset protection trusts correctly and plan gifts so you don’t get penalized. They’ll also help pick a reliable trustee to manage your trust so you always have the resources you need as you age.

Take Action Now

If you’re worried about Medi-Cal eligibility in 2026, start planning now. Look at your investments, savings, and property to see if you’re over the asset limits. Talk to an estate planning attorney to explore asset protection trusts and gifting strategies. They can help you protect your money and still get the long-term care you need.

Statements in Compliance with California Rules of Professional Conduct

This article is for educational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Consult an estate planning attorney for personalized guidance.

Jay Greene, Esq., CPA, is the founder of Greene Law Firm, P.C., in San Francisco, dedicated to helping LGBTQ+ individuals and families secure their future. For more information, visit: https://www.greenelawfirm.com/

1. Membership – Reaching out to lapsed members, updating our Ambassador Program, and gathering meaningful feedback through surveys.

2. Partnerships – Refreshing our sponsorship model and reconnecting with past and potential partners.

3. Communications – Rebranding with a new website, mission, and newsletter while amplifying our members’ businesses.

4. Events – Elevating Make Contact, expanding our educational offerings, and deepening our regional reach.

Upcoming Opportunities to Connect

I invite you to join us for some exciting upcoming events: fall educational webinars sponsored by PG&E, Make Contact Oakland on October 16 presented by Barbary Insurance, and our annual Holiday Party on December 12 co-hosted with the San Francisco Bay Times and the SF LGBT Center.

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Orlando who have painted rainbows on their property to protest the state’s destruction of the rainbow crosswalks that memorialized the Pulse shooting, to the activist in Morocco who was ordered to jail for wearing a T-shirt that said: “Allah is a lesbian.” According to The Independent, Ibtissam Lachgar was charged with blasphemy and violating a law that forbids offending Islam. Am I the only one that thought Morocco was a fun place to visit? We’ll see if she wins her appeal.

The Pope made some bland comments about welcoming everyone to the Church while also noting that Catholic doctrine on homosexuality will stay the same, whatever that means. There are many people out there who like to parse every excruciating detail of papal commentary, but it’s all too opaque for me.

And the president of Texas A&M has resigned after a brouhaha led to the dismissal of a lecturer in children’s literature. The lecturer, Melissa McCoul, was secretly videotaped discussing gender when an insipid female student interrupted her and complained that, um, like, she wasn’t sure McCoul’s comments were “legal” because the president had said that there were only two genders? McCoul defended herself, but the video was posted by a GOP state representative and the poor woman was terminated. Also demoted, according to The New York Times, were the head of the English Department and the Dean of the College of Arts and Sciences.

President Mark Welsh, a retired Air Force General and former member of the Joint Chiefs, could not survive the episode, even though he was the one who fired McCoul under pressure from the various far-right apparatchiks of the Texas Republican party. He then released a vague goodbye letter thanking the students and staff of the university and pledging devotion to Aggieland. He described Texas A&M as “a shining city on a hill ... a place where history,

How You Can Help Shape Our Future

GGBA is only as strong as the members and partners who fuel it. As we look to the year ahead, I invite you to:

• Share your feedback with us.

• Reconsider rejoining if your membership has lapsed.

• Connect us to new ideas, programs, and partnerships.

• Do business with fellow members.

• Show up—your presence makes a difference.

Together, we will continue to grow this chamber, create economic opportunity, and strengthen the LGBTQ+ and allied business community across the Bay Area.

For more information, visit our website ( https://www.ggba.com/ ) or reach me directly ( President@ggba.com ).

Aaron Boot-Haury is the President & CEO of the Golden Gate Business Association.

tradition, pride, legacy, and belief in something bigger than yourself swirl around you as you walk the campus.” I know I’m straying well beyond the actual gist of the story, but I’m a Longhorn, so please spare me. That said, hundreds of students gathered to wish him well and protest his apparently forced departure as he left the campus September 19.

Fear Not

I said I had dozens of items that answered the question, “What else is new?” And, indeed, I could have written several more. But it’s tough to focus on our community’s problems when people are warning of general violence and holding huge outdoor tributes to the disturbing ideology of the far right.

I remember having the sudden realization that my parents lived through several years when they had no idea whether the life they knew and their assumptions about the world were going to collapse. In their 20s, they watched Hitler take power in Germany, manipulate the country, crack down on Jewish citizens, take over Austria, invade Poland, rain bombs on the U.K., take over France, attack the Soviets, declare war on the U.S., and, for a time, appear poised to control the western world and destroy its history and traditions at will. I’m not sure exactly how much people at the time knew about the concentration camps, but they knew that Hitler was a tyrannical murderer, and he seemed unstoppable.

Prior to this thought, I looked back on World War II as an inevitable triumph of good over evil. But at the time, it was surely terrifying—as terrifying as our current situation, if not more so. I never asked my parents specifically about this uncertainty. My father was an intelligence officer based in London. My mother was part of a team that translated reports from the French resistance in a dusty open conference room in D.C., where hundreds of large flies

GGBA: Why did you decide to join the GGBA, and how long have you been a member?

Richard Fuentes: We just joined to help the GGBA expand its presence in Oakland and the East Bay. Our community needs representation and greater visibility, so join us at their next mixer conveniently located at 1544 Broadway in Oakland.

GGBA: What advice would you give to someone who is thinking of starting their own business?

Richard Fuentes: Having experience in the industry you are pursuing definitely helps because you never know when you will need to step in.

Sean Sullivan: The buck stops with you, and, in our industry, sometimes that means you’re cleaning the toilets and other times that means you’re making the drinks. Hopefully, not in that order and definitely wash your hands before and after you do either!

Richard Fuentes: I would also say reach out to your intended customer. Before we started The Port Bar, we did focus groups. We’ve intently listened to our customers in creating FLUID510 and ever since.

Sean Sullivan: Your network is your net worth! Definitely having a strong network of support will

lumbered in from the open windows in the summer. They soldiered through, so to speak, and married in 1947.

We have a tendency today to extrapolate doomsday scenarios from the most limited knowledge. Pundits speculate it’s the end of the American dream. Essayists suggest democracy is dead, the Constitution shredded. Perhaps it will take a generation to reconstruct our institutions. Maybe the government’s infrastructure is beyond repair, the electoral system is permanently skewed right, the courts are above the law, and the whole notion of bipartisan compromise is gone indefinitely.

Maybe, maybe not. We don’t know what the country will look like ten years from now, do we? We live in the here and now, where we know that Trump’s poll numbers are underwater. We know the majority of the nation dislikes his policies, sometimes by 20 or 30 percentage points. We know that the country opposes deportations, tariffs, and the threat to social services. We even saw some right-wing sycophants condemn the idea that the government could and should control free speech in the media. We feel, or at least I feel, that a hard line exists in America below which not even Trump and company can survive.

When Roosevelt told us that the only thing we have to fear is fear itself, he was referring to the economy. But the words are true in all contexts. When we operate out of fear, we campaign on fear—fear of those aforementioned extrapolations we read every day. When we turn instead to hope for the future, we’ll bring the country along because, in a sick way, that’s why the country voted for Trump in the first place. We all want to make America great. We must define what that means, because our fellow citizens are beginning to realize that Trump’s version contradicts everything they truly believe. arostow@aol.com

help your business and constantly working to support other emerging leaders helps you as much as it does them.

GGBA: Is there anything else that you would like to share?

Sean Sullivan: We have popular brunches curated by our amazing gay chef Alessandro Campitelli. Sometimes the brunch is taken over by a hip-hop promoter. Sometimes it is led by Anne Marks, a leader in the No on Prop 8 movement with her amazing DayThinking Trivia Brunches every 1st & 3rd Saturday. Sometimes it features drag performances like [the one on] October 26 with a Halloween theme. And every Friday it is served tapas-style with our RnB Karaoke party. But whenever they are, theme or not, they are delicious!

Richard Fuentes: Now more than ever, we need to support each other. We have a great relationship with our fellow LGBTQ+ bar owners, restauranteurs, Visit Oakland, and the City of Oakland. We are in this together! Sean recently created the new Uptown Stroll on the 3rd Thursdays of the month to bring more feet on the street and hungry bellies in the doors of restaurants of downtown Oakland. It’s new, but it’s already a hit and that’s because of the power of community working together. https://FLUID510.com/

GGBA LEADERSHIP (continued from pg 11)

GGBA MEMBER SPOTLIGHT (continued from pg 11)

Queer Films Featured at the 2025 Mill Valley Film Festival

This year’s Mill Valley Film Festival will open October 2 with director Chloe Zhao’s Hamnet and will close October 12 with a screening of Rental Family. In between, there will be opportunities to get a sneak peek at hotly anticipated fall films by gay directors, including Bill Condon’s Kiss of the Spider Woman and Luca Guadagnino’s After the Hunt, as well as to discover some independent and foreign gems.

There will be several LGBTQ films screening at this year’s festival. Here is a rundown of what to watch.

Writer/director Ira Sachs’ Peter Hujar’s Day is adapted from the transcript of an interview that Linda Rosenkrantz (Rebecca Hall) did with photographer

Peter Hujar (Ben Whishaw) on December 19, 1974. The film consists of Peter recounting his previous day in detail to Linda for a potential project she is working on. He describes visiting Allen Ginsberg, taking two(!) naps, and collecting an order of Chinese food, among other activities. His monologue is at times fascinating and at times boring, and Linda interjects catty and knowing comments. But Whishaw’s performance—from the cadence of his voice to his body language as he eats, drinks, and smokes, and even the way he articulates his thoughts when he lies or remembers something—is astonishing. Sachs shot this talky film on 16mm, and he keeps things nimble with shrewd framing and editing as the characters change locations, or dance. Peter Hujar’s Day reflects on how the characters spend (or waste) their time and it somehow feels both slight and profound.

In the wistful, elegiac Blue Moon , the celebrated and closeted lyricist, Lorenz Hart (Ethan Hawke), holes up in Sardi’s delivering a series of absorbing and occasionally amusing monologues. Hart is bitter that Richard Rodgers’ (Andrew Scott) new show Oklahoma!—Rodgers’ first collaboration with someone other than Hart—is having its premiere this evening and is going to be a smash hit. He is also hoping that Elizabeth Weiland (Margaret Qualley), a 20-year-old Yale student, will confirm that she has the same “irrational admiration” for him

that he has for her. Hawke’s showboating (read: Oscar-baiting) performance is strongest when he has exchanges with Rodgers or Elizabeth, who see through his desperation, but he is entertaining holding court in the bar. Director Richard Linklater, working from a screenplay by Robert Kaplow based on Hart’s letters, never lets the pacing flag even though the film is often stagy. By the end of Blue Moon, viewers may not be as emotionally drained as Hart is after his long, wearying night, but they will appreciate the raconteur.

The enjoyable mystery, A Private Life, features a superb performance by queer icon Jodie Foster (speaking French!) as Lilian Steiner, a psychologist in Paris investigating the possible suicide of Paula Cohen-Solal (Virginie Efira), one of her patients. There is an extended sequence that

suggests Lilian had a possible past romantic relationship with Paula, but the film, directed and cowritten by Rebecca Zlotowski, focuses largely on Lilian’s relationship with her ex-husband, Gabriel (Daniel Auteuil), who helps her investigate various suspects. Foster’s reactions are amusing as Lilian has a really bad time of things or gets ideas in her head that propel her amateur sleuthing. A Private Life is kind of a piffle, but it’s a pleasant diversion.

The Choral, directed by out gay filmmaker Nicholas Hytner and written by the out gay Alan Bennett, is a genteel period drama about making rousing music, but, alas, it rouses little else. In 1916 Ramden, Yorkshire, Alderman Duxbury (Roger Allam), the local mill owner, is planning to stage a performance of “St. Matthew

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Film

Gary M. Kramer

Blue Moon

Passion.” He hopes to entice the few men left in the town to sing as they need male voices. After the auditions, however, Duxbury’s chorus master enlists—the war is on, after all—and he must find a replacement. He reluctantly agrees to bring in Dr. Guthrie (Ralph Fiennes), but Guthrie is a bit of an outcast; not only did he spend years in (gasp!) Germany, but he is “not a family man.” (Code for gay; the film does not speak about “the love that dare not speak its name.”) The Choral downplays the homosexuality and focuses on the relationships of the straight (and horny) young men in the chorus. Hytner hits all the expected notes as this polished film unfolds, but the tone, which is meant to be reflective about war, comes off almost too restrained. The music is lovely, though.

State of Firsts, directed by trans filmmaker Chase Joynt, showcases Sarah McBride, the first out trans member of Congress. This admirable documentary shows that McBride is nobly focused more on representing her constituents in Delaware—and being seen as a “whole human”—rather than engaging with Republicans who foment hate, bigotry, and discrimination. The first half of the documentary features McBride on the campaign trail and she balances her hopes with pragmatism. She strategizes how to respond to Marjorie Taylor Greene’s attacks, which extend—after McBride is elected—to antitrans bathroom bills. How McBride defends her position to comply with the bill shows her grace under pressure. Still, there is a backlash that hurts. State of Firsts illuminates how McBride must always smile to reflect pride, not despair, and not rise to the MAGA bait, such as being misgendered in her new job. (Yes, the film features a clip of Keith Self disrespecting her.) Joynt’s film also captures several highlights, from an unexpectedly sweet encounter McBride has in a convenience store to her election night landslide, and a call from President Biden. State of Firsts is an inspiring chronicle of the start of McBride’s political career, which will hopefully continue for decades to come. The tough and tender drama, The Mysterious Gaze of the Flamingo, is set in 1982 and unfolds in a desert region of northern Chile. The abandoned 11-year-old Lidia (Tamara Cortes) has been “adopted”

the trans Flamingo (Matias Catalan). They live with Boa (Paula Dinamarca) and a dozen of other transwomen, creating an incredibly supportive “found family.” Flamingo even tells Lidia, “I couldn’t bear going to hell without you,” and when the pre-teen is bullied by some male youths, the transwomen go beat the kids up, threatening one with “the plague”—a disease that can be transmitted through the eyes. It is a metaphor for AIDS, and possibly a myth, but when a group of male miners in the town try to put blindfolds on these transwomen to curb the plague, they are attacked. Gorgeously filmed, The Mysterious Gaze of the Flamingo unfolds leisurely—there is not much plot—but it immerses viewers in the lives of these characters who illustrate the power of resistance and resilience. The Mexican import, Perpetual Adolescent, directed and cowritten by Eduardo Esquivel, has three siblings coming together when their mother, Gemma (Magdelena Caraballo), is hospitalized. The eldest, Cristina (Emma Dib), is religious and lives with her adult daughter, Tati (Ruth Ramos). Her sister, Sony (Teresa Sánchez), left the family decades ago and now works as a psychic on a local TV show. Their much younger brother, Bruno (Andrés David), is a gay man who is involved with Quique (Jesús Estrada Escobedo). While they are concerned about their mother’s condition, much of Perpetual Adolescent has the siblings

interacting, talking about aging, family, recalling past memories—Tati asks about an aunt—and working out their differences. They have an extended dinner that turns into ordering pizza. Quique visits with a pregnant dog and Cristina catches the guys kissing. And Sony does a tarot reading that prompts some truth telling. Esquivel lets Perpetual Adolescent unfold like a hangout film, letting viewers share the characters’ shifting moods and attitudes. The drama is peppered with home movie footage of the family from when they were much younger, and this approach adds extra poignancy to the emotions on display. This is an involving, heartfelt drama.

The Brazilian short, I Don’t Know If I’ll Have to Say Everything Again, sensitively addresses issues of memory as Fernando (Raphael Vianna) tries to communicate with his mother, Ana (Angela Rebello), who has Alzheimer’s. Fernando finds himself having to explain to her, again, that he is gay. What is more, he is marrying Raphael (Matheus Dias). Writer/ directors Thassilo Weber and Vitória Fallavena’s short is a bit slight, but it is beautifully crafted—there is a lovely end credit sequence—and the actors give emotional performances.

From Turkey comes the moving short, Hi Mom, It’s

Lou

is a gay man who performs in drag as Lou Lou. When he gets a call that his mother has died, he returns home and has to face his family members who, unlike his late mother, are unaware of his sexuality. As Hakki navigates the funeral and interacts with various family members, he tries to contain or reveal this hidden side of himself. Gözeten gives a terrific performance as a young man whose supportive mother allowed him to live authentically. Hi Mom, It’s Me, Lou Lou features moments of real emotion as well as queer joy.

For tickets, showtimes, and more information, visit https://www.mvff.com/

© 2025 Gary M. Kramer

Gary M. Kramer is the author of “Independent Queer Cinema: Reviews and Interviews,” and the co-editor of “Directory of World Cinema: Argentina.” He teaches Short Attention Span Cinema at the Bryn Mawr Film Institute and is the moderator for Cinema Salon, a weekly film discussion group. Follow him on X @garymkramer

by

Me,

Lou. Hakki (Onur Gözeten)

I Don’t Know if I’ll Have to Say Everything Again

Perpetual Adolescents

RECOMMENDATIONS FROM BOOK PASSAGE

Beasts of Carnaval (fiction - hardcover) by Rosália Rodrigo

Beasts of Carnaval is Rodrigo’s fantasy debut inspired by Puerto Rico. Sofía, recently freed from slavery, enters El Carnaval de Bestias in search of her twin brother. She must resist the thrall of Carnaval in order to find her brother and escape the island.

The Waterbearers (non-fictionhardcover) by Sasha Bonét

In this tender memoir, Bonét tells an American story through the lives of three generations of single Black women. Delving into the complex legacy that is slavery, Bonet traces her bloodline along with Black women in history to honor them.

Life and Death and Giants (fiction - hardcover) by Ron Rindo

This is a small-town novel following a young boy born into an Amish community in Wisconsin.

Gabriel is a remarkable young child who possesses amazing athletic ability, communicates with animals, and is simply giant. This is his story and how those around him are transformed by him.

Upcoming Events

Saturday, September 27 @ 11 am (ticketed - Corte Madera store and virtual) Elizabeth George, author of A Slowly Dying Cause

As the next installment in the Lynley novels, A Slowly Dying Cause brings us Detective Inspector Thomas Lynley and Detective Sergeant Barbara Havers’ next

(continued on page 42)

Middle Spoon by Alejanddro Varela

This novel features incisive, funny, eloquent, and perspicacious writing about heartbreak and marriage.

Sundown in San Ojuela by M.M. Olivas

If you’re in the mood for some queer immersive horror involving Mesoamerican gods, this is the book for you!

Go-Go Boy by DJ Reimer: Memoirs from the Kitchen Floor to the Dance Floor

The memoir is full of strobe lights, glitter, jockstraps, and hot boys dancing on speakers.

DJ Reimer will be at Fabulosa on Tuesday, September 20, 2025, for a reading starting at 7 pm.

https://www.fabulosabooks.com/

Bernadette A. Bohan: Stitching Futures, Designing Love

Practice Makes Love Easy

Sir Kippy Marks

Bernadette A. Bohan doesn’t just create— she cultivates. As the founder of GRNHS Gallery, the author of the Iyla & Friends children’s series, and a lead UX researcher and designer, she turns design into devotion and storytelling into sanctuary.

A first-generation daughter of Irish immigrants—Jim, a violin luthier and coal miner; Mary, a CNA honored for 35 years of care—Bernadette carries their legacy forward with grace. Her work uplifts queer

joy, leather lineage, and community care, all rooted in the philosophy of Practice Makes Love Easy (PMLE). She is therefore this month’s PMLE recognition champion for making love visible, tangible, and beautifully practiced.

In a city that pulses with protest and poetry, she is a quiet architect of joy. A San Francisco artist, gallery owner, and community weaver, she lives the philosophy of PMLE—Practice Makes Love Easy—not as a slogan, but as a daily ritual.

At the helm of GRNHS Gallery (pronounced “greenhouse”), Bernadette cultivates more than art—she nurtures transformation. Her gallery is a living archive of queer resilience, a sanctuary for leather elders, and a launchpad for emerging voices. From textile installations to digital provocations, to music resonating its walls, GRNHS is where memory meets momentum.

Bernadette’s creative roots run deep. Her children’s book series , Iyla & Friends, centers queer joy, chosen family, and emotional intelligence. These stories—playful, poetic, and profoundly inclusive—invite young readers to see themselves as worthy of wonder. Whether Iyla is navigating friendship, identity, or the magic of a leather jacket passed down with love, Bernadette’s storytelling affirms: every child deserves a mirror and a map.

In her UX book— UX Intelligence, AI Powered Research & Strategy: Harnessing the Power of Artificial Intelligence for Impactful Scalable UX—she challenges designers to move beyond efficiency toward emotional resonance, accessibility, and care. For Bernadette, design is not just about solving problems; it’s about honoring people.

But her canvas extends beyond books and galleries. Bernadette is a fierce advocate for community-led futures. She’s organized mutual aid for trans youth, funded art therapy programs for kink elders, and helped launch the “Tender Futures.” Her activism is tactile, rooted in relationships, and always in service of love.

Philosophically, Bernadette embodies PMLE with grace. She believes love is a practice—like stitching, like sketching, like showing up. Her work reminds us that care is not a feeling, but a form. That joy is not passive, but crafted. That legacy is not what we leave behind, but what we build together. She is not just an artist. She’s a gardener of possibility. And in every gallery opening, bedtime story, or interface she designs, she’s asking us to do the same: to practice love, daily, until it becomes easy.

I asked Bernadette a few questions.

Kippy Marks: How long have you been intentionally incorporating love in your work, and what does that work now include?

Bernadette A. Bohan: I’ve been practicing love in action for as long as I can remember, but formally within the art world and community spaces for over two decades in San Francisco. My work has spanned from being a multidisciplinary artist and activist to volunteering with the Imperial and Ducal Councils to raising money for causes close to our community’s heart. Most recently, I opened GRNHS Gallery, Studio & Healing Center, a gallery and gathering space that is rooted in growth, creativity, and connection. It’s a place where love shows up as art, expression, healing, and shared experience.

Kippy Marks: Who or what motivated you to become the community activist/giver that you are today?

Bernadette A. Bohan: In my early days, [I was inspired by] my Irish immigrant parents and extended family; and, for the last two decades, [by] San Francisco. San Francisco has always been a beacon of radical self-expression, love, and resilience. The elders and activists who came before me—activists, artists, drag performers, organizers—showed me that creating joy, advocating for equity, and holding space for

others is both an honor and a responsibility. My friends, my art, books, and the ways I express myself and the communities I’ve been embraced by also motivate me daily to show up with love and compassion.

Kippy Marks: How old were you when you made the decision to follow this path?

Bernadette A. Bohan: I was in my early twenties when I consciously chose this path. Moving to San Francisco at 30, nearly 25 years ago, immersed me in a vibrant, outspoken, and loving community. It was impossible not to be influenced by the power of love in action here. That’s when I decided that my life’s work would always include creating spaces where people feel seen, supported, and celebrated.

Kippy Marks: What advice would you give to others on how to practice love on the daily?

Bernadette A. Bohan: Start small, and be consistent. Love is in the tiny gestures: greeting your neighbor with a smile, listening fully without distraction, giving without expecting anything back, or speaking up when you see injustice. Practice curiosity instead of judgment. Practice kindness even when it feels inconvenient. And remember—love isn’t always about big grand gestures; it’s about showing up again and again with empathy, respect, and an open heart. Plant a garden, give away things you love but have grown on from, show compassion, nurture friendships, and, most importantly, practice self-care.

Kipppy Marks: If you were granted two universal wishes, what would you wish for?

Bernadette A. Bohan: My first wish would be for universal access to housing, healthcare, and food—because dignity should not be negotiable. My second wish would be that every person could recognize their own creative spark and use it to build bridges of understanding and joy with others. Imagine a world where everyone felt both safe and inspired; that’s love in action. A world where there are no isms. We take care of each other, the planet and ourselves, with a passion. We spread love and joy and connection; that is living.

Kippy Marks: Please share any current practices that our readers may find useful. And where can our readers find and see you?

Bernadette A. Bohan: Daily, I practice meditation, affirmations, some creative activity, connecting with my little dog

(continued on page 42)

Interior of GRNHS Gallery

Bernadette A. Bohan

Bernadette A. Bohan with Honey Mahogany

GAPA Runway 2025: Myths & Legends

Photos by Rink

On Saturday, September 13, the 2025 edition of the annual GAPA (GLBTQ+ Asian Pacific Alliance) Runway returned with great creativity along with performance and production excellence. Mr. GAPA 2013 Nguyen Pham (aka “Sir Whitney Queers”) and Jezebel Patel were the charismatic emcees of the evening named and themed Myths & Legends. Announced as winners were Seika Ryu, Mr. GAPA; The Indigo Menace, Mx GAPA; and Quinn Amann Krunch, Ms GAPA.

For a detailed overview of the event, read more in the Donna’s Chronicles column on page 19 of this issue. Special thanks to Nguyen Pham for his ongoing support of the San Francisco Bay Times and the entire Bay Area LGBTQ+ community.

https://www.gapa.org/

10th Annual SF Cheese Fest Bay Times Dines

The San Francisco Ferry Building’s Grand Hall was a turophile’s (cheese lover’s) dream on September 13, 2025, as cheesemakers and cheese eaters alike gathered for the 10th Annual SF Cheese Fest. Hosted by the California Artisan Cheese Guild, this year’s event boasted the following: Over 400 attended who came from 9 states and 4 countries. Most came from throughout California, primarily San Francisco and the surrounding Bay Area—including members of the San Francisco Bay Times team.

The sold-out VIP Early Entry experience featured a raclette grazing table, curated bites, samples of limited-edition cheeses, and a cheese knowledge scavenger hunt. It was an opportunity to chat with the cheesemakers, renowned cheesemongers, experts, and other turophiles an hour before doors opened for general admission. (Thanks to Juliana Uruburu of Market Hall Foods for helping out with that scavenger hunt, which was challenging!)

15 artisan cheesemakers presented over 75 varieties of cheese!

16 vendors served specialty food and beverages to pair with the cheese, including charcuterie, chocolates, honey, preserves, oils, vinegars, and snacks. Some of the best honey our Bay Times attending team members ever tasted was offered by Moon Shine Trading Co. ( https://zspecialtyfood.com/ ) at this event. The bags of heirloom apples from Gold Ridge Organic Farms ( https://www.goldridgeorganicfarms.com/ ) were also incredible and a reminder of California’s high-quality produce at this early harvest time of year.

New for 2025 was the SF Cheese Fest Pop-up Shop and Raffle. Our team members did not win anything in the raffle, but they purchased some of the aforementioned honey and apples—ahead of Rosh Hashanah!—and, of course, some of that delicious cheese.

New cheeses that made their debut this year included: Petite Breakfast Chive, Petite Breakfast Everything, and 8 oz Big Breakfast by Marin French Cheese Co. (Petaluma), which is the oldest continuously-run cheese company in America!

https://marinfrenchcheese.com/

Princess Pride (cream cheese style), Rocky (Esrom semi-soft style), Heritage (Gouda style) and Heiress (hoop style) by Rocky Oaks Goat Creamery (Clovis), which is the first farmstead artesian goat creamery in the Central Valley.

https://www.rockyoaksgoatcreamery.com/

Triple Cream Brie by Cowgirl Creamery (Petaluma), which was founded by a lesbian couple and carries on their vision of making “cheese with heart.”

https://cowgirlcreamery.com/

Fresh sheep cheese, farmer cheese, Portuguese Topo cheese, and goat cheese by JUSTCreamery (Saratoga). We love the big cow at their website next to these words: “I graze freely so you can eat dairy products purely.”

https://justcreamery.com/

Special thanks to Deborah Kwan of DKPR, Inc., for her help at the festival and with this coverage. The next cheese event will be the 20th Annual California Artisan Cheese Festival from March 20–22, 2026, in Sonoma County. https://cacheeseguild.org/

Boris Zharkov Photography

The King Was Never Lost: A Story of Succession

Cocktails With Dina

by Dina Novarr

Some cocktails are simply drinks; you snap a picture, cheers, and sip. At The Barrel Room in San Francisco, there is one that carries a story deeper than most: “ The Lost King in the Woods.” It arrives at your table, not just as a crafted libation, but as a memory, an elegy, and a quiet crown raised to a woman who built a home, a groundbreaking beverage program, and is now no longer here.

Sarah Trubnick, the owner and heart of The Barrel Room, passed away earlier this year after a quiet fight with cancer. To call her the “leader” understates her role; she wasn’t steering the ship—she was the ship, the sails, the current, and the harbor. Manuel Hewitt, a candid leader, the one who always did the quiet steering of the ship, is now the lone captain. He in a way was always the secret captain with Sarah’s mast shining as bright as her personality, but Manny quietly guiding The Barrel Room out of storms and onto calm waters. Manny said, “She had

such a big personality that bordered on intense perfection—you know, she would do everything to get the results that she needed. When she left, we weren’t sure whether the place could go on.” And yet it has, like a forest that grows back after fire.

The Lost King in the Woods is a cocktail that embodies that resilience. There’s bourbon at its base, sturdy and grounding, but it wanders off into unexpected flavors: pine liqueur, charred rosemary, a hint of blackberry smoke. It tastes like memory and persistence, like walking deeper into the trees and finding, against expectation, a lighted path. It doesn’t erase the grief. But it doesn’t let it drown you, either. Manny fondly remembers Sarah as “an unstoppable force of a human being, who had a vision and had a sight to get things done and would do whatever it took to make that happen. We are still here today, I am still here today, because maybe some of that resilience over

time from working with her has strengthened me.”

When you sit at The Barrel Room today, the walls still whisper with her curiosity. A glance at the retail shelf tells you so much about her curious mind; there isn’t a land unrepresented. The staff will tell you her favorite winemakers, vintages, and grapes. Sarah had a knack for pairing unlikely ingredients and was also knighted by the Association of Port Wine Companies (AEVP). She was truly drawn into the wines that made it into the “bible” and the wines that were going to be the future of the world of wine.

But it was her most ambitious project that perhaps best captured both her vision and the challenges it created. She was the first in the world to drive a beverage program based on all domestic wines, winning her awards for innovative thinking and curation. Her “America Only” program was an echo of her beliefs: good wine was driven through multiple generations of trials in many other lands before good wine was made in America. Americans learned from the best, and that knowledge came from overseas.

“She had this incredibly ambitious program serving all of these obscure wines from all over the United States,” Manny reflects. The concept was groundbreaking, but it created an unexpected problem. Training staff was hard. Manny didn’t have the wine knowledge necessary to speak about these wines, and neither did their general management. “We really needed her there to lead this concept,” Manny explains.

He continues, “However we did carry great wines like Boundary Breaks from Michigan and Ravines Wines Cellars from the Finger Lakes in New York City. I understood how cool it was. I understood how ambitious it was. I understood how it’s something that’s worth talking about.” And then the awards and recognition started to come in again.

Sarah’s ambitious vision created a void that felt impossible to fill. Her coaching, training, and knowledge that was breathing into her program was the heart of The

(continued on page 42)

The Lost King in the Woods

1 oz Redwood Empire Lost Monarch Bourbon

1 oz whatever Douglas fir liqueur you sold me

½ oz lemon juice

½ oz Cabernet Sauvignon Syrup (see recipe)

1 oz egg white

3 dashes black lemon bitters

Small rosemary sprig

Shake bourbon, liqueur, lemon juice, and syrup once with ice, and strain. Add egg white and shake again. Strain into a Nick and Nora glass, garnish with black lemon bitters, a drop of Cabernet Sauvignon Syrup, and a small rosemary sprig.

Cabernet Sauvignon Syrup

One 750 ml bottle of cabernet sauvignon

2 cups granulated sugar

Place cab bottle contents in a pan over medium-high heat and reduce by two-thirds to a halfliter, or to just over two cups. Then, whisk in 2 cups of sugar while still hot and slightly thicken before chilling.

Sarah Trubnick

The Gay Gourmet

Margaritas and tequila shots are a popular way to imbibe in our LGBTQ+ community. Tequila and its sister spirits, mezcal and raicilla, have long been Gay Gourmet favorites. But how much do we really know about harvesting agave, the plant that provides the flavor of tequila? And how is that different from the wine country harvests that we’re more familiar with here in California?

After visiting Puerto Vallarta for many years and seeing some of these agave farms up close, I decided to go to the source. I asked Jaime Salas, a legacy

From Wine Country to Agave Country: Two Drinks, Two Stories

and advocacy expert from Cuervo (the “tequila that invented tequila”), to enlighten us. Here’s what he had to say.

David Landis: How do agave harvests differ from wine country harvests?

Jaime Salas: As Napa vintners assess grape readiness this fall, another harvest unfolds 2,000 miles south in Tequila, Mexico. There, skilled jimadores (farmers who harvest agave) read the readiness of Blue Weber agave plants through generations of inherited knowledge and intuition.

While Bay Area wine enthusiasts can discuss vintage variations and terroir for their favorite wines, many remain unfamiliar with the generational craftsmanship behind tequila: the very same spirit that has outpaced wine sales for two consecutive years [see this report: https://bit.ly/3Id2fzl ].

While the agricultural and production artistry behind tequila is not as well-known as wine, the parallels and differences between these harvests reveal agave cultivation as one of the world’s most patient agricultural practices.

Where grape cultivation rewards vintners annually, Blue Weber agave demands a different relationship with time. Each agave plant requires a minimum of five years to mature. Unlike annual grape harvests, each agave is harvested only once, a single moment of culmination after years of careful tending. This extended timeline creates a unique agricultural philosophy. When an agave is planted today, current weather patterns can impact harvest years in the future.

Like wine, terroir also generally plays a role in shaping flavor. Jalisco’s two main agave-growing regions can create different characteristics. The highlands (Los Altos) sit approximately 7,500 feet above sea level, where cooler temperatures and

soil composition may produce tequilas with floral and fruity characteristics. Meanwhile, the Tequila Valley (though often called “lowland,” it actually sits at nearly 4,000 feet) offers a warmer, drier climate that can produce tequilas with more earthy and herbal flavors. This regional variation mirrors wine appellations, but with a key difference: the commitment required to experiment with terroir spans decades, not seasons.

David Landis: Tell us a bit about tequila’s history.

Jaime Salas: This harvest story begins long before California’s first commercial vineyards. In 1795, José Cuervo received the first license to distill tequila, establishing an entire industry. By 1812, the La Rojeña distillery was operating in the heart of Tequila town. Today, it remains the oldest operational distillery in Latin America, predating California’s wine industry by over a century.

Certified organic agave requires managing fertilization, soil health, pest control, and plant nutrition through natural methods across multiple weather cycles and changing agricultural conditions. The estate-grown agave used for Reserva de la Familia allows for complete control of this process, from planting to distillation.

This historical depth represents something both wine and tequila share: unbroken generational knowledge. Like the wine families of Napa and Sonoma, the Beckmann family, now in their 11th generation of tequila production, has been perfecting this craft through decades of technological advancement and innovation. Workers at La Rojeña often span multiple generations, with families teaching kin the skills of tequila harvest and production.

David Landis: What role does tradition play in tequila production?

Jaime Salas: Walk through La Rojeña today and you’ll encounter the same brick ovens from 1812. This commitment to preserving traditional methods while embracing necessary innovations mirrors the philosophy found in California’s most respected wine estates, where modern technology serves ancient wisdom, rather than replacing it.

Perhaps nowhere is this balance more evident than with Reserva de la Familia, the crown jewel of the Cuervo family, which recently achieved certified organic status. For agave, organic certification presents unique challenges that annual crops don’t face. The lengthy growing cycle means that transitioning to organic practices requires patience and planning. Decisions made today won’t be fully realized for nearly a decade.

David Landis: How does sustainability enter the picture?

Jaime Salas: Like the organic wine movement that transformed California viticulture, organic agave production represents a forward-thinking approach to sustainability. This careful attention translates directly into deeper, more nuanced agave character that showcases the plant’s natural complexity in the liquid.

Just as wine regions produce distinct varietals, different Mexican states create unique agave spirits, each governed by specific appellations of origin. Understanding this spectrum helps show tequila’s place in the broader agave world.

Tequila occupies a highly regulated space: only Blue Weber agave can be used, grown in specific regions (primarily Jalisco), and made using approved production methods. This creates consistency and recognizable flavor profiles, similar to regulations for Champagne.

Mezcal, primarily from Oaxaca, represents a wilder side of agave. Produced from over thirty agave varieties, mezcal embraces variation. Traditional underground pit roasting using volcanic rocks heated by wood fires imparts the distinctive smoky character. Where tequila seeks consistency, mezcal celebrates unpredictability.

(continued on page 37)

David Landis

with generous help from Jaime Salas, the Head of Cuervo Legacy & Advocacy at Próximo Spirits

Agave field in Tequila, Mexico

Jimadores (agave farmers) cut the plants in a Tequila, Mexico, field.

Raicilla, Jalisco’s other agave spirit, offers something entirely different. Often employing clay pot distillation, raicilla creates earthy, mineral-rich spirits that vary dramatically from producer to producer.

These production methods create vastly different flavor experiences. Tequila’s steam cooking in brick ovens or efficient diffuser systems produces agave-forward spirits. Mezcal’s underground roasting creates smoky complexity. Raicilla’s clay pot distillation often yields rustic spirits that reflect their terroir in ways very different from steel or copper pot methods.

David Landis: How do you recommend drinking tequila?

Jaime Salas: For wine enthusiasts exploring tequila, the approach shares familiar principles with some technical adjustments. Like wine, proper glassware matters, but instead of wine glasses, agave spirits shine in narrow, tulip-shaped glasses that concentrate aromatics and focus the spirit’s complex bouquet.

Aging categories parallel wine’s complexity. Blanco tequilas, often completely unaged, showcase agave character with bright, sometimes peppery notes. Some brands, like Reserva de la Familia Platino, make these tequilas with only three ingredients: agave, water, and yeast. Reposado expressions, aged at least two months, develop subtle wood influences. Añejo tequilas, aged one to three years, develop rich vanilla and caramel notes from extended barrel contact. Extra Añejo expressions, aged three years or more, achieve the complexity and sophistication of fine aged spirits, meant for sipping.

Like wine, barrel selection influences final flavor. American oak imparts different characteristics than French oak, and finishing barrels add unique complexity that creates signature flavor profiles.

David Landis: Any other thoughts?

Jaime Salas: The next time you order tequila at your favorite Bay Area restaurant, consider the decades of cultivation and centuries of tradition concentrated in that glass. Like how understanding wine enhances appreciation for viticulture’s artistry, learning about tequila connects us to one of Mexico’s most sophisticated crafts.

As this season’s grape harvest celebrates the annual cycle of renewal and reward, the agave harvest represents something equally profound: the patience to work across decades, the wisdom to preserve traditional knowledge, and the vision to plan for generations to come. There’s something deeply satisfying about supporting an industry that thinks in decades and measures success across generations. The question isn’t whether agave spirits deserve a place alongside wine in our cultural appreciation; it’s whether we’re curious enough to discover what we’ve been missing.

To learn more about tequila production, visit: https://tequilafacts.org/ Cuervo: https://cuervo.com/

David Landis, aka “The Gay Gourmet,” is a foodie, a freelance writer, and a retired PR maven. You can email him at: davidlandissf@gmail.com Or visit him online at: www.gaygourmetsf.com

Barrels of tequila at a Jose Cuervo distillery in Mexico

A jimador (agave farmer) carries a cut plant for tequila production.

Sister Dana Sez: Words of

Wisdumb from a Fun Nun

By Sister Dana Van

Sister Dana sez, “LEATHER MONTH in San Francisco continues! The biggest celebration and grand finale will be the FOLSOM STREET FAIR on September 28!”

The 42nd annual FOLSOM STREET FAIR is coming to SOMA on September 28, 2025, 11 am to 6 pm, on Folsom Street between 7th and 12th Streets in San Francisco. The fair is free (but donations are suggested). It’s for adults (ages 18-plus) who are members and fans of the leather, kink, alt, queer community. This is where pleasure meets protest, leather meets liberation, and visibility is an act of defiance. Since 1984, this event has been the largest event of its kind worldwide, and it’s the culmination of San Francisco’s Leather Pride

season. We’ll enjoy seven community stages with performers, DJs, live music, and more to draw people in—and then give them local artists and artisans to buy beautiful creations from!

The producer, nonprofit FOLSOM STREET EVENTS (FSE), is committed to cultivating a safe, open, and inclusive environment while centering equity for BIPOC and LGBTQ people in its work. FSE is rooted historically in the fight against gentrification and displacement both here in San Francisco, on unceded Ohlone land, and worldwide. FSE unites, strengthens, and affirms the community through support, resources, education, advocacy, visibility, and celebration. FSE is dedicated to sexual liberation and the right to pleasure as a crucial part of the whole liberation movement. https://www.folsomstreet.org/

at beloved leather, kink, and queer venues along the way—and ended in a big finish at Eagle Plaza with the raising of the Leather Flag.

Preceding FOLSOM STREET FAIR was LEATHERWALK 2025 on September 21. Presented by the LEATHER AND LGBTQ CULTURAL DISTRICT (which was both a producer and beneficiary of this annual fundraiser), it was a fun and powerful walk through SOMA—stopping for entertainment and refreshments

On October 3, PRC —which recently named Dr. Deborah Hawkes as the organization’s new CEO—will present its MIGHTY REAL fundraiser at The Pearl in San Francisco. Named after the iconic disco song by PRC benefactor Sylvester (1947–1988), the event supports PRC’s integrated health and social services for vulnerable populations. Contribute to this fundraiser at: https://prcsf.ejoinme.org/sponsor

The 51st annual CASTRO STREET FAIR will be on October 5. This year’s theme, “Radical Happiness,” was chosen as a bold response to the times we live in. Across the country, LGBTQ+ people and communities are under attack—politically, culturally, and socially. In the face of this, I believe that joy itself is a radical act. To dance, to gather openly, to support one another, and to celebrate our lives in the heart of the Castro is not just fun—it’s a declaration of resilience, solidarity, and love. Radical Happiness reminds us that no matter the challenges, our community thrives when we choose to show up for one another with joy.

PROJECT OPEN HAND (POH)

marked 40 years of meals with love on September 12 with the HAND TO HAND GALA at the stunning San Francisco Design Galleria. In 2000, they expanded their reach to provide meals not only to people with HIV/AIDS, but also to neighbors who are battling breast cancer, heart disease, and many other illnesses. Today, Project Open Hand prepares 2,500 nutritious meals daily and provides 200 bags of healthy groceries every day to help sustain clients as they battle serious illnesses, isolation, or the health challenges of aging. They serve San Francisco and Oakland, engaging more than 125 volunteers daily to nourish our community. Sister Roma emceed, and Jamie McDonald was auctioneer. Among the honors presented, the Jon Borset Award for Service was presented to Jo

Chew, who has volunteered over 1,200 hours at POH since 2010.

Because “Vote By Mail” helps boost voter turnout in every election—and now that Trump’s House Majority is collapsing— Dictator Donald is panicking. So, T-rump has unveiled a dangerous plan to end “Vote By Mail.” When we do vote by mail or in person, if we love democracy, we really MUST vote YES ON 50: The ELECTION RIGGING RESPONSE ACT

This will level the playing field, preserve independent redistricting, and let the people decide. Sister Dana sez, “We have to combat the cheating redistricting efforts by anti-democracy Republicans like Trump! Note well that all those ‘No on 50’ TV ads are mostly paid for by Trumpers. ALL voters should have a CHOICE!”

The 37th annual GAPA RUNWAY PAGEANT, Runway 2025: Myths & Legends, took over San Francisco on September 13 at Herbst Theater. For the 10th consecutive year, Nguyen Pham served as emcee of this uproarious and inclusive celebration of the queer AAPI community. The reigning GAPA Royalty, Miss GAPA 2024 Ari Ola and Miss GAPA 2024 Kalypso, performed and stepped down to welcome the next generation of titleholders. WINNERS were Mx GAPA The Indigo Menace with Runner-Up: Shakti; Miss GAPA Quinn Amann Krunch with Runner-Up: Peipei Ma’Bilz: and Mr. GAPA: Seika Ryu with Runner-Up: Ali Amaya. Audience Award (Best in Q&A) went to Quinn Amann Krunch; Congeniality Award to Quinn Amann Krunch; and Most Tickets Sold by Gerald Ong. State Senator Scott Wiener and Supervisor Rafael Mandelman spoke and presented certificates.

WRITERS WITH DRINKS was presented on September 19 at Strut/Magnet, 470 Castro Street. Hosted by author Charlie Jane Anders, this program featured a half dozen more writers. https://www.sfaf.org/

(continued on page 40)

Iquity

Sister Dana (right) with Novice Sister Mya Neurosis served as volunteer cashiers at the Bearrison Street Fair held at the Lone Star Saloon on Sunday, September 7.

PHOTO BY CHRIS MICHAELSON

BAGGU

You know it. You love it! BAGGU makes simple, playful bags for everyday living. BAGGU started as a mother-daughter San Francisco business nearly 20 years ago and has become the ubiquitous brand in everyone’s hand.

Valfré

Momma Pots

Based in San Diego, Momma Pots has become our go-to for durable garden pottery in an extraordinary range of color at accessible prices. The Gemstone Collection features sleek and sturdy one-of-a-kind shapes that are fashioned from high-quality porcelain, which all of your plant babies will love.

Mexican contemporary artist Valfré’s work blends pop culture, fashion, and fantasy. We love her ceramic home goods featuring a cast of unique female characters and charming animals.

Keep up with Cliff’s Variety news at Facebook ( https://www.facebook.com/CliffsVariety ) and Instagram @hilario_sf

compiled by Rink

“Alexis Miranda, who was manager of Esta Noche, an Empress of San Francisco, and is a fundraiser for worthy organizations”

Mocha Fapalatte “Juanita MORE!”

Fernando Castilo “Jorge Zepeda”

Willy Brown “ Vico Ortiz”

Jim Donohue “Ricky Martin”

Miguel Gutierrez

Enjoying Russian River Pride 2025 in Guerneville on Saturday, September 20, were San Francisco Bay Times supporters Marla Foreman along with Laura Martel of Winkler Real Estate Group. Dykes on Bikes® escorted the Pride Parade down Main Street led by Grand Marshal and former Timberline Restaurant owner Larry Boeger.

The Supreme Court (and I use the title erroneously, since there is nothing “supreme” about five pro-Trump men and one woman having given an American dictator President full immunity ... period) has given yet another “gift” of racial profiling and defeat of democracy. The truly Supreme Court Justice Sonya Sotomayor strongly opposed, firmly elaborating, “We should not have to live in a country where the Government can seize anyone who looks Latino, speaks Spanish, and appears to work a low wage job.” She exclaimed, “Rather than stand idly by while our Constitutional freedoms are lost, I dissent!”

JIMMY KIMMEL was the latest lateshow host to be axed, before reinstatement, because of his remarks against Trump and MAGA Republicans. This is right out of the authoritarian playbook. FCC Chairman Brendan Carr (appointed by Trump and co-author of drastic “Project 2025”) had called on TV stations NOT to broadcast Kimmel. Here’s some irony: Charlie Kirk on May 2, 2024 on X had written: “Hate speech does not exist legally in America. There’s ugly speech. There’s gross speech. There’s evil speech. And ALL of it is protected by the First Amendment. Keep America free.” Well, tell that to Pam Bondi! By as soon as the end of September, the Trump administration will be actively announcing actions against certain organizations that it deems to have contributed to political unrest and violence against the right—according to a source familiar with

that administration’s discussions about its response to violence in the wake of Charlie Kirk’s death. Sister Dana sez, “Political violence is NEVER RIGHT; but watch out, my fellow lefty libs, because our First Amendment free speech is under attack BY the RIGHT!”

A possible Federal Government Shutdown looms at the end of this month. This time, not like back in March, Minority Leader Senator Chuck Schumer is warning that the Democrats will not vote for financial reboot if Republicans don’t accept Democrats’ healthcare demands.

Sister Dana sez, “Don’t validate the ‘Big Billionaire Bonus’ that cuts Medicare, Medicaid, and Social Security! Shut it down!”

On NATIONAL HIV & AGING

AWARENESS DAY (September 18), a coalition of HIV groups including San Francisco AIDS Foundation, the AIDS Legal Referral Panel, and community activists began calling on the City of San Francisco to correct a longtime inequity in its aging services funding by investing $300,000 in programs that directly support older adults living with HIV. Statistics show that 74% of people living with HIV in SF are over 50 years old.

Sister Dana sez, OCTOBER is officially LGBTQ HISTORY MONTH! So, let’s all get to know our history a whole lot better when October first arrives!”

Take Me Home with You!

Floppy-Eared Pittie Chaz Awaits His Forever Home

With ears that flop just right and eyes that could melt the hardest heart, Chaz is one of those dogs you can’t help but stop and smile at. This young pit bull terrier mix recently arrived at the San Francisco SPCA and has quickly won over staff and volunteers alike with his affectionate personality.

Still learning about the big, busy world, Chaz sometimes forgets his manners and greets new friends with joyful leaps and playful energy. He’s working on his training and is eager to please—especially when treats and toys are involved. “He’s a cuddlebug at heart,” say his caregivers, who note that, with patience and consistency, Chaz will thrive in a loving home.

Like many newcomers to the city, Chaz can be overwhelmed by San Francisco’s noisy streets. He’ll do best with adopters who understand that sometimes the world feels like “a bit much.” With time and reassurance, he’s sure to blossom into a confident companion who will happily cover you in kisses.

Best of all, Chaz’s adoption fee has been generously sponsored. Come meet him at the SF SPCA Mission Campus, 201 Alabama Street, Wednesday–Sunday 11 am–6 pm, or Tuesday 1–6 pm.

https://www.sfspca.org/

Let’s Go Home!

A Husky With Mesmerizing Eyes and an Adorable Brother-Sister Bunny Duo

Here are two of the many pets now available for adoption at Oakland Animal Services (OAS):

Samwise is a young, 42-pound husky mix with a sweet soul and a curious, sensitive nature. He’s also lived with older children in a previous home. While he can be shy initially, Samwise is affectionate once he gets to know people and is starting to show his playful, goofy side.

Kiwi and Finch are a couple of young buns who’ve been growing up with us at the shelter. This adorable brother-sister duo are one of a few perfect pairs at OAS looking for their forever home. They’re active and adventurous cuties!

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

Samwise

Chaz

Kiwi and Finch

Fanny and Lucy and Jim and Josie and Ella

Faces from Our LGBT Past

Everybody knew that “Jubilee Jim” Fisk (1835–1872), one of the most notorious robber barons of America’s Gilded Age, loved women. What few people knew was that so did the two most important women in his life: his wife and mistress. His mansion at 350 West Twenty-third Street in New York City, known as “an Aladdin’s palace,” was constantly “peopled with legions of ballet houris and given over to rollicking suppers and general riotous living,” but his wife was neither anguished nor distressed by any of it.

James Fisk, Jr., of Brattleboro, Vermont, wed Lucy D. Moore (1839–1912) of Springfield, Massachusetts, on November 30, 1854. The marriage record stated he was 21 years old and she was 20, although actually he was 19 and she was 15. He once described her as “just a plump, wholesome, big-hearted, commonplace woman, such as a man meets once in a lifetime, say, and

then gathers her into the first church he comes to, and seals her to himself.” Even so, they were seldom together.

Across their marriage of 17 years, Lucy Fisk and her husband remained devoted to each other, although he was gone during most of their first decade of wedded bliss because of his work as a traveling merchant. When he became fabulously wealthy after the Civil War, he bought her a four-story mansion in Chester Square, an affluent neighborhood in Boston’s South End, where “she lived in expensive style,” then moved without her into his own expansive, separate digs in New York City, 200 miles away.

Commonplace or not, Lucy was something of a local celebrity because of her husband’s business intrigues on Wall Street, which included an attempt to corner the gold market that caused the dire financial panic remembered as Black Friday in 1869.

“Her stylish carriage is well known in our streets,” wrote the Boston correspondent of the Providence Press, and “she has always been remarkable for her taste and elegance in dress.” When she summered at Newport, “her turnout was the grandest that appeared on Bellevue Avenue.”

Lucy shared her mansion with her “childhood friend and inseparable companion” Fanny Harrod, a Boston school teacher seven years her junior. The newspapers rarely mentioned her, although they made an appealing couple. At 5’ 5 ¼”, Lucy had a high forehead, hazel eyes, dark brown hair, and a “dark” complexion. Fanny was 5’ 3” with blue eyes, light brown hair, and a “medium” complexion. They were always together, even when Lucy visited Fisk in New York, and no one raised a single question about the true nature of their relationship.

with her own lover in Boston, she may not have cared much about them. His favorite, of course, was Helen Josephine “Josie” Mansfield (1847–1931), whom he met in 1867 at the 34th Street home of Annie Wood, an actress who once appeared on stage with Frank Lawlor, Josie’s husband from 1864 to 1866.

Fisk bought Mansfield an elegant brownstone at 18 West 24th Street, furnished it in Victorian splendor, and staffed it with a butler, cook, chambermaid, and coachman. An open secret within New York high society almost from its beginning, their relationship became public knowledge when The Springfield Republican published the details in 1868. Poor Josie. Victorian respectability meant she could no longer go with him to Delmonico’s for dinner or even to the Grand Opera House, which he owned, for a fashionable evening. Still, she managed.

For all his shrewdness in business, Fisk made the mistake of introducing Josie to one of his business associates, Edward (Ned) Stokes (1841–1901). Soon the two men were engaged in a contentious, scandalous, and very public rivalry for the affection of the woman they both loved. It finally ended on January 6, 1872, while Fisk was visiting the Grand Central Hotel in lower Broadway, where Stokes found him on the stairs and shot him twice. He died the next day of his injuries.

Their relationship was no secret. On June 29, 1872, The New York Clipper, a theatrical weekly, reported, “There is a Josie Mansfield, a companion of Miss Wesner’s, traveling with the [Pastor] company, but whether it is the Josie or not we are unable to state.” By October 5, however, it could affirm, “Miss Ella Wesner, character vocalist, is at the Julian Hotel, with her friend, Miss Helen Josephine Mansfield.” The same day, the two women sailed for France on the steamship St. Laurent.

Fisk noted, “Never, never does Lucy surprise me with a visit, God bless her,” possibly because she never knew which of his many mistresses she might find there; living

When Lucy received news of the shooting, she and Fanny hurried from Boston to New York, but arrived too late. Grieving her loss, she simply kissed him and said, “My dear boy! He was such a good boy!” More than 100,000 people paid their respects at the Grand Opera House, where he lay in repose before his funeral in Vermont. After three trials, a jury found Stokes guilty of murder in the second degree; he served four years of a six-year sentence.

For weeks after Fisk’s murder, Josie was unable to appear in public without fear of being mobbed. With one lover dead and another in prison, she turned to a celebrated theater personality for comfort and affection. History does not remember when or how she met Ella Wesner (1841–1917), the most famous and successful American male impersonator of her generation, but, by June, they were traveling together on Ella’s tour of the country’s variety houses for famed impresario Tony Pastor; Josie was not part of the company.

Josie was now involved in yet another scandal, although a much smaller one, barely nine months after Fisk’s murder. Wesner, “a male character vocalist of unusual merit,” wrote The Chicago Daily Tribune in a page one story on October 18, 1872, “broke an engagement ... to accompany Miss Mansfield to Europe a fortnight ago, an unnatural attachment existing, it is said, between them.” Propriety forbade the newspaper from being more specific, but almost certainly its readers, mostly men, understood.

The Clipper was appalled. “Such conduct,” it stated, “is highly reprehensible,” not because two women left the country together, but because breaking a contract “creates a feeling of distrust between managers and performers from which entirely innocent parties are liable to suffer inconvenience.” All was forgiven a year later, however, after Wesner returned to the United States, alone, to resume her career. When she died in 1917, members of the Actors’ Fund made sure her wishes to be interred wearing men’s clothes were honored.

Bill Lipsky, Ph.D., author of “LGBTQ+ Trailblazers of San Francisco” (2023) and “Gay and Lesbian San Francisco” (2006), is a member of the Rainbow Honor Walk board of directors.

Dr. Bill Lipsky

Ella Wesner photograph by Napoleon Sarony, New York

Ella Wesner

Oakland Roots Pride Night 2025

Photos courtesy of the Golden Gate Business Association

On Saturday, September 20, 2025, LGBTQ+ community members and allies gathered at the Oakland Coliseum for the first-ever Oakland Roots Pride Night. The evening was announced as a celebration of inclusivity, acceptance, and diversity. Twenty percent of ticket sales purchased through the Pride Night link benefited the Queer Cultural Center. Among the organizations partnering with the Oakland Roots to present the event was the Golden Gate Business Association (GGBA), which is currently revitalizing its presence and services in the East Bay, as noted by GGBA President Aaron Boot-Haury and board member Joy Baucom. They were among the attendees who enjoyed the evening and game, which ended in a draw with each team, the Roots and FC Tulsa, scoring one point.

Disneyland Gay Days 2025

(continued from pg 34)

Barrel Room. “After she passed away, I found myself struggling to pull the wine program together under the weight of her absence,” Manny admits. The complexity of her all-American concept, while groundbreaking, had become unsustainable without her expertise to guide it. So, Manny made a decision that honors both Sarah’s pioneering spirit and his own capabilities: “I wanted to honor Sarah’s presence as a prominent female member of the local wine industry. I shifted our wine program to focus on female-led and produced wine to honor my dear friend and business partner. I feel that this is a concept that keeps her memory alive and I know she would be proud of.”

It’s a pivot that makes sense. “I know what wines Sarah loved and I have been able to apply the knowledge that she imparted onto me over the last 11 years of working closely alongside her.” Moving forward with this focus, Manny feels confident he can accomplish something meaningful, curating a great list while slowly trying new things and bringing in new wines. It’s Sarah’s curiosity and commitment to excellence, channeled through a lens, which allow The Barrel Room to continue thriving.

Maybe this is where the story of The Lost King in the Woods finds its path back home. Sarah blazed the trail, not just for

BOOK PASSAGE (continued from pg 28)

adventure. The search for justice begins in a community ruled by lust, suspicion, and greed. George will be joined in conversation with Luisa Smith.

Saturday, September 27 @ 2 pm (non-ticketed - Ferry Building store) Kathy Fang, author of House of Nanking Kathy Fang has created a cookbook honoring the legacy of her family, the founders of the San Francisco landmark restaurant, House of Nanking. For the first time, the recipes are in print and made accessible for anyone with a kitchen and a desire to learn.

American wine, but for Manny to find his own way of leading. And John Lloyd, who crafted cocktails from day one and created drinks that capture the essence of what The Barrel Room could become, maybe he’s the poet The Barrel Room always needed, the one who makes the cocktails jive with the new vision that’s emerging. The king was lost; but the throne is occupied by a new leader.

And when they set The Lost King in the Woods in front of you, they’ll also hand you an invitation: to be part of the future, to raise your glass, not only in sorrow, but also in gratitude.

In the end, the drink isn’t just about Sarah. It’s about all of us who have lost someone who mattered—a mentor, a parent, a friend—and found that the story doesn’t end. It shifts and takes on a new shape. The forest grows, changed perhaps, but still magnificent.

Order the cocktail. Say her name. And let the bittersweet alchemy remind you: even a lost king can leave a thriving kingdom behind.

https://www.barrelroomsf.com/ San Francisco-based Dina Novarr enjoys sharing her passion for fine wines, spirits, non-alcoholic craft beverages, and more with others.

Fang will be joined in conversation with San Francisco Bay Times contributor and Emmy Award winner Liam Mayclem.

Sunday, September 28 @ 5 pm (ticketed - Ferry Building store) Nishant Jain, author of Make (Sneaky) Art Make (Sneaky) Art is a guide to sketching while out and about and being mindful of your surroundings. Jain’s event will include an author talk with audio and visuals, a mini scavenger hunt, and a sketch walk along the waterfront.

https://www.bookpassage.com

(continued from pg 30)

Bubbles, and getting outdoors to take in exercise and fresh air and connect with my plants. I also nurture love through art-making: creating pieces that spark conversation, reflection, and healing. I also write daily—I am a children’s book author and just completed my first academic book and am writing a new book about cultivating green spaces in small places. Readers can find me at GRNHS in San Francisco, on Instagram ( https://bit.ly/4o6njH5 ) and stop in at GRNHS at 864 Folsom Street where I host art shows, workshops, and community gatherings. I’m also often performing or volunteering at community fundraisers, drag shows, and cultural events across the city. Wherever there’s an opportunity to uplift and connect, that’s where I’ll be!

Step into GRNHS Gallery and you’ll feel it: the hum of history, the pulse of possibility. It’s not just a gallery; it’s a greenhouse for love. Exhibits like Boundaries & Bloom and Kinesthetic Archives invite us to witness leather as lineage, softness as strength, and queer-

ness as a sacred inheritance. Bernadette curates with a luthier’s ear and a caregiver’s heart—tuning each show to the frequencies of healing, resistance, and joy.

GRNHS is where PMLE lives in the wild, where practice becomes presence, and where love, stitched daily, blooms. So, come in. Sit with the stories. Let them change you. And when you leave, take a piece of that practice with you. Because, as Bernadette shows us, love isn’t just easy. It’s necessary.

Sir Kippy Marks is a spirited solo entertainer whose shows are permeated with an infectious joy. His distinctive sound arises from his heart, through his 1822 violin consort, Izabella. Marks’ rare talent, broad smile, and radiant warmth will brighten any event to create lasting impact. He is also Grand Duke XL of The Grand Ducal Council of San Francisco. He is the first ever elected African-American Grand Duke.

PRACTICE MAKES LOVE EASY

Photos by Paul Margolis

San Francisco Bay Times photographer Paul Margolis, who now lives in San Diego, and his husband were among the thousands attending the Disneyland Gay Days that took place September 12–14, 2025.